Effects of Prepartum L-Tryptophan Supplementation on the Postpartum Performance of Holstein Cows

The negative energy balance occurring in the periparturient period of cows will impede their health and postpartum performance. To target this issue, L-tryptophan was supplied to the prepartum cows. The results showed that L-tryptophan supplementation significantly increased the serum melatonin level and was accompanied with increases in SOD activity, IL-10 and colostrum IgA levels as well as decreases in MDA and IL-6 levels compared to the control cows. The incidence of postpartum diseases was significantly lower and the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in cows fed L-tryptophan than in the control group. A striking observation was that prepartum L-tryptophan supplementation not only improved the milk production but also the quality compared to the control cows. In general, supplementation with L-tryptophan in the prepartum period can improve the postpartum reproduction and lactation performance of cows to some extent.

Functions of HP1 in preventing chromosomal instability

Chromosomal instability (CIN), caused by errors in the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, is a hallmark of many types of cancer. The fidelity of chromosome segregation is governed by a sophisticated cellular signaling network, one crucial orchestrator of which is Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). HP1 dynamically localizes to distinct sites at various stages of mitosis, where it regulates key mitotic events ranging from chromosome-microtubule attachment to sister chromatid cohesion to cytokinesis. Our evolving comprehension of HP1's multifaceted role has positioned it as a central protein in the orchestration of mitotic processes.

5 signature genes revealed by single-cell profiling identified unique immune subtypes affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks among the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy constituting primary treatment modalities. However, despite advancements, immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has yielded suboptimal outcomes. The pressing need to identify biomarkers predictive of clinical prognosis underscores our objective. We aim to discern gene signatures and establish prognostic subgroups, specifically in the context of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, guiding clinical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Tumor Immunotherapy Gene Expression Resource (TIGER) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases to extract signature genes of prognostic significance. Unsupervised consensus clustering was employed to classify patients based on these signature genes. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, along with the R packages "maftools" and "ESTIMATE" facilitated immune infiltration estimation. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were implemented to probe immune-related cell signaling pathways among distinct subtypes. The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) database was used to assess immunotherapy effects, while the R package "OncoPredict" evaluated drug sensitivity differences among subtypes.

RESULTS

We identified five prognostically influential genes in ovarian cancer: IGFBP7, JCHAIN, CCDC80, VSIG4, and MS4A1. Utilizing these signature genes, we categorized TCGA-OV patients into five clusters, each associated with varying clinical prognoses. Notably, 2 clusters exhibited superior prognoses, accompanied by enhanced immune cell infiltration. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed their heightened enrichment in cellular immunity and immune cell interaction pathways. Given the elevated expression levels of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, these clusters may substantially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Additionally, chemotherapy sensitivity analysis indicated their favorable responses to first or second-line chemotherapy regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

We subclustered ovarian cancer patients by 5 signature genes obtained from the Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, which demonstrated a good typing effect. Patients in the two molecular subtypes showed better survival, higher immune cell infiltration, and higher drug sensitivity. This meticulous typing may help clinicians to quickly assess the prognosis of patients and the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Therapeutic hyperthermia regulates complement C3 activation and suppresses tumor development through HSPA5/NFκB/CD55 pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Hyperthermia is widely used in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance therapeutic efficacy in NPC treatment, but the underlying anti-tumor mechanisms of hyperthermia remain unclear. Complement C3 has been reported to participate in the activation of immune system in the tumor microenvironment, leading to tumor growth inhibition. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of hyperthermia and investigate the functional role of complement C3 in NPC hyperthermia therapy (HT). The serum levels of complement C3 before and after hyperthermia therapy in patients with NPC were analyzed. NPC cell lines SUNE1 and HONE1 were used for in vitro experiment to evaluate the function of complement C3 and HT on cell proliferation and apoptosis. SUNE1 xenograft mouse model was established and tumor-bearing mice were treated in water bath at a constant temperature of 43°C. Tumor samples were collected at different time points to verify the expression of complement C3 by immunohistochemical staining and western blot. The differential expressed genes after hyperthermia were analyzed by using RNA sequencing. We found that complement could enhance hyperthermia effect on suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells in NPC. Hyperthermia decreased the mRNA expression of complement C3 in tumor cells, but promoted the aggregation and activation circulating C3 in NPC tumor tissue. By using in vitro hyperthermia-treated NPC cell lines and SUNE1 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, we found that the expression of heat shock protein 5 (HSPA5) was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of HSPA5 abrogated the anti-tumor effect of hyperthermia. Moreover, we demonstrated that hyperthermia downregulated CD55 expression via HSPA5/NFκB (P65) signaling and activated complement cascade. Our findings suggest that therapeutic hyperthermia regulates complement C3 activation and suppresses tumor development via HSPA5/NFκB/CD55 pathway in NPC.

[Clinical features and related factors of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To study the clinical features and related factors of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients hospitalized for AECOPD in ten tertiary hospitals of China from September 2017 to July 2021. AECOPD patients with IPA were included as case group, AECOPD patients without IPA were randomly selected as control group from the same hospitals and same hospitalization period as the patients with IPA using the random function in the software of Microsoft Excel 2003, at a ratio of 2∶1. The clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with IPA in AECOPD patients. Results: A total of 14 007 inpatients with AECOPD were included in this study, and 300 patients were confirmed to have IPA, with an incidence rate of 2.14%. According to the above matching method, 600 AECOPD patients without aspergillus infection were enrolled as the control group. The age of the case group and the control group were (72.5±9.7) and (73.5±10.3) years old, with 78.0%(n=234) male and 76.8%(n=461) male, respectively. There were no significant differences in age and gender composition between the two groups (all P>0.05). The prognosis of case group was significantly worse than that of the control group, with longer hospital stay [M(Q₁,Q₃)], [14 (10-20) d vs 11 (8-15) d, P<0.001], higher ICU admission rate [16.3% (49 case) vs 10.0% (60 case), P=0.006], higher in-hospital mortality [4.0% (12 cases) vs 1.3% (8 cases), P=0.011], and higher hospitalization costs (28 000 ¥ vs 13 700 ¥, P<0.001). The smoking index of the case group and proportions of patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary heart disease in the case group were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). In terms of clinical features, the proportions of patients with cough, expectoration, purulent sputum, hemoptysis and fever in the case group were higher than those in the control group, the serum albumin was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the proportions of patients with bronchiectasis and pulmonary bullae on imaging were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Diabetes (OR=1.559, 95%CI: 1.084-2.243), chronic pulmonary heart disease (OR=1.476, 95%CI: 1.075-2.028), bronchiectasis (OR=1.506, 95%CI: 1.092-2.078), pulmonary bullae (OR=1.988, 95%CI: 1.475-2.678) and serum albumin<35 g/L (OR=1.786, 95%CI: 1.325-2.406) were the related factors of IPA in patients with AECOPD. Conclusions: The incidence of IPA in AECOPD patients is relatively high and the prognosis of these patients is worse. Diabetes, chronic pulmonary heart disease, bronchiectasis, pulmonary bulla, hypoproteinemia are the related factors of IPA in patients with AECOPD.

[EHHADH is a key gene in fatty acid metabolism pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: a transcriptomic analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the driving gene of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and progression and its potential as new therapeutic target of HCC.

METHODS

The transcriptome and genomic data of 858 HCC tissues and 493 adjacent tissues were obtained from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC databases. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified EHHADH (encoding enoyl-CoA hydratase/L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) as the hub gene in the significantly enriched differential pathways in HCC. The downregulation of EHHADH expression at the transcriptome level was found to correlate with TP53 mutation based on analysis of the TCGA- HCC dataset, and the mechanism by which TP53 mutation caused EHHADH downregulation was explored through correlation analysis. Analysis of the data from the Metascape database suggested that EHHADH was strongly correlated with the ferroptosis signaling pathway in HCC progression, and to verify this result, immunohistochemical staining was used to examine EHHADH expression in 30 HCC tissues and paired adjacent tissues.

RESULTS

All the 3 HCC datasets showed signficnatly lowered EHHADH expression in HCC tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues (P < 0.05) with a close correlation with the degree of hepatocyte de-differentiation (P < 0.01). The somatic landscape of HCC cohort in TCGA dataset showed that HCC patients had the highest genomic TP53 mutation rate. The transcriptomic level of PPARGC1A, the upstream gene of EHHADH, was significantly downregulated in HCC patients with TP53 mutation as compared with those without the mutation (P < 0.05), and was significantly correlated with EHHADH expression level. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that EHHADH expression was significantly correlated with abnormal fatty acid metabolism in HCC. The immunohistochemical results showd that the expression level of EHHADH in HCC tissues was down-regulated, and its expression level was related to the degree of hepatocytes de-differentiation and the process of ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

TP53 mutations may induce abnormal expression of PPARGC1A to cause downregulation of EHHADH expression in HCC. The low expression of EHHADH is closely associated with aggravation of de-differentiation and ferroptosis escape in HCC tissues, suggesting the potential of EHHADH as a therapeutic target for HCC.

Engineering effector-triggered immunity in rice: Obstacles and perspectives

Improving rice immunity is one of the most effective approaches to reduce yield loss by biotic factors, with the aim of increasing rice production by 2050 amidst limited natural resources. Triggering a fast and strong immune response to pathogens, effector-triggered immunity (ETI) has intrigued scientists to intensively study and utilize the mechanisms for engineering highly resistant plants. The conservation of ETI components and mechanisms across species enables the use of ETI components to generate broad-spectrum resistance in plants. Numerous efforts have been made to introduce new resistance (R) genes, widen the effector recognition spectrum and generate on-demand R genes. Although engineering ETI across plant species is still associated with multiple challenges, previous attempts have provided an enhanced understanding of ETI mechanisms. Here, we provide a survey of recent reports in the engineering of rice R genes. In addition, we suggest a framework for future studies of R gene-effector interactions, including genome-scale investigations in both rice and pathogens, followed by structural studies of R proteins and effectors, and potential strategies to use important ETI components to improve rice immunity.

A prognostic nomogram incorporating tumor size and lymph node size for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to establish a nomogram that included pre-treatment tumor size and lymph node (LN) size to assess personalized overall survival (OS) of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset was used to extract statistics for 1083 individuals with NPC (training cohort). In the validation cohort, 266 patients were included from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University. Age, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, pre-treatment tumor size, and LN size were chosen in both the training and validation sets to build a nomogram to forecast the 3-year and 5-year OS probability using the multivariate Cox regression model. Using the C-index, calibration plot, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the predictive model's predictive value and discriminative capacity were determined.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment tumor size, LN size, age, and TNM stage were all independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis. After combining these characteristics, a nomogram with a C-index of 0.7367 in the training cohort and 0.795 in the validation cohort was created, suggesting strong predictive capacity. Analysis of the ROC curve revealed that the constructed nomogram was clinically applicable.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NPC, the developed nomogram, which includes pre-treatment tumor size, LN size, age, and TNM stage, is a reliable predictive predictor of OS.

Metal-Polyphenol Network-Mediated Protein Encapsulation Strategy Facilitating the Separation of Proteins and Metabolites in Biospecimens

Access to both protein and metabolite biomarker information in biospecimens from trace samples remains a significant challenge, and it is necessary to separate proteins and metabolites before analysis. In this work, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Proteins@Metal-polyphenol network (MPN) was successfully constructed and applied to separate metabolites and proteins. Tannic acid (TA) and Cu²⁺ were involved in the synthesis of MPN because of rapid degradation and maintaining the assay performance of proteins. There are a variety of interactions between TA and proteins, including hydrogen-bonding, hydrophobic, and ionic interactions. Moreover, benefiting from the small molecule permeability and surface adherence of MPN, proteins were encapsulated and immobilized on the surface of substrates with the growth of MPN. At the same time, endogenous metabolites remained dispersed in the supernatant. In the model sample and real biospecimen cases, the protein biomarkers (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen and alanine aminotransferase) were encapsulated on the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂, which allowed the isolation of proteins from the original matrix, as well as release and analysis in a short time. Meanwhile, the metabolites in the produced supernatant were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. By the self-assembly and disassembly of MPN, the group differences of proteins and metabolites between physiological and pathological biospecimens are correctly characterized without multisampling. Overall, an MPN-mediated separation strategy of biomarkers was proposed, and MPN facilitated a "two birds with one stone" approach, where the proteins were encapsulated and immobilized in the precipitation while endogenous metabolites distributed in the produced supernatant, opening a new chapter in the application of MPNs.

Genome-wide analysis for the melatonin trait associated genes and SNPs in dairy goat (Capra hircus) as the molecular breeding markers

Previous studies have reported that the endogenous melatonin level is positively associated with the quality and yield of milk of cows. In the current study, a total of 34,921 SNPs involving 1,177 genes were identified in dairy goats by using the whole genome resequencing bulked segregant analysis (BSA) analysis. These SNPs have been used to match the melatonin levels of the dairy goats. Among them, 3 SNPs has been identified to significantly correlate with melatonin levels. These 3 SNPs include CC genotype 147316, GG genotype 147379 and CC genotype 1389193 which all locate in the exon regions of ASMT and MT2 genes. Dairy goats with these SNPs have approximately 5-fold-higher melatonin levels in milk and serum than the average melatonin level detected in the current goat population. If the melatonin level impacts the milk production in goats as in cows, the results strongly suggest that these 3 SNPs can serve as the molecular markers to select the goats having the improved milk quality and yield. This is a goal of our future study.

Fluid shear stress-induced down-regulation of miR-146a-5p inhibits osteoblast apoptosis via targeting SMAD4

Fluid shear stress (FSS) plays an important role in osteoblast apoptosis. However, the role of miRNA in osteoblast apoptosis under FSS and possible molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Our aim of the study was to explore whether miR-146a-5p regulates osteoblast apoptosis under FSS and its molecular mechanisms. FSS could down-regulate the expression of miR-146a-5p in MC3T3-E1 cells. We confirm that up-regulation of miR-146a-5p promotes osteoblasts apoptosis and down-regulation of miR-146a-5p inhibits osteoblasts apoptosis. We further demonstrated that FSS inhibits osteoblast apoptosis by down-regulated miR-146a-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assay validated that SMAD4 is a direct target gene of miR-146a-5p. In addition, mimic-146a-5p suppressed FSS-induced up-regulation of SMAD4 protein levels, which suggests that FSS elevated SMAD4 protein expression levels via regulation miR-146a-5p. Further investigations showed that SMAD4 could inhibit osteoblast apoptosis. We demonstrated that miR-146a-5p regulates osteoblast apoptosis via targeting SMAD4. Taken together, our present study showed that FSS-induced down-regulation miR-146a-5p inhibits osteoblast apoptosis via target SMAD4. These findings may provide novel mechanisms for FSS to inhibit osteoblast apoptosis, and also may provide a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

Analysis of the Emotional Identification Mechanism of Campus Edible Landscape from the Perspective of Emotional Geography: An Empirical Study of a Chinese University Town

Against the background of "the emotional turn" in geography, the study of emotional identification is attracting increasing attention among researchers. Edible landscape resources can satisfy the emotional needs of teachers and students by enabling them to experience pastoral landscapes that carry cultural and landscape values to campus environments. Based on a questionnaire survey of 419 students and teachers at Chenggong University Town in China, this study improved the structural equation modeling (SEM) method to construct a model to analyze the emotional identification mechanism of the campus edible landscape. The research found that emotional identification played an intermediary role between perception and behavioral intention, manifested as an association mechanism in which surface values influence perception, perception influences emotional identification, and emotional identification influences behavioral intention. The emotional identification model revealed the relationship between teachers and students' emotional identification and the value of campus edible landscape resources for the first time. It also uncovered the universality of the association mechanism in the research of emotional geography.

Fluid Shear Stress Promotes Osteoblast Proliferation and Suppresses Mitochondrial-Mediated Osteoblast Apoptosis Through the miR-214-3p-ATF4 Signaling Axis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in bone metabolism and participate in the mechanically induced bone alterations. The underlying molecular mechanisms by which fluid shear stress (FSS) regulate the proliferative and apoptotic phenotypic changes of osteoblasts remain elusive. The study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of FSS on osteoblast proliferative and apoptotic phenotypes and the roles of miR-214-3p-ATF4 (activating transcription factor 4) signaling axis in the mechanomodulation processes. FSS promoted the proliferative activity of osteoblasts and suppressed mitochondrial-mediated osteoblast apoptosis. FSS decreased miR-214-3p expression and increased ATF4 expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. MiR-214-3p inhibited osteoblast proliferative activity and promoted mitochondrial-mediated osteoblast apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-214-3p attenuated FSS-enhanced osteoblast proliferation and FSS-suppressed mitochondrial-mediated osteoblast apoptosis. We validated that ATF4 acted as a target gene of miR-214-3p. Moreover, miR-214 3p regulated osteoblast proliferation and apoptosis through targeting ATF4. Taken together, our study proved that FSS could suppress mitochondrial-mediated osteoblast apoptosis and promote osteoblast proliferation through the miR-214-3p-ATF4 signaling axis.

Impact of Smoking on Response to the First-Line Treatment of Advanced ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Background: The impact of smoking on the efficacy of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment is controversial and has not been systematically explored in the first-line setting. We performed a systematic review based on a pairwise meta-analysis and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to address this issue.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinical-Trials.gov, and other resources were searched until 5 January 2022. Progression-free survival (PFS) was considered the main outcome of interest. Randomized controlled trials with smoking status analysis were included. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was performed to assess the risk of bias. Random effects models were adopted conservatively in meta-analysis. The NMA was performed in a Bayesian framework using the “gemtc” version 1.0–1 package of R-4.1.2 software.

Results: A total of 2,484 patients from nine studies were eligible for this study, with 1,547 never-smokers (62.3%) and 937 smokers (37.7%). In a pairwise meta-analysis, in the overall population, no significant difference was found between never-smokers and smokers. However, in the subgroup analyses based on crizotinib-controlled studies, anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) derived better PFS in the smoking group over the never-smoking group in the Asian population (HR = 0.17, 95%CI = 0.09–0.31 in the smoking group, HR = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.24–0.65 in the never-smoking group, p = 0.04, low quality of evidence). In NMA, among never-smokers, lorlatinib ranked the highest for PFS (SUCRA = 96.2%), but no significant superiority was found among the new-generation ALK-TKIs except for ceritinib. In smokers, low-dose alectinib performed best (SUCRA = 95.5%) and also demonstrated a significant superiority over ensartinib (HR = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.08–0.68, very low quality of evidence), brigatinib (HR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.14–0.99, low quality of evidence), ceritinib (HR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.09–0.66, low quality of evidence), crizotinib (HR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.08–0.41, moderate quality of evidence), and chemotherapy (HR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.05–0.28, low quality of evidence).

Conclusion: In general, smoking may not affect the treatment efficacy of advanced ALK-positive NSCLC in the first-line setting. However, alectinib may perform better in the smoking Asian population. Moreover, lorlatinib in never-smokers and low-dose alectinib in smokers could be considered optimal first-line therapy for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. Acceptable limitations of evidence, such as study risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision, were present in this NMA.

Construction and Verification of a Glycolysis-Associated Gene Signature for the Prediction of Overall Survival in Low Grade Glioma

The overall survival of patients with lower grade glioma (LGG) that might develop into high-grade malignant glioma shows marked heterogeneity. The currently used clinical evaluation index is not sufficient to predict precise prognostic outcomes accurately. To optimize survival risk stratification and the personalized management of patients with LGG, there is an urgent need to develop an accurate risk prediction model. The TCGA-LGG dataset, downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal, was used as a training cohort, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset and Rembrandt dataset were used as validation cohorts. The levels of various cancer hallmarks were quantified, which identified glycolysis as the primary overall survival-related risk factor in LGGs. Furthermore, using various bioinformatic and statistical methods, we developed a strong glycolysis-related gene signature to predict prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that in our model, high-risk glioma correlated with the chemoradiotherapy resistance and poor survival. Moreover, based on established risk model and other clinical features, a decision tree and a nomogram were built, which could serve as useful tools in the diagnosis and treatment of LGGs. This study indicates that the glycolysis-related gene signature could distinguish high-risk and low‐risk patients precisely, and thus can be used as an independent clinical feature.

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal Modulates Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota in Xuefeng Black-Bone Chickens

The addition of Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) to the feed could contribute to particular antimicrobial and intestinal health in animal husbandry. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of HILM on intestinal morphology and microbial diversity in different intestinal segments of Xuefeng black-bone chickens. All of 432 birds (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four equal groups with six replicates and 18 hens in each replicate: (A) basal diet, (B) basal diet with 1% HILM, (C) basal diet with 3% HILM, and (D) basal diet with 5% HILM. The results showed that, compared with the basal diet group, the HILM supplement significantly increased the abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) and Chao index in cecum (p < 0.05). Diet with 1% HILM significantly increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum (p < 0.05) and cecum microbial diversity as represented by the Simpson index (p < 0.05). In particular, 1% HILM displayed a markedly increase in the genus unclassified Bacteroidales (cecum, p < 0.05). A basal diet with 3% HILM markedly increased the beneficial genus Romboutsia (jejunum, p < 0.05). Also, principal component analysis (PCA) cluster analysis showed that 3% of HILM was more individual than other groups (p < 0.05). However, 5% HILM decreased the VH and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) of the jejunum and increased beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus (p < 0.05), which was regarded as pathogenetic genera. In conclusion, we found that HILM improved intestinal morphology and increased microbiological diversity and species abundance. Together, dietary supplementation of 1 or 3% HILM might benefit the intestinal morphology and intestinal microbiota of Xuefeng black-bone chicken. However, the addition of 5% HILM could decrease VH and the ratio of VH/CD of the jejunum and increased pathogenetic genera. HILM was an excellent protein substitute for Xuefeng black-bone chickens, which could meet the nutritional requirements under the condition of less feed. These results provide information for HILM meal as an alternative source of soybean meal in Xuefeng black-bone chickens’ feed.

A worldwide maize panel revealed new genetic variation for cold tolerance

A large association panel of 836 maize inbreds revealed a broader genetic diversity of cold tolerance, as predominantly favorable QTL with small effects were identified, indicating that genomic selection is the most promising option for breeding maize for cold tolerance. Maize (Zea mays L.) has limited cold tolerance, and breeding for cold tolerance is a noteworthy bottleneck for reaching the high potential of maize production in temperate areas. In this study, we evaluate a large panel of 836 maize inbred lines to detect genetic loci and candidate genes for cold tolerance at the germination and seedling stages. Genetic variation for cold tolerance was larger than in previous reports with moderately high heritability for most traits. We identified 187 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were integrated into 159 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for emergence and traits related to early growth. Most of the QTL have small effects and are specific for each environment, with the majority found under control conditions. Favorable alleles are more frequent in 120 inbreds including all germplasm groups, but mainly from Minnesota and Spain. Therefore, there is a large, potentially novel, genetic variability in the germplasm groups represented by these inbred lines. Most of the candidate genes are involved in metabolic processes and intracellular membrane-bounded organelles. We expect that further evaluations of germplasm with broader genetic diversity could identify additional favorable alleles for cold tolerance. However, it is not likely that further studies will find favorable alleles with large effects for improving cold tolerance in maize.

[Risk factors associated with mortality in patient with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism and cancer and the prognostic value of Charlson comorbidity index]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors associated with mortality and the prognostic value of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) for mortality in patients with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism complicated by caner. Methods: Patients diagnosed with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism and caner from the medical departments of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from May, 2015 to April, 2018 were included in this study. The patients were classified into death group and survival group according to whether they died during hospitalization. Clinical information was collected and univariate along with multivariate analysis were performed in order to identify the independent risk factor related to short-term mortality in these patients. Besides, all the patients were assessed the comorbidity burden using CCI score and thereby to evaluate the prognostic value of CCI for short-time mortality. Results: A total of 195 patients were included in this study, including 115 males and 80 females. In all, 32 patients died during hospitalization and the mortality rate was 16.4%. Univariate analysis showed that male (P=0.044), age ≥65y (P=0.008), staying in bed (P=0.001), chronic pulmonary diseases (P=0.030), central venous catheterization (P=0.015), stroke history within 1 month (P=0.015), pneumonia (P=0.017), respiratory failure (P=0.017), diabetes mellitus (P=0.005) and anemia (P=0.035) were related to short term mortality of these patients. As for laboratory examination results, levels of hemoglobin and sodium in death group were significantly lower than survival group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age ≥65y (OR=3.01, 95%CI: 1.05-8.68, P=0.041), staying in bed (OR=4.15, 95%CI: 1.37-12.54, P=0.012), central venous catheterization (OR=16.10, 95%CI: 2.09-124.08, P=0.008), stroke history within 1 month (OR=6.56, 95%CI: 1.05-40.95, P=0.044) and hyponatremia (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.06-7.15, P=0.038) were independent risk factors of short term mortality in these patients. Besides, CCI score in death group was significantly higher than that in survival group (5.66±2.96 vs 4.13±2.74, P=0.005). Pulmonary embolism patients with CCI≥4 were associated with 4.25-fold increased risk of mortality compared with patients with CCI<4 (OR=4.25, 95%CI: 1.83-9.89, P=0.001), and the per additional 1-score increase of CCI after 4 was associated with 4.89-fold increased risk of mortality (OR=4.89, 95%CI: 2.07-11.55, P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with CCI≥4 had lower survival rate than the patients with CCI<4 during hospitalization (P<0.001). Conclusions: Age ≥65y, staying in bed, central venous catheterization, stroke history within 1 month and hyponatremia are independent risk factor of short-term mortality in patients with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism and caner. CCI score has prognostic value of short term mortality in these patients, and the risk increases with the increase of comorbidities patients have.

Hadamard transform-based hyperspectral imaging using a single-pixel detector

In this paper, a single-pixel hyperspectral imager is developed based on the Hadamard transformation. The imager's design, fabrication, signal processing method, and experimental results are discussed. The single-pixel hyperspectral imager works in pushbroom mode and employs both spatial encoding and spectral encoding to acquire the hyperspectral data cube. Hadamard encoding patterns, which are known for their multiplexing advantage to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), are used in both encoding schemes. A digital micromirror device (DMD) from Texas Instruments (TI) is used for slow spatial encoding and a resonant scanning mirror in combination with a fixed Hadamard mask is used for fast spectral encoding. In addition, the pushbroom operation can be achieved internally by spatially shifting the location of the Hadamard encoded slit on the DMD, thus the imager is able to acquire 3D data cubes without the need to scan it across the object. Although our experimental results demonstrate the hyperspectral data cubes of various objects over a 450 nm ∼ 750 nm visible spectral range, the proposed imager can be easily configured to be used at other wavelengths due to the single-pixel detection mechanism used.

Dissecting the genetics of cold tolerance in a multiparental maize population

We identify the largest amount of QTLs for cold tolerance in maize; mainly associated with photosynthetic efficiency, which opens new possibilities for genomic selection for cold tolerance in maize. Breeding for cold tolerance in maize is an important objective in temperate areas. The objective was to carry out a highly efficient study of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for cold tolerance in maize. We evaluated 406 recombinant inbred lines from a multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population in a growth chamber under cold and control conditions, and in the field at early and normal sowing. We recorded cold tolerance-related traits, including the number of days from sowing to emergence, chlorophyll content and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (F_v/F_m). Association mapping was based on genotyping with near one million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We found 858 SNPs significantly associated with all traits, most of them under cold conditions and early sowing. Most QTLs were associated with chlorophyll and F_v/F_m. Many candidate genes coincided between the current research and previous reports. These results suggest that (1) the MAGIC population is an efficient tool for identifying QTLs for cold tolerance; (2) most QTLs for cold tolerance were associated with F_v/F_m; (3) most of these QTLs were located in specific genomic regions, particularly bin 10.04; (4) the current study allows genetically improving cold tolerance with genome-wide selection.

Numerical study of the impact of water injection holes arrangement on cavitation flow control

A method of water injection to flow field using distributed holes on the suction surface of hydrofoil is presented in this article to control cavitation flow. Modified renormalization group k-ε turbulence model is coupled with full-cavitation model to calculate periodical cavitation patterns and the dynamic characteristics of the NACA66(MOD) hydrofoil. Water injection is found to be highly effective for cavitation suppression. The cavitation suppression effect of distributed regulation of jet holes and porosities along three-dimensional spanwise hydrofoil is also investigated. The appropriate porosities of single row spanwise jet holes and optimal jet position of double row jet holes are revealed for both cavitation suppression and good hydrodynamic performance. Double row jet holes setting in forward trapezoidal arrangement shows great potential for cavitation suppression and hydrodynamic performance. This research provides a method of water injection to flow field to actively control cavitation, which will facilitate development of engineering designs.

[Comparison of risk factors and short-term and long-term prognosis of pulmonary embolism between the Tibetan and Han people]

Objective: To compare the differences of risk factors and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) between the Tibetans and the Hans. Methods: Patients over 18 years old with confirmed PE and complete clinical data from West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2010 to January 2016 were prospectively enrolled and divided into Tibetan group and Han group. Clinical data were collected to compare risk factors and short-term prognosis between Han group and Tibetan group. In addition, a 2-year follow-up was conducted among patients after discharge to investigate the long-term prognosis. Results: A total of 90 patients in Tibetan group and 626 patients in Han group were finally included in this study. Patients in Tibetan group were younger than Han group [(52.2±15.8) vs (59.8±16.6) years old, P<0.001], and the proportion of elderly patients (age ≥70 years) in Tibetan group was significantly lower than that of Han group (15.6% vs 33.7%, P=0.001). The hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet counts and fibrinogen in Tibetan group were higher than those in Han group [(134.0±32.0) vs (122.2±25.7) g/L, (41.2±9.2)% vs (37.6±7.3)% and (222.2±97.5)×10(9)/L vs (187.5±87.2)×10(9)/L, 3.71(2.51, 4.89) vs 3.31(2.44, 4.42) g/L; P<0.001, <0.001 and P=0.001, 0.048, respectively]. Malignancy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more common in Han group (P=0.011, 0.001), while prior venous thromboembolism history, pregnancy or a history delivery within 1 month were more common in Tibetan group (P=0.041, 0.001). Both short-term and long-term mortality in Tibetan group were significantly lower than that in Han group (2.2% vs 11.5%, 13.6% vs 24.9%; P=0.005, 0.020). Conclusions: Hypercoagulable state plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PE in Tibetan patients. Both short-term and long-term prognosis of PE in Tibetan patients are better than that in Han patients.

A positive feedback mechanism ensures proper assembly of the functional inner centromere during mitosis in human cells

The inner centromere region of a mitotic chromosome critically regulates sister chromatid cohesion and kinetochore-microtubule attachments. However, the molecular mechanism underlying inner centromere assembly remains elusive. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in HeLa cells, we disrupted the interaction of Shugoshin 1 (Sgo1) with histone H2A phosphorylated on Thr-120 (H2ApT120) to selectively release Sgo1 from mitotic centromeres. Interestingly, cells expressing the H2ApT120-binding defective mutant of Sgo1 have an elevated rate of chromosome missegregation accompanied by weakened centromeric cohesion and decreased centromere accumulation of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), an integral part of the inner centromere and a key player in the correction of erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments. When artificially tethered to centromeres, a Sgo1 mutant defective in binding protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is not able to support proper centromeric cohesion and CPC accumulation, indicating that the Sgo1-PP2A interaction is essential for the integrity of mitotic centromeres. We further provide evidence indicating that Sgo1 protects centromeric cohesin to create a binding site for the histone H3-associated protein kinase Haspin, which not only inhibits the cohesin release factor Wapl and thereby strengthens centromeric cohesion but also phosphorylates histone H3 at Thr-3 to position CPC at inner centromeres. Taken together, our findings reveal a positive feedback-based mechanism that ensures proper assembly of the functional inner centromere during mitosis. They further suggest a causal link between centromeric cohesion defects and chromosomal instability in cancer cells.

Aurora B kinase activity-dependent and -independent functions of the chromosomal passenger complex in regulating sister chromatid cohesion

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) is a master regulator of mitosis. CPC consists of inner centromere protein (INCENP), Survivin, Borealin, and the kinase Aurora B and plays key roles in regulating kinetochore-microtubule attachments and spindle assembly checkpoint signaling. However, the role of CPC in sister chromatid cohesion, mediated by the cohesin complex, remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that Aurora B kinase activity contributes to centromeric cohesion protection partly through promoting kinetochore localization of the kinase Bub1. Interestingly, disrupting the interaction of INCENP with heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) in HeLa cells selectively weakens cohesion at mitotic centromeres without detectably reducing the kinase activity of Aurora B. Thus, through this INCENP-HP1 interaction, the CPC also protects centromeric cohesion independently of Aurora B kinase activity. Moreover, the requirement for the INCENP-HP1 interaction in centromeric cohesion protection can be bypassed by tethering HP1 to centromeres or by depleting the cohesin release factor Wapl. We provide further evidence suggesting that the INCENP-HP1 interaction protects centromeric cohesion by promoting the centromere localization of Haspin, a protein kinase that antagonizes Wapl activity at centromeres. Taken together, this study identifies Aurora B kinase activity-dependent and -independent roles for the CPC in regulating centromeric cohesion during mitosis in human cells.

[Risk factors of pulmonary embolism in senile and non-senile inpatients and the predictive value of Caprini risk assessment model in these two populations]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) in senile and non-senile inpatients, and evaluate the predictive value of Caprini risk assessment model in these two populations. Methods: Case control study design was used in this study. All the PE patients diagnosed in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2012 and December 2014 was included and divided into senile PE group (age ≥65 years old) and non-senile PE group (age <65 years old). Age matched controls (senile control group and non-senile control group) were selected from the patients admitted into the same departments during the same time period as PE patients, at a ratio of 2∶1. The risk factors of PE for senile and non-senile inpatients were investigated through comparing senile or non-senile PE patients with corresponding controls. All the subjects were retrospectively evaluated by Caprini risk assessment model, and the associations between risk stratifications and PE risk were analyzed. Results: A total of 135 senile PE patients and 212 non-senile PE patients were finally included in this study, with average age of (73.58±6.66) years old and (45.60±13.11) years old, respectively. And 233 age-matched senile controls and 418 non-senile controls were also included. The multivariate analysis showed diabetes (OR=4.08, 95%CI: 1.58-10.51, P=0.004) , heart failure (OR=3.67, 95%CI: 1.10-12.20, P=0.034) , swollen legs (OR=10.50, 95%CI: 5.57-19.79, P<0.001) , severe lung disease (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.08-3.90, P=0.028) , patient confined to bed (>72 h) (OR=58.33, 95%CI: 7.46-456.17, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of PE in senile patients, while obesity[body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m(2)](OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.42-5.24, P=0.003), history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/PE (OR=17.54, 95%CI: 2.74-112.19, P=0.002) , hip, pelvis, or leg fracture (OR=18.31, 95%CI: 1.97-170.11, P=0.011) , swollen legs (OR=18.53, 95%CI: 11.29-30.40, P<0.001) , severe lung disease ( OR=4.11, 95%CI: 2.41-7.00, P<0.001) , patient confined to bed (>72 h) (OR=4.04, 95%CI: 2.03-8.04, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of PE in non-senile patients. Among the senile patients, the risk of PE increased with the increase of Caprini risk levels; compared with Caprini moderate risk, classifications of high risk and highest risk were associated with 4.64-fold (95%CI: 1.05-20.44, P=0.043) and 10.74-fold (95%CI: 2.46-46.94, P=0.002) increased risk of PE, respectively; within the highest subgroup, the per 2-score increase of Caprini score was associated with 3.02-fold (95%CI: 1.76-5.19, P<0.001) increased risk of PE. Among those non-senile patients, the risk of PE for Caprini low risk and high risk patients was not significantly different, compared with Caprini moderate risk patients; however, the highest risk was still associated with 3.94-fold (95%CI: 2.39-6.51, P<0.001) increased risk of PE compared with moderate risk; within this subgroup, the per 2-score increase of Caprini score was associated with 2.13-fold (95%CI: 1.21-3.73, P=0.008) increased risk of PE. Conclusions: Swollen legs, severe lung disease, confined to bed (>72 h) are common PE risk factors among both senile and non-senile inpatients. Diabetes, heart failure are unique PE risk factors for senile inpatients, while obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m(2)), history of DVT/PE, hip, pelvis, or leg fracture are unique PE risk factors for non-senile inpatients. The Caprini risk assessment model has better predictive value in senile patients than non-senile patients, while Caprini highest risk classification is companied by significantly increased risk of PE in both populations.

WAC Promotes Polo-like Kinase 1 Activation for Timely Mitotic Entry

The key mitotic regulator Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is activated during G2 phase by Aurora A kinase (AurkA)-mediated phosphorylation of its activation loop, which is important for timely mitotic entry. The mechanism for Plk1 activation remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that the activation of Plk1 requires WAC, a WW domain-containing adaptor protein with a coiled-coil region that predominantly localizes to the nucleus in interphase. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) phosphorylates WAC, priming its direct interaction with the polo-box domain of Plk1. Knockdown of WAC compromises Plk1 activity and delays mitotic entry. These defects are rescued by exogenous expression of wild-type WAC, but not the Plk1-binding-deficient mutant. WAC also binds AurkA and can enhance Plk1 phosphorylation by AurkA in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate an important role for WAC in promoting Plk1 activation and the timely entry into mitosis.

HP1 links centromeric heterochromatin to centromere cohesion in mammals

Heterochromatin protein-1 (HP1) is a key component of heterochromatin. Reminiscent of the cohesin complex which mediates sister-chromatid cohesion, most HP1 proteins in mammalian cells are displaced from chromosome arms during mitotic entry, whereas a pool remains at the heterochromatic centromere region. The function of HP1 at mitotic centromeres remains largely elusive. Here, we show that double knockout (DKO) of HP1α and HP1γ causes defective mitosis progression and weakened centromeric cohesion. While mutating the chromoshadow domain (CSD) prevents HP1α from protecting sister-chromatid cohesion, centromeric targeting of HP1α CSD alone is sufficient to rescue the cohesion defects in HP1 DKO cells. Interestingly, HP1-dependent cohesion protection requires Haspin, an antagonist of the cohesin-releasing factor Wapl. Moreover, HP1α CSD directly binds the N-terminal region of Haspin and facilitates its centromeric localization. The need for HP1 in cohesion protection can be bypassed by centromeric targeting of Haspin or inhibiting Wapl activity. Taken together, these results reveal a redundant role for HP1α and HP1γ in the protection of centromeric cohesion through promoting Haspin localization at mitotic centromeres in mammalian cells.

A kinase-dependent role for Haspin in antagonizing Wapl and protecting mitotic centromere cohesion

Sister-chromatid cohesion mediated by the cohesin complex is fundamental for precise chromosome segregation in mitosis. Through binding the cohesin subunit Pds5, Wapl releases the bulk of cohesin from chromosome arms in prophase, whereas centromeric cohesin is protected from Wapl until anaphase onset. Strong centromere cohesion requires centromeric localization of the mitotic histone kinase Haspin, which is dependent on the interaction of its non-catalytic N-terminus with Pds5B. It remains unclear how Haspin fully blocks the Wapl-Pds5B interaction at centromeres. Here, we show that the C-terminal kinase domain of Haspin (Haspin-KD) binds and phosphorylates the YSR motif of Wapl (Wapl-YSR), thereby directly inhibiting the YSR motif-dependent interaction of Wapl with Pds5B. Cells expressing a Wapl-binding-deficient mutant of Haspin or treated with Haspin inhibitors show centromeric cohesion defects. Phospho-mimetic mutation in Wapl-YSR prevents Wapl from binding Pds5B and releasing cohesin. Forced targeting Haspin-KD to centromeres partly bypasses the need for Haspin-Pds5B interaction in cohesion protection. Taken together, these results indicate a kinase-dependent role for Haspin in antagonizing Wapl and protecting centromeric cohesion in mitosis.

Therapeutic effects of CSF1R-blocking antibodies in multiple myeloma

Our previous studies showed that macrophages (MФs), especially myeloma-associated MФs (MAMs), induce chemoresistance in human myeloma. Here we explored the potential of targeting MФs, by using colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)-blocking mAbs, to treat myeloma. Our results showed that CSF1R blockade specifically inhibited the differentiation, proliferation and survival of murine M2 MФs and MAMs, and repolarized MAMs towards M1-like MФs in vitro. CSF1R blockade alone inhibited myeloma growth in vivo, by partially depleting MAMs, polarizing MAMs to the M1 phenotype, and inducing a tumor-specific cytotoxic CD4⁺ T-cell response. Similarly, genetically depleting MФs in myeloma-bearing MM^DTR mice retarded myeloma growth in vivo. Furthermore, the combination of CSF1R blockade and chemotherapy such as bortezomib or melphalan displayed an additive therapeutic efficacy against established myeloma. Finally, a fully human CSF1R blocking mAb, similar to its murine counterpart, was able to inhibit the differentiation, proliferation and survival of human MФs. Thus, this study provides the first direct in vivo evidence that MΦs and MAMs are indeed important for myeloma development and progression. Our results also suggest that targeting MAMs by CSF1R blocking mAbs may be promising methods to (re)sensitize myeloma cells to chemotherapy and promote anti-myeloma immune responses in patients.

The N-Terminal Non-Kinase-Domain-Mediated Binding of Haspin to Pds5B Protects Centromeric Cohesion in Mitosis

Sister-chromatid cohesion, mediated by the multi-subunit cohesin complex, must be precisely regulated to prevent chromosome mis-segregation. In prophase and prometaphase, whereas the bulk of cohesin on chromosome arms is removed by its antagonist Wapl, cohesin at centromeres is retained to ensure chromosome biorientation until anaphase onset. It remains incompletely understood how centromeric cohesin is protected against Wapl in mitosis. Here we show that the mitotic histone kinase Haspin binds to the cohesin regulatory subunit Pds5B through a conserved YGA/R motif in its non-catalytic N terminus, which is similar to the recently reported YSR-motif-dependent binding of Wapl to Pds5B. Knockout of Haspin or disruption of Haspin-Pds5B interaction causes weakened centromeric cohesion and premature chromatid separation, which can be reverted by centromeric targeting of a N-terminal short fragment of Haspin containing the Pds5B-binding motif or by prevention of Wapl-dependent cohesin removal. Conversely, excessive Haspin capable of binding Pds5B displaces Wapl from Pds5B and suppresses Wapl activity, and it largely bypasses the Wapl antagonist Sgo1 for cohesion protection. Taken together, these data indicate that the Haspin-Pds5B interaction is required to ensure proper sister-chromatid cohesion, most likely through antagonizing Wapl-mediated cohesin release from mitotic centromeres.

[Risk factors of venous thromboembolism recurrence and the predictive value of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index in medical inpatients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and the predictive value of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) in medical inpatients.

METHODS

A total of 149 consecutive patients with first diagnosed VTE from the medical departments of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2011 and December 2012 were enrolled and followed-up for 24 months. The VTE recurrence rate was calculated and univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors associated with VTE recurrence. All the patients were evaluated by sPESI, and survival analysis was used to explore its value in predicting VTE recurrence in these medical patients.

RESULTS

Out of the included 149 patients, 23(15.4%) patients had VTE recurrence during the 2 years' follow-up and median recurrence time was 167 days. The univariate analysis showed bed rest, severe lung disease, nephrotic syndrome, inappropriate anticoagulant therapy, smoking, diabetes, and malignant neoplasm might be associated with VTE recurrence (P=0.043, 0.006, 0.009, 0.032, 0.098, 0.048, 0.021). Among these risk factors, the multivariate analysis revealed severe lung disease, nephrotic syndrome, and malignant neoplasm were the independent risk factors (HR=3.45, 5.67, 3.60; P=0.020, 0.020, 0.047); while for inappropriate anticoagulant therapy, the P value was marginal (HR=3.94, 95% CI: 0.99-15.63, P=0.051). The median sPESI scores of the patients with VTE recurrence was higher than that of the patients without VTE recurrence[1(1, 2) vs 0(0, 1), P=0.001], and patients with sPESI≥1 were associated with 5.57-fold increased risk of VTE recurrence compared with patients with sPESI=0 (95%CI: 1.79-17.30, P=0.001). Survival analysis also showed that the 2-year cumulative VTE recurrence rate of patients with sPESI≥1 was significant higher than that of patients with sPESI=0 (38.4% vs 5.7%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The medical VTE patients have high VTE recurrence risk, and severe lung disease, nephrotic syndrome, malignant neoplasm and inappropriate anticoagulant therapy are important risk factors of VTE recurrence. The sPESI has predictive value for VTE recurrence in medical patients.

Comparative quantitative trait locus mapping of maize flowering-related traits in an F2:3 and recombinant inbred line population

Flowering-related traits in maize are affected by complex factors and are important for the improvement of cropping systems in the maize zone. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected using different materials and methods usually vary. In the present study, 266 maize (Zea mays) F2:3 families and 301 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between 08-641 (founding parent from southeast China) and Ye478 (founding parent from China) were evaluated for four flowering-related traits, including days to tasseling (DTT), days to pollen shedding (DPS), days to silking (DTS), and anthesis-silking interval. Sixty-six QTLs controlling the target traits were detected in the F2:3 and RIL populations via single environment analysis and joint analysis across all environments (JAAE). The QTLs explained 0.8-13.47% of the phenotypic variation, with 12 QTLs explaining more than 10%. The results of meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis indicated that 41 QTLs could be integrated into 14 MQTLs. One MQTL included 2.9 QTLs, ranging from two to ten QTLs for one to three traits. QTLs, including MQTL1-1 and MQTL9-1, were detected across the F2:3 and RIL populations via SAE and JAAE. Among the MQTLs, nine QTLs were integrated into MQTL9-1 and affected DTT, DPS, and DTS, with the favored allele being derived from 08-641. MQTL3-2 showed high phenotypic variation and was suitable for fine mapping to determine the genetic mechanisms of flowering. MQTL3-2 could be applied to improve inbred lines using marker-assisted selection.

Spatial and temporal expression of histone demethylase, Kdm2a, during murine molar development

The histone demethylase, lysine (K)-specific demethylase 2A (Kdm2a), is highly conserved and expressed ubiquitously. Kdm2a can regulate cell proliferation and osteo/dentinogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from dental tissue. We used quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry to detect Kdm2a expression during development of the murine molar at embryonic days E12, E14, E16 and E17 and postnatal days P3 and P14. Immunohistochemistry results showed no positive staining of Kdm2a at E12. At E14, Kdm2a was expressed weakly in the inner enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum cells and dental sac. At E16, Kdm2a was expressed mainly in the inner and outer enamel epithelium, stratum intermedium and dental sac, but weaker staining was found in cervical loop and dental papilla cells adjacent to the basement membrane. At E17, the strongest Kdm2a staining was detected in the ameloblasts and stronger Kdm2a staining also was detected in the stratum intermedium, outer enamel epithelium and dental papilla cells compared to the expression at E16. Postnatally, we found that Kdm2a was localized in secretory and mature ameloblasts and odontoblasts, and dentin was unstained. Real-time RT-PCR showed that Kdm2a mRNA levels in murine germ cells increased from E12 to E14 and from E14 to E16; no significant change occurred at E16, E17 or P3, then the levels decreased at P14 compared to P3. Kdm2a expression may be closely related to cell proliferation, to ameloblast and odontoblast differentiation and to the secretion of extracellular enamel and dentin during murine tooth development.

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease risk with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be a potential risk factor for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to explore the association of GERD risk with exacerbations of COPD. Patients with COPD were consecutively recruited, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire (RDQ) were administered. If the CAT score was 5 points higher than that taken in the stable states, the patient was considered as having exacerbations of COPD. A RDQ score of ≥ 12 is defined high GERD risk. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between high GERD risk and exacerbations of COPD. Among 386 patients with COPD, the mean CAT score was 18.3 ± 6.6, and 76 (19.7%) patients had exacerbations during the 1-year follow-up. The mean RDQ score was 10.1 ± 4.7, and 132 (34.2%) patients were identified as having high GERD risk. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the high GERD risk (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.87) was an independent risk factor of COPD exacerbations. In conclusion, high GERD risk appears to be associated with higher odds for COPD exacerbations.

Lenalidomide enhances the protective effect of a therapeutic vaccine and reverses immune suppression in mice bearing established lymphomas

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are effective therapeutic agents with direct inhibitory effects on malignant B- and plasma-cells and immunomodulatory effects on the T-cell activation. This dual function of IMiDs makes them appealing candidates for combination with a cancer vaccine. We investigated the immune stimulatory effects of lenalidomide, administrated to mice in doses, which provided comparable pharmacokinetics to human patients, on the potency of a novel fusion DNA lymphoma vaccine. The combination was curative in the majority of mice with 8d pre-established syngeneic A20 lymphomas compared with vaccine or lenalidomide alone and induced immune memory. In vivo depletion experiments established the requirement for effector CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells in protective immunity. Unexpectedly, lenalidomide alone was also associated with reduced numbers of systemic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) and regulatory T cell (Treg) in tumor-bearing but not naïve mice, an effect that was independent of simple tumor burden reduction. These results confirm and extend results from other models describing the effect of lenalidomide on enhancing T-cell immunity, highlight the potency of this effect, and provide a rationale for clinical application. Independently, a novel mechanism of action reversing tumor-induced immune suppression by MDSC is suggested.

Accuracy of Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Earlier diagnosis of PAH would be of great benefit for the estimation of the CHD, the grasp of the indications for surgery and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler echocardiography (D-ECHO) in detecting PAH in patients with CHD and the value of estimation about ventricular morphology and function of PAH-CHD patients. 123 CHD patients evaluated for suspected PAH were prospectively recruited. D-ECHO was performed and estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured to screen for PAH. Subsequently, pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) for definitive diagnosis of PAH.

RESULTS

RHC identified 66/123 (54%) patients with PAH. The noninvasive cut-point was: estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) > 36.5 mm Hg by D-ECHO. D-ECHO classified 107 subjects correctly (sensitivity 89.4%, specificity 84.2%). The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.96 for D-ECHO. A positive significant correlation (r = 0.853, p < 0.01) was found between RVSP measured by D-ECHO and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) measured by RHC. In addition, D-ECHO showed higher RVSP, left ventricular internal diameter (LV), right atrial diameter (RA), right ventricular internal diameter (RV), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (EDD), left ventricular diastolic end-diastolic volume (EDV) and mitral velocity A wave (AMV) values in the PAH-CHD group than in the CHD group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

D-ECHO is not only an important noninvasive diagnostic technique for PAH-CHD patients, but also a tool which can indicate the ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction induced by PAH to some extent.

Optimizing dendritic cell vaccine for immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: tumour lysates are more potent tumour antigens than idiotype protein to promote anti-tumour immunity

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and are the mediators of T cell immunity. Many investigators have explored the potential of using DCs as a vaccine for tumour-derived antigens in immunotherapy of B cell malignancies, and the results have been disappointing. To search for better tumour antigens to improve the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapy in myeloma, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of the vaccination of DCs pulsed with idiotype (Id) or tumour lysate in the 5TGM1 myeloma mouse model. Our results showed that Id- or tumour lysate-pulsed DC vaccines protected mice efficiently against developing myeloma, retarded tumour growth, induced tumour regression against established tumour and protected surviving mice from tumour rechallenge. The therapeutic responses were associated with an induction of strong humoral immune responses, including anti-Id or anti-lysate antibodies, and cellular immune responses including myeloma-specific CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4(+) type 1 T helper cells and memory T cells in mice receiving Id- or tumour lysate-pulsed DC vaccines. In addition, our studies showed that tumour lysate-pulsed DCs were more potent vaccines than the Id-pulsed DC vaccines to promote anti-tumour immunity in the model. This information will be important for improving the strategies of DC-based immunotherapy for patients with myeloma and other B cell tumours.

Exome sequencing detection of two untranslated GFPT1 mutations in a family with limb-girdle myasthenia

The term 'limb-girdle myasthenia' (LGM) was first used to describe three siblings with proximal limb weakness without oculobulbar involvement, but with EMG decrement and responsiveness to anticholinesterase medication. We report here that exome sequencing in the proband of this family revealed several sequence variations in genes linked to proximal limb weakness. However, the only mutations that cosegregated with disease were an intronic IVS7-8A>G mutation and the previously reported 3'-UTR c.*22C>A mutation in GFPT1, a gene linked to LGM. A minigene assay showed that IVS7-8A>G activates an alternative splice acceptor that results in retention of the last seven nucleotides of intron 7 and a frameshift leading to a termination codon 13 nucleotides downstream from the new splice site. An anconeus muscle biopsy revealed mild reduction of the axon terminal size and postsynaptic fold simplification. The amplitudes of miniature endplate potentials and quantal release were also diminished. The DNA of the mildly affected father of the proband showed only the intronic mutation along with sequence variations in other genes potentially relevant to LGM. Thus, this study performed in the family originally described with LGM showed two GFPT1 untranslated mutations, which may cause disease by reducing GFPT1 expression and ultimately impairing protein glycosylation.

A potential role for D-dimer in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is associated with enhanced local fibrinolysis; however, its role in TPE has not been studied. The present study aims to investigate whether pleural D-dimer, a fibrinolysis marker, plays a diagnostic role for TPE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pleural effusion were recruited prospectively. All subjects underwent a standard thoracocentesis and pleural effusion samples were collected. The diagnosis of pleural effusion was based on clinical, radiological, bacteriological, and histopathological examinations. Pleural D-dimer levels were measured by immunonephelometry assay. The capacity of pleural D-dimer to differentiate TPE from non-TPE was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients with pleural effusion were included in the study (32 TPE cases and 55 non-TPE controls). Subjects with TPE showed a marked elevation of pleural D-dimer than those with other etiologies (1082.66±453.83 vs. 319.98±266.78 mg/L FEU, p < 0.05). The area under curve when pleural D-dimer was used to differentiate TPE from non-TPE was 0.928 (95% confidence interval: 0.878-979). With a cut-off value of 622.5 mg/L FEU, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.38% and 85.45%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural D-dimer levels are higher in TPE than other causes of pleural effusions. D-dimer might be useful as a simple, surrogate marker for TPE. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

PSGL-1/selectin and ICAM-1/CD18 interactions are involved in macrophage-induced drug resistance in myeloma

Chemoresistance is the major obstacle in multiple myeloma (MM) management. We previously showed that macrophages protect myeloma cells, on a cell contact basis, from melphalan or dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in vitro. In this study, we found that macrophage-mediated myeloma drug resistance was also seen with purified macrophages from myeloma patients' bone marrow (BM) in vitro and was confirmed in vivo using the human myeloma-SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mouse model. By profiling differentially regulated and paired plasma membrane protein genes, we showed that PSGL-1 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1)/selectins and ICAM-1/CD18 played an important role in macrophage-mediated myeloma cell drug resistance, as blocking antibodies against these molecules or genetic knockdown of PSGL-1 or ICAM-1 in myeloma cells repressed macrophages' ability to protect myeloma cells. Interaction of macrophages and myeloma cells via these molecules activated Src and Erk1/2 kinases and c-myc pathways and suppressed caspase activation induced by chemotherapy drugs. Thus, our study sheds new light on the mechanism of drug resistance in MM and provides novel targets for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients.

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease with asthma control

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may make asthma difficult to control and may be a potential risk factor for frequent asthma exacerbations, but the mechanisms of the relationship between GERD and not well-controlled asthma remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association of GERD with asthma control in adults. Patients with asthma were consecutively recruited, and Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire scores were determined. The patients were categorized into not well-controlled asthma and well-controlled asthma groups according to the ACT score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between GERD and not well-controlled asthma. Seven hundred and sixty-eight patients with asthma were enrolled. The mean ACT score was 18.2 ± 3.6, and there were 161 (21.0%) patients with not well-controlled asthma. The Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire score was 10.5 ± 4.7, and 212 (27.6%) patients were complicated by GERD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed the independent association of GERD with not well-controlled asthma (odds ratio, 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-4.88) after other established contributors to asthma control were adjusted. In conclusion, there is an association of GERD with not well-controlled asthma, independent of other potential contributors to asthma control.

The radiation dose-regulated AND gate genetic circuit, a novel targeted and real-time monitoring strategy for cancer gene therapy

The AND gate functions such that when all inputs are activated the downstream gene will be transcribed and it is off otherwise. To accomplish optimal and targeted gene therapy in solid tumor patients, we have constructed an AND gate genetic circuit and investigated whether it could be activated by low-dose radiation in vitro and in vivo. The enhancement green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression in different tumor cells transfected with control vector plxsn-EGFP confirmed that 2 Gy of radiation and 1% O(2) for 3 h could activate our AND gate. Besides, the obvious different levels of EGFP expression between 2 and 6 Gy of radiation demonstrated that the AND gate could be regulated by radiation doses. Additionally, through EGFP expression and the codistribution of p53 and HIF-1α in xenografts, we illustrated the targeted activation property of the AND gate and real-time monitoring to hypoxic districts in vivo. Moreover, significant growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in vitro and apoptosis-inducing effects in vitro and in vivo proved that the AND gate induced ideal antitumor effects. In conclusion, the radiation dose-regulated AND gate genetic circuit could not only effectively monitor the therapeutic process in real-time but also induce ideal antitumor efficacy, and can be further exploited for personal therapy in clinical tumor patients.

Effect of chloride concentration on nitrogen removal from landfill leachate in sequencing batch reactor after MAP pretreatment

Leachate generated from landfill is becoming a great environmental challenge to China as it contains high concentration of COD, ammonium and some other substances. Nitrogen removal through the conventional nitrification-denitrification process is hampered by the low C/N ratio especially for the old age landfill sites and the high energy consumption for aeration. In this study, the combination of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) precipitation and Sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was suggested as a new process for the treatment of high strength ammonium, and the effect of high concentration of Cl⁻ after MAP precipitation because of the use of MgCl₂ was investigated on SBR performance. The practical upper limit of Cl⁻ for nitrification was found to be 12,000 mg/L, above which resulted in significant accumulation of ammonium in SBR system. It is suggested that an ammonium removal of 70% was suitable for the MAP treatment to achieve a balance between increasing the C/N ratio and avoiding detrimental effect from high concentration of Cl⁻ in the succeeding SBR system. DGGE analysis indicated that high diversity of Ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) could be maintained at a Cl⁻ concentration of 12,000 mg/L.

Prognosis of hepatitis C virus-infected Canadian post-transfusion compensation claimant cohort

Accurate prognostic estimates were required to ensure the sufficiency of the $1.1 billion compensation fund established in 1998 to compensate Canadians who acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through blood transfusion between 1986 and 1990. This article reports the application of Markov modelling and epidemiological methods to estimate the prognosis of individuals who have claimed compensation. Clinical characteristics of the claimant cohort (n = 5004) were used to define the starting distribution. Annual stage-specific transition probabilities (F0-->F1, . . ., F3-->F4) were derived from the claimants, using the Markov maximum likelihood estimation method. HCV treatment efficacy was derived from the literature and practice patterns were estimated from a national survey. The estimated stage-specific transition probabilities of the cohort between F0-->F1, F1-->F2, F2-->F3 and F3-->F4 were 0.032, 0.137, 0.150 and 0.097 respectively. At 20 years after the index transfusion, approximately 10% of all living claimants (n = 3773) had cirrhosis and 0.5% developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For nonhaemophilic patients, the predicted 20-year (2030) risk of HCV-related cirrhosis was 23%, and the risk of HCC and liver-related death was 7% and 11% respectively. Haemophilic patients who are younger and are frequently co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus would have higher 20-year risks of cirrhosis (37%), HCC (12%) and liver-related death (19%). Our results indicate that rates of progression to advanced liver disease in post-transfusion cohorts may be lower than previously reported. The Canadian post-transfusion cohort offers new and relevant prognostic information for post-transfusion HCV patients in Canada and is an invaluable resource to study the natural history and resource utilization of HCV-infected individuals in future studies.

Cyclin D1 as a universally expressed mantle cell lymphoma-associated tumor antigen for immunotherapy

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounts for 5-10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and has the worst prognosis among all lymphomas. The hallmark of MCL is a t(11;14) translocation that results in overexpression of cyclin D1 by tumor cells of virtually all patients. In this study, we examined whether cyclin D1 could be an effective tumor-associated antigen for immunotherapy. We identified cyclin D1 peptides for HLA-A(*)0201 and generated peptide-specific CD8(+) T-cell lines from HLA-A(*)0201(+) blood donors and MCL patients. These cell lines proliferated in response to cyclin D1 peptide-pulsed stimulatory cells. Moreover, the T cells efficiently lysed peptide-pulsed but not unpulsed T2 cells and autologous dendritic cells; cyclin D1(+) and HLA-A(*)0201(+) human MCL lines MINO, SP53, Jeko-1 and Granta 519; and more importantly, HLA-A(*)0201(+) primary lymphoma cells from MCL patients. No killing was observed with HLA-A(*)0201(-) primary lymphoma cells or HLA-A(*)0201(+) normal blood cells, including B cells. These results indicate that these T cells are potent cytotoxic T cells and recognize cyclin D1 peptides naturally presented by patient lymphoma cells in the context of HLA-A(*)0201 molecules. Taken together, our work identifies cyclin D1 as a potentially important antigen for immunotherapy of MCL.