Elucidating phylogenetic relationships within the genus Curcuma through the comprehensive analysis of the chloroplast genome of Curcuma viridiflora Roxb. 1810 (Zingiberaceae)

Curcuma viridiflora Roxb., a plant species of significant pharmaceutical interest, has been the subject of limited chloroplast genomic research. In this study, we present the sequencing and assembly of the C. viridiflora chloroplast genome, which is characterized by a circular chromosome spanning 162,212 base pairs and a GC content of 36.20%. The genome encodes 87 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted, incorporating eight related species, and based on the complete chloroplast genome and protein-coding DNA sequences of six related taxa within the genus. Outgroup species Zingiber zerumbet and Zingiber officinale were also included in the analysis. The results indicate a close relationship between C. viridiflora and Curcuma phaeocaulis, Curcuma sichuanensis, and Curcuma yunnanensis. This study provides the first chloroplast genome of C. viridiflora, thereby contributing a valuable genomic resource for future research on medicinal plants within the Curcuma genus.

[Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues with pegylated interferon alpha for 48~96 weeks in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing the sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) with pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: 144 CHB cases with NAs treatment for more than 1 year, HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification < 3 000 IU/ml, treated with a sequential combination of Peg-IFN-α treatment for 48 to 96 weeks, and followed up were selected from the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between May 2018 and May 2020. Intention-to-treat analysis was used to measure the HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. Univariate and multifactorial COX proportional hazard models were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance following 96 weeks of prolonged PEG-IFN-α treatment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive value of factors influencing HBsAg clearance. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the measurement data between groups. The count data was compared using the χ(2) test between groups. Results: 41 (28.47%) cases achieved HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. The HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 40.28% (58/144) by intention-to-treat analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method computed that the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 68.90%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at baseline (OR = 0.090, 95%CI: 0.034-0.240, P < 0.001) and a 24-week drop in HBsAg level (OR = 7.788, 95%CI: 3.408-17.798, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance in CHB patients treated sequentially in combination with NAs and Peg-IFN-α for 48 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline HBsAg quantification [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.911, 95% CI: 0.852-0.952)] and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.881, 95%CI: 0.814-0.930) had equally good predictive value for 48-week HBsAg clearance, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two (Z = 0.638, P = 0.523). The value of the combination of baseline HBsAg quantification and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.981, 95%CI: 0.941-0.997) was superior to that of single baseline HBsAg quantification (Z = 3.017, P = 0.003) and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (Z = 3.214, P = 0.001) in predicting HBsAg clearance rate at 48 weeks. Multivariate COX proportional hazards model analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks (HR = 0.364, 95%CI: 0.176-0.752, P = 0.006) was an independent predictor of HBsAg clearance with a prolonged course to 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment. Conclusion: The HBsAg clearance rate can be accurately predicted with baseline HBsAg quantification combined with a 24-week drop in HBsAg level in patients with CHB who are treated with a sequential combination of NAs and Peg-IFN-α therapy for 48 weeks. Prolonging the course of Peg-IFN-α treatment can enhance the HBsAg clearance rate's capability. An independent predictor of HBsAg clearance is HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy with a prolonged course of 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment.

Fitness changes in wild soybean caused by gene flow from genetically modified soybean

BACKGROUND

Crop-wild hybridization has generated great concerns since gene flow can be an avenue for transgene escape. However, a rather limited number of studies on risk assessment regarding the dispersion of transgenes from GM soybean to populations of its wild relatives have been previously conducted.

RESULTS

The results of the 3-year experiment demonstrated that hybrids between GM soybeans and wild soybean had lower seed germination and higher seed productivity than GM soybean. Both of these features of hybrid (especially F2 and F3) were similar to those of wild soybean. Furthermore, the foreign protein was stably expressed in hybrid EPSPS positive plants; however, no difference was observed in agronomic measurements between hybrids that are glyphosate sensitive or resistant, homozygous or heterozygous for the transgene, indicating that the presence of the EPSPS transgene does not affect the vigor of hybrid. In contrast, hybridization between GM soybean and wild soybean may have more impact on hybrid growth and fecundity, this increase in biomass and yield confers a potential competition benefit to hybrids.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene flow from GM soybean to wild soybean has the potential to promote the adaptability of hybrids and may increase the possibility of dispersal of transgenes in wild soybean relatives.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into the Evolution and Divergence of MIKC-Type MADS-Box Genes in Carica papaya

MIKC-type MADS-box genes, also known as type II genes, play a crucial role in regulating the formation of floral organs and reproductive development in plants. However, the genome-wide identification and characterization of type II genes as well as a transcriptomic survey of their potential roles in Carica papaya remain unresolved. Here, we identified and characterized 24 type II genes in the C. papaya genome, and investigated their evolutional scenario and potential roles with a widespread expression profile. The type II genes were divided into thirteen subclades, and gene loss events likely occurred in papaya, as evidenced by the contracted member size of most subclades. Gene duplication mainly contributed to MIKC-type gene formation in papaya, and the duplicated gene pairs displayed prevalent expression divergence, implying the evolutionary significance of gene duplication in shaping the diversity of type II genes in papaya. A large-scale transcriptome analysis of 152 samples indicated that different subclasses of these genes showed distinct expression patterns in various tissues, biotic stress response, and abiotic stress response, reflecting their divergent functions. The hub-network of male and female flowers and qRT-PCR suggested that TT16-3 and AGL8 participated in male flower development and seed germination. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the evolution and functions of MIKC-type genes in C. papaya.

The changing vaccine landscape: rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in young adults during vaccine rollout

AIMS

Development and rollout of vaccines offers the best opportunity for population protection against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. However, hesitancy towards the vaccines might impede successful uptake in the United Kingdom, particularly in young adults who demonstrate the highest rates of hesitancy. This prospective study explored COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in young adults and whether the reasons behind these attitudes changed during the initial stages of the United Kingdom's vaccine rollout.

METHOD

Data on vaccination intention were collected from a British university student cohort at three time points: October 2020, February 2021, and March 2021. This online survey included items on intention to receive a vaccine and a free-text response for the reasons behind this intention. Cochran's Q tests examined changes in rates of hesitancy and acceptance over time and free-text responses were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

At baseline, 893 students provided data, with 476 participants completing all three time points. Hesitancy declined over time, with 29.4% of participants expressing hesitancy at baseline, reducing to 9.1% at wave 2 and 5.9% at wave 3. The most commonly endorsed themes for those willing to accept a vaccine were self-protection against COVID-19 and pro-social reasons, including protecting the population or unspecific others, and ending the pandemic/returning to normal life. The most commonly endorsed hesitancy themes related to 'confidence' in the vaccines and potential personal risk, including insufficient testing/scientific evidence, concern about side effects, and long-term effects. These reasons remained the most commonly endorsed at both waves 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

While a decline in hesitancy was observed over time, the key reasons behind both vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remained consistent. Reasons behind hesitancy aligned with those of the general public, providing support for the use of generalist interventions. Pro-social reasons frequently underpinned vaccine acceptance, so cohort-specific interventions targeting those factors may be of benefit.

In Situ Proteomic Analysis of Herbicide-Resistant Soybean and Hybrid Seeds via Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Transgenic soybean is the commercial crop with the largest cultivation area worldwide. During transgenic soybean cultivation, exogenous genes may be transferred to wild relatives through gene flow, posing unpredictable ecological risks. Accordingly, an environmental risk assessment should focus on fitness changes and underlying mechanisms in hybrids between transgenic and wild soybeans (Glycine soja). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was used for in situ detection and imaging of protein changes in the seeds of transgenic herbicide-resistant soybean harboring epsps and pat genes, non-transgenic soybean, wild soybean, and their F₂ hybrid. Protein data clearly distinguished wild soybeans, while the F₂ seeds had protein characteristics of both parents and were distinguished from wild soybean seeds. Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, 22 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, including 13 specific to wild soybean. Sucrose synthase and stress response-related DEPs were differentially expressed in parental and offspring. Differences in these may underpin the greater adaptability of the latter. MSI revealed DEP distribution in transgenic, wild, and F₂ seeds. Identifying DEPs related to fitness may elucidate mechanisms underlying fitness differences among the studied varieties. Our study shows that MALDI-MSI has the potential to become a visual method for transgenic soybean analysis.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Fe-, S- and N-codoped TiO2 for sulfadiazine degradation

The composite material based on N-, S-, and Fe-doped TiO2 (NSFe-TiO2) synthesized by wet impregnation was used as a photocatalyst to rapidly degrade sulfadiazine. The photocatalytic degradation behavior and mechanism of sulfadiazine on NSFe-TiO2 were investigated for revealing the role of degradation under ultraviolet light. The results showed that compared with TiO2, NSFe-TiO2 markedly improved the efficiency in photocatalytic degradation of sulfadiazine: more than 90% of sulfadiazine could be removed within 120 min by NSFe-TiO2 dosage of 20 mg L-1. The process conformed to first-order reaction kinetics model. The parameters such as loaded amount of NSFe-TiO2, solution pH value, humic acid concentration and recycle numbers on removal efficiency were also studied. Compared to neutral and alkaline conditions, acidic condition was not conducive to the photocatalysis. HA, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the actual water body had mild inhibition on sulfadiazine degradation in UV/NSFe-TiO2 system. Fragments screened by high-resolution mass spectrometry were conducted to explore the oxidation mechanism and pathways of sulfadiazine degradation. On the whole, UV/NSFe-TiO2 photocatalysis has a good effect on sulfadiazine removal.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04771-6.

Time-ordering japonica/geng genomes analysis indicates the importance of large structural variants in rice breeding

Temperate japonica/geng (GJ) rice yield has significantly improved due to intensive breeding efforts, dramatically enhancing global food security. However, little is known about the underlying genomic structural variations (SVs) responsible for this improvement. We compared 58 long-read assemblies comprising cultivated and wild rice species in the present study, revealing 156 319 SVs. The phylogenomic analysis based on the SV dataset detected the putatively selected region of GJ sub-populations. A significant portion of the detected SVs overlapped with genic regions were found to influence the expression of involved genes inside GJ assemblies. Integrating the SVs and causal genetic variants underlying agronomic traits into the analysis enables the precise identification of breeding signatures resulting from complex breeding histories aimed at stress tolerance, yield potential and quality improvement. Further, the results demonstrated genomic and genetic evidence that the SV in the promoter of LTG1 is accounting for chilling sensitivity, and the increased copy numbers of GNP1 were associated with positive effects on grain number. In summary, the current study provides genomic resources for retracing the properties of SVs-shaped agronomic traits during previous breeding procedures, which will assist future genetic, genomic and breeding research on rice.

[Risk factors of postoperative voiding dysfunction in children with congenital anorectal malformation]

This study analyzed the clinical data of children with anorectal malformation (ARM)who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2021, and explored the related factors of postoperative voiding dysfunction (VD).A total of 60 children including 51 males and 9 females, aged 4-15 years, were enrolled. During follow up, normal voiding function were found in 43 cases, VD in 17 cases. It was found that middle to high clinical classification (OR＝6.732, 95%CI:1.854-24.443), multiple surgeries (OR＝3.712, 95%CI:1.133-12.160), associated spinal deformity (OR＝3.297, 95%CI:1.029-10.566) and abnormal postoperative defecation (OR＝4.971, 95%CI:1.387-17.816) were the risk factors of VD after ARM (all P<0.05). Urodynamic study and early intervention should be carried out in children with VD after ARM surgery.

Novel MSH6 mutation predicted metastasis in eyelid and periocular squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Our previous research revealed the relative local aggressiveness of eyelid and periocular squamous cell carcinoma (EPSCC), but its distinct genetic characteristics involved remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted this study based on next-generation sequencing to identify the genetic distinctiveness of EPSCC and damaging mutations for possible etiology and poor prognosis.

METHODS

We performed sequencing using a 556-gene panel (smartonco) in 48 EPSCCs. Cox hazards model was applied to explore mutated genes that increase risk of metastasis and death. Pathogenesis of the mutations was predicted by sequence alignment algorithms.

RESULTS

The most commonly mutated genes were KMT2C (N=17, 35%), LRP1B (N=14, 29%), KMT2D (N=12, 25%), PTCH1(N=10, 21%) and TP53(N=10, 21%). DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (42%) like MSH6(19%) and MLH3(12%) were among the most frequently mutated genes. Cell cycle regulators including TP53(21%) and CDKN2A (10%) were less frequently mutated than in other squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Ultra violet exposure, MMR deficiency and aging were the main etiology. Of note, KMT2C has a deleterious mutation hotspot. Patients burdened with MSH6 mutation has a higher risk of overall metastasis (P=0.045, HR=5.165) and nodal metastasis (P=0.022, HR=14.038). Moreover, a hotspot mutation MSH6^E52A brought an even higher risk of nodal metastasis (P=0.011, HR=18.745).

CONCLUSIONS

EPSCCs displayed a unique mutation profile from cutaneous SCCs and mucosal SCCs. We have identified novel damaging mutations in epigenetic regulators like KMT2C boosted early onset of EPSCCs in addition to UVR, aging or MMR deficiency. And malfunction of MMR genes worsened prognosis.

Fitness and Ecological Risk of Hybrid Progenies of Wild and Herbicide-Tolerant Soybeans With EPSPS Gene

Exogenous genes of transgenic crops are usually transferred to their wild-type relatives through pollen-mediated gene flow, which may change the ecological fitness and ability to invade wild populations, resulting in the weeding of wild plants and other unpredictable environmental impacts. In this study, the F₁ generation of herbicide-resistant soybeans and wild soybeans was obtained by artificial pollination, F₂ generation seeds were obtained by self-crossing, and the fitness of the parents and their F₁ and F₂ generations were tested. The foreign protein EPSPS was expressed normally in the hybrid between transgenic and wild soybeans; however, the protein expression was significantly lower than that in transgenic soybeans. The fitness of the F₁ hybrid between transgenic and wild soybeans was significantly lower than that of its parent. Compared with those of the wild soybeans, the F₂ generation soybeans improved in some fitness indices, while the emergence rate, pollen germination rate, and number of full seeds per pod, pods per plant, and full seeds per plant did not significantly differ. The aboveground biomass and 100-seed weight of the F₂ generation were higher than those of wild soybeans. Fitness among the F₂-negative plants, homozygous, and heterozygous positive plants did not significantly vary. Improved fitness and presence of foreign genes in the F₂ soybean were not significantly correlated. As the F₂ generation of transgenic and wild soybeans had no fitness cost and the flowering stage were overlapped, the foreign gene might still spread in the wild soybean population.

Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19: development of a digital intervention

OBJECTIVES

Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in late 2019, spreading to over 200 countries and resulting in almost two million deaths worldwide. The emergence of safe and effective vaccines provides a route out of the pandemic, with vaccination uptake of 75-90% needed to achieve population protection. Vaccine hesitancy is problematic for vaccine rollout; global reports suggest only 73% of the population may agree to being vaccinated. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop equitable and accessible interventions to address vaccine hesitancy at the population level.

STUDY DESIGN

& Method: We report the development of a scalable digital intervention seeking to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and enhance uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the United Kingdom. Guided by motivational interviewing (MI) principles, the intervention includes a series of therapeutic dialogues addressing 10 key concerns of vaccine-hesitant individuals. Development of the intervention occurred linearly across four stages. During stage 1, we identified common reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through analysis of existing survey data, a rapid systematic literature review, and public engagement workshops. Stage 2 comprised qualitative interviews with medical, immunological, and public health experts. Rapid content and thematic analysis of the data provided evidence-based responses to common vaccine concerns. Stage 3 involved the development of therapeutic dialogues through workshops with psychological and digital behaviour change experts. Dialogues were developed to address concerns using MI principles, including embracing resistance and supporting self-efficacy. Finally, stage 4 involved digitisation of the dialogues and pilot testing with members of the public.

DISCUSSION

The digital intervention provides an evidence-based approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy through MI principles. The dialogues are user-selected, allowing exploration of relevant issues associated with hesitancy in a non-judgmental context. The text-based content and digital format allow for rapid modification to changing information and scalability for wider dissemination.

[Early reduction of serum RANTES can predict HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with peginterferon alpha]

Objective: To observe the dynamic changes of serum RANTES during the treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with pegylated interferon alpha (peginterferon-α), and further analyze the predictive effect of RANTES on HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: 98 cases of chronic hepatitis B with quantitative HBsAg < 3 000 IU/ml and HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml after≥1 year NAs treatment were enrolled. Among them, 26 cases continued to receive NAs monotherapy, 72 cases received NAs combined with pegylated interferon alpha therapy. The changes in RANTES during treatment were observed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the early changes of RANTES to predict the HBsAg clearance during 48 weeks. Results: During 48 weeks, 15 cases (20.83%) had achieved HBsAg clearance in combination group, while no patient had achieved HBsAg clearance in NAs group. The overall serum RANTES level had decreased from baseline in NAs and combination group. At week 48, in the combination group, the serum RANTES level was decreased more significantly in patients with HBsAg clearance than patients without. Further analysis showed that, in combination group, HBsAg clearance rate of patients with serum RANTES decreased at week 12 and 24 was higher than patients with elevated (29.17% vs. 4.17%, P = 0.014; 28.00% vs. 4.55%, P = 0.052), and quantitative HBsAg reduction was larger significantly [(1.49 ± 1.26) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.73 ± 0.81) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.017; (1.54 ± 1.27) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.57 ± 0.56) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.004]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline quantitative HBsAg and the reduction in quantitative HBsAg and serum RANTES during the early period were predictors of HBsAg clearance after 48-week combination therapy. Furthermore, the combination of baseline quantitative HBsAg and 12 - or 24-week reduction of serum RANTES were better predictors of HBsAg clearance than that of baseline quantitative HBsAg combined with HBsAg decrease at week 12 or 24. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the former was 0.925 and 0.939, while that of the latter was 0.909 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusion: Early reduction of serum RANTES at week 12 and 24 can predict HBsAg loss in CHB patients receiving addition of peginterferon-α to ongoing NAs Therapy, so serum RANTES could be one of the key immunological markers for predicting HBsAg clearance.

Phageome-based vaccination and human innate immune modulation could be a useful strategy to control human Coronavirus infections

Human Coronavirus (CoV) infections, including SARS-COV, MERS-COV, and SARS-CoV-2, usually cause fatal lower and upper respiratory tract infections due to exacerbated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We aim to summarize different aspects, such as CoV immune evasion mechanisms and host innate immune response to these infections, and their role in pathogenesis. We have also elaborated the up-to-date findings on different vaccine development strategies and progress against CoVs in both humans and non-human models. Most importantly, we have described the Phageome-human immune interaction, its therapeutic usage as anti-viral, anti-inflammatory agent, and implications for multiple vaccine development systems. The data suggest that endogenous phages might play a vital role in eliminating the infection and regulating the body's immune system. Considering the innate-immune-induced pathogenesis against CoVs and the therapeutic aptitude of phageome, we propose that the prophylactic administration of phages and phage-based vaccines could be a useful strategy to control the emerging CoV infections.

Relationship between onset of eclampsia and AGTR1 gene polymorphisms

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to study the correlations of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) gene polymorphisms with the occurrence and development of eclampsia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 200 pregnant women with eclampsia admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2019 were collected as observation group and 200 normal pregnant women during the same period were recruited in the control group. Genome sequencing was performed to detect the AGTR1 gene polymorphisms in the two groups. Expression level of AGTR1 in both groups was detected. The influences of AGTR1 on clinical data of pregnant women with eclampsia were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age (p=0.545), height (p=0.738), weight (p=0.695) and hypertension (p=0.372) between observation group and control group. However, significant differences were found in the distributions of alleles at AGTR1 rs1799870 (p=0.002) and AGTR1 rs52936049 (p=0.047) between groups. The frequencies of T allele at rs1799870 and rs52936044 in observation group were higher than those in the control group. In addition, the distributions of AGTR1 gene genotypes at rs1799870 (p=0.012), rs144520513 (p=0.008) and rs529360494 (p p =0.036) in observation group differed from those in control group. Observation group had higher frequencies of TT genotype at rs1799870, GG genotype at rs144520513 and TG genotype at rs529360494 than those in control group. Besides, the frequency of CGG haplotype (p=0.008) of AGTR1 gene in observation group was notably lower than that in the control group, while the frequency of TGT haplotype (p=0.012) of AGTR1 gene in the former was remarkably higher than that in the latter. Moreover, the linkage disequilibrium between rs529360494 and rs144520513 of AGTR1 gene was relatively high (D'=0.623). AGTR1 gene polymorphism rs529360494 showed an evident relationship with the expression of AGTR1 gene, and the expression of AGTR1 in pregnant women with eclampsia who carried TG genotype was markedly reduced (p<0.05). Furthermore, AGTR1 gene polymorphism rs1799870 was associated with prothrombin time (PT) in pregnant women with eclampsia (p=0.046), and PT in those carrying genotype TC was shorter. Rs144520513 was related to the levels of triglyceride (TG) (p<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p<0.001) in pregnant women with eclampsia, and TG and LDL levels were significantly lower.

CONCLUSIONS

AGTR1 gene polymorphisms are closely associated with the onset and progression of eclampsia.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis of 235 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors underwent Sunitinib treatment]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognostic factors of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) patients treated with Sunitinib. Methods: The clinical data of pNETs patients from Pfizer Drug Assistance Program of Cancer Foundation of China from April 2013 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up and statistical analysis were performed. Results: A total of 235 patients were enrolled, the patients' overall survival time was between 4 and 252 months, the 3-years and 5-years survival rates were 73.8% and 60.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that factors such as age, Ki-67 index and surgery were associated with the 3-years survival rates of pNETs patients (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the age, Ki-67 index and surgery were independent prognostic factors for pNETs patients (P<0.05). For patients with liver metastases, univariate analysis revealed that surgery was associated with prognosis (P<0.05). The 5-years survival rate of 124 patients with extending usage of Sunitinib was 53.3%. Conclusion: PNETs are rare tumors with atypical clinical symptoms and the patients often have metastasis at the initiate diagnosis. The age, Ki-67 index and surgery are associated with the prognosis of pNETs patients.

Peripheral blood T-cell receptor repertoire as a predictor of clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients treated with PD-1 inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Identifying valid biomarkers for patient selection impressively promotes the success of anti-PD-1 therapy. However, the unmet need for biomarkers in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains significant. We aimed to explore the predictive value of the circulating T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire for clinical outcomes in GI cancers who received anti-PD-1 therapy.

METHODS

137 pre- and 79 post-treated peripheral blood samples were included. The TCR repertoire was evaluated by sequencing of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) in the TRB gene. The Shannon index was used to measure the diversity of the TCR repertoire, and Morisita's overlap index was used to determine TCR repertoire similarities between pre- and post-treated samples.

RESULTS

Among all enrolled patients, 76 received anti-PD-1 monotherapy and 61 received anti-PD-1 combination therapy. In the anti-PD-1 monotherapy cohort, patients with higher baseline TCR diversity exhibited a significantly higher disease control rate (77.8% vs. 47.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-13.48; P = 0.030) and a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median: 6.47 months vs. 2.77 months; HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.16-3.79; P = 0.014) and overall survival (OS) (median: NA vs. 8.97 months; HR 3.53; 95% CI 1.49-8.38; P = 0.004) than those with lower diversity. Moreover, patients with a higher TCR repertoire similarity still showed a superior PFS (4.43 months vs. 1.84 months; HR 13.98; 95% CI 4.37-44.68; P < 0.001) and OS (13.40 months vs. 6.12 months; HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.22-7.03; P = 0.016) even in the cohort with lower baseline diversity. However, neither biomarker showed predictive value in the anti-PD-1 combination therapy cohort. Interestingly, the combination of TCR diversity and PD-L1 expression can facilitate patient stratification in a pooled cohort.

CONCLUSION

The circulating TCR repertoire can serve as a predictor of clinical outcomes in anti-PD-1 therapy in GI cancers.

A novel approach quantifying the periorbital morphology: A comparison of direct, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional technologies

BACKGROUND

The measurement of anatomical structures is critical in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, few detailed and standardized measurements have been widely used in the periorbital region. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel detailed and standardized protocol with 2D and 3D technologies, and explore the relationship between them and direct measurements.

METHODS

Fifty healthy Caucasians (100 eyes) between 20 and 68 years old were recruited and captured for 3D photographs by VECTRA M3 3D Imaging System. Subsequently, 24 landmarks were located on each 3D photographs following a standardized protocol, and then 19 linear and 3 angular periorbital variables were measured. Furthermore, two-dimensional (2D) and direct measurements were conducted on each subject and compared with 3D measurements and one another.

RESULTS

The grand r means across all measurements were 0.77, 0.78, and 0.88 for direct vs. 2D values, direct vs. 3D values, and 3D vs. 2D values, respectively. The mean absolute differences were 1 mm (ranging from 0.2 mm to 3.7 mm) between direct and 3D measurements, 1 mm (ranging from 0.04 mm to 2.4 mm) between direct and 2D measurements, and 1 mm and 6.6° (ranging from 0.04 mm or 0.5° to 3 mm or 12.8°) between 2D and 3D measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

This study verified the feasibility of this detailed and standardized landmark localization protocol for assessing the periorbital morphology with 2D and 3D technologies. This protocol may work as a bridge communicating with all studies involving any of the three technologies in the future.

CRISPR-mediated BMP9 ablation promotes liver steatosis via the down-regulation of PPARα expression

Obesity drives the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by hepatic steatosis. Several bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) except BMP9 were reported related to metabolic syndrome. This study demonstrates that liver cytokine BMP9 is decreased in the liver and serum of NAFLD model mice and patients. BMP9 knockdown induces lipid accumulation in Hepa 1-6 cells. BMP9-knockout mice exhibit hepatosteatosis due to down-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) expression and reduced fatty acid oxidation. In vitro, recombinant BMP9 treatment attenuates triglyceride accumulation by enhancing PPARα promoter activity via the activation of p-smad. PPARα-specific antagonist GW6471 abolishes the effect of BMP9 knockdown. Furthermore, adeno-associated virus-mediated BMP9 overexpression in mouse liver markedly relieves liver steatosis and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. These findings indicate that BMP9 plays a critical role in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism in a PPARα-dependent manner and may provide a previously unknown insight into NAFLD therapeutic approaches.

The prokaryotic expression, polyclonal antibody preparation, and subcellular localization of the transmembrane protein NS2A of the duck Tembusu virus

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA arbovirus, belonging to the genus Flavivirus, the family Flaviviridae. As a transmembrane protein, non-structural protein 2A (NS2A) plays an important role in virion assembly, replication complex and antagonizing host immune response. Since NS2A protein contains many hydrophobic amino acids, it is hard to gain the full-length protein of NS2A for prokaryotic expression. Therefore, to make a deep study, prokaryotic expression and polyclonal antibody preparation of truncated DTMUV NS2A was performed. The truncated NS2A gene (178-450 bp) was obtained, and sub-cloned into the prokaryotic vector pGEX-4T-1 (pGEX-4T-1-NS2A178-450bp). Subsequently, the recombinant GST-NS2A60-150aa protein was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) with the induction by 0.3 mmol/l isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) for 6 h at 37°C. The GST-NS2A60-150aa protein was extracted from the gel. The BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified recombinant NS2A protein to prepare polyclonal antibodies against the truncated NS2A protein. The titer of the polyclonal antibodies, determined by ELISA analysis, was 1:128,000. The specificity of the polyclonal antibodies (mPAb-DTMUV-NS2A60-150aa) were verified by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) was performed to explore the subcellular localization of NS2A. NS2A protein was, in the transfected cells, located mainly around nucleus in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Taken together, our study provided a useful tool for the further exploration of the biological functions and molecular mechanism of DTMUV NS2A. Keywords: duck Tembusu virus; non-structural protein 2A; prokaryotic expression; polyclonal antibodies; subcellular location.

Antibodies against carbamylated vimentin exist in systemic lupus erythematosus and correlate with disease activity

OBJECTIVES

Antibodies against carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) were found to be a promising marker to evaluate joint damage and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether anti-CarP antibodies were present in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remained ambiguous. We have therefore undertaken this study to assess the levels of serum anti-CarP antibodies and to evaluate their clinical value in SLE.

METHODS

Serum levels of antibodies against carbamylated-vimentin (anti-Carp) were measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay in 100 patients with SLE, 76 with RA, 17 with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), and 68 healthy controls. Data analyses between anti-Carp antibodies and other laboratory measures were performed using SPSS 24 software for Windows.

RESULTS

The levels of serum anti-CarP antibodies in patients with SLE were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In addition, anti-CarP antibodies were present in SLE patients lacking the disease-specific antibodies, including anti-Smith-negative patients (24.4%, 21/86), anti-dsDNA-negative patients (29.3%, 12/41), anti-nucleosome-negative patients (21.4%, 9/42), and antiribosomal P protein antibody-negative patients (23.7%, 18/76). There were significant differences between the anti-CarP-positive and anti-CarP-negative SLE patients in clinical and laboratory features, such as age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, third-generation cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP3), anticardiolipin, D-dipolymer, complement 3, immunoglobulin G (IgG), red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin. After adjusting for age and disease duration, the high levels of anti-CarP antibodies were still correlated with low RBC, hemoglobin and high ESR, IgG and CCP3. Active SLE patients demonstrated higher anti-CarP IgG than inactive patients. Moreover, the levels of anti-CarP were significantly higher in SLE patients with arthralgia and/or arthritis than in those without joint involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-CarP antibodies were present in SLE patients and associated with the disease severity. These might provide a potential supplement to other specific autoantibodies for diagnosis of SLE and serve as a promising marker for measuring joint damage in the disease.

[Clinical research on sleep quality in patients with tinnitus]

Objective:To understand the sleep quality of patients with tinnitus, and to investigate the correlationship between tinnitus and sleep and analyze the influencing factors. Method:The patients with tinnitus as the main complaint used as the experimental group were 263 cases. One hundred and seventy respondents with no tinnitus complaint were selected as the control group. They were assessed by general information survey, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Hamilton Depression Scale, pure tone audiometry and acoustic immittance measurement. Result:There were 122 cases（46.4%） with sleep disorders in the experimental group and 49 cases（28.8%） with sleep disorders in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant（P=0.000）; The anxiety and depression were the influencing factors of sleep quality in patients with tinnitus, it was found that gender had influence on sleep latency and the course of disease and hyperlipidemia had influence on sleep disorders. Conclusion:Tinnitus patients were prone to sleep disorders, and the accompanying anxiety and depression were the important factors affecting sleep quality.

Ultrastructure of duck Tembusu virus observed by electron microscopy with negative staining

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a newly emerging enveloped flavivirus. This study shows the ultrastructure of DTMUV using viral purification, negative staining and electron microscopy. Electron microscopic examinations revealed mature DTMUV particles with 50 to 75 nm in diameter and typical enveloped flavivirus structure that consists of the internal nucleocapsid, an inner layer of lipid bilayer and an external layer of E glycoprotein ectodomain. Particles appear to be mostly spherical. In particular, RNA core is deep colored and dense, both capsid and lipid bilayer are clearly visible, the capsid forms regular hexagon, and E glycoprotein ectodomain forms a fringe instead of visible spikes. Thus, this report about the clear ultrastructure of the DTMUV particles will be the major driving forces behind structural biology of DTMUV.

[Prognostic analysis of colon and rectal neuroendocrine neoplasm in different stages]

Objective: To explore the survival difference of patients with colon and rectal neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) at different stages. Methods: We identified 8 679 patients with colorectal NEN diagnosed between 1988 and 2014 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, including 5 437 rectal NEN and 3 242 colon NEN ( 1 681 cecum NEN ). Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression model. Results: The ratio of male patients with colon and rectal NEN was similar to female (P=0.095). Rectal NEN patients were younger (P<0.001), more highly differentiated (P<0.001), and with earlier stage (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that the survival of rectal NEN was superior to that of colon NEN, with 10-year tumor-specific survival rates of 86.8% and 44.8% respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that age, gender, marital status, primary tumor site, grade, stage and surgery were independent prognostic factors of colorectal NEN (all P<0.01). The most important factor was stage (HR=3.531), followed by differentiation grade (HR=1.856). Stratified analysis displayed that the survival of rectal NEN in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅳ were better than those of corresponding stage of colon NEN (all P<0.05), but worse in stage Ⅲ (P=0.012). While the survival of rectal NEN were significantly better than those of colon NEN within all stages after excluding 1681 cases of cecal NEN (all P<0.05). Among the patients with well-differentiated NEN, the survival of rectal NEN in stage Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were better than those of corresponding stage of colon NEN (all P<0.05) while there was no significant difference in stage Ⅱ(P=0.169). For poor-differentiated NEN, only the survival of rectal NEN patients in stage Ⅳ (P=0.001) was significant longer than those of colon NEN, while there was no significant difference in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (stage Ⅰ: P=0.760; stage Ⅱ: P=0.181; stage Ⅲ: P=0.313). Conclusions: The survival of NEN patients in colon and rectum is different. Cecum NEN should be considered as a separated tumor for prognostic analysis due to its special clinicopathologic characteristics.

Insecticidal activities and mechanism of extracts from neem leaves against Oxya chinensis

ABSTRACT In this study, neem leaves were successively extracted with petroleum ether, 95% ethanol and water and the insecticidal activities of these extracts against Oxya chinensis larvae were measured. The results showed that 95% ethanol extract gave the highest extraction yield and insecticidal activity, and it was further extracted with five different solvents. The petroleum ether extract from the 95% ethanol extract possessed the highest insecticidal activity with median lethal concentration values ranging from 14.93 to 55.66mg/mL. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis showed that the petroleum ether extract mainly composed of alkanes, olefin, esters and amide. The pathological examination revealed that the prominent lesions, including reduced regenerative cells in midgut and swelled and degenerated cylindrical cells, were observed in the 5th instar Oxya chinensis after treatment. The ultrastructural features showed that the cylindrical cells, microvilli and mitochondria were seriously damaged. These results suggested that the petroleum ether extract from neem leaves had potent insecticidal activity and could be a candidate insecticide.

Construction of expression vectors of capsid proteins from goose parvovirus and investigation of the immunogenicity

Goose parvovirus (GPV) is a highly contagious and lethal disease in goslings and Muscovy ducklings, and is of concern to the waterfowl industry. With the aim of comparing the cellular immunogenicity of three capsid proteins of GPV, plasmids of pcDNA3.1(+)-VP1, pcDNA3.1(+)-VP2, and pcDNA3.1(+)-VP3 were constructed, and the recombinant protein VPs were expressed using an eukaryotic expression system. We detected the levels of immune-related genes (CD4, CD8α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNα, IFNγ, and IFNλ) in both goose embryo fibroblasts (GEF) and goose peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cellular models. The immune response conferred by a VP2 DNA vaccine in vivo was observed in a time course. Our data suggested that the cellular immune response to VP2 and VP3 was stronger than that to VP1, while VP2 and VP3 shared similar cellular immune reactivity. In addition, vaccination with VP2 plasmid can induce high level of IgY antibody that continued to increase through 28 days post vaccination. Therefore, our findings shed light on the host cellular immune response against GPV capsid proteins. Keywords: GPV; capsid proteins; cellular immune response; humoral immunity.

The duck enteritis virus early protein, UL13, found in both nucleus and cytoplasm, influences viral replication in cell culture

The UL13 protein of the duck enteritis virus (DEV), predicted to encode a Ser/Thr protein kinase, belongs to the family of conserved herpesvirus protein kinases (CHPK), which plays an important role in herpesvirus proliferation. In this study, truncated UL13 was expressed as a fusion protein of approximately 44 kDa using a prokaryotic expression system, and this protein was used to generate a specific anti-UL13 antibody. This antibody detected UL13 starting at 4 h post infection in duck embryonic fibroblast cells and identified UL13 to be present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. UL13 RNA was found to be transcribed starting at 2 h post infection, and the synthesis of the UL13 mRNA was found to be sensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) and tolerant of the DNA polymerase inhibitor ganciclovir (GCV). Its nuclear location and status as an early gene suggested that DEV UL13 might play important roles in DEV replication, which was confirmed by comparing the proliferation of a UL13-knockout mutant virus, a revertant virus, and the parent virus in cell culture. The specific mechanisms of UL13 in viral replication need to be further studied.

Molecular identification of goose (Anser cygnoide) suppressor ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) and the effects of goose IFN and TMUV on its comparative transcripts

Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) is known as an inhibition factor and has been associated with the innate immune response to pathogens. USP18 is the only deconjugating protease with specificity for interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which is supposed to be missing in birds. To analyze the efficacy of goose USP18 (goUSP18) against Tembusu virus (TMUV) infection, we first cloned USP18 homologous cDNA from TMUV infected geese. The coding sequence was 1131 bp, and the deduced amino acid sequence shared conserved motifs with its homologues. Tissue-specific expression has shown that goUSP18 transcripts are strongly expressed in the spleen and liver of adult geese, as well as in the pancreas of goslings. Moreover, the goUSP18 transcripts were induced by goose interferons (goIFN) in goose embryo fibroblasts (GEF) and by TLR ligands in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Notably, goUSP18 transcripts were highly up-regulated by TMUV infection compared to the basal level in uninfected birds. Taken together, these results suggested that goUSP18 was involved in host innate immunity against TMUV infection.

[Risk factors associated with massive drainage after posterior spinal orthopaedic surgery for adolescent scoliosis]

Objective: To identify risk factors that influence the massive drainage after posterior spinal orthopaedic surgery for adolescent scoliosis. Methods: A total of 1 461 patients from 11 to 18 years old diagnosed with adolescent scoliosis who underwent first posterior spinal orthopaedic surgery in affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University between November 2010 and October 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized on the basis of massive or normal drainage, with the boundary 30(th) percentile of drainage/estimated blood volume. Preoperative factors including age, gender, body mass index(BMI), ASA physical status, diagnostic type of scoliosis, main Cobb angle, laboratory tests, intraoperative factors including the number of fusion level and screws, tranexamic acid used or not, use of osteotomy and thoracoplasty, use of cell salvage technology, duration of operation, the volume of urine output, blood loss, fluid therapy and transfusion, postoperative factors including the length of hospital stay, number of transfusion, the volume of drainage, time of drain were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors which were independently associated with massive drainage. Results: The average drainage was (856.3±333.4)ml. 479(32.8%) patients had massive drainage(drainage≥30% of drainage/estimated blood volume). Multivariate analysis identified risk factors of massive drainage: BMI<17.63 kg/m(2), odds ratio(OR)=2.90, preoperative platelet count<190×10(9)/L (OR=1.67), preoperative main Cobb angle≥55 degrees(OR=1.66), number of fusion levels≥11(OR=2.33), number of screws≥15(OR=1.73), use of osteotomy(OR=1.54), intraoperative volume of crystalloids≥35.63 ml/kg(OR=1.40), intraoperative volume of colloids≥28.92 ml/kg(OR=1.82), intraoperative volume of transfusion≥19.55 ml/kg(OR=1.72), while the use of tranexamic acid(OR=0.26) was the only protective factor. Conclusion: BMI<17.63 kg/m(2,) preoperative platelet count<190×10(9)/L, preoperative main Cobb angle≥55 degrees, number of fusion levels≥11, number of screws≥15, use of osteotomy, intraoperative volume of crystalloids≥35.63 ml/kg, intraoperative volume of colloids≥28.92 ml/kg, intraoperative volume of transfusion≥19.55 ml/kg were risk factors associated with massive drainage after posterior spinal orthopaedic surgery for adolescent scoliosis, while the use of tranexamic acid could decrease the possibility of massive drainage.

Use of RNAi technology to develop a PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) seriously limits papaya (Carica papaya L.) production in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. Coat protein (CP)- transgenic papaya lines resistant to PRSV isolates in the sequence-homology-dependent manner have been developed in the U.S.A. and Taiwan. A previous investigation revealed that genetic divergence among Hainan isolates of PRSV has allowed the virus to overcome the CP-mediated transgenic resistance. In this study, we designed a comprehensive RNAi strategy targeting the conserved domain of the PRSV CP gene to develop a broader-spectrum transgenic resistance to the Hainan PRSV isolates. We used an optimized particle-bombardment transformation system to produce RNAi-CP-transgenic papaya lines. Southern blot analysis and Droplet Digital PCR revealed that line 474 contained a single transgene insert. Challenging this line with different viruses (PRSV I, II and III subgroup) under greenhouse conditions validated the transgenic resistance of line 474 to the Hainan isolates. Northern blot analysis detected the siRNAs products in virus-free transgenic papaya tissue culture seedlings. The siRNAs also accumulated in PRSV infected transgenic papaya lines. Our results indicated that this transgenic papaya line has a useful application against PRSV in the major growing area of Hainan, China.

Proteomic response of oat leaves to long-term salinity stress

Salinity adversely affects plant growth and production. Oat is a moderately salt-tolerant crop and can contribute to improving saline soil. The physiological and molecular responses of the oat plant to long-term salinity were studied. After a 16-day salt treatment (150 mmol L^-1NaCl in Hoagland's solution), photosynthetic rate, maximum photosystem II photochemical efficiency, and actual efficiency of photosystem II decreased. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase significantly increased. We also investigated the protein profiles of oat leaves in response to salinity and detected 30 reproducible protein spots by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis that were differentially abundant. Specifically, one protein was up-regulated and 29 proteins were down-regulated compared with the control. These 29 proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and 19 corresponding genes were further investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. These proteins were involved in four types of biological processes: photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and energy, protein biosynthesis, and folding and detoxification. This study indicates that the lower levels of Calvin cycle-related proteins, 50S ribosomal protein L10 and adenosine-triphosphate regulation-related proteins, and the high levels of antioxidant enzymes play important roles in the response of oat to long-term salinity stress.

Proteomic analysis of salt-responsive proteins in oat roots (Avena sativa L.)

BACKGROUND

Oat is considered as a moderately salt-tolerant crop that could be used to improve saline and alkaline soil. Previous studies have focused on short-term salt stress exposure (0.5-48 h), while molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in oat remain unclear.

RESULTS

Long-term salt stress (16 days) increased the levels of superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content, putrescine content, spermidine content and soluble sugar content and reduced catalase activity in oat roots. The stress also caused changes in protein profiles in the roots. At least 1400 reproducible protein spots were identified in a two-dimensional electrophoresis gel, among which 23 were differentially expressed between treated vs control plants and 13 were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

These differentially expressed proteins are involved in five types of biological process: (1) two fructose-bisphosphate aldolases, four alcohol dehydrogenases, an enolase, a UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase and an F1-ATPase alpha subunit related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism; (2) a choline monooxygenase related to stress and defense; (3) a lipase related to fat metabolism; (4) a polyubiquitin related to protein degradation; (5) a 14-3-3 protein related to signaling. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of cold-induced remodelling reveals depot-specific differences across and within brown and white adipose tissues in mice

AIM

Brown and beige adipose tissues dissipate energy in the form of heat via mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, defending against hypothermia and potentially obesity. The latter has prompted renewed interest in understanding the processes involved in browning to realize the potential therapeutic benefits. To characterize the temporal profile of cold-induced changes and browning of brown and white adipose tissues in mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were singly housed in conventional cages under cold exposure (4 °C) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days. Food intake and body weight were measured daily. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), inguinal subcutaneous (sWAT) and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, gene and protein expression analysis.

RESULTS

Upon cold exposure, food intake increased, whilst body weight and adipocyte size were found to be transiently reduced. iBAT mass was found to be increased, whilst sWAT and eWAT were found to be transiently decreased. A combination of morphological, genetic (Ucp-1, Pgc-1α and Elov13) and biochemical (UCP-1, PPARγ and aP2) analyses demonstrated the depot-specific remodelling in response to cold exposure.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the differential responses to cold-induced changes across discrete BAT and WAT depots and support the notion that the effects of short-term cold exposure are achieved by expansion, activation and increasing thermogenic capacity of iBAT, as well as browning of sWAT and, to a lesser extent, eWAT.

Analysis of genes that influence sheep follicular development by different nutrition levels during the luteal phase using expression profiling

Nutrition is an important factor that regulates reproductive performance of sheep and affects follicle development. However, the correlation between nutrition and follicle development is poorly understood at the molecular level. To study its possible molecular mechanisms, we performed expression profiling of granulosa cells isolated from sheep that were fed different levels of nutrition levels during the luteal phase. To do this, ewes received a maintenance diet (M), and their estrus was synchronized by intravaginal progestogen sponges for 12 days. Ewes were randomly divided into the short-term dietary-restricted group (R; 0.5 × M) and the nutrient-supplemented group (S; 1.5 × M). RNA samples were extracted from granulosa cells. Transcriptome libraries from each group were constructed by Illumina sequencing. Among 18 468 detected genes, 170 genes were significantly differentially expressed, of which 140 genes were upregulated and 30 genes were downregulated in group S relative to group R. These genes could be candidates regulating follicular development in sheep. Gene Ontology, KEGG and clustering analyses were performed. Genes related to oocyte meiosis, such as ADCY7, were upregulated. We identified two important groups of related genes that were upregulated with improved nutrition: one group comprising the genes PTGS2, UCP2 and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and the other group comprising interleukin-1A and interleukin-1B. The genes within each group showed similar expression patterns. Additionally, all five genes are involved in the reproduction process. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to validate the results of expression profiling. These data in our study are an abundant genomic resource to expand the understanding of the molecular and cellular events underlying follicle development.

Ruscogenin suppresses mouse neutrophil activation: Involvement of protein kinase A pathway

Ruscogenin, a natural steroidal sapogenin, presents in both food and medicinal plants. It has been found to exert significant anti-inflammatory activities. Considering that activation of neutrophil is a key feature of inflammatory diseases, this study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ruscogenin and its underlying mechanisms responsible for neutrophil activation. Ruscogenin displayed potent antioxidative effects against Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-induced extra- and intracellular superoxide generation in mouse bone marrow neutrophils, with IC50 values of 1.07±0.32 μM and 1.77±0.46 μM, respectively. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-elicited extra- and intracellular superoxide generation were also suppressed by ruscogenin, with IC50 values of 1.56±0.46 μM and 1.29±0.49 μM, respectively. However, ruscogenin showed weak inhibition in NaF-induced response. Inhibition of superoxide generation was mediated neither by a superoxide-scavenging ability nor by a cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, ruscogenin inhibited the membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox. It reduced FMLP-induced phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and p21-activated kinase (PAK). The cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and protein kinase A (PKA) expression were increased by ruscogenin. Moreover, ruscogenin inhibited phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, the inhibitory effects of ruscogenin on superoxide production and the phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 were reversed by PKA inhibitor (H89), suggesting a PKA-dependent mechanism. In summary, our data suggest that ruscogenin inhibits activation of neutrophil through cPLA2, PAK, Akt, MAPKs, cAMP, and PKA signaling pathways. Increased PKA activity is associated with suppression of the phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 pathways.

AT1 receptor blockade in the central nucleus of the amygdala attenuates the effects of muscimol on sodium and water intake

The blockade of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) with the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol significantly reduces hypertonic NaCl and water intake by sodium-depleted rats. In the present study we investigated the effects of previous injection of losartan, an angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, into the CeA on 0.3M NaCl and water intake reduced by muscimol bilaterally injected into the same areas in rats submitted to water deprivation-partial rehydration (WD-PR) and in rats treated with the diuretic furosemide (FURO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats with stainless steel cannulas bilaterally implanted into the CeA were used. Bilateral injections of muscimol (0.2 nmol/0.5 μl, n=8 rats/group) into the CeA in WD-PR-treated rats reduced 0.3M NaCl intake and water intake, and pre-treatment of the CeA with losartan (50 μg/0.5 μl) reversed the inhibitory effect of muscimol. The negative effect of muscimol on sodium and water intake could also be blocked by pretreatment with losartan microinjected into the CeA in rats given FURO (n=8 rats/group). However, bilateral injections of losartan (50 μg/0.5 μl) alone into the CeA did not affect the NaCl or water intake. These results suggest that the deactivation of CeA facilitatory mechanisms by muscimol injection into the CeA is promoted by endogenous angiotensin II acting on AT1 receptors in the CeA, which prevents rats from ingesting large amounts of hypertonic NaCl and water.

Comparative proteomics of Bt-transgenic and non-transgenic cotton leaves

Background

As the rapid growth of the commercialized acreage in genetically modified (GM) crops, the unintended effects of GM crops’ biosafety assessment have been given much attention. To investigate whether transgenic events cause unintended effects, comparative proteomics of cotton leaves between the commercial transgenic Bt + CpTI cotton SGK321 (BT) clone and its non-transgenic parental counterpart SY321 wild type (WT) was performed.

Results

Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Cry1Ac toxin protein was detected in the BT leaves, while its content was only 0.31 pg/g. By 2-DE, 58 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected. Among them 35 were identified by MS. These identified DEPs were mainly involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, chaperones related to post-translational modification and energy production. Pathway analysis revealed that most of the DEPs were implicated in carbon fixation and photosynthesis, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Thirteen identified proteins were involved in protein-protein interaction. The protein interactions were mainly involved in photosynthesis and energy metabolite pathway.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that exogenous DNA in a host cotton genome can affect the plant growth and photosynthesis. Although some unintended variations of proteins were found between BT and WT cotton, no toxic proteins or allergens were detected. This study verified genetically modified operation did not sharply alter cotton leaf proteome, and the target proteins were hardly checked by traditional proteomic analysis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12953-015-0071-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

DNA methylation profiles in placenta and its association with gestational diabetes mellitus

Emerging evidences indicate that placenta plays a critical role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). DNA methylation could be associated with altered placental development and functions. This study is to uncover the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in this disorder. DNA methylation was measured at >385,000 CpG sites using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and a huamn CpG island plus promoter microarray. We totally identified 6,641 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) targeting 3,320 genes, of which 2,729 DMRs targeting 1,399 genes, showed significant hypermethylation in GDM relative to the controls, whereas 3,912 DMRs targeting 1,970 genes showed significant hypomethylation. Functional analysis divided these genes into different functional networks, which mainly involved in the pathways of cell growth and death regulation, immune and inflammatory response and nervous system development. In addition, the methylation profiles and expressions of 4 loci (RBP4, GLUT3, Resistin and PPARα) were validated by BSP for their higher log2 ratio and potential functions with energy metabolism. This study demonstrates aberrant patterns of DNA methylation in GDM which may be involved in the pathophysiology of GDM and reflect the fetal development. Future work will assess the potential prognostic and therapeutic value for these findings in GDM.