Technical strategy for monozygotic twin discrimination by single-nucleotide variants

Monozygotic (MZ) twins are theoretically genetically identical. Although they are revealed to accumulate mutations after the zygote splits, discriminating between twin genomes remains a formidable challenge in the field of forensic genetics. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) are responsible for a substantial portion of genetic variation, thus potentially serving as promising biomarkers for the identification of MZ twins. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of a pair of female MZ twins when they were 27 and 33 years old to approximately 30 × coverage using peripheral blood on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 Sequencing System. Potentially discordant SNVs supported by whole-genome sequencing were validated extensively by amplicon-based targeted deep sequencing and Sanger sequencing. In total, we found nine bona fide post-twinning SNVs, all of which were identified in the younger genomes and found in the older genomes. None of the SNVs occurred within coding exons, three of which were observed in introns, supported by whole-exome sequencing results. A double-blind test was employed, and the reliability of MZ twin discrimination by discordant SNVs was endorsed. All SNVs were successfully detected when input DNA amounts decreased to 0.25 ng, and reliable detection was limited to seven SNVs below 0.075 ng input. This comprehensive analysis confirms that SNVs could serve as cost-effective biomarkers for MZ twin discrimination.

Molecular biology of canine parainfluenza virus V protein and its potential applications in tumor immunotherapy

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a zoonotic virus that is widely distributed and is the main pathogen causing canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), also known as "kennel cough," in dogs. The CPIV-V protein is the only nonstructural protein of the virus and plays an important role in multiple stages of the virus life cycle by inhibiting apoptosis, altering the host cell cycle and interfering with the interferon response. In addition, studies have shown that the V protein has potential applications in the field of immunotherapy in oncolytic virus therapy or self-amplifying RNA vaccines. In this review, the biosynthesis, structural characteristics and functions of the CPIV-V protein are reviewed with an emphasis on how it facilitates viral immune escape and its potential applications in the field of immunotherapy. Therefore, this review provides a scientific basis for research into the CPIV-V protein and its potential applications.

Chromothripsis orchestrates leukemic transformation in blast phase MPN through targetable amplification of DYRK1A

Chromothripsis, the process of catastrophic shattering and haphazard repair of chromosomes, is a common event in cancer. Whether chromothripsis might constitute an actionable molecular event amenable to therapeutic targeting remains an open question. We describe recurrent chromothripsis of chromosome 21 in a subset of patients in blast phase of a myeloproliferative neoplasm (BP-MPN), which alongside other structural variants leads to amplification of a region of chromosome 21 in ∼25% of patients ('chr21amp'). We report that chr21amp BP-MPN has a particularly aggressive and treatment-resistant phenotype. The chr21amp event is highly clonal and present throughout the hematopoietic hierarchy. DYRK1A , a serine threonine kinase and transcription factor, is the only gene in the 2.7Mb minimally amplified region which showed both increased expression and chromatin accessibility compared to non-chr21amp BP-MPN controls. We demonstrate that DYRK1A is a central node at the nexus of multiple cellular functions critical for BP-MPN development, including DNA repair, STAT signalling and BCL2 overexpression. DYRK1A is essential for BP-MPN cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo , and DYRK1A inhibition synergises with BCL2 targeting to induce BP-MPN cell apoptosis. Collectively, these findings define the chr21amp event as a prognostic biomarker in BP-MPN and link chromothripsis to a druggable target.

Safety and Feasibility of the Addition of a Radiosensitizing Methionine-Restricted Diet to Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Methionine is an amino acid necessary for numerous processes critical for cell growth and survival. While normal cells can tolerate methionine deficiency, most cancer cells are methionine auxotrophs, requiring dietary intake since they cannot synthesize it. In vitro, methionine deficiency causes cancer cells to undergo cell cycle arrest and cell death, and in vivo a methionine restricted diet (MRD) enhances radiosensitization without significant adverse effects. Combining a MRD and radiation therapy (RT) to treat human malignancies has never been evaluated. The hypothesis of this Phase I study was that a MRD would be safe, and feasible to administer concurrently with curative-intent RT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligible patients included adults with any non-skin cancer malignancy undergoing standard radiation therapy without concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy. The MRD consisted of low-protein cereals, grains, and breads; fruits; vegetables; margarines and oils; and simple carbohydrates. A clinical dietician developed a personalized meal plan with each subject to reduce methionine consumption to 5-10 mg/kg body weight/day, while maintaining adequate protein and caloric intake. An unlimited supply of a commercially available methionine-free protein supplement was provided to minimize hunger and weight loss. The MRD extended from 2 weeks before initiation of RT, through 2 weeks beyond completion of RT. The primary endpoint for safety was the rate of grade 3 or higher acute and late toxicities per CTCAE, over 12 months follow-up. Feasibility was assessed with a biweekly quantitative plasma amino acid panel during the MRD. The target accrual was 15 subjects.

RESULTS

Over two years, 53 patients were offered enrollment, 9 subjects enrolled, 5 completed the MRD and RT, and 4 withdrew during the MRD. The table summarizes subjects' characteristics and outcomes. There was no grade 3 or higher adverse events attributable to the MRD. Methionine plasma levels varied over the course of treatment, and while no subject achieved the target of 13 μM, two nadired at 14 μM. The trial was closed early due to slow accrual and subjects' difficulty maintaining the diet.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a MRD is safe with thoracic or abdominopelvic RT, with toxicities comparable to those expected with RT alone. However, the diet was challenging, and unacceptable to most patients with cancer.

Progress in PRRSV Infection and Adaptive Immune Response Mechanisms

Since its discovery, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has had a huge impact on the farming industry. The virus that causes PRRS is Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), and because of its genetic diversity and the complexity of the immune response, the eradication of PRRS has been a challenge. To provide scientific references for PRRSV control and vaccine development, this study describes the processes of PRRSV-induced infection and escape, as well as the host adaptive immune response to PRRSV. It also discusses the relationship between PRRSV and the adaptive immune response.

The identification and characterization of genome-wide long terminal repeat retrotransposon provide an insight into elucidating the trait evolution of five Rhododendron species

Rhododendron is well-known for its beauty and colorful corolla. Although some high-quality whole-genome sequencing of Rhododendron has been completed, there is lack of studies on long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons in Rhododendron, which limits our ability to elucidate the causes of genetic variations in Rhododendron species. The properties of the intact Rhododendron LTR retrotransposon were investigated at the genome-wide level. Based on the available data, the high-quality genomes from five species, i.e., R. griersonianum, R. simsii, R. henanense subsp. lingbaoense, R. mucronatum var. ripense and R. ovatum were selected as the identification targets with good assembly continuity. A total of 17,936 intact LTR retrotransposons were identified; they belong to the superfamilies Copia and Gypsy with 17 clades. The insertion time of these transposons was later than 120 million years ago, and the outbreak period was concentrated more recently than 30 million years ago. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that many LTR retrotransposons might originate from intraspecific duplication. The current evidences also suggests that most of the LTR retrotransposons were inserted in the interstitial part of the genes in R. griersonianum, R. simsii, R. henanense, and R. ovatum, and the functions of the inserted genes are mainly involved in starch metabolism and proteolysis etc. The effect of LTR retrotransposon on gene expression depends on its insertion site and activation. Highly expressed LTR retrotransposons tended to be younger. The activity of LTR retrotransposons may affect some stage-specific expression genes of flower development, such as leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase. The available results herein improve our knowledge of LTR retrotransposons in Rhododendron genomes and facilitate the further study of genetic variation and trait evolution in Rhododendron.

Current progress on innate immune evasion mediated by Npro protein of pestiviruses

Interferon (IFN), the most effective antiviral cytokine, is involved in innate and adaptive immune responses and is essential to the host defense against virus invasion. Once the host was infected by pathogens, the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) were recognized by the host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which activates interferon regulatory transcription factors (IRFs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway to induce IFN expression. Pathogens have acquired many strategies to escape the IFN-mediated antiviral immune response. Pestiviruses cause massive economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide every year. The immune escape strategies acquired by pestiviruses during evolution are among the major difficulties in its control. Previous experiments indicated that Erns, as an envelope glycoprotein unique to pestiviruses with RNase activity, could cleave viral ss- and dsRNAs, therefore inhibiting the host IFN production induced by viral ss- and dsRNAs. In contrast, Npro, the other envelope glycoprotein unique to pestiviruses, mainly stimulates the degradation of transcription factor IRF-3 to confront the IFN response. This review mainly summarized the current progress on mechanisms mediated by Npro of pestiviruses to antagonize IFN production.

Metagenomic analysis provides bases on individualized shift of colon microbiome affected by delaying colostrum feeding in neonatal calves

This study investigated the effect of colostrum feeding time on the colon digesta microbiome of 2-day-old dairy calves using whole-genome-based metagenome sequencing, aiming to understand the dynamic changes of the colon microbiome when the colostrum feeding is delayed. In total, 24 male Holstein calves were grouped to different pasteurized colostrum feeding time treatments randomly: TRT0h (45 min after birth, n = 7); TRT6h (6 h after birth, n = 8); and TRT12h (12 h after birth, n = 9). Bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses were identified in the colon microbiome, with bacteria (99.20%) being the most predominant domain. Streptococcus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Enterococcus were the top five abundant bacteria genera. For colon microbiome functions, 114 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified, with nutrients metabolism-related functions “carbohydrate metabolism,” “amino acid metabolism,” “metabolism of cofactors and vitamins,” “metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides,” and “metabolism of other amino acids” being the top five secondary level of KEGG hierarchy functions. When colon microbiomes were compared, they were not affected by delaying first colostrum feeding at both taxonomic and functional levels. However, distinct clusters of colon microbiome profiles were shown based on PERMANOVA analysis despite of different colostrum feeding treatment, suggesting the individualized responses. Moreover, the relative abundance of microbial taxa, microbial functions, and differentially expressed genes was compared between the two distinct clusters, and different relationships were observed among host differentially expressed genes, differential levels of microbial taxa, and microbial functions between the two clusters. Our results suggest that the host may play an important role in shaping the colon microbiome of neonatal dairy calves in response to the early life feeding management. Whether the observed colon microbiome shifts affect gut health and function in the long term requires further research.

Immunological evaluation of recombination PRRSV GP3 and GP5 DNA vaccines in vivo

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a threat to the health of pigs worldwide, but commercially available vaccines offer limited protection against PRRSV infection. It is necessary to develop a more effective DNA vaccine. The immunological effects of DNA vaccines with three adjuvants were examined in pigs (Susscrofa domestica) challenged with PRRSV. These DNA vaccines, which encoded PRRSV GP3 and GP5, were formulated with A1, A2, and A3. Serum specific and neutralizing antibodies, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺T-lymphocytes, health status, histopathology, and viral loads were determined. The results showed that the use of adjuvant A3 led to higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and a lower viral load in pigs compared to the other adjuvants. The neutralizing antibody titers of the pVAX-GP35+A1 and pVAX-GP35+A3 groups reached a peak of 1:19 at 35 dpi. The maximum concentration of IL-4 was 136.77 pg/mL in the pVAX-GP35+A3 group. At 35 dpi, the IFN-γ concentration in the pVAX-GP35+A1 group was 227.4 pg/mL. pVAX-GP35+A3 group shows the highest IL-2 and IL-10 expression to the peak of 597.6 pg/mL and 189.1 pg/mL, respectively. We found a formulation demonstrated beneficial immune outcomes. This study provides an alternative vaccine to protect pigs from PRRSV.

The link between cutaneous inflammation and cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment is a symptom of neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease; and mild cognitive impairment can be a precursor of both disorders. Aged humans and animal models with other systemic disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, display a higher incidence of cognitive decline. Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of cognitive impairment also is higher in subjects with certain inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis and chronic eczematous dermatitis. Chronologically aged individuals exhibit increased cutaneous inflammation and elevated circulating cytokine levels, linked to alterations in epidermal function, which itself can induce cutaneous inflammation. Conversely, strategies that improve epidermal function can lower cytokine levels in both the skin and circulation. Thus, it seems likely that epidermal dysfunction could contribute, at least in part, to the development of chronic low-grade inflammation, also termed 'inflammaging', in the elderly. The evidence of cognitive impairment in patients with inflammatory dermatoses suggests a link between cutaneous inflammation and cognitive impairment. Because of the pathogenic role of epidermal dysfunction in ageing-associated cutaneous inflammation, improvements in epidermal function could be an alternative approach for mitigation of the ageing-associated decline in cognitive function.

Identification and analysis of HD-Zip genes involved in the leaf development of Liriodendron chinense using multidimensional analysis

Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in different biological processes, especially leaf development. However, no studies to date have identified the HD-Zip genes in Liriodendron chinense nor characterized their functions. We identified the HD-Zip genes in L. chinense by analysing the phylogeny, chromosome location, structure, conserved motif, cis-regulatory elements, synteny, post-transcriptional regulation and expression patterns of these genes during leaf development. A total of 36 LcHD-Zip genes were identified and divided into four subfamilies (HD-Zip I to IV). Synteny analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the main force driving the expansion of LcHD-Zip genes. These 36 LcHD-Zip genes exhibited 11 different expression patterns. Pattern 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 genes may play important roles in leaf development, such as leaf initiation, leaf polarity establishment, leaf shape development, phytohormone-mediated leaf growth and leaf epidermal structure formation. Four HD-Zip III genes were targeted by microRNAs (miRNAs), and the miR165/166a-HD-Zip regulatory module formed regulated leaf initiation and leaf polarity establishment. Overall, LcHD-Zip genes play key roles in leaf development of L. chinense. This work provides a foundation for the functional verification of HD-Zip genes identified in this study.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Porcine Parvovirus 7 in Eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

Porcine parvoviruses (PPV) and porcine circoviruses type 2 (PCV2) are widespread in the pig population. Recently, it was suggested that PPV7 may stimulate PCV2 and PCV3 replication. The present study aimed to make detection and molecular characterization of PPV7 for the first time in eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Twenty-seven of ninety-four samples (28.72%) and five in eight pig farms were PPV7 positive. Further detection showed that the co-infection rate of PPV7 and PCV2 was 20.21% (19/94), and 9.59% (9/94) for PPV7 and PCV3. In addition, the positive rate of PPV7 in PCV2 positive samples was higher than that in PCV2 negative samples, supporting that PCV2 could act as a co-factor for PPV7 infection. In total, four PPV7 strains were sequenced and designated as NM-14, NM-19, NM-4, and NM-40. The amplified genome sequence of NM-14 and NM-40 were 3,999nt in length, while NM-19 and NM-4 were 3,996nt with a three nucleotides deletion at 3,097–3,099, resulting in an amino acid deletion in the Cap protein. Phylogenetic analysis based on the capsid amino acid (aa) sequences showed that 52 PPV7 strains were divided into two clades, and the four PPV7 strains in this study were all clustered in clade 1. The genome and capsid amino acid sequence of the four PPV7 strains identified in this study shared 80.0–96.9% and 85.9–100% similarity with that of 48 PPV7 reference strains selected in NCBI. Simplot analysis revealed that NM-19 and NM-4 strains were probably produced by recombination of two PPV7 strains from China. The amino acid sequence alignment analysis of capsid revealed that the four PPV7 strains detected in Inner Mongolia had multiple amino acid mutations in the 6 B cell linear epitopes compared with the reference strains, suggesting that the four PPV7 strains may have different characteristics in receptor binding and immunogenicity. In summary, this paper reported the PPV7 infection and molecular characterization in the eastern of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for the first time, which is helpful to understand the molecular epidemic characteristics of PPV7.

Positive Regulation of the Antiviral Activity of Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 by S-Palmitoylation

The interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), a small molecule transmembrane protein induced by interferon, is generally conserved in vertebrates, which can inhibit infection by a diverse range of pathogenic viruses such as influenza virus. However, the precise antiviral mechanisms of IFITM3 remain unclear. At least four post-translational modifications (PTMs) were found to modulate the antiviral effect of IFITM3. These include positive regulation provided by S-palmitoylation of cysteine and negative regulation provided by lysine ubiquitination, lysine methylation, and tyrosine phosphorylation. IFITM3 S-palmitoylation is an enzymatic addition of a 16-carbon fatty acid on the three cysteine residues within or adjacent to its two hydrophobic domains at positions 71, 72, and 105, that is essential for its proper targeting, stability, and function. As S-palmitoylation is the only PTM known to enhance the antiviral activity of IFITM3, enzymes that add this modification may play important roles in IFN-induced immune responses. This study mainly reviews the research progresses on the antiviral mechanism of IFITM3, the regulation mechanism of S-palmitoylation modification on its subcellular localization, stability, and function, and the enzymes that mediate the S-palmitoylation modification of IFITM3, which may help elucidate the mechanism by which this IFN effector restrict virus replication and thus aid in the design of therapeutics targeted at pathogenic viruses.

A Topical Emollient Mitigates the Progression of Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is common in the elderly. Prior studies suggest a link between chronic inflammation and cognitive dysfunction, while aging-associated epidermal dysfunction has been connected to elevations in circulating cytokines.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed here whether improvements in epidermal function can mitigate the progression of cognitive impairment.

METHODS

This randomized, open-label pilot trial was carried out in two cities in northern China. A total of 200 participants aged ≥65 years were randomly assigned to the emollient-treated and untreated groups at 1:1 ratio. Participants in the treated group were treated topically with Atopalm cream® twice-daily from November to the following May each year for three consecutive years, while the untreated subjects served as controls. The Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) was used to assess the severity of cognitive impairment, while epidermal biophysical properties were measured on the forearms and the shins in parallel.

RESULTS

Over the three-year trial, GDS significantly increased from baseline (p<0.0001) in the controls, while in the treated group, GDS stabilized. While stratum corneum hydration on the forearms did not change significantly in the controls, transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL), significantly increased by the end of the trial compared to baselines in the controls (p<0.0001). On the forearms of the treated group, stratum corneum hydration increased (p<0.0001) while skin surface pH decreased from baseline (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that improvements in epidermal function with topical emollient can mitigate the progression of cognitive impairment. However, the sample size was relatively small, and trials in a larger cohort are needed to validate the present results.

[Serological study of Lyme disease antibody in 2 311 patients with arthritis symptoms in Hainan Province]

Objective: To understand the infectious status of Lyme disease among patients with arthritis symptoms in Hainan Province, and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention and control of Lyme disease. Methods: From 2013 to 2018, sampling surveys had been conducted in medical institutions in 8 cities in Hainan Province(Haikou, Sanya, Danzhou, Dongfang, Wenchang, Qionghai, Qiongzhong, Wuzhishan), 2 311 patients serum samples were collected with arthritis symptoms, and descriptive research were conducted base on the collected clinical data. The Indirect Fluorescent-Antibody Test (IFA) method was used for preliminary screening of Lyme disease antibody, the Western Blot (WB) method was used for IFA positive samples confirmation. Statistical analysis using χ² test. Results: 2 311 serum samples were tested by IFA, and 166 were positive with the positive rate of 7.18%. Further confirmed by WB method, 62 samples were positive, the positive rate of Lyme disease antibody was 2.68%(62/2 311). The positive rate of Lyme disease antibody among patients with arthritis in different regions of Hainan was statistically significant (χ²=40.636,P<0.001), and the positive rate in Qiongzhong city was the highest (8.81%, 14/159). Danzhou's positive rate was the second highest, 5.62%(5/89). Dongfang city had the lowest positive rate (0.51%, 2/394). The positive rates of Lyme disease serum antibody in men and women were 2.79% (33/1 182) and 2.57% (29/1 129), respectively; the positive rates of antibodies between each age groups were in the range of 1.74% to 3.64%. The antibody positive rate of Lyme disease showed no significant difference between gender and age (χ²=0.110,P=0.740 ;χ²=1.938,P=0.747). Conclusion: Patients with arthritis symptoms caused by Borrelia burgdorferi infection were found in 8 cities in Hainan province, but the Lyme disease antibody positive rate was different among cities, with Qiongzhong County being the highest.

Beat-to-beat variability in the tricuspid annulus dimensions and dynamics is markedly increased in atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) leads to beat-to-beat variability in cycle length; however, whether there is associated beat-to-beat variability in the tricuspid annulus (TA) dimensions or variability in the time in cardiac cycle when TA reaches maximal size is unknown.

Purpose

We aim to assess the beat-to-beat variability in the TA dimensions in Afib compared with sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods

Images were obtained from 58 patients (29 in Afib, 29 in SR) undergoing either 3D TTE or TEE examination. We measured TA in 3–6 cardiac cycles per patient using commercially available software (TomTec 4MV).

Results

Median absolute difference in maximal TA area over 3–6 cardiac cycles was 1.60 cm2 (range 0.35 cm2 to 4.08 cm2) in Afib vs. 1.17 cm2 (range 0.32 cm2 to 2.19 cm2) in SR, p=0.0063. Median absolute difference in the maximal circumference was 0.79 cm (range 0.09 cm to 2.2 cm) in Afib vs 0.54 cm (range 0.12 cm to 1.43 cm) in SR, p=0.0175. A total of 118 cardiac cycles were analyzed in patients in SR and 147 in Afib. Timing of maximal TA area was most commonly recorded at end-diastole (80–100% of the R-R interval) in 62% of cycles in SR; however, it was distributed over a broad range in Afib, p&lt;0.0001, [Figure].

Conclusion

Afib leads to significant beat-to-beat variability in the maximal TA area, minimal TA area, maximal TA circumference, and in the time of maximal TA area. These findings suggest that accurate assessment of TA dimensions should be based on continuous tracking of the TA over several cardiac cycles, especially in patients with Afib. These observations have significant implications for device sizing in percutaneous tricuspid valve interventions.

Timing of Maximal TA Area

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Ephedrine causes liver toxicity in SD rats via oxidative stress and inflammatory responses

Ephedrine abuse has spread in many parts of the world and severely threatens human health. The mechanism of ephedrine-induced toxicity still remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the effects of ephedrine treatment on the liver and explore the underlying mechanisms. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into saline and ephedrine groups. Rats were treated with ephedrine at 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg ( n = 10) by oral gavage daily for 7 days. Pathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the liver functional markers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure gene and protein expression, respectively. Our data showed that ephedrine treatment increased hepatocellular cell apoptosis and impaired liver function. Moreover, ephedrine treatment increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which may be due to the increase of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad3 expression. Our study demonstrated that short-term treatment of ephedrine caused liver toxicity in rats through regulating TGF-β/Smad pathway.

[Efficacy of three-dimensional visualization technology in the precision diagnosis and treatment for primary liver cancer: a retrospective multicenter study of 1 665 cases in China]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional(3D) visualization technology in the precision diagnosis and treatment for primary liver cancer. Methods: A total of 1 665 patients with primary liver cancer who admitted to seven medical centers in China between January 2009 to January 2019, diagnosed and treated by 3D visualization protocol were analyzed, and their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. There were 1 255 males(75.4%) and 410 females(24.6%), with age of (52.9±11.9) years (range: 18 to 86 years). The acquisition of high-quality CT images with submillimeter spatial resolution were conducted using a quality control system. By means of homogenization methods, 3D reconstruction and 3D visualization analysis were performed. Postoperative observation: pathology reports, microvascular invasion, perioperative complications and follow-up. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for statistical description and analysis of clinical data. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to calculate overall survival and disease-free survival rate. Results: (1)In the sample of 1 265 patients, 3D reconstructed models clearly displayed as follows. tumor size: ≤2 cm in 155 cases (9.31%), >2 cm to 5 cm in 551 cases (33.09%), >5 cm to 10 cm in 636 cases (38.20%), >10 cm in 323 cases (19.40%). (2) Classification of hepatic blood vessels. Hepatic artery: type Ⅰ(normal type) in 1 494 cases(89.73%),variant hepatic artery in 171 cases (10.27%), including type Ⅱ in 35 cases, type Ⅲ in 38 cases, and other types in 98 cases. Hepatic vein: type Ⅰ (normal) in 1 195 cases (71.77%),variant hepatic veins in 470 cases(28.23%), including type Ⅱ in 376 cases and type Ⅲ in 94 cases. Portal vein:normal type in 1 315 cases (78.98%), variant portal veins in 350 cases (21.02%), including type Ⅰ in 189 cases, type Ⅱin 103 cases, type Ⅲ in 50 cases, type Ⅳ in 8 cases. Hepatic artery variation coexisting with portal vein variation in 24 cases (1.44%). Hepatic vein variation coexisting with portal vein variation in 113 cases (6.79%). Three types of vascular variation in 4 cases (0.24%), including coexistence of type Ⅱ hepatic artery variation or type Ⅰ portal vein variation with type Ⅲ hepatic vein variation in 2 cases,coexistence of type Ⅲ hepatic artery variation or type Ⅲ portal vein variation with type Ⅱ hepatic vein variation in 2 cases. (3) Preoperative liver volume calculation:1 499.3 (514.4)ml (range:641.7 to 6 637.0 ml) of total liver volume, including 479.1 (460.1) ml (range:10.5 to 2 086.8 ml) for liver resection and 959.9 (460.4)ml (range:306.1 to 5 638.0 ml) for residual function. (4)Operative methods: anatomical hepatectomy in 1 458 cases (87.57%); non-anatomic hepatectomy in 207 cases (12.43%). (5)the median operation time was 285(165)minutes (range: 40 to720 minutes). (6)The median intraoperative blood loss was 200(250)ml (range:10 to 4 200 ml) and 346 cases (20.78%) had intraoperative transfusion. (7)Pathology reports: hepatocellular carcinoma in 1 371 cases (82.34%), cholangiocarcinoma in 260 cases (15.62%) and mixed hepatocellular carcinoma in 34 cases (2.04%). Microvascular invasion: M0 in 199 cases, M1 in 64 cases, and M2 in 27 cases. (8)Postoperative complications in 207 cases (12.43%), including Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ in 57 cases, grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ in 147 cases and grade Ⅴ in 3 cases.There were 13 cases (0.78%) of liver failure and 3 cases (0.18%) of perioperative death. (9) The follow-up time was 3.0 to 96.0 months, with a median time of 21.0(17.8) years. The overall 3-year survival and disease-free survival rates were 80.0% and 56.5%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival and disease-free survival rates were 59.7% and 30.0%, respectively. Conclusion: 3D visualization technology plays an important role in realizing accurate diagnosis of anatomical location and morphology of primary liver cancer, improving the success rate of surgery and reducing the incidence of complications.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression in an Immune Microenvironment

Increasing evidence has revealed a significant association between microorganisms and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Porphyromonas gingivalis, the keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, is considered an important potential etiologic agent of OSCC, but the underlying immune mechanisms through which P. gingivalis mediates tumor progression of the oral cancer remain poorly understood. Our cohort study showed that the localization of P. gingivalis in tumor tissues was related to poor survival of patients with OSCC. Moreover, P. gingivalis infection increased oral lesion multiplicity and size and promoted tumor progression in a 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO)–induced carcinogenesis mouse model by invading the oral lesions. In addition, CD11b+ myeloid cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) showed increased infiltration of oral lesions. Furthermore, in vitro observations showed that MDSCs accumulated when human-derived dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) were exposed to P. gingivalis, and CXCL2, CCL2, interleukin (IL)–6, and IL-8 may be potential candidate genes that facilitate the recruitment of MDSCs. Taken together, our findings suggest that P. gingivalis promotes tumor progression by generating a cancer-promoting microenvironment, indicating a close relationship among P. gingivalis, tumor progression of the oral cancer, and immune responses.

Ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for treating uterine arteriovenous malformation

OBJECTIVE

To explore HIFU treatment for uterine arteriovenous malformation.

DESIGN

A case report.

SETTING

Gynaecological department in a university teaching hospital of China.

POPULATION

A patient with uterine arteriovenous malformation.

METHODS

The diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation was made through MRI. Ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation was performed.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

HIFU is effective in treating uterine arteriovenous malformation.

RESULTS

The patient had reduction of the lesion volume and obvious symptom relief, without significant adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

HIFU can be used as a new treatment option for uterine arteriovenous malformation.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation is effective in treating uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Long-term immunogenicity and immune persistence of live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis a vaccines: a report on additional observations from a phase IV study

Both live attenuated (HA-L) and inactivated (HA-I) hepatitis A vaccine were licensed for routine use in China. Although phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical studies of both vaccines have been completed, further systematic evaluation of their immunogenicity and immunological persistence under phase 4 clinical studies in a wide range of conditions and involving large populations is necessary. A phase IV clinical trial (NCT02601040) was performed in 9000 participants over 18 months of age. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and seroconversion rates (SRs) were compared at five time points during 3 years for 1800 individuals among them. The SRs of HA-L and HA-I were 98.08% (95% CI 95.59%-99.38%) and 99.64% (95% CI 98.93%-100.00%) respectively 28 days after administration of the first dose, and remained at 97.07% (95% CI 94.31%-98.73%) or above and 96.73% (95% CI 94.07%-98.42%) or above respectively during the following 3 years. The GMCs for both the HA-L and HA-I groups showed that both vaccines elicited high anti-HAV titres, considerably more than the threshold of protection needed against HAV infection in humans, and these titres were sustained. Hence, both HA-I and HA-L vaccines could provide an excellent long-term protective effect, and supported the routine use of both vaccines.

Metagenomic Analysis of Flaviviridae in Mosquito Viromes Isolated From Yunnan Province in China Reveals Genes From Dengue and Zika Viruses

More than 6,000 mosquitoes of six species from six sites were collected and tested for their virome using metagenomics sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The identified viral sequences belonged to more than 50 viral families. The results were verified by PCR of selected viruses in all mosquitoes, followed by phylogenetic analysis. In the present study, we identified the partial dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) sequences in mosquitoes. Metagenomic analysis and the PCR amplification revealed three DENV sequences, one of which encodes a partial envelope protein. Two ZIKV sequences both encoding partial nonstructural protein 3 and one JEV sequence encoding the complete envelope protein were identified. There was variability in the viral titers of the newly isolated virus JEV-China/YN2016-1 of different passage viruses. The newly identified Zika virus gene from ZIKV-China/YN2016-1 was an Asian genotype and shared the highest nucleotide sequence identity (97.1%) with a ZIKV sequence from Thailand isolated in 2004. Phylogenetic analysis of ZIKV-China/YN2016-1 and ZIKV-China/YN2016-2 with known Flavivirus genes indicated that ZIKV has propagated in Yunnan province, China.

Enhanced energy transfer in heterogeneous nanocrystals for near infrared upconversion photocurrent generation

The key to produce inorganic heterogeneous nanostructures, and to integrate multiple functionalities, is to enhance or at least retain the functionalities of different components of materials. However, this ideal scenario is often deteriorated at the interface of the heterogeneous nanostructures due to lattice mismatches, resulting in downgraded performance in most hybrid nanomaterials. Here, we report that there is a narrow window in controlling temperature in a Lewis acid-base reaction process to facilitate epitaxial alignment during the synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials. We demonstrate a perfectly fused NaYF₄:Yb,Tm@ZnO heterogeneous nanostructure, in which the semiconductor ZnO shell can be epitaxially grown onto lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles. By achieving a matched crystal lattice, the interface defects and crystalline grain boundaries are minimized to enable more efficient energy transfer from the upconversion nanoparticles to the semiconductor, resulting in both enhanced upconversion luminescence intensity and superior photoelectrochemical properties. This strategy provides an outstanding approach to endow lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles with versatile properties.

FTY720 ameliorates renal fibrosis by simultaneously affecting leucocyte recruitment and TGF-β signalling in fibroblasts

Renal fibrosis is the common final manifestation of chronic kidney diseases and usually results in end-stage renal failure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of fingolimod (FTY720), an analogue of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), as a treatment for the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis animal model. We treated mice with FTY720 at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day by intragastric administration from day 1 until day 7. The control group received the same amount of saline. FTY720 reduced significantly the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in treated UUO mice. FTY720 treatment also caused a significant decrease in interstitial expansion and collagen deposition in the kidney, accompanied by reduced mononuclear cell recruitment and inflammatory cytokine expression. In addition, the expression levels of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) were suppressed in the ligated kidney by FTY720 administration, suggesting reduced renal endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, in renal interstitial fibroblast normal rat kidney (NRK)-49F cells, FTY720 significantly affected transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and collagen synthesis by inhibiting both the Mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (Smad)2/3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (PI3K/AKT/GSK3β) signalling pathways. S1P1 knock-down by siRNA reversed this effect significantly in our fibroblast cell culture model. Therefore, FTY720 attenuates renal fibrosis via two different mechanisms: first, FTY720 suppresses the synthesis of extracellular matrix in interstitial fibroblasts by interfering with TGF-β signalling; and secondly, FTY720 affects endothelial cell activation and chemokine expression, thereby reducing immune cell recruitment into the kidney.

Study on the Influence of Extrusion Temperature and Extrusion Die on the Properties of Self-Reinforced PP Sheets

The polypropylene (PP) samples were prepared at different molding temperature and their properties and structures were studied. The nearby melting point extrusion and molten extrusion were used to mold PP samples. The tensile strength of PP samples with molding nearby melting point extrusion had a 20.46% increase compared with samples with conventional extrusion. The same phenomenon occurred in Vicat softening temperature and there was a 13.9% increase. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed the degree of crystallinity for samples by nearby melting point extrusion increased 2.74% compared with samples by molten extrusion. The nearby melting point extrusion molding was beneficial to refine crystalline grain and the results can be proved in XRD, DSC and SEM tests.

Molecular detection and genomic characterization of Torque teno canis virus in domestic dogs in Guangxi Province, China

The Torque teno canis virus (TTCaV) is a small virus with circular single-stranded DNA that has been reported to cause infections in dogs. The present study aimed to identify the presence of TTCaV in blood samples obtained from domestic dogs, and examine its diversity and evolution of the genomes. Five strains of TTCaV were detected, and the overall prevalence was found to be 7% (28/400). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the five genomes were closely clustered with the previously known Cf-TTV10 and LDL strains and formed a Thetatorque virus. Homology analysis of the whole genome showed a sequence identity of 94.6%-96.8% among the five genomes. The percent sequence similarity among the five complete genomes ranged from 95.3% to 97.4% and from 95.1% to 97% compared to the Cf-TTV10 and LDL strains respectively. The ORF1-encoded amino acid sequences showed 94.4%-97.2% identity among the five isolates. Our findings suggest that the TTCaV has a large genetic diversity and showed that TTCaV and canine parvovirus (CPV) co-infection exists in China. Further studies on the pathogenicity of TTCaV are required.

Cytoplasmic GPER translocation in cancer-associated fibroblasts mediates cAMP/PKA/CREB/glycolytic axis to confer tumor cells with multidrug resistance

Multiple drug resistance is a challenging issue in the clinic. There is growing evidence that the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a novel mediator in the development of multidrug resistance in both estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and -negative breast cancers, and that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment may be a new agent that promotes drug resistance in tumor cells. However, the role of cytoplasmic GPER of CAFs on tumor therapy remains unclear. Here we first show that the breast tumor cell-activated PI3K/AKT (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT) signaling pathway induces the cytoplasmic GPER translocation of CAFs in a CRM1-dependent pattern, and leads to the activation of a novel estrogen/GPER/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling axis that triggers the aerobic glycolysis switch in CAFs. The glycolytic CAFs feed the extra pyruvate and lactate to tumor cells for augmentation of mitochondrial activity, and this energy metabolically coupled in a 'host-parasite relationship' between catabolic CAFs and anabolic cancer cells confers the tumor cells with multiple drug resistance to several conventional clinical treatments including endocrine therapy (tamoxifen), Her-2-targeted therapy (herceptin) and chemotherapy (epirubicin). Moreover, the clinical data from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography further present a strong association between the GPER/cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway of stromal fibroblasts with tumor metabolic activity and clinical treatment, suggesting that targeting cytoplasmic GPER in CAFs may rescue the drug sensitivity in patients with breast cancer. Thus, our data define novel insights into the stromal GPER-mediated multiple drug resistance from the point of reprogramming of tumor energy metabolism and provide the rationale for CAFs as a promising target for clinical therapy.

ITD mutation in FLT3 tyrosine kinase promotes Warburg effect and renders therapeutic sensitivity to glycolytic inhibition

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene (FLT3/ITD) represents an unfavorable genetic change in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with poor prognosis. Metabolic alterations have been involved in tumor progression and attracted interest as a target for therapeutic intervention. However, few studies analyzed the adaptations of cellular metabolism in the context of FLT3/ITD mutation. Here, we report that FLT3/ITD causes a significant increase in aerobic glycolysis through AKT-mediated upregulation of mitochondrial hexokinase (HK2), and renders the leukemia cells highly dependent on glycolysis and sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of glycolytic activity. Inhibition of glycolysis preferentially causes severe ATP depletion and massive cell death in FLT3/ITD leukemia cells. Glycolytic inhibitors significantly enhances the cytotoxicity induced by FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Importantly, such combination provides substantial therapeutic benefit in a murine model bearing FLT3/ITD leukemia. Our study suggests that FLT3/ITD mutation promotes Warburg effect, and such metabolic alteration can be exploited to develop effective therapeutic strategy for treatment of AML with FLT3/ITD mutation via metabolic intervention.

Comparison of Pathogenicity between PR8F and Different Mutants on the NS1 Locus in Mice

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of mutation of different non-structural (NS) 1 amino-acid residues on the pathogenicity of influenza viruses and the function of NS1 virulence-related sites on the pathogenesis of influenza viruses. We analyzed segments of the NS1 protein gene and key sites related to virulence of influenza viruses based on a literature review. Fragments of the NS1 gene were cloned from the HIN1 subtype PR8F (non-mutated) and preserved by our research team with encoding sequence site-specific mutagenesis at aa42, aa8l, and aa149. Via a reverse genetics system, we rescued the mutant strains PR8F-42, PR8F-81, and PR8F-149, which were inoculated into chick embryos and could replicate stably after five passages. Efficiency of viral replication was measured by testing hemagglutination titers. BALB/c mice were inoculated With mutated or non-mutated PR8F (10(6) TCIDO(50)/100 μl for each mouse), respectively. The typical clinical manifestations (weight change and survival) were recorded. Autopsies, as well as observations of the pathologic features and pulmonary-tissue slices of mice that died after inoculation, were done. RNA of mouse lungs was extracted, and the residual quantity of virus in lungs was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results showed that mutation of NS1 at aa42 from Ser to Pro did not change the pathogenicity of PR8F in mice, but a low pathogenicity of PR8F occurred after mutation of NS1 at aa8l and aa149. The present study lays the foundation for further investigations of the function of NS1 pathogenicity-related sites in the pathogenesis of influenza viruses.