Dynamics of magnetization at infinite temperature in a Heisenberg spin chain

Understanding universal aspects of quantum dynamics is an unresolved problem in statistical mechanics. In particular, the spin dynamics of the one-dimensional Heisenberg model were conjectured as to belong to the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class based on the scaling of the infinite-temperature spin-spin correlation function. In a chain of 46 superconducting qubits, we studied the probability distribution of the magnetization transferred across the chain's center, [Formula: see text]. The first two moments of [Formula: see text] show superdiffusive behavior, a hallmark of KPZ universality. However, the third and fourth moments ruled out the KPZ conjecture and allow for evaluating other theories. Our results highlight the importance of studying higher moments in determining dynamic universality classes and provide insights into universal behavior in quantum systems.

Stable quantum-correlated many-body states through engineered dissipation

Engineered dissipative reservoirs have the potential to steer many-body quantum systems toward correlated steady states useful for quantum simulation of high-temperature superconductivity or quantum magnetism. Using up to 49 superconducting qubits, we prepared low-energy states of the transverse-field Ising model through coupling to dissipative auxiliary qubits. In one dimension, we observed long-range quantum correlations and a ground-state fidelity of 0.86 for 18 qubits at the critical point. In two dimensions, we found mutual information that extends beyond nearest neighbors. Lastly, by coupling the system to auxiliaries emulating reservoirs with different chemical potentials, we explored transport in the quantum Heisenberg model. Our results establish engineered dissipation as a scalable alternative to unitary evolution for preparing entangled many-body states on noisy quantum processors.

Significance of alkaline Phosphatase After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND

The inexpensive and readily available biomarkers for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) grading and prognosis assessment in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy are currently lacking. This study examined the significance of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after CAR-T therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

This cohort study included 27 patients with relapsed/refractory MM who were treated with CAR-T cells between December 2017 and October 2021. Patients were classified into 2 groups: normal ALP group (peak ALP <125 U/L, n = 10) and high ALP group (peak ALP ≥125 U/L, n = 17).

RESULTS

Within 1 month of CAR-T cell infusion, the incidence of ALP increases was 63%. We found that ALP levels began to rise in the second week, peaked in the third and fourth weeks, and began to decline in the second month. Moreover, the ALP levels in previous chemotherapy-responsive period were significantly lower than those after CAR-T therapy. Statistical analysis found that patients with increased ALP exhibited higher alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, higher and longer CAR-T cell proliferation, more serious CRS, higher cytokine and ferritin levels, and higher initial response rates. In addition, the duration of ALP increase was parallel to the duration of CAR-T expansion. Multivariable Cox-regression analysis showed that peak ALP was the independent predictor for progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.029, 95% CI: 0.002-0.369).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the ALP levels after CAR-T therapy could serve as a suitable biomarker for monitoring CAR-T cell proliferation, CRS grading, and prognosis in patients with MM.

Measurement-induced entanglement and teleportation on a noisy quantum processor

Measurement has a special role in quantum theory1: by collapsing the wavefunction, it can enable phenomena such as teleportation2 and thereby alter the 'arrow of time' that constrains unitary evolution. When integrated in many-body dynamics, measurements can lead to emergent patterns of quantum information in space-time3-10 that go beyond the established paradigms for characterizing phases, either in or out of equilibrium11-13. For present-day noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors14, the experimental realization of such physics can be problematic because of hardware limitations and the stochastic nature of quantum measurement. Here we address these experimental challenges and study measurement-induced quantum information phases on up to 70 superconducting qubits. By leveraging the interchangeability of space and time, we use a duality mapping9,15-17 to avoid mid-circuit measurement and access different manifestations of the underlying phases, from entanglement scaling3,4 to measurement-induced teleportation18. We obtain finite-sized signatures of a phase transition with a decoding protocol that correlates the experimental measurement with classical simulation data. The phases display remarkably different sensitivity to noise, and we use this disparity to turn an inherent hardware limitation into a useful diagnostic. Our work demonstrates an approach to realizing measurement-induced physics at scales that are at the limits of current NISQ processors.

Tumor Cell-Intrinsic PD-L1 Effects on Radiation-Induced Locoregional Antitumor Immunity

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Targeting PD-L1 is a beneficial strategy to reinvigorate antitumor immunity, however variable response and resistance are challenging and suggest the need for multimodality approaches. Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals also regulate non-canonical pathogenic pathways that may impact treatment resistance. Ionizing radiation (IR) can induce antitumor immunity and has demonstrated therapeutic synergy with immunotherapy in some cases, however tumor-driven immunologic mechanisms affecting clinical outcomes remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals on IR-induced locoregional immune response and tumor control.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We used orthotopic B16-F10 melanoma (WT-B16) and 4T1 triple negative breast cancer (WT-4T1) murine tumor models, as well as PD-L1 disabled variants (KO) generated by CRISPR/Cas9, implanted bilaterally. IR (10 Gy) was targeted at one tumor alone to evaluate both direct and indirect IR effects based on tumor PD-L1 status. We evaluated response by tumor volume (TV) measurements, flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) in both irradiated and unirradiated compartments, and granzyme B (GZB) PET imaging to assess functional in vivo changes. Chemokine-based multiplex assays were used to assess cell lines receiving IR (4Gy) and ex vivo tumor lysates and serum.

RESULTS

IR-induced local tumor control was not significantly affected based on tumor PD-L1 status, however deactivation of tumor cell PD-L1 enhanced IR-induced regional tumor control. Unirradiated WT tumors in mice harboring irradiated KO but not irradiated WT tumors demonstrated a significant mean reduction in TV with instances of complete distant tumor regression. PET imaging demonstrated a nearly 2-fold higher concentration of GZB in KO versus WT tumors, in line with known locally immunosuppressive effects of tumor PD-L1. Remarkably, GZB levels were >1.5-fold higher in unirradiated WT tumors in mice harboring an irradiated KO versus WT tumor, which correlated with a 50% increase in PD-1+CD8+ T cells. Higher levels of CD62+CD44- naïve CD4+ (4-fold) and CD8+ (2-fold) memory T cells were seen in TDLNs of irradiated KO versus WT tumors. Cytokine levels positively correlated with immune recruitment and activation status, as CXCL10, CCL2 and CCL5 were significantly upregulated in PD-L1 KO versus WT tumors cells.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study demonstrate cell-intrinsic PD-L1 inhibits IR-induced locoregional immune activation and frequency of regional tumor control, with clinical implications including therapeutic targeting of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals to enhance IR-induced immunogenicity, utility of IR based on tumor PD-L1 status particularly in the metastatic setting, and immunotherapy combinations. Future studies investigating mechanisms of resistance to IR-induced immune activation to enhance responsiveness are warranted.

Non-Abelian braiding of graph vertices in a superconducting processor

Indistinguishability of particles is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics¹. For all elementary and quasiparticles observed to date-including fermions, bosons and Abelian anyons-this principle guarantees that the braiding of identical particles leaves the system unchanged^2,3. However, in two spatial dimensions, an intriguing possibility exists: braiding of non-Abelian anyons causes rotations in a space of topologically degenerate wavefunctions^4-8. Hence, it can change the observables of the system without violating the principle of indistinguishability. Despite the well-developed mathematical description of non-Abelian anyons and numerous theoretical proposals^9-22, the experimental observation of their exchange statistics has remained elusive for decades. Controllable many-body quantum states generated on quantum processors offer another path for exploring these fundamental phenomena. Whereas efforts on conventional solid-state platforms typically involve Hamiltonian dynamics of quasiparticles, superconducting quantum processors allow for directly manipulating the many-body wavefunction by means of unitary gates. Building on predictions that stabilizer codes can host projective non-Abelian Ising anyons^9,10, we implement a generalized stabilizer code and unitary protocol²³ to create and braid them. This allows us to experimentally verify the fusion rules of the anyons and braid them to realize their statistics. We then study the prospect of using the anyons for quantum computation and use braiding to create an entangled state of anyons encoding three logical qubits. Our work provides new insights about non-Abelian braiding and, through the future inclusion of error correction to achieve topological protection, could open a path towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Ultra-high-resolution observations of persistent null-point reconnection in the solar corona

Magnetic reconnection is a key mechanism involved in solar eruptions and is also a prime possibility to heat the low corona to millions of degrees. Here, we present ultra-high-resolution extreme ultraviolet observations of persistent null-point reconnection in the corona at a scale of about 390 km over one hour observations of the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imager on board Solar Orbiter spacecraft. The observations show formation of a null-point configuration above a minor positive polarity embedded within a region of dominant negative polarity near a sunspot. The gentle phase of the persistent null-point reconnection is evidenced by sustained point-like high-temperature plasma (about 10 MK) near the null-point and constant outflow blobs not only along the outer spine but also along the fan surface. The blobs appear at a higher frequency than previously observed with an average velocity of about 80 km s^-1 and life-times of about 40 s. The null-point reconnection also occurs explosively but only for 4 minutes, its coupling with a mini-filament eruption generates a spiral jet. These results suggest that magnetic reconnection, at previously unresolved scales, proceeds continually in a gentle and/or explosive way to persistently transfer mass and energy to the overlying corona.

Formation of robust bound states of interacting microwave photons

Systems of correlated particles appear in many fields of modern science and represent some of the most intractable computational problems in nature. The computational challenge in these systems arises when interactions become comparable to other energy scales, which makes the state of each particle depend on all other particles1. The lack of general solutions for the three-body problem and acceptable theory for strongly correlated electrons shows that our understanding of correlated systems fades when the particle number or the interaction strength increases. One of the hallmarks of interacting systems is the formation of multiparticle bound states2-9. Here we develop a high-fidelity parameterizable fSim gate and implement the periodic quantum circuit of the spin-½ XXZ model in a ring of 24 superconducting qubits. We study the propagation of these excitations and observe their bound nature for up to five photons. We devise a phase-sensitive method for constructing the few-body spectrum of the bound states and extract their pseudo-charge by introducing a synthetic flux. By introducing interactions between the ring and additional qubits, we observe an unexpected resilience of the bound states to integrability breaking. This finding goes against the idea that bound states in non-integrable systems are unstable when their energies overlap with the continuum spectrum. Our work provides experimental evidence for bound states of interacting photons and discovers their stability beyond the integrability limit.

The correlation factors and prognostic significance of coagulation disorders after chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in hematological malignancies: a cohort study

Background

Along with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, coagulation disorder is a common early complication of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. However, the mechanisms and prognostic significance of CAR-T-related coagulation disorders are not fully known. This study explored the possible correlation factors and prognostic significance of coagulation disorders after CAR-T cell infusion in patients with relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies.

Methods

This cohort study included 56 patients with relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies who were treated with CAR-T cells between April 2017 and February 2022. The median follow-up was 26.8 months. Coagulation disorders were defined as the abnormality in at least one coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer. The correlation factors of coagulation disorders were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient. The prognostic significance of coagulation disorders was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and stepwise multivariate Cox regression model.

Results

The incidence of coagulation disorders was 59% within 1 month of CAR-T cell infusion. PT prolongation, APTT prolongation, TT prolongation, and D-dimer increase peaked at a median of 6–9 days, and fibrinogen decreased to its lowest value at a median of 12 days. Coagulation disorders in patients with severe CRS were more significant (P<0.001). Abnormality of coagulation parameters was closely related to cytokines, CAR-T cells, liver function parameters, and von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in both peak level and peak time (P<0.05). Statistical analysis showed that coagulation disorders were associated with higher initial response rates (TT, P=0.006; D-dimer, P=0.010) and also longer progression‐free survival (PFS) (PT, P=0.017; APTT, P=0.018; TT, P=0.001; Fibrinogen, P=0.003; D-dimer, P<0.001) in CAR-T therapy, with TT prolongation (HR =0.279, 95% CI: 0.099–0.782, P=0.015) and D-dimer increase (HR =0.218, 95% CI: 0.087–0.548, P=0.001) independent predictors for PFS.

Conclusions

The protection of liver and endothelial cells may reduce CAR-T-related coagulation disorders. Further, coagulation disorders occurring within 1 month of CAR-T cell infusion can serve as a new predictor for prognosis in patients with hematological malignancies.

Long term complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to glypican-3 specific chimeric antigen receptor T-Cells plus sorafenib, a case report

The clinical efficacy of current therapies for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unsatisfactory. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have been developed for solid tumors including advanced HCC (aHCC), but limited progress has been made. Glypican-3 is a promising immunotherapeutic target for HCC since it is specifically highly expressed in HCC. A previous study indicated that GPC3-targeted CAR T-(CAR-GPC3) cells were well-tolerated and had prolonged survival for HCC patients and that Sorafenib could increase the antitumor activities of CAR-GPC3 T-cells against HCC in mouse models. Here, we report a patient with aHCC who achieved a complete response (CR) and a long survival period after the combination therapy of CAR-GPC3 T-cell plus sorafenib.

A 60-year-old Asian male diagnosed with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related HCC developed liver recurrence and lung metastasis after liver tumor resection and trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. The patient also previously received microwave ablation therapy for lung metastasis. After the enrollment, the patient underwent leukapheresis for CAR-GPC3 T-cells manufacturing. Seven days after leukapheresis, the patient started to receive 400 mg of Sorafenib twice daily. The patient received 4 cycles of CAR-GPC3 T cells (CT011) treatment and each cycle was divided into two infusions. Prior to each cycle of CT011 treatment, lymphodepletion was performed. The lymphodepletion regimen was cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2/day for 2 to 3 days, and fludarabine 20-25 mg/m2/day for 3 to 4 days. A total of 4×109 CAR-GPC3 T cells were infused. The CT011 plus Sorafenib combination therapy was well tolerated. All the ≥ grade 3 AEs were hematological toxicities which were deemed an expected event caused by the preconditioning regimen. This patient obtained partial responses from the 3rd month and achieved CR in the 12th month after the first cycle of CT011 infusion according to the RECIST1.1 assessment. The tumor had no progression for more than 36 months and maintained the CR status for more than 24 months after the first infusion.

Short period-administration of myo-inositol and metformin on hormonal and glycolipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aims to perform an updated meta-analysis to evaluate myo-inositol (myo-ins) and the classical insulin sensitizer metformin in terms of efficacy and safety for treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PhRMA Clinical Study Results, Wan Fang, and CNKI databases; the database was searched from inception to June 2021. The random effects model was chosen to synthesize the effect sizes of individual trails. The registration number is CRD42021239786.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 612 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with metformin, myo-ins might be more effective in lowering triglycerides (TG) levels (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.24, p=0.0001, I2 = 0%) and avoiding side effects (RR=0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.24, p<0.00001, I2 = 2%), while no significant differences were observed in other relevant indexes, such as total testosterone (TT) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with metformin, the suitable supplemental dosage of myo-ins may be helpful in lowering levels of TG and avoiding adverse events (AEs).

[Interventional effect of asiaticosdide on rats exposed to silica dust]

Objective: To investigate the effect of asiaticoside for fibrosis in lung tissues of rats exposed to silica and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: 144 SD male rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug control group, asiaticoside high-dose group, medium-dose group and low-dose group, each group included 24 rats. Rats in the control group were perfused with 1.0 ml of normal saline, and the other groups were given 1.0 ml 50 mg/ml SiO(2) suspension. Gavage of herbal was given from the next day after model establishment, once a day. Rats in the positive drug control group were administration with 30 mg/kg tetrandrine and rats in the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group were given 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg asiaticoside for fibrosis respectively. Rats in the control group and the model group were given 0.9% normal saline. The rats were sacrificed in on the 14th, 28th and 56th day after intragastric administration and collect the lung tissues to detect the content of hydroxyproline, TGF-β(1) and IL-18, observe the pathological changes of the lung tissues by HE and Masson staining and determine the expressions of Col-I, a-SMA, TGF-β in lung tissues by Western Blot. Results: On the 14th day, 28th day and 56th day after model establishment, the lung tissues of rats in the model group showed obvious inflammatory response and accumulation of collagen fibers, and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis increased with time. The intervention of asiaticoside could effectively inhibit the pathological changes of lung tissues. The contents of hydroxyproline, IL-18 and TGF-β1 in lung tissues of model group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) , while the level of hydroxyproline, IL-18 and TGF-β1 in asiaticoside groups were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically signicant (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Col-I, TGF-β1and α-SMA in lung tissue of model group were increased (P<0.05) , while the expression level of Col-I, TGF-β1 and α-SMA were decreased after the intervention of asiaticoside, and the difference was statistically signicant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Asiaticoside can inhibit the increase of Col-I, TGF-β1 and α-SMA content in the SiO(2)-induced lung tissues of rats, reduce the release of TGF-β1 and IL-18 inflammatory factors in lung tissue, and then inhibit the synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix in rat lung tissue, and improve silicosis fibrosis.

Prognostic Significance of Cytokine Release Syndrome in B Cell Hematological Malignancies Patients After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common on-target toxicity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. However, the prognostic significance of CRS has not been well elucidated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between CRS and efficacy after anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy in a retrospective cohort of 22 patients with relapsed/refractory B cell hematological malignancies. The complete remission (CR) rates after CAR-T therapy were 68%, and median value for progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.8 months. Eight of 22 (36.4%) patients showed ≥ grade 2 CRS. Statistical analysis found that patients with ≥ grade 2 CRS had higher CR rates and longer PFS than those with < grade 2 CRS. Moreover, bridging hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was another independent predictor for PFS. These data suggested that appropriate CRS may be beneficial to the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. The Clinical Trial Registration number is NCT03110640, NCT03302403.

Community diversity and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in shrimp pond sediment at different culture stages

AIMS

Ammonia oxidation is a significant process of nitrogen cycles in a lot of ecosystems sediments while there are few studies in shrimp culture pond (SCP) sediments. This paper attempted to explore the community diversity and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in SCP sediments at different culture stages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected SCP sediments and analysed the community diversity and abundance of AOA and bacteria in shrimp pond sediment at different culture stages using the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The AOB-amoA gene abundance was showed higher than AOA-amoA gene abundance in SCP sediments on Day 50 and Day 60 after shrimp larvae introducing into the pond, and the diversity of AOA in SCP sediments was higher than that of AOB. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the most of AOA were the member of Nitrosopumilus and Nitrososphaera, and the majority of AOB sequences were clustered into Nitrosospira, Nitrosomonas clusters 6a and 7. The AOA community has close relationship with total organic carbon (TOC), pH, total phosphorus (TP), nitrate reductase, urease, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase. The AOB community was related to TOC, C/N and nitrate reductase.

CONCLUSIONS

AOA and AOB play the different ecological roles in SCP sediments at different culture stages.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results suggested that the different community diversity and abundance of AOA and AOB in SCP sediments, which may improve our ecological cognition of shrimp culture stages in SCP ecosystems.

CD9 knockdown suppresses cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion, while promoting apoptosis and the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and imatinib in Ph+ ALL SUP‑B15 cells

Philadelphia chromosome‑positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) is regarded as a prognostically unfavorable subgroup, as this ALL subgroup has an increased risk of relapse/refractory disease. CD9, which belongs to the tetraspanin membrane proteins, is implicated in several pathological processes, including tumor progression. However, the role of CD9 in the pathogenesis of Ph+ ALL and the potential benefit of applying CD9‑targeted RNA interference strategies for treatment of Ph+ ALL require further investigation. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of CD9 on leukemic cell progression and the efficacy of therapeutic agents in Ph+ ALL cells, in addition to assessing the in vitro anti‑leukemia activity of CD9‑targeted RNA interference in Ph+ ALL cells. In the present study, a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector targeting CD9 gene in Ph+ ALL SUP‑B15 cells was constructed. The present results demonstrated that treatment of SUP‑B15 cells with lentiviral‑mediated shRNA against CD9 decreased CD9 mRNA and protein expression compared with the shControl cells transduced with a blank vector. In addition, CD9 knockdown could suppress cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion, and promote apoptosis and the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs (such as vincristine, daunorubicin, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib in SUP‑B15 cells. Furthermore, CD9 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in SUP‑B15 cells via a p53‑dependent pathway. These findings suggested that gene silencing of CD9 using a shRNA‑expressing lentivirus vector may provide a promising treatment for Ph+ ALL.

Identification of novel monoclonal antibodies targeting the outer membrane protein C and lipopolysaccharides for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection

AIMS

To identify and evaluate the application of two novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2G12 against outer membrane protein (Omp) C and mAb 12B1 targeting the O chain of the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of these two antibodies were evaluated with eight ECO157 strains and 68 untargeted strains. mAb 2G12 and 12B1 had no detectable binding with any of the non-O157 strains at 6·0 log₁₀ CFU per ml, while its high specificity and affinity remained with all ECO157 strains. When a higher level (8·0 log₁₀ CFU per ml) was tested, 2G12 and 12B1 did not react with 82·35 and 97·06% of the non-O157 strains respectively. Based on the pair of two antibodies, the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected 100% (8/8) of ECO157 strains and none of the non-ECO157 strains. The detection limit of ECO157 strains in pure culture were 4·2 ± 0·2 log₁₀ CFU per ml. When the developed test was applied to artificially inoculated beef samples, the detection limit was 6·0 log₁₀ CFU per gram without enrichment and 1·0 log₁₀ CFU per gram after 12 h of enrichment.

CONCLUSIONS

The two novel antibodies identified in this study served as great candidates for the recovery, and detection of ECO157 from different environmental and food samples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

ECO157-specific detection was improved by a combination of the novel OmpC mAb and LPS mAb with defined target antigen and good specificity.

Analysis of the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures via AFM

A peak force quantitative nanomechanical mode (PF-QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Currently, few studies used this mode to investigate the phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The present study adopted hot-bitumen-pouring methods to prepare base bitumen surface samples and further used frozen-storage and low-temperature-cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of base bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Then, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) PF-QNM mode was used to collect data on the topographical and nanomechanical properties of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that a typical bee structure only appeared on the bitumen surface. In contrast to the bitumen surface, the bitumen interior showed two phases, A- and B-phase, which were close in some properties to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates affected the phase characteristics of the free bitumen interior. With an increase in the mineral aggregate surface area, the proportion of A-phase decreased and that of B-phase increased in the free bitumen interior. LAY DESCRIPTION: Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons primarily applied for pavement materials. In the pavement industry, the bituminous mixture is a multilevel system, in which bitumen acts as a binder binding the aggregates and fillers to form bituminous mixture. Currently, atomic force microscopy (AFM), which is an advanced microscopy technology, has been used to investigate bitumen surface phase characteristics at the nanoscale. However, few studies have directly explored the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics or mixtures. Recently, with the progress of technology, a peak-force-quantitative-nanomechanical mode (PF-QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Relying on this advanced mode, this study analyzed the nanoscale phase characteristics of the bitumen surface and interior, and further explored the effect of mineral aggregates on bitumen interior phase characteristics. In detail, we used hot-bitumen-pouring methods to prepare bitumen surface samples and adopted frozen-storage and low-temperature-cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Subsequently, AFM PF-QNM mode was used to collect topographical and nanomechanical property maps of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that the bitumen interior only consisted of two phases, where the A-phase presented low adhesion, deformation, and dissipation, while the B-phase presented high adhesion, deformation, and dissipation. A-phase and B-phase of the bitumen interior were close to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates significantly affected the bitumen interior phase characteristics.

Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 xenograft tumor by down-regulating Myc transcription

PURPOSE

Disturbed process of B-cell differentiation into plasmablasts (PBs)/plasma cells (PCs) is involved in multiple myeloma (MM). New strategies will be required to eliminate the MM cell clone for a long-term disease control. Because of its PB-like characteristics, the mus musculus myeloma SP 2/0 cell line was used in this study to search novel targets for PBs/PCs.

METHODS/PATIENTS

Affymetrix microarrays and RNA-sequencing assays were used to search a novel different molecule (Gm6377) between PBs/PCs and mature B cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry (FACS), xenograft mouse model, and the luciferase reporter system were used to assess the effect of Gm6377 on SP 2/0 cell proliferation, cell cycle, tumor growth, and Myc promoter activation, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that B cells expressed a high level of Gm6377 mRNA, whereas Gm6377 mRNA was decreased in PCs. In addition, SP 2/0 cells also expressed low levels of Gm6377 mRNA. Critically, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation but not cell cycle. Furthermore, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed tumor progression in the SP 2/0 xenograft mouse model. Finally, we found that Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation by reducing the activation of the Myc promoter.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Gm6377 suppresses myeloma SP 2/0 cell growth by suppressing Myc. Thus, modulation of Gm6377 may be a potential therapeutic way to treat MM.

MiR-205 enhances cisplatin sensitivity of glioma cells by targeting E2F1

OBJECTIVE

miR-205 has been previously identified as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in glioma. However, its exact functions in glioma remain unclear. The current research aimed to decipher the role of miR-205 in the development of cisplatin resistance in glioma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-205 expressions in both cisplatin sensitive and resistant cell lines were compared by the Real-time PCR method. The dose-response to cisplatin of U87/DDP cells was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry, caspase 3/7 activity assay and Western blot assay. The direct repression of E2F1 by miR-205 was confirmed by luciferase assay and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

miR-205 expression was decreased in cisplatin resistant glioma cell lines, and cisplatin treatment led to a decrease of miR-205 in glioma cells. Overexpression of miR-205 in U87/DDP restored its cisplatin sensitivity by enhancing apoptosis and G1/S cell cycle arrest; notably, all these effects were then partially abrogated by E2F1 overexpression. Luciferase assay and Western blot assay confirmed E2F1 as the direct target of miR-205 in U87/DDP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that down-regulation of miR-205 confers the cisplatin resistance in glioma cells via upregulation of E2F1. It might serve as a candidate for glioma therapy.

Targeting miR-193a-AML1-ETO-β-catenin axis by melatonin suppresses the self-renewal of leukaemia stem cells in leukaemia with t (8;21) translocation

AML1‐ETO, the most common fusion oncoprotein by t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), enhances hematopoietic self‐renewal and leukemogenesis. However, currently no specific therapies have been reported for t (8;21) AML patients as AML1‐ETO is still intractable as a pharmacological target. For this purpose, leukaemia cells and AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia model were used to investigate the degradation of AML1‐ETO by melatonin (MLT), synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. MLT remarkedly decreased AML1‐ETO protein in leukemic cells. Meanwhile, MLT induced apoptosis, decreased proliferation and reduced colony formation. Furthermore, MLT reduced the expansion of human leukemic cells and extended the overall survival in U937T‐AML1‐ETO‐xenografted NSG mice. Most importantly, MLT reduced the infiltration of leukaemia blasts, decreased the frequency of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) and prolonged the overall survival in AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia. Mechanistically, MLT increased the expression of miR‐193a, which inhibited AML1‐ETO expression via targeting its putative binding sites. Furthermore, MLT decreased the expression of β‐catenin, which is required for the self‐renewal of LSC and is the downstream of AML1‐ETO. Thus, MLT presents anti‐self‐renewal of LSC through miR‐193a‐AML1‐ETO‐β‐catenin axis. In conclusion, MLT might be a potential treatment for t (8;21) leukaemia by targeting AML1‐ETO oncoprotein.

Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with β-Thalassemia Major Based on a Novel Conditioning Regimen

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only available curative treatment for patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). However, the problem of finding a suitable sibling donor with well-matched human leukocyte antigens is still a major obstacle to curing these patients. With the progress in high-resolution HLA typing technology and supportive care, outcomes after allogeneic HSCT from an HLA well-matched unrelated donor (UD) now approach those of well-matched sibling donors. However, UD HSCT is hampered by an increased risk of graft-versus-host disease and transplant-related mortality. Here we report the outcome of transplantation in patients with β-TM using a novel WZ-14-TM transplant protocol, based on cyclophosphamide, intravenous busulfan, fludarabine, and antithymocyte globulin, in our center. Forty-eight patients between 2 and 11 years of age with β-TM received HLA well-matched UD peripheral blood stem cell transplantation following the WZ-14-TM protocol. All of the transplanted patients achieved donor engraftment. The incidences of grade II to IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 8.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The overall survival and thalassemia-free survival rates were both 100%. This encouraging result suggests that the WZ-14-TM protocol is a feasible and safe conditioning regime for patients with β-TM undergoing UD HSCT.

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein may participate in the pathogenesis of membranous lupus nephritis

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein that binds to tyrosine kinase receptors. ShcA plays a role in insulin signaling, stress resistance and energy metabolism. The 66-kDa Src homology 2 domain-containing protein (p66shc) belongs to the ShcA family and has been associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS); increased ROS is involved in the pathology of lupus nephritis (LN). However, whether ShcA can act as a biomarker for oxidative injury in LN is unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the ShcA expression in kidney tissues from patients presenting with LN and the association between ShcA expression and clinical parameters. Renal biopsy tissues were obtained from 62 LN, 20 primary membranous nephropathy (MN) and 10 other secondary MN patients. ShcA was measured by immunofluorescence. The expression of ShcA in the membranous lupus nephritis (class V) group showed a higher trend but there were no significant differences compared with pure mesangial disease (class II) and proliferative (Class III/IV) lupus nephritis. ShcA deposits were negative in primary and other secondary MN. ShcA might act as a new biomarker and a diagnostic tool to identify membranous lupus nephritis with other MN.

Effect of absolute monocyte count post-transplant on the outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with busulfan and cyclophosphamide conditioning

Peripheral monocytes have recently been evaluated as a prognostic factor in different types of hematological malignancies. This study assessed the prognostic value of absolute monocyte count (AMC) post-transplant on the clinical outcomes of 59 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who had undergone myeloablative conditioning (MAC) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) with busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with a high AMC (≥ 0.57 × 10⁹/L) on post-transplant day (PTD) 15 had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared to patients with a low AMC (< 0.57 × 10⁹/L) on PTD 15 (P = .0049). Univariate Cox proportional hazard analyses revealed that only high AMC on PTD 15 was a poor prognostic factor for OS (P = .008) and post-relapse survival (P = .030). We conclude that AMC ≥ 0.57 × 10⁹/L on PTD 15 is associated with more deaths in patients with AML who have undergone MAC allo-HSCT with Bu/Cy.

Prognostic significance of leukopenia during the induction phase in adult B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The association between chemotherapy-induced leukopenia and clinical outcome has been reported for several types of cancer. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the association of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia during the induction phase with the clinical outcome of adult B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Fifty-one cases of B-ALL, age ≥14 years, were reviewed. The variables under consideration included age, sex, the initial white blood cell (WBC) count (WBC-0), as well as the WBC counts on days 8 (WBC-8), 15 (WBC-15), and 22 (WBC-22) during induction therapy, early bone marrow responses on day 15 during induction therapy, immunophenotype, and cytogenetics. Univariate analysis revealed that WBC-15 ≥0.40×10⁹/L was significantly associated with inferior event-free survival (EFS) (hazard ratio [HR]=2.95, P=0.004) and overall survival (OS) (HR=2.92, P=0.015). On multivariate analysis, high WBC-15 (≥0.40×10⁹/L) remained an independent prognostic factor for EFS (HR=3.29, P=0.014) and OS (HR=3.29, P=0.038). Our results suggested that WBC-15 may contribute to refinements in the current risk stratification algorithms for adult B-ALL.

The independent association of mean platelet volume with overall survival in multiple myeloma

We retrospectively analyzed the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and prognosis in 62 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The associations between MPV and clinical characteristics were assessed. The log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the effect of MPV on survival. A MPV value of 8.50 fl was considered to be the optimal cut-off value for prognosis. MPV was associated with IgA isotype (P=0.012), serum creatinine concentration > 176.8 μmol/L (P=0.025) and IgH rearrangement (P=0.008). The log-rank test demonstrated that patients with low MPV experienced a shorter overall survival (OS) (P=0.0397). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that low MPV was an independent prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR)=2.44, P=0.026]. Therefore, we demonstrated that low MPV predicted an unfavorable prognosis in patients with MM.

Splenic preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) is designed principally for the removal of benign and low-grade malignant lesions in the left pancreas. The aims of this study were to compare LSPDP with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS), compare two splenic preservation techniques (splenic vessel preservation and Warshaw technique) and investigate factors that influence splenic preservation.

Methods

Information from patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between December 2004 and January 2016 at a single institution was reviewed. Data were extracted from a prospectively developed database. Intention-to-treat and propensity score matching analyses were employed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors affecting splenic preservation.

Results

There were 206 patients in total (126 planned LSPDP and 80 planned LDPS procedures), of whom 108 underwent LSPDP and 98 LDPS. In intention-to-treat analysis, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the LSPDP group than in the LDPS group (mean 191·0 versus 220·5 min respectively; P &lt; 0·001). Tumour size was an independent risk factor for splenic vessel resection in planned splenic vessel preservation operations, and a cut-off value of 3 cm provided optimal diagnostic accuracy. After a median follow-up of 35·9 months, there were no clinically significant splenic infarctions and no patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding after LSPDP.

Conclusion

Planned LSPDP had a high splenic preservation rate and was associated with significantly shorter operating time than LDPS. Splenic vessel preservation could be predicted using a tumour cut-off size of 3 cm.

The miR-181d-regulated metalloproteinase Adamts1 enzymatically impairs adipogenesis via ECM remodeling

The extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance is crucial to the structural integrity of adipocytes and whole adipose tissue formation. However, the potential impact of the ECM on adipocyte lineage commitment is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that forced expression of matrix-associated metalloproteinase Adamts1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1), which we show is targeted by microRNA-181d (miR-181d) during BMP4-induced adipocytic lineage commitment, markedly impairs adipocyte commitment. Conversely, siRNA-induced inhibition of Adamts1 promotes adipocyte commitment. Adamst1 metalloprotease activity is required for this inhibition and is determined to function via remodeling ECM components followed by activating FAK-ERK signaling pathway during the commitment process. Furthermore, ablation of Adamts1 in adipose tissue increases adipose tissue mass, reduces insulin sensitivity, and disrupts lipid homeostasis. This finding is consistent with Adamts1 decreased expression in the adipose tissue of obese mice and an inverse correlation of Adamts1 expression with body mass index in humans. Collectively, our results indicate that Adamts1 acts as an ECM 'modifier', with miR-181d-induced downregulation, that regulates adipocyte lineage commitment and obesity.

Angiopoietin-1 facilitates recovery of hematopoiesis in radiated mice

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) plays a critical role in the regulation of endothelial cell survival and vascular maturation and stability. However, its role in hematopoiesis is not clear. Here, we determined effect of Ang-1 on the recovery of hematopoiesis in radiated mice. By injecting an Ang-1 plasmid, we found that Ang-1 was preferentially expressed in bone marrow (BM) of femur from radiated mice. This injection resulted in elevated blood counts and serum VEGF level. The blockade in S phase of cell cycle in mouse BM stromal cells following radiation was attenuated by injection of Ang-1 plasmid. In addition, injection of Ang-1 plasmid attenuated the radiation-mediated inhibition of Tie2 expression. Furthermore, through analyzing Notch1 expression, we found that injection of Ang-1 plasmid increased Notch mRNA expression in radiated mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Ang-1 facilitates the recovery of hematopoiesis in radiated mice with the involvement of Notch signaling pathway.

[Epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014, and to provide a reference for developing prevention and control measures for heatstroke.

METHODS

The reports on heatstroke in Shaoxing in 2008-2014 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the data were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1 676 heatstroke cases were reported in Shaoxing in 2008-2014, among which 1 485 cases(88.6%) were mild heatstroke and 191 cases(11.4%) were severe heatstroke. Nine persons died of severe heatstroke, and the fatality rate was 0.5%(9/1 676). Among these persons, 4(44.4%, 4/9) were the elderly living at home, 4 (44.4%, 4/9) were farmers (working outdoors), and 1(11.2%, 1/9) was unemployed. The male patients with heatstroke accounted for 66.3%(1 111/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 13.1%(146/1 111); the female patients with heatstroke accounted for 33.7%(565/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 8.0%(45/565); there were significant differences between male and female patients(χ(2)=9.94, P=0.002). The mean age of patients with heatstroke was 48.7±18.8 years; the mean age of male patients was 49.8±17.9 years, and that of female patients was 46.6±20.3 years, with a significant difference between the male and female patients(t=3.19, P<0.001). Most of the patients experiencing heatstroke were in their forties or fifties, each accounting for 19.2%(321/1 676); in male patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their fifties accounted for the highest percentage(21.5%, 239/1 111), and in female patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their twenties accounted for the highest percentage (18.9%, 107/565). Based on stratification by age, the severity of heatstroke differed significantly between male and female patients in their forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties(P<0.05). Most of the cases of heatstroke occurred in June to September, accounting for 98.9%(1 657/1 676), particularly in July and August, accounting for 87.1%(1 460/1 676).

CONCLUSION

In Shaoxing, heatstroke usually occurs in summer, and most cases are mild. Middle-aged and elderly men and farmers(working outdoors) are susceptible to heatstroke, and warnings on heatstroke and emergency treatment of severe heatstroke should be enhanced.

Artificial pneumothorax for pain relief during microwave ablation of subpleural lung tumors

BACKGROUND

When microwave ablation (MWA) is used for subpleural lesions, severe pain was the common side effect under the local anesthesia conditions during the procedure and postprocedure. To study the pain relief effect of artificial pneumothorax in the treatment of subpleural lung tumors with MWA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2012 to October 2014, 37 patients with 40 subpleural lung tumors underwent MWA, including 17 patients of 19 sessions given artificial pneumothorax prior to MWA (group-I), and 20 patients of 21 sessions without artificial pneumothorax (group-II). Patient's pain assessment scores (10-point visual analog scale [VAS]) at during-procedure, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the MWA procedure and mean 24 h morphine dose were compared between the two groups. Complications of the artificial pneumothorax were also summarized.

RESULTS

Pain VAS were 0.53, 0.65, 1.00, 0.24, and 0.18 at during-procedure, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h for group-I and 5.53, 2.32, 2.82, 1.21, and 0.21 for group-II, respectively. Pain VAS in group I was significantly decreased at during-procedure, 6, 12, and 24 h after the MWA (P < 0.001). No statistical pain VAS difference was observed at 48 h after the MWA between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean 24 h morphine dose was 5.00 mg in group-I and 12.63 mg in group-II (P = 0.000). "Artificial pneumothorax" related complications occurred in two patients from group-I, including one pleural effusion and one minor hemoptysis. No patient in group-I and group-II died during the procedure or in 30 days after MWA.

CONCLUSION

Artificial pneumothorax is a safe and effective method for pain relief during MWA of subpleural lung tumors.

Bloodstream Infections Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase 2-producing K. pneumoniae at a Hematology Department in Wenzhou, China

The increasing prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-2-KP) infections can become a new life-threatening complication for hematological patients. Five cases of KPC-2-KP bloodstream infections have been identified in our hematology department over the past 10 years. The current treatment options do not show satisfactory efficacy, especially for bloodstream infections. The treatment of these five cases was unsuccessful, mainly due to the high minimum inhibitory concentrations of carbapenem, fosfomycin resistance, or the inaccessibility of polymyxin. Further investigations into the optimal treatment modalities are therefore imperative. The present study provides insights into the epidemiology and clinical challenges of treating KPC-2-KP bloodstream infections.

Short hairpin ribonucleic acid constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 rehabilitated dyslipidaemia in diabetic rats

It was investigated whether short hairpin ribonucleic acid constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3 shRNA) can rehabilitate dyslipidaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 12 weeks of intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate were all detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The per cent of smooth muscle in corpus cavernous tissue was also evaluated. It was found that the cavernosal pressure was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group after 12 weeks of intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA (P < 0.01). The concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group, while no significant changes of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were found (P < 0.01). At the same time, cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations and the percentage of cavernosal smooth muscle were both significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.01). This study indicated that IGFBP-3 shRNA might rehabilitate erectile function via a decrease in concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride, an increase in the percentage of cavernosal smooth muscle and an improvement in the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Late onset systemic lupus erythematosus with severe hypercalcaemia

We report a case of a 76-year old female presenting with symptomatic severe hypercalcaemia, and subsequently diagnosed with late onset SLE due to the presence of anaemia, leucopenia, antibodies of antinuclear (ANA), anti-dsDNA, and also kidney impairment. Serum levels of FGF23 and intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were low in this patient. Serum calcium, FGF23 and iPTH levels responded to steroids, which occurred simultaneously with disease activity. On follow-up, the faster increase in FGF23 than in parathyroid hormone suggested that FGF23 might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypercalcaemia in SLE.

Mouse prostate proteome changes induced by oral pentagalloylglucose treatment suggest targets for cancer chemoprevention

Recent in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have suggested that the Oriental herbal compound penta-1, 2, 3, 4, 6-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) is a promising chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer. Little is known of its safety for chronic chemoprevention use and virtually nothing is known of its in vivo responsive proteins in the target organ. Here we treated male C57BL/6 mice with daily oral administration of PGG at two dosages (1 and 2 mg per mouse) from 7 to 14 weeks of age and profiled proteomic patterns in the prostate with iTRAQ labeling and 2D LC-MS/MS analyses. While neither dose affected feed intake and body weight gain, the 2 mg dose (∼80-100 mg per kg) led to a minor but statistically significant decrease of the weight of prostate and thymus. For proteomic profiling, five prostates were pooled from each group for protein extraction. Proteins were denatured, reduced, alkylated and digested to peptides. The peptides were labeled with iTRAQ reagents, mixed and subjected to 2D LC-MS/MS analyses. PGG consumption suppressed the abundance of oncoproteins (e.g., fatty acid synthase, clusterin) and up-regulated that of tumor suppressor proteins (e.g., glutathione S-transferase M), signifying changes that may contribute to prostate cancer risk reduction.