Population-Level Configurations of Gut Mycobiome Across 6 Ethnicities in Urban and Rural China

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Beyond bacteria, the human gastrointestinal tract is host to a vast diversity of fungi, collectively known as the gut mycobiome. Little is known of the impact of geography, ethnicity, and urbanization on the gut mycobiome at a large population level. We aim to delineate the variation of human gut mycobiome and its association with host factors, environmental factors, and diets.

METHODS

Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we profiled and compared the fecal mycobiome of 942 healthy individuals across different geographic regions in China (Hong Kong and Yunnan), spanning 6 ethnicities: Han, Zang, Bai, Hani, Dai, and Miao (including both urban and rural residents of each ethnicity). In parallel to fecal sampling, we collected participant metadata (environmental exposure, bowel habits, anthropometrics, and medication), diet, and clinical blood measurement results (a total of 118 variables) and investigated their impact on the gut mycobiome variation in humans.

RESULTS

The human gut mycobiome was highly variable across populations. Urbanization-related factors had the strongest impact on gut mycobiome variation, followed by geography, dietary habit, and ethnicity. The Hong Kong population (highly urbanized) had a significantly lower fungal richness compared with Yunnan population. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was highly enriched in urban compared with rural populations and showed significant inverse correlations with liver pathology-associated blood parameters, including aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and direct bilirubin. Candida dubliniensis, which was decreased in urban relative to rural populations, showed correlations with host metabolism-related parameters in blood, including a positive correlation with fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a negative correlation with fasting glucose levels. The fungal-blood parameter correlations were highly geography- and ethnicity-specific. Food choices had differential influences on gut mycobiome and bacterial microbiome, where taxa from the same genus tended to be coregulated by food and thereby cobloom. Ethnicity-specific fungal signatures were associated with distinct habitual foods in each ethnic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data highlight, for the first time to our knowledge, that geography, urbanization, ethnicity, and habitual diet play an important role in shaping the gut mycobiome composition. Gut fungal configurations in combination with population characteristics (such as residing region, ethnicity, diet, lifestyle) influence host metabolism and health.

Human-Gut-DNA Virome Variations across Geography, Ethnicity, and Urbanization

The human-gut-DNA virome is highly diverse and individual specific, but little is known of its variation at a population level. Here, we report the fecal DNA virome of 930 healthy adult subjects from two regions in China (Hong Kong and Yunnan) spanning six ethnicities (Han, Zang, Miao, Bai, Dai, and Hani), and including urban and rural residents for each ethnicity. Twenty host factors were found to significantly correlate with the human-gut virome variation, with geography carrying the strongest impact and ethnicity-distinct diets associating with certain viral species. Urbanization enhances interindividual dissimilarities between gut viromes, with the duration of urban residence associating with multiple bacteriophages, including Lactobacillus phage and Lactococcus phage. Overall, the gut virome presents more heterogeneity relative to the bacterial microbiome across the examined Chinese populations. This study highlights population-based variations and the importance of host and environmental factors in shaping the DNA virome in the human gut.

Effects of the Transverse Instability and Wave Breaking on the Laser-Driven Thin Foil Acceleration

Acceleration of ultrathin foils by the laser radiation pressure promises a compact alternative to the conventional ion sources. Among the challenges on the way to practical realization, one fundamental is a strong transverse plasma instability, which develops density perturbations and breaks the acceleration. In this Letter, we develop a theoretical model supported by three-dimensional numerical simulations to explain the transverse instability growth from noise to wave breaking and its crucial effect on stopping the acceleration. The wave-broken nonlinear mode triggers rapid stochastic heating that finally explodes the target. Possible paths to mitigate this problem for getting efficient ion acceleration are discussed.

Alterations in Gut Microbiota of Patients With COVID-19 During Time of Hospitalization

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects gastrointestinal tissues, little is known about the roles of gut commensal microbes in susceptibility to and severity of infection. We investigated changes in fecal microbiomes of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during hospitalization and associations with severity and fecal shedding of virus.

METHODS

We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing analyses of fecal samples from 15 patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hong Kong, from February 5 through March 17, 2020. Fecal samples were collected 2 or 3 times per week from time of hospitalization until discharge; disease was categorized as mild (no radiographic evidence of pneumonia), moderate (pneumonia was present), severe (respiratory rate ≥30/min, or oxygen saturation ≤93% when breathing ambient air), or critical (respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, shock, or organ failure requiring intensive care). We compared microbiome data with those from 6 subjects with community-acquired pneumonia and 15 healthy individuals (controls). We assessed gut microbiome profiles in association with disease severity and changes in fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2.

RESULTS

Patients with COVID-19 had significant alterations in fecal microbiomes compared with controls, characterized by enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and depletion of beneficial commensals, at time of hospitalization and at all timepoints during hospitalization. Depleted symbionts and gut dysbiosis persisted even after clearance of SARS-CoV-2 (determined from throat swabs) and resolution of respiratory symptoms. The baseline abundance of Coprobacillus, Clostridium ramosum, and Clostridium hathewayi correlated with COVID-19 severity; there was an inverse correlation between abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (an anti-inflammatory bacterium) and disease severity. Over the course of hospitalization, Bacteroides dorei, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides massiliensis, and Bacteroides ovatus, which downregulate expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in murine gut, correlated inversely with SARS-CoV-2 load in fecal samples from patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In a pilot study of 15 patients with COVID-19, we found persistent alterations in the fecal microbiome during the time of hospitalization, compared with controls. Fecal microbiota alterations were associated with fecal levels of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 severity. Strategies to alter the intestinal microbiota might reduce disease severity.

Virus shedding dynamics in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2

Objectives

Asymptomatic patients, together with those with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), may play an important role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. However, the dynamics of virus shedding during the various phases of the clinical course of COVID-19 remains unclear at this stage.

Methods

A total of 18 patients found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay and admitted to Chongqing University Central Hospital between 29 January and 5 February 2020 were enrolled into this study. Medical data, pulmonary computed tomographic (CT) scan images and RT-PCR results were periodically collected during the patients' hospital stay. All participants were actively followed up for 2 weeks after discharge.

Results

A total of nine (50%) asymptomatic patients and nine (50%) patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 were identified at admission. Six patients (66.7%) who were asymptomatic at admission developed subjective symptoms during hospitalization and were recategorized as being presymptomatic. The median duration of virus shedding was 11.5, 28 and 31 days for presymptomatic, asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients, separately. Seven patients (38.9%) continued to shed virus after hospital discharge. During the convalescent phase, detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and RNA were simultaneously observed in five patients (27.8%).

Conclusions

Long-term virus shedding was documented in patients with mild symptoms and in asymptomatic patients. Specific antibody production to SARS-CoV-2 may not guarantee virus clearance after discharge. These observations should be considered when making decisions regarding clinical and public health, and when considering strategies for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Highly Stable Lanthanide Metal-Organic Framework as an Internal Calibrated Luminescent Sensor for Glutamic Acid, a Neuropathy Biomarker

Glutamic acid (Glu) is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and an elevated level of Glu may indicate some neuropathological diseases. Herein, three isomorphic microporous lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂[Ln₆(μ₃-OH)₈(BDC-OH)₆(H₂O)₆]·(solv)_x (ZJU-168; ZJU = Zhejiang University, H₂BDC-OH = 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid, Ln = Eu, Tb, Gd) were designed for the detection of Glu. ZJU-168(Eu) and ZJU-168(Tb) suspensions simultaneously produce the characteristic emission bands of both lanthanide ions and ligands. When ZJU-168(Eu) and ZJU-168(Tb) suspensions exposed to Glu, the fluorescence intensity of ligands increases while the emission of lanthanide ions is almost unchanged. By utilizing the emission of ligands as the detected signal and the emission of lanthanide ions as the internal reference, an internal calibrated fluorescence sensor for Glu was obtained. There is a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity ratio and Glu concentration in a wide range with the detection limit of 3.6 μM for ZJU-168(Tb) and 4.3 μM for ZJU-168(Eu). Major compounds present in blood plasma have no interference for the detection of Glu. Furthermore, a convenient analytical device based on a one-to-two logic gate was constructed for monitoring Glu. These establish ZJU-168(Tb) as a potential turn-on, ratiometric, and colorimetric fluorescent sensor for practical detection of Glu.

Chromosomal abnormalities detected by karyotyping and microarray analysis in twins with structural anomalies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and types of chromosomal abnormalities detected in twins with structural anomalies and compare their distribution according to chorionicity and amnionicity and by structural-anomaly type. The added value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) over conventional karyotyping in twins was also estimated.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of 534 twin pregnancies seen over an 11-year period, in which one or both fetuses were diagnosed with congenital structural anomalies on ultrasound. The ultrasound findings and invasive prenatal diagnostic results were reviewed. Twin pregnancies were categorized as monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA), monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) or dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA). Chromosomal abnormalities detected by G-banding karyotyping and/or CMA were analyzed by chorionicity and amnionicity and by structural-anomaly type.

RESULTS

The 534 twin pairs analyzed comprised 25 pairs of MCMA, 112 pairs of MCDA and 397 pairs of DCDA twins. Of the 549 fetuses affected by structural anomalies, 432 (78.7%) underwent invasive prenatal testing and cytogenetic results were obtained. The incidence of overall chromosomal abnormalities in the DCDA fetuses (25.4%) was higher than that in the MCMA (3.7%) and MCDA (15.3%) fetuses. The incidence of aneuploidy was significantly higher in the DCDA group (22.8%) than in the MCMA (0.0%) and MCDA (12.4%) groups. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities detected in fetuses, with anomalies of the cardiovascular, faciocervical, musculoskeletal, genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems, was higher in the DCDA group than in the MCDA group. In both the DCDA and MCDA groups, hydrops fetalis was associated with the highest incidence of chromosomal abnormality; of these fetuses, 67.6% had Turner syndrome (45,X). Pathogenic copy-number variations (CNVs) undetectable by karyotyping were identified by CMA in five (2.0%; 95% CI, 0.3-3.7%) DCDA fetuses. No pathogenic CNVs were found in MCMA and MCDA twins.

CONCLUSIONS

Dichorionic twins with structural anomalies have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, especially aneuploidies, than do monochorionic twins. The incremental diagnostic yield of CMA over karyotyping seems to be lower (2.0%) in twins than that reported in singleton pregnancy. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Low Dark Current 1.55 Micrometer InAs Quantum Dash Waveguide Photodiodes

Photodiodes and integrated optical receivers operating at 1.55 micrometer (μm) wavelength are crucial for long-haul communication and data transfer systems. In this paper, we report C-band InAs quantum dash (Qdash) waveguide photodiodes (PDs) with a record-low dark current of 5 pA, a responsivity of 0.26 A/W at 1.55 μm, and open eye diagrams up to 10 Gb/s. These Qdash-based PDs leverage the same epitaxial layers and processing steps as Qdash lasers and can thus be integrated with laser sources for power monitors or amplifiers for preamplified receivers, manifesting themselves as a promising alternative to their InGaAs and Ge counterparts in low-power optical communication links.

Structural maintenance of chromosomes 2 is identified as an oncogene in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo

Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been found to promote bladder cancer cell growth in our recent research. In this study, TUG1-depleted bladder cancer cells were used to identify potent players in bladder cancer. Human gene expression arrays were used for transcriptome profiling of TUG1-depleted bladder cancer cells. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Colony formation assay was used to observe the changes of colony formation rates. Xenograft formation assay was performed in nude mice. Immunohistochemical staining was used to test the gene expression levels in tissues from bladder cancer patients. We found that deregulated genes were strongly enriched in cell cycle or pathways in cancer in TUG1-depleted bladder cancer cells. Structural maintenance of chromosomes 2 (SMC2) was inhibited after TUG1 knockdown. The depletion of TUG1 or SMC2 led to G2/M phase arrest in bladder cancer cells. SMC2 depletion inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, decreased colony formation, and reduced tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Overexpression of SMC2 restored the growth of TUG1-depleted cells. The expression levels of SMC2 were higher in human bladder cancer tissues than that in paired normal tissues. Our data suggest that SMC2 is an oncogene in bladder cancer and depletion of SMC2 might have potential therapeutical significance in bladder cancer.

Quantum Logic Spectroscopy with Ions in Thermal Motion

A mixed-species geometric phase gate has been proposed for implementing quantum logic spectroscopy on trapped ions, which combines probe and information transfer from the spectroscopy to the logic ion in a single pulse. We experimentally realize this method, show how it can be applied as a technique for identifying transitions in currently intractable atoms or molecules, demonstrate its reduced temperature sensitivity, and observe quantum-enhanced frequency sensitivity when it is applied to multi-ion chains. Potential applications include improved readout of trapped-ion clocks and simplified error syndrome measurements for quantum error correction.

LncRNA SNHG8 participates in the development of endometrial carcinoma through regulating c-MET expression by miR-152

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible function and mechanism of lncRNA SNHG8 in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We utilized qRT-PCR to detect the expression of SNHG8 in 60 cases of endometrial carcinoma and 25 cases of normal endometrium; after that, the endometrial carcinoma cell lines were screened. SNHG8 was transfected into endometrial carcinoma cells by Lipofectamine and the proliferative activity of cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Bioinformatics methods were used to detect the target microRNA. miR-152 is predicted to bind to SNHG8 and target genes of c-MET. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the relative luciferase activity between miR-152 and c-MET, SNHG8. The interactions between SNHG8, miR-152, and c-MET were further verified by transfection of miR-152 mimics, miR-152 mimics + OE-SNHG8, SNHG8 siRNA, and SNHG8 siRNA + miR-152 inhibitor.

RESULTS

SNHG8 expression in endometrial carcinoma tissue was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium. After transfection with SNHG8 siRNA, the cell viability of AN3CA cells decreased, whereas the activity of Ishikawa was increased after transfection with SNHG8 overexpression plasmid. Bioinformatics predictions and dual luciferase reporter assay illustrated that SNHG8 was bound to miR-152 and miR-152 targeted on c-MET. In addition, miR-152 mimics inhibited the expression of c-MET, and the inhibitory effect was reversed after SNHG8 overexpression. Silencing SNHG8 reduced c-MET expression, and c-MET expression was reversed after addition of miR-152 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG8 is highly expressed in endometrial carcinoma, and SNHG8 targets c-MET through miR-152 to regulate the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells.

ZNF424 Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation in Lung Carcinoma Cells

Background:

Previously, we showed that the Zinc finger-containing transcription factor ZNF424 inhibits p21 transcription, which has been widely associated with various cancers. However, because the roles of ZNF424 in tumorigenesis have not been characterized, we correlated ZNF424 expression with tumorigenesis in lung cancer.

Results:

The present immunohistochemical analyses show significantly lower ZNF424 expression levels in 43 of 60 lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Moreover, flow cytometry assays indicated that overexpression of ZNF424 induces apoptosis in A549 human lung carcinoma cells, and overexpression of ZNF424 significantly increases numbers of G1 phase cells and decreases numbers of S phase cells, suggesting that ZNF424 inhibits proliferation. Western Blot analyses show that overexpression of ZNF424 decreases protein expression levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins P-P38 and P-ERK in A549 cells.

Conclusion:

These are the first data to associate ZNF424 with tumorigenesis and demonstrate an inhibitory role in lung cancer, indicating the potential of ZNF424 expression as a diagnostic marker of lung tumorigenesis.

[Clinical and molecular characteristics of GATA2 related pediatric primary myelodysplastic syndrome]

Objective: To clarify the prevalence, clinical features and molecular characteristics of germline GATA2 mutations in pediatric primary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) . Methods: Next-generation sequencing technology was used to detect mutations in GATA2 and other myeloid malignancy genes in 129 children with primary MDS from Jan. 2007 to Jan. 2018. The relationship between genotypes and phenotypes was analyzed. Results: Germline GATA2 mutations accounted for 8.5% (11/129) of all primary MDS cases, and 14.0% (11/50) of MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB) and acute myeloid leukaemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) . Compared with GATA2 wild-type patients, GATA2 mutated patients were older at diagnosis[8 (1-16) years old vs 6 years old (range: 1 month old-18 years old) , P=0.035]and higher risk of monosomy 7 (72.7%vs 5.2%, P<0.001) and classified into MDS-EB and AML-MRC compared with refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC) (63.6%vs 36.4%, P=0.111) . The multivariate analysis showed SETBP1 mutation (P=0.041, OR=9.003, 95%CI 1.098-73.787) and isolated monosomy 7 (P=0.002, OR=24.835, 95%CI 3.305-186.620) were significantly associated with germline mutated GATA2. Overall survival (OS) and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were not influenced by GATA2 mutational status. Conclusions: Our data identify germline GATA2 mutations have a high prevalence in older pediatric patients with monosomy 7, and high risk of progression into advanced MDS subtypes. GATA2 mutation status does not affect OS in pediatric primary MDS.

[Changes of eye care use among rural adults under the reform of New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme: the Handan Eye Study]

Objective: To assess the utilization of eye care services in the rural area of Handan, China under the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, and to analyze the factors associated with the uptake of these services. Methods: In a cohort population-based study, subjects who joined both the baseline (2006-2007) and follow-up (2012-2013) were included. Information of demographic characteristics, participation in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance and use of eye care services, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, blood pressure and fasting was collected. The protocol got approved by the ethics committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, and each subject signed the informed consent. Results: Of 5 193 eligible participants, 549 [10.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.8%-11.4%] had used eye care services, and the prevalence had no significant difference from baseline surveys (P=0.20). The municipal hospitals undertook 50.1% of eye care services. "No need" (4 422, 95.2%) was the most common reason cited for not using an eye care service; 2 875 (65.0%) of these participants had at least one type of eye diseases, 3 505 (79.3%) had at least one type of ocular complaints. In the multiple binary logistics regression model, participants who were elder [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.319; 95%CI, 1.177-1.478], were female (adjusted OR, 1.466; 95%CI, 1.085-1.981), had a diabetes history (adjusted OR, 1.930; 95%CI, 1.381-2.696), had a low income (adjusted OR, 0.826; 95%CI, 0.688-0.922), had ocular complaints (adjusted OR, 3.556; 95%CI, 2.484-5.091), had refractive errors (adjusted OR, 1.256; 95%CI, 1.007-1.567), had visual impairment (adjusted OR, 4.398; 95%CI, 2.667-7.253) or had cataract (adjusted OR, 1.278; 95%CI, 1.013-1.612) were more likely to take an eye care service. Conclusions: Under the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, the prevalence of New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance was increased significantly, but the rate of eye care use in the rural area was still low. Further efforts towards higher quality medical service in county hospitals and village clinics as well as better education about eye disease among the rural population may raise the eye care use in rural areas. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:570-579).

Genetic parameters of the thick-to-thin albumen ratio and egg compositional traits in layer-type chickens

1. Generating a robust egg albumen is one of the major factors contributing to interior egg quality owing to its nutritive value and superior appearance. However, the genetic factors regulating the proportion of thick albumen are poorly understood. 2. In this study, 1330 eggs were collected from 450 Rhode Island White layers, aged 40 weeks, to measure egg compositional traits for three successive days. The restricted maximum likelihood method was applied to estimate genetic parameters for the thick-to-thin albumen ratio and other egg compositional traits. A univariate animal model was fitted to calculate heritability for each trait. 3. The heritabilities of egg weight, yolk weight, albumen height, Haugh units, percentages of yolk, thick albumen, thin albumen and the thick-to-thin albumen ratio were 0.32, 0.34, 0.28, 0.47, 0.61, 0.39, 0.31, and 0.45, respectively. The percentage of thick albumen was negatively correlated genetically with all traits, and percentage of thin albumen was negatively correlated genetically with all traits except for Haugh units. The thick-to-thin albumen ratio was positively correlated genetically with egg weight, albumen height and Haugh units, with correlations ranging from 0.21 to 0.54. 4. The results indicated that the percentage of thick albumen and the thick-to-thin albumen ratio were found to be moderately to highly heritable, and selection for the thick-to-thin albumen ratio could be conducive to the improvement of egg albumen quality.

[SIVA1 Regulates the Stability of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein 3 Isoforms]

The assembly of LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcriptional complex plays important roles in early neuronal development. The stability of LIM-HD is controlled by single-strand binding protein 3 (SSBP3) via a cascade mechanism protecting it from proteasomal degradation. The expression level of SSBP3 has to be precisely regulated. Although a decrease of SSBP3 level is associated with several diseases, the mechanism of SSBP3 downregulation and whether SSBP3 itself is subject to proteasomal degradation remain largely unknown. Two strongly conserved transcripts of the SSBP3 gene, SSBP3a and SSBP3c, were cloned from a human brain cDNA library. By RT-PCR, we show that Ssbp3c is continuously expressed in both embryonic and adult mouse brain, whereas Ssbp3a is restricted to embryonic brain tissue. By co-IP and GST pulldown assays, we identified SIVA1 as a novel SSBP3-binding factor. In a ubiquitination assay, we show that SIVA1 enhances the ubiquitination of SSBP3 and regulates its abundance. Our findings reveal the proteasomal degradation of SSBP3 for the first time and provide a rationale for an SIVAl-SSBP3-dependent mechanism for the disassembly of LIM-HD multiprotein complexes.

The bHLH Protein Nulp1 is Essential for Femur Development Via Acting as a Cofactor in Wnt Signaling in Drosophila

Background:

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein families are a large class of transcription factors, which are associated with cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, and other important development processes. We reported that the Nuclear localized protein-1 (Nulp1) might act as a novel bHLH transcriptional factor to mediate cellular functions. However, its role in development in vivo remains unknown.

Methods:

Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants are generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal. Expression of Wg target genes are analyzed by qRT-PCR. We use the Top-Flash luciferase reporter assay to response to Wg signaling.

Results:

Here we show that Drosophila Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal, are partially homozygous lethal and the rare escapers have bent femurs, which are similar to the major manifestation of congenital bent-bone dysplasia in human Stuve-Weidemann syndrome. The fly phenotype can be rescued by dNulp1 over-expression, indicating that dNulp1 is essential for fly femur development and survival. Moreover, dNulp1 overexpression suppresses the notch wing phenotype caused by the overexpression of sgg/GSK3β, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt cascade. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses show that seven target genes positively regulated by Wg signaling pathway are down-regulated in response to dNulp1 knockout, while two negatively regulated Wg targets are up-regulated in dNulp1 mutants. Finally, dNulp1 overexpression significantly activates the Top-Flash Wnt signaling reporter.

Conclusion:

We conclude that bHLH protein dNulp1 is essential for femur development and survival in Drosophila by acting as a positive cofactor in Wnt/Wingless signaling.

Role of Zebrafish fhl1A in Satellite Cell and Skeletal Muscle Development

Background:

Four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 1 (FHL1) mutations are associated with human myopathies. However, the function of this protein in skeletal development remains unclear.

Methods:

Whole-mount in situ hybridization and embryo immunostaining were performed.

Results:

Zebrafish Fhl1A is the homologue of human FHL1. We showed that fhl1A knockdown causes defective skeletal muscle development, while injection with fhl1A mRNA largely recovered the muscle development in these fhl1A morphants. We also demonstrated that fhl1A knockdown decreases the number of satellite cells. This decrease in satellite cells and the emergence of skeletal muscle abnormalities were associated with alterations in the gene expression of myoD, pax7, mef2ca and skMLCK. We also demonstrated that fhl1A expression and retinoic acid (RA) signalling caused similar skeletal muscle development phenotypes. Moreover, when treated with exogenous RA, endogenous fhl1A expression in skeletal muscles was robust. When treated with DEAB, an RA signalling inhibitor which inhibits the activity of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, fhl1A was downregulated.

Conclusion:

fhl1A functions as an activator in regulating the number of satellite cells and in skeletal muscle development. The role of fhl1A in skeletal myogenesis is regulated by RA signaling.

[Infiltration of tumor associated macrophages in multiple myeloma and its clinical significance]

目的

探讨肿瘤相关性巨噬细胞（TAM）在多发性骨髓瘤（MM）中的临床意义及其与肿瘤血管生成、免疫抑制的关系。

方法

以2015年8月至2017年6月就诊的70例MM患者为观察对象，以20例良性血液病（缺铁性贫血13例，巨幼细胞性贫血7例）患者为对照，采用免疫组化法检测骨髓标本中CD163、CD34、VEGF的表达，采用流式细胞术检测Treg细胞比例，采用ELISA法检测IL-10水平，结合临床特征进行分析。

结果

①70例患者中，男31例，女39例，中位年龄65（50~78）岁。MM患者组的TAM浸润密度、微血管密度（MVD）、VEGF表达水平、Treg细胞比例及IL-10水平均较对照组升高（P值均<0.05）。②在MM患者组中，疾病稳定组（15例）患者的上述指标均较初诊组（35例）和复发难治组（20例）低（P值均<0.05）；后两组差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。③35例初诊MM患者中27例完成4个疗程治疗，有效组（15例）治疗后TAM浸润密度较治疗前明显下降，差异有统计学意义[（20.20±7.66）对（28.87±11.97）个/高倍，t=2.362，P=0.025]；无效组（12例）治疗前后差异无统计学意义[（42.00±13.76）对（48.25±13.59）个/高倍，t=1.119，P=0.275]。④硼替佐米方案治疗有效组患者（21例次）的TAM浸润密度较非硼替佐米方案治疗有效组（18例次）减低[（16.52±4.26）对（19.27±5.82）个/高倍，t=1.662，P=0.170]。⑤MM患者的TAM浸润密度与MVD、VEGF表达水平、Treg细胞比例及IL-10水平呈正相关（P值均<0.001）。

结论

骨髓微环境中浸润的TAM与MM发生、发展、疗效及治疗耐药有关，其作用机制可能与TAM促进肿瘤血管形成及抑制免疫反应有关。

Abstract P2-08-63: The relationship between serum level of copper and ceruloplasmin and pathologic and clinical characteristics in early breast cancer patients

Purpose: The increase of serum copper and ceruloplasmin has been reported to positively related with the progress of advanced breast cancers. However, the role of them in early breast cancer(EBC) is unknown.

Methods: 209 female patients that been diagnosed as EBC within Xijing Hospital from Oct 2016 to Apr 2017 were included. The level of serum copper and ceruloplasmin were assayed using atomic absorption spectroscopy and immunoturbidimetry assay, respectively. The pathologic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by X test, t test and Pearson correlation analysis. p&lt;0.05 is significant.

Results: Table 1 show the primary characteristic of patients. After transforming copper and ceruloplasmin into binary variable (elevated and normal), age was both significant (p&lt;0.01). The different expression level of ER, PR, Ki67 and molecular type, number and percent of metastatic lymph nodes were significant (p&lt;0.01). After correlation analysis, negative relationship existed between age and copper or ceruloplasmin (coefficient = 0.265 or 0.233, p&lt;0.01). And copper was positively related to the level of Ki67(coefficient = 0.169, p=0.018). While ceruloplasmin was negatively related to PR (coefficient = -0.273,p&lt;0.01) and molecular type (coefficient = -0.217, p=0.05).

Conclusions: This is the first study that revealed the abnormal escalation of serum copper and ceruloplasmin in Chinese EBC patients. The levels of both them were significantly higher in patients of young age, high Ki67 index and Luminal type. It is inferred that they might play an important role in early procedure of breast cancer, and it need more data in the future to validate.

Table 1The primary characteristic of patientsCharacteristicResults(N=209)Median age, year(range)51.3(29-83)AJCC stage, N190*Stage 179Stage 281Stage 330Histological grade, N160*G119G2101G340Histopathologic characteristic, N206*DCIS13IDC-NOS151ILC7IDC-NOS + DCIS14Specific IDC21Primary tumor characteristic, N188*Median tumor size, cm(range)1.7(0.5-6.7)Median positive number of lymph nodes, N(range)2(1-23)Median percent of positive lymph nodes, %(range)13.3 (3.4-100)Molecular type, N(%)176*Luminal A (ER+/PR+/HER2-/Ki67&lt;15%)29(16.5)Luminal B1 (ER+/PR+/HER2-/Ki67≥15%)85(48.3)Luminal B2 (ER+ and/or PR+/HER2+)19(10.8)HER2 (HER2+)12(6.8)Triple Negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-)31(17.6)Copper (Reference Value)11.8-21.28umol/LMedian of Copper (Range)17.7(12-32.9)Elevated cases, N (%)30(14.4)Normal cases, N (%)179(85.7)Ceruloplasmin (Reference Value)23-43mg/dLMedian of Ceruloplasmin (range)43.2(23.4-82.5)Elevated cases, N (%)88(42.3%)Normal cases, N (%)120(57.7)DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ;IDC-NOS invasive ductal carcinoma non special; ILC invasive lobular carcinoma; ER estrogen receptor; PR progesterone receptor; HER2 human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 * Excluding missing data

Citation Format: Fan J, Wan Y, Zhao G, Wang T. The relationship between serum level of copper and ceruloplasmin and pathologic and clinical characteristics in early breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-63.

Delayed conception in women with low-urinary iodine concentrations: a population-based prospective cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Is iodine deficiency associated with decreased fecundability?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Moderate to severe iodine deficiency is associated with a 46% decrease in fecundability.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Iodine deficiency is common in women of childbearing age but its effect on fecundability has not been investigated.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The LIFE Study, a population-based prospective cohort study, enrolled 501 women who had discontinued contraception within 2 months to become pregnant between 2005 and 2009.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women reported on risk factors for infertility by interview then kept daily journals of relevant information. Women used fertility monitors to time intercourse relative to ovulation then used home digital pregnancy tests to identify pregnancies on the day of expected menstruation. Urine samples for iodine analysis were collected on enrollment.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Samples were in the deficiency range in 44.3% of participants. The group whose iodine-creatinine ratios were below 50 μg/g (moderate to severe deficiency) had a 46% reduction in fecundity (P = 0.028) compared with the group whose iodine-creatinine ratios were in the adequate range: adjusted fecundability odds ratio of becoming pregnant per cycle, 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.31-0.94).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Iodine concentrations vary within individuals over time, so the data must be interpreted by group as we have done; residual confounding is possible.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Significant delays in becoming pregnant occur at iodine concentrations that are common in women in the USA and parts of Europe. Replicating these findings will be important to determine whether improving iodine status could be beneficial in improving fecundability.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by the Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, USA. Contracts N01-HD-3-3355; N01-HD-3-3356; N01-HD-3-3358 and HHSN275201100001l/HHSN27500007. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.

Improving wheat as a source of iron and zinc for global nutrition

Wheat is the staple food crop in temperate countries and increasingly consumed in developing countries, displacing traditional foods. However, wheat products are typically low in bioavailable iron and zinc, contributing to deficiencies in these micronutrients in countries where wheat is consumed as a staple food. Two factors contribute to the low contents of bioavailable iron and zinc in wheat: the low concentrations of these minerals in white flour, which is most widely consumed, and the presence of phytates in mineral‐rich bran fractions. Although high zinc types of wheat have been developed by conventional plant breeding (biofortification), this approach has failed for iron. However, studies in wheat and other cereals have shown that transgenic (also known as genetically modified; GM) strategies can be used to increase the contents of iron and zinc in white flour, by converting the starchy endosperm tissue into a ‘sink’ for minerals. Although such strategies currently have low acceptability, greater understanding of the mechanisms which control the transport and deposition of iron and zinc in the developing grain should allow similar effects to be achieved by exploiting naturally induced genetic variation. When combined with conventional biofortification and innovative processing, this approach should provide increased mineral bioavailability in a range of wheat products, from white flour to wholemeal.

Nanoscale extracellular vesicle-derived DNA is superior to circulating cell-free DNA for mutation detection in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

The comparison between relatively intact nanoscale extracellular vesicle-derived DNA (nEV-DNA) and fragmented circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in mutation detection among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been carried out yet, and thus deserves investigation.

Patients and methods

Both nEV-DNA and cfDNA was obtained from 377 NSCLC patients with known EGFR mutation status and 69 controls. The respective EGFRE19del/T790M/L858R mutation status was interrogated with amplification-refractory-mutation-system-based PCR assays (ARMS-PCR).

Results

Neither nEV-DNA nor cfDNA levels show a strong correlation with tumor volumes. There is no correlation between cfDNA and nEV-DNA levels either. The detection sensitivity of nEV-DNA and cfDNA using ARMS-PCR in early-stage NSCLC was 25.7% and 14.2%, respectively, with 96.6% and 91.7% specificity, respectively. In late-stage NSCLC, both nEV-DNA and cfDNA show ∼80% sensitivity and over 95% specificity.

Conclusions

nEV-DNA is superior to cfDNA for mutation detection in early-stage NSCLC using ARMS-PCR. However, the advantages vanish in late-stage NSCLC.

A note on cloning and analysis of the osteopontin gene with egg quality traits in two Chinese domestic ducks

1. Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated acidic glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in eggshell formation. In this study, an 893-bp cDNA sequence of the OPN gene, which encodes 180 amino acids, was obtained. 2. Polymorphisms of the OPN gene were analysed with DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism methods in two Chinese domestic laying ducks (Jingding n = 100, Youxian n = 478, respectively). 3. One polymorphism was identified in exon 7 (NM_ 004676534.1:c.267T>C) of the OPN gene, with three genotypes: TT (both T allels weren't mutated (wild type)), TC (one T allel was mutated to C (heterozygote genotype)) and CC. (both T allels were mutated to C (homozygote 20 genotype)) Association analysis with egg quality traits in the two Chinese domestic laying ducks showed that the ducks with the CC genotype had significantly greater eggshell strength and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). Hence, the exon 7 267T>C polymorphism of the OPN gene is a potentially valuable genetic marker for laying duck breeding programmes.

A pilot study to profile salivary angiogenic factors to detect head and neck cancers

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCs) is an appealing way to increase survival rates in these patients as well as to improve quality of life post-surgery. Angiogenesis is a hallmark of tumor initiation and progression. We have investigated a panel of angiogenic factors in saliva samples collected from HNSCC patients and controls using the Bio-Plex ProTM assays.

METHODS

We have identified a panel of five angiogenic proteins (sEGFR, HGF, sHER2, sIL-6Ra and PECAM-1) to be elevated in the saliva samples collected from HNSCC patients (n = 58) compared to a control cohort (n = 8 smokers and n = 30 non-smokers).

RESULTS

High positive correlations were observed between the following sets of salivary proteins; sEGFR:sHER2, sEGFR:HGF, sEGFR:sIL-6Rα, sHER2:HGF and sHER2:sIL6Ra. A moderate positive correlation was seen between FGF-basic and sEGFR.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that angiogenic factor levels in saliva can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker panel in HNSCC.

Physical mechanism of the electron-ion coupled transverse instability in laser pressure ion acceleration for different regimes

In radiation pressure ion acceleration (RPA) research, the transverse stability within laser plasma interaction has been a long-standing, crucial problem over the past decades. In this paper, we present a one-dimensional two-fluid theory extended from a recent work Wan et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 234801 (2016)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.117.234801 to clearly clarify the origin of the intrinsic transverse instability in the RPA process. It is demonstrated that the purely growing density fluctuations are more likely induced due to the strong coupling between the fast oscillating electrons and quasistatic ions via the ponderomotive force with spatial variations. The theory contains a full analysis of both electrostatic (ES) and electromagnetic modes and confirms that the ES mode actually dominates the whole RPA process at the early linear stage. By using this theory one can predict the mode structure and growth rate of the transverse instability in terms of a wide range of laser plasma parameters. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are systematically carried out to verify the theory and formulas in different regimes, and good agreements have been obtained, indicating that the electron-ion coupled instability is the major factor that contributes the transverse breakup of the target in RPA process.

Prognostic value of inferior mesenteric artery lymph node metastasis in cancer of the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum

AIM

This study aimed to analyse the potential significance of metastasis to the inferior mesenteric artery lymph node (IMA-LN) in patients with malignancy of the left colon and rectum.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of a cohort of 890 patients collected prospectively who underwent radical resection of a primary tumour of the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum in our department from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into an IMA-LN metastasis (IMA-LN (+)) group (n = 51) and a non IMA-LN metastasis (IMA-LN (-)) group (n = 839). A total of 801 patients were followed by a designated member of the study staff. Clinical features, pathological characteristics, recurrence patterns and survival rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In the IMA-LN (+) group, the risk ratio of overall recurrence and tumour related death was 7.786 (95% CI 4.142-14.637) and 7.756 (95% CI 4.142-14.525) respectively. Significant differences were found in overall survival (log-rank: χ²  = 69.06, P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (log-rank: χ²  = 69.06, P < 0.0001) between the two groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences in overall survival (log-rank: χ²  = 18.47, P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (log-rank: χ²  = 16.99, P < 0.0001) between the IMA-LN (-) and IMA-LN (+) subgroups of patients with Stage N2 disease. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that IMA-LN (+) was an independent risk factor of poor prognosis. There was no difference in the prognosis between high tie and low tie with IMA-LN dissection.

CONCLUSION

Inferior mesenteric artery lymph node metastasis was an independent predictive factor for high systemic recurrence. Low ligation of the IMA with IMA-LN dissection was not inferior to high ligation.

Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment within 24 Hours in Patients with Mild Ischemic Stroke and Perfusion Imaging Selection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular thrombectomy has been accepted as the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with mild ischemic stroke with acute proximal large-vessel occlusion after endovascular treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and August 2017, ninety-three Chinese patients with mild ischemic stroke (NIHSS scores, 0-8) and large-vessel occlusion with endovascular treatment were retrospectively enrolled from 7 comprehensive stroke centers. They were divided into 2 groups: ≤6 hours and 6-24 hours from symptom onset to groin puncture. We analyzed their modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 48 hours, and mortality during 90 days. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors for NIHSS shift after discharge.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients received endovascular treatment within 6-24 hours after symptom onset and had an imaging mismatch based on perfusion CT or diffusion-weighted MR imaging. There were no substantial differences between the 2 groups in 90-day functional independence (P = .54) and the risks of the combination of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and death (P = .72). Two significant indicators of NIHSS shift were 48-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (unstandardized β = 7.28; 95% CI, 3.48-11.1; P < .001) and baseline systolic blood pressure (unstandardized β = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.14; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mild ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, an imaging mismatch, and endovascular treatment within 6-24 hours of initial symptoms showed no heterogeneity in the efficacy and safety outcome compared with those treated ≤6 hours from symptom onset.

Directly modulated 1.3 μm quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on silicon

We report the first demonstration of direct modulation of InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) lasers grown on on-axis (001) Si substrate. A low threading dislocation density GaAs buffer layer enables us to grow a high quality 5-layered QD active region on on-axis Si substrate. The active layer has p-modulation doped GaAs barrier layers with a hole concentration of 5 × 10¹⁷ cm^-3to suppress gain saturation. Small-signal measurement on a 3 × 580 μm² Fabry-Perot laser showed a 3dB bandwidth of 6.5 GHz at a bias current of 116 mA. A 12.5 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero signal modulation was achieved by directly probing the chip. Open eyes with an extinction ration of 3.3dB was observed at room temperature. The bit-error-rate (BER) curve showed no error-floor up to BER of 1 × 10^-13. 12 km single-mode fiber transmission experiments using the QD laser on Si showed a low power penalty of 1 dB at 5Gbit/s. These results demonstrate the potential for QD lasers epitaxially grown on Si to be used as a low-cost light source for optical communication systems.

Validation of the Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BN20 for patients with brain cancer

This is a single centre study in mainland China aiming to evaluate the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BN20, designed by The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group to evaluate the life quality of patients with brain tumour, cancer or metastases. One hundred and eighty-eight patients with primary or secondary brain cancer from Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital during September 2013 to June 2014 completed the Chinese EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 questionnaires developed by translation, back translation and cultural adaptation. Results were statistically analysed using SPSS17.0. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient) was between .753 and .869, the correlation coefficients among items and its own dimension were bigger than .4, and all items had a better correlation with its own dimension. The Spearman was used to analyse the correlation of each dimension between EORTC QLQ-BN20 and EORTC QLQ-C30, and the result showed that individual dimensions were moderately correlated, other dimensions were weakly correlated. In conclusion, the Chinese version of EORTC QLQ BN20 questionnaire had great relevance, reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. It provides a valuable tool for the assessment of health-related quality of life in clinical studies of Chinese patients with primary or secondary brain cancer.

Parametric study of high-performance 1.55 μm InAs quantum dot microdisk lasers on Si

In this paper, we present a parametric study of high performance microdisk lasers at 1.55 μm telecom wavelength, monolithically grown on on-axis (001) Si substrates incorporating quantum dots (QDs) as gain elements. In the optimized structure, seven layers of QDs were adopted to provide a high gain as well as a suppressed inhomogeneous broadening. The same laser structure employing quantum wells (QWs) on Si was concurrently evaluated, showing a higher threshold and more dispersive quantum efficiency than the QDs. Finally, a statistical comparison of these Si-based QD microdisk lasers with those grown on InP native substrates was conducted, revealing somewhat higher thresholds but of the same order. The monolithically grown QD microlasers on Si also demonstrated excellent temperature stability, with a record high characteristic temperature of 277 K. This work thus offers helpful insight towards the optimization of reliable Si-based QD lasers at 1550 nm.

Monolithically integrated InAs/InGaAs quantum dot photodetectors on silicon substrates

We report InAs/InGaAs quantum dot (QD) waveguide photodetectors (PD) monolithically grown on silicon substrates. A high-crystalline quality GaAs-on-Si template was achieved by aspect ratio trapping together with the combined effects of cyclic thermal annealing and strain-balancing layer stacks. An ultra-low dark current of 0.8 nA and an internal responsivity of 0.9 A/W were measured in the O band. We also report, to the best of our knowledge, the first characterization of high-speed performance and the first demonstration of the on-chip photodetection for this QD-on-silicon system. The monolithically integrated waveguide PD shares the same platform as the previously demonstrated micro-ring lasers and can thus be integrated with laser sources for power monitors or amplifiers for pre-amplified receivers.

O-band electrically injected quantum dot micro-ring lasers on on-axis (001) GaP/Si and V-groove Si

We report statistical comparisons of lasing characteristics in InAs quantum dot (QD) micro-rings directly grown on on-axis (001) GaP/Si and V-groove (001) Si substrates. CW thresholds as low as 3 mA and high temperature operation exceeding 80 °C were simultaneously achieved on the GaP/Si template template with an outer-ring radius of 50 µm and a ring width of 4 μm, while a sub-milliamp threshold of 0.6 mA was demonstrated on the V-groove Si template with a smaller cavity size of 5-μm outer-ring radius and 3-μm ring width. Evaluations were also made with devices fabricated simultaneously on native GaAs substrates over a significant sampling analysis. The overall assessment spotlights compelling insights in exploring the optimum epitaxial scheme for low-threshold lasing on industry standard Si substrates.