PCSK9 is associated with disease activity and implicated in immune activation and cardiovascular disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background

The risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is very high in SLE. This is both a clinical problem and of interest in studies of immunity in these conditions. LDL-levels are increased by Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) which targets the LDL-receptor (LDLR). We recently reported that PCSK9 ameliorates dendritic cell (DC) activation by oxidized LDL (OxLDL), which is abundant in atherosclerotic plaques and also raised and associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SLE. We here investigate the role of PCSK9 in SLE.

Methods

PCSK9-levels were determined by ELISA among SLE patients (n=109) and age- and sex-matched population-based controls (n=91). Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque occurrence were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Plaques were graded by echogenicity. Human peripheral blood monocytes from SLE patients or controls were differentiated into DCs. Effects of PCSK9 and its inhibition by silencing were studied.

Results

PCSK9-levels were non-significantly higher among SLE-patients as compared to controls but associated significantly with SLE disease activity, as determined by SLAM (0.020) or SLEDAI (0.0178). There was no association between PCSK9-levels and atherosclerosis as determined by IMT, prevalence of plaques or echolucent (potentially vulnerable) plaques. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with CVD among SLE-patients.

OxLDL induced PCSK9 in DCs and DC-maturation with increased expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. The effects were significantly stronger in DC from SLE patients than from controls. Silencing of PCSK9 abolished OxLDL-induced DC-maturation.

Conclusions

PCSK9 is associated with disease activity in SLE. One underlying cause could be OxLDL, promoting DC-activation which depends on PCSK9. OxLDL induces PCSK9, an effect which is higher among SLE-patients. PCSK9 could play an unexpected immunological role in SLE.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen; Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation

Measurement of the Low-Energy Antideuteron Inelastic Cross Section

In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions at low particle momenta, covering a range of 0.3≤p<4  GeV/c. The measurement is carried out using p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC and utilizing the detector material as an absorber for antideuterons and antiprotons. The extracted raw primary antiparticle-to-particle ratios are compared to the results from detailed ALICE simulations based on the geant4 toolkit for the propagation of (anti)particles through the detector material. The analysis of the raw primary (anti)proton spectra serves as a benchmark for this study, since their hadronic interaction cross sections are well constrained experimentally. The first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions averaged over the ALICE detector material with atomic mass numbers ⟨A⟩=17.4 and 31.8 is obtained. The measured inelastic cross section points to a possible excess with respect to the Glauber model parametrization used in geant4 in the lowest momentum interval of 0.3≤p<0.47  GeV/c up to a factor 2.1. This result is relevant for the understanding of antimatter propagation and the contributions to antinuclei production from cosmic ray interactions within the interstellar medium. In addition, the momentum range covered by this measurement is of particular importance to evaluate signal predictions for indirect dark-matter searches.

Probing the Effects of Strong Electromagnetic Fields with Charge-Dependent Directed Flow in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The first measurement at the LHC of charge-dependent directed flow (v_{1}) relative to the spectator plane is presented for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Results are reported for charged hadrons and D^{0} mesons for the transverse momentum intervals p_{T}>0.2  GeV/c and 3<p_{T}<6  GeV/c in the 5%-40% and 10%-40% centrality classes, respectively. The difference between the positively and negatively charged hadron v_{1} has a positive slope as a function of pseudorapidity η, dΔv_{1}/dη=[1.68±0.49(stat)±0.41(syst)]×10^{-4}. The same measurement for D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} mesons yields a positive value dΔv_{1}/dη=[4.9±1.7(stat)±0.6(syst)]×10^{-1}, which is about 3 orders of magnitude larger than the one of the charged hadrons. These measurements can provide new insights into the effects of the strong electromagnetic field and the initial tilt of matter created in noncentral heavy ion collisions on the dynamics of light (u, d, and s) and heavy (c) quarks. The large difference between the observed Δv_{1} of charged hadrons and D^{0} mesons may reflect different sensitivity of the charm and light quarks to the early time dynamics of a heavy ion collision. These observations challenge some recent theoretical calculations, which predicted a negative and an order of magnitude smaller value of dΔv_{1}/dη for both light flavor and charmed hadrons.

Evidence of Spin-Orbital Angular Momentum Interactions in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The first evidence of spin alignment of vector mesons (K^{*0} and ϕ) in heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is reported. The spin density matrix element ρ_{00} is measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) of 2.76 TeV with the ALICE detector. ρ_{00} values are found to be less than 1/3 (1/3 implies no spin alignment) at low transverse momentum (p_{T}<2  GeV/c) for K^{*0} and ϕ at a level of 3σ and 2σ, respectively. No significant spin alignment is observed for the K_{S}^{0} meson (spin=0) in Pb-Pb collisions and for the vector mesons in pp collisions. The measured spin alignment is unexpectedly large but qualitatively consistent with the expectation from models which attribute it to a polarization of quarks in the presence of angular momentum in heavy-ion collisions and a subsequent hadronization by the process of recombination.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 inhibits the maturation of dendritic cells involving the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway in the glioma microenvironment

Recurrence and diffuse infiltration challenge traditional therapeutic strategies for malignant glioma. Immunotherapy appears to be a promising approach to obtain long-term survival. Dendritic cells (DCs), the most specialized and potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs), play an important part in initiating and amplifying both the innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer cells. However, cancer cells can escape from immune surveillance by inhibiting maturation of DCs. Until the present, molecular mechanisms of maturation inhibition of DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have not been fully revealed. Our study showed that pretreatment with tumor-conditioned medium (TCM) collected from supernatant of primary glioma cells significantly suppressed the maturation of DCs. TCM pretreatment significantly changed the morphology of DCs, TCM decreased the expression levels of CD80, CD83, CD86 and interleukin (IL)-12p70, while it increased the expression levels of IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-6. RNA-Seq showed that TCM pretreatment significantly increased the gene expression level of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in DCs. suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) knock-down significantly antagonized the maturation inhibition of DCs by TCM, which was demonstrated by the restoration of maturation markers. TCM pretreatment also significantly suppressed T cell viability and T helper type 1 (Th1) response, and SOCS1 knock-down significantly antagonized this suppressive effect. Further, TCM pretreatment significantly suppressed p65 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity in DCs, and SOCS1 knock-down significantly attenuated this suppressive effect. In conclusion, our research demonstrates that TCM up-regulate SOCS1 to suppress the maturation of DCs via the nuclear factor-kappa signaling pathway.

AB0129 PCSK9 IS ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY AND IMPLICATED IN IMMUNE ACTIVATION IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

LDL-levels are increased by Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) which targets the LDL-receptor (LDLR). We reported that PCSK9 has immune modulatory properties in addition to LDL-lowering and ameliorates dendritic cell (DC) activation by oxidized LDL (OxLDL)1, which is abundant in atherosclerotic plaques. OxLDL is also raised and associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SLE.1-3

Objectives:

We here investigate the role of PCSK9 in SLE both in a clinical context and in experimental ex vivo studies. The objective is to investigate if PCSK9 and its inhibition could be of relevance in SLE in addition to LDL-level related properties

Methods:

PCSK9-levels were determined by ELISA among SLE patients (n=109) and age- and sex-matched population-based controls (n=91). Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque occurrence were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Plaques were graded by echogenicity. Human peripheral blood monocytes from SLE patients or controls were differentiated into DCs. Effects of PCSK9 and its inhibition by silencing were studied.

Results:

PCSK9-levels were non-significantly higher among SLE-patients as compared to controls but associated significantly with SLE disease activity, as determined by SLAM (0.020) or SLEDAI (0.0178). There was no association between PCSK9-levels and atherosclerosis as determined by IMT, prevalence of plaques or echolucent (potentially vulnerable) plaques. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with CVD among SLE-patients but not after adjustment for age.

OxLDL induced PCSK9 in DCs and DC-maturation with increased expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. The effects were significantly stronger in DC from SLE patients than from controls. Silencing of PCSK9 abolished OxLDL-induced DC-maturation.

Conclusion:

PCSK9 is associated with disease activity in SLE. One underlying cause could be OxLDL, promoting DC-activation which depends on PCSK9. OxLDL induces PCSK9, an effect which is higher among SLE-patients.PCSK9 could play an unexpected immunological role in SLE and inhibition of PCSK9 could potentially play a role in disease amelioration, pending on clinical studies.

References:

[1]Liu A and Frostegard J. PCSK9 plays a novel immunological role in oxidized LDL-induced dendritic cell maturation and activation of T cells from human blood and atherosclerotic plaque.J Intern Med. 2018.

[2]Frostegard J, Svenungsson E, Wu R, Gunnarsson I, Lundberg IE, Klareskog L, Horkko S and Witztum JL. Lipid peroxidation is enhanced in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and is associated with arterial and renal disease manifestations.Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:192-200.

[3]Frostegard J. Immunity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.BMC Med. 2013;11:117.

Disclosure of Interests:

Anquan Liu: None declared, Mizanur Rahman: None declared, Ingiäld Hafström: None declared, Sofia Ajeganova: None declared, Johan Frostegård Grant/research support from: Unconditional competitive grant from Amgen, related only to PCSK9, not the topic of this abstract

Impact of DNA Demethylases on the DNA Methylation and Transcription of Arabidopsis NLR Genes

Active DNA demethylation is an important epigenetic process that plays a key role in maintaining normal gene expression. In plants, active DNA demethylation is mediated by DNA demethylases, including ROS1, DME, DML2, and DML3. In this study, the available bisulfite sequencing and mRNA sequencing data from ros1 and rdd mutants were analyzed to reveal how the active DNA demethylation process shapes the DNA methylation patterns of Arabidopsis nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes, a class of important plant disease resistance genes. We demonstrate that the CG methylation levels of three NLR genes (AT5G49140, AT5G35450, and AT5G36930) are increased in the ros1 mutants relative to the wild-type plants, whereas the CG methylation level of AT2G17050 is decreased. We also observed increased CG methylation levels of AT4G11170 and AT5G47260 and decreased CG methylation levels of AT5G38350 in rdd mutants. We further found that the expression of three NLR genes (AT1G12280, AT1G61180, and AT4G19520) was activated in both ros1 and rdd mutants, whereas the expression of another three NLR genes (AT1G58602, AT1G59620, and AT1G62630) was repressed in these two mutants. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction detection showed that the expression levels of AT1G58602.1, AT4G19520.3, AT4G19520.4, and AT4G19520.5 were decreased in the ros1 mutant; AT3G50950.1 and AT3G50950.2 in the rdd mutant were also decreased in expression compared to Col-0, whereas AT1G57630.1, AT1G58602.2, and AT5G45510.1 were upregulated in the rdd mutant relative to Col-0. These results indicate that some NLR genes are regulated by DNA demethylases. Our study demonstrates that each DNA demethylase (ROS1, DML2, and DML3) exerts a specific effect on the DNA methylation of the NLR genes, and active DNA demethylation is part of the regulation of DNA methylation and transcriptional activity of some Arabidopsis NLR genes.

Digital scanned laser light-sheet fluorescence lifetime microscopy with wide-field time-gated imaging

We develop a multidimensional fluorescence imaging technique by implementing a wide-field time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging into digital scanned laser light-sheet microscopy (FLIM-DSLM) to measure 3D fluorescence lifetime distribution in mesoscopic specimens with high resolution. This is achieved by acquiring a series of time-gated images at different relative time delays with respect of excitation pulses at different depths. The lifetime is determined for each voxel by iteratively fitting to single exponential decay. The performance of the developed system is evaluated with the measurements of a lifetime reference Rhodamine 6G solution and a subresolution fluorescent bead phantom. We also demonstrate the application performances of this system to ex vivo and in vivo imaging of Tg(kdrl:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish embryos, illustrating the lifetime differences between the GFP signal and the autofluorescence signal. The results show that FLIM-DSLM can be used for sample size up to a few millimetres and can be utilised as a powerful and robust method for biomedical research, for example as a readout of protein-protein interactions via Förster resonance energy transfer.

[Application of arterial duct stent in ductus-dependent hypoplastic right heart syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the experience of arterial duct (AD) stenting in children with ductus-dependent hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Methods: Seven children including 4 cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) with HRHS and 3 cases of critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS)-IVS with HRHS underwent AD stenting in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital between January 2012 and January 2019. During the same period, 9 patients of PA-IVS with HRHS received Blalock Taussig (B-T) shunt. Two groups of children on the operation time, hospital stay time, intensive care time and mortality were compared.T test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the age (18 (7-100) vs. 17 (1-142) d, U=31.000, P>0.05) and weight ((3.8±1.1) vs. (3.7±1.3) kg, t=0.272, P>0.05) between the AD stenting group and the B-T group.The operation time ((108±7) vs. (160±49) min, t=-4.304), intensive care time ((3.4±1.0) vs. (6.3±4.5) d, t=-8.692) and total hospitalization time ((10.3±1.0) vs. (26.3±1.0) d, t=-7.822) in the AD stenting group were differed significantly compared with the B-T group (all P<0.05). The transcutaneous oxygen saturation improved significantly (0.723±0.125 vs. 0.926±0.005, t=-6.044, P<0.05) after AD stenting. The diameter of AD stent ranged from 3.5 to 4.0 mm, and the length of AD stent was 16-21 mm. There were no complications such as vascular injury, acute thrombus, catheter spasm and death in the AD stenting group. The mortality of children in the B-T group was 3 in 9 cases. Three cases in the AD stenting group received pulmonary valvulotomy and bilateral Glenn operation at 6, 9 and 9 months after AD stenting, respectively. Conclusions: AD stenting is a feasible, effective, safe and minimally invasive procedure for children with ductus-dependent HRHS. It can even be used as an alternative to B-T shunt.

Scattering Studies with Low-Energy Kaon-Proton Femtoscopy in Proton-Proton Collisions at the LHC

The study of the strength and behavior of the antikaon-nucleon (K[over ¯]N) interaction constitutes one of the key focuses of the strangeness sector in low-energy quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this Letter a unique high-precision measurement of the strong interaction between kaons and protons, close and above the kinematic threshold, is presented. The femtoscopic measurements of the correlation function at low pair-frame relative momentum of (K^{+}p⊕K^{-}p[over ¯]) and (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) pairs measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=5, 7, and 13 TeV are reported. A structure observed around a relative momentum of 58  MeV/c in the measured correlation function of (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) with a significance of 4.4σ constitutes the first experimental evidence for the opening of the (K[over ¯]^{0}n⊕K^{0}n[over ¯]) isospin breaking channel due to the mass difference between charged and neutral kaons. The measured correlation functions have been compared to Jülich and Kyoto models in addition to the Coulomb potential. The high-precision data at low relative momenta presented in this work prove femtoscopy to be a powerful complementary tool to scattering experiments and provide new constraints above the K[over ¯]N threshold for low-energy QCD chiral models.

A129 THE VALUE OF REPEAT MANOMETRIC TESTING

Background

While motility disorders may evolve over time, there is scant guidance around the role of repeat high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM). Given the invasive nature of HRM and the implications on financial cost and patient discomfort, it is obvious that the emphasis should be on minimizing unnecessary repeat examinations. However, there are no recommendations around indications or timing of repeat HRM.

Aims

We aimed to determine the outcomes in patients who underwent repeat manometry and look for predictors of progression to achalasia or major motility disorder.

Methods

Consecutive reports from HRM studies performed between Aug 2013 – May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with ≥ 2 HRM studies were included. Studies without a Chicago classification diagnosis were excluded. Chi-squared analysis was performed to determine if initial HRM diagnosis was associated with change in diagnosis on follow-up HRM. Initial and follow-up manometric parameters were compared with paired T-tests. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to look for predictors of progression to achalasia or major motility disorder.

Results

134 patients underwent ≥ 2 HRM studies. Initial diagnoses were IEM (45 patients [33.6%], EGJOO (34 [25.4%], absent peristalsis (18 [13.4%], achalasia (11 [8.2%], DES (4 [3.0%]), and JH (3 [2.2%]; 29 (14.2%) of patients had a normal HRM. 109 (81.3%) patients underwent 2 HRM, 18 (13.4%) 3 HRM, 4 (3%) 4 HRM, and 3 (2.2%) 5 HRM.

The final follow-up HRM occurred after a median 496 [80 – 1823] days. 72 (53.7%) of patients had no change from their initial diagnosis. Patients with an initial diagnosis of DES were significantly more likely to have a change in diagnosis on the final follow-up (3 normal:1 IEM) (p = .043). No other classes reached significance. Patients with IEM had a significantly higher mean DCI (395.1 [0 - 3248] vs 790.8 [0 – 10715.0], p = .006) and IRP (4.5 [-10.4 – 14.2] vs [6.6 [-6.2 – 21.0], p = .017) on their follow-up HRM.

4 patients without achalasia (3 EGJOO:1 IEM) on their index HRM had a diagnosis of achalasia on their final HRM. The median IRP in non-achalasia patients with a diagnosis of achalasia on final HRM (22.3 [8.4 – 30.7] was significantly higher than those without a diagnosis of achalasia on final HRM (6.6 [-10.4 – 39.8]) (p = .013); however no manometric criteria or initial HRM diagnoses predicted progression to achalasia or major motility disorder on binary logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

In most patients, repeat manometry did not change the manometric diagnosis. Patients with DES were significantly likely to have their diagnosis change with repeat HRM, and most of these patients had normalization of their HRM. Manometric parameters in IEM appear to improve over time. This finding could reflect interval therapy, or shed some light on the natural history of this disease.

Funding Agencies

None

Correction: Elevation of p11 in lateral habenula mediates depression-like behavior

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The roles of FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 in virulence and lipid metabolism in Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a wheat disease with a worldwide prevalence, caused by Fusarium graminearum. Peroxisomes are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and are involved in various biochemical phenomena. FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 encode RING-finger peroxins PEX2 and PEX12 in F. graminearum. This study aimed to functionally characterize FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 in F. graminearum. We constructed deletion mutants of FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 via homologous recombination. The ΔPEX2 and ΔPEX12 mutants displayed defects in sexual and asexual development, virulence, cell wall integrity (CWI), and lipid metabolism. Deletion of FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 significantly decreased deoxynivalenol production. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopic analysis of the subcellular localization of GFP-PMP70 and GFP-HEX1 revealed that FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 maintain Woronin bodies. These results show that FgPEX2 and FgPEX12 are required for growth, conidiation, virulence, cell wall integrity, and lipid metabolism in F. graminearum and do not influence their peroxisomes.

Measurement of ϒ(1S) Elliptic Flow at Forward Rapidity in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first measurement of the ϒ(1S) elliptic flow coefficient (v_{2}) is performed at forward rapidity (2.5<y<4) in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are obtained with the scalar product method and are reported as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) up to 15  GeV/c in the 5%-60% centrality interval. The measured ϒ(1S)v_{2} is consistent with 0 and with the small positive values predicted by transport models within uncertainties. The v_{2} coefficient in 2<p_{T}<15  GeV/c is lower than that of inclusive J/ψ mesons in the same p_{T} interval by 2.6 standard deviations. These results, combined with earlier suppression measurements, are in agreement with a scenario in which the ϒ(1S) production in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies is dominated by dissociation limited to the early stage of the collision, whereas in the J/ψ case there is substantial experimental evidence of an additional regeneration component.

Investigations of Anisotropic Flow Using Multiparticle Azimuthal Correlations in pp, p-Pb, Xe-Xe, and Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

Measurements of anisotropic flow coefficients (v_{n}) and their cross-correlations using two- and multiparticle cumulant methods are reported in collisions of pp at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, p-Pb at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, Xe-Xe at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.44  TeV, and Pb-Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with the ALICE detector. The multiplicity dependence of v_{n} is studied in a very wide range from 20 to 3000 particles produced in the midrapidity region |η|<0.8 for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<3.0  GeV/c. An ordering of the coefficients v_{2}>v_{3}>v_{4} is found in pp and p-Pb collisions, similar to that seen in large collision systems, while a weak v_{2} multiplicity dependence is observed relative to nucleus-nucleus collisions in the same multiplicity range. Using a novel subevent method, v_{2} measured with four-particle cumulants is found to be compatible with that from six-particle cumulants in pp and p-Pb collisions. The magnitude of the correlation between v_{n}^{2} and v_{m}^{2}, evaluated with the symmetric cumulants SC(m,n) is observed to be positive at all multiplicities for v_{2} and v_{4}, while for v_{2} and v_{3} it is negative and changes sign for multiplicities below 100, which may indicate a different v_{n} fluctuation pattern in this multiplicity range. The observed long-range multiparticle azimuthal correlations in high multiplicity pp and p-Pb collisions can neither be described by pythia 8 nor by impact-parameter-Glasma, music, and ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics model calculations, and hence, provide new insights into the understanding of collective effects in small collision systems.

First Observation of an Attractive Interaction between a Proton and a Cascade Baryon

This Letter presents the first experimental observation of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a multistrange baryon (hyperon) Ξ^{-}. The result is extracted from two-particle correlations of combined p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} pairs measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC with ALICE. The measured correlation function is compared with the prediction obtained assuming only an attractive Coulomb interaction and a standard deviation in the range [3.6, 5.3] is found. Since the measured p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} correlation is significantly enhanced with respect to the Coulomb prediction, the presence of an additional, strong, attractive interaction is evident. The data are compatible with recent lattice calculations by the HAL-QCD Collaboration, with a standard deviation in the range [1.8, 3.7]. The lattice potential predicts a shallow repulsive Ξ^{-} interaction within pure neutron matter and this implies stiffer equations of state for neutron-rich matter including hyperons. Implications of the strong interaction for the modeling of neutron stars are discussed.

Non-Markovian Exciton-Phonon Interactions in Core-Shell Colloidal Quantum Dots at Femtosecond Timescales

We perform two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy on CdSe/CdZnS core-shell colloidal quantum dots at cryogenic temperatures. In the two-dimensional spectra, sidebands due to electronic coupling with CdSe lattice LO-phonon modes are observed to have evolutions deviating from the exponential dephasing expected from Markovian spectral diffusion, which is instantaneous and memoryless. Comparison to simulations provides evidence that LO-phonon coupling induces energy-gap fluctuations on the finite timescales of nuclear motion. The femtosecond resolution of our technique probes exciton dynamics directly on the timescales of phonon coupling in nanocrystals.

Three novel microRNAs based on microRNA signatures for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

This study aimed to identify novel microRNAs (miRNAs) that play crucial regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma by retrieving and analyzing the miRNA expression profile GSE23877. Differentially expressed miRNAs between gastric MALT lymphoma samples and human tonsil tissue samples as well as their target genes were identified. The transcriptional regulatory relationships between miRNAs and target genes were analyzed, and the regulatory network between them was constructed. Target genes annotated as transcription factors (TFs) were screened, and an miRNA-target gene regulatory network was established. Moreover, the expression levels of miRNAs and target genes as well as the correlation between them were verified. In total, 53 upregulated and 25 downregulated miRNAs were obtained, for which 35 and 25 experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions, respectively, were screened. Some miRNAs were significantly enriched in certain pathways; for example, miR-320a was enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus and ribosome, miR-622 in the p53 signaling pathway and chronic myeloid leukemia, and miR-429 in cancer-related pathways. In addition, upregulated miRNAs, including miR-320a, miR-940, and miR-622, and downregulated miRNAs, including miR-331-3p and miR-429, were hub nodes in the miRNA-target gene regulatory network, and the TF MYC was a co-target of miR-320a, miR-622, and miR-429. The expression trends of miR-320a and miR-429 as well as of some of their target genes were consistent with those in the results of microarray analysis. In conclusion, miR-320a, miR-622, and miR-429 are possibly novel miRNAs participating in the pathomechanism of gastric MALT lymphoma.

Clinical characteristics and treatments of patients with alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric carcinoma

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known tumor marker of hepatic carcinoma and yolk sac tumor. Alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric carcinoma (AFPGC) is a rare type of gastric cancer with high malignancy and poor prognosis, which make it different from other types of gastric cancer. This rare gastric cancer patient subgroup is likely frequently misdiagnosed which may be related to lack of knowledge of the disease. The purpose of this article is to summarize the mechanism of AFP positive gastric cancer, classification, biological behavior and treatment, in order to assist clinical practitioners to detect AFPGC earlier and treat it better. Previous studies have showed that AFPGC has a complex pathophysiology mechanism. AFPGC is more aggressive and characterized by stronger proliferation, neovascularization, lymphatic invasion and distant metastasis. Furthermore, so far there has been no standard treatment for patients with AFPGC. Nevertheless, our present study summarizes some effective treatments based on previous research outcome. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the importance of detecting AFP routinely in serum and tissues in gastric cancer cases, which will greatly improve the diagnosis rate of AFPGC, and in regards to treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and interventional treatment may have positive impacts on AFPGC treatment outcome. However, further study with a larger sample is required to confirm the reliability and validity of these methods.

Genotype by environment interaction for female fertility traits under conventional and organic production systems in Danish Holsteins

Conventional and organic production systems mainly differ in feeding strategies, outdoor and pasture access, and the use of antibiotic treatments. These environmental differences could lead to a genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and a requirement for including G × E in breeding decisions. The objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and heritabilities for conventional and organic production systems and investigate G × E under these 2 production systems for female fertility traits in Danish Holsteins. The analyzed traits included the interval from calving to first insemination (ICF), the interval from first to last insemination, number of inseminations per conception (NINS), and non-return rate within 56 d after the first insemination. Records of female fertility in heifers and the first 3 lactations in cows as well as grass ratio of feed at herd level were collected during the period from 2011 to 2016. The performances of a trait in heifers and cows (lactation 1 to 3) were considered as different traits. The (co)variance components and the resulting heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated using 2 models. One was a bivariate model treating performances of a trait under organic and conventional production systems as 2 different traits using a reduced data set, and the other was a reaction norm model with random regression on the production system and the grass ratio of feed using a full data set. The full data set comprised records of 37,836 females from 112 organic herds and 513,599 females from 1,224 conventional herds, whereas the reduced data set comprised records from all these 112 organic herds and 92,696 females from 185 convention herds extracted from the full data set with grass ratio of feed lower than 0.20. All female fertility performances of the organic production system were superior to those of the conventional production system. Besides, heterogeneities in additive genetic variances and heritabilities were observed between conventional and organic production systems for all traits. Furthermore, genetic correlations between these 2 production systems ranged from 0.607 to 1.000 estimated from bivariate models and from 0.848 to 0.999 estimated from reaction norm models. Statistically significant G × E were observed for NINS in heifers, non-return rate within 56 d after the first insemination in heifers, and ICF from the bivariate model, and for ICF and NINS in cows from the reaction norm model.

FgPEX1 and FgPEX10 are required for the maintenance of Woronin bodies and full virulence of Fusarium graminearum

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous single-membrane-bound organelles that perform a variety of biochemical functions in eukaryotic cells. Proteins involved in peroxisomal biogenesis are collectively called peroxins. Currently, functions of most peroxins in phytopathogenic fungi are poorly understood. Here, we report identification of PEX1 and PEX10 in the phytopathogenic fungus, Fusarium graminearum, namely FgPEX1 and FgPEX10, the orthologs of yeast ScPEX1 and ScPEX10. To functionally characterize FgPEX1 and FgPEX10, we constructed deletion mutants of FgPEX1 and FgPEX10 (ΔPEX1 and ΔPEX10) by targeting gene-replacement strategies. Our data demonstrate that both mutants displayed reduced mycelial growth, conidiation, and production of perithecia. Deletion of FgPEX1 and FgPEX10 resulted in a shortage of acetyl-CoA, which is an important reason for the reduced deoxynivalenol production and inhibited virulence of F. graminearum. Moreover, ΔPEX1 and ΔPEX10 showed an increased accumulation of lipid droplets and endogenous reactive oxygen species. In addition, FgPEX1 and FgPEX10 were found to be involved in the maintenance of cell wall integrity and Woronin bodies.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes: an intervention and prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. To explore whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of women who had IMH identified in the first trimester improves pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Women in the early pregnancy in the iodine-sufficient area (n = 3398) were recruited to this prospective cohort study (ChiCTR-TRC-12002326). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were detected. Women with IMH before 12 weeks chose to receive L-T4 or remain untreated. The L-T4 dose was adjusted to attain a normal FT4 and TSH level. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

IMH in the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with controls. The incidence of macrosomia (p = 0.022) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation compared with controls. IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation was a risk factor for macrosomia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.076-3.503, p = 0.027] and gestational hypertension (aOR 4.203, 95% CI 1.611-10.968, p < 0.01), when body mass index in the early pregnancy was < 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

IMH in the first trimester did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes irrespective of whether women received L-T4 treatment. However, IMH identified in the second trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The results suggest that thyroid function follow-up during the second trimester is necessary, even if thyroid function is normal during the first trimester.