[Clinical features of children with lysinuric protein intolerance and SLC7A7 gene mutation: an analysis of 3 cases]

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by SLC7A7 gene mutation and often involves severe lesions in multiple systems. Lung involvement is frequently seen in children with LPI and such children tend to have a poor prognosis. This article summarizes the clinical manifestations and gene mutation characteristics of three children diagnosed with LPI by SLC7A7 gene analysis. All three children had the manifestations of aversion to protein-rich food after weaning, delayed development, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and osteoporosis, as well as an increase in orotic acid in urine. In addition, interstitial pneumonia and diffuse pulmonary interstitial lesions were observed in two children. SLC7A7 gene detection showed three pathogenic mutations in these children, namely c.1387delG(p.V463CfsX56), c.1215G>A(p.W405X) and homozygous c.625+1G>A. After a definite diagnosis was made, all three children were given a low-protein diet and oral administration of citrulline [100 mg/(kg.d)], iron protein succinylate [4 mg/(kg.d)], calcium and zinc gluconates oral solution (10 mL/day) and vitamin D (400 IU/day). In addition, patient 3 was given prednisone acetate (5 mg/day). The children had varying degrees of improvement in symptoms and signs. It is hard to distinguish LPI from urea cycle disorder due to the features of amino acid and organic acid metabolism in LPI, and SLC7A7 gene analysis is the basis for a definite diagnosis of LPI.

Abstract P2-14-18: Achiveing rapid intrao-operative diagnosis during breast cancer surgery using high-reloution full-field optical coherence imaging and dynamic cell imaging

Background: Intraoperative pathological diagnosis such as frozen section and imprint cytology is not routinely recommended in clinical practice because of time and accuracy concerns. Full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) is a new optical imaging technique that could generate sectioning tomogram from fresh tissue and provide depiction of the morphological structure and pathological changes in minutes without conventional tissue preparation, slicing, and staining, and dynamic cell imaging (DCI) added the viability information of cells/tissue, which could be more important in cancer diagnosis. This study was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic value of FF-OCT and DCI in breast lesions and lymph node specimens during breast cancer surgery.

Methods: We evaluated normal breast tissue, benign breast lesions, breast cancer and axillary lymph node specimens from 107 patients using FF-OCT and DCI. After the optical assessment, the tissue was paraffin embedded and sent to conventional H&E diagnosis. The similar layer of OCT and H&E images were compared and diagnostic criteria were generated. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity by two trained surgeons without pathology diagnosis experience were evaluated.

Results: A total of 194 specimens were examined, including 143 breast tissue(101 malignant and 42 benign/normal) and 51 lymph nodes(26 metastatic and 25 non-metastatic). On FF-OCT and DCI, normal morphological structures such as adipose, collagen, mammary ducts, and lobules in breast tissue and lymphoid follicle and hilum in lymph nodes were easily recognized. Breast cancer characteristics on H&E imaging correspond to collagen distortion, focal hypointensity, micro-calcification, clustered or linear lively cells et etc on FF-OCT or DCI, which could also be easily distinguished. We included the previously mentioned features to build diagnosis criteria for cancer on FF-OCT and DCI. The average acquisition time is 14±11 minutes. The sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer diagnosis were 92.1% and 94.3% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for lymph node involvement were 92.3% and 84% respectively.

Conclusion: The time- and tissue-saving optical imaging technique yielded high accuracy that was comparable to that of traditional intraoperative and postoperative pathological diagnosis in breast cancer and lymph node metastasis. These results implied the promising application in the intraoperative evaluation and possible decrease of the re-excision rate for breast cancer surgery.

Citation Format: Yang H, Zhang S, Guo J, Xie F, Tong F, Cao Y, Liu P, Zhou B, Cheng L, Liu M, Wang S, Peng Y, Wang C, Yang Y, Ma Y, Chen D, Shen D, Wang S. Achiveing rapid intrao-operative diagnosis during breast cancer surgery using high-reloution full-field optical coherence imaging and dynamic cell imaging [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 P2-14-18.

Abstract P3-03-43: Incorporation of MSKCC nomogram to guide the application of intra-operative sentinel lymph node frozen section evaluation in patients with early breast cancer

Background and Objectives:

Although de-escalation of axillary surgery becomes more popular, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is still the standard care for sentinel lymph node(SLN) positive patients not meeting the criteria of ACOSOG Z0011 in many hospitals, and frozen section (FS) of SLN is one of the valuble intra-operative assesments to avoid axilla re-operation although it was controversial due to accuracy and efficiency concerns. This study was to assess the performance of selective use of frozen section evaluation guided by MSKCC lymph node metastasis risk prediction nomogram to optimize the proceudure to be more accurate and cost effective.

Methods:

Surgical pathology records of consecutive 2582 biopsies in 2552 patients breast cancer patients from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed, intra-operative frozen section diagnosis were compared to post-operative paraffin reports. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and FNR for different MSKCC risk, the axilla re-operation rate with or without FS and the number needed to treat (NNT) to avoid second ALND was also analyzed.

Results:

The sensitivity, specificity, and FNR of FS were 84.7%, 99.9%, and 15.3% respectively. The axilla re-operation rates were significantly decreased if FS was done(4.7%±0.4% with FS versus 35.8%±5.8% without FS, P<0.001). The estimated axilla re-operation rate without FS was positively correlated with MSKCC risk(r=0.99, P<0.001), while NNT to avoid second ALND by FS were negatively correlated with MSKCC risk(r=-0.98, P<0.001). When patients were divided into four groups according to quartile MSKCC risk, the axilla re-excisional rates were 18.4%, 25.1%, 38.7%, 58.7% without FS, while 4.8%, 3.2%, 5.6%, 3.2% with FS, and NNT correspondingly decreased from 7.3, 4.5, 3.0 to 1.8. An decision-making algorithm for application of FS was proposed.

Conclusion:

Stratified decision-making algorithm based on MSKCC prediction model improved the efficiency of FS to avoid axilla re-operatioin in patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. We recommend FS be restricted to patients with MSKCC risk higher than 0.5 who do not meet ACOSOG Z0011 criteria.

Citation Format: Yang H, Wang S, Shen D, Cao Y, Tong F, Chen D, Liu P, Peng Y. Incorporation of MSKCC nomogram to guide the application of intra-operative sentinel lymph node frozen section evaluation in patients with early breast cancer [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 P3-03-43.

[Enhancer trapping nearby rps26 gene in zebrafish mediated by the Tol2 transposon and it's annotation]

With the completion of large-scale genome sequencing of human beings and other organisms, understanding the expression of control elements on the genome has become an important research task in the post-genome era. The enhancer trapping technology is an effective method for identifying enhancer elements in the genome and understanding its mechanism for gene expression regulation. In this study, we selected the stable enhancer trapping line TK4 (head and trunk specific GFP expression), which is generated with the mediation of Tol2 transposon system, and analyzed the trapped enhancers with the techniques of Splinkerette PCR (sp-PCR), in situ hybridization and comparative genomics. We crossed F1 individuals of TK4 line with wild-type zebrafish, collected fertilized eggs, and then detected the expression pattern of green fluorescent protein reporter gene by fluorescence microscopy at six different developmental stages, 6 hpf (hour post fertilization), 24 hpf, 48 hpf, 3 dpf (day post fertilization), 4 dpf and 5 dpf . The zebrafish genome flank sequence near the insertion site of Tol2 transposon was cloned by sp-PCR, and the results revealed that the insertion located at the position 27749253 of chromosome 23, and the transgene inserted reversely inside the intron 1 of rps26 gene. Within the 100 kb region of the insertion site, totally, seven genes including arf3a, wnt10b, wnt1, rps26, IKZF4, dnajc22 and lmbr1l were identified. Comparative genomic analysis by VISTA program revealed that there were two potential enhancer elements in the downstream of rps26 gene, which were conserved non-coding sequence (CNS) 1 and CNS2. The results of in situ hybridization showed that two transcripts of rps26 gene were maternal expression, the expression of rps26-201 in zygote was earlier than that of rps26-001, and the GFP signal of TK4 line zebrafish was not detectable before 6hpf, the expression patterns of rps26 and GFP at the late stages display similarity, and also represent differences, which suggested that the expression of rps26 and GFP may be controlled by the same enhancer, and also by the different enhancer, and two potential enhancers (CNS1 and CNS2) may play a differential regulation roles on the spatial and temporal expression of nearby genes (including rps26). In this study, we successfully obtained two potential enhancers near rps26 gene for the first time, which laid a foundation for further study of the regulation mechanism between these two enhancers and nearby genes in the genome, and the combination technique used in this study also provides a reference for enhancer analysis.

Transmembrane Helices 2 and 3 Determine the Localization of Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins in Eukaryotic Cells

In plants, plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) PIP1s and PIP2s mediate the transport of disparate substrates across plasma membranes (PMs), with a prerequisite that the proteins correctly localize to the PMs. While PIP2s can take correct localization by themselves in plant cells, PIP1s cannot unless aided by a specific PIP2. Here, we analyzed the localization of the Arabidopsis aquaporins, AtPIP1s, AtPIP2;4, and their mutants in yeast, Xenopus oocytes, and protoplasts of Arabidopsis. Most of AtPIP2;4 localized in the PM when expressed alone, whereas AtPIP1;1 failed to realize it in yeast and Xenopus oocytes. Switch of the transmembrane helix 2 (TM2) or TM3 from AtPIP1;1 to AtPIP2;4 disabled the latter's PM targeting activity. Surprisingly, a replacement of TM2 and TM3 of AtPIP1;1 with those of AtPIP2;4 created a PM-localized AtPIP1;1 mutant, 1;1Δ(TM2+TM3)/2;4(TM2+TM3), which could act as a water and hydrogen peroxide channel just like AtPIP2;4. A localization and function analysis on mutants of AtPIP1;2, AtPIP1;3, AtPIP1;4, and AtPIP1;5, with the same replaced TM2 and TM3 from AtPIP2;4, showed that these AtPIP1 variants could also localize in the PM spontaneously, thus playing an inherent role in transporting solutes. Sequential and structural analysis suggested that a hydrophilic residue and a defective LxxxA motif are modulators of PM localization of AtPIP1s. These results indicate that TM2 and TM3 are necessary and, more importantly, sufficient in AtPIP2 for its PM localization.

The relation of SF3B1 mutation and intracellular iron in myelodysplastic syndrome with less than 5% bone marrow blasts

According to 2008 WHO classification RARS is regarded as less than 5% blasts and more than 15% ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. In 2016 WHO classification MDS-RS is revised as more than 15% ring sideroblasts or more than 5% ring sideroblasts in the presence of the SF3B1 mutation. In our study, we classified intracellular iron in bone marrow into four types according to the size and quantity of iron granules. We found that there was a significant difference between SF3B1-mutant and SF3B1-wild-type MDS patients in intracellular iron III, intracellular iron IV and ring sideroblasts. We defined intracellular iron (III + IV + RS)%×100 as 'Iron score'. We suggest that the patients carrying SF3B1 mutation with Iron score ≥10 will extend the subtype of MDS-RS, in addition to the current WHO classification criteria. This study gives us a new insight into the relation of SF3B1 mutation and intracellular iron in lower-risk MDS.

A survey of high dimension low sample size asymptotics

Peter Hall's work illuminated many aspects of statistical thought, some of which are very well known including the bootstrap and smoothing. However, he also explored many other lesser known aspects of mathematical statistics. This is a survey of one of those areas, initiated by a seminal paper in 2005, on high dimension low sample size asymptotics. An interesting characteristic of that first paper, and of many of the following papers, is that they contain deep and insightful concepts which are frequently surprising and counter-intuitive, yet have mathematical underpinnings which tend to be direct and not difficult to prove.

Profiling Analysis Reveals the Potential Contribution of Peptides to Human Adipocyte Differentiation

PURPOSE

Peptide drugs provide promising regimes in anti-obesity treatment. In order to identify potential bioactive peptides involved in adipogenesis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The intracellular peptides between preadipocytes and adipocytes are compared by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The underlying biological function of the identified peptides are evaluated by gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis of their precursors. To find more potential bioactive peptides, 50 peptide sequences are identified located in the functional domains with the use of the SMART and UniProt databases. Finally, the Open Targets Platform database is used to investigate the precursors related to metabolic diseases.

RESULTS

A total of 181 downregulated peptides and 89 upregulated peptides after differentiation (fold change > 1.5 and p-value < 0.05) are identified. The GO and pathway analysis indicate that these differentially expressed peptides play a role in adipogenesis. A total of 10 putative peptides 6 to 26 amino acids in length are identified that might have bioactive effects in adipogenesis and metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

On one hand, present preliminary research provides a better understanding of the intracellular peptides during adipocyte differentiation. On the other hand, it lays a foundation for discovering new peptide drugs in anti-obesity treatment.

[Lignan glycosides and sucrose esters from roots of Securidaca inappendiculata]

Nine compounds, including five lignan glycosides (1-5), three sucrose esters (6-8), and one organic acid ester (9), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots of Securidaca inappendiculata by various chromatographic methods including silica gel, MPLC and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as acernikol-4″-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (7R, 8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (7R, 8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (7R, 8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), (7R, 8S)-5-methoxydihydrodehy-drodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 3, 6'-O-diferuloylsucrose (6), 3-O-feruloyl-6'-O-sinapoylsucrose (7), sibricose A5 (8), and mehyl ferulate (9) on the basis of 1H-, 13C-NMR and MS experiments. Compounds 1-5, 8, and 9 were isolated from the Securidaca genus for the first time. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited weak cytotoxic activities against Hela and MCF-7 cell lines.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinicopathologic factors linked to oncologic outcomes for renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus treated by radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

There remain discrepancies over the factors that influence oncologic outcomes after radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy (RNTE). To assess significant predictors of oncologic outcomes after RNTE from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science was performed to identify eligible studies. The endpoints included cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A formal meta-analysis was performed for studies containing non-metastatic and metastatic tumors. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis including the subgroup of studies containing non-metastatic tumors only was conducted. Cumulative analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted.

RESULTS

Overall, 35 retrospective studies of low to moderate risk of bias including 11,929 patients were included. The results indicated that large tumor size, high Fuhrman grade, tumor necrosis, positive lymph node, and metastasis at surgery were adverse significant predictors for both CSS and OS. Also, IVC tumor thrombus, sarcomatoid differentiation, perinephretic fat invasion, and adrenal gland invasion were associated with poor CSS. In the subset of non-metastatic patients, the significant predictors were clinical symptom, thrombus level, Fuhrman grade and adrenal gland invasion for CSS; thrombus consistency, Fuhrman grade and tumor necrosis for OS; tumor size, Fuhrman grade and perinephretic fat invasion for RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

A meta-analysis of available data identified significant prognostic factors of CSS, OS and RFS that should be systematically evaluated to propose a risk-adapted approach to postoperative patient counseling, risk stratification, and therapy selection.

Short-term ingestion of deoxynivalenol in naturally contaminated feed alters piglet performance and gut hormone secretion

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) generally exists in cereals and affects human and animal health. The aim of this study is to analyze the impacts of DON in naturally contaminated feed on piglet growth performance and intestinal hormone secretion in the short term. We randomly divided 5-week-old piglets into four groups: Control, DON 1,000, DON 2,000 and DON 3,000 groups. Piglets received a feed naturally contaminated with DON (approximately 400, 1,000, 2,000 or 3,000 μg/kg) for 21 days. Body weight showed no significant difference following exposure to DON. The balance of anti-oxidation and oxidation was disrupted by DON after 21 days. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) significantly increased (p < .001) in all DON-treated groups. Gut anorexigenic hormone secretion of peptide YY (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK) had a time- and dose-dependent relationship with DON exposure; however, there was no effect on orexigenic hormone ghrelin secretion. Changes of histomorphology in the jejunum were observed in DON-treated groups, including villi flattening and fusion, and apical necrosis of villi. These results indicated that DON could suppress piglet growth performance and alter gut hormone secretion in the short term.

Integrative radiomics expression predicts molecular subtypes of primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma

AIM

To identify combined positron-emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics as a surrogate biomarker of intratumour disease risk for molecular subtype ccA and ccB in patients with primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PET/MRI data were analysed retrospectively from eight patients. One hundred and sixty-eight radiomics features for each tumour sampling based on the regionally sampled tumours with 23 specimens were extracted. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (SPLS-DA) was applied to feature screening on high-throughput radiomics features and project the selected features to low-dimensional intrinsic latent components as radiomics signatures. In addition, multilevel omics datasets were leveraged to explore the complementing information and elevate the discriminative ability.

RESULTS

The correct classification rate (CCR) for molecular subtype classification by SPLS-DA using only radiomics features was 86.96% with permutation test p=7×10^-4. When multi-omics datasets including mRNA, microvascular density, and clinical parameters from each specimen were combined with radiomics features to refine the model of SPLS-DA, the best CCR was 95.65% with permutation test, p<10^-4; however, even in the case of generating the classification based on transcription features, which is the reference standard, there is roughly 10% classification ambiguity. Thus, this classification level (86.96-95.65%) of the proposed method represents the discriminating level that is consistent with reality.

CONCLUSION

Featured with high accuracy, an integrated multi-omics model of PET/MRI-based radiomics could be the first non-invasive investigation for disease risk stratification and guidance of treatment in patients with primary ccRCC.

MicroRNA-205 targets SMAD4 in non-small cell lung cancer and promotes lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains poor; therefore, improved understanding of the disease mechanism and novel treatment strategies are needed. Downregulation of SMAD4 and dysregulated expression of miR-205 have been reported. However, the relationship between them remains unclear. We investigated the effect of microRNA (miR)-205 on the expression of SMAD4 in NSCLC. Knockdown and overexpression of SMAD4 promoted or suppressed cellular viability and proliferation, and accelerated or inhibited the cell cycle in NSCLC cells, respectively. The 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of SMAD4 was predicted as a target of miR-205. Luciferase assays validated that miR-205 binds directly to the SMAD4 3′-UTR. Protein and mRNA expression analyses confirmed that miR-205 overexpression in NSCLC cells inhibited the expression of SMAD4 mRNA and protein. In human NSCLC tissues, increased miR-205 expression was observed frequently and was inversely correlated with decreased SMAD4 expression. Ectopic expression of miR-205 in NSCLC cells suppressed cellular viability and proliferation, accelerated the cell cycle, and promoted tumor growth of lung carcinoma xenografts in nude mice. Our study showed that miR-205 decreased SMAD4 expression, thus promoting NSCLC cell growth. Our findings highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-205 in NSCLC treatment.

Aberrant promoter methylation of hOGG1 may be associated with increased risk of non-small cell lung cancer

DNA methylation may epigenetically inactivate tumor suppressor genes in NSCLC. As the human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) gene promoter is frequently methylated in NSCLC, we evaluated whether genetic or epigenetic alterations of hOGG1 are associated with increased risk of non-small cell lung cancer. Three hOGG1 haplotype-tagging SNPs (htSNP) were genotyped in PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays, and one htSNP was genotyped in a PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism assay in case-control studies of 217 NSCLC patients and 226 healthy controls. The methylation profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens from 121 NSCLC patients and 121 controls were determined through methylation-specific PCR of hOGG1. No differences in allele or genotype frequencies between NSCLC patients and controls were observed at any of the four polymorphic sites (rs159153, rs125701, rs1052133, and rs293795). However, hOGG1 methylation-positive carriers had a 2.25-fold greater risk of developing NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio: 2.247; 95% confidence interval: 1.067-4.734; P = 0.03) than methylation-free subjects. Furthermore, the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored hOGG1 expression in NSCLC cell lines. These data provide strong evidence of an association between peripheral blood mononuclear cell hOGG1 methylation and the risk of NSCLC in a Chinese population.

Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was updated with results from a new trial and final data to reassess the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy in ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane clinical trials, Web of Science and clinicaltrial.gov databases. Outcomes included the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and common adverse events. The hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) were pooled when the meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Five RCTs with 4994 patients were included. In overall newly diagnosed OC, bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy did not significantly improve PFS (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.70-1.02) or OS (HR 0.94, 95%CI 0.84-1.05). In the high-risk progression subgroup, the addition of bevacizumab significantly improved PFS (HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.68-0.84) and OS (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74-0.96). In recurrent OC, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy significantly extended PFS (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.45-0.63) and OS (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.77-0.99). The ORR was improved (OR 2.37, 95%CI 1.99-2.82) in the overall population. Bevacizumab increased the incidence of hypertension (RR 21.27, 95%CI 9.42-48.02), proteinuria (RR 4.77, 95%CI 2.15-10.61), bleeding (RR 3.16, 95%CI 1.59-6.30), GI perforations (RR 2.76, 95%CI 1.51-5.03), arterial thrombosis events (RR 2.39, 95%CI 1.39-4.10) and venous thrombosis events (RR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy significantly improved PFS and OS in both patients with high-risk of progression and patients with recurrent OC, with an increased incidence of common adverse events. However, no statistically significant survival benefit was identified in the front-line settings.

Leukocyte Image Segmentation Using Novel Saliency Detection Based on Positive Feedback of Visual Perception

This paper presents a novel method for salient object detection in nature image by simulating microsaccades in fixational eye movements. Due to a nucleated cell usually stained that is salient obviously, the proposed method is suitable to segment nucleated cell. Firstly, the existing fixation prediction method is utilized to produce an initial fixation area. Followed EPELM (ensemble of polyharmonic extreme learning machine) is trained on-line by the pixels sampling from the fixation and nonfixation area. Then the model of EPELM could be used to classify image pixels to form new binary fixation area. Depending upon the updated fixation area, the procedure of "pixel sampling-learning-classification" could be performed iteratively. If the previous binary fixation area and the latter one were similar enough in iteration, it indicates that the perception is saturated and the loop should be terminated. The binary output in iteration could be regarded as a kind of visual stimulation. So the multiple outputs of visual stimuli can be accumulated to form a new saliency map. Experiments on three image databases show the validity of our method. It can segment nucleated cells successfully in different imaging conditions.

[Annotation of the mobilomes of nine teleost species]

In this study, the mobilomes of nine teleost species were annotated by bioinformatics methods. Both of the mobilome size and constitute displayed a significant difference in 9 species of teleost fishes. The species of mobilome content ranking from high to low were zebrafish, medaka, tilapia, coelacanth, platyfish, cod, stickleback, tetradon and fugu. Mobilome content and genome size were positively correlated. The DNA transposons displayed higher diversity and larger variation in teleost (0.50% to 38.37%), was a major determinant of differences in teleost mobilomes, and hAT and Tc/Mariner superfamily were the major DNA transposons in teleost. RNA transposons also exhibited high diversity in teleost, LINE transposons accounted for 0.53% to 5.75% teleost genomic sequences, and 14 superfamilies were detected. L1, L2, RTE and Rex retrotransposons obtained significant amplification. While LTR displayed low amplification in most teleost with less than 2% of genome coverages, except in zebrafish and stickleback, where LTR reachs 5.58% and 2.51% of genome coverages respectively. And 6 LTR superfamilies (Copia, DIRS, ERV, Gypsy, Ngaro and Pao) were detected in the teleost, and Gypsy exhibits obvious amplication among them. While the SINE represents the weakest ampification types in teleost, only within zebrafish and coelacanth, it represents 3.28% and 5.64% of genome coverages, in the other 7 teleost, it occupies less than 1% of genomes, and tRNA, 5S and MIR families of SINE have a certain degree of amplification in some teleosts. This study shows that the teleost display high diversity and large variation of mobilome, there is a strong correlation with the size variations of genomes and mobilome contents in teleost, mobilome is an important factor in determining the teleost genome size.

Follistatin-like protein 1 plays a tumor suppressor role in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that the expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) was significantly down-regulated in metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of FSTL1 in the development of ccRCC.

METHODS

The effects of FSTL1 on cell activity and cell cycle were investigated in ccRCC cell lines with altered FSTL1 expression. Gene expression microarray assays were performed to identify the major signaling pathways affected by FSTL1 knockdown. The expression of FSTL1 in ccRCC and its effect on postoperative prognosis were estimated in a cohort with 89 patients.

RESULTS

FSTL1 knockdown promoted anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasion, and cell cycle of ccRCC cell lines, whereas FSTL1 overexpression attenuated cell migration. FSTL1 knockdown up-regulated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathways, increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, up-regulated interleukin-6 expression, and promoted tumor necrosis factor-α-induced degradation of NF-κB inhibitor (IκBα) in ccRCC cell lines. FSTL1 immunostaining was selectively positive in epithelial cytoplasm in the loop of Henle, and positive rate of FSTL1 was significantly lower in ccRCC tissues than in adjacent renal tissues (P < 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the intratumoral FSTL1 expression conferred a favorable independent prognosis with a hazard ratio of 0.325 (95% confidence interval 0.118-0.894). HIF-2α expression was negatively correlated with FSTL1 expression in ccRCC specimens (r = - 0.229, P = 0.044). Intratumoral expression of HIF-2α, rather than HIF-1α, significantly predicted an unfavorable prognosis in ccRCC (log-rank, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

FSTL1 plays a tumor suppression role possibly via repressing the NF-κB and HIF-2α signaling pathways. To increase FSTL1 expression might be a candidate therapeutic strategy for metastatic ccRCC.

Protective influence of rosiglitazone against testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Testicular torsion is a urology urgent disease which causes testicular injury and potential sterility. In this study, we explored the protective influence of rosiglitazone on testicular ischaemia-reperfusion damage. There were 28 male Sprague Dawley rats in total, which were assigned randomly to four groups. Group A was blank control one; group B was testicular injury one; group C was rosiglitazone one; group D was rosiglitazone antagonist one. The testicles were counter-rotated after 2 hr and then underwent orchiectomy 24 hr later. We found that testicular tissue structure of rats was seriously damaged in groups B and D. However, group C had better testicular architecture. Similar findings were also shown for lipid peroxidation by evaluating the MDA activity (p < .05). Unlike group B or group D, the levels of inflammation by evaluating the MPO activity, the levels of TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6 and the expressions of ICAM-1 were prominently lower in group C (p < .05) as well. So our researches demonstrated that rosiglitazone significantly decreased the amount of responsive oxygen radical and regulated inflammatory responses. Rosiglitazone had a protective influence against testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats and possibly depended on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant traits.

What kind of neutral halogen bonds can be modulated by solvent effects?

Halogen bonds with a large portion of polarization can be modulated by solvent effects.

Antitumor effect of membrane-type Tim-3 on hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1-6 cells of ICR mice

In the present study, the inhibitory effect of transmembrane Tim-3 on hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1-6 cells and the potential application of Tim-3 on immune system of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice loaded with Hepa1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated. The animal model was established via inoculation of Hepa1-6 hepatocarcinoma cells at the hind thigh of ICR mice. Recombinant vector plasmids were transfected at the same site for gene therapy by injection to observe the inhibitory effect of Tim-3 on tumor growth. A panel of genes from tumor tissues at various time intervals was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the proliferation and cytotoxicity of splenocytes after Tim-3 transfection. Synergistic effects of Tim-3 with tumor abnormal protein-1 (TAP1) was also studied. It was revealed that the growth of tumor was significantly suppressed after the transfection of Tim-3. In the presence of Tim-3, the proliferation of splenocytes and cytolysis in the early phase of tumor development was significantly enhanced, and this antitumor effect was further improved by the synergistic effect of Tim-3 with TAP1. Therefore, the membrane-type Tim-3 may behave as an effective immunoregulator to enhance antitumor immune responses. Furthermore the present findings suggest that antitumor immunity was improved by the combined effect of Tim-3 and TAP1.

MiR-488 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion by targeting ADAM9 and lncRNA HULC in hepatocellular carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as regulators of tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, we determined the clinical significance and biological role of miR-488 in HCC. Our results demonstrated that the expression of miR-488 was notably downregulated in HCC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. Lower miR-488 expression was positively associated with tumor size, vascular invasion, and shorter overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Furthermore, gain-and-lost function assays showed that upregulation of miR-488 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. We showed that ADAM9 served as a direct target for miR-488 and mediated lower miR-488 expression, thus inducing cell proliferation and invasion in HCC. Moreover, we found that lncRNA HULC is a target of miR-488 in HCC cells and miR-488 inhibited the expression of HULC by sponging to HULC in HCC. Thus, our results suggest that miR-488 functions as a tumor suppressor in HCC and may be a potential target for HCC treatment.

[Establishment of cut-off value of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide for diagnosis of small cell lung cancer and evaluation on the clinical diagnosis efficiency]

Objective: To determine critical reference value (cut-off value) of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) and neuron specific enolase(NSE) in the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer(SCLC). To evaluate the clinical significance of serum levels of ProGRP and NSE in diagnosis and differential diagnosis in SCLC. Methods: Three hundred and fifty-two SCLC patients, 163 non small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)patients , 193 benign pulmonary disease patients and 140 healthy people visiting in National Cancer Hospital were analyzed retrospectively from January 2014 to July 2017.The levels of serum ProGRP and NSE of people were determined using electrochemiluminescent immunoassay respectively . Reference value ranges of the makers were determined by using the method of ROC curves. Results: In NSCLC group, benign lung disease group, healthy control group and mixed group (NSCLC+ lung benign diseases+ healthy control group) as a reference, the cut-off values were 58.3, 62.3, 57.8, 61.3 ng/L. In the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SCLC and NSCLC, benign lung diseases, healthy controls and mixed group, AUC of ProGRP was 0.940 (0.919-0.961), 0.941 (0.921-0.960), 0.959 (0.944-0.975), 0.946 (0.928-0.963) respectively. The sensitivities of ProGRP were 86.4%, 84.9%, 86.4% and 84.7% respectively. The specificities of ProGRP were 95.7%, 96.9%, 99.3%, 98% respectively. In all groups the Youden's index of ProGRP and NSE were 0.821 vs 0.612, 0.818 vs 0.674, 0.857 vs 0.810, 0.827 vs 0.674. In healthy controls, no statistically significant difference was found between ProGRP and NSE (P>0.05) in the diagnosis of AUC. However, in the remaining 3 groups, the ProGRP diagnosis of AUC was significantly greater than that of NSE (P<0.01). Compared with single marker detection, the sensitivity of combined detection of ProGRP and NSE in diagnosis of SCLC increased to 95.5%, 94%, 96.6% and 94% in each group. There was no significant difference between ProGRP and ProGRP+ NSE in the diagnosis of AUC when compared with the NSCLC group and the mixed group (P>0.05). However, when combined with a healthy control group and a benign lung disease group, the ProGRP+ NSE combination was the highest for AUC diagnosis, compared with ProGRP and NSE (P<0.01). In the SCLC ED group serum ProGRP and NSE levels[776.33(3 103.4)ng/L, 52.14(60.59)μg/L]were higher than those in the SCLC LD group[295.59(799.65)ng/L, 23.36(22.97)μg/L], respectively (all P<0.001). The serum ProGRP levels of N0, N1, N2 and N3 in TNM staging were 113.0(343.65), 167.04(724.56), 427.42(1 388.62), 735.99(1 709.95)ng/L respectively (all P<0.001). Serum ProGRP and NSE levels were not statistically different between the sex groups and the age groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: To establish the cut-off value of serum ProGRP is helpful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SCLC.

Analysis on Composition Rules of Chinese Patent Drugs Treating Pain-Related Diseases Based on Data Mining Method

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the composition rules of oral prescriptions in the treatment of headache, stomachache and dysmenorrhea recorded in National Standard for Chinese Patent Drugs (NSCPD) enacted by Ministry of Public Health of China and then make comparison between them to better understand pain treatment in different regions of human body.

METHODS

Constructed NSCPD database had been constructed in 2014. Prescriptions treating the three pain-related diseases were searched and screened from the database. Then data mining method such as association rules analysis and complex system entropy method integrated in the data mining software Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System (TCMISS) were applied to process the data.

RESULTS

Top 25 drugs with high frequency in the treatment of each disease were selected, and 51, 33 and 22 core combinations treating headache, stomachache and dysmenorrhea respectively were mined out as well.

CONCLUSIONS

The composition rules of the oral prescriptions for treating headache, stomachache and dysmenorrhea recorded in NSCPD has been summarized. Although there were similarities between them, formula varied according to different locations of pain. It can serve as an evidence and reference for clinical treatment and new drug development.

Assessment of left atrial function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using two-dimensional strain: a comparison with volume-derived values

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disease. Left atrial (LA) function plays an important role in the diastolic function in patients with HCM. In this study, two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) was used to assess left atrial (LA) function in patients with HCM.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with HCM and thirty-four age- and gender-matched normal subjects were studied. The LA Volume-Derived Index was measured using 2D ultrasonic images. The LA strain (S-reservoir, S-conduit, S-booster pump) and the strain rate (SR-reservoir, SR-conduit, SR-booster pump), representing the reservoir, conduit and booster pump functions, respectively, were measured.

RESULTS

The LA reservoir, conduit and booster pump functions were significantly different between patients with HCM and normal subjects. The values in patients with HCM were less than those in normal subjects. In patients with HCM, S-reservoir and SR-reservoir were significantly correlated with the total LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LA Expansion Index and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain. S-conduit and SR-conduit were significantly correlated with e' and LV global longitudinal strain. S-booster pump and SR-booster pump were significantly correlated with the A, a', active LAEF and LA Expansion Index. S-booster pump was significantly correlated with the LV global longitudinal strain.

CONCLUSIONS

2D-STI conveniently demonstrated the LA dysfunction in patients with HCM by detecting the LA strain and strain rate. The accurate assessment of LA function could have potential clinical value for the treatment of patients with HCM.

Longitudinal rotation: a new way to detect the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

Background and aims

The study was to compare cardiac parameters before and after anthracycline-based chemotherapy and identify a parameter for detecting cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.

Methods

Cardiac function in 43 female breast cancer patients was evaluated at three time points: baseline, 1-3 days before the initiation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy; 3 weeks and 6 months after the final cycle of chemotherapy. At each visit, the peak longitudinal velocity; strain rate; peak systolic strain; peak systolic longitudinal displacement, and segmental and global longitudinal rotation degrees of the left ventricular were measured.

Results

The peak early-diastole left ventricular wall velocity at baseline was significantly higher than the values at 3 weeks and 6 months after the final cycle of chemotherapy. The absolute value of the lateral wall peak systolic longitudinal rotation degrees was significantly higher at baseline than at 3 weeks and 6 months after the final cycle of chemotherapy, whereas the absolute value of the global peak systolic longitudinal rotation degrees at baseline was significantly lower than the values at 3 weeks and 6 months after the final cycle of chemotherapy. None of the measured parameters differed significantly between the 3 weeks and 6 months after the final cycle of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Cardiac diastolic and systolic dysfunction was found after anthracycline-based chemotherapy in this study, and the peak systolic longitudinal rotation degrees can be used to detect dysfunction after chemotherapy. The cardiotoxicity of epirubicin-based chemotherapy is stronger than that of therarubicin-based chemotherapy.

Methylated +322-327 CpG site decreases hOGG1 mRNA expression in non-small cell lung cancer

hOGG1 plays a role in several disease pathways, including various cancers. Despite such functional importance, how hOGG1 is regulated at the transcriptional level in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown, particularly via DNA methylation changes. We obtained NSCLC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues and examined hOGG1 mRNA expression levels. NSCLC cells were treated with 5-Aza to test whether DNA methylation can influence the expression of hOGG1. The MassARRAY EpiTYPER and luciferase reporter gene assays were used to define the functional region of the hOGG1 gene (including CpG sites). Finally, ChIP assay was utilized to verify transcription factor binding to the hOGG1 5'-UTR region. Our previous studies supported the idea that the methylation of the hOGG1 gene promoter region occurs frequently in NSCLC. Treatment with 5-Aza, a demethylating agent, led to a significant restoration of hOGG1 expression in NSCLC cell lines. Quantitative PCR and MassARRAY EpiTYPER assays demonstrated that methylation of the +322-327 CpG site in the 5'-UTR region of hOGG1 was higher in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Notably, the methylation level of +322-327 site (T/N) was inversely correlated with that of hOGG1 mRNA level (T/N) in 25 NSCLC tissues. ChIP assay and in silico prediction showed an association between the +322-327 CpG site and Sp1, which has been reported to be an activator of transcription. Importantly, luciferase reporter gene and ChIP assays showed that +322-327 CpG site methylation particularly reduced the recruitment of Sp1 to the 5'-UTR sequence in hOGG1 and reduced transcriptional activity ~50%. In summary, we have demonstrated that hOGG1 mRNA is downregulated in NSCLC tissues. Moreover, we identified that the methylated +322-327 CpG site in the hOGG1 5'-UTR is associated with reduced expression of hOGG1 by decreasing the recruitment of Sp1 to the 5'-UTR of hOGG1.

Low diversity, activity, and density of transposable elements in five avian genomes

In this study, we conducted the activity, diversity, and density analysis of transposable elements (TEs) across five avian genomes (budgerigar, chicken, turkey, medium ground finch, and zebra finch) to explore the potential reason of small genome sizes of birds. We found that these avian genomes exhibited low density of TEs by about 10% of genome coverages and low diversity of TEs with the TE landscapes dominated by CR1 and ERV elements, and contrasting proliferation dynamics both between TE types and between species were observed across the five avian genomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CR1 clade was more diverse in the family structure compared with R2 clade in birds; avian ERVs were classified into four clades (alpha, beta, gamma, and ERV-L) and belonged to three classes of ERV with an uneven distributed in these lineages. The activities of DNA and SINE TEs were very low in the evolution history of avian genomes; most LINEs and LTRs were ancient copies with a substantial decrease of activity in recent, with only LTRs and LINEs in chicken and zebra finch exhibiting weak activity in very recent, and very few TEs were intact; however, the recent activity may be underestimated due to the sequencing/assembly technologies in some species. Overall, this study demonstrates low diversity, activity, and density of TEs in the five avian species; highlights the differences of TEs in these lineages; and suggests that the current and recent activity of TEs in avian genomes is very limited, which may be one of the reasons of small genome sizes in birds.

Variant SNPs at the microRNA complementary site in the B7‑H1 3'‑untranslated region increase the risk of non‑small cell lung cancer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA-binding sites located in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of target genes can have an effect on the interaction of microRNA-mediated regulation, which results in changes in the expression levels of target genes ultimately associated with cancer risk and patient prognosis. However, the role of SNPs at the 3′-UTR of B7-H1 in the susceptibility of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, SNPs with a minor allele frequency >10%, which were located at the microRNA complementary site in the PD-L1 3′-UTR, were selected via bioinformatic prediction using Ensembl and miRanda 2010. A total of three SNPs were selected, s2297136, rs4143815 and rs4742098, in the 3′-UTR of B7-H1. The rs2297136 and rs4742098 SNPs exhibited significant differences between 320 patients with NSCLC and 199 healthy individuals, respectively (P<0.001 and P=0.007). For the rs2297136 SNP, the AG genotype was significantly associated with evaluation of the risk of NSCLC, compared the AA genotype [odds ratio (OR)=2.287; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.558–3.358]. Similarly, for the rs4742098 SNP, the AG genotype differed from the AA genotype on evaluation of the risk of NSCLC (OR=1.599; 95% CI=1.027–2.488). Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that rs2297136 and rs4742098 in the B7-H1 3′-UTR contributed to the occurrence of NSCLC through disrupting the interaction between miR-296-5p, miR-138 and B7-H1 mRNA. These results indicated that genetic polymorphisms affecting the expression of B7-H1 modified cancer susceptibility.

The Super Elongation Complex Drives Neural Stem Cell Fate Commitment

Asymmetric stem cell division establishes an initial difference between a stem cell and its differentiating sibling, critical for maintaining homeostasis and preventing carcinogenesis. Yet the mechanisms that consolidate and lock in such initial fate bias remain obscure. Here, we use Drosophila neuroblasts to demonstrate that the super elongation complex (SEC) acts as an intrinsic amplifier to drive cell fate commitment. SEC is highly expressed in neuroblasts, where it promotes self-renewal by physically associating with Notch transcription activation complex and enhancing HES (hairy and E(spl)) transcription. HES in turn upregulates SEC activity, forming an unexpected self-reinforcing feedback loop with SEC. SEC inactivation leads to neuroblast loss, whereas its forced activation results in neural progenitor dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis. Our studies unveil an SEC-mediated intracellular amplifier mechanism in ensuring robustness and precision in stem cell fate commitment and provide mechanistic explanation for the highly frequent association of SEC overactivation with human cancers.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) and handgrip strength are correlated in women (but not in men) in Hui ethnicity

INTRODUCTION

Digit ratio, especially second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is used as a biomarker of prenatal testosterone exposure and was found associated with physical ability, such as handgrip strength (HGS). Recently, this association has been discussed in several ethnic groups.

AIMS

To investigate correlations between 2D:4D and HGS in Chinese population of Ningxia Hui ethnicity.

METHODS

Here we firstly present the evidence on digit ratio and HGS of 346 college students (119 males and 227 females) by collecting photographs and HGS of both hands at Yinchuan city, in the Ningxia province of China.

RESULTS

Females have higher mean values of digit ratio than males; significant variances of 3D:5D (left and right: P<0.05), 2D:3D, 3D:4D (left and right: P<0.01) and 2D:4D, 2D:5D (left and right: P<0.001) were found between different sex. Males showed significantly greater HGS than females on both hands. 2D:4D of both hands were significantly negative correlated with HGS in females (but not in males).

CONCLUSIONS

2D:4D ratio is negatively correlated with HGS in a Chinese population (especially in females) of Ningxia Hui ethnicity.

Anesthetic management of cesarean section in cases of placenta accreta, with versus without abdominal aortic balloon occlusion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Placenta accreta (PA), a severe complication during delivery, is closely linked with massive hemorrhage which could endanger the lives of both mother and baby. Moreover, the incidence of PA has increased dramatically with the increasing rate of cesarean deliveries in the past few decades. Therefore, studies evaluating the effects of different perioperative managements based on different modalities in the treatment of PA are necessary. Among the numerous treatment measures, prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion (AABO) in combination with cesarean section for PA seems to be more advantageous than others. However, up to now, all studies on AABO were almost retrospective. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routinely using the AABO technology for control intraoperative hemorrhage in patients with PA. Thus, we hope to carry out a prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) study to confirm the effectiveness of the AABO technology in patients with PA.

METHODS/DESIGN

This trial is an investigator-initiated, prospective RCT that will test the superiority of AABO in combination with cesarean section compared to the traditional hysterectomy following cesarean section for parturients with PA. A total of 170 parturients with PA undergoing cesarean section will be randomized to receive either AABO in combination with cesarean section or the traditional hysterectomy following cesarean section. The primary outcome is estimated blood loss. The most important secondary outcome is the occurrence of cesarean hysterectomy during delivery; others include blood transfusion volume, operating time, neonate's Apgar scores (collected at 1, 5 and 10 min), length of stay in intensive care unit, total hospital stay, and balloon occlusion-relative data.

DISCUSSION

This prospective trial will test the superiority of AABO in combination with cesarean section compared to the traditional hysterectomy following cesarean section for parturients with PA. It may provide strong evidence about the benefits and risks of AABO in combination with cesarean section for parturients with PA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-INR-16008842 . Registered on 14 July 2016.

[Long-term effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on the offspring]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with reproductive dysfunction and abnormal metabolic syndrome. However, its etiology is unknown yet. Androgen hypersecretion is one of the main features of PCOS. It has been found that PCOS has various effects on the offspring in reproductive, metabolic and nervous systems, including:increasing secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone, ovarian morphological changes and abnormal secretion of sex hormones, leading to disorders of lipid and glucose metabolism, and increasing the risks of depression and autism. However, there is still lack of direct evidence, and more studies should be conducted on the underlying mechanism in future.

Characterization of autonomous families of Tc1/mariner transposons in neoteleost genomes

We report the comprehensive analysis of Tc1/mariner transposons in six species of neoteleost (cod, tetraodon, fugu, medaka, stickleback, and tilapia) for which draft sequences are available. In total, 33 Tc1/mariner families were identified in these neoteleost genomes, with 3-7 families in each species. Thirty of these are in full length and designed as autonomous families, and were classified into the DD34E (Tc1) and DD×D (pogo) groups. The DD34E (Tc1) group was further classified into five clusters (Passport-like, SB-like, Frog Prince-like, Minos-like, and Bari-like). Within the genomes of cod, tetraodon, fugu, and stickleback, the Tc1/mariner DNA transposons exhibit very low proliferation with <1% of genome. In contrast, medaka and tilapia display high accumulation of Tc1/mariner transposons with 2.91% and 5.09% of genome coverages, respectively. Divergence analysis revealed that most identified Tc1/mariner transposons have undergone one round of recent accumulation, followed by a decrease in activity. One family in stickleback (Tc1_6_Ga) exhibits a very recent and strong expansion, which suggests that this element is a very young invader and putatively active. The structural organization of these Tc1/mariner elements is also described. Generally, the Tc1/mariner transposons display a high diversity and varied abundance in the neoteleost genomes with current and recent activity.

[Clinical features and genetic analysis of a case with carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A deficiency]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and molecular features of a child with carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) deficiency.

METHODS

Clinical data of the child was collected. Blood acylcarnitine was determined with tandem mass spectrometry. DNA was extracted from the child and his parents. All exons and flanking regions of the CPT1A gene were analyzed by PCR and Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Analysis showed that the patient carried compound heterozygous mutations c.1787T>C and c.2201T>C of the CPT1A gene, which derived his father and mother, respectively. Both mutations were verified as novel through the retrieval of dbSNP, HGMD and 1000 genome databases. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the mutations can affect protein function.

CONCLUSION

Acyl carnitine analysis has been the main method for the diagnosis of CPT1A deficiency. The c.1787T>C and c.2201T>C mutations of the CPT1A gene probably underlie the disease in this patient. Gene testing can provide important clues for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

SEGMENTATION OF ORGANS AT RISK IN THORACIC CT IMAGES USING A SHARPMASK ARCHITECTURE AND CONDITIONAL RANDOM FIELDS

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Radiotherapy is a standard treatment for this condition and the first step of the radiotherapy process is to identify the target volumes to be targeted and the healthy organs at risk (OAR) to be protected. Unlike previous methods for automatic segmentation of OAR that typically use local information and individually segment each OAR, in this paper, we propose a deep learning framework for the joint segmentation of OAR in CT images of the thorax, specifically the heart, esophagus, trachea and the aorta. Making use of Fully Convolutional Networks (FCN), we present several extensions that improve the performance, including a new architecture that allows to use low level features with high level information, effectively combining local and global information for improving the localization accuracy. Finally, by using Conditional Random Fields (specifically the CRF as Recurrent Neural Network model), we are able to account for relationships between the organs to further improve the segmentation results. Experiments demonstrate competitive performance on a dataset of 30 CT scans.

Comparative profiling of small RNAs of pig seminal plasma and ejaculated and epididymal sperm

The similarities and differences of small RNAs in seminal plasma, epididymal sperm and ejaculated sperm remain largely undefined. We conducted a systematic comparative analysis of small RNA profiles in pig ejaculated sperm, epididymal sperm and seminal plasma and found that the diversity distribution of small RNA species was generally similar, whereas the abundance of small RNAs is dramatically different across the three libraries; miRNAs and small RNAs derived from rRNA, tRNA, small nuclear RNA, 7SK RNA, NRON RNA and cis-regulatory RNA were enriched in the three libraries, but piRNA was absent. A large population of small RNAs from ejaculated sperm are ejaculated sperm specific, and only 8-30% of small RNAs overlapped with those of epididymal sperm or seminal plasma and a small proportion (5-18%) of small RNAs were shared in the three libraries, suggesting that, in addition to the testes, sperm RNAs may also originate from seminal plasma, epididymis as well as other resources. Most miRNAs were co-distributed but differentially expressed across the three libraries, with epididymal sperm exhibiting the highest abundance, followed by ejaculated sperm and seminal plasma. The prediction of target genes of the top 10 highly expressed miRNAs across the three libraries revealed that these miRNAs may be involved in spermatogenesis, zygote development and the interaction between the environment and animals. Our study provides the first description of the similarities and differences of small RNA profiles in ejaculated sperm, epididymal sperm and seminal plasma and indicates that sperm RNA may have origins other than the testes.