Students’ Value Orientations in Contemporary China: Analysis of Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences in Comparison With Students From Germany and Russia

The present study examined Chinese students’ personal value orientations according to the Schwartz value theory in comparison with students from Germany and Russia. The theory postulates 10 value orientations grouped into four higher-order factors: conservation versus openness to change and self-transcendence versus self-enhancement. Schwartz’ value orientations have been extensively investigated in Europe but less in East Asian countries such as China. We hypothesized that Chinese students would score higher on conservation and self-enhancement than German and Russian students, but lower on self-transcendence. Regarding openness to change, a null hypothesis was formulated. Students from China ( n = 9,601), Germany ( n = 1,118), and Russia ( n = 3,890) completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21). To ensure methodological preconditions for cross-cultural comparison, measurement invariance of the PVQ-21 was tested. In a first step, confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted separately for each country. Due to the high correlation between the 10 values, the four higher-order dimensions were studied separately. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance models were tested using multigroup CFA. Full metric and partial scalar invariance models held for all higher-order factors. Thereafter, latent means of values were compared across samples. As a result, Chinese students scored highest on the four higher-order dimensions when compared with Russian and German samples, thus the hypotheses were only partly confirmed. Results of this study could reflect the value conflicts emerging from various cultural influences in contemporary China: Young people are confronted with daily negotiation between Confucian tradition and the rapid economic development.

Characterization and expression of Megalobrama amblycephala toll-like receptor 22 involved in the response to Aeromonas hydrophila

The toll-like receptors (TLR) tlr22 was identified and characterized for the first time in one of the economically most important freshwater fish species in China, Megalobrama amblycephala. The full-length cDNA (4039 bp) of M. amblycephala tlr22 contains an open reading frame of 2706 bp, encoding a 901 amino-acid long polypeptide. The putative polypeptide contains 16 leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motifs, an LRR C-terminal, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that M. amblycephala Tlr22 shared the closest relationship with a grass carp ortholog. tlr22 was constitutively expressed in nine tissues and during 10 developmental stages studied, albeit with varying expression levels. Along with many pathological changes observed after Aeromonas hydrophila bacterium infection, tlr22 and myd88 mRNA were significantly upregulated in blood, head kidney, spleen and intestine, indicating that tlr22 is involved in the immune response. These results provide an insight into tlr22 regulation mechanisms in the innate immune response to bacterial infection.

Short-range airborne transmission of expiratory droplets between two people

The occurrence of close proximity infection for many respiratory diseases is often cited as evidence of large droplet and/or close contact transmission. We explored interpersonal exposure of exhaled droplets and droplet nuclei of two standing thermal manikins as affected by distance, humidity, ventilation, and breathing mode. Under the specific set of conditions studied, we found a substantial increase in airborne exposure to droplet nuclei exhaled by the source manikin when a susceptible manikin is within about 1.5 m of the source manikin, referred to as the proximity effect. The threshold distance of about 1.5 m distinguishes the two basic transmission processes of droplets and droplet nuclei, that is, short-range modes and the long-range airborne route. The short-range modes include both the conventional large droplet route and the newly defined short-range airborne transmission. We thus reveal that transmission occurring in close proximity to the source patient includes both droplet-borne (large droplet) and short-range airborne routes, in addition to the direct deposition of large droplets on other body surfaces. The mechanisms of the droplet-borne and short-range airborne routes are different; their effective control methods also differ. Neither the current droplet precautions nor dilution ventilation prevents short-range airborne transmission, so new control methods are needed.

Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in regulating erythropoietin-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

AIMS

Erythropoietin (EPO), the key hormone involved in erythropoiesis, beneficially affects endothelial cells (ECs), but the detailed mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), a ligand-gated non-selective calcium (Ca²⁺ ) channel, in EPO-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and angiogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In ECs, EPO time dependently increased intracellular levels of calcium; this increase was abrogated by the Ca²⁺ chelators and pharmacological inhibitors of TRPV1 in bovine aortic ECs (BAECs) and TRPV1-transfected HEK293 cells. In addition, EPO-induced nitrite oxide (NO) production, phosphorylation of eNOS, Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the formation of TRPV1-Akt-AMPK-eNOS complex as well as tube formation were diminished by the pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in BAECs. Moreover, EPO time dependently induced the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1). Inhibition of PLC-γ1 activity blunted the EPO-induced Ca²⁺ influx, eNOS phosphorylation, TRPV1-eNOS complex formation and NO production. The phosphorylated level of eNOS increased in the aortas of EPO-treated wild-type (WT) mice or EPO-transgenic (Tg) mice but not in those of EPO-treated TRPV1-deficient (TRPV1^-/- ) mice or EPO-Tg/TRPV1^-/- mice. Matrigel plug assay showed that EPO-induced angiogenesis was abrogated in TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine-treated WT mice and TRPV1^-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the EPO-induced Ca²⁺ influx via the activation of the PLC-γ1 signalling pathway, which leads to TRPV1 activation and consequently increases the association of the TRPV1-Akt-AMPK-eNOS complex, eNOS activation, NO production and angiogenesis.

Critical roles of conventional dendritic cells in promoting T cell-dependent hepatitis through regulating natural killer T cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in initiating and regulating innate immunity as well as adaptive immune responses. However, the role of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in concanavalin A (ConA)-induced fulminant hepatitis is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that depletion of cDCs using either CD11c-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice (DTR Tg) mice or anti-CD11c antibody reduced the severity of liver injury significantly, indicating a detrimental role of cDCs in ConA-induced hepatitis. We elucidated further the pathological role of cDCs as being the critical source of interleukin (IL)-12, which induced the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ by natural killer (NK) T cells. Reconstitution of cDCs-depleted mice with IL-12 restored ConA-induced hepatitis significantly. Furthermore, we determined that NK T cells were the target of DC-derived IL-12, and NK T cells contributed to liver inflammation and injury through production of IFN-γ. In summary, our study demonstrated a novel function of cDCs in mediating ConA-induced hepatitis through regulating IFN-γ secretion of NK T cells in an IL-12-dependent fashion. Targeting cDCs might provide potentially therapeutic applications in treating autoimmune related liver diseases.

Evaporation and dispersion of respiratory droplets from coughing

Understanding how respiratory droplets become droplet nuclei and their dispersion is essential for understanding the mechanisms and control of disease transmission via droplet-borne and airborne routes. A theoretical model was developed to estimate the size of droplet nuclei and their dispersion as a function of the ambient humidity and droplet composition. The model-predicted dried droplet nuclei size was 32% of the original diameter, which agrees with the maximum residue size in the classic study by Duguid, 1946, Edinburg Med. J., 52, 335 and the validation experiment in this study, but is smaller than the 50% size predicted by Nicas et al., 2005, J. Occup. Environ. Hyg., 2, 143. The droplet nuclei size at a relative humidity of 90% (25°C) could be 30% larger than the size of the same droplet at a relative humidity of less than 67.3% (25°C). The trajectories of respiratory droplets in a cough jet are significantly affected by turbulence, which promotes the wide dispersion of droplets. We found that medium-sized droplets (e.g., 60 μm) are more influenced by humidity than are smaller and larger droplets, while large droplets (≥100 μm), whose travel is less influenced by humidity, quickly settle out of the jet.

Understanding the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO: a first-principles study

Using the first-principles pseudopotential method and Boltzmann transport theory, we give a comprehensive understanding of the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO.

Cellular and molecular basis for stress-induced depression

Chronic stress has a crucial role in the development of psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety and depression. Dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been linked to the cognitive and emotional deficits induced by stress. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular determinants in mPFC for stress-associated mental disorders. Here we show that chronic restraint stress induces the selective loss of p11 (also known as annexin II light chain, S100A10), a multifunctional protein binding to 5-HT receptors, in layer II/III neurons of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), as well as depression-like behaviors, both of which are reversed by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the tricyclic class of antidepressant (TCA) agents. In layer II/III of the PrL, p11 is highly concentrated in dopamine D2 receptor-expressing (D2⁺) glutamatergic neurons. Viral expression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons alleviates the depression-like behaviors exhibited by genetically manipulated mice with D2⁺ neuron-specific or global deletion of p11. In stressed animals, overexpression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons rescues depression-like behaviors by restoring glutamatergic transmission. Our results have identified p11 as a key molecule in a specific cell type that regulates stress-induced depression, which provides a framework for the development of new strategies to treat stress-associated mental illnesses.

93 BLASTOCYST BISECTION TO MULTIPLY BIOPSIED AND VITRIFIED BOVINE EMBRYOS

Dairy cattle breeding schemes increasingly integrate embryo-based genomic selection to accelerate genetic gain. In contrast to the single offspring produced with conventional animal-based genomic selection, multifactorial IVF between elite parents increases genotypes for selection. Genetically superior embryos are identified from biopsies, and only those with the desired genotypes are transferred. To manage the logistics of such schemes, and enable seasonally born progeny, the cryo-preservation of embryos after biopsy and before embryo transfer is critical. Here, we compare 2 methods of cryo-preserving biopsied Day 7 blastocysts and report results from bisecting blastocysts to increase the number of selected embryos for transfer. Abattoir-sourced oocytes were matured in vitro and fertilized with sperm from a single sire. Embryos were cultured for 7 days in a modified Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium. Approximately 15 cells were biopsied from the mural trophectoderm of grade 1 and 2 blastocysts in Embryo Hold medium minus BSA, using a micro-surgical blade (Bioniche Animal Health, Athens, GA, USA). Following biopsy, each blastocyst was cultured in Embryo Hold with 3 mg mL−1 BSA for ~2 h at 38.5°C to allow for re-expansion. In Experiment 1, embryos were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cryo-preservation treatments: conventional slow freezing or the Cryologic vitrification method (CVM). Slow freezing entailed freezing in 1.5 M ethylene glycol and 0.1 M sucrose. The CVM involved a 2-step vitrification protocol, with 15% of both ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulphoxide in the final solution comprising Embryo Hold, 20% FCS, 1 M sucrose, and 0.1 mM Ficoll (GE Healthcare). Selected embryos were thawed/warmed and transferred in pairs to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum of each synchronized recipient heifer. In Experiment 2, each biopsied blastocyst was individually vitrified using CVM. Following warming, blastocysts were bisected into approximately equal halves. After ~2 h recovery, pairs of demi-embryos were transferred to recipients categorized with either normal (>2.5, <7 ng mL−1) or low (≥2, <2.5 ng mL−1) plasma progesterone concentrations on Day 5 after oestrus. Embryo survival in both experiments was monitored by ultrasonography of fetal heartbeats up to Day 65 of gestation. Statistical significance was determined using Fisher’s exact test. In Experiment 1, embryo survival on Day 65 was significantly greater with CVM than slow freezing (25/54 = 46% v. 9/54 = 17%; P = 0.002). In Experiment 2, there was no significant difference in the number of fetuses as a percentage of original blastocysts, regardless of normal versus low progesterone levels (13/22 = 59% v. 4/9 = 44%, respectively). In conclusion, vitrification is superior for cryo-preserving biopsied blastocysts, possibly reducing cryo-damage compared with conventional slow freezing, and achieves rates of in vivo development similar to fresh IVF embryos. Embryo bisection potentially provides only a modest increase in the probability of generating a calf from each valuable, genomically selected embryo. Improving embryo competency and other methods of multiplication may maximize this likelihood.

E–Z isomerization of the –CN– bond in anthracene-based acylhydrazone derivatives under visible light

The E–Z isomerizations of the –CN– group upon visible light irradiation induced the photoresponsive behaviour of AHP-mB8.

Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope Predicts Major Cardiac Events in Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure

INTRODUCTION

Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) has been shown as a predictor of stable heart failure (HF) survival. However, there is a lack of evidence for end-stage HF.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of OUES in end-stage HF patients.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective cohort. End-staged HF patients who had cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for evaluation between 2004 and 2009 were included. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and heart transplantation. The independent survival predictors were determined using Cox regression hazard model adjusted for demographics, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, medication, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used. Probability values less than .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 128 patients was 50 ± 12 years and 93 were male. Mean LVEF was 23% ± 9%. Forty-three subjects suffered cardiac events (5 cardiac deaths and 38 urgent heart transplantations) during the 2-year follow-up period. Cox regression indicated that OUES and diuretics were significant predictors of 2-year survival, although peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide were not. Patients with high OUES (≥1.6) had a higher survival rate (P < .001; odds ratio [OR], 13.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.30-58.63). The Kaplan-Meier curves show survival was significantly higher in those with OUES ≥1.6.

CONCLUSIONS

OUES might be an aid in prognosis of patients with end-stage HF and useful in the assessment of patients unable to perform maximal exercise testing.

[Chinese multicenter randomized trial of customized chemotherapy based on BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1)-RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) mRNA expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients]

Objective: BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1) and RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) play key roles in predicting chemosensitivity of platinum and taxanes. A randomized trial was carried out to compare non-selected cisplatin-based chemotherapy with therapy customized according to BRCA1 and RAP80 expression. Methods: Advanced stage NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen was sufficient for molecular analysis were randomized (1∶3) to the control or experimental arm. Patients in the control arm received docetaxel/cisplatin; in the experimental arm, patients with low RAP80 expression received gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 1), those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and low/intermediate BRCA1expression received docetaxel/cisplatin (Arm 2), and those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and high BRCA1 expression received docetaxel alone (Arm 3). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 226 patients were screened and 124 were randomized in this trial. ORR in the four subgroups was 22.6%, 48.4%, 30.3% and 19.2%, respectively (P=0.08); PFS was 4.74, 5.59, 3.78 and 2.73 months, respectively (P=0.55); and OS was 10.82, 14.44, 10.86 and 10.86 months, respectively (P=0.84). The common adverse effects included neutropenia, nausea, anemia and fatigue. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference of ORR, PFS or OS is observed in the experimental arms compared with the control arm. Patients with low RAP80 mRNA levels have a trend of better survival and higher response rate to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy.

Investigation of the size effect for photonic crystals

Three types of photonic crystal (PC) thin films have been prepared for the investigation of their deformation behaviors by nanoindentation tests at the microscale and nanoscale. Each type of PC thin film was composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a uniform size. Another type of thin film was prepared by assembling nanoparticles with three different sizes. It was exciting to observe that the hardness and Young's modulus were significantly improved (more than 15 times) in well-ordered PC thin films than disordered ones. Furthermore, size-dependent mechanical properties were observed for the three types of PCs. Such a size effect phenomenon can be attributed to the special polycrystalline material having a periodical face-centered cubic structure of PC thin films. Furthermore, the indentation size effect that shows that the indentation hardness decreases with an increasing indentation depth has also been observed for all four types of thin films. It is conjectured that the application of the PC structure to other functional materials may enhance their mechanical properties.

[Research advances of K-ras mutation in the prognosis and targeted therapy of gastric cancer]

K-ras mutations have been described in 30% of human cancers with significantly different mutation frequencies. High K-ras mutation frequency is found in many cancers such as pancreas and lung cancers, whereas, gastric cancer has a relatively low K-ras mutation frequency. In recent years, numerous researches have focused on the K-ras mutation in gastric cancer. This review summarizes the K-ras mutation frequency in gastric cancer, the relationship of K-ras mutation with clinicopathologic features and prognosis of gastric cancer patients, targeted therapy for K-ras mutated gastric cancer, some small-molecular inhibitors of K-ras, and development of targeted therapy drugs for K-ras signaling pathway in gastric cancer.

Effects of phased joint intervention on Rho/ROCK expression levels in patients with portal hypertension

The current study investigated the effects of phased joint intervention on clinical efficacy and Rho/Rho-associated coil protein kinase (ROCK) expression in patients with portal hypertension complicated by esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) and hypersplenism. Patients with portal hypertension (n=53) caused by liver cirrhosis complicated by EVB and hypersplenism treated with phased joint intervention were assessed, and portal hemodynamics, blood, liver function, complications, and rebleeding incidence were analyzed. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure Rho, ROCK1 and ROCK2 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells prior to and following phased joint intervention, and western blotting was employed to determine the protein expression levels of Rho, ROCK1, ROCK2, phosphorylated (p) myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) and total-MYPT1. All patients underwent an emergency assessment of hemostasis with a 100% success rate. Varicose veins were alleviated, and portal hemodynamics and liver function improved following intervention. Furthermore, preoperative and postoperative expression levels of Rho, ROCK1 and ROCK2 mRNA were higher compared with the control group. Notably, the mRNA expression levels of Rho, ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the postoperative group were significantly lower when compared with the preoperative group. Protein expression levels of Rho, ROCK1, ROCK2 and pMYPT1 in the postoperative group were lower, as compared with the preoperative group. Concentration levels of transforming growth factor-β1, connective tissue growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor in peripheral blood were significantly reduced following phased joint intervention. Therefore, the present findings demonstrated that phased joint intervention is able to effectively treat EVB and hypersplenism, and improve liver function. The efficacy of phased joint intervention may be associated with its role in the regulation of the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway.

Association of ectomycorrhizal fungi with Picea crassifolia (Pinaceae, Piceoidae) from high-altitude stands in Mount Helan Nature Reserve, China

We investigated the diversity of ectomycorrhiza associated with the endemic Picea crassifolia in Mount Helan National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia, China. Toward this objective, we conducted morphological and molecular identification of ectomycorrhizae in soil cubes taken from pure P. crassifolia stands. Eleven types of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) organisms were separated, briefly described, and identified. Nine morphotypes belonged to the phylum Basidiomycotina [Amphinema byssoides, Cortinarius sp (cf. limonius), Cortinarius vernus, Inocybe cf. nitidiscula, Inocybe sp 1, Sebacina incrustans, Sebacina sp, Suillus luteus, and Piceirhiza tuberculata x Picea crassifolia (comb. Nov.)], and two morphotypes to the phylum Ascomycotina (Cenococcum geophilum and Helvella sp). The diversity of ECM organisms in P. crassifolia was lower than that reported by other studies on spruce or pine forests, or on sporocarp diversity in the high-mountain forests of China. Most of the fungi in the rhizosphere did not correspond to species previously recorded as sporocarps above ground. Here, several new ectomycorrhiza morphotypes are proposed and described. We also confirmed the ectomycorrhizal status of the genus Sebacina (order Sebacinales).

Characterization of Th17 and FoxP3(+) Treg Cells in Paediatric Psoriasis Patients

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions affecting both children and adults. Growing evidence indicates that T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells and their dynamic variations in paediatric psoriasis remain unclear. In this study, we found that both Th17 and FoxP3(+) Treg cells and the ratio of Th17 to Treg cell frequency in the peripheral circulation were increased in patients with paediatric psoriasis and were positively correlated with the disease severity. The function of Treg to suppress CD4(+) CD25(-) T cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion was impaired during the onset of psoriasis. After disease remission, both the Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were decreased, and the suppressive function of the Treg cells was obviously restored. However, neither Treg cells from the disease onset nor those after remission can regulate IL-17 secretion by CD4(+) T cells. These findings will further our understanding of the associations between Th17 and Treg cells in paediatric psoriasis and their influence on disease severity.

DDR2 Induces Gastric Cancer Cell Activities via Activating mTORC2 Signaling and Is Associated with Clinicopathological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in cancer progression. Previous studies have suggested that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is related to tumor progression and EMT. However, the role of DDR2 in regulating gastric cancer (GC) metastasis and in EMT has not been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine DDR2 expression and its clinical relation in GC and to investigate the effects of DDR2 on EMT and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

DDR2 expression and the relation to patients' clinicopathological features were assayed by Western blot or immunohistochemical staining. The effects of DDR2 overexpression were investigated using in vivo tumorigenicity and xenograft models. The effects of DDR2 on EMT marker expression were assayed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The possible role of the mTORC pathway in these processes was explored.

RESULTS

DDR2 showed high expression in GC tissues and cells. DDR2 expression was negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression and positively correlated with N-cadherin and vimentin expression. High DDR2 expression is correlated with unfavorable pathoclinical features such as multiple tumor locations and intestinal-type GC. In xenograft models, DDR2 overexpression promoted tumor formation. Furthermore, DDR2 expression impacted on the invasion and motility of GC cells, accompanied by changes in EMT marker expression. Finally, our results revealed that DDR2 facilitates GC cell invasion and EMT through mTORC2 activation and AKT phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

DDR2 is upregulated and correlated with unfavorable clinical features of GC patients. DDR2 promotes tumor formation and invasion through facilitating EMT process via mTORC2 activation and AKT phosphorylation.

Development and characterization of aptamer-based enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay for the detection of Singapore grouper iridovirus infection

AIMS

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a devastating aquaculture virus responsible for heavy economic losses to grouper, Epinephelus sp. aquaculture. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive detection method for SGIV infections in infected groupers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We previously generated DNA aptamers against SGIV-infected cells. In this study, we established and characterized a novel aptamer (Q3)-based enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA) for the detection of SGIV infection in Epinephelus coioides. The Q3-based ELASA could detect SGIV infection rapidly in vitro and in vivo, with high specificity and stability. Q3-based ELASA specifically recognized SGIV-infected cells, but not other-virus-infected cells or uninfected cells. Q3-based ELASA detected SGIV infection in a dose-dependent manner at Q3 concentrations as low as 125 nmol l(-1) . The results in relation to SGIV-infected cells (5 × 10(4) ), incubation time (1 min) and incubation temperature (37°C) demonstrated that Q3-based ELASA could detect SGIV infection quickly and stably, superior to antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Q3-based ELASA could detect the presence of SGIV infection in kidney, liver and spleen samples in vivo, at dilutions of 1/50, 1/100 and 1/50 respectively. The complete detection process took 1-2 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Q3-based ELASA could be a useful tool for diagnosing SGIV infection.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first developed aptamer-based ELASA for detecting SGIV infection, and is widely applicable in grouper aquaculture industry in light of its rapidity, and high specificity and stability.

Increased expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in the cytoplasm of placental syncytiotrophoblast from preeclamptic placentae

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterised by an inappropriate maternal inflammatory response during pregnancy. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was originally characterised as a nuclear protein but when released into the extracellular environment following necrotic cell death, it is proinflammatory. HMGB1 is expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast of human placenta. Higher levels of uric acid are reported in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of HMGB1differed between early onset and late onset preeclampsia or severe and mild preeclampsia and whether its expression correlated with the levels of uric acid.

METHODS

74 preeclamptic placentae and 110 normotensive placentae were included in this study. The levels of uric acid in women with preeclampsia were measured. The expression of HMGB1 in preeclamptic placentae or in first trimester and term placentae that had been treated with uric acid was measured.

RESULTS

HMGB1 was expressed predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta and the expression of HMGB1 in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast was significantly increased in both severe preeclampsia and early onset preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies. The circulating levels of uric acid were significantly increased in preeclampsia and correlated with the expression of HMGB1. Increased levels of HMGB1 were significantly correlated with the severity and the time of onset of preeclampsia, but pathologic levels of uric acid did not increase the expression of HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

Our data provides a better understanding of the function of HMGB1, a danger molecule in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

[Study on anti-oxidase in smoking-related laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective:To investigate the role of oxidative stress in smoking-related laryngeal squamous carcinoma through detecting the expression of antioxidant enzymes in smoking patients. Method:A total of 138 cases with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma enrolled in the first hospital affiliated the northern he bei college from 2012 to 2015 and forty five volunteers were conducted. All participants were divided into three groups according to smoking index: group A(heavy smoking, 88 cases of laryngeal cancer patients) and group B(no smoking 50 cases of laryngeal cancer patients) and C group(45 heavy smoking volunteers).Catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-px) and malondialdehyde(MDA) and the expression of NRF2 in serum, tissue adjacent to carcinoma, and carcinoma tissues from each groups were measured, respectively. Result:①the expression of the CAT and GSH-px in group A were significantly lower than that of group B(P <0.05), but higher than that of group C(P <0.05); ②the MDA level of group A is significantly higher than group B(P <0.05) and C group(P <0.01);③NRF2 was highly expressed in carcinoma tissues, and the expression level was negatively correlated with degree of carcinoma differentiation (P <0.05). Conclusion:Compared with nonsmoking patients, heavy smoking patients with laryngeal cancer were under more severe oxidative stress. NRF2 expression level in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas was associated with pathological stage.

ID: 115: TRKA TRANSACTIVATION BY LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID REGULATES LUNG EPITHELIAL CELL MIGRATION

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lysophospholipid, which plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. LPA exerts its biological effects mainly through cell-surface LPA receptors (LPA1-6), which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Recent studies suggest that cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and GPCRs modulates GPCR-mediated signaling. TrkA receptor is a RTK, which mediates nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced biological functions including cell migration in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues.

Methods and Results

Here, we show that LPA treatment of the murine lung epithelial cell line (MLE-12 cells) induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkA in both time- and dose-dependent manners. These effects were attenuated by downregulating the LPA1 receptor. Furthermore, LPA induces interaction between LPA1 and TrkA. Co-immunoprecipitation experiment reveals that c-terminus of LPA1 contains the binding site for TrkA. Further, we found that LPA1 and phosphorylated TrkA were co-localized in both the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Pretreatment with a TrkA inhibitor attenuated LPA-induced phosphorylation of TrkA receptor and LPA1 internalization as well as lung epithelial cell migration.

Conclusion

These studies reveal a molecular mechanism for the transactivation of TrkA by LPA, and suggest that the cross-talk between LPA1 and TrkA regulates LPA-induced receptor internalization and lung epithelial cell migration.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL091916 and R01HL112791 to Y.Z, R01GM115389 to J.Z.), American Heart Association 12SDG9050005 (J.Z.), American Lung Association Biomedical Research Grant RG350146 (J.Z.).

ID: 114: AN ANTAGONIST OF LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID RECEPTOR1, AM966, INCREASES PULMONARY ENDOTHELIAL PERMEABILITY THROUGH ACTIVATION OF VE-CADHERIN

Background

Maintenance of pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity is important for reducing severity of lung injury. VE-cadherin is a major component of cell–cell adherens junctions in endothelium. In response to inflammatory stimuli, VE-cadherin is tyrosine phosphorylated, resulting in dissociation with catenins, which links to f-actin. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lysophospholipid, which regulates cell motility. LPA has been shown to increase lung epithelial barrier integrity, while it reduces endothelial barrier function. AM966 is an antagonist exhibiting an anti-fibrotic property. However, the effect of AM966 on pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity has not been well studied.

Methods and Results

To investigate endothelial barrier integrity, electric cell-substrate sensing (ECIS) system was used to measure permeability in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). Similar to the effect of LPA, AM966 increases permeability immediately in a dose dependent manner. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which regulates AM966-mediated reduction of endothelial barrier function, HLMVECs were treated with AM966, and then phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and VE-cadherin were determined by immunoblotting. AM966 increased phosphorylation of MLC and VE-cadherin. VE-cadherin and f-actin double immunostaining revealed that AM966 induces gap formation and f-actin stress fibers as well as dissociation between VE-cadherin and f-actin.

Conclusion

This study reveals that AM966 induces lung endothelial barrier dysfunction, which is regulated by phosphorylation of VE-cadherin.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01GM115389 to J.Z.), American Heart Association 12SDG9050005 (J.Z.), American Lung Association Biomedical Research Grant RG350146 (J.Z.).

ID: 107: MITOXANTRONE INHIBITS TGFβ1-INDUCED SIGNALING THROUGH PROMOTING TGFβ RECEPTOR II DEGRADATION

Background

The transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) signaling pathway and its downstream effects play a central role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. TGFβ induces the phosphorylation of transcriptional factors SMAD2 and SMAD3, thereby increasing the expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin (FN), two key proteins in the development of fibrosis. This effect is mediated by two receptors, TGFβ receptor I (TβRI) and TGFβ receptor II (TβRII). The protein stability of TβRI has been well studied, while the molecular regulation of TβRII still remains unclear. This project elucidates the role that Mitoxantrone (MTX), a FDA-approved anti-cancer drug, has in the regulation of TGFβ1 signaling through the reduction of TβRII stability.

Methods and Results

To study TGFβ1 signaling, human fetal lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) was used. As expected, TGFβ1 treatment of MRC-5 cells induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, with the ultimate expression of FN and SMA. These effects of TGFβ1 on FN and SMA were attenuated by MTX treatment, without altering SMAD2 and SMAD3 levels. To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which MTX regulates TGFβ1 signaling, we examined the expression of TβRI and TβRII. MTX reduced TβRII levels in time and dose dependent manners, while MTX had no effect on TβRI levels. MTX-induced TβRII degradation was inhibited by proteasome inhibitor (MG-132), not lysosome inhibitor (Leupeptin). Overexpression of HA tagged ubiquitin promoted MTX-induced TβRII degradation, suggesting that TβRII degradation by MTX is through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Further, MTX increased TβRII ubiquitination and reduced TβRII neddylation, which has been known to negatively regulate TβRII stability by c-Cbl.

Conclusion

These studies reveal that treatment with MTX reduces the levels of TβRII by increasing its ubiquitination and reduction of TβRII neddylation; therefore, MTX is a potential anti-fibrotic drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

The study is supported by NIH R01 HL112791 (to YZ), NIH R01GM115389 (to JZ), and American Lung Association Biomedical Research Grant RG350146 (to J.Z.).

ID: 108: DEUBIQUITINATING ENZYME 11 STABILIZES TGFβ RECEPTOR II AND REGULATES TGFβ1 SIGNALING IN PULMONARY FIBROBLAST

Background

Protein stability is regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination. The ubiquitin-deubiquitination system contributes to the regulation of tumor growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) signaling. TGFβ1 mediates its signaling and pro-fibrotic effects through binding to its receptors, TGFβ receptor I (TβRI) and TβRII. Here we reveal that deubiquitinating enzyme USP11 regulates TGFβ1 signaling through stabilization of TβRII.

Methods and Results

Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis is a wildly used murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Analysis of murine lung tissue lysates from 3 weeks of bleomycin challenge revealed that USP11 levels were elevated in lung tissues from bleomycin-challenged mice. TGFβ1 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. TGFβ1 treatment of human lung fibroblast cells (HLF) induced tyrosine phosphorylation of USP11. To investigate the effect of USP11 in the TGFβ1 signaling, HLF cells were transfected with USP11 shRNA. USP11 shRNA reduced USP11 levels as well as TβRII expression in HLF. Overexpression of HA tagged USP11 (USP11-HA) enhanced TβRII lifespan. Co-immunostaining revealed that V5 tagged TβRII (TβRII-V5) and USP11-HA colocalized at plasma membrane and cytoplasm. TβRII ubiquitination was promoted by USP11 shRNA, while it was reduced by USP11-HA. Further, we investigated the role of USP11 in TGFβ1-mediated signaling, such as phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3. USP11-HA facilitated TGFβ1-induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, which was attenuated in USP11 shRNA transfected HLF cells.

Conclusion

This study indicates that USP11 contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating targeting TβRII for its deubiquitination and stabilization.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL091916 and R01HL112791 to Y.Z, R01GM115389 to J.Z.), American Heart Association 12SDG9050005 (J.Z.), American Lung Association Biomedical Research Grant RG350146 (J.Z.).

Multicenter study of autoverification methods of hematology analysis

This study was designed to establish and validate a set of autoverification methods for hematology analysis. One thousand and twenty-four samples were selected from Shanghai Ruijin Hospital and 999 from Beijing Hospital, China. False positive, false negative and autoverification pass rates were verified and the rules were then adjusted and confirmed according to the verification results. After confirmation, at least 10,000 sample cases were selected from Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Beijing Hospital and China Armed Police General Hospital and checked automatically. The differences in the autoverification pass rate and average report delivery time before and after the application of the autoverification methods were compared between the three hospitals. Preliminary validation results showed that the false negative rates of the Shanghai Ruijin Hospital and Beijing Hospital were less than 2%. The false positive rates of these two hospitals were high, close to 18%. After rule adjustment, the false negative rate was basically the same as before adjustment, but the false positive rate declined obviously while the pass rate of autoverification improved significantly. The autoverification pass rates of the three hospitals were 76.4%, 85.1% and 84.2%, respectively. The turnover time (TAT, time from receipt of sample to report of the result) of the three hospitals decreased by 4.1 min, 8.8 min and 10.2 min, respectively. Autoverification systems using a Mindray BC-6800 auto hematology analyzer and labXpert were confirmed as being effective in reducing TAT and enhancing working efficiency on the premise of ensuring low false negative rate.

Observation of localized surface plasmons and hybridized surface plasmon polaritons on self-assembled two-dimensional nanocavities

Large-area patterning of periodic nanostructures using self-assembled nanospheres is of interest for fabricating low-cost plasmonic substrates, such as two-dimensional (2D) metallic gratings. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited on metallic gratings have applications in biosensors, thin-film photovoltaics, photoelectrochemical cells, and photodetectors. Here we fabricated large-area metallic gratings using nanosphere lithography, and the geometry of gratings was controlled by the sphere size and distance between nanospheres. Both forward and backward propagating SPPs were observed using the grating coupling geometry. Furthermore, we reported the first observation of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) on this large-area metallic grating by both simulation and experimental studies. Such an LSP mode was confined in the 2D nanocavities and was not supported by dielectric gratings with the same 2D geometry.

Numerical Study of Complementary Nanostructures for Light Trapping in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells

We have investigated two complementary nanostructures, nanocavity and nanopillar arrays, for light absorption enhancement in depleted heterojunction colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells. A facile complementary fabrication process is demonstrated for patterning these nanostructures over the large area required for light trapping in photovoltaic devices. The simulation results show that both proposed periodic nanostructures can effectively increase the light absorption in CQD layer of the solar cell throughout the near-infrared region where CQD solar cells typically exhibit weak light absorption. The complementary fabrication process for implementation of these nanostructures can pave the way for large-area, inexpensive light trapping implementation in nanostructured solar cells.

Spectroradiometric and Chemical Analysis of Severely Discolored Endodontically Treated Teeth

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the chemical changes and discoloration of endodontically treated teeth using spectroradiometric and chemical analyses.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ten freshly extracted sound third molars and 10 discolored molars obtained after root canal treatment (RCT) were included in this study. Dentin blocks (3 × 3 × 1 mm) were prepared and treated with an intracoronal bleaching agent. Spectroradiometric evaluations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses were performed before and after bleaching. The spectroradiometric parameters and XPS and ATR-FTIR spectra of the dentin slabs were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests or one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Differences in color coordinates and translucency parameters were observed between the two groups before bleaching. Demineralization effects were also detected in the discolored dentin. No binding energy shifts or new spectral bands were found in the XPS and ATR-FTIR spectra, except in the narrow-scanned XPS spectra of C1s. Significant changes in color coordinates were also found in both groups after bleaching, and the translucency parameter was remarkably altered in discolored dentin. The organic and inorganic components of dentin also decreased in both groups. However, binding energy shifts (ie, C1s, Ca2p, and P2p) were detected only in discolored dentin.

CONCLUSION

Significant alterations in the organic and inorganic components of dentin contributed to the discoloration of endodontically treated teeth. Moreover, intracoronal bleaching could effectively whiten both discolored and vital dentin. The chemical compositions of mineral and organic components within discolored dentin are more sensitive to the acid bleaching agent than normal teeth.

Management of hip fractures in older people in Beijing: a retrospective audit and comparison with evidence-based guidelines and practice in the UK

Despite the high burden of hip fracture in China, there is limited information on its management. This study investigated the management of hip fractures in a Beijing tertiary hospital and compared practice with that in 180 hospitals in the UK. The findings show a significant gap exists between the countries.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine if the management of older people with hip fractures in a Beijing tertiary hospital is comparable with the UK best practice guidelines for hip fracture management and the UK National Hip Fracture Database 2012, obtained from 180 hospitals.

METHODS

A retrospective audit was undertaken in a large tertiary care hospital in Beijing. Data were compared with the National Hip Fracture Database 2012 collected in 180 hospitals in the UK on the proportion of patients managed according to the UK Blue Book standards.

RESULTS

Sixty-six percent of patients were admitted to an orthopaedic ward within 24 h of fracture, while 100 % of patients in the UK were admitted to an orthopaedic ward within 24 h of arrival to an accident and emergency department. Only 8 % of patients received surgery within 48 h of admission compared with 83 % in the UK; 10 % received no surgery compared with 2.5 % in the UK; and 27 % received orthogeriatrician assessment compared with 70 % in the UK. New pressure ulcers developed in 2 % of patients compared with 3.7 % of those in the UK; whereas, 0.3 % of patients were assessed for osteoporosis treatment and 3.8 % received falls assessment, and comparable figures for the UK were 94 and 92 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant gaps exist in hip fracture management in the Beijing hospital compared with the best practice achieved in 180 UK hospitals, highlighting the need to implement and evaluate proactive strategies to increase the uptake of best practice hip fracture care in China.

π Berry phase and Zeeman splitting of Weyl semimetal TaP

The recent breakthrough in the discovery of Weyl fermions in monopnictide semimetals provides opportunities to explore the exotic properties of relativistic fermions in condensed matter. The chiral anomaly-induced negative magnetoresistance and π Berry phase are two fundamental transport properties associated with the topological characteristics of Weyl semimetals. Since monopnictide semimetals are multiple-band systems, resolving clear Berry phase for each Fermi pocket remains a challenge. Here we report the determination of Berry phases of multiple Fermi pockets of Weyl semimetal TaP through high field quantum transport measurements. We show our TaP single crystal has the signatures of a Weyl state, including light effective quasiparticle masses, ultrahigh carrier mobility, as well as negative longitudinal magnetoresistance. Furthermore, we have generalized the Lifshitz-Kosevich formula for multiple-band Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations and extracted the Berry phases of π for multiple Fermi pockets in TaP through the direct fits of the modified LK formula to the SdH oscillations. In high fields, we also probed signatures of Zeeman splitting, from which the Landé g-factor is extracted.