Identification of candidate genes for chicken early- and late-feathering

Previous studies suggest that prolactin receptor (Prlr) is a potential causative gene for chicken early- (EF) and late-feathering (LF) phenotypes. In this study, we evaluated candidate genes for this trait and determined the expression of 3 genes, including Prlr, sperm flagellar protein 2 (Spef2), and their fusion gene, in the skins of one-day-old EF and LF chicks using RT-qPCR. Data indicated that Prlr expression in the skin did not show significant difference between EF and LF chicks, suggesting Prlr may not be a suitable candidate gene. In contrast, Spef2 expression in the skin displayed a significant difference between EF and LF chicks (P < 0.01), suggesting that Spef2 may be a good candidate gene for chicken feathering. Moreover, dPrlr/dSpef2, the fusion gene, was also a good candidate gene as it was expressed only in LF chicks. However, the expression of the fusion gene was much lower than that of Prlr Additionally, using strand-specific primers, we found that the fusion gene was transcribed in 2 directions (one from dPrlr promoter, another from dSpef2 promoter), which could result in the formation of a double strand RNA. In conclusion, both Spef2 and the fusion gene are good candidate genes for chicken feathering, but Prlr is not. The research on the function and regulation of the candidate genes will help elucidate the molecular basis of the chicken feathering trait.

Bubble accumulation and its role in the evolution of magma reservoirs in the upper crust

Volcanic eruptions transfer huge amounts of gas to the atmosphere. In particular, the sulfur released during large silicic explosive eruptions can induce global cooling. A fundamental goal in volcanology, therefore, is to assess the potential for eruption of the large volumes of crystal-poor, silicic magma that are stored at shallow depths in the crust, and to obtain theoretical bounds for the amount of volatiles that can be released during these eruptions. It is puzzling that highly evolved, crystal-poor silicic magmas are more likely to generate volcanic rocks than plutonic rocks. This observation suggests that such magmas are more prone to erupting than are their crystal-rich counterparts. Moreover, well studied examples of largely crystal-poor eruptions (for example, Katmai, Taupo and Minoan) often exhibit a release of sulfur that is 10 to 20 times higher than the amount of sulfur estimated to be stored in the melt. Here we argue that these two observations rest on how the magmatic volatile phase (MVP) behaves as it rises buoyantly in zoned magma reservoirs. By investigating the fluid dynamics that controls the transport of the MVP in crystal-rich and crystal-poor magmas, we show how the interplay between capillary stresses and the viscosity contrast between the MVP and the host melt results in a counterintuitive dynamics, whereby the MVP tends to migrate efficiently in crystal-rich parts of a magma reservoir and accumulate in crystal-poor regions. The accumulation of low-density bubbles of MVP in crystal-poor magmas has implications for the eruptive potential of such magmas, and is the likely source of the excess sulfur released during explosive eruptions.

[Impact of different surgical methods of radical cystectomy on the perioperative complications in patients over 75 years]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of different surgical methods on perioperative complication rate after radical cystectomy in patients over 75 years of age.

METHODS

A retrospective study reviewed 1 432 patients who received radical cystectomy from January 2003 to January 2015. A total of 239 patients were ≥75 years (median age: 78 years), of whom, 74 patients (31.0%) suffered one or more perioperative complications. According to the different operation methods, patients could be divided into ileal conduit group and cutaneous ureterostomy group. The ileal conduit group included laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit. The cutaneous ureterostomy group included transperitoneal laparoscopic, transperitoneal and extraperitoneal open radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomy.

RESULTS

Perioperative complications were significantly associated with the patient's age (P=0.012), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P=0.001), node staging (P=0.043), and different surgical methods. Perioperative complications caused a prolonged hospital stay and delayed recovery (34 d vs. 21 d, P=0.002). For different surgical methods, the perioperative complication rate of ileal conduit was higher than cutaneous ureterostomy (P=0.013). However, there were no significant differences between transperitoneal laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit in perioperative complication rate (P=0.836). The perioperative complication rate was statistically significant among transperitoneal laparoscopic, transperitoneal and extraperitoneal open radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomy (P=0.022). On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio=4.856, 95% CI: 1.465-16.103, P=0.010), ASA score (P=0.008), and different surgical methods (P=0.016) were significantly associated with the perioperative complication rate.

CONCLUSION

The perioperative complication rate after radical cystectomy in elderly patients was associated with the patients' age, ASA score, and different surgical methods. Patients who received extraperitoneal open radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomy suffered fewer perioperative complications, which was an appropriate choice for elderly patients.

Relationship of Serum Adiponectin Levels and Metformin Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

We performed this meta-analysis to investigate and determine the role of metformin on serum adiponectin levels in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were thoroughly searched. Eligible human studies assessing the association between serum adiponectin levels and metformin in patients were included, and data were extracted and then analyzed with STATA 12.0 statistical software. Eighteen cohort studies conducted among Asians and Caucasians from 2004 to 2013 were recruited. Post-treatment serum adiponectin level (mmol/l) was higher than pre-treatment levels in T2DM patients (SMD=0.19, 95% CI=0.09-0.30, p<0.001). Country-subgroup analysis showed that serum adiponectin levels in T2DM patients increased after the treatment of metformin in Italy (SMD=0.34, 95% CI=0.09-0.59, p=0.008). Further detection method and follow-up time subgroup analyses implied a positive association of metformin with serum adiponectin level in T2DM patients by using all ELISA, PETIA, and RIA in both<12 weeks and≥12 weeks subgroups (all p<0.05). The present meta-analysis provides compelling evidence that metformin may increase serum adiponectin levels when treating T2DM. Further studies should be promoted to explore the combined efficacy of metformin with other antidiabetic drugs, or developing new predictors with antidiabetic efficacy.

Dispersible cobalt chromite nanoparticles: facile synthesis and size driven collapse of magnetism

Uniform nanoparticles of multiferoic CoCr₂O₄ dispersible in non-polar solvents were prepared by hydrothermal route in water–alcohol–oleic acid system.

Probing Photoexcited Carriers in a Few-Layer MoS2 Laminate by Time-Resolved Optical Pump-Terahertz Probe Spectroscopy

We report the dynamics of photoinduced carriers in a free-standing MoS2 laminate consisting of a few layers (1-6 layers) using time-resolved optical pump-terahertz probe spectroscopy. Upon photoexcitation with the 800 nm pump pulse, the terahertz conductivity increases due to absorption by the photoinduced charge carriers. The relaxation of the non-equilibrium carriers shows fast as well as slow decay channels, analyzed using a rate equation model incorporating defect-assisted Auger scattering of photoexcited electrons, holes, and excitons. The fast relaxation time occurs due to the capture of electrons and holes by defects via Auger processes, resulting in nonradiative recombination. The slower relaxation arises since the excitons are bound to the defects, preventing the defect-assisted Auger recombination of the electrons and the holes. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the non-equilibrium carrier kinetics in a system of unscreened Coulomb interactions, where defect-assisted Auger processes dominate and should be applicable to other 2D systems.

Protective effect of Esculin in adjuvant-induced arthritic (AIA) rats via attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

The present study was intended to exemplify the protective effect of Esculin (ES; 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin-6-o-glucoside) on the adjuvant induced arthritis in adult female Sprague Dawley rats. It has been found that, treatment of ES has significantly improved the body weight of rats accompanied with a reduction of paw volume in comparison to arthritic control. In addition, ES exhibit inhibitory effect on various pro-inflammatory cytokines, for instance, IL-1β and TNF-α. The level of oxidative stress markers, i.e., nitric oxide and peroxide was also found suppressed after treatment. The treatment of ES prevents the tissue injury mediated via oxidative stress via up-regulating the level of endogenous GSH in a dose dependent manner. Thus, it has been corroborated that, ES exerts potent anti-arthritic activity via attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

SUSCEPTIBILITY LOCI FOR UMBILICAL HERNIA IN SWINE DETECTED BY GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION

Umbilical hernia (UH) is a complex disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors. UH brings animal welfare problems and severe economic loss to the pig industry. Until now, the genetic basis of UH is poorly understood. The high-density 60K porcine SNP array enables the rapid application of genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic loci for phenotypic traits at genome wide scale in pigs. The objective of this research was to identify susceptibility loci for swine umbilical hernia using the GWAS approach. We genotyped 478 piglets from 142 families representing three Western commercial breeds with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. Then significant SNPs were detected by GWAS using ROADTRIPS (Robust Association-Detection Test for Related Individuals with Population Substructure) software base on a Bonferroni corrected threshold (P = 1.67E-06) or suggestive threshold (P = 3.34E-05) and false discovery rate (FDR = 0.05). After quality control, 29,924 qualified SNPs and 472 piglets were used for GWAS. Two suggestive loci predisposing to pig UH were identified at 44.25MB on SSC2 (rs81358018, P = 3.34E-06, FDR = 0.049933) and at 45.90MB on SSC17 (rs81479278, P = 3.30E-06, FDR = 0.049933) in Duroc population, respectively. And no SNP was detected to be associated with pig UH at significant level in neither Landrace nor Large White population. Furthermore, we carried out a meta-analysis in the combined pure-breed population containing all the 472 piglets. rs81479278 (P = 1.16E-06, FDR = 0.022475) was identified to associate with pig UH at genome-wide significant level. SRC was characterized as plausible candidate gene for susceptibility to pig UH according to its genomic position and biological functions. To our knowledge, this study gives the first description of GWAS identifying susceptibility loci for umbilical hernia in pigs. Our findings provide deeper insights to the genetic architecture of umbilical hernia in pigs.

Lowering levels of bed occupancy is associated with decreased inhospital mortality and improved performance on the 4-hour target in a UK District General Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether there is an association between an intervention to reduce medical bed occupancy and performance on the 4-hour target and hospital mortality.

METHODS

This before-and-after study was undertaken in a large UK District General Hospital over a 32 month period. A range of interventions were undertaken to reduce medical bed occupancy within the Trust. Performance on the 4-hour target and hospital mortality (hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR), summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) and crude mortality) were compared before, and after, intervention. Daily data on medical bed occupancy and percentage of patients meeting the 4-hour target was collected from hospital records. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time-series method was used to estimate the changes in levels and trends in average medical bed occupancy, monthly performance on the target and monthly mortality measures (HSMR, SHMI and crude mortality) that followed the intervention.

RESULTS

Mean medical bed occupancy decreased significantly from 93.7% to 90.2% (p=0.02). The trend change in target performance, when comparing preintervention and postintervention, revealed a significant improvement (p=0.019). The intervention was associated with a mean reduction in all markers of mortality (range 4.5-4.8%). SHMI (p=0.02) and crude mortality (p=0.018) showed significant trend changes after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Lowering medical bed occupancy is associated with reduced patient mortality and improved ability of the acute Trust to achieve the 95% 4-hour target. Whole system transformation is required to create lower average medical bed occupancy.

Dynamics of tetrahydrofuran as minority component in a mixture with poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate): A neutron scattering and dielectric spectroscopy investigation

We have investigated a mixture of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) (70 wt. % PDMAEMA/30 wt. % THF) by combining dielectric spectroscopy and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) on a labelled sample, focusing on the dynamics of the THF molecules. Two independent processes have been identified. The "fast" one has been qualified as due to an internal motion of the THF ring leading to hydrogen displacements of about 3 Å with rather broadly distributed activation energies. The "slow" process is characterized by an Arrhenius-like temperature dependence of the characteristic time which persists over more than 9 orders of magnitude in time. The QENS results evidence the confined nature of this process, determining a size of about 8 Å for the volume within which THF hydrogens' motions are restricted. In a complementary way, we have also investigated the structural features of the sample. This study suggests that THF molecules are well dispersed among side-groups nano-domains in the polymer matrix, ruling out a significant presence of clusters of solvent. Such a good dispersion, together with a rich mobility of the local environment, would prevent cooperativity effects to develop for the structural relaxation of solvent molecules, frustrating thereby the emergence of Vogel-Fulcher-like behavior, at least in the whole temperature interval investigated.

Identification of thiostrepton as a novel therapeutic agent that targets human colon cancer stem cells

Accumulating evidence shows that colorectal cancer stem cells (CRSCs) are largely responsible for the metastasis and relapse of colorectal cancer (CRC) after therapy. Hence, identifying new agents that specifically target CRSCs would help improve the effectiveness of current CRC therapies. To accelerate identification of agents targeting CRSCs, the Connectivity Map (CMap) approach was used. Among the top-ranked candidates, thiostrepton, a thiazole antibiotic, was selected for further investigation because of its known tumoricidal activity. Thiostrepton could selectively induce apoptosis in CRSC subpopulations in both parental HCT-15 and HT-29 human CRC lines as well as in EMT and chemoresistant clones derived from them. Further, we investigated its inhibitory effects on the sphere- and colony-forming capabilities of the aforementioned CRC lines. The in vitro inhibition of sphere and colony formation was associated with downregulation of various modulators of the stem cell phenotype. The combination of thiostrepton and oxaliplatin eradicated both CD44⁺ HCT-15 and HT-29 cells more efficiently than either drug alone. FoxM1, an oncogenic transcription factor, was identified as a critical positive modulator of stemness and as the main target of thiostrepton in the CRC lines. This is the first report showing the selective killing of CRSCs by thiostrepton, which has been proposed to be a promising anti-neoplastic agent. On the basis of its synergism with oxaliplatin in killing CRSCs in vitro, if this activity is confirmed in vivo, thiostrepton may be a promising agent to be used clinically in combination with current chemotherapies to improve the efficacy of these regimens.

Coffee consumption and the risk of lung cancer: an updated meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Coffee is one of the most popularly consumed beverages worldwide. Many epidemiological studies have investigated the association between coffee consumption and lung cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent. Hence, we conducted a systematic analysis of relevant population-based studies to examine this association and derive a more precise estimation.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The Cochrane library, PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify studies published through Mar 2015 that met the predetermined inclusion criterion. Seventeen studies (5 cohort and 12 case-control studies) involving 12 276 cases and 102 516 controls were included.

RESULTS

The summary odds ratio (OR) of lung cancer was 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.33) for coffee drinkers compared with nondrinkers and 1.31 (95% CI: 1.11-1.55) for the highest category of coffee consumption compared with the lowest category. Compared with nondrinkers, the pooled ORs for lung cancer were 1.10 (95% CI: 0.92-1.31) for ⩽1 cup per day, 1.10 (95% CI: 0.93-1.30) for 2-3 cups per day and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.02-1.39) for ⩾3 cups per day. Further analysis showed that the ORs for hospital-based case-control studies, population-based case-control studies and prospective cohort studies were 1.36 (95% CI: 1.10-1.69), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.77-1.28) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.26-2.00), respectively. Significant associations for high coffee intake with increased risk of lung cancer were observed in men (OR=1.41 95% CI: 1.21-1.63), but not in women (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 0.86-1.56), in American (OR=1.34 95% CI: 1.08-1.65) and Asian populations (OR=1.49 95% CI: 1.28-1.74), but not in European populations (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 0.74-1.67), and in smokers (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.54), but not in nonsmokers (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.64-1.11). Particularly over the last 5 years, studies have consistently indicated that lung cancer risk is significantly increased by 47% in the population with the highest category intake of coffee compared with that with the lowest category intake (OR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.21-1.79).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that coffee intake was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

Psychrophilic fungi from the world's roof

During a survey of cold-adapted fungi in alpine glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 1 428 fungal isolates were obtained of which 150 species were preliminary identified. Phoma sclerotioides and Pseudogymnoascus pannorum were the most dominant species. Psychrotolerant species in Helotiales (Leotiomycetes, Ascomycota) were studied in more detail as they represented the most commonly encountered group during this investigation. Two phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the partial large subunit nrDNA (LSU) to infer the taxonomic placements of these strains. Our strains nested in two well-supported major clades, which represented Tetracladium and a previously unknown lineage. The unknown lineage is distant to any other currently known genera in Helotiales. Psychrophila gen. nov. was therefore established to accommodate these strains which are characterised by globose or subglobose conidia formed from phialides on short or reduced conidiophores. Our analysis also showed that an LSU-based phylogeny is insufficient in differentiating strains at species level. Additional analyses using combined sequences of ITS+TEF1+TUB regions were employed to further investigate the phylogenetic relationships of these strains. Together with the recognisable morphological distinctions, six new species (i.e. P. antarctica, P. lutea, P. olivacea, T. ellipsoideum, T. globosum and T. psychrophilum) were described. Our preliminary investigation indicates a high diversity of cold-adapted species in nature, and many of them may represent unknown species.

First light from a kilometer-baseline Scintillation Auroral GPS Array

We introduce and analyze the first data from an array of closely spaced Global Positioning System (GPS) scintillation receivers established in the auroral zone in late 2013 to measure spatial and temporal variations in L band signals at 100-1000 m and subsecond scales. The seven receivers of the Scintillation Auroral GPS Array (SAGA) are sited at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska. The receivers produce 100 s scintillation indices and 100 Hz carrier phase and raw in-phase and quadrature-phase samples. SAGA is the largest existing array with baseline lengths of the ionospheric diffractive Fresnel scale at L band. With an initial array of five receivers, we identify a period of simultaneous amplitude and phase scintillation. We compare SAGA power and phase data with collocated 630.0 nm all-sky images of an auroral arc and incoherent scatter radar electron precipitation measurements, to illustrate how SAGA can be used in multi-instrument observations for subkilometer-scale studies.

KEY POINTS

A seven-receiver Scintillation Auroral GPS Array (SAGA) is now at Poker Flat, Alaska SAGA is the largest subkilometer array to enable phase/irregularities studies Simultaneous scintillation, auroral arc, and electron precipitation are observed.

Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor restores endothelium-dependent relaxation in diabetic rat aorta

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of KB-R7943, an inhibitor of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, on the endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in diabetic rat aorta. Both acetylcholine (ACh)-induced EDR and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxation (EIR) were measured in aortic rings of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The treated rats received 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg/day of KB-R7943 for 8 weeks. ACh-induced relaxation was impaired in diabetic compared to control rings and the vasodilatation to SNP was unaffected. Treatment with KB-R7943 markedly enhanced relaxation to ACh in diabetic but not in control rings. KB-R7943 significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the nitric oxide (NO) release. These results suggest that KB-R7943 can restore impaired EDR in aortic rings of diabetic rats, which may be related to scavenging oxygen free radicals and enhancing NO production.

CT imaging spectrum and the histopathological features of adult metanephric adenoma

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the radiopathological features of adult metanephric adenoma (MA) and explore whether MA can be differentiated on CT images, including the basis of their morphological features and enhancement patterns.

METHODS

18 consecutive MA cases (age range, 18-66 years; 9 males and 9 females) were pathologically proven and recruited in our study between January 2004 and June 2014. Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT were performed and correlated with corresponding pathological findings to differentiate between MA and other renal tumours. The enhancement pattern, lesion contour and presence of calcifications were evaluated.

RESULTS

On unenhanced CT scan, the most common (n = 15, 83.3%) CT imaging characteristics were the presence of homogeneity and well-defined solid renal masses; the minority (n = 3, 16.7%) were heterogeneous or centrally located low-attenuation masses. Contrast-enhanced CT image revealed hypoattenuating heterogeneous masses with varying degrees of contrast enhancement in 16 (88.9%) cases, in contrast to those without increased attenuation in 2 (11.1%) cases. Scattered calcification was found only in one case (5.6%). Pathological results revealed that a total of 6 (33.3%) cases had concomitant malignant carcinoma components; 2 (11.1%) patients had malignant MA; and pure MA was found in 10 cases, with a surprisingly high proportion of malignant tumours.

CONCLUSION

The positive-predictive values of "high" enhancement seemed relatively characteristic for the diagnosis of malignant and composite MA.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Radiopathological features of adult MA and exploring whether MA can be differentiated on CT images, including the basis of their morphological features and enhancement patterns.

Correlation analysis of the PNPLA7 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to menstrual disorder

We examined the correlation between PNPLA7 gene polymorphisms at the rs61754920 and rs11137410 loci and menstrual disorder in women of reproductive age in the Central Plain. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood; polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction and SNaPshot genotyping were used to detect polymorphisms in the rs61754920 and rs11137410 gene loci, respectively. The results for the 2 loci in individuals of different blood types were statistically analyzed. The proportion of the AA homozygote at the rs61754920 locus in the PNPLA7 gene was the lowest, while the proportion of the CC homozygote at the rs11137410 locus in the PNPLA7 gene was the highest. There were no statistical differences in the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles at the 2 loci between control and test groups. The frequency of the TT genotype at the rs11137410 locus in women with type O blood was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group. Frequencies of the C and T alleles were significantly different between the 2 groups. There may be an association between the PNPLA7 gene and type O blood or a combined effect of the 2 genes.

Genome-wide association study identifies QTLs for EBV of backfat thickness and average daily gain in Duroc pigs

Backfat thickness (BFT) and average daily gain (ADG) are two important economic traits in commercial swine production. Identifying QTLs and uncovering the molecular mechanism for BFT and ADG would greatly help to speed up the breeding progress. In current breeding program, EBV for these two traits are calculated and formulated a comprehensive breeding index, which then be used to improve pig performance. Using Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip, a pilot genomewide association studies (GWAS) for BFT and ADG in 83 Duroc pigs were performed. A total of 31 genome-wise significant SN Ps were detected to be associated with BFT on SSC 4, 9, 11, 12 and 14, ten of which were coincident with previously reported QTL regions. There are two genome-wise loci prominently associated with ADG on SSC2 and SSC13, respectively. The two loci on SSC2 are well overlapped with the QTL regions previously reported. All the 31 significant SNPs associated with BFT are verified on 219 outbreed pigs, six SN Ps reach an extreme significant level and seven SNP reaches a significant level, CACNA1E and ACBD6 are chosen as positional candidate genes. Our findings not only confirmed previously findings, but also revealed a number of novel SNPs associated with BFT and ADG. Two positional candidate genes CACNA1E and ACBD6 were identified for further study. These results would facilitate the identification of causative genes for BFT and ADG.

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides regulate functions of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVES

Periodontitis is one of the most widespread inflammatory diseases; it causes tooth loss and is also associated with a variety of systemic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat periodontitis. However, it is unknown whether bacterial toxins in the periodontal environment affect MSC-mediated periodontal regeneration. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (Pg-LPS) are key toxins for development of periodontitis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate effects of P. gingivalis LPS on biological properties of MSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BMMSCs) were treated with different concentrations of P. gingivalis LPS (0.1-10 μg/ml), then its effects were evaluated on biological properties of BMMSCs including proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells.

RESULTS

Low concentration of P. gingivalis LPS (0.1 μg/ml) accelerated MSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells via up-regulation of nitric oxide. However, high concentration of P. gingivalis LPS (10 μg/ml) reduced MSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesenchymal stem cells were functionally different following exposure to P. gingivalis LPS at the investigated concentrations. These findings suggest that MSC-mediated periodontal regeneration may be regulated by P. gingivalis LPS.

Associations between the Expression of micro-RNA 214 and clinicopathologic parameters of glioma

It have been reported that miR-214 reduction facilitates UBC9 expression and is involved in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation. However, the specific role of miR-214 in glioma remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the relationship between expression level of miR-214 and clinico- pathological features and prognosis in patients with glioma in a follow-up of 5years. We used Chi-square tests for the categorical data and Mann-Whitney tests for continuous data. Survival time was calculated from the date of glioma diagnosis to the date of death or last follow-up. Survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox-proportional hazards regression model. In the present study, we confirmed that the expression level of miR-214 was increased in glioma tissues compared with the non-neoplastic brain tissues. Next, the Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that glioma patients with high miR-214 expression tend to have poorer overall survival. In addition, the multivariate analysis clearly demonstrated that high miR-214 expression was a statistically significant risk factor affecting overall survival in glioma patients, suggesting that miR-214 upregulation in gliomas is not only in a grade-dependent fashion, it is also a predictor of overall survival. Finally, subgroup analyses showed the significant prognostic value of miR-214 upregulation for glioma patients in those with low and high pathological grade. The results of this study showed that miR-214 was up-regulated in glioma tissues. The expression of miR-214 was associated with the pathological stages of glioma. The results of 5-years follow-up showed that the expression level of miR-214 is a significant prognostic factor for patients with glioma.

KEYWORDS

miR-214, glioma, prognosis.

MicroRNA 363 mediated positive regulation of c-myc translation affect prostate cancer development and progress

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the sixth most significant cancer killer of men in China. In this study, the potential role of micro-363 (miR-363) in CaP development and progression was investigated. Pri-miR-363 or anti-miR-363 was transfected into the CaP cells line PC-3 cells. Cell proliferation, transformation property, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated by MTT, clonogenic assay, colony formation in soft agar and western blotting, respectively. The expression and involvement of c-myc, a downstream target of miR-363 were also determined. The results showed that endogenous expression of miR-363 was significantly increased in CaP cells compared with normal prostate cells. High expression of miR-363 in PC-3 cells through transfection induces cell proliferation and positively regulates cell transformation property as well as promotes EMT of PC-3 cells. Through knockdown of c-myc, the results also showed that c-myc was involved in the regulation of biological function of PC-3 cells by miR-363. Taken together, this study adds support to the potential role of miR-363 in the diagnosis and treatment of CaP.

KEYWORDS

Prostate cancer, transformation property, proliferation, micro-363, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Spin transport of dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene complexes with first row transition metals

We investigate the spin transport properties of DBTAA complexes involving first row transition metals. The results show that Fe– and Co–DBTAA exhibit perfect spin filtering effect, which is dependent on the connected position of anchoring group.

Correlation between transcription factor activator protein-2β (TFAP-2β) and endometrial carcinoma

AIMS

To investigate the correlation between transcription factor activator protein-2β (TFAP-2β) and endometrial carcinoma (EC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 60 randomly selected patients diagnosed and treated at the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from November 2011 to June 2012 for endometrial carcinoma (n = 30) and myoma of uterus (n = 30). The expression of TFAP-2Pβ mRNA in endometrial carcinoma was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and venous blood samples were obtained before abdominal surgery clinically.

RESULTS

The expression of TFAP-2β mRNA in endometrial tissue of patients with EC was higher than that of normal endometrium (p < 0.05). The expression of TFAP-2β mRNA in endometrial tissue of patients with metabolism syndrome was higher than that of lean ones (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of TFAP-2β mRNA in endometrial tissue between patients with both EC and metabolism syndrome and in those with EC only. The expression levels of TFAP-2β mRNA had positive correlation with triglyceride (r = 0.271, p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = 0.314, p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the expression of TFAP-2β mRNA and CA125, fasting plasma glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), waist circumference, total cholesterol, and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

TFAP-2β constituted promoter activity in EC and also contributed to the development of the metabolic syndrome. TFAP-2β may influence the oc- currence and development of EC through regulating the expression of various adipokines and lipoprotein metabolism. Probably TFAP-2β can be a candidate tumor marker for EC.

Application of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) in quantitative evaluation of neonatal brain development

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the effect of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) in neonatal brain development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors observed 41 neonatal brain different tissues by using traditional two-dimensional gray scale ultrasound and color Doppler flow imaging and frequency spectrum ultrasound. After that they used ARFI to quantitative evaluate white and gray matter of neonatal different tissues in brain with different gestational ages. They also used new technical index: virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) to evaluate elastic changes of brain tissues.

RESULTS

Different tissues in brain had different elastic numerical values. Neonatal with different gestational ages had different elastic numerical values. The more gestational ages were, the more the elastic numerical values. Elastic numerical values between preterm and full-term infants were different. Elastic numerical values of full-term infants were higher than preterm infants.

CONCLUSION

ARFI provides a new quantitative index to evaluate neonatal brain development. It increases objectivity and reliability of clinical analysis. Ultrasound was a noninvasive examination method, safe, simple, and convenient, and it has more usefulness of ARFI in quantitative evaluation of neonatal brain development.

Incipient ferromagnetism in Tb2Ge2O7: application of chemical pressure to the enigmatic spin-liquid compound Tb2Ti2O7

After nearly 20 years of study, the origin of the spin-liquid state in Tb2Ti2O7 remains a challenge for experimentalists and theorists alike. To improve our understanding of the exotic magnetism in Tb2Ti2O7, we synthesize a chemical pressure analog: Tb2Ge2O7. Substitution of titanium by germanium results in a lattice contraction and enhanced exchange interactions. We characterize the magnetic ground state of Tb2Ge2O7 with specific heat, ac and dc magnetic susceptibility, and polarized neutron scattering measurements. Akin to Tb2Ti2O7, there is no long-range order in Tb2Ge2O7 down to 20 mK. The Weiss temperature of -19.2(1)  K, which is more negative than that of Tb2Ti2O7, supports the picture of stronger antiferromagnetic exchange. Polarized neutron scattering of Tb2Ge2O7 reveals that liquidlike correlations dominate in this system at 3.5 K. However, below 1 K, the liquidlike correlations give way to intense short-range ferromagnetic correlations with a length scale similar to the Tb-Tb nearest neighbor distance. Despite stronger antiferromagnetic exchange, the ground state of Tb2Ge2O7 has ferromagnetic character, in stark contrast to the pressure-induced antiferromagnetic order observed in Tb2Ti2O7.

Impermeable barrier films and protective coatings based on reduced graphene oxide

Flexible barrier films preventing permeation of gases and moistures are important for many industries ranging from food to medical and from chemical to electronic. From this perspective, graphene has recently attracted particular interest because its defect-free monolayers are impermeable to all atoms and molecules. However, it has been proved to be challenging to develop large-area defectless graphene films suitable for industrial use. Here we report barrier properties of multilayer graphitic films made by gentle chemical reduction of graphene oxide laminates with hydroiodic and ascorbic acids. They are found to be highly impermeable to all gases, liquids and aggressive chemicals including, for example, hydrofluoric acid. The exceptional barrier properties are attributed to a high degree of graphitization of the laminates and little structural damage during reduction. This work indicates a close prospect of graphene-based flexible and inert barriers and protective coatings, which can be of interest for numerous applications.

Protective effects of the sodium/calcium exchanger inhibitor on endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of KB-R7943, an inhibitor of sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) on endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose in endothelial cells. NCX expression, NCX activity and oxidative stress index were determined after endothelial cells were exposed to high glucose in the absence and presence of KB-R7943. Coincubation of endothelial cells with high glucose for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h resulted in a significant decrease in NCX expression, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the release of nitric oxide (NO), and increased NCX activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. These effects were abolished by KB-R7943. A similar effect was observed after treatment of endothelial cells with H-7, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor and NADPH oxidase inhibitor (DPI). These results suggest that the sodium/calcium exchanger inhibitor exerts beneficial effects on high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction, which may be related to PKC signal pathway.

RIPK3-mediated necroptosis regulates cardiac allograft rejection

Cell death results in tissue damage and ultimately donor graft rejection and can occur as an active molecular process through apoptotic, necrotic and newly identified receptor interacting protein 1 and 3 kinase (RIPK1/3)-mediated necroptotic pathways. Necroptosis leads to the release of inflammatory molecules which can activate host immune cells. This pathway has yet to be studied in heart transplantation. We have found that necroptosis was induced in murine cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) under anti-apoptotic condition following tumor necrosis factor alpha treatment. Necroptotic cell death and release of the danger molecule high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were inhibited by the RIPK1 inhibiting molecule necrostatin-1 and by genetic deletion of RIPK3. In addition, tissue necrosis, release of HMGB1 and graft cell infiltrate were attenuated in RIPK3 null heart allografts following transplantation. Finally, a brief sirolimus treatment markedly prolonged RIPK3 null cardiac allograft survival in allogeneic BALB/c recipients as compared to WT C57BL/6 donor grafts (95 ± 5.8 vs. 24 ± 2.6 days, p < 0.05). This study has demonstrated that RIPK1/3 contributes to MVEC death and cardiac allograft survival through necroptotic death and the release of danger molecules. Our results suggest that targeting RIPK-mediated necroptosis may be an important therapeutic strategy in transplantation.

Up-regulation of microRNA-183-3p is a potent prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma of female non-smokers

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer in never smokers presents predominately as adenocarcinoma and in females. MicroRNA-183 (miR-183) has various expression patterns in types of human cancers. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of miR-183-3p in female lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent noncancerous tissues and explored its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

METHODS

In the present study, a hundred female nonsmoking patients who were newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed as lung adenocarcinoma at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital were included. miR-183-3p expression of surgically removed NSCLC tissues and their corresponding normal lung tissues was measured by qRT-PCR assay. Associations of miR-183-3p expression with clinicopathological features were determined using the Student's t test. Log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

At first, miR-183-3p was up-regulated in lung cancer tissues when compared with the corresponding noncancerous lung tissues. Moreover, the expression of miR-183-3p in tumor tissue was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.043), clinical stage (P = 0.015), and EGFR mutation (P = 0.003). At last, high miR-183-3p expression was also associated with both poor overall survival and progression-free survival of women with lung adenocarcinoma (P = 0.005 and P = 0.010, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that miR-183-3p expression might be involved in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression, and could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker of female lung adenocarcinoma.