Solubilization and structural changes of lignin in naked oat stems during subcritical water autohydrolysis

In this study, the solubilization and structural changes of lignin in naked oat stems were investigated under subcritical water autohydrolysis systems (170-210 °C, 0.68-1.85 MPa). In this system, Hemicellulose was preferentially hydrolyzed in the liquid water at elevated temperatures, leading to the production of acetic acid and glucuronic acid, which acidified the reaction system. Under acidic and high-temperature conditions, lignin primarily underwent degradation and condensation reactions. At autohydrolysis temperatures below 190 °C and autohydrolysis pressures below 1.22 MPa, lignin degradation was predominant, realizing a maximum lignin removal of 47.8 % and breakage of numerous β-O-4 bonds from lignin. At autohydrolysis temperatures above 190 °C and autohydrolysis pressures above 1.22 MPa, lignin condensation dominated, with an increase in the amount of organic acids generated upon hemicellulose degradation, leading to condensation reactions with the degraded low-molecular-weight lignin. The degree of lignin condensation was positively correlated with the temperature of the reaction system. This study provides essential insights into the dynamic changes in the structure of lignin in both the hydrolysis residue and hydrolysis solution during subcritical water autohydrolysis.

Polymerized PEI-modified lignin polyphenolic materials by acid hydrolysis-phase separation for removal of Cr (VI) from industrial wastewater

Cr (VI) accumulates in an aqueous environment and exhibits huge harm to human health and the ecological system. Developed lignin biomass materials are complicated to prepare and have limited properties, and advances in lignin phenolic modification are lacking. Herein, an aminated poplar lignin-pyrogallol (PLP-PEI) with a simple design and adjustable phenolic hydroxyl content was developed using the acid hydrolysis-phase separation (AH-PS) method, and modified by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) strategy. Through diverse characterization analysis, the structural changes of PLP-PEI in the step-by-step synthesis process were monitored. An effective biomass capture system (Bio-Cap) was shown via systematically investigating the adsorption behaviors of Cr (VI) on PLP-PEI under various environmental conditions. Benefiting from introducing phenolic hydroxyl and amino groups, PLP-PEI demonstrated efficient adsorption capacity (598.80 mg/g for Cr (VI)). Additionally, the material also exhibited advantages, including monomeric chemisorption properties, strong reduction capability, and stable regeneration properties. Multiple driving forces were involved in the capture and removal process of Cr (VI), including complexation and electrostatic interaction. The low-cost natural biomass resources supported the industrial-scale synthesis and practical application of advanced aminated lignin polyphenol material, which showed outstanding advantages and enormous potential in the field of water environmental restoration.

[Analysis of respiratory syncytial virus nonstructural protein 1 amino acid variation and clinical characteristics]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between amino acid variations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nonstructural protein (NS) 1 and the clinical characteristics. Method: A retrospective case review was conducted. From December 2018 to January 2020, a total of 81 cases of hospitalized children who were tested only positive for RSV by RT-PCR or PCR at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included in the study. The NS1 genes of RSV subtype A and subtype B were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The amino acid sequences were analyzed. The Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test were used to compare the clinical characteristics and type Ⅰ interferon levels of children with or without NS1 variation in the variation and non-variation groups. Results: Among 81 cases, there were 58 males and 23 females. There were 11 cases in the variation group, the age of onset was 2.0 (1.0, 11.0) months, included 4 cases of subtype A (variant sites were: 2 cases for Lys33Gln, one case for Gly2Asp, Pro67Ser, Leu137Phe, respectively) and 7 cases of subtype B (variant sites were: two cases for Val121Ile, one case for Tyr30Cys, Val65Met, Asn85Ser, Ser118Asn, Asp124Asn, respectively). These variant sites all appeared at a very low frequency 0.08 (0.04, 0.29) % in the NCBI PROTEIN database. There were 70 cases in non-variation group, the onset age was 3.5 (1.0, 7.0) months. The proportion of dyspnea in the variation group was higher than that in the non-variation group (10/11 vs. 47% (33/70), χ²=7.31, P<0.01). Conclusions: There are some variant sites in nonstructural protein NS1 of RSV. Children may be prone to have dyspnea with NS1 variations.

UV-blocking composite films containing hydrophilized spruce kraft lignin and nanocellulose: Fabrication and performance evaluation

The development of biodegradable films with good UV-blocking and mechanical properties is of great significance for the alleviation of plastic pollution and the establishment of a sustainable society. Given that most natural biomass-derived films have poor mechanical and UV aging properties and are therefore of limited applicability, additives capable of mitigating these drawbacks are highly sought after. In particular, industrial alkali lignin, which is a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, features a benzene ring-dominated structure with abundant active functional groups and is therefore a promising natural anti-UV additive and composite reinforcing agent. However, the commercial applications of alkali lignin are hindered by its structural complexity and polydispersity. Herein, spruce kraft lignin was fractionated and purified using acetone, subjected to structural characterization, and then quaternized based on the obtained structural data to increase water solubility. TEMPO-oxidized cellulose was supplemented with quaternized lignin at different loadings, and the mixtures were homogenized under high pressure to obtain uniform and stable lignin-containing nanocellulose dispersions, which were subsequently converted into films through suction filtration-based dewatering under pressure. The quaternization of lignin improved its compatibility with nanocellulose and endowed the corresponding composite films with excellent mechanical properties as well as high visible light transmission and UV-blocking performance. The film with a quaternized lignin loading of 6 % had UVA and UVB shielding efficiencies of 98.3 and 100 %, respectively, and featured a tensile strength (175.2 MPa) and elongation at break (7.6 %) that were 50.4 % and 72.7 % higher than those of the pure nanocellulose (CNF) film prepared under the same conditions, respectively. Thus, our work provides a cost-effective and viable method of preparing fully biomass-derived UV-blocking composite films.

Study on Dissociation and Chemical Structural Characteristics of Areca Nut Husk

From the perspective of full-component utilization of woody fiber biomass resources, areca nut husk is an excellent woody fiber biomass feedstock because of its fast regeneration, significant regeneration ability, sustainability, low cost, and easy availability. In this study, fiber cell morphologies, chemical compositions, lignin structures, and carbohydrate contents of areca nut husks were analyzed and compared with those of rice straw, and the application potentials of these two materials as biomass resources were compared. We found that areca nut husk fibers were shorter and wider than those of rice straw; areca nut husk contained more lignin and less ash, as well as less holocellulose than rice straw; areca nut husk and rice straw lignin were obtained by ball milling and phase separation, and areca nut husk lignin was found to be a typical GHS-type lignin. Herein, the yield of lignocresol was higher than that of milled wood lignin for both raw materials, and the molecular size was more homogeneous. Tricin structural monomers were discovered in the lignin of areca nut husk, similar to those present in other types of herbaceous plants. Structures of areca nut husk MWL (AHMWL) and AHLC were comprehensively characterized by quantitative NMR techniques (that is, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR, and 2D NMR). The molecular structure of AHLC was found to be closer to the linear structure with more functional groups exposed on the molecular surface, and the hydroxyl-rich p-cresol grafting structure was successfully introduced into the lignin structure. In addition, the carbohydrate content in the aqueous layer of the phase separation system was close to the carbohydrate content in the raw material, indicating that the phase separation method can precisely separate lignin from carbohydrates. These experimental results indicate that the phase separation method as a method for lignin utilization and structure study has outstanding advantages in lignin structure regulation and yield, and areca nut husk lignin is suitable for application in the same phase separation systems as short-period herbs, such as rice straw and wheat grass, and has the advantages of low ash content and high lignification degree, which will provide guidance for the high-value utilization of areca nut husk in the future.

[Metagenomic sequencing for diagnosis of sparganosis mansoni: a case report]

The patient was found to develop a migrating mass in the lower abdomen without any known cause in 2000, and the cause had not been identified following multiple diagnoses since then. The mass was found to migrate to the left anterior axillary regions on August 11, 2020. Then, three segments of incomplete white worms were resected through minimally invasive surgery, and metagenomic sequencing revealed sparganosis mansoni. After surgical resection of complete worms was performed on October 21, 2021, the case was cured and discharged from the hospital. Follow-up revealed satisfactory outcomes and no new mass was found throughout the body.

Structural analysis of light-colored separated lignin (lignocresol) and its antioxidant properties

The use of lignin is limited by its heterogeneity and complexity. This study was processed using different methods to obtain spruce milled wood lignin (SMWL), spruce kraft lignin (SKL), and spruce lignocresol (SLC) for comparative analysis of the structure and antioxidant activity. SMWL has a complete softwood lignin side-chains structure and lignin carbohydrate complexes. SKL contains fewer ether bonds, while more conjugate structures and condensed structures contribute to the color. However, the α-position of the lignin side chain eliminates most of the hydroxyl and ether bonds (β-O-4/α-OH, phenylcoumaran, and dibenzodioxocine structure) and effectively grafts p-cresol in the phase separation reaction. It not only inhibits the self-condensation of lignin, but also forms the 1,1-diarylpropane unit while protecting β-O-4 linkages from not breaking. Importantly, SLC has few conjugate structures that result in the lightest color among all lignin isolated. Besides, SLC has a high yield and contains trace carbohydrates, indicating that the phase separation method can achieve great amounts of purity separated lignin. The antioxidant activity of lignin was evaluated, results show that 85% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were scavenged at the end of 60 min. Owing to its unique color, structural properties, and continuous antioxidant activity, SLC has the potential to manufacture antioxidant cosmetics.

Lignin dissolution model in formic acid-acetic acid-water systems based on lignin chemical structure

The separation of lignin from woody biomass and subsequent conversion into useful products requires a solution to the problem of its solubility. The expanded C₉ formula of lignin, along with its atomic and functional groups, was determined by elemental analysis and NMRs spectroscopy. Based on the thus-obtained expanded C₉ formula, the cohesion parameters of lignin dispersion (10.8-11.1 cal^1/2·cm^-3/2), polarity (4.15-4.31 cal^1/2·cm^-3/2), hydrogen bonding (6.30-7.38 cal^1/2·cm^-3/2), and solubility (13.2-14.0 cal^1/2·cm^-3/2) were respectively calculated using atomic and functional group contributions method. We established the relationship between lignin structure and lignin solubility parameters. The dissolution characteristics of wheat straw organic acid lignin, industrial eucalyptus kraft lignin, bamboo kraft lignin, and softwood kraft lignin in formic acid-H₂O, acetic acid-H₂O, and formic acid-acetic acid-H₂O solvent systems were analyzed. The results indicate that the dissolution behavior of lignins follows the solubility parameters theory. We have developed a lignin dissolution model according to the lignin structure. This model obeys the solubility parameter theory, overcomes the limitations of the "like dissolves like" principle in organic acid-water systems, and provides a concise method for the selection of lignin solvent systems and the quantitative determination of their solvent composition.

Hsa_circ_0011946 promotes the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing EMT process

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the vital role of circular RNAs is discovered in many diseases including tumor progression and metastasis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most ordinary malignant tumors. The purpose of our study is to detect the potential function of hsa_circ_0011946 in HCC to offer new biomarkers and targets.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The level of hsa_circ_0011946 in HCC tissues and cell lines was monitored by Real Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association between hsa_circ_0011946 expression and several clinicopathological factors. Then, hsa_circ_0011946 was knocked down in HCC cells to uncover its function in metastasis of HCC. Cell migrated and invaded ability was measured through transwell assay, Matrigel assay and wound healing assay. Western blot assay was performed to analyze the effect of hsa_circ_0011946 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process.

RESULTS

In this research, the expression level of hsa_circ_0011946 was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to that in adjacent samples. The expression of hsa_circ_0011946 was also increased in HCC cell lines. The hsa_circ_0011946 expression was associated with lymphatic metastasis in HCC patients. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0011946 led to the inhibition of cell migration and invasion in HCC. In addition, results of further experiments revealed that the EMT-related proteins were regulated via the knockdown of hsa_circ_0011946 in HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The hsa_circ_0011946 could enhance cell migration and invasion of HCC by inducing the EMT process.

Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection does not improve the R0 rate or median survival time of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Pancreatic cancer frequently results in celiac artery invasion, resulting in an unresectable disease that generally has a median survival period of 6–11 months. Efforts to achieve curative resection of such tumors have been made by conducting distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) in some patients, but the long-term outcome data associated with this approach or its overall value remain to be clarified.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted to systematically assess the clinical efficacy of the DP-CAR treatment of unresectable tumors of the pancreatic body or tail (registered with PROSPERO: CRD42019129612). The PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant retrospective studies pertaining to such treatment.

Results

Overall, 12 retrospective cohort analyses incorporating 213 total DP-CAR cases and 911 DP cases were incorporated into the present meta-analysis. Pooled analyses demonstrated that relative to DP, DP-CAR was related to a longer operative duration [mean difference (MD) −73.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): −112.99 to −34.38, P=0.0002] and higher blood transfusion rates [odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.87; P=0.03]. DP-CAR was also linked to increased rates of PV resection (OR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.39; P<0.001) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (OR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.93, P=0.03). In contrast, R0 resection rates were higher in the DP group (OR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.90 to 4.09, P<0.001), and these patients also had a significantly improved prognosis (median survival time, 27.0 vs. 17.7 months; P<0.01) relative to the DP-CAR group.

Conclusions

This analysis indicates that DP-CAR is not an effective means of improving R0 rates. However, available studies suggest that it is nonetheless a potentially valuable treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients with celiac axis involvement, and it is associated with a reasonable median survival duration of 17.7 months.

Correction: Research status, industrial application demand and prospects of phenolic resin

Correction for ‘Research status, industrial application demand and prospects of phenolic resin’ by Yanru Xu et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 28924–28935. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06487G.

Green biorefinery - the ultra-high hydrolysis rate and behavior of Populus tomentosa hemicellulose autohydrolysis under moderate subcritical water conditions

A high monosaccharide conversion rate of hemicellulose in a green solvent and under moderate reaction conditions for industrialization is one of the most important keys in a lignocellulosic biorefinery. The behavior of Populus tomentosa hemicellulose polysaccharides, crystallinity and the furfural formation in the autohydrolysis process under moderate subcritical water conditions (160–180 °C, 0.618–1.002 MPa) were studied. The results have shown that the hemicellulose was converted to corresponding monosaccharides at an ultra-high hydrolysis rate. Factor analysis indicates that the temperature is the most important factor affecting hemicellulose autohydrolysis. When the autohydrolysis temperature increased from 160 to 180 °C for 2 h, the hydrolysis rate of xylose, rhamnose, galactose, mannose, and glucose from hemicellulose increased from 70% to 91%, 71% to 100%, 82% to 95%, 42% to 58%, and 34% to 37%, respectively. Arabinose was completely dissolved in 30 min. The xylose, rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose from hemicellulose could be almost completely removed under the conditions. The hemicellulose removal rate obtained herein exceeded the values reported for most acid, alkali, ionic liquid, or deep eutectic solvent treatments. It is notable that almost all glucose in hemicellulose was dissolved and the glucose in cellulose was partially hydrolyzed. An analysis of the sugar composition and the crystallinity change in the process at 180 °C demonstrate that hydrolysis reaction started to shift from amorphous regions to crystalline regions, due to the partial hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose after 90 min at 180 °C. Overall, these results show that the moderate subcritical water autohydrolysis of hemicellulose in Populus tomentosa may be a potential bio-refinery process.

A high monosaccharide conversion rate of hemicellulose in a green solvent and under moderate reaction conditions for industrialization is one of the most important keys in a lignocellulosic biorefinery.

Adsorption of bovine serum albumin on the surfaces of poplar lignophenols

Two phenolic compounds (p-cresol and pyrogallol) were introduced into the benzyl position of poplar lignin by a phase separation method to obtain lignin-based derivatives with different structural properties called poplar lignophenols (LPs). The maximum protein adsorption capacity of LPs is 50-70 times greater than that of the industrial lignin under the same conditions. The interaction between poplar LPs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) near its isoelectric point (pH = 4.5) was studied using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The adsorption and desorption of BSA molecules on different LPs were investigated at various pH values of the buffer solution (2.1, 6.4, and 10.0), and the interaction mechanism between LP and BSA species was examined. The obtained results showed that hydrogen bonding was the strongest binding force between LPs and BSA as compared with hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The findings of this work can help to establish a relationship between the contents of hydroxyl groups, molecular structures, and molecular sizes of LPs and proteins under different pH conditions.

Worse characteristics can predict survival effectively in bilateral primary breast cancer: A competing risk nomogram using the SEER database

Objective

There is limited information from population‐based cancer registries regarding prognostic features of bilateral primary breast cancer (BPBC).

Methods

Female patients diagnosed with BPBC between 2004 and 2014 were randomly divided into training (n = 7740) and validation (n = 2579) cohorts from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database. We proposed five various models. Multivariate Cox hazard regression and competing risk analysis were to explore prognosis factors in training cohort. Competing risk nomograms were constructed to combine significant prognostic factors to predict the 3‐year and the 5‐year survival of patients with BPBC. At last, in the validation cohort, the new score performance was evaluated with respect to the area under curve, concordance index, net reclassification index and calibration curve.

Results

We found out that age, interval time, lymph nodes invasion, tumor size, tumor grade and estrogen receptor status were independent prognostic factors in both multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis and competing risk analysis. Concordance index in the model of the worse characteristics was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.791‐0.840), of the bilateral tumors was 0.819 (95% CI: 0.793‐0.844), of the worse tumor was 0.807 (0.782‐0.832), of the first tumor was 0.744 (0.728‐0.763) and of the second tumor was 0.778 (0.762‐0.794). Net reclassification index of the 3‐year and the 5‐year between them was 2.7% and −1.0%. The calibration curves showed high concordance between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion

The prognosis of BPBC depended on bilateral tumors. The competing risk nomogram of the model of the worse characteristics may help clinicians predict survival simply and effectively. Metachronous bilateral breast cancer presented poorer survival than synchronous bilateral breast cancer.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: Grade is superior to T, N, or M status in predicting outcome and selecting patients for chemotherapy:A retrospective cohort study in the SEER database

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumours with an increasing incidence. Current staging criteria for pNETs remain limited and controversial. Meanwhile, the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival has not been fully defined.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to explore epidemiologic trends of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs). To determine feasible improvements to staging criteria and investigate the relationship between chemotherapy and survival.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used to analyse annual cancer incidence rates, patient demographics, tumour site and stage, and treatment of pNETs. Data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's SEER registry for all patients diagnosed with pNETs between January 1973 and December 2015.

RESULTS

Patients diagnosed after 2010 were more likely to present with age greater than 45 years, T0, T1 status, N0 status, M0 status, and well differentiation. Current AJCC staging criteria was applicable to patients with well differentiation, but not other differentiation. The revised system, defined by Grade, T, N, and M status, could robustly discriminate between survival curves. Chemotherapy was associated with significantly improved survival for patients with poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumour grading.

CONCLUSIONS

Grade is superior to 'T', 'N', or 'M' status in predicting outcomes and selecting patients for chemotherapy. It is necessary and feasible to combine grade into current staging criteria.

Research status, industrial application demand and prospects of phenolic resin

The synthesis process of the phenolic resin adhesive was developed in the 19th century, and its excellent environmental resistance and high bonding strength make it one of the main wood adhesives. With the development of industry, phenolic resin adhesive is not only used in plywood, wood processing and laminate, but also in automobile, aerospace, composite materials and other fields. Herein we review the main synthetic processes and latest research progress for phenolic resin adhesives, the capacity distribution of major domestic phenolic resin enterprises, analysis of domestic phenolic resin consumption, import and export volume and price, Chinese plywood production, and the main production and export markets. Furthermore, research and discussion on the commercial application of domestic phenolic resin adhesives in plywood were carried out, which provides a reference for development of better phenolic resin adhesives that meet the development needs of the country, along with quality and economic competitiveness.

The synthesis process of the phenolic resin adhesive was developed in the 19th century, and its excellent environmental resistance and high bonding strength make it one of the main wood adhesives.

Is lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol associated with lower androgen and erectile dysfunction in men?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Therapeutic possibilities now exist to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to very low levels. However, substantial controversy remains in clinical practice with regard to its safety, and the question of whether low LDL-C levels per se may provoke adverse effects in humans arises. We aimed to explore the association of LDL-C with androgen and erectile dysfunction (ED) in a general population of men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4203 men without hormone replacement therapy were enrolled from 22 sites in East China. Total testosterone (T) and Free T were assessed. Free androgen index (FAI) was calculated. The IIEF-5 questionnaire was used to assess ED. We found that free T and FAI gradually and markedly increased with increasing LDL-C levels. Using linear regression, after adjusting for age, educational level, economic status, smoking status, drinking status, BMI, diabetes, and use of lipid-lowering medication, LDL-C was positively associated with free T (B = 0.175, 95% CI: 0.084, 0.266) and FAI (B = 0.064, 95% CI: 0.016, 0.112). Meanwhile, there was a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between LDL-C and prevalence of ED. In the logistic regression analysis, compared to those with LDL-C among the 10th-90th percentile, the ORs of ED in men in the lowest and highest deciles were 1.938 (95% CI: 1.121, 3.349) and 1.804 (95% CI: 1.117, 2.916), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Lower LDL-C levels were significantly associated with lower free T and lower FAI in a general population of men. Moreover, both low and high levels of LDL-C might be risk factors for ED.

Abstract P1-03-10: HER2 expression in clinical breast cancer samples: A novel detection methodology for HER2 protein quantitation using fluorescent nanoparticles

Background: The human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is a member of a family of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors that play an important role in regulated normal cell growth and differentiation. The over-expression of HER2 in a subset of 15-20% of invasive breast cancers has an important bearing on prognosis, as HER2-positive tumors are associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor outcome. Targeting HER2-overexpression has been shown to be a remarkably effective therapeutic modality; however testing of tumor samples to assess the HER2 status of the patient's breast cancer is required. Clinical assays to assess the HER2 status in patients being considered for targeted therapy include immunohistochemistry (IHC), which detects protein over-expression, or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which detects gene amplification. Both the IHC and FISH methodologies have limitations. Given that the target of the currently approved drugs is the receptor protein, novel detections systems that could more accurately and quantitatively detect HER2 protein in clinical samples over a broad dynamic range would be advantageous and may be clinically helpful.

Material and Methods: A novel detection technology using streptavidin-coated Phosphor Integrated Dot fluorescent nanoparticles (PID) has been developed that can be visualized by fluorescence microscopy and used for quantitative immunofluorescence detection of protein in clinical samples using computer assisted image analysis. In the current study, PID- nanoparticles were used to analyze HER2 protein expression in breast cancer cell lines and 120 well characterized breast cancer samples. These results have been compared with HER2 IHC and HER2 FISH analysis.

Results: The expression levels of HER2 protein from 8 breast cancer cell lines was evaluated by antibody-binding capacity with FACS analysis. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded cell pellets for these cell lines were prepared and used for quantitative HER2 analysis by PID. The PID score/cell for each of these cell lines showed a strong linear correlation with antibody-binding capacity sites/cell by FACS analysis (R2 = 0.94). For the 120 breast cancer samples, PID score/cell was measured and compared against HER2 IHC membrane intensity measure by image analysis (Aperio) and HER2 FISH results. The HER2 PID score/cell showed a correlation coefficient of R2=0.72 versus the average HER2 copy number per cell by FISH, compared with a correlation coefficient of R2=0.41 for HER2 IHC membrane intensity measured by Aperio. For the HER2/CEP17 ratio, the correlation coefficient for the PID score/cell was R2=0.79 compared with a correlation coefficient of R2=0.32 for the HER2 IHC membrane intensity.

Conclusions: PID-nanoparticles demonstrate great potential for the quantitative measurement of protein of clinical interest in routine clinical samples with morphologic confirmation of the tissue being studied. Further studies looking for PID-score thresholds for HER2 gene amplification and correlations with clinical outcome data are warranted and ongoing.

Citation Format: Hicks DG, Goda H, Zhai H, Okada H, McMahon L, Sullivan N, Tang P, Nakano Y. HER2 expression in clinical breast cancer samples: A novel detection methodology for HER2 protein quantitation using fluorescent nanoparticles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-03-10.

True digestible phosphorus requirement for forty- to eighty-kilogram pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the true digestible P requirement of 40- to 60-kg (Exp. 1) and 60- to 80-kg (Exp. 2) pigs by broken-line analysis of growth performance data using 6 levels of true digestible P. In each 3-wk experiment, 108 barrows and gilts were used, and 6 levels of monocalcium phosphate were added to a corn-soybean meal-based diet to establish 6 graded levels of true total tract digestible P ranging from 1.26 to 3.98 g/kg of diet in Exp. 1 or from 1.21 to 3.31 g/kg in Exp. 2. The true digestible P content was calculated using true total tract digestibility of 40.53%, 35.96%, and 84.31% for P in corn, soybean meal, and monocalcium phosphate, respectively. Limestone was added accordingly to maintain a constant Ca level across all diets of each experiment. The results of Exp. 1 showed that with graded supplementation of monocalcium phosphate, ADG linearly increased ( < 0.001) in wk 1 and both linearly and quadratically increased ( < 0.01) in wk 2, wk 3, and wk 0 to 3, and G:F linearly improved ( < 0.001) in wk 1, quadratically improved ( < 0.05) in wk 3, and both linearly and quadratically improved ( < 0.05) in wk 2 and wk 0 to 3 ( < 0.05). In Exp. 2, ADG linearly increased ( < 0.001) in wk 1 and both linearly and quadratically increased ( < 0.05) in wk 2, wk 3, and wk 0 to 3, with the graded supplementation of monocalcium phosphate, and G:F linearly improved ( < 0.01) in wk 1 and wk 3 and both linearly and quadratically improved ( < 0.001) in wk 2 and wk 0 to 3. In Exp. 1, the true digestible P requirement was estimated to be 2.66, 2.79, and 2.51 g/kg of diet (884 g DM/kg) for pigs of mixed sex, barrows, and gilts, respectively, on the basis of broken-line regression of ADG data for wk 0 to 3 against 6 true digestible P levels. Using G:F, the P requirement estimate was correspondingly 2.67, 2.51, and 2.93 g/kg of diet. In Exp. 2, the true digestible P requirement was estimated to be 2.29, 2.20, and 2.39 g/kg of diet (884 g DM/kg) using ADG data for wk 0 to 3 as the response variable and to be 2.33, 2.19, and 2.47 g/kg using wk 0 to 3 G:F data for pigs of mixed sex, barrows, and gilts, respectively. In conclusion, the mean TTTD-based P requirement was 2.66 and 2.31 g/kg of diet (884 g DM/kg) for 40- to 60-kg and 60- to 80-kg pigs, respectively.

Development of secondary mutations in wild-type and mutant EZH2 alleles cooperates to confer resistance to EZH2 inhibitors

The histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently dysregulated in cancers, and gain-of-function (GOF) EZH2 mutations have been identified in non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Small-molecule inhibitors against EZH2 demonstrated anti-tumor activity in EZH2-mutated lymphomas and entered clinical trials. Here, we developed models of acquired resistance to EZH2 inhibitor EI1 with EZH2-mutated lymphoma cells. Resistance was generated by secondary mutations in both wild-type (WT) and GOF Y641N EZH2 alleles. These EZH2 mutants retained the substrate specificity of their predecessor complexes but became refractory to biochemical inhibition by EZH2 inhibitors. Resistant cells were able to maintain a high level of H3K27Me3 in the presence of inhibitors. Interestingly, mutation of EZH2 WT alone generated an intermediate resistance phenotype, which is consistent with a previously proposed model of cooperation between EZH2 WT and Y641N mutants to promote tumorigenesis. In addition, the findings presented here have implications for the clinical translation of EZH2 inhibitors and underscore the need to develop novel EZH2 inhibitors to target potential resistance emerging in clinical settings.

Gastroretentive extended-release floating granules prepared using a novel fluidized hot melt granulation (FHMG) technique

The objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using a novel granulation technique, namely, fluidized hot melt granulation (FHMG), to prepare gastroretentive extended-release floating granules. In this study we have utilized FHMG, a solvent free process in which granulation is achieved with the aid of low melting point materials, using Compritol 888 ATO and Gelucire 50/13 as meltable binders, in place of conventional liquid binders. The physicochemical properties, morphology, floating properties, and drug release of the manufactured granules were investigated. Granules prepared by this method were spherical in shape and showed good flowability. The floating granules exhibited sustained release exceeding 10 h. Granule buoyancy (floating time and strength) and drug release properties were significantly influenced by formulation variables such as excipient type and concentration, and the physical characteristics (particle size, hydrophilicity) of the excipients. Drug release rate was increased by increasing the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and Gelucire 50/13, or by decreasing the particle size of HPC. Floating strength was improved through the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Furthermore, floating strength was influenced by the concentration of HPC within the formulation. Granules prepared in this way show good physical characteristics, floating ability, and drug release properties when placed in simulated gastric fluid. Moreover, the drug release and floating properties can be controlled by modification of the ratio or physical characteristics of the excipients used in the formulation.

First Report of Fusarium equiseti Causing a Sheath Rot of Corn in China

Corn is the most important cereal crop in China. Over 34.94 million ha of corn is cultivated in the country annually. However, fungal diseases are a major limiting factor in corn production. In August 2008, 50 ha in several corn fields in Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces were observed to be severely affected by a disease causing a yield loss of 30%. Results from field surveys suggested an epidemic during late corn growth stages that affected corn sheaths, causing irregularly circular spots with grayish brown to dark brown lesions. Lesions ranged from 2.5 to 3 × 3 to 5 cm. To isolate the causal agent, tissue was removed from the border of lesions and surface sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 sec and 0.1% HgCl₂ for 1 min. The sample was then triple rinsed in sterile distilled water. The isolate was purified and subcultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25 ± 2°C. The initial color of the mycelium was white, turning brown after being cultured for 7 days. A pale brown to dark brown pigment developed in the agar beneath the colony. Chlamydospores, solitary but also in short chains, measuring 7.2 to 15.3 μm, were produced on carnation leaf agar (CLA) after 10 days and became verrucose 20 days later. Macroconidia were produced on CLA in orange sporodochia from monophialides on branched conidiophores, usually 5- to 7-septate, and apical cells were tapered and elongate. Basal cells were prominent, foot-shaped, and elongated in appearance. Microconidia were not observed (1). These morphological characteristics matched the description of Fusarium equiseti reported by Leslie and Summerell (1). A pathogenicity test was conducted with an isolate from each of the 36 corn plants by spraying 2 ml of spore suspension (10⁶ conidia/ml) on 45-day-old corn sheaths (cv. Huang Zao). For the control treatment, 36 corn plants were sprayed with an equal volume of sterilized water. Inoculated plants were placed in a greenhouse at 32 to 34°C and 95% relative humidity. Typical irregularly circular lesions were observed 7 days after inoculation, except in the control samples. Each treatment was replicated three times. The suspected pathogen was consistently re-isolated from diseased tissue according to Koch's postulates, and was found to be morphologically similar to F. equiseti. Preliminary morphological identification of the fungus was confirmed by a PCR assay using genomic DNA extracted from the mycelia of a 7-day-old culture on PDA at 25 ± 2°C. A 750-bp amplified region of the transcription elongation factor (TEF) of rDNA was generated using TEF1 (5'-ATGGGTAAGGAGGACAAGAC-3') and TEF2 (5'-GGAAGTACCAGTGATCATGTT-3') primers. The TEF region (GenBank Accession No. KF754798) was sequenced by Sangon Biotech Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) and displayed 99% nucleotide similarity with the rDNA-TEF of F. equiseti (JN127347.1) separately after a BLASTn search in GenBank. Based on the symptoms, fungal morphology, TEF sequence, and pathogenicity testing, this fungus was identified as F. equiseti. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. equiseti on corn sheaths in China. This report will establish a foundation for further study of F. equiseti to address the disease effectively and to determine the severity of damage caused by F. equiseti. Reference: (1) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell, Ames, IA, 2006.

True digestible phosphorus requirement for twenty- to forty-kilogram pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the true digestible P requirements of 20- to 40-kg pigs by the broken-line regression analysis of growth performance using 6 levels of true total-tract digestible P. In Exp. 1, 24 barrows (initial BW=25.2±1.0 kg) were used to determine the true total-tract digestibility (TTTD) of P in monocalcium phosphate using the regression method. The dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal-based diet (2.96 g total P/kg) and 3 additional dietary treatments with incremental addition of 0.50 g P/kg through monocalcium phosphate. Limestone (37.2% Ca) was added to maintain a constant Ca to P ratio of 1.25 to 1 across all diets. A 5-d adjustment period preceded a 5-d total collection of feces. Ferric oxide was used as a marker to time the initiation and termination of fecal collection. In Exp. 2, 108 barrows and gilts (initial BW=20.1±1.2 kg) were used in a 3-wk growth performance trial. Monocalcium phosphate was added to a corn-soybean meal-based diet to set up 6 levels of TTTD-based digestible P, ranging from 1.31 to 4.64 g/kg of diet with increments of 0.67 g/kg digestible P. Limestone was added to maintain a constant Ca level across all diets. The results of Exp.1 showed that dietary P intake, fecal P output, digested P, and apparent total-tract digestibility of P increased linearly (P<0.05) with the increasing supplementation of monocalcium phosphate. Regressing daily digested P against daily P intake resulted in TTTD of 84.3% for P in monocalcium phosphate. In Exp. 2, ADG, ADFI, and G:F increased both linearly (P<0.01) and quadratically (P<0.05) with increasing P level in wk 1 and 3 and for the overall 3-wk duration. In wk 2, both linear and quadratic effects of P level were observed for ADG and ADFI (P<0.05) whereas the G:F only showed linear improvement (P<0.01). The true digestible P requirement, defined as the breakpoint using the overall 3-wk G:F as the response variable, was estimated to be 3.03, 2.98, and 3.08 g/kg of diet for pigs of mixed sex, barrows, and gilts, respectively. Using ADG, the corresponding estimates of P requirement were 3.09, 3.08, and 3.10 g/kg of diet. In conclusion, the mean true digestible P requirement of pigs from 20 to 40 kg BW was determined to be 3.06 g/kg of diet using the average of the estimates for barrows and gilts based on ADG.

True digestible phosphorus requirement of 10- to 20-kg pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the true digestible P requirement of 10- to 20-kg pigs by broken-line regression analysis of growth performance using 6 levels of true total-tract digestible P. In Exp. 1, 48 barrows were used to determine the true total-tract digestibility (TTTD) of P in monocalcium phosphate using the regression method. The dietary treatments included a negative control (3.30 g/kg total P) and 7 additional dietary treatments with incremental addition of 0.74 g/kg P through monocalcium phosphate, resulting in a dietary range of 3.30 to 8.45 g/kg total P. Limestone was added accordingly to maintain a constant Ca to P ratio of 1.25:1 across all diets. A 5-d adjustment period preceded a 5-d total collection of feces. Ferric oxide was used to time the initiation and termination of fecal collection. In Exp. 2, 108 barrows and gilts were used in a 3-wk growth performance study. Monocalcium phosphate was added to a corn-soybean meal-based diet to set up 6 levels of TTTD-based digestible P, ranging from 1.55 to 4.21 g/kg at an increment of 0.53 g/kg digestible P. Limestone was added accordingly to maintain a constant Ca level across all diets. The results of Exp.1 showed dietary P intake, fecal P output, and digested P increased linearly (P < 0.001) with the increasing P level, whereas the apparent total-tract digestibility of P increased both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01). The regression of daily digested P against daily P intake gave a TTTD of 67.5% for P in monocalcium phosphate. In Exp. 2, ADG increased linearly (P < 0.001) with the increasing P level in wk 1. In wk 2, wk 3, and the overall 3-wk duration, both linear and quadratic effects of P level (P < 0.05) were observed for ADG. Average daily feed intake increased with the addition of monocalcium phosphate linearly in wk 2 (P < 0.05) and during the overall period (P < 0.001) and both linearly (P < 0.001) and quadratically (P < 0.05) in wk 3. For any period, the G:F was improved in both a linear (P < 0.001) and quadratic (P < 0.05) fashion. The true digestible P requirement, defined as the breakpoint using G:F of the overall duration, was estimated to be 3.22, 2.81, and 3.45 g/kg of diet with dietary DM averaged at 887 g/kg for pigs of mixed sex, barrows, and gilts, respectively. Using ADG, the corresponding P requirement was 3.19, 3.40, and 2.97 g/kg of diet. In conclusion, the true digestible P requirement of pigs from 10 to 20 kg BW was determined to be 3.2 g/kg of diet.

True total-tract digestibility of phosphorus in corn and soybean meal for fifteen-kilogram pigs are additive in corn-soybean meal diet

The objective of this study was to verify the additivity of true total-tract P digestibility (TPD) in corn and soybean meal (SBM) for 15-kg pigs. Fifty-four barrows with an average initial BW of 14.7±1.6 kg were used in a randomized complete block design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement of 6 diets. Three P sources included corn, SBM, and their mixture at a ratio of 2:1. Each P source was provided at low or high level. The diets were fed for a 5-d adjustment period followed by a total collection period of 7 d with ferric oxide as a marker to determine the initiation and termination of fecal collection. The results showed the high P level of each P source increased (P<0.001) P intake, fecal P output, and digested P compared with the low P level. The respective apparent total-tract digestibility of P were 35.66 and 40.57% for low and high P levels in corn, 35.72 and 38.04% for low and high P levels in SBM, and 41.85 and 38.53% for low and high P levels in the corn-soybean meal mixture without significant difference between P levels within P sources. Regressing daily digested P against daily P intake, the TPD was estimated at 40.53, 35.96, and 37.52% for corn, SBM, and their mixture, respectively. The expected TPD in corn and SBM mixture was calculated to be 37.92% based upon the P contribution coefficient calculated to be 0.428 for corn and 0.572 for SBM. The determined TPD (37.52%) in the mixture was not statistically different from the expected (37.92%). In conclusion, the TPD in corn and SBM are additive in corn-soybean meal diet for pigs.

Influence of TEMPO-mediated oxidation on the lignin of thermomechanical pulp

The influences of various factors in 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation on delignification, lignin aromatic ring and side chain structures of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) were investigated. The results indicate neither TEMPO nor NaBr alone can provoke changes in lignin content or lignin structure under weakly alkaline conditions. However, NaClO and NaClO-NaBr were able to remove lignin effectively, causing remarkable changes in lignin structure. Delignification was promoted when TEMPO was used with NaBr and NaClO. In contrast to NaClO alone, an additional 15% lignin was removed when TEMPO-mediated oxidation system was used, but it did not induce further changes on lignin structure. Increased doses of oxidizing agent and reaction time also improved the oxidation of cellulose and delignification, but they did not have a significant impact on lignin aromatic and side chain structures.