[The value of quantitative flow ratio in the hemodynamic evaluation of myocardial bridge]

Objective: To explore the application value of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) in the hemodynamic evaluation of myocardial bridge and to preliminarily evaluate the correlation and related influencing factors between deformation quantitative flow ratio (D-QFR) and QFR. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Patients with CAG-confirmed simple myocardial bridge of the middle anterior descending coronary artery from June 2012 to June 2022 at the Air Force Medical Center were retrospectively included in this study. Systolic stenosis of mural coronary arteries (MCA) and myocardial bridge length were measured using quantitative coronary angiography. The patients were divided into mild stenosis group (<50% systolic stenosis) and moderate-to-severe stenosis group (≥50% systolic stenosis) according to the Nobel grading criteria. At different time periods (systolic and diastolic), the QFR values were measured at 3 locations (1 to 2 cm before the MCA entrance, the middle segment of the MCA, and 1 to 2 cm after the MCA exit), denoted as QFRa, QFRb, and QFRc, respectively, and the D-QFR values, incorporating vessel deformation information, were recorded. The MCA distal QFR≤0.8 in either stage was defined as an abnormal QFR value. QFR values were compared between the two groups at different locations and within each group. Factors associated with abnormal QFR values were analysed using multifactorial logistic regression. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between D-QFR values and systolic and diastolic QFR values.Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the factors associated with D-QFR. Results: A total of 83 patients were enrolled, including 58 males, aged (57.1±13.1) years. There were 48 cases in the mild stenosis group and 35 cases in the moderate-to-severe stenosis group, and the differences in systolic and diastolic QFRb and QFRc values between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Within-group comparisons showed the values of QFRb and QFRc in the systolic phase were lower than those in the diastolic phase; QFRb and QFRc were both lower than QFRa during the same period (all P<0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that MCA systolic stenosis (OR=1.225, 95%CI 1.093-1.372, P<0.001) was an influential factor for abnormal QFR. D-QFR values were positively correlated with both systolic and diastolic QFR values (correlation coefficients were 0.849 and 0.675, respectively, both P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that D-QFR values were negatively correlated with age (β=-0.208, P=0.029), systolic stenosis (β=-0.500, P<0.001), and myocardial bridge length (β=-0.211, P=0.036). Conclusions: The QFR values in middle and distal of myocardial bridge decrease. The systolic stenosis rate of myocardial bridge is an important factor affecting QFR value. D-QFR is positively correlated with both systolic and diastolic QFR values. Age, myocardial bridge systolic stenosis rate and length are factors influencing the D-QFR values.

[Advances in hepatitis E epidemiology]

Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis that the hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes. In the early 1980s, the hepatitis E virus was first discovered and identified, and it is one of the important pathogens that cause acute viral hepatitis globally. HEV infection is usually self-limiting, but in some groups of populations, such as pregnant women, patients with chronic liver disease, and the elderly, the prognosis is poor and may result in acute or subacute liver failure or even death. In addition, HEV infection can occur in chronically immunocompromised populations. At present, some regions and countries are not paying enough attention to hepatitis E prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, which suggests that we should study the epidemiology of HEV infection.

[The expression of clock gene CLOCK and its clinical significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the relationship between expression levels of CLOCK mRNA and protein and the clinical characteristics of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: The frozen tissue specimens from 33 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from 2018 to 2019 were collected. Seventeen cases of tissue specimens from patients with nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in 2019 were collected. From 2008 to 2014, 68 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE) nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue and 37 cases of FFPE nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissue were collected from the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of CLOCK. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells including CNE1, CNE2, 5-8F and the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell NP69 were cultured. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of CLOCK mRNA in each cell line at the time points of ZT2, ZT6, ZT10, ZT14, ZT18 and ZT22. The cosine method was used to fit the rhythm of CLOCK gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The protein expression of CLOCK protein was detected by using immunohistochemical method in 68 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 37 cases of nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissue. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, and the influencing factors was analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: The expression levels of CLOCK mRNA in CNE1, CNE2 and 5-8F cells (0.63±0.07, 0.91±0.02 and 0.33±0.04, respectively) were lower than that in NP69 cell (1.00±0.00, P<0.05). The expression levels of CLOCK protein in CNE1, CNE2 and 5-8F cells (0.79±0.06, 0.57±0.05 and 0.74±0.10, respectively) were lower than that of NP69 cells (1.00±0.00, P<0.05). The expressions of CLOCK mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells including CEN1, CNE2, 5-8F and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell NP69 were different at different time points, with temporal fluctuations. The fluctuation periods of CLOCK mRNA in CNE1, CNE2, 5-8F, and NP69 cells were 16, 14, 22 and 24 hours, respectively. The peak and trough times were ZT10: 40 and ZT18: 40, ZT10 and ZT3, ZT14: 30 and ZT3: 30, ZT12: 39 and ZT0: 39, respectively. CLOCK mRNA and protein expression levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues (0.37±0.20 and 0.20±0.26, respectively) were lower than those in nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissues (1.00±0.00 and 0.51±0.41, respectively, P<0.05). The 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group (CLOCK protein expression level ≥ 0.178) were 96.2%, 92.1%, and 80.1%, respectively, which were higher than those in the low expression group (CLOCK protein expression level <0.178, 92.9% , 78.6% and 57.1%, respectively, P=0.009). The 1, 3, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group were 96.2%, 87.8%, and 87.7%, respectively, which were higher than those in the low expression group (92.7%, 82.2%, and 70.8%, respectively, P=0.105). Compared with the low-expression group (100.0%, 96.9%, and 90.0%, respectively), the 1, 3, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group (100.0%, 95.7%, and 95.7%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P=0.514). Compared with the low-expression group (92.7%, 82.2%, and 79.3%), the 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates without metastasis in the CLOCK protein high expression group (96.2%, 92.0%, and 92.0%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P=0.136). CLOCK protein expression and T stage were independent prognostic factors of overall survival (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of CLCOK is downregulated in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell and nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues. Clock gene CLOCK is rhythmically expressed in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, the fluctuation period of CLOCK in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells is shortened. The overall survival of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group is better than that of low expression group. The expression of CLOCK protein is an independent influencing factor for overall survival. CLOCK gene may be a potential tumor suppressor gene in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Long-term oxygen treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

This paper introduced several problems of long-term oxygen therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, including basic concepts, research progress at home and abroad, physiological significance of long-term oxygen therapy, clinical indications, contraindications, long-term oxygen therapy under special conditions, oxygen source, connection mode, inhaled oxygen concentration management, airway humidification, cooperation and safety of non-invasive ventilation.

[Assessment of heart's changes of elite Chinese male weightlifter by speckle tracking echocardiography]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the changes of heart structure and function in elite Chinese weightlifters by spot tracking technique.

METHODS

Chinese elite male weightlifters (weightlifter group, n=16) and age-matched healthy men (control group, n=16) were included as subjects. Transthoracic echocardiography and speckle-tracking automatic functional imaging were used for two-dimensional myocardial strain measurements.

RESULTS

The thickness of septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall and the myocardial mass index of LV were all higher than those of the control group [(9.3±1.3) mm vs. (8.0±0.4) mm, (9.2±0.8) mm vs. (8.0±0.8) mm, (77.8±12.8) g/m² vs. (67.8±11.2) g/m², all P < 0.05]. Although the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and global long axis strain value (LVGLS) were not significantly different from those in the control group, the LV mean Sm and Em reflecting the systolic and diastolic functions of the LV were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Further myocardial strain analysis showed that the absolute value of the long axial strain of the basal anteroseptal and mid-inferoseptal segments of the weightlifters were significantly lower than those of the control group [|(-15.1±4.2)%|vs.|(-18.7±3.0)%|, |(-18.8±2.6)%|vs.|(-21.3±2.8)%|, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in other segments. The athletes were divided into two groups according to their best performance in the National Youth Games. The athletes were divided into two sub-groups according to their performance in the National Youth Games. The thickness of the septum in the sub-group with better performance (who ranked the 1^st to 8^th) was larger [(10.2±1.1) mm vs. (8.5±1.0) mm, P < 0.05], and the absolute value of the long-axis strain in the mid-inferoseptal segment was lower [|(-17.1±2.1)%|vs.|(-20.4±2.1)%|, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSION

The thickening of septum is more obvious in the excellent weightlifters, accompanied by the decrease of myocardial systolic function. The speckle-tracking technique of echocardiography can identify the changes of the heart structure and function of elite athletes at an early stage, which may provide a basis for sports medicine supervision and the selection of excellent talents.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) suppresses triacylglycerol accumulation and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a well-known tumor suppressor in nonruminants and regulates various cellular processes including growth through dephosphorylation of phosphoinositide substrates. Although studies with bovine mammary tissue suggested a role for PTEN during lactation, its potential role in lipid metabolism remains unknown. Objectives of the present study were to determine PTEN abundance in goat mammary tissue at 2 stages of lactation (n = 6 Xinong Saanen dairy goats per stage), and to use gene-silencing and adenoviral transfections in vitro with isolated goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC) to evaluate the role of PTEN abundance of lipid metabolism-related genes. Abundance of PTEN decreased by 51.5% at peak lactation compared with the dry period. The PTEN was overexpressed in isolated GMEC through adenoviral transfection using an adenovirus system with Ad-GFP (recombinant adenovirus of green fluorescent protein) as control, and silenced via targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection with a scrambled small interfering RNA as a negative control. Cell culture was performed for 48 h before RNA extraction, triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis, and fatty acid analysis. Overexpression of PTEN downregulated abundance of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase α (ACACA), fatty acid synthase (FASN), sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor1 (SREBF1), stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), diacylglycerol acytransferase 1 (DGAT1), 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 6 (AGPAT6) coupled with an increase in patatin-like-phospholipase domain containing 2 (PNPLA2), hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 β (CPT1B). Furthermore, overexpressing PTEN in vitro resulted in a significant decrease in TAG concentration and concentration of C16:1. In contrast, interference of PTEN led to an opposite effect on lipid metabolism in GMEC. These changes suggested a shift from lipogenesis and esterification to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Collectively, PTEN seems to play a role in monounsaturated fatty acids synthesis and lipid accumulation in GMEC.

[Analysis on serotype and antimicrobial resistance of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella]

Objective: To investigate the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of seven invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) isolates. Methods: For 7 iNTS strains collected, serotype identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing were performed. We identified, annotated and analyzed the serotypes, MLST types, and antimicrobial resistance genes. Results: Among the 7 tested iNTS isolates, we found one Salmonella Typhimurium strain and two Salmonella Ⅰ 4, [5], 12: i:- strains whose MLST types were ST34, two Salmonella Enteritidis strains, one Salmonella Corvallis strain and one strain of unknown serotype with the antigenic formulae of Ⅰ 4, [5], 12: d:- (ST279 type). Six of seven strains were monophasic and the deletion or pseudogenization of Salmonella Flagellum gene might contribute to the enhancement of Salmonella invasiveness. None was found to be resistant to tigarcycline, aztreonam, amikacin, cephalosporins and carbapenem and one Salmonella Typhimurium strain was found to be co-resistant to eight classes of antimicrobials at the same time. Resistance genes were generally in accord with relative resistant phenotypes. Conclusion: The iNTS strains could show high level multi-drug resistance, indicating that close attention should be paid to the resistance of iNTS though the overall resistance might be relatively not high.

[Corrigendum] ANXA1‑derived peptides suppress gastric and colon cancer cell growth by targeting EphA2 degradation

Following the publication of the above article, the authors have realized that one of the data panels featured in Fig. 5D was selected incorrectly. Specifically, the wrong image was selected for the A1 (28‑30), HCT116 experiment. The authors have revisited their original sources to identify the correct data panel, and can confirm that the error arose unintentionally during the process of compiling the figure. The correct version of Fig. 5, featuring corrected data panel for Fig. 5D, is shown on the next page. The authors confirm that this error did not affect the conclusions reported in this study, and are grateful to the Editor of International Journal of Oncology for allowing them the opportunity to publish this corrigendum. Furthermore, the authors apologize to the readership of the Journal for any inconvenience caused. [the original article was published in International Journal of Oncology 57: 1203‑1213, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5119].

ANXA1‑derived peptides suppress gastric and colon cancer cell growth by targeting EphA2 degradation

EphA2 (EPH receptor A2) (erythropoietin‑producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase subtype A2) plays a crucial role in human cancers, and is a promising target for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this study, we showed that the interaction of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and EphA2 increased EphA2 stability by inhibiting its proteasome degradation in gastric cancer (GC) and colon cancer (CC) cells, and the amino acid residues 20‑30 and 28‑30 of ANXA1 N terminal were responsible for binding and stabilizing EphA2. Based on the amino acid residues of ANXA1 responsible for binding EphA2, we developed ANXA1‑derived 3 amino acid‑long (SKG) and 11 amino acid‑long peptides (EYVQTVKSSKG) in fusion to cell‑penetrating peptide, named as A1(28‑30) and A1(20‑30) respectively, and found that A1(28‑30) and A1(20‑30) blocked the binding of ANXA1 with EphA2, targeted EphA2 degradation, and suppressed the growth of GC and CC cells in vitro and in mice. Our data demonstrated that ANXA1 was able to bind and stabilize EphA2 in GC and CC cells, and disruption of ANXA1‑EphA2 interaction by the two ANXA1‑derived peptides inhibited the growth of GC and CC cells by targeting EphA2 degradation, presenting a potential strategy for treating GC and CC with these peptides.

Steady Bell State Generation via Magnon-Photon Coupling

We show that parity-time (PT) symmetry can be spontaneously broken in the recently reported energy level attraction of magnons and cavity photons. In the PT-broken phase, the magnon and photon form a high-fidelity Bell state with maximum entanglement. This entanglement is steady and robust against the perturbation of the environment, which is in contrast to the general wisdom that expects instability of the hybridized state when the symmetry is broken. This anomaly is further understood by the compete of non-Hermitian evolution and particle number conservation of the hybrid system. As a comparison, neither PT-symmetry breaking nor steady magnon-photon entanglement is observed inside the normal level repulsion case. Our results may open an exciting window to utilize magnon-photon entanglement as a resource for quantum information science.

Comparison of EML4-ALK fusion gene positive rate in different detection methods and samples of non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To evaluate differences of EML4-ALK positive rates in tissues samples between immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and the next-generation sequencing method. Besides, to compare the differences of EML4-ALK positive rates in blood samples and tissue samples by next-generation sequencing. The results provide a basis for the selection of a suitable EML4-ALK fusion gene detection method. Methods: Immunohistochemistry analysis of EML4-ALK in tumors was performed on samples from 2631 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The mutation of EML4-ALK in the tissue samples of 399 patients with non-small cell lung cancer was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Next-generation sequencing was used to detect the mutation of EML4-ALK in 1505 non-small cell lung cancer patients, including 1208 tissue samples and 297 blood samples. Results: The positive incidence of EML4-ALK by immunohistochemistry was 7.11% (187/2631). Histologically, 9.51% (170/1787) of the samples were lung adenocarcinomas, and 2.01% (17/844) were squamous cell carcinomas. The positive rate of EML4-ALK was 8.52% (34/399) in 399 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, as detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the mutation rate of adenocarcinoma was 11.62% (33/284), and the mutation rate of squamous cell carcinoma was 0.86% (1/115). In 1208 patients with non-small cell lung cancer with tissue samples, the positive rate of EML4-ALK was 4.88% (59/1208), as determined by next-generation sequencing, the mutation rate of adenocarcinoma was 5.84% (58/994), and the mutation rate of squamous cell carcinoma was 0.47% (1/214). The positive rate of EML4-ALK detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was higher than that detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the next-generation sequencing results, the positive rates of EML4-ALK detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were higher, and the differences were significant (p<0.05). In blood samples from 297 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the positive rate of EML4-ALK detected by next-generation sequencing was 3.70% (11/297), the mutation rate of adenocarcinoma was 3.82% (10/262), and the mutation rate of squamous cell carcinoma was 2.86% (1/35). The EML4-ALK positive rate of the tissue samples was thus higher than that of the blood biopsy samples. Conclusion: Among the three methods for detecting EML4-ALK, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction has the highest positive rate, followed by immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing has the lowest positive rate. The positive detection rate of EML4-ALK in tissue samples by next-generation sequencing was higher than that in blood samples.

Quantifying the Mesoscopic Nature of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Nonlocality

Evidence for Bell's nonlocality is so far mainly restricted to microscopic systems, where the elements of reality that are negated predetermine results of measurements to within one spin unit. Any observed nonlocal effect (or lack of classical predetermination) is then limited to no more than the difference of a single photon or electron being detected or not (at a given detector). In this paper, we analyze experiments that report the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering form of nonlocality for mesoscopic photonic or Bose-Einstein condensate systems. Using an EPR steering parameter, we show how the EPR nonlocalities involved can be quantified for four-mode states, to give evidence of EPR-nonlocal effects corresponding to a two-mode number difference of 10^{5} photons, or of several tens of atoms (at a given site). Applying to experiments, we also show how the variance criterion of Duan, Giedke, Cirac and Zoller for EPR entanglement can be used to determine a lower bound on the number of particles in a pure two-mode EPR-entangled or steerable state.

A method for improving the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal screening by cell-free foetal DNA size selection

Background Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) using cell-free foetal DNA (cfDNA) has been widely used for identifying common foetal aneuploidies (e.g. trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy (T18) and trisomy 13 (T13)) in clinical practice. The sensitivity and specificity of NIPS exceeds 99%, but the positive prediction value (PPV) is approximately 70% (combined T21, T18 and T13). Thus, some 30% of pregnant women who have positive NIPS results are eventually identified as normal by amniocentesis. These women therefore must undertake needless invasive tests and risk miscarrying healthy babies because of false positive NIPS results. Methods In order to achieve higher accuracy, we amended the standard NIPS (s-NIPS) protocol with an additional cfDNA size selecting step in agarose-electrophoresis. The advantage of the new method (named e-NIPS) was validated by comparing the results of e-NIPS and s-NIPS using 114 retrospective cases selected from 15,930 cases. Results Our results showed that the foetal cfDNA fraction can be enriched significantly by a size selection step. With this modification, all 98 negative cases and 9 of 11 false positive cases of s-NIPS were correctly identified by e-NIPS, resulting in an increased PPV from 71% to 77%. Additionally, a simulation test showed that e-NIPS is more reliable than s-NIPS, especially when the foetal cfDNA concentration and sequencing coverage are low. Conclusion cfDNA size selection is an important step in improving the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities.

[Application of diffusion tensor imaging combined with virtual reality three-dimensional reconstruction in the operation of gliomas involved eloquent regions]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the values of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and virtual reality (VR) techniques in design surgery program of gliomas near eloquent regions.

METHODS

In this study, 35 cases were retrospectively analyzed with gliomas involved language areas or rolandic regions operated in Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019. Surgery programs were performed by Dextroscope virtual reality system. The pre-operative data, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and DTI was transferred into the VR computer for restitution,Tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels were reconstructed to simulate operation and design individual surgical plan. Neurological function was evaluated 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after operation.

RESULTS

Virtual reality three-dimensional images of the 35 cases were successfully achieved, including neural fiber tracts,blood vessels and the lesions. The displacement and destruction of fiber tracts, the anatomic relationship between tumor and important fiber bundle, artery and vein could be shown clearly. Surgical simulation and surgery program of VR of the 35 patients were successfully performed. The 3D images obtained from virtual reality near to the real surgery. Ten of the 35 cases were defined as rolandic regions tumors, 14 of the 35 cases were defined as language areas tumors and 11 of the 35 cases involved both language areas and rolandic regions. Complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET) was achieved in 30 cases (85.7%), subtotal resection in 5 cases (14.3%), neurological function improved in 34 cases (97.1%) after operation,and 1 case had no improvement compared with that before(2.9%). Thirteen cases without neurological deficit pre-operation, showed transient neurological deficit ,which were recovered about 10 days post-operation, 12 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit, improved one week postoperation, 9 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit improved one month after operation, the rest 1 case was recurrent with glioblastoma with aggravated hemiplegia symptom after operation, who died of cerebral hernia 2 months later.

CONCLUSION

Dextroscope virtual reality system can clearly expose and quantify the 3D anatomic relationship of tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels surrounding gliomas near eloquent regions, which is helpful to design the best individualized surgery program, to improve surgical effect.

[Study on unprotected anal intercourse behavior in HIV-positive men who have sex with men in the context of knowing their HIV infection status in Chengdu]

Objective: To identify related factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in the context of knowing their HIV infection status. Methods: HIV positive MSM who known that they had been infected with HIV for more than 6 months and accepted follow up services were recruited by convenience sampling method in Chengdu 2015. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect their information, such as demographic characteristics, antiviral therapy and sexual behavior characteristics etc. Logistic regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 330 HIV- positive MSM were recruited, 201 eligible MSM were interviewed. The prevalence of UAI in recent six months was 18.41% (37/201). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of anal intercourse with male ≥3 in last month (OR=6.22, 95%CI: 1.88-20.56), low education level (OR=7.29, 95%CI: 1.36-39.16), married, divorced or widowed status (OR=4.65, 95%CI: 1.13-19.17), homosexual cohabitation (OR=3.32, 95%CI: 1.01-10.95) were the risk factors related with UAI among the HIV-positive MSM. Conclusion: Frequent homosexual anal intercourse, low education level, married, divorced or widowed status and homosexual cohabitation might be the risk factors related with UAI in HIV-positive MSM in Chengdu.

Asprellcosides B of Ilex asprella Inhibits Influenza A Virus Infection by Blocking the Hemagglutinin- Mediated Membrane Fusion

Ilex asprella is routinely used in China as a traditional medicinal herb to treat influenza (Flu). However, its specific antiviral activity and underlying molecular mechanism have not yet been determined. In this study, we sought to determine the antiviral activity and mechanism of Asprellcosides B, an active component extracted from Ilex asprella, and used against the influenza A virus cell culture. We also performed a computer-assisted structural modeling analysis and carried out surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments in the hope of determining the viral target of Asprellcosides B. Results from our studies show that Asprellcosides B reduced virus replication by up to 63% with an IC50 of about 9 μM. It also decreased the low pH-induced and virus-mediated hemolysis by 71% in vitro. Molecular docking simulation analysis suggested a possible binding of Asprellcosides B to the hemagglutinin (HA), which was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Asprellcosides B inhibits the influenza A virus, through a specific binding to the HA, resulting in the blockade of the HA-mediated membrane fusion.

Detection of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Objective: To assess the value of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Methods: We selected 55 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma confirmed by histopathology and 15 cases of reactive lymph node hyperplasia. Using the IdentiClone gene rearrangement detection kit, BIOMED-2 primer system, and GeneScanning analysis, we tested for immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. Results: Among all 55 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma cases, 1 (2%) displayed the first type of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, which has an intact lymphoid follicle structure. Five cases (9%) displayed the second type, which has an intact segmental lymphatic follicular structure. Forty-nine cases (89%) displayed the third type, which is characterized by a complete obliteration of the lymphatic follicular structure. Fifty-two cases (95%) had tumor cells that were positive for CD3, 50 cases (91%) were positive for CD4, 33 cases (60%) were positive for Bcl-6, 20 cases (36%) were positive for CD10, 44 cases (80%) were positive for CXCL13 to different degrees, and 53 cases (96%) showed a strong positive expression of CD21. Ki67 expression intensity was 30-80% in tumor T cells. Clonal gene rearrangements were identified in 48 of the 55 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma cases (87%), of which 30 (55%) displayed IG gene rearrangements, including IGHA (7 cases; 13%), IGHB (6 cases; 11%), IGHC (2 cases; 4%), IGKA (22 cases; 40%), IGKB (6 cases; 11%), and IGL (20 cases; 36%). TCR gene rearrangements were observed in 32 cases (58%), including TCRBA (6 cases; 11%), TCRBB (5 cases; 9%), TCRBC (10 cases; 18%), TCRD (7 cases; 13%), TCRGA (22 cases; 40%), and TCRGB (16 cases; 29%). IG and TCR gene rearrangements were concurrently observed in 14 cases (25%). Immunoglobulin or TCR clonal gene rearrangements were not detected in the 15 cases of reactive hyperplasia. Conclusions: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas may be positive for immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor clone gene rearrangements or may express double rearrangements. The assessment of clonal gene rearrangements is valuable for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Prognostic significance of downregulated BMAL1 and upregulated Ki-67 proteins in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

This study assessed the prognostic value of BMAL1 and Ki-67 expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Level of BMAL1 mRNA was assessed in tissue specimens from 36 nasopharyngeal carcinomas and 20 nasopharyngeal chronic inflammations using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of BMAL1 and Ki-67 proteins was analyzed immunohistochemically in 90 paired nasopharyngeal carcinoma and distant normal tissues. The Kaplan-Meier curves and the Log-rank test were used to calculate prognostic significance stratified by BMAL1 and Ki67 protein expression and the COX regression model was to analyze the multivariate prognosis. BMAL1 mRNA was significantly reduced in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (4.67 ± 0.27 versus 6.64 ± 0.51 in chronic inflammation tissues, p = 0.002). Level of BMAL1 mRNA was associated with tumor distant metastasis (3.37 ± 0.66 versus 5.04 ± 0.27 compared with non-metastasis, p = 0.011). Level of BMAL1 protein was also reduced in tumor tissues and BMAL1 expression was associated with better 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) of cancer patients (92.6%, 69.2% and 62.3% versus 59.1%, 40.9% and 0% in patients with low BMAL1 expressed tumors; p = 0.000). BMAL1 expression and age were independent prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.032). Furthermore, Ki-67 expression was high in tumor versus normal tissues and associated with poor OS of cancer patients (p = 0.035). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was an inverse association between BMAL1 and Ki-67 protein expression (p = 0.021). This study demonstrated that lost BMAL1 and Ki-67 overexpression were associated with poor OS of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

MicroRNA-377 suppresses initiation and progression of esophageal cancer by inhibiting CD133 and VEGF

Esophageal cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide with poor survival and limited therapeutic options. The discovery of microRNAs created a new milestone in cancer research. miR-377 is located in chromosome region 14q32, which is frequently deleted in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the biological functions, clinical significance and therapeutic implication of miR-377 in ESCC are largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-377 expression was significantly downregulated in tumor tissue and serum of patients with ESCC. Both tumor tissue and serum miR-377 expression levels were positively correlated with patient survival. Higher serum miR-377 expression was inversely associated with pathologic tumor stage, distant metastasis, residual tumor status and chemoradiotherapy resistance. The roles of miR-377 in suppressing tumor initiation and progression, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-377 overexpression inhibited the initiation, growth and angiogenesis of ESCC tumors as well as metastatic colonization of ESCC cells, whereas silencing of miR-377 had opposite effects. Mechanistically, miR-377 regulated CD133 and VEGF by directly binding to their 3' untranslated region. Moreover, systemic delivery of formulated miR-377 mimic not only suppressed tumor growth in nude mice but also blocked tumor angiogenesis and metastasis of ESCC cells to the lungs without overt toxicity to mice. Collectively, our study established that miR-377 plays a functional and significant role in suppressing tumor initiation and progression, and may represent a promising non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic strategy for patients with ESCC.

Characterization of the liver X receptor-dependent regulatory mechanism of goat stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 gene by linoleic acid

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of palmitoleic and oleic acid. Although the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of SCD1 via polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been extensively explored in nonruminants, the existence of such mechanism in ruminant mammary gland remains unknown. In this study, we used goat genomic DNA to clone and sequence a 1,713-bp fragment of the SCD1 5' flanking region. Deletion assays revealed a core region of the promoter located between -415 and -109 bp upstream of the transcription start site, and contained the highly conserved PUFA response region. An intact PUFA response region was required for the basal transcriptional activity of SCD1. Linoleic acid reduced endogenous expression of SCD1 and sterol regulatory element binding factor-1 (SREBF1) in goat mammary epithelial cells. Further analysis indicated that both the sterol response element (SRE) and the nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) binding site in the SCD1 promoter were responsible for the inhibition effect by linoleic acid, whereas the effect was abrogated once NF-Y was deleted. In addition, SRE and NF-Y were partly responsible for the transcriptional activation induced via the liver X receptor agonist T 4506585 (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). When goat mammary epithelial cells were cultured with linoleic acid, addition of T 4506585 markedly increased SCD1 transcription in controls, but had no effect on cells with a deleted SRE promoter. These results demonstrated that linoleic acid can regulate SCD1 expression at the transcriptional level through SRE and NF-Y in a liver X receptor-dependent fashion in the goat mammary gland.

MiR-23a sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma to irradiation by targeting IL-8/Stat3 pathway

Radioresistance poses a major challenge in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment, but little is known about how miRNA regulates this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-23a in NPC radioresistance, one of downregulated miRNAs in the radioresistant NPC cells identified by our previous microarray analysis. We observed that miR-23a was frequently downregulated in the radioresistant NPC tissues, and its decrement correlated with NPC radioresistance and poor patient survival, and was an independent predictor for reduced patient survival. In vitro radioresponse assays showed that restoration of miR-23a expression markedly increased NPC cell radiosensitivity. In a mouse model, therapeutic administration of miR-23a agomir dramatically sensitized NPC xenografts to irradiation. Mechanistically, we found that reduced miR-23a promoted NPC cell radioresistance by activating IL-8/Stat3 signaling. Moreover, the levels of IL-8 and phospho-Stat3 were increased in the radioresistance NPC tissues, and negatively associated with miR-23a level. Our data demonstrate that miR-23a is a critical determinant of NPC radioresponse and prognostic predictor for NPC patients, and its decrement enhances NPC radioresistance through activating IL-8/Stat3 signaling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of miR-23a/IL-8/Stat3 signaling axis in NPC radiosensitization.

Liver X receptor α promotes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids in goat mammary epithelial cells via the control of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 in an SREBP-1-dependent manner

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a pivotal enzyme in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). It is tightly regulated by transcription factors that control lipogenesis. In nonruminants, liver X receptor α (LXRα) is a nuclear receptor and transcription factor that acts as a key sensor of cholesterol and lipid homeostasis. However, the mechanism whereby LXRα regulates the expression and transcriptional activity of SCD1 in ruminant mammary cells remains unknown. In this study with goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC), the LXRα agonist T 4506585 (T09) markedly enhanced the mRNA expression of SCD1 and sterol regulatory element binding factor 1 (SREBF1). The concentrations of C16:1 and C18:1 and their desaturation indices also were increased by LXRα activation. However, knockdown of LXRα did not alter the mRNA expression of SCD1. Although SCD1 was repressed by SREBF1 knockdown, T09 significantly increased SCD1 expression. Further analysis revealed that the SCD1 promoter activity was activated by LXRα overexpression. The goat SCD1 promoter contains 2 LXR response elements (LXRE), 1 sterol response element (SRE), and 1 nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) binding site. Site-directed mutagenesis of LXRE1, LXRE2, or SRE alone did not eliminate the upregulation of SCD1 when LXRα was overexpressed. In contrast, when NF-Y alone or in combination with SRE was mutated simultaneously, the basal transcriptional activity of the SCD1 promoter was markedly decreased and did not respond to LXRα overexpression. Furthermore, when SREBF1 was knocked down, overexpression of LXRα did not affect the promoter activity of SCD1. Together, these data suggest that LXRα regulates the expression of SCD1 through increasing SREBP-1 abundance to promote interaction with SRE and NF-Y binding sites. The present study provides evidence that LXRα is involved in the synthesis of MUFA in the goat mammary gland through an indirect mechanism.

Reduction of RKIP expression promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion and metastasis by activating Stat3 signaling

The role and underlying mechanism of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metastasis remain unclear. Here, we showed that RKIP was downregulated in the NPC with high metastatic potentials, and its decrement correlated with NPC metastasis and poor patient survival, and was an independent predictor for reduced overall survival. With a combination of loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches, we observed that high expression of RKIP reduced invasion, metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker alternations of NPC cells. We further showed that RKIP overexpression attenuated while RKIP knockdown enhanced Stat3 phosphorylation and activation in NPC cells; RKIP reduced Stat3 phosphorylation through interacting with Stat3; Stattic attenuated NPC cell migration, invasion and EMT marker alternations induced by RKIP knockdown, whereas Stat3 overexpression restored NPC cell migration, invasion and EMT marker alternations reduced by RKIP overexpression. In addition, there was an inverse correlation between RKIP and phospho-Stat3 expression in the NPC tissues and xenograft metastases. Our data demonstrate that RKIP is a metastatic suppressor and predictor for metastasis and prognosis in NPC, and RKIP downregulation promotes NPC invasion, metastasis and EMT by activating Stat3 signaling, suggesting that RKIP/Stat3 signaling could be used as a therapeutic target for NPC metastasis.

Thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP) promotes the synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids in goat mammary epithelial cells

In nonruminants, thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP) is a crucial protein for cellular de novo lipogenesis. However, the role of THRSP in regulating the synthesis of milk fatty acid composition in goat mammary gland remains unknown. In the present study, we compared gene expression of THRSP among different goat tissues. Results revealed that THRSP had the highest expression in subcutaneous fat, and expression was higher during lactation compared with the dry period. Overexpression of THRSP upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM) in goat mammary epithelial cells. In contrast, overexpression of THRSP led to downregulation of thrombospondin receptor (CD36) and had no effect on the expression of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase α (ACACA) and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor1 (SREBF1). In addition, overexpressing THRSP in vitro resulted in a significant increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration and the concentrations of C12:0 and C14:0. Taken together, these results highlight an important role of THRSP in regulating lipogenesis in goat mammary epithelial cells.

Detection of genuine tripartite entanglement and steering in hybrid optomechanics

Multipartite quantum entanglement is a key resource for ensuring security in quantum network. We show that by using a unified parameter in terms of reduced noise variances one can determine different types of tripartite entanglement of a given state generated in a hybrid optomechanical system, where an atomic ensemble is located inside a single-mode cavity with a movable mirror, with different thresholds for each type. In particular, the special quantum states which allow both entanglement and steering genuinely shared among atom-light-mirror modes can be observed, even though there is no direct interaction between the mirror and the atomic ensemble. We further show the robustness against mechanical thermal noise and damping, the relaxation time of atomic ensemble, as well as the effect of gain factors involved in the criteria. Our analysis provides an experimentally achievable method to determine the type of tripartite quantum correlation in a way.

Integrated analysis of the differential cellular and EBV miRNA expression profiles in microdissected nasopharyngeal carcinoma and non-cancerous nasopharyngeal tissues

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is commonly diagnosed in southern Asia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Increasing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of miRNAs promotes NPC tumorigenesis. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and EBV-encoded miRNAs are also associated with the development of NPC. However, it is unclear how cellular and EBV miRNAs jointly regulate target genes and signaling pathways in NPC. In the present study, we analyzed the differential cellular and EBV miRNA expression profiles in 20 pooled NPC tissues using microarrays. We found that 19 cellular miRNAs and 9 EBV miRNAs were upregulated and 31 cellular miRNAs were downregulated in NPC tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that the 19 upregulated miRNAs target mainly the p53 signaling pathway in cancer, whereas the downregulated miRNAs regulate pathways related to cancer, focal adhesion and Erb, and MAPK signaling. In contrast, the upregulated EBV miRNAs target primarily the TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways. Data also suggested that cellular miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-18a, miR‑200a/b, miR-449a, miR-31 and let-7 may be dysregulated in NPCs, and that the aberrant activation of their target genes in the p53 pathway and cell cycle enhance NPC cell survival and proliferation. In addition, EBV-miRNAs such as BART3 and BART5 target genes in the p53, TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways to modulate NPC apoptosis and transformation. To better elucidate the interaction between miRNAs and target genes, we constructed an anti-correlated cellular and EBV miRNA/target gene regulatory network. The current findings may help dissect the roles played by cellular and EBV miRNAs during NPC tumorigenesis, and also provide useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of NPCs.

MiRNA-203 Reduces Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Radioresistance by Targeting IL8/AKT Signaling

Radioresistance poses a major challenge in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment, but little is known about how miRNA (miR) regulates this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-203 in NPC radioresistance, one of downregulated miRs in the radioresistant NPC cells identified by our previous microarray analysis. We observed that miR-203 was frequently downregulated in the radioresistant NPC tissues compared with radiosensitive NPC tissues, and its decrement significantly correlated with NPC radioresistance and poor patient survival, and was an independent predictor for reduced patient survival. In vitro radioresponse assays showed that miR-203 mimic markedly decreased NPC cell radioresistance. In a mouse model, therapeutic administration of miR-203 agomir dramatically sensitized NPC xenografts to irradiation. Mechanistically, we confirmed that IL8 was a direct target of miR-203, and found that reduced miR-203 promoted NPC cell radioresistance by activating IL8/AKT signaling. Moreover, the levels of IL8 and phospho-AKT were significantly increased in the radioresistant NPC tissues compared with radiosensitive NPC tissues, and negatively associated with miR-203 level. Our data demonstrate that miR-203 is a critical determinant of NPC radioresponse, and its decrement enhances NPC radioresistance through targeting IL8/AKT signaling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the miR-203/IL8/AKT signaling axis in NPC radiosensitization.

[Analysis of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the hemodynamic states of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics technique.

METHODS

The original DICOM format image data from a patient with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), were imported by the Mimics software directly,and the 3D Objects were constructed.The simulation of model was made with Ansys software, the hemodynamic parameters such as streamlines, wall shear stress (WSS) and wall pressure were described.

RESULTS

There was stable laminar flow in proximal basilar artery and was no blood flow mixed by bilateral vertebral artery.However, Spiral flows were appeared in distal tortuous basilar artery. The low WSS regions in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery were coincide with the high wall pressure regions.It could be speculated the initial growth regions might be located in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery.Local regions with low WSS and high wall pressure might be associated with the occurrence and development of VBD.

CONCLUSION

CFD numerical simulation maybe can provide a theoretical basis for the role of hemodynamic factors in occurrence and development of VBD.

Classifying directional Gaussian entanglement, Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering, and discord

Using Venn diagrams, we classify the different types of two-mode Gaussian continuous variable quantum correlation including directional entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering. We establish unified signatures for one- and two-way quantum steering, entanglement, and discord beyond entanglement in terms of an EPR-type variance. By focusing on Gaussian states, we link an optimized condition for entanglement based on an EPR variance to the Simon-Peres condition. This allows us to quantify the asymmetry of the Gaussian entanglement, and to relate the asymmetry to a directional quantum teleportation protocol where Alice and Bob possess asymmetrically noisy channels. Our analysis enables a determination of the type and direction of quantum correlation in a way that is easily measured in experiment. We also find that for symmetric states, when discord exceeds a certain threshold, the states are necessarily steerable.

Genuine multipartite Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering

We develop the concept of genuine N-partite Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering. This nonlocality is the natural multipartite extension of the original EPR paradox. Useful properties emerge that are not guaranteed for genuine multipartite entangled states. In particular, there is a close link with the task of one-sided, device-independent quantum secret sharing. We derive inequalities to demonstrate multipartite EPR steering for Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger and Gaussian continuous variable states in loophole-free scenarios.

Identification of flotillin-1 as a novel biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma by quantitative plasma membrane proteome analysis

To identify a novel lung adenocarcinoma (AdC) biomarker, iTRAQ-tagging combined with 2D LC-MS/MS analysis was used to identify differentially expressed plasma membrane (PM) proteins in primary lung AdCs and paraneoplastic normal lung tissues (PNLTs). As a result, 36 differentially expressed membrane proteins were identified. Two differential PM proteins flotillin-1 and caveolin-1 were selectively validated by Western blotting. As there has been no report on the association of flotillin-1 with lung AdC, immunohistochemistry was further performed to detect the expression of flotillin-1 in the archival tissue specimens including 42 cases of PNLTs, 62 cases of primary lung AdCs with lymph node metastasis (LNM AdCs), and 46 cases of primary lung AdCs without lymph node metastasis (non-LNM AdCs), and the correlation of flotillin-1 expression levels in lung AdCs with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The results showed that up-regulation of flotillin-1 expression in lung AdCs was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, increased postoperative relapse and decreased overall survival. Cox regression analysis revealed that the expressional level of flotillin-1 was an independent prognostic factor. The data suggest that flotillin-1 is a potential novel biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis of lung AdC, and flotillin-1 up-regulation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung AdC.

Identification of heat shock protein 27 as a radioresistance-related protein in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

PURPOSE

To identify the proteins involved in radioresistance in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cells.

METHODS

Sublethal ionizing radiation was applied to establish a radioresistant NPC cell line from its parental NPC cell line CNE1. Clonogenic survival assay, cell growth assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to examine the difference of radiosensitivity in the radioresistant CNE1 cells (CNE1-IR) and control CNE1 cells. Comparative proteomics was performed to identify the differential proteins in the two cell lines. Association of HSP27, one of upregulated proteins in CNE1-IR cells, with NPC cell radioresistance was selected for further investigation using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), clonogenic survival assay, Hoechst 33258 staining of apoptotic cells and MTT assay of cell viability.

RESULTS

Radioresistant NPC cell line CNE1-IR derived from its parental cell line CNE1 was established. Thirteen differential proteins in the CNE1-IR and CNE1 cells were identified by proteomics, and differential expression of HSP27, one of identified proteins, was selectively confirmed by western blot. Inhibition of HSP27 expression by HSP27 ASOs decreased clonogenic survival and cell viability and increased cell apoptosis of CNE1-IR cells after irradiation, that is, enhanced radiosensitivity of CNE1-IR cells.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that HSP27 is a radioresistant protein in NPC cells, and its upregulation may be involved in the NPC radioresistance.

Identification of candidate biomarkers for early detection of human lung squamous cell cancer by quantitative proteomics

To discover novel biomarkers for early detection of human lung squamous cell cancer (LSCC) and explore possible mechanisms of LSCC carcinogenesis, iTRAQ-tagging combined with two dimensional liquid chromatography tandem MS analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in human bronchial epithelial carcinogenic process using laser capture microdissection-purified normal bronchial epithelium (NBE), squamous metaplasia (SM), atypical hyperplasia (AH), carcinoma in situ (CIS) and invasive LSCC. As a result, 102 differentially expressed proteins were identified, and three differential proteins (GSTP1, HSPB1 and CKB) showing progressively expressional changes in the carcinogenic process were selectively validated by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of the three proteins in an independent set of paraffin-embedded archival specimens including various stage tissues of bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis, and their ability for early detection of LSCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The results showed that the combination of the three proteins could perfectly discriminate NBE from preneoplastic lesions (SM, AH and CIS) from invasive LSCC, achieving a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 92% in discriminating NBE from preneoplatic lesions, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% in discriminating NBE from invasive LSCC, and a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 91% in discriminating preneoplastic lesions from invasive LSCC, respectively. Furthermore, we knocked down GSTP1 in immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE cells, and then measured their susceptibility to carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene-induced cell transformation. The results showed that GSTP1 knockdown significantly increased the efficiency of benzo(a)pyrene-induced 16HBE cell transformation. The present data first time show that GSTP1, HSPB1 and CKB are novel potential biomarkers for early detection of LSCC, and GSTP1 down-regulation is involved in human bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis.

Activation of EGFR promotes squamous carcinoma SCC10A cell migration and invasion via inducing EMT-like phenotype change and MMP-9-mediated degradation of E-cadherin

EGFR is a potent stimulator of invasion and metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, the mechanism by which EGFR may stimulate tumor cell invasion and metastasis still need to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that activation of EGFR by EGF in HNSCC cell line SCC10A enhanced cell migration and invasion, and induced loss of epitheloid phenotype in parallel with downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, indicating that EGFR promoted SCC10A cell migration and invasion possibly by an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype change. Interestingly, activation of EGFR by EGF induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad), and knockdown of MMP-9 by siRNA inhibited sE-cad production induced by EGF in SCC10A. Moreover, both MMP-9 knockdown and E-cadherin overexpression inhibited cell migration and invasion induced by EGF in SCC10A. The results indicate that EGFR activation promoted cell migration and invasion through inducing MMP-9-mediated degradation of E-cadherin into sE-cad. Pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR, MEK, and PI3K kinase activity in SCC10A reduced phosphorylated levels of ERK-1/2 and AKT, production of MMP-9 and sE-cad, cell migration and invasion, and expressional changes of EMT markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) induced by EGF, indicating that EGFR activation promotes cell migration and invasion via ERK-1/2 and PI3K-regulated MMP-9/E-cadherin signaling pathways. Taken together, the data suggest that EGFR activation promotes HNSCC SCC10A cell migration and invasion by inducing EMT-like phenotype change and MMP-9-mediated degradation of E-cadherin into sE-cad related to activation of ERK-1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways.

Identification of GLIPR1 tumor suppressor as methylation-silenced gene in acute myeloid leukemia by microarray analysis

PURPOSE

To identify methylation-silenced genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

Microarray analyses were performed in AML cell line HL-60 cells exposed to the demethylating agent 5-aza-2dC. The methylation status and expression of glioma pathogenesis-related protein 1 (GLIPR1), one of highly induced genes by demethylation, were further detected in six hematopoietic malignancy cell lines and 260 bone marrow samples from leukemia patients and nonmalignant diseases as control, as well as pre-treated and post-treated bone marrow samples from 24 complete remission AML patients received chemotherapy using MS-PCR, bisulfite DNA sequencing, RT-PCR, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine genes were significantly induced by demethylation in HL-60 cells, 12 genes of which were confirmed by RT-PCR. GLIPR1, a tumor suppressor gene, was frequently methylation-silenced in AML cell lines and AML patients, but not in the other hematopoietic malignancy cell lines and patients. The frequencies of methylation-silenced GLIPR1 in the pre-treatment were significantly higher than those in the post-treatment in complete remission AML patients.

CONCLUSION

We identify 109 genes induced by demethylation in HL-60 cells, and demonstrate that GLIPR1 is a methylation-silenced gene in the AML patients, and may serve as a marker for monitoring disease activity during therapy in the AML patients. The data provide the important information for studying the pathogenesis of AML and discovering the target genes of methylating agents.

Analysis of EGFR signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by quantitative phosphoproteomics

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is usually overexpressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and is associated with pathogenesis of NPC. However, the downstream signaling proteins of EGFR in NPC have not yet been completely understood at the system level. The aim of this study was identify novel downstream proteins of EGFR signaling pathway in NPC cells.

Results

We analyzed EGFR-regulated phosphoproteome in NPC CNE2 cells using 2D-DIGE and mass spectrometry analysis after phosphoprotein enrichment. As a result, 33 nonredundant phosphoproteins including five known EGFR-regulated proteins and twenty-eight novel EGFR-regulated proteins in CNE2 were identified, three differential phosphoproteins were selectively validated, and two differential phosphoproteins (GSTP1 and GRB2) were showed interacted with phospho-EGFR. Bioinformatics analysis showed that 32 of 33 identified proteins contain phosphorylation modification sites, and 17 identified proteins are signaling proteins. GSTP1, one of the EGFR-regulated proteins, associated with chemoresistance was analyzed. The results showed that GSTP1 could contribute to paclitaxel resistance in EGF-stimulated CNE2 cells. Furthermore, an EGFR signaling network based on the identified EGFR-regulated phosphoproteins were constructed using Pathway Studio 5.0 software, which includes canonical and novel EGFR-regulated proteins and implicates the possible biological roles for those proteins.

Conclusion

The data not only can extend our knowledge of canonical EGFR signaling, but also will be useful to understand the molecular mechanisms of EGFR in NPC pathogenesis and search therapeutic targets for NPC.

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entanglement strategies in two-well Bose-Einstein condensates

Criteria suitable for measuring entanglement between two different potential wells in a Bose-Einstein condensation are evaluated. We show how to generate the required entanglement, utilizing either an adiabatic two-mode or a dynamic four-mode interaction strategy, with techniques that take advantage of s-wave scattering interactions to provide the nonlinear coupling. The dynamic entanglement method results in an entanglement signature with spatially separated detectors, as in the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox.

Dynamic hysteresis scaling of ferroelectric Pb(0.9)Ba(0.1)(Zr(0.52)Ti(0.48))O(3) thin films

We measure systematically the intrinsic scaling behavior of dynamic hysteresis for Pb(0.9)Ba(0.1)(Zr(0.52)Ti(0.48))O(3) (PBZT) ferroelectric thin films with Pt electrodes on Si substrates, utilizing the Sawyer-Tower technique. For the as-prepared thin films of similar thickness and microstructure, over the low frequency range, the scaling follows the power law [Formula: see text] under low E(0) and the power law [Formula: see text] under high E(0), where ⟨A⟩ is the hysteresis area, and f and E(0) are the frequency and amplitude of the external electric field. In the high- f range, the power law for low E(0) takes the form of [Formula: see text], while that for high E(0) takes the form of [Formula: see text]. It is identified that the dynamic behaviors at low frequency mainly come from the intrinsic domain reversal instead of others like the leakage current, while the depolarization field may influence the frequency exponents at high frequency. We study the temperature scaling of the hysteresis, indicating that the scaling under low E(0) is roughly consistent with the (Φ(2))(2) model. Finally, we argue that experimentally obtained power law scaling for Pb(Zr(0.52)Ti(0.48))O(3) thin films prepared under the given conditions may not be reliable due to the polarization fatigue effect.

Testing for multipartite quantum nonlocality using functional bell inequalities

We show that arbitrary functions of continuous variables, e.g., position and momentum, can be used to generate tests that distinguish quantum theory from local hidden variable theories. By optimizing these functions, we obtain more robust violations of local causality than obtained previously. We analytically calculate the optimal function and include the effect of nonideal detectors and noise, revealing that optimized functional inequalities are resistant to standard forms of decoherence. These inequalities could allow a loophole-free Bell test with efficient homodyne detection.

Digital quantum memories with symmetric pulses

We propose a digital approach to quantum memories using a single-mode oscillator-cavity model, in which the coupling is shaped in time to provide the optimum interface to a time-symmetric input pulse. Our generic model is applicable to any linear storage medium ranging from a superconducting device to an atomic medium.

Function of GATA transcription factors in hydroxyurea-induced HEL cells

HEL cells, a human erythroleukemia cell line, mainly express the fetal (gamma) globin gene and trace amount of the embryonic (epsilon) globin gene, but not adult (beta) globin gene. Here we show that hydroxyurea (HU) can induce HEL cells to express adult (beta) globin gene and lead these cells to terminal differentiation. Results showed in Gel mobility shift assays that GATA factors could specifically bind to the regulatory elements of human beta-globin gene, including the proximal regulatory element (the beta-promoter) and the distal regulatory elements (the DNase I hypersensitive sites in the LCR, HS2-HS4 core sequences). However, the DNA binding patterns of GATA factors were quite different between HU-induced and uninduced HEL cells. Western-blot analysis of nuclear extracts from both the uninduced and HU-induced HEL cells revealed that the level of GATA-2 transcription factor decreased, whereas the level of GATA-1 transcription factor increased following the time of hydroxyurea induction. Furthermore, using RT-PCR analysis the expression of human beta-globin gene in HU-induced HEL cells could be blocked again when HEL cells were incubated in the presence of antisense oligonucleotides for hGATA-1, suggesting that the upregulation of hGATA-1 transcription factor might be critical for the expression of human beta-globin gene in HU-induced HEL cells.

Ligand variation in the transferrin family: the crystal structure of the H249Q mutant of the human transferrin N-lobe as a model for iron binding in insect transferrins

Proteins of the transferrin (Tf) family play a central role in iron homeostasis in vertebrates. In vertebrate Tfs, the four iron-binding ligands, 1 Asp, 2 Tyr, and 1 His, are invariant in both lobes of these bilobal proteins. In contrast, there are striking variations in the Tfs that have been characterized from insect species; in three of them, sequence changes in the C-lobe binding site render it nonfunctional, and in all of them the His ligand in the N-lobe site is changed to Gln. Surprisingly, mutagenesis of the histidine ligand, His249, to glutamine in the N-lobe half-molecule of human Tf (hTf/2N) shows that iron binding is destabilized and suggests that Gln249 does not bind to iron. We have determined the crystal structure of the H249Q mutant of hTf/2N and refined it at 1.85 A resolution (R = 0.221, R(free) = 0.246). The structure reveals that Gln249 does coordinate to iron, albeit with a lengthened Fe-Oepsilon1 bond of 2.34 A. In every other respect, the protein structure is unchanged from wild-type. Examination of insect Tf sequences shows that the K206.K296 dilysine pair, which aids iron release from the N-lobes of vertebrate Tfs, is not present in the insect proteins. We conclude that substitution of Gln for His does destabilize iron binding, but in the insect Tfs this is compensated by the loss of the dilysine interaction. The combination of a His ligand with the dilysine pair in vertebrate Tfs may have been a later evolutionary development that gives more sophisticated pH-mediated control of iron release from the N-lobe of transferrins.