THUMPD2 catalyzes the N2-methylation of U6 snRNA of the spliceosome catalytic center and regulates pre-mRNA splicing and retinal degeneration

The mechanisms by which the relatively conserved spliceosome manages the enormously large number of splicing events that occur in humans (∼200 000 versus ∼300 in yeast) are poorly understood. Here, we show deposition of one RNA modification-N2-methylguanosine (m2G) on the G72 of U6 snRNA (the catalytic center of the spliceosome) promotes efficient pre-mRNA splicing activity in human cells. This modification was identified to be conserved among vertebrates. Further, THUMPD2 was demonstrated as the methyltransferase responsible for U6 m2G72 by explicitly recognizing the U6-specific sequences and structural elements. The knock-out of THUMPD2 eliminated U6 m2G72 and impaired the pre-mRNA splicing activity, resulting in thousands of changed alternative splicing events of endogenous pre-mRNAs in human cells. Notably, the aberrantly spliced pre-mRNA population elicited the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. We further show that THUMPD2 was associated with age-related macular degeneration and retinal function. Our study thus demonstrates how an RNA epigenetic modification of the major spliceosome regulates global pre-mRNA splicing and impacts physiology and disease.

ThermomiR-377-3p-induced suppression of Cirbp expression is required for effective elimination of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells by hyperthermia

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the development of adjunctive therapeutic hyperthermia for cancer therapy has received considerable attention. However, the mechanisms underlying hyperthermia resistance are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of cold‑inducible RNA binding protein (Cirbp) in regulating hyperthermia resistance and underlying mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumor sphere formation assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot were employed to examine the effects of hyperthermia (HT), HT + oridonin(Ori) or HT + radiotherapy (RT) on the proliferation and stemness of NPC cells. RNA sequencing was applied to gain differentially expressed genes upon hyperthermia. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were used to evaluate the effects of RNAi-mediated Cirbp silencing or Cirbp overexpression on the sensitivity or resistance of NPC cells and cancer stem-like cells to hyperthermia by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumorsphere formation assay and apoptosis assay, and in subcutaneous xenograft animal model. miRNA transient transfection and luciferase reporter assay were used to demonstrate that Cirbp is a direct target of miR-377-3p. The phosphorylation levels of key members in ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our results firstly revealed that hyperthermia significantly attenuated the stemness of NPC cells, while combination treatment of hyperthermia and oridonin dramatically increased the killing effect on NPC cells and cancer stem cell (CSC)‑like population. Moreover, hyperthermia substantially improved the sensitivity of radiation‑resistant NPC cells and CSC‑like cells to radiotherapy. Hyperthermia noticeably suppressed Cirbp expression in NPC cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Furthermore, Cirbp inhibition remarkably boosted anti‑tumor‑killing activity of hyperthermia against NPC cells and CSC‑like cells, whereas ectopic expression of Cirbp compromised tumor‑killing effect of hyperthermia on these cells, indicating that Cirbp overexpression induces hyperthermia resistance. ThermomiR-377-3p improved the sensitivity of NPC cells and CSC‑like cells to hyperthermia in vitro by directly suppressing Cirbp expression. More importantly, our results displayed the significantly boosted sensitization of tumor xenografts to hyperthermia by Cirbp silencing in vivo, but ectopic expression of Cirbp almost completely counteracted hyperthermia-mediated tumor cell-killing effect against tumor xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, Cirbp silencing-induced inhibition of DNA damage repair by inactivating ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways, decrease in stemness and increase in cell death contributed to hyperthermic sensitization; conversely, Cirbp overexpression-induced promotion of DNA damage repair, increase in stemness and decrease in cell apoptosis contributed to hyperthermia resistance.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for Cirbp in positively regulating hyperthermia resistance and suggest that thermomiR-377-3p and its target gene Cirbp represent promising targets for therapeutic hyperthermia.

Discovery of New Isotopes ^{160}Os and ^{156}W: Revealing Enhanced Stability of the N=82 Shell Closure on the Neutron-Deficient Side

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58}  μs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a β^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86}  ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

The role of the ERK signaling pathway in promoting angiogenesis for treating ischemic diseases

The main treatment strategy for ischemic diseases caused by conditions such as poor blood vessel formation or abnormal blood vessels involves repairing vascular damage and encouraging angiogenesis. One of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, is followed by a tertiary enzymatic cascade of MAPKs that promotes angiogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation through a phosphorylation response. The mechanism by which ERK alleviates the ischemic state is not fully understood. Significant evidence suggests that the ERK signaling pathway plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of ischemic diseases. This review briefly describes the mechanisms underlying ERK-mediated angiogenesis in the treatment of ischemic diseases. Studies have shown that many drugs treat ischemic diseases by regulating the ERK signaling pathway to promote angiogenesis. The prospect of regulating the ERK signaling pathway in ischemic disorders is promising, and the development of drugs that specifically act on the ERK pathway may be a key target for promoting angiogenesis in the treatment of ischemic diseases.

The PIWI-specific insertion module helps load longer piRNAs for translational activation essential for male fertility

PIWI-clade proteins harness piRNAs of 24-33 nt in length. Of great puzzles are how PIWI-clade proteins incorporate piRNAs of different sizes and whether the size matters to PIWI/piRNA function. Here we report that a PIWI-Ins module unique in PIWI-clade proteins helps define the length of piRNAs. Deletion of PIWI-Ins in Miwi shifts MIWI to load with shorter piRNAs and causes spermiogenic failure in mice, demonstrating the functional importance of this regulatory module. Mechanistically, we show that longer piRNAs provide additional complementarity to target mRNAs, thereby enhancing the assembly of the MIWI/eIF3f/HuR super-complex for translational activation. Importantly, we identify a c.1108C>T (p.R370W) mutation of HIWI (human PIWIL1) in infertile men and demonstrate in Miwi knock-in mice that this genetic mutation impairs male fertility by altering the property of PIWI-Ins in selecting longer piRNAs. These findings reveal a critical role of PIWI-Ins-ensured longer piRNAs in fine-tuning MIWI/piRNA targeting capacity, proven essential for spermatid development and male fertility.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

A novel form of docetaxel polymeric micelles demonstrates anti-tumor and ascites-inhibitory activities in animal models as monotherapy or in combination with anti-angiogenic agents

Malignant ascites (MA) is caused by intraperitoneal spread of solid tumor cells and results in a poor quality of life. Chemotherapy is a common first-line treatment for patients with MA. Taxotere ^® (DTX) is widely used in solid tumor therapies. However, the low water solubility and side effects caused by additives in the formulation restrict the clinical application of docetaxel. HT001 is a clinical stage docetaxel micelle developed to overcome the solubility issue with improved safety profiles. To support clinical development and expand clinical application of HT001, this study used in vitro and in vivo approaches to investigate the anti-tumor effects of HT001 when applied as monotherapy or in combination with anti-angiogenic agents. HT001 demonstrated comparable anti-proliferative activities as docetaxel in a broad range of cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, HT001 suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in A549, MCF-7, and SKOV-3 xenograft tumor mouse models in vivo. In a hepatocellular carcinoma H22 malignant ascites-bearing mouse model, HT001 presented a dose-dependent inhibition of ascites production, prolonged animal survival, and reduced VEGF levels. When dosed at 20 mg/kg, the HT001-treated group exhibited curative results, with no ascites formation in 80% of mice at the end of the study while all the mice in the vehicle control group succumbed. Similar results were obtained in HT001 treatment of mice bearing malignant ascites produced by human ovarian cancer ES-2 cells. Notably, the combination of HT001 with Endostar not only significantly reduced ascites production but also prolonged survival of H22 ascites-bearing mice. HT001 showed similar PK and tissue distribution profiles as DTX in non-rodent hosts. Collectively, these results demonstrate potent anti-tumor activity of HT001 in multiple solid tumor models or malignant ascites models, and reveal synergistic effects with anti-angiogenic agents, supporting the clinical development and clinical expansion plans for HT001.

[Silk fibroin/collagen composite hydrogels with different matrix stiffness influence the growth and phenotype of human mammary epithelial cells]

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is closely related to the physiological and pathological states of breast tissue. The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of silk fibroin/collagen composite hydrogels with adjustable matrix stiffness on the growth and phenotype of normal breast epithelial cells. In this study, the enzymatic reaction of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was used to change the degree of cross-linking of the silk fibroin solution. The rotational rheometer was used to characterize the composite hydrogel's biomechanical properties. Human normal mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A were inoculated into composite hydrogels with various stiffness (19.10-4 932.36 Pa) to construct a three dimensional (3D) culture system of mammary epithelial cells. The CCK-8 assay was applied to detect the cell proliferation rate and active states in each group. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and whole-mount magenta staining were used for histological evaluation of cell morphology and distribution. The results showed that with the increase of matrix stiffness, MCF-10A cells exhibited inhibited proliferation rate, decreased formation of acinus structures and increased branching structures. Meanwhile, with the increase of matrix stiffness, the polarity of MCF-10A cells was impeded. And the increase of matrix stiffness up-regulated the expression levels of mmp-2, mmp-3, and mmp-9 in MCF-10A cells. Among the genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the expression level of the epithelial marker gene E-cadherin was significantly down-regulated, while the interstitial cell marker gene Vimentin was up-regulated, and the expression levels of Snail, Wnt5b and Integrin β1 in the Wnt pathway were up-regulated. These results suggest that the silk fibroin/collagen composite hydrogels with adjustable matrix stiffness regulates the proliferation and the phenotype of MCF-10A cells. The effects of increased matrix stiffness may be closely related to the changes of the polar structures and function of MCF-10A cells, as well as the occurrence of ECM-remodeling and EMT.

Triage by PAX1 and ZNF582 methylation in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3: a multicenter case-control study

Background

The colposcopy-conization inconsistency is common in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3). No adequate method has been reported to identify the final pathology of conization. In this study, we explored the ability of PAX1 and ZNF582 methylation to predict the pathological outcome of conization in advance.

Methods

This was a multicenter study and included 277 histologically confirmed CIN3 women who underwent cold knife conization (CKC) from January 2019 to December 2020. The methylation levels of PAX1 (PAX1^m) and ZNF582 (ZNF582^m) were determined by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP) and expressed in ΔCp. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate predictive accuracy.

Results

The final pathological results in 48 (17.33%) patients were inflammation or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 190 (68.59%) were high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and 39 (14.08%) were squamous cervical cancer (SCC). PAX1^m and ZNF582^m increased as lesions progressed from inflammation/LSIL, HSIL, to SCC. PAX1 and ZNF582 methylation yielded better prediction performance compared with common screening strategies, whether individually or combined. A 4.33-fold increase in the probability of inflammation/LSIL was observed in patients with lower ZNF582 methylation levels (ΔCp_ZNF582 ≥ 19.18). A 6.53-fold increase in SCC risk was observed in patients with elevated ZNF582 methylation (ΔCp_ZNF582< 7.09).

Conclusions

DNA methylation would be an alternative screening method to triage and predict the final outcome of conization in CIN3 cases.

A dual role of human tRNA methyltransferase hTrmt13 in regulating translation and transcription

Since numerous RNAs and RBPs prevalently localize to active chromatin regions, many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) may be potential transcriptional regulators. RBPs are generally thought to regulate transcription via noncoding RNAs. Here, we describe a distinct, dual mechanism of transcriptional regulation by the previously uncharacterized tRNA-modifying enzyme, hTrmt13. On one hand, hTrmt13 acts in the cytoplasm to catalyze 2'-O-methylation of tRNAs, thus regulating translation in a manner depending on its tRNA-modification activity. On the other hand, nucleus-localized hTrmt13 directly binds DNA as a transcriptional co-activator of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors, thereby promoting cell migration independent of tRNA-modification activity. These dual functions of hTrmt13 are mutually exclusive, as it can bind either DNA or tRNA through its CHHC zinc finger domain. Finally, we find that hTrmt13 expression is tightly associated with poor prognosis and survival in diverse cancer patients. Our discovery of the noncatalytic roles of an RNA-modifying enzyme provides a new perspective for understanding epitranscriptomic regulation.

THUMPD3-TRMT112 is a m2G methyltransferase working on a broad range of tRNA substrates

Post-transcriptional modifications affect tRNA biology and are closely associated with human diseases. However, progress on the functional analysis of tRNA modifications in metazoans has been slow because of the difficulty in identifying modifying enzymes. For example, the biogenesis and function of the prevalent N2-methylguanosine (m2G) at the sixth position of tRNAs in eukaryotes has long remained enigmatic. Herein, using a reverse genetics approach coupled with RNA-mass spectrometry, we identified that THUMP domain-containing protein 3 (THUMPD3) is responsible for tRNA: m2G6 formation in human cells. However, THUMPD3 alone could not modify tRNAs. Instead, multifunctional methyltransferase subunit TRM112-like protein (TRMT112) interacts with THUMPD3 to activate its methyltransferase activity. In the in vitro enzymatic assay system, THUMPD3-TRMT112 could methylate all the 26 tested G6-containing human cytoplasmic tRNAs by recognizing the characteristic 3'-CCA of mature tRNAs. We also showed that m2G7 of tRNATrp was introduced by THUMPD3-TRMT112. Furthermore, THUMPD3 is widely expressed in mouse tissues, with an extremely high level in the testis. THUMPD3-knockout cells exhibited impaired global protein synthesis and reduced growth. Our data highlight the significance of the tRNA: m2G6/7 modification and pave a way for further studies of the role of m2G in sperm tRNA derived fragments.

The occurrence order and cross-talk of different tRNA modifications

Chemical modifications expand the composition of RNA molecules from four standard nucleosides to over 160 modified nucleosides, which greatly increase the complexity and utility of RNAs. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most heavily modified cellular RNA molecules and contain the largest variety of modifications. Modification of tRNAs is pivotal for protein synthesis and also precisely regulates the noncanonical functions of tRNAs. Defects in tRNA modifications lead to numerous human diseases. Up to now, more than 100 types of modifications have been found in tRNAs. Intriguingly, some modifications occur widely on all tRNAs, while others only occur on a subgroup of tRNAs or even only a specific tRNA. The modification frequency of each tRNA is approximately 7% to 25%, with 5-20 modification sites present on each tRNA. The occurrence and modulation of tRNA modifications are specifically noticeable as plenty of interplays among different sites and modifications have been discovered. In particular, tRNA modifications are responsive to environmental changes, indicating their dynamic and highly organized nature. In this review, we summarized the known occurrence order, cross-talk, and cooperativity of tRNA modifications.

[Non-targeted metabolomics study and biomarker screening of prehypertensive liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome based on UPLC-Q-Exactive MS technology]

In this study, patients with prehypertensive liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome(LFHS) were selected as the research objects. The plasma samples of healthy volunteers and patients with prehypertensive LFHS were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-Exactive MS. The differential biomarkers and metabolic pathways were screened out by multivariate statistics and metabolic pathway analysis, which revealed the characteristics of metabolic patterns of the syndrome. Thirty-three potential biomarkers such as androsterone and lysophosphatidylcholine and 16 related metabolic pathways such as steroid hormone metabolism and lipid metabolism were identified, and a partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) model of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes was preliminarily constructed: Y =-0.070X_(13)-0.006X_8+ 0.040X_5-0.152X_1+0.131X_(10)+0.036X_(11)+0.043X_(23)+0.076X_(16)+0.132X_(20)+0.081X_(19)-0.101X_(31)+0.082X_(15)-0.038X_9+0.079X_(24). The predictive value of the model was 88.1%, and the explanatory power was 88.4%. In this study, the characteristic metabolic pattern of the prehypertensive LFHS was distinguished and revealed by metabolomics. The constructed PLS-DA model is expected to provide an objective basis for the identification of TCM syndromes in prehypertension, and inspiration for exploring the biological basis of TCM syndromes at small-molecular and overall levels.

[Diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: experiences of 8 cases]

Objective: In order to improve the understanding and clinical treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia, we analyzed the clinical manifestations, laboratory test results and imaging features of 8 patients. Methods: We collected the clinical data of 8 patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation-sequencing (mNGS) from November 2018 to February 2020, including clinical features, chest CT scan, pathological features and antibiotic use. Results: A total of one male and 7 females, aged from 45 to 85 years(median 62 years), were included in this study. All the patients had high fever, cough and most had expectoration (6/8). The leukocyte count and PCT level were mostly normal (7/8). However, we observed decreased lymphocyte count(5/8), elevated C-reactive protein in all patients, and increased ESR in most patients (7/8). The chest CT of all the patients showed large patchy consolidation, with one case having pleural effusion. The pathological manifestations were nonspecific, showing infiltration of inflammatory cells and exudation. Moxifloxacin and/or doxycycline were administered after diagnosis, and the course of treatment lasted from 14 to 21 days.Chest CT showed absorption of lesions following treatment Conclusions: Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia showed certain characteristics, including high fever with pulmonary patchy consolidation, and normal white blood cell count. Molecular diagnostic methods such as mNGS could lead to rapid diagnosis and treatment which can shorten the course of hospitalization and thus improve prognosis.

New α-Emitting Isotope ^{214}U and Abnormal Enhancement of α-Particle Clustering in Lightest Uranium Isotopes

A new α-emitting isotope ^{214}U, produced by the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{182}W(^{36}Ar,4n)^{214}U, was identified by employing the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS and the recoil-α correlation technique. More precise α-decay properties of even-even nuclei ^{216,218}U were also measured in the reactions of ^{40}Ar, ^{40}Ca beams with ^{180,182,184}W targets. By combining the experimental data, improved α-decay reduced widths δ^{2} for the even-even Po-Pu nuclei in the vicinity of the magic neutron number N=126 are deduced. Their systematic trends are discussed in terms of the N_{p}N_{n} scheme in order to study the influence of proton-neutron interaction on α decay in this region of nuclei. It is strikingly found that the reduced widths of ^{214,216}U are significantly enhanced by a factor of two as compared with the N_{p}N_{n} systematics for the 84≤Z≤90 and N<126 even-even nuclei. The abnormal enhancement is interpreted by the strong monopole interaction between the valence protons and neutrons occupying the π1f_{7/2} and ν1f_{5/2} spin-orbit partner orbits, which is supported by the large-scale shell model calculation.

The treatment strategy of patients with positive margins after cervical cold knife conization-A 7-year retrospective study in China

OBJECTIVE

To explore treatment strategies for patients with positive margins after cervical cold knife conization (CKC) by estimating the risk of residual or recurrent CIN2 or worse (CIN2+).

METHODS

A retrospective study included 569 patients receiving CKC for CIN3 in Xiangya Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. Demographic characteristics and test results were obtained before CKC, after CKC, at 6, 12, and 24 months, then annually thereafter. The primary end point was residual/recurrent CIN2+ post-CKC.

RESULTS

Fourteen (2.46%) patients had residual/recurrent CIN2+ with a median time of occurrence at 12 months post-CKC. Taking the average age and hrHPV viral load tested by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) as thresholds, the risk of residual/recurrent CIN2+ was higher in women aged over 40 years or with a baseline HC2 of 300 or more for the ratio of relative light units to positive cut-off values. Patients with positive margins were at higher risk of residual/recurrent CIN2+ (hazard ratio 3.66, 95% confidence interval 1.25-10.71), especially when endocervix was involved. A total of 536 (94.20%) patients received HPV testing within 6 months after CKC. Patients with both positive HPV testing results and positive margins were at the highest risk of residual/recurrent CIN2+.

CONCLUSION

Patients with positive endocervical margins are at high risk for residual/recurrent CIN2+, independent of the severity of margins. HPV testing within 6 months after CKC may be a feasible triage strategy for these patients.

Effect of iron nanoparticles on passivation of cadmium in the pig manure aerobic composting process

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal ion in pig manure impacting on the ecosystem, and hence the immobilization of Cd by green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (G-nFe) is a potential approach. In this study, transformation of Cd (II) during the pig manure thermophilic aerobic composting process in the presence of G-nFe was investigated. The results show that the addition of G-nFe promoted the composting process and release of available phosphorus (AP). In all six experiments, obvious passivation of Cd occurred during 15 days' composting. Particularly when 500 mL kg^-1 of G-nFe was added and Cd (II) was added at 0.6%(w/w%), residual Cd increased from 0.0016% to 55.70% and exchangeable Cd decreased from 98.54% to 7.21%. Batch experiments revealed that the G-nFe promoted the transformation of Cd into a larger passivation fraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM-Mapping and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was used to characterize residual samples, where indicated that the passivation of Cd in compost was highly correlated with the increase of P, it can be concluded that fixing with compost resulted in the formation of Cd phosphate precipitation or co-precipitation with other phosphates.

Abstract B28: Validation and characterization of MiXeno humanized mouse models for immuno-oncology

Despite the unprecedented success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in patients with various cancer types, a lack of effective preclinical mouse models remains a major challenge for the development of novel immunotherapeutics. Different strategies to humanize immunodeficient mouse model systems have been reported, including replenishment with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or human PBMC, as well as the development of chimeric models harboring human immune checkpoint targets in immunocompetent mice. CrownBio has successfully established a number of human PBMC-humanized xenograft models known as MiXeno for in vivo immunotherapy evaluation. Our MiXeno platform is a rapid and simple strategy for model humanization. However, aspects such as the optimal PBMC injection route and cell number, the PBMC donor dependence and specificity, and the impact of donor HLA type on the engraftment of immune or tumor cells, etc., require fine tuning. After comparative studies for cell titration and immune cell reconstitution, the optimal inoculation conditions and protocols were established for each model. Immune cell constitution and tumor cell engraftment were synchronized so that graft versus host disease (GvHD) can be managed. Models were also characterized by immunophenotyping. MiXeno is proven as a valid alternative to other humanized mouse models, and has a broad spectrum of applications in immuno-oncology including the evaluation of human specific immuno-modulatory drugs in vivo.

Citation Format: Lan Zhang, Juan Zhang, Meng Qiao, Xuefei Yan, Jian Ding, Fei Chen, Xiaoyu An, WenQing Yang, Qian Shi. Validation and characterization of MiXeno humanized mouse models for immuno-oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2017 Oct 1-4; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2018;6(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B28.

High-Density Genetic Map Construction and Identification of QTLs Controlling Oleic and Linoleic Acid in Peanut using SLAF-seq and SSRs

The cultivated peanut, A. hypogaea L., is an important oil and food crop globally.High-density genetic linkage mapping is a valuable and effective method for exploring complex quantitative traits. In this context, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) of 146 lines was developed by crossing Huayu28 and P76. We developed 433,679 high-quality SLAFs, of which 29,075 were polymorphic. 4,817 SLAFs were encoded and grouped into different segregation patterns. A high-resolution genetic map containing 2,334 markers (68 SSRs and 2,266 SNPs) on 20 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 2586.37 cM was constructed for peanut. The average distance between adjacent markers was 2.25 cM. Based on phenotyping in seven environments, QTLs for oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid (O/L) were identified and positioned on linkage groups A03, A04, A09, B09 and B10. Marker2575339 and Marker2379598 in B09 were associated with C18:1, C18:2 and O/L in seven environments, Marker4391589 and Marker4463600 in A09 were associated with C18:1, C18:2 and O/L in six environments. This map exhibits high resolution and accuracy, which will facilitate QTL discovery for essential agronomic traits in peanut.

Abstract B008: PD-1/PDL-1 blockade remarkably regulates abundance of gut commensal microbiota in a murine syngeneic tumor model

Microbiota has been linked to immune surveillance of tumor progression and tumor growth in cancer patients as well as in cancer mouse models. Recent research reveals that gut microbiota has the potential to act as a biomarker to predict responders or even as an alternative treatment approach. Therefore, several gut microbes discovered in this invention (e.g., Akkermansia, Adlercreutzia, Coprococcus) could possibly be used as a biomarker to predict PD-1 antibody efficacy or could combine with PD-1 antibody in preclinical and clinical settings. Considering the complexity of intestinal microorganisms, a larger panel or wider spectrum of microbiota species may be involved in this process. The current study was designed to explore the possibilities of identifying multiple strains of intestinal microbiota that may be involved in antitumor effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, using preclinical tumor models. Gut microbiota changes were determined before and after a series of anti-PD-1 mAb treatments had been administered. Sixteen-S (16S) rRNA-seq was performed using feces collected at 4 time points. The results indicate that significant antitumor activity was found to be associated with gut microbiota changes of a large panel of microbiota, including a few strains with robust upregulation or downregulation. Upon further characterization and confirmation, these findings could lead to identification of one or more microbiota strains that could have biomarker potentials for cancer immunotherapy.

Citation Format: WenQing Yang, Jian Ding, Xiangchao Gu, Fei Chen, Juan Zhang, Qian Shi. PD-1/PDL-1 blockade remarkably regulates abundance of gut commensal microbiota in a murine syngeneic tumor model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B008.

Abstract B078: MiXenoTM: a fast and efficient humanized tumor model system for in vivo efficacy evaluation of novel immunotherapeutics

Recently approved cancer immunotherapy drugs have been shown to not only suppress tumor growth but also prolong survival of patients with various tumor types. More and more relevant and sophisticated preclinical tumor models are required by the I/O drug discovery industry. Different strategies of humanized mouse model systems have been published, including human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) humanized and human PBMC reconstituted tumor models; each has advantages and disadvantages. Compared with HSC humanization, using human PBMC cells to reconstitute human immune system demonstrated fast engraftment and less variable results. CrownBio has successfully established a platform, known as MiXenoTM,that uses PBMC-humanized xenograft models to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of immunotherapeutics of human origin. The platform has proven to be a valuable tool and is being widely used by our collaborators. The current study is designed to address model optimization and application aspects of the MiXeno platform, including PBMC donor to donor variation, feasibility of in vitro PBMC donor screening, and selection of suitable models for different targets. More than a dozen MiXeno tumor models have been established and validated where human immune cells were reconstituted in the mouse system for evaluation of human-origin bispecific antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, or immune modulators. These MiXeno models were characterized with regards to reconstitution of T cells, tumor response to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies, and onset of possible graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or graft-versus-tumor response (GVT). Evaluation of expanded immune-oncology therapeutics is in progress, including NK and dendritic cells-targeted immune-modulating drugs.

Citation Format: Lan Zhang, Juan Zhang, Meng Qiao, Xuefei Yan, Jian Ding, Fei Chen, Xiaoyu An, Weibin Tan, Xiaoyan Fu, WenQing Yang, Qian Shi. MiXenoTM: a fast and efficient humanized tumor model system for in vivo efficacy evaluation of novel immunotherapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B078.

Abstract B014: MuScreen allows profiling of antitumor efficacy and biomarker readouts of drug candidates using well-characterized syngeneic models

Introduction: Syngeneic model is a useful tool for evaluating the antitumor effect of cancer immunotherapy. Crownbio’s MuScreen is the first in vivo screening tool to test novel I/O drug candidates utilizing multi-syngeneic models. To better understand interplay between immune-modulation and antitumor phenotype in a dynamic fashion, we performed a series of comprehensive in vivo/ex vivo studies. Capturing dynamic change of percentage of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes (TIL) of tumor-bearing mice upon treatment with checkpoint inhibitors, and establishing correlation between in vivo efficacy and TIL changes can not only shed light on MOA of I/O drugs but also provide critical information on data interpretation and model selection. Methods: Leveraging in-house detailed profiling data on our syngeneic models, including benchmarking efficacy data, tumor RNA-seq data, and comprehensive immune-FACS analysis, CrownBio has launched a new service platform: MuScreen. MuScreen includes up to 20 well-characterized syngeneic models in a 3-month screening run. Both PD and efficacy may be determined in the screen, allowing researchers to make decisions based on results observed from a large dataset. MuScreen offers a cost-effective feature where test agents from multiple clients can be pooled together for each run (sharing vehicle and other common groups), providing a significant reduction in the number of animals used and the associated costs. A comprehensive and large scale PD-efficacy correlation study was conducted in which a panel of syngeneic tumor models was treated with efficacious doses of anti-PD1 mAb. Tumor-bearing mice were monitored for both antitumor activity and PD marker modulation at designated time points by using FACs or IHC Results: MuScreen offers a large-scale murine syngeneic-based platformthat allows evaluation of test articles systemically using 12-20 well-characterized mouse tumor models. Both BD marker modulation and efficacy can be determined. The MuScreen models were further characterized and validated using checkpoint inhibitors in order to link immune-modulation and antitumor activity. Correlational analysis was performed to reveal dynamic relationship between immune-profiling changes and antitumor effects. Conclusions: MuScreen represents a powerful screening platform for I/O drug evaluation using a collection of well-characterized syngeneic tumor models. The data set from a large-scale validation study using 12 syngeneic models reveals dynamic changes of both immune-profiling and antitumor response, which may be critical for model selection and data interpretation.

Citation Format: Ying Jin, Lan Zhang, Binchen Mao, Guoqin Zhai, Zhongliang Li, Meng Qiao, Xiaoyu An, Juan Zhang, Sheng Guo, Qian Shi, WenQing Yang. MuScreen allows profiling of antitumor efficacy and biomarker readouts of drug candidates using well-characterized syngeneic models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B014.

[Metabolomics study of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate induced hepaotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats]

Objective: To discuss the potential toxic target organ and the toxic effects and mechanisms of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) on SD rats. Methods: 40 female SD rats weaning from milk for 21 days, weighted (50±2.3)g were selected as subjects and marked by the weight. They were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely control group, 50 (L), 100 (M) and 250 (H) mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) dose of TCEP group. Each group has 10 rats, and administrated the corresponding dose of drug or vehicle by mouth, quaque die for 60 days. All rats were sacrificed after the last administration. The livers and kidneys were dyed by HE for pathological observation; and the blood samples were collected to analyze the biochemical index. H(1)-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((1)H-NMR)-based metabolomics methods coupling with histopathogy examination were used to investigate the toxic effects of TCEP. Results: Inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic necrosis were observed in the liver of TCEP-treated rats. Inflammatory cells invaded and calcification/ossification foci were also found in renal of TCEP-treated rats and tumor hyperplasia were existed in renal tubule in H group. The level of HDL-C in the L, M and H group were separately (1.7±0.09) , (1.5±0.07) and (1.3±0.1) µmol/L, which were all significantly lower than that of control group ( (1.9±0.2) µmol/L) (P<0.05) . The activity of cholinesterase (CHE) in the L, M and H group were separately (918±14.8) , (828±28.6) and (674±36.5) U/L, which were all significantly lower than that of control group ((1056±28.8) µmol/L) (P<0.05). Moreover, The level of creatinine (CRE) in the L, M and H group were separately (29.8±4.6) , (28.9±5.3) and (25.8±6.2) µmol/L, which were all significantly lower than that of control group ((30.2±3.9) µmol/L) (P<0.05). In the H group, the enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the contents of total bilirubin (TBIL), glucose (GLU) and uric acid (UA) were all significantly higher than the results in control group. The results of (1)H-NMR metabolomics showed that the contents of lactate, glycine, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and phosphatidylcholine in blood of rats would decrease by TCEP exposure, while N-acetylglycoprotein, acetate, alanine, glucose, lipids, lipoproteins and fatty acids would increase. Conclusion: TCEP caused disorders in endogenous energy metabolism, leading to the pathological changes of inflammatory cells infiltration and necrosis in liver and kidney, caused enzyme activity changes of ALT, ALP and the content changes of other liver and kidney injury-related markers.

[Epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among diarrhea outpatients in China, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia (E.) coli (DEC) among diarrhea outpatients in China. Methods: Diarrhea surveillance program was conducted in outpatient and emergency departments from 170 hospitals that under the sentinel programs in 27 provinces, from 2012-2015. Clinical and epidemiological data regarding diarrhea patients were collected, with fecal specimens sampled and tested for DEC in 92 network-connected laboratories. Results: Among all the 46 721 diarrhea cases, 7.7% of them appeared DEC positive in those with geographic heterogeneity. In 2 982 cases (6.4%) with available data on PCR subtypes of DEC, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC, 1 205 cases, 40.4%) appeared the most commonly seen pathogens, followed by enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, 815 cases, 27.3%), and enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC, 653 cases, 21.9%). The highest positive rate of DEC was observed in outpatients of 25-34 years old (10.1%), living in the warm temperate zones (11.1%), and with mucous-like stool (9.4%). The positive rate of DEC showed a strong seasonal pattern, with peaks in summer, for all the subtypes. Conclusions: DEC seemed easy to be detected among diarrhea outpatients in China, with EAEC, EPEC and ETEC the most commonly identified subtypes. Epidemiological characteristics regarding the heterogeneities of DEC appeared different, in regions, age groups and seasons. Long-term surveillance programs should be strengthened to better understand the epidemiology of DEC, in China.

Abstract 2009: CC-90002 (anti-CD47 antibody) in vivo anti-tumor activity is associated with an increase in M1-polarized macrophages

CD47, also known as integrin-associated protein, is over-expressed in several tumor types, including AML, NHL, breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Elevated expression of CD47 on the cell surface protects tumors from phagocytosis by macrophages through binding to signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on the surface of macrophages. The CD47-SIRPα interaction triggers events that culminate in the inhibition of the phagocytic process. Macrophages are one of the immune cell types frequently found in the tumor microenvironment and exist as a heterogeneous population that includes both M1 and M2 macrophages. While the spectrum of macrophage subpopulations are likely quite diverse, traditionally, it is thought that M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory, enhancing immune responses against tumor cells, while M2 macrophages are pro-tumor, since they express a wide array of anti-inflammatory molecules, cytokines and growth factors that promote tumor growth, angiogenesis and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We evaluated CC-90002 efficacy in the RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft models and enumerated mouse M1/M2-like macrophage populations within in the tumor before and after C-90002 treatment. In both RPMI-8226 and MDA-MB-231 models, M2 macrophages were the primary resident macrophage. Our studies show that when mice bearing RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma xenografts were treated with CC-90002 (a humanized anti-CD47 antibody), tumor regression was preceded by infiltration of macrophages into the xenograft. In the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer model, resident macrophages appeared to mediate the CC-90002 anti-tumor efficacy in vivo without additional macrophage trafficking. Interestingly, in both models, M1 macrophages appear to mediate CC-90002 efficacy regardless of whether macrophages infiltrate the tumor or are tumor-resident. In the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer model where CC-90002 did not induce infiltration, it is possible that resident tumor macrophages were re-educated to an M1 phenotype. In in vitro experiments using human monocyte-derived macrophages, both M1 and M2 macrophages are able to promote phagocytosis and additionally, we observed that CC-90002 selectively inhibited migration of M2 macrophages toward tumor cell conditioned media. This would presumably shift the overall balance of tumor-associated macrophages toward the M1 phenotype and suggests that inhibiting CD47 can both promote tumor phagocytosis and skew tumor macrophage subpopulations toward an anti-tumor phenotype. CC-90002 is currently being tested in two ongoing Phase I clinical studies in subjects with advanced solid and hematologic cancers (NCT02367196, NCT02641002).

Citation Format: Bing Zheng, Piu Wong, WenQing Yang, Rama Narla, Michael Burgess, Laure Escoubet, Heather Raymon, Kandasamy Hariharan, John Boylan, Kristen Hege, Victoria Sung. CC-90002 (anti-CD47 antibody) in vivo anti-tumor activity is associated with an increase in M1-polarized macrophages [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2009. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2009

[Drug resistance and influencing factors in adult AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral treatment in Dehong, Yunnan province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of drug resistance in adult AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral treatment(ART)and influencing factors in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province during 2012-2014.

METHODS

For this cohort study, all the AIDS patients aged over 15 and receiving ART in Dehong were screened for HIV drug resistance in 2012, and 3 715 patients who had received ART for more than 6 months were enrolled for 12 months and 24 months follow up.

RESULTS

Among the 3 715 patients, 56.6% were males, 72.6% were aged 26-45 years and 76.0% were married. The main treatment regimen was nevirapine(NVP)+ lamivudine(3TC)+ zidovudine(AZT)(38.2%). A total of 3 556 patients(95.7%)received at least one viral load testing during the two years follow-up, among them 253(7.1%)patients had VL≥1 000 copies/ml, in which 211(83.4%)received drug resistance related gene mutation testing, the results indicated that the drug resistance developed in 52 and 39 patients in 2013 and 2014(1.43 per 100 person years and 0.88 per 100 person years)respectively. The overall HIV drug incidence was 1.13 per 100 person years. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that age ≤25 years, to be infected through drug use, treatment regimen as D4T+ 3TC +NVP and baseline CD4(+) T cells ≤200 cells/μl were the risk factor of HIV drug resistance. Eleven HIV gene subtypes were detected in the 82 patients with newly developed drug resistance, CRF_BC was predominant(31.7%), followed by CRF01_AE(22.0%)and C(19.5%). Ten patients were infected with mixed subtypes of CRF_BC/B', CRF_BC/CRF_01B and CRF_BC/C. Most of the 82 patients were resistant to NRTIs and NNRTIs, the main mutation loci were M184V and K103N.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of drug resistance in adult AIDS patients receiving ART was relatively low in Dehong. However, it is necessary to conduct the health education in young people and drug users to improve the treatment compliance and strengthen the surveillance for HIV drug resistance.

Kibdelosporangium metalli sp. nov., isolated from a rare earth mine

A Gram-stain-positive, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive isolate forming sporangium-like globular bodies, isolated from the rare earth mine of Bayan Obo in China and designated strain KC 266T, was subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain KC 266T represented a novel lineage within the genus Kibdelosporangium and showed highest 16S rRNA gene similarities to Kibdelosporangiumphilippinense (98.5 %), Kibdelosporangiumaridum subsp. largum (98.2 %), Kibdelosporangiumaridum subsp. aridum (98.2 %) and Kibdelosporangiumphytohabitans (98.0 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain KC 266T and the four species of the genus Kibdelosporangium was less than 60 %. The DNA G+C content of strain KC 266T was 67.9 mol%. The quinone system consisted of major amounts of MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2), minor amounts of MK-8(H2) and traces of MK-10(H4). The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, two unknown phospholipids and one unidentified aminophospholipid. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1 ω6c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Physiological traits as well as unique traits of the polar lipid profile and the fatty acid pattern distinguished strain KC 266T from the most closely related species. All these results indicate that strain KC 266T represents a novel species of the genus Kibdelosporangium, for which the name Kibdelosporangium metalli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KC 266T (=KCTC 39719T=CCTCC AA 2016002T).

Study of the relationship between IL-10 polymorphism and serum lipoprotein levels in Han Chinese individuals

Previous studies have shown that cytokines can affect serum lipoprotein concentrations. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IL-10 gene polymorphisms and serum lipoprotein levels of Han Chinese individuals. A total of 359 Han Chinese people were enrolled in this investigation. IL-10 -592, -819, and -1082 genotypes were established using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. An automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to determine serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in each individual. We observed that the three IL-10 polymorphisms did not significantly differ in terms of age or age of carrier (P > 0.05), and the -592 and -819 variants did not significantly affect serum lipoprotein levels (P > 0.05). HDL concentrations were higher and TG levels were lower in carriers of the -1082 GA genotype compared to those with the AA genotype, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, TC, VLDL, and LDL levels were unaffected by this sequence variation (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that the polymorphism at position -1082 in the promoter region of IL-10 may affect serum HDL and TG concentrations, while other variants of this gene appear to have no relationship with serum lipoprotein levels.

Breeding of a target genotype variety based on identified chalkiness marker-QTL associations in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The aim of this study was to breed a target genotype variety based on the identified chalkiness marker-QTL (quantitative trait locus) associations in rice. First, a permanent mapping population of rice that consisted of 525 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), which were derived from Zhenshan 97/Minghui 63, was used to identify QTLs with additive effects for rice quantitative traits and percentage of grain chalkiness (PGC). Subsequently, based on the identified QTLs in rice, the molecular marker 68923-PGC was selected to screen the low chalkiness rice line. Then, using the integration of molecular marker breeding and traditional breeding, we analyzed the genotype and phenotype of inbred lines from 525 RILs; we identified one rice variety with particularly high yields, good taste, and broad adaptability. The new variety was temporarily named RIL10, which was a high quality, high yield, and broadly adaptable variety, and it is predominantly a feature that has contributed to its geographical adaptability, which would be planted from 35°E to 18°E in Chinain China, where 2/3 of rice production occurs. RIL10 was a marker-assisted selection breeding achievement for producing a high quality, high yield, and broadly adaptable rice variety.

The dissemination mode of drug-resistant genes in Enterobacter cloacae

BACKGROUND

Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) infection has the highest mortality rate among Enterobacter infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the transmission route of the class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes in clinical isolates and to analyse the association between the prevalence of MDR genes and the antibiotic resistance of E. cloacae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antibiotic susceptibility was tested the agar dilution method. The class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence data were analysed with the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

In the 100 clinical isolates, the class I integron-positive rate was 65%, with 12% on chromosome, 15% on plasmids and 38% on both. The positive rate of qnr genes was 37% with plasmid location. The positive rates for qnrA, qnrB and qnrS were 6%, 23% and 8%, respectively. The CTX-M ESBLs-positive rate was 34%. For CTX-M-1 ESBLs, 15% were on chromosome, 6% on plasmids and 4% on both; for CTX-M-9 ESBLs, 1% was on chromosome and 7% on plasmid; for CTX-M-25 ESBLs, 3% were on chromosome and 1% on plasmid.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic resistance genes may be horizontally and vertically disseminated among E. cloacae, which helps multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of E. cloacae to be successful nosocomial agents.

Marking Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) With Rubidium or 15N

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) has caused significant economic damage to berry and stone fruit production regions. Markers that are systemic in plants and easily transferred to target organisms are needed to track D. suzukii exploitation of host resources and trophic interactions. High and low concentrations of the trace element, rubidium (Rb), and the stable isotope, 15N, were tested to mark D. suzukii larvae feeding on fruits of enriched strawberry plants grown in containers under greenhouse conditions. Fly marker content and proportion of flies marked 1, 7, and 14 d after emergence from enriched fruits and fly dry mass were analyzed. Nearly 100% of the flies analyzed 14 d after emerging from 15N-enriched plants were marked, whereas only 30-75% and 0-3% were marked 14 d after emerging from high and low Rb concentration plants, respectively. Rapid Rb decay, strong 15N persistence, and the economics of using these markers in the field to elucidate D. suzukii pest ecology are discussed.

Pulsed electromagnetic wave exposure induces ultrastructural damage and upregulated expression of heat shock protein 70 in the rat adenohypophysis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructural damage and the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the rat adenohypophysis following pulsed electromagnetic wave (PEMW) exposure. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham PEMW exposure, 1 x 10(4) pulses of PEMW exposure, 1 x 10(5) pulses of PEMW exposure and 3 x 10(5) pulses of PEMW exposure. Whole body radiation of 1 x 10(4) pulses, 1 x 10(5) pulses and 3 x 10(5) pulses of PEMW were delivered with a field strength of 100 kV/m. The rats in each group (n=6 in each) were sacrificed 12, 24, 48 and 96 h after PEMW exposure. Transmission electron microscopy was then used to detect the ultrastructural changes and immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of HSP70. Cellular damage, including mitochondrial vacuolation occurred as early as 12 h after PEMW exposure.More severe cellular damages, including cell degeneration and necrosis, occurred 24 and 48 h after PEMW exposure. The PEMW-induced cellular damage increased as the number of PEMW pulses increased. In addition, the expression of HSP70 significantly increased following PEMW exposure and peaked after 12 h. These findings suggested that PEMW induced ultrastructural damages in the rat adenohypophysis and that HSP70 may have contributed to the PEMW-induced adenohypophyseal damage.

[Intervention effects of qingre jiangya capsule on brain hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats based on metabonomic research]

Thirty SHRs were obtained randomly to hypertension, model group, captopril group and Qingre jiangya capsule group. Ten Wistar rats were used as control group. The hippocampus tissue was removed to explore the damage of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the protective effect of Qingre jiangya capsule after continuously administered for 14 days. And then the data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The research results revealed captopril group was significantly different from the other three groups. The classification of other three groups is also very clear after captopril group removed. This suggested that Qingre jiangya capsule could improve the overall metabolism compared with captopril. Four metabolites were identified: dimethylglycine, glycerophosphocholine, aldosterone and noradrenaline. Hypertension hippocampus damage may mainly be expressed in tyrosine metabolism, aldosterone-regulated sodium, vascular smooth muscle contraction reabsorption, and Qingre jiangya capsule could reverse the hippocampus tissue damage of SHR.

Regulation of autophagy by miR-30d impacts sensitivity of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to cisplatin

miR-30d has been observed to be significantly down-regulated in human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), and is believed to be an important event in thyroid cell transformation. In this study, we found that miR-30d has a critical role in modulating sensitivity of ATC cells to cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for treatment of this neoplasm. Using a mimic of miR-30d, we demonstrated that miR-30d could negatively regulate the expression of beclin 1, a key autophagy gene, leading to suppression of the cisplatin-activated autophagic response that protects ATC cells from apoptosis. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that the binding sequences of miR-30d in the beclin 1-3' UTR was the region required for the inhibition of beclin 1 expression by this miRNA. We further showed that inhibition of the beclin 1-mediated autophagy by the miR-30d mimic sensitized ATC cells to cisplatin both in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal xenograft model). These results suggest that dysregulation of miR-30d in ATC cells is responsible for the insensitivity to cisplatin by promoting autophagic survival. Thus, miR-30d may be exploited as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of ATC.

Loss-of-function variation in the DPP6 gene is associated with autosomal dominant microcephaly and mental retardation

The molecular basis of autosomal dominant microcephaly, a disorder associated with small head circumferences that results in variable mental retardation, is largely unknown. In the present study, we conducted a variation analysis of the DPP6 gene in patients with autosomal dominant microcephaly and variable mental retardation. The copy number variation analysis of DPP6 was performed on DNA samples from 22 patients with microcephaly using high-resolution, array-based genomic hybridization, and sequence analysis was performed to screen mutations in another 50 microcephalic patients. Two de novo deletions and one missense mutation in familial microcephalic patients were identified. The transfection of plasmids encoding green fluorescent protein-pLLU2G-shDPP6 fusion proteins in mouse brains revealed that the decreased expression of the DPP6 gene slightly reduced the weight of the mouse brains and resulted in mouse learning disabilities compared with their wild-type littermates. Our data indicate that the loss-of-function variations in DPP6 are associated with autosomal dominant microcephaly and mental retardation. DPP6 appears to play a major role in the regulation of proliferation and migration of neurons in neurogenesis, most likely by participating in neuronal electrical excitability, synaptic integration, and plasticity.

[Effect of naringenin on learning and memory ability on model rats with Alzheimer disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of naringenin on the learning and memory ability of Alzheimer disease (AD) rats.

METHODS

30 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (sham operation group), model group and naringenin group. AD model was established by injecting strepoztocin (3 mg/kg) twice into each of two intracerebroventriculas. Naringenin group were given intragastric administration of naringenin once a day for 3 weeks and the other two groups were given intragadtric administration of normal saline with the same dosage and time period. After 3 weeks, learning and memory ability in all the three groups were analyzed by Morris water maze, the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the rats' brain tissue was detected by chemical colorimetric determination. Observed the expressions of Abeta42 and Abeta40 by immunohistochemical method. The expression and degree of phosphorylation of tau protein was assayed by western blotting.

RESULTS

1. Compared with the sham operation group, the mean escape latency of the model group was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05) and the time that rats were in the platform quadrant was significantly shortened (P < 0.0.5). On the contrary, compared with the model group, the mean escape latency of naringenin group was significantly shortened (P < 0.05) and the time that rats were in the platform quadrant was significantly extended (P < 0.005). 2. The level of MDA in the model group, compared with the sham operation group group, was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Whereas, that of naringenin group, compared with the model group, was significantly decreased compared with the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The activity of SOD in the naringenin group was significantly increased comparing with the model group (P < 0.05). 3. The expressions of Abeta40 and Abeta42 in model group were obviously up-regulated. Instead, the expressions of Abeta40 and Abeta42 in the naringenin group were significantly down regulated. 4. There was no significant difference in the expression of tau protein among each groups. Nevertheless, the phosphorylation of tau protein in the model group was significantly enhanced than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the phosphorylation of tau protein in the naringenin group was significantly reduced than that in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Naringenin can improve learning and memory ability of model rats with Alzheimer disease through the approach of oxidative stress.

Pentamethylquercetin generates beneficial effects in monosodium glutamate-induced obese mice and C2C12 myotubes by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Pentamethylquercetin (PMQ) has recently been shown to have glucose-lowering properties. Here, we aimed to characterise the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of PMQ for ameliorating metabolic disorders in vivo and vitro.

METHODS

We generated a mouse model of obesity by neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and used it to assess the properties of PMQ as a treatment for metabolic disorders. We also investigated the possible underlying mechanisms of PMQ in the prevention of metabolic disorders.

RESULTS

Compared with normal mice, MSG mice had metabolic disorders, including central obesity, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, decreased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and downregulated levels of GLUT4 in gastrocnemius muscles. In MSG mice, PMQ treatment (5, 10, 20 mg/kg daily) reduced body weight gain, waist circumference, adipose tissue mass, serum glucose, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol, while improving insulin resistance, activating AMPK and increasing ACC phosphorylation and GLUT4 abundance. In C2C12 myotubes, PMQ (10 μmol/l) increased glucose consumption by ∼65%. PMQ treatment (1-10 μmol/l) also activated AMPK, increased ACC phosphorylation and GLUT4 abundance, and upregulated the expression of some key genes involved in fatty acid oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These findings suggest that PMQ can ameliorate metabolic disorders at least in part via stimulation of AMPK activity.

Comparison of three current sources for single-electrode capacitance measurement

The capacitance of a single electrode is usually measured by injecting a current to the electrode and measuring the resultant voltage on the electrode. In this case, a voltage-controlled current source with a high bandwidth is needed because the impedance is inversely proportional to the excitation frequency. In this design note, three different current sources are discussed: (1) the Howland current source, (2) a modified Howland current source, and (3) a dual op-amp current source. The principle and dynamic performances are presented and compared. Simulation and experimental results show that although the Howland current source has the lowest (i.e., worst) output impedance, its output is the most stable among the three current sources when the frequency changes. Therefore, it is suitable for single-electrode capacitance measurement. Initial tests have proven the feasibility of single-electrode capacitance sensor with the Howland current source.

Design of two-dimensional tunable photonic crystals with multiple functionalities

Negative refraction is an interesting phenomenon which can provide sub-wavelength imaging and a novel way to control the propagation path of photons. Photonic crystals have been intensively researched to achieve negative refraction. In this article, we present design and simulations of a new two-dimensional tunable photonic crystal obtained using the plane wave expansion method. The newly designed photonic crystals exhibit tunability among positive, zero, and negative refractions, when liquid crystals infiltrated in the structures are electrically tuned. The equifrequency surface diagrams of the designed photonic crystal unveil the refraction direction of photons in the structures. The tunability is further confirmed using the finite-difference time-domain simulation.

Self-aligned growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes using optical near-field effects

Self-aligned growth of ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was realized by utilizing optical near-field effects in a laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) process. By introducing the optical near-field effects, bridge structures containing single suspended SWNT channels were successfully fabricated through the LCVD process at a relatively low substrate temperature. Raman spectroscopy and I-V analyses have been carried out to characterize the SWNT-bridge structures. Numerical simulations using a high-frequency structure simulator revealed that significant enhancement of local heating occurs at metallic electrode tips under laser irradiation; it is about one order of magnitude higher than that in the rest of the electrodes. This technique suggests a novel approach to in situ low-temperature fabrication of SWNT-based devices in a precisely controlled manner, based on the nanoscale heating enhancement induced by the optical near-field effects.

Catalyst-free synthesis of well-aligned ZnO nanowires on In0.2Ga0.8N, GaN, and Al0.25Ga0.75N substrates

Well-aligned ZnO nanowires have been synthesized vertically on In0.2Ga0.8N, GaN, and Al0.25Ga0.75N substrates, using a catalyst-free carbon thermal-reduction vapor phase deposition method for the first time. The as-synthesized nanowires are single crystalline wurtzite structure, and have a growth direction of [0001]. Each nanowire has a smooth surface, and uniform diameter along the growth direction. The average diameter and length of these nanowires are 120-150 nm, and 3-10 )m, respectively. We suggest that the growth mechanism follow a self-catalyzing growth model. Excitonic emission peaked around 385 nm dominates the room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of these nanowires. The room-temperature photoluminescence and Raman scattering spectra show that these nanowires have good optical quality with very less structural defects.

Reovirus as an experimental therapeutic for brain and leptomeningeal metastases from breast cancer

Brain and leptomeningeal metastases are common in breast cancer patients and our current treatments are ineffective. Reovirus type 3 is a replication competent, naturally occurring virus that usurps the activated Ras-signaling pathway (or an element thereof) of tumor cells and lyses them but leaves normal cells relatively unaffected. In this study we evaluated reovirus as an experimental therapeutic in models of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from breast cancer. We found all breast cancer cell lines tested were susceptible to reovirus, with > 50% of these cells lysed within 72 h of infection. In vivo neurotoxicity studies showed only mild local inflammation at the injection site and mild communicating hydrocephalus with neither diffuse encephalitis nor behavioral abnormalities at the therapeutically effective dose of reovirus (intracranial) (ie 10(7) plaque-forming units) or one dose level higher. In vivo, a single intratumoral administration of reovirus significantly reduced the size of tumors established from two human breast cancer cell lines and significantly prolonged survival. Intrathecal administration of reovirus also remarkably prolonged survival in an immunocompetent racine model of leptomeningeal metastases. These data suggest that the evaluation of reovirus as an experimental therapeutic for CNS metastases from breast cancer is warranted.

Diurnal changes in gas exchange and carbon partitioning in needles of fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

We investigated diurnal and seasonal changes in carbon acquisition and partitioning of recently assimilated carbon in fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) to determine whether fast-growing families exhibited greater carbon gain at the leaf level. Since planting on a xeric infertile site in Scotland County, NC, USA in 1993, five Atlantic Coastal Plain (ACP) and five "Lost Pines" Texas (TX) families have been grown with either optimal nutrition or without fertilization (control). In 1998 and 1999, gas exchange parameters were monitored bimonthly in four families and needles were analyzed bimonthly for starch and soluble sugar concentrations. Although diurnal and seasonal effects on net photosynthesis (A(net)) and maximum rate of light-saturated photosynthesis (A(max)) were significant, few family or treatment differences in gas exchange characteristics were observed. The A(net) peaked at different times during the day over the season, and A(max) was generally highest in May. Instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE(i)), derived from gas exchange parameters, did not differ among families, whereas foliage stable isotope composition (delta(13)C) values suggested that TX families exhibited lower WUE than more mesic ACP families. Although there were no diurnal effects on foliar starch concentrations, needles exhibited pronounced seasonal changes in absolute concentrations of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), starch and soluble sugars, and in partitioning of TNC to starch and sugars, mirroring seasonal changes in photosynthesis and shoot and root growth. In all families, foliar starch concentrations peaked in May and decreased to a minimum in winter, whereas reducing sugar concentrations were highest in winter. Some family and treatment differences in partitioning of recently assimilated carbon in needles were observed, with the two TX families exhibiting higher concentrations of TNC and starch and enhanced starch partitioning compared with the ACP families. We conclude that growth differences among the four families are not a function of differences in carbon acquisition or partitioning at the leaf level.

Chemosensory signal transduction in paramecium

Paramecia are ciliated single-cell eukaryotic organisms that can respond to chemical cues in their environment. Glutamate is among those cues, which attract cells. We describe briefly here the following attributes of glutamate chemoresponse: 1) Cells are attracted to L-glutamate relative to KCl at high concentrations of glutamate. 2) There are at least two specific, relatively low affinity glutamate binding sites on the cell surface. Glutamate can be displaced from only one of the binding sites by inosine monophosphate (IMP), and quisqualate displaces glutamate from the second site, which is likely to be the glutamate receptor involved in attraction to glutamate. 3) IMP is a repellent and does not act synergistically with glutamate, whereas guanosine monophosphate (GMP) does. 4) Similarly, glutathione is an attractant, but glutamate and glutathione appear to use different transduction pathways. 5) Glutamate hyperpolarizes the cell. The ionic mechanism is not yet verified, but is likely to involve a K conductance. 6) Glutamate induces a rapid and robust increase in cAMP in the cell. Protein kinase A (PKA) is possibly involved in the transduction pathway because kinase inhibitors such as H7 and H8 inhibit glutamate response, but do not affect responses to other attractants, such as acetate and ammonium. Activation of PKA by the rapid rise in cAMP may sustain the hyperpolarization phosphorylation and activation of the plasma membrane calcium pump. 7) Candidate glutamate binding proteins are being identified among the cell surface proteins with the use of affinity chromatography.

[Chemical weed control of medicinal plant Bupleurum falcatum L]

OBJECTIVE

To select low-residue herbicide for cultivation of Bupleurum falcatum.

METHOD

Probing the effect of various kinds of herbicide on the budding, growth and yield of B. falcatum both in laboratory and in the fields.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Haloxyfop acts slightly on the growth of B. falcarum, but effectively kills weeds of many kinds. Butralin is a good herbicide for Gramineae.

Chinese herbal formula XQ-9302: pilot study of its clinical and in vitro activity against human immunodeficiency virus

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of XQ-9302--a purified, precise mixture of 20 Chinese herbs--against infection with human immunodeficiency virus in vitro and in the clinic. DESIGN: In vitro cell culture assay, heavy metal content analysis, and pilot non-randomised clinical trial. SETTING: Drug rehabilitation centre and municipal surveillance centre, Shanghai, China. PATIENTS: Forty-eight patients who had various clinical histories, such as drug abuse, cancer, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus, participated in the clinical study. INTERVENTION: During the clinical trial, multiple 15-day courses of XQ-9302 10.8 g/d were given to participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CD4 count, P24 antigen level, level of antibody against human immunodeficiency virus, number of copies per millilitre of human immunodeficiency virus in the plasma (viral load), and any side effects. RESULTS: XQ-9302 protected cultured MT4 cells from infection with human immunodeficiency virus in vitro. Clinical tests showed that the herbal formula relieved the symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and enhanced CD4 counts in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. There were no observable side effects, even after taking the drug for several months. In three patients who had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, treatment with XQ-9302 reduced the magnitude of the viral load by more than 1 log. CONCLUSION: XQ-9302 not only improves the immune function of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, but also interrupts viral replication and slows the progression of the disease without detectable side effects. In addition, the heavy metal content of XQ-9302 is well within safety levels set by the Government of China.

Serum lipid concentrations correlate with the progression of chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVE

To explore the distribution pattern for serum lipid concentrations among patients with different degrees of chronic renal failure; to study the characteristics of abnormal lipid metabolism for chronic renal failure patients when the disease progress further.

SETTING

No. 255 Hospital of PLA, Tangshan, Hebei, China; No. 281 Hospital of PLA, Beidanhe, Hebei, China; and the General Hospital of Beijing Military Region, Beijing, China.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

A total of 240 serum/urine samples from 50 healthy volunteers and from 190 patients with different degrees of chronic renal failure, which fall into four groups according to their glomerular filtration rates, were measured for serum levels of triglyceride, lipoprotein(a), lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and for urine albumin concentrations; the levels of these criteria were compared between the control group and diseased groups; the mean concentrations of different lipid variables were paired and subjected to linear regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Glomerular filtration rates were estimated by the iohexol clearance method, in which plasma content of iohexol was measured with high performance liquid chromatography; concentrations of triglyceride, lipoprotein(a), lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and albumin were assayed according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Serum levels of triglyceride, lipoprotein(a), lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urine albumin contents were significantly higher, whereas those of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower, in diseased groups than that of the control (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). When the disease progressed, concentrations of these criteria increased or decreased further (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between a few lipid criteria for their mean concentrations in diseased groups.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates a correlation between abnormalities of lipid metabolism and the degrees of kidney insufficiency, and a correlation within certain kinds of lipid criteria in patients with different degrees of renal damage. The results suggest the existence of multi-correlations in vivo in catabolism and metabolism of lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoprotein, and protein in the patients. The exact mechanism responsible for the association and correlation remains to be clarified.