Contrasting range changes of terrestrial orchids under future climate change in China

Climate change has impacted the distribution and abundance of numerous plant and animal species during the last century. Orchidaceae is one of the largest yet most threatened families of flowering plants. However, how the geographical distribution of orchids will respond to climate change is largely unknown. Habenaria and Calanthe are among the largest terrestrial orchid genera in China and around the world. In this paper, we modeled the potential distribution of eight Habenaria species and ten Calanthe species in China under the near-current period (1970-2000) and the future period (2081-2100) to test the following two hypotheses: 1) narrow-ranged species are more vulnerable to climate change than wide-ranged species; 2) niche overlap between species is positively correlated with their phylogenetic relatedness. Our results showed that most Habenaria species will expand their ranges, although the climatic space at the southern edge will be lost for most Habenaria species. In contrast, most Calanthe species will shrink their ranges dramatically. Contrasting range changes between Habenaria and Calanthe species may be explained by their differences in climate-adaptive traits such as underground storage organs and evergreen/deciduous habits. Habenaria species are predicted to generally shift northwards and to higher elevations in the future, while Calanthe species are predicted to shift westwards and to higher elevations. The mean niche overlap among Calanthe species was higher than that of Habenaria species. No significant relationship between niche overlap and phylogenetic distance was detected for both Habenaria and Calanthe species. Species range changes in the future was also not correlated with their near current range sizes for both Habenaria and Calanthe. The results of this study suggest that the current conservation status of both Habenaria and Calanthe species should be adjusted. Our study highlights the importance of considering climate-adaptive traits in understanding the responses of orchid taxa to future climate change.

Geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity of aquatic angiosperms in China

China covers a vast territory harbouring a large number of aquatic plants. Although there are many studies on the β-diversity of total, herbaceous or woody plants in China and elsewhere, few studies have focused on aquatic plants. Here, we analyse a comprehensive data set of 889 aquatic angiosperm species in China, and explore the geographic patterns and climatic correlates of total taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity as well as their turnover and nestedness components. Our results show that geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity are highly congruent for aquatic angiosperms, and taxonomic β-diversity is consistently higher than phylogenetic β-diversity. The ratio between the nestedness component and total β-diversity is high in northwestern China and low in southeastern China. The geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity of aquatic angiosperms in China are obviously affected by geographic and climatic distances, respectively. In conclusion, the geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity of aquatic angiosperms are consistent across China. Climatic and geographic distances jointly affect the geographic patterns of β-diversity of aquatic angiosperms. Overall, our work provides insight into understanding the large-scale patterns of aquatic angiosperm β-diversity, and is a critical addition to previous studies on the macroecological patterns of terrestrial organisms.

[Extraocular silicone oil migration to orbit: a case report]

Silicone oil insertion is a common modality in vitreoretinal surgeries after ocular perforating injury. It needs surgical removal after several months. Extraocular silicone oil migration to orbit and eyelid is uncommon complication. We reports a case of silicone oil migration to orbit and eyelid. A 41-year-old male presented with left upper eyelid swelling following silicone oil injection 3 years before admission. Orbital computed tomography scan showed multiple high-density well-defined masses in vitreous, left upper eyelid and orbit. We diagnosed the patient with orbital and eyelid mass, meanwhile, speculated mechanical ptosis. Excision of orbital and eyelid masses were performed. Cystic spaces with delicate fibrous wall and small vessels, and clear fluid in cyst were discovered on histologic examination. The patient was followed up after 1 week. The left upper eyelid slightly depressed and the mechanical ptosis was significantly improved.

Metagenomic Features Characterized with Microbial Iron Oxidoreduction and Mineral Interaction in Southwest Indian Ridge

The Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) is one of the typical representatives of deep-sea ultraslow-spreading ridges, and has increasingly become a hot spot of studying subsurface geological activities and deep-sea mining management. However, the understanding of microbial activities is still limited on active hydrothermal vent chimneys in SWIR. In this study, samples from an active black smoker and a diffuse vent located in the Longqi hydrothermal region were collected for deep metagenomic sequencing, which yielded approximately 290 GB clean data and 295 mid-to-high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Sulfur oxidation conducted by a variety of Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Campylobacterota was presumed to be the major energy source for chemosynthesis in Longqi hydrothermal vents. Diverse iron-related microorganisms were recovered, including iron-oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria, iron-reducing Deferrisoma, and magnetotactic bacterium. Twenty-two bacterial MAGs from 12 uncultured phyla harbored iron oxidase Cyc2 homologs and enzymes for organic carbon degradation, indicated novel chemolithoheterotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria that affected iron biogeochemistry in hydrothermal vents. Meanwhile, potential interactions between microbial communities and chimney minerals were emphasized as enriched metabolic potential of siderophore transportation, and extracellular electron transfer functioned by multi-heme proteins was discovered. Composition of chimney minerals probably affected microbial iron metabolic potential, as pyrrhotite might provide more available iron for microbial communities. Collectively, this study provides novel insights into microbial activities and potential mineral-microorganism interactions in hydrothermal vents. IMPORTANCE Microbial activities and interactions with minerals and venting fluid in active hydrothermal vents remain unclear in the ultraslow-spreading SWIR (Southwest Indian Ridge). Understanding about how minerals influence microbial metabolism is currently limited given the obstacles in cultivating microorganisms with sulfur or iron oxidoreduction functions. Here, comprehensive descriptions on microbial composition and metabolic profile on 2 hydrothermal vents in SWIR were obtained based on cultivation-free metagenome sequencing. In particular, autotrophic sulfur oxidation supported by minerals was presumed, emphasizing the role of chimney minerals in supporting chemosynthesis. Presence of novel heterotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria was also indicated, suggesting overlooked biogeochemical pathways directed by microorganisms that connected sulfide mineral dissolution and organic carbon degradation in hydrothermal vents. Our findings offer novel insights into microbial function and biotic interactions on minerals in ultraslow-spreading ridges.

Evolution of complex genome architecture in gymnosperms

Gymnosperms represent an ancient lineage that diverged from early spermatophytes during the Devonian. The long fossil records and low diversity in living species prove their complex evolutionary history, which included ancient radiations and massive extinctions. Due to their ultra-large genome size, the whole-genome assembly of gymnosperms has only generated in the past 10 years and is now being further expanded into more taxonomic representations. Here, we provide an overview of the publicly available gymnosperm genome resources and discuss their assembly quality and recent findings in large genome architectures. In particular, we describe the genomic features most related to changes affecting the whole genome. We also highlight new realizations relative to repetitive sequence dynamics, paleopolyploidy, and long introns. Based on the results of relevant genomic studies of gymnosperms, we suggest additional efforts should be made toward exploring the genomes of medium-sized (5–15 gigabases) species. Lastly, more comparative analyses among high-quality assemblies are needed to understand the genomic shifts and the early species diversification of seed plants.

[Comprehensive treatment options and influencing factors in elderly patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the treatment options for breast cancer patients aged 65 and over, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: The clinical data of 521 elderly patients aged 65 years or older,who underwent surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015, were collected. They were all female and 65-98 years old. The patients were divided into 65-74 years old group (n=353) and ≥ 75 years old group (n=168). The differences of variables including age, functional status, treatment methods, pathological characteristics, comorbidities and survival time between the two groups were compared, and the differences of comprehensive treatment methods and their impact on clinical efficacy were analyzed. Results: The main operation methods of the two groups were modified radical mastectomy [39.1% (138/353) and 33.9% (57/168), respectively], breast conserving surgery [56.9% (201/353) and 61.3% (103/353), respectively]. Among the patients choosing adjuvant therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups except chemotherapy (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the choice of chemotherapy was related to age, surgical methods, pathological types, tumor burden, molecular typing, functional status and comorbidities (all P<0.05). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and the number of comorbidities were independent factors affecting the choice of chemotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly: [ECOG score: adjusted OR=0.45 (95CI: 0.26-0.75), number of comorbidities: adjusted OR = 0.63 (95CI:0.41-0.98); all P<0.05]. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 521 elderly patients with breast cancer was 86.3%, 5-year overall survival rate was 88.8%, and the breast cancer specific survival rate was 94.3%. Conclusions: The comprehensive treatment of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above is not affected by age, but is associated with tumor burden, pathological type, molecular typing, comorbidities and ECOG score. Among them, ECOG score and the number of comorbidities are the independent factors influencing the choice of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Impact of the Result of Continued Thrombolysis After Stenting Following Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy for Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis-A Retrospective Study

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare the procedure and treatment outcomes of using either direct stenting alone following pharmacomechanical thrombectomy or continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after stenting for treatment of acute left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis while clot removal degree achieved grade III.

Methods

From March 2018 to May 2019, 82 patients who underwent iliac venous stenting for treatment of acute left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis with iliac vein stenosis after pharmacomechanical thrombectomy therapy using the AngioJet system while Clot removal degree achieved grade III were divided into two groups: Direct stenting alone group (n = 39) and continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after stenting group (n = 43). Comparisons were made regarding the treatment outcomes, stent patency rate, and Villalta scale between these two groups.

Results

No serious perioperative complications occurred. The mean urokinase dose and hospitalization time in the stenting alone group and continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after the stenting group were 0.30 million U versus 1.76 ± 0.54 million U and 4.85 ± 0.93 days versus 6.33 ± 1.02 days, (P < .001). In the first 30 days after the operation, there were 3 recurrent episodes of deep vein thrombosis in the stenting alone group (P = 0.064). Each patient has completed at least one year of follow-up, the mean follow-up was 15.95 ± 3.44 months. Overall cumulative stent patency rates were 87.2% in stenting alone group and 97.7% in continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after stenting group at 12months (P = 0.037). The Villalta scores at 12 months had a significant difference between the two groups. The mean Villalta scores in the stenting alone group and continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after the stenting group were 4.44 ± 1.63 and 1.63 ± 1.29, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

When the clot removal degree of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy thrombectomy reaches grade III, both stenting alone and continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after stenting are effective treatment modalities. For young patients with low bleeding risk, continued catheter-directed thrombolysis after stenting has a better patency rate and a lower 1-year post-thrombotic syndrome risk and does not increase major bleeding events. However, it may increase the time and costs of hospitalization accordingly.

RBP-J promotes cell growth and metastasis through regulating miR-182-5p-mediated Tiam1/Rac1/p38 MAPK axis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

RBP-J is involved in number of cellular processes. However, the potential mechanisms of RBP-J on colorectal cancer (CRC) development have not been clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of RBP-J in CRC.

METHODS

The expression levels of RBP-J and Tiam1 in CRC tissues and cells were evaluated by RT-qPCR or western blot. RBP-J was knocked down with sh-RBP-J or overexpressed by pcDNA3.1-RBP-J in CRC cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by MTT, wound healing, and transwell assay, respectively. CHIP-qPCR, RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR-182-5p and RBP-J or Tiam1. Expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, p38 MAPK, Slug-1, Twist1 and MMP-9 were analyzed by western blot. G-LISA test was used to detect Rac1 activity.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the expression of RBP-J and Tiam1 was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues and cells. RBP-J overexpression promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Moreover, RBP-J was found to directly target miR-182-5p promoter and positively regulate the Tiam1/Rac1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in CRC cells. It was also proved that miR-182-5p can bind Tiam1 directly. Furthermore, experiments revealed that RBP-J could promote CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion via miR-182-5p-mediated Tiam1/Rac1/p38 MAPK axis. In addition, knockdown of RBP-J reduced tumor growth and metastasis in CRC mice.

CONCLUSION

RBP-J regulates CRC cell growth and metastasis through miR-182-5p mediated Tiam1/Rac1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, implying potential novel therapeutic targets for CRC patients.

Modeling impacts of climate change on the potential distribution of six endemic baobab species in Madagascar

Madagascar, a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot characterized by high rates of endemism, is one of the few remaining refugia for many plants and animal species. However, global climate change has greatly affected the natural ecosystem and endemic species living in Madagascar, and will likely continue to influence species distribution in the future. Madagascar is home to six endemic baobab (Adansonia spp., Bombacoideae [Malvaceae]) species (Adansonia grandidieri, A. suarezensis, A. madagascariensis, A. perrieri, A. rubrostipa, A. za), which are remarkable and endangered plants. This study aimed to model the current distribution of suitable habitat for each baobab species endemic to Madagascar and determine the effect that climate change will have on suitable baobab habitat by the years 2050 and 2070. The distribution was modeled using MaxEnt based on locality information of 245 occurrence sites of six species from both online database and our own field work. A total of seven climatic variables were used for the modeling process. The present distribution of all six Madagascar's baobabs was largely influenced by temperature-related factors. Although both expansion and contraction of suitable habitat are predicted for all species, loss of original suitable habitat is predicted to be extensive. For the most widespread Madagascar baobab, A. za, more than 40% of its original habitat is predicted to be lost because of climate change. Based on these findings, we recommend that areas predicted to contract in response to climate change should be designated key protection regions for baobab conservation.

[A comparative study of breast cancer mass screening and opportunistic screening in Chinese women]

Objective: To compare the population characteristics, the positive rate of screening, the detection rate of breast cancer, early diagnosis rate and the cost between the mass screening group and opportunistic screening group of breast cancer. Methods: This study is a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. The participants were enrolled for mass screening or opportunistic screening of breast cancer. After completing the questionnaire, all the participants received breast physical examination and breast ultrasound examination every year for 3 rounds by year. The participants' characteristics and screening results of the two groups were compared by χ² test, Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: A total of 20 080 subjects were enrolled. In the mass screening group, 9 434 (100%), 8 111 (85.98%) and 3 940 (41.76%) cases completed the 3 rounds of screening, and 10 646 (100%), 6 209 (58.32%) and 2 988 (28.07%) cases in the opportunistic screening group, respectively. In the opportunistic screening group, the proportions of less than 3 months lactation (1 275/9 796 vs. 1 061/8 860, χ²=4.597, P=0.032), non-fertility (850/10 646 vs. 574/9 434, χ²=27.400, P<0.01), abortion history (6 384/10 646 vs. 5 062/9 434, χ²=81.232, P<0.01), postmenopausal (2 776/10 646 vs. 2 217/9 434, χ²=17.757, P<0.01), long-term oral contraceptives(>6 months) (171/10 646 vs. 77/9 434, χ²=25.593, P<0.01) and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (464/10 646 vs. 236/9 434, χ²=51.257, P<0.01) were significantly higher than those in mass screening group. The positive rate of screening (514/10 646 vs. 128/9 434, χ²=194.736, P<0.01), the detection rate of breast cancer (158/10 646 vs. 13/9 434, χ²=107.374, P<0.01), and positive rate of biopsy (158/452 vs. 13/87, χ²=13.491, P<0.01) in the opportunistic screening group were significantly higher than those of the mass screening group. The early diagnosis rate of the mass screening group was significantly higher than the opportunistic screening group (10/12 vs. 66/141, χ²=5.902, P=0.015). The average cost for detecting each breast cancer case of the mass screening group was 215 038 CNY, which was 13.6 times of the opportunistic screening group (15 799 CNY/case). In the opportunistic screening group, the positive rate of biopsy in primary hospitals was significantly lower than that in large-volume hospitals (79/267 vs. 79/185, χ²=8.267, P=0.004), but there was no significant difference in the mass screening group (6/37 vs. 7/50, χ²=0.082, P=0.774). Conclusions: Breast cancer screening can improve early detection rate. Compared with the mass screening mode, the opportunistic screening mode has the advantages of higher proportion of high-risk factors, higher positive rate of screening, higher detection rate of breast cancer, higher positive rate of biopsy, and lower cost of screening. However, the early diagnosis rate of breast cancer of opportunistic screening is lower than that of mass screening. The positive rate of opportunistic screening in primary hospitals is lower than that of large-volume hospitals. The two screening modes have their own advantages and should be chosen according to local conditions of different regions in China.

LncRNA FTX Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cells Migration and Invasion by miRNA-590-5p/RBPJ Axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal human cancers all over the world. Moreover, it ranks fourth for cancer-related deaths among males. Although many efforts have been made to cure CRC, the effect remains limited. It has been reported that lncRNA five prime to Xist (FTX) was upregulated in CRC. However, the mechanism by which lncRNA FTX regulates the progression of CRC remains largely unknown. In this study, qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of FTX, miR-590-5p and Recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPJ) in CRC tissues or cells. Protein expression in cells was measured by western blot. MTT assay was used to test the cell viability. Moreover, transwell was performed to examine the cell migration and invasion. Luciferase report assay was performed to verify the relation between miR-590-5p and FTX or RBPJ. It was found that FTX was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of FTX or overexpression of miR-590-5p can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Besides, silencing of FTX could inhibit the expression of migration and invasion-related proteins in CRC cells. Meanwhile, miR-590-5p was the target of FTX, and RBPJ was the direct target of miR-590-5p. Inhibition of miR-590-5p could reverse the inhibitory effect of FTX on the progression of CRC. These findings suggested that knockdown of FTX could inhibit the tumorigenesis of CRC in vitro, which may serve as a potential novel strategy for treatment of CRC.

Endovascular treatment for long segment iliac artery occlusion involving the iliac artery opening

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective nonrandomized study investigated the outcomes of endovascular therapy for long-segment iliac artery occlusion involving the iliac artery opening.

METHODS

During a 5-year period (from Mar 2012 to Mar 2017), 32 patients (two women and 30 men; mean age, 69.0 years; range, 51-90 years) received endovascular therapy, with or without catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), for long-segment iliac artery occlusion (mean lesion length, 129.8 mm; range, 74.7-189.3 mm).

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 90.6% (29 of 32). The major complication rate was 3.5%, but no in-hospital mortality was recorded. The access site complication rate was 10.3%. The clinical symptoms of 29 patients were significantly improved. All 29 patients were followed up for 6-40 months, with an average of 16.7 ± 10.9 months. The primary patency rates were 96.6 ± 3.4% at 6 months, 86.6 ± 7.3% at 12 months, 79.4 ± 9.6% at 24 months, and 66.2 ± 14.5% at 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on the characteristics of the disease, endovascular treatment with an individualized, rational choice of approach and with fine-tuning of the operation is a safe and effective treatment for long-term iliac artery occlusion involving the opening of the iliac arteries. Customization of the treatment is also the key to a successful operation and to ensuring good postoperative efficacy.

[Citrate anticoagulation hemoperfusion in the treatment of 273 patients]

Early hemoperfusion in poisoned patients can remove poisons rapidly and effectively, which plays an important role in improving the prognosis of patients. The key of hemoperfusion therapy is the safe and effective anticoagulation. The local citrate anticoagulation effect acid is good, it also has little effect on the systemic coagulation mechanism and internal environment of patients, so it is worthy of promotion. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and treatment of 273 patients who were poisoned by citrate anticoagulant in the emergency intensive care unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, aiming at perfusion of citrate anticoagulant in patients with poisoning. Provide a certain clinical reference.

Crystal structure of bis(perchlorato-κ1 O)-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxy-N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzamide-κ2 N,O)copper(II), C32H30Cl2CuN4O16

C32H30Cl2CuN4O16, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 9.3135(5) Å, b = 9.5191(7) Å, c = 11.5417(6) Å, α = 108.509(4)°, β = 109.572(4)°, γ = 97.511(4)°, V = 881.48(10) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0636, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1844, T = 296(2) K.

[Clinical effect of combined artificial extracorporeal liver support therapy for toxic hepatic failure]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of plasma exchange (PE) versus double plasma molecular adsorption system combined with PE (DPMAS+PE) in the treatment of toxic hepatic failure. Methods: A total of 67 patients with toxic hepatic failure who were admitted during the same period of time were divided into PE group, DPMAS+ PE group, and control group. The 22 patients in the PE group were treated with PE alone, and the 24 patients in the DPMAS+PE group were given DPMAS combined with PE. The clinical out-come was compared between the three groups. Results: Both treatment groups had significantly higher clinical response rate and 24-week survival rate than the control group. After treatment, both treatment groups had significant reductions in the serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil) , direct bilirubin (DBil) , alanine aminotransfer-ase (ALT) , and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , and the PE group had significant reductions in the albumin (Alb) level and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (P<0.05) ; the DPMAS+PE group showed no sig-nificant changes in the Alb level and APTT (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in TBil, DBil, ALT, and AST between the two treatment groups after treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the PE group had significantly higher Alb level and APTT than the DPMAS + PE group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, both treatment groups had significant reductions in TBil, DBil, ALT and AST after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: The two artificial liver support techniques can significantly improve patients' liver function and in-crease their survival rate, and the combined artificial liver support technique can reduce the amount of plasma used.

[Impact of the 21-gene recurrence score assay in clinical treatment and prognosis analysis for patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the association between the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) and clinicopathologic characteristics as well as prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node negative, hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 439 early breast cancer patients who underwent 21 gene RS testing was retrospectively analyzed. According to the 21 gene RS, the patients were divided into low risk (295 cases), intermediate risk (111 cases) and high-risk (33 cases) group. The relationship between the 21 gene RS and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, recurrence and metastasis was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for relapse free survival (RFS). Results: Tumor grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki-67 index were significantly different among the 3 risk cohorts (P<0.001 for all). After a median follow-up of 32 months, the recurrence rate in low risk group (3.7%) was significantly lower than that in the intermediate-high risk group (9.0%), the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate of low, intermediate and high risk group was 2.4%, 6.3% and 9.1%; and the distant metastasis (DM) rate in low risk group was 1.4% and 2.1% in the intermediate-high risk group. Univariate analysis showed RS, ER status and endocrine therapy were prognostic factors for RFS (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that RS was an independent significant predictor for RFS (P=0.04). Conclusions: The 21-gene RS is related to tumor grade, ER, PR and Ki-67 index. RS is an independent risk factor for RFS in patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer.

[Impact of the 21-gene recurrence score assay in clinical treatment and prognosis analysis for patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the association between the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) and clinicopathologic characteristics as well as prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node negative, hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 439 early breast cancer patients who underwent 21 gene RS testing was retrospectively analyzed. According to the 21 gene RS, the patients were divided into low risk (295 cases), intermediate risk (111 cases) and high-risk (33 cases) group. The relationship between the 21 gene RS and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, recurrence and metastasis was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for relapse free survival (RFS). Results: Tumor grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki-67 index were significantly different among the 3 risk cohorts (P<0.001 for all). After a median follow-up of 32 months, the recurrence rate in low risk group (3.7%) was significantly lower than that in the intermediate-high risk group (9.0%), the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate of low, intermediate and high risk group was 2.4%, 6.3% and 9.1%; and the distant metastasis (DM) rate in low risk group was 1.4% and 2.1% in the intermediate-high risk group. Univariate analysis showed RS, ER status and endocrine therapy were prognostic factors for RFS (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that RS was an independent significant predictor for RFS (P=0.04). Conclusions: The 21-gene RS is related to tumor grade, ER, PR and Ki-67 index. RS is an independent risk factor for RFS in patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer.

Aquaticitalea lipolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic seawater

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated Ar-125^T, was isolated from Antarctic seawater. It produced carotenoid-like pigments and did not produce Bchl a. Ar-125^T was positive for hydrolysis of DNA, aesculin, gelatin, starch, Tween 40 and Tween 60. The sole respiratory quinone was MK-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. The principal fatty acids were branched-chain fatty acids, including iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, as well as C15 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 31.8 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, Ar-125^T is closely related to the species of the genera Bizionia(with 16S rRNA gene pairwise sequence similarity of 93.7-96.5 %), Formosa(94.3-95.8 %), Gaetbulibacter(94.2-95.7 %), Geojedonia(95.5 %), Gelidibacter (93.3-95.4 %), Meridianimaribacter(95.3 %) and Psychroserpens (94.8-95.3 %), of the family Flavobacteriaceae. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that it represented an independent lineage and that the closest relatives were members of the genus Gelidibacter. Differential phenotypic properties and chemotaxonomic differences, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that Ar-125^T could be differentiated from members of closely related genera. Therefore, it is proposed that Ar-125^T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Aquaticitalea lipolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain Ar-125^T =CGMCC 1.15295^T =JCM 30876^T) is proposed.

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida, Eunicida, Dorvilleidae) from hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge

Dorvilleids were collected from hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge by manned submersible Jiaolong. These represent a new species of Ophryotrocha that is here described as Ophryotrocha jiaolongisp. n. This is the first dorvilleid described from vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge. It most closely resembles another vent species, Ophryotrocha akessoni Blake, 1985 from the Galapagos Rift, but can be distinguished by its antennae, palps, jaw structure. The new species has particularly distinctive mandibles, which allow it to be easily identified.

FOXC1 overexpression is a marker of poor response to anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy in sporadic triple-negative breast cancer

Purpose

Because of its aggressive characteristics and poor prognosis, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has become a hot topic in cancer research. Chemotherapy is currently the only treatment for patients with TNBC. The transcription factor FOXC1 has been associated with TNBC prognosis, but little is known about its effect on chemosensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FOXC1 on chemosensitivity.

Methods

A case–control study was performed on 25 TNBC patients who experienced relapse and/or metastasis. Another 25 patients without relapse or metastasis were randomly selected as controls. Medical records were reviewed for relevant information, and immunohistochemistry was performed to measure FOXC1 levels. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox analysis were used to analyze differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The correlation of FOXC1 expression with chemosensitivity was analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software, and a P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In 15 of 22 case patients, FOXC1 was overexpressed, whereas only 8 control patients exhibited FOXC1 overexpression (P < 0.05). FOXC1 expression had no correlation with pathological indicators. An anthracycline-based regimen was administered to 21 study patients and 23 control patients. FOXC1 expression was significantly associated with a worse DFS (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.05–6.50, P = 0.038) but presented no correlation with OS (HR 2.53, 95% CI 0.76–8.40, P = 0.131) among these 44 patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that FOXC1 is correlated with chemosensitivity to anthracycline and could be used as an indicator of chemosensitivity in sporadic TNBC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00280-017-3319-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[The application of conscious sedation with a small dose of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil in elderly patients undergoing multiple intestinal polyps resection]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and feasibility of conscious sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil during multiple intestinal polyps resection in elderly patients. Methods: Sixty elderly patients who underwent multiple intestinal polyps resection in Peking University Third Hospital from Janurary to May 2016 were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine group (D group, n=30) and propofol group (P group, n=30). There were 28 males and 32 females with a mean age of (70.4±4.5) years old (range: 65-80 years old). The patients in the dexmedetomidine group received a loading dose of 0.3 μg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2-0.4 μg·kg^-1·min^-1 of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil (0.1 μg/kg) respectively.The patients in the propofol group received sufentanil 0.1 μg/kg and propofol 1.5 mg/kg and followed by a continuous infusion of 3-6 mg·kg^-1·h^-1 of propofol.Blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate and bispectral index (BIS) were recorded at the basic status and at the beginning of operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation, the end of operation and departure.The observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scores and the clinical responses were also recorded.A statistical analysis was performed. Results: All patients in the two groups were sedated compared with baseline.The BIS values of patients in group D at beginning of the operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation were 89.6(87.8-91.0), 79.4(78.0-80.0), 76.9(75.0-80.0), 76.0(73.0-79.0) and 75.6(70.0-79.0) respectively, and those values were all significantly lower than baseline value[96.4(95.0-98.0)], (Z=-4.645, -4.788, -4.787, -4.789, -4.789, P<0.05). The OAA/S score at beginning of the operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation were 4.5(4.0-5.0), 3.4(3.0-4.0), 3.0(3.0-3.0), 3.5(3.0-4.0) and 3.3(3.0-4.0) respectively, and were significantly lower than baseline score [4.8(5.0-5.0)] (Z=-2.828, -4.862, -5.031, -4.420, -4.710, P<0.05). The BIS value of patients in group P at beginning of the operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation were 54.7(50.0-59.3), 54.8(50.0-59.3), 50.7(47.8-56.8), 54.4(51.5-58.0) and 53.7(50.0-57.3) respectively, and were significantly lower than baseline value[95.8(95.0-96.3)] (Z=-4.786, -4.787, -4.788, -4.786, -4.786, P<0.05). The OAA/S score at beginning of the operation , 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation were 0.4(0.0-1.0), 0.4(0.0-1.0), 0.4(0.0-1.0), 0.4(0.0-1.0) and 0.4(0.0-1.0) respectively, and were significantly lower than baseline score[4.9(5.0-5.0)] (Z=-4.927, -4.901, -4.912, -4.912, -4.901, P<0.05). The sedation state of group D were lighter than group P. The BIS value and OAA/S score at beginning of the operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation in group D were higher than group P (P<0.05). The breath and circulation were more stable in group D. The mean arterial pressure, breath rate and SpO₂ at beginning of the operation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after operation and the end of operation in group D were higher than group P (P<0.05). There was no oxygen desaturation , hypotension and drowsiness in group D and the incidence in group P were 30.0%, 33.3% and 13.3% respectively.The emergency time and duration of stay in the PACU (post anesthesia care unit) were (2.0±1.2) and (22.0±7.4) min in group D, and they were (4.9±2.4) and (35.8±11.6) min in group P (t=-5.839, t=-5.472, P<0.05). There was no difference in surgery time, patient satisfaction and acceptance rate of reexamination (t=-3.031, t=-7.322, t=2.069, P>0.05). Conclusion: Conscious sedation with dexmedetomidine and sufentanil is effective and feasible in elderly patients undergoing multiple intestinal polyps resection.

Impact of the 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay in adjuvant chemotherapy selection for node-negative, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in the Chinese population

The 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay has been intensively studied and recommended by major guidelines for treatment decision in early breast cancer. Its impact in adjuvant chemotherapy selection for Chinese population has not been revealed.The prospective part of this study enrolled consecutive node-negative, hormone receptor-positive patients who underwent 21-gene RS testing at Breast Surgery Department of PUMCH (n=134) between May 2012 and August 2013(21-gene RS group). Risk categories were assigned based on the RS and on standard clinicopathologic criteria according to St. Gallen and Adjuvant! Online. The chemotherapy selection and the oncologists' confidence in decision-making before and after RS testing were recorded. The retrospective part of this study compared the chemotherapy decision in the 21-gene RS group and a control group without RS testing (diagnosed between Jan 2011 and Apr 2012,n=170). A total of 304 patients were included in the analysis (134 21-gene RS group, 170 controls). Based on RS, 97 patients were classified as low risk, 29 patients as intermediate risk, and 8 patients as high risk. Tumor grade (P=0.002), PR expression (P<0.001) and Ki-67 index (P<0.001) were significantly different between the 3 risk cohorts.Comparing the St. Gallen guidelines and RS, there was a 41% concordance between risk groups. By using Adjuvant! Online, the correlation between the predicted BCSM and RS was nominal (r=0.10). A total of 29% 21-gene RS group patients changed their treatment decisions after RS testing (P<0.001, 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.49) with 6% (8/134) patients changing to receive chemotherapy besides endocrine therapy and 23% (31/134) changing to reject chemotherapy. After RS testing, more than one half of the oncologists increased their confidence level in treatment recommendation. In the control group, 67.6% (115/170) patients chose chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy. The chemotherapy percentage was much higher than that of 21-gene RS group (30/134, 22%).This is the first study to demonstrate a reduction in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in women with node-negative hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, based on use of the RS. The RS had an impact on the physicians' treatment decision-making.

Muricauda antarctica sp. nov., a marine member of the Flavobacteriaceae isolated from Antarctic seawater

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium with appendages, designated Ar-22T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected from the western part of Prydz Bay, near Cape Darnley, Antarctica. Strain Ar-22T grew optimally at 35 °C, at pH 7.5 and in the presence of 1–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolate was positive for casein, gelatin and Tween 20 decomposition and negative for H2S production and indole formation. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed that MK-6 was the major isoprenoid quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid. The major fatty acids were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2OH. The genomic DNA G+C content was 44.8 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain Ar-22T is closely related to members of the genus Muricauda , sharing 94.2–97.3 % sequence similarity with the type strains of species of the genus Muricauda and being most closely related to the Muricauda aquimarina . Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison confirmed that strain Ar-22T formed a deep lineage with Muricauda flavescens . Sequence similarity between strain Ar-22T and Muricauda ruestringensis DSM 13258T, the type species of the genus Muricauda , was 96.9 %. Strain Ar-22T exhibited mean DNA–DNA relatedness values of 40.1 %, 49.4 % and 25.7 % to M. aquimarina JCM 11811T, M. flavescens JCM 11812T and Muricauda lutimaris KCTC 22173T, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain Ar-22T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda , for which the name Muricauda antarctica sp. nov. (type strain Ar-22T = CGMCC 1.12174T = JCM 18450T) is proposed.

8-Hydroxyquinoline derivatives induce the proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs)

A series of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives with different substituted groups at 2- or 5-position have been synthesized and characterized. Their effects on the proliferation of the rat marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) have been evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. We also analyzed the ability of these compounds to regulate the proliferation of rMSCs and the relationship with the structures of 8-hydroxyquinoline. Compounds 8-11, in which, the vinyl-substituents are on the 2-position of 8-hydroxyquinoline, appear to be able to induce the proliferation of rMSCs. These results show that compounds 8-11 provide a kind of new substances for regulating the proliferation of rMSCs.

Identification and characteristics of a novel E1 like gene nUBE1L in human testis

A gene, presumably involved in spermatogenesis, was identified and characterized by using cDNA microarray. Hybridization intensity was 2.13 fold higher in adult testis than that in fetal testis. The full length of this gene was 4288 bp and it encoded a 578 amino acid protein. Conserved structure and amino acid sequence analysis revealed that the protein contained 1 Thif-domain, 2 UBACT-domains, and a functional active site cysteine lay upstream of UBACT domain, all of them also existed in ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 and E1 like proteins. So we named this gene as a novel ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 like gene (nUBE1L). Expression profile showed that nUBE1L was predominantly expressed in testis. Comparison of the expression of nUBE1L in different developmental stages of testis indicated that it was highly expressed in adult testis. In conclusion, nUBE1L is a novel human E1 like gene highly expressed in adult testis, which plays key role in ubiquitin system, and accordingly influences spermatogenesis and male fertility.

A physiological role for protoporphyrin IX photodynamic action in the rat Harderian gland?

AIMS

The lipid-secreting exocrine Harderian gland contains a large amount of porphyrins (mainly protoporphyrin IX, PPIX) in the glandular cells, the physiological significance of which is rather poorly understood.

METHODS

In the present study, the possibility of using Fura-2 to measure intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]c) changes in these cells was assessed.

RESULTS

It was found that when Fura-2-loaded cells were excited by light at 340/380 nm, [Ca2+]c increased spontaneously, indicating a photodynamic action powered by light at 340/380 nm. In contrast, with the visible spectrum calcium probe Fluo-3 (lambda(ex) = 475 nm), carbachol at 10 microm induced [Ca2+]c increase; [Ca2+]c did not change without carbachol stimulation. Brief illumination with light at 340/380 nm induced a large [Ca2+]c increase in Fluo-3-loaded cells. Photodynamic stimulation of [Ca2+]c increase was confirmed with an exogenous photosensitizer sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (SALPC) and visible light (>580 nm). The wavelength-dependence of the [Ca2+]c increase correlates well with the excitation spectrum of the isolated Harderian glandular cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that PPIX present in rat Harderian glandular cells plays the role of a photosensitizer which upon activation by UVA and blue components of daylight and subsequent singlet oxygen generation, triggers [Ca2+]c increase and secretory response. The PPIX photodynamic action may also play a potential role in photic entrainment of the central circadian clock.

Expression of a novel bHLH-Zip gene in human testis

AIM

To identify specifically expressed genes in the adult and fetal testes.

METHODS

A human testis cDNA microarray was established. Then the mRNA of adult and fetal testis was purified and probes were prepared by a reverse transcription reaction with the testis mRNA as template. The microarray was hybridized with probes of adult and fetal testes. The nucleic sequences of differentially expressed genes were determined and homologies were searched in the databases of the GenBank.

RESULTS

When hybridized with adult or fetal testis probes, the positive clones were 96.8 % and 95.4 %, respectively. Among these genes, one was a new testis-specific gene, which was named TSP1. TSP1 was highly expressed in human adult testis. The cDNA of TSP1 was 1,484 bp in length. The cDNA sequence of this clone was deposited in the Genbank (AF333098). TSP1 was also determined as Interim Gen Symbol (Unigene, No. Hs.98266). Protein analysis showed that TSP1 contained two functional domains: an N-terminal basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and a C-terminal leucine zipper (Zip). Homologous analysis showed that the 430 amino acid sequences deduced from the 1293 bp open reading frame (ORF) had a homology with the human gene FLJ2509 (AK098575). TSP1 had also a sequence homology with Spz 1 protein of mouse. Expression profiles showed that TSP1 was specifically and strongly expressed in the testis.

CONCLUSION

TSP1 is a gene highly expressed in adult testis. It may play an important role in spermatogenesis in the humans.

[Study on the relationship of balanced translocation t(1;12) with spermatogenesis]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between chromosome balanced translocation t(1;12) (q24;q24) and spermatogenesis in infertile twin brothers.

METHODS

For twin brothers, karotype were determined. The levels of testosterone, FSH and LH were detected. YRRM1, DAZ and DYS240 were analyzed. In younger brother a biopsy was taken from testis.

RESULTS

Chromosome analysis for both twin brothers revealed a karotype of 46, XY, t(1;12) (q24;q24). Sperm count was less than 1.0 x 10(6)/ml. There was no deletion for YRRM1, DAZ and DYS240 gene on Y chromosome. Photomicrograph of seminiferous tubules showed the arrest of spermatogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chromosome balanced translocation t(1;12) (q24;q24) may be the cause of the spermatogenesis arrest in infertile twin brothers. Gene in the point of translocation may be related to spermatogenesis.

Expression of a novel reticulon-like gene in human testis

Identification of genes that are specifically expressed in the adult testis or the fetal testis is important for the study of genes related to the development of the testis. In this study, a human testis cDNA microarray was established. PCR products of 9216 clones from a human testis cDNA library were dotted on a nylon membrane; mRNA from adult and fetal testes were purified and probes were prepared by a reverse transcription reaction with testis mRNA as template. The microarray was hybridized with probes of adult and fetal testes, and 96.8 and 95.4% of clones were positive, respectively. In total, 731 clones were differentially expressed: 592 were highly expressed in adult testis and 139 were highly expressed in fetal testis. Among these genes, a new reticulon (Rtn)-like gene was detected and named Rtn-T. Rtn-T was highly expressed in adult human testis. The cDNA of Rtn-T contains 3491 bp and the putative protein had 968 amino acids. This protein is homologous to the six known members of the Rtn family (KIAA0886, Rtn xL, reticulon 4a, Nogo-A, Nogo-A short form, and brain my043) but was different at the 5' end. All homologues originate from one gene, and result from both different promotor regions and different splicing. Rtn-T lacks the first exon and contains a second exon that is lacking in the other homologues. Rtn-T is shorter than KIAA0886, Rtn xL, reticulon 4a and Nogo-A, but longer than the Nogo-A short form and brain my043. Sequence analysis showed that Rtn-T protein has two hydrophobic regions that may be membrane-spanning domains. Expression profiles showed that Rtn-T is specifically and strongly expressed in testis. The results of the present study indicate that the Rtn-T gene is differentially expressed in adult and fetal testes and encodes a membrane protein that may have a function in testis development.

A new indanone from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula that inhibits hypoxia-induced activation of the VEGF promoter in Hep3B cells

A new indanone (1) has been isolated from the filamentous marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, and its structure determined spectroscopically. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Compound 1 inhibits hypoxia-induced activation of the VEGF gene promoter in Hep3B human liver tumor cells, in vitro.

Visuo-tactile cross-modal associations in cortical somatosensory cells

Recent studies show that cells in the somatosensory cortex are involved in the short-term retention of tactile information. In addition, some somatosensory cells appear to retain visual information that has been associated with the touch of an object. The presence of such cells suggests that nontactile stimuli associated with touch have access to cortical neuron networks engaged in the haptic sense. Thus, we inferred that somatosensory cells would respond to behaviorally associated visual and tactile stimuli. To test this assumption, single units were recorded from the anterior parietal cortex (Brodmann's areas 3a, 3b, 1, and 2) of monkeys performing a visuo-haptic delay task, which required the memorization of a visual cue for a tactile choice. Most cells responding to that cue responded also to the corresponding object presented for tactile choice. Significant correlations were observed in some cells between their differential reactions to tactile objects and their differential reactions to the associated visual cues. Some cells were recorded in both the cross-modal task and a haptic unimodal task, where the animal had to retain a tactile cue for a tactile choice. In most of these cells, correlations were observed between stimulus-related firing in corresponding cue periods of the two tasks. These findings suggest that cells in somatosensory cortex are the components of neuronal networks representing tactile information. Associated visual stimuli may activate such networks through visuo-haptic associations established by behavioral training.

Receptors with opposing functions are in postsynaptic microdomains under one presynaptic terminal

Fast excitatory synaptic transmission through vertebrate autonomic ganglia is mediated by postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We demonstrate a unique postsynaptic receptor microheterogeneity on chick parasympathetic ciliary ganglion neurons-under one presynaptic terminal, nAChRs and glycine receptors formed separate but proximal clusters. Terminals were loaded with [3H]glycine via the glycine transporter-1 (GlyT-1), which localized to the cholinergic presynaptic terminal membrane; depolarization evoked [3H]glycine release that was calcium independent and blocked by the GlyT-1 inhibitor sarcosine. Ganglionic synaptic transmission mediated by nAChRs was attenuated by glycine. Coexistence of separate clusters of receptors with opposing functions under one terminal contradicts Dale's principle and provides a new mechanism for modulating synaptic activity in vivo.

High-frequency transitions in cortical spike trains related to short-term memory

Single-unit spike trains recorded from parietal cortex of monkeys performing a tactile short-term memory task show characteristic fluctuations (transitions) in their firing frequency that are related to memory. Spike trains recorded during the memory period, when the animal must retain information for the short term, show a higher rate of such transitions than spike trains recorded during intertrial baseline periods. In the present study, an analysis of multiple temporal resolutions over which these transitions are observed reveals that the memory-related transitions occur most prominently in the 25-50 Hz range. The results of this study suggest that, in the monkey, high frequency fluctuations of neuronal discharge in the parietal cortex are correlated with haptic short-term memory. The presence of such fluctuations are also consistent with theoretical models of short-term memory.

Symmetric temporal patterns in cortical spike trains during performance of a short-term memory task

The trion model is a highly structured representation of cortical organization, which predicts families of symmetric spatial-temporal firing patterns inherent in cortical activity. The symmetries of these inherent firing patterns are used by the brain in short-term memory to perform higher level computations. In the present study, symmetric temporal patterns were searched for in spike trains recorded from cells in parietal cortex of a monkey performing a short-term memory task. A new method of analysis was used to map neuronal firing into sequences of integers representing relative levels of firing rate about the mean (i.e. -1, 0 and 1). The results of this analysis show families of patterns related by symmetry operations. These operations are: i. the interchanging of all the +1's and -1's in a given pattern sequence (C symmetry), ii. the inverting of the temporal sequence of the mapping (T symmetry), and iii. the combination of the two previous operations (CT symmetry). Patterns of a given family are found across cells, especially in the memory periods of the task; in most cases they reoccur within a given spike train. The pattern families predicted by the model and reported here should be further investigated in multiple microelectrode and EEG recordings.

Neuronal activity of somatosensory cortex in a cross-modal (visuo-haptic) memory task

Studies have shown that in the monkey's associative cerebral cortex, cells undergo sustained activation of discharge while the animal retains information for a subsequent action. Recent work has revealed the presence of such "memory cells" in the anterior parietal cortex (Brodmann's areas 3a, 3b, 1, and 2)--the early stage of the cortical somatosensory system. Here we inferred that, in a cross-modal visuo-haptic short-term memory task, somatosensory cells would react to visual stimuli associated with tactile features. Single-unit discharge was recorded from the anterior parietal cortex--including areas of hand representation--of monkeys performing a visuo-haptic delayed matching-to-sample task. Units changed firing frequency during the presentation of a visual cue that the animal had to remember for making a correct tactile choice between two objects at the end of a delay (retention period). Some units showed sustained activation during the delay. In some of them that activation differed depending on the cue. These findings suggest that units in somatosensory cortex react to visual stimuli behaviorally associated with tactile information. Further, the results suggest that some of these neurons are involved in short-term active memory and may, therefore, be part of cross-modal memory networks.

Binary mapping of cortical spike trains in short-term memory

Microelectrode studies in monkeys performing short-term memory tasks show the sustained elevated discharge of cortical neurons during the retention of recalled sensory information. Cortical cells that are part of memory networks are assumed to receive numerous inputs of excitatory as well as inhibitory nature and local as well as remote. Thus it is reasonable to postulate that the temporal and spatial summation of diverse inputs on any cell in an activated network will result in temporally discrete groups of spikes in its firing. The activation of a network in active memory supposedly increases the magnitude and diversity of those inputs and thus increases the discontinuities and frequency fluctuations in the firing of cells in the network. In this study we use a new method of analysis that allows the quantification of firing discontinuities in a spike train. We apply it to parietal cells recorded from monkeys during the performance of a tactile short-term memory task. In our method, time is divided into bins of equal duration and the measure of discontinuities is the total count of the number of transitions between consecutive time bins with and without spikes. The results of the analysis show that in many of the cells studied, discontinuities (transitions between spiking and nonspiking) reflect memory-related activity obscured in the measures of raw spike frequency over a wide range of frequencies. These cells show more firing transitions in active short-term memory than in baseline (intertrial) conditions.

Molecular characterization of two mammalian bHLH-PAS domain proteins selectively expressed in the central nervous system

Here we describe two mammalian transcription factors selectively expressed in the central nervous system. Both proteins, neuronal PAS domain protein (NPAS) 1 and NPAS2, are members of the basic helix-loop-helix-PAS family of transcription factors. cDNAs encoding mouse and human forms of NPAS1 and NPAS2 have been isolated and sequenced. RNA blotting assays demonstrated the selective presence of NPAS1 and NPAS2 mRNAs in brain and spinal cord tissues of adult mice. NPAS1 mRNA was first detected at embryonic day 15 of mouse development, shortly after early organogenesis of the brain. NPAS2 mRNA was first detected during early postnatal development of the mouse brain. In situ hybridization assays using brain tissue of postnatal mice revealed an exclusively neuronal pattern of expression for NPAS1 and NPAS2 mRNAs. The human NPAS1 gene was mapped to chromosome 19q13.2-q13.3, and the mouse Npas1 gene to chromosome 7 at 2 centimorgans. Similarly, the human NPAS2 gene was assigned to chromosome 2p11.2-2q13, and the mouse Npas2 gene to chromosome 1 at 21-22 centimorgans. The chromosomal regions to which human NPAS1 and NPAS2 map are syntenic with those containing the mouse Npas1 and Npas2 genes, indicating that the mouse and human genes are true homologs.

Mnemonic neuronal activity in somatosensory cortex

Single-unit activity was recorded from the hand areas of the somatosensory cortex of monkeys trained to perform a haptic delayed matching to sample task with objects of identical dimensions but different surface features. During the memory retention period of the task (delay), many units showed sustained firing frequency change, either excitation or inhibition. In some cases, firing during that period was significantly higher after one sample object than after another. These observations indicate the participation of somatosensory neurons not only in the perception but in the short-term memory of tactile stimuli. Neurons most directly implicated in tactile memory are (i) those with object-selective delay activity, (ii) those with nondifferential delay activity but without activity related to preparation for movement, and (iii) those with delay activity in the haptic-haptic delayed matching task but no such activity in a control visuo-haptic delayed matching task. The results indicate that cells in early stages of cortical somatosensory processing participate in haptic short-term memory.

[Clinical and pathological changes of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head in children]

A total of 54 cases (73 hips) with ischemic necrosis of the femoral head after treatment of CDH have been followed up with an average of 7 years. We found that 89% cases of type I and 70% of type II recovered to normal and 83% cases of type III and IV developed the coxa breva deformity due to injury of longitudinal growth plate of the proximal end of the femur. According to the value of ATD, the coxa breva was divided into three types. The L shape growth disturbance line revealed by X-ray is considered as a marker for determination of early epiphyseal plate injury by the authors.

Two mechanisms underlying the induction of long-term potentiation in motor cortex of adult cat in vitro

Long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission (LTP), as documented by the enhancement of evoked field potentials in layer III following stimulation of the underlying white matter, has been studied in slices of motor cortex from adult cats. With a 1 M NaCl-filled recording electrode, LTP was induced only in one out of eight slices. When the recording electrode in addition contained 5 mM bicuculline metiodide, LTP was obtained with a much higher rate of success (15/19), suggesting that reduction of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition facilitated the induction of LTP in the motor cortex. Bath application of DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV, 100 microM) or Ni2+ (100 microM) significantly reduced the success rate for LTP occurrence (6/16 and 5/16, respectively); but when LTP was induced, it did not show significant change in magnitude and time course. In slices perfused with APV (100 microM) plus Ni2+ (100 microM), LTP induction was completely blocked (0/12). These results suggest that two different mechanisms may subserve LTP induction in the cat motor cortex: one is mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and can be blocked by APV; the other may be mediated by low-threshold calcium channels and can be blocked by Ni2+.