[Comparison of the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the microbiota composition and diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of autogeny in Cx. pipiens pallens.

METHODS

Autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples were collected at 25 ℃, and the hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The microbiota abundance and diversity were evaluated using the alpha diversity index, and the difference in the microbiota structure was examined using the beta diversity index. The microbiota with significant differences in the abundance between autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples was identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe).

RESULTS

The microbiota in autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples belonged to 18 phyla, 28 classes, 70 orders, 113 families, and 170 genera, and the dominant phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and so on. At the genus level, Wolbachia was a common dominant genus, and the relative abundance was (77.6 ± 11.3)% in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples and (47.5 ± 8.5)% in anautogenous mosquito samples, while Faecalibaculum (0.4% ± 0.1%), Dubosiella (0.5% ± 0.0%) and Massilia (0.5% ± 0.1%) were specific species in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples. Alpha diversity analysis showed that higher Chao1 index and ACE index in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples (both P values > 0.05), and lower Shannon index (P > 0.05) and Simpson index (P < 0.05) in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples. LEfSe analysis showed a total of 48 significantly different taxa between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples (all P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant difference in the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens.

Comparative investigation of transport and deposition of nebulized particles in nasal airways following various middle turbinectomy

BACKGROUND

Topical intranasal medication is required following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The optimal particle size of transnasal nebulization aimed at the sinonasal cavities is not conclusive. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of particle size and various surgery scope of middle turbinectomy (MT) on post-full FESS drug delivery to the sinonasal cavities.

METHODS

Sinonasal reconstructions were performed from post-full FESS CT scans in 6 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. Four additional models representing alternative surgery scopes of MT were established from each post-FESS reconstruction for simulation data comparison. Airflow and particle deposition of nebulized delivery were simulated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and validated through in vitro experiments. The optimal particle sizes reaching a deposition of at least 75% of the maximum in the targeted regions were identified.

RESULTS

The drug deposition rate onto the targeted regions increased following MT, with the greatest deposition following posterior MT (P-MT). Droplets in the range of 18-26 μm reached a deposition of larger than 75% of the maximum onto the targeted regions. Drug delivery rate in the sinonasal cavities varied significantly among individuals and across different types of MT with varying surgical scopes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to investigate the effect of various surgery scope on drug delivery by transnasal nebulization to the sinonasal cavities. The findings strongly affirm the vast potential of transnasal nebulization as an effective post-FESS treatment option. Moreover, it emphasizes that the drug delivery process via atomizers to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is highly sensitive to the particle size.

[A multicenter prospective study on early identification of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children]

Objective: To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results: A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95%CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion: In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

[Clinical analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for seven cases of acute myeloid leukemia with BCR::ABL1 fusion]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with BCR::ABL1 fusion. Methods: The clinical data of seven AML patients with BCR::ABL1 fusion from November 2012 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and their survival status was followed up. Results: The median age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 35 years. Four cases (57.1%) were diagnosed with high leukocyte counts. All cases were assayed as BCR::ABL1 positive and accompanied by four types of gene mutations (NPM1, RUNX1, ASXL1, PHF6) . Seven patients received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined with induction chemotherapy and bridged to allo-HSCT, and six patients received maintenance therapy with TKI. Before allo-HSCT, six patients achieved complete remission, and four patients achieved complete molecular remission (CMR) . After allo-HSCT, the three remaining cases also achieved CMR. All patients were in remission post-allo-HSCT. One case died of infection, and the remaining cases survived without relapse. The 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was (80.0±17.9) %. Conclusions: TKI combined with traditional chemotherapy could achieve a high response rate in AML patients with BCR::ABL1 fusion. In addition, allo-HSCT could enhance the molecular response rate. Maintenance therapy post-HSCT with TKI could improve prognosis.

Threshold of 25(OH)D and consequently adjusted parathyroid hormone reference intervals: data mining for relationship between vitamin D and parathyroid hormone

PURPOSE

By recruiting reference population, we aimed to (1): estimate the 25(OH)D threshold that maximally inhibits the PTH, which can be defined as the cutoff value for vitamin D sufficiency; (2) establish the PTH reference interval (RI) in population with sufficient vitamin D.

METHODS

Study data were retrieved from LIS (Laboratory Information Management System) under literature suggested criteria, and outliers were excluded using Tukey fence method. Locally weighted regression (LOESS) and segmented regression (SR) were conducted to estimate the threshold of 25(OH)D. Multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the associations between PTH concentration and variables including 25(OH)D, gender, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), body mass index (BMI), albumin-adjusted serum calcium (aCa), serum phosphate(P), serum magnesium(Mg), and blood collection season. Z test was adopted to evaluate whether the reference interval should be stratified by determinants such as age and gender.

RESULTS

A total of 64,979 apparently healthy subjects were recruited in this study, with median (Q1, Q3) 25(OH)D of 45.33 (36.15, 57.50) nmol/L and median (Q1, Q3) PTH of 42.19 (34.24, 52.20) ng/L. The segmented regression determined the 25(OH)D threshold of 55 nmol/L above which PTH would somewhat plateau and of 22 nmol/L below which PTH would rise steeply. Multivariate linear regression suggested that gender, EGFR, and BMI were independently associated with PTH concentrations. The PTH RI was calculated as 22.17-72.72 ng/L for subjects with 25(OH)D ≥ 55 nmol/L with no necessity of stratification according to gender, age, menopausal status nor season.

CONCLUSION

This study reported 25(OH)D thresholds of vitamin D sufficiency at 55 nmol/L and vitamin D deficiency at 22 nmol/L, and consequently established PTH RIs in subjects with sufficient vitamin D for northern China population for the first time.

[Untargeted metabolomics study of dexamethasone-induced congenital cleft palate in New Zealand rabbits]

Objective: To investigate the metabolic disorders in placental tissues of dexamethasone induced cleft palate mode. Methods: Twelve pregnant rabbits were randomly divided into dexamethasone group (experimental group, 8) and saline control group (4), and a certain amount of dexamethasone and saline were administered intramuscularly to the experimental and control groups respectively from embryonic days (ED) 13 to 16, and placental tissue samples were collected on day 21 of gestation. The corresponding profiles of the embryonic placental tissue samples were obtained by liquid chromatography-triple tandem quadrupole(LC-MS), and the metabolites of the embryonic placental tissues were characterized by principal component analysis among the dexamethasone-treated group with cleft palate (D-CP group), the dexamethasone-treated group without cleft palate (D-NCP group) and the control group. Results: There were significant metabolic differences among the D-CP group, D-NCP group and control group, with a total of 133 differential metabolites (VIP>1, P<0.05) involving in important metabolic pathways including vitamin B6 metabolism, lysine metabolism, arginine anabolic metabolism, and galactose metabolism. The four metabolites, vitamin B6, galactose, lysine and urea, differed among the three groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in vitamin B6 (0.960±0.249, 0.856±0.368, 1.319±0.322), galactose (0.888±0.171, 1.033±0.182, 1.127±0.127), lysine (1.551±0.924, 1.789±1.435, 0.541±0.424) and urea (0.743±0.142, 1.137±0.301, 1.171±0.457, respectively) levels among control group, D-NCP group and D-CP group (F=5.90, P=0.008; F=5.59, P=0.009; F=4.26, P=0.025; F=5.29, P=0.012). Conclusions: The results indicated that dexamethasone induced cleft palate may be highly correlated with metabolic disorders including vitamin B6 metabolism, lysine metabolism, arginine anabolic metabolism and galactose metabolism.

Directly imaging excited state-resolved transient structures of water induced by valence and inner-shell ionisation

Real-time imaging of transient structure of the electronic excited state is fundamentally critical to understand and control ultrafast molecular dynamics. The ejection of electrons from the inner-shell and valence level can lead to the population of different excited states, which trigger manifold ultrafast relaxation processes, however, the accurate imaging of such electronic state-dependent structural evolutions is still lacking. Here, by developing the laser-induced electron recollision-assisted Coulomb explosion imaging approach and molecular dynamics simulations, snapshots of the vibrational wave-packets of the excited (A) and ground states (X) of D2O+ are captured simultaneously with sub-10 picometre and few-femtosecond precision. We visualise that θDOD and ROD are significantly increased by around 50∘ and 10 pm, respectively, within approximately 8 fs after initial ionisation for the A state, and the ROD further extends 9 pm within 2 fs along the ground state of the dication in the present condition. Moreover, the ROD can stretch more than 50 pm within 5 fs along autoionisation state of dication. The accuracies of the results are limited by the simulations. These results provide comprehensive structural information for studying the fascinating molecular dynamics of water, and pave the way towards to make a movie of excited state-resolved ultrafast molecular dynamics and light-induced chemical reaction.

Time-Resolved Resonant Auger Scattering Clocks Distortion of a Molecule

Resonant Auger scattering (RAS) provides information on the core-valence electronic transition and impresses a rich fingerprint of the electronic structure and nuclear configuration at the time-initiating RAS process. Here, we suggest using a femtosecond X-ray pulse to trigger RAS in a distorted molecule, which is generated from the nuclear evolution on a valence excited state pumped by a femtosecond ultraviolet pulse. With the time delay varied, the amount of molecular distortion can be controlled and the RAS measurements imprint both their electronic structures and changing geometries. This strategy is showcased in H₂O prepared in an O-H dissociative valence state, where molecular and fragment lines appear in RAS spectra as signatures of ultrafast dissociation. Given the generality of this approach for a broad class of molecules, this work opens a new alternative pump-probe technique for mapping the core and valence dynamics with ultrashort X-ray probe pulses.

Experimental and Theoretical Study on Electron Momentum Spectroscopy of SF6: Distorted-Wave and Vibrational Motion

The vibrational and distorted-wave effects are usually invoked to explain the measured electron momentum profiles for molecular orbitals. The vibrational effect can be accounted for quantitatively by a harmonic analytical quantum mechanical approach within the plane-wave impulse approximation (PWIA). On the other hand, quantitative calculation considering the distorted-wave effect was available only recently by a multicenter-three-distorted-wave (MCTDW) method (Phys. Rev. A2022, 105, 042805). Here, we report a joint experimental and theoretical investigation on electron momentum spectroscopy of SF₆. The experiments were performed using a high-sensitivity (e, 2e) spectrometer employing non-coplanar symmetric geometry with incident electron energy equal to 1200 eV + binding energy. The experimental electron momentum profiles are compared with theoretical calculations by the MCTDW method at equilibrium geometry and by the PWIA method both at equilibrium geometry and considering vibrational motions. For all the measured orbitals, large discrepancies were observed between the experiments and the PWIA calculations at equilibrium geometry. For the highest occupied molecular orbital 1t_1g, the vibrational effect can partly explain the high intensity of the experimental momentum profile at low momenta. For the other orbitals, the influence of the vibrational effect is negligible. On the other hand, the MCTDW calculations improve the agreement with the experiments for all the observed orbitals, indicating that the distorted-wave effect plays an important role in reproducing the measured momentum profiles of SF₆.

Fragmentation of SO2 q+ (q = 2-4) induced by 1 keV electron collision

We report an investigation on the fragmentation dynamics of SO₂ ^q+ (q = 2-4) induced by 1 keV electron collision utilizing an ion momentum imaging spectrometer. Six complete Coulomb explosion channels were observed using the time-of-flight correlation map. The kinetic energy release distributions for these channels were obtained and compared with those available in the literature. The fragmentation mechanisms of the three-body dissociation channels were analyzed by the Dalitz plots and Newton diagrams. Both concerted breakup and sequential fragmentation pathways were identified in the channel SO₂ ³⁺ → O⁺ + O⁺ + S⁺, whereas only the concerted breakup mechanism was confirmed for the channels SO₂ ⁴⁺ → O⁺ + O⁺ + S²⁺ and SO₂ ⁴⁺ → O²⁺ + O⁺ + S⁺. Using the Coulomb explosion model, we determined the molecular geometry from the concerted fragmentation channels, and the obtained bond lengths and angles from the higher kinetic energy release peaks are close to that of the neutral SO₂ obtained by high-level quantum chemical calculation. The present results indicate that the electron impact experiment is a potential tool for the Coulomb explosion imaging of small molecules.

Heart rate variability and meditation: a meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Meditation can induce changes in autonomic balance, which can benefit cardiovascular health. The present meta-analysis evaluated changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in meditators.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for primary prospective studies using the search terms ‘heart rate variability’ and ‘meditation’ until January 18th, 2019. The statistical significance of the difference between subgroups is evaluated by the standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P-value. I2 value was used to assess the statistical heterogeneity between the included studies.

Results

Twenty-one studies involving 538 meditators (experienced= 209, beginners= 329) and 334 controls (mean age= 40.61, 35% male) were included. Regarding time-domain indices, no statistically significant differences were observed when assessing HRV between i) meditators versus controls (SMD= -0.17; 95% CI: [-0.50, 0.17]; p= 0.30; I2= 0%), ii) pre- versus post-meditation (SMD= -0.41; 95% CI: [-1.10, 0.28]; p= 0.25; I2= 80%) or iii) at baseline versus during meditation (SMD= -0.40; 95% CI: [-0.94, 0.14]; p= 0.14; I2= 72%). Pertaining to frequency-domain indices, analysis of low frequency (LF), normalized low frequency (LFnu) and high frequency (HF) between i) meditators versus controls, ii) at baseline versus post-meditation and iii) at baseline versus during meditation yet again did not show any variations. Seven studies assessed normalized high frequency (HFnu) at baseline versus during meditation collectively demonstrated a significantly higher HFnu during meditation in beginners with notable heterogeneity (SMD= 1.29; 95% CI: [0.09, 2.49]; p= 0.04; I2= 95). Moreover, LF/HF was evaluated by seven studies at baseline versus during meditation. Both meta-analysis (SMD= 0.76; 95% CI: [-0.17, 1.69]; p= 0.11; I2= 94%) as well as subset analysis of experienced meditators (SMD= -0.46; 95% CI: [-0.88, -0.03]; p= 0.03; I2= 0%) revealed a significantly lower LF/HF at baseline.

Conclusions

Short-term changes in HRV indices were observed during meditation, but there is limited evidence for significant long-term effects.

Microrods synthesized of MoO3 with corn straw as biological templates and its electrochemical performance in aqueous aluminum-ion battery

ABSTRACT. In this paper, MoO3 microrods were prepared using corn straw as biological template via roasting process The components and crystal characterization of the material were investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD)，scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the electrochemistry property and mechanism were studied. The results showed that the MoO3 material synthesized by template method is orthorhombic structures. The MoO3 particles were submicron and micron rods with uniform distribution and a smooth surface. MoO3 microrods had an average diameter that ranged from 1 to 2 μm. The result indicated that the MoO3 as the new negative of aluminum battery delivers a higher discharge capacity of 190 mA·h·g-1 at a scanning rate of 1 mV·s-1, which showing good capacity and cycling performance.                     KEY WORDS: Biological template, Corn straw, Aqueous aluminum-ion battery, MoO3   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(3), 669-675. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i3.17

Ruling Out Real-Valued Standard Formalism of Quantum Theory

Standard quantum theory was formulated with complex-valued Schrödinger equations, wave functions, operators, and Hilbert spaces. Previous work attempted to simulate quantum systems using only real numbers by exploiting an enlarged Hilbert space. A fundamental question arises: are the complex numbers really necessary in the standard formalism of quantum theory? To answer this question, a quantum game has been developed to distinguish standard quantum theory from its real-number analog, by revealing a contradiction between a high-fidelity multiqubit quantum experiment and players using only real-number quantum theory. Here, using superconducting qubits, we faithfully realize the quantum game based on deterministic entanglement swapping with a state-of-the-art fidelity of 0.952. Our experimental results violate the real-number bound of 7.66 by 43 standard deviations. Our results disprove the real-number formulation and establish the indispensable role of complex numbers in the standard quantum theory.

IP3R1/GRP75/VDAC1 complex mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress in diabetic atrial remodeling

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China

Background

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is an important mechanism of atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of diabetes. Currently, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is regarded as the key link from homeostasis to dysfunction, and is a central feature of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have not been fully elucidated.

Objective

To explore the potential role of ER stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress in atrial remodeling and AF induction in diabetes.

Methods

 Mouse atrial cardiomyocytes (HL-1 cells) , type 2 diabetic rats and GRP75 conditional knockout mice were used as models systems. These findings were correlated with biomarker findings in human diabetic patients with confirmed atrial fibrillation.

Results

 In the diabetic rat atria, significant ER stress was observed. Treatment with tunicamycin (TM), an ER stress agonist, mass spectrometry (MS) demonstrated many known ER stress and calmodulin proteins, including Heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member (Hspa) 5 (GRP78) and Hspa9 (GRP75) and in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) indicated that TM led to increased protein expression of the IP3R1 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors 1)/GRP75 (glucose-regulated protein 75)/VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) complex in HL-1 cells. Silencing of GRP75 using siRNA in HL-1 cells and GRP75 conditional knockout in our mouse model led to impaired calcium transport from the ER to mitochondria, and alleviated mitochondrial oxidative stress and calcium overload. Moreover, GRP75 deficiency attenuates atrial remodeling and AF progression in Myh6-Cre+/Hspa9flox/flox + TM mice.

Conclusions

 The IP3R1/GRP75/VDAC1 complex mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress plays an important role in diabetic atrial remodeling. Abstract Figure

Efficacy and safety of alginate formulations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Alginate formulations are increasingly being used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the benefits of alginate versus control or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are somewhat unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize data from recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of alginate-based formulation with PPIs or control for the treatment of GERD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BioMed Central, CENTRAL, and Google scholar databases were searched from 1st January 2000 to 15th June 2020. Primary outcome was a reduction of symptoms while secondary outcomes were adverse events and treatment withdrawals. Ten articles with 11 RCTs were included.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis of four trials indicated better outcomes with alginates vs. placebo/antacids. Our pooled analysis, however, indicated no statistically significant difference between alginates and placebo/antacids for relief of heartburn, regurgitation, or dyspepsia. Similarly, no difference was seen between a combination of alginate and PPI vs. PPI alone for reduction of heartburn, regurgitation, or dyspepsia symptoms. The risk of adverse events and treatment withdrawal did not differ between the two groups in either comparison. Descriptive analysis of studies comparing alginate vs. PPI indicated no difference between the two drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that alginates may have greater efficacy than placebo/antacids in improving outcomes of GERD. However, current evidence on the efficacy of alginate-based formulations vs. PPI or the role of added alginates with PPI is questionable, and suggests no difference between the two drugs. The risk of adverse events with alginates is no greater than that of placebo or PPIs.

Fragmentation dynamics of nitrogen trifluoride induced by electron collision

The fragmentation dynamics of nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) in collisions with a 500 eV electron is studied by using a momentum imaging spectrometer. The kinetic energy releases of two-body, three-body, and four-body fragmentation channels of NF₃ ^q+ (q = 2, 3) are investigated. The fragmentation dynamics of three-body, as well as four-body, dissociation channels is analyzed by the Dalitz plot and the Newton diagram. It is found that for all of the dissociation channels, the fragment including N atom (ion) always shares significant momenta, regardless of whether it is charged. For F atom, however, it is always emitted with negligible momenta.

P5438Cardiac abnormalities after induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and connexin43 expression

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for protein synthesis and calcium storage. ER stress, reflected by protein unfolding and calcium handling abnormalities, has been studied as a pathogenetic factor in cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ER stress on mechanical and electrophysiological functions in the heart and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into control, ER stress induction (tunicamycin) and ER stress inhibition (4-phenylbutyric acid, 4-PBA) groups.

Results

ER stress induction led to significantly systolic and diastolic dysfunction as reflected by maximal increasing/decreasing rate of left intraventricular pressure (±dp/dt), LV peak systolic pressure, LV development pressure and LV end-diastolic pressure. Epicardial electrical mapping performed in vivo revealed reduced conduction velocity, increased conduction heterogeneity and spontaneous ventricular tachycardia. Masson's trichrome staining revealed marked fibrosis in the myocardial interstitium and sub-pericardium and thickened epicardium. Western blot analysis revealed increased pro-fibrotic factor TGF-β1, decreased mitochondrial biogenesis protein PGC-1a, decreased mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2. These changes were associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and connexin 43 translocation to mitochondria. These abnormalities can be partially prevented by the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA.

Conclusions

Our study shows that ER stress induction can produce cardiac electrical and mechanism dysfunction as well as structural remodeling. Mitochondrial function alterations are contributed by CX43 transposition to mitochondria. These abnormalities can be partially prevented by the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81570298 to T.L.)

P1890Pioglitazone inhibits diabetes-induced atrial mitochondrial oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and function through the PGC-1 signaling pathway

Background

Oxidative stress contributes to adverse atrial remodeling in diabetes mellitus. This can be prevented by the PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose

In this study, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were investigated.

Methods

Rabbits were randomly divided into control (C), diabetic (DM), and pioglitazone-treated DM (Pio) groups. Echocardiographic, hemodynamic, electrophysiological, intracellular Ca2+ properties were measured. Serum PPAR-γ levels, serum and tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, mitochondrial morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rate, respiratory function, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels were measured. Protein expression of pro-fibrotic marker transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and the mitochondrial proteins (PGC-1α, fission and fusion-related proteins) were measured.

Results

Compared with controls, the DM group demonstrated larger left atrial diameter and fibrosis area associated with a higher incidence of inducible AF. Lower serum PPAR-γ level was associated with lower PGC-1α, higher NF-κB and higher TGF-β1 expression. Mn-SOD protein was not different but lower mitochondrial fission- and fusion-related proteins were detected. Mitochondrial swelling, higher mitochondrial ROS, lower respiratory control rate, lower MMP and higher intracellular Ca2+ transients were observed. In the Pio group, reversal of structural remodeling and lower inducible AF incidence were associated with higher PPAR-γ and PGC-1α. NF-κB and TGF-β1 were lower and biogenesis, fission and fusion-related protein were higher. Mitochondrial structure and function, and intracellular Ca2+ transients were improved. In HL-1 cell line, transfected with PGC-1α siRNA blunted the effect of pioglitazone on Mn-SOD protein expression and MMP collapse in H2O2-treated cells.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus induces adverse atrial structural and electrophysiological remodeling, abnormal Ca2+ handling and mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Pioglitazone prevented these abnormalities through the PPAR-γ/PGC-1α pathway.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (No 81570298, 81270245, 30900618 to T.L.)

P2838The impact of anesthesia depth on catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Objectives

This meta-analysis and systematic review seeks to compare both characteristic parameters and procedural outcomes of catheter ablation in patients under GA/deep sedation and mild/moderate sedation.

Background

Catheter ablation has become a widely applied intervention for treating symptomatic AF and arrhythmias that are refractory to medical therapy. It can be conducted through from mild sedation to general anesthesia.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched up to July 2018 for randomized controlled trials, cohort and observational studies that assessed the outcomes of catheter ablation under GA/deep sedation or mild/moderate sedation. 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis after screening with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Heterogeneity between studies and publication bias was evaluated by I2 index and Egger's regression, respectively.

Results

Our meta-analysis found catheter AF ablation with GA/deep sedation to be associated with reduced risk of recurrence (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.13, P=0.20) and complications (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.42, P=0.82), though statistically insignificant. In terms of procedural parameters, there was non-significant difference between the two groups when both procedural time (SMD: −0.13, 95% CI: −0.90 to 0.63, P=0.74) and fluoroscopy time (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −1.40 to 0.58, P=0.41) were considered. Multivariate meta-regression demonstrated hypertension as an independent moderating factor for complication risk.

Complications Comparison

Conclusion

Apart from an increased likelihood of procedural success, ablation by GA/deep sedation was found to be non-significantly different from the mild/moderate sedation approach in both procedural parameters and outcome measures.

Fragmentation dynamics of CS2 in collisions with 1.0 keV electrons

The dissociation dynamics of CS₂ molecules in collisions with 1.0 keV electrons is studied. We observe a series of two- and three-body fragmentation channels which are identified from the correlation map between fragment ions. For all of the channels, the kinetic energy release (KER) distributions are obtained. The Dalitz plot and Newton diagram are adopted to analyze the fragmentation dynamics of the three-body dissociation channels. For C S 2 3 + and C S 2 4 + , both the concerted and sequential fragmentation mechanisms are observed where the concerted mechanism dominates. For C S 2 5 + , only the concerted mechanism is observed. Two types of Coulomb explosion models considering the molecular vibration are adopted to simulate the experimental KER distributions of the three-body channels. While obvious deviations are observed considering each ion during the whole dissociation process with an integer charge, good agreement can be achieved within deviation less than 5% if the charge state of the ions are adopted from ab initio calculations.

Acute Cellular Rejection and Infection Rates in Alemtuzumab vs Traditional Induction Therapy Agents for Lung and Heart Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Heart and lung transplantation is a high-risk procedure requiring intensive immunosuppressive therapy for preventing organ rejection. Alemtuzumab, a CD52-specific monoclonal antibody, is increasingly used for induction therapy compared with conventional agents. However, there has been no systematic review comparing its efficacy with traditional therapeutic drugs.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched to October 1, 2017, for articles on alemtuzumab in cardiothoracic transplant surgery. Of the 433 studies retrieved, 8 were included in the final meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In lung transplantation, alemtuzumab use was associated with lower odds of acute cellular rejection compared with antithymocyte globulin (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.11-0.40; P < .001), lower acute rejection rates (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.55; P < .01), and infection rates (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.35-1.36; P = .33) when compared with basiliximab. Multivariate meta-regression analysis found that mean age, male sex, single lung transplant, double lung transplant, cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus status, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and mean ischemic time did not significantly influence acute rejection outcomes. For heart transplantation, alemtuzumab use was associated with lower acute rejection rates when compared with tacrolimus (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30-0.66; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Alemtuzumab use was associated with lower rejection rates when compared with conventional induction therapy agents (antithymocyte globulin, basiliximab, and tacrolimus) in heart and lung transplantation. However, this was based on observational studies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify its clinical use.

Theoretical study of (e, 2e) triple differential cross sections of tetrahydrofuran using multicenter distorted-wave method

We present in this work a theoretical study of the triple differential cross sections for electron-impact single ionization of 12a' and 9b orbitals of a tetrahydrofuran molecule. The calculations are performed by the multicenter distorted-wave (MCDW) method in coplanar asymmetric kinematics with an incident electron energy of 250 eV, where previous (e, 2e) experiments and theories are available for comparison. The present calculations reproduce the experimental measurements satisfactorily, indicating that the MCDW method can be easily extended to study biomolecules with sufficiently high calculation efficiency.

Review of the role of leptin in the regulation of male reproductive function

Since discovered in 1994, leptin has been thought to be a pleiotropic hormone that regulates food intake, controls energy balance in the body and influences multiple tissues in the body. Leptin plays an important mediating role in the regulation of neuroendocrine and can transmit the nutritional status signals to the reproductive-related central nervous system. Many studies have shown that leptin may play an important role in the control of reproductive function. Leptin can act on all levels of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and may have local effects on the function of testis and spermatogenesis. Leptin is critical for puberty initiation and can also modulate testosterone synthesis by downregulating cAMP-dependent activation of steroidogenic genes expressions. Leptin is found to be higher in infertile men than in normal subjects. Yet, the exact role of leptin in the regulation of male reproductive function remains incomplete. The purpose of this review was to summarise the recent research about the biological effects of leptin on male reproductive system. In-depth study of leptin in reproductive system will help to reveal the pathogenesis of infertility and provide new treatment ideas for human assisted reproductive technology.

Fragmentation dynamics of carbonyl sulfide in collision with 500 eV electron

The fragmentation dynamics of OCS^q+ (q = 2, 3, 4) induced by electron collision at an impact energy of 500 eV is studied. By using the momentum imaging technique, the three dimensional momentum vectors of all the fragments are obtained, which enables us to analyse both the kinetic energy release and the momentum correlations for a certain fragmentation channel. Up to fifteen dissociation channels are analyzed including six, five, and four channels for two-body, and incomplete and complete three-body Coulomb fragmentations. For three-body dissociation, the fragmentation mechanisms are investigated with the help of Dalitz plot and Newton diagram. It is found that the sequential fragmentation involves in OCS²⁺→O+C⁺+S⁺ with S⁺ emitted first and in OCS³⁺→O⁺+C⁺+S⁺ with O-C and C-S bonds breaking first. The remaining channels, however, always dissociate through a concerted mechanism. The relative intensities of the channels are also presented in this work.

[Relationship between decreased expression of inhibin B and spermatogenesis dysfunction in rats testis]

Objective: To explore the effects of varicocele on the expressions of inhibin B in rat testes and the relationship between expression of inhibin B and spermatogenesis dysfunction. Methods: Twenty specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into two groups with random number table: 4-week control group (C4) and 4-week experimental group(V4). Experimental varicocele was created by partial ligation of left renal vein in the V4 group; vein isolation without ligation was performed in the C4 group.Spermatogenetic function in the two groups were assessed. The expression of inhibin B in the rat testis was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, the expressions of inhibin B, Fas and Fas ligand(FasL)mRNA measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), and the inhibin B protein expression by Western blot. Results: In comparison of spermatogenetic function in left rat testes, the Johnsen scores in the V4 group were significantly lower than those in the C4 group (9.79±0.05 vs 9.97±0.02, P=0.023), the seminiferous epithelium in the V4 group was significantly thinner than that in the C4 group [(48.35±0.99)μm vs (57.58±1.98)μm, P=0.000], and the number of sperms in the left epididymis was significantly lower than in the right one in the V4 group [(933±161)×10⁶/(ml·g) vs(1 552±184)×10⁶/(ml·g), P=0.017]. Both Western blot and immunohistochemical assay showed that the expression of inhibin B in the rat testes was significantly lower in the V4 group than in the C4 group(0.407±0.053 vs 0.608±0.076, P=0.038; 0.161±0.004 vs 0.183±0.005, P=0.008). RT-PCR also detected reduced expression of inhibin B mRNA in the V4 group compared with the C4 group(0.522±0.050 vs 1.106±0.210, P=0.003. Compared to the C4 group, the expression of Fas mRNA in the V4 group was significantly lower, while the expression of FasL mRNA in the V4 group was significantly higher(P=0.019, 0.015). Conclusions: Varicocele can lead to decreased expressions of inhibin B in rat testes and cause spermatogenesis dysfunction. There may be a close correlation between down-regulation ofinhibin B expression and spermatogenesis dysfunction.Inhibin B may play a significant rolein the mechanisms underlying male infertility due to varicocele.

Long-term exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites inhibited erythroid differentiation and elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes

Benzene is a common occupational hazard and a widespread environmental pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that 72 h exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells accompanied with elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes. However, little is known about the effects of long-term and low-dose benzene metabolite exposure. In this study, to elucidate the effects of long-term benzene metabolite exposure on erythroid differentiation, K562 cells were treated with low-concentration phenol, hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol for at least 3 weeks. After exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites, hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis declined in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and the hemin-induced expressions of α-, β- and γ-globin genes and heme synthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, when K562 cells were continuously cultured without benzene metabolites for another 20 days after exposure to benzene metabolites for 4 weeks, the decreased erythroid differentiation capabilities still remained stable in hydroquinone- and 1,2,4-benzenetriol-exposed cells, but showed a slow increase in phenol-exposed K562 cells. In addition, methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine significantly blocked benzene metabolites inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis and expression of erythroid genes. Quantitative MassARRAY methylation analysis also confirmed that the exposure to benzene metabolites increased DNA methylation levels at several CpG sites in several erythroid-specific genes and their far-upstream regulatory elements. These results demonstrated that long-term and low-dose exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited the hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, in which DNA methylation played a role through the suppression of erythroid specific genes.

[The relationship between group B streptococcus genital infection and premature rupture of membrane]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the group B streptococcal (GBS) genital infection of the pregnant women and premature rupture of membrane (PROM).

METHODS

Five hundred and eighty seven cases in our hospital maternity clinic or hospital delivery of pregnant women were enrolled from October 2014 to December 2014, including 189 cases of pregnant women with PROM as the observation group and 398 cases of pregnant women without PROM as a control group.GBS in their rectum and vagina secretion was separated and tested by using Group B Streptococcus Chromogenic Agar.

RESULTS

Fifty eight cases were detected GBS positive in all 587 pregnant women.The positive rate was 9.9%.In 189 cases of PROM, 37 cases were GBS positive and the positive rate was 19.6%.While in 398 cases of normal pregnant women, 21 cases were positive and the positive rate was 5.3%.The difference has statistically significant (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

GBS infection may be a risk factor for the occurrence of PROM.Psychological counseling, health education and antibiotics should be applied to the GBS positive pregnant women as a preventive strategy.

Characterizing the boundary lateral to the shear direction of deformation twins in magnesium

The three-dimensional nature of twins, especially the atomic structures and motion mechanisms of the boundary lateral to the shear direction of the twin, has never been characterized at the atomic level, because such boundary is, in principle, crystallographically unobservable. We thus refer to it here as the dark side of the twin. Here, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomistic simulations, we characterize the dark side of deformation twins in magnesium. It is found that the dark side is serrated and comprised of coherent twin boundaries and semi-coherent twist prismatic–prismatic boundaries that control twin growth. The conclusions of this work apply to the same twin mode in other hexagonal close-packed materials, and the conceptual ideas discussed here should hold for all twin modes in crystalline materials.

Twin propagation involves three-dimensional normal, forward and lateral motion of twin interfaces with respect to the twinning shear direction. Here, the authors combine electron microscopy and atomistic simulations to study the until now unknown lateral structure of tensile deformation twins in magnesium.

Bidirectional pumped high power Raman fiber laser

This paper presents a 3.89 kW 1123 nm Raman all-fiber laser with an overall optical-to-optical efficiency of 70.9%. The system consists of a single-wavelength (1070nm) seed and one-stage bidirectional 976 nm non-wavelength-stabilized laser diodes (LDs) pumped Yb-doped fiber amplifier. The unique part of this system is the application of non-wavelength-stabilized LDs in high power bidirectional pumping configuration fiber amplifier via refractive index valley fiber combiners. This approach not only increases the pump power, but also shortens the length of fiber by avoiding the usage of multi-stage amplifier. Through both theoretical research and experiment, the bidirectional pumping configuration presented in this paper proves to be able to convert 976 nm pump laser to 1070 nm laser via Yb³⁺ transfer, which is then converted into 1123 nm Raman laser via the first-order Raman effect without the appearance of any higher-order Raman laser.

Understanding and controlling airborne organic compounds in the indoor environment: mass transfer analysis and applications

Mass transfer is key to understanding and controlling indoor airborne organic chemical contaminants (e.g., VVOCs, VOCs, and SVOCs). In this study, we first introduce the fundamentals of mass transfer and then present a series of representative works from the past two decades, focusing on the most recent years. These works cover: (i) predicting and controlling emissions from indoor sources, (ii) determining concentrations of indoor air pollutants, (iii) estimating dermal exposure for some indoor gas-phase SVOCs, and (iv) optimizing air-purifying approaches. The mass transfer analysis spans the micro-, meso-, and macroscales and includes normal mass transfer modeling, inverse problem solving, and dimensionless analysis. These representative works have reported some novel approaches to mass transfer. Additionally, new dimensionless parameters such as the Little number and the normalized volume of clean air being completely cleaned in a given time period were proposed to better describe the general process characteristics in emissions and control of airborne organic compounds in the indoor environment. Finally, important problems that need further study are presented, reflecting the authors' perspective on the research opportunities in this area.

Experimental reconstruction of cervical esophageal defect with artificial esophagus made of polyurethane in a dog model

The defect of esophagus after surgical excision in patients is usually replaced by autologous stomach, jejunum, or colon. The operation brings severe trauma and complications. Using artificial esophagus to replace the defect in situ can reduce the operative trauma, simplify the operative procedures, and decrease the influence to digestive function. A variety of experiments have been designed for developing a practical artificial esophagus. Nevertheless, a safe and reliable artificial esophagus is not yet available. The objective is to evaluate the possibility of the artificial esophagus made of non-degradable polyurethane materials being used in reconstruction of the segmental defect of cervical esophagus in beagles, observe the regeneration of esophageal tissue, and gather experience for future study. The cervical esophageal defects in 13 beagles were designed to 2-cm long and were constructed by the artificial esophagus made of non-degradable polyurethane materials. Nutrition supports were given after the operation. The operative mortality, anastomotic leakage, migration of artificial esophagus, and dysphagia were followed up. The regeneration of the esophageal tissues was evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemical labeled streptavidin-biotin method. The surgical procedures were successfully completed in all beagles, and 12-month follow-ups were done. Only one beagle died of severe infection, and all others survived until being killed. The anastomotic leakage occurred in nine beagles, most of them (8/9) were cured after supportive therapy. The migration of artificial esophagus occurred in all 12 surviving beagles, and one artificial esophagus stayed in situ after migration. All 12 surviving beagles showed dysphagia with taking only fluid or soft food. No beagle died of malnutrition. The neo-esophagus was composed of granulation tissue, and the inner surface was covered by epithelium in 2-3 months completely. But the inner surface of neo-esophagus with artificial esophagus staying in situ after migration was not covered by epithelium, and the granulation tissue was infiltrated by a great deal of inflammatory cells. Antibodies against cytokeratin were positively expressed in epithelium of neo-esophagus. Up to 12 months after operation, antibodies against smooth muscle actin and desmin were both negatively expressed in neo-esophagus. The artificial esophagus made of non-degradable polyurethane reconstructing cervical esophageal defect is practicable. Although there are some problems, including anastomotic leakage, migration, and dysphagia, they are not lethal following good supportive therapy. The esophageal epithelium can regenerate with the supporting role of artificial esophagus. In the future, deformable artificial esophagus should be improved, and a much longer follow-up will be performed to evaluate whether the esophageal gland and skeletal muscle can regenerate.

Phthalate metabolites in urine samples from Beijing children and correlations with phthalate levels in their handwipes

Little attention has been paid to dermal absorption of phthalates even though modeling suggests that this pathway may contribute meaningfully to total uptake. We have concurrently collected handwipe and urine samples from 39 Beijing children (5-9 years) for the purpose of measuring levels of five phthalates in handwipes, corresponding concentrations of eight of their metabolites in urine, and to subsequently assess the contribution of dermal absorption to total uptake. In summer sampling, DEHP was the most abundant phthalate in handwipes (median: 1130 μg/m(2) ), while MnBP was the most abundant metabolite in urine (median: 232 ng/ml). We found significant associations between the parent phthalate in handwipes and its monoester metabolite in urine for DiBP (r = 0.41, P = 0.01), DnBP (r = 0.50, P = 0.002), BBzP (r = 0.48, P = 0.003), and DEHP (r = 0.36, P = 0.03). Assuming that no dermal uptake occurred under clothing-covered skin, we estimate that dermal absorption of DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, and DEHP contributed 6.9%, 4.6%, 6.9%, and 3.3%, respectively, to total uptake. Assuming that somewhat attenuated dermal uptake occurred under clothing-covered skin, these estimates increase to 19%, 14%, 17%, and 10%. The results indicate that absorption from skin surfaces makes a meaningful contribution to total phthalate uptake for children and should be considered in future risk assessments.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study indicates that children’s hands acquire substantial amounts of various phthalates. The levels measured in handwipes, although higher, are somewhat representative of levels on other body locations. Via dermal absorption, as well as hand-to-mouth activity, phthalates on hands and other body locations contribute to the overall body burden of these compounds. Dermal absorption from air and contact transfer from surfaces is expected to occur for many SVOCs commonly found indoors (e.g. bisphenols, synthetic musks, organophosphates). However, the dermal pathway has often been neglected in exposure assessments of indoor pollutants. Knowledge regarding phthalates and other SVOCs in handwipes can facilitate our understanding of risks and aid in the mitigation of adverse health effects resulting from indoor exposures. To make progress toward these goals, further studies are necessary, including investigations of phthalate level variability in skinwipes collected at different locations on the body and the impact of clothing on dermal absorption from air.

Role of interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms in the development of prostate cancer

We investigated the role of two functional polymorphisms, IL-6-174G>C (rs1800795) and IL-6-572C>G (rs1800796), in the development of prostate cancer. A total of 212 consecutive primary prostate cancer patients and 236 control subjects were recruited between May 2012 and May 2014. The IL-6-174G>C (rs1800795) and IL-6-572C>G (rs1800796) polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype distributions of IL-6-174G>C (rs1800795) and IL-6-572C>G (rs1800796) met the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the controls. Unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that the GG genotype of IL-6-572C>G (rs1800796) was associated with an elevated risk of prostate cancer compared with the CC genotype, and the OR (95%CI) for the GG genotype was 2.06 (1.11-3.87). In conclusion, we suggest that the IL-6-572C>G (rs1800796) gene polymorphism influences the development of prostate cancer.

Note: A high-efficiency multi-coincidence method designed for molecular fragmentation studies

A high-efficiency multi-coincidence method is developed based on the hardware electronic multiple coincidence units. The multi-hit signals originating from one single detector can be selected and measured in coincidence. The performance of the method is tested by the electron impact three-body fragmentation of CO2(3+). Compared to the conventional method, the relative and absolute coincidence efficiencies of the triple-coincidence measurement are improved by about 200 and 3 times, respectively.

Association of BMP4 polymorphisms with isolated tooth agenesis in a Chinese Han population: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Tooth agenesis is a common craniofacial anomaly in human beings. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that the bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene (BMP4) plays an important role in tooth development. This case-control study was designed to evaluate the association of the polymorphism rs17563 in BMP4 gene with susceptibility of isolated human tooth agenesis in a Chinese Han population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

335 tooth agenesis cases and 444 healthy controls were included in this study.

RESULTS

Although no significant association was observed either in the overall or stratified analysis between the types and the severity of missing teeth. However, significant difference was observed between the anterior and posterior tooth agenesis (APTA) cases and the controls (p = 0.018 for allele distribution and OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.15-0.99). Furthermore, the heterozygote (TC) and dominant model (CC+TC) were associated with decreased risk of APTA compared with the control (phet = 0.018, ORhet = 0.39, 95% CIhet = 0.15-0.99 and pdom = 0.042, ORdom = 0.34, 95% CIdom = 0.13-0.87, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that rs17563 in BMP4 gene was potentially associated with APTA in Chinese Han population and further independent studies are required to verify these findings.

Perinatal nicotine exposure suppresses PPARγ epigenetically in lung alveolar interstitial fibroblasts

Due to the active inhibition of the adipogenic programming, the default destiny of the developing lung mesenchyme is to acquire a myogenic phenotype. We have previously shown that perinatal nicotine exposure, by down-regulating PPARγ expression, accentuates this property, culminating in myogenic pulmonary phenotype, though the underlying mechanisms remained incompletely understood. We hypothesized that nicotine-induced PPARγ down-regulation is mediated by PPARγ promoter methylation, controlled by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), two known key regulators of DNA methylation. Using cultured alveolar interstitial fibroblasts and an in vivo perinatal nicotine exposure rat model, we found that PPARγ promoter methylation is strongly correlated with inhibition of PPARγ expression in the presence of nicotine. Methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored the nicotine-induced down-regulation of PPARγ expression and the activation of its downstream myogenic marker fibronectin. With nicotine exposure, a specific region of PPARγ promoter was significantly enriched with antibodies against chromatin repressive markers H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, dose-dependently. Similar data were observed with antibodies against DNA methylation regulatory factors DNMT1 and MeCP2. The knock down of DNMT1 and MeCP2 abolished nicotine-mediated increases in DNMT1 and MeCP2 protein levels, and PPARγ promoter methylation, restoring nicotine-induced down regulation of PPARγ and upregulation of the myogenic protein, fibronectin. The nicotine-induced alterations in DNA methylation modulators DNMT1 and MeCP2, PPARγ promoter methylation, and its down-stream targets, were also validated in perinatally nicotine exposed rat lung tissue. These data provide novel mechanistic insights into nicotine-induced epigenetic silencing of PPARγ that could be exploited to design novel targeted molecular interventions against the smoke exposed lung injury in general and perinatal nicotine exposure induced lung damage in particular.

Tunable spin-orbit coupling via strong driving in ultracold-atom systems

Spin-orbit coupling is an essential ingredient in topological materials, conventional and quantum-gas-based alike. Engineered spin-orbit coupling in ultracold-atom systems-unique in their experimental control and measurement opportunities-provides a major opportunity to investigate and understand topological phenomena. Here we experimentally demonstrate and theoretically analyze a technique for controlling spin-orbit coupling in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate using amplitude-modulated Raman coupling.