Anti-diabetic effect of anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside: data from insulin resistant hepatocyte and diabetic mouse

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins are a group of natural products widely found in plants. They have been found to alleviate the disorders of glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

HepG2 and L02 cells were incubated with 0.2 mM PA and 30 mM glucose for 24 h to induce IR, and cells treated with 5 mM glucose were used as the control. C57BL/6 J male mice and db/db male mice were fed with a chow diet and gavaged with pure water or cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) solution (150 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

In this study, the anthocyanin C3G, extracted from red bayberry, was found to alleviate disorders of glucose metabolism, which resulted in increased insulin sensitivity in hepatocytes, and achieved by enhancing the glucose consumption as well as glycogen synthesis in insulin resistance (IR) hepatpcytes. Subsequently, the expression of key proteins involved in IR was detected by western blotting analysis. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin signaling, could reduce cellular sensitivity to insulin by inhibiting the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2). Results of this study showed that C3G inhibited the increase in PTP1B after high glucose and palmitic acid treatment. And this inhibition was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of IRS proteins. Furthermore, the effect of C3G on improving IR in vivo was validated by using a diabetic db/db mouse model.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that C3G could alleviate IR in vitro and in vivo to increase insulin sensitivity, which may offer a new insight for regulating glucose metabolism during T2DM by using the natural dietary bioactive components. C3G promotes the phosphorylation of IRS-2 proteins by suppressing the expression of PTP1B, and then enhances the sensitivity of hepatocyte to insulin.

Exploring the Effects of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights into Gut Microbiome Modulation and Potential Antidiabetic Benefits

Berries and their functional components have been put forward as an alternative to pharmacological treatments of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and more attention has been paid to the gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of T2DM. Thus, we tried to examine the metabolic impact of red bayberry-derived cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and investigate whether the antidiabetic effects of C3G were associated with the gut microbiome. As a result, C3G administration was found to reduce blood glucose levels of diabetic db/db mice, accompanied by increased levels of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and insulin. Moreover, 16S rRNA analysis showed that the dominant microbiota modulated by C3G were pivotal in the glucose metabolism. Furthermore, the modulation of C3G on metabolic activities of gut bacteria leads to an increase in intestinal levels of key metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids. This contribution helps in promoting the secretion of GLP-1, which in turn increases insulin release with the purpose of reducing blood glucose levels. Overall, these findings may offer new thoughts concerning C3G against metabolic disorders in T2DM.

lncRNA-disease association prediction based on matrix decomposition of elastic network and collaborative filtering

In recent years, with the continuous development and innovation of high-throughput biotechnology, more and more evidence show that lncRNA plays an essential role in biological life activities and is related to the occurrence of various diseases. However, due to the high cost and time-consuming of traditional biological experiments, the number of associations between lncRNAs and diseases that rely on experiments to verify is minimal. Computer-aided study of lncRNA-disease association is an important method to study the development of the lncRNA-disease association. Using the existing data to establish a prediction model and predict the unknown lncRNA-disease association can make the biological experiment targeted and improve its accuracy of the biological experiment. Therefore, we need to find an accurate and efficient method to predict the relationship between lncRNA and diseases and help biologists complete the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Most of the current lncRNA-disease association predictions do not consider the model instability caused by the actual data. Also, predictive models may produce data that overfit is not considered. This paper proposes a lncRNA-disease association prediction model (ENCFLDA) that combines an elastic network with matrix decomposition and collaborative filtering. This method uses the existing lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the association between unknown lncRNA and disease, updates the matrix by matrix decomposition combined with the elastic network, and then obtains the final prediction matrix by collaborative filtering. This method uses the existing lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the association of unknown lncRNAs with diseases. First, since the known lncRNA-disease association matrix is very sparse, the cosine similarity and KNN are used to update the lncRNA-disease association matrix. The matrix is then updated by matrix decomposition combined with an elastic net algorithm, to increase the stability of the overall prediction model and eliminate data overfitting. The final prediction matrix is then obtained through collaborative filtering based on lncRNA.Through simulation experiments, the results show that the AUC value of ENCFLDA can reach 0.9148 under the framework of LOOCV, which is higher than the prediction result of the latest model.

Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy in 1023 consecutive esophageal cancer patients: a single-center experience

Objective

By analyzing the perioperative, postoperative complications and long-term overall survival time, we summarized the 8-year experience of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a single medical center.

Methods

This retrospective follow-up study included 1023 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE-McKeown between Mar 2013 and Oct 2020. Relevant variables were collected and evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

For 1023 esophageal cancer undergoing MIE-McKeown, the main intraoperative complications were bleeding (3.0%, 31/1023) and tracheal injury (1.7%, 17/1023). There was no death occurred during operation. The conversion rate of thoracoscopy to thoracotomy was 2.2% (22/1023), and laparoscopy to laparotomy was 0.3% (3/1023). The postoperative morbidity of complications was 36.2% (370/1023), of which anastomotic leakage 7.7% (79/1023), pulmonary complication 13.4% (137/1023), chylothorax 2.3% (24/1023), and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury 8.8% (90/1023). The radical resection rate (R0) was 96.0% (982/1023), 30-day mortality was 0.3% (3/1023). For 1000 cases with squamous cell carcinoma, the estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival was 37.2% and 17.8% respectively. In addition, neoadjuvant chemotherapy offered 3-year disease-free survival rate advantage in advanced stage patients (for stage IV: 7.2% vs. 1.8%).

Conclusions

This retrospective single center study demonstrates that MIE-McKeown procedure is feasible and safe with low perioperative and postoperative complications’ morbidity, and acceptable long-term oncologic results.

[Characteristics of Microbial Utilization for Crop Residue-Derived C in Paddy and Upland Soils]

Two typical subtropical agricultural soils, a flooded paddy soil and its adjacent upland, were collected and then incubated with or without ¹³C-labeled crop residue (maize straw) for 40 days. During the incubation, the mineralization rate of the crop residue was monitored, and the ¹³C incorporated into fungal and bacterial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) was quantified. At the early stage (0.25-1 days), the mineralization rate of crop residue was faster in paddy soil than that in upland soil, whereas the opposite trend was observed from 2 to 20 days. At the late stage (21-40 days), the mineralization rate was similar in both soils. At the end of incubation, 11% of the total crop residue was mineralized in paddy soil, which was about half of that in upland soil (20%). Although paddy soil had a higher amount of microbial biomass (indicated by total PLFA), the total amounts of ¹³C-PLFA were comparable in both soils, and the enrichment ratio (proportion of ¹³C to total C in PLFA) was lower in paddy soil than that in upland soil. This indicated that the microbial community in paddy soil was less active in the uptake of crop residue C than that in upland soil. During the incubation, the residue-derived ¹³C was mainly distributed in bacterial PLFA (up to 86% of total ¹³C-PLFA, including 59% in gram-positive and 27% in gram-negative bacteria) in paddy soil, and up to 75% of total ¹³C-PLFA distributed in fungal PLFAs was in upland soil. Thus, bacteria dominated the utilization of crop residue in paddy soil versus fungi in upland soil. Compared with that in upland soil, the microbial activity was suppressed in the anaerobic condition caused by flooding in paddy soil, with a stronger inhibition of fungi than bacteria. Considering the discrepancies of life strategies and necromass turnover between bacteria and fungi, the different dominant microbial groups in the utilization of crop residue in water-logged and well-drained conditions could lead to the distinct accumulation and stabilization of microbial-derived organic matter in paddy and upland soils.

A Common Variant at 11q23.3 Is Associated with Susceptibility to Atopic Dermatitis in the Han Chinese Population

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified many genetic variants that are risk factors for numerous immune-mediated diseases. In particular, different immune-mediated diseases have been found to share the same susceptibility loci. Therefore, exploring the genetic overlap between atopic dermatitis (AD) and other immune-mediated diseases in more detail may help identify additional shared susceptibility loci among common immune-mediated diseases. Recent evidence suggests that the 11q23.3 locus is a susceptibility locus shared among multiple immune-mediated diseases. Objective: This study was designed to investigated whether SNPs at the chromosome 11q23.3 locus are associated with AD in the Han Chinese population. Methods: In total, 16 SNPs within the 11q23.3 locus were genotyped using TaqMan assays for 1,012 AD cases and 1,362 controls. From these SNPs, we selected rs638893 with an association values of p < 5 × 10^-2 for AD for further analysis in an independent replication study using the Sequenom MassARRAY system to genotype an additional (consisting of 1,288 cases and 1,380 controls). The combined analyses were performed in two stages using a meta-analytical method. Results: We identified a common variant at 11q23.3 (rs638893), that was significantly associated (p = 1.58 × 10^-3, OR = 1.22) with AD. The genotype-based association analysis revealed that the recessive model provided the best fit for rs638893. Conclusion: Our study identified a variant on chromosome 11q23.3 that likely confers susceptibility to AD, thereby advancing our understanding of the genetic basis of this disease.

Internet Use, Life Satisfaction, and Subjective Well-Being Among the Elderly: Evidence From 2017 China General Social Survey

Purpose: The research objectives of this study are to test the scientific propositions of whether Internet use promotes life satisfaction among the elderly, whether there is variability in the effect of Internet use on the well-being of the elderly, and through what channels Internet use affects the elderly's life satisfaction. Method: Using data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this paper employed linear regression, ordered logit model, and the propensity score matching (PSM) approach to investigate the association of Internet use with life satisfaction among the elderly in China. Results: The results show that Internet use was significantly and negatively associated with the life satisfaction of the Chinese elderly. Further analysis on group heterogeneity demonstrates that the negative association was more prominent among the participants who were males, at a lower age, had lower income and education, non-agricultural registered, and relatively healthy. Finally, the mediating effect indicates that Internet use may affect life satisfaction among the elderly through the channel of reducing their perceptions of social justice. Conclusions: In order to avoid the negative effects of using the Internet, the following policy suggestions are put forward: Improve the elderly's attitudes toward Internet use; pay attention to the sense of fairness of the elderly to improve life satisfaction; guide the elderly to reduce the time of using the Internet.

Effects of Dapagliflozin on Cardiovascular Events, Death, and Safety Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several clinical trials of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at elevated cardiovascular risk have observed reduced hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Several studies have also suggested cardiovascular benefits for patients with HF regardless of whether or not they have T2DM.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of dapagliflozin in patients with HF.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from database inception to 15 February 2020. Clinical studies of dapagliflozin use in patients with HF were included. Data on HHF, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), systolic blood pressure, body weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and adverse events were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials involving 6738 patients with HF were included in this meta-analysis. Patients receiving dapagliflozin showed a significantly lower incidence of HHF [risk ratio (RR) 0.72; P < 0.00001], all-cause mortality (RR 0.83; P = 0.004), cardiovascular death (RR 0.86; P = 0.03), and MACE (RR 0.88; P = 0.03). Moreover, patients receiving dapagliflozin also showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and body weight. However, no statistical difference was observed in HbA1c. In addition, hypoglycemia, volume depletion, and renal impairment was not more frequent with dapagliflozin than with placebo.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that dapagliflozin could be a therapeutic strategy for patients with HF regardless of the presence or absence of T2DM.

Validation of Susceptibility Loci for Vitiligo Identified by GWAS in the Chinese Han Population

Forty-nine susceptible loci have been reported to be significantly associated with vitiligo by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European-derived whites. To date, some of these reported susceptibility loci have not yet been validated in the Chinese Han population. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the 16 reported susceptible loci in European-derived whites were associated with vitiligo in the Chinese Han population. Imputation was performed using our previous GWAS dataset by IMPUTE v2.2.2. The 16 imputed top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with suggestive signals, together with the reported SNPs, were genotyped in a total of 2581 patients and 2579 controls by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. PLINK 2.0 software was used to perform association analysis. The dbSNP database, HaploReg, and eQTL data were adopted to annotate the biological function of the SNPs. Finally, four SNPs from three loci were significantly associated with vitiligo, including rs3747517 (P = 1.29 × 10^–3, OR = 0.87) in 2q24.2, rs4807000 (P = 7.78 × 10^–24, OR = 0.66) and rs6510827 (P = 3.65 × 10^–5, OR = 1.19) in 19p13.3, and rs4822024 (P = 6.37 × 10^–10, OR = 0.67) in 22q13.2. According to the dbSNP database, rs3747517 is a missense variant of IFIH1, rs4807000 and rs6510827 are located in TICAM1, and rs4822024 is located 6 kb upstream of TEF. Further bioinformatics analysis by HaploReg and eQTL found that rs4807000, rs6510827, and rs4822024 are involved in regulating gene expression. Our study revealed the strong association of 2q24.2 (rs3747517), 19p13.3 (rs4807000, rs6510827), and 22q13.2 (rs4822024) with the risk of vitiligo in the Chinese Han population, which implicates common factors for vitiligo across different ethnicities, and helps expand the understanding of the genetic basis of this disease.

Whole Transcriptome Analysis Identifies the Taxonomic Status of a New Chinese Native Cattle Breed and Reveals Genes Related to Body Size

Wandong (WD) cattle has recently been identified as a new Chinese native cattle breed by the National Commission for Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources. The population size of this breed is less than 10,000. WD cattle and Dabieshan (DB) cattle are sympatric but are raised in different ecological environments, on mountains and plains, respectively, and the body sizes of these two breeds are markedly different. Blood samples were obtained from 8 adult female WD cattle and 7 adult female DB cattle (24 months old). The total RNA was extracted from leukocyte cells, and sequencing experiments were conducted on the Illumina HiSeq^TM 4000 platform. After the removal of one outlier sample from the WD cattle breed as determined by principal component analysis (PCA), phylogenetic and population structure analyses indicated that WD and DB cattle formed a distinct Central China cattle group and showed evidence of hybridization between Bos. taurus and Bos. indicus. The immune-regulator CD48 (P = 1.3E-6) was associated with breed-specific traits according to loss-of-function variant enrichment analysis. In addition, 113 differentially expressed genes were identified between the two breeds, many of which are associated with the regulation of body growth, which is the major difference between the two breeds. This study showed that WD cattle belong to the group of hybrids between Bos. Taurus and Bos. indicus, and one novel gene associated with breed traits and multiple differentially expressed genes between these two closely related breeds was identified. The results provide insights into the genetic mechanisms that underlie economically important traits, such as body size, in cattle.

miR-520b Inhibits IGF-1R to Increase Doxorubicin Sensitivity and Promote Cell Apoptosis in Breast Cancer

Doxorubicin (DOX) is currently one of the most widely used and effective drugs for the treatment of breast cancer, but drug resistance in breast cancer often leads to poor efficacy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of various tumors and increasing number of studies have confirmed that abnormal miR-520b expression is closely associated breast cancer. We analyzed the clinical features, including miR-520b, of 30 patients with breast cancer. Further, we analyzed the interaction between miR-520b and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in breast cancer cell. miR-520b expression was significantly increased in chemotherapy-sensitive patients and was positively correlated with the chemotherapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Cell proliferation assay confirmed that miR-520b promotes DOX-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, bioinformatics method and dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-520b negatively regulates IGF-1R, and IGF-1R overexpression and enhanced activity are closely associated with tumor development, progression, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Similarly, cell proliferation assay showed that IGF-1R is negatively correlated with the efficacy of DOX chemotherapy and affects cell apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. On the contrary, miR-520b can downregulate the expression of IGF-1R. miR-520b increases DOX sensitivity and promotes cell apoptosis in breast cancer by inhibiting IGF-1R expression by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Feeding intensity and molecular prey identification of the common long-armed octopus, Octopus minor (Mollusca: Octopodidae) in the wild

The common long-armed octopus, Octopus minor, is an important component of systems and supports the local fisheries in the coastal areas of northern China. For the fishery management and artificial breeding, especially for the management of exclusive conservation reserves, its role in the ecosystem requires assessment. Therefore, the feeding intensity of O. minor was studied from April to July 2014 when females reaching ovary maturation, and prey composition was identified from stomach contents using a DNA barcoding method. Of the 172 sampled octopuses, 66 had stomach contents that were nearly digested into pulp. On the whole, the feeding intensity of octopus remained more or less the same during the first three months and significantly decreased in July. The changes of feeding intensity were different between females and males; in females, the intensity of feeding decreased from April to July; in case of males, however, the feeding activity increased from April to June and decreased thereafter. The feeding intensity of the females was extremely greater than that of the males. O. minor was a generalist predator and based on homology searches and phylogenetic analysis, a total of 10 different taxa were identified in the stomach contents. In terms of percent composition by frequency of occurrences (%N), fishes accounted for the most of the octopuses diet (50%), followed by cephalopod (25%), crustaceans (21.7%), annelid (1.7%) and nematode (1.7%). The families of Gobiidae and Octopodidae appeared in all months and Protunidae appeared in three months. The results confirmed that Gobiidae family (45.8%, by frequency of occurrences) was an important source of food during the time when females reaching ovarian maturation. From April to July, the observed cannibalism showed an increasing trend. Controlling and reducing fishing production of Gobiidae fishes in conservation area are recommended from April to June when female octopuses are actively feeding.

miR-520b Promotes Breast Cancer Stemness Through Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathway

Introduction

The breast cancer stem cells contribute to the initiation, progression, recurrence, metastasis as well as resistance of breast cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of breast cancer stemness have not been fully understood.

Materials and methods

TCGA and GEO data were used for measuring miR-520b expression in breast cancer tissues. Kaplan-meier analysis was used for determining the relationship between miR-520b expression level and the prognosis of patients. Genetic manipulation was performed by lentivirus system and miR-520b inhibitor was used for knockdown of miR-520b. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The stemness and EMT (Epithelial to mesenchymal transition) were assessed by sphere-formation and transwell assay as well as the expression of the related markers. The target genes of miR-520b were identified using the online database starBase V3.0.

Results

miR-520b is upregulated in cancer tissues of breast cancer patients and predicts poor prognosis. Upregulation of miR-520b was found in breast cancer stem cells. Ectopic expression of miR-520b promotes the stemness of the breast cancer cells, conversely, depletion of miR-520b attenuates the stemness of these cells. miR-520b positively regulates Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and overexpression of LAST2 abolished the effect of miR-520b on the stemness of breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

miR-520b promotes the stemness of breast cancer patients by activating Hippo/YAP signaling via targeting LATS2.

[Clinical study of Jiawei Xiaoyao Powder(JWXYP) on preventing delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture after operation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of soothing liver, relieving depression, invigorating spleen and reinforcing blood on reducing delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

From December 2014 to June 2018, 180 elderly patients with hip fracture admitted were divided into treatment group and placebo group according to the order of admission:90 patients in treatment group were treated with Jiawei Xiaoyao Powder(JWXYP), including 32 males and 58 females, with an average age of(72.12±4.92), involving 67 cases of femoral trochanter fractures and 23 cases of femoral neck fractures; 35 cases underwent dynamic hip screw fixation, 31 cases underwent intramedullary fixation and 24 cases underwent artificial hip replacement. In the placebo group, 90 patients were treated with placebo, including 37 males and 53 females, with an average age of(72.91±5.43) years old, involving 69 cases of femoral trochanteric fractures and 21 cases of femoral neck fractures, including 37 cases underwent dynamic hip screw fixation, 30 cases underwent intramedullary fixation and 23 cases underwent artificial hip replacement. The age, sex, injury site, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage, operation time, anesthesia time, post-operative pain score, post-operative hemoglobin, post-operative CRP, delirium severity(DRS) score and delirium occurrence were observed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up until delirium returned to normal, postoperative delirium was found in 12 cases (13.33%) in the treatment group and in 39 cases(43.33%) in the placebo group, the treatment group was significantly better than the placebo group. The monitoring indexes of the two groups were compared:post-operative pain score(P=0.002), post-operative hemoglobin(P=0.012), post-operative CRP(P=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

JWXYP can relieve liver depression, invigorate spleen and invigorate blood circulation, reduce pain, inflammatory stimulation and supplement blood volume after operation, and significantly reduce the incidence of delirium after operation.

Association analyses identify two susceptibility loci 5q31 and 5q22.1 for atopic dermatitis in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and other atopic diseases often share some common genetic and pathogenic bases. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several loci associated with atopic diseases, allergic sensitization and asthma in different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these susceptibility loci were related to AD in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from recent atopic diseases and allergic sensitization GWAS were genotyped in 3,013 AD patients and 5,483 healthy controls in Chinese Han population using Sequenom MassArray system. Data was analyzed with PLINK 1.07 software.

RESULTS

We identified that the susceptibility loci at 5q31 (RAD50/IL13, rs2158177, P = 1.08×10-3, OR = 1.15) and 5q22.1 (TSLP, rs1837253, P = 2.66×10-3, OR = 0.91) were significantly associated with AD. Genotype-based association testing revealed that the dominant model provided the best fit for both rs2158177 (P = 3.75×10-3) and rs1837253 (P = 5.30×10-3). Pathway analysis conformed that both loci were associated with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two susceptibility loci 5q31 and 5q22.1 for AD that might bear candidate genes conferring susceptibility to AD.

[Straw Returning Plus Nitrogen Fertilizer Affects the Soil Microbial Community and Organic Carbon Mineralization in Karst Farmland]

The use of straw returning plus nitrogen fertilizer on farmland is one of the important agronomic practices for adjusting soil organic carbon (SOC) transformations. To explore the mechanisms of straw and nitrogen fertilizer application on straw and SOC mineralization in long-term fertilized soils, an incubation experiment with the ¹³C isotope tracing technique was conducted, which involved three long-term fertilized models in typical karst soils (no fertilization, inorganic fertilization, and a combination of inorganic fertilization and straw). To study the mechanisms of ¹³C-labeled straw and SOC mineralization, four treatments were designed as follows:no straw and nitrogen (control), and straw combined with three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 214.0, and 571.0 mg·kg^-1 soil). The results showed that cumulative mineralization amounts of straw-derived organic carbon in long-term fertilized soils were markedly higher than those in non-fertilized soil. Straw-derived organic carbon mineralization was significantly affected by nitrogen fertilizer levels. The positive priming effects (PE) in long-term fertilized soils were much lower than those in non-fertilized soil. The PE was decreased at the low nitrogen fertilizer level but increased at the high nitrogen fertilizer level. The principal component analysis (PCA) of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) indicated that the soil microbial community structure was greatly affected by the long-term fertilization models and combined straw and nitrogen fertilizer application. Moreover, the content of PLFAs in soil microorganisms, namely, bacteria and fungi, were remarkably increased by the straw plus nitrogen fertilizer (values increased by 40.3%-53.0%, 41.1%-62.6%, and 60.5%-148.6% compared with control), but levels were not significantly affected by nitrogen fertilizer levels alone. The ratios between PLFAs of soil gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (G⁺/G^-) decreased and were stable at around 0.8. The structure equation models (SEM) demonstrated that the combination of straw and nitrogen affected the soil gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria structure and increased the soil DOC content, which promoted the decomposition of straw and affected the mineralization of SOC. These results indicate that straw returning plus low nitrogen fertilizer can improve the SOC sequestration capacity in karst farmland.

Improvement in post-partum uterine involution in rats treated with Apios americana

OBJECTIVE

Apios americana, a plant used as a staple ingredient of native American diets, has various properties, including anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory activity. In Japan, Apios is used as a post-natal medication. After parturition, women undergo a period of recovery as they return to pre-pregnancy conditions. However, few health products that aid post-partum recovery are on the market. We explored whether Apios can accelerate the post-partum recovery process, in particular the involution of the uterus.

METHODS

Female rats kept in individual cages were mated with two male rats, with the exception of the control group (female rats without mating, on basal diet; n=6). After delivery, rats were divided into five groups based on their diet: basal diet (model; n=6); basal diet+oral intake at 5.4 g/kg of Chanfukang granules (a Chinese patent medicine preparation for post-partum lochia) (positive; n=6); basal diet containing 10% Apios powder (low; n=6); basal diet containing 20% Apios powder (medium; n=6); basal diet containing 40% Apios powder (high; n=6). Five days later, uteri and spleens were weighed. Uterus and spleen indices for each rat were calculated by dividing visceral weight by the total weight. Hormone and cytokine concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological analysis of uteri was completed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors in uteri was measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Apios treatment reduced the post-partum uterus index and regulated the hormone concentrations. Moreover, we found that the process of uterine involution was accelerated, based on morphological changes in the uterus. In addition, our results indicated that Apios alleviated the inflammatory response induced by the involution process. Transforming growth factor β was also found to be regulated by Apios. There were significant downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and upregulation of their inhibitors by Apios, which suggested that Apios increased the rate of the collagen clearance process.

CONCLUSIONS

These results, based on experimental observations at the molecular and protein levels, verified our hypothesis that Apios can improve uterine involution, and demonstrated the potential application of Apios in post-partum care.

GWAS Follow-up Study Discovers a Novel Genetic Signal on 10q21.2 for Atopic Dermatitis in Chinese Han Population

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with high heritability. Two susceptibility loci have been confirmed in our previous AD genome-wide association study (GWAS). To look for additional genetic factors in Chinese Han ethnicity, we performed a large-scale GWAS follow-up study. Forty-nine top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had never been reported previously were genotyped using Sequenom Massarray system in an independent cohort, which consist of northern Chinese (1634 cases and 1263 controls) and southern Chinese (2985 cases and 9526 controls). Association analyses were performed using PLINK 2 software. Three SNPs in northern and ten SNPs in southern were found exhibiting association evidence with AD (P < 0.05). Finally, SNP rs224108 on 10q21.2 showed high significance for AD in joint analysis of GWAS and replication study (P_meta = 4.55 × 10⁻⁹, OR = 1.21), and was confirmed as an independent genetic marker by Linkage disequilibrium calculation and conditional logistic regression analysis. Bioinformatics analysis strongly suggested that rs224108 may have the potential to alter the target gene expression through non-coding epigenetic regulation effects. Meanwhile, SNP rs11150780 on 17q25.3 was also found suggestive association with AD (P_meta = 7.64 × 10⁻⁷, OR = 1.18). Our findings confirmed a novel susceptibility signal on 10q21.2 for AD in Chinese Han population and advanced the understanding of the genetic contribution to AD.

Dacomitinib, a new pan-EGFR inhibitor, is effective in attenuating pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension

Accumulating evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a role in the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Clinically-approved epidermal growth factor inhibitors such as gefitinib, erlotinib, and lapatinib have been explored for PAH. However, None of them were able to attenuate PAH. So, we explored the role of dacomitinib, a new pan-EGFR inhibitor, in PAH. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to study hypoxia- or monocrotaline-induced right ventricular remodeling as well as systolic function and hemodynamics using echocardiography and a pressure-volume admittance catheter. Morphometric analyses of lung vasculature and pressure-volume vessels were performed. Immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, and viability, as well as scratch-wound, and Boyden chamber migration assays were used to identify the roles of dacomitinib in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The results revealed that dacomitinib has a significant inhibitory effect on the thickening of the media, adventitial collagen increased. Dacomitinib also has a significant role in attenuating pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, dacomitinib inhibits hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, autophagy and cell cycle progression through PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in PASMCs. Our study indicates that dacomitinib inhibited hypoxia-induced cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and autophagy of PASMCs, thereby attenuating pulmonary vascular remodeling and development of PAH via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Overall, dacomitinib may serve as new potential therapeutic for the treatment of PAH.

Systematic study of the quality and safety of chilled pork from wet markets, supermarkets, and online markets in China

BACKGROUND

With increasing media coverage of food safety incidents, such as that of clenbuterol residues in pork, food safety has become a major public health concern in China. Rapidly developing online markets attract increasing numbers of Chinese consumers to purchase food on the Internet. However, the quality and safety of food sold online are uncertain and are less reported on.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to systematically study the quality and safety of chilled pork from wet markets, supermarkets, and online markets in China.

RESULTS

The chilled pork samples from online markets were fresher than those from wet markets and supermarkets based on the surface redness (a* value). Chilled pork contained high levels of nutritional elements, especially the magnesium and phosphorus levels in samples from online markets. The levels of heavy metal element residues and veterinary drug residues in all chilled pork samples were within the standards limits. In addition, huge differences existed in the quality and freshness of the chilled pork samples from online markets according to principal component analysis (PCA).

CONCLUSIONS

Most chilled pork sold in Chinese markets was qualified and safe. It is necessary to establish an effective online market supervision system for chilled pork.

Toxicity testing of four silver nanoparticle-coated dental castings in 3-D LO2 cell cultures

To address the controversial issue of the toxicity of dental alloys and silver nanoparticles in medical applications, an in vivo-like LO2 3-D model was constructed within polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber materials to mimic the microenvironment of liver tissue. The use of microscopy methods and the measurement of liver-specific functions optimized the model for best cell performances and also proved the superiority of the 3-D LO2 model when compared with the traditional monolayer model. Toxicity tests were conducted using the newly constructed model, finding that four dental castings coated with silver nanoparticles were toxic to human hepatocytes after cell viability assays. In general, the toxicity of both the castings and the coated silver nanoparticles aggravated as time increased, yet the nanoparticles attenuated the general toxicity by preventing metal ion release, especially at high concentrations.

[Treatment of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures with arthroscopy combined with MIPPO technique]

OBJECTIVE

To discusses the clinical effects of arthroscopy combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis(MIPPO) technology in treating Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

From January 2012 to January 2016, 19 patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures were treated with arthroscopy combined with minimally invasive technique including 12 males and 7 females with an average age of 46.5 years old ranging from 19 to 78 years old. Patients were suffering knee pain, swelling, flexion and extension limited, and other symptoms preoperative. Patients were followed up and assessed by Rasmussen knee function score.

RESULTS

No infection, traumatic arthritis, and knee joint valgus occurred after operation. Nineteen cases were followed up for 12 to 24 months with an average of 18.6 months. Fracture healing time was 3 to 5 months with an average of 3.8 months. The knee pain and limited mobility improved significantly. The range of autonomic movement of joints was from 90 to 136 degrees. According to Rasmussen functional score criteria, the total score was 27.00±2.49, the result was excellent in 16 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic treatment for Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures combined with MIPPO can simultaneously treat internal structural injuries such as meniscus and other knee joints, with less trauma, fewer complications, and faster joint function recovery, but we must strictly grasp surgical indications and avoid expanding injuries.

Effects on cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties of the incorporations of silver nanoparticles into the surface coating of dental alloys

The aim of this study was to research the changes in cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties after silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated into the surface coating of dental alloys. AgNPs were attached to cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium using a hydrothermal method, according to the reaction: AgNO₃+NaBH₄→ Ag+1/2H₂+1/2B₂H₆+NaNO₃. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the alloys when in contact with osteogenic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) from mice and mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) from rats. The antibacterial properties of dental alloys incorporating three different concentrations (10, 4, and 2 μmol/L) of AgNPs were tested on Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Streptococcus mutans (MS). High cytotoxicity values were observed for all dental alloys that contained 0% of AgNPs (the control groups). The incorporation of AgNPs reduced cytotoxicity values. No significant difference was observed for antibacterial performance when comparing dental alloys containing AgNPs to the respective control groups. The results demonstrated that the cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium all had cytotoxicity to MC3T3-E1 and BMSC and that the incorporation of AgNPs could reduce this cytotoxicity. The concentrations of AgNPs adopted in this study were found to have no antibacterial action against SA or MS.

[EB virus-positive T/NK lymphoproliferative diseases: an analysis of 156 patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of EBV-positive T/NK cell lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV(+) T/NK-LPD). Methods: The clinical characteristics of 156 cases of EBV(+) T/NK-LPD were collected from August 2002 to March 2015 at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. Immunohistochemical staining, EBER in situ hybridization and clonal analysis of TCR gene were performed. All patients were followed up. Results: There were 106 male and 50 female patients; patients' age ranged from 1 to 75 years (median 20 years). The course of the diseases before diagnosis ranged from 2 to 540 months (median 20 months). Fever was noted in 122 patients (78.2%), 108 patients had lymphadenopathy (69.2%), and 75 patients had hepatosplenomegaly (48.1%). Thirty-three cases were grade 1, 68 cases were grade 2, and 55 cases were grade 3. TCR gene arrangement analysis was performed in 45 cases, and 33 cases (73.3%) showed clonal rearrangement. The follow-up period ranged from 1-134 months, and 44 patients (28.2%) died. There was a trend of increased death rate associated with increasing grade (P>0.05). Conclusions: There are many types of EBV(+) T/NK-LPD, and they can be classified as systemic, relatively localized and localized. The prognosis should be based on a comprehensive analysis of pathology and clinical data. There is no significant correlation between morphological grade and mortality. An important goal of therapy is to prevent serious complications.

Novel mutations in Chinese Han patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: Case series and review of the published work

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by hamartomas in multiple organ systems. This study was performed in one familial and two sporadic cases with TSC. Two novel mutations (c.1884_1887delAAAG and c.5266A>G) and two previously reported mutations (c.4258_4261delTCAG and c.1960G>C) were identified by direct DNA sequencing. Of the four mutations, c.1884_1887delAAAG and c.1960G>C were found in a family and identified in the same allele by TA cloning sequencing. However, c.1960G>C was reported to be non-pathogenic. Furthermore, correlations between genotypes and phenotypes of Chinese Han patients since 2014 were performed by paired χ² -tests in our published work review, which has not been reported. The results showed that patients with TSC2 mutations had a higher frequency of mental retardation and there were no significant differences of seizures and skin lesions with TSC1 mutations. Genetically, they had a higher frequency of familial inheritance.

Genomic risk variants at 3q22.3 are associated with keloids in a Chinese Han population

A keloid is the process of skin healing, collagen synthesis and metabolism of the loss of normal control in a sustained hyperactive state, resulting in excessive proliferation of collagen fibers. A large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3q22.3 loci that are associated with keloids in a Japanese population. However, the associations of SNPs in 3q22.3 with keloids were not confirmed in a selected Chinese population by a replication study. Thus, in the present study, the relationships between keloids and 3q22.3 were assessed in another independent Chinese Han population, including 309 keloid patients and 1080 control subjects. The results displayed that rs940187 was associated with keloids (OR=1.88, 95% CI 1.27-2.78, P=1.35E^-3) and remained significant after Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing, while rs1511412 showed only a trend association (OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.09-4.55, P=0.02) with keloids. In addition, we subsequently checked the annotation datasets for rs940187 with eQTLs and obtained two hits, trans-proteins SLC7A9 and LEMD3, with significant P values less than 1e-4. In summary, genomic risk variants at 3q22.3 are associated with keloids in a Chinese Han population and contribute to the development and deterioration of the keloids, together with environmental factors.

Genetic factors are stressed variably by onset age-based sample selection in psoriasis: A hint from major histocompatibility complex region-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Large cohort-based genetic association studies have been established over a decade. However, for certain diseases, different results with respect to the genome-wide association study level have been obtained among studies, even for those conducted within the same ethnic groups. We hypothesized that onset age-based sample variables might have a great impact on the results.

METHODS

In the present study, we divided psoriasis patients into several subgroups according to the onset age bracket. We conducted genetic association analysis in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region of each patient subgroup with shared control subjects.

RESULTS

We found decreases in the numbers of susceptible variants in each subgroup analysis as the onset age increased in the longitudinal analysis. Meanwhile, the pairwise analysis showed that younger patients exhibited greater numbers of genetic risks in the MHC region compared to elder patients, regardless of whether the cut-off values were defined as 20 or 30 years old. Similar results were also found among 11-20-, 21-30- and 31-40-year-old groups. Furthermore, when combining the results of both the stepwise regression analysis and the HLA-C*06:02 conditioning analysis, different variants were found to be independently associated with each psoriasis subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Onset age-based sample variables influence the results of genetic association studies, at least in MHC region-based genetic analysis. We suggest that caution is required when selecting samples for genetic association studies to prevent confounders that might be a result of onset age.

Multiple variants in 5q31.1 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility and subphenotypes in the Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND

A previous study provided evidence for a genetic association between PPP2CA on 5q31.1 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) across multi-ancestral cohorts, but failed to find significant evidence for an association in the Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between this locus and SLE using data from our previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS).

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7726414 and rs244689 (near TCF7 and PPP2CA in 5q31.1) were selected as candidate independent associations from a large-scale study in a Han Chinese population consisting of 1047 cases and 1205 controls. Subsequently, 3509 cases and 8246 controls were genotyped in two further replication studies. We then investigated the SNPs' associations with SLE subphenotypes and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

RESULTS

Highly significant associations with SLE in the Han Chinese population were detected for SNPs rs7726414 and rs244689 by combining the genotype data from our previous GWAS and two independent replication cohorts. Further conditional analyses indicated that these two SNPs contribute to disease susceptibility independently. A significant association with SLE, age at diagnosis < 20 years, was found for rs7726414 (P = 0·001). The expression levels of TCF7 and PPP2CA messenger RNA in patients with SLE were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found evidence for multiple associations with SLE in 5q31.1 at genome-wide levels of significance for the first time in a Han Chinese population, in a combined genotype dataset. These findings suggest that variants in the 5q31.1 locus not only provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of SLE, but also contribute to the complex subphenotypes of SLE.

Myricetin protects against diet-induced obesity and ameliorates oxidative stress in C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND

Myricetin is a naturally occurring antioxidant commonly found in various plants. However, little information is available with respect to its direct anti-obesity effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of myricetin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice.

RESULTS

Administration of myricetin dramatically reduced the body weight of diet-induced obese mice compared with solely HFD-induced mice. Several parameters related to obesity including serum glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol were significantly decreased in myricetin-treated mice. Moreover, obesity-associated oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) were ameliorated in myricetin-treated mice. Further investigation revealed that the protective effect of myricetin against HFD-induced obesity in mice appeared to be partially mediated through the down-regulation of mRNA expression of adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and lipogenic transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c).

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of myricetin may help to prevent obesity and obesity-related metabolic complications.

Probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally fermented Xinjiang cheese

Six lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains were isolated from traditionally fermented Xinjiang cheese and evaluated for functional and probiotic properties and potentials as starter cultures. The isolated six LAB strains comprised Lactobacillus rhamnosus (one strain), Lactobacillus helveticus (one strain), and Enterococcus hirae (four strains). All of the six strains were tolerant to acidic and bile salt conditions. Among which, the L. rhamnosus R4 strain showed more desirable antimicrobial, auto-aggregation, and hydrophobic activity. In addition, the strain L. rhamnosus R4 exhibited the highest level of free radical scavenging activity (53.78% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and 45.79% of hydroxyl radicals). L. rhamnosus R4 also demonstrated cholesterol and triglyceride degradation by 50.97% and 28.92%, respectively. To further examine the health-promoting effects of these LAB strains on host lifespan, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an in vivo model. Worms fed LAB as a food source had significant differences in lifespan compared to those fed Escherichia coli OP50 (as a negative control). Feeding of L. rhamnosus R4 extended the mean lifespan of C. elegans by up to 36.1% compared to that of the control. The results suggest that the strains isolated from Xinjiang fermented dairy products have high potential as starter cultures in the cheese industry.

Phylogenetic analysis of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in the genome of a typical human-disease vector

Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, is one of the most common human-disease vectors and transmits Borrelia species, such as B. burgdorferi, as well as Theileria microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, etc. As basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have been recognized for many years as important regulators of various developmental processes, we performed phylogenetic analysis of the black-legged tick genome in order to identify the number and family of bHLH transcription factors. Because bHLH family members have been identified in many organisms, including silkworm and fruit fly, we were able to conduct this survey and identify 58 putative bHLH transcription factors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the black-legged tick has 26, 10, 9, 1, 9, and 1 member in groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, respectively, whereas two were orphan genes. This analysis also revealed that unlike silkworm and fruit fly, the black-legged tick has no Mesp, Mlx, or TF4 family members, but has one more MyoRb family member. The present study provides useful background information for future studies of the black-legged tick as a disease vector with the goal of prevention and treatment.

NEDD4 single nucleotide polymorphism rs2271289 is associated with keloids in Chinese Han population

Keloids are abnormally raised fibroproliferative lesions that usually occur following cutaneous traumas. Recently, a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three genetic loci that are associated with keloids in Japanese population. Subsequently, two reported loci 1q41 (rs873549 and rs1442440) and 15q21.3 (rs2271289) for keloids were confirmed in selected Chinese population. The association of these SNPs with clinical features of keloids, has not yet been studied. To explore the role of these SNPs in the pathogenesis of keloids, we performed a case-controlled study in another independent Chinese Han population to analyze the correlation between 4 SNPs (rs873549, rs2118610, rs1511412, rs2271289) and keloids phenotypes. 309 keloids patients and 1080 control subjects were included. The results showed that, in the dominant mode of inheritance, the minor allele T of SNP rs2271289 had significantly higher odd ratios (ORs) in the severe keloid group compared with both the controls and the mild keloid group. The ORs were maintained after Bonferroni's correction (OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.78-9.37, P-value 3.25E-04). The ratio of the severe: mild OR for rs2271289 (dominant model) is (4.73/1.84=2.57). Similar associations in SNP rs2271289 were seen for groups with no family history and multiplesite compared with the control groups. No associations between keloid number, family history or severity relative to the controls were observed for the other three SNPs. Our data support that rs2271289 is strongly associated with severe keloids and might contribute to the complexity of clinical features of keloids.

Genetic differentiation of Octopus minor (Mollusca, Cephalopoda) off the northern coast of China as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphisms

Octopus minor (Sasaki, 1920) is an economically important cephalopod that is found in the northern coastal waters of China. In this study, we investigated genetic differentiation in fishery populations using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). A total of 150 individuals were collected from five locations: Dalian (DL), Yan-tai (YT), Qingdao (QD), Lianyungang (LY), and Zhoushan (ZS), and 243 reproducible bands were amplified using five AFLP primer combinations. The percentage of polymorphic bands ranged from 53.33 to 76.08%. Nei's genetic identity ranged from 0.9139 to 0.9713, and the genetic distance ranged from 0.0291 to 0.0900. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, based on the genetic distance. The DL and YT populations originated from one clade, while the QD, LY, and ZS populations originated from another. The results indicate that the O. minor stock consisted of two genetic populations with an overall significantly analogous FST value (0.1088, P < 0.05). Most of the variance was within populations. These findings will be important for more sustainable octopus fisheries, so that this marine resource can be conserved for its long-term utilization.

Association between WT1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to breast cancer: results from a case-control study in a southwestern Chinese population

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs16754, has been considered as an independent prognostic factor in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and renal cell carcinoma. However, its biological role in breast cancer has not been reported. To test whether WT1 SNPs can be used as a molecular marker in order to improve the risk stratification of breast cancer, we performed a case-control study including 709 female sporadic breast cancer patients and 749 female healthy control subjects in the Southeast China. Five WT1 SNPs (rs16754, rs3930513, rs5030141, rs5030317, rs5030320) were selected and determined by polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction to assess their associations with breast cancer risk. Results showed the distributions of the alleles of these WT1 SNPs were consistent with data from Chinese population as suggested by the International HapMap Project. Individuals with the minor alleles of rs16754, rs5030317 and rs5030320 showed a significant decrease of breast cancer risk in codominant model (OR = 0.6370, 95% CI: 0.4260-0.9520 for rs16754; OR = 0.5940, 95% CI: 0.3890-0.9070 for rs5030317; OR = 0.5870, 95% CI: 0.3850-0.8960 for 5030320, respectively) and recessive model. Stratified analyses showed the protective effects were more evident in the subjects with age ≤ 50 years or in pre-menopausal status. To explore the potential mechanism, we conducted bioinformatics genotype-phenotype correlation analysis, and found that the mRNA expression level for homozygous rare allele of WT1 gene was lower than that in wild-type and heterozygous group (P = 0.0021) in Chinese population. In summary, our findings indicated that minor alleles of rs16754, rs5030317 and rs5030320 are associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, suggesting that WT1 SNPs may be a potential biomarker of individualized prediction of susceptibility to breast cancer. However, large prospective and molecular epidemiology studies are needed to verify this correlation and clarify its underlying mechanisms.

BMI and physical fitness in Chinese adult students: a large school-based analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and a physical fitness index (PFI) in Chinese college freshmen based on 50-meter run.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional survey from 2007 to 2009. The records of 3825 men (age 18-31) and 4062 women (age 18-30) studying in Anhui medical university were examined. Height and weight were measured by trained teachers, and 50-meter run test was performed as PFI.

RESULT

More men than women were overweight or obese (5.8% vs 2.1%), but more women than men were underweight (21.1% vs 16.9%). In all five BMI groups, men performed significantly better than women (p < 0.05). In both genders, decreasing performance was observed from normal weight or underweight to overweight and thinness (p for trend < 0.05). The relationship between BMI and PFI of men is nonlinear and varies with age, and the curvature of this parabola increases continuously. The relationship between BMI and PFI of women is not clear.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between PFI and BMI of adult men conforms to the quadratic model, and the influence of PFI by BMI is more serious in middle-age male than youth male.

Identification of a missense variant in LNPEP that confers psoriasis risk

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex genetic architecture. To further advance gene discovery, we extended our genome-wide association study data set of 1,139 cases and 2,234 controls and replicated two independent cohorts of 7,200 cases and 10,491 controls. We identified the missense variant rs2303138 (p.Ala763Thr) within the LNPEP gene associated with psoriasis (Pcombined=1.83 × 10(-13), odds ratio=1.16) and validated four previously reported genes: IL28RA, NFKBIA, TRAF3IP2, and CARD14 (9.74 × 10(-11)P9.37 × 10(-5)), which confirmed the involvement of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in psoriasis pathogenesis. LNPEP, also named insulin-responsive aminopeptidase, was identified as an angiotensin IV receptor. Protein function prediction suggested that this missense variant of LNPEP was most likely deleterious. Expression analysis showed that LNPEP was significantly downregulated in psoriatic lesions compared with the control skin (P=1.44 × 10(-6)) and uninvolved patient skin (P=2.95 × 10(-4)). Pathway analysis indicated that LNPEP was involved in the renin-angiotensin system, which also has a key role in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These results provided genetic evidence that psoriasis might share common mechanisms with hypertension and diabetes, which was consistent with clinical observations. Our study identified a genetic susceptibility factor and provided genetic evidence of insight into psoriasis pathogenesis with the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system pathway.

Detection of a novel missense mutation in the mevalonate kinase gene in one Chinese family with DSAP

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is the most common form of porokeratosis and a severe chronic autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder with high genetic heterogeneity. Recently, the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene has been identified as a candidate gene responsible for DSAP and multiple mutations have been reported. Here, we report identification of a novel missense mutation in the MVK gene in a Chinese family with DSAP. A 50-year-old male was diagnosed as proband of DSAP based on the clinical and histological findings, which show numerous hyperpigmented macules by physical examination and cornoid lamella by skin biopsy. Similar skin symptoms were also observed in his father, who died many years ago. We prepared genomic DNA from the proband, unaffected individuals from his family members, as well as 100 unrelated healthy controls. PCR was then conducted using the above genomic DNA as template and the MVK gene-specific primers. The PCR product was subjected to direct sequencing and the sequence was compared to that of MVK gene within the NCBI database. We detected a heterozygous C to G transition at nucleotide 643 in exon 7 of MVK gene of the proband. This will result in an amino acid change at codon 215 (P.Arg215Gly.), which is from an arginine codon (CGA) to a Glycine codon (GGA). We did not detect any mutation in the unaffected family members or the 100 unrelated healthy controls, demonstrating that this is a novel missense mutation in MVK gene and therefore, contributes to the molecular diagnosis of DSAP.

Identification of genes for melatonin synthetic enzymes in 'Red Fuji' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.cv.Red) and their expression and melatonin production during fruit development

Melatonin is present in many edible fruits; however, the presence of melatonin in apple has not previously been reported. In this study, the genes for melatonin synthetic enzymes including tryptophan decarboxylase, tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H), arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, and N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase were identified in 'Red Fuji' apple. Each gene has several homologous genes. Sequence analysis shows that these genes have little homology with those of animals and they only have limited homology with known genes of rice melatonin synthetic enzymes. Multiple origins of melatonin synthetic genes during the evolution are expected. The expression of these genes is fully coordinated with melatonin production in apple development. Melatonin levels in apple exhibit an inverse relationship with the content of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation. Two major melatonin synthetic peaks appeared on July 17 and on October 8 in both unbagged and bagged apple samples. At the periods mentioned above, apples experienced rapid expansion and increased respiration. These episodes significantly elevate reactive oxygen species production in the apple. Current data further confirmed that melatonin produced in apple was used to neutralize the toxic oxidants and protect the developing apple against oxidative stress.

Exome sequencing identifies a COL14A1 mutation in a large Chinese pedigree with punctate palmoplantar keratoderma

BACKGROUND

Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma (PPPK) is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder characterised by numerous hyperkeratotic papules irregularly distributed on the palms and soles. To date, no causal gene for this disease has been identified.

METHODS

We performed exome sequencing analysis of four affected individuals and two unaffected controls from one Chinese PPPK family where disease locus was mapped at 8q24.13-8q24.21 by our previous linkage analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a novel heterozygous mutation in COL14A1 gene (c.4505C→T (p.Pro1502Leu)), which located within the linkage region that we previously identified for PPPK. The mutation was shared by the four affected individuals, but not for the two controls of the family. Sanger sequencing confirmed this mutation in another four cases from this family. This mutation was invisible in the normal controls of this family as well as the additional 676 unrelated normal controls and 781 patients with other disease. The shared COL14A1 mutation, p.Pro1502Leu, is a missense substitution at a highly conserved amino acid residue across multiple species.

CONCLUSIONS

The power of combining exome sequencing and linkage information in the study of genetics of autosomal dominant disorders, even in simplex cases, has been demonstrated. Our results suggested that COL14A1 would be a casual gene for PPPK, which was helpful for advancing us on understanding of the pathogenesis of PPPK.

[Investigation of operative process in treating lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in aged patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the operative management and surgical techniques for lumber disc herniation (LDH) in aged patients (>or=65 years).

METHODS

From 2005 to 2010,the data of 43 patients with LDH underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were 25 males and 18 females,aged from 65 to 70 years old with an average of 67.6 years. The course of disease was from 6 weeks to 7 years with an average of 10.2 years. Fenestratiodn discectomy or extended fenestration discectomy and unilateral or bilateral fenestration were used according to the conditions of location,type of herniated macleos polposus and nerve root compression. Among the patients,the nerve root canal was enlarged,hyperplastic osteophyma and soft tissue were removed, bilateral articular process was reserved in order to maintain the stability of the lumbar segment.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up from 1.2 to 5.2 years. According to the criteria of HU you-gu, 25 cases got excellent results, 15 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. No infection or nerve injury was found. Nerve function of patients had a normal or near normal recovery.

CONCLUSION

For the treatment of LDH in aged patents,it is key that reasonably choose the operative method, completely remove the hyperplasy of diseased region and enlarge the nerve root canal, thoroughly loose the nerve root.

[The advance in synthetic biology: towards a microbe-derived paclitaxel intermediates]

The synthetic biology matures to promote the heterologous biosynthesis of the well-known drug paclitaxel that is one of the most important and active chemotherapeutic agents for the first-line clinical treatment of cancer. This review focuses on the construction and regulation of the biosynthetic pathway of paclitaxel intermediates in both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In particular, the review also features the early efforts to design and overproduce taxadiene and the bottleneck of scale fermentation for producing the intermediates.

Exome sequencing identified a missense mutation of EPS8L3 in Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis

BACKGROUND

Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by coarse, wiry, twisted hair developed in early childhood and subsequent progressive hair loss. MUHH is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. No gene in 1p21.1-1q21.3 region responsible for MUHH has been identified.

METHODS

Exome sequencing was performed on two affected subjects, who had normal vertex hair and modest alopecia, and one unaffected individual from a four-generation MUHH family of which our previous linkage study mapped the MUHH locus on chromosome 1p21.1-1q21.3.

RESULTS

We identified a missense mutation in EPS8L3 (NM_024526.3: exon2: c.22G->A:p.Ala8Thr) within 1p21.1-1q21.3. Sanger sequencing confirmed the cosegregation of this mutation with the disease phenotype in the family by demonstrating the presence of the heterozygous mutation in all the eight affected and absence in all the seven unaffected individuals. This mutation was found to be absent in 676 unrelated healthy controls and 781 patients of other disease from another unpublished project of our group.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that EPS8L3 is a causative gene for MUHH, which was helpful for advancing us on understanding of the pathogenesis of MUHH. Our study also has further demonstrated the effectiveness of combining exome sequencing with linkage information for identifying Mendelian disease genes.

In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of a water-dilutable cassia oil microemulsion against Geotrichum citri-aurantii

BACKGROUND

Recently, food-grade microemulsions have been of increasing interest to researchers and have shown great potential in industrial applications. In this study a food-grade water-dilutable microemulsion system with cassia oil as oil, ethanol as cosurfactant, Tween 20 as surfactant and water was developed and its antifungal activity in vitro and in vivo against Geotrichum citri-aurantii was assessed.

RESULTS

The phase diagram results confirmed the feasibility of forming a water-dilutable microemulsion based on cassia oil. One microemulsion formulation, cassia oil/ethanol/Tween 20 = 1:3:6 (w/w/w), was selected with the capability to undergo full dilution with water. The average particle size was 6.3 nm. The in vitro antifungal experiments showed that the microemulsion inhibited fungal growth on solid medium and prevented arthroconidium germination in liquid medium and that cassia oil had stronger activity when encapsulated in the microemulsion. The in vivo antifungal experiments indicated that the water-dilutable microemulsion was effective in preventing postharvest diseases of citrus fruits caused by G. citri-aurantii.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest a promising utilisation of water-dilutable microemulsions based on essential oils for the control of postharvest diseases.