[Effect of SIRT7 on inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in pancreatic cancer cells and related mechanism].

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of SIRT7 in epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: The pancreatic cancer cells were divided into siControl, siSIRT7, over-expression SIRT7, siSIRT7+siCOL4A1, and siSIRT7+siSLUG groups using siRNA or plasmid transfection. The proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells were detected by EdU, wound healing assay and Transwell experiments, respectively. The expression of EMT and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR) and western blot. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in SIRT7 knockdown PANC-1 cells was performed to explore the signaling pathways and target genes regulated by SIRT7. Then the target genes directly regulated by SIRT7 were identified with quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment (q-ChIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-PCR). The expressions of SIRT7 and target genes were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) in pancreatic cancer tissues, and the correlation between SIRT7 and target gene expression was analyzed using TCGA dataset. The correlation between expression of SIRT7 or target genes and survival was analyzed on KM-plotter website. Finally, GeneMANIA, STRING and ENCORI were used to predict SIRT7-related proteins and miRNAs. Results: EdU assay showed that the cell proliferation rates in SIRT7-overexpressed PANC-1 [(19.33±0.35)%] and BxPC-3 cells [(17.00±1.89)%] were lower than those in the control group [(31.60±1.37)% and (24.33±0.78)%, respectively, P＜0.05]. The proliferation rates of SIRT7-knockdown PANC-1 [(23.94±1.00)% and (27.08±0.97)%] and BxPC-3 cells [(22.00±1.86)% and (25.96±1.61)%] were higher than those of the siControl group [(11.80±1.86)% and (13.42±1.39)%, respectively, P＜0.05]. In PANC-1 cells, the wound healing assay showed that the relative migration rate of SIRT7-overexpression cells [(76.67±2.74)%] was lower than that of control cells [(100.00±2.13)%, P＜0.05]; the relative migration rate of cells with SIRT7 knockdown [(134.22±4.08)% and (199.82±9.20)%, respectively] was higher than that of siControl group [(102.24±3.13)%, P＜0.05]. Compared with the control group, SIRT7 overexpression decreased the number of migrated BxPC-3 cells (45.66±1.69 vs 28.33±2.62, P＜0.05); while SIRT7 knockdown increased these numbers (65.66±2.86 and 82.00±2.94 versus 33.00±0.81, P＜0.01). Transwell experiment revealed that the number of invaded cells in SIRT7 overexpression groups (16.33±2.05 and 34.66±1.69) was lower than that control groups (54.33±4.64 and 58.66±5.90, P＜0.05); with SIRT7 knockdown, the numbers of invaded PANC-1 (63.66±2.49 and 69.33±3.29) and BxPC-3 cells (134.33±3.09 and 181.66±4.02) were higher than those in control groups (35.33±2.49 and 42.00±0.81, P˂0.05). Also, SIRT7 knockdown decreased the expressions of epithelial markers and increased the expressions of mesenchymal and CSC markers. RNA-seq analysis showed that SIRT7 was involved in regulating a variety of cancer-related signaling pathways, including the pancreatic cancer pathway and the EMT pathway. Furthermore, SIRT7 could directly bind to the promoter regions of target genes, such as COL4A1 and SLUG. SIRT7 was negatively correlated with the expression and function of COL4A1 and SLUG in pancreatic cancer cells. The expressions of SIRT7, COL4A1, SLUG and SOX2 were verified in pancreatic cancer tissues by IHC. Finally, SIRT7 was predicted to be associated with many proteins and miRNAs based on GeneMANIA, STRING, and ENCORI online tools. Conclusions: SIRT7 can inhibit the EMT of pancreatic cancer cells through transcriptionally inhibiting the expression of target genes, such as COL4A1 and SLUG. Thus, SIRT7 may serve as a potential tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic cancer.

Genome-wide association study of growth curve parameters reveals novel genomic regions and candidate genes associated with metatarsal bone traits in chickens.

The growth and development of chicken bones have an enormous impact on the health and production performance of chickens. However, the development pattern and genetic regulation of the chicken skeleton are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate metatarsal bone growth and development patterns in chickens via non-linear models, and to identify the genetic determinants of metatarsal bone traits using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on growth curve parameters. Data on metatarsal length (MeL) and metatarsal circumference (MeC) were obtained from 471 F2 chickens (generated by crossing broiler sires, derived from a line selected for high abdominal fat, with Baier layer dams) at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Four non-linear models (Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, and Brody) were used to fit the MeL and MeC growth curves. Subsequently, the estimated growth curve parameters of the mature MeL or MeC (A), time-scale parameter (b), and maturity rate (K) from the non-linear models were utilized as substitutes for the original bone data in GWAS. The Logistic and Brody models displayed the best goodness-of-fit for MeL and MeC, respectively. Single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on the growth curve parameters of the Logistic and Brody models revealed 4 618 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), annotated to 332 genes, associated with metatarsal bone traits. The majority of these significant SNPs were located on Gallus gallus chromosome (GGA) 1 (167.433-176.318 Mb), GGA2 (96.791-103.543 Mb), GGA4 (65.003-83.104 Mb) and GGA6 (64.685-95.285 Mb). Notably, we identified 12 novel GWAS loci associated with chicken metatarsal bone traits, encompassing 35 candidate genes. In summary, the combination of single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on growth curve parameters uncovered numerous genomic regions and candidate genes associated with chicken bone traits. The findings benefit an in-depth understanding of the genetic architecture underlying metatarsal growth and development in chickens.

[A case of HIV combined with Mycobacterium celatum infection].

Here, we reported the diagnosis and treatment of a case of HIV infected person complicated by an extremely rare infection with Mycobacterium celatum. Due to the similarity of homologous sequence regions between Mycobacterium celatum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, the identification of conventional Mycobacterium species was incorrect, which was corrected after first-generation 16S rRNA sequencing. This report aimed to improve the clinical understanding of Mycobacterium celatum infection and the level of differential diagnosis between non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease and tuberculosis.

Distinguishing immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis from radiation pneumonitis by CT radiomics features in non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To develop a CT-based model to classify pneumonitis etiology in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) after radiotherapy(RT) and Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 130 NSCLC patients who developed pneumonitis after receipt of ICIs only (n = 50), thoracic RT only (n = 50) (ICIs only + thoracic RT only, the training cohort, n = 100), and RT + ICIs (the test cohort, n = 30). Clinical and CT radiomics features were described and compared between different groups. We constructed a random forest (RF) classifier and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier by CT radiomics to discern pneumonitis etiology. RESULTS: The patients in RT + ICIs group have more high grade (grade 3-4) pneumonitis compared to patients in ICIs only or RT only group (p < 0.05). Pneumonitis after the combined therapy was not a simple superposition mode of RT-related pneumonitis(RP) and ICI-related pneumonitis(CIP), resulting in the distinct characteristics of both RT and ICIs-related pneumonitis. The RF classifier showed favorable discrimination between RP and CIP with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.859 (95 %CI: 0.788-0.929) in the training cohort and 0.851 (95 % CI: 0.700-1) in the test cohort. The LDA classifier achieved an AUC of 0.881 (95 %CI: 0.815-0.947) in the training cohort and 0.842 (95 %CI: 0.686-0.997) in the test cohort. Our analysis revealed four principal CT-based features shared across both models:original_glrlm_LongRunLowGrayLevelEmphasis, wavelet-HLL_firstorder_Median, wavelet-LLL_ngtdm_Busyness， and wavelet-LLL_glcm_JointAverage. CONCLUSION: CT radiomics-based classifiers could provide a noninvasive method to identify the predominant etiology in NSCLC patients who developed pneumonitis after RT alone, ICIs alone or RT + ICIs.

[Research progress on distribution characteristics and health risk assessment of bioaerosols in medical institutions].

Bioaerosols in healthcare facilities are closely related to the health of medical staff and patients. Inhalation of microbial aerosol particles can lead to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, a systematic summary of bioaerosol types, sources, impact factors and health risk analysis is lacking.This article condutcted a literature review to understand the distribution characteristics, sources, influencing factors and health risks of bioaerosols in healthcare facilities, both domestically and internationally. The goal is to increase awareness of the distribution characteristics of bioaerosols in healthcare facilities and health risk of bioaerosols in medical institutions. This article also provides a reference for prevention and control of bioaerosols.

GABA-A receptor modulating steroids in acute and chronic stress; relevance for cognition and dementia?

Cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasing as the population worldwide ages. Therapeutics for these conditions is an unmet need. This review focuses on the role of the positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroid allopregnanolone (APα), it's role in underlying mechanisms for impaired cognition and of AD, and to determine options for therapy of AD. On one hand, APα given intermittently promotes neurogenesis, decreases AD-related pathology and improves cognition. On the other, continuous exposure of APα impairs cognition and deteriorates AD pathology. The disparity between these two outcomes led our groups to analyze the mechanisms underlying the difference. We conclude that the effects of APα depend on administration pattern and that chronic slightly increased APα exposure is harmful to cognitive function and worsens AD pathology whereas single administrations with longer intervals improve cognition and decrease AD pathology. These collaborative assessments provide insights for the therapeutic development of APα and APα antagonists for AD and provide a model for cross laboratory collaborations aimed at generating translatable data for human clinical trials.

Impact of postoperative infective complications on long-term survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications have a great impact on the postoperative course and oncological outcomes following major cancer surgery. Among them, infective complications play an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative infective complications influence long-term survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Patients who underwent resection with curative intent for HCC between July 2003 and June 2016 were identified from a multicentre database (8 institutions) and analysed retrospectively. Independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications were identified. After excluding patients who died 90 days or less after surgery, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between patients with and without postoperative infective complications within 30 days after resection. RESULTS: Among 2442 patients identified, 332 (13·6 per cent) had postoperative infective complications. Age over 60 years, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cirrhosis, intraoperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery exceeding 180 min and major hepatectomy were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications. Univariable analysis revealed that median OS and RFS were poorer among patients with postoperative infective complications than among patients without (54·3 versus 86·8 months, and 22·6 versus 43·2 months, respectively; both P < 0·001). After adjustment for other prognostic factors, multivariable Cox regression analyses identified postoperative infective complications as independently associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·20, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 1·41; P = 0·027) and RFS (HR 1·19, 1·03 to 1·37; P = 0·021). CONCLUSION: Postoperative infective complications decreased long-term OS and RFS in patients treated with liver resection for HCC.

MicroRNA-770-5p is involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy through regulating podocyte apoptosis by targeting TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major diabetic micro-vascular complication, and podocyte apoptosis induced by high glucose (HG) is a typical early feature of DN. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of DN. The purpose of the current study was to explore the role and molecular mechanism of miR-770-5p in podocyte apoptosis in DN. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro podocyte model of DN was conducted by treatment conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes with HG (30 mM D-glucose). The level of miR-770-5p in podocytes was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and protein levels were measured using Western blot assay in our current study. The relationship between miR-770-5p and TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) was revealed by TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation ability and cell apoptosis were determined by using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometer (FCM), respectively. RESULTS: We found that miR-770-5p was significantly upregulated in podocytes under HG condition. TRIAP1 was a target gene of miR-770-5p and it was down-regulated in podocytes by HG treatment. Further analysis indicated that HG induced cell proliferation ability reduction, cell apoptosis enhancement and apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1(APAF1)/Caspase9 pathway exaltation in podocytes were prevented by miR-770-5p down-regulation. More importantly, the results showed that all the effects of miR-770-5p inhibitor on HG induced podocytes were eliminated by TRIAP1 silencing. S.-Z. Zhang, X.-J. Qiu, S.-S. Dong, L.-N. Zhou, Y. Zhu, M.-D. Wang, L.-W. Jin We showed that miR-770-5p was upregulated in the in vitro model of DN, and it might promote the development of DN through regulating podocyte apoptosis by targeting TRIAP1.

Deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus modulates pallidal and subthalamic neural oscillations.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the basal ganglia has been introduced to treat movement disorders. The effects of pallidal DBS on the neural oscillations in the globus pallidus interna (GPi) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the same subject remains unclear. In this study, the DBS electrodes were bilaterally implanted in the GPi and STN in patients with Tourette's syndrome (TS). The local field potentials were simultaneously recorded from the GPi and STN during pallidal DBS with 130 Hz, 60 microseconds, and 1V/2V/2.5V voltages. The time-frequency characteristics were analyzed across the conditions of resting, stimulation and post-stimulation. The results showed that alpha and beta oscillation existed in the basal ganglia and the beta oscillation was attenuated by pallidal stimulation. The attenuations are significantly different among 1V/2V/2.5V voltages. The results suggest that beta oscillations may have physiological function in resisting tics in TS. Thus, the oscillation- and symptom-guided intelligent DBS needs to be investigated.

[BABA of da Vinci robot thyroid surgery in the standard treatment of thyroid cancer surgery].

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor in endocrine surgery. Surgery is the first choice for most patients with thyroid cancer. Da Vinci robot system as the auxiliary system is the most advanced endoscopic surgery, largely to fill the cavity mirror device cannot bend, complex operation and so on insufficiency, has now become an important way of surgical treatment of thyroid cancer, and its curative effect, high safety, but because of the economic cost is higher, is currently not widespread popularity.

Paracrine effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on proliferation, apoptosis, and alpha-actin-2 expression in hepatic stellate cells.

We investigated the paracrine effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and alpha-actin-2 (ACTA2) expression of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and explored the possible mechanisms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We established a co-culture system by culturing BMSCs on the upper layer and HSCs on the lower layer of a 6-well Transwell plate. Normal HSCs were cultured alone as a control. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. We detected the expression of ACTA2 mRNA and ACTA2 protein in HSC using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. ACTA2 in HSCs was detected by fluorescent staining, and HGF in the co-culture supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptotic rate of HSCs in the experiment group was 2.6 times that in the control group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of ACTA2 mRNA and ACTA2 protein were significantly inhibited in HSCs compared with the control group (P < 0.05). HGF concentration in the co-culture supernatant was 0.43 ± 0.47 mM in the experimental group, which was significantly higher than in the control group (0.16 ± 0.43 mM) (P < 0.05). The paracrine effect of BMSCs, which was caused by the suppression of ACTA2 and HGF expression, induced HSC apoptosis.

Single-Molecule Optical-Trapping Techniques to Study Molecular Mechanisms of a Replisome.

The replisome is a multiprotein molecular machinery responsible for the replication of DNA. It is composed of several specialized proteins each with dedicated enzymatic activities, and in particular, helicase unwinds double-stranded DNA and DNA polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of DNA. Understanding how a replisome functions in the process of DNA replication requires methods to dissect the mechanisms of individual proteins and of multiproteins acting in concert. Single-molecule optical-trapping techniques have proved to be a powerful approach, offering the unique ability to observe and manipulate biomolecules at the single-molecule level and providing insights into the mechanisms of molecular motors and their interactions and coordination in a complex. Here, we describe a practical guide to applying these techniques to study the dynamics of individual proteins in the bacteriophage T7 replisome, as well as the coordination among them. We also summarize major findings from these studies, including nucleotide-specific helicase slippage and new lesion bypass pathway in T7 replication.

Retraction RETRACTION of "Methylation of the RASSFIA promoter in breast cancer" by Y. Ji, H.H. Jin, M.D. Wang, W.X. Cao, J.L. Bao - Genet. Mol. Res. 15 (2): gmr.15028261 (2016) - DOI: 10.4238/gmr.15028261.

The retracted article is: Ji Y, Jin HH, Wang MD, Cao WX, et al. (2016). Methylation of the RASSFIA promoter in breast cancer. Genet. Mol. Res. 15: gmr.15028261. There are significant parts of this article (particularly, in the discussion section) that are copied from "Methylation of HIN-1, RASSF1A, RIL and CDH13 in breast cancer is associated with clinical characteristics, but only RASSF1A methylation is associated with outcome", by Jia Xu, Priya B Shetty, Weiwei Feng, Carol Chenault, Robert C Bast Jr, Jean-Pierre J Issa, Susan G Hilsenbeck and Yinhua Yu, published in BMC Cancer 2012; 12: 243. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-243. The first paragraphs of both discussions are identical. This is concerning. The abstract and introduction sections have much of their text plagiarized. Overall, there is high plagiarism detected. The GMR editorial staff was alerted and after a thorough investigation, we have strong reason to believe that the peer review process was failure and, after review and contacting the authors, the editors of Genetics and Molecular Research decided to retract the article in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The authors and their institutions were advised of this serious breach of ethics.

Methylation of the RASSFIA promoter in breast cancer.

Tumor suppressor genes are the key targets of hypermethylation in breast cancer and may therefore lead to malignancy by deregulation of cell growth and division. Our previous pilot study with pairs of malignant and normal breast tissues identified a correlation between RASSFIA gene methylation and breast cancer. To determine the relationship between RASSFIA methylation and breast cancer, we conducted a larger study. We took samples from 108 patients with breast cancer, 28 patients with benign breast tumors, and 33 subjects with normal breast tissues at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University at Wuxi between July 2013 and September 2015. We used the samples to investigate methylation levels of the RASSF1A gene for associations with breast cancer. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methylation-specific PCR were used to investigate the levels of RASSF1A mRNA expression and RASSF1A methylation, respectively. RASSFIA was not expressed in 22 of the 108 breast cancer tissue samples (20.37%), and there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05); however, RASSFIA expression was significantly lower than that in the normal breast tissue samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, the methylation rate of the RASSFIA gene promoter was significantly higher in the breast cancer tissues (64.81%) than in the normal breast tissues (18.18%) and benign breast tumors (17.86%) (P < 0.05). High methylation of the RASSF1A gene promoter was an important reason for its downregulation, and the gene played a critical regulated role in the incidence and development of breast cancer.

In vivo kinematic study of the tarsal joints complex based on fluoroscopic 3D-2D registration technique.

The tarsal bones articulate with each other and demonstrate complicated kinematic characteristics. The in vivo motions of these tarsal joints during normal gait are still unclear. Seven healthy subjects were recruited and fourteen feet in total were tested in the current study. Three dimensional models of the tarsal bones were first created using CT scanning. Corresponding local 3D coordinate systems of each tarsal bone was subsequently established for 6DOF motion decompositions. The fluoroscopy system captured the lateral fluoroscopic images of the targeted tarsal region whilst the subject was walking. Seven key pose images during the stance phase were selected and 3D to 2D bone model registrations were performed on each image to determine joint positions. The 6DOF motions of each tarsal joint during gait were then obtained by connecting these positions together. The TNJ (talo-navicular joint) exhibited the largest ROMs (range of motion) on all rotational directions with 7.39±2.75°of dorsi/plantarflexion, 21.12±4.68°of inversion/eversion, and 16.11±4.44°of internal/external rotation. From heel strike to midstance, the TNJ, STJ (subtalar joint), and CCJ (calcaneao-cuboid joint) were associated with 5.97°, 5.04°, and 3.93°of dorsiflexion; 15.46°, 8.21°, and 5.82°of eversion; and 9.75°, 7.6°, and 4.99°of external rotation, respectively. Likewise, from midstance to heel off, the TNJ, STJ, and CCJ were associated with 6.39, 6.19°, and 4.47°of plantarflexion; 18.57°, 11.86°, and 6.32°of inversion and 13.95°, 9.66°, and 7.58°of internal rotation, respectively. In conclusion, among the tarsal joints, the TNJ exhibited the greatest rotational mobility. Synchronous and homodromous rotational motions were detected for TNJ, STJ, and CCJ during the stance phase.

Autologous dermal graft combined with a modified degloving procedure for penile augmentation in young adults: a preliminary study.

In order to evaluate the effect of penile enhancement, we retrospectively reviewed the data of the patients operated with autologous dermal graft implantation combined with a modified penile degloving procedure. The patients with the complaints of small penis, asking for penile augmentation, and normal erectile function were psychologically screened and enrolled. Data of follow-up visit including patient demographics, medical history, surgical procedure, patient-reported outcomes were analysed. In all, 30 eligible persons were operated. After degloving of the penis, the suspensory ligament was incised and the tunica albuginea was fixed to the proximal tunica dartos at the penile base. Then, the dermis graft was implanted on the dorsal surface of the tunica albuginea. The file of follow-up visit was available in 17 (57%) patients. The mean age was 23.7 years (19-35 years) and the mean follow-up was 13 months (range, 4-24 months). During the follow-up period, the average gain in the penis length was 2.7 cm in flaccid and 0.8 cm in erection, respectively. And the average gain in the penis circumference was 1.5 cm in flaccid and 1.2 cm in erection, respectively. Also, psychosexual sexual self-esteem and confidence of the patients were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Overall, 13 (76%) patients reported satisfaction with the penile appearance. We believe that the surgery is both safe and effective in the enhancement of the penis, however, further clinical studies with a larger patient population are necessary.

Development of user-friendly and interactive data collection system for cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent motor disorder that appears in early age and it requires multiple tests to assess the physical and mental capabilities of the patients. Current medical record data collection systems, e.g., EPIC, employed for CP are very general, difficult to navigate, and prone to errors. The data cannot easily be extracted which limits data analysis on this rich source of information. To overcome these limitations, we designed and prototyped a database with a graphical user interface geared towards clinical research specifically in CP. The platform with MySQL and Java framework is reliable, secure, and can be easily integrated with other programming languages for data analysis such as MATLAB. This database with GUI design is a promising tool for data collection and can be applied in many different fields aside from CP to infer useful information out of the vast amount of data being collected.

Tropically adapted cattle of Africa: perspectives on potential role of copy number variations.

Africa is host to diverse and locally adapted cattle breeds that are expected to survive the harsh and extreme tropical environments associated with diseases and parasite infections, heat stress and episodes of feed and water scarcity. Genomic copy number variations (CNVs) are considered to be primary role players in cattle breed formation and adaptation where isolation and genetic drift together with subsequent mutations have created an enormous diversity of local populations. CNVs are modifications in DNA structure comprising deletions, duplications and insertions that are >1 kb in size. Despite attracting much attention, the frequency and pattern of bovine CNV events, especially in African cattle breeds, are for the most part largely unknown. Characterization of genetic variation in the indigenous cattle of Africa will be a vital step toward dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation and local adaptation. This review therefore aims to describe the current knowledge regarding bovine CNVs and the implications and potentials they encompass for dissecting genetic adaptation and the genotypic skeleton of tropical African cattle populations.

The exponential function transforms the Abbreviated Injury Scale, which both improves accuracy and simplifies scoring.

PURPOSE: We present here the exponential function which transforms the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). It is called the Exponential Injury Severity Score (EISS), and significantly outperforms the venerable but dated New Injury Severity Score (NISS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) as a predictor of mortality. METHODS: The EISS is defined as a change of AIS values by raising each AIS severity score (1-6) by 3 taking a power of AIS minus 2 and then summing the three most severe injuries (i.e., highest AIS), regardless of body regions. EISS values were calculated for every patient in two large independent data sets: 3,911 and 4,129 patients treated during a 6-year period at the Class A tertiary hospitals in China. The power of the EISS to predict mortality was then compared with previously calculated NISS values for the same patients in each of the two data sets. RESULTS: We found that the EISS is more predictive of survival [Zhejiang: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): NISS = 0.932, EISS = 0.949, P = 0.0115; Liaoning: AUC: NISS = 0.924, EISS = 0.942, P = 0.0139]. Moreover, the EISS provides a better fit throughout its entire range of prediction (Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic for Zhejiang: NISS = 21.86, P = 0.0027, EISS = 13.52, P = 0.0604; Liaoning: NISS = 23.27, P = 0.0015, EISS = 15.55, P = 0.0164). CONCLUSIONS: The EISS may be used as the standard summary measure of human trauma.

A High-Resolution Tile-Based Approach for Classifying Biological Regions in Whole-Slide Histopathological Images.

Computational analysis of histopathological whole slide images (WSIs) has emerged as a potential means for improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, an open issue relating to the automated processing of WSIs is the identification of biological regions such as tumor, stroma, and necrotic tissue on the slide. We develop a method for classifying WSI portions (512x512-pixel tiles) into biological regions by (1) extracting a set of 461 image features from each WSI tile, (2) optimizing tile-level prediction models using nested cross-validation on a small (600 tile) manually annotated tile-level training set, and (3) validating the models against a much larger (1.7x106 tile) data set for which ground truth was available on the whole-slide level. We calculated the predicted prevalence of each tissue region and compared this prevalence to the ground truth prevalence for each image in an independent validation set. Results show significant correlation between the predicted (using automated system) and reported biological region prevalences with p < 0.001 for eight of nine cases considered.