Identification and Expression Profiles of Putative Soluble Chemoreception Proteins from Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) Antennal Transcriptome.

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is a destructive stored product pest worldwide. Adult cigarette beetles are known to rely on host volatiles and pheromones to locate suitable habitats for oviposition and mating, respectively. However, little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms of these pests. Soluble chemoreception proteins are believed to initiate olfactory signal transduction in insects, which play important roles in host searching and mating behaviors. In this study, we sequenced the antennal transcriptome of L. serricorne and identified 14 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 5 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and 2 Niemann-Pick C2 proteins (NPC2). Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) results revealed that several genes (LserOBP2, 3, 6, and 14) were predominantly expressed in females, which might be involved in specific functions in this gender. The five LserOBPs (LserOBP1, 4, 8, 10, and 12) that were highly expressed in the male antennae might encode proteins involved in specific functions in males. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the olfactory system in this stored product pest and will assist in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly strategies for controlling L. serricorne.

Feasibility of using a non-sedation protocol for evaluation of neonatal congenital heart disease by using a 16-cm wide-detector computed tomography with a low radiation dose: preliminary experience from a single pediatric medical center.

The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of using a non-sedation protocol for the evaluation of neonatal congenital heart disease by using 16-cm wide-detector CT with a low radiation dose. Thirty-four neonates (group 1) were enrolled to undergo cardiac CT without sedation between August 2018 and March 2019. The control group (group 2) comprising 20 inpatient neonates was sedated. Cardiac CT was performed using 16-cm area detector 320-row CT with free breathing and prospective ECG-triggering scan mode. The examination completion time, radiation dose, and image quality were compared between the groups. The results of cardiac CT for patients in group 1 who underwent surgery were compared with surgical findings. Intergroup differences in body weight, age, examination completion time, radiation dose, and image quality evaluation were not significant. There was no significant difference in oxygen saturation before and after the examination in group 1. In all, 98 separate cardiovascular abnormalities in 27 group 1 patients were confirmed using surgical reports. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of cardiac CT were 94.90%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 98.53%. The non-sedation protocol can be applied in neonates with congenital heart disease by using 16-cm wide-detector CT with a low radiation dose. Based on the image quality obtained, non-sedative examination did not extend the examination completion time and helped avoid the possible side effects of sedative drugs.

Systemic ventricular strain and torsion are predictive of elevated serum NT-proBNP in Fontan patients: a magnetic resonance study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the associations between cardiac strain, cardiac torsion, ventricular volumes, and ventricular ejection fraction, with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in Fontan patients who were age- and gender-matched with healthy control subjects. METHODS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies performed in 22 (15 male, 7 female) patients with single-ventricle physiology (all morphological left ventricles) palliated with Fontan and 17 (10 male, 7 female) age- and gender-matched healthy children volunteers were retrospectively analyzed. Serum NT-proBNP levels were obtained in Fontan subjects. Standard post-processing of CMR images included systemic ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac mass, atrioventricular regurgitation, and ejection fraction. CMR tissue tracking (TT) software was used to quantify global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) and torsion of the systemic ventricle. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used in comparisons of correlations between NT-proBNP and functional parameters in repair Fontan patients. Intra-observer and inter-observer variability of CMR strain and torsion values were determined from 10 randomly selected Fontan subjects and 10 randomly selected control subjects. RESULTS: GLS was significantly lower in Fontan patients than in control subjects (-15.19±2.94 vs. -19.97±1.70; P<0.001). GLS was not significantly different between normal NT-proBNP levels and high NT-proBNP levels in Fontan patients (-15.59±2.72 vs. -14.62±3.32; P=0.462). The GCS of repair Fontan patients was not significantly lower than that of the control group (-16.76±3.27 vs. -17.88±2.26; P=0.235). GCS was significantly different between normal and high NT-proBNP levels group in Fontan patients (-17.95±2.43 vs. -15.04±3.67; P=0.036). The peak systolic torsion and peak systolic torsion rates were significantly lower in Fontan patients than in control subjects (0.81±0.41 vs. 1.07±0.36, P=0.044; 7.36±3.41 vs. 9.85±2.61, P=0.017). Peak systolic torsion was significantly lower in Fontan patients with normal NT-proBNP levels than in high NT-proBNP subjects (0.67±0.43 vs. 1.01±0.29; P=0.036). GCS and torsion were more strongly correlated with NT-proBNP in the patient group (r=0.541 for GCS; r=0.588 for torsion, P<0.01). The parameters of strain and torsion could be reproduced with sufficient accuracy by intra-observer agreement(biases =0.04 for GLS; biases =0.66 for GCS; biases =1.03 for GRS; biases =0.04 for torsion) and inter-observer agreement (biases =0.32 for GLS; biases =0.85 for GCS; biases =1.52 for GRS; biases =0.18 for torsion). CONCLUSIONS: GLS is an earlier marker of contractile dysfunction in repair Fontan patients. Peak systolic torsion may be a biomarker for determining subclinical dysfunction, as it is more strongly correlated with serum biomarkers of ventricular function than ventricular size or ejection fraction.

High concentrations of serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in patients with bipolar disorder.

Immune system dysregulation plays a key role in the physiopathology of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, whether interleukins might be biomarkers to distinguish these 2 affective disorders is unclear. Here, we assessed the differences in serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with MDD and BD. In total, we enrolled 21 MDD patients, 26 BD patients, and 20 healthy controls. We collected a total of 35 samples from BD patients in 3 different phases, depression phase, manic phase, and remission stage, and 27 samples from MDD patients in acute and remission phases. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels were assessed with solid phase sandwich ELISA-based quantitative arrays, and CRP levels were determined with an automatic analyzer. Both serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels were elevated in BD patients but not MDD patients. Subgroup analysis indicated elevated serum IL-6 in both the depression and manic phases in BD patients. The serum CRP levels did not change in either BD or MDD patients. However, sex differences in CRP concentrations were observed in healthy controls. Furthermore, there were linear correlations between the CRP levels and Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Rating Scale (BRMS) scores in BD patients. IL-6 and IL-8 levels may serve as biomarkers to differentiate between MDD and BD patients, even when the clinical manifestations are atypical. IL-6 may be used for the differential diagnosis of MDD and depressive episodes in BD.

A prospective evaluation of contrast and radiation dose and image quality in cardiac CT in children with complex congenital heart disease using low-concentration iodinated contrast agent and low tube voltage and current.

OBJECTIVE: To the assess image quality, contrast dose and radiation dose in cardiac CT in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) using low-concentration iodinated contrast agent and low tube voltage and current in comparison with standard dose protocol. METHODS: 110 patients with CHD were randomized to 1 of the 2 scan protocols: Group A (n = 45) with 120 mA tube current and contrast agent of 270 mgI/ml in concentration (Visipaque™; GE Healthcare Ireland, Co., Cork, UK); and Group B (n = 65) with the conventional 160 mA and 370 mgI/ml concentration contrast (Iopamiro®; Shanghai Bracco Sine Pharmaceutical Corp Ltd, Shanghai, China). Both groups used 80 kVp tube voltage and were reconstructed with 70% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm. The CT value and noise in aortic arch were measured and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. A five-point scale was used to subjectively evaluate image quality. Contrast and radiation dose were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in age and weight between the two groups (all p > 0.05). The iodine load and radiation dose in Group A were statistically lower (3976 ± 747 mgI vs 5763 ± 1018 mgI in iodine load and 0.60 ± 0.08 mSv vs 0.77 ± 0.10 mSv in effective dose; p < 0.001). However, image noise, CT value, CNR, SNR and subjective image quality for the two groups were similar (all p > 0.05), and with good agreement between the two observers. Comparing the surgery results, the diagnostic accuracy for extracardiac and intracardiac defects for Group A was 96% and 92%, respectively, while the corresponding numbers for Group B were 95% and 93%. CONCLUSION: Compared with the standard dose protocol, the use of low tube voltage (80 kVp), low tube current (120 mA) and low-concentration iodinated contrast agent (270 mgI/ml) enables a reduction of 30% in iodine load and 22% in radiation dose while maintaining compatible image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Advances in knowledge: The new cardiac CT scanning protocol can largely reduce the adverse effects of radiation and contrast media to children. Meanwhile, it also can be used effectively to examine complex CHD.

Diagnostic accuracy of sub-mSv prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT in young infant with complex congenital heart disease.

To explore the clinical value and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sub-mSv low-dose prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT (CCT) in young infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). A total of 102 consecutive infant patients (53 boys and 49 girls with mean age of 2.9 ± 2.4 m and weight less than 5 kg) with complex CHD were prospectively enrolled. Scans were performed on a 64-slice high definition CT scanner with low dose prospective ECG-triggering mode and reconstructed with 80 % adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm. All studies were performed during free breathing with sedation. The subjective image quality was evaluated by 5-point grading scale and interobserver variability was calculated. The objective image noise (standard deviation, SD) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. The effective radiation dose from the prospective ECG-triggering mode was recorded and compared with the virtual conventional retrospective ECG-gating mode. The detection rate for the origin of coronary artery was calculated. All patients also underwent echocardiography before CCT examination. 81 patients had surgery and their preoperative CCT and echocardiography findings were compared with the surgical results and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated for separate cardiovascular anomalies. Heart rates were 70-161 beats per minute (bpm) with mean value of 129.19 ± 14.52 bpm. The effective dose of 0.53 ± 0.15 mSv in the prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT was lower than the calculated value in a conventional retrospective ECG-gating mode (2.00 ± 0.35 mSv) (p < 0.001). The mean CNR and SD were 28.19 ± 13.00 and 15.75 ± 3.61HU, respectively. The image quality scores were 4.31 ± 0.36 and 4.29 ± 0.41 from reviewer 1 and 2 respectively with an excellent agreement between them (Kappa = 0.85). The detection rate for the origins of the left and right coronary arteries was 96 and 90 %, respectively. The detection rates of the origins of left coronary artery and right coronary artery in all cases were 96 % (78/81) and 90 % (73/81), respectively. Twenty cases of conotruncal anomalies and ALCAPA were validated surgically and the accuracy of cardiac CT diagnosis was 95 % (19/20). The overall deformity based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.0.1, 99.9, 98.6, 99.5 % respectively, by CCT, and 88.2, 99.9, 97.8, 99.0 %, respectively, by echocardiography. Prospective ECG-triggering CCT with sub-mSv effective dose provides excellent imaging quality and high diagnostic accuracy for young infants with complex CHD.

Prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-9 overexpression on clinical outcome of gastric cancer using a meta-analysis. METHODOLOGY: Relevant studies concerning the association between Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and survival of patients with gastric cancer were collected from electronic databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (Cls) were calculated to estimate the association. Subgroup analysis was calculated to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. Besides, we also assessed the relationship between Matrix metalloproteinase-9 level and relevant clinicopathological parameters by estimating the Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Cls. RESULTS: Ten studies with 1,478 patients were included to perform a meta-analysis of the survival results. Pooled HRs indicated that MMP-9 overexpression had a negative impact on the over survival (OS) of patients with gastric cancer (HR = 1.69, 95% Cl: 1.29-2.23, P = 0.00), without significant heterogeneity (chi2 = 14.17, I2 = 36.5%, P = 0.117). Similarly, high level of MMP-9 tended to be correlated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.91, 95% Cl: 1.40-2.59, P < 0.05) and presence of vascular invasion (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.52-4.59, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that Matrix metalloproteinase-9 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. However, larger scale and randomized studies are needed to confirm its potential clinical value.

Identification and verification of transthyretin as a potential biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide and is difficult to detect at its early stages when treatment is most effective. Therefore, we performed a comparative proteomic study to identify new biomarkers for the detection of PDAC. METHODS: Serum samples from patients with PDAC, chronic pancreatitis and normal controls were compared using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Differentially expressed separated proteins were subsequently identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS). Then, transthyretin (TTR), one of the differentially expressed proteins, was validated through real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Finally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were employed to confirm the levels of transthyretin in the sera. RESULTS: A total of 21 protein spots showed greater than 1.5-fold changes in expression level in the sera from PDAC patients compared with the normal controls. Among the identified proteins, validation experiments verified the differential expression of transthyretin in PDAC tissue, confirming the proteomic data showing that transthyretin was significantly elevated in patients with PDAC. The ELISA results revealed that the sensitivity and specificity for TTR and CA19-9 in distinguishing PDAC patients from normal individuals were 90.5, 47.6, 66.7 and 85.7 %, respectively, and 81.0 and 85.7 % for their combination. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the level of transthyretin is elevated in patients with PDAC. In combination with CA19-9, transthyretin may provide additional information for the detection of PDAC and should be further investigated.

Expression and clinical significance of apolipoprotein E in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer with a poor prognosis. Our previous proteomic analysis found apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein to be up-regulated in the sera of patients with PDAC. In this study, we sought to confirm this finding and investigate the relationship between ApoE and PDAC. We measured ApoE expression in tissues from PDAC patients and normal controls (NC) by real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the levels of ApoE and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in the sera from patients with PDAC and NC. Real-time PCR and western blots showed that the ApoE mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in PDAC tissues. The immunohistochemical results revealed that overexpression of ApoE was detected in 43 of 55 (78.2 %) PDAC cases and 3 of 20 (15 %) NC. High levels of ApoE were more likely in PDAC patients with advanced T status and TNM stages (p = 0.023 and p = 0.018, respectively). The ELISA results also confirmed that ApoE levels were elevated in the sera of PDAC patients. The sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing PDAC from NC were 76.2 and 71.4 %, respectively, for ApoE, 66.7 and 85.7 %, respectively, for CA19-9, and 81.0 and 85.7 %, respectively, for their combination. These results suggest that ApoE may be a potential PDAC-related biomarker and alone or in combination with other markers may provide additional information for the diagnosis and clinical management of PDAC.

[Analysis of pancreatic cancer peripheral blood by comparative proteomics].

OBJECTIVE: To identify protein markers for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by a comparative proteomic method. METHODS: Comparative analysis on the pancreatic peripheral blood protein profiling from 20 pancreatic cancer patients, 10 chronic pancreatitis patients and 20 cancer-free controls from May 2007 to September 2008 was carried out by two-dimensional fluorescence electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The significance difference proteins were confirmed by Western-blot. RESULTS: A differentially expressed proteins: complement 3 (C3) was identified. The gray level of C3 in pancreatic cancer tissue, chronic pancreatitis, and normal control group were 1.63 ± 0.28, 0.65 ± 0.13 (t = 11.81, P = 0.00) and 0.88 ± 0.19 (t = 9.93, P = 0.00), respectively. C3 was high expression in pancreatic cancer group compared with normal control group. The expression of C3 was higher in pancreatic cancer group than in chronic pancreatitis group. The high expression of C3 in pancreatic carcinoma was confirmed by Western blot. CONCLUSIONS: 2D-DIGE and MALDI-TOF-MS technology is a quick, easy and practical method to screen for specific biomarkers in serum of patients with pancreatic carcinoma. The identified protein C3 in this study may be as specific serum biomarkers of pancreatic carcinoma.

Auxin-regulated OsRGP1 and OsSuS are involved in gravitropic bending of rice shoot bases.

Gravitropic bending of horizontally-oriented rice shoots results from the differential elongation of cells in the upper and lower halves of the shoot bases. In this study, genes encoding a reversibly glycosylated polypeptide (OsRGP1) and a sucrose synthase (OsSuS) related to sugar metabolism were identified by suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) as being differentially expressed in gravibending lower and upper halves of rice shoot bases. RT-PCR was used to monitor OsRGP1 and OsSuS gene expression. The two genes were differentially induced in lower and upper halves of the shoot bases during gravitropism and their expression was regulated by auxin. Gene promoter sequence analysis demonstrated the existence of elements related to auxin. Treatment with the auxin transport inhibitor TIBA inhibited the asymmetric expression of OsRGP1 and OsSuS. In addition, an increase in hexose sugars was detected in the lower half of the shoot bases during gravitropism. Our data suggest that asymmetric redistribution of auxin following gravistimulation results in differentially localized OsRGP1 and OsSuS expression. While asymmetric expression of OsSuS may result in a disproportionate distribution of hexose, asymmetric expression of OsRGP1 could induce cell wall polysaccharide synthesis in the lower half of shoot bases. Therefore hexose and cell wall polysaccharide accumulation in the lower half of rice shoot bases might contribute to cell expansion and subsequent gravitropic bending.