Proteus faecis: a potentially pathogenic bacterium isolated from the freshwater Yangtze finless porpoise.

Proteus faecis is a gram-negative facultative anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium capable of swarming motility. It has been isolated from numerous sources such as humans, animals, and refuse and is considered potentially pathogenic towards humans. In this study, bacteria were isolated from the blowhole of a Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis; YFP) living in captivity in China. One bacterium, P. faecis porpoise, was isolated and whole genome sequencing done. Biofilm formation, motility and antimicrobial resistance were also investigated. To find putative virulence factors, the genome of P. faecis strain porpoise was compared to the genomic sequences of eight other P. faecis isolates using the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) ( https://www.bv-brc.org/ ). The goal of this study was to initially characterize the pathogenicity of this bacterium isolated from a cetacean species using both pathogenomics and conventional approaches.

Comparative genomics provides insights into the aquatic adaptations of mammals.

The ancestors of marine mammals once roamed the land and independently committed to an aquatic lifestyle. These macroevolutionary transitions have intrigued scientists for centuries. Here, we generated high-quality genome assemblies of 17 marine mammals (11 cetaceans and six pinnipeds), including eight assemblies at the chromosome level. Incorporating previously published data, we reconstructed the marine mammal phylogeny and population histories and identified numerous idiosyncratic and convergent genomic variations that possibly contributed to the transition from land to water in marine mammal lineages. Genes associated with the formation of blubber (NFIA), vascular development (SEMA3E), and heat production by brown adipose tissue (UCP1) had unique changes that may contribute to marine mammal thermoregulation. We also observed many lineage-specific changes in the marine mammals, including genes associated with deep diving and navigation. Our study advances understanding of the timing, pattern, and molecular changes associated with the evolution of mammalian lineages adapting to aquatic life.

The intestinal microbiota of a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus): possible relationships with starvation raised by macro-plastic ingestion.

Ingesting marine plastics is increasingly common in cetaceans, but little is known about their potential effects. Here, by utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we profiled the intestinal bacterial communities of a stranded Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) which died because of the ingestion of rubber gloves. In this study, we explored the potential relationships between starvation raised by plastic ingestion with the dolphin gut microbiota. Our results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition among the different anatomical areas along the intestinal tract, which may be related to the intestinal emptying process under starvation. In addition, the intestinal bacterial composition of the Risso's dolphin showed both similarity and divergence to that of other toothed whales, suggesting potential roles of both host phylogeny and habitat shaping of the cetacean intestinal microbiome. Perhaps, the microbiota is reflecting a potentially disordered intestinal microbial profile caused by the ingestion of macro-plastics which led to starvation. Moreover, two operational taxonomic units (0.17% of the total reads) affiliated with Actinobacillus and Acinetobacter lwoffii were detected along the intestinal tract. These bacterial species may cause infections in immunocompromised dolphins which are malnourished. This preliminary study profiles the intestinal microbiota of a Risso's dolphin, and provides an additional understanding of the potential relationships between starvation raised by ingesting macro-plastics with cetacean gut microbiota.

Increased 18F-FAPI uptake in bones and joints of lung cancer patients: characteristics and distributions.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of various bone and joint lesions on 18F-FAPI PET/CT in lung cancer patients. METHODS: Seventy-four lung cancer patients who underwent 18F-FAPI PET/CT were reviewed. Bone and joint lesions with elevated 18F-FAPI uptake were recorded and analyzed. The distribution and maximum uptake value (SUVmax) of different benign lesions or bone metastases were presented. In addition, the SUVmax of bone metastases on 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT were also compared. RESULTS: In 53 patients, a total of 262 lesions presented 18F-FAPI accumulation. Bone metastases were mainly in vertebrae, pelvis, and ribs, while benign lesions were in vertebral margins, alveolar bone, and shoulder joints. The SUVmax of bone metastases was significantly higher than that of benign lesions ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), with NSCLC cases having higher SUVmax values than SCLC cases ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Among benign lesions, arthritis and periodontitis demonstrated higher SUVmax than degenerative lesions (arthritis: [Formula: see text]; periodontitis: [Formula: see text]; degenerative diseases: [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). The SUVmax of bone metastases was comparable between 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI PET/CT. However, 18F-FAPI PET/CT was found to be superior in identifying cranial metastases compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT (TBRmet/brain: [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that 18F-FAPI PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality for detecting bone and joint lesions in lung cancer patients. The SUVmax of malignant lesions was higher than that of benign lesions, but cannot accurately distinguish benign and malignant lesions. The uptake of FAPI differs among lesions with different pathological types.

Tumor angiogenesis at baseline identified by 18F-Alfatide II PET/CT may predict survival among patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The study investigated the predictive value of tumor angiogenesis observed by 18F-ALF-NOTA-PRGD2 II (denoted as 18F-Alfatide II) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) before concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for treatment response and survival among patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). METHODS: Patients with unresectable stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC (AJCC Cancer Staging 7th Edition) who received CCRT were included in this prospective study. All patients had undergone 18F-Alfatide PET/CT scanning before CCRT, and analyzed parameters included maximum uptake values (SUVmax) of primary tumor (SUVP) and metastatic lymph nodes (SUVLN) and mean uptake value of blood pool (SUVblood). Tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) and changes in tumor diameter before and after CCRT (ΔD) were calculated. The ratios of SUVP to SUVblood, SUVLN to SUVblood, and SUVP to SUVLN were denoted as TBRP, TBRLN, and T/LN. Short-term treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 38 enrolled patients, 28 completed CCRT. SUVP, SUVLN, TBRP, TBRLN and T/LN showed significant correlation with PFS (all P < 0.05). SUVP was negatively correlated with OS (P = 0.005). SUVP and TBRP were higher in non-responders than in responders (6.55 ± 2.74 vs. 4.61 ± 1.94, P = 0.039; 10.49 ± 7.58 vs. 7.73 ± 6.09, P = 0.023). ΔD was significantly greater in responders (2.78 ± 1.37) than in non-responders (-0.16 ± 1.33, P < 0.001). Exploratory receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified TBRP (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.764, P = 0.018), with a cutoff value of 6.52, as the only parameter significantly predictive of the response to CCRT, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 71.43%, 78.57%, and 75.00%, respectively. ROC curve analysis also identified SUVP (AUC = 0.942, P < 0.001, cutoff value 4.64) and TBRP (AUC = 0.895, P = 0.001, cutoff value 4.95) as predictive of OS with high sensitivity (84.21%, 93.75%), specificity (100.00%, 66.67%), and accuracy (89.29%, 82.14%). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of tumor angiogenesis by 18F-Alfatide II at baseline may be useful in predicting the short-term response to CCRT as well as PFS and OS in patients with LA-NSCLC.

[18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT uptake in metastatic lesions on PET/CT imaging might distinguish different pathological types of lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Heterogeneity is found in the tumor microenvironment among different pathological types of tumors. Radionuclide-labeled fibroblast-activation-protein inhibitor (FAPI), as an important tracer for non-invasive imaging of the tumor microenvironment, can be used to evaluate the expression of FAP in cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and tumor cells. Our aim was to explore the ability of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to distinguish different types of lung cancer by evaluating the uptake of this tracer in primary and metastatic lesions. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 61 patients with histopathologically proven primary lung cancer with metastases. PET/CT scanning was performed before any antitumor therapy and 1 h after injection of 235.10 ± 3.89 MBq of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04. Maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) were calculated for comparison among primary and metastatic lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for FAP was performed on tumor specimens. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC, n = 30), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n = 17), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, n = 14) were enrolled in this study, and 61 primary tumors and 199 metastases were evaluated. No difference in [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 uptake was observed among primary ADC, SCC, and SCLC tumors (P = 0.198). Additionally, no difference in uptake was found between primary and metastatic lesions of lung cancer with the same pathological type (P > 0.05). However, uptake did differ among metastases of differing pathological types (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of metastatic lymph nodes was highest for SCC, followed by ADC and then SCLC (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of bone metastases also was highest for SCC, followed by ADC and SCLC (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between ADC and SCLC. The SUVmax of metastases in other organs was higher in SCC cases than in ADC cases but did not differ between SCC and SCLC or ADC and SCLC. Bone metastases exhibited higher uptake than those of lymph nodes and other organs in SCC and ADC (P < 0.05) but not in SCLC. Positive correlations were found between FAPI uptake and FAP expression in surgical plus biopsy specimens (r = 0.439, P = 0.012) and surgical specimens (r = 0.938, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging revealed differences in FAP expression in metastases of lung cancer, with the highest expression specifically in bone metastases, and thus, may be valuable for distinguishing different pathological types of lung cancer.

[18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04: FAP-targeting specificity, biodistribution, and PET/CT imaging of various cancers.

PURPOSE: In this pilot study, we developed a new tracer, [18F]AlF-labeled FAPI-04 chelated with NOTA, denoted as [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04, and tested the specificity, biodistribution, and clinical application for PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging of various types of cancers in patients. METHODS: In vitro binding specificity of FAPI-04 to FAP was verified in U87 cells confocal of a fluorescence-labeled variant. In vivo imaging, competition, and dynamic scanning analyses were conducted to evaluate [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 imaging in xenograft mouse model using small-animal PET/CT. The application of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 was analyzed by imaging different types of cancers in patients. RESULTS: Both in vitro and in vivo results showed high binding specificity of FAPI-04 to FAP. High intratumoral uptake and fast body clearance of the tracer were observed in the xenograft mouse model and cancer patients. High-contrast images and negligible radiation exposure to normal tissue were observed on [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in 28 patients with 8 different types of cancers. Five of 28 patients underwent PET/CT scanning at 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after intravenous injection of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04. Seven patients with advanced lung cancer underwent dual-tracer imaging, and 44 and 37 metastatic lesions were detected by [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. Overall, 80.0% of metastatic lesions was identified by both [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 and 18F-FDG, 17.8% by [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT only, and 2.2% by [18F]FDG PET/CT only. CONCLUSION: [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 offers high specificity as a tracer for FAP imaging and allows fast imaging with high contrast in tumors. [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 is better at identifying metastatic lesions in patients with advanced lung cancer than [18F]FDG, and its use may facilitate tumor staging.

Biofilm formation, antimicrobial assay, and toxin-genotypes of Clostridium perfringens type C isolates cultured from a neonatal Yangtze finless porpoise.

This is a culture-dependent study with the objective of pure culturing and characterizing pathogenic bacteria from the blowhole, lung, stomach and fecal samples of a neonatal crucially endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) that died 27 days after birth. Bacteria were inoculated using a swab onto blood and MacConkey agar plates and representative isolates were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. A total of three Clostridium perfringens type C strains from the fecal samples were isolated. Toxin genes, including cpa, cpb and cpb2, were detected by PCR amplification, whereas the etx, iap and cpe genes were not detected. Biofilm formation of the three strains was then examined. Only one strain was capable of biofilm formation. In addition, isolates showed strong resistance against the antibiotics amikacin (3/3), erythromycin (1/3), gentamicin (3/3), streptomycin (3/3), and trimethoprim (3/3), while sensitivity to ampicillin (3/3), bacitracin (3/3), erythromycin (2/3), penicillin G (3/3), and tetracycline (3/3). The results suggested C. perfringens type C could have contributed to the death of this neonatal porpoise.

Aeroengine Working Condition Recognition Based on MsCNN-BiLSTM.

Aeroengine working condition recognition is a pivotal step in engine fault diagnosis. Currently, most research on aeroengine condition recognition focuses on the stable condition. To identify the aeroengine working conditions including transition conditions and better achieve the fault diagnosis of engines, a recognition method based on the combination of multi-scale convolutional neural networks (MsCNNs) and bidirectional long short-term memory neural networks (BiLSTM) is proposed. Firstly, the MsCNN is used to extract the multi-scale features from the flight data. Subsequently, the spatial and channel weights are corrected using the weight adaptive correction module. Then, the BiLSTM is used to extract the temporal dependencies in the data. The Focal Loss is used as the loss function to improve the recognition ability of the model for confusable samples. L2 regularization and DropOut strategies are employed to prevent overfitting. Finally, the established model is used to identify the working conditions of an engine sortie, and the recognition results of different models are compared. The overall recognition accuracy of the proposed model reaches over 97%, and the recognition accuracy of transition conditions reaches 94%. The results show that the method based on MsCNN-BiLSTM can effectively identify the aeroengine working conditions including transition conditions accurately.

Searching for putative virulence factors in the genomes of Shewanella indica and Shewanella algae.

Bacterial pathogens are a major threat to both humans and animals worldwide. It is crucial to understand the mechanisms of various disease processes at the molecular level. Shewanella species are widespread in the environment and some are considered as emerging opportunistic human and marine mammal pathogens. In this study, putative virulence factors on the genome of Shewanella indica BW, a bacterium isolated from the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), were determined. Additionally, for comparative purposes, putative virulence factors from two other S. indica and ten S. algae strains were also determined using the Pathosystems Resource Integration Center (PATRIC) pipeline. We confirmed the presence of previously reported virulence factors and we are proposing several new candidate virulence factors. Interestingly, the putative virulence factors were very similar between the two species with the exception of microbial collagenase which was present in all S. algae genomes, but absent in all S. indica genomes.

Correlation of hypoxia as measured by fluorine-18 fluoroerythronitroimidazole (18F-FETNIM) PET/CT and overall survival in glioma patients.

PURPOSE: Hypoxia is important in the biology of glioma in humans. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with a hypoxia tracer offers a noninvasive method to differentiate individual tumor biology and potentially modify treatment for patients with malignancies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hypoxia, as measured by fluorine-18 fluoroerythronitroimidazole (18F-FETNIM) PET/CT, was associated with tumor grade, overall survival (OS), and immunohistochemical features related to hypoxia, proliferation, angiogenesis, and the invasion of gliomas. PROCEDURES: Twenty-five patients with gliomas in whom gross maximal resection could be safely attempted were analyzed. All patients underwent 18F-FETNIM PET/CT studies before surgery. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was obtained from the PET images of tumor tissues. Tumor specimens were stereotactically obtained for the immunohistochemical staining of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). RESULTS: A correlation between the SUVmax and glioma grade was found (r = 0.881, P < 0.001). The SUVmax was significantly correlated with the expression of HIF-1α, Ki-67, VEGF, and MMP-9 (r = 0.820, 0.747, 0.606, and 0.727; all P < 0.001). Patients with a high SUVmax had significantly worse 3-year OS than those with a low SUVmax (24.4% vs. 82.1%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FETNIM PET/CT provides an excellent noninvasive assessment of hypoxia in glioma. It can be used to understand the mechanisms by which hypoxia affects the OS of glioma patients.

Putative virulence factors of Plesiomonas shigelloides.

Plesiomonas shigelloides is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium which has been isolated from humans, animals and the environment. It has been associated with diarrhoeal disease in humans and various epizootic diseases in animals. In this study P. shigelloides strains were isolated from the faecal material of a captive Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis; YFP) living in semi-natural conditions in China. Plesiomonas shigelloides strain EE2 was subjected to whole genome sequencing. The draft genome was then compared to the genome sequences of ten other P. shigelloides isolates using the Pathosystems Resource Integration Center pipeline. In addition to several virulence factors which have been previously reported, we are proposing new candidate virulence factors such as a repeats-in-toxin protein, lysophospholipase, a twin-arginine translocation system and the type VI secretion effector Phospholipase A1.

Using environmental DNA to assess population-wide spatiotemporal reserve use.

Scientists increasingly rely on protected areas to assist in biodiversity conservation, yet the efficacy of these areas is rarely systematically assessed, often because of underfunding. Still, adaptive management strategies to maximize conservation success often rely on understanding the temporal and spatial dynamism of populations therein. Examination of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a time and cost-effective way to monitor species' distribution, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) provides information on organismal abundance. To date, however, such techniques remain underused for population assessments in protected areas. We determined eDNA concentration of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) to describe its occurrence, range, and use of the Tian e-Zhou National Nature Reserve in Hubei, China, across seasons and hydrological depths. Despite the observation that total eDNA concentrations were highest in surface waters in summer, finless porpoise eDNA concentrations were significantly higher in deeper waters than in surface waters in summer. During the breeding season (spring), eDNA signals were site specific and restricted to the core area of the reserve. However, postbreeding eDNA concentrations were widespread across the reserve, encompassing sites previously thought to be unfrequented by the species. Our results suggest spatiotemporal idiosyncrasies in site, depth, and seasonal use of the reserve and a propensity for postbreeding population dispersal. With eDNA and qPCR we were able to assess an entire population's use of a protected area. Illuminating nuances in habitat use via eDNA could be valuable to set pragmatic conservation goals for this, and other, species.

Assembly and characterization of the MHC class I region of the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis).

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis; YFP) is the sole freshwater subspecies of N. asiaeorientalis and is now critically endangered. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a family of highly polymorphic genes that play an important immunological role in antigen presentation in the vertebrates. Currently, however, little is known about MHC region in the genome of the YFP, which hampers conservation genetics and evolutionary ecology study using MHC genes. In this work, a nucleotide sequence of 774,811 bp covering the YFP MHC class I region was obtained by screening a YFP bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library, followed by sequencing and assembly of positive BAC clones. A total of 45 genes were successfully annotated, of which four were MHC class I genes. There are high similarities among the four YFP MHC class I genes (>94%). Divergence in the coding region of the four YFP MHC class I genes is mainly localized to exons 2 and 3, which encode the antigen-binding sites of MHC class I genes. Additionally, comparison of the MHC structure in YFP to those of cattle, sheep, and pig showed that MHC class I genes are located in genome regions with regard to the conserved genes, and the YFP contains the fewest MHC class I genes among these species. This is the first report characterizing a cetacean MHC class I region and describing its organization, which would be valuable for further investigation of adaptation in natural populations of the YFP and other cetaceans.

Isolation of culturable aerobic bacteria and evidence of Kerstersia gyiorum from the blowhole of captive Yangtze finless porpoises.

Bacterial respiratory illnesses are problematic in aquatic mammals such as the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis; YFP), which is now at a critically endangered status. Yet little is known about the bacteria inhabiting the respiratory tract of YFPs. In this study, we preliminarily characterized the culturable aerobic bacteria from blow samples of captive YFPs. The bacterial diversity was assessed through cultivation by direct exhalation onto Columbia blood agar plates and identification of representative isolates through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. In total, eleven bacterial species belonging to four phyla Proteobacteria (71 %), Firmicutes (25 %), Bacteroidetes (3 %) and Actinobacteria (1 %) were identified. Most of these isolates were opportunistic pathogens found in respiratory illnesses in humans and animals. We also reported the first case of Kerstersia gyiorum isolated from an animal. This work provides a preliminary assessment of the bacteria present in the respiratory tract of captive YFPs, which will be an important first step in elucidating the roles of normal microbiota in maintaining respiratory health of YFPs. This study also points out the necessity of future long-term monitoring of blowhole microorganisms in the YFPs and making emergency preparedness plans for respiratory tract infections. These measures can aid in assessing the pathogenic risk of the critically endangered YFP populations.

Fecal Bacterial Composition of the Endangered Yangtze Finless Porpoises Living Under Captive and Semi-natural Conditions.

Intestinal microbiota is essential to the health and physiology of host animals. We undertook the first microbiological study of the fecal bacterial composition from critically endangered (CR) Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis; YFPs) living under captive and semi-natural conditions using both high-throughput sequencing method and 16S rRNA gene clone library method. As determined by high-throughput sequencing of V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene, semi-natural samples harbored 30 and 36 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which was more than the 22 and 27 OTUs detected from YFPs living in captivity. In captive YFPs Firmicutes was the predominant phylum, whereas this was Proteobacteria for YFPs living in semi-nature conditions. This suggests habitat-specific fecal bacterial composition of YFPs. Plesiomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp., which are potentially pathogenic, were identified in all the feces. Bacterial diversity from one porpoise living in captivity was also determined by constructing a 16S rRNA gene clone library and only 1 phylum was identified. High-throughput sequencing was more effective at determining the bacterial diversity compared to the 16S rRNA gene clone library. This study provides important information for the management and conservation of the CR YFPs.

Parentage-Based Group Composition and Dispersal Pattern Studies of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Population in Poyang Lake.

Social behaviors are poorly known for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). Here, group composition and dispersal patterns of the YFP population living in the Poyang Lake were studied by parentage-based pedigree analyses using 21 microsatellite loci and a 597 bp segment of the mitochondrial DNA control region. In this study, 21 potential mother-offspring pairs and six potential father-offspring pairs (including two potential parents-offspring pairs) were determined, among which 12 natural mother-offspring groups and a maternal group of three generations were found. No genetically-determined fathers were found associated with their offspring. This study also found that maternally related porpoises at the reproductive state tend to group together. This suggest maternal relationship and reproductive state may be factors for grouping in the YFP population. In natural mother-offspring groups, male offspring were all younger than two years old, which suggest male offspring may leave their mothers at approximately two years of age, or at least they were not in tight association with their mothers as they may have been under two years old. However, female offspring can stay longer with their mothers and can reproduce in the natal group.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for lymph node metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with regional lymph node metastases. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with HCC and regional lymph node metastases were enrolled in this study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group A (28 patients) underwent TACE for both intrahepatic tumors and lymph node metastasis and Group B (20 patients) received TACE for intrahepatic tumors only. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up by contrast enhanced CT scan 6-8 weeks after TACE treatment. In Group A, seven and nine patients achieved complete and partial response for lymph node metastasis, respectively, with 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates of 60.7% and 35.7%, respectively. In contrast, none of the patients in Group B achieved a complete response, whereas four patients achieved a partial response. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates for the patients in Group B were 40% and 0%, respectively. The difference in survival between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TACE is an effective treatment to regional lymph node metastasis in HCC without significant side effects and could provide survival benefits to the patients with advanced HCC.

De novo assembly and characterization of narrow-ridged finless porpoise renal transcriptome and identification of candidate genes involved in osmoregulation.

During the evolutionary transition from land to water, cetaceans have undergone numerous critical challenges, with osmoregulation being the major one. Two subspecies of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), the freshwater Yangtze finless porpoise (N. a. asiaeorientalis, NAA) and the marine East Asian finless porpoise (N. a. sunameri, NAS), provide excellent subjects to understand the genetic basis of osmoregulatory divergence between freshwater and marine mammals. The kidney plays an important and well-established role in osmoregulation in marine mammals and thus, herein, we utilized RNA-seq to characterize the renal transcriptome and preliminarily analyze the divergence between the NAA and the NAS. Approximately 48.98 million clean reads from NAS and 49.40 million clean reads from NAA were obtained by RNA-Seq. And 73,449 (NAS) and 68,073 (NAA) unigenes were assembled. Among these annotations, 22,231 (NAS) and 21,849 (NAA) unigenes were annotated against the NCBI nr protein database. The ion channel complex GO term and four pathways were detected as relevant to osmoregulation by GO and KEGG pathway classification of these annotated unigenes. Although the endangered status of the study species prevented analysis of biological replicates, we identified nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may be vital in the osmoregulation of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise and worthwhile for future studies. Of these DEGs, the differential expression and distribution of the aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the collecting duct were verified using immunohistochemical experiments. Together, this work is the first report of renal transcriptome sequencing in cetaceans, and it will provide a valuable resource for future molecular genetics studies on cetacean osmoregulation.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) as revealed by mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA.

Ecological surveys have indicated that the population of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is becoming increasingly small and fragmented, and will be at high risk of extinction in the near future. Genetic conservation of this population will be an important component of the long-term conservation effort. We used a 597 base pair mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 11 microsatellite loci to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of the YFP. The analysis of both mtDNA and microsatellite loci suggested that the genetic diversity of the YFP will possibly decrease in the future if the population keeps declining at a rapid rate, even though these two types of markers revealed different levels of genetic diversity. In addition, mtDNA revealed strong genetic differentiation between one local population, Xingchang-Shishou (XCSS), and the other five downstream local populations; furthermore, microsatellite DNA unveiled fine but significant genetic differentiation between three of the local populations (not only XCSS but also Poyang Lake (PY) and Tongling (TL)) and the other local populations. With an increasing number of distribution gaps appearing in the Yangtze main steam, the genetic differentiation of local populations will likely intensify in the future. The YFP is becoming a genetically fragmented population. Therefore, we recommend attention should be paid to the genetic conservation of the YFP.