[Clinicopathological study of epithelioid and spindle cell rhabdomysarcoma with EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 fusion].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of epithelioid and spindle cell rhabdomysarcoma with EWSR1-TFCP2 or FUS-TFCP2 fusion. Methods: The clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of 14 cases of epithelioid and spindle cell rhabdomysarcoma with EWSR1-TFCP2 or FUS-TFCP2 fusion diagnosed from January 2019 to December 2022 in the Department of Pathology, Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Foshan, China were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were all subject to FISH or next generation sequencing for analysis of molecular genetic features. The literature was reviewed. Results: There were 5 males and 9 females, with the age at presentation ranging from 6 to 36 years (mean, 22 years). Tumors occurred in the head and neck (9 cases), pelvic region (2 cases), bladder (one case), right humerus (one case), and the abdominal wall, humerus and pubic at the same time (one case). Presenting symptoms varied by location but often included pain or discomfort. Most of the patients showed aggressive radiographic features with soft tissue extension. The tumors had a median size of 6.6 cm (range, 2-23 cm). The tumors were poorly defined and irregularly shaped. Microscopic examination showed diffuse proliferation of spindle or epithelioid cells. While morphologically high-grade tumors displayed obvious cytological atypia, a high mitotic count and tumor necrosis, low-grade tumors grew in sheets and fascicles composed of spindle, epithelioid cells with moderate or abundant amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm, without pronounced cytological atypia. The tumor cells expressed Desmin, MyoD1, and Myogenin, as well as ALK, EMA, and CKpan. EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 gene fusion was detected in 14 cases with next generation sequencing and confirmed by FISH. Six cases had EWSR1-TFCP2 fusions and 8 cases showed FUS-TFCP2 fusions. Follow-up information was available in 13 patients, ranged from 5 to 37 months. At the end of follow-up period, 7 patients died of the disease. Six patients were alive:two cases had local recurrences and metastases, two cases of recurrences, one case of metastasis and one case without recurrences and metastasis. Conclusions: Epithelioid and spindle cell rhabdomysarcomas with EWSR1-TFCP2 or FUS-TFCP2 fusion show a very aggressive clinical course, and more commonly occur in the head and neck. Their genetic hallmark is the presence of EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 fusions. Familiarity with its clinicopathological characteristics is helpful in avoiding misdiagnoses.

Longitudinal Relationship between Mobility Device Use, Falls and Fear of Falling (FOF) Differed by Frailty Status among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the longitudinal relationship between mobility device use, falls and fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults by frailty status over a one-year follow-up. DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Communities in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey of Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States (N=5,896). MEASUREMENTS: Based on yes or no response to the corresponding items for the variables, fall-related outcomes were determined separately including falls and FOF. Falls were assessed by asking participants whether they had a fall and if they had fallen down more than one time. FOF was measured by asking participants whether they worried about falling and if this worry ever limited activities. Mobility device use was determined by asking whether participants used any type of mobility devices and the number of devices used, including cane, walker, wheelchair and scooter. Frailty was assessed using the frailty phenotype. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to examine the association between mobility device use and fall-related outcomes among older adults by frailty status. RESULTS: At Year 1, 28.6% of participants reported using mobility devices. Among robust participants, using one mobility device had 3.58 times higher risks of FOF with fear-related activity restriction (FAR) than non-device users (95% CI: 1.10-11.65). Cane-only robust users had 5.94 and 2.18 times higher risks of FOF with and without FAR (95% CI: 1.80-19.57; 95% CI: 1.12-4.22) than non-device users. Among pre-frail participants, using one mobility device was associated with recurrent falls and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.30-3.14; RRR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.25-3.63). Using ≥2 devices was associated with one fall (RRR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.30-3.33), recurrent falls (RRR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.62-5.25) and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.84, 95% CI: 1.34-6.02). Pre-frail cane-only users were more likely to have one fall (RRR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.06-2.32), recurrent falls (RRR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.48-3.77) and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.12-3.87) than non-device users. The number of mobility device used and the use of canes failed to be significantly associated with fall-related outcomes among frail participants. CONCLUSION: The number of mobility devices used and the only use of canes were associated with fall-related outcomes among robust and pre-frail individuals. Further research is needed to develop targeted strategies for preventing falls and FOF among older adults with mobility device use, particularly for those in the early stages of frailty.

A transthalamic pathway crucial for perception.

Perception arises from activity between cortical areas, first primary cortex and then higher order cortices. This communication is served in part by transthalamic (cortico-thalamo-cortical) pathways, which ubiquitously parallel direct corticocortical pathways, but their role in sensory processing has largely remained unexplored. Here, we show that the transthalamic pathway linking somatosensory cortices propagates task-relevant information required for correct sensory decisions. Using optogenetics, we specifically inhibited the pathway at its synapse in higher order somatosensory thalamus of mice performing a texture-based discrimination task. We concurrently monitored the cellular effects of inhibition in primary or secondary cortex using two-photon calcium imaging. Inhibition severely impaired performance despite intact direct corticocortical projections, thus challenging the purely corticocentric map of perception. Interestingly, the inhibition did not reduce overall cell responsiveness to texture stimulation in somatosensory cortex, but rather disrupted the texture selectivity of cells, a discriminability that develops over task learning. This discriminability was more disrupted in the secondary than primary somatosensory cortex, emphasizing the feedforward influence of the transthalamic route. Transthalamic pathways thus appear critical in delivering performance-relevant information to higher order cortex and are critical hierarchical pathways in perceptual decision-making.

Hierarchical hollow superstructure cobalt selenide bird nests for high-performance lithium storage.

The inferior cycling performance caused by large volume variation is the main problem that restricts the application of cobalt selenides in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we synthesize raspberry-like Co-ethylene glycol precursor. It is further selenized into the hierarchical hollow superstructure CoSe2/CoSe bird nests that are assembled by the hollow nanosphere units of CoSe2 and CoSe nanocrystalline. CoSe2/CoSe bird nests achieve excellent cycling performance, high reversible capacity and satisfactory rate capability (1361 mAh/g at 1 A/g after 1000 cycles, 579 mAh/g at 2 A/g after 2000 cycles, 315 mAh/g at 5 A/g after 1000 cycles). Electrochemical kinetics analyses and ex-situ material characterization reveal that the surface capacitive behavior controls the electrochemical reaction, and the composite has low reaction impedance, fast and stable Li+ diffusion, and superior structural stability. The superior lithium storage performance is attributed to the unique superstructure bird nest. Large specific surface area, abundant hierarchical pores and the opening mouth result in high electrochemical activity, which induces high reversible capacity. The small hollow nanosphere units, the sufficiently thick hierarchical porous superstructure shell and the large hollow interior bring about the strong synergistic effect to improve cycling performance. The intimately coupling of CoSe2/CoSe nanocrystalline and the hollow nanosphere units guarantees high conductivity. This work has greatly enriched the understanding of structure design of high-performance cobalt selenide anodes.

Identification of Periosteal Osteogenic Progenitors in Jawbone.

Unlike long bones, jawbone development is mainly accomplished by intramembranous ossification resulting from the differentiation of periosteal progenitor cells. However, the spatiotemporal ontogeny of periosteal progenitor cells during jawbone development and repair remains elusive. In this study, we mapped the transcriptional landscape of the human jawbone periosteum at single-cell resolution and identified a cathepsin K (Ctsk)+ periosteal subset. Lineage tracing analysis indicated that Ctsk-Cre-labeled periosteal cells could make contributions to jawbone development. However, different from the periosteal-specific location of Ctsk+ cells in long bone, we also identified Ctsk+ stromal cells in jawbone marrow and implied the heterogeneity of jawbone Ctsk+ hierarchy. In further analysis of the periosteal progenitor cell subset of heterogeneous Ctsk+ hierarchy, we identified a unique Ctsk+Ly6a+ subset of cells. The additional marker Ly6a helped to further confine the progenitor subset to the jawbone periosteum and was nearly undetectable in the bone marrow. Defects in the jawbone could activate the migration and osteogenic differentiation of Ctsk+Ly6a+ cells. Local ablation of Ctsk+ cells by diphtheria reduced the number of Ctsk+Ly6a+ cells and delayed the repair of the bone defect. Taken together, we identify a novel periosteal osteogenic progenitor subset that is active in jawbone osteogenesis and healing.

[Baoganning formula alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting hepatic IDO1 expression and promoting phenotypic maturation of dendritic cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of Bao Gan Ning (BGN), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice and explore the mechanism. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, liver fibrosis model group, positive control group and the low-, middle-, and high-dose BGN groups (n=10). In all but the control group, the mice were subjected to daily intraperitoneal injection of 25% CCl4 (in olive oil) to induce liver fibrosis and intragastric gavage of corresponding drugs. After 8 weeks, serum levels of ALT and AST were detected. Pathological examination of the liver was performed using HE and Sirius Red staining and α-SMA immunohistochemistry. The expression level of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and phenotypic changes of hepatic DCs in the liver were measured. Another 18 mice were randomly divided into AAV9-NC, AAV9-IDO1 and high-dose BGN + AAV-IDO1 groups (n=6) for corresponding treatment, and 4 weeks later the deposit of hepatic IDO1 and phenotypic changes of the hepatic DCs were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with those in the model group, serum AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in BGN group (P < 0.01). Obvious liver fibrosis was observed in the model group, while the mice treated with BGN showed obviously reduced cell necrosis and collagen proliferation in the liver with significantly lowered the expression levels of hepatic α-SMA and IDO1 (P < 0.05). The percentages of CD11C + DCs, CD11C +CD80 + DCs, CD11C +CD86 + DCs, CD11C +CD40 + DCs, CD11C +MHCII + DCs, CD3 + T cells, and CD3 +CD4 + T cells all increased significantly in BGN group as compared with the model group (P < 0.05). In mice with adenovirus-mediated IDO1 overexpression in the liver, BGN treatment significantly lowered the expression level of IDO1 (P=0.000) and increased the percentages of hepatic CD11C +CD40 + DCs, CD11C +MHCII + DCs and CD3 +CD4 + T cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BGN can effectively inhibit liver fibrosis in mice possibly by lowering the expression level of IDO1 in the liver, thus improving the function of hepatic DCs and subsequently promoting proliferation of T cells.

Constructing metal-organic framework-derived Mn2O3multishelled hollow nanospheres for high-performance cathode of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Herein, we successfully synthesize Mn2O3multishelled hollow nanospheres through simply oxidizing Mn-based metal-organic framework microspheres. The number of the shells reaches 4. Many cavities and nanograins are hidden underneath the shell. The multishelled hollow structure brings about a wide hierarchical mesopore size range, large pore volume (0.26 cm3g-1) and high specific surface area (117.6 m2g-1). The superior zinc-ion storage performance may be achieved. The reversible capacity reaches 453 mAh g-1at current density of 0.1 A g-1. After 500 cycles at 1 A g-1, the discharge capacity of 152.8 mAh g-1is still delivered. The discharge capacity at 1.5 A g-1stabilizes at 107 mAh g-1. The zinc storage process is further studied through kinetics analyses. It is found that in the zinc storage process, ion diffusion process and capacitive process occur simultaneously, and the capacitive process is dominant. The excellent electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the multishelled hollow nanosphere structure of Mn2O3. This structure promotes contact of electrode materials/electrolyte, offers more active sites, facilitates infiltration of electrolyte, buffer volume change of Mn2O3, improving electrochemical activity, reaction kinetics and cycling performance of Mn2O3. Overall, Mn2O3multishelled hollow nanosphere is an excellent cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

What happens to cancer survivors attending a structured cancer survivorship clinic? Symptoms, quality of life and lifestyle changes over the first year at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre clinic.

BACKGROUND: Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic provides multidisciplinary care after primary adjuvant treatment, with ~ 40% of attendees continuing follow-up with SCSC. METHODS: SCSC survivors completed measures of symptoms, quality-of-life and lifestyle factors at initial visit (T1), first follow-up (T2) and 1 year (T3). Analyses used mixed effect models, adjusted for age, sex and tumour type. RESULTS: Data from 206 survivors (2013-2019) were included: 51% male; median age 63 years; tumour types colorectal 68%, breast 12%, upper gastrointestinal 12%, other 8%. Mean time from: T1 to T2, 3.6 months; T1 to T3, 11.8 months. Mean weight remained stable, but 45% (35/77) of overweight/obese survivors lost weight from T1 to T3. Moderately-intense aerobic exercise increased by 63 mins/week at T2, and 68 mins/week T3. Proportion meeting aerobic exercise guidelines increased from 20 to 41%. Resistance exercise increased by 26 mins/week at T2. Global quality-of-life was unchanged from T1 to T2, improving slightly by T3 (3.7-point increase), mainly in males. Mean distress scores were stable, but at T3 the proportion scoring 4+/10 had declined from 41 to 33%. At T3, improvements were seen in pain, fatigue and energy, but > 20% reported moderate-severe fatigue, pain or sleep disturbance. Proportion reporting 5+ moderate-severe symptoms declined from 35% at T1 to 26% at T3, remaining higher in women. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors attending SCSC increased exercise by 3 months, and sustained it at 1 year. Most overweight/obese survivors avoided further weight gain. Survivors had relatively good quality-of-life, with improvement in many symptoms and lifestyle factors at 1 year.

Mineral requirements in ducks: an update.

Mineral nutrition plays a critical role in growth and bone mineralization in meat ducks as well as reproductive performance in duck layers and duck breeders. In addition to improving production performance parameters, minerals are also essential to support several enzymatic systems to enhancing antioxidant ability and immune function. This review explores the biological function and metabolism of minerals in the body, as well as mineral feeding strategy of various species of ducks. Topics range from mineral requirement to the physiological role of macroelements such as calcium and phosphorus and microelements such as zinc and selenium, etc. As with the improvement of genetic evolution and upgrade of rearing system in duck production, mineral requirements and electrolyte balance are urgent to be re-evaluated using sensitive biomarkers for the modern duck breed characterized by the rapid growth rate and inadequate bone development and mineralization. For duck breeders, mineral nutrition is not only required for maximal egg production performance but also for maintaining normal embryonic development and offspring's performance. Therefore, the proper amounts of bioavailable minerals need to be supplemented to maintain the mineral nutritional state of duck species during all phases of life. In addition, more positive effects of high doses microelements supplementations have been revealed for modern meat ducks subjected to various stresses in commercial production. The nutritional factors of mineral sources, supplemental enzymes, and antinutritional factors from unconventional ingredients should be emphasized to improve the effectiveness of mineral nutrition in duck feed formulation. Organic mineral sources and phytase enzymes have been adopted to reduce the antagonistic action between mineral and antinutritional factors. Therefore, special and accurate database of mineral requirements should be established for special genotypes of ducks under different rearing conditions, including rearing factors, environmental stresses and diets supplemented with organic sources, phytase and VD3.

Treatment outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases: a retrospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of adrenal metastasis (AM), and to compare with adrenalectomy (Adx). METHODS: From June 2008 to August 2018, a total of 60 patients with AM treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 29 treated by RFA (RFA group) and 31 by Adx (Adx group). The technical success, local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) after the treatment were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: In RFA group, the first technical success was 72.4% and the second technical success was 86.2%. In Adx group, all the AMs were successfully resected. After 24.5 ± 19.1 months follow-up period, a total of 8 patients (6 in RFA group and 2 in Adx group) were detected LTP. The 1-, 2- and 3- LTP rates after treatment were 17.1%, 30.9% and 44.7% in RFA group, and 6.5%, 6.5% and 6.5% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.028). However, for AM ≤ 5 cm, the LTP between the two groups were comparable (P = 0.068). The 1-, 2- and 3- OS rates after treatment for AM were 85.0%, 42.4% and 27.8% in RFA group, and 93.0%, 66.1% and 52.3% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.057). RFA offered shorter treatment time (23.6 ± 16.9 vs. 155.6 ± 58.8 min, P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (7.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.0 ± 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and lower hospital cost ($3405.7 ± 1067.8 vs. $5248.0 ± 2261.3, P = 0.003) than Adx. CONCLUSION: In comparison with Adx, percutaneous US-guided RFA, as an alternative treatment, is feasible and effective in controlling AM, especially in AM ≤ 5 cm in diameter.

Bilateral apex pubis distance：a novel index for follicular development and egg laying status in domestic hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

1. Measures of the bilateral apex pubis (BAP) in White Leghorn (WLH) hens aged from 16 to 64 weeks (from the time ovaries were completely undeveloped to senility) were ranked into various groups so the relationship between external traits (BAP distance, comb length, comb height, wattle length, wattle height, body weight) and internal traits (largest ovarian follicle diameter (LFD) and oviduct weight and length) could be determined.2. Using correlation and regression analysis with data from 16 weeks of age to the onset of lay, measurements of the apex pubis showed a strong correlation with LFD (r = 0.80, P < 0.01) and oviduct weight (r = 0.80, P < 0.01).3. Multiple comparisons among WLH hens from 16 to 43 weeks of age showed that the BAP distance increased in all groups ranked by LFD or by laying period.4. In the late laying period (>60 weeks of age), BAP distance showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in long-term non-laying hens compared to laying hens.5. These findings suggest BAP distance can serve as an index for evaluating the onset and probable stages of follicular development during sexual maturation and/or aid in the identification and selection of non-laying hens during reproduction.

Health concerns of cancer survivors after primary anti-cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: Cancer survivors experience significant health concerns compared to the general population. Sydney Survivorship Clinic (SSC) is a multi-disciplinary clinic aiming to help survivors treated with curative intent manage side effects, and establish a healthy lifestyle. Here, we determine the health concerns of survivors post-primary treatment. METHODS: Survivors completed questionnaires assessing symptoms, quality of life (QOL), distress, diet, and exercise before attending SSC, and a satisfaction survey after. Body mass index (BMI), clinical findings and recommendations were reviewed. Descriptive statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Overall, 410 new patients attended SSC between September 2013 and April 2018, with 385 survivors included in analysis: median age 57 years (range 18-86); 69% female; 43% breast, 31% colorectal and 19% haematological cancers. Median time from diagnosis, 12 months. Common symptoms of at least moderate severity: fatigue (45%), insomnia (37%), pain (34%), anxiety (31%) and with 56% having > 5 moderate-severe symptoms. Overall, 45% scored distress ≥ 4/10 and 62% were rated by clinical psychologist as having 'fear of cancer recurrence'. Compared to population mean of 50, mean global QOL T-score was 47.2, with physical and emotional well-being domains most affected. Average BMI was 28.2 kg/m2 (range 17.0-59.1); 61% overweight/obese. Only 31% met aerobic exercise guidelines. Overall, 98% 'agreed'/'completely agreed' attending the SSC was worthwhile, and 99% would recommend it to others. CONCLUSION: Distress, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are common in cancer survivors attending SSC and may best be addressed in a multi-disciplinary Survivorship Clinic to minimise longer-term effects. This model is well-rated by survivors.

The recessive C locus in the MITF gene plays a key regulatory role in the plumage colour pattern of duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

1. The c/c alleles are responsible for the white plumage colour of ducks; however, the gene corresponding to this locus is still unclear. In order to identify the locus-related candidate gene associated with duck's plumage colour pattern, it was necessary to analyse the whole genome resequencing data. 2. A total of 929,465 SNPs in chromosome 13 and 1,688 SNPs in the region of the Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) gene were identified from whole genome resequencing data analysis. After construction of an FST plot from chromosome 13, MITF was highlighted as a candidate gene, possessing the highest FST value (0.811) on chromosome 13. 3. Six novel SNPs were discovered, located in the intronic region of the MITF gene. F2 progeny of Kaiya × Liancheng ducks (N = 1,061) were selected for genotyping by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Association analysis using Haploview software was used for validation of the results. 4. Association results between SNPs and phenotypes showed significant association with corresponding phenotypes. All the significantly associated SNPs were located in the identified candidate gene. 5. The identified candidate gene provided novel information which is important in marker-assisted selection and breeding of duck and for the investigation of the C locus recessive white genetic mechanisms underlying plumage colour pattern.

An exploratory assessment of weight loss videos on YouTube™.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the variation in contents between different video sources on YouTube ™ regarding weight loss. STUDY DESIGN: The 100 most widely viewed weight loss videos on YouTube™ were selected for manual coding. METHODS: Videos were manually coded based on sources and contents, we also identify themes for each of the videos. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess difference in contents between videos from different sources. RESULTS: After excluding two videos, a sample of 98 videos remained. Among them, there were 74 consumer-generated videos, 12 news videos, and 12 from commercial television and companies. Collectively, the 98 videos were viewed more than 365 million times. The odds of mentioning ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating was 90% less in commercial and company videos compared to consumer videos (odds ratio [OR] = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.85, P = 0.03). The odds of showing a female talking in the video about weight loss was 81% less in news videos compared to consumer videos (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.68, P = 0.01). In addition, commercial and company videos were found to be 18 times as likely to carry a theme on workout as consumer videos (OR = 18.13, 95% CI 3.60-91.22, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Public health professionals need to be more creative to make their videos popular if they want to reach a wide audience.

Integrative microRNA-mRNA and protein-protein interaction analysis in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are relatively rare pancreatic neoplasms over the world. Investigations of the molecular biology of PNETs are insufficient for nowadays. We aimed to explore the expression of microRNA and messenger RNA and regulatory processes underlying pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The messenger RNA and microRNA expression profile of GSE43796 were downloaded, including 6 samples with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and 5 healthy samples. First, the Limma package was utilized to distinguish the differentially expressed messenger RNA and microRNA separately. Then we used microRNA Walk databases to predict the target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-microRNAs), and selected differentially expressed target genes whose expression was reversely correlated with microRNAs. Gene Ontology classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed to explore the functions and pathways of target genes. In addition, we constructed a regulatory miRNAs-target genes network and a protein-protein interaction network. RESULTS: There were 28 differentially expressed microRNAs and 859 differentially expressed messenger RNAs, including 253 potential target genes. These target genes mainly enriched in ABC transporters pathway. In this network, hsa-miR-7-2-3p demonstrated the highest connectivities whereas KLF12 was the mRNAs with the highest connectivities. CXCL12 was identified as the hub of the protein-protein interaction sub-network. CONCLUSIONS: The genes involved in ABC transporters and Type II diabetes mellitus pathway, KLF12 and CXCL12 may play an important role in the progression of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. However, more experimental studies are required.

Pravastatin and C reactive protein modulate protease- activated receptor-1 expression in vitro blood platelets.

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) plays an important role in mediating activation of human platelets by thrombin. However, mechanism of statin in ADP-induced platelet PAR-1 expression is also unknown. Aggregometry, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and ELISA were used to determine role of pravastatin participating in ADP-induced platelet activation and PAR-1 expression. ADP stimulation significantly increased PAR-1 expression on platelets. PAR-1 antagonist SCH-79797 inhibited platelet aggregation as well as decreased platelet P-selectin expression induced by ADP. CRP inhibited PAR-1 expression induced by ADP in a concentration-dependent manner. Pravastatin treatment reduced PAR-1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Combination treatment of CRP and Pravastatin significantly reduced platelet PAR-1 expression induced by ADP. By western-blot analysis, pravastatin treatment did not influence total PAR-1 after ADP treatment. CRP decreased platelet total PAR-1 expression induced by ADP. Pravastatin and CRP reduced TXB2 formation by ADP significantly. CRP decreased thrombin fragment F1+2 level with ADP treatment. Pravastatin, in contrast, did not influence F1+2 level. Upon treatment with Pravastatin reduced platelet LOX-1 expression induced by ADP. In conclusion, PAR-1 served as a critical mechanism to relay platelet activation process induced by ADP. CRP and pravastatin reduce PAR-1 expression in platelet by ADP pathway.

Protein regulation of induced pluripotent stem cells by transplanting in a Huntington's animal model.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the functional recovery and protein regulation by transplanted induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat model of Huntington's disease (HD). METHODS: In a quinolinic acid-induced rat model of striatal degeneration, induced pluripotent stem cells were transplanted into the ipsilateral lateral ventricle 10 days after the quinolinic acid injection. At 8 weeks after transplantation, fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT scan and balance-beam test were performed to evaluate the functional recovery of experimental rats. In addition, immunofluorescence and protein array analysis were used to investigate the regulation of stimulated protein expression in the striatum. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after induced pluripotent stem cell transplantation, motor function was improved in comparison with the quinolinic acid-treated rats. High fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the injured striatum was also observed by PET/CT scans. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that implanted cells migrated from the lateral ventricle into the lesioned striatum and differentiated into striatal projection neurons. Array analysis showed a significant upregulation of GFR (Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor) alpha-1, Adiponectin/Acrp30, basic-fibroblast growth factors, MIP-1 (Macrophage-inflammatory protein) alpha and leptin, as well as downregulation of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-3 in striatum after transplantatation of induced pluripotent stem cells in comparison with the quinolinic acid -treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this work indicate that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells is a promising therapeutic candidate for HD.

Preparation and identification of an antiserum against recombinant UL31 protein of pseudorabies virus.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) early protein UL31 is a homologue of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL31, which is a multifunctional protein important for HSV-1 infection. However, the precise roles of PRV UL31 in virus life cycle are still poorly understood. A relatively crucial tool for uncovering the function of UL31 is an antiserum that specifically detects UL31 in the PRV-infected cells. For this purpose, a recombinant UL31 protein consisting of N-terminal 27 aa of UL31 fused to EYFP and His-tag was expressed, purified and used for the preparation of antiserum in BALB/c mice. Our results show that Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay showed that this antiserum could specifically detect the purified recombinant UL31 as well as full-length UL31 in the PRV infected cells. These results demonstrate that the prepared antiserum could serve as a valuable tool for further studies of UL31 functions in PRV infection.