RNA-sequencing reveals the metabolism regulation mechanism of sheep skeletal muscle under nutrition deprivation stress.

Although the skeletal muscle is one of the main sites of metabolism, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involving its response to nutrition stress. The aim of the study was to screen the transcriptome of sheep muscle to identify the metabolism-related genes under nutrition deprivation stress. Ten healthy adult female Small-tailed Han sheep with similar age and weight were randomly divided into a normal group and fasted group. After 3 days, three sheep were randomly selected from each group and the semitendinosus samples were subjected to RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and a series of analyses and function annotations. Compared with the normal group, 391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the fasted group that had obvious weight loss, including 278 down-regulated and 113 up-regulated genes. Gene Ontology enrichment annotation classified 228 DEGs in the metabolic process, 11 of which were new genes and only Sheep_newGene_4578 had been annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. The results of Clusters of Orthologous Groups annotation indicated that 11, 9, and 4 DEGs were respectively classified in lipid transport and metabolism, amino acid transport and metabolism, and carbohydrate transport and metabolism. In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that there were not only pathways which were directly related to metabolisms such as protein digestion and absorption pathway, fatty acid metabolism pathway, and biosynthesis pathway of unsaturated fatty acids, but also PI3K-AKT pathway, AMPK pathway, MAPK pathway, and FoxO pathway which were important to metabolism among the top 20 pathways with the lowest significant Q value. The MCODE analysis of protein-protein interaction revealed that two identified subnetworks with top score were closely associated with metabolism. The correlation analysis showed that the mRNA levels of most of DEGs that might be related in the two subnetworks were significantly correlated respectively, and the mRNA levels of most of 10 metabolism-related DEGs including Sheep_newGene_4578 were significantly correlated. Finally, 16 random and 10 metabolism-related DEGs were chosen for confirmation by quantitative real-time PCR, demonstrating the same expression change as determined by RNA-seq. In conclusion, multiple interrelated metabolism-related DEGs in skeletal muscle contributed to the response of sheep to nutritional deprivation stress.

Low-modulus biomedical Ti-30Nb-5Ta-3Zr additively manufactured by Selective Laser Melting and its biocompatibility.

Low Young's modulus titanium alloys, such as Ti-30Nb-5Ta-3Zr (TNTZ) of this study, were promising biocompatible implant materials. In this work, TNTZ samples with relative density of 96.8%-99.2% were additively manufactured by powder-bed based Selective Laser Melting (SLM) through tuning processing parameters, i.e. varying the point distance between 50 and 75 µm, laser exposure time between 135 and 200 µs, and a fixed laser power of 200 W. The microstructure, elastic properties, fatigue properties and machining accuracy of the fabricated samples have been investigated. Lattice structure TNTZ samples with porosity of 77.23% were also fabricated to further reduce the Young's modulus of the TNTZ. According to the Relative Growth Rate (RGR) value, the as-printed TNTZ samples exhibited no cell cytotoxicity, where they showed even better biocompatibility than the comparative, as-printed Ti-6Al-4V samples. The as-printed TNTZ developed by the study demonstrates good biocompatibility, low stress shielding tendency and high mechanical properties.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Residual Anastomoses in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Treated with Laser Surgery: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of residual anastomoses (RA) after laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) and investigate risk factors for incomplete laser surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All available TTS placentas treated with laser at our center between 2002 and 2016 were injected with color dye to assess the presence of RA. We evaluated the incidence of RA over the past 15 years by dividing the cohort into three time periods, and studied the association with risk factors and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Overall, RA were detected in 21.0% (78/371) of placentas. The incidence of RA decreased from 38.8% (26/67) in the initial period to 11.7% (16/137) in the most recent period (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, several risk factors were independently associated with the risk of RA, including Solomon laser technique (odds ratio [OR] 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.33) and estimation of surgical success (OR 19.28, 95% CI 8.17-45.49). Premature delivery and neonatal morbidity occurred more often in TTS cases with RA. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RA after laser therapy for TTS decreased significantly in the past 15 years and is now below 15% due to the use of the Solomon technique.

Elevated PHD2 expression might serve as a valuable biomarker of poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma, but no lung squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we aimed to explore the association between Egl nine homolog 1 (EGLN1/PHD2) expression and survival outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), respectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted based on the level-3 data in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD and TCGA-LUSC and data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). RESULTS: Both LUAD and LUSC had elevated PHD2 expression compared to their respective adjacent normal tissues. However, Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the high PHD2 expression LUAD patients had a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p=0.001 and p<0.001) compared to the low expression group. However, these differences were not observed in LUSC patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that high PHD2 expression was an independent indicator of unfavorable OS (HR: 1.685, 95%CI: 1.251-2.269, p=0.001) and unfavorable RFS (HR: 2.008, 95%CI: 1.430-2.818, p<0.001) in LUAD patients. The methylation status of two CpG sites (cg07040244 and cg21875980) in PHD2 was at least moderately and negatively correlated with PHD2 expression. High methylation level of these two CpG sites was associated with better OS in LUAD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PHD2 expression might only serve as a valuable biomarker of poor prognosis in LUAD, but no in LUSC. Cg07040244 and cg21875980 might be two CpG sites modulating PHD2 expression in LUAD.

Inter-twin hemoglobin difference at birth in uncomplicated monochorionic twins in relation to the size of the placental anastomoses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between Hb levels and the size of the placental anastomoses. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all uncomplicated MC twins delivered vaginally at our center from 2002 to 2017. Hb levels at birth and on day 2 were retrieved. All MC placentas were routinely injected with colored dye and high-resolution pictures were taken for computer-based analysis. We measured the size of arterio-arterial (AA) and veno-venous (VV) anastomoses as well as the total venous size, defined as the sum of the diameter of first generation of placental veins within 5 cm of each cord insertion. We assessed the relation between Hb levels and placental angioarchitecture. RESULTS: A total of 170 MC twin pairs were analyzed. Median Hb level in twin 1 was significantly lower than that in twin 2 both at birth (16.0 versus 17.4 g/dl, P = 0.02) and on day 2 (14.6 versus 18.1 g/dl, P = 0.000000188). Inter-twin Hb difference on day 2 was positively correlated with the size of AA anastomoses (Spearman r = 0.25, 95% CI 0.04-0.43, P = 0.0161). The diameter of AA anastomoses was positively related to the total size of veins connecting to AA anastomoses in the placental territory of twin 2 (Spearman r = 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.66, P = 0.0001). DISCUSSION: MC twins with larger AA anastomoses have higher Hb differences at birth. Higher Hb levels in second born twins may partly be due to increased placento-fetal transfusion through larger placental vessels.

Velamentous cord insertion in dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies - Does it make a difference?

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of velamentous cord insertion (VCI) in dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic (MC) twins with and without twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and to study the associated outcomes. METHODS: We recorded the type of umbilical cord insertion in all consecutive DC and MC placentas examined in two European tertiary medical centers. The association between VCI and perinatal outcomes was estimated and compared. RESULTS: A total of 1498 twin placentas were included in this study (DC placentas n = 550, MC placentas without TTTS n = 513 and MC placentas with TTTS n = 435). The prevalence of VCI in DC, MC without TTTS and MC with TTTS groups was 7.6%, 34.7% and 36.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). In MC twins (non-TTTS and TTTS groups), VCI was associated with severe birth weight discordance (odds ratio [OR] 4.76 95% CI 2.43, 10.47 and OR 4.52 95% CI 1.30, 28.59, respectively). In MC twins without TTTS, VCI was associated with small for gestational age (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.12, 2.50). VCI was significantly associated with increased risk of intrauterine fetal demise in MC twins, and this effect was greater in the non-TTTS group (OR 2.71 95% CI 1.38, 5.47). These associations did not occur in DC group. Gestational age at birth was lower in the presence of VCI in the DC and MC twins without TTTS. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that the prevalence of VCI is higher in MC twins than in DC twin pregnancies. VCI is an important indicator of adverse perinatal outcome, particularly in MC twins.

Double fatal outcome after ruptured vasa previa in monochorionic twins: case report and review of the literature.

Vasa previa is a condition in which one or more fetal blood vessels run through the amniotic membranes and cross or run near the external orifice of the uterus. Rupture of membranes can lead to tearing of these vessels and cause acute fetal exsanguination. In monochorionic twin (MC) pregnancies, acute exsanguination in one twin can lead to severe complications in the co-twin due to the presence of inter-twin placental vascular connections. We report a MC pair with severe perinatal asphyxia due to acute exsanguination after prenatally undetected ruptured vasa previa. This resulted in severe hemorrhagic shock in both twins with double fatal outcome. Antenatal detection of vasa previa is of paramount importance to prevent severe morbidity and mortality, especially in MCs. A review of the literature is presented.

'Superficial' anastomoses in monochorionic placentas are not always superficial.

Arterioarterial (AA) and venovenous (VV) anastomoses in monochorionic (MC) placentas lie on the placental surface and are termed as superficial anastomoses. The purpose of this study is to report the occurrence of an atypical form of superficial anastomoses which are partially hidden. Partially-hidden superficial anastomoses were defined as vascular anastomoses without visible direct connection on placental surface but with clear mixing of dye after colored dye injection. With analyzing 270 MC placentas, we found a prevalence of partially-hidden AA and VV anastomose of 3% and 5%, respectively. In conclusion, partially-hidden superficial anastomose are not infrequent in MC placentas.

Quantum phase transitions in interfacing two gapped systems of ordinary fermions driven by external strain and atomic adsorption.

We study how the electronic structure of a single bilayer Bi on a single quintuple layer Bi2Se3 (Bi2Te3) changes with interface polarization, strain and H adsorption using first-principles calculations. We find that for strained systems the Dirac cone state does not show in the band gap. Coupled with strain and H adsorption, the six spin-polarized Dirac cones in the band gap are created by the interfacing two gapped films. The internal electrical field can result in variations in the work function relative to Bi and Bi2Se3 surfaces. Our findings confirm that the interface polarization, strain and atomic adsorption are the effective means to manipulate electronic structures and topological states on non-metallic surfaces, which could be helpful for realizing atomically thin spintronic devices.

Veno-venous anastomoses in twin-twin transfusion syndrome: A multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of veno-venous (VV) anastomoses in a large cohort of monochorionic (MC) twin placentas with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared to a control group of MC placentas without TTTS. METHODS: All TTTS placentas not treated with fetoscopic laser surgery (TTTS group) and examined at five international fetal therapy centers were included in this study and compared with a control group of MC placentas without TTTS (non-TTTS group). MC placentas were routinely injected with colored dye. We recorded the presence of VV and arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses. RESULTS: A total of 414 MC placentas were included in this study (TTTS group, n = 106; non-TTTS group, n = 308). The prevalence of VV anastomoses was significantly higher in the TTTS group than in the non-TTTS group, 36% (38/106) and 25% (78/308), respectively (p = .04; odds ratio (OR) 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.64). In the subgroup of MC placentas without AA anastomoses, the prevalence of VV anastomoses in the TTTS group and non-TTTS group was 32% (18/57) and 8% (2/25), respectively (p = .03; OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 1.13-24.98). DISCUSSION: VV anastomoses are detected more frequently in TTTS placentas than in MC placentas without TTTS and may thus play a role in the development of TTTS.

Correlation between veno-venous anastomoses, TTTS and perinatal mortality in monochorionic twin pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical significance of veno-venous (VV) anastomoses in monochorionic (MC) placentas remains inconclusive and controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the presence of VV anastomoses and clinical outcome in a large cohort of MC twin pregnancies. METHODS: All MC placentas injected with colored dye from 2002 to 2014 were included in the study. We excluded MC pregnancies managed with fetoscopic laser surgery. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 384 MC placentas were analyzed. VV anastomoses were detected in 27% (104/384) of MC placentas. The prevalence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in MC placentas with VV anastomoses was significantly higher compared to MC placentas without VV anastomoses, 20% (21/104) versus 10% (29/280), respectively (P = .01). The overall perinatal mortality in MC twins with and without VV anastomoses was 16% versus 10%, respectively (P = .02). Risk factor analysis showed the presence of VV anastomoses was associated with perinatal mortality (P = .02; odds ratio (OR): 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.79), but was not an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality (P = .26, OR: .66; 95% CI: .33-1.35) in MC twin pregnancies. However, VV anastomoses was associated with and was an independent risk factor for TTTS (P = .00, OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.72-7.47). VV anastomoses-related perinatal mortality may be due to the high rate of TTTS in MC twins with VV anastomoses. CONCLUSION: The presence of VV anastomoses is correlated with TTTS and perinatal mortality, but is not an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality in MC twin pregnancies.

Monochorionic placentas with proximate umbilical cord insertions: definition, prevalence and angio-architecture.

INTRODUCTION: Not much is known on the definition, occurrence and characteristics of proximate umbilical cord insertions (PCI) in monochorionic (MC) placentas. The purpose of this study was to establish a reference range for the distance between cord insertions and to evaluate the prevalence and angio-architecture of MC placentas with PCI. METHODS: All MC placentas not treated with laser surgery were included in this study. The reference range of distance between cord insertions was created using the standard methodology proposed by Royston and Wright. We defined PCI as a cord insertion distance below the 5th centile. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 369 MC placentas were analyzed during this study period. The 5th centile was calculated by the equation: 0.027 × gestational age (weeks) +2.91 (cm), and ranged from 3.3 to 4 cm throughout gestation. Accordingly, 18 of the 369 (5%) MC placentas fulfilled the definition criteria for PCI. PCI occurred frequently in MC monoamniotic placentas (53%, 9/17) but were rare in MC diamniotic placentas (3%, 9/352). The prevalence of arterio-arterial and veno-venous anastomoses in MC placentas with and without PCI was respectively 100% versus 80% (P = .12) and 56% versus 26% (P = .01). PCI may be representative of later splitting of inner cell mass. CONCLUSION: The threshold for PCI (5th centile) is approximately 4 cm throughout gestation. PCI are rare in MC diamniotic placentas, but are quite common in MC monoamniotic placentas. MC placentas with PCI are characterized by higher rates of superficial AA and/or VV anastomoses.

The role of veno-venous anastomoses in twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent role of veno-venous (VV) anastomoses in the development of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Thirty TTTS placentas and 41 non-TTTS placentas, routinely injected with colored dye, were enrolled in this study. We excluded all cases with arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses and TTTS cases treated with laser surgery. The prevalence of VV anastomoses was significantly higher in TTTS cases compared to non-TTTS cases, 37% (11/30) and 7% (3/41), respectively (P < .01; odds ratio 7.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-37.1). Our findings suggest that, in the absence of AA anastomoses, VV anastomoses may enhance the development of TTTS.

Laser surgery in twin-twin transfusion syndrome with proximate cord insertions.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of proximate cord insertions in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and evaluate the outcome after fetoscopic laser coagulation surgery. METHODS: We included all TTTS cases treated with laser at our center between 2002 and 2013. Placentas were examined after birth and injected with colored dye. TTTS cases without complete placental injection study were excluded. We recorded the presence of proximate cord insertions (distance < 5 cm) after birth and the presence and types of residual anastomoses. We compared the clinical outcome and placental findings in cases with and without proximate cord insertions. RESULTS: The prevalence of proximate cord insertions in TTTS placentas was 2% (4/252). Perinatal mortality in the TTTS group with and without proximate cord insertions was 13% (1/8) and 12% (61/496), respectively (P = 1.0). Residual anastomoses were detected in all placentas with proximate cord insertions (100%, 4/4) compared to 27% (66/248)(P < .01) in TTTS placentas without proximate cord insertions. CONCLUSION: Fetoscopic laser coagulation in TTTS cases with proximate cord insertions is challenging due to technical difficulties in visualizing the vascular equator and results in an increased risk of incomplete laser treatment.

Outcome of TiNi stent treatments in symptomatic central airway stenoses caused by Aspergillus fumigatus infections after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Central airway stenoses due to Aspergillus fumigatus infections have been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. We reviewed our experience using self-expandable braided TiNi-metallic stents in the management of 4 single-lung transplant recipients with central airways stenoses between January 2003 and June 2010. METHODS: Thirty-six single-lung transplant recipients were subjected to pulmonary function testing and surveillance bronchoscopy with biopsy at predetermined intervals and when clinically indicated. Bronchial wash fluid and biopsy material were examined by appropriate fungal stain and culture techniques. RESULTS: Nine of 36 patients (25%) were diagnosed with Aspergillus fumigatus infections; 4 (11.1%) showed rapid decrease in pulmonary function and developed severe upper airway narrowings with about 80% of the central airway obstructed by thick plugs of mucus, heavily laden with Aspergillus species. All 4 patients were managed with stent placement as well as antifungal treatments and showed a forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second improvement of 11.3% and 25.9%, respectively after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: TiNi stent applications in combination with antifungal drugs are sufficient to treat central airway stenoses after lung transplantation.

Prevalence, size, number and localization of vascular anastomoses in monochorionic placentas.

INTRODUCTION: Most monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies have an uncomplicated course, but some develop severe complications including selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), twintwin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). The underlying pathogenesis of these various complications is associated with the ubiquitous presence of vascular anastomoses in MC placentas. METHODS: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, number, size and localization of the anastomoses in sIUGR, TTTS and TAPS placentas compared to normal MC placentas using color dye injection. We excluded MC twin pregnancies treated with fetoscopic laser surgery or selective feticide. RESULTS: A total of 235 placentas fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 126 normal MC, 47 TTTS, 46 sIUGR and 16 spontaneous TAPS. Median number of anastomoses in normal MC, sIUGR, TTTS and TAPS placentas was 8 (IQR: 4-12), 8 (IQR: 5-14), 7 (IQR: 5-11) and 4 (IQR: 3-5), respectively. The prevalence of arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses in normal MC, sIUGR, TTTS and TAPS placentas was 96%, 98%, 47% and 19%, respectively. We found AV anastomoses to be evenly distributed along the vascular equator in all MC placentas except in TAPS cases, where anastomoses were mostly localized near the margin. We also found that, in sIUGR and TTTS placentas, AA anastomoses tended to be at the center of the placenta. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the prevalence, size, number and localization of the various types of anastomoses differ between normal MC, sIUGR, TTTS and TAPS placentas.

[Study in the combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane surface of artesunate-resistance strain of Plasmodium berghei].

OBJECTIVE: To study the production mechanism of plasmodium berghei (PB) in resisting artesunate. METHODS: The combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane surface of PB trophozoite labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) of Con A was determined by fluoromicrospectrophotometer. RESULTS: The combining quantity of PB artesunate-resistance strain (PBAR) was reduced significantly than that of PB normal strain (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The type of glucose in surface membrane of PBAR has changed and the changes of membrane fluidity could be one of the causes of the change in the combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane of PBAR.