Role of n-DAMO in Mitigating Methane Emissions from Intertidal Wetlands Is Regulated by Saltmarsh Vegetations.

Coastal wetlands are hotspots for methane (CH4) production, reducing their potential for global warming mitigation. Nitrite/nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) plays a crucial role in bridging carbon and nitrogen cycles, contributing significantly to CH4 consumption. However, the role of n-DAMO in reducing CH4 emissions in coastal wetlands is poorly understood. Here, the ecological functions of the n-DAMO process in different saltmarsh vegetation habitats as well as bare mudflats were quantified, and the underlying microbial mechanisms were explored. Results showed that n-DAMO rates were significantly higher in vegetated habitats (Scirpus mariqueter and Spartina alterniflora) than those in bare mudflats (P < 0.05), leading to an enhanced contribution to CH4 consumption. Compared with other habitats, the contribution of n-DAMO to the total anaerobic CH4 oxidation was significantly lower in the Phragmites australis wetland (15.0%), where the anaerobic CH4 oxidation was primarily driven by ferric iron (Fe3+). Genetic and statistical analyses suggested that the different roles of n-DAMO in various saltmarsh wetlands may be related to divergent n-DAMO microbial communities as well as environmental parameters such as sediment pH and total organic carbon. This study provides an important scientific basis for a more accurate estimation of the role of coastal wetlands in mitigating climate change.

Trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells-derived tumor xenograft models exhibit distinct sensitivity to lapatinib treatment in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to HER2-targeted therapies, including the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, frequently occurs and currently represents a significant clinical challenge in the management of HER2-positive breast cancer. We previously showed that the trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 sublines were refractory to lapatinib in vitro as compared to the parental SKBR3 and BT474 cells, respectively. The in vivo efficacy of lapatinib against trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer remained unclear. RESULTS: In tumor xenograft models, both SKBR3-pool2- and BT474-HR20-derived tumors retained their resistance phenotype to trastuzumab; however, those tumors responded differently to the treatment with lapatinib. While lapatinib markedly suppressed growth of SKBR3-pool2-derived tumors, it slightly attenuated BT474-HR20 tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that lapatinib neither affected the expression of HER3, nor altered the levels of phosphorylated HER3 and FOXO3a in vivo. Interestingly, lapatinib treatment significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and upregulated the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) in the tumors-derived from BT474-HR20, but not SKBR3-pool2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that SKBR3-pool2-derived tumors were highly sensitive to lapatinib treatment, whereas BT474-HR20 tumors exhibited resistance to lapatinib. It seemed that the inefficacy of lapatinib against BT474-HR20 tumors in vivo was attributed to lapatinib-induced upregulation of IRS1 and activation of Akt. Thus, the tumor xenograft models-derived from SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 cells serve as an excellent in vivo system to test the efficacy of other HER2-targeted therapies and novel agents to overcome trastuzumab resistance against HER2-positive breast cancer.

Potential response of dark carbon fixation to global warming in estuarine and coastal waters.

Dark carbon fixation (DCF), through which chemoautotrophs convert inorganic carbon to organic carbon, is recognized as a vital process of global carbon biogeochemical cycle. However, little is known about the response of DCF processes in estuarine and coastal waters to global warming. Using radiocarbon labelling method, the effects of temperature on the activity of chemoautotrophs were investigated in benthic water of the Yangtze estuarine and coastal areas. A dome-shaped thermal response pattern was observed for DCF rates (i.e., reduced rates at lower or higher temperatures), with the optimum temperature (Topt ) varying from about 21.9 to 32.0°C. Offshore sites showed lower Topt values and were more vulnerable to global warming compared with nearshore sites. Based on temperature seasonality of the study area, it was estimated that warming would accelerate DCF rate in winter and spring but inhibit DCF activity in summer and fall. However, at an annual scale, warming showed an overall promoting effect on DCF rates. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the dominant chemoautotrophic carbon fixation pathways in the nearshore area were Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle, while the offshore sites were co-dominated by CBB and 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycles, which may explain the differential temperature response of DCF along the estuarine and coastal gradients. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DCF thermal response into biogeochemical models to accurately estimate the carbon sink potential of estuarine and coastal ecosystems in the context of global warming.

HER3 functions as an effective therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer to potentiate the antitumor activity of gefitinib and paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant clinical challenge. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay for a large part of TNBC patients, whereas drug resistance and tumor recurrence frequently occur. It is in urgent need to identify novel molecular targets for TNBC and develop effective therapy against the aggressive disease. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of HER3 in TNBC samples. Western blots were used to assess protein expression and activation. Cell proliferation and viability were determined by cell growth (MTS) assays. TCGA databases were analyzed to correlate HER3 mRNA expression with the clinical outcomes of TNBC patients. Specific shRNA was used to knockdown HER3 expression. IncuCyte system was utilized to monitor cell growth and migration. LIVE/DEAD Cell Imaging was to detect live and dead cells. HER3 recognition by our anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4A7 was verified by ELISA, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Orthotopic tumor models were established in nude mice to determine the capability of TNBC cells forming tumors and to test if our mAb 4A7 could potentiate the antitumor activity of paclitaxel in vivo. RESULTS: Elevated expression of HER3 was observed in approximately half of the TNBC specimens and cell lines tested. Analyses of TCGA databases found that the TNBC patients with high HER3 mRNA expression in the tumors showed significantly worse overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) than those with low HER3 expression. Specific knockdown of HER3 markedly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation and mammosphere formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Our mAb 4A7 abrogated heregulin (a ligand for HER3), but not SDF-1 (a ligand for CXCR4)-induced enhancement of TNBC cell migration. Combinations of 4A7 and the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib dramatically decreased the levels of phosphorylated HER3, EGFR, Akt, and ERK1/2 in TNBC cells and potently induced growth inhibition and cell death. Moreover, 4A7 in combination with paclitaxel exerted significant antitumor activity against TNBC in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that increased HER3 is an effective therapeutic target for TNBC and our anti-HER3 mAb (4A7) may enhance the efficacy of gefitinib or paclitaxel in TNBC.

Fluorescence Signal Amplification: Red Carbon Dots@SiO2-Induced Ultra-sensitive Immunoassay for Diethyl Phthalate.

Carbon dots as new nanomaterials, have been widely used in rapid detection because of their nondestructive, real-time detection characteristics. Improving the sensitivity and selectivity of the method in complex real samples is new challenge and requirement for sensing technology. Here, we report an ultrasensitive fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) for trace diethyl phthalate (DEP) using red carbon dots@SiO2 (R-CDs@SiO2) as tags. SiO2 as a nanocarrier can effectively improve the bio-functionalization and utilization rate of carbon dots. Moreover, several R-CDs embedded in SiO2 nanospheres can magnify the fluorescence signal and improve sensitivity. R-CDs@SiO2 conjugate anti-DEP antibody (Ab) as fluorescent immunosensor, which can specifically recognize DEP. Under optimization conditions, the detection limit (LOD) of this FIA was calculated as 0.0011 ng/mL. In addition, the recoveries of this established FIA ranged from 96.8 to 108.5%, showing satisfactory accuracy. Compared with GC-MS/MS (LOD µg/mL), the sensitivity of the FIA was significantly improved. As a result, the FIA developed using R-CDs@SiO2 as tags has a high potential for determining trace DEP.

[Comparison of fat determination methods and analysis of fatty acids in tea].

OBJECTIVE: Comparative analysis of two method for determining fat and analysis of fatty acid content in tea samples. METHODS: The content of freefatand total fat in tea was determined by Soxhlet extraction method and acid hydrolysis method, and the content of fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. The composition and content of fatty acids in 21 tea samples from 5 regions were analyzed. RESULTS: The freefat content of tea determined by Soxhlet extraction method was significantly lower than that determined by acid hydrolysis method. The totalfat content in tea determined by acid hydrolysis method was consistent with the total amount of fatty acids determined by gas chromatography, and their content conformed to the logical relationshipsimultaneously. The totalfat content in tea ranged from 0.6 to 4.1 g/100 g, which in green tea, white tea, yellow tea, and black tea were 2.2, 1.8, 1.6 and 0.6 g/100 g, respectively. The content of free fat in tea was less than 58%, with 42%-80% of the fat existing in a bound form. The fatty acids in tea were mainly unsaturated fatty acids, accounting for 67.52%-99.03% of the total fatty acids. There were differences in the composition of fatty acids in different types of tea, with the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in yellow tea accounting for 98.84% of the total fatty acids, which was significantly higher than that of green tea, white tea, and black tea. The fatty acids with high content in green tea(except Tang chi xiaolan tea, Bawangjian green tea and Liuxi yuye tea)were α-linoleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. CONCLUSION: Theacid hydrolysis method is more suitable for the determination of fat in tea samples. The composition and content of fat and fatty acids in tea vary depending onfactors such as the type of tea and the degree of fermentation.

Effects of Aquatic Acidification on Microbially Mediated Nitrogen Removal in Estuarine and Coastal Environments.

Acidification of estuarine and coastal waters is anticipated to influence nitrogen (N) removal processes, which are critical pathways for eliminating excess N from these ecosystems. We found that denitrification rates decreased significantly under acidified conditions (P < 0.05), which reduced by 41-53% in estuarine and coastal sediments under an approximately 0.3 pH reduction of the overlying water. However, the N removal rates through the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process were concomitantly promoted under the same acidification conditions (increased by 47-109%, P < 0.05), whereas the total rates of N loss were significantly inhibited by aquatic acidification (P < 0.05), as denitrification remained the dominant N removal pathway. More importantly, the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) from estuarine and coastal sediments was greatly stimulated by aquatic acidification (P < 0.05). Molecular analyses further demonstrated that aquatic acidification also altered the functional microbial communities in estuarine and coastal sediments; and the abundance of denitrifiers was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the abundance of anammox bacteria remained relatively stable. Collectively, this study reveals the effects of acidification on N removal processes and the underlying mechanisms and suggests that the intensifying acidification in estuarine and coastal waters might reduce the N removal function of these ecosystems, exacerbate eutrophication, and accelerate global climate change.

2-Methoxy-5((3,4,5-trimethosyphenyl) seleninyl) phenol causes G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NSCLC cells through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and MDM2 inhibition.

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies and needs novel and effective chemotherapy. In this study, our purpose is to explore the anticancer effects of 2-methoxy-5((3,4,5-trimethosyphenyl) seleninyl) phenol (SQ) on human NSCLC (A549 and H460) cells. We found that SQ suppressed the proliferation of NSCLC cells in time- and dose-dependent manners, and blocked the cells at G2/M phase, which was relevant to microtubule depolymerization. Additionally, SQ induced A549 and H460 cell apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Further, we demonstrated that SQ enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pretreatment with N-acetyl- L-cysteine (NAC) attenuated SQ-induced cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, SQ mediated-ROS generation caused DNA damage in A549 and H460 cells. Our data also revealed that SQ-induced apoptosis was correlated with the inhibition of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) in A549 and H460 cells. In summary, our research indicates that the novel compound SQ has great potential for therapeutic treatment of NSCLC in future.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach for Third Ventriculostomy in the Management of Obstructive Hydrocephalus.

ABSTRACT: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a safe and effective method for the management of obstructive hydrocephalus. Traditional approach is a transfrontal trajectory through the foramen of Monro to access and open the third ventricle floor. Though endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) for pituitary and skull base tumors has become increasingly popular, no published literature has explored its utility in performing an ETV. Here, the authors reported a successful ETV for obstructive hydrocephalus through the EETA. A 57-year-old male presenting with progressive headache and gait disturbance for 3 months was diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus. Brain MRI revealed an obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the cerebral aqueduct and supratentorial hydrocephalus, accompanied with dilatation and downward herniation of the third ventricle floor. Considering the displacement of the third ventricle floor and the indication for surgery, an ETV was successfully performed through the EETA. No postoperative complication was observed. Both radiological and clinical evaluation postoperatively confirmed ETV success with decreased ventricular size, increased CSF flow across the floor of the third ventricle, and improved clinical signs. EETA is a feasible approach for ETV in selected cases of obstructive hydrocephalus. This approach provides a short trajectory to directly visualize and open the Liliequist's membrane and the displaced floor of the third ventricle, while minimizes damage to normal brain tissue. Skull base repair with nasoseptal flap ensures the success rate by preventing postoperative CSF leak and infection.

Impact of neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on health-related quality of life in glioma patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: A novel neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program shortens postoperative hospital stay and accelerates functional recovery in elective craniotomy patients. There is a need to evaluate the impact of ERAS program on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: In a single-center randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive perioperative ERAS or conventional care. As a secondary outcome, HRQOL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 prior to randomization (baseline), at discharge, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients (ERAS: n = 36, conventional care: n = 29) with pathologically confirmed glioma (WHO grade 2-4) were included in the analysis. Progression-free survival at 6 months and HRQOL at baseline were similar between the two groups. Changes of scores did not vary significantly over time, but differed significantly between intervention groups. A clinically relevant better QoL (at 3-month follow-up), physical functioning (at 6-month follow-up) and role functioning (at discharge) was observed in patients in the ERAS group. Symptom scores of constipation (at discharge), motor dysfunction (at discharge, 3- and 6-month follow-up), drowsiness (at 3- and 6-month follow-up), weakness of legs (at 3-month follow-up), and nausea/vomiting (at discharge and 6-month follow-up) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. CONCLUSIONS: The neurosurgical ERAS program seems to improve functioning and symptoms scores in glioma patients within 6-month follow-up compared with conventional care. The intervention has a significant main effect HRQOL changes without significant interaction with time. Future well-powered multicenter studies are warranted to confirm this result and address long-term benefits. This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=16480 ) with registration number ChiCTR-INR-16009662.

Successful implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces nausea and vomiting after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Infratentorial craniotomy patients have a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown in multiple surgical disciplines to improve outcomes, including reduced PONV. However, very few studies have described the application of ERAS to infratentorial craniotomy. The aim of this study was to examine whether our ERAS protocol for infratentorial craniotomy could improve PONV. METHODS: We implemented an evidence-based, multimodal ERAS protocol for patients undergoing infratentorial craniotomy. A total of 105 patients who underwent infratentorial craniotomy were randomized into either the ERAS group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 55). Primary outcomes were the incidence of vomiting, nausea score, and use of rescue antiemetic during the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative anxiety level, sleep quality, and complications. RESULTS: Over the entire 72 h post-craniotomy observation period, the cumulative incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the control group. Meanwhile, the incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 3. Notably, the proportion of patients with mild nausea (VAS 0-4) was higher in the ERAS group as compared to the control group on PODs 2 or 3. Additionally, the postoperative anxiety level and quality of sleep were significantly better in the ERAS group. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of our ERAS protocol in infratentorial craniotomy patients could attenuate postoperative anxiety, improve sleep quality, and reduce the incidence of PONV, without increasing the rate of postoperative complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-INR-16009662, 27 Oct 2016, Clinical study on the development and efficacy evaluation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Neurosurgery.

Management of Postoperative Pain after Elective Craniotomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of a Neurosurgical Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Program.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the management of postoperative pain after elective craniotomies. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the neurosurgical center of Tangdu Hospital (Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China). A total of 129 patients undergoing craniotomies between October 2016 and July 2017 were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing an ERAS protocol to a conventional postoperative care regimen. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score assessed by a verbal numerical rating scale (NRS). Results: Patients in the ERAS group had a significant reduction in their postoperative pain scores on POD 1 compared to patients in the control group (p < 0.05). More patients (n = 44, 68.8%) in the ERAS group experienced mild pain (NRS: 1 to 3) on POD1 compared with patients (n = 23, 35.4%) in the control group (p < 0.05). A further reduction in pain scores was also observed on POD 2 and maintained on POD 3 in the ERAS group compared with that in the control group. In addition, the median postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly decreased with the incorporation of the ERAS protocol compared to controls (ERAS: 4 days, control: 7 days, P<0.001). Conclusion: The implementation of a neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy patients has significant benefits in alleviating postoperative pain and enhancing recovery leading to early discharge after surgery compared to conventional care. Further evaluation of this protocol in larger, multi-center studies is warranted.

Tonsillectomy with modified reconstruction of the cisterna magna with and without craniectomy for the treatment of adult Chiari malformation type I with syringomyelia.

BACKGROUND: In light of the controversies regarding the surgical treatment of adult Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) with syringomyelia, a retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tonsillectomy followed by modified reconstruction of the cisterna magna with or without craniectomy. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2017, 78 adult CM-I patients (36 males and 42 females, mean age 40.6 years old) with syringomyelia were treated with posterior fossa decompression (PFD) with tonsillectomy and modified reconstruction of the cisterna magna. Patients were divided into two study groups: group A (n = 40) underwent cranioplasty with replacement of the bone flap; group B (n = 38) underwent suboccipital craniectomy. Neurological outcomes were evaluated by traditional physician assessment (improved, unchanged, and worsened) and the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS). Syringomyelia outcomes were assessed radiologically. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in all patients, and restoration of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow was confirmed by intraoperative ultrasonography. The median postoperative follow-up was 20.3 months (range 18-60 months). Clinical improvement was evident in 66 (84.6%) patients, with no significant differences between the two groups (85.0% vs. 84.2%, P = 0.897). According to the CCOS, 36 patients (90.0%) in group A were labeled as "good" outcome, compared with that of 34 (86.8%) in group B (P = 0.734). Improvement of syringomyelia was also comparable between the groups, which was observed in 35 (87.5%) vs. 33 (86.8%) patients (P = 0.887). The postoperative overall (7.5% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.048) and CSF-related (2.5% vs. 18.4%, P = 0.027) complication rates were significantly lower in group A than group B. CONCLUSIONS: Tonsillectomy with modified reconstruction of the cisterna magna without craniectomy seems to be a safe and effective surgical option to treat adult CM-I patients with syringomyelia, though future well-powered prospective randomized studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approach to Spontaneous Hypertensive Brainstem Hemorrhage.

Surgical management of spontaneous hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage remains a challenge for neurosurgeons, especially when the hemorrhage is located the ventral brainstem. Recently endoscopic endonasal approach has been applied for resection of ventral brainstem lesions, though no published literature has explored its utility in treating brainstem hemorrhage. Here we reported a successful evacuation of severe hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage through endoscopic endonasal transclival approach. A 37 years-old male with a 5-year history of uncontrolled hypertension was brought to the Emergency Department with sudden vomiting, limb convulsions, and loss of consciousness for 2 hours. Computed tomography demonstrated a hemorrhage measuring 2.5 × 2.2 cm in the ventral midbrain and pontine. He presented with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 3 and disrupted vitals, and was intubated in the Emergency Department. Considering the ventral location of the hemorrhage and the need for emergent surgical decompression, an endoscopic endonasal approach was applied. Evacuation of the brainstem hemorrhage was achieved and his spontaneous respiration improved immediately after surgery. He was weaned off the ventilator and extubated on postoperative day 1, along with an improved GCS score of 5 (E2V1M2). At 1 month postoperatively his GCS score improved to 11 (E4V2M5) and he is currently under rehabilitation. Endoscopic endonasal approach is a feasible alternative for emergent surgery of ventrally located brainstem hemorrhage in carefully selected cases by providing direct visualization of the area and a good working angle, which facilitate evacuation of the hemorrhage with minimal damage to the brainstem.

[Nutritional components of five main products of freshwater shrimp in Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the nutritional composition of five main products of freshwater shrimp including crawfish, river prawn, macrobrachium, freshwater shrimp, exopalaemon modestus in Anhui Province. METHODS: Conventional and biochemical analytical method were used to detect the moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, amino acid, fatty acid, minerals and vitamin. RESULTS: The contents of crude protein, crude fat, ash of the five freshwater shrimp were 13. 9-20. 8 g/100 g edible, 0. 6-2. 2 g/100 g edible, 1. 5-4. 1 g/100 g edible, respectively. A total of 18 amino acids were detected, the content of which were 11600-18600 mg/100 g edible. The amount of nine essential amino acid was measured to be 5336-9342 mg/100 g edible. The main restrictive amino acids in the five kinds of shrimps were methionine and cysteine, threonine and valine. The essential amino acid indexes in five kinds of shrimps(EAAI) were 39. 62 and 31. 81, 28. 65, 44. 85, and 33. 48, respectively. Fourteen types of fatty acid were detected. The total content of fatty acid was 287-1851 mg/100 g edible. The monounsaturated fatty acid(MUFA) and the polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) were 12-234 mg/100 g edible, 164-377 mg/100 g edible, respectively. Nine minerals were detected which including five microelements and four microelements. The content of calcium in river prawn, macrobrachium and exopalaemon modestus was higher than that in crawfish and freshwater shrimp. The content of phosphorus, kalium, sodium, magnesium in five freshwater shrimp were 221-296 mg/100 g edible, 196-278 mg/100 g edible, 120. 7-202. 7 mg/100 g edible, 37-95 mg/100 g edible, respectively. The content of iron, manganese, cuprum in crawfish were higher than the others. The content of zinc in river prawn and exopalaemon modestus was high. Moreover, the vitamin B_2 and E were also detected in five freshwater shrimp. The content of vitamin B_2 and E were 0. 02-0. 07 mg/100 g edible and 1. 61-3. 30 mg/100 g edible. CONCLUSION: Five main products of freshwater shrimp in Anhui belong to super nutritional value food which contained high protein, variety of amino acid, low fat, a certain amount of vitamin B_2 and E, rich in minerals.

[Nutritional analysis of eight kinds of prefabricated beef steaks].

OBJECTIVE: A investigate on the nutritional quality of the prefabricated beef steak in the market was conducted, aiming to provide scientific basis for consumers in the consumption of prefabricated beef steaks. METHODS: The basic nutriments, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and mineral elements of 8 kinds of prefabricated beef steaks were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: It was showed that the contents of crude ash(1. 3-2. 4 g/100 g edible) and crude fat(1. 3-10. 0 g/100 g edible) in the 8 kinds of prefabricated beef steaks were higher than those of raw beef, while the contents of protein(11. 4-17. 2 g/100 g edible) was lower than those of raw beef. All the 8 kinds of prefabricated beef steaks had 18 kinds of amino acids and the content of histidine in children's steak(0. 57 g/100 g edible) was the highest. With the exception of snowflake steak and bulk steak, the first limiting amino acid of other 6 kinds of prefabricated beef steaks was valine. The essential amino acid composition of the 8 kinds of prefabricated steaks was close to that of FAO/WHO standard protein. This meant they were all high quality protein sources. The proportion of saturated fatty acids(48. 0%-62. 0%) was the highest, followed by monounsaturated fatty acids(32. 2%-46. 6%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids(0. 7%-7. 6%). All the 8 kinds of prepared beef steak didn't meet the S∶M∶P standard recommended by American Heart Association. There were differences in the content of vitamins among 8 kinds of prefabricated beef steaks. In terms of mineral elements, the content of Na(344-689 mg/100 g edible), Ca(6-15 mg/100 g edible), Fe(1. 0-1. 9 mg/100 g edible), Cu(0. 029-0. 050 mg/100 g edible), Mn(0. 056-0. 183 mg/100 g edible) in prefabricated steak was higher than that in raw beef. CONCLUSION: There were interspecific differences in the nutritional element content and quality among different kinds of prefabricated steaks. Compared with the raw beef, the fat content was higher and protein content was lower, the composition of fatty acids was less reasonable than fish and pork.

Development of Effective Therapeutics Targeting HER3 for Cancer Treatment.

HER3 is the third member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER/EGFR) family, and unlike its other family members, is unique due to its minimal intrinsic kinase activity. As a result, HER3 has to interact with another receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), such as EGFR or HER2, in order to activate the PI-3 K/Akt, MEK/MAPK, Jak/Stat pathways, as well as Src kinase. Over-expression of HER3 in various human cancers promotes tumor progression by increasing metastatic potential and acting as a major cause of treatment failure. Effective inhibition of HER3, and/or the key downstream mediators of HER3 signaling, is thought to be required to overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy. To date, there is no known HER3-targeted therapy that is approved for breast cancer, with a number of anti-HER3 antibodies current in various stages of development and clinical testing. Recent data suggests that the epigenetic strategy of using a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, or functional cooperative miRNAs, may be an effective way to abrogate HER3 signaling. Here, we summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the mechanism of HER3 signaling in tumor progression, with continuing research towards the identification of therapeutic anti-HER3 antibodies. We will also examine the potential to develop novel epigenetic approaches that specifically target the HER3 receptor, along with important key downstream mediators that are involved in cancer treatment.

Health-related quality of life in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by radical surgery: A single-institutional retrospective study from a prospective database.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) or radiation (RT) alone followed by radical surgery (RS). METHODS: In a single-center retrospective study from a prospective database, 275 FIGO Stage IB2-IIIB patients who underwent CCRT/RT + RS were included. HRQOL was prospectively assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 prior to any treatment (baseline) and 6 months after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: A statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in physical functioning (P < 0.001) and role functioning (P = 0.002, P = 0.031) was observed in patients receiving either CCRT+RS or RT + RS at follow-up. In addition, quality of life (QoL), physical functioning, and social functioning were better in the RT + RS group than the CCRT+RS group after treatment (P = 0.028, P = 0.010, P = 0.014). Symptom scores of fatigue decreased in both groups over time (P < 0.001, P = 0.004) while insomnia decreased only in the RT + RS group (P = 0.042). Worsened menopausal symptoms were documented in both groups at follow-up (P = 0.001, P = 0.047), while lymphedema was deteriorated only in patients receiving CCRT + RS (P < 0.001). Sexuality scores did not differ between groups or over time with the exception of sexual worry, which was deteriorated in patients receiving RT + RS (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: QLQ-C30 functioning and tumor-related symptoms scores improved while lymphedema and menopausal symptoms worsened 6 months after neoadjuvant CCRT or RT alone followed by RS in LACC patients. Patients treated with RT + RS had a generally better HRQOL compared with those receiving CCRT+RS, though further validation with prospective randomized clinical trials is warranted.

Targeting of HER3 with Functional Cooperative miRNAs Enhances Therapeutic Activity in HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: The HER3 receptor functions as a major cause of drug resistance in cancer treatment. It is believed that therapeutic targeting of HER3 is required to improve patient outcomes. It is not clear whether a novel strategy with two functional cooperative miRNAs would effectively inhibit erbB3 expression and potentiate the anti-proliferative/anti-survival effects of a HER2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy (paclitaxel) on HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Combination of miR-125a and miR-205, as compared to either miRNA alone, potently inhibited expression of HER3 in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer BT474 cells. Co-expression of the two miRNAs not only reduced the levels of phosphorylated erbB3 (P-erbB3), Akt (P-Akt), and Src (P-Src), it also inhibited cell proliferation and increased cells at G1 phase. A multi-miRNA lentiviral vector - the cluster of miR-125a and miR-205 - was constructed to simultaneously express the two miRNAs in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Concurrent expression of miR-125a and miR-205 via the miRNA cluster transfection significantly enhanced trastuzumab-mediated growth inhibition and cell cycle G1 arrest in BT474 cells and markedly increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in another HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line HCC1954. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we showed that functional cooperative miRNAs effectively suppressed erbB3 expression. This novel approach targeting of HER3 was able to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab and paclitaxel against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Novel coding, translation, and gene expression of a replicating covalently closed circular RNA of 220 nt.

The highly structured (64% GC) covalently closed circular (CCC) RNA (220 nt) of the virusoid associated with rice yellow mottle virus codes for a 16-kDa highly basic protein using novel modalities for coding, translation, and gene expression. This CCC RNA is the smallest among all known viroids and virusoids and the only one that codes proteins. Its sequence possesses an internal ribosome entry site and is directly translated through two (or three) completely overlapping ORFs (shifting to a new reading frame at the end of each round). The initiation and termination codons overlap UGAUGA (underline highlights the initiation codon AUG within the combined initiation-termination sequence). Termination codons can be ignored to obtain larger read-through proteins. This circular RNA with no noncoding sequences is a unique natural supercompact "nanogenome."