Association Analysis Provides Insights into Plant Mitonuclear Interactions.

Cytonuclear interaction refers to the complex and ongoing process of coevolution between nuclear and organelle genomes, which are responsible for cellular respiration, photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, etc. and play a significant role in adaptation and speciation. There have been a large number of studies to detect signatures of cytonuclear interactions. However, identification of the specific nuclear and organelle genetic polymorphisms that are involved in these interactions within a species remains relatively rare. The recent surge in whole genome sequencing has provided us an opportunity to explore cytonuclear interaction from a population perspective. In this study, we analyzed a total of 3,439 genomes from 7 species to identify signals of cytonuclear interactions by association (linkage disequilibrium) analysis of variants in both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes across flowering plants. We also investigated examples of nuclear loci identified based on these association signals using subcellular localization assays, gene editing, and transcriptome sequencing. Our study provides a novel perspective on the investigation of cytonuclear coevolution, thereby enriching our understanding of plant fitness and offspring sterility.

Natural products as pharmacological modulators of mitochondrial dysfunctions for the treatment of diabetes and its complications: An update since 2010.

Diabetes, characterized as a well-known chronic metabolic syndrome, with its associated complications pose a substantial and escalating health and healthcare challenge on a global scale. Current strategies addressing diabetes are mainly symptomatic and there are fewer available curative pharmaceuticals for diabetic complications. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel pharmacological targets and agents. The impaired mitochondria have been associated with the etiology of diabetes and its complications, and the intervention of mitochondrial dysfunction represents an attractive breakthrough point for the treatments of diabetes and its complications. Natural products (NPs), with multicenter characteristics, multi-pharmacological activities and lower toxicity, have been caught attentions as the modulators of mitochondrial functions in the therapeutical filed of diabetes and its complications. This review mainly summarizes the recent progresses on the potential of 39 NPs and 2 plant-extracted mixtures to improve mitochondrial dysfunction against diabetes and its complications. It is expected that this work may be useful to accelerate the development of innovative drugs originated from NPs and improve upcoming therapeutics in diabetes and its complications.

Awareness for Endoscopic Screening Among Accompanying Children of Hospitalized Esophageal Cancer Patients in Henan.

The free generalized endoscopic screening for diagnosis of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesion could not be satisfactorily implemented in China. At present, the decision to accept endoscopic screening at their own expense may largely depend on the public awareness. This study was aimed to investigate the awareness and other influencing factors associated with the accompanying children of esophageal cancer patients after their hospitalization. In this cross-sectional study, from April to June 2016, 233 children of accompanying patients, who were admitted within the last 1 year due to esophageal cancer in three affiliated hospitals of Zhengzhou University and Anyang Tumor Hospital, were enrolled. In addition, telephone surveys were conducted to investigate their awareness about endoscopic screening. One child was corresponded to an esophageal cancer patient. About half (47.6%, 111/233) of the children were unaware that endoscopic screening could detect early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesion. There was no significant difference in their awareness rates between hospitals with different administration levels. Besides, the males who had a lower family income and lower education level showed a poor awareness rate (P < 0.05). The overall awareness rate among the accompanying children of patients on endoscopic screening was rather low in Henan province (China). Hence, the health education and awareness on the importance of endoscopic screening for early detection of esophageal cancer should be promoted among children accompanying the patients. More attention should be focused towards the subject group, particularly among those male children with lower educational level and family income.

QTLs and candidate genes analyses for fruit size under domestication and differentiation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) based on high resolution maps.

BACKGROUND: Melon is a very important horticultural crop produced worldwide with high phenotypic diversity. Fruit size is among the most important domestication and differentiation traits in melon. The molecular mechanisms of fruit size in melon are largely unknown. RESULTS: Two high-density genetic maps were constructed by whole-genome resequencing with two F2 segregating populations (WAP and MAP) derived from two crosses (cultivated agrestis × wild agrestis and cultivated melo × cultivated agrestis). We obtained 1,871,671 and 1,976,589 high quality SNPs that show differences between parents in WAP and MAP. A total of 5138 and 5839 recombination events generated 954 bins in WAP and 1027 bins in MAP with the average size of 321.3 Kb and 301.4 Kb respectively. All bins were mapped onto 12 linkage groups in WAP and MAP. The total lengths of two linkage maps were 904.4 cM (WAP) and 874.5 cM (MAP), covering 86.6% and 87.4% of the melon genome. Two loci for fruit size were identified on chromosome 11 in WAP and chromosome 5 in MAP, respectively. An auxin response factor and a YABBY transcription factor were inferred to be the candidate genes for both loci. CONCLUSION: The high-resolution genetic maps and QTLs analyses for fruit size described here will provide a better understanding the genetic basis of domestication and differentiation, and provide a valuable tool for map-based cloning and molecular marker assisted breeding.

Genomic analyses of diverse wild and cultivated accessions provide insights into the evolutionary history of jujube.

The Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), a member of the Rhamnaceae family, is an important perennial fruit tree crop of substantial economic, ecological and nutritional value, and is also used as a traditional herbal medicine. Here, we report the resequencing of 493 jujube accessions, including 202 wild and 291 cultivated accessions at >16× depth. Our population genomic analyses revealed that the Shanxi-Shaanxi area of China was jujube's primary domestication centre and that jujube was then disseminated into East China before finally extending into South China. Divergence events analysis indicated that Ziziphus acidojujuba and Ziziphus jujuba diverged around 2.7 Mya, suggesting the interesting possibility that a long pre-domestication period may have occurred prior to human intervention. Using the large genetic polymorphism data set, we identified a 15-bp tandem insertion in the promoter of the jujube ortholog of the POLLEN DEFECTIVE IN GUIDANCE 1 (POD1) gene, which was strongly associated with seed-setting rate. Integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS), transcriptome data, expression analysis and transgenic validation in tomato, we identified a DA3/UBIQUITIN-SPECIFIC PROTEASE 14 (UBP14) ortholog, which negatively regulate fruit weight in jujube. We also identified candidate genes, which have likely influenced the selection of fruit sweetness and crispness texture traits among fresh and dry jujubes. Our study not only illuminates the genetic basis of jujube evolution and domestication and provides a deep and rich genomic resource to facilitate both crop improvement and hypothesis-driven basic research, but also identifies multiple agriculturally important genes for this unique perennial tree fruit species.

Developing a new model system for potato genetics by androgenesis.

High heterozygosity and tetrasomic inheritance complicate studies of asexually propagated polyploids, such as potato. Reverse genetics approaches, especially mutant library construction, can be an ideal choice if a proper mutagenesis genotype is available. Here, we aimed to generate a model system for potato research using anther cultures of Solanum verrucosum, a self-compatible diploid potato with strong late blight resistance. Six of the 23 regenerants obtained (SVA4, SVA7, SVA22, SVA23, SVA32, and SVA33) were diploids, and their homozygosity was estimated to be >99.99% with 22 polymorphic InDel makers. Two lines-SVA4 and SVA32-had reduced stature (plant height ≤80 cm), high seed yield (>1,000 seeds/plant), and good tuber set (>30 tubers/plant). We further confirmed the full homozygosity of SVA4 and SVA32 using whole-genome resequencing. These two regenerants possess all the characteristics of a model plant: diploidy, 100% homozygosity, self-compatibility, and amenability to transgenesis. Thus, we have successfully generated two lines, SVA4 and SVA32, which can potentially be used for mutagenesis and as model plants to rejuvenate current methods of conducting potato research.

[History of Superior Oblique Muscle Surgery].

The superior oblique muscle has the longest tendon among the six extraocular muscles and serves complex functions. Surgery on the superior oblique muscle is considered the most complicated and difficult procedure in the field of strabismus. This article focuses on the history of superior oblique muscle surgeries, including superior oblique weakening procedure and superior oblique strengthening procedure. We discussed the advantages, disadvantages, and indications of each type of surgery, providing colleagues in the field of ophthalmology with a comprehensive understanding of superior oblique muscle surgery and facilitating the carefully weighed decision to choose and perform the procedure.

Dual molecular diagnosis of tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I and Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome in one Chinese patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS) and tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPSI) are rare Mendelian diseases. OCNDS is caused by CSNK2A1 gene variants and TRPSI is caused by the TRPS1gene. However, to have two Mendelian diseases in one patient is even rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-10-month-old boy characterized by special facial features, short stature and mental retardation was referred to our pediatric endocrinology department. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was done to detect the molecular basis of his disease. This patient was confirmed to carry two variants in the CSNK2A1 gene and one in the TRPS1 gene. The variant in the CSNK2A1 gene was vertically transmitted from his father, and the variant in TRPS1 gene from his mother. These two variants are classified as pathogenic and the causes of the presentation in this child. This patient's father and mother have subsequently been diagnosed as having OCNDS and TRPSI respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of a dual molecular diagnosis of tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I and Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome in the same patient. This patient is the first published example of vertical transmission of this recurrent CSN2A1 variant from parent to child. A novel variant in the TRPS1 gene that is pathogenic was also identified. In conclusion, identification of the variants in this patient expands the phenotypes and molecular basis of dual Mendelian diseases.

Ubiquitin-specific protease as the underlying gene biomarker for aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis is a common heart valvular disease whose pathological processes include an inflammatory reaction and lipid accumulation. However, its detailed pathogenesis is yet to be completely elucidated. Therefore, it is of great significance to further explore the molecular mechanisms of aortic stenosis. METHODS: Four datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Firstly, the differently expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between control and aortic stenosis samples. Secondly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to find the highly relevant gene modules. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networking were also performed, then Cytoscape was used to identify hub genes. Finally, the six participants (3 control participants and 3 patients with aortic stenosis) were recruited at the Tianjin Chest Hospital. In order to verify the expression level of USP14, several molecular experiments were performed, including hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence technology, real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 9636 DEGs were found between the control and aortic stenosis samples. The DEGs were mainly enriched in the autophagy-animal, cellular lipid catabolic process, apoptosis, and glycoside metabolic process categories. Eleven hub genes were identified via four different algorithms. Following verification of the patient samples, Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) was found to be displayed at higher levels in the aortic stenosis samples. CONCLUSION: USP14 might be involved in the occurrence and development of aortic stenosis, so it would be a molecular target for early diagnosis and specific treatment of aortic stenosis. There is a significant association between the high expression of USP14 and aortic stenosis, indicating that this gene may be a genetic risk factor for aortic stenosis.

Enhanced antitumor efficacy using epirubicin and schisandrin B co-delivery liposomes modified with PFV via inhibiting tumor metastasis.

As a malignant tumor, breast cancer is very prone to metastasis. Chemotherapy is one of the most common means for treating breast cancer. However, due to the serious metastasis and the poor targeting effect of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, even after years of efforts, the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfied. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a kind of PFV modified epirubicin plus schisandrin B liposomes to solve the above disadvantages. In vitro experiments showed that the targeting liposomes with ideal physicochemical property could increase the cytotoxicity of MDA-MB-435S cells, destroy the formation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM), and inhibit tumor invasion and migration. Action mechanisms indicated that the inhibition of targeting liposomes on tumor metastasis was attributed to the regulation of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vimentin (VIM), and E-cadherin (E-cad). In vivo pharmacodynamic experiments showed that the targeting liposomes could significantly improve the antitumor effect in mice. H&E staining and TUNEL results showed that the targeting liposomes could promote the apoptosis of tumor cells. Hence, the PFV modified epirubicin plus schisandrin B liposomes constructed in this study provided a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Evolution and expression of genes encoding TCP transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum reveal the involvement of StTCP23 in plant defence.

BACKGROUND: The plant-specific Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell factor (TCP) family of transcription factors is involved in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, performing diverse functions in plant growth and development. In addition, TCP transcription factors have recently been shown to be targets of pathogenic effectors and are likely to play a vital role in plant immunity. No comprehensive analysis of the TCP family members in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has been undertaken, however, and whether their functions are conserved in potato remains unknown. RESULTS: To assess TCP gene evolution in potato, we identified TCP-like genes in several publicly available databases. A total of 23 non-redundant TCP transcription factor-encoding genes were identified in the potato genome and subsequently subjected to a systematic analysis that included determination of their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and expression profiles in different potato tissues under basal conditions and after hormone treatments. These assays also confirmed the function of the class I TCP StTCP23 in the regulation of plant growth and defence. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first genome-wide study including a systematic analysis of the StTCP gene family in potato. Identification of the possible functions of StTCPs in potato growth and defence provides valuable information for our understanding of the classification and functions of the TCP genes in potato.

A Comparison of the Cystotome-Assisted Prechop and Phaco-Chop Phacoemulsification Nucleotomy Techniques.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the intra-operative parameters and post-operative outcomes of cataract surgery performed using the cystotome-assisted prechop (CAP) and phaco-chop techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-two eyes with age-related cataract in the CAP group, and 63 eyes in the phaco-chop group were enrolled for analysis in this study, and the surgical outcomes were reported 1 day and/or 1 week, and 1 month post-operatively. RESULTS The CAP technique was associated with statistically significantly lower cumulative dissipated energy compared with the phaco-chop technique (P<0.001). The mean endothelial cell loss in the CAP group was statistically significantly lower than that of the phaco-chop group 1 week (5.6±5.9% versus 8.8±8.7%, P=0.020) and 1 month post-operatively (6.3±6.8% versus 9.8±9.9%, P=0.026). The change in the central corneal thickness between the 2 groups was significantly different at 1 day post-operatively (3.3±3.1% versus 4.9±4.6%, P=0.036). The change in the 8.0 mm central corneal volume between the 2 groups was significantly different at 1 day and 1 week post-operatively (6.5±6.1% versus 10.9±7.9%, P=0.001; 3.2±4.7% versus 5.4±5.7%, P=0.029, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The CAP technique showed lower ultrasound energy consumption and less endothelial damage and corneal edema than the phaco-chop technique. It might therefore prove a cost-effective prechop method for cataract surgery.

Altered Corneal Nerves in Chinese Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Patients Observed by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy.

BACKGROUND Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common endocrine autoimmune disease. The present study explored corneal nerve changes in TAO patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-eight Chinese TAO patients and 20 healthy individuals were included in the study. Central corneal subbasal nerve density and morphology were evaluated with in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy and quantified using automated CCmetrics software. RESULTS The values of the central corneal subbasal nerve plexus parameters of both active and inactive TAO patients were significantly decreased compared with those of controls, including corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (P<0.001 for both), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) (P<0.001 for both), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (P<0.001 for both), corneal nerve fiber total branch density (CTBD) (P<0.001 for both), corneal nerve fiber area (CNFA) (P<0.001 for both), corneal nerve fiber width (CNFW) (P=0.046, P=0.027, respectively), and corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension (ACNFrD) (P<0.001 for both). In addition, CNFD and ACNFrD values were significantly lower in the active TAO patients compared with those in the inactive TAO patients (P=0.020, P=0.002, respectively). There were significant correlations between CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, CTBD, CNFA, and ACNFrD and the ocular surface parameters and activity assessment items. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal corneal subbasal nerves were observed in both active and inactive Chinese TAO patients, suggesting that nerve degeneration is associated with the disease. However, the exact underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Acquisition of deleterious mutations during potato polyploidization.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) represent an important tuber crop, worldwide. During its prolonged clonal propagation, numerous deleterious mutations have accumulated in the potato genome, leading to severe inbreeding depression; however, the shaping of this mutation burden during polyploidization and improvement is largely unknown. Here, we sequenced 20 diploid landraces of the Stenotomum group, eight tetraploid landraces, and 20 tetraploid modern cultivars, to analyze variations in their deleterious mutations. We show that deleterious mutations accumulated rapidly during the polyploidization of tetraploid potatoes. This study provides a foundation for future potato improvement.

Tanshinone IIA affects the HDL subfractions distribution not serum lipid levels: Involving in intake and efflux of cholesterol.

AIM OF STUDY: Tanshinone IIA is an active component of the traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed at investigating the mechanism of tanshinone IIA on anti-atherosclerosis, which may be because of that Tanshinone IIA can affect the HDL subfractions distribution and then regulate reverse cholesterol transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A model of hyperlipidaemia in rats was used. Tanshinone IIA was given daily after hyperlipidaemia. In vivo, lipid deposition and morphological changes in liver were analyzed; HDL subfractions and lipid level in serum as well as in liver were measured; the expression of genes related to cholesterol intake in liver and peritoneal macrophage cholesterol efflux were evaluated. In vitro, HepG2 cells and THP-1 cells were pretreated with tanshinone IIA and subsequently with ox-LDL to evaluate the total cholesterol and the expression of related genes. RESULTS: Tanshinone IIA reduced the lipid deposition in liver. Moreover, it did not affect the serum lipid levels but reduced the levels of HDL middle subfractions and increased the levels of HDL large subfractions. Furthermore, tanshinone IIA could regulate the expressions of CYP7A1, LDL-R, SREBP2 and LCAT in the liver as well as the ABCA1 and CD36 in macrophage cells which is involving in the cholesterol intake and efflux respectively. It could reduce lipid accumulation caused by ox-LDL induction, and that also regulate the expressions of LDL-R, HMGCR and SREBP2 in HepG2 and ABCA1, CD36 in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION: A novel finding that tanshinone IIA was not reduce the serum lipid level but affects the HDL subfractions distribution and thereby regulating the intake and efflux of cholesterol.

Effect of calcium channels blockers and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system on renal outcomes and mortality in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The renoprotective effect of inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been identified through placebo-controlled trials. However, the effect of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) on renal system is still controversial. Our current meta-analysis includes available evidences to compare the effect of dihydropyridine CCBs and ACEIs or ARBs on renal outcomes and mortality. We also further investigate whether CCBs can be used in combination with inhibitors of RAS to improve the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases were searched up to July 2012, for clinical randomized controlled trials, assessing the effect of dihydropyridine CCBs on the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all-cause mortality in contrast to ACEIs or ARBs. Eight clinical trials were included containing 25,647 participants. ESRD showed significantly higher frequency with CCBs therapy compared with ACEIs or ARBs therapy, though blood pressure was decreased similarly in both groups in every trial (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05-1.48; p = 0.01). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the incidence of all-cause mortality between these two groups, though ACEIs or ARBs exhibited better renoprotective effect compared to CCBs (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89-1.03; p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: CCBs did not increase all-cause mortality incidence in patients with CKD though they displayed weaker renoprotective, compared to ACEIs or ARBs therapy. Our results suggest the combination of a CCB and an ACEI or ARB should be a preferable antihypertensive therapy in patients with CKD, considering their higher effect in decreasing blood pressure and fewer adverse metabolic problems caused.

[Correlation between autophagy and polarization of macrophages in atherosclerosis plaque in arteriosclerosis obliterans amputees].

This study was designed to investigate the correlation between autophagy and polarization of macrophages in atherosclerosis (AS) plaque in arteriosclerosis obliterans amputees. Femoral artery specimens from arteriosclerosis obliterans amputees were performed hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, oil red O and immunofluorescence staining to observe the morphology of atherosclerotic plaque, phenotype of macrophages and autophagy in plaque; using real-time quantitative RT-PCR technology to detect the mRNA level of M1 and M2 type markers in arterial tissue; to analyze polarized signal pathway and autophagy protein levels in macrophages by Western blotting. Arterial specimens staining showed obvious lipid deposition and obvious infiltration of amount of foam cells and inflammatory cells. Macrophages were mainly expression M1 type in percentage in fibrous plaque. Although both M1 and M2 macrophages were upregulated in atheromatous plaque, the increase was dominant in M2 type in percentage. The level of autophagy was significantly higher in the atheromatous plaque than that of fibrous plaque. The expression of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) mRNA was significantly higher in fibrous plaque than that of atheromatous plaque (P < 0.01 or 0.05), and arginase-1 (Arg-1), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), CD163 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA was significantly lower than that in atheromatous plaque (P < 0.01). The levels of p-STAT1 and NF-κB were significantly increased in fibrous plaque (P < 0.01), while p-STAT6 expression was significantly increased in atheromatous plaque (P < 0.01). The level of LC3-II was significantly higher in atheromatous plaque than that in fibrous plaque (P < 0.01). Macrophages in early atherosclerotic plaque were induced to M1 type through p-STAT1/NF-κB pathway and expressed moderate levels of autophagy; while macrophages in advanced plaques were induced to polarization of M2 type through p-STAT6 pathway. M2 macrophages expressed a higher level of autophagy than M1 macrophages.

[Study on Serum Metabolite Profiling in Pi-deficiency Rats Based on LC-MS Technique].

OBJECTIVE: To explore metabolite profiling changes in serum of rats with pi-qi deficiency syndrome (PQDS) and pi-yang deficiency syndrome (PYDS) based on liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) technique, and to explore the essence of Pi-deficiency syndrome (PDS) from small molecule metabolite level. METHODS: Totally 21 male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into three groups, the normal control group, the PQDS group, and the PYDS group, 7 in each group. Rats in the PQDS group overate for 1 day and fasted for 2 days. They drank freely and then swam to be exhausted in water at 35 degrees C - 37 degrees C for 15 successive days. The PYDS model was established by the same method for PQDS rats plus drenching 20% Folium sennae water extract (2 mL/100 g), once in the morning and once in the evening for one successive week. After modeling, models were evaluated according to rat general state, changes in body weight and rectal temperature. Serum metabonomic profiles were detected using LC-MS technique. Difference in inter-group metabolite spectrograms was analyzed using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Potential biomarkers related to syndrome types in rat serum were selected via the parameter of variable importance in the projection (VIP). RESULTS: The weight of rats in the PQDS group and the PYDS group decreased more significantly after modeling. The difference in prepost weight was statistically significant from that of the normal control group (P < 0.01). It was more obviously lowered in the PYDS group than in the PQDS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the rectal temperature of rats in the PYDS group and the PQDS group decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). It decresed more in the PYDS group than in the PQDS group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the normal control group, levels of PC(19:0)/PE(22:0), PC(17:0)/PE(20:0), capric acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, glucose increased; arachidonic acid, linolenic acid, lauric acid, androsterone, 4-heptanone, dihydroxyacetonephosphate (DHAP) (6:0), and uridine decreased in the PYDS group and the PQDS group. Compared with the PQDS group, levels of PC(22:1), PC (22:6), PE (18:0)/PC (15:0), retinol, and deoxycytidine increased significantly in the PYDS group; PC (18:1), PC(19 :3), PC (20:3), PC (17:0)/PE (20:0), PC (19:1)/PE (22:1), PC (19:0)/PE (22:0), PC (17:1)/PE (20: 1), PC (16:1)/PE (19:1), cholic acid, hippuric acid, furoic acid, undecanedicarboxylic acid, palmitoleic acid, hydroxy stearic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, serine, carbamoyl aspartic acid, palmitoyl carnitine, tetradecanoyl carnitine, acetylcarnitine, and linoleylcarnitine decreased more significantly in the PYDS group. CONCLUSIONS: Comparative contents of various serum metabolites changed significantly in PQDS and PYQS model groups. Some potential small molecular biomarkers related to PDS were preliminarily identified. These results might provide some data reference for exploring scientific connotation and pathological mechanisms of PDS.

Expression and clinical significance of nestin in astrocytic tumors.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of nestin in human astrocytic tumors. METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry were used to quantitatively detect the nestin content in 35 specimens, including 3 normal brain tissues, 29 astrocytic tumor (AT) tissues, and 3 peritumoral tissues. RESULTS: In normal brain tissues, nestin expression was extremely low. Nestin expression was significantly positively correlated with the histological grade of astrocytic tumors (p<0.05, rs=0.83). Nestin content in the peritumoral tissues was between the levels of nestin in tumor tissue and in normal brain tissue (p<0.01). Nestin expression was unrelated to the patient's gender, age, tumor location, size, etc. (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of flow cytometry in the determination of nestin content could improve the accuracy of early cancer diagnosis. This method would be helpful for developing a reference range that is closely related to the pathological grading of ATs through routine assessments of nestin in many patients. Additionally, through examining nestin levels in peritumoral tissues, the invasiveness of ATs can be clarified.

Fibrous cyst of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve: echocardiographic appearance and literature review.

Fibrous cyst of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve (MV) is defined as a fibrous cyst arising from the chordae tendineae of the MV. It is extremely rare and its etiology is not clear. We present a case of a cystic structure within the left ventricle. This structure is connected to the anterior MV leaflet and the posterior chordae tendineae. It moves freely, resulting in stenosis of inflow tract and outflow tract of the left ventricle. Intraoperative assessment and histopathologic examination revealed it as a fibrous cyst. Its echocardiographic appearance is unique and it must be resected immediately.