Identification and Validation of a Prognostic Model Based on Three MVI-Related Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

MVI has significant clinical value for treatment selection and prognosis evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to construct a model based on MVI-Related Genes (MVIRGs) for risk assessment and prognosis prediction in patients with HCC. This study utilized various statistical analysis methods for prognostic model construction and validation in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohorts, respectively. In addition, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to analyze and identify the value of the model in our cohort. After the analyses, 153 differentially expressed MVIRGs were identified, and three key genes were selected to construct a prognostic model. The high-risk group showed significantly lower overall survival (OS), and this trend was observed in all subgroups: different age groups, genders, stages, and grades. Risk score was a risk factor independent of age, gender, stage, and grade. Moreover, the ICGC cohort validated the prognostic value of the model corresponding to the TCGA. In our cohort, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that all three genes had higher expression levels in HCC samples than in normal controls. High expression levels of genes and high-risk scores showed significantly lower recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS, especially in MVI-positive HCC samples. Therefore, the prognostic model constructed by three MVIRGs can reliably predict the RFS and OS of patients with HCC and is valuable for guiding clinical treatment selection and prognostic assessment of HCC.     

Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus capitis QN1, Which Causes Infective Endocarditis

Staphylococcus capitis is a subtype of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) which could emerge as a significant pathogen causing infective endocarditis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and late-onset sepsis. We isolated S. capitis strain QN1 from the skin swab sample of a female. Here we prepared a genome sequence for this strain consisting of 30 contigs totaling 2,430,101 bases and a GC content of 32.76%.     

Transcriptional suppression of nephrin in podocytes by macrophages: roles of inflammatory cytokines and involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway

Expression of nephrin, a crucial component of the glomerular slit diaphragm, is downregulated in patients with proteinuric glomerular diseases. Using conditionally immortalized reporter podocytes, we found that bystander macrophages as well as macrophage-derived cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha markedly suppressed activity of the nephrin gene promoter in podocytes. The cytokine-initiated repression was reversible, observed on both basal and inducible expression, independent of Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, and caused in part via activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt pathway. These results indicated a novel mechanism by which activated macrophages participate in the induction of proteinuria in glomerular diseases.     

墨米中必需氨基酸含量

本文对墨米(Oryza sativa)中的必需氨基酸含量和组成配比进行了研究。结果表明： 紫色籼稻和黑色籼稻所含8种人体必需氨基酸均高于一般稻谷,分别占氨基酸总量的42.21%和41.89%。其氨基酸组成配比均与鸡蛋相似。     

The chemiluminescence immunoassay for aflatoxin B1 based on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with two strategies of antigen probe immobilization

A rapid and sensitive chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed to detect aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is a potent carcinogen in nature. We prepared monodisperse MNPs (300 nm in diameter) according to the solvothermal synthesis reaction and the MNPs were coated with silica by the Stöber method. Triethox was used as a one‐step carboxylation reagent, and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) an amination reagent, to modify the MNPs. We prepared two types of solid phase antigens using the above synthesized functionalized MNPs coupled with the later prepared AFB1‐oxime active ester and the purchased BSA–AFB1 respectively. 2′,6′‐dimethylcarbonylphenyl‐10‐sulfopropylacridinium‐9‐carboxylate 4′‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide (4′‐NHS) ester (NSP–DMAE–NHS), as a novel luminescent reagent, was used to label anti‐AFB1 antibodies. The two CLIA calibration curves based on the two types of solid phase antigens were obtained and compared. The acquired limit of detection (LOD) was about 0.001 ng/mL for the two functionalized MNPs‐based immunoassays, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 0.51 ng/mL for the MNPs–AFB1‐based method and 0.72 ng/mL for the MNPs–BSA–AFB1‐based method.     

Does Bt rice pose risks to non‐target arthropods? Results of a meta‐analysis in China

Transgenic Bt rice expressing the insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) has been developed since 1989. Their ecological risks towards non‐target organisms have been investigated; however, these studies were conducted individually, yielding uncertainty regarding potential agroecological risks associated with large‐scale deployment of Bt rice lines. Here, we developed a meta‐analysis of the existing literature to synthesize current knowledge of the impacts of Bt rice on functional arthropod guilds, including herbivores, predators, parasitoids and detritivores in laboratory and field studies. Laboratory results indicate Bt rice did not influence survival rate and developmental duration of herbivores, although exposure to Bt rice led to reduced egg laying, which correctly predicted their reduced abundance in Bt rice agroecosystems. Similarly, consuming prey exposed to Bt protein did not influence survival, development or fecundity of predators, indicating constant abundances of predators in Bt rice fields. Compared to control agroecosystems, parasitoid populations decreased slightly in Bt rice cropping systems, while detritivores increased. We draw two inferences. One, laboratory studies of Bt rice showing effects on ecological functional groups are mainly either consistent with or more conservative than results of field studies, and two, Bt rice will pose negligible risks to the non‐target functional guilds in future large‐scale Bt rice agroecosystems in China.     

Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway use in general Anesthesia for category 2 and 3 Cesarean delivery: a prospective cohort study

Background

The Supreme? laryngeal mask airway (SLMA) is a single-use LMA with double lumen design that allows separation of the respiratory and the alimentary tract, hence potentially reducing the gastric volume and risk of aspiration. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the the role of the SLMA as an airway technique for women undergoing category 2 and 3 Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.

Methods

We recruited 584 parturients who underwent category 2 or 3 Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia, in which 193 parturients underwent category 2 and 391 parturients underwent category 3 Cesarean delivery. The primary outcome was insertion success rate at 1st attempt in SLMA insertion. The secondary outcomes included anaesthetic, obstetric outcomes and maternal side effects associated with airway device.

Results

The 1st attempt insertion success rate was 98.3%, while the overall insertion success rate was 100%. The mean (Standard deviation) time to effective ventilation was 15.6 (4.4) seconds. Orogastric tube insertion was successful at the 1st attempt in all parturients. There was no clinical evidence of aspiration or regurgitation. No episodes of hypoxemia, laryngospasm or bronchospasm were observed intra-operatively. The incidence of complications was low and with good maternal satisfaction reported.

Conclusions

The SLMA could be an alternative effective airway in category 2 and 3 parturients emergency Cesarean Delivery under general anesthesia in a carefully-selected obstetric population.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Registration NCT02026882. Registered on December 31, 2013.

     

AIDA Selectively Mediates Downregulation of Fat Synthesis Enzymes by ERAD to Retard Intestinal Fat Absorption and Prevent Obesity

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