Hidden social complexity behind vocal and acoustic communication in non-avian reptiles.

Social interactions are inevitable in the lives of most animals, since most essential behaviours require interaction with conspecifics, such as mating and competing for resources. Non-avian reptiles are typically viewed as solitary animals that predominantly use their vision and olfaction to communicate with conspecifics. Nevertheless, in recent years, evidence is mounting that some reptiles can produce sounds and have the potential for acoustic communication. Reptiles that can produce sound have an additional communicative channel (in addition to visual/olfactory channels), which could suggest they have a higher communicative complexity, the evolution of which is assumed to be driven by the need of social interactions. Thus, acoustic reptiles may provide an opportunity to unveil the true social complexity of reptiles that are usually thought of as solitary. This review aims to reveal the hidden social interactions behind the use of sounds in non-avian reptiles. Our review suggests that the potential of vocal and acoustic communication and the complexity of social interactions may be underestimated in non-avian reptiles, and that acoustic reptiles may provide a great opportunity to uncover the coevolution between sociality and communication in non-avian reptiles. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.

Trained quantity discrimination in invasive red-eared slider and a comparison with the native stripe-necked turtle.

Little is known about the behavioral and cognitive traits that best predict invasion success. Evidence is mounting that cognitive performance correlates with survival and fecundity, two pivotal factors for the successful establishment of invasive populations. We assessed the quantity discrimination ability of the globally invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). We further compared it to that of the native stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis), which has been previously evaluated for its superior quantity discrimination ability. Specifically, our experimental designs aimed to quantify the learning ability as numerosity pairs increased in difficulty (termed fixed numerosity tests), and the immediate response when turtles were presented with varied challenges concurrently in the same tests (termed mixed numerosity tests). Our findings reaffirm the remarkable ability of freshwater turtles to discern numerical differences as close as 9 vs 10 (ratio = 0.9), which was comparable to the stripe-necked turtle's performance. However, the red-eared slider exhibited a moderate decrease in performance in high ratio tests, indicating a potentially enhanced cognitive capacity to adapt to novel challenges. Our experimental design is repeatable and is adaptable to a range of freshwater turtles. These findings emphasize the potential importance of cognitive research to the underlying mechanisms of successful species invasions.

Superior continuous quantity discrimination in a freshwater turtle.

BACKGROUND: Quantity discrimination, the ability to discriminate a magnitude of difference or discrete numerical information, plays a key role in animal behavior. While quantitative ability has been well documented in fishes, birds, mammals, and even in previously unstudied invertebrates and amphibians, it is still poorly understood in reptiles and has never been tested in an aquatic turtle despite the fact that evidence is accumulating that reptiles possess cognitive skills and learning ability. To help address this deficiency in reptiles, we investigated the quantitative ability of an Asian freshwater turtle, Mauremys sinensis, using red cubes on a white background in a trained quantity discrimination task. While spontaneous quantity discrimination methods are thought to be more ecologically relevant, training animals on a quantity discrimination task allows more comparability across taxa. RESULTS: We assessed the turtles' quantitative performance in a series of tests with increasing quantity ratios and numerosities. Surprisingly, the turtles were able to discriminate quantities of up to 9 versus 10 (ratio = 0.9), which shows a good quantitative ability that is comparable to some endotherms. Our results showed that the turtles' quantitative performance followed Weber's law, in which success rate decreased with increasing quantity ratio across a wide range of numerosities. Furthermore, the gradual improvement of their success rate across different experiments and phases suggested that the turtles possess learning ability. CONCLUSIONS: Reptile quantitative ability has long been ignored and therefore is likely under-estimated. More comparative research on numerical cognition across a diversity of species will greatly contribute to a clearer understanding of quantitative ability in animals and whether it has evolved convergently in diverse taxa.

miR-146b Reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via targeting PTP1B in cisplatin-resistance human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is associated with drug resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma cells, but its specific mechanism has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of miRNA-146b on EMT in cisplatin (DDP) resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells and the corresponding mechanism. Cisplatin resistant (CR) human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549/DDP and H1299/DDP) were established, and the EMT characteristics and invasion and metastasis ability of CR cells were determined by tumor cell-related biological behavior experiments. The role of miR-146b in EMT of CR cells was determined by in vitro functional test. The targeted binding of miR-146b to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was verified by biological information and double luciferin gene reporting experiments. The effect of miR-146b on tumor growth and EMT phenotype in vivo was investigated by establishing the xenotransplantation mouse model. Compared with the control group, H1299/DDP and A549/DDP cells showed the enhanced EMT phenotypes, invasion and migration ability. Besides, miR-146b was lowly expressed in H1299/DDP and A549/DDP cells. More importantly, overexpressed miR-146b could specifically bind to PTP1B, thus inhibiting the EMT process and ultimately reducing CR in H1299/DDP and A549/DDP cells. Finally, overexpressed miR-146b observably inhibited tumor growth in xenograft model mice and inhibited the EMT phenotype of A549/DDP cells in vivo by regulating the expressions of EMT-related proteins. Overexpressed miR-146b could reverse the EMT phenotype of CR lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting PTP1B, providing new therapeutic directions for CR of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Altered expression of microRNA-365 is related to the occurrence and development of non-small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting TRIM25 expression.

The purpose of this current study is to elucidate whether altered microRNA-365 (miR-365) has an association with the initiation and development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting TRIM25 expression. The expression of miR-365 and TRIM25 in NSCLC tissues, adjacent normal tissues, and NSCLC cell lines were detected. The relationship between miR-365 expression and TRIM25 with the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC was analyzed. The putative binding site between miR-365 and TRIM25 was determined by luciferase activity assay. miR-365 inhibitors and miR-365 mimics were transfected to human NSCLC A549 cells, and the cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay; flow cytometry was carried out to determine cell cycle and apoptosis rate. Poorly expressed miR-365 and overexpressed TRIM25 was found in NSCLC tissues. TRIM25 was determined as a target gene of miR-365. The miR-365 and TRIM25 expression were related to the clinicopathological features of NSCLC, such as pathological classification, differentiation degree, TNM stage as well as lymph node metastasis. miR-365 suppressed the expression of TRIM25 and elevated the expression of the proapoptotic protein in NSCLC cells. Our study demonstrates that altered expression of miR-365 has a close association with the occurrence and development of NSCLC by inhibiting TRIM25 expression.

The role of postoperative radiotherapy in pediatric patients with grade II intracranial ependymomas: a population-based, propensity score-matched study.

PURPOSE: The main objectives of this study were to clarify the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for pediatric intracranial grade II ependymomas (EPNs) and to explore whether various characteristics are associated with different outcomes in patients with and without PORT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with grade II intracranial EPNs and treated by surgery, with or without PORT, were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973-2013 data set). Propensity score-matched analysis was conducted to balance clinical variables. Patient characteristics were stratified and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, data from 632 patients with grade II EPNs treated by cancer-directed surgery with or without PORT were obtained from the SEER database. Multivariable Cox analysis in the matched cohort suggested that undergoing PORT (overall survival [OS], P=0.020; cancer-specific survival [CSS], P=0.031), undergoing gross total resection (GTR; subtotal resection [STR] vs GTR; OS, P<0.001; CSS, P<0.001), and older age (OS, P<0.001; CSS, P<0.001) were the independent predictors of superior prognosis. Stratified analysis demonstrated that patient characteristics, including infratentorial location, younger age, and STR, were associated with benefit from PORT, while the survival advantage was not detected in patients who underwent GTR. CONCLUSION: Propensity score-matched analysis using SEER data indicates survival advantages of PORT. Given the strong prognostic associations with extent of resection and patient age, we recommend PORT for younger patients treated by STR.

Analysis of miRNA expression profiling identifies miR-214-3p as a novel biomarker in sinonasal inverted papilloma.

AIM: To analyze the expression profile, diagnostic and clinicopathological significances of miRNAs in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). MATERIALS & METHODS: The expression profile of miRNAs was analyzed using a miRNA microarray approach. The potential functions and clinical significances of specific miRNAs were further analyzed by bioinformatics and statistical methods. RESULTS: The microarray assay identified 37 significantly upregulated and 21 downregulated miRNAs in SNIP. Of nine miRNAs randomly selected, the expression levels of seven miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. The potential target genes of several candidate miRNAs were enriched in some biological processes and cellular signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis. Receiever operating characteristic curve analysis for miR-214-3p indicated an area under the curve of 0.932. Notably, its expression level was significantly decreased in SNIP tissues and associated with SNIP staging and recurrence. CONCLUSION: MiR-214-3p can possibly serve as a valuable biomarker and a therapeutic target for SNIP.

Eight-Channel AC Magnetosusceptometer of Magnetic Nanoparticles for High-Throughput and Ultra-High-Sensitivity Immunoassay.

An alternating-current magnetosusceptometer of antibody-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed for immunomagnetic reduction (IMR). A high-sensitivity, high-critical-temperature superconducting quantum interference device was used in the magnetosusceptometer. Minute levels of biomarkers of early-stage neurodegeneration diseases were detectable in serum, but measuring each biomarker required approximately 4 h. Hence, an eight-channel platform was developed in this study to fit minimal screening requirements for Alzheimer's disease. Two consistent results were measured for three biomarkers, namely Aß40, Aß42, and tau protein, per human specimen. This paper presents the instrument configuration as well as critical characteristics, such as the low noise level variations among channels, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and the coefficient of variation for the biomarkers' IMR values. The instrument's ultrahigh sensitivity levels for the three biomarkers and the substantially shorter total measurement time in comparison with the previous single- and four-channels platforms were also demonstrated in this study. Thus, the eight-channel instrument may serve as a powerful tool for clinical high-throughput screening of Alzheimer's disease.

A Novel Detection Platform for Shrimp White Spot Syndrome Virus Using an ICP11-Dependent Immunomagnetic Reduction (IMR) Assay.

Shrimp white spot disease (WSD), which is caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), is one of the world's most serious shrimp diseases. Our objective in this study was to use an immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assay to develop a highly sensitive, automatic WSSV detection platform targeted against ICP11 (the most highly expressed WSSV protein). After characterizing the magnetic reagents (Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles coated with anti ICP11), the detection limit for ICP11 protein using IMR was approximately 2 x 10(-3) ng/ml, and the linear dynamic range of the assay was 0.1~1 x 10(6) ng/ml. In assays of ICP11 protein in pleopod protein lysates from healthy and WSSV-infected shrimp, IMR signals were successfully detected from shrimp with low WSSV genome copy numbers. We concluded that this IMR assay targeting ICP11 has potential for detecting the WSSV.

Synovial sarcoma of the neck masquerading as a malignant second branchial cleft cyst.

Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon, aggressive malignant tumor of the soft tissues primarily involving the extremities of young adults. Head and neck synovial sarcoma is rare, and its diagnosis and therapy are still challenging.We report a case of a young patient with synovial sarcoma, clinically masquerading as cystic mass of the neck and malignant second branchial cleft cyst. The pathological diagnosis of the sarcoma was confirmed by a multimodality diagnostic protocol, including histological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic analysis. The patient underwent complete surgical excision followed by postoperative radiotherapy and recovered well.

[SERS spectroscopy study of three pathogenic bacteria].

The SERS spectra of staphylococcus aureus, proteus, and Escherichia coli was obtained on colloidal Ag nanoparticles prepared by the microwave method with the portable Raman spectrometer. Staphylococcus aureus have obvious Raman vibrating peak at 725, 1 330 and 1 450 cm(-1), proteus have obvious Raman vibrating peaks at 650,725,950, 1 325 and 1 463 cm(-1), while E. coli have obvious Raman vibrating peaks at 650, 950, 1 125, 1 242,1 320 and 1 457 cm(-1). Each peak was assigned preliminarily. Not only the position of Raman vibration peaks but also the intensity of the three bacteria is obviously different, so SERS can be used for identification and distinction of E. coli, staphylococcus aureus and proteus.

The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor kinase inhibitor NVP-ADW742 sensitizes medulloblastoma to the effects of chemotherapy.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system in children. The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is an important growth factor for medulloblastoma. The novel IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) kinase inhibitor NVP-ADW742 has in vitro activity against tumors. Daoy cells were treated with NVP-ADW742 combined with temozolomide, which is commonly used in the chemotherapy of medulloblastoma. The effects on proliferation were assayed by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle status and apoptosis were assayed by FACS analysis. The IGF-IR signaling pathway was analyzed by RT2 Profiler™ PCR arrays and Western blotting. NVP-ADW742 inhibited IGF-IR-mediated proliferation with an IC50 of 11.12 µmol/l. The PCR array data suggested that 14 genes were down-regulated at the mRNA level after NVP-ADW742 treatment. Western blot analysis suggested that NVP-ADW742 induced early suppression of Akt, P38 and GSK-3ß phosphorylation, as well as a decrease in the intracellular levels of PI3K, Akt, P38, GSK-3ß and Bcl-2. Combined with NVP-ADW742 (2 µmol/l), IC50 of Daoy to temozolomide was decreased from 452.12 to 256.81 µmol/l. Cell apoptosis was enhanced from 16.18±2.47% to 23.20 ± 2.80%. G phase arrest was also found in both the temozolomide alone group and the temozolomide combined with NVP-ADW742 group. NVP-ADW742 inhibited the activation of PI3K, Akt, P38 and GSK-3ß caused by temozolomide. NVP-ADW742 enhanced the chemosensitivity of Daoy to temozolomide in vitro, as a potent anti-tumor agent highly selective against IGF-IR.