Changes in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios before and after percutaneous coronary intervention and their impact on the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to prospectively observe the changes in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and their impact on the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Blood samples from 205 patients with ACS were collected at admission and at 24h and 30 days postPCI to observe changes in the complete blood count. The Cox multivariate regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCI in patients with ACS. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of inflammation indicators for MACE after PCI. RESULTS: Following PCI, NLR and PLR first increased postoperatively and then decreased within 30 days after PCI. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that NLR and PLR at 24h post-PCI and acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were independent influencing factors for the incidence of MACE after PCI. The ROC curve analysis showed that the NLR at 24h post-PCI was a better predictor of the incidence of MACE. The NLR at 24h post-PCI was significantly correlated with the number and length of implanted stents and operation duration. CONCLUSIONS: After PCI, patients with ACS had an increased neutrophil proportion and NLR. The NLR at 24h post-PCI was a better predictor of the incidence of postoperative MACE

Human Hepatocytes with Drug Metabolic Function Induced from Fibroblasts by Lineage Reprogramming

SummaryObtaining fully functional cell types is a major challenge for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Currently, a fundamental solution to this key problem is still lacking. Here, we show that functional human induced hepatocytes (hiHeps) can be generated from fibroblasts by overexpressing the hepatic fate conversion factors HNF1A, HNF4A, and HNF6 along with the maturation factors ATF5, PROX1, and CEBPA. hiHeps express a spectrum of phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes and phase III drug transporters. Importantly, the metabolic activities of CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 are comparable between hiHeps and freshly isolated primary human hepatocytes. Transplanted hiHeps repopulate up to 30% of the livers of Tet-uPA/Rag2−/−/γc−/− mice and secrete more than 300 μg/ml human ALBUMIN in vivo. Our data demonstrate that human hepatocytes with drug metabolic function can be generated by lineage reprogramming, thus providing a cell resource for pharmaceutical applications

Long-term functional maintenance of primary human hepatocytes in vitro

The maintenance of terminally differentiated cells, especially hepatocytes, in vitro has proven challenging. Here we demonstrated the long-term in vitro maintenance of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) by modulating cell signaling pathways with a combination of five chemicals (5C). 5C-cultured PHHs showed global gene expression profiles and hepatocyte-specific functions resembling those of freshly isolated counterparts. Furthermore, these cells efficiently recapitulated the entire course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection over 4 weeks with the production of infectious viral particles and formation of HBV covalently closed circular DNA. Our study demonstrates that, with a chemical approach, functional maintenance of PHHs supports long-term HBV infection in vitro, providing an efficient platform for investigating HBV cell biology and antiviral drug screening.</p

A two-step lineage reprogramming strategy to generate functionally competent human hepatocytes from fibroblasts

Terminally differentiated cells can be generated by lineage reprogramming, which is, however, hindered by incomplete conversion with residual initial cell identity and partial functionality. Here, we demonstrate a new reprogramming strategy by mimicking the natural regeneration route, which permits generating expandable hepatic progenitor cells and functionally competent human hepatocytes. Fibroblasts were first induced into human hepatic progenitor-like cells (hHPLCs), which could robustly expand in vitro and efficiently engraft in vivo. Moreover, hHPLCs could be efficiently induced into mature human hepatocytes (hiHeps) in vitro, whose molecular identity highly resembles primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Most importantly, hiHeps could be generated in large quantity and were functionally competent to replace PHHs for drug-metabolism estimation, toxicity prediction and hepatitis B virus infection modeling. Our results highlight the advantages of the progenitor stage for successful lineage reprogramming. This strategy is promising for generating other mature human cell types by lineage reprogramming.</p

Statistical Parsimony Networks and Species Assemblages in Cephalotrichid Nemerteans (Nemertea)

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that statistical parsimony network analysis could be used to get an indication of species represented in a set of nucleotide data, and the approach has been used to discuss species boundaries in some taxa. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Based on 635 base pairs of the mitochondrial protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), we analyzed 152 nemertean specimens using statistical parsimony network analysis with the connection probability set to 95%. The analysis revealed 15 distinct networks together with seven singletons. Statistical parsimony yielded three networks supporting the species status of Cephalothrix rufifrons, C. major and C. spiralis as they currently have been delineated by morphological characters and geographical location. Many other networks contained haplotypes from nearby geographical locations. Cladistic structure by maximum likelihood analysis overall supported the network analysis, but indicated a false positive result where subnetworks should have been connected into one network/species. This probably is caused by undersampling of the intraspecific haplotype diversity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Statistical parsimony network analysis provides a rapid and useful tool for detecting possible undescribed/cryptic species among cephalotrichid nemerteans based on COI gene. It should be combined with phylogenetic analysis to get indications of false positive results, i.e., subnetworks that would have been connected with more extensive haplotype sampling

A new species of Thermanemertes from Kairei hydrothermal vent field, Central Indian Ridge

http://www.godac.jamstec.go.jp/darwin/cruise/yokosuka/yk16-e02/

Marphysa tribranchiata Liu, Hutchings & Sun, 2017, n. sp.

&lt;i&gt;Marphysa tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; n. sp. &lt;p&gt;Figures 1, 4, Tables 2, 3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material examined.&lt;/b&gt; Holotype: ASIZW0000348-2, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 22.04.1965, (Long. 121.67&deg;E; Lat. 25.2&deg;N). Paratypes: ASIZW0000348-3, width on chaetiger 10, 3.3 mm, length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10 is 10.0 mm, complete with 181 chaetigers, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 22.04.1965, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N); ASIZW0000346, width on chaetiger 10, 2.7 mm, length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10 is 7.4 mm, complete with 161 chaetigers, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Shimen, 0 8.08.1964, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N); ASIZW0000347-1, width on chaetiger 10, 3.4 mm, length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10 is 7.4 mm, complete with 160 chaetigers, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 0 6.08.1965, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Additional material examined&lt;/b&gt; ASIZW0000354-2, width on chaetiger 10, 2.05 mm, length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10, 5.1 mm, complete with 85 chaetigers, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu, (no locality data or date of collection given); ASIZW 0000354-4, width on chaetiger 10, 3.65 mm, length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10, 9.5 mm, complete with 195 chaetigers, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu, (no locality data or date of collection given). All posteriorly incomplete, ASIZW0000345-4; ASIZW0000347-3, ASIZW0000347-4 collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 0 6.08.1965, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N); ASIZW0000348-4; collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 22.04.1965, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N); ASIZW0000354-1, ASIZW0000354-3, collected by Shi-Kuei Wu, (no locality data or date of collection given); ASIZW0000348-2, ASIZW0000348-3, ASIZW0000348-4 were collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Wanli, 22.04.1965, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N); ASIZW 0000345-4 collected by Shi-Kuei Wu from Shimen, 0 8.08.1964, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N). All material collected from Taiwan of China.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Description.&lt;/b&gt; Holotype complete with 215 chaetigers. Body iridescent. Preserved specimen colour red or dark pink. Maximum width at chaetiger 10, 3.9 mm, excluding parapodia. Length from anterior to posterior margin of chaetiger 10, 8.7 mm.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Prostomium longer than length of peristomium, margins of prostomium dorsally flattened with shallow median sulcus. Eyes absent. Antennae arranged with median one inserted more posteriorly to lateral ones. Length of antennae varies, median longer and thicker than lateral ones, longest antennae reaching to chaetiger 3 (Fig. 4 A). Ceratophores smooth, ceratostyles digitiform with faint articulations. Palps smooth, shorter than antennae. Ratio of length between antennae and palps is 1.5x. Peristomial rings well demarcated all around. Mandibles with calcareous plates longer than sclerotized matrix (Fig. 4 D). Maxillae I more than twice length of carrier; maxilla III arched with anterior teeth in line with posterior ones. Maxillary formula: I=1+1, II=4+4, III=5+0, IV=4+8, V=1+1 (Fig. 4 F).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Parapodia vary along the body, prechaetal lobe small throughout, anterior parapodia with short chaetal lobe, postchaetal lobe longer, median with postchaetal lobe decreasing in size and becoming same length as chaetal lobe, posterior with chaetal lobe same length as chaetal lobe (Fig. 4 C). Dorsal cirri conical, shorter than chaetal lobes. Ventral cirri globular throughout body, the base of ventral cirri inconspicuous, length similar throughout body. Length of dorsal cirrus and ventral cirrus differs along body; in anterior and median chaetigers, dorsal cirri longer than ventral cirri, in posterior chaetigers equal in length. Branchiae begin with chaetiger 26, finish at chaetiger 181, pectinate throughout. Number of branchial filaments in anterior branchiae with 1&ndash;2 simple filaments, with maximum number of branchial filaments 3, in median parapodia (Fig. 4 B). Length of branchial filaments where best developed is up to 2&ndash;2.5x length of dorsal cirrus. Parapodia 3, 20, 55, 90, 125, 160, 195, examined under the light microscope. Aciculae brown, with maximum number of 5 in anterior parapodia (Fig. 4 C). Subacicular hooks brown, unidentate and bidentate, present from chaetiger 20 onwards. Maximum number of subacicular hooks 6 per parapodia. Compound spinigers present, throughout. Number of compound spinigers within a parapodium 10&ndash;31. Compound falcigers absent. Pectinate chaetae present throughout body. Number of pectinate chaetae within a parapodium 3&ndash;5 in anterior and nearly 20 in median and posterior ones. Pectinate chaetae 3 types present (Table 2), with both asymmetrical and symmetrical teeth, outer teeth diverse, in some chaetigers outer teeth longer than inner teeth (Fig. 4 G). In anterior parapodia only symmetrical isodont pectinate chaetae with about 12 teeth present (Fig. 4 H-11). In posterior 2 types present: symmetrical anodont pectinate chaetae with about 14 teeth (Fig. 4 G-(1), 4H-I) and isodont symmetrical pectinate chaetae with about 17 teeth (Fig. 4 G-(II), 4H&ndash;VI).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Limbate capillaries present, throughout body, all similar. Number of limbate chaetae within a parapodium 11&ndash; 24.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pygidium with 2 pairs of pygidial cirri (Fig. 4 F), one pair longer than the other and inserted posteriorly laterally, shortest pair about 0.2x length of longer pair and inserted ventrally.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Variation. The paratypes exhibit the following variation, branchiae starting from chaetigers 16 to 26, and with 21&ndash;34 of the posterior-most chaetigers without any branchiae, the maximum number of filaments1&ndash;3. The ratio of the length between the antennae and the palps varies between 1.3 to 1.7.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Remarks.&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Marphysa tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; is described as a new species because of the poorly developed branchiae with only 2&ndash;3 filaments, two types of symmetrical isodont pectinate chaetae with either 12 or 17 teeth, as well as symmetrical anodont chaetae with 14 teeth and the large number of subacicular hooks present which begin from around chaetiger 20. Also the W10 ranges for the two species differs, with &lt;i&gt;M. multipectinata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; always being larger (4.05&ndash;5.7) than &lt;i&gt;M. tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; (2.05-3.65). Using all these characters the new species can be distinguished from both &lt;i&gt;M. multipectinata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;i&gt;M. tripectinata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; which occur in Taiwan and on mainland China (see Table 3). &lt;i&gt;Marphysa tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; co-occurs with &lt;i&gt;M. multipectina&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; at Shihmen, Taipei; however, unfortunately no habitat details are available. Zanol &lt;i&gt;et al.&lt;/i&gt; (2016) also found two species of &lt;i&gt;Marphysa&lt;/i&gt; cooccuring on the same mud flats at several locations along the New South Wales coast, Australia.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;Marphysa tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;n. sp.&lt;/b&gt; can be distinguished from the other recorded species of &lt;i&gt;Marphysa&lt;/i&gt; from this region, including &lt;i&gt;Marphysa orientalis&lt;/i&gt; which lacks pectinate chaetae until chaetiger 67 although details regarding their dentition are not known and &lt;i&gt;M. tamurai&lt;/i&gt; Okuda, 1934 which has pectinate chaetae from about chaetiger 20 and anterior ones with about 18 teeth, although again the numbers present along the body or types of pectinate chaetae remain unknown.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Etymology.&lt;/b&gt; The specific name &lt;i&gt;tribranchiata&lt;/i&gt; refers to the maximum number of branchial filaments which are present.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Habitat.&lt;/b&gt; Not recorded.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Type locality.&lt;/b&gt; Wanli, Taiwan of China, (121.67&deg;E; 25.2&deg;N), see Fig. 1.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Distribution.&lt;/b&gt; Wanli and Shimen, Taiwan of China.&lt;/p&gt;Published as part of &lt;i&gt;Liu, Yubin, Hutchings, Pat &amp; Sun, Shichun, 2017, Three new species of Marphysa Quatrefages, 1865 (Polychaeta: Eunicida: Eunicidae) from the south coast of China and redescription of Marphysa sinensis Monro, 1934, pp. 228-250 in Zootaxa 4263 (2)&lt;/i&gt; on pages 236-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4263.2.2, &lt;a href="http://zenodo.org/record/573070"&gt;http://zenodo.org/record/573070&lt;/a&gt