Comparative analysis of multiple genomes in a phylogenetic framework dramatically improves the precision and sensitivity of evolutionary inference, producing more robust results than single-genome analyses can provide. The genomes of 12 Drosophila species, ten of which are presented here for the first time (sechellia, simulans, yakuba, erecta, ananassae, persimilis, willistoni, mojavensis, virilis and grimshawi), illustrate how rates and patterns of sequence divergence across taxa can illuminate evolutionary processes on a genomic scale. These genome sequences augment the formidable genetic tools that have made Drosophila melanogaster a pre-eminent model for animal genetics, and will further catalyse fundamental research on mechanisms of development, cell biology, genetics, disease, neurobiology, behaviour, physiology and evolution. Despite remarkable similarities among these Drosophila species, we identified many putatively non-neutral changes in protein-coding genes, non-coding RNA genes, and cis-regulatory regions. These may prove to underlie differences in the ecology and behaviour of these diverse species.

The genome sequencing of all major food and bioenergy crops is of critical importance in the race to improve crop production to meet the future food and energy security needs of the world. Next generation sequencing technologies have brought about great improvements in sequencing throughput and cost, but do not yet allow for de novo sequencing of large repetitive genomes as found in most crop plants. We present a strategy that combines cutting edge next generation sequencing with "old school" genomics resources and allows rapid cost-effective sequencing of plant genomes.

Immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 axis showed benefits in cancer. Prognostic significance of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been determined. We evaluated PD-L1 protein expression in tumour cells and TILs, PD-L1 mRNA level and various histopathologic factors including TILs using 167 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues and 39 fresh tissue of HER2-positive breast cancer. TILs level and PD-L1 expression in tumour cells and TILs were significantly correlated one another. PD-L1 positivity in tumour cells was associated with high histologic grade and high TILs level (p < 0.001, both). High PD-L1 immunoscore in TILs and high total immunoscore (in tumour cells and TILs) of PD-L1 were correlated with high histologic grade (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), absence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.012 and p = 0.007, respectively), negative hormone receptor expression (p = 0.044 and p = 0.001, respectively) and high TILs level (p < 0.001, both). High PD-L1 mRNA expression was associated with high TILs level (p < 0.001, both). PD-L1 positivity in tumour cells was associated with better disease-free survival in HR−/HER2+ breast cancer (p = 0.039). PD-L1 expression in tumour cells and TILs are significantly associated with TILs level in HER2-positive breast cancer. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells might be positive prognostic factor in HR−/HER2+ breast cancers.

[18F]­AV-1451 is one of the most widely used radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tau protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders. While the radiotracer binds with high affinity to tau neurofibrillary tangles, extensive clinical studies have simultaneously revealed off-target tracer accumulation in areas of low tau burden such as the basal ganglia and choroid plexus. Though there are a number of possible reasons for this accumulation, it is often attributed to off-target binding to monoamine oxidase (MAO). In this paper, we investigate the association between [18F]­AV-1451 and MAO through (i) enzyme inhibition assays, (ii) autoradiography with postmortem tissue samples, and (iii) nonhuman primate PET imaging. We confirm that [18F]­AV-1451 is a weak inhibitor of MAO-A and -B and that MAO inhibitors can alter binding of [18F]­AV-1451 in autoradiography and in vivo PET imaging.

The genus Drosophila has been the subject of intense comparative phylogenomics characterization to provide insights into genome evolution under diverse biological and ecological contexts and to functionally annotate the Drosophila melanogaster genome, a model system for animal and insect genetics. Recent sequencing of 11 additional Drosophila species from various divergence points of the genus is a first step in this direction. However, to fully reap the benefits of this resource, the Drosophila community is faced with two critical needs: i.e., the expansion of genomic resources from a much broader range of phylogenetic diversity and the development of additional resources to aid in finishing the existing draft genomes. To address these needs, we report the first synthesis of a comprehensive set of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) resources for 19 Drosophila species from all three subgenera. Ten libraries were derived from the exact source used to generate 10 of the 12 draft genomes, while the rest were generated from a strategically selected set of species on the basis of salient ecological and life history features and their phylogenetic positions. The majority of the new species have at least one sequenced reference genome for immediate comparative benefit. This 19-BAC library set was rigorously characterized and shown to have large insert sizes (125-168 kb), low nonrecombinant clone content (0.3-5.3%), and deep coverage (9.1-42.93). Further, we demonstrated the utility of this BAC resource for generating physical maps of targeted loci, refining draft sequence assemblies and identifying potential genomic rearrangements across the phylogeny.

Upon nutrient depletion during recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cell batch culture, cells are subjected to apoptosis, type I programmed cell death (PCD), and autophagy which can be type II PCD or a cell survival mechanism. To investigate the effect of nutrient supplementation on the two PCDs and protein production in rCHO cells, an antibody-producing rCHO cell line was cultivated in batch and fed-batch modes. The feed medium containing glucose, amino acids, and vitamins was determined through flask culture tests and used in bioreactor cultures. In the bioreactor cultures, the nutrient feedings extended the culture longevity and enhanced antibody production. In addition, cells in the fed-batch culture showed delayed onset of both apoptosis and autophagy, compared with those in the batch culture. The inhibition of apoptosis was demonstrated by a decreased amount of cleaved caspase-7 protein and less fragmentation of chromosomal DNA. Concurrently, reduced LC3 conversion, from LC3-I to LC3-II, was observed in cells that received the feeds. Cultivation with pharmacological autophagy inducer (rapamycin) or inhibitor (bafilomycin A1) indicated that autophagy is necessary for the cells to survive under nutrient depletion. Taken together, the delayed and relieved cell death by nutrient supplementation could improve antibody production.

Identifying the degree of attitudes has a critical effect on the application of hospice and palliative care. However, studies on hospice and palliative care attitudes highlight only statistically significant outcomes and do not propose comprehensive conclusions or generalizations about attitudes. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize and appraise articles that analyzed nurses' attitudes regarding palliative care services. After compiling, the finally selected 13 articles indicated that influencing factors on nurses' attitudes were experience in caring for the dying, career or education level, knowledge and education toward hospice and palliative care, religious belief, death (education and anxiety), and age. Most nurses and nursing students displayed positive cognition and attitudes, yet a low level of knowledge. These results show that an introduction of hospice and palliative care education and practical training in nursing curricula is necessary. And such implementation should take place within sanatoriums as well, where attending the terminally ill takes place at all times. Because hospice and palliative care is usually provided by a multidisciplinary team, it is necessary to identify which factors influence each member of the team likewise. It is anticipated this study will become a preliminary basis for such research.

The western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is a major pest of maize (Zea mays) that is well adapted to most crop management strategies. Breeding for tolerance is a promising alternative to combat WCR but is currently constrained by a lack of physiological understanding and phenotyping tools. We developed dynamic precision phenotyping approaches using 11 C with positron emission tomography, root autoradiography, and radiometabolite flux analysis to understand maize tolerance to WCR. Our results reveal that WCR attack induces specific patterns of lateral root growth that are associated with a shift in auxin biosynthesis from indole-3-pyruvic acid to indole-3-acetonitrile. WCR attack also increases transport of newly synthesized amino acids to the roots, including the accumulation of Gln. Finally, the regrowth zones of WCR-attacked roots show an increase in Gln turnover, which strongly correlates with the induction of indole-3-acetonitrile-dependent auxin biosynthesis. In summary, our findings identify local changes in the auxin biosynthesis flux network as a promising marker for induced WCR tolerance.