[Current status and prospects of genetic research on membranous nephropathy]

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is one of the most frequent pathological subtypes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The use of genome-wide association study (GWAS) technology has propelled the transition from conventional medicine to precision medicine, offering a fresh perspective for comprehending the pathogenesis of PMN and individual variations in greater detail. Furthermore, GWAS will aid in clinical translation, laying a firm foundation for the precise diagnosis and treatment of PMN.

[Population structure of food-borne Staphylococcus aureus in China]

Objective: To understand the population structure of food-borne Staphylococcus (S.) aureus in China. Methods: Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze 763 food-borne S. aureus strains from 16 provinces in China from 2006 to 2020. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) typing, and staphylococcal chromosome cassettemec (SCCmec) typing were conducted, and minimum spanning tree based on ST types (STs) was constructed by BioNumerics 7.5 software. Thirty-one S. aureus strains isolated from imported food products were also included in constructing the genome phylogenetic tree. Results: A total of 90 STs (20 novel types) and 160 spa types were detected in the 763 S. aureus isolates. The 72 STs (72/90, 80.0%) were related to 22 clone complexes. The predominant clone complexes were CC7, CC1, CC5, CC398, CC188, CC59, CC6, CC88, CC15, and CC25, accounting for 82.44% (629/763) of the total. The STs and spa types in the predominant clone complexes changed over the years. The methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) detection rate was 7.60%, and 7 SCCmec types were identified. The ST59-t437-Ⅳa (17.24%, 10/58), ST239-t030-Ⅲ (12.07%, 7/58), ST59-t437-Ⅴb (8.62%, 5/58), ST338-t437-Ⅴb (6.90%, 4/58) and ST338-t441-Ⅴb (6.90%, 4/58) were the main types in MRSA strains. The genome phylogenetic tree had two clades, and the strains with the same CC, ST, and spa types clustered together. All CC7 methicillin sensitive S. aureus strains were included in Clade1, while 21 clone complexes and all MRSA strains were in Clade2. The MRSA strains clustered according to the SCCmec and STs. The strains from imported food products in CC398, CC7, CC30, CC12, and CC188 had far distances from Chinese strains in the tree. Conclusions: In this study, the predominant clone complexes of food-borne strains were CC7, CC1, CC5, CC398, CC188, CC59, CC6, CC88, CC15, and CC25, which overlapped with the previously reported clone complexes of hospital and community-associated strains in China, suggesting that close attention needs to be paid to food, a vehicle of pathogen transmission in community and food poisoning.

[Status of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in 25 neonatal intensive care units of tertiary hospitals in China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of fungal sepsis in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) among preterm infants in China, and to provide a basis for preventive strategies of fungal sepsis. Methods: This was a second-analysis of the data from the "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units using the evidence-based practice for improving quality" study. The current status of fungal sepsis of the 24 731 preterm infants with the gestational age of <34⁺⁰ weeks, who were admitted to 25 participating NICU within 7 days of birth between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These preterm infants were divided into the fungal sepsis group and the without fungal sepsis group according to whether they developed fungal sepsis to analyze the incidences and the microbiology of fungal sepsis. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidences of fungal sepsis in preterm infants with different gestational ages and birth weights and in different NICU. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to study the outcomes of preterm infants with fungal sepsis, which were further compared with those of preterm infants without fungal sepsis. The 144 preterm infants in the fungal sepsis group were matched with 288 preterm infants in the non-fungal sepsis group by propensity score-matched method. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of fungal sepsis. Results: In all, 166 (0.7%) of the 24 731 preterm infants developed fungal sepsis, with the gestational age of (29.7±2.0) weeks and the birth weight of (1 300±293) g. The incidence of fungal sepsis increased with decreasing gestational age and birth weight (both P<0.001). The preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks accounted for 87.3% (145/166). The incidence of fungal sepsis was 1.0% (117/11 438) in very preterm infants and 2.0% (28/1 401) in extremely preterm infants, and was 1.3% (103/8 060) in very low birth weight infants and 1.7% (21/1 211) in extremely low birth weight infants, respectively. There was no fungal sepsis in 3 NICU, and the incidences in the other 22 NICU ranged from 0.7% (10/1 397) to 2.9% (21/724), with significant statistical difference (P<0.001). The pathogens were mainly Candida (150/166, 90.4%), including 59 cases of Candida albicans and 91 cases of non-Candida albicans, of which Candida parapsilosis was the most common (41 cases). Fungal sepsis was independently associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22, P=0.030) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (adjusted OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.12-5.80, P=0.025). Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure (adjusted OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.50-4.17, P<0.001), prolonged use of central line (adjusted OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08, P<0.001) and previous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration (adjusted OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06, P<0.001) were all independently associated with increasing risk of fungal sepsis. Conclusions: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the main pathogens of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in Chinese NICU. Preterm infants with fungal sepsis are at increased risk of moderate to severe BPD and severe ROP. Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure, prolonged use of central line and prolonged duration of TPN will increase the risk of fungal sepsis. Ongoing initiatives are needed to reduce fungal sepsis based on these risk factors.

Does prior failed shock-wave lithotripsy impact outcomes of ureterorenoscopy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy (URS) after failed shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) (Salvage URS) with those undergoing URS without any history of SWL (Primary URS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to 10th January 2021 for studies comparing outcomes of salvage URS vs. primary URS. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for procedure success and complications. Operating time was summarized using mean difference (MD).

RESULTS

Seven retrospective studies were included. Meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the success rates of URS between the salvage URS and primary URS groups (OR: 0.83 95% CI: 0.65, 1.06 I2=0% p=0.13). On subgroup analysis, the success rate was significantly reduced in the salvage URS group for renal stones (OR: 0.55 95% CI: 0.34, 0.91 I2=0% p=0.02) but with no difference for ureter stones OR: 0.90 95% CI: 0.67, 1.21 I2=0% p=0.49). Pooled analysis demonstrated a tendency of longer operating time in the salvage URS group as compared to the primary URS group, albeit with a statistically non-significant difference (MD: 8.91 95% CI: -0.56, 18.38 I2=98% p=0.07). Meta-analysis indicated significantly increased complications in the salvage URS group as compared to the primary URS group (OR: 1.83 95% CI: 1.34, 2.49 I2=0% p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from retrospective studies suggests that patients undergoing salvage URS for renal stones have significantly lower success rates which is not the case for ureteral stones. There is a non-significant tendency of increased operating times for salvage URS. Complication rates are significantly higher for salvage URS as compared to primary URS. Future studies with propensity-score matching are required to strengthen current conclusions.

[Magnetic resonance imaging quantitative analysis of knee joint injury and cartilage before and after long-distance march and training for college students]

Objective: To assess the effects of long-distance march and training on acute knee injury and knee cartilage sub-regions of college students using quantitatively magnetic resonance imaging analysis. Methods: Twenty-seven young male students from freshman classes in the Army Military Medical University were enrolled in September 2019, aged from 17 to 20 (19.48±0.14) years, participated in the whole 8-day, 240 km long-distance march and training. Three-dimensional quantitative MRI was performed on the right knee using high-field MRI before (baseline) and 1 day after (follow-up) march. The assessment indexes included: meniscus and cartilage injury(5-point scale), bone marrow and ligament injury, and joint effusion(3-point scale). Using semi-automatic cartilage segmentation and 3D data post-processing techniques, a total of 21 sub-regions of cartilage volume and thickness were measured in the medial and lateral femur, medial and lateral tibia. Paired-samples t-test was used to compare the changes in quantitative cartilage indices of the knee joint before and after march. Results: In terms of acute knee injuries, medial and lateral meniscus injuries (grade 1-3) occurred in 8 and 9 college students, respectively compared with those before march. Anterior cruciate ligaments injury occurred in 4 college students and developed from grade 0 to grade 1. Bone marrow edema occurred in 10 students and developed from grade 0 to grade 2, and in 5 students from grade 0 to grade 1. Joint effusion occurred in 5 college students and developed from grade 1 to grade 2 (all P<0.05). In terms of quantitative analysis of cartilage subregion of knee joint, the volume of central region of femoral pulley increased [(1.84±0.32) mm³ vs (1.67±0.29) mm³] and the volume of central region of medial femoral condyle decreased [(1.18±0.21) mm³ vs (1.26±0.17) mm³] compared with that before march (all P<0.05); The cartilage thickness of 11 cartilage subregion [(1.37±0.27) mm vs (1.53±0.18) mm], [(1.42±0.25) mm vs (1.54±0.17) mm], [(1.53±0.20) mm vs (1.62±0.20) mm], [(1.72±0.28) mm vs (1.83±0.28) mm], [(1.84±0.45) mm vs (2.04±0.42) mm], [(2.20±0.58) mm vs (2.46±0.50) mm], [(1.74±0.19) mm vs (1.85±0.21) mm] [(1.45±0.21) mm vs (1.58±0.16) mm], [(1.81±0.22) mm vs (1.91±0.15) mm], [(1.44±0.13) mm vs (1.53±0.15) mm] was thinner than that before march (all P<0.05). The T₂ values of 7 cartilage subregion [(40.57±26.23) ms vs (67.10±47.46) ms], [(80.10±20.56) ms vs (98.42±23.58) ms], [(87.92±24.95) ms vs (108.84±29.24) ms], [(50.49±19.18) ms vs (76.97±37.16) ms], [(38.89±15.82) ms vs (69.70±40.16) ms] [(55.84±24.53) ms vs (106.35±50.01) ms] and [(72.38±36.64) ms vs (105.31±39.34) ms] were lower than those before march, while the T₂ values of the two subregions of patellar cartilage [(102.13±44.47) ms vs (72.20±28.37) ms], [(97.42±44.86) ms vs (76.67±51.64) ms] were higher than those before march (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other cartilage subareas (P>0.05). Conclusions: Long distance hiking will lead to acute injury of knee joint of young college students. The thickness of cartilage subregion of knee joint showed a thinning trend as a whole, while the volume and T₂ values showed different trends.

Investigating Size-Dependent Conductive Properties on Individual Si Nanowires

Periodically ordered arrays of vertically aligned Si nanowires (Si NWs) are successfully fabricated by nanosphere lithography combined with metal-assisted chemical etching. By adjusting the etching time, both the nanowires' diameter and length can be well controlled. The conductive properties of such Si NWs and particularly their size dependence are investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) on individual nanowires. The results indicate that the conductance of Si NWs is greatly relevant to their diameter and length. Si NWs with smaller diameters and shorter lengths exhibit better conductive properties. Together with the I-V curve characterization, a possible mechanism is supposed with the viewpoint of size-dependent Schottky barrier height, which is further verified by the electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) measurements. This study also suggests that CAFM can act as an effective means to explore the size (or other parameters) dependence of conductive properties on individual nanostructures, which should be essential for both fabrication optimization and potential applications of nanostructures.

Detection of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in Sprague-Dawely rats' atrophic thymus induced by lipopolysaccharide

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate developmental changes of the thymus and intra- thymic IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in weaned Sprague-Dawley rats induced by lipopolysac- charide.

METHODS

Forty healthy weaned rats aged 26 days and weighing 83±4 g were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The lipopolysaccharide group was treated daily with a single injection of lipopolysaccharide for 10 consecutive days, and the saline group was treated with an equal volume of sterilized saline. On the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day, histological changes and distribu- tion of IL-1β-, IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells were detected in the thymus by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. Subsequently, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were evaluated in the thymus by the ELISA method.

RESULTS

Thymus weight and index were significantly smaller in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats than in saline-treated rats (p⟨0.05), but no substantial changes were found in the thymus microstructure after lipopolysaccharide induction. Moreover, a large number of IL-1β-, IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells were observed with brownish-yellow color and mainly distributed in the thy- mus parenchyma, both integrated optical density and average optical density increased signifi- cantly in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats than those in saline-treated rats. Compared with the saline group, most of the thymic homogenates had higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lipopolysaccharide group on different days.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the thymus atrophied after lipopolysaccharide induction in weaned Sprague-Dawley rats, and excessive production of intrathymic IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was probably involved in the atrophic process.

[Types and characteristics of advertising images in Chinese medicine works during the Republic of China]

The emergence of advertising images in Chinese medicine works during the period of China is the inevitable outcome of the development of commercial society. In the 237 advertising images, there are 106 pictures, 130 ink lines and 1 color photograph. It can be divided into 8 categories: chemist's shop, hospital, medical products, Chinese medicine school and organizations, book, book publishers, commodity and public service. It can reflect the popular themes of the society and social atmosphere at that time, having vivid characteristics of the times and artistry. Advertising image is a unique phenomenon in the books of the Republic of China.

[Development of Lung Compression Degree Measurement Software of Pneumothorax and Its Application in Forensic Medicine]

OBJECTIVES

To develop a measurement software of lung compression degree to calculate the lung compression ratio in pneumothorax patients accurately and quickly, and then provide an objective assessment of damage degree in forensic clinical identification.

METHODS

A volume calculation software was established according to the working principle of the CT instrument. CT data of 15 pneumothorax patients were selected as research objects. The lung compression ratio of pneumothorax patient was calculated by the lung compression volume calculation software of the CT instrument. Meanwhile, the lung compression ratio was also calculated by the developed volume calculation software. The lung compression ratio and operation time calculated by the two methods were analyzed statistically. Scatter plot graphs were draw based on related data, and the developed volume calculation software was verified.

RESULTS

The difference between the lung compression ratios calculated by the two methods was not statistically significant, but showed a linear correlation （P<0.05）. The operation time of the developed volume calculation software was obviously shorter.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume calculation software developed in this study can calculate the lung compression degree of pneumothorax more conveniently and rapidly with easy accessibility, which shows an application value in the forensic practice.

[The clinicopathological characteristics of diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic renal diseases in diabetic patients]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of renal lesions in type 2 diabetic patients and to differentiate diabetic nephropathy (DN) from non-diabetic renal diseases(NDRD). Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients who received renal biopsy in Ruijin Hospital from January 2011 to December 2015 were recruited in this study. Clinical history, laboratory results and pathological data were retrospectively collected. According to the pathological findings, the patients were divided into 3 groups: DN, NDRD, DN+NDRD. Logistic model was applied to explore the independent clinical predictive factors in differentiating DN from NDRD. Results: A total of 207 type 2 diabetic patients received renal biopsy, accounting for 6.82% of all biopsy population. Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with DN, 142 with NDRD and 14 with both DN and NDRD. In NDRD, membranous nephropathy(MN)(34.5%) was the most common finding, followed by IgA nephropathy(19.7%).By contrast, NDRD patients manifested a shorter diabetic course, a higher baseline hemoglobin level, a lower baseline serum creatinine, a higher prevalence of hematuria, a lower prevalence of hypertension and diabetic retinopathy, a better control of blood glucose, better compliance of monitoring blood glucose and less family history of diabetes. In multivariate logistic model, diabetic family history(OR=4.68, P=0.04) and long history of diabetes(OR=1.01, P=0.02) were risk factors of DN. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of NDRD in diabetic patients with renal lesions. Family history of diabetes and duration of diabetes are independent predictors of DN.

Effect of diets with different energy and lipase levels on performance, digestibility and carcass trait in broilers

Objective

A 28-d trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy and lipase levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum profiles, gut health, and carcass quality in broilers.

Methods

A total of 720 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (45.4±0.5 g) were randomly assigned to one of the following four treatments: i) RET, reduced energy treatment (metabolizable energy = 2,950 and 3,100 kcal/kg for starter and finisher diet), ii) BDT, basal diet treatment (metabolizable energy = 3,050 and 3,200 kcal/kg for starter and finisher diet, iii) RET015, RET+0.15 g/kg lipase, and iv) RET03, RET+0.3 g/kg lipase. There were 10 replications (cages) per treatment with 18 birds per cage.

Results

During d 1 to 14, broilers fed BDT, RET015, and RET03 diets had higher (p<0.05) body weight gain than those fed RET diet. During d 1 to 14, 15 to 28 and the overall experiment, feed conversion ratio in RET03 treatment was lower (p<0.05) compared with RET treatment. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), and gross energy in RET03 treatment was higher (p<0.05) than those in RET treatment, while the ATTD of N was increased (p<0.05) by RET03 treatment. On d 28, broilers fed RET03 diet had higher (p<0.05) ATTD of DM than those fed RET and RET015 diets, while the ATTD of EE in BDT and RET03 treatments was increased (p<0.05) compared with RET and RET015 treatments. Broilers fed RET03 diet had higher villus height (VH) and VH:crypt depth (CD) ratio than those fed RET and BDT diets. The activity of pancreatic lipase in BDT and RET03 treatments was higher (p<0.05) than that in RET treatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, lipase supplementation (3,000 U/kg feed) increased growth performance, nutrient digestibility, VH, VH:CD ratio and lipase activity, but decreased triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the abdominal fat percentage in broilers fed reduced energy diet.

Correction to: Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in Qinling Mountains

There were errors in Fig. 1 of the originally published article. Correct fig. 1 is presented here.

[Research progress of xerostomia assessment tools]

Xerostomia is an important problem affecting oral health and quality of life, and effective assessment is the basis of management of xerostomia. This review summarizes the subjective and objective assessment tools for xerostomia, so as to provide references for the evaluation and management of xerostomia.

[The impact of broadened diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus in China]

Objective: The burden of chronic disease has been continuously increasing in China since the early 1980s. Besides the worsening of risk factors, the change in diagnostic criteria is very likely an important explanation for the increase in the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, three commonest, major chronic conditions that can lead to major vascular events and deaths. This study aims to estimate the contribution of changes in diagnostic criteria to the increase in the prevalence of the three conditions in China. Methods: The data from two representative nation-wide surveys in China in 2002 and 2009, with 145 254 and 8 813 adults included respectively, were used to estimate the prevalence rate of the three conditions and the proportion attributable to the change in diagnostic criteria around year 2000. The new and old cutoff values for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia were 140/90 and 160/95 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 5.7 and 6.2 mmol/L, and 7.0 and 7.8 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence was standardized according to the distribution of age, sex and rural-urban residence of the 2000 national census of the country so as to compare between the old and new diagnostic criteria and project the situation for the entire country. Results: The standardized prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus for the entire Chinese adult population in 2002 was 8.21%, 1.71% and 1.43% according to the immediate previous diagnostic criteria, and 19.18%, 3.53% and 2.66% according to the new criteria. In 2009, the prevalence was 11.89%, 9.34% and 4.29% according to the old criteria, and 24.78%, 18.36% and 6.55% according to the new criteria. The total cumulative prevalence of the three conditions was increased by 124% in 2002 and 95% in 2009 as a result of change in diagnostic criteria. Put it differently, the change in diagnostic criteria increased the number of the three conditions from 2002 to 2009 by approximately 359 million and could increase the annual drug costs by some 271 billion RMB if all the conditions are treated. The drug costs alone of treating all the three conditions could consume 56% of the total health budget of the Government in 2010. Conclusion: About half of the number of the three conditions is a result of the change in diagnostic criteria. These criteria were adopted from western populations, which are designed to meet the population need and suit healthcare resources available in these countries. It is important for China to consider the resources available and needs and values of the population in addition to the benefits, harms and costs of treatment in determining the cutoff values for defining these conditions for drug interventions.

Fluconazole susceptibility of 3,056 clinical isolates of Candida species from 2005 to 2009 in a tertiary-care hospital

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.

Ammonia concentration and relative humidity in poultry houses affect the immune response of broilers

To investigate the effect of ammonia (NH3) and humidity on the immune response of broilers, broilers were exposed to 30 or 70 mg/kg atmospheric NH3 for 21 days. Additionally, birds were exposed to 35, 60, and 85% relative humidity (RH). The relative weights of lymphoid organs, serum total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, serum lysozyme, proliferation index of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and splenic cytokine gene expression were determined. Exposure to 70 mg/kg NH3 decreased the relative weight of the spleen during the experimental period, serum lysozyme concentration in the first and second weeks, and serum globulin concentration in the third week. The proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was reduced. High levels of NH3 caused increase in IL-1β gene expression in the experimental period and IL-4 gene expression in the first week. Birds exposed to 85% RH had lower thymus and bursa of Fabricius weights in the third week and serum lysozyme concentration in the first week; IL-1β and IL-4 expressions were higher in the second and third weeks and first and second weeks, respectively, than in birds exposed to 60% RH. IL-4 expression was lower during the first week, and IL-1β expression was higher during the second week with 35% RH than with 60% RH. In conclusion, high NH3 level in the poultry house suppressed the immune response of broiler chickens. Neither high nor low RH benefited the immune response of broilers. Furthermore, there was an interactive effect between NH3 and RH on the immune response of broilers.

Association between V4 polymorphism in the ADAM33 gene and asthma risk: a meta-analysis

In this study, we evaluated the associations between the V4 (rs2787094 G>C) polymorphism in a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 33 (ADAM33) gene and asthma risk. We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception through August 2013, without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. Crude odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Eight case-control studies were included, with a total of 2128 asthma patients and 3134 healthy controls. Our results suggest that the ADAM33 V4 polymorphism increases the risk of asthma. Subgroup analysis according to the source of controls revealed significant associations between the ADAM33 V4 polymorphism and risk of asthma in population- and hospital-based subgroups under allele and dominant models (all P < 0.05). Further subgroup analysis using the genotyping method suggested that the ADAM33 V4 polymorphism is correlated with asthma risk in the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism subgroup. However, no association was found in the non-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism subgroup. Meta-regression analyses showed that the genotyping method may be a main source of heterogeneity (P = 0.003). Our meta-analysis suggests that the ADAM33 V4 polymorphism contributes to the risk of asthma and may be utilized as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of asthma.

Discontinuous properties of current-induced magnetic domain wall depinning

The current-induced motion of magnetic domain walls (DWs) confined to nanostructures is of great interest for fundamental studies as well as for technological applications in spintronic devices. Here, we present magnetic images showing the depinning properties of pulse-current-driven domain walls in well-shaped Permalloy nanowires obtained using photoemission electron microscopy combined with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. In the vicinity of the threshold current density (J_th = 4.2 × 10¹¹ A.m⁻²) for the DW motion, discontinuous DW depinning and motion have been observed as a sequence of “Barkhausen jumps”. A one-dimensional analytical model with a piecewise parabolic pinning potential has been introduced to reproduce the DW hopping between two nearest neighbour sites, which reveals the dynamical nature of the current-driven DW motion in the depinning regime.

PIK3CA exon 20 mutations as a potential biomarker for resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to dissect the association between PIK3CA mutations and resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) according to PIK3CA exon of mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

We systematically identified studies exploring the association between PIK3CA mutations and clinical outcomes of mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR MoAbs. The primary clinical outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The pooled relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) was estimated by using fixed effect model or random effect model according to heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were considered eligible, with 576 mCRC patients included. In KRAS wild-type mCRC patients, we observed a lower ORR in patients with PIK3CA exon 20 mutations [3 studies, 377 patients; ORR = 0% versus 37%; RR = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-1.19; P = 0.082], although the result was not statistically significant because of the small sample size. Only one study provided survival data according to the PIK3CA exon of the mutations, in which PIK3CA exon 20 mutations were statistically significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR = 2.52; 95% CI 1.33-4.78; P = 0.013) and OS (HR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.60-6.74; P = 0.006) in KRAS wild-type mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR MoAbs. The predictive power of exon 20 mutation is greater than exon 9 mutations and all exons mutations in terms of ORR, PFS, and OS.

CONCLUSION

These analyses suggest that PIK3CA exon 20 mutations may be a potential biomarker for resistance to anti-EGFR MoAbs in KRAS wild-type mCRC.

The effect of glucagon-like peptide 2 injection on performance, small intestinal morphology, and nutrient transporter expression of stressed broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of injecting glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) on the small intestinal weight, morphology, and nutrient transporter expression in pharmacologically stressed broiler chickens. A total of 144 seven-day-old birds were fed either a basal diet (CTRL) or a basal diet plus 30 mg of corticosterone (CORT)/kg of diet for a total of 14 d. Half of the birds from each group were injected daily with GLP-2 (6.7 nmol/kg of BW) or saline for 14 d. The average final BW, ADG, ADFI, and the ratio of feed intake to weight gain (F:G) was recorded over 21 d for the 4 groups of 36 birds, namely CTRL + saline, CTRL + GLP-2, CORT + saline, and CORT + GLP-2. In addition, the absolute and relative small intestinal weight, villus height (VH), and crypt depth (CD) of the duodenum and jejunum, as well as the abundance of sodium and glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT-1), vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein-28,000 molecular weight (CaBP-D28k), and peptide transporter 1 (PepT-1) mRNA in the duodenum and of liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA in the jejunum. The total DNA, RNA, and protein content in small intestinal mucosa were also determined. The results showed that CORT administration significantly lowered average final BW, ADG, ADFI, absolute small intestinal weight, VH, and CD of duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05) while increasing the relative small intestinal weight, F:G, relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-D28k, PepT-1, and L-FABP mRNA (P < 0.05). Glucagon-like peptide 2 injection increased the average final BW, ADG, VH, and CD in duodenum and jejunum and relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-28k, PepT1, and PepT1 mRNA of broiler chickens, respectively (P < 0.05), and decreased F:G (P < 0.05). In chickens fed basal diet plus CORT, injecting GLP-2 decreased F:G (P < 0.05); increased VH and CD of duodenum and CD of jejunum; and increased relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-D28k, PepT-1, and L-FABP mRNA, RNA, and total protein content in small intestine compared with the injection of saline (P < 0.05). In birds fed the basal diet, GLP-2 injection decreased F:G (P < 0.05) and increased final BW, ADG, small bowel weight, CD of jejunum, and relative abundance of CaBP-D28k and PepT-1 mRNA compared with injecting saline (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GLP-2 injection reversed the negative effect of stress on the weight and morphology and the absorptive function of small bowel of broiler chickens. Glucagon-like peptide 2 injection also had a positive effect on the growth performance of healthy broiler chickens.

First Report of Soft Rot Caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum on Pinellia ternata in China

Pinellia ternata (Thumb.) Breit. (Araceae) is a traditional herb used as an antivomit, anticough, analgesic, and sedative in China for more than 1,000 years. From the summer through fall of 2003 to 2005, a high incidence (approximately 10 to 25%) of disease outbreaks characterized by water-soaked lesions and soft rot with a stinky odor were observed in the cultivated P. ternata in Shanxi Province. Water-soaked lesions were first observed on the stem base and then the plant collapsed, although the upper portion remained asymptomatic. Subsequently, the lesions expanded rapidly over the entire plant. The macerated tuber was usually reduced to a whitish, mushy, and foul-smelling pulp surrounded by undecayed periderm. A Pectobacterium species was consistently recovered from the diseased tubers on nutrient agar media. Koch's postulates were completed by stab inoculating 6-week-old peach- and willow-leaved P. ternata cultivars with the bacterial suspensions (1 × 10⁸ CFU/ml) (1). Ten control plants for each cultivar were inoculated with sterile water. After inoculation, plants were maintained in a growth chamber at 25°C with relative humidity ranging from 80 to 90%. After 2 to 3 days, typical soft rot symptoms were observed on the inoculated plants. A Pectobacterium species was reisolated from the symptomatic tubers while control plants remained healthy. This experiment was repeated in May, July, and September. The pathogenic isolates were identified as typical Pectobacterium carotovorum on the basis of morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics (2). The Microlog system (version 3.5; Biolog, Hayward, CA) and Sherlock Microbial Identification System (version 4.5; MIDI Newark, DE) also identified them as Pectobacterium carotovorum on the basis of similarity indices more than 66.9 and 78.2%, respectively. Their identity was then confirmed by sequencing the gene encoding the 16S rRNA (GenBank Accession No DQ785511). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Pectobacterium carotovorum as the cause of soft rot of P. ternata. References: (1) H. R. Azad et al. Plant Dis.84:973, 2000. (2) L. Hauben et al. Syst. Appl. Microbiol. 21:384, 1998.

Advances of MUC1 as a target for breast cancer immunotherapy

MUC1 is a potential target in breast cancer immunotherapy as MUC1 is overexpressed in breast cancer, and is absent or expressed in low level in normal mammary gland. In addition, MUC1 is mostly aberrantly underglycosylated in cancer and the antigens on the cancer surface are different from normal cell. Therefore targeting MUC1 for cancer immunotherapy can exploit the difference between cancer and normal cells, and eliminating the cancerous cells while leaving the normal mammary cells unharmed. This review will focus on the recent advance of MUC1 breast cancer immunotherapy currently being investigated.

Anti-Cripto Mab inhibit tumour growth and overcome MDR in a human leukaemia MDR cell line by inhibition of Akt and activation of JNK/SAPK and bad death pathways

Doxorubicin (DOX) selection of CCRF-CEM leukaemia cell line resulted in multidrug resistance (MDR) CEM/A7R cell line, which overexpresses MDR, 1 coded P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Here, we report for the first time that oncoprotein Cripto, a founding member of epidermal growth factor-Cripto-FRL, 1-Criptic family is overexpressed in the CEM/A7R cells, and anti-Cripto monoclonal antibodies (Mab) inhibited CEM/A7R cell growth both in vitro and in an established xenograft tumour in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Cripto Mab synergistically enhanced sensitivity of the MDR cells to Pgp substrates epirubicin (EPI), daunorubicin (DAU) and non-Pgp substrates nucleoside analogue cytosine arabinoside (AraC). In particular, the combination of anti-Cripto Mab at less than 50% of inhibition concentrations with noncytotoxic concentrations of EPI or DAU inhibited more than 90% of CEM/A7R cell growth. Cripto Mab slightly inhibited Pgp expression, and had little effect on Pgp function, indicating that a mechanism independent of Pgp was involved in overcoming MDR. We demonstrated that anti-Cripto Mab-induced CEM/A7R cell apoptosis, which was associated with an enhanced activity of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, resulting in an activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as evidenced by dephosphorylation of Bad at Ser136, Bcl-2 at Ser70 and a cleaved caspase-9.

[Automatic analyzing system for human chromosome]

A designing method for chromosome automatic analyzing system is presented in the paper. The system accomplishes chromosome automatic recognizing, sorting, pairing, picking out aberrant chromosomes and then makes diseases-diagnosis.