Serum total bilirubin levels are negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome in aged Chinese women: a community-based study

We evaluated serum total bilirubin levels as a predictor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and investigated the relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and MetS prevalence. This cross-sectional study included 1728 participants over 65 years of age from Eastern China. Anthropometric data, lifestyle information, and previous medical history were collected. We then measured serum levels of fasting blood-glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin, as well as alanine aminotransferase activity. The prevalence of MetS and each of its individual component were calculated per quartile of total bilirubin level. Logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between serum total bilirubin levels and MetS. Total bilirubin level in the women who did not have MetS was significantly higher than in those who had MetS (P<0.001). Serum total bilirubin quartiles were linearly and negatively correlated with MetS prevalence and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in females (P<0.005). Logistic regression showed that serum total bilirubin was an independent predictor of MetS for females (OR: 0.910, 95%CI: 0.863-0.960; P=0.001). The present study suggests that physiological levels of serum total bilirubin might be an independent risk factor for aged Chinese women, and the prevalence of MetS and HTG are negatively correlated to serum total bilirubin levels.

Facile synthesis of a dopant-free hole transporting material with a phenothiazine core for planar perovskite solar cells

PTZ-TPA was incorporated into a CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite solar cell as a dopant-free HTM exhibiting a comparable PCE (14.1%) and higher stability compared with that of HTM Spiro-MeOTAD with dopant (17.1%).

Effect of fluorination on n-type conjugated polymers for all-polymer solar cells

Incorporation of a different number of fluorine atoms on the donor portion of naphthalene diimide (NDI) based donor–acceptor conjugated polymers significantly affected the solar cell's power conversion efficiency from 0.67% to 2.50%.

Methylation of SOX1 and VIM promoters in serum as potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aberrant methylation of tumor-related genes has been identified as a promising biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 1 (SOX1) and Vimentin (VIM) promoter methylation for HCC. The study included 360 subjects, 240 patients with HCC, 29 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 66 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 25 healthy controls (HCs). The methylation status of SOX1 and VIM promoters in the serum was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). The methylation frequencies of SOX1 and VIM promoters in HCC patients were significantly higher than those in LC (p<0.001 and p<0.001), CHB (p<0.001 and p<0.001) and HC (p<0.001 and p<0.001) subjects. Furthermore, hypermethylation of SOX1 and VIM promoters were found in patients with advanced TNM stage (III-IV) and larger tumor size (≥5 cm) compared with early stage (I-II) (p<0.001 and p=0.004) patients with smaller tumor size (<3 cm) (p=0.018 and p=0.001). Moreover, the VIM promoter methylation frequency was higher in patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) (p=0.006) and vascular invasion (p=0.003). In addition, the combination of α-fetoprotein (≥20 ng/ml) with SOX1 and VIM promoter methylation significantly improved their diagnostic value. In conclusions, aberrant methylation of SOX1 and VIM promoters may be potential biomarkers for noninvasive detection of HCC and HCC metastasis.

[Diagnostic significance of anti-collectin 11 in systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the role of anti-collectin 11 in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in the evaluation of disease activity.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Five groups of patients were enrolled: SLE active (SLE disease activity index-2000,SLEDAI-2000≥9), SLE remission (SLEDAI-2000≤4 and there was no organ involvement), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjogren Syndrome (SS) and healthy control (HC). Serum anti-collectin 11 was detected in all the groups by ELISA. One-way ANOVA analysis and LSD-t-test as post-hoc analysis were used to compare the levels of anti-collectin 11 among all the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve (AUC) were used to analyze the value of anti-collectin 11 in the diagnosis of SLE.

RESULTS

In the study, 30 patients were enrolled in each group, including 13 males and 137 females with an average age of (34±14) years (18-77 years). The age and gender of the other three groups were comparable to the two SLE groups. The difference of serum anti-collectin 11 between the SLE active group and SLE remission group was not statistically significant (88.8±16.8 vs. 89.7±24.7, P=0.896). The level of serum anti-collectin 11 was significantly higher in SLE group (as a whole) (89.1±19.4) than in RA group (49.1±22.0), SS group (56.9±30.1) and HC group (72.7±24.6) (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.007, respectively). The AUC was 0.806 for the diagnosis of SLE by serum anti-collectin 11. Further descriptive analysis showed that the positive rate of anti-collectin 11 was very high in the patients of SLE in whom both anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and Sm antibody were negative. The nervous system and gastrointestinal system involvement were the most common in the patients with positive anti-collectin 11.

CONCLUSION

The level of serum anti-collectin 11 was significantly higher in SLE than in RA, SS and HC. anti-collectin 11 antibody had a relatively high value in the diagnosis of SLE and it might have some complementary function in the diagnosis of SLE. It might be a relatively specific autoantibody for SLE.

[Role of galectin-1 in regulation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on T cells of rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

The therapeutic potential of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted more and more attention, because of it can suppress the various inflammatory effects of T cells. Galectin-1 is highly expressed in UC-MSCs, as the first lectin mediating the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs. Our study will investigate the effects of galectin-1 in regulation of UC-MSCs on rheumatoid arthritis T cells.

METHODS

Lentivirus transfected shRNA technique was used to knock down the expression of galectin-1 in UC-MSCs to construct UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-). The effects of UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-) on CD4⁺ T cells in RA patients were investigated by contact system, including negative control group (CD4⁺ T cells), positive control group [CD4⁺ T-phytohemagg lutinin (PHA)], UC-MSCs-CD4⁺ T cells co-culture group, UC-MSCs(control shRNA)-CD4⁺ T cells co-culture group, and UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-)-CD4⁺ T cells co-culture group. The proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells was detected by MTS assay. The level of tumor necrosis factors α (TNF-α) in cells supernatant was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of UC-MSCs on helper T cell (Th) subset was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In vitro, UC-MSCs were capable of inhibiting PHA induced proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells from RA patients, but UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-) did not show the significant inhibitory effect. Galectin-1 affect the TNF-α level of CD4⁺ T cells regulated by UC-MSCs. UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs(control shRNA) significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α in PHA-induced CD4⁺ T cells. However, UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-) had no significant inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the Th1 cells were also significantly suppressed by UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs(control shRNA) (4.83%±1.37% and 5.13%±0.87%,P=0.012 and P=0.018). These was no significant difference in the proportion of the Th1 cells between the control group and UC-MSCs(Gal-1^-) group (8.51%±2.04% and 6.41%±0.96%,P=0.101). The Th2 cells were protected after silence galectin-1 in UC-MSCs, whereas there was no significant difference. The proportion of Th17 was decreased by co-culture with UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs (control shRNA), but these was also no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

UC-MSCs can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells from RA patients, but these effect declined after knocking down the expression of galectin-1. Galectin-1 maybe take part in the regulation of UC-MSCs on rheumatoid arthritis CD4⁺ T cells.

[Role of hypoxia-inducible factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a destructive chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovium inflammation, cartilage destruction, bone erosion and the presence of autoantibodies. Hypoxia is a prominent micro-environmental feature in a range of disorders including RA. A combination of increased oxygen consumptionby inflamed resident cells and infiltrating immune cells along with a disrupted blood supply due to vascular dysfunction contribute to tissue hypoxia in RA. Hypoxia in turn regulates a number of key signaling pathways that help adaptation. The primary signaling pathway activated by hypoxia is the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. It has been shown that HIFs are highly expressed in the synovium of RA. HIFs mediate the pathogenesis of RA through inducing inflammation, angiogenesis, cell migration, and cartilage destruction, and inhibiting the apoptosis of synovial cells and inflammatory cells. HIF expressed in RA can be regulated in both oxygen-dependent and independent fashions, like inflammatory cytokines, leading to the aggravation of this disease. Considering the vital role of HIF in the pathogenesis of RA, we reviewed the new advances about hypoxia and RA. In this review, we firstly discussed the hypoxia-inducible factor and its regulation, and then, the pathologic role of hypoxia in RA, mainly elucidating the role of hypoxia in synovitis and cartilage destruction and immune cells. Finally, we provided evidence about the potential therapeutic target for treating RA.

[Significance of antibodies to the citrullinated glucose-6-phosphate isomerase peptides in rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the anti-citrullinated glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) 70-88 peptide antibody (anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody), anti-citrullinated GPI 435-453 peptide antibody (anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody), anti-GPI 70-88 peptide antibody (anti-GPI(70-88) antibody) and anti-GPI 435-453 peptide antibody(anti-GPI(435-453) antibody) in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and examine the diagnostic values of the anti-C-GPI peptide antibodies in RA.

METHODS

The anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody, anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody, anti-GPI(70-88) antibody and anti-GPI(435-453) antibody were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 191 RA patients, 129 other rheumatic diseases and 74 healthy controls. The clinical and laboratory data of the patients with RA were collected, and the values of anti-C-GPI peptide antibodies in the diagnosis of RA and the relationships of anti-C-GPI peptide antibodies with the clinical and laboratory parameters analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) The mean titers of the anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody and the anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody in the RA patients (respectively, 68.71 ± 4.20 and 51.78 ± 3.13) were significantly higher than those with other rheumatic diseases and healthy individuals (P <0.05). However, the mean titers of the anti-GPI(70-88) antibody and anti-GPI(435-453) antibody in the RA patients were similar to those with other rheumatic diseases and healthy individuals. (2) The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody for RA were 41.88% and 84.50% respectively; and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody for RA were 46.05% and 86.05% respectively. The sensitivity of combined detection of the two anti-C-GPI peptide antibodies was 50.79%, and the specificity was 81.40%. (3) The positive rates of the anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody and the anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody were 35% and 45% respectively in those patients with negative anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, anti-keratin antibody, and rheumatoid factor. (4) There was no significant difference in clinical and laboratory indicators between the anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody or anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody positive group and negative group.

CONCLUSION

The anti-C-GPI(70-88) antibody and anti-C-GPI(435-453) antibody can be detected in the serum of RA patients, and C-GPI may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. There is a certain diagnostic significance for the sera-negative RA.

[Significance of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 in rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To detect serum v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) protein levels and to investigate their clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 78 RA patients, 32 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, 16 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, 16 gout patients, 16 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, 16 Sjogren syndrome (SS) patients and 30 healthy controls. BRAF protein in the sera was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The associations between BRAF levels and the clinical features including age, sex, disease duration, swelling joints, tenderness joints, duration of moning stiffness, joint deformity, visual assessment scale (VAS) and extra articular manifestations and laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, antikeratin antibody, antnuclear antibody (ANA), immunoglobulin and cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A in RA patients were evaluated. Data analyses were performed by using SPSS 19.0 program.

RESULTS

The serum BRAF protein levels in the RA patients were significantly higher than those of other rheumatic diseases groups including OA, SLE, AS, SS, gout patients and healthy controls, the P value was 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.001 and <0.001 respectively. The level of serum BRAF protein in the RA patients showed a positive correlation with the rheumatoid factor (P=0.009) and IgA levels (P=0.006), but no correlation with clinical features, such as age and duration or other laboratory parameters, including CRP, ESR, anti-CCP antibody, IgM, IgG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A. The RA patients were further divided into normal levels of BRAF protein group and elevated levels of BRAF protein group. Compared with the clinical features and laboratory indexes of normal and elevated levels of BRAF protein groups in the RA patients, there was no significant difference between the two groups in age, duration, DAS28, CRP, ESR, RF, anti-CCP, IgA, IgG, IgM, TNF-α or IL-6.

CONCLUSION

The elevated level of BRAF protein in the RA patients showed that BRAF might play a role in the pathogenesis of RA. Further researches on BRAF gene expression may help to clarify the role of BRAF in RA.

3D-QSAR analysis of a series of S-DABO derivatives as anti-HIV agents by CoMFA and CoMSIA

In this study, we retrieved a series of 59 dihydroalkylthio-benzyloxopyrimidine (S-DABO) derivatives, which is a class of highly potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) reported from published articles, and analysed them with comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Statistically significant three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models by CoMFA and CoMSIA were derived from a training set of 46 compounds on the basis of the rigid body alignment. Further, the predictive ability of the QSAR models was validated by a test set of 13 compounds. Based on the information derived from CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps, we have identified some steric and electrostatic features for improving the activities of these inhibitors, and we validated the 3D-QSAR results by a molecular docking method. On the basis of the obtained results, we designed a new series of S-DABO derivatives with high activities. Therefore, this study could be utilized to design more potent S-DABO analogues as anti-HIV agents.

[Efficacy of thrombolytic therapy using reteplase in cases with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: results from a multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolytic therapy using reteplase in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Method: A total of 73 hospitals from Henan province took part in this clinical trials during October 2012 to October 2014, 1 226 cases (1 014 male (82.7%), mean age 59.0 (51.0, 66.0) years) with acute STEMI received reteplase as thrombolytic agent.Reperfusion rate was judged according to the clinical symptoms, electrocardiogram, myocardial enzymes and heart rhythm, and the rate of cardiovascular events and bleeding events during hospitalization was also observed.Bleeding events were evaluated with global utilization of streptokinase and tissues plasminogen activator for occluded coronary arteries (GUSTO) criteria.Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the effects of various thrombolysis timing (time from onset to thrombolysis≤6 h or 6-12 h) on reperfusion rate, cardiovascular events and bleeding events rate. Results: The reperfusion rate was 89.3% (1 089/1 219) at 120 minutes after the thrombolysis, average recanalization time was (59.96±26.86) minutes.The reperfusion rate of ≤6 h thrombolysis group was significantly higher than in 6-12 hours group (90.3% (988/1094) vs. 80.8% (101/125), P=0.001), while in-hospital mortality (2.6%(28/1 094) and 0.8% (1/125), P=0.352) and rate of bleeding (5.9%(64/1 094) and 5.6%(7/125), P=0.910) were similar between the two groups. The total in-hospital mortality after thrombolysis was 2.4% (29/1219), which was significantly higher in failed recanalization group than in recanalization group (10.8%(14/130) vs. 1.4%(15/1089), P< 0.001). The total rate of bleeding after thrombolysis was 5.8% (71/1219), there were 3 severe bleeding cases according to GUSTO classification (0.2%), all of them were cerebral hemorrhage, and 2 out of 3 cases died. Conclusions: Reteplase use is related to high recanalization rate and low cardiovascular events and bleeding rate and our results thus show that reteplase is a safe and effective thrombolytic agent for STEMI patients.

Correlation of the TCF7L2 (rs7903146) polymorphism with an enhanced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that a transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) polymorphism (rs7903146) is significantly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, limited sample size and variance of ethnicity in the studies investigating this association have led to conflicting reports regarding its role. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively assess the association between the TCF7L2 polymorphism (rs7903146) and T2DM including published case-control studies in global populations. We searched the PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases for publications that studied correlation between TCF7L2 polymorphism (rs7903146) and risk of T2DM. Thirty-six studies from 30 eligible papers were identified. After data extraction and reference quality assessment, summary odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of the TCF7L2 (rs7903146) polymorphism were calculated and combined using the fixed-effect model. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evaluated to determine selection bias of the control subjects. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using the Q-test and the I² test. Publication bias in studies was assessed using Begg's plots and the Egger test. The results showed that the rs7903146 T allele of the TCF7L2 gene was positively correlated with an enhanced risk of T2DM in the allelic, heterozygote, homozygote, dominant, and recessive models, with odds ratios of 1.35 (T vs C, 95%CI = 1.31-1.39), 1.32 (CT vs CC, 95%CI = 1.27-1.38), 1.74 (TT vs CC, 95%CI = 1.63-1.87), 1.40 (TT+CT vs CC, 95%CI = 1.35-1.46), and 1.59 (TT vs CT+CC, 95%CI = 1.49-1.69), respectively. No obvious publication bias was observed using the Egger linear test.

High-dose calcium channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy vs combination therapy of standard-dose CCBs and angiotensin receptor blockers for hypertension: a meta-analysis

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of high-dose calcium channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy and standard-dose CCBs combined with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for patients with hypertension. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed in December 2015. Randomized controlled trials designed to identify the above goal were included. Thirteen trials including 2371 patients were identified. The standard-dose CCB/ARB combination resulted in a greater reduction of systolic blood pressure (WMD -2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.76 to -1.28) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.07, 95% CI: -3.73 to -0.42) compared to high-dose CCB monotherapy. The overall hypertension control rate for the CCB/ARB combination was higher than that for CCB monotherapy (relative risk (RR): 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08-1.26). Furthermore, the CCB/ARB combination treatment yielded significantly fewer overall adverse events (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.95), oedema (RR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.18-0.52) and rash (RR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.96, P=0.04) than did CCB monotherapy. The standard-dose CCB/ARB combination is superior to high-dose CCB monotherapy for lowering blood pressure and reducing adverse events in hypertensive patients. Future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness and long-term effects of these two treatment strategies for patients with hypertension.

[Clinical analysis of preimplantation genetic diagnosis with HLA matching for beta-thalassemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of preimplantation genetic diagnosis(PGD)with human leukocyte antigen(HLA)matching for beta-thalassemia.

METHODS

A total of 43 referred beta-thalassemia couples, with at least on child in need of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT), underwent PGD for HLA matching at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2010 to 2015. PGD cycles of these couples were retrospectively analyzed, and 15 infants born from PGD-HLA were followed up.

RESULTS

A total of 84 oocyte retrieval cycles were performed, providing 14±7 oocytes per cycle. Fifty nine embryos biopsied cycles were done, including 24 cleavage stage and 35 blastocyst stage biopsy cycles. In cleavage stage, 259 embryos were biopsied, 93.4%(242/259)of them with conclusive molecular diagnosis, and the percentage of unaffected embryos(normo-homozygote and heterozygote)was 71.4%(185/259). The percentage of HLA matched unaffected embryos was 9.3%(24/259). In blastocyst stage, 306 embryos were biopsied, while 93.8%(287/306)of them were conclusive, and the percentage of unaffected embryos was 70.6%(216/306). The percentage of HLA matched unaffected embryos in blastocyst stage biopsy was 14.4%(44/306), which was higher than in cleavage stage biopsy(P< 0.05). Forty three female carriers underwent 48 embryo transfer cycles including 3 fresh and 45 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. Three fresh embryo transfer cycles were done after cleavage stage biopsy, resulted in a birth of healthy twins born at 36 weeks' gestation. All the embryos were frozen after blastocyst biopsied. Totally, 54 frozen-thawed embryos that were transferred in 45 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles included 25 embryo from cleavage stage biopsy and 29 embryo from blastocyst stage biopsy, and 42 of them were HLA matched. Clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate per cycle in frozen-thawed embryo transfer were 38%(17/45)and 37%(20/54)respectively. A total of 15 infants were born, 2 were from a fresh embryo transfer cycle, and 13 were from frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. RESULTS of prenatal diagnosis from delivered cases were matched to that of PGD. Four sick children have been cured by HSCT from these HLA matched born siblings.

CONCLUSION

PGD with HLA matching is an established method for conceiving a child who may donate hematopoietic stem cells to save an ill sibling.

[Composition of potassium channels in normal rat coronary smooth muscle cells and activation effects of docosahexaenoic acid]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the composition of potassium channels in normal rat coronary smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) and the activation effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

METHODS

CASMCs were isolated by enzyme digestion.Effects of different types of potassium channel blockers and/or DHA on potassium channels currents were studied by whole-cell patch clamp technique.

RESULTS

Potassium currents were significantly increased with 5 μmol/L DHA perfusion (P<0.05). The current density was increased from (52.80±6.68) pA/pF to (110.09±13.39) pA/pF (P<0.05) after DHA perfusion when the stimulation voltage was 100 mV.Compared with baseline, potassium currents were significantly decreased by various inhibitor perfusion (tetraethylammonium: (49.63±5.75) pA/pF vs. (13.96±2.18) pA/pF; ibritoxin: (50.67±7.89) pA/pF vs. (26.53±4.68) pA/pF; TRAM-34: (52.60±7.02) pA/pF vs. (46.05±7.60) pA/pF; apamin: (51.97±3.83) pA/pF vs. (44.89±5.04) pA/pF; 4-aminopyridine: (51.19±3.44) pA/pF vs. (29.92±2.81) pA/pF; glyburide: (49.67±1.77) pA/pF vs. (49.61±1.87) pA/pF, all P<0.05). In presence of different inhibitors, potassium channel current densities were increased after DHA perfusion except tetraethylammonium (tetraethylammonium: ( 12.79±1.89) pA/pF; ibritoxin: (67.08±5.54) pA/pF; TRAM-34: (117.91±21.79) pA/pF; apamin: (108.33±7.06) pA/pF; 4-aminopyridine: (127.73±20.56) pA/pF; glyburide: (121.53±13.83) pA/pF, all P<0.05 compared with baseline).

CONCLUSIONS

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel and voltage-gated potassium channel are the major constituents of potassium channels in CASMCs.DHA can activate potassium channels in CASMCs, mainly the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, thus dilate coronary arteries.

[A comparation of efficacy between unilateral laminectomy approach bilateral decompression and traditional total laminectomy decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy between unilateral laminectomy approach bilateral decompression and traditional total laminectomy decompression in the treatment of graft bone fusion and internal fixation for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with the unilateral symptoms.

METHOD

From January 2013 to December 2014, a total of 40 patients with unilateral symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis were treated in Department of Spinal Surgery Bozhou People's Hospital of Anhui Province. Twenty patients(group A ) were treated by severe symptoms unilateral facetectomy and resection of superior articular and laminectomy and lateral recess decompression, interbody fusion, pedicle screw fixation.Twenty patients(group B ) were treated by total laminectomy interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation.The time of operation, blood loss of the two groups were recorded.At the same time the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA) before and after operation (3, 6 , 12months) were recorded retrospectively. The effect of surgery were evaluated and compared.

RESULT

The VAS, JOA, and ODI of group A preoperation is respectively have no significant differences with the group B (P>0.05). The operation time, blood loss in operation of group A was respectively(133.2±25.3) min, (415.0±42.1) ml, significant differences with the group B[(491.0±46.3)ml; (156.2±28.5) min, P<0.05)]. The VAS, JOA, ODI of group A had no significant differences with the group B (P>0.05) at 3, 6 months after operation.The VAS, JOA, ODI of group A was respectively (3.0±0.6), (25.3±5.1), (16.5±1.5)scores, had significant differences with the group B and preoperation (P<0.05) at 12 months after operation. The radiographic data showed that the interbody fusion rate of group A was 100%, and group B was 95%, had significant differences by statistical analysis (P<0.05) at 12 months afer operation.

CONCLUSION

The improved unilateral laminectomy approach and bilateral decompression have less operation time and blood loss, more satisfactory for the lumbar spinal stenosis patients with the unilateral severe symptoms, the other side moderate stenosis and mild symptoms.The efficacy of lumbar stability and bilateral decompression is better by operation of improved unilateral approach.

[Genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome with PCDH19 mutations]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome (DS) patients with PCDH19 mutations.

METHOD

Clinical data of all DS patients seen at Pediatric Department of Peking University First Hospital from February 2005 to May 2015 were prospectively collected. Genomic DNAs were extracted from the patients and their family members. Female DS patients without SCN1A mutation were enrolled. PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify PCDH19 mutations. Clinical data of DS patients with PCDH19 mutations were summarized.

RESULT

Five different heterozygous PCDH19 mutations were identified in six unrelated patients of 75 SCN1A-negative female DS patients (8%), among whom five patients had de novo mutations and one patient's mutation was inherited from her affected mother. Three missense mutations and two insertion mutations were all located in exon 1. Mean age of onset of the six patients with PCDH19 mutations was 6.8 months (range 5-9 months). Onset of seizures were triggered by fever in four patients, after vaccination in one and without fever in one. Generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS) was the first seizure type in four patients and focal seizure with secondary generalized tonic clonic seizures in the remaining two. During the course, all patients presented multiple seizure types including generalized tonic clonic seizures and focal seizures in all six patients, myoclonic seizures in three, absence seizures and atonic seizures in one respectively. In all patients, seizures manifested fever-sensitive and in clusters. Seizures were always in brief duration, in most less than 5 minutes, except one experienced twice status epilepticus triggered by fever. Six patients had development delay after the seizure onset, two with autism spectrum disorder, three with ataxia.

CONCLUSION

PCDH19 is another important gene of DS after SCN1A, mutations mainly occurred de novo. PCDH19 gene mutation should be routinely screened in female DS patients without SCN1A mutation. The clinical features of female DS patients with PCDH19 mutations include that the main seizures types are generalized tonic clonic seizures and focal seizures, seizures occurr in clusters and fever-sensitive, short seizure duration, rare status epilepticus, common development delay and some may manifest autism spectrum disorders.

[The clinical, radiological and prognostic factor analysis of medullary infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and radiological features of medullary infarction (MI), and to compare the clinical characteristics of lateral medullary infarction (LMI) and medial medullary infarction (MMI).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed as acute MI who were treated from January 2009 to December 2014 in Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, were retrospectively enrolled in the study and data were analyzed including risk factors, clinical features, laboratory findings, radiological characteristics, etiology and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 62 cases of MI were enrolled with 48 cases of LMI and 14 cases of MMI , including 2 cases of bilateral MMI. The mean onset age of LMI and MMI was 60.2±12.3 and 56.9±14.2, respectively. The frequently affected location of LMI was the middle and upper part of medulla [40 cases (83.3%)]. The common symptoms and signs of LMI were dizzy (38 cases , 79.2%), sensory disturbance (33 cases , 68.8%), dysarthria ( 32 cases , 66.7%), dysphagia (30 cases , 62.5%), diminished pharyngeal reflex (30 cases, 62.5%), Horner's sign (29 cases, 60.4%), ataxia (26 cases, 54.2%) and nausea or vomiting (25 cases, 52.1%). The frequently affected location of MMI was the upper part of medulla (13 cases, 92.9%). The common symptoms and signs of MMI were motor dysfunction (12 cases, 85.7%), sensory disturbances (11 cases, 78.6%), dizzy (10 cases, 71.4%) and dysarthria (10 cases, 71.4%). Infarctions caused by atherosclerosis were found in 35 cases of LMI (72.9%) and 12 cases of MMI (85.7%). Five cases (10.4%) of LMI died in hospital, while 1 case (7.1%) of MMI died in hospital. No lesion was found in 16 cases (25.8%) by MRI-DWI within the first 24 hours of onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showes that the mean onset age of LMI is older than that of MMI. The lesion of LMI is frequently located in the upper and middle medulla, whereas the lesion of MMI is mostly in the upper medulla. The prognosis of LMI is worse than that of MMI. Atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries is the predominant vascular pathology in MI.

Differentiating origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: a comparison of three different electrocardiographic algorithms

Our objective is to evaluate the accuracy of three algorithms in differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs). This study involved 110 consecutive patients with OTVAs for whom a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) showed typical left bundle branch block morphology with an inferior axis. All the ECG tracings were retrospectively analyzed using the following three recently published ECG algorithms: 1) the transitional zone (TZ) index, 2) the V₂ transition ratio, and 3) V₂ R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices. Considering all patients, the V₂ transition ratio had the highest sensitivity (92.3%), while the R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices in V₂ had the highest specificity (93.9%). The latter finding had a maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.925. In patients with left ventricular (LV) rotation, the V₂ transition ratio had the highest sensitivity (94.1%), while the R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices in V₂ had the highest specificity (87.5%). The former finding had a maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.892. All three published ECG algorithms are effective in differentiating the origin of OTVAs, while the V₂ transition ratio, and the V₂ R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices are the most sensitive and specific algorithms, respectively. Amongst all of the patients, the V₂ R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude algorithm had the maximal area under the ROC curve, but in patients with LV rotation the V₂ transition ratio algorithm had the maximum area under the ROC curve.

[Distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) among HPV positive cervical adenocarcinoma cases detected by laser capture microdissection(LCM)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the diseased areas cut from HPV-positive cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC) detected by laser capture microdissection (LCM).

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded specimens diagnosed as ADC between 2005 and 2010 were collected from 9 hospitals in 7 regions across China. HPV genotyping was conducted on paraffin sections using sandwich technique and LCM in order to identify HPV infection in the tumor tissues. HE and p16 immunohistochemistry staining were performed to make histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 169 cervical adenocarcinoma cases were recruited, including 94 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma (ADC-CX), 9 cases of adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), 19 cases of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (ADC-MIN), 14 cases of clear cell adenocarcinoma (ADC-CC), 8 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (ADC-ENDO), 9 cases of serous adenocarcinoma (ADC-SER) and 16 cases of adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ADC-NOS). Fourteen types of high risk HPV were detected in the whole tissue section (WTS). HPV16 was the most common type, and the second was HPV18 and HPV52, respectively. Compared with WTS, the HPV-positive rate detected by LCM was lower. The HPV positive rates were significantly different among different subtypes of cervical adenocarcinoma (P<0.001). After LCM, the HPV positive rate was 50.8% and 66.7% in the single infection and multiple, infection groups respectively (P=0.14). The positive rates of p16 was significantly different among different subtypes of cervical adenocarcinoma (P<0.001). p16-positive rate was 73.9% in the HPV-positive samples after LCM, significantly higher than the 38.5% of negative samples (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser capture dissection technique can more precisely reflect the HPV distribution in cervical adenocarcinomas. The etiological association between HPV infection and cervical adenocarcinoma occurrence is not as close as that reported in the literature.

Strong correlation between early stage atherosclerosis and electromechanical coupling of aorta

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases that are responsible for many deaths in the world, and the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis is highly desirable. The existing imaging methods, however, are not capable of detecting the early stage of atherosclerosis development due to their limited spatial resolution. Using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), we show that the piezoelectric response of an aortic wall increases as atherosclerosis advances, while the stiffness of the aorta shows a less evident correlation with atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we show that there is strong correlation between the coercive electric field necessary to switch the polarity of the artery and the development of atherosclerosis. Thus by measuring the electromechanical coupling of the aortic wall, it is possible to probe atherosclerosis at the early stage of its development, not only improving the spatial resolution by orders of magnitude, but also providing comprehensive quantitative information on the biomechanical properties of the artery.

Association of MMP3 genotype with susceptibility to frozen shoulder: a case-control study in a Chinese Han population

Genetic factors may play an important role in frozen shoulder etiology, which may involve matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) gene polymorphisms. In this study, we examined single nucleotide polymorphisms in MMP3 for their association with frozen shoulder susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. The rs591058, rs650108, and rs679620 polymorphisms in the MMP3 gene were genotyped in 112 subjects diagnosed as having frozen shoulder and in 143 healthy controls. rs650108 was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of frozen shoulder. For other single nucleotide polymorphisms, no statistically significant associations with frozen shoulder were found. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that the MMP3 rs650108 variant was significantly associated with increased frozen shoulder susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Amorphous mixed-metal hydroxide nanostructures for advanced water oxidation catalysts

The design of highly efficient, durable, and earth-abundant catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial in order to promote energy conversion and storage processes. Here, we synthesize amorphous mixed-metal (Ni-Fe) hydroxide nanostructures with a homogeneous distribution of Ni/Fe as well as a tunable Ni/Fe ratio by a simple, facile, green and low-cost electrochemical technique, and we demonstrate that the synthesized amorphous nanomaterials possess ultrahigh activity and super long-term cycle stability in the OER process. The amorphous Ni0.71Fe0.29(OH)x nanostructure affords a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) at an overpotential of a mere 0.296 V and a small Tafel slope of 58 mV dec(-1), while no deactivation is detected in the CV testing even up to 30 000 cycles, which suggests the promising application of these amorphous nanomaterials in electrochemical oxidation. Meanwhile, the distinct catalytic activities among these amorphous Ni-Fe hydroxide nanostructures prompts us to take notice of the composition of the alloy hydroxides/oxides when studying their catalytic properties, which opens an avenue for the rational design and controllable preparation of such amorphous nanomaterials as advanced OER electrocatalysts.