Six novel coding SNPs of the nucleophosmin 1 (<i>NPM1</i>) gene and their associations with growth traits in bovine (Brief Report)

Abstract. The Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene encodes a multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein that has crucial roles in the control of different aspects of cell growth and homeostasis, such as ribosome biogenesis, centrosome duplication, cell cycle progression, apoptosis and cell differentiation (GRISENDI et al. 2006, NAOE et al. 2006). As mutants of NPM1 gene impact protein synthesis, NPM1 is an essential protein in mouse development and cell growth (MAGGI et al. 2008). The bovine NPM1 gene contains one exon and locates at chromosome 9. In previous work, the 12-bp deletion was detected in bovine NPM1 gene coding region. (HUANG et al. 2010). In this study, the coding region of bovine NPM1 gene has been scanned by PCR-SSCP, DNA sequencing and forced PCR-RFLP methods for SNPs in 1 032 individuals belonging to four Chinese cattle breeds. Association of six mutations of NPM1 gene with growth traits was analyzed.

Association of polymorphisms of the &lt;i&gt;DCN&lt;/i&gt; gene with growth traits in cattle (Brief Report)

Abstract. Mammalian decorin (DCN) consists of a protein core and a single dermatan or chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chain (CHOPRA et al. 1985), contributing multifunctionally to processes like matrix assembly, modulation of the activity of growth factors and cell migration and proliferation. Recently, LINDA et al. (2008) have reported that eight SNPs were identified in human. However, the related information in bovine is scarce. Hence, in the present experiment the exons and intron/exon boundaries of DCN were scanned for SNPs in the predominant cattle breeds of China.

Immunostaining for the α3 isoform of the Na+/K+-ATPase is selective for functionally identified muscle spindle afferents in vivo

Muscle spindle afferent (MSA) neurons can show rapid and sustained firing. Immunostaining for the α3 isoform of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (α3) in some large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and large intrafusal fibres suggested α3 expression in MSAs (Dobretsov et al. 2003), but not whether α3-immunoreactive DRG neuronal somata were exclusively MSAs. We found that neuronal somata with high α3 immunointensity were neurofilament-rich, suggesting they have A-fibres; we therefore focussed on A-fibre neurons to determine the sensory properties of α3-immunoreactive neurons. We examined α3 immunointensity in 78 dye-injected DRG neurons whose conduction velocities and hindlimb sensory receptive fields were determined in vivo. A dense perimeter or ring of staining in a subpopulation of neurons was clearly overlying the soma membrane and not within satellite cells. Neurons with clear α3 rings (n = 23) were all MSAs (types I and II); all MSAs had darkly stained α3 rings, that tended to be darker in MSA1 than MSA2 units. Of 52 non-MSA A-fibre neurons including nociceptive and cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) neurons, 50 had no discernable ring, while 2 (Aα/β cutaneous LTMs) had weakly stained rings. Three of three C-nociceptors had no rings. MSAs with strong ring immunostaining also showed the strongest cytoplasmic staining. These findings suggest that α3 ring staining is a selective marker for MSAs. The α3 isoform of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase has previously been shown to be activated by higher Na⁺ levels and to have greater affinity for ATP than the α1 isoform (in all DRG neurons). The high α3 levels in MSAs may enable the greater dynamic firing range in MSAs.

Associations of diabetes mellitus with site-specific cancer mortality in the Asia-Pacific region

BACKGROUND

Owing to the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Asia, and the paucity of studies, we examined the influence of raised blood glucose and diabetes on cancer mortality risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six cohort Asian and Australasian studies provided 367, 361 participants (74% from Asia); 6% had diabetes at baseline. Associations between diabetes and site-specific cancer mortality were estimated using time-dependent Cox models, stratified by study and sex, and adjusted for age.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 4.0 years, there were 5992 deaths due to cancer (74% Asian; 41% female). Participants with diabetes had 23% greater risk of mortality from all-cause cancer compared with those without: hazard ratio (HR) 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 1.35]. Diabetes was associated with mortality due to cancer of the liver (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.19, 1.91), pancreas (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.20, 2.65), and, less strongly, colorectum (HR 1.32; 95% CI 0.98, 1.78). There was no evidence of sex- or region-specific differences in these associations. The population attributable fractions for cancer mortality due to diabetes were generally higher for Asia compared with non-Asian populations.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes is associated with increased mortality from selected cancers in Asian and non-Asian populations.

Substance P Modulation of Hypoglossal Motoneuron Excitability During Development: Changing Balance Between Conductances

Although Substance P (SP) acts primarily through neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors to increase the excitability of virtually all motoneurons (MNs) tested, the ontogeny of this transmitter system is not known for any MN pool. Hypoglossal (XII) MNs innervate tongue protruder muscles and participate in several behaviors that must be functional from birth including swallowing, suckling and breathing. We used immunohistochemistry, Western immunoblotting, and whole cell recording of XII MNs in brain stem slices from rats ranging in age from postnatal day zero (P0) to P23 to explore developmental changes in: NK1 receptor expression; currents evoked by SPNK1 (an NK1-selective SP receptor agonist) and; the efficacy of transduction pathways transforming ligand binding into channel modulation. Despite developmental reductions in XII MN NK1 receptor expression, SPNK1 current density remained constant at 6.1 ± 1.0 (SE) pA/pF. SPNK1 activated at least two conductances. Activation of a pH-insensitive Na+ conductance dominated in neonates (P0–P5), but its contribution fell from ∼80 to ∼55% in juveniles (P14–P23). SPNK1 also inhibited a pH-sensitive, two-pore domain K+ (TASK)-like K+ current. Its contribution increased developmentally. First, the density of this pH-sensitive K+ current doubled between P0 and P23. Second, SPNK1 did not affect this current in neonates, but reduced it by 20% at P7–P10 and 80% in juveniles. In addition, potentiation of repetitive firing was greatest in juveniles. These data establish that despite apparent reductions in NK1 receptor density, SP remains an important modulator of XII MN excitability throughout postnatal development due, in part, to increased expression of a pH-sensitive, TASK-like conductance.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with segmental pedicle screws and combined local autograft and allograft bone for spinal fusion: a retrospective case series

Background

High morbidity has been reported with iliac crest bone graft harvesting; however, donor bone is typically necessary for posterior spinal fusion. Autograft bone combined with allograft may reduce the morbidity associated with iliac crest bone harvesting and improve the fusion rate. Our aim in this study was to determine the presence of complications, pseudarthrosis, non-union, and infection using combined in situ local autograft bone and freeze-dried cancellous allograft bone in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

A combination of in situ local autograft bone and freeze-dried cancellous allograft blocks were used in 50 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior fusion and Moss Miami pedicle screw instrumentation. Results were assessed clinically and radiographically and quality of life and functional outcome was evaluated by administration of a Chinese version of the SRS-22 survey.

Results

There were 41 female and 9 male patients included for analysis with an average age of 14.7 years (range, 12-17). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 18 months (range, 18 to 40 months). The average preoperative Cobb angle was 49.8° (range, 40° to 86°). The average number of levels fused was 9.8 (range, 6-15). Patients had a minimum postoperative follow-up of 18 months. At final follow-up, the average Cobb angle correction was 77.8% (range, 43.4 to 92.5%). There was no obvious loss in the correction, and the average loss of correction was 1.1° (range, 0° to 4°). There was no pseudarthrosis and no major complications.

Conclusions

In situ autograft bone combined with allograft bone may be a promising method enhances spinal fusion in AIS treated with pedicle screw placement. By eliminating the need for iliac crest bone harvesting, significant morbidity may be avoided.

Genomic polymorphisms within alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and severe sepsis in Chinese Han population

Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a kind of ligand-gated ion channel mainly expressed in macrophages, plays a crucial role in improving survival in sepsis via suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. The predisposition of genomic polymorphisms within alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene (CHRNA7) to sepsis has not been investigated. The current association study was performed to analyse six common genetic variations within 5'-upstream region of CHRNA7 gene in 229 patients with severe sepsis and 267 controls. Neither allelic frequencies nor genotype distributions were significantly different between patients and controls, as well as between surviving and nonsurviving patients. The frequencies of estimated haplotypes were also comparable between above defined groups. The present study suggests that genomic polymorphisms in the 5'-upstream region of CHRNA7 gene may not be a major risk factor for severe sepsis in Chinese Han population.

Spin freezing and slow magnetization dynamics in geometrically frustrated magnetic molecules with exchange disorder

We show that intramolecular exchange disorder recently found in the geometrically frustrated magnetic molecules {Mo(72)Fe(30)} and {Mo(72)Cr(30)} leads, in a classical Heisenberg model description, to spin freezing and slow magnetization dynamics reminiscent of spin glass behaviour. Also we suggest that our low temperature and low magnetic field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on {Mo(72)Fe(30)}, showing rapid and strong broadening of the proton line width on cooling below 600 mK, are evidence for a crossover from paramagnetic behaviour to a frozen spin configuration. Similar broadening is observed in {Mo(72)Cr(30)}. This observed effect is consistent with our theory of spin freezing and slow magnetization dynamics in these systems due to exchange disorder.

Successful Recanalization of a Chronic In-stent Occlusion at the Vertebral Artery Ostium. A Case Report

SUMMARY

In-stent restenosis or occlusion has been frequently reported as a complication after angioplasty and stenting in vertebral arteries. Reopening chronic in-stent occlusion in cervical arteries with endovascular techniques has not been reported. Here we describe a case with stent implantation in the origin of right vertebral artery. The stent was occluded one year after the procedure. The patient demonstrated concurrent ischemic symptoms which were relieved after the in-stent occlusion being recanalized successfully with re-angioplasty.

Femtosecond laser fabricated fiber Bragg grating in microfiber for refractive index sensing

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is fabricated in the microfiber by the use of femtosecond laser pulse irradiation. Such a grating can be directly exposed to the surrounding medium without etching or thinning treatment of the fiber, thus possessing high refractive index (RI) sensitivity while maintaining superior reliability. The grating in the microfiber may have a number of propagation modes in its transmission spectrum, depending on the fiber diameter, and the higher order of mode has larger RI sensitivity. The RI sensitivity also depends on the fiber diameter and a smaller diameter corresponds to a large sensitivity. The maximum sensitivity obtained is approximately 231.4 nm per refractive index unit at the refractive index value of approximately 1.44 when the fiber diameter is approximately 2 microm. The FBG fabricated in the microfiber has high potential in various types of optical fiber sensor applications.

Temperature-dependent phase behavior and protein partitioning in giant plasma membrane vesicles

Liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phase coexistence has been suggested to partition the plasma membrane of biological cells into lateral compartments, allowing for enrichment or depletion of functionally relevant molecules. This dynamic partitioning might be involved in fine-tuning cellular signaling fidelity through coupling to the plasma membrane protein and lipid composition. In earlier work, giant plasma membrane vesicles, obtained by chemically induced blebbing from cultured cells, were observed to reversibly phase segregate at temperatures significantly below 37 degrees C. In this contribution, we compare the temperature dependence of fluid phase segregation in HeLa and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. We find an essentially monotonic temperature dependence of the number of phase-separated vesicles in both cell types. We also observe a strikingly broad distribution of phase transition temperatures in both cell types. The binding of peripheral proteins, such as cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), as well as Annexin V, is observed to modulate phase transition temperatures, indicating that peripheral protein binding may be a regulator for lateral heterogeneity in vivo. The partitioning of numerous signal protein anchors and full length proteins is investigated. We find Lo phase partitioning for several proteins assumed in the literature to be membrane raft associated, but observe deviations from this expectation for other proteins, including caveolin-1.

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and related cytokines differentially expressed in plaque vs. guttate psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Differences in the number of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lesional skin and peripheral blood and their functioning in plaque vs. guttate psoriasis have not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether there is a differential expression of Foxp3+ Tregs and a differential regulation of inflammatory cytokines in plaque vs. guttate psoriasis vulgaris.

METHODS

The number and the percentage of Foxp3+ cells in different phases of skin lesions of patients with plaque and guttate psoriasis vulgaris were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of Foxp3 and interleukin (IL)-17 protein in CD4 populations was measured by flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokine production by transforming growth factor-beta1-induced Foxp3+ Tregs was assessed in an in vitro study. The cytokines in supernatant and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The percentage of Foxp3+ CD3+ cells in the papillary layer was higher than in the reticular layer of dermis and in epidermis (P < 0.05). The numbers of Foxp3+ Tregs in skin lesions and peripheral blood were higher in plaque than in guttate psoriasis, whereas the percentage of IL-17+ CD4+ cells was higher in guttate than in plaque psoriasis (P < 0.05). The numbers of Foxp3+ cells were positively correlated with the Psoriasis Severity Index score of skin lesions (P < 0.0001), and the percentages of Foxp3+ CD4+ cells in peripheral blood were positively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score of patients (P < 0.05). The inhibitory functions of Tregs to IL-17 and IL-6 in guttate psoriasis and to tumour necrosis factor-alpha in plaque psoriasis were deficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential expression and regulatory functioning for inflammatory cytokine production by Foxp3+ Tregs may imply a different immunopathogenesis for plaque and guttate psoriasis.

Leptin prevents the metabolic effects of adiponectin in L6 myotubes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Adiponectin and leptin are negatively and positively correlated with human obesity respectively, and have both been shown to regulate energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. However, little is known about their signalling and functional crosstalk. Here we investigated the effects of leptin on metabolic actions of (1) globular adiponectin (gAd) and (2) full-length adiponectin (fAd) in L6 cells.

METHODS

Glucose uptake was measured upon gAd and fAd treatment after incubation with different doses (0.3, 0.6, 3, 6, 60 nmol/l) of leptin for 6, 12 and 24 h. We also measured adiponectin receptor (ADIPOR) expression and stimulation of downstream signalling by gAd and fAd using co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting following leptin pretreatment, as well as analysis of fatty acid uptake and oxidation using radiolabelled tracers.

RESULTS

Leptin attenuated the stimulation of glucose uptake by gAd and fAd in a dose- and time-dependent manner, a finding correlated with decreased levels of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2. gAd and fAd increased palmitate uptake via activation of AMP protein kinase (T172), enhanced expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36, phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (S79) and enhanced palmitate oxidation, all of which were attenuated by leptin pretreatment. Adiponectin can also enhance insulin sensitivity via direct signalling crosstalk; here we show that enhanced insulin-stimulated IRS-1 (Y612) and Akt (T308) phosphorylation in response to fAd was attenuated by leptin. APPL1 was recently identified as a critical mediator of adiponectin action in skeletal muscle. We demonstrated that leptin attenuated binding of APPL1 to LKB1, a downstream target leading to AMPK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The direct metabolic and insulin-sensitising effects of adiponectin were attenuated in the presence of leptin.

'I felt I have grown up as an adult': caregiving experience of children affected by HIV/AIDS in China

BACKGROUND

The growing global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has a significant impact on the lives of both people living with HIV/AIDS and their family members including children. Children of parents with HIV/AIDS may experience an increased responsibility of caregiving in family. However, limited data are available regarding the caregiving experience and its impact on psychosocial well-being among these children. This study was designed to address these issues by using qualitative data collected from children affected by HIV/AIDS in China.

METHODS

The qualitative data were collected in 2006 in rural central China, where many residents were infected with HIV/AIDS through unhygienic blood collection procedures. In-depth individual interviews were conducted by trained interviewers with 47 children between 8 and 17 years of age who had lost one or both parents to AIDS.

RESULTS

Findings of this study suggest that many children affected by AIDS had experienced increased responsibilities in housework and caregiving for family members. Such caregiving included caring for self and younger siblings, caring for parents with illness and caring for elderly grandparents. Positive impacts from children's participation in family caregiving included personal growth and emotional maturity. Negative consequences included physical fatigue, psychological fear and anxiety and suboptimal schooling (dropping out from school, repeated absence from school and unable to concentrate in class).

CONCLUSION

While the increased caregiving responsibilities among children reflected some cultural beliefs and had some positive effect on personal growth, the caregiving experience generally negatively effected the children's physical and mental health and schooling. The findings in the current study suggest that community-based caregiving support is necessary in areas with high prevalence of HIV and limited resources, especially for the families lacking adult caregivers. In addition, social and psychological support should be made available for children participating in family caregiving.

Sibling separation and psychological problems of double AIDS orphans in rural China - a comparison analysis

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the psychological impact of sibling separation among children who lost both of their parents to AIDS and were placed in group care or kinship care settings in rural China.

METHODS

Comparative analysis of cross-sectional survey data among 155 children among whom 96 experienced sibling separation. Trauma symptoms (Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Post-traumatic stress, Dissociation, Sexual concerns) were compared between the AIDS orphans who experienced sibling separation and those who did not using analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Among the participants (47.7% girls) with an average age of 12.4 years, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that separation from siblings was associated with significantly higher scores in anxiety, depression, anger and dissociation before or after controlling for gender, age, care arrangement, number of household replacement, trusting relationship with the current caregivers and perceived quality of current living condition. Sibling separation among orphans was not associated with level of post-traumatic stress and sexual concerns.

CONCLUSION

AIDS orphans separated from their siblings suffered from increased psychological distress compared with those who remained with their siblings. The data in the current study suggest that care arrangement for AIDS orphan should include accommodating the siblings together or providing them with opportunities for frequent contact and/or communication with each other. Appropriate psychological counselling should be given to those orphans experiencing sibling separation.

Comparison of selective anterior versus posterior screw instrumentation in Lenke5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of anterior and posterior fusions for treatment of Lenke5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and radiographic results of anterior versus posterior pedicle screw instrumentation in Lenke5C AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Anterior and posterior pedicle screw instrumentations are 2 established methods of correcting Lenke5C AIS. However, there are few reports that compare the 2 methods.

METHODS

Forty-six consecutive patients with Lenke5C AIS curves underwent selective lumbar or thoracolumbar fusion (1999-2005). Twenty-two patients had anterior surgery, and 24 patients had posterior surgery. Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

No complications occurred in either group. The number of levels involved in the major curve was similar for the anterior and posterior groups (5.5 vs. 5.7). Preoperative thoracic (24.13 degrees +/- 4.9 degrees vs. 22.88 degrees +/- 5.14 degrees) and lumbar/thoracolumbar (50.2 degrees +/- 7.52 degrees vs. 52.2 degrees +/- 6.40 degrees). Cobb values for the 2 groups were also similar. The percent correction of the lumbar curve was similar between the 2 groups at all stages of follow-up (56% vs. 57.7%), as was the percent of spontaneous correction of the unfused thoracic curve (25% vs. 27.2%). However, fusion levels were significantly shorter in the anterior group (mean, 5.09 vs. 6.13), and there were 8 patients (4 in the anterior group and 4 in the posterior group) whose thoracic curve became greater at the latest follow-up. The thoracolumbar/lumbar-thoracic Cobb ratio for these 8 patients was less than that for the other patients (1.34 vs. 2.43), and their curve flexibility was worse.

CONCLUSION

Selective anterior and posterior screw instrumentation both achieved good surgical lumbar and subsequent spontaneous thoracic correction. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in lumbar correction or thoracic correction, but fusion levels were shorter in the anterior group. Patients with late thoracic curve decompensation had smaller thoracolumbar/lumbar-thoracic Cobb ratios and less preoperative flexibility than those who did not decompensate.

Single-staged anterior and posterior spinal fusion: a safe and effective alternative for severe and rigid adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in China

AIM

Delayed treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is common in Mainland China because of the lack of public education about health care resulting in the reluctance to undergo surgery. This leads to a high incidence of complex cases where surgeons may not be trained in advanced procedures. We report the efficacy of single-staged anterior and posterior spinal fusion for correction of severe AIS in China.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 31 consecutive cases in which patients were treated at the Orthopaedic Department of Changhai Hospital in Shanghai between 2001 and 2004 with a combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion with screws, hooks, sublaminar wires or cables.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients with AIS with Lenke type 1, 2, 3 and 4 curves were included for analysis. At least one of the curves was >or=90 degrees in each patient. The mean coronal and sagittal Cobb angles of the main thoracic curve were 98 degrees and 22 degrees before surgery, 50.5 degrees and 21 degrees after surgery, and 53.7 degrees and 24 degrees at follow-up, respectively. No neurological deficits or deaths occurred. Solid arthrodesis with coronal and sagittal balance was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A single-stage anterior release and fusion and posterior fusion for treatment of severe AIS is good alternative to pedicle screws/vertebrectomy on the basis of risk-benefit balance, and can be performed by surgeons not experienced in more complex procedures. The risk of pulmonary complications may be preferable to the risk of severe neurological complications when thoracic pedicle screws are applied, especially when surgeons are not adequately trained in their use.