Focal dermal hypoplasia: updates

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), or Goltz-Gorlin syndrome, is a rare syndrome and may result in multisystem disorders. Several reviews of FDH have been published. However, the last comprehensive review of this disorder appeared more than 20 years ago. To date, a number of new clinical manifestations have been reported and considerable knowledge has accumulated regarding etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to gather these more recent data and to provide organized and reliable information. So we reviewed 159 cases of FDH that had been reported from 1990 to 2012, summarized the new discoveries, and suggested a potential standard for the diagnosis of FDH. We also reported on a Chinese girl with FDH, who was clinically and histologically in accord with FDH, as an example.

Characterization of tetracycline resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from feedlot cattle administered therapeutic or subtherapeutic levels of tetracycline

The effect of administering feedlot cattle subtherapeutic levels of chlortetracycline (CT) or CT and therapeutic levels of oxytetracycline (CT-OX) on resistance genotypes in Escherichia coli was investigated. Detection of genes tet(A), tet(B), and tet(C) encoded by tetracycline-resistant isolates (CT, N = 77; CT-OX, N = 99) was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prevalence of tet(A) was similar in isolates across treatment regimes; however, prevalence of tet(B) was lower (18% versus 34%; P < 0.05) and tet(C) was higher (46% versus 28%; P < 0.05) in CT isolates compared with CT-OX isolates. To further characterize selection of resistance genotypes in E. coli, a group of intermediately tetracycline-resistant E. coli (N = 48) was analyzed. The tet(C) gene was present in 92% of these isolates. Copies of tet(C) transcripts, analyzed by real-time PCR, indicated that upregulation did not occur in tetracycline-resistant isolates when compared with intermediately resistant isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and oxytetracycline were also tested on isolates with different resistance genes. The minimum inhibitory concentration was dependent on the tetracycline analogue and the nature of encoded resistance. These data indicate that tetracycline analogues should not be used interchangeably to evaluate resistance and that prevalence of resistance genes in E. coli can vary according to the tetracycline analogue administered to cattle.

Exome sequencing-driven discovery of coding polymorphisms associated with common metabolic phenotypes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Human complex metabolic traits are in part regulated by genetic determinants. Here we applied exome sequencing to identify novel associations of coding polymorphisms at minor allele frequencies (MAFs) >1% with common metabolic phenotypes.

METHODS

The study comprised three stages. We performed medium-depth (8×) whole exome sequencing in 1,000 cases with type 2 diabetes, BMI >27.5 kg/m(2) and hypertension and in 1,000 controls (stage 1). We selected 16,192 polymorphisms nominally associated (p < 0.05) with case-control status, from four selected annotation categories or from loci reported to associate with metabolic traits. These variants were genotyped in 15,989 Danes to search for association with 12 metabolic phenotypes (stage 2). In stage 3, polymorphisms showing potential associations were genotyped in a further 63,896 Europeans.

RESULTS

Exome sequencing identified 70,182 polymorphisms with MAF >1%. In stage 2 we identified 51 potential associations with one or more of eight metabolic phenotypes covered by 45 unique polymorphisms. In meta-analyses of stage 2 and stage 3 results, we demonstrated robust associations for coding polymorphisms in CD300LG (fasting HDL-cholesterol: MAF 3.5%, p = 8.5 × 10(-14)), COBLL1 (type 2 diabetes: MAF 12.5%, OR 0.88, p = 1.2 × 10(-11)) and MACF1 (type 2 diabetes: MAF 23.4%, OR 1.10, p = 8.2 × 10(-10)).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We applied exome sequencing as a basis for finding genetic determinants of metabolic traits and show the existence of low-frequency and common coding polymorphisms with impact on common metabolic traits. Based on our study, coding polymorphisms with MAF above 1% do not seem to have particularly high effect sizes on the measured metabolic traits.

Parity violation of electroweak force in phase transitions of single crystals of d- and L-alanine and valine

Three kinds of experiments have been designed in attempting to observe theparity violation of electroweak force at the phase transition of singlecrystals of D- and L-alanine and valine.(1) An obvious λ phasetransition at 270 ± 1 K was shown in the specific heat measurement ofalanine and valine enantiomers by differential scanning calorimetry. Thebiologically dominant L-enantiomer was found to have lower energy. (2)Magnetization of single crystals of D- and L-alanine and D-valine weremeasured as a function of temperature using the SQUID magnetometer. Thedifference of the mass susceptibility χ(ρ) ∼ T curve between theD-alanine and L-alanine is attributable to the variation of intramoleculargeometry of chirality density, which is related to the parity violationenergy shift of a chiral molecule and is a consequence of the short rangeof the weak interaction between the nuclei and electrons. (3) Laser Ramanspectra of D- and L-alanine at different low temperatures (100 K, 250 K,260 K, 270 K, 280 K and 290 K) showed that the second order Cα-Hdeformation modes at 2606 cm(-1), 2724 cm(-1) of D-alanine vanishedat 270 K but reappeared at 100 K. In the same method, L-alanine has nosuch phenomenon. An obvious decrease in the scattering intensity of themethyne group C(α)-H stretching mode at 2964 cm(-1) in D-alanineoccurs at the λ transition temperature. We present our experimentsinvolving the possible relevance of Z(0) force with Salam's putativephase transition in the origin of homochirality.

Cationic microRNA-delivering nanovectors with bifunctional peptides for efficient treatment of PANC-1 xenograft model

Therapeutic strategies based on modulation of microRNA activity possess much promise in cancer therapy, but the in vivo delivery of microRNA to target sites and its penetration into tumor tissues remain great challenge. In this work, miR-34a-delivering therapeutic nanocomplexes with a tumor-targeting and -penetrating bifunctional CC9 peptide were proposed for efficient treatment of pancreatic cancers. In vitro study indicated that the nanoparticle-based miR-34a delivery systems could effectively facilitate cellular uptake and greatly up-regulate the mRNA level of miR-34a in PANC-1 cell lines. The up-regulation of miR-34a remarkably induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, suppressed the tumor cell migration and inhibited the target gene expressions such as E2F3, Bcl-2, c-myc and cyclin D1. More importantly, the in vivo systemic administration of the developed targeting miR-34a delivery systems in a pancreatic cancer model significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced cancer cell apoptosis. Such bifunctional peptide-conjugated miRNA-delivering nanocomplexes should have great potential applications in cancer therapy.

An aetiological Foxp2 mutation causes aberrant striatal activity and alters plasticity during skill learning

Mutations in the human FOXP2 gene cause impaired speech development and linguistic deficits, which have been best characterised in a large pedigree called the KE family. The encoded protein is highly conserved in many vertebrates and is expressed in homologous brain regions required for sensorimotor integration and motor-skill learning, in particular corticostriatal circuits. Independent studies in multiple species suggest that the striatum is a key site of FOXP2 action. Here, we used in vivo recordings in awake-behaving mice to investigate the effects of the KE-family mutation on the function of striatal circuits during motor-skill learning. We uncovered abnormally high ongoing striatal activity in mice carrying an identical mutation to that of the KE family. Furthermore, there were dramatic alterations in striatal plasticity during the acquisition of a motor skill, with most neurons in mutants showing negative modulation of firing rate, starkly contrasting with the predominantly positive modulation seen in control animals. We also observed striking changes in the temporal coordination of striatal firing during motor-skill learning in mutants. Our results indicate that FOXP2 is critical for the function of striatal circuits in vivo, which are important not only for speech but also for other striatal-dependent skills.

The smell of Tokishakuyaku-san (TJ-23) induces generation of regulatory T cells and prolongation of survival of fully allogeneic cardiac grafts in mice

Oral administration of Tokishakuyaku-san (TJ-23), a Japanese herbal medicine, induces prolongation of cardiac allograft survival and generates regulatory cells in mice. Because herbal medicines usually have unique odor, and because smell is supposed to modulate the immune system, we examined whether the odor of TJ-23 induced prolonged allograft survival and regulatory cell generation. Naïve CBA mice (H2(k)) and olfactory-dysfunctional CBA mice after a stereotaxic operation underwent transplantation of C57BL/6 (B6, H2(b)) hearts, receiving fumigated water only or TJ-23 until rejection. Untreated or treated with water fumigation CBA mice rejected B6 cardiac grafts acutely (median survival times [MSTs], 7 and 8.5 days). When CBA mice were treated with fumigation of TJ-23, allograft survival was significantly prolonged (MST, 48 days). Olfactory-dysfunctional CBA mice treated with fumigation of TJ-23 rejected grafts acutely (MST, 7 days). Treatment with fumigation of TJ-23 also suppressed splenocytes proliferation and interferon-γ production. Secondary CBA recipients of whole splenocytes or CD4(+) cells from primary TJ-23-treated CBA recipients of B6 cardiac allografts at 30 days after grafting showed prolonged survival of B6 hearts (MST, >60 days). Flow cytometry studies showed increased CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory cells in recipients given fumigation of TJ-23. In conclusion naïve but not olfactory-dysfunctional CBA mice treated with fumigation of TJ-23 displayed prolonged survival of fully allogeneic cardiac allografts and generation of regulatory cells.

Music exposure induced prolongation of cardiac allograft survival and generated regulatory CD4⁺ cells in mice

In clinical practice, music has been used to decrease stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and to provide a distraction from disease symptoms. We investigated sound effects on alloimmune responses in murine heart transplantation. Naïve and eardrum-ruptured CBA/N (CBA, H2(K)) underwent transplantation of a C57BL/6 (B6, H2(b)) heart and were exposed to 1 of 3 types of music-opera (La Traviata), classical (Mozart), and New Age (Enya)-or 1 of 6 different single sound frequencies for 7 days. An adoptive transfer study was performed to determine whether regulatory cells were generated in allograft recipients. Cell-proliferation, cytokine, and flow cytometry assessments were also performed. CBA recipients of a B6 graft exposed to opera and classical music had significantly prolonged allograft survival (median survival times [MSTs], 26.5 and 20 days, respectively), whereas those exposed to 6 single sound frequencies and New Age did not (MSTs, 7, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8, and 11 days, respectively). Untreated and eardrum-ruptured CBA rejected B6 grafts acutely (MSTs, 7 and 8.5 days, respectively). Adoptive transfer of whole splenocytes, CD4(+) cells, and CD4(+)CD25(+) cells from opera-exposed primary recipients resulted in significantly prolonged allograft survival in naive secondary recipients (MSTs, 36, 68, and >50 days, respectively). Cell-proliferation, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ were suppressed in opera-exposed mice, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 from opera-exposed recipients were up-regulated. Flow cytometry studies showed an increased CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cell population in splenocytes from opera-exposed mice. In conclusion, exposure to some types of music may induce prolonged survival of fully allogeneic cardiac allografts and generate CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory cells.

Determination of Genetic Diversity among Korean Hanwoo Cattle Based on Physical Characteristics

This study was conducted to establish genetic criteria for phenotypic characteristics of Hanwoo cattle based on allele frequencies and genetic variance analysis using microsatellite markers. Analysis of the genetic diversity among 399 Hanwoo cattle classified according to nose pigmentation and coat color was carried out using 22 microsatellite markers. The results revealed that the INRA035 locus was associated with the highest Fis (0.536). Given that the Fis value for the Hanwoo INRA035 population ranged from 0.533 (white) to 1.000 (white spotted), this finding was consistent with the loci being fixed in Hanwoo cattle. Expected heterozygosities of the Hanwoo groups classified by coat colors and degree of nose pigmentation ranged from 0.689±0.023 (Holstein) to 0.743±0.021 (nose pigmentation level of d). Normal Hanwoo and animals with a mixed white coat showed the closest relationship because the lowest DA value was observed between these groups. However, a pair-wise differentiation test of Fst showed no significant difference among the Hanwoo groups classified by coat color and degree of nose pigmentation (p<0.01). Moreover, results of the neighbor-joining tree based on a DA genetic distance matrix within 399 Hanwoo individuals and principal component analyses confirmed that different groups of cattle with mixed coat color and nose pigmentation formed other specific groups representing Hanwoo genetic and phenotypic characteristics. The results of this study support a relaxation of policies regulating bull selection or animal registration in an effort to minimize financial loss, and could provide basic information that can be used for establishing criteria to classify Hanwoo phenotypes.

Analysis of a series of patients with varicose vein recurrence

OBJECTIVE

Varicose veins of the lower extremities is a common clinical condition. Although surgical treatment is often successful, the recurrence rate remains high. This retrospective study evaluated the reasons for postoperative recurrence of varicose veins by analysing ultrasonography and venography findings in patients with recurrent disease.

METHODS

A series of consecutive cases of recurrent varicose veins of the lower limbs was reviewed. Data collected included clinical characteristics, symptoms and vascular imaging.

RESULTS

The study included 109 legs with recurrent varicose veins (92 patients): 101/109 legs (92.7%) showed perforating vein insufficiency and 86/109 (78.9%) showed reflux of the superficial femoral vein, of varying degrees of severity. Residual saphenous vein was recorded for 82 legs (75.2%), while 19 (17.4%) had blocked iliac veins due to post-thrombotic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors that may contribute to varicose vein recurrence have been identified. These include failure to ligate perforating veins and initial failure to perform the appropriate surgical intervention. Prevention of varicose vein recurrence after surgical correction requires a more extensive use of preoperative imaging, to tailor surgical intervention to suit individual patients.

Adoptive transfer of Th1-conditioned lymphocytes promotes axonal remodeling and functional recovery after spinal cord injury

The role of T lymphocytes in central nervous system (CNS) injuries is controversial, with inconsistent results reported concerning the effects of T-lymphocyte transfer on spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we demonstrate that a specific T-lymphocyte subset enhances functional recovery after contusion SCI in mice. Intraperitoneal adoptive transfer of type 1 helper T (Th1)-conditioned cells 4 days after SCI promoted recovery of locomotor activity and tactile sensation and concomitantly induced regrowth of corticospinal tract and serotonergic fibers. However, neither type 2 helper T (Th2)- nor IL-17-producing helper T (Th17)-conditioned cells had such effects. Activation of microglia and macrophages were observed in the spinal cords of Th1-transfered mice after SCI. Specifically, M2 subtype of microglia/macrophages was upregulated after Th1 cell transfer. Neutralization of interleukin 10 secreted by Th1-conditioned cells significantly attenuated the beneficial effects by Th1-conditioned lymphocytes after SCI. We also found that Th1-conditioned lymphocytes secreted significantly higher levels of neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), than Th2- or Th17-conditioned cells. Thus, adoptive transfer of pro-inflammatory Th1-conditioned cells has neuroprotective effects after SCI, with prospective implications in immunomodulatory treatment of CNS injury.

Prognostic value of TP/PD-ECGF and thrombocytosis in gastric carcinoma

AIM

Thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (TP/PD-ECGF) is upregulated in several cancers and plays an important role in angiogenesis and invasion of solid tumors. In this study, we investigated the expression of TP/PD-ECGF in gastric carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features and thrombocytosis, and also determined their prognostic significance.

METHODS

Ninety-eight tissue specimens were resected from patients with gastric carcinoma. The immunohistochemical staining was used for expression of TP/PD-ECGF, platelet counts (PLT) of all patients before surgery were recorded. Patients were divided into high and low TP/PD-ECGF expression groups. Correlations among TP/PD-ECGF expression, PLT and the clinicopathological features of the patients and their prognostic values were studied statistically.

RESULTS

Sixty-one cases of high TP/PD-ECGF expression (62%) and 37 cases of low TP/PD-ECGF expression (38%) were detected. There were 21 patients with thrombocytosis (21%). The results show that high TP/PD-ECGF expression was correlated positively with thrombocytosis (P = 0.046, r = 0.20). The 5-year overall survival rate was 46.0% in patients with low TP/PD-ECGF expression, whereas it was only 14.8% in patients with high TP/PD-ECGF expression (P = 0.000). The 5-year survival rate for patients with and without thrombocytosis were 9.5% and 31.2%, respectively, and there was a significant difference between them (P = 0.0001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high TP/PD-ECGF expression and thrombocytosis would play a role as independent prognostic factors in patients with gastric carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

High TP/PD-ECGF expression and thrombocytosis can be regarded as valuable tools for predicting overall survival in patients with gastric carcinoma.

Artemisiae capillaris herba induces prolonged survival of fully cardiac allografts and generates regulatory cells in mice

Inchingorei-san (TJ-117), a 6-component herbal medicine, is used in Japan for the treatment of vomiting, urticaria, and liver and kidney disorders with few side effects. In this study we investigated the effect of TJ-117 on alloimmune responses in murine cardiac allograft transplantation. CBA (H2(k)) mice underwent transplantation of a C57BL/6 (B6, H2(b)) heart with oral administration of TJ-117 (or 1 component of TJ-117) from the day of transplantation for 7 days. CBA recipients given 1 g/kg/d of TJ-117 showed prolonged B6 allograft survival (median survival time [MST], 23 days). Naive CBA mice rejected B6 cardiac grafts acutely (MST, 7 days). Moreover, Artemisiae capillaris herba (ACH; 1g/kg/d) 1 component of TJ-117, significantly prolonged B6 allograft survival (MST, > 100 days). However, the other 5 components of TJ-117 were individually less effective than TJ-117 or ACH. ACH also suppressed splenocyte proliferation and interferon-γ production. Secondary CBA recipient showed prolonged survival of B6 hearts after treatments with whole splenocytes from primary ACH-treated CBA recipients carrying B6 cardiac allografts for 30 days (MST, >50 days). Flow cytometry studies showed increased CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory cells in transplant recipients given ACH. In conclusion, ACH, 1 component of TJ-117, as well as TJ-117 induced hyporesponsiveness to fully allogeneic cardiac allografts with generation of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory cells.

Prevention of posttraumatic axon sprouting by blocking collapsin response mediator protein 2-mediated neurite outgrowth and tubulin polymerization

Epileptogenesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is likely due to a combination of increased excitability, disinhibition, and increased excitatory connectivity via aberrant axon sprouting. Targeting these pathways could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic epilepsy. Here, we tested this possibility using the novel anticonvulsant (R)-N-benzyl 2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((R)-lacosamide [LCM]), which acts on both voltage-gated sodium channels and collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), an axonal growth/guidance protein. LCM inhibited CRMP2-mediated neurite outgrowth, an effect phenocopied by CRMP2 knockdown. Mutation of LCM-binding sites in CRMP2 reduced the neurite inhibitory effect of LCM by ∼8-fold. LCM also reduced CRMP2-mediated tubulin polymerization. Thus, LCM selectively impairs CRMP2-mediated microtubule polymerization, which underlies its neurite outgrowth and branching. To determine whether LCM inhibits axon sprouting in vivo, LCM was injected into rats subjected to partial cortical isolation, an animal model of posttraumatic epileptogenesis that exhibits axon sprouting in cortical pyramidal neurons. Two weeks following injury, excitatory synaptic connectivity of cortical layer V pyramidal neurons was mapped using patch clamp recordings and laser scanning photostimulation of caged glutamate. In comparison with injured control animals, there was a significant decrease in the map size of excitatory synaptic connectivity in LCM-treated rats, suggesting that LCM treatment prevented enhanced excitatory synaptic connectivity due to posttraumatic axon sprouting. These findings suggest, for the first time, that LCM's mode of action involves interactions with CRMP2 to inhibit posttraumatic axon sprouting.

Association of Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Transcription Factor Gene Polymorphisms with Ischaemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between polymorphisms of the sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor ( SREBF) gene and ischaemic stroke. METHODS: The SREBF1c 54G>C and SREBPF2 1784G>C genotypes were assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 446 Han Chinese ischaemic stroke patients and 355 Han Chinese control subjects without cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: The frequencies of the SREBF2 1784G>C CC genotype and the C allele were significantly higher in the ischaemic stroke group than in controls. Patients with ischaemic stroke who had the SREBF2 1784G>C CC genotype had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, compared with ischaemic stroke patients and control subjects with the GC or GG genotypes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between SREBF2 1784G>C and ischaemic stroke; an inverse association was observed between HDL level and risk of ischaemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The CC genotype of the SREBF2 1784G>C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke, possibly through decreasing the HDL level, which was inversely associated with the risk of ischaemic stroke.

Adenomyosis completely encapsulated by muscle-like cavity in the mesorectum: a case report

A case of adenomyosis, completely encapsulated and located in the mesentery between the sigmoid colon and rectum, was admitted our hospital. We have reported the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the present case.

Elective neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to review the diagnostic performance of cervical lymph node metastases for assessment of elective neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and to determine the technique (using Methylene blue dye) that demonstrated the highest success rate with regard to the detection rate and sensitivity.

METHODS

Preoperative 24 h, 1 mL of 1.0% methylene blue was injected into the parenchyma surrounding the primary tumor with ultrasound guidance by a 27-gauge needle. Intra-operative lymph nodes that were stained blue and/or having afferent lymphatic channels stained blue were also considered to be excised. All stained blue nodes were defined by levels, number, site and were sent for frozen and permanent section histologic analysis.

RESULTS

For the 132 patients who underwent methylene blue dye, 1373 lymph nodes were removed. 7 lymph nodes had negative dye results but, in the end, had metastatic lymph nodes. 120 lymph nodes had both negative dye and lymph node results. The number of blue-dye lymph nodes was 1246 and the number of pathology metastatic nodes was 1079, so the pathological diagnose accordance rate was 87.8 percent. The nodal metastases often occur at level VI, IV, III, then in level II, and less in level I and V.

CONCLUSIONS

This method using methylene blue dye is feasible technically and is safe, and the findings correlate with cervical lymph node status. According to the pattern of blue dye lymph nodes and frozen-section histologic analysis, performing elective neck dissection is a reliable, safe surgical procedure for PTC.

A very low energy compact electron beam ion trap for spectroscopic research in Shanghai

In this paper, a new compact low energy electron beam ion trap, SH-PermEBIT, is reported. This electron beam ion trap (EBIT) can operate in the electron energy range of 60-5000 eV, with a current density of up to 100 A/cm(2). The low energy limit of this machine sets the record among the reported works so far. The magnetic field in the central drift tube region of this EBIT is around 0.5 T, produced by permanent magnets and soft iron. The design of this EBIT allows adjustment of the electron gun's axial position in the fringe field of the central magnetic field. This turned out to be very important for optimizing the magnetic field in the region of the electron gun and particularly important for low electron beam energy operation, since the magnetic field strength is not tunable with permanent magnets. In this work, transmission of the electron beam as well as the upper limit of the electron beam width under several conditions are measured. Spectral results from test operation of this EBIT at the electron energies of 60, 315, 2800, and 4100 eV are also reported.