NKG2D blockade attenuated cardiac allograft vasculopathy in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation

A previous paper has reported that blockade of NKG2D was effective in protecting allograft in murine models of cardiac transplantation, but the mechanism of NKG2D blockade on attenuated cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was still unknown. In our current study, we found that wild-type recipients treated with anti-NKG2D monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4-immunoglobulin (I)g showed prolonged allograft survivals (>90 days, P < 0·001) significantly and attenuated CAV. These in-vivo results correlated with reduced alloantibody production, low expression of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6, while infiltration of regulatory T cells increased. IL-6 administration induced shorter allograft survival and higher CAV grade in CTLA-4-Ig plus anti-NKG2D mAb-treated recipients, whereas IL-17 had no significant effect on allograft survival and CAV grade in CTLA-4-Ig plus anti-NKG2D mAb-treated recipients. Furthermore, the prolonged allograft survival induced by NKG2D blockade was abrogated partially with depletion of regulatory T cells. In conclusion, blockade of NKG2D combined with CTLA-4-Ig attenuated CAV and this effect was associated with lower alloantibody production, inhibited IL-6 expression and enhanced expansion of regulatory T cells.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 incidence and associated risk factors among female sex workers in a high HIV-prevalence area of China

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can contribute to the spread of HIV. From March 2006 to November 2009, female sex workers (FSWs) in Yunnan, China were recruited into an open cohort study to determine incidence and risk factors for HSV-2 acquisition. Participants were interviewed and tested for HSV-2 and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every six months. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model with time-dependent variables was used to measure associations with HSV-2 acquisition. In 3.5 years, 83 incident cases of HSV-2 infection were diagnosed, yielding an overall incidence of 21.9 per 100 person years (PY) (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.8-26.3). Working in higher risk commercial sex venues, current Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, age of sexual debut <18 years and lack of a regular sex partner were independent factors associated with HSV-2 acquisition. The high incidence of HSV-2 suggests that prevention methods for HIV/STI control are urgently needed.

Multi-therapeutic effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on radiation-induced intestinal injury

Radiation-induced intestinal injuries (RIII) commonly occur in patients who suffer from pelvic or abdominal cancer. However, current management of these injuries is ineffective. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used in regenerative medicine and have achieved a high level of efficacy. In the present study, we hypothesised that human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAd-MSCs) could be used as potential tools to heal RIII. We observed that adult Sprague-Dawley rats that received whole-abdominal irradiation benefitted from hAd-MSC injection. hAd-MSCs had RIII-healing effects, including anti-inflammation, neovascularisation and maintenance of epithelium homeostasis, as indicated by elevated serum IL-10, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor in irradiated intestine, mobilisation of CD31-positive haematopoietic stem cells or haematopoietic progenitor cells, and the prolonged presence of Bmi1-positive cells within crypts. Consequently, after hAd-MSC treatment, irradiated rats survived longer than non-treated animals. These results suggest that hAd-MSCs have therapeutic potential for RIII management.

Associations between drug use and risk behaviours for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Yunnan, China

This is a cross-sectional study of 399 subjects conducted to explore the association between drug use and risk behaviour for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs), and also to study the prevalence of HIV/STIs among drug-using FSWs (DUFSWs) and non-DUFSWs in Yunnan province of China. Demographic information, mobility, sexual and drug-using behaviours were collected and subjects were tested for HIV/STIs. Mean age was 27 years (SD = ±7.8) and 94 (23.6%) tested positive for recent opiate use. Compared with non-DUFSWs, DUFSWs had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV (38% versus 4%, P ≤ 0.001), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2; 92% versus 60%, P ≤ 0.001) and STIs (95.7% versus 69.2%, P ≤ 0.001). DUFSWs had a significantly longer duration of commercial sex work compared with non-DUFSWs (median 5 versus 1 years, P ≤ 0.001), and had at least two clients in the last working day. DUFSWs were also more likely to work in low-end commercial sex venues and frequented a greater number of work locations than non-DUFSWs. Compared with non-DUFSWs, DUFSWs were more likely to exhibit riskier sexual behaviours and greater workplace mobility. Interventions targeting drug-related behavioural changes are needed urgently in this population in order to reduce rates of HIV and STIs.

The relationship between root concavities in first premolars and chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of first premolar root concavity on clinical indices of chronic periodontal disease and alveolar bone defects.

METHODS

Three-dimensional reconstruction by cone beam computed tomography was used to observe root surface anatomy and the type of alveolar bone defect seen in the mesial and distal sites of 272 first premolars from 99 patients who had presented with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal clinical indicators at each site were measured using a Florida Probe Corporation (Gainesville, FL, USA).

RESULTS

The incidence of mesial and distal root concavities of the maxillary first premolars was 100% and 39.3% respectively, and in the mandibular, the incidence was 42.5% and 31.3% respectively. The distributions of the different types of concavities in terms of both age and gender of the patients were not statistically significant. The mean probing depth and clinical attachment loss of the first premolars with root concavities were significantly higher than those without concavity (p < 0.05). Plaque accumulation was significantly different in the premolars with/without root concavities (p < 0.001). The type of alveolar bone defects with concavities was significantly different from those without concavities (p < 0.05). Ramp shape bone defects were dominant for teeth without concavities, while crater shape was seen for teeth with concavities.

CONCLUSION

Root concavities of the first premolars were associated with periodontal disease, and the type of interproximal alveolar bone defect. Root concavities may be important in contributing to local periodontal disease of the first premolars.

Carbon Black Filled Polyester as Electrically Conductive Master Batch for Fibers

Carbon black (CB) was added into a matrix of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by melt processing to prepare electrically conductive master batch (ECMB) for fiber applications. The amount of CB required to achieve a desired electrical property often results in poor mechanical properties of the final fibers. To solve this problem, a type of ECMB with a lower percolation threshold was designed by incorporating titanate coupling agent treated CB and using a matrix blend (adding polyethylene (PE) into PET). The effects of titanate coupling agent treatment and the matrix blend on the percolation threshold of ECMB are discussed and the effect of lower percolation threshold on the mechanical properties of final melt-spun fibers was investigated. The results indicated that titanate coupling agent treatment and a matrix blend are able to reduce the percolation threshold and thereby minimize problems with the mechanical properties of the final fibers, yet maintain the desirable electrical property.

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.