Genetic variation and clonal diversity of Bromus ircutensis Kom. in the Otingdag sandy land detected by ISSR markers

Genetic variation and clonal diversity of nine populations of Bromus ircutensis Kom. from the Otingdag sandy land were investigated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 102 bands were amplified by using II ISSR primers chosen for the study. Among those 99% were polymorphic indicating high level of genetic variation at the species level with a mean genetic diversity (H) of 0.292 and Shannon information index (1) of 0.450. Percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) of nine populations was 76.48% on average, which provides more evidence of considerable genetic variation at the population level. AMOVA analysis revealed that total genetic variation was higher within populations (87.06%) than between populations (12.94%), which is mainly the result of the extensive gene flow (Nm = 1.682) among B. ircutensis populations. UPGMA cluster analysis divided the nine populations into two groups. There was significant or moderate negative correlations between genetic diversity parameters (PPL, H, 1) and longitude or latitude. Mantel test also showed a significant correlation between geographical distance and genetic distance (r = 0.681, p = 0.002). Our findings indicated that distribution of B. ircutensis populations was influenced by geographical and ecological factors. Clonal diversity was also high with 108 individuals identified by 11 ISSR primers being all of different genets. Our results provide a molecular basis for sustainable management and conservation ofB. ircutensis in the study area.

A novel end-to-side anastomosis technique for hepatic rearterialization in rat orthotopic liver transplantation to accommodate size mismatches between vessels

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We present our modification of a sutured arterial anastomosis in orthotopic rat liver transplantation as well as a literature survey and analysis of the existing techniques of rearterialization with regard to technical difficulties and potential limitations.

METHODS

The donor common hepatic artery (CHA) was anastomosed to the enlarged lumen of the recipient proper hepatic artery (PHA), tailored to match the size of the donor CHA, with an end-to-side interrupted suture technique. Vascular patency of hepatic rearterialization was assessed both intraoperatively and at the time the liver grafts were harvested (postoperative days 2 and 28). The effect of arterialization on hepatic morphology was confirmed by histological examination and compared to nonarterialized rat orthotopic liver transplantation.

RESULTS

The CHAs had a significantly larger diameter (up to 3-fold) compared to the PHAs, which represents a considerable size mismatch. The anastomosis procedure including the size adaptation required 15-25 min. All anastomoses were patent immediately, 5 min after rearterialization and at both harvest time points. The liver lobular architecture was intact in the rearterialized group, whereas a moderate degree of bile duct proliferation and portal/lobular lymphocytic infiltration were observed in the nonarterialized group.

CONCLUSION

The new technique is a time-consuming and microsurgically challenging but universally applicable and robust procedure accommodating even a substantial mismatch in vessel diameter.

Impact of a novel nutritional formula on asthma control and biomarkers of allergic airway inflammation in children

BACKGROUND

A novel nutritional formula (NNF) enriched in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and gamma-linolenic fatty acids and antioxidants reduces airway inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, but NNF has not been evaluated in chronic inflammatory diseases such as persistent asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, compliance, and safety of NNF in asthmatic children.

METHODS

Children, 6-14 years of age, with mild to moderate persistent asthma, on as needed albuterol alone, were randomized to receive daily NNF (n=23) or control formula (n=20) for 12 weeks, with multiple assessments of asthma control, spirometry, measures of airway inflammation, formula tolerance, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Daily consumption of either NNF or a control formula showed improvement in asthma-free days over time (P=0.04) but there was no difference between groups. However, the NNF group had lower exhaled nitric oxide levels compared with the control group at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.05). An overall group difference in log FEV1 PC20 (P=0.05) was found in favour of the NNF group as well. Significantly higher levels of EPA in plasma (P<0.01) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) (P<0.01) phospholipids in the NNF group compared with control group within 2 weeks indicated good adherence with daily NNF intake. There were no differences in adverse events for NNF vs. control after 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NNF and control groups demonstrated improvement in asthma-free days. NNF-treated group had reduced biomarkers of disease activity. Rapid PBMC fatty acid composition changes reflected an anti-inflammatory profile. Dietary supplementation with NNF was safe and well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01087710).

A descriptive study of the prevalence of psychological distress and mental disorders in the Canadian population: comparison between low-income and non-low-income populations

Objective

This descriptive study compares rates of high psychological distress and mental disorders between low-income and non-low-income populations in Canada.

Methods

Data were collected through the Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS 1.2), which surveyed 36 984 Canadians aged 15 or over; 17.9% (n = 6620) was classified within the low-income population using the Low Income Measure. The K-10 was used to measure psychological distress and the CIDI for assessing mental disorders.

Results

One out of 5 Canadians reported high psychological distress, and 1 out of 10 reported at least one of the five mental disorders surveyed or substance abuse. Women, single, separated or divorced respondents, non-immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians were more likely to report suffering from psychological distress or from mental disorders and substance abuse. Rates of reported psychological distress and of mental disorders and substance abuse were much higher in low-income populations, and these differences were statistically consistent in most of the sociodemographic strata.

Conclusion

This study helps determine the vulnerable groups in mental health for which prevention and promotion programs could be designed.

A descriptive study of the prevalence of psychological distress and mental disorders in the Canadian population: comparison between low-income and non-low-income populations

OBJECTIVE

This descriptive study compares rates of high psychological distress and mental disorders between low-income and non-low-income populations in Canada.

METHODS

Data were collected through the Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS 1.2), which surveyed 36 984 Canadians aged 15 or over; 17.9% (n = 6620) was classified within the low-income population using the Low Income Measure. The K-10 was used to measure psychological distress and the CIDI for assessing mental disorders.

RESULTS

One out of 5 Canadians reported high psychological distress, and 1 out of 10 reported at least one of the five mental disorders surveyed or substance abuse. Women, single, separated or divorced respondents, non-immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians were more likely to report suffering from psychological distress or from mental disorders and substance abuse. Rates of reported psychological distress and of mental disorders and substance abuse were much higher in low-income populations, and these differences were statistically consistent in most of the sociodemographic strata.

CONCLUSION

This study helps determine the vulnerable groups in mental health for which prevention and promotion programs could be designed.

What are the clinical and radiological characteristics of spinal injuries from physical abuse: a systematic review

AIM

Systematic review of 'What are the clinical and radiological characteristics of inflicted spinal injury?'

METHODS

Literature search of 20 electronic databases, websites, references and bibliographies (1950-2009) using selected keywords. Critical appraisal: by two trained reviewers, (a third review, if discrepant).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

primary studies of inflicted spinal injury in children <18 years, alive at presentation, with a high surety of diagnosis of abuse and sufficient detail to analyse.

RESULTS

19 studies of 25 children were included. Twelve children (median age 5 months) had cervical injury. In seven cases, the clinical signs of spinal injury were masked by respiratory symptoms and impaired levels of consciousness; six of these children had coexistent inflicted head trauma. Twelve children had thoraco-lumbar injury (median age 13.5 months), 10/12 had lesions at T11-L2, and 9/12 had fracture dislocations. All children had focal signs: 10/12 had lumbar kyphosis or thoraco-lumbar swelling, and two had focal neurology. One child had cervical, thoracic and sacral injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal injury is a potentially devastating inflicted injury in infants and young children. The published evidence base is limited. However, this case series leads us to recommend that any clinical or radiological indication of spinal injury warrants an MRI. In children undergoing brain MRI for abusive head trauma, consideration should be given to including an MRI of the spine. All skeletal surveys in children with suspected abuse should include lateral views of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine. Further prospective comparative studies would define the discriminating features of inflicted spinal injuries.

Molecular detection of novel adenoviruses in fecal specimens of captive monkeys with diarrhea in China

Adenovirus (AdV) has been recently detected among monkeys with diarrhea in a major research primate colony in China. To better assess disease burden and epidemiology of adenoviruses in the colony, we examined the prevalence of this virus in fecal specimens by PCR using broadly reactive hexon gene-specific primers. Of the 29 strains that were characterized by sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we identified a broad spectrum of simian AdV (SAdV) types, including species SAdV-A (n=14) and HAdV-G (n=9). Six additional strains represented two genetic clusters distantly related to other known SAdVs. A better understanding of the epidemiology of SAdVs and their potential role in gastroenteritis is critical to the implementation of advanced prevention strategies against AdV infection in captive primates.

Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of digital gangrene in 2684 lupus patients

The aim of the study is to assess the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with digital gangrene. In all, 2684 consecutive SLE inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 1997 to August 2007 were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings as well as therapeutic regimens were systematically reviewed and a database was established. Cases with digital gangrene were identified and followed up. 1) Eighteen patients with SLE were complicated with digital gangrene, the average age at event was 33.1 ± 11.8 years and the average disease duration was 99.1 ± 60.1 months. 2) Patients with SLE, with long disease duration (≥4 years), Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were more likely to develop digital gangrene, P = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.031, respectively, OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.01, 1.04), 35.76 (95% CI 4.67, 273.83) and 9.93 (95% CI 1.23, 80.30), respectively. 3) Fifteen gangrene patients started prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d, and 18 were treated with cyclophosphamide, although 8 cases failed and ultimately received digital amputation. Prompt corticosteroid treatment (prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d started within 3 weeks) decreased the hazard of amputation, P = 0.073, HR = 0.13 (95% CI 0.01, 1.21). Long disease duration, Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum CRP were independent predictive factors for SLE to develop digital gangrene. Early and aggressive corticosteroid treatment prevented gangrene from progression and improved prognosis.