Azimuthal Anisotropy in U+U and Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

Collisions between prolate uranium nuclei are used to study how particle production and azimuthal anisotropies depend on initial geometry in heavy-ion collisions. We report the two- and four-particle cumulants, v_{2}{2} and v_{2}{4}, for charged hadrons from U+U collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. Nearly fully overlapping collisions are selected based on the energy deposited by spectators in zero degree calorimeters (ZDCs). Within this sample, the observed dependence of v_{2}{2} on multiplicity demonstrates that ZDC information combined with multiplicity can preferentially select different overlap configurations in U+U collisions. We also show that v_{2} vs multiplicity can be better described by models, such as gluon saturation or quark participant models, that eliminate the dependence of the multiplicity on the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions.

[A new method for adult height prediction in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new method for predicting adult height (PAH) based on the theory of Bayley-Pinneau and to evaluate the feasibility of this method in predicting adult height of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) who were treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).

METHOD

(1) The new method for PAH, i.e. PAH = Height/percentage of adult height for bone age, was established according to the theory of Bayley-Pinneau and the data from the national growth survey of children in the nine cities of China in the year 2005. (2) Data from seventeen female patients with ICPP received GnRHa treatment and achieved final adult height (FAH) were collected. Before and during the treatment, PAH was calculated by the method of Bayley-Pinneau and the new method.

RESULT

The mean FAH(cm) of the 17 patients with ICPP was 159.81 ± 4.95. The PAH (cm), before and after treatment for 1, 2 and 3 years, were 156.53 ± 3.63, 157.71 ± 3.62, 158.60 ± 3.50, 161.46 ± 4.50 and 161.56 ± 3.77, 161.68 ± 3.44, 162.04 ± 4.42, 163.13 ± 2.36 respectively by using the new method (PAH-D) and Bayley-Pinneau method(PAH-BP). The mean value of (PAH-D-FAH) and (PAH-BP-FAH) were -1.96 cm and 1.48 cm. However, the 95% confidence interval was (-3.82 cm to -0.11 cm), (-1.60 cm to 4.55 cm) for (PAH-D-FAH) and (PAH-BP -FAH). There was no significant difference between the values obtained before and after treatment in terms of PAH by use of Bayley-Pinneau method. By the new method, however, the results showed that the PAH increased and improved further with prolonged treatment periods. And at the end of treatment, there was no significant difference between PAH and FAH. The correlation coefficient was 0.93. Regression analysis showed that the trend line was in parallel with baseline data.

CONCLUSION

The new method we established could predict better the final heights of girls with CPP who were treated with GnRHa.

TIFA, an inflammatory signaling adaptor, is tumor suppressive for liver cancer

TIFA (TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-interacting protein with a Forkhead-associated (FHA) domain), also called T2BP, was first identified using a yeast two-hybrid screening. TIFA contains a FHA domain, which directly binds phosphothreonine and phosphoserine, and a consensus TRAF6-binding motif. TIFA-mediated oligomerization and poly-ubiquitinylation of TRAF6 mediates signaling downstream of the Tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (TNFaR-I) and interleukin-1/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways. Examining TIFA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues microarrays, we noted marked decreases TIFA reactivity in tumor versus control samples. In agreement, we found that HCC cell lines show reduced TIFA expression levels versus normal liver controls. Reconstituting TIFA expression in HCC cell lines promoted two independent apoptosis signaling pathways: the induction of p53 and cell cycle arrest, and the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. In contrast, the expression of a non-oligomerizing mutant of TIFA impacted cells minimally, and suppression of TIFA expression protected cells from apoptosis. Mice bearing TIFA overexpression hepatocellular xenografts develop smaller tumors versus TIFA mutant tumors; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining demonstrates increased cell apoptosis, and decreased proliferation, reflecting cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, p53 has a greater role in decreased proliferation than cell death, as it appeared dispensable for TIFA-induced cell killing. The findings demonstrate a novel suppressive role of TIFA in HCC progression via promotion of cell death independent of p53.

Tenderness and sensory attributes of the longissimus lumborum muscles with different quality grades from Chinese fattened yellow crossbred steers

The objectives were to investigate intramuscular fat (IMF) content,Warner–Bratzler shear force(WBSF) and sensory attributes of Chinese fattened yellow crossbred steer beef with different quality grades, and to determine the relationship between WBSF and Chinese consumers' sensory tender. WBSF of grades A1 to A5 decreased from 50.6 N to 33.1 N with IMF % increased from4.26 to 24.55 (P b 0.05). Consumer panelists showed more likeability grades A4 and A5 with no difference between them. Grades A2 and A3 were slightly preferred (P b 0.05). Grade A1 was undesirable. A regression relationship between WBSF and sensory tender was found, which indicated that consumers disliked beef when WBSF N55.43 N and preferred those with WBSF b41.4 N. The range of 41.4 N to 55.43 N was intermediate. Hence, WBSF N55.43 & b41.4 N allow classification of tough and tender for beef tenderness for Chinese consumers, and grade A4 was recommended as suitable top grade.

Prevalence of Metabolically Healthy Obese and Metabolically Obese but Normal Weight in Adults Worldwide: A Meta-Analysis

The objective of the present study was to summarize the prevalence and influencing factors of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW) among people ≥ 18 years old in the general population worldwide. We searched for studies of the prevalence of MHO and MONW published in English and Chinese up to October 2013. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated by a random-effects model according to a Q test. The effects of gender, region, age, sample size, smoking, and alcohol consumption on MHO and MONW were analyzed. Differences between subgroups were assessed by chi-square test. Publication bias was estimated by Egger's test. Studies of MHO and MONW showed heterogeneity (I(2)=99.4% and I(2)=99.7%, respectively). The overall prevalence of MHO and MONW was 7.27% (95% CI 5.92-8.90%) and 19.98% (95% CI 16.54-23.94%), respectively. American populations had the highest MHO prevalence and European populations the highest MONW prevalence. Different patterns of MHO and MONW were observed in the subgroup analysis with respect to gender, age, sample size, smoking, alcohol consumption, and metabolically healthy criteria. The prevalence of both MHO and MONW were affected by gender, region, age, sample size, smoking, alcohol consumption, and metabolically healthy criteria, but studies showed high heterogeneity.

[Imaging features of factors related to blood supply from right inferior hepatic artery branches in hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the angiographic features and factors related to the blood supply from right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) branches in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Angiography images of blood supply from RIPA branches and clinical data from patients with HCC who had undergone tmnscatheter arterial chemoembolization in our hospital between 2009 and 2013 were collected for retrospective analysis. Angiographic features of the RIPA branches were assessed for correlation between treatment number, growth pattern, size, tumor location, and rates of blood supplying RIPA branches. Statistical analyses were carried out using chi-square test, t-test, Fisher's exact test and rank sum test.

RESULTS

The 140 patients included in the analysis were grouped according to primary HCC (n=63; group A) and recurrent HCC (n=77; group B) and no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for incidence of each nutrient branch or total number of nutrient branches. In group A, tumor size was associated with number of nutrient branches (P=0.047). There were 32 cases with HCC lesions in the bare area of the liver, and among those 26 of the cases were supplied by the posterior branch of RIPA. Each branch of RIPA showed greater firequency for particular blood supply areas; the anterior branch (n=55) and lateral branch (n=98) fed tumor lesions in segments 7 and 8, the posterior branch (n=98) fed tumor lesions in segments 6 and 7, and the supra-renal branch (n=10) fed tumor lesions in segment 6. The diaphragmatic branch always fed HCC partly located in segments 4 and 8 (n=17). Unique features were present on the digitally subtracted angiography (DSA) image for each nutrient branch and may be useful for distinguishing in clinical examination.

CONCLUSION

Cases of primary HCC and recurrent HCC are not distinguishable by incidence of each nutrient branch or total numbers of the nutrient branches. However, tumor size is related to the number of RIPA nutrient branches, and each RIPA nutrient branch shows a dominant preference for certain blood supply areas, with unique features on DSA.

Increased IL-21 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasalpolyps

BACKGROUND

IL-21 is a key cytokine for regulating B cell immunity, which is involved in several inflammatory conditions. This study sought to define a role for IL-21 in activated B lymphocytes and enhanced tissue eosinophilia in NP tissues during the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

METHODS

NP and uncinate process tissues were collected from 64 CRSwNP patients, 25 CRSsNP patients, and 29 control subjects. IL-21 expression was examined using IHC staining, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA, and its clinical implication was evaluated. Moreover, the effects of IL-21 on B cell differentiation and Ig production in cultured NP cells were examined in vitro.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein levels of IL-21 were significantly increased in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.05). Polyp IL-21 level was significantly associated with polyp size, tissue eosinophilia and asthma comorbidity, and recurrence after surgery (P < 0.05). Both Th1 and Th17 cells were the main cellular sources of IL-21 in polyp tissues. The percentage of IL-21(+) CD4(+) cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues and matched PBMCs (P < 0.01). Accordingly, the percentage of CD19(+) CD20(+/-) CD38(high) cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant IL-21 significantly increased the percentage of CD19(+) CD20(+/-) CD38(high) cells (plasmablasts) and IgG and IgA production in cultured NP cells in vitro (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Increased IL-21 level in polyp tissues was associated with disease severity, local B cell activation, and immunoglobulin production, suggesting that IL-21 might play an important role in promoting persistent mucosal inflammation in CRSwNP patients.

Factors Influencing Self-Management in Chinese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diabetes is a major public health problem in China. Diabetes self-management is critical for patients to achieved better health outcomes, however, previous studies have shown suboptimal diabetes self-management performance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with diabetes self-management in Chinese adults. The results showed that confrontation, resignation, overall health beliefs, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were factors associated with overall diabetes self-management performance and six aspects of diabetes self-management behaviors. There is some limited evidence to suggest that provider-patient communication, married individuals, higher educational level, and higher household income level may also be linked to better diabetes self-management practice. Having healthcare insurance and utilizing chronic illness resources generally appeared to have a favorable effect on diabetes self-management performance. In addition, there were a number of factors for which the evidence is too limited to be able to ascertain its strength of association with diabetes self-management practice. The findings of this review suggest that diabetes self-management behaviors are affected by a wide range of personal and environmental factors, which allow health care providers to develop theory-based strategies to improve diabetes-self-management behaviors in this population.

Precision Measurement of the Longitudinal Double-Spin Asymmetry for Inclusive Jet Production in Polarized Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

We report a new measurement of the midrapidity inclusive jet longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, A_{LL}, in polarized pp collisions at center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=200  GeV. The STAR data place stringent constraints on polarized parton distribution functions extracted at next-to-leading order from global analyses of inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (DIS), semi-inclusive DIS, and RHIC pp data. The measured asymmetries provide evidence at the 3σ level for positive gluon polarization in the Bjorken-x region x>0.05.

No influence of CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype on the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol in healthy Chinese subjects

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Nebivolol, a clinically important antihypertensive drug, mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, shows wide interindividual variability in pharmacokinetics. The CYP2D6*10 allele (100C>T; rs1065852), present at a high frequency in the Chinese population, is associated with alteration in the pharmacokinetics of many drugs, but its effect on the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype are associated with changes in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol in Chinese subjects.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy subjects were divided into three groups according to CYP2D6*1/*1 (n = 7), CYP2D6*1/*10 (n = 5) and CYP2D6*10/*10 (n = 12) genotypes. The *1/*1 homozygotes and *1/*10 heterozygotes were C allele carriers. All subjects received oral single dose of nebivolol and dextromethorphan. Blood and urine samples were gathered at various times.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol between the three CYP2D6*10 genotypes, and no gene-dose effect was seen. The pharmacokinetic parameters of CYP2D6*10/*10 subjects were also similar to those of CYP2D6*1 carriers. A weak relationship between CYP2D6 phenotype and nebivolol clearance was found.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype were not associated with significant alterations in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol. CYP2D6*10 alone does not account for the large interindividual differences observed in the disposition of nebivolol among Chinese healthy subjects.

Oxidative stress-induced C/EBPβ inhibits β-catenin signaling molecule involving in the pathology of preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress-induced trophoblast cell dysfunction is a major pathology in preeclampsia (PE). Recently, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) has been investigated as a tumor suppressor that participates in tumor invasion. However, the function of C/EBPβ in trophoblast cells remains unknown. Our study was designed to detect the expression of C/EBPβ in the preeclamptic placenta and to identify the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress.

METHODS

Human placental tissues with PE were collected. The expression of C/EBPβ and β-catenin were detected. Human first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell (HTR8/SVneo) line exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was employed as an oxidative stress model in vitro to investigate the effects of C/EBPβ on invasion and the expression of β-catenin. Moreover, first trimester-derived placental villous explants were used to verify the effects of C/EBPβ and β-catenin in placentation.

RESULTS

In preeclamptic placentas, C/EBPβ was overexpressed and β-catenin was decreased. In addition, C/EBPβ was found to have increased expression in H/R-treated HTR8/SVneo cells and villous explants. C/EBPβ knockdown and β-catenin activation could significantly promote the invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells, enhance the outgrowth and migration in villous explants and inhibit the excessive generation of intracellular ROS. These findings might be related to the increased activities of MMP-2/9 and the decreased expression of TIMP-1/2. Meanwhile, C/EBPβ knockdown remarkably increased the expression of β-catenin.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize that the oxidative stress-induced overexpression of C/EBPβ might influence the activity of MMPs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to affect the invasion of trophoblast cells, which then participate in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

[Imaging findings and transarterial therapy of primacy hepatic carcinoma fed by right renal capsular artery]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the characteristics of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) teed by the right renal capsular artery(RRCA) and to assess the technical success rate,tumor response and complications in patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) via the RRCA with or without other extrahepatic arteries and/or intrahepatic arteries.

METHODS

From July 2010 to February 2014,23 patients were treated by TACE via the RRCA. We evaluate the characteristics of tumor, the blood supply situation of RRCA and the technical success rate, complications and tumor response of TACE via the RRCA.

RESULTS

Tumor size was 90.60+/-48.23 mm. Of the 23 rumors,3 were located in segment V, 11 in segment VI and 9 in segment VII.8 cases were found to have RRCA supply at the first TACE session. The technical success rate was 100%.No severe complication occurred in 23 patients. Among the 23 patients, CR, PR, SD and PD were achieved in 3(13.0%), 10(43.5%), 2(8.7%), 8(34.8%) respectively. The objective response rate was 56.5%. The overall cumulative 6 month, 1-3-and 5-year survival rates and the median survival time were 82.6%, 52.2%,21.7%, 17.4% and 16.8 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RRCA can participate in tumor blood supply when it located in the right hepatic lobe and with a larger diameter, or it was small but located in the bare area.Superselective intubation of RRCA with microcatheter and precise TACE via right renal capsular artery is safe ,effective and feasible.

Effect of GnRHa 3.75 mg subcutaneously every 6 weeks on adult height in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of triptorelin 3.75 mg subcutaneously every 6 weeks on the final height in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP).

METHODS

Forty females with ICPP received triptorelin 3.75 mg every 6 weeks subcutaneously in our hospital from 2002 to December 2010 and reached their final heights were enrolled. These patients were treated with triptorelin alone (group A, n=17) or triptorelin+recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (group B, n=23). Height, weight, annual growth velocity (GV), sexual development, predicted adult height (PAH), and adverse effects were observed. Bone age (BA) and height standard deviation score (SDS) were monitored yearly.

RESULTS

Final adult heights (FAHs) were 159.81±1.20 cm and 161.01±1.02 cm in group A vs. group B, which exceeded target height (THt) by 1.51±1.04 cm, 4.86±0.94 cm, respectively. The values of (FAH-THt), (FAH-PAH posttreatment) showed significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05). FAH was positively correlated with Ht SDS-BA at the end of treatment, THt, course of rhGH treatment, and age of menarche (r2=0.66). Body mass index (BMI) increased after treatment in group B. However, there was no significant tendency of increase compared with healthy children at the same age. Ages of menarche and time to menarche from discontinuation were 11.74±0.16 vs. 12.18±0.15 years and 17.41±1.69 vs. 14.71±1.04 months in two groups.

CONCLUSION

The FAH was improved effectively by triptorelin 3.75 mg subcutaneously every 6 weeks, and more height gain could be achieved when rhGH was used concomitantly. BMI maintained steadily and ovarian function restored quickly after treatment discontinuation with the age of menarche similar to that of normal children. Neither significant side effect nor polycystic ovary syndrome was observed.

Abstinence rates among college cigarette smokers enrolled in a randomized clinical trial evaluating Quit and Win contests: The impact of concurrent hookah use

OBJECTIVE

To examine baseline characteristics and biochemically verified 1-, 4-, and 6-month tobacco quit rates among college students enrolled in a Quit and Win cessation trial, comparing those who concurrently smoke both hookah and cigarettes with those who deny hookah use.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted on data from 1217 college students enrolled in a Quit and Win tobacco cessation randomized clinical trial from 2010-2012. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses examined group differences in baseline characteristics and cotinine verified 30-day abstinence at 1, 4, and 6-month follow-up, adjusting for baseline covariates.

RESULTS

Participants smoked 11.5(±8.1) cigarettes per day on 28.5(±3.8) days/month, and 22% smoked hookah in the past 30days. Hookah smokers (n=270) were more likely to be male (p<0.0001), younger (p<0.0001), report more binge drinking (p<0.0001) and score higher on impulsivity (p<0.001). MLR results indicate that hookah users, when compared to non-users, had a 36% decrease in odds of self-reported 30-day abstinence at 4-months (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.45-0.93, p=0.02) and a 63% decrease in odds in biochemically verified continuous abstinence at 6-months (OR=0.37, CI=0.14-0.99, p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

College cigarette smokers who concurrently use hookah display several health risk factors and demonstrate lower short and long-term tobacco abstinence rates.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 promotes the stemness and chemoresistance of Lgr5(+) liver cancer initiating cells by suppressing negative regulators of β-catenin signaling

Cancer initiating cells (CICs) are responsible for the unrestrained cell growth and chemoresistance of malignant tumors. Histone demethylation has been shown to be crucial for self-renewal/differentiation of stem cells, but it remains elusive whether lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) regulates the stemness properties of CICs. Here we report that the abundant expression of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) is associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lgr5(+) HCC cells behave similarly to CICs and are highly tumorigenic and resistant to chemotherapeutic agents. Importantly, Lgr5(+) cells express higher levels of LSD1, which in turn regulates Lgr5 expression and promotes the self-renewal and drug resistance of Lgr5(+) CICs. Mechanistically, LSD1 promotes β-catenin activation by inhibiting the expression of several suppressors of β-catenin signaling, especially Prickle1 and APC in Lgr5(+) CICs, by directly regulating the levels of mono- and di-methylation of histone H3 lysine-4 at the promoters of these genes. Furthermore, LSD1-associated activation of the β-catenin signaling is essential for maintaining the activity of Lgr5(+) CICs. Together, our findings unravel the LSD1/Prickle1/APC/β-catenin signaling axis as a novel molecular circuit regulating the stemness and chemoresistance of hepatic Lgr5(+) CICs and provide potential targets to improve chemotherapeutic efficacies against HCC.

Tempering allorecognition to induce transplant tolerance with chemically modified apoptotic donor cells

The development of organ transplantation as a therapy for end-stage organ failure is among the most significant achievements of 20th century medicine, but chronic rejection remains a barrier to achieving long-term success. Current therapeutic regimens consist of immunosuppressive drugs that are efficient at delaying rejection but are associated with significant risks such as opportunistic infections, toxicity, and malignancy. Thus, the induction of specific immune tolerance to transplant antigens is the coveted aim of researchers. The use of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (ECDI)-treated, autoantigen-coupled syngeneic leukocytes has been developed as a specific immunotherapy in preclinical models of autoimmunity and is currently in a phase II clinical trial for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In this review, we discuss the use of allogeneic ECDI-treated apoptotic donor leukocytes (allo-ECDI-SP) as a strategy for inducing antigen-specific tolerance in allogeneic transplantation. Allo-ECDI-SP therapy induces long-term systemic immune tolerance to transplant antigens by subverting alloimmune recognition and exploiting apoptotic cell uptake pathways to recapitulate innate mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. Lastly, we discuss potential indications and challenges for transitioning allo-ECDI-SP therapy into clinical practice.

Viral vector-based improvement of optic nerve regeneration: characterization of individual axons' growth patterns and synaptogenesis in a visual target

Lack of axon growth ability in the central nervous system poses a major barrier to achieving functional connectivity after injury. Thus, a non-transgenic regenerative approach to reinnervating targets has important implications in clinical and research settings. Previous studies using knockout (KO) mice have demonstrated long distance axon regeneration. Using an optic nerve injury model, here we evaluate the efficacy of viral, RNAi and pharmacological approaches that target the PTEN and STAT3 pathways to improve long distance axon regeneration in wild type (WT) mice. Our data show that adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against PTEN (shPTEN) enhances retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration after crush injury. However, compared to the previous data in PTEN KO mice, AAV-shRNA results in a lesser degree of regeneration, likely due to incomplete gene silencing inherent to RNAi. In comparison, an extensive enhancement in regeneration is seen when AAV-shPTEN is coupled to AAV encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and to a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue, allowing axons to travel long distances and reach their target. We apply whole tissue imaging that facilitates three-dimensional visualization of single regenerating axons and document heterogeneous terminal patterns in the targets. This shows that some axonal populations generate extensive arbors and make synapses with the target neurons. Collectively, we show a combinatorial viral RNAi and pharmacological strategy that improves long distance regeneration in WT animals and provide single fiber projection data that indicates a degree of preservation of target recognition.

HLA-B*59:01: a marker for Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by methazolamide in Han Chinese

Methazolamide is an intraocular pressure-lowering drug that is used in the treatment of glaucoma and other ophthalmologic abnormalities. The use of methazolamide has been shown to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in patients of Asian ancestry. Methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN is associated with the presence of HLA-B59 serotype/HLA-B*59:01 in Korean and Japanese populations. To better understand the genetic risk factors for these adverse reactions in the Han Chinese population, we characterized the HLA class I genotypes of eight Chinese patients with methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN from 2008 to 2014. The frequency of HLA-B*59:01 was 87.5% (7/8) in the case patients, which was significantly different from 0% (0/30) in the methazolamide-tolerant patients (odds ratio (OR)=305.0; P=6.3 × 10(-7)) and 0.35% (1/283) in healthy subjects from the human major histocompatibility complex database (OR=1974.0; P=2.0 × 10(-12)). HLA-C*01:02, which is closely linked to HLA-B*59:01, had a weaker but notable association with methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN compared with the tolerant controls (OR=12.1; P=0.016) and general population (OR=15.5; P=2.0 × 10(-3)). The distribution of the HLA-B*59:01-C*01:02 haplotype was also significantly different in cases and controls. This study demonstrated a strong association between HLA-B*59:01 and methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN in the Han Chinese population for the first time. Pretherapy screening for HLA-B*59:01 would be useful to reduce the risk of methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN.