Etiology and clinical features of 229 cases of bloodstream infection among Chinese HIV/AIDS patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS. The etiology varies in different regions and different periods. We aimed to survey the etiological and clinical features of BSIs in HIV patients in mainland China. We assessed all HIV patients with a positive blood culture in a Chinese teaching hospital from September 2009 through December 2014. We excluded those with specimens likely to have been contaminated. We used Pearson's chi-squared test to measure the differences in characteristics among subgroups of different pathogens. Among 2442 Chinese HIV-seropositive inpatients, 229 (9.38 %) experienced BSIs. The most common pathogens detected included Cryptococcus neoformans (22.7 %), Penicillium marneffei (18.8 %), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.3 %), and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (14.8 %). 30/229 (13.1 %) HIV patients with BSIs had a poor prognosis. BSIs are prevalent in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS in China. Fungi and mycobacteria are the predominant pathogens.

Passive Paradigm Single-Tone Elicited ERPs in Tension-Type Headaches and Migraine

The active 'oddball' event-related potential (ERP) P3 is elongated or reduced in migraine and tension-type headaches, indicating a deficit of active attention in these primary headaches. It is then reasonable to study the passive attention function in these headaches through the technology of passive paradigm singletone elicited ERPs. We invited 32 patients suffering from chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), 17 from frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETH) and 32 from interictal migraine without aura, as well as 28 healthy subjects to undergo passive paradigm single-tone ERPs. There were no statistically significant differences when the mean latencies and amplitudes of N1, P2, N2 or the mean latencies of P3 of the four groups were considered. In contrast, the P3 amplitudes were significantly reduced in the patient groups when compared with healthy controls. However, no further significant difference was found between patient groups when considering P3 amplitude. Our study demonstrated a deficit of passive attention in CTTH, FETH and migraine, but could not separate these headache types in this regard. The reduced P3 in patients might be due to the head pain experienced.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 induction regulates cadmium-induced autophagy in kidney

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic. Recent studies show that autophagy plays an essential role in Cd-induced kidney injury. However, the mechanisms of Cd-induced kidney injury accompanied by autophagy are still obscure. In the present study, we first confirmed that Cd induced kidney damage and dysfunction, along with autophagy, both in vivo and in vitro. Then, we observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced by Cd in both kidney tissues and cultured cells. Further studies showed that inhibition of COX-2 with celecoxib or RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the Cd-induced autophagy in kidney cells. In addition, blocking ER stress with 4-phenylbutyrate or RNAi partially counteracted COX-2 overexpression and autophagy induced by Cd, which suggested that ER stress was required for Cd-induced kidney autophagy. Significantly, our results showed that Cd activated ATF4 and induced its translocation to the nucleus. Knockdown of ATF4 inhibited Cd-induced COX-2 overexpression. While COX-2 overexpression is involved in renal dysfunction, there is no prior report on the role of COX-2 in autophagy regulation. The results of the current study suggest a novel molecular mechanism that the ER stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated COX-2 overexpression contributes to Cd-induced kidney autophagy and injury. The present study implies that COX-2 may be a potential target for therapy against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

[A comparative study of lacrimal magnetic resonance hydrography and lacrimal endoscopy examination in the diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal duct obstructive diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic value and treatment guidance of lacrimal magnetic resonance hydrography (LMRH) and lacrimal endoscopy examination in lacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data of 59 patients with epiphora who had LMRH examination in Tongji Hospital during June 2013 and January 2014. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) were used to process the three dimensions T2-weighted images (T2WI). The size of lacrimal sac, lacrimal mucosal lesions and the obstructed plane of nasolacrimal duct were observed. The lacrimal irrigation results were used as gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of LMRH in diagnosis of lacrimal duct obstructive diseases and the consistency between the two methods were analyzed. In addition, 22 cases had lacrimal endoscopy examination in less than half month after MRD. The results of lacrimal endoscopy were compared with LMRH images. The treatment method was made according to the results of LMRH and lacrimal endoscopy.

RESULTS

According to the results of lacrimal irrigation, among 78 eyes of 59 patients, 2 eyes were diagnosed as lacrimal canalicular obstruction (2.6%, 2/78), 8 eyes were diagnosed as nasolacrimal duct stenosis (10.3%, 8/78), 24 eyes were diagnosed as nasolacrimal duct obstruction (30.8%, 24/78), 44 eyes were diagnosed as nasolacrimal duct obstruction accompanied with chronic dacryocystitis (56.4%, 44/78). The other 40 eyes were negative controls. LMRH had a high degree of consistency with lacrimal irrigation in diagnosis of lacrimal duct obstructive diseases. The value of Kappa was 0.963 (P= 0.026). The sensitivity of MRD in diagnosis of lacrimal duct obstructive diseases was 97.4%, the specificity was 100%, the accuracy was 98.3%, the positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 95.2% . According to 40 eyes of the control group, the mean value of the maximum cross-sectional area of the lacrimal sac was: (10.9 ± 0.4) mm(2). Twenty-two eyes underwent lacrimal endoscopy examination and the endoscopic findings were consistent with LMRH diagnosis. The lesions in the lacrimal duct displayed more clearly and intuitively than the LMRH, while LMRH had its unique advantages in showing the size of lacrimal sac, the mucosal thickness of lacrimal duct, large foreign bodies and lesions around the lacrimal duct. According to the results of LMRH and lacrimal endoscopy, 2 eyes of canalicular obstruction, 8 eyes of nasolacrimal duct stenosis, 20 eyes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent lacrimal probing and stent implantation. Four eyes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction had drug treatment under lacrimal endoscopy. Thirty-eight eyes of chronic dacryocystitis underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. The other 6 eyes of chronic dacryocystitis underwent stent removal combined with endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

LMRH is a noninvasive and reliable method to examine the lacrimal duct obstruction. It can better display the size of lacrimal sac, lacrimal mucosal thickness and surrounding soft tissues of lacrimal duct. It is also a good complementary method of lacrimal endoscopy and has guiding significance for individualized treatment in patients with lacrimal duct obstruction.

Microwave photonic comb filter with ultra-fast tunability

A microwave comb filter with ultra-fast tunability is proposed based on the fundamental delay-line microwave photonic filter. The central frequency of the passband or stopband in such a filter can be rapidly adjusted, along with the independent tunability of the free spectral range (FSR). Experimental results show that the central frequency of the transfer function is electronically tuned with a frequency difference of half of the FSR at a speed of <100  ps. Such high-speed tunability is vital for high-speed microwave switching, frequency hopping, cognitive radio, and next-generation radar systems.

Probenecid protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting lysosomal and inflammatory damage in rats

Probenecid has been used for decades to treat gout, and recent studies have revealed it is also a specific inhibitor of the pannexin-1 channel. It has been reported that the pannexin-1 channel is involved in ischemic injury. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and the possible mechanisms of action of probenecid in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty minutes of transient global cerebral I/R injury was induced using the four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Different doses of probenecid were administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, or by gavage before or after reperfusion. Probenecid via all three routes protected against CA1 neuronal death when given before reperfusion. This protective effect continued when probenecid was given at 2h after reperfusion, but not at 6h. Interestingly, the protective effect regained if probenecid was given continuously for 7days after reperfusion. The release of cathepsin B and overexpression of calpain-1 after reperfusion were inhibited, while the upregulation of Hsp70 was strengthened by probenecid pre-treatment. Furthermore, the activation and proliferation of microglia and astrocytes after I/R injury were suppressed by continuous given for 7days, but only partly by a single dose at 6h of reperfusion. Thus, our data indicate that probenecid protects against transient global cerebral I/R injury probably by inhibiting calpain-cathepsin pathway and the inflammatory reaction.

[Transcriptome analysis of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB- 435 by RNA-seq]

The transcriptomic profiles of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 were investigated using the next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The DESeq package was used to screen the differentially expressed transcripts. A total of 229 genes with a significantly differential expression in MDA-MB-435 cells as compared with MCF-7 cells were obtained. Annotation of the biological functions of these genes through the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) v6.7 demonstrated that the 229 differentially expressed genes were mainly implicated in the biological functions related to cell adhesion and motion, antigen processing and presentation (via MHC class II), hormone response, extracellular structure organization, tissue remodeling, and cell proliferation regulation. Analysis of the individual genes demonstrated that MDA-MB-435 cells exhibited a higher tendency to metastasis and antigen processing and presentation, and lower ability to hormone response. Twenty most abundant transcripts in MDA-MB-435 cells, such as VIM, TNC, and CD74, represent its high potential for metastasis. Besides the genes previously reported to be involved in tumor metastasis and development, genes newly identified in this study could provide new clues for the diagnosis and prognosis of aggressive breast cancers.

γ-Aminoalcohol rearrangement applied to pentahydroxylated azepanes provides pyrrolidines epimeric to homoDMDP

A series of pentahydroxylated pyrrolidines, displaying five contiguous stereogenic centres and epimeric to α-glucosidase inhibitor homoDMDP, have been synthesized. The key step involves a γ-aminoalcohol rearrangement applied to polyhydroxylated azepanes. These five-membered iminosugars demonstrate micromolar inhibition of glycosidases.

Cancer testis antigen OY-TES-1: analysis of protein expression in ovarian cancer with tissue microarrays

Revised manuscript accepted for publication March 5, Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of cancer testis antigen OY-TES-1 as a vaccine for ovarian cancer (OC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A tissue microarray (TMA) containing 107 samples from OC tissues and 48 samples from OC adjacent tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry with the OY-TES-1 polyclonal antibody. The correlation between OY-TES-1 and clinic pathological traits of OC was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The expression of OY-TES-1 protein was found in 81% (87/107) of OC tissues and 56% (27/48) of OC adjacent tissues. The immunostaining intensity of OY-TES-1 in OC tissues was significantly higher than that in OC adjacent tissues tested (p = 0.040). OC adjacent tissues only demonstrated lower immunostaining intensity, whereas some of OC tissues presented higher immunostaining intensity and majority showed the heterogeneity of protein distribution. There was no statistically significant correlation found between OY-TES-1 expression and any other clinicopathological traits such as age, FIGO stage, pathological grade, and histological type.

CONCLUSIONS

OY-TES-1 was expressed in OC tissues with a high proportion, and some of OC tissues presented OY-TES-1 expression in high level vs OC adjacent tissues. OY-TES-1 could be an attractive target for immunotherapy for OC in the future.

Polarization-diversified photonic comb filter with independently tunable free spectrum range

A polarization-diversified photonic comb filter with tunable free spectrum range (FSR) is proposed using two variable differential group delay (DGD) elements in a loop configuration. Two different cosine transfer functions could be simultaneously realized on orthogonal polarization states. Experimental demonstrations also verify feasibilities in various reconfigurable transfer functions.

Evaluation methods on the nutritional status of stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess the effect of particular tools on the nutritional status of patients with stroke risk factors; to analyze these risk factors; to construct an assessment table; and to enable nurses to conduct fast and accurate assessment of the nutritional status of patients with stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Various nutritional assessment tools were employed to assess the nutritional status of stroke patients [(Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, NRS2002); (mini nutritional assessment, MNA), (subjective global assessment SGA), (malnutrition universal screening, MUST); (body composition, BCA)]. The leading disease-related factors of cerebral apoplexy were observed in patients with malnutrition. And a statistical analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The significant risk factors of cerebral apoplexy in malnourished patients older than 70 years were swallowing dysfunctions, disturbance of consciousness and reliance or half-reliance on feeding practices. The significant risk factors of malnutrition in patients with cerebral apoplexy were the decline in upper limb muscle strength, decline in the performance of various activities, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Disorders that affect the nutritional status of stroke patients can be used as evaluation tools, as described in the evaluation table. The clinical relevance of this study includes the following: to enable the clinical nursing staff to easily assess the patient's nutritional status in a timely manner; to improve compliance with nutritional evaluation; to provide clinical nutrition support to patients with stroke; and to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of the clinical outcomes of patients with cerebral apoplexy.

Photonic generation of phase-coded microwave signals with tunable carrier frequency

A photonic scheme to generate a phase-coded microwave signal with tunable carrier frequency based on a simple single-trip and two-pass structure is proposed. Facilitated by the fiber Bragg grating and phase modulator along the trip, both frequency doubling and signal phase coding could be achieved simultaneously. Phase-coded microwave signals at 20 and 22 GHz are experimentally generated.

Photonic arbitrary waveform generation based on crossed frequency to time mapping

Microwave photonic arbitrary waveform generation based on incoherent frequency-to-time-mapping (FTTM) accompanied by intersymbol interference, so called crossed FTTM (CFTTM). The pulse shape can be defined and tuned by properly adjusting the spectrum shaper (symbol shape) and the degree of intersymbol interference. UWB-, triangular-, rectangle-, comb- and user-defined pulse shapes are experimentally obtained.

Bandwidth improvement for slow light using amplification characteristics of cascaded vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

A scheme to improve the bandwidth of slow light using cascaded vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the scheme, a proper adjustment on the gain peaks of two cascaded VCSELs enables the generation of the desired composite gain spectrum, which has flat-top gain and delay profiles with enhanced peak values. By employing the improved gain and delay profiles in a slow light system, a large delay can be achieved within a wider bandwidth. In the experiment, by using two cascaded VCSELs, a tunable slow light up to 135 ps for a 5 Gbits/s pseudorandom binary sequence is demonstrated with relatively low signal distortion.

Photonic generation of impulse ultrawideband signals with switchable shapes and polarities based on frequency-to-time mapping

A photonic approach to generate impulse ultrawideband (UWB) signals with switchable shapes and polarities based on the frequency-to-time mapping technique is proposed and demonstrated. UWB monocycle, doublet, and triplet signals with two polarities can be obtained by adjusting the switchable spectrum shaper.

PDM RZ-to-NRZ and NRZ-to-PRZ format conversions using a variable DGD element inside a polarization-diversified loop

A novel scheme for bit-rate-variable polarization-division-multiplexed return-to-zero to nonreturn-to-zero and NRZ to pseudo-return-to-zero format conversions is proposed using a variable differential-group-delay element inside a polarization-diversified loop. Conversion for both 2×10 and 2×12.5 Gbit/s PDM signals are successfully demonstrated with approximately 1 dB additional power penalty by properly adjusting DGD values of the variable DGD element.

Simultaneous all-optical RZ-to-NRZ format conversion for two tributaries in PDM signal using a single section of highly nonlinear fiber

Simultaneous all-optical RZ-OOK to NRZ-OOK format conversion for two tributaries in PDM signal is demonstrated utilizing a single section of highly nonlinear fiber through polarization nonlinear loop mirror configuration. Less than 1-dB power penalty is achieved in a 2 × 12.5-Gb/s PDM system, and only 1.4-dB SNR penalty is obtained in a 2 × 40-Gb/s PDM system.

Psychological status of Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes: data review of Diabcare-China studies

AIM

To describe the status of glycaemic control, self-reported adherence to treatments, psychological well-being and quality of life in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes in 2006.

METHODS

Subjects having registered for care for > 12 months at a diabetes clinic were enrolled in this study. Glycaemic control was determined by HbA(1c) and plasma glucose levels; information about self-reported adherence to treatments was obtained by questionnaire; psychological well-being was assessed by use of a modified World Health Organization-5 Well-being Index; and quality of life was measured by use of a modified Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) survey. All data were tabulated and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 2702 patients were enrolled during 2006. Only 23% of patients achieved an HbA(1c) level of < 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) as per the 2007 China guideline for Type 2 diabetes and only 16.2% followed all treatment recommendations from healthcare providers. Of the patients, 46.0-68.6% of the patients showed positive psychological well-being. A quality-of-life survey showed that 28.5-50.6% of the patients experienced various diabetes-related emotional problems. Large percentages (approximately 50%) of patients were experiencing psychological insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although in China therapies for Type 2 diabetes are more effective and available than ever before, the patient outcomes remain disappointing. Problems with glycaemic control, self-reported adherence to treatments, psychological well-being and quality of life, all of which are key to diabetes control, are common among Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Onyx 18 embolisation of dural arteriovenous fistula via arterial and venous pathways: preliminary experience and evaluation of the short-term outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This paper mainly focuses on our preliminary experience and short-term outcome evaluation of embolisation of non-cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (ncsDAVFs) and cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (csDAVFs) using Onyx 18 (ev3, Plymouth, MN), and in combination with coils, via arterial and venous approaches, respectively.

METHODS

Between August 2008 and March 2010, 21 DAVFs (11 ncsDAVFs and 10 csDAVFs; age range: 28-68 years; 12 females and 9 males) were undertaken. Borden classification showed Type III in 1 and Type II in 10 ncsDAVFs, and Type II in 4 and Type I in 6 csDAVFs. Onyx 18 was used in 11 ncsDAVFs (10 via single feeder and 1 via 2 feeders). Onyx 18 or in combination with coils was used in 10 csDAVFs (9 via the inferior petrosal sinus and 1 via the superior ophthalmic vein).

RESULTS

Total occlusion in immediate angiography was achieved in 18 cases (85.7%; 10 ncsDAVFs and 8 csDAVFs), and near-total occlusion in 1 ncsDAVF and 2 csDAVFs. Onyx 18 was migrated into normal vasculature in two ncsDAVFs without any sequelae. One csDAVF had VI cranial nerve palsy post-operatively, which completely recovered 2 weeks post-embolisation. Follow-up angiography at 3-12 months showed complete occlusion in 20 cases (95.2%; 10 ncsDAVFs and 10 csDAVFs). One ncsDAVF (4.8%) recurred after 3 months and was successfully re-embolised.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results achieved after embolising 11 ncsDAVFs and 10 csDAVFs using Onyx 18 and in combination with coils via arterial and venous pathways, respectively, appeared to be safe, feasible and effective, as 95.2% of cases were totally occluded without any clinical sequelae.

Overexpression of Id3 induces apoptosis of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells

OBJECTIVES

Inhibitor of differentiation 3 (Id3) protein has been implicated in the control of multiple cell death signalling pathways and in aetiology of numerous diseases. The aims of this study were to construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP/Id3), containing human Id3 (hId3) fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and to determine effects of ectopic Id3 overexpression, on human lung adenocarcinoma cell (A549) proliferation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human Id3 cDNA was inserted into pEGFP-N1 vector to yield the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP/Id3. Cells were transfected with pEGFP or pEGFP/Id3, and proliferation of EGFP-expressing cells was monitored by flow cytometry (FCM) and confocal fluorescence microscopy. RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry were used to assess Id3 mRNA transcription and protein expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/7-AAD staining and FCM, while nuclear morphology of apoptotic cells was examined using Hoechst 33258 staining.

RESULTS

Over 4 days transfection with pEGFP, the proportion of EGFP-positive A549 cells peaked at approximately 60% by 48 h and remained stable over the next 48 h. In contrast, the proportion of EGFP-positive cells in cultures transfected with pEGFP/Id3 decreased from a peak of 60% at 48 h to <5% at 96 h, suggesting that Id3 expression inhibited cell proliferation or survival. Annexin V/7-AAD and Hoechst 33258 staining revealed significantly higher rates of apoptosis in pEGFP/Id3-transfected cells.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of Id3 triggered apoptosis in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, implicating Id3 in negative control of tumour growth. These Id3-induced pro-apoptotic signalling pathways require further study, but this preliminary investigation suggests that Id3 regulation could be exploited in anti-tumour therapies.

Comb filter with independently tunable wavelength spacing and bandwidth using cascaded variable differential group delay elements

An all-optical comb filter with independently tunable wavelength spacing and bandwidth (BW) is proposed. Using three cascaded variable differential-group-delay elements, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the tunability of the comb filter with >10 dB sidelobe reduction by adjusting three elements. The wavelength spacing is determined by the first filter module, while the sidelobe suppression ratio and the BW are defined by the middle and the last one, respectively.

AlGaN/GaN Structures Grown by HVPE: Growth and Characterization

This letter reports on multi-layer submicron epitaxial device structures grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). This is the first demonstration of both high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices and ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LED) emitting in the wavelength range from 305 to 340 nm based on AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/AlGaN heterostructures grown by HVPE. Two unique aspects of this technological approach are the growth of Al-containing epitaxial material by HVPE and use of HVPE to form submicron multi-layer epitaxial structures. The high performance of HVPE grown devices presented in this report demonstrates the significant potential that exists for HVPE growth technology for mass production of device epitaxial wafers.

Simultaneous NRZ-to-RZ format conversion and one-to-six error-free channel multicasting using a single pump in a highly nonlinear fiber

We demonstrate simultaneous 10-Gb/s NRZ-to-RZ format conversion and multicasting from one to many data channels in a highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) with only a single pump. Functionalities are achieved based on various nonlinear effects, such as four-wave-mixing (FWM), cross-gain-modulation (XGM) and cross-phase-modulation (XPM) between the pump channel and the NRZ data channel. Up to five and six converted data channels are error-free (10(-9) BER) as the wavelength spacing between the pump and the NRZ signal is set to 0.4-nm and 0.8-nm, respectively.

Distortionless large-ratio stretcher for ultra-short pulses using photonic crystal fiber

A large-ratio stretcher for ultra-short pulses is proposed based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF). Through proper design of the PCF structure, we obtain over 300-nm wavelength range with flattened dispersion characteristics. Analysis indicates that 1-km of such fiber can broaden over 10,000 times for ultra-short pulses with <100-fs pulse-width. Distortion due to dispersion and nonlinearity is negligible.

Self-phase-modulation based all-optical regeneration of PDM signals using a single section of highly-nonlinear fiber

We demonstrate simultaneous self-phase-modulation-based 2R regeneration of 2 x 10.65-Gb/s polarization-division-multiplexed (PDM) signals using a single section of highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF). Mitigation of inter-channel nonlinearities is achieved through a bidirectional configuration, rejecting of backward Stimulated Brillouin Scattering noise is obtained by signal re-polarizing before the offset filter and putting the center wavelength of filter at the short wavelength side of the signal. The power penalty improvement up to 2.0 dB for two PDM signals at 10(-9) BER is achieved.

Essential role of the unfolded protein response regulator GRP78/BiP in protection from neuronal apoptosis

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with dysfunction in protein quality control. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key site for protein synthesis, senses stressful conditions by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we report the creation of a novel mouse model where GRP78/BiP, a major ER chaperone and master regulator of UPR, is specifically eliminated in the Purkinje cells (PCs). GRP78 depleted PCs activate UPR including induction of GRP94, PDI, CHOP and GADD34, feedback suppression of eIF2α phosphorylation and apoptotic cell death. In contrast to current models of protein misfolding where abnormal accumulation of ubiquitinated protein is prominent, cytosolic ubiquitin staining is dramatically reduced in GRP78 null PCs. Ultrastructural evaluation reveals that the ER shows prominent dilatation with focal accumulation of electron-dense material within the ER. The mice show retarded growth and severe motor coordination defect by week 5 and cerebellar atrophy by week 13. Our studies uncover a novel link between GRP78 depletion and reduction in cytosolic ubiquitination and establish a novel mouse model of accelerated cerebellar degeneration with basic and clinical applications.

Toward quantifying the effectiveness of water trading under uncertainty

This paper presents a methodology for quantifying the effectiveness of water-trading under uncertainty, by developing an optimization model based on the interval-parameter two-stage stochastic program (TSP) technique. In the study, the effectiveness of a water-trading program is measured by the water volume that can be released through trading from a statistical point of view. The methodology can also deal with recourse water allocation problems generated by randomness in water availability and, at the same time, tackle uncertainties expressed as intervals in the trading system. The developed methodology was tested with a hypothetical water-trading program in an agricultural system in the Swift Current Creek watershed, Canada. Study results indicate that the methodology can effectively measure the effectiveness of a trading program through estimating the water volume being released through trading in a long-term view. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to analyze the effects of different trading costs on the trading program. It shows that the trading efforts would become ineffective when the trading costs are too high. The case study also demonstrates that the trading program is more effective in a dry season when total water availability is in shortage.

Diabetes induces rapid suppression of adaptive immunity followed by homeostatic T-cell proliferation

Surprisingly, the effect of acute diabetes on immunity has not been examined in detail. We, herein, show for the first time that untreated acute diabetes causes rapid lymphopenia followed by homeostatic T-cell proliferation. The diabetes-induced lymphopenia was associated with an immunosuppressed state that could be sufficiently strong to allow engraftment of fully allogeneic beta-cells or block rejection of islet transplants. In contrast, homeostatic proliferation and recovery of T-cell numbers were associated with islet rejection. Thus, the timing of islet transplant challenge in relation to diabetes induction was critical in determining whether islets were accepted or rejected. In addition, we tested whether diabetes-related immunosuppression could result in an overestimation of the efficacy of a tolerance-inducing protocol. Consistent with this possibility, a protocol targeting CD40L and ICOS that we have shown induces tolerance in diabetic recipients was unable to induce tolerance in non-diabetic recipients. The data uncover a previously unrecognized suppressive effect of diabetes on adaptive immunity. Furthermore, they suggest that the standard methods of testing new tolerance-inducing protocols in islet transplantation require modification and that diabetes itself can contribute to homeostatic proliferation, a process associated with autoimmunity and a resistance to tolerance induction.

Absence of GABA type A signaling in adult medial habenular neurons

Neural inhibition in the brain is mainly mediated by ionotropic GABA type A receptors. Apart from the GABA type A receptors, both K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter isoform 2 and the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase, are essential determinants for GABA type A receptor-mediated inhibition. By using immunofluorescent staining, we observed that K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter isoform 2, GABA type A receptor beta2/3 subunits and a presynaptically localized glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, were all absent in adult Sprague-Dawley rat medial habenular nucleus, while immunopositive staining for glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, GABA and GABA type B receptor type 2 subunit were present in the medial habenular nucleus. Consistent with the lack of GABA type A signaling as detected by immunohistochemistry, GABA (100 muM) evoked no measurable currents in the medial habenular nucleus but induced bicuculline-sensitive currents in the lateral habenular nucleus and in the CA1 area of hippocampus. We also failed to record miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in medial habenular nucleus neurons. These results support the idea that GABAergic transmission in medial habenular nucleus is probably not mediated by any of the most common GABA type A receptor subtypes. Our data suggest that GABA type B receptor-mediated inhibition may play a role in balancing neuronal excitation in this special region. Further exploration for factors determining medial habenular nucleus neural inhibition will lead to a more complete understanding of control of synaptic balance in the CNS.

A simulation-based interval two-stage stochastic model for agricultural non-point source pollution control through land retirement

This study presents a simulation-based interval two-stage stochastic programming (SITSP) model for agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution control through land retirement under uncertain conditions. The modeling framework was established by the development of an interval two-stage stochastic program, with its random parameters being provided by the statistical analysis of the simulation outcomes of a distributed water quality approach. The developed model can deal with the tradeoff between agricultural revenue and "off-site" water quality concern under random effluent discharge for a land retirement scheme through minimizing the expected value of long-term total economic and environmental cost. In addition, the uncertainties presented as interval numbers in the agriculture-water system can be effectively quantified with the interval programming. By subdividing the whole agricultural watershed into different zones, the most pollution-related sensitive cropland can be identified and an optimal land retirement scheme can be obtained through the modeling approach. The developed method was applied to the Swift Current Creek watershed in Canada for soil erosion control through land retirement. The Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) was used to simulate the sediment information for this case study. Obtained results indicate that the total economic and environmental cost of the entire agriculture-water system can be limited within an interval value for the optimal land retirement schemes. Meanwhile, a best and worst land retirement scheme was obtained for the study watershed under various uncertainties.

An inexact fuzzy two-stage stochastic model for quantifying the efficiency of nonpoint source effluent trading under uncertainty

Reduction of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution from agricultural lands is a major concern in most countries. One method to reduce NPS pollution is through land retirement programs. This method, however, may result in enormous economic costs especially when large sums of croplands need to be retired. To reduce the cost, effluent trading can be employed to couple with land retirement programs. However, the trading efforts can also become inefficient due to various uncertainties existing in stochastic, interval, and fuzzy formats in agricultural systems. Thus, it is desired to develop improved methods to effectively quantify the efficiency of potential trading efforts by considering those uncertainties. In this respect, this paper presents an inexact fuzzy two-stage stochastic programming model to tackle such problems. The proposed model can facilitate decision-making to implement trading efforts for agricultural NPS pollution reduction through land retirement programs. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through a hypothetical effluent trading program within a subcatchment of the Lake Tai Basin in China. The study results indicate that the efficiency of the trading program is significantly influenced by precipitation amount, agricultural activities, and level of discharge limits of pollutants. The results also show that the trading program will be more effective for low precipitation years and with stricter discharge limits.

Tachykinin NK3-receptor deficiency does not inhibit pulmonary eosinophilia in allergic mice

Tachykinins are important in the development of pulmonary inflammation in mice but the tachykinin receptor subtype mediating this response has not been defined. To elucidate the role of tachykinin NK3-receptors on allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation, studies were performed on ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized and challenged mice with genetic disruption of the tachykinin NK3-receptor (NK3-/-). Aerosol OVA (0.5%) challenge produced eosinophil influx into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue, goblet cell hyperplasia and damage to the airway epithelium of both NK3-/- mice and in wild type control mice (NK3+/+). There was no difference in the magnitude of these allergic inflammatory pulmonary responses between NK3-/- and NK3+/+ mice. These results find no role for tachykinin NK3-receptors on the pulmonary eosinophilia and lung damage after antigen challenge in mice.

Microenvironment-driven changes in the expression profile of hematopoietic cobblestone area-forming cells

Studies with ex vivo cultures of bone marrow have indicated the importance of the adherent layer as a primary reservoir of the most primitive hematopoietic stem cells, from which derivative stem cells and more differentiated progenitors are continuously generated. We used the Affymetrix GeneChip to analyze the mRNA expressions between bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells in the cobblestone areas (CA) and the free-floating cells released from the CA formations. Mouse bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cell line FDCP-Mix and S17 stromal cells were used in this study. Of the 12,000 genes on the chip, only 29 showed more than fivefold higher in CAFC; and for cells in the supernatant, only 55 showed fivefold higher expressions than in the cobblestone area-forming cells (CAFC). The hematopoietic cells in CAFC expressed genes associated with homing, adhesion, and suppression of differentiation, while the free-floating hematopoietic cells showed mature lineage markers and differentiation-specific genes. This confirmed the more primitive nature of the hematopoietic cells in the adherent layer. Of interest in the findings were the discoveries of many secreted and surface protein expressions in CA hematopoietic cells. This may imply interactions among the hematopoietic cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix in CA, which drive the growth, maturation, and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells.

[Surgical treatment to an old patient with right coronary artery aneurysm; report of a case]

The patient was 75-year-old woman. The patient was referred to our hospital for operation due to a developing right coronary artery aneurysm. The coronary artery angiography showed that the aneurysm was 3 cm in diameter which had not existed two years previously, and with a 75% distal stenosis. The operation was made during cardiac arrest. A sapheous vein graft was used to bypass to the distal artery first. Then the aneurysm was resected, and both proximal and distal arteries were ligated. The pacemaker was implanted on the third postoperative day for sick sinus syndrome, the patient got a better recovery. Surgical treatment should be recommended to coronary artery aneurysm, and sapheous vein was a good selection for bypass graft when the diameter of native artery was relatively large.

[Immunohistochemical study on ANP in the atria of electrocution]

By the immunohistochemical staining for ANP with LSAB method and the analysis of areas and grays of ANP with computer image analysis, it was found that the ANP granulus in right atria of electrocution were obviously depleted, compared with that in the control groups. The results showed that depletion of ANP granules in right atria could be used as a reference for the forensic diagnosis of electrocution and might benefit for the clinical therapy to the patients suffering from electric injuries.