Research on the nutrition and cognition of high-risk stroke groups in community and the relevant factors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence rate of nutritional risk in high-risk stroke groups in community, analyze its influencing factors, and analyze and compare the relationship between nutritional risk or malnutrition assessed by different nutritional evaluation methods and cognitive function, so as to provide the basis and guidance for clinical nutritional assessment and support.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed for 1196 cases in high-risk stroke groups in community from December 2015 to January 2017. At the same time, the nutritional status of patients was evaluated using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and MNA-short form (MNA-SF), and the cognitive status of patients was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Moreover, the relevant influencing factors of nutritional risk and MMSE score were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

High-risk stroke groups in community suffered from a high risk of malnutrition. MNA-SF had a higher specificity and lower false positive rate than MNA. Nutritional risk occurred more easily in high-risk stroke groups in community with a history of diabetes mellitus, less physical exercise or light manual labor, daily use of multiple drugs, and higher age. Those with a higher nutritional risk were more prone to cognitive impairment. High-risk stroke groups in community, complicated with hyperhomocysteinemia, daily use of three or more kinds of prescription drugs, and a previous history of stroke, were accompanied by cognitive impairment easily.

CONCLUSIONS

MNA-SF can be used for the nutritional screening of high-risk stroke groups in community. For the high-risk stroke groups in community, the rational nutritional diet should be publicized, blood sugar should be controlled in a scientific manner and physical exercise should be moderately increased.

Bmi1 and BRG1 drive myocardial repair by regulating cardiac stem cell function in acute rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) occurs due to the accumulation of complications associated with rheumatic fever, and it results in high morbidity and mortality. The majority of cases of RHD are diagnosed in the chronic stages, when treatment options are limited. A small reservoir of cardiac stem cells is responsible for maintaining cardiac homeostasis and repairing tissue damage. Understanding the role of cardiac stem cells and the various proteins responsible for their functions in different pathological stages of RHD is an important area of investigation. Polycomb complex protein BMI-1 (Bmi1) and transcription activator BRG1 (BRG1) are associated with the maintenance of stemness in various types of stem cells. The present study investigated the role served by Bmi1 and BRG1 in cardiac stem cells during various pathological stages of RHD through immunohistochemistry and western blotting. A rat model of RHD was established via immunization with the Group A Streptococcus M5 protein. The rat was demonstrated to develop acute RHD 2 months after the final immunization, characterized by cardiac inflammation and tissue damage. Chronic RHD was identified 4 months after the final immunization, revealed by cardiac tissue compression and shrinkage. Expression of the cardiac stem cell marker mast/stem cell growth factor receptor kit was identified to be elevated during acute RHD, but downregulated in the chronic stages of RHD. A similar pattern of expression was revealed for Bmi1 and BRG1, indicating that they serve a role in regulating cardiac stem cell proliferation during acute RHD. These results suggest that cardiac stem cells serve a supportive role in the acute, but not chronic, stages of RHD via expression of Bmi1 and BRG1.

[Exploratory analysis on burden of disease attributable to asbestosis from 2006 to 2015]

Objective: To analyze the levels and trends of the burden of disease attributable to asbestosis from 2006 to 2015. Methods: Theincidence of asbestosis from 2006 to 2015 was used for calculation, with data of disability weight and remission rate from Global burden of disease study 2015 (GBD 2015) and DisMoD-MR 2.1 software for the calculation of duration and age of year onset. The reference template of GBD was adopted to calculate disability adjusted life year (DALY) , year of life lost (YLL) and year of lived with disability (YLD) value in order to analyze the level and changing trend of burden of disease attributable to asbestosis. Results: A total YLD attributable to asbestosis during 2006 and 2015 in China was 39632. The YLD burden of female was more severe than male, which accounted for 20361 in female and 19271 in male. In 2015, DALY attributable to asbestosis decreased from 8623.76 in 2006 to 6436. Among that, in 2015, YLD was 6436 and YLL was 73.76. 2006 had a highest level of DALY and 2008 had the lowest level of DALY, which accounted for 8623.76 in 2006 and 1558 in 2008. DALY during 2008 and 2015 had a fluctuant increase, and both male and female had such trend. Conclusion: The level of burden of disease attributable to asbestosis is higher in male than in female during 2006 and 2015. Between 2006 and 2015, burden of disease attributable to asbestosis has a fluctuant increase trend.

A synchrotron X-ray diffraction deconvolution method for the measurement of residual stress in thermal barrier coatings as a function of depth

The average residual stress distribution as a function of depth in an air plasma-sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia top coat used in thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems was measured using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction in reflection geometry on station I15 at Diamond Light Source, UK, employing a series of incidence angles. The stress values were calculated from data deconvoluted from diffraction patterns collected at increasing depths. The stress was found to be compressive through the thickness of the TBC and a fluctuation in the trend of the stress profile was indicated in some samples. Typically this fluctuation was observed to increase from the surface to the middle of the coating, decrease a little and then increase again towards the interface. The stress at the interface region was observed to be around 300 MPa, which agrees well with the reported values. The trend of the observed residual stress was found to be related to the crack distribution in the samples, in particular a large crack propagating from the middle of the coating. The method shows promise for the development of a nondestructive test for as-manufactured samples.

Personal identification based on skin texture features from the forearm and multi-modal imaging

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

We investigate the use of skin texture features from the inner forearm as a means for personal identification. The forearm offers a number of potential advantages in that it is a fairly accessible area, and, compared with other zones such as fingertips, is less exposed to the elements and more shielded from wear.

METHODS

We extract and combine skin textural features from two imaging devices (optical and capacitive) with the aim of discriminating between different individuals. Skin texture images from 43 subjects were acquired from three different body parts (back of the hand, forearm and palm); testing used the two sensors either separately or in combination.

RESULTS

Skin texture features from the forearm proved effective for discriminating between different individuals with overall recognition accuracy approaching 96%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that skin texture features from the forearm are highly individual-specific and therefore suitable for personal identification. Interestingly, forearm skin texture features yielded significantly better accuracy compared to the skin of the back of the hand and of the palm of the same subjects.

[Autocorrelation analysis of pneumoconiosis in China]

Objective: Using spatial autocorrelation analysis to study spatial distribution characteristics of pneumoconiosis in China. Methods: The incidence of pneumoconiosis of each province from 2009 to 2013 was calculated by reported data of pneumoconiosis and the number of employment in mining and manufacturing of each province from Chinese statistical yearbook. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis was im-plemented by global and local's Moran's I index respectively. Results: A total of 112 066 new cases of pneumo-coniosis were reported from 2009 to 2013 in China, Global Moran's I from 2009 to 2013 was -0.114、0.179、0.199、0.259 and 0.241 respectively. A total of 15 space units with statistical significance were detected by local spatial autocorrelation analysis, which were mainly high-high regions. Conclusion: There was weak global spa-tial autocorrelation relationship of the incidence of pneumoconiosis from 2010 to 2013 among the provinces in China. The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis suggested that there were clustering regions of pneumo-coniosis in the southwest and central south of China.

Skin image retrieval using Gabor wavelet texture feature

OBJECTIVE

Skin imaging plays a key role in many clinical studies. We have used many skin imaging techniques, including the recently developed capacitive contact skin imaging based on fingerprint sensors. The aim of this study was to develop an effective skin image retrieval technique using Gabor wavelet transform, which can be used on different types of skin images, but with a special focus on skin capacitive contact images.

METHODS

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) is a useful technology to retrieve stored images from database by supplying query images. In a typical CBIR, images are retrieved based on colour, shape, texture, etc. In this study, texture feature is used for retrieving skin images, and Gabor wavelet transform is used for texture feature description and extraction.

RESULTS

The results show that the Gabor wavelet texture features can work efficiently on different types of skin images. Although Gabor wavelet transform is slower compared with other image retrieval techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), Gabor wavelet transform is the best for retrieving skin capacitive contact images and facial images with different orientations. Gabor wavelet transform can also work well on facial images with different expressions and skin cancer/disease images.

CONCLUSION

We have developed an effective skin image retrieval method based on Gabor wavelet transform, that it is useful for retrieving different types of images, namely digital colour face images, digital colour skin cancer and skin disease images, and particularly greyscale skin capacitive contact images. Gabor wavelet transform can also be potentially useful for face recognition (with different orientation and expressions) and skin cancer/disease diagnosis.

Association between the pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population

We did a case-control study to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the association of the pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism with gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and December 2014, 182 patients newly diagnosed with primary gastric cancer and 182 control subjects were recruited at Zhengzhou People's Hospital. For SNP genotyping, we used the Assay Designer 3.1 to design the primers of polymerase chain reaction. Using the chi-square test, we found that patients with gastric cancer were more likely to be alcohol drinkers (χ(2) = 4.4, P = 0.04), to have a family history of cancer in the first relatives (χ(2) = 5.29, P = 0.02), and to be infected with Helicobacter pylori (χ(2) = 23.39, P < 0.001). A significant difference in the genotype distributions of rs11614913 was observed in our study (χ(2) = 6.66, P = 0.04). By logistic regression analysis, we found that the CC genotype of rs11614913 was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in a codominant model (OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.17-6.44). By stratification analysis, we found that the CC genotype was associated with a strongly increased risk of gastric cancer in drinkers when compared with the TT+TC genotype (OR = 5.63, 95%CI = 1.54-30.76). In conclusion, the results of our study suggest an association between the rs11614913 gene polymorphism and an elevated risk of gastric cancer, especially in drinkers.

Association between ERCC5 gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population

We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to investigate the association between 3 common SNPs in the ERCC5 gene (rs1047768, rs751402, and rs17655) and the risk of developing gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and December 2014, samples were collected from 216 gastric cancer patients and 216 control subjects. ERCC5 rs1047768, rs751402, and rs17655 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. By conditional logistic regression analysis, the GG genotype of rs17655 was found to be associated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer in a codominant model, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.96 (1.10-3.50). Moreover, in a dominant model, the CG + GG genotype of rs17655 was correlated with an increased risk of gastric cancer compared to the CC genotype (OR = 1.48; 95%CI = 1.00-2.22). rs1047768 and rs751402 were not significantly correlated with an increased or decreased gastric cancer risk.

Predictor of massive bleeding following stent placement for malignant oesophageal stricture/fistulae: a multicentre study

AIM

To evaluate retrospectively the incidence and predictors of massive bleeding after stent placement for malignant oesophageal stricture/fistulae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 519 patients with malignant oesophageal stricture/fistulae that were successfully treated with stent placement at three hospitals. The patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of massive bleeding. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictive factors of massive bleeding.

RESULTS

Massive bleeding occurred in 54 of 519 patients 1-37 days following stent placement. All of the patients who developed massive bleeding died within 24 hours of the event. Univariate analysis showed massive bleeding was associated with the presence of a concomitant tracheal stent (p<0.001), the existence of concomitant oesophageal fistulae (p<0.001), and prior radiotherapy (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis exhibited that concomitant tracheal stent insertion (odds ratio [OR], 23.134; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.523-56.199; p<0.001), the presence of oesophageal fistulae (OR, 3.724; 95% CI, 1.677-8.269; p=0.001), and prior radiotherapy (OR, 13.310; 95% CI, 5.464-32.421; p<0.001) were predictors of massive bleeding following stenting.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of oesophageal fistulae, prior radiotherapy, and concomitant tracheal stent are important factors contributing to bleeding after stenting.

Gray matter correlates of migraine and gender effect: A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of neuroimaging studies have revealed gray matter (GM) anomalies of several brain regions by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies in migraineurs. However, not all the studies reported entirely consistent findings. Our aim is to investigate concurrence across VBM studies to help clarify the structural anomalies underpinning this condition.

METHODS

A systematic search of VBM studies of patients with migraine and healthy controls (HC) published in PubMed and Embase databases from January 2000 to March 2014 was conducted. A quantitative meta-analysis of whole-brain VBM studies in patients with migraine compared with HC was performed by means of anisotropic effect size version of signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) software package.

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising 222 patients with migraine and 230 HC subjects were included in the present study. Compared to HC subjects, the patients group showed consistent decreased GM in the posterior insular-opercular regions, the prefrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Results remained largely unchanged in the following jackknife sensitivity analyses. Meta-regression analysis showed that a higher percentage of females in the patient sample was associated with decreased GM in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first quantitative whole-brain VBM meta-analysis in migraine showing strong evidence of brain GM anomalies within the pain-processing neural network. Further longitudinal investigations are needed to determine whether these structural anomalies are reversible with effective treatment on migraine.

A glimpse of matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic nephropathy

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes belonging to the family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are capable of degrading almost all the proteinaceous components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is known that MMPs play a role in a number of renal diseases, such as, various forms of glomerulonephritis and tubular diseases, including some of the inherited kidney diseases. In this regard, ECM accumulation is considered to be a hallmark morphologic finding of diabetic nephropathy, which not only is related to the excessive synthesis of matrix proteins, but also to their decreased degradation by the MMPs. In recent years, increasing evidence suggest that there is a good correlation between the activity or expression of MMPs and progression of renal disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy and in various experimental animal models. In such a diabetic milieu, the expression of MMPs is modulated by high glucose, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), TGF-β, reactive oxygen species (ROS), transcription factors and some of the microRNAs. In this review, we focused on the structure and functions of MMPs, and their role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

[Effects and clinical significance of virus load on red blood cell parameters in different stage of hepatitis B]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the viral load on the red blood cell parameters in chronic hepatitis B patients and its clinical significance.

METHODS

In the study, 373 chronic hepatitis B patients were recruited, including 123 alanine transaminase (ALT) normal patients (ALT<40 U/L),128 ALT greater than or equal to the upper limit of normal, and less than 2 times higher than the upper limit of normal patients(40 U/L ≤ALT<80 U/L), and 122 ALT greater than or equal to 2 times higher than the upper limit of normal patients (ALT≥80 U/L). The blood routine parameters were measured by automatic blood cell counter. The liver function parameters were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer, the hepatitis B virus loads were measured by quantitative PCR analyzer and the results were analyzed by covariance analysis.

RESULTS

In the ALT normal chronic hepatitis B patients group, the viral load had minor effects on the red blood cell parameters.But in the ALT abnormal chronic hepatitis B patients group, the viral load had a significant effect on the red blood cell parameters, and the effect was most manifest in the ALT≥ double upper limit of normal group. The specific performance was that with the viral load increasing, the red blood cell [low copies group (4.10±0.67)×10(12)/L,medium copies group (3.92±0.69)×10(12)/L,high copies group (3.54±0.90) ×10(12)/L], the hemoglobin[low copies group (129.66±21.12 ) g/L, medium copies group (126.23±23.38) g/L, high copies group (112.98±27.77) g/L], the hematocrit (low copies group 37.66±5.68, medium copies group 37.03±6.03, high copies group 33.34±8.15) decreased(P=0.006,0.007,0.010),the mean corpuscular volume [low copies group (92.17±6.53) fL, medium copies group (94.85±7.95) fL, high copies group (101.63±11.33) fL], the mean corpuscular hemoglobin [low copies group (31.70±2.22) pg, medium copies group (33.11±3.62) pg, high copies group (34.65±3.13) pg], the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [low copies group (344.28±17.17) g/L, medium copies group (351.33±16.90) g/L, high copies group (358.12±15.67) g/L], and the red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation [low copies group (52.49±9.04) fL, medium copies group (56.96±7.19) fL, high copies group (61.23 ±7.23) fL] increased(P=0.000,0.000,0.002,0.000).

CONCLUSION

Observing the effect of the viral load on the red blood cell parameters in chronic hepatitis B patients can reflect the effect of hepatitis B virus on the immune response and liver function in the different pathological stages, providing theoretical support for the clinical antiviral treatment.

Myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus frequently manifests as longitudinal and sometimes occurs at low disease activity

Background

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a relatively infrequent but severe complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Owing to its rarity and unfavorable outcome, we investigated its general features on MRI and incidence in the context of lupus activity, to facilitate early recognition and treatment.

Methods

We report a case of a young man with clinically inactive lupus nephritis but who presented with a sudden attack of myelitis. We performed systematic literature search in Medline to study the clinical features of SLE-related TM.

Results

From 1960 to April 2013, a total of 72 articles containing 194 cases of lupus myelitis were found. Among acquired articles, 93 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority of the cases (88.8%) were female. Longitudinal myelitis was the predominant imaging finding on MRI (71.4%, 45/63). Nearly two-thirds (61/94) of lupus myelitis occurred in association with active lupus, and one-third (33/94) occurred in low disease activity.

Conclusions

Upon literature review, we found myelitis in SLE more frequently manifested as longitudinal on MRI. Although lupus myelitis often presented at an active phase of SLE, one-third of events happened in the presence of low disease activity. Early initiation of effective immunosuppressive therapy facilitated recovery.

Biogas upgrading through kinetic separation of carbon dioxide and methane over Rb- and Cs-ZK-5 zeolites

Kinetic separation of CO₂from CH₄over rubidium or cesium-exchanged ZK-5 (KFI) zeolites for upgrade of biogas to renewable fuels.

Membrane Solvent Penetration Measurements Using Contact Imaging

Contact imaging using silicon fingerprint sensors, originally designed for biometric applications, has shown potential for skin hydration imaging and surface analysis. Previous studies have shown that such sensors are also sensitive to solvents with high dielectric constant values, ॉ, which may make them useful for solvent penetration measurements. This study presents recent investigations on solvent penetration through a silicone membrane and porcine tissue samples using contact imaging.

HLA-B*13:01 and the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome

BACKGROUND

Dapsone is used in the treatment of infections and inflammatory diseases. The dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, which is associated with a reported mortality of 9.9%, develops in about 0.5 to 3.6% of persons treated with the drug. Currently, no tests are available to predict the risk of the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome.

METHODS

We performed a genomewide association study involving 872 participants who had received dapsone as part of multidrug therapy for leprosy (39 participants with the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome and 833 controls), using log-additive tests of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and imputed HLA molecules. For a replication analysis, we genotyped 24 SNPs in an additional 31 participants with the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome and 1089 controls and performed next-generation sequencing for HLA-B and HLA-C typing at four-digit resolution in an independent series of 37 participants with the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome and 201 controls.

RESULTS

Genomewide association analysis showed that SNP rs2844573, located between the HLA-B and MICA loci, was significantly associated with the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome among patients with leprosy (odds ratio, 6.18; P=3.84×10(-13)). HLA-B*13:01 was confirmed to be a risk factor for the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (odds ratio, 20.53; P=6.84×10(-25)). The presence of HLA-B*13:01 had a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 85.7% as a predictor of the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, and its absence was associated with a reduction in risk by a factor of 7 (from 1.4% to 0.2%). HLA-B*13:01 is present in about 2 to 20% of Chinese persons, 1.5% of Japanese persons, 1 to 12% of Indians, and 2 to 4% of Southeast Asians but is largely absent in Europeans and Africans.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-B*13:01 was associated with the development of the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome among patients with leprosy. (Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and others.).

Rescue from dominant follicle atresia by follicle-stimulating hormone in mice

We investigated the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on atresia of the dominant follicle and changes in relevant apoptosis genes in granulosa cells of dominant follicles regulated by FSH in vivo. Four-week-old mice were administered FSH by intraperitoneal injection to induce follicular maturation. Granulosa cells of dominant follicles were collected at 48, 72, and 96 h after the first FSH injection. Phosphate-buffered saline was injected as a control. The mRNA levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells in dominant ovarian follicles was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis in granulosa cells of dominant follicles was almost TUNEL-negative at 48, 72-66, 72, and 96-90 h after the first FSH injection, but granulosa cell apoptosis in dominant follicles was clearly detected at 96, 102, and 102-96 h by TUNEL. The BIM, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower after FSH treatment at 72-66 and 96-90 h, compared with that at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05). Caspase-8 and FasL mRNA expressions did not respond to FSH. FSH rescued granulosa cells from apoptosis when the relevant apoptosis genes were upregulated in early atretic follicles. FSH did not rescue granulosa cells from apoptosis if the DNA was cut into fragments by endonucleases. Thus, the rescue by FSH of granulosa cells from apoptosis and dominant follicle atresia may be accomplished by inhibition of apoptosis in mitochondria.

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor A expression in mouse granulosa cells by lentivector-mediated RNAi

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been found responsible for the induction of proliferation and differentiation in granulosa cells. We constructed four short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids targeting the mouse VEGFA gene, and examined their effect on VEGF expression in mouse granulosa cells (MGC) in vitro. Four different shRNA oligonucleotides targeting the coding sequence of mouse VEGFA mRNA and one negative control (shNC) were designed and cloned into a pGPU6/GFP/Neo siRNA expression vector, and transiently transfected into MGC. At 48 h post-transfection, total RNA was extracted from the cells and subjected to qRT-PCR analysis. The most effective interference vector, shVEGF1487 was chosen for lentiviral construction. The recombinant plasmid was then transfected into 293FT cells via Lipofectamine(TM) 2000-mediated gene transfer, for the production of lentivirus, and then concentrated via ultracentrifugation. This lentiviral vector was then used for the transduction of MGC. VEGFA gene expression, apoptosis genes and VEGFA receptor genes were detected by qRT-PCR, the VEGFA protein level in culture media by ELISA assay and protein levels in MGC by Western blot analysis. The four VEGFA expression plasmids were successfully constructed and the most effective interference vector, shVEGF1487, was chosen for lentiviral production and MGC transduction. There was significant knockdown of the VEGFA gene, receptor genes and apoptosis genes for all the shVEGF constructs, compared with the shNC and Mock controls. The lentiviral vector also gave significant knockdown of the VEGFA gene. Protein levels were lower for most of the shVEGFs based on Western blot analysis with exception of VEGF1359; in this case, it was higher than shNC but lower than for the Mock group. Lentivector-transduced MGC also gave lower levels of protein. We conclude that shVEGF expression plasmids and lentivector carrying RNAi are promising tools for the inhibition of VEGF, the corresponding receptor genes, and apoptosis gene expression in MGC.

Increased circulating immunosuppressive CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells correlate with clinical cancer stage and pathological grade in patients with bladder carcinoma

This study investigated CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 64 patients with bladder carcinoma (BC) and 14 healthy controls. Cell phenotypes were determined and CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells, CD14(+)HLA-DR(+) cells and PBMCs depleted of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells were isolated. Proliferation of stimulated PBMCs and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production after addition of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) and CD14(+)HLA-DR(+) cells at different ratios were measured. IFN-γ production was also measured after addition of L-arginine and/or antitransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) neutralizing monoclonal antibody, and in PBMCs depleted of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells. The proportion of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells in BC patients was significantly higher than in controls. CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells significantly decreased T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in a dose-dependent manner. This suppressive activity was partially reversed by L-arginine or anti-TGF-β. Enhanced IFN-γ secretion was also seen in PBMCs depleted of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells. The level of CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells was associated with gender, tumour size, number of tumours, cancer pathological grade and clinical stage. CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) cells may represent a subpopulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in BC patients.

Prognostic significance of cyclinD1 amplification and the co-alteration of cyclinD1/pRb/ppRb in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

CyclinD1/pRb/ppRb is one of the most important pathways regulating the cell cycle, and related with the development of many cancers. However, the co-alteration of CyclinD1/pRb/ppRb in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas is less understood. This study aims to analyze the combined prognostic significance of cyclinD1 (CCND1) DNA amplification and the co-alteration of CCND1/pRb/ppRB in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. CCND1 DNA amplification and the protein expression of CCND1, pRb, and ppRb on 100 tumor specimens and 11 normal tissues were detected using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Their prognosis significance was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. We found that 41% of the patients had CCND1 DNA amplification, which had a short survival time compared with the patients without CCND1 amplification (25.63 months vs. not reached, P=0.007). The patients with the co-alternation of CCND1(+) /pRb(-) /ppRb(+) protein expression levels have a poorer overall survival than the others (11.4 vs. 43.4 months, P=0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that the co-alternation of CCND1/pRb/ppRb and CyclinD1 amplification were the two most independent prognosis factors of patients with esophageal cancer. These findings suggested that CCND1 amplification and co-alternation of CCND1(+) /pRb(-) /ppRb(+) may play a crucial role in the prognostic evaluation of patients with esophageal cancer, and the patients with CCND1(+) /pRb(-) /ppRb(+) have the worst prognosis in all the patients. The results also indicated that the patients with CCND1 amplification or co-alternation of CyclinD1(+) /pRb(-) /ppRb(+) might be the preponderant people for therapy targeting the CCND1/pRb/ppRb pathway in the future.

Detection of type III secretion gene as an indicator for pathogenic Edwardsiella tarda

AIMS

To differentiate pathogenic and nonpathogenic Edwardsiella tarda strains based on the detection of type III secretion system (T3SS) gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primers were designed to amplify Edw. tarda T3SS component gene esaV, catalase gene katB, haemolysin gene hlyA and 16S rRNA gene as an internal positive control. Genomic DNAs were extracted using a commercial isolation kit from 36 Edw. tarda strains consisting of 18 pathogenic and 18 nonpathogenic strains, and 50 ng of each DNA was used as the template for PCR amplification. PCR was performed with a thermocycler (TaKaRa TP600) in a 25-μl volume. Products of esaV were detected in all pathogenic strains, but not in nonpathogenic strains; katB was detected in all pathogenic strains and one of nonpathogenic strains; hlyA was not detected in any strains.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of esaV gene can be used for the assessment of pathogenic Edw. tarda strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The strategy using T3SS gene as the virulence indicator provides a useful tool for the clinical assessment of pathogenic Edw. tarda strains and prediction of edwardsiellosis risk in fish culture environments.

Development of an optimized protocol for primary culture of smooth muscle cells from rat thoracic aortas

Primary culture of smooth muscle cells has been widely used as a valuable tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and restenosis. Currently, tissue explants and enzymatic digestion methods are frequently applied to produce smooth muscle cells. Explants method is time consuming, usually taking several weeks. The enzymatic digestion method requires large amounts of proteolytic enzymes to generate enough cells for cardiovascular research. The present study reports an optimized method by combining both techniques to obtain high purity smooth muscle cells. The cultured cells exhibited the characteristic "hills and valleys" growth pattern as observed by phase contrast microscopy and showed alpha-SM-actin positive staining by indirect immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Purity of the cells is guaranteed by the lack of von Willebrand Factor immunoreactivity. Finally, the cultured cells well proliferate on oxidized-LDL stimulation, suggesting the practical utility of this new method.

Comparison of whole genome linkage scans in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: no bone-loss-specific QTLs were implicated

This study was conducted to investigate if there exist bone-loss-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for females. Genome-wide linkage scans were conducted in total, premenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. No QTLs exclusively were found in postmenopausal women, suggesting that no bone-loss-specific QTL was implicated independent of BMD in our sample.

INTRODUCTION

Bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women is determined jointly by peak bone mass achieved before menopause and by subsequent bone loss upon and after menopause. Peak bone mass is under strong genetic control, but whether bone loss has genetic determination independent of peak BMD is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate if there exist bone-loss-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for females, we conducted genome-wide linkage scans in 2,582 Caucasian females from 451 pedigrees including 1,486 premenopausal and 1,096 postmenopausal women. Linkage analyses were performed in the total sample and premenopausal and postmenopausal women subgroups, respectively, and the results were compared.

RESULTS

No linkage evidence was found exclusively in postmenopausal women. Linkage signals identified are largely consistent in the total, premenopausal, and postmenopausal samples. For example, for spine BMD, for the total sample, a significant linkage was obtained on 15q13 (LOD = 3.67), and LOD scores of 1.52 and 2.49 were achieved on 15q13 in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find any QTLs exclusively in postmenopausal women; hence, no specific QTL for bone loss was implicated independent of BMD in our female sample.

Influence of infrasound exposure on the whole L-type calcium currents in rat ventricular myocytes

This study was designed to examine the effect of infrasound exposure (5 Hz at 130 dB) on whole-cell L-type Ca2+ currents (WLCC) in rat ventricular myocytes and the underlying mechanism(s) involved. Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to infrasound exposure and control groups. [Ca2+](i), WLCC, mRNA expression of the a(1c) subunit of L-type Ca2+ channels (LCC), and SERCA2 protein were examined on day 1, 7, and 14 after initiation of infrasound exposure. Fluo-3/AM fluorescence and the laser scanning confocal microscope techniques were used to measure [Ca2+](i) in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes. The Ca2+ fluorescence intensity (FI), denoting [Ca2+](i) in cardiomyocytes, was significantly elevated in a time-dependent manner in the exposure groups. There was a significant increase in WLCC in the 1-day group and a further significant increase in the 7- and 14-day groups. LCC mRNA expression measured by RT-PCR revealed a significant rise in the 1-day group and a significant additional rise in the 7- and 14-day groups compared with control group. SERCA2 expression was significantly upregulated in the 1-day group followed by an overt decrease in the 7- and 14-day groups. Prolonged exposure of infrasound altered WLCC in rat cardiomyocytes by shifting the steady-state inactivation curves to the right (more depolarized direction) without altering the slope and biophysical properties of I (Ca,L). Taken together, our data suggest that changes in [Ca2+](I) levels as well as expression of LCC and SERCA2 may contribute to the infrasound exposure-elicited cardiac response.

Closed-chamber transepidermal water loss measurement: microclimate, calibration and performance

The importance of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as a measure of the skin barrier is well recognized. Currently, the open-chamber method is dominant, but it is increasingly challenged by newer closed-chamber technologies. Whilst there is familiarity with open-chamber characteristics, there is uncertainty about the capabilities of the challengers. The main issues are related to how microclimate affects TEWL measurements. The aim of this paper is to provide a framework for understanding the effects of microclimate on TEWL measurement. Part of the problem is that TEWL measurement is indirect. TEWL is the diffusion of condensed water through the stratum corneum (SC), whereas TEWL methods measure water vapour flux in the air above the SC. This vapour flux depends on (i) the rate of supply of water to the skin surface and (ii) the rate of evaporation of water from the skin surface. Rate (i) is a skin property (TEWL), rate (ii) is a microclimate property. The controlling rate for the combined process is the lower of the above two rates. Therefore, TEWL instruments measure TEWL only when TEWL is the rate-limiting process. Another problem is that SC barrier property and SC hydration are affected by the microclimate adjacent to the skin surface. This is discussed insofar as it affects the measurement of TEWL. The conclusion is that such changes occur on a timescale that is long compared with TEWL measurement times. An important aspect of TEWL measurement is calibration. We present an analysis of the traditional wet-cup method and a new droplet method that is traceable and has been independently verified by a standards laboratory. Finally, we review performance indicators of commercial closed-chamber instruments with reference to open-chamber instruments. The main findings are that TEWL readings correlate well, but there are significant differences in the other aspects of performance.

A whole genome linkage scan for QTLs underlying peak bone mineral density

We conducted a whole genome linkage scan for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying peak bone mineral density (PBMD). Our efforts identified several potential genomic regions for PBMD and highlighted the importance of epistatic interaction and sex-specific analyses in identifying genetic regions underlying PBMD variation.

INTRODUCTION

Peak bone mineral density (PBMD) is an important clinical risk predictor of osteoporosis and explains a large part of bone mineral density (BMD) variation.

METHODS

To detect susceptive quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PBMD variation including consideration of epistatic and sex-specific effects, we conducted a whole genome linkage scan (WGLS) for PBMD using 2,200 Caucasians from 207 pedigrees, aged 20-50 years. All the individuals were genotyped with 410 microsatellite markers. In addition to WGLS in the total combined sample of males and females, we conducted epistatic interaction analyses, and sex-specific subgroup linkage analyses.

RESULTS

We identified several potential genomic regions that met the criteria for suggestive linkage. The most impressing region is 12p12 for hip PBMD (LOD = 2.79) in the total sample. Epistatic interaction analyses found a significant epistatic interaction between 12p12 and 22q13 (p = 0.0021) for hip PBMD. Additionally, we detected suggestive linkage evidence at 15q26 (LOD = 2.93), 2p13 (LOD = 2.64), and Xq27 (LOD = 2.64). Sex-specific analyses suggested the presence of sex-specific QTLs for PBMD variation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our efforts identified several potential regions for PBMD and highlighted the importance of epistatic interaction and sex-specific analyses in identifying genetic regions underlying PBMD variation.