P1585Increased circulating galectin 1 level is associated with progression of kidney function decline in patients with suspected coronary artery disease, independent of diabetes

Background

Galectin-1 modulates acute and chronic inflammation, and is associated with glucose homeostasis and chronic renal disease. Whether serum Galectin-1 levels could predict the short-term and long-term renal outcomes after contrast exposure in patients with suspected coronary artery disease remains uncertain.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Galectin-1 levels and the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy and to investigate the predictive role of circulating galectin-1 levels in renal function decline in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods

In total, 798 patients who had received coronary angiography were enrolled. Serum galectin-1 levels were determined before administration of contrast media. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as a rise in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or a 25% increase from baseline within 48 h after the procedure. Progressive renal function decline was defined as >30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate after discharge. All patients were followed up for at least one year or until the occurrence of death after coronary angiography.

Results

Overall, contrast-induced nephropathy occurred in 41 (5.1%) patients. During a median follow-up of 1.4±1.1 years, 80 (10.0%) cases had subsequent decline in renal function. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, kidney function, traditional risk factors, and medications, higher galectin-1 level was found to be independently associated with a higher risk for mortality and renal function decline (tertile 2, HR=3.12 95% CI,1.25–7.78; tertile 3, HR=3.25, 95% CI,1.42–7.41) but not for contrast-induced nephropathy, regardless of the presence of diabetes.

Conclusions

Higher baseline serum galectin-1 levels were associated with a higher risk of mortality and renal function decline in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Galectin-1 may play a pivotal role in progressive renal dysfunction, but further studies are needed to verify these results.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST 104-2314-B-075-047), Taipei Veterans General Hospital (V105C-0207, V106C-045, V108C-195)

Abstract 919: Intercalated Disk Protein Xin-beta is Required for the Hippo/YAP Signaling in the Heart

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of death and disability. Despite this alarming fact, there is lack of effectual treatment and the molecular mechanisms underlying these devastating diseases remain elusive. Intercalated disk (ICD) is not only essential for the integrity of cardiomyocytes to withstand the strong mechanical forces imposed by constant heart beating; it is also critical for the dissemination of the electrical signal that initiates cardiac contraction. However, relatively less is known about how ICD transmits pathophysiological signals in cardiomyocytes to modulate gene expression and cardiac function. The Xin-α and Xin-β, belongs to a family of Xin-repeat containing proteins, are primarily located at the ICD of adult cardiomyocytes. They play an important role during heart development. Interestingly, the human homologue of the mouse Xin-β gene was mapped to a locus associated with cardiomyopathy; most importantly, mutations in Xin-α and Xin-β have been found in patients with cardiomyopathy, underscoring the importance of Xin genes to cardiac disease. Our previous studies have shown that Xin-β KO mice die postnatally with severe cardiomyopathy. Here, we report that loss of Xin-β results in defect in cardiomyocyte proliferation. Unbiased transcriptome analyses reveal that gene program related to the Hippo/Yap pathway is altered, leading to the hypothesis that Xin-β regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac function by modulating the Hippo/Yap signaling. We identify physical and genetic interaction between Xin-β and components of the Hippo/Yap pathway. We further show that the expression of Xin-β is transcriptionally regulated by Mef2a, Yap and Tead1, suggesting the presence of a Xin-β/Yap feedback regulatory network in the heart. Strikingly, cardiac-specific overexpression of Yap markedly rescues cardiac defects in Xin-β KO mice; indicating a functional and genetic interaction between Xin-β and Yap. Together, our study reveals a novel molecular mechanism by which the ICD protein Xin-β modulates important pathophysiological Hippo/Yap signals to control heart development and cardiac function. Molecules uncovered here will become candidate targets for therapeutic treatment of cardiac disease.

Abstract 895: The Role of Poly(rC)-Binding Protein-1 in Heart Development

Poly(rC)-Binding Protein-1 (Pcbp1) belongs to the KH homology superfamily of nucleic acid-binding proteins, which has been implicated in a vast array of biological processes such as iron transport, RNA processing, post-transcriptional and translational regulations. Germline deletion of Pcbp1 results in embryonic lethality before embryonic day (E) 8.5. To investigate the role of Pcbp1 in heart development, we generated cardiac-specific conditional deletion of Pcbp1 (Pcbp1-cKO) by crossing the Pcbp1-flox with cTNT-Cre mice. The observed frequencies for Pcbp1-cKO at E12.5 and E16.5 are normal, but no surviving Pcbp1-cKO mice were observed at weaning, suggesting the Pcbp1-cKO is perinatal lethal. E12.5 Pcbp1-cKO hearts are smaller with thin myocardium. At E16.5, Pcbp1 cKO hearts displayed ventricular non-compaction and abnormal ventricular apex formation. To understand molecular mechanisms, we perform RNA sequencing follow by differential gene expression analysis in Pcbp1-cKO hearts at E16.5. We found 241 genes were significantly dysregulated and identified unfolded protein response as a key pathway dysregulated. Furthermore, through alternative splicing analysis, we identified 168 uniquely spliced junctions in 139 genes. Of these, 10 differentially spliced genes are also differentially expressed. Future studies will be performed to better understand the biological function and mechanism of Pcbp1 in the heart. Together, this study suggests Pcbp1 is an important regulator of heart development.

[Clinical features of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome complicated with venous thrombosis]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with venous system thrombosis (VT), and to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 16 cases of pSS with VT were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among 16 cases, 12 cases was women, 2 case was men, age between 45 and 71.There were 14 cases of lower extremity VT, 2 case of jugular vein thrombosis.Twelve patients admitted with dry symptoms and 4 patients with pulmonary symptoms.Antiphospholipid antibodies were negative.The positive cases of anti-SSA 52 000 and anti-SSA 60 000 were 12 cases respectively.Sixteen cases had interstitial lung diseases. Conclusion: pSS are potential VT high risk, especially in patients with interstitial lung disease and anti-SSA positive.We should improve the VT vigilance of pSS patients.

Transforming growth factor β1 suppresses proinflammatory gene program independent of its regulation on vascular smooth muscle differentiation and autophagy

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling plays crucial roles in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis, and is established as a strong activator of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of various vascular diseases. Although TGFβ signaling has been suggested to be protective against inflammatory aortic aneurysm progression, its exact effects on VSMC inflammatory process and the underlying mechanisms are not fully unraveled. Here we revealed that TGFβ1 suppressed the expression of a broad array of proinflammatory genes while potently induced the expression of contractile genes in cultured primary human coronary artery SMCs (HCASMCs). The regulation of TGFβ1 on VSMC contractile and proinflammatory gene programs appeared to occur in parallel and both processes were through a SMAD4-dependent canonical pathway. We also showed evidence that the suppression of TGFβ1 on VSMC proinflammatory genes was mediated, at least partially through the blockade of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NF-κB pathways. Interestingly, our RNA-seq data also revealed that TGFβ1 suppressed gene expression of a battery of autophagy mediators, which was validated by western blot for the conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and by immunofluo-rescence staining for LC3 puncta. However, impairment of VSMC autophagy by ATG5 deletion failed to rescue TGFβ1 influence on both VSMC contractile and proinflammatory gene programs, suggesting that TGFβ1-regulated VSMC differentiation and inflammation are not attributed to TGFβ1 suppression on autophagy. In summary, our results demonstrated an important role of TGFβ signaling in suppressing proinflammatory gene program in cultured primary human VSMCs via the blockade on STAT3 and NF-κB pathway, therefore providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the protective role of TGFβ signaling in vascular diseases.

Abstract 511: Mef2 Transcription Factors are Essential Regulators of Endothelial Morphology and Functions

Background: Laminar shear stress on the endothelium promotes atheroprotecive gene expression. In vitro experiments support a model of laminar shear stress activating the Mef2 transcription factors that in turn induce transcription of Klf2 and Klf4, which regulate many anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic genes. However, this model has not been tested in vivo. Three Mef2 transcription factors (Mef2a, -c, and -d) are expressed in the endothelium. To understand their functions and test this model, we generated mice with inducible, endothelial-specific deletions of Mef2c, Mef2a/c, and Mef2a/c/d.

Methods & Results: We previously reported that endothelial Mef2c inhibits the formation of endothelial actin stress fibers and migration of smooth muscle cells across the internal elastic lamina into the intima. Combined deletion of endothelial Mef2a/c produced a similar phenotype. Neither of these deletions affected survival or altered the levels of Klf2 or Klf4. However, combined deletions of Mef2a/c/d led to death 10-14 days after induction. Pulmonary hemorrhage was consistently observed as was variable amounts in other organs. En face imaging of the aorta and vena cava revealed a substantial increase in endothelial cell density and proliferation. The aortic endothelium displayed extensive actin stress fibers but the overall organization was not substantially changed. However, the vena cava was disorganized with endothelial cell aggregation. Transcriptome analysis showed ≥ 2-fold alterations in expression of 894 genes, with many important for endothelial function. Notably, Klf2 and Klf4 were both decreased in Mef2a/c/d deficient aortic endothelium to a similar extent as the Mef2s. This is consistent with the phenotypic similarity of Klf2/4 and Mef2a/c/d deletions. Comparison of genes altered by Klf2/4 and Mef2a/c/d deletions revealed that 37% of Mef2-dependent genes are also Klf2/4-dependent.

Conclusions: Together, these data support a model in which Mef2 transcription factors redundantly regulate endothelial expression of Klf2 and Klf4 in response to shear stress to promote atheroprotective gene expression. They further regulate expression of many genes important for endothelial function independently of Klf2/4.

[IgG(4)-related disease involving the trachea and paratracheal soft tissue: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To investigate the clinical data of a patient with IgG(4)-related disease involving the trachea and paratracheal soft tissue and review the literature so as to improve the understanding level of the disorder. Methods: To analyze the clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, imaging, histopathology, treatment and prognosis of a patient with IgG(4)-related disease trachea and paratracheal soft tissue involved, who was admitted to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. The relevant literatures were reviewed. Results: A 18-year-old female was admitted with chief complaint of cough, dyspnea, and neck mass. Neck CT suggested that tracheal stenosis was caused by surrounded soft tissue. Paratracheal mass biopsy showed dense collagen fibers with infiltration of many lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemical stain found that IgG(4)-positive plasma cells were >50/high power field (HPF) and a ratio of IgG(4)/IgG positive cells was over 40% .The level of serum IgG(4) was significantly increased (2 930 mg/L). She was diagnosed as IgG(4)-related disease. The patient was treated with 80 mg intravenous methylprednisolone per day for three days, then prednisone 40 mg daily oral. Her dyspnea was significantly relieved.One month later, CT scan showed that the cervical tracheal stenosis was significantly improved. We identified 20 cases of IgG(4)-related disease involving the trachea and paratracheal soft tissue from databases, in which only 1 case was similar as this patient. The other 19 cases were of extratracheal involvement. Elevated serum IgG(4) was detected in 11/12 patients. Most patients were treated with glucocorticoid, some combined with immunosuppressive agents and rituximab. The clinical outcome was good. Conclusion: IgG(4)-related disease involving the trachea and paratracheal soft tissue is a rare condition. Serum IgG(4) level and histopathology should be considered for diagnosis. Glucocorticoid is effective.

[Utility and evaluation of immunohistochemical detection of BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma]

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and clinical value of anti-BRAF V600E antibody (clone VE1) in detection of the BRAF V600E mutant in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanoma specimens by immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. Methods: A total of 50 melanoma samples collected between 2008 and 2016 from 40 patients were analyzed for BRAF mutation (exon 15) by DNA sequencing using FFPE. These tissues were immunostained with VE1 antibody, and the results were analyzed and compared with those by DNA sequencing. Results: By DNA sequencing, 36 cases showed BRAF mutation while others were BRAF wild type. Among the 36 cases with BRAF mutation, 32 harbored BRAF V600E, two harbored BRAF V600K, one had BRAF K601E and one had BRAF D594N, respectively. IHC staining showed 30 specimens were VE1 positive, while 19 were negative. The determination of IHC result for one case was obscured by heavy pigments. Of the BRAF-mutated specimens, four specimens with BRAF mutation other than V600E were all negative for VE1. The sensitivity and specificity of the VE1 immunostaining was 96.8% and 100.0% respectively.Concordance of BRAF V600E detection between immunostaining and DNA sequencing was 98.0%(48/49). Conclusions: High sensitivity and specificity for VE1 immunostaining in detecting BRAF V600E in melanomas are demonstrated. It is a rapid and cost-effective method for detecting BRAF V600E mutations in melanoma patients. Hence, VE1 immunostaining can be used as an important screening method for BRAF mutation in laboratories.

Endothelial Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2c Inhibits Migration of Smooth Muscle Cells Through Fenestrations in the Internal Elastic Lamina

OBJECTIVE

Laminar flow activates myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors in vitro to induce expression of atheroprotective genes in the endothelium. Here we sought to establish the role of Mef2c in the vascular endothelium in vivo.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

To study endothelial Mef2c, we generated endothelial-specific deletion of Mef2c using Tie2-Cre or Cdh5-Cre-ER^T2 and examined aortas and carotid arteries by en face immunofluorescence. We observed enhanced actin stress fiber formation in the Mef2c-deleted thoracic aortic endothelium (laminar flow region), similar to those observed in normal aortic inner curvature (disturbed flow region). Furthermore, Mef2c deletion resulted in the de novo formation of subendothelial intimal cells expressing markers of differentiated smooth muscle in the thoracic aortas and carotids. Lineage tracing showed that these cells were not of endothelial origin. To define early events in intimal development, we induced endothelial deletion of Mef2c and examined aortas at 4 and 12 weeks postinduction. The number of intimal cell clusters increased from 4 to 12 weeks, but the number of cells within a cluster peaked at 2 cells in both cases, suggesting ongoing migration but minimal proliferation. Moreover, we identified cells extending from the media through fenestrations in the internal elastic lamina into the intima, indicating transfenestral smooth muscle migration. Similar transfenestral migration was observed in wild-type carotid arteries ligated to induce neointimal formation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that endothelial Mef2c regulates the endothelial actin cytoskeleton and inhibits smooth muscle cell migration into the intima.

Selective expression of TSPAN2 in vascular smooth muscle is independently regulated by TGF-β1/SMAD and myocardin/serum response factor

Tetraspanins (TSPANs) comprise a large family of 4-transmembrane domain proteins. The importance of TSPANs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is unexplored. Given that TGF-β1 and myocardin (MYOCD) are potent activators for VSMC differentiation, we screened for TGF-β1 and MYOCD/serum response factor (SRF)-regulated TSPANs in VSMC by using RNA-seq analyses and RNA-arrays. TSPAN2 was found to be the only TSPAN family gene induced by TGF-β1 and MYOCD, and reduced by SRF deficiency in VSMCs. We also found that TSPAN2 is highly expressed in smooth muscle-enriched tissues and down-regulated in in vitro models of VSMC phenotypic modulation. TSPAN2 expression is attenuated in mouse carotid arteries after ligation injury and in failed human arteriovenous fistula samples after occlusion by dedifferentiated neointimal VSMC. In vitro functional studies showed that TSPAN2 suppresses VSMC proliferation and migration. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TSPAN2 is regulated by 2 parallel pathways, MYOCD/SRF and TGF-β1/SMAD, via distinct binding elements within the proximal promoter. Thus, we identified the first VSMC-enriched and MYOCD/SRF and TGF-β1/SMAD-dependent TSPAN family member, whose expression is intimately associated with VSMC differentiation and negatively correlated with vascular disease. Our results suggest that TSPAN2 may play important roles in vascular disease.-Zhao, J., Wu, W., Zhang, W., Lu, Y. W., Tou, E., Ye, J., Gao, P., Jourd'heuil, D., Singer, H. A., Wu, M., Long, X. Selective expression of TSPAN2 in vascular smooth muscle is independently regulated by TGF-β1/SMAD and myocardin/serum response factor.

MEF2 transcription factors are key regulators of sprouting angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the fundamental process by which new blood vessels form from existing ones, depends on precise spatial and temporal gene expression within specific compartments of the endothelium. However, the molecular links between proangiogenic signals and downstream gene expression remain unclear. During sprouting angiogenesis, the specification of endothelial cells into the tip cells that lead new blood vessel sprouts is coordinated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling and requires high levels of Notch ligand DLL4. Here, we identify MEF2 transcription factors as crucial regulators of sprouting angiogenesis directly downstream from VEGFA. Through the characterization of a Dll4 enhancer directing expression to endothelial cells at the angiogenic front, we found that MEF2 factors directly transcriptionally activate the expression of Dll4 and many other key genes up-regulated during sprouting angiogenesis in both physiological and tumor vascularization. Unlike ETS-mediated regulation, MEF2-binding motifs are not ubiquitous to all endothelial gene enhancers and promoters but are instead overrepresented around genes associated with sprouting angiogenesis. MEF2 target gene activation is directly linked to VEGFA-induced release of repressive histone deacetylases and concurrent recruitment of the histone acetyltransferase EP300 to MEF2 target gene regulatory elements, thus establishing MEF2 factors as the transcriptional effectors of VEGFA signaling during angiogenesis.

Population genetic structure of critically endangered salamander (Hynobius amjiensis) in China: recommendations for conservation

Amji's salamander (Hynobius amjiensis) is a critically endangered species (IUCN Red List), which is endemic to mainland China. In the present study, five haplotypes were genotyped for the mtDNA cyt b gene in 45 specimens from three populations. Relatively low levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.524) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00532) were detected. Analyses of the phylogenic structure of H. amjiensis showed no evidence of major geographic partitions or substantial barriers to historical gene flow throughout the species' range. Two major phylogenetic haplotype groups were revealed, and were estimated to have diverged about 1.262 million years ago. Mismatch distribution analysis, neutrality tests, and Bayesian skyline plots revealed no evidence of dramatic changes in the effective population size. According to the SAMOVA and STRUCTURE analyses, H. amjiensis should be regarded as two different management units.

Venous Endothelial Marker COUP-TFII Regulates the Distinct Pathologic Potentials of Adult Arteries and Veins

Arteries and veins have very different susceptibility to certain vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. The molecular mechanisms of these differences are not fully understood. In this study, we discovered that COUP-TFII, a transcription factor critical for establishing the venous identity during embryonic vascular development, also regulates the pathophysiological functions of adult blood vessels, especially those directly related to vascular diseases. Specifically, we found that suppression of COUP-TFII in venous ECs switched its phenotype toward pro-atherogenic by up-regulating the expression of inflammatory genes and down-regulating anti-thrombotic genes. ECs with COUP-TFII knockdown also readily undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and subsequent osteogenic differentiation with dramatically increased osteogenic transcriptional program and calcium deposition. Consistently, over-expression of COUP-TFII led to the completely opposite effects. In vivo validation of these pro-atherogenic and osteogenic genes also demonstrates a broad consistent differential expression pattern in mouse aorta vs. vena cava ECs, which cannot be explained by the difference in hemodynamic flow. These data reveal phenotypic modulation by different levels of COUP-TFII in arterial and venous ECs, and suggest COUP-TFII may play an important role in the different susceptibilities of arteries and veins to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.

Programmable and on-demand drug release using electrical stimulation

Recent advancement in microfabrication has enabled the implementation of implantable drug delivery devices with precise drug administration and fast release rates at specific locations. This article presents a membrane-based drug delivery device, which can be electrically stimulated to release drugs on demand with a fast release rate. Hydrogels with ionic model drugs are sealed in a cylindrical reservoir with a separation membrane. Electrokinetic forces are then utilized to drive ionic drug molecules from the hydrogels into surrounding bulk solutions. The drug release profiles of a model drug show that release rates from the device can be electrically controlled by adjusting the stimulated voltage. When a square voltage wave is applied, the device can be quickly switched between on and off to achieve pulsatile release. The drug dose released is then determined by the duration and amplitude of the applied voltages. In addition, successive on/off cycles can be programmed in the voltage waveforms to generate consistent and repeatable drug release pulses for on-demand drug delivery.

A modified Glasgow Blatchford Score improves risk stratification in upper gastrointestinal bleed: a prospective comparison of scoring systems

BACKGROUND

Several risk scoring systems exist for upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB). We hypothesised that a modified Glasgow Blatchford Score (mGBS) that eliminates the subjective components of the GBS might perform as well as current scoring systems.

AIM

To compare the performance of the mGBS to the most widely reported scoring systems for prediction of clinical outcomes in patients presenting with UGIB.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study from 9/2010 to 9/2011. Accuracy of the mGBS was compared with the full GBS, full Rockall Score (RS) and clinical RS using area under the receiver operating characterstics-curve (AUC). PRIMARY OUTCOME was need for clinical intervention: blood transfusion, endoscopic, radiological or surgical intervention. Secondary outcome was repeat bleeding or mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-nine patients were included. Median age was 56 with 40% women. Thirty-two per cent patients required blood transfusion, 24% endoscopic interventions, 0.5% radiological intervention, 0 surgical interventions, 5% had repeat bleeding and 0.5% mortality.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

the mGBS (AUC 0.85) performed as well as the GBS (AUC = 0.86, P = 0.81), and outperformed the full RS (AUC 0.75, P = 0.005) and clinical RS (AUC 0.66, P < 0.0001). Secondary outcome: the mGBS (AUC 0.83) performed as well as the GBS (AUC 0.81, P = 0.38) and full RS (AUC 0.69, and outperformed the clinical RS (AUC 0.59, P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Glasgow Blatchford Score performed as well as the full Glasgow Blatchford Score while outperforming both Rockall Scores for prediction of clinical outcomes in American patients with upper gastrointestinal bleed. By eliminating the subjective components of the Glasgow Blatchford Score, the modified Glasgow Blatchford Score may be easier to use and therefore more easily implemented into routine clinical practice.

Osteoblast interactions with various hydroxyapatite based biomaterials consolidated using a spark plasma sintering technique

This study investigated the osteoblast behaviors on various hydroxyapatite based biomaterials that were consolidated at 1100 degrees C for 3 min by a spark plasma sintering technique. The osteoblasts from human fetal osteoblast cell line were cultured in the medium on the various biomaterials surfaces (HA, RF21, 1SiHA, and 5SiHA) to assess the cell morphology and proliferation as well as cell differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity). Moreover, the bone gamma-carboxyglutamic protein or osteocalcin in the medium were determined at different periods of culture. The present results indicated that the amount of osteocalcin in the medium decreased during the periods of culture. The highest osteocalcin production obtained from the biomaterial 5SiHA after cell culture for 2 days demonstrated that the presence of silica in the biomaterials enhanced the cell differentiation by the rapid release of silicate and calcium ions.

A study on oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers

To explore the possible oxidative stress induced by lead, heparinized whole blood and urine of 66 secondary smelter lead workers (46 for Comet assay) and 28 controls were collected. The concentrations of blood lead (BPb) and urinary lead (UPb) and alpha-aminolevulinic acid (alpha-ALA), indices of lead exposure level of the body, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of plasma were also measured. Single-cell gel (SCG, Comet assay) was used to measure the DNA damage of peripheral blood cells. There was a positive correlation between the presence of Pb in blood and significant increases in MDA levels and SOD activity. Alcohol consumption and smoking with increased exposure to Pb was associated with enhanced DNA damage. A positive correlation was found between MDA and DNA damage.

A preliminary study of the mental health of young migrant workers in Shenzhen

The aim of this study is to examine the mental health status of young migrant workers in Shenzhen. Using the Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Social Support Scale and Mental Health Questionnaire for Laborers, 371 migrant workers who came from inland areas of China and 100 local workers were investigated. The SCL-90 profile of migrant workers was also compared to the SCL-90 norms provided by general people in China. The SCL-90 results showed that the total scores, the average scores of the positive symptoms, the three factor scores of obsessionality, interpersonal sensitivity and phobia in migrant workers were significantly higher than those in the local workers. According to the multivariate analysis, the amount of contribution to mental health, in descending order, was neuroticism, psychological pressure, income, home sickness, marital or love problems, extroversion and introversion, living conditions and social status. The mental health status of young migrant workers in Shenzhen was poorer than that of their local counterparts, as well as people in China on the SCL-90. It is recommended that mental health workers should help migrant workers adjust to the new urban environment by providing psychological counseling and other relevant treatment facilities.

[Effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on renal function-an experience with the new type piezoelectric lithotripter, Therasonic]

Seventeen patients with renal stones and 17 patients with ureteral stones were treated using the newly developed piezoelectric shock wave lithotripter, THERASONIC. To determine the effect of shock wave on renal function, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity, urinary beta 2 microglobulin (BMG) concentration, serum BMG concentration and creatinine clearance (Ccr) were measured. Urinary NAG activity and urinary BMG concentration in renal stone patients were significantly elevated immediately after the treatment and returned to the pretreatment value within 24 hours. Neither serum BMG nor Ccr showed significant change in any of the patients. Therefore, we conclude that the renal tubular damage, which is transient and subtle, is the effect of shock wave lithotripsy using THERASONIC machine.