[Recombinant expression of hantaan virus protein N with application of Western-blot in detecting anti-hantavirus antibody]

Objective: S gene of hantavirus(HV) was expressed in insect cells by genetic engineering technology. The expression product of S gene was used as antigen to detect anti-HV specific antibody IgG in serum. Methods: Gene encoding NP of the strain HV-Z10 was amplified by PCR and then its eukaryotic expression system rBAC-Z10S-TN was constructed by using the routine genetic engineering method. SDS-PAGE was applied to measure the expression of rNP.Ion-exchange plus Ni-NTA-affinity chromatography was performed to purify the recombinant product. Indirect immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA) was used to determine the specific immune-reactivity of rNP. WB assay was established to detect the serum samples from 95 confirmed HFRS patients. Parameters related to the outcomes of detection were compared with the routine HV-IgG IFA method. Results: rBAC-Z10S-TN was able to express rNP with high efficiency. The purified rNP only showed a single protein fragment in the gel after SDS-PAGE. HV IgG could efficiently recognize rNP and hybridize with the recombinant protein. 97.67% of the serum samples from the HFRS patients were positive confirmed by WB. Conclusions: We successfully constructed a high efficient prokaryotic expression system of NP encoding gene from hantavirus strain HV-Z10. WB assay which was established in this study could be used as a new serological test for HFRS diagnosis, thanks to the simplicity, safety, sensitivity and specificity of this method.

[Risk factors for central neck lymph node metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the impact factors for central neck lymph node metastases(CLNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods: A total of 498 patients with PTC who underwent total or hemi-thyroidectomy plus central neck lymph node dissection between January 2014 and July 2016 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological characteristics, thyroid function parameters and US findings that associated with CLNM of PTC. A nomogram was developed to predict the probability of CLNM. The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) was used to estimate the efficiency of the nomogram. Results: Among 498 patients, 284 patients were affected by CNLM. The sensitivity and specificity of US in predicting PTC metastasis in the central neck were 31.3% and 88.3%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that gender, age, number and size of suspicious malignant nodules in thyroid, and suspicious lymph node metastasis detected by ultrasonography were independently correlated with CLNM. The ROC showed that the AUC was 0.748, with sensitivity of 80.8%, and specificity of 59.8%. Conclusions: Gender, age, number and size of suspicious malignant nodules in thyroid, suspicious lymph node metastasis were predictive factors for CLNM in patients with PTC. The nomogram developed based on related factors with CLNM is more sensitive than sonographic central neck lymph node features in predicting the probability of CLNM.

Elevated serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5a levels in metabolic syndrome

Background

Tartrate-resistant phosphatase isoform 5a is expressed in tumor-associated macrophages and is a biomarker of chronic inflammation. Herein, we correlated serum tartrate-resistant phosphatase isoform 5a levels with metabolic syndrome status and made comparisons with traditional markers of inflammation, including c-reactive protein and interleukin-6.

Methods

One hundred healthy volunteers were randomly selected, and cut-off points for metabolic syndrome related inflammatory biomarkers were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Linear and logistic regression models were subsequently used to correlate inflammatory markers with the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Results

Twenty-two participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, and serum tartrate-resistant phosphatase isoform 5a levels of >5.8 μg/L were associated with metabolic syndrome (c-statistics, 0.730; p = 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.618-0.842). In addition, 1 μg/L increases in tartrate-resistant phosphatase isoform 5a levels were indicative of a 1.860 fold increase in the risk of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Elevated serum tartrate-resistant phosphatase isoform 5a levels are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, with a cut-off level of 5.8 μg/L.

[Association between ambulatory arterial stiffness index with left ventricular mass index in the elderly hypertensive patients]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the elderly hypertensive patients. Methods: This study population consisted of 332 elderly hypertensive patients, who hospitalized in our department from January 2012 to December 2014.AASI was calculated from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring recordings and LVMI from echocardiography examination.According to the median value of AASI, patients were divided to less than the AASI median group (low AASI group) and equal to or above the AASI median group (high AASI group). Differences between two groups were evaluated using the Student's t-test and Chi-square test.Univariate association was assessed by the Pearson correlation analyses.Multivariate linear regression models were performed to analyze the correlation between AASI and LVMI. Results: LVMI was significantly higher in high AASI group compared with low AASI group ( (115.91±21.36) g/m² vs.(104.11±17.24) g/m^2,P=0.008). Pearson correlation analyses showed that AASI and 24 h pulse pressure were positively correlated to LVMI (r=0.332, P<0.001; r=0.169, P=0.002). In multivariate linear regression model, AASI(β=44.48, P<0.001), LDL-C(β=-5.97, P<0.001) and UA (β=0.02, P=0.045)showed significant association with LVMI. Conclusion: AASI independently associated with LVMI, and AASI might be one predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in hospitalized elderly hypertensive patients.

All-cause mortality risk in elderly individuals with disabilities: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

Disability is considered an important issue that affects the elderly population. This study aimed to explore the relationship between disability and all-cause mortality in US elderly individuals.

DESIGN

Retrospective and longitudinal designs.

SETTING

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1834 participants in the age range 60-84 years from NHANES 1999-2002.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We acquired five major domains of disability (activities of daily living (ADL), general physical activities (GPA), instrumental ADL (IADL), lower extremity mobility (LEM) and leisure and social activities (LSA)) through self-reporting. We applied an extended-model approach with Cox (proportional hazards) regression analysis to investigate the relationship between different features of disability and all-cause mortality risk in the study population.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, 77 deaths occurred. An increased risk of all-cause mortality was identified in elderly individuals with disability after adjustment for potential confounders (HR 2.23; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.85; p=0.004). Participants with more than one domain of disability were associated with a higher risk of mortality (ptrend=0.047). Adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for each domain of disability were 2.53 (1.49 to 4.31), 1.99 (0.93 to 4.29), 1.74 (0.72 to 4.16), 1.57 (0.76 to 3.27) and 1.52 (0.93 to 2.48) for LEM, LSA, ADL, IADL and GPA, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support an increased association between disability and all-cause mortality in the elderly in the USA. Disability in LEM may be a good predictor of high risk of all-cause mortality in elderly subjects.

Serum Uric Acid Relation for Hearing Threshold Shift

Objectives

The effects of serum uric acid (UA) level on a variety of diseases were found from experimental and observational studies via oxidative stress and anti-oxidants. However, research on the association of UA and hearing thresholds is relatively sparse. We investigated this issue in the U.S. general population to evaluate the relationship of serum UA levels and pure tone threshold of hearing.

Methods

Forty four thousand eighty four eligible participants aged 20 to 69 years who have serum UA data and received Audiometry Examination Component were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Hearing thresholds (dB) as a pure tone average at low frequencies (0.5, 1, 2 kHz) and at high frequencies (3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz) were computed. Multivariate linear regression models and tertile-based analysis with an extended-model approach for covariates adjustment were used to assess the correlation between serum UA level and hearing thresholds.

Results

In the adjusted mode of tertile-based analysis, the regression coefficients elucidated as the change of log-transformed mean hearing thresholds upon comparing participants in the highest tertile of serum UA to those in the lowest tertile were –0.067 (P=0.023) in high frequency and –0.058 (P=0.054) in low frequency. After adjusting for multiple pertinent covariates, inverse association between tertiles of serum UA and hearing thresholds remained essentially unchanged. The negative trends between serum UA and hearing thresholds were statistically significant (P for trends <0.05) in tertile-based multiple linear regressions.

Conclusion

Individuals with elevated UA levels independently were found to be inversely associated with hearing thresholds for pure tone audiometry in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

A point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infection in fifty-two Chinese hospitals

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) represents a major problem for patient safety worldwide.

AIM

To demonstrate the prevalence, causative agents, and risk factors for HCAI in Chinese hospitals.

METHODS

A one-day point-prevalence survey was conducted in 52 Chinese hospitals between October 2014 and March 2015. A web-based software system was developed for data entry and management.

FINDINGS

Among 53,939 patients surveyed, the prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI was 3.7%. Of 2182 HCAI episodes, the most frequently occurring types were lower respiratory tract infections (47.2%), followed by urinary tract infection (12.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (11.0%), and surgical site infection (6.2%). The prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI in critical care units was highest (17.1%). Device-associated infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and central catheter-associated bloodstream infection, accounted for only 7.9% of all HCAIs. The most frequently isolated micro-organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa [206 infections (9.4%)], Acinetobacter baumannii [172 infections (7.9%)], Klebsiella pneumoniae [160 infections (7.3%)], and Escherichia coli [145 infections (6.6%)]. Of the survey patients (18,206/53,939), 33.8% were receiving at least one antimicrobial agent at the time of the survey. Risk factors for HCAI included older age (≥80 years), male gender, days of hospital admission, admission into a critical care unit, and device utilization.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the overall prevalence of HCAI in surveyed Chinese hospitals was lower than that reported from most European countries and the USA. More attention should be given to the surveillance and prevention of non-device-associated HCAI in China.

Serum uric acid level and left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly male patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have suggested that serum uric acid (SUA) induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which are involved in the mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), comorbidity of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) exacerbates cardiac function. In this study, we investigated the association between SUA and cardiac hypertrophy in AF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Initially, 1296 consecutive elderly patients (age >60) with nonvalvular AF were retrospectively selected from the inpatient clinic between January 2012 and April 2015. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics were carefully recorded. The final study population was 577 patients. The mean SUA level was significantly higher in patients with LVH than those without LVH. Compared with the non-LVH group, the LVH group was older, had a higher percentage of female patients, and had lower hemoglobin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates. Patients in the LVH group also had a higher rate of coronary heart disease and fewer had history of radiofrequency ablation compared with the non-LVH group. In the hyperuricemia group, B-type natriuretic peptide levels, left atrial diameter, left ventricular mass index, and percentage of NYHA (New York Heart Association) class III/IV were significantly higher than the SUA normal group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the independent risk factors for LVH in elderly AF patients included SUA, age, male sex, the presence of coronary heart disease, and diuretic therapy. Subgroup analysis identified SUA as a significant risk factor associated with LVH in men.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA was independently associated with LVH in elderly male patients with nonvalvular AF.

Practices and thinking of laboratory detection in the aid to West Africa to fight against Ebola

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa has brought great disaster to the people's health in affected countries. China dispatched first group of public health experts and medical staff to Sierra Leone in September 2014 to fight Ebola.

METHODS

To systematically collect huge amount of primary data, and to make analysis, draw conclusions and lessons in terms of six aspects, respectively as training before departure, local disease information, track of epidemic situation, transformation of temporary laboratory, detection of Ebola virus samples as well as assessment through single blind test.

RESULTS

1) Our team has launched preparatory works in advance before going to Sierra Leone. 2) Malaria is the country's severest infectious disease. 3) Observation centers were overcrowded with large number of suspected cases being inspected, implying high risk of nosocomial infection. 4) A BSL-II laboratory with 3 work areas and 2 buffer areas was built, achieving several major functions within 6 days. 5) Confirmed by South African Raqqa laboratory, our detection accuracy reached 100%. 6) At one week before return, the daily average sample amount of our team reached 66 cases and our detection capability was equivalent to that of USA.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful experience from fighting against Ebola in Sierra Leone could be summarized as: 1) Optimized processes and scientific security measures are prerequisite to improving the detection ability. 2) The close collaboration between laboratory and observation center has created a new model of China's foreign aid. 3) Comprehensive information investigation and training lay a solid foundation for the successful completion of tasks.

Examining the association between serum lactic dehydrogenase and all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidence indicates that elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, but the mechanisms for this relationship remain uncertain. Since metabolic syndrome (MetS) is correlated with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, we investigated the joint association between serum LDH levels and all-cause mortality in the US general population with MetS.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

The USA.

PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective observational study of 3872 adults with MetS and 7516 adults without MetS in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants with and without MetS were both divided into 3 groups according to their serum LDH level. Multivariable Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities were used to jointly relate all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality risk to different serum LDH levels.

RESULTS

For all-cause mortality in participants with MetS, multivariable adjusted HRs were 1.006 (95% CI 0.837 to 1.210; p=0.947) for serum LDH of 149-176 U/L compared with 65-149 U/L, and 1.273 (95% CI 1.049 to 1.547; p=0.015) for serum LDH of 176-668 U/L compared with 65-149 U/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support a positive association between higher level of serum LDH and mortality from all causes in individuals with MetS.

Association between fluid intake and kidney function, and survival outcomes analysis: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVES

Fluid intake, one of the most common daily activities, has not been well studied in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, and clinical outcomes are rarely addressed. The aim of this nationwide study is to explore the influence of daily fluid intake on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and its association with renal function.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

In all, 2182 participants aged more than 20 years participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Survival outcomes in patients with or without CKD, using multiple variable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

In a longitudinal survey with a median follow-up length of 15.4 years, 1080 participants died and 473 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. For all-cause mortality in the CKD group, individuals in the highest quartile of fluid intake (≧3.576 L/day) had better survival outcomes than those in the lowest quartile of fluid intake (≤2.147 L/day) (p=0.029) after adjustment of several pertinent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the interpretation of this observational study was limited by the failure to identify the compositions of ingested fluids, adequate hydration may offer some advantages in patients with CKD. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the responses of normal and injured kidneys to chronic changes in fluid consumption warrant further investigation.

Association between fluid intake and kidney function, and survival outcomes analysis: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVES

Fluid intake, one of the most common daily activities, has not been well studied in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, and clinical outcomes are rarely addressed. The aim of this nationwide study is to explore the influence of daily fluid intake on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and its association with renal function.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

In all, 2182 participants aged more than 20 years participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Survival outcomes in patients with or without CKD, using multiple variable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

In a longitudinal survey with a median follow-up length of 15.4 years, 1080 participants died and 473 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. For all-cause mortality in the CKD group, individuals in the highest quartile of fluid intake (≧3.576 L/day) had better survival outcomes than those in the lowest quartile of fluid intake (≤2.147 L/day) (p=0.029) after adjustment of several pertinent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the interpretation of this observational study was limited by the failure to identify the compositions of ingested fluids, adequate hydration may offer some advantages in patients with CKD. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the responses of normal and injured kidneys to chronic changes in fluid consumption warrant further investigation.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Disability among the Elderly Population

The direct relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and function disability has not been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between MetS and functional disability in the elderly. This retrospective observational study included 1,778 participants aged 60–84 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002). Impairments in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPA) were assessed. Additionally, the associations between the features of MetS and disability were evaluated. MetS was associated with a high prevalence of functional dependence in ADL, IADL, LSA, LEM, and GPA. After adjusting for potential confounders, a high number of MetS components was found to be associated with increased disability (P = 0.002). Additionally, associations were observed between MetS components, including abdominal obesity and high triglycerides levels, and functional dependence in ADL, IADL, LSA, LEM, and GPA (all, P < 0.05). A linear increase in disability might be associated with the number of MetS components in an elderly population. Additionally, MetS abnormalities, particularly abdominal obesity and high triglycerides levels, might be highly predictive of functional dependence in the elderly.

Role of Educational Status in Explaining the Association between Body Mass Index and Cognitive Function

Preserving physical and cognitive function becomes an important issue as people age. A growing number of studies have found that the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function changes in different age groups. It is obvious that higher educational status is linked to higher cognitive function in terms of numerous risk factors that influence cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between obesity and cognitive function categorized by different educational status.This study included 5021 participants aged 20 to 59 years who completed 3 neurocognitive function tests, including a simple reaction time test (SRTT), a symbol digit substitution test (SDST), and a serial digit learning test (SDLT) as reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III database. The associations between neurocognitive function and BMI were analyzed using multivariate linear regression while controlling for confounders.After adjusting for pertinent covariates in mode 3, the β coefficients in the female participants with more than 12 years of education (interpreted as change of 3 neurocognitive function tests for each increment in BMI) comparing obesity groups to those with normal BMI were 16.2 (P < 0.001 for SRTT), 0.14 (P < 0.05 for SDST), and 0.9 (P < 0.05 for SDLT). Male participants with more than 12 years of education and female participants with fewer than 12 years of education demonstrated increased impairment as their BMI increased. However, this association was not significant after adjustments.Obese individuals had worse neurocognitive function than those of normal weight or overweight, especially in women with a high educational level.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome as Risk Factors for Hearing Threshold Shifts

Background

Hearing loss was a common, chronically disabling condition in the general population and had been associated with several inflammatory diseases. Metabolic syndrome, which was associated with insulin resistance and visceral obesity, was considered a chronic inflammatory disease. To date, few attempts had been made to establish a direct relationship between hearing loss and metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hearing loss by analyzing the data in the reports of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004.

Methods

This study included 2100 participants aged ≤ 65 years who enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004). We examined the relationship between the presence of different features of metabolic syndrome in the participants and their pure-tone air-conduction hearing thresholds, including low-frequency and high-frequency thresholds.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, medical conditions, and smoking status, the participants with more components of metabolic syndrome were found to have higher hearing thresholds than those with fewer components of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05 for a trend). The low-frequency hearing threshold was associated with individual components of metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05 for all parameters).

Conclusions

The results indicated that the presence of a greater number of components of metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with the hearing threshold in the US adult population. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, the most apparent association was observed between low HDL and hearing loss.

Examining the Association Between Quadriceps Strength and Cognitive Performance in the Elderly

Emerging evidences showed impaired muscle strength was prevalent in older adults with mild cognition impairment or dementia. However, little was known about the role of quadriceps strength in the cognition decline among older population. The objective of our study was to investigate the relation between quadriceps strength and cognitive performance. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002), a total of 1799 participants aged ≥60 years were enrolled in the study. Every subject completed a household interview, digit symbol substitution test (DSST), physical performances, and a questionnaire regarding personal health. Estimation of relationship between quadriceps strength and cognition was using multiple linear regression and quartile-based analysis with an extended-model approach for covariates adjustment. In a model adjusted for demographics, chronic diseases, health behaviors, and levels of folate and vitamin B12, the level of quadriceps strength was significantly associated with the scores of DSST. The β coefficient interpreted as change of DSST scores for each Newton increment in quadriceps strength comparing participants in the highest quartile of quadriceps strength to those in the lowest quartile was 5.003 (95% confidence interval, 2.725-7.281, P < 0.001). The trends of incremental DSST score across increasing quartiles of quadriceps strength were statistically significant (all P for trend <0.001). Higher quadriceps strength was associated with better cognitive performance.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a recurrent ischial pressure ulcer: a case report

Marjolin's ulcer is the malignant transformation of long-standing chronic pressure ulcers and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. A 46-year-old man with an 8-year history of traumatic spinal injury with paraplegia presented with a recurrent ischial pressure ulcer. The initial ulcer, which developed 6 years earlier, was a Stage IV sacral ulcer. The wound was debrided and pathology showed epithelial hyperplasia, acanthosis, hyperkatosis accompanied by mild inflammation, and fibrosis without any malignant transformation. The lesion was covered with a fasciocutaneous bipedicled flap. Four years later, the patient presented with a similar ulcer in the same location. Histology showed the presence of a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Following a wide excision, the lesion was covered with a gluteal maximal V-Y musculocutaneous advancement flap. At last follow-up 14 months postoperatively, there was no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease. Clinicians must be aware of known risk factors for the development of SCC.

Association between dietary intake of folate and MTHFR and MTR genotype with risk of breast cancer

We investigated the association between dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6, and the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype with breast cancer. A matched case-control study was conducted, and 413 patients with newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed breast cancer and 436 controls were recruited. Folate intake, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 levels were calculated, and the MTHFR C677T and A1298C and MTR A2756G polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Breast cancer cases were generally older, older at first live birth, and younger at menarche, had a higher body mass index, were smokers, had higher energy intake, and more first-degree relatives with breast cancer as well as more live births compared to controls. With respect to energy intake, we found that higher energy intake were more likely to increase the risk of breast cancer. The MTHFR 667TT genotype was associated with a moderately increased risk of breast cancer when compared with the CC genotype, and a significant odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval, CI) was found (OR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.06-2.73). Individuals carrying T allele were associated with higher risk of breast cancer when compared with C allele (OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.06-1.70). We did not find a significant effect of the MTHFR A1298C and MTR A2756G on the risk of breast cancer. We did not find any association between folate intake and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms. In conclusion, we found that the MTHFR C667T polymorphism is associated with the risk of breast cancer, indicating that this genotype plays a role in breast cancer development.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP): prokaryotic expression, purification, and preparation of a polyclonal antibody

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) plays important roles in promoting cancer occurrence and in the development of bone metastases. To increase our knowledge of the biological functions of PTHrP, the prokaryotic expression vector pET-PTHrP was successfully constructed and the His-PTHrP fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. Anti-PTHrP polyclonal antibody was then prepared from rabbits. Finally, the goat tissue expression profile of PTHrP was analyzed by Western blot with the anti-PTHrP polyclonal antibody. The results showed that the expression of PTHrP in goat mammary glands was significantly higher than that in other organs. This indicates that PTHrP may play important roles in the goat mammary gland. The antibody prepared will be a useful tool for detecting PTHrP and will be valuable in future studies investigating the role of PTHrP in calcium metabolism in the goat model.

Interchangeable skin grafting to camouflage self-inflicted wound scars on the dorsal and volar forearm: a case report

Scars from self-inflicted wounds to the upper extremities are the hallmark of self-mutilation. They are easy to recognize and difficult to hide. Camouflaging these scars can be an onerous task. In this case study, a 23-year-old woman who has major depressive disorder with comorbid borderline personality disorder presented for scar repair of self-inflicted wounds on the volar and dorsal forearm (each approximately 10 cm2 x 15 cm2). Following a psychological and physical evaluation, split-thickness skin grafts (10/1,000 inches in thickness) were obtained from both areas and switched. The grafts were fixed with staples, immobilized with a short arm splint, and dressed daily with gauze and neomycin ointment. Staples were removed after 10 days; at the 6-month follow up, the wounds resembled burn wound scars. The patient was satisfied with this more socially acceptable result. This method might offer a simple camouflage option in appropriately selected cases.

Magnetically driven metal-insulator transition in NaOsO3

The metal-insulator transition (MIT) is one of the most dramatic manifestations of electron correlations in materials. Various mechanisms producing MITs have been extensively considered, including the Mott (electron localization via Coulomb repulsion), Anderson (localization via disorder), and Peierls (localization via distortion of a periodic one-dimensional lattice) mechanisms. One additional route to a MIT proposed by Slater, in which long-range magnetic order in a three dimensional system drives the MIT, has received relatively little attention. Using neutron and x-ray scattering we show that the MIT in NaOsO(3) is coincident with the onset of long-range commensurate three dimensional magnetic order. While candidate materials have been suggested, our experimental methodology allows the first definitive demonstration of the long predicted Slater MIT.

A novel high-throughput scanning microscope for label-free detection of protein and small-molecule chemical microarrays

We describe a novel scanning optical microscope based on a polarization-modulated nulling ellipsometry. The new microscope employs a combination of scanning mirror and sample translation and thus enables high-throughput label-free detection of biomolecular microarrays with more than 10 000 protein or small-molecule targets. For illustration, we show the image of a 2760-spot protein microarray on a functionalized glass slide obtained with such a microscope. The new scanning microscope is also capable of determining, in parallel, the real-time binding kinetics of multiple molecular species under aqueous conditions.