Two cases of transplant renal artery thrombosis and spontaneous rupture caused by mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is an uncommon infectious complication after renal transplantation and is associated with fatal outcomes. We report 2 cases of transplant renal artery thrombosis and spontaneous rupture caused by mucormycosis. As stenosis, thrombosis, and spontaneous rupture of the transplant renal artery began to occur in both cases after renal transplantation, nephrectomy of the transplanted kidney was performed. Postoperative pathological findings in the transplanted kidney revealed an invasive mucormycosis infection in the renal artery. One patient survived, but the other patient died. This report also presents the diagnosis and treatment processes used for this transplant complication.

Transcriptome analysis of Arabidopsis seedlings responses to high concentrations of glucose

Sugars acting as fuel energy or as signaling molecules play important roles in plant growth and development. Although sugars associated with early seedling development have been analyzed in detail, few studies have examined the effect of sugar on genome-wide gene transcription. To analyze the role of glucose on the genomic level, we examined the response of seedlings to 5% glucose using RNA-seq technology. High concentrations of glucose significately altered the expression of 863 genes, with 558 upregulated and 305 downregulated genes by more than 2-fold. A large number of genes affected by glucose were involved in metabolic processes and signaling. Transcript levels for many kinases and calcium signals were downregulated. Most transcription factors identified were also involved in glucose signaling. Moreover, many genes related to the auxin, gibberellin, and abscisic acid responses were upregulated or downregulated. Additionally, the K(+), Ca(2+), SO3(-), NO3(-), PO4(3-), amino acid, and sugar transporters were also upregulated or downregulated. These results provide a basic understanding of the glucose-mediated molecular mechanisms in the regulation of early seedling development.

Rodent auditory perception: Critical band limitations and plasticity

What do animals hear? While it remains challenging to adequately assess sensory perception in animal models, it is important to determine perceptual abilities in model systems to understand how physiological processes and plasticity relate to perception, learning, and cognition. Here we discuss hearing in rodents, reviewing previous and recent behavioral experiments querying acoustic perception in rats and mice, and examining the relation between behavioral data and electrophysiological recordings from the central auditory system. We focus on measurements of critical bands, which are psychoacoustic phenomena that seem to have a neural basis in the functional organization of the cochlea and the inferior colliculus. We then discuss how behavioral training, brain stimulation, and neuropathology impact auditory processing and perception.

Collagen-Induced Arthritis: A model for Murine Autoimmune Arthritis

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a common autoimmune animal model used to study rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The development of CIA involves infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the joint, as well as T and B cell responses to type II collagen. In murine CIA, genetically susceptible mice (DBA/1J) are immunized with a type II bovine collagen emulsion in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), and receive a boost of type II bovine collagen in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) 21 days after the first injection. These mice typically develop disease 26 to 35 days after the initial injection. C57BL/6J mice are resistant to arthritis induced by type II bovine collagen, but can develop arthritis when immunized with type II chicken collagen in CFA, and receive a boost of type II chicken collagen in IFA 21 days after the first injection. The concentration of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RA (MT) in CFA also differs for each strain. DBA/1J mice develop arthritis with 1 mg/ml MT, while C57BL/6J mice require and 3-4 mg/ml MT in order to develop arthritis. CIA develops slowly in C57BL/6J mice and cases of arthritis are mild when compared to DBA/1J mice. This protocol describes immunization of DBA/1J mice with type II bovine collagen and the immunization of C57BL/6J mice with type II chicken collagen.

Polymorphisms of inflammation-related genes and colorectal cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in China

The previous studies found that chronic inflammation related to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the associations of polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes (IL10, IL10RA, IL6R, TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B, LTA and IL4) and their interactions with the risk of colorectal cancer among Chinese population. A population-based case-control study including 299 cases and 296 controls was conducted from January 2001 to December 2009. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to analyse the association of nine SNPs in inflammation-related genes with the risk of CRC, colon cancer and rectal cancer, respectively. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was implemented to explore the gene-gene interactions among all SNPs on CRC. A decreased risk of colorectal cancer in subjects with rs1800872 AC genotype of IL10 (OR = 0.643, 95%CI = 0.453, 0.912) or AC/CC genotype (OR = 0.636, 95%CI = 0.457, 0.885) was observed, compared with those with AA genotype. Meanwhile, similar associations were observed between rs1800872 and rectal cancer. Additionally, in rs1061624 of TNFRSF1B gene, AG genotype (OR=0.566; 95% CI= 0.362, 0.885) and AG/GG genotype (OR=0.638; 95% CI=0.420, 0.971) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of rectal cancer, respectively. Our findings indicated that mutants in IL10 and TNFRSF1B genes may change the CRC risk. However, there is no interaction between inflammation-related genes on CRC risk.

Different expression of miRNAs in early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with differential prognosis

Patients at the same pathological stage of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have significantly different prognoses. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in two groups of early ESCC patients who had different prognoses at the pT1N0 stage, and to study the prognostic significance of different miRNAs in early ESCC metastasis. We tried to identify prognostic markers that may be helpful in the selection of appropriate treatment for patients with early ESCC. We used TaqMan Human miRNA Arrays to detect and analyze bioinformatically the expression profiles of miRNAs in two groups, and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method to verify the differences in miRNA expression. The miRNA arrays revealed a total of 29 markedly downregulated miRNAs in the survival group compared with the deceased group. Such miRNAs were associated with lympho-vascular invasion and metastasis, and acted as predictive markers of lympho-vascular invasion and metastasis. The detection of these miRNAs forms an important basis for the treatment of early ESCC. It can also help determine those patients with early ESCC who are good candidates for endoscopic resection treatment and those who need additional treatment after endoscopic resection.

Epidemiological link between exposure to poultry and all influenza A(H7N9) confirmed cases in Huzhou city, China, March to May 2013

We analysed the association between influenza A(H7N9) confirmed cases and exposure to poultry in Huzhou city, China. All cases (n=12) had a history of direct exposure to poultry or live poultry markets. We detected A(H7N9)-positive poultry samples from each site that was epidemiologically associated with cases. None of the cases’ close contacts tested positive. After closure of the markets, no new cases were identified, suggesting an epidemiological link between poultry exposure and A(H7N9) virus infection.

Epidemiological link between exposure to poultry and all influenza A(H7N9) confirmed cases in Huzhou city, China, March to May 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Morphologic characteristics of atherosclerotic middle cerebral arteries on 3T high-resolution MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are limited studies on the morphologic characteristics of MCA atherosclerotic stenosis. Our aim was to quantitatively assess the remodeling pattern and plaque distribution of atherosclerotic MCAs with 3T high-resolution MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-seven consecutive patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic stenoses at the M1 segment of the MCA on DSA (50%-99%) were enrolled. The remodeling index was calculated as the Vessel Area at Maximal Lumen Narrowing/Reference Vessel Area. A remodeling index ≥ 1.0 was defined as positive remodeling, and a remodeling index < 1.0, as negative remodeling. Plaque distribution at the maximal lumen narrowing site was classified on the basis of the involvement of the superior, inferior, dorsal, or ventral MCA wall.

RESULTS

Forty-three of 87 patients were excluded due to poor imaging quality (n = 8) or scan plane obliquity secondary to a tortuous M1 segment of the MCA or an MCA ostium lesion or angled lesion (n = 35). Of 44 patients in the final analysis, negative remodeling was found in 19 (43.2%) lesions, and positive remodeling, in 25 (56.8%) lesions. At maximal lumen narrowing sites, lesions with negative remodeling had less vessel area, wall area, and percentage of plaque burden (P < .0001) and a lower eccentricity index (P = .023), compared with lesions with positive remodeling. The plaque involved the superior and dorsal walls in 15 (34.1%) of 44 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

2D high-resolution MR imaging can help assess the remodeling pattern and plaque distribution of MCA stenosis, but the imaging and postprocessing protocol for remodeling assessment needs to be improved in the tortuous course of the MCA and in MCA ostium or angled lesions.

Capsaicin regulates the NF-κB pathway in salivary gland inflammation

Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) release several cytokines that play important roles in the inflammatory process. In this study, we examined whether capsaicin can modulate cytokine release in SGEC. After cells were stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), mRNA transcript and protein levels were detected by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These findings demonstrated that the increases in TNFα and IL-6 mRNA transcripts were highest at 3 hrs and 1 hr after incubation with poly(I:C) and LPS, respectively. Pre-treatment of the cells with 10 μµ capsaicin, however, significantly inhibited mRNA transcripts and its protein levels. The simultaneous application of 10 μµ capsazepine with capsaicin did not block the inhibitory effect of capsaicin. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of capsaicin was also shown in primary cultured cells from TRPV1(-/-) mice. We found that both poly(I:C) and LPS induced IκB-α degradation and phosphorylation, which resulted in NF-κB activation, and capsaicin inhibited this NF-κB pathway. These results demonstrate that SGEC release pro-inflammatory cytokines mediated by TLR, and capsaicin inhibits this process through the NF-κB pathway. This study suggests that capsaicin could potentially alleviate inflammation in salivary glands.

Inhibition of 12/15-lipoxygenase by baicalein induces microglia PPARβ/δ: a potential therapeutic role for CNS autoimmune disease

12/15-Lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) is an enzyme that converts polyunsaturated fatty acids into bioactive lipid derivatives. In this study, we showed that inhibition of 12/15-LO by baicalein (BA) significantly attenuated clinical severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Inhibited migration of autoimmune T cells into the central nervous system (CNS) by BA treatment could be attributed to reduced activation of microglia, which was indicated by suppressed phagocytosis, and decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the CNS. We further observed that inhibition of 12/15-LO with BA led to increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ in microglia of EAE mice. This was confirmed in vitro in primary microglia and a microglia cell line, BV2. In addition, we demonstrated that BA did not affect 12/15-LO or 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) expression in microglia, but significantly decreased 12/15-LO products without influencing the levels of 5-LO metabolites. Moreover, among these compounds only 12/15-LO metabolite 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was able to reverse BA-mediated upregulation of PPARβ/δ in BV2 cells. We also showed that inhibition of microglia activation by PPARβ/δ was associated with repressed NF-κB and MAPK activities. Our findings indicate that inhibition of 12/15-LO induces PPARβ/δ, demonstrating important regulatory properties of 12/15-LO in CNS inflammation. This reveals potential therapeutic applications for MS.

Regulation of cytochrome P450 2e1 expression by ethanol: role of oxidative stress-mediated pkc/jnk/sp1 pathway

CYP2E1 metabolizes ethanol leading to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and acetaldehyde, which are known to cause not only liver damage but also toxicity to other organs. However, the signaling pathways involved in CYP2E1 regulation by ethanol are not clear, especially in extra-hepatic cells. This study was designed to examine the role of CYP2E1 in ethanol-mediated oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, as well as signaling pathways by which ethanol regulates CYP2E1 in extra-hepatic cells. In this study, we used astrocytic and monocytic cell lines, because they are important cells in central nervous system . Our results showed that 100 mM ethanol significantly induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell death at 24 h in the SVGA astrocytic cell line, which was rescued by a CYP2E1 selective inhibitor, diallyl sulfide (DAS), CYP2E1 siRNA, and antioxidants (vitamins C and E). Further, we showed that DAS and vitamin C abrogated ethanol-mediated (50 mℳ) induction of CYP2E1 at 6 h, as well as production of ROS at 2 h, suggesting the role of oxidative stress in ethanol-mediated induction of CYP2E1. We then investigated the role of the protein kinase C/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/specificity protein1 (PKC/JNK/SP1) pathway in oxidative stress-mediated CYP2E1 induction. Our results showed that staurosporine, a non-specific inhibitor of PKC, as well as specific PKCζ inhibitor and PKCζ siRNA, abolished ethanol-induced CYP2E1 expression. In addition, inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and SP1 (mithramycin A) completely abrogated induction of CYP2E1 by ethanol in SVGA astrocytes. Subsequently, we showed that CYP2E1 is also responsible for ethanol-mediated oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in U937 monocytic cell lines. Finally, our results showed that PKC/JNK/SP1 pathway is also involved in regulation of CYP2E1 in U937 cells. This study has clinical implications with respect to alcohol-associated neuroinflammatory toxicity among alcohol users.

"Trophoblast islands of the chorionic connective tissue" (TICCT): a novel placental histologic feature

INTRODUCTION

We found isolated or clustered trophoblasts in the chorionic connective tissue of the extraplacental membranes, and defined this novel histologic feature as the "trophoblast islands of the chorionic connective tissue" (TICCT). This study was conducted to determine the clinical significance of TICCT.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin-7 was performed on the chorioamniotic membranes (N = 2155) obtained from singleton pregnancies of 1199 uncomplicated term and 956 preterm deliveries. The study groups comprised 1236 African-American and 919 Hispanic women. Gestational age ranged from 24(+0) weeks to 41(+6) weeks. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the magnitude of association between patient characteristics and the presence of TICCT.

RESULTS

The likelihood of TICCT was significantly associated with advancing gestational age both in term (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16-1.45, p < 0.001) and preterm deliveries (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.32, p = 0.001) . Hispanic women were less likely than African-American women to have TICCT across gestation in term (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.18-0.31, p < 0.001) and preterm pregnancies (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29-0.58, p < 0.001). Women with a female fetus were significantly more likely to have TICCT than women with a male fetus, in both term (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.28-2.11, p < 0.001) and preterm gestations (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.46-2.85, p < 0.001). TICCT was 40% less frequent in the presence of chronic placental inflammation [term (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.81, p = 0.001) and preterm gestations (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.84, p = 0.003)] and in parous women at term (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.81, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the duration of pregnancy, fetal sex, and parity may influence the behavior of extravillous trophoblast and placental mesenchymal cells.

The effects of long-term exposure to ozokerite mainly consisting of an aliphatic series of hydrocarbons using F344 rats

Combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of ozokerite (OZK), a natural wax substance used as a food additive for a gum base, were performed in male and female F344 rats. Dietary concentrations of 0%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% OZK were applied in a 52-week chronic toxicity study and 0%, 0.1% and 0.2% in a 104-week carcinogenicity study. In the chronic toxicity study, treatment with OZK caused a xenobiotic reaction against absorbed OZK, including formation of histiocytosis and granulomas with crystalline material in many organs in all of the treated males and females. Particularly in the liver, granulomatous inflammation was accompanied by hepatocellular vacuolation and changes in the serum biochemical parameters indicative of hepatic disorder. The number and area of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci were increased in all of the treated groups of both sexes, suggesting the proliferative effect of OZK. In the carcinogenicity study, the incidence of hepatocellular adenoma and the total tumor incidence in the liver of all of the treated males were significantly increased compared with the controls. In conclusion, long-term exposure to OZK caused systemic chronic inflammation due to a foreign body response. OZK was weakly carcinogenic in the liver of male F344 rats.

Alcohol drinking and all cancer mortality: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have suggested an inconsistent relationship between alcohol drinking and risk of all cancer mortality. As far as we know, no meta-analysis has been conducted to explore this issue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a PubMed search to find relevant articles published before April 2012 in English. Categorical and dose-response meta-analyses were conducted to identify the impact of alcohol drinking on all cancer mortality. Potential sources of heterogeneity were detected by meta-regression and stratification analyses. Sensitivity and cumulative meta-analyses were also carried out.

RESULTS

Eighteen independent cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with non/occasional drinkers, the pooled relative risks (RRs) were 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.94] for light, 1.02 (95% CI 0.99-1.06) for moderate, and 1.31 (95% CI 1.23-1.39) for heavy drinkers. Former drinkers presented a higher risk (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.15-1.50) than current drinkers (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.98-1.16). There was a J-shaped relationship between all cancer mortality and alcohol consumption in males but not in females.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis confirms the health hazards of heavy drinking (≥50 g/day) and benefits of light drinking (≤12.5 g/day). Large-sample, well-designed, prospective epidemiological studies, especially on heavy drinking among women, should be developed in future.

Outcomes of endoscopic and surgical resection for a second primary cancer in the residual cervical esophagus after thoracic esophagectomy

Patients who have received subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer must be closely monitored for second primary malignancies. The purpose of this study is to review and assess patients who developed a second primary esophageal cancer in the residual cervical esophagus. Between 1996 and 2010, 10 patients were diagnosed in our hospital with esophageal squamous cell cancer in the residual cervical esophagus after undergoing thoracic esophagectomy and were treated with endoscopic or surgical resection. Data from these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Seven of the 10 patients (70%) had multiple primary carcinoma lesions at the time of their esophagectomy. A second primary cancer in the residual cervical esophagus was detected in eight patients during follow-up endoscopic examinations while the patients were still asymptomatic. Seven of the patients underwent endoscopic resection for a superficial cancer. None of those patients experienced any complications, and all are currently alive and cancer-free. The remaining three patients underwent resection of the cervical esophagus with regional lymph node dissection. Two of those patients experienced severe complications; one subsequently died (hospital death) from pneumonia, 12 months after surgery, while the other died from recurrence of his cancer. The third patient is alive and cancer-free. Early detection of a second primary malignancy in the residual cervical esophagus followed by endoscopic resection is the best treatment strategy for patients who previously received subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. Surgical resection puts patients at high risk of mortality or morbidity.

Associations of miRNA polymorphisms and female physiological characteristics with breast cancer risk in Chinese population

mircoRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles on regulation of gene expressions. Aberrant expression of miRNAs was involved in various biological and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis of breast cancer. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were implicated in altered expression or biological functions of mature miRNAs. To explore the relevance of miRNA polymorphisms and female physiological characteristics to breast cancer risk, SNPs located within hsa-miR-605 (rs2043556), hsa-miR-149 (rs2292832), hsa-miR-27a (rs895819), hsa-miR-196a-2 (rs11614913) and hsa-miR-618 (rs2682818) were selected, and their associations with breast cancer risk were analysed. In addition, associations between physiological characteristics-related factors and breast cancer risk were estimated too. We found that the ones with menarche age less than 16 years had increased breast cancer risk (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.23-3.60). Marginally significant association between rs11614913 CT/CC genotypes and reduced breast cancer risk was observed (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.40-1.06), while no significance was detected about the other miRNA polymorphisms. We concluded that menarche at less than 16 years old increased breast cancer risk, while the genetic variants in miR-196-a-2 might decrease the risk.

Autoantibodies in Sjögren's syndrome patients acutely inhibit muscarinic receptor function

OBJECTIVES

Autoantibodies from the sera of Sjögren's syndrome patients (SS IgG) have been suggested to inhibit muscarinic receptor function. However, the acute nature of such an inhibitory effect remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of SS IgG on muscarinic receptor function in human submandibular gland (HSG) cells.

METHODS

The effects of autoantibodies on muscarinic receptor function were studied using microspectrofluorimetry, whole-cell patch clamp, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and a co-immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

Carbachol (CCh) was found to consistently increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+) ](i) ) and activate K(+) current in HSG cells. However, pretreatment of the cells with SS IgG for 5 or 30 min significantly attenuated these responses, with a substantially more prominent effect after 30 min of treatment. Like CCh, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) also increased [Ca(2+) ](i) and activated K(+) currents in HSG cells, although pretreatment with SS IgG did not affect the cellular response to ATP. CCh was found to reorganize α-fodrin in HSG cells in a Ca(2+) -dependent manner. However, pretreatment with SS IgG prevented the cytoskeletal reorganization of α-fodrin induced by CCh.

CONCLUSIONS

SS IgG acutely and reversibly inhibited muscarinic receptor function, thereby inhibiting the Ca(2+) mobilization necessary for the activation of K(+) currents and α-fodrin reorganization in HSG cells.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is upregulated in aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study we examined the expression of ICAM-1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We hypothesized that ICAM-1 correlates with indicators of tumor aggressiveness in PTC.

METHODS

Thirty-five primary and metastatic PTCs, five follicular adenomas, five Hashimoto thyroiditis, five nodular hyperplasia, and eight normal thyroid tissue samples were analyzed for ICAM-1 gene expression using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ICAM-1 gene expression was analyzed at protein level by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a semiquantitative score. Gene expression and intensity levels were correlated with markers of tumor aggressiveness including BRAF V600E mutation, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), angiolymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

ICAM-1 gene expression was higher in PTC (p = 0.01) and lymph node metastases (p = 0.03) when compared with benign tumors and Hashimoto's. Furthermore, PTCs exhibiting BRAF V600E mutation (p = 0.01), ETE (p < 0.01), and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02) were associated with higher ICAM-1 levels. Gene expression correlated with protein levels on IHC. Additionally, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma had a higher ICAM-1 intensity score compared with well-differentiated carcinoma (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

ICAM-1 expression is upregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, ICAM-1 upregulation correlated with aggressive tumor features such as BRAF V600E mutation, ETE, and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that ICAM-1 plays a role in thyroid cancer progression.

Investigation of carcinogenicity for levamisole administered in the diet to F344 rats

A two year carcinogenicity study of anthelmintic drug levamisole (LV) was performed using 50 male and 50 female F344 rats at dietary drug concentrations of 0, 60, or 300 ppm. The daily intakes of LV were calculated to be 2.6, 12.9 mg/kg b.w./day for males and 2.9, 14.1mg/kg b.w./day for females, respectively. No significant differences in general condition and survival rate (82%, 74%, 80% in males and 84%, 84%, 84% in females, respectively) were observed. In the 300 ppm group, suppression of body weight gain was observed from the onset of treatment and reduction in final body weights was 6% in males and 11% in females. Significant increases in the absolute and/or relative weights of the lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, and adrenals were observed in males and/or females treated with 300 ppm. Some of high incidences neoplasms were observed, and there were also tendencies to increase for mammary gland fibroma and thoracic/abdominal cavity mesothelioma in males. However, there were no significant inter-group differences in incidences, histopathological types or differences compared with historical control data. Thus, it was concluded that LV was not carcinogenic to male and female F344 rats under the experimental conditions.

Selection pressure on the hemagglutinin gene of influenza A (H1N1) virus: adaptation to human and swine hosts in Asia

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is an important pathogen that can be transmitted in the enzootic cycle involved in influenza epidemics. In this study, we analyzed natural selection on the 260 sequences of subtype 1 hemagglutinin (HA1) gene of H1N1 viruses isolated from humans and swine in Asia. Nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rates (dN, dS) were determined for each amino acid site in the HA1 coding region. Four and two positively selected sites were identified in human and swine viruses, respectively. These sites might be involved in the change of antigenic epitopes to evade the host immune system. The results indicate that more diversifying and less purifying selection controls HA1 of human viruses compared with the swine viruses. Furthermore, thirteen sites evolving differently in human and swine viruses were identified in the HA1. These sites may play a role in the cross-species transmission. The analysis of adaptive evolution of the HA1 can provide valuable information for accelerating vaccine and drug development for prevention and treatment of influenza A (H1N1) in Asia.

KEYWORDS

Influenza A virus; H1N1; hemagglutinin; positive selection; antigenic epitope.

Characterization and expression analysis of KAP7.1, KAP8.2 gene in Liaoning new-breeding cashmere goat hair follicle

Keratin-associated protein is one of the major structural proteins of the hair, whose content in hair has important effect on the quality of cashmere. In order to study the relationship between HGTKAP gene expression and cashmere fineness, the quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was firstly used to detect the levels of KAP7.1, KAP8.2 gene expression in the primary and secondary hair follicles; semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect whether KAP7.1, KAP8.2 gene are expressed in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney tissues; and in situ hybridization(ISH) to detect KAP7.1 gene expression location. qRT-PCR result showed that the expression of both KAP7.1 and KAP8.2 gene in the secondary hair follicles are significantly higher than that in the primary follicles, relative quantitative analysis obtained that KAP7.1 was 2.28 times, while KAP8.2 was 2.71 times. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR results revealed that KAP 7.1 and KAP8.2 mRNA were not detected in the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney tissues, demonstrating that KAP7.1 and KAP8.2 were specially expressed in hair follicles, participating in hair formation. Moreover, KAP7.1 gene has a strong expression in the cortical layer, inner root sheath of the primary follicles and the cortical layer, inner root sheath and hair matrix of the secondary hair follicles by ISH analysis. Taken together, the evidence presented here indicated that in the formation of cashmere and wool, differential expression of these two genes in the primary and secondary hair follicles may have an important role in regulating the fiber diameter.

Do patients with basilar or vertebral artery stenosis have a higher stroke incidence poststenting?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Posterior circulation stenosis may be a risk factor associated with stroke after intracranial stenting as compared with anterior circulation stenosis. Our aim was to test our hypothesis that there was no difference in clinical outcome poststenting between patients with severe stenosis of the basilar artery (BA) and intracranial vertebral artery (VA).

METHODS

Using the Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for prespecified factors (qualifying event, and timing of stenting after the qualifying event), we compared primary endpoint (ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory, including any stroke or death within 30 days of stenting) between patients with severe symptomatic atherosclerotic BA and VA stenosis who underwent elective stenting in our prospective database. Analysis was by intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

Primary endpoint event occurred in 13 (18.8%) of 69 patients with BA stenosis during a mean 23.4 months (9 within 30 days and 4 afterward) and 3 (4.3%) of 70 patients with VA stenosis during a mean 26.4 months (2 within 30 days and 1 afterward). Patients with BA stenosis had a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint (adjusted HR=4.87, 95% CI 1.37 to 17.29; p=0.014) or any stroke or death within 30 days of stenting (adjusted HR=5.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 23.96; p=0.038) than those with VA stenosis.

CONCLUSION

A significantly higher stroke risk poststenting exists in patients with severe BA stenosis than those with VA stenosis. The discrepancy in clinical outcome after stenting between patients with BA and VA stenosis should be considered in clinical practice and stenting trials.

Predicting the pathogenicity of RPE65 mutations

To assist in distinguishing disease-causing mutations from nonpathogenic polymorphisms, we developed an objective algorithm to calculate an "estimate of pathogenic probability" (EPP) based on the prevalence of a specific variation, its segregation within families, and its predicted effects on protein structure. Eleven missense variations in the RPE65 gene were evaluated in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) using the EPP algorithm. The accuracy of the EPP algorithm was evaluated using a cell-culture assay of RPE65-isomerase activity The variations were engineered into plasmids containing a human RPE65 cDNA and the retinoid isomerase activity of each variant was determined in cultured cells. The EPP algorithm predicted eight substitution mutations to be disease-causing variants. The isomerase catalytic activities of these RPE65 variants were all less than 6% of wild-type. In contrast, the EPP algorithm predicted the other three substitutions to be non-disease-causing, with isomerase activities of 68%, 127%, and 110% of wild-type, respectively. We observed complete concordance between the predicted pathogenicities of missense variations in the RPE65 gene and retinoid isomerase activities measured in a functional assay. These results suggest that the EPP algorithm may be useful to evaluate the pathogenicity of missense variations in other disease genes where functional assays are not available.

Relationship between psychosocial factors and onset of multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychosocial variables on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relationship between these variables and the onset of MS.

BACKGROUND

The current evidence indicates that many types of psychosocial factors are involved in the development and relapse of MS, and it has been suggested that they could serve as predictors as well. So far, little has been reported on the effect of psychosocial factors on MS and the relationship between psychosocial factors and the onset of MS.

METHODS

Forty-one patients, 15 males and 26 females, average age 37.44 +/- 12.24 years (mean +/- SD), were evaluated by the Life Event Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Social Support Revaluate Scale and Symptom Check List 90 and compared with 41 equivalent healthy control subjects, 15 males and 26 females, average age 36.38 +/- 12.84 years (mean +/- SD). Disease, demographic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors were measured at baseline. Patients with MS were first diagnosed by 3 neurologists according to the Poser (1983) MS diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the MS and the control group in their negative emotions and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, obsession, phobia, tense interpersonal relationship and somatization disorder. Significant differences were found between the two groups in the total number of negative life events, their family problems and the utilization of social support. The scores for various negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with those for neuroticisms in personality type, and negatively with those for introverted and extroverted personality. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with the total number of life events, negative life events and family problems. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated negatively with the utilization of social support.

CONCLUSION

The psychosocial factors are closely associated with MS onset and may play important roles in the development of the disease.

Initial results of a new clinical trial matching service to increase patient participation

e17504

Methods: Data from CTMS constituents and follow-up information describing enrollment status and barriers to trial participation are reviewed. Results: During 15 months of operation the CTMS provided information to 10,997 individuals; 7,521 (68.39%) used the website only, and 3,476 (31.61%) also contacted the ACS call center. Among 981 of the 3,476 (28.22% the basis of analyses below) who consented to and could be reached for follow-up and who answered the question on enrollment status, 119 (12.13%) enrolled in a CT. Trial phase was known for 74 enrollees (phase I: 17 [22.97%]; II: 36 [48.65%]; III: 21 [28.38%]; IV: 0 [0%]). Enrollment was negatively (p < 0.05) associated with poor ECOG functional status and black race, and was positively related to disease stage. Among the 757 individuals with available disease site and enrollment information, those with stomach cancer accounted for the most enrollments (25, 24.75% of all enrollments); followed by melanoma (12, 11.88%) and kidney, renal pelvis, bladder, ureter and urethra (also 12, 11.88%), and breast cancer (11, 10.89%). The highest enrollment rates (% enrollees among individuals with available follow-up) were for multiple myeloma/plasma cell disorders (4/14, 28.57%), melanoma (12/49, 24.49%), primary CNS malignancy (5/31, 16.13%), and soft tissue sarcoma (6/45, 13.33%). The following barriers were significantly associated with non-enrollment: ‘I cannot travel to clinical trial site,‘ ‘I cannot find a clinical trial using the modality or treatment I want,‘ ‘My physical activity level is too low,‘ and ‘I do not have measurable disease or am cancer-free.‘ Conclusions: 12% of CTMS participants with available follow-up data for enrollment status participated in a CT. Several determinants of CT participation were identified. Strategies for eliminating racial disparities, facilitating transportation, and increasing participation among patients with earlier stage disease and more common tumor types must be developed and implemented.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Ribonucleotide reductase small subunit p53R2 suppresses MEK-ERK activity by binding to ERK kinase 2

The p53-dependent RR small subunit (p53R2) protein, a newly identified member of the ribonucleotide reductase family, plays a key role in the p53-dependent cellular response to DNA. Several recent studies have suggested that p53R2 also plays an important role in suppressing the invasive potential of human cancer cells. However, the cellular mechanism that regulates invasiveness remains largely unknown. In this study, we show that p53R2 interacts with MEK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase 2-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 2), the molecule immediately upstream of ERK in the Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling cascade. In co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses, we found that p53R2 and MEK2 interact physically in cultured mammalian cells, and that the p53R2 segment comprising amino acids 161-206 is critical for this interaction. Moreover, serum-induced phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 was greatly augmented in human cancer cells expressing small-interfering RNA against p53R2. On the other hand, phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in human cancer cells was markedly attenuated by overexpression of p53R2. Furthermore, MEK2 was required for p53R2 knockdown-induced enhancement of the invasive ability and anchorage-independent growth of human lung cancer H1299 cells. Taken together, these findings show that p53R2 negatively modulates serum-induced MEK-ERK activity and inhibits the MEK-ERK-mediated malignancy potential of human cancer cells.

DNA polymorphism of 5' flanking region of prolactin gene and its association with litter size in sheep

A single nucleotide polymorphism of 5' flanking region of the prolactin gene was investigated in both high prolificacy breeds (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and low prolificacy breeds (Dorset and Suffolk sheep) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The results indicated that two genotypes (AA and AB) were detected in Small Tail Han sheep (n = 239), only one genotype (AA) was detected in Hu (n = 40), Dorset (n = 50) and Suffolk sheep (n = 39). The mutant homozygous genotype (BB) was not detected in four sheep breeds. In Small Tail Han sheep (n = 239), the frequency of genotypes AA and AB was 0.91 and 0.09, the frequency of the A and B alleles was 0.95 and 0.05, respectively. The fitness tests showed that the Small Tail Han sheep population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sequencing revealed a mutation (G-->T) at the position 63 bp of the 5' flanking region of prolactin gene in AB genotype compared with AA genotype in Small Tail Han sheep. The Small Tail Han ewes with AB genotype had 0.83 (p < 0.05) lambs more than those with AA genotype. These results preliminarily showed that the prolactin locus is either a major gene that influences the high prolificacy in Small Tail Han sheep or is in close linkage with such a gene.

Study of rat neuronal genes with ordered differential display method

Ordered differential display (ODD) was developed recently and has been applied to systematic comparison of expression profiles of genes. It was further improved with the specific complexing property between biotin and streptavidin by the authors. First, random primer and biotinylated oligo (dT) primer were used to make pools of double strand cDNA. Second, streptavidin-coated PCR tube is used to absorb 3'ESTs specifically to avoid the negative effect of other DNA fragments. In the case of 3'ESTs comparison patterns between embryonic brain and body of SD rat, more than forty differentially expressed genes were cloned and identified. The function of rZIC gene, one of the genes identified and cloned, was studied through ethological experiments. The result showed that rZIC gene was associated with locomotion activity of adult mice.