[High expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 together promote poor prognosis in HCC]

Objective: To further understand the interaction protein spectrum of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein AB (hnRNP AB), and to investigate their clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We carried out mass spectrometry to reveal the specific peptides of KRAB-associated protein 1 (Kap1) and hnRNPAB, and verified their interaction by immunocoprecipitation and western blotting. Expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining in the tissue microarrays. Categorical data were analyzed by the chi square test or Fisher exact test; enumeration data between groups were compared using Student t-test or Wilcocon signed rank test; the cumulative recurrence and survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Results: We identified Kap1 as a molecular partner for hnRNPAB in HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells as well. We found that the 5-year survival rate of the Kap1high patients was significantly lower than the survival rate of those of the Kap1low group (36% vs 59% , HR = 1.67, P < 0.001). Similarly, Kap1high HCC patients had the poorest prognosis at 5-years, with higher cumulative recurrence rate than Kap1low patients (72% vs 54%, HR = 1.66, P = 0.001). Univariate and Multivariate analyses revealed that hnRNPAB /Kap1 alone (HR = 1.35 /1.28, P = 0.001) or in combination with Kap1 (HR =1.24 /1.27, P < 0.05) were independent prognostic indicators for overall survival and time to recurrence. Conclusion: In HCC cells, hnRNPAB and Kap1 form protein complexes. The expression levels of hnRNPAB alone or in combination with Kap1 in HCC patients are important because they provide not only a predictor for HCC prognosis but also a therapeutic target for future studies.

A new laparoscopic technique of inguinal ligament suspension for vaginal vault prolapse

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension (LILS) as a new surgical technique for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse.

METHODS

From Feb 2014 to Mar 2016, 21 symptomatic women with grades III-IV vaginal vault prolapse were enrolled. All patients underwent LILS procedure in which a bifurcated mesh was used to suspend the vaginal vault to inguinal ligament. The perioperative parameters including surgical time, blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. At a minimal 12-month follow-up, the primary outcome measures, such as the anatomical cure rate and patients' satisfaction were respectively evaluated according to Pelvic organ prolapse questionnaire (POP-Q) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. The secondary outcomes including the impact on symptom severity, quality of life and sexual activity were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time was 130.71 ± 16.07 min, the mean estimated blood loss was 53.57 ± 48.43 ml, and the mean hospital stay was 6 days (range: 5-8 days). After a minimal 12-month follow-up (range: 12-36 months), the rate of anatomical success and the subjective satisfaction were 100% and 90.5%. The symptom severity, quality of life and sexual activity also presented significant improvement. In addition, no serious peri- and postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

LILS was a potential method for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. The technique could be performed easily and might be an alternative to other POP surgeries. However, further studies were required to focus on its long-term efficacy.

The effect of Qing Huan Ling on the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice

Objective

To investigate the effect of Qing Huan Ling and (or) risperidone on activity and preferences behavior of the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice.

Methods

Seventy kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, one group as placebo group. The rest groups intraperitoneal injection MK-801 continuously 14 day, then randomly numbered: model group, Qing Huan Ling group, risperidone groupand Qing Huan Ling combined risperidone group. Intragastric administration give corresponding drugs for each group one month, at the same time observe high activities and changes in the preferences of five groups.

Results

Compared with the blank group, activity of the rest model groups induced by MK-801 was increased (P < 0.05). After intragastric administration one month, model groups of high activity was decreased, especially risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group. There was no statistical meaning in inquiry activity of five groups (P > 0.05). Compared with model group, latent period of step-through test was prolonged 35.5 s (P < 0.05), of step-down test was prolonged 11.4 s in risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group.

Conclusion

The combination of Qing Huan Ling and risperidone can suppress the high activity; also can protect harmed memory of the preference behavior in the hypoglutamatergic schizophrenia model in mice.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Is prophylactic tranexamic acid administration effective and safe for postpartum hemorrhage prevention?: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TA) in reducing blood loss and lowering transfusion needs for patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD).

METHODS

An electronic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane library, Scopus, Central, and Clinical trials.gov was performed to identify studies that evaluating the usage of TA in CS or VD. The methodological quality of included trials was assessed and data extraction was performed.

RESULTS

Finally, 25 articles with 4747 participants were included. Our findings indicated TA resulted in a reduced intra-, postoperative, and total blood loss by a mean volume of 141.25 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] -186.72 to -95.79, P < 0.00001), 36.42 mL (95% CI -46.50 to -26.34, P < 0.00001), and 154.25 mL (95% CI -182.04 to -126.47, P < 0.00001) in CS. TA administration in VD was associated with a reduced intra-, postoperative, and total blood loss by a mean volume of 22.88 mL (95% CI -50.54 to 4.77, P = 0.10), 41.24 mL (95% CI -55.50 to -26.98, P < 0.00001), and 84.79 mL (95% CI -109.93 to -59.65, P < 0.00001). In addition, TA could lower the occurrence rate of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH, and reduce the risk of blood transfusions. No increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after CS or VD was associated with TA usage, while the minor side effects were more common.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that intravenous TA for patients undergoing CS was effective and safe. Although prophylactic TA administration is associated with reduced PPH, current existing data are insufficient to draw definitive recommendations about its clinical significance due to the poor to moderate quality of the included literatures. Thus, high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger samples are needed to validate our findings.

Plasma Mitochondrial DNA Levels as a Biomarker of Lipodystrophy Among HIV-infected Patients Treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

Lipodystrophy is a common complication in HIV-infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Its early diagnosis is crucial for timely modification of antiretroviral therapy. We hypothesize that mitochondrial DNA in plasma may be a potential marker of LD in HIV-infected individuals. In this study, we compared plasma mitochondrial DNA levels in HIV-infected individuals and non-HIV-infected individuals to investigate its potential diagnostic value. Total plasma DNA was extracted from 67 HIV-infected patients at baseline and 12, 24 and 30 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the mitochondrial DNA levels in plasma. Lipodystrophy was defined by the physician-assessed presence of lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy in one or more body regions. The mitochondrial DNA levels in plasma were significantly higher at baseline in HIV-infected individuals than in non-HIV-infected individuals (p<0.05). At month 30, 33 out of 67 patients (49.2%) showed at least one sign of lipodystrophy. The mean plasma mitochondrial DNA levels in lipodystrophy patients were significantly higher compared to those without lipodystrophy at month 24 (p<0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that using plasma mitochondrial DNA level (with cut-off value <5.09 log10 copies/ml) as a molecular marker allowed identification of patients with lipodystrophy with a sensitivity of 64.2% and a specificity of 73.0%. Our data suggest that mitochondrial DNA levels may help to guide therapy selection with regards to HIV lipodystrophy risk.

Zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction solid-phase extraction and multi-dimensional mass spectrometry for shotgun lipidomic study of Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (ZIC-HILIC) material was used as solid-phase extraction sorbent for purification of phospholipids from Hypophthalmichthys nobilis. The conditions were optimized to be pH 6, flow rate 2.0mL·min(-1), loading breakthrough volume ⩽5mL, and eluting solvent 5mL. Afterwards, the extracts were analyzed by multi-dimensional mass spectrometry (MDMS) based shotgun lipidomics; 20 species of phosphatidylcholine (PC), 22 species of phosphatidylethanoamine (PE), 15 species of phosphatidylserine (PS), and 5 species of phosphatidylinositol (PI) were identified, with content 224.1, 124.1, 27.4, and 34.7μg·g(-1), respectively. The MDMS method was validated in terms of linearity (0.9963-0.9988), LOD (3.7ng·mL(-1)), LOQ (9.8ng·mL(-1)), intra-day precision (<3.64%), inter-day precision (<5.31%), and recovery (78.8-85.6%). ZIC-HILIC and MDMS shotgun lipidomics are efficient for studying phospholipids in H. nobilis.

[Current status on management and needs related to education and training programs set for new employees at the provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in China]

OBJECTIVE

In order to understand the current management status on education/training and needs for training among new employees working at the provincial CDC in China during 2012-2014, so as to provide basis for setting up related programs at the CDC levels.

METHODS

Based on data gathered through questionnaire surveys run by CDCs from 32 provincial and 5 specifically-designated cities, microsoft excel was used to analyze the current status on management of education and training, for new employees.

RESULTS

There were 156 management staff members working on education and training programs in 36 CDCs, with 70% of them having received intermediate or higher levels of education. Large differences were seen on equipment of training hardware in different regions. There were 1 214 teaching staff with 66 percent in the fields or related professional areas on public health, in 2014. 5084 new employees conducted pre/post training programs, from 2012 to 2014 with funding as 750 thousand RMB Yuan. 99.5% of the new employees expressed the needs for further training while. 74% of the new staff members expecting a 2-5 day training program to be implemented. 79% of the new staff members claimed that practice as the most appropriate method for training.

CONCLUSIONS

Institutional programs set for education and training at the CDCs need to be clarified, with management team organized. It is important to provide more financial support on both hardware, software and human resources related to training programs which are set for new stuff members at all levels of CDCs.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone fusion in osteoporotic patients after lumbar fusion

Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the duration of time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents the subsequent adjacent vertebral compression fractures, improves the clinical outcomes, and prevents immobilization-induced bone loss in the hip.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the study was to explore the effects of zoledronic acid on the healing process in osteoporotic patients following spinal fusion in a randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blinded study.

METHODS

Seventy-nine osteoporotic patients with single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to receive either zoledronic acid infusion (zoledronic acid group) or saline infusion (controls) after spinal fusion. Functional radiography and CT scans were used to evaluate fusion status. Bone formation was graded into three categories: Grade A (bridging bone bonding with adjacent vertebral bodies), Grade B (bridging bone bonding with either superior or inferior vertebral body), or Grade C (incomplete bony bridging). A solid fusion was defined as less than 5° of angular motion with Grade A or B bone formation. Adjacent vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were assessed on MRI at 12 months after surgery. Serum level of carboxy terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) was measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Grade A or B bridging bone was more frequently observed in zoledronic acid group at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At 12 -months post-operation, bridging bone and solid fusion were not significantly different between groups. No patients in zoledronic acid group showed aVCF, whereas six patients (17 %) in the control group did (p < 0.05). Both β-CTX and PINP were suppressed in zoledronic acid group. BMD at the femoral neck decreased rapidly and did not return to the preoperative level in the controls at 3 (-1.4 %), 6 (-2.5 %), and 12 (-0.8 %) months after surgery. Zoledronic acid prevented this immobilization-induced bone loss and increased BMD. ODI showed the improved clinical outcomes compared with controls at 9 and 12 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents subsequent aVCFs, and improves clinical outcomes.

The effect of Qing Huan Ling combined risperidone on the open field behavior of schizophrenic mice model

Objective

To observe the effect of Qing Huan Ling and (or) risperidone on locomotor activity and explorative behavior of schizophrenia mice model by open field test.

Methods

Seventy kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, one group as blank group. The rest groups ip MK-801 continuously 14 day, then randomly numbered: model group, risperidone group, Qing Huan Ling group and risperidone combined Qing Huan Ling group. Ig give corresponding drugs for each group 4 weeks, observe the change of locomotor activity and explorative behavior by open field test.

Results

After Ig 4 weeks, compared with the blank group, there were no obvious difference in locomotor activity and explorative behavior between risperidone group, Qing Huan Ling group and the combined group. Compared with the model group, risperidone had statistics meaning in the repression of explorative behavior (P < 0.05),the combined group has statistics meaning in the repression of locomotor activity and explorative behavior (78.92 ± 36.18 m vs. 186.92 ± 41.08 m, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Qing Huan Ling regulate the central nervous system of schizophrenia mice model; when combined with risperidone, it restrain the central nervous system of schizophrenia mice model and the effect is stronger than risperidone alone.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Identification of four squid species by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

Squids are distributed worldwide, including many species of commercial importance, and they are often made into varieties of flavor foods. The rapid identification methods for squid species especially their processed products, however, have not been well developed. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) systems based on specific primers and TaqMan probes have been established for rapid and accurate identification of four common squid species (Ommastrephes bartramii, Dosidicus gigas, Illex argentinus, Todarodes pacificus) in Chinese domestic market. After analyzing mitochondrial genes reported in GenBank, the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene was selected for O. bartramii detection, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for D. gigas and T. Pacificus detection, ATPase subunit 6 (ATPase 6) gene for I. Argentinus detection, and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rDNA) gene for designing Ommastrephidae-specific primers and probe. As a result, all the TaqMan systems are of good performance, and efficiency of each reaction was calculated by making standard curves. This method could detect target species either in single or mixed squid specimen, and it was applied to identify 12 squid processed products successfully. Thus, it would play an important role in fulfilling labeling regulations and squid fishery control.

Distinct RNA transcriptome patterns are potentially associated with angiogenesis in Tie2-expressing monocytes

Tie2-expressing Monocytes (TEMs) were previously identified as a novel subset of monocytes and were believed to have prominent pro-angiogenesis activities in human tumors. While the molecular mechanism of the angiogenesis promoting capacity of TEMs remains unclear. RNA transcriptome pattern, including non-coding RNAs as microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), plays important role in cell differentiation and functions. However, little is known about the transcriptome patterns of TEMs, including those non-coding RNAs. We explore the transcriptome of TEMs and the matched monocytes that do not express Tie2 (Tie2(-)monocytes) isolated from peripheral blood of healthy adults employing the Agilent Human miRNA(8*60K,Design ID: 046064)microarray and the Agilent lncRNA Gene Expression(4*180K, Design ID: 042818)microarray. A total of 141 mRNAs, 142 lncRNAs and 75 miRNAs were found dysregulated in TEMs compared to Tie2(-)monocytes. TEMs have the distinct RNA transcriptome patterns according to the Hierarchical clustering and then the gene expression patterns were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Functional annotation by Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed that the up-regulated mRNAs in TEMs were associated to blood vessel remodeling and positive regulation of epithelial cell proliferation, and the up-regulated insulin like growth factor 1(IGF1) mRNA was involved in both pathways. For functional analysis of those dysregulated non-coding RNAs, target genes of the miRNAs were predicted and cis/trans-regulation analysis of the lncRNAs were performed.

Alteration of Gene Expression Profile in Kidney of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Treated with Protein Hydrolysate of Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) by DNA Microarray Analysis

Marine organisms are rich sources of bioactive components, which are often reported to have antihypertensive effects. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of blue mussel protein (HBMP) in rats. Peptides with in vitro ACE inhibitory activity were purified from HBMP by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. And the amino acid sequences of isolated peptides were estimated to be Val-Trp, Leu-Gly-Trp, and Met-Val-Trp-Thr. To study its in vivo action, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administration with high- or low-dose of HBMP for 28 days. Major components of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) system in serum of SHRs from different groups were analyzed, and gene expression profiling were performed in the kidney of SHRs, using the Whole Rat Genome Oligonucleotide Microarray. Results indicated although genes involved in RAS system were not significantly altered, those related to blood coagulation system, cytokine and growth factor, and fatty acids metabolism were remarkablely changed. Several genes which were seldom reported to be implicated in pathogenesis of hypertension also showed significant expression alterations after oral administration of HBMP. These data provided valuable information for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the potential antihypertensive activities of HBMP, and will contribute towards increased value-added utilization of blue mussel protein.

Dimedone Derivative {2-[(4-Hydroxy-phenylamino)- methylene]-5,5-dimethyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione} Plays an Important Role in Breast Cancer Treatment

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 2-[(4-hydroxy-phenylamino)-methylene]-5,5-dimethyl-cyclohex (HPDH) on mammary carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in female Sprague Dawley rats.Methods: Among three groups of rats (50 each) used in the study, the control group was fed standard diet alone, ibuprofen group received standard diet containing 1200 mg/kg ibuprofen while HPDH group was administered standard diet containing 1200 mg/kg HPDH. The treatment was for 10 days for all the groups. All the animals received 20 mg of DMBA intragastrically by gavage. Clinical parameters for the rats were recorded weekly. Micrometer caliper was used to measure the diameter of all the tumors at the end of the experiment and tumor volume calculated. Histological evaluation was performed using  hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the level of HPDH and ibuprofen in the serum of the animals.Results: The data revealed a significant decrease in the number of rats with mammary tumor, number of tumors/rat and tumor volume by 54, 72 and 75 %, respectively, in HPDH group compared to control group. The ibuprofen- treated rats also showed significant decrease in the number of rats with tumor, number of tumors/rat and tumor volume by 43, 55, and 59 %, respectively. Treatment of rats with HPDH increased the latency period of tumor induction significantly (p < 0.005). Median detection period (50 % of tumors) was 92, 83 and 56 days, respectively, in HPDH, ibuprofen and control groups, respectively, after DMBA induction.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that HPDH possesses strong chemopreventive activity against mammary carcinogenesis.Keywords: Carcinogenesis, Mammary tumor, Median detection period, Tumor, Latency period, Chemopreventive activity, Ibuprofen

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Kaempferol Promotes Transplant Tolerance by Sustaining CD4+FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells in the Presence of Calcineurin Inhibitor

Calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine is widely used as an immunosuppressant in clinic. However, mounting evidence has shown that cyclosporine hinders tolerance induction by dampening Tregs. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to overcome this pitfall. Kaempferol was reported to inhibit DC function. Here, we found that kaempferol delayed islet allograft rejection. Combination of kaempferol and low-dose, but not high-dose, of cyclosporine induced allograft tolerance in majority of recipient mice. Although kaempferol plus either dose of cyclosporine largely abrogated proliferation of graft-infiltrating T cells and their CTL activity, both proliferation and CTL activity in mice treated with kaempferol plus low-dose, but not high-dose, cyclosporine reemerged rapidly upon treatment withdrawal. Kaempferol increased CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs both in transplanted mice and in vitro, likely by suppressing DC maturation and their IL-6 expression. Reduction in Tregs by low dose of cyclosporine was reversed by kaempferol. Kaempferol-induced Tregs exhibited both allospecific and non-allospecific suppression. Administering IL-6 abrogated allograft tolerance induced by kaempferol and cyclosporine via diminishing CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrated that kaempferol promotes transplant tolerance in the presence of low dose of cyclosporine, which allows for sufficient Treg generation while minimizing side effects, resulting in much-needed synergy between kaempferol and cyclosporine.

Association between change in body weight after midlife and risk of hip fracture-the Singapore Chinese Health Study

The relationship between change in body weight and risk of fractures is inconsistent in epidemiologic studies. In this cohort of middle-aged to elderly Chinese in Singapore, compared to stable weight, weight loss ≥10 % over an average of 6 years is associated with nearly 40 % increase in risk of hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Findings on the relationship between change in body weight and risk of hip fracture are inconsistent. In this study, we examined this association among middle-aged and elderly Chinese in Singapore.

METHODS

We used prospective data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a population-based cohort of 63,257 Chinese men and women aged 45-74 years at recruitment in 1993-1998. Body weight and height were self-reported at recruitment and reassessed during follow-up interview in 1999-2004. Percent in weight change was computed based on the weight difference over an average of 6 years, and categorized as loss ≥10 %, loss 5 to <10 %, loss or gain <5 % (stable weight), gain 5 to <10 %, and gain ≥10 %. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied with adjustment for risk factors for hip fracture and body mass index (BMI) reported at follow-up interview.

RESULTS

About 12 % experienced weight loss ≥10 %, and another 12 % had weight gain ≥10 %. After a mean follow-up of 9.0 years, we identified 775 incident hip fractures among 42,149 eligible participants. Compared to stable weight, weight loss ≥10 % was associated with 39 % increased risk (hazard ratio 1.39; 95 % confidence interval 1.14, 1.69). Such elevated risk with weight loss ≥10 % was observed in both genders and age groups at follow-up (≤65 and >65 years) and in those with baseline BMI ≥20 kg/m(2).There was no significant association with weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide evidence that substantial weight loss is an important risk factor for osteoporotic hip fractures among the middle-aged to elderly Chinese.

Effect of daily short-duration weight-bearing on disuse-induced deterioration of musculoskeletal system

OBJECTIVES

To investigate deterioration of musculoskeletal system due to prolonged disuse and the potential of daily short-duration weight-bearing as countermeasures.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into Control Group (CG, no intervention), Tail-suspension Group (TG, tail-suspension without treatment), and Weight-Bearing Group (WBG, tail-suspension with 20 min/day, 5 days/week body weight loading). After four weeks of treatment, femur and tibia, soleus and extensor digitorum longus were evaluated for bone and muscle quality respectively. Tensile properties of bone-tendon insertion (BTI) were evaluated using patella-patellar tendon complex.

RESULTS

Disuse induced deterioration on bone, muscle, and BTI after four weeks. Compared with CG, TG and WBG showed significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) of trabecular bone in distal femur (4.3-15.2%), muscle mass (31.3-52.3%), muscle cross-sectional area (29.1-35%), and failure strength of BTI (23.9-29.4%). Tensile test showed that the failure mode was avulsion of bone at the BTI. No significant difference was detected between TG and WBG for all assessments on bone, muscle, and BTI.

CONCLUSIONS

Disuse caused deterioration of bone, muscle, and BTI while daily short-duration of weight-bearing did not prevent this deterioration. Mechanical stimulation with higher intensity and longer duration may be necessary to prevent musculoskeletal deterioration resulted from prolonged disuse.

Expression and significance of SATB1 in the development of breast cancer

Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a recently discovered gene regulator that can promote the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. However, its expression in different stages of breast cancer development have not been examined. We explored the role of SATB1 in the development of breast cancer by detecting SATB1 expression levels in different stages of breast cancer. SATB1 expression was determined using an immunohistochemical streptavidin peroxidase method; the relationship between clinicopathological features of breast cancer and SATB1 expression was analyzed using the X(2) test. Positive rates of SATB1 protein in normal breast tissue, normal breast ductal hyperplasia tissue, precancerous lesions of breast cancer, non-invasive cancer, early invasive carcinoma, and invasive breast cancer tissue were, respectively, 6.25 (2/32), 6.4 (3/47), 20.4 (10/49), 45.0 (9/20), 52.9 (9/17), and 76.6% (72/94). SATB1 in the latter 3 groups was significantly higher than in the first 3 groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of SATB1 protein in invasive non-special types of breast cancer (88.5%, 54/61) was significantly higher than in the special type of invasive breast cancer (54.5%, 18/33) and early invasive breast cancer (52.9%, 9/17) (P < 0.05). SATB1 protein expression in breast cancer with lymph node metastasis was generally increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). SATB1 protein expression showed an increasing trend in different stages of breast cancer development. Overexpression indicated poor prognosis.

Hybrid monitor for both beam position and tilt of pulsed high-current beams

A Hybrid beam monitor, integrated with both azimuthal and axial B-dot probes, was designed for simultaneous measurement of both beam position and beam angle for pulsed high-current beams at the same location in beam pipe. The output signals of axial B-dot probes were found to be mixed with signals caused by transverse position deviation. In order to eliminate the unwanted signals, an elimination method was developed and its feasibility tested on a 50-Ω coaxial line test stand. By this method, a waveform, shape-like to that of input current and proportional to the tilt angle, was simulated and processed by following integration step to achieve the tilt angle. The tests showed that the measurement error of displacement and tilt angle less than 0.3 mm and 1.5 mrad, respectively. The latter error could be reduced with improved probes by reducing the inductance of the axial B-dot probe, but the improvement reached a limit due to some unknown systemic mechanism.

Precursor ion scan driven fast untargeted screening and semi-determination of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in Cynara scolymus L

A precursor ion scan (PIS) technique based strategy was developed for rapid screening and semi-determination of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (CADs) in artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid were used for studying the fragmentation behaviour of two classes of CADs, setting m/z 191 as a diagnostic moiety. When it was applied to artichoke sample, ten CADs were detected and elucidated in a single PIS run. Furthermore, method validation was implemented including: specificity (no interference), linearity (≥0.9993), limit of detection (LOD<0.12 ng mL(-1)) and limit of quantification (LOQ<0.25 ng mL(-1)), precision (RSD≤3.6), recovery (91.4-95.9%) and stability (at least 12 h). This approach was proven to be a powerful, selective and sensitive tool for rapid screening and semi-determination of untargeted components in natural products.

Gpr177-mediated Wnt Signaling is Required for Fungiform Placode Initiation

Fungiform papillae are formed as patterned rows on the surface of the anterior tongue at early organogenesis and contain one taste bud in each papilla to form one of the important sensory organs. Despite the essential role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in controlling the development of fungiform taste papillae, the universal function of Wnt ligands in the initiation of the fungiform placode has not been completely elucidated. Here, by Shh (Cre) -mediated oral epithelial deletion of Wntless (Gpr177), a regulator essential for intracellular Wnt trafficking, we demonstrate that an overall function of Wnts is required for initiation of the fungiform placode. Multiple Wnts are expressed in the tongue epithelium at E11.5 before initiation of the fungiform placodes. Epithelial Gpr177 loss-of-function, associated with reduction of canonical Wnt signaling in lingual epithelium as exhibited by a loss of TopGal activity and Axin2 expression, results in the failure of fungiform placode initiation, as assessed by diminished expression of several taste placode molecular markers. Moreover, LiCl treatment of Gpr177 epithelial-deficient tongue explants at E11.5, but not at E12.5, restores tongue placode formation, demonstrating that Wnt ligands in the tongue surface prior to but not after fungiform placode initiation are responsible for fungiform papilla initiation. Epithelium-specific expression of an active β-catenin in the Gpr177-deficient tongue leads to fungiform papillae generation, suggesting that an intra-epithelial response to Wnts is required for placode initiation. Together, these results suggest that Gpr177 controls epithelial initiation of the fungiform placode through signaling via epithelial Wnt ligands.

Natural CD8+CD122+ T cells are more potent in suppression of allograft rejection than CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells

Despite extensive studies on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), their application in adoptive transfer therapies is still not optimal in immune-competent wild-type (WT) animal models. Therefore, it is compelling to search for more potent Tregs for potential clinical application. Mounting evidence has shown that naturally occurring CD8+CD122+ T cells are also Tregs. However, their suppression in allograft rejection, efficiency in suppression and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using a murine allotransplantation model, we reported here that CD8+CD122+ Tregs were actually more potent in suppression of allograft rejection and underwent more rapid homeostatic proliferation than their CD4+CD25+ counterparts. Moreover, they produced more IL-10 and were more potent in suppressing T cell proliferation in vitro. Deficiency in IL-10 in CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD122+ Tregs resulted in their reduced but equal suppression in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that IL-10 is responsible for more effective suppression by CD8+CD122+ than CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Importantly, transfer of CD8+CD122+ Tregs together with the administration of recombinant IL-15 significantly prolonged allograft survival in WT mice. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate that naturally arising CD8+CD122+ Tregs not only inhibit allograft rejection but also exert this suppression more potently than their CD4+CD25+ counterparts. This novel finding may have important implications for tolerance induction.

Effects on tumor development and metastatic dissemination by the NKG2D lymphocyte receptor expressed on cancer cells

The stimulatory NKG2D lymphocyte receptor together with its tumor-associated ligands enable the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. However, with dynamic changes unfolding, cancers exploit NKG2D and its ligands for immune evasion and suppression. Recent findings have added yet another functional dimension wherein cancer cells themselves coopt NKG2D for their own benefit to complement the presence of its ligands for self stimulation of parameters of tumorigenesis. Those findings are here extended to in vivo tumorigenicity testing by employing orthotopic xenotransplant breast cancer models in mice. Using human cancer lines with ectopic NKG2D expression and RNAi-mediated protein depletion among other controls, we show that NKG2D self-stimulation has tumor promoting capacity. NKG2D signals had no notable effects on cancer cell proliferation and survival but acted at the level of angiogenesis, thus promoting tumor growth, tumor cell intravasation and dissemination. NKG2D-mediated effects on tumor initiation may represent another factor in the observed overall enhancement of tumor development. Altogether, these results may impact immunotherapy approaches, which currently do not account for such NKG2D effects in cancer patients and thus could be misdirected as underlying assumptions are incomplete.

Graphene based pipette tip solid phase extraction of marine toxins in shellfish muscle followed by UPLC-MS/MS analysis

Graphene is a novel carbonic material with great potentials for the use as sorbent due to its ultrahigh surface area. Herein, we report the use of graphene as sorbent in solid-phase extraction (SPE) using pipette tip as cartridge namely GPT-SPE, together with ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), for the analysis of lipophilic marine toxins (LMTs), including yessotoxins (YTX), okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1), gymnodimine (GYM), spirolides-1 (SPX1), pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2) and azaspiracid-1 (AZA1) in shellfish. The GPT-SPE procedure was optimized and the performance of graphene was fully validated. Results with high-sensitivity and good reproducibility was obtained and compared with that of other sorbents like C18 silica, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), commercial Oasis HLB, and Strata-X for the extraction of LMTs, which showed superiority and advantages of graphene, such as good recoveries, stability and compatibility with various solvents. In order to exhibit the potentials of graphene as an excellent sorbent material, 67 mussel samples from six coastal cities of China were analyzed. OA was found to be the dominant contaminant, while YTX was also detected with low level.

Chemical composition and flavour characteristics of a liquid extract occurring as waste in crab (Ovalipes punctatus) processing

BACKGROUND

The crab processing industry has generated a considerable quantity of by-products, and these untapped residues resulted in environmental problem and waste of natural resources. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the further usage potential of Ovalipes punctatus extract. The proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, tasty components (free amino acid, flavour 5'-nucleotides, glycine betaine and inorganic ions) and volatile flavour components were studied.

RESULTS

O. punctatus extract was found to have a high protein (31.2 g kg⁻¹), but a low fat content (0.13 g kg⁻¹). The protein contained high amounts of arginine (110.2 g kg⁻¹ protein) and glutamic acid (108.9 g kg⁻¹). The fatty acid profiles were dominated by saturated fatty acids, while C20 n-3 and n-6 fatty acids accounted for 85% of its polyunsaturated fatty acids. Arginine, alanine, glycine, glycine betaine, glutamic acid and chloridion (taste active value greater than 1) were primary taste-active components. A total of 77 volatiles were identified, and benzaldehyde and pyrazines were the major flavour contributors to the aroma of O. punctatus extract. Furthermore, sensory evaluation with a five-point hedonic scale showed that the overall flavour of O. punctatus extract had high acceptance.

CONCLUSION

Results presented in this study indicated that O. punctatus extract could be utilised to produce nutritious food or value-added products.

Dietary B vitamin intake and risk of hip fracture: the Singapore Chinese Health Study

This prospective cohort study that comprehensively examined effects of different B vitamins in an Asian population showed an inverse relationship between dietary intake of pyridoxine and hip fracture risk in elderly women. These findings suggest that maintaining sufficient pyridoxine intake may be beneficial in preserving bone health in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION

B vitamins have recently been investigated for their possible roles in maintaining bone health. Incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture has been rising in Asia, but epidemiological data on dietary B vitamins and risk of osteoporotic fractures are sparse. We aimed to examine the association between dietary intakes of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, and cobalamin) and hip fracture risk among elderly Chinese in Singapore.

METHODS

The current study was conducted in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, which is a population-based cohort prospective study that enrolled a total of 63,257 men and women aged 45-74 years between 1993 and 1998. Dietary intakes of B vitamins were derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire and the Singapore Food Composition Database.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 13.8 years, 1,630 hip fracture incident cases were identified. A statistically significant inverse relationship between dietary pyridoxine intake and hip fracture risk was observed among women (p for trend = 0.002) but not among men. Compared to women in the lowest quartile intake (0.37-0.61 mg/1,000 kcal/day), women in the highest quartile intake (0.78-1.76 mg/1,000 kcal/day) had a 22 % reduction in hip fracture risk (hazard ratio 0.78, 95 % confidence interval 0.66-0.93). Dietary intakes of the other B vitamins of interest were not related to hip fracture risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that maintaining adequate intake of pyridoxine may prevent osteoporotic fractures among elderly women.