[Association and interaction between age at menarche and risk of diabetes in adult women]

Objective: To explore the associations between age at menarche and diabetes in adult women. Methods: We analyzed the baseline data of 32 364 female participants who were aged 30-79 years and had been enrolled into China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study from Tongxiang, Zhejiang province. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the putative associations after adjusting for potential confounders. Variables of menarche age and others were added to the logistic regression model to evaluate the multiplicative interaction, respectively. Results: The mean age of female participants was (51.42 ± 9.63) years. And 3.73% and 24.17% of them reported their menarche age, ≤12 years, ≥17 years, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes among them was 5.75%. Compared with those with menarche age ≤12 years, the OR(95%CI) of 15-16, 13-14 and ≤12 years group were 1.13(1.00-1.27), 1.29(1.12-1.49) and 1.68(1.31-2.15) after adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, family history, health behaviors, menopause status, BMI and waist circumference. No significant differences were found in multiplicative interaction on diabetes between menarche age and smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, obesity, etc. (P>0.05). Conclusions: Menarche age is associated with higher risk of diabetes in female adults. The earlier menarche age is the higher risk of diabetes. There are no multiplicative interaction on diabetes between menarche age and other adults factors.

Anomalous Phase Shift of Quantum Oscillations in 3D Topological Semimetals

Berry phase physics is closely related to a number of topological states of matter. Recently discovered topological semimetals are believed to host a nontrivial π Berry phase to induce a phase shift of ±1/8 in the quantum oscillation (+ for hole and - for electron carriers). We theoretically study the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation of Weyl and Dirac semimetals, taking into account their topological nature and inter-Landau band scattering. For a Weyl semimetal with broken time-reversal symmetry, the phase shift is found to change nonmonotonically and go beyond known values of ±1/8 and ±5/8, as a function of the Fermi energy. For a Dirac semimetal or paramagnetic Weyl semimetal, time-reversal symmetry leads to a discrete phase shift of ±1/8 or ±5/8. Different from the previous works, we find that the topological band inversion can lead to beating patterns in the absence of Zeeman splitting. We also find the resistivity peaks should be assigned integers in the Landau index plot. Our findings may account for recent experiments in Cd_{2}As_{3} and should be helpful for exploring the Berry phase in various 3D systems.

Oncolytic Immunotherapy for Treatment of Cancer

Immunotherapy entails the treatment of disease by modulation of the immune system. As detailed in the previous chapters, the different modes of achieving immune modulation are many, including the use of small/large molecules, cellular therapy, and radiation. Oncolytic viruses that can specifically attack, replicate within, and destroy tumors represent one of the most promising classes of agents for cancer immunotherapy (recently termed as oncolytic immunotherapy). The notion of oncolytic immunotherapy is considered as the way in which virus-induced tumor cell death (known as immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD)) allows the immune system to recognize tumor cells and provide long-lasting antitumor immunity. Both immune responses toward the virus and ICD together contribute toward successful antitumor efficacy. What is now becoming increasingly clear is that monotherapies, through any of the modalities detailed in this book, are neither sufficient in eradicating tumors nor in providing long-lasting antitumor immune responses and that combination therapies may deliver enhanced efficacy. After the rise of the genetic engineering era, it has been possible to engineer viruses to harbor combination-like characteristics to enhance their potency in cancer immunotherapy. This chapter provides a historical background on oncolytic virotherapy and its future application in cancer immunotherapy, especially as a combination therapy with other treatment modalities.

Lack of an association between matrix metalloproteinase polymorphisms and coronary heart disease in a Han Chinese population

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has become a leading cause of human deaths worldwide. Recent studied showed that polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes played important roles in extracellular matrix remodeling and contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Here, we investigated whether these MMP gene polymorphisms were associated with CHD in Han Chinese. Our case-control study was involved with 1509 unrelated individuals, including 777 CHD cases and 732 controls. We selected a total of five polymorphisms whose genotypes were determined using Sequenom iPLEX technology. Our results showed there were no significant associations between the five MMP gene polymorphisms and CHD risk at either genotype or allele levels (P > 0.05). Further subgroup analyses by sex were also unable to reveal any significant association (P > 0.05). In conclusion, no significant associations were found between the five MMP gene polymorphisms and the risk of CHD in Han Chinese.

Cardiac Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Following Instillation of 20 nm Citrate-capped Nanosilver

BACKGROUND

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have garnered much interest due to their antimicrobial properties, becoming one of the most utilized nano-scale materials. However, any potential evocable cardiovascular injury associated with exposure has not been reported to date. We have previously demonstrated expansion of myocardial infarction after intratracheal (IT) instillation of carbon-based nanomaterials. We hypothesized pulmonary exposure to Ag core AgNP induces a measureable increase in circulating cytokines, expansion of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and is associated with depressed coronary constrictor and relaxation responses. Secondarily, we addressed the potential contribution of silver ion release on AgNP toxicity.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 200 μl of 1 mg/ml of 20 nm citrate-capped Ag core AgNP, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/ml Silver Acetate (AgAc), or a citrate vehicle by intratracheal (IT) instillation. One and 7 days following IT instillation the lungs were evaluated for inflammation and the presence of silver; serum was analyzed for concentrations of selected cytokines; cardiac I/R injury and coronary artery reactivity were assessed.

RESULTS

AgNP instillation resulted in modest pulmonary inflammation with detection of silver in lung tissue and alveolar macrophages, elevation of serum cytokines: G-CSF, MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-13, IL-10, IL-18, IL-17α, TNFα, and RANTES, expansion of I/R injury and depression of the coronary vessel reactivity at 1 day post IT compared to vehicle treated rats. Silver within lung tissue was persistent at 7 days post IT instillation and was associated with an elevation in cytokines: IL-2, IL-13, and TNFα and expansion of I/R injury. AgAc resulted in a concentration dependent infarct expansion and depressed vascular reactivity without marked pulmonary inflammation or serum cytokine response.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these data, IT instillation of AgNP increases circulating levels of several key cytokines, which may contribute to persistent expansion of I/R injury possibly through an impaired vascular responsiveness.

Visualizing nanoscale 3D compositional fluctuation of lithium in advanced lithium-ion battery cathodes

The distribution of cations in Li-ion battery cathodes as a function of cycling is a pivotal characteristic of battery performance. The transition metal cation distribution has been shown to affect cathode performance; however, Li is notoriously challenging to characterize with typical imaging techniques. Here laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) is used to map the three-dimensional distribution of Li at a sub-nanometre spatial resolution and correlate it with the distribution of the transition metal cations (M) and the oxygen. As-fabricated layered Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ is shown to have Li-rich Li₂MO₃ phase regions and Li-depleted Li(Ni_0.5Mn_0.5)O₂ regions. Cycled material has an overall loss of Li in addition to Ni-, Mn- and Li-rich regions. Spinel LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ is shown to have a uniform distribution of all cations. APT results were compared to energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping with a scanning transmission electron microscope to confirm the transition metal cation distribution.

It is challenging to quantitatively diagnose the lithium-ion distribution in batteries. Here, the authors use laser-assisted atom probe tomography to probe the nanoscale compositional fluctuations of lithium ions in two popular lithium-ion battery cathodes before and after electrochemical cycling.

[Analysis of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the hemodynamic states of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics technique.

METHODS

The original DICOM format image data from a patient with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), were imported by the Mimics software directly,and the 3D Objects were constructed.The simulation of model was made with Ansys software, the hemodynamic parameters such as streamlines, wall shear stress (WSS) and wall pressure were described.

RESULTS

There was stable laminar flow in proximal basilar artery and was no blood flow mixed by bilateral vertebral artery.However, Spiral flows were appeared in distal tortuous basilar artery. The low WSS regions in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery were coincide with the high wall pressure regions.It could be speculated the initial growth regions might be located in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery.Local regions with low WSS and high wall pressure might be associated with the occurrence and development of VBD.

CONCLUSION

CFD numerical simulation maybe can provide a theoretical basis for the role of hemodynamic factors in occurrence and development of VBD.

Observation and quantification of nanoscale processes in lithium batteries by operando electrochemical (S)TEM

An operando electrochemical stage for the transmission electron microscope has been configured to form a "Li battery" that is used to quantify the electrochemical processes that occur at the anode during charge/discharge cycling. Of particular importance for these observations is the identification of an image contrast reversal that originates from solid Li being less dense than the surrounding liquid electrolyte and electrode surface. This contrast allows Li to be identified from Li-containing compounds that make up the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. By correlating images showing the sequence of Li electrodeposition and the evolution of the SEI layer with simultaneously acquired and calibrated cyclic voltammograms, electrodeposition, and electrolyte breakdown processes can be quantified directly on the nanoscale. This approach opens up intriguing new possibilities to rapidly visualize and test the electrochemical performance of a wide range of electrode/electrolyte combinations for next generation battery systems.

Non-association of MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism with preeclampsia risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

Individual genetic association studies examining the relationship between the MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism (rs3918242) and preeclampsia risk have yielded inconsistent results.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the association between the MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism and preeclampsia risk using meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed database. Data were extracted and statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. A total of six publications involving 871 cases and 845 controls were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Combined analysis revealed no association between the MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism and preeclampsia risk (allelic model: OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.86-1.41, Pheterogeneity = 0.07; recessive model: OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.14-1.01, Pheterogeneity = 0.64; dominant model: OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.70-1.69, Pheterogeneity = 0.01; homozygous model: OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.15-1.09, Pheterogeneity = 0.67; heterozygous model: OR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.80-2.29, Pheterogeneity = 0.01). Similarly, subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism was not associated with preeclampsia risk in Brazilian (allelic model: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.92-2.05, Pheterogeneity = 0.61; recessive model: OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.18-3.57, Pheterogeneity = 0.58; dominant model: OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.60-2.10, Pheterogeneity = 0.03; homozygous model: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.19-3.94, Pheterogeneity = 0.62; heterozygous model: OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.99-1.75, Pheterogeneity = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism was not associated with preeclampsia risk. However, large well-designed, multi-center epidemiological studies should be carried out in these and other ethnic populations to confirm our findings.

[Prognosis of embolization of internal iliac artery during the endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm]

OBJECTIVE

To study the importance of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

METHODS

Forty-six consecutive cases of AAA treated by EVAR were retrospectively analyzed. The complications after exclusion of the IIA were analyzed.

RESULTS

The bilateral IIAs were reserved in 18 cases, in which the follow-up was achieved in 16 cases and no complication was observed. The IIAs were excluded in 28 (60.9%) cases, in which the bilateral, right and left IIAs were excluded in 7 (15.2%), 14 (30.4%) and 7 (15.2%) cases respectively. The follow-up was achieved in 26 cases. Buttock claudication was observed in 12 (46.2%) cases, altered bowel habit was observed in 8 (32.0%) cases, erectile dysfunction was observed in 3 (12.0%) cases, and bloody stool was observed in 2 (8.0%) cases. Comparing the bilateral and unilateral IIA exclusions, the rates of buttock claudication were 50.0% vs. 45.0%, altered bowel habit 33.3% vs. 31.6%, and erectile dysfunction 33.3% vs. 5.3% respectively. And the average duration of buttock claudication of bilateral IIAs exclusion (8.3 months) was longer than that of unilateral exclusion (4.7 months). Moreover, comparing the left and right IIA exclusions, the rates of buttock claudication were 57.1% vs. 38.5%, altered bowel habit 57.1% vs. 16.7%, and bloody stool 28.6% vs. 0 respectively. And the average duration of buttock claudication of left IIA exclusion (6.0 months) was longer than that of right exclusion (3.7 months).

CONCLUSION

The IIAs, especially the left IIA, should be reserved during the EVAR for AAA.

The use of a specialised amino acid mixture for pressure ulcers: a placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare pressure ulcer healing rates in patients supplemented with a specialised amino acid mixture containing (beta)-hydroxy (beta)-methylbutyrate (HMB), arginine and glutamine, and standard oral nutritional supplements versus patients supplemented with oral nutritional supplements and a placebo mixture.

METHOD

Twenty-three inpatients with stage II, III or IV pressure ulcers in an acute care hospital were randomised to recieve (A) a HMB, arginine and glutamine mixture twice daily alongside oral nutritional supplements (n=11) or (B) standard nutritional care alongside oral nutritional supplements (n=12) for 2 weeks. Pressure ulcers were measured weekly for area, depth and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores. The proportion of viable tissue was determined based on area of wound tracing. Weekly laboratory tests were performed to measure C-reactive protein and pre-albumin levels. This trial is registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT01090076.

RESULTS

There was no difference between anthropometrical measurements, biochemical parameters and nutritional intake pre- and post- study. Wound area did not decrease significantly in the short term for both groups. The proportion of viable tissues increased within 2 weeks on HMB, arginine and glutamine supplementation (p=0.02). PUSH scores showed significant improvement within 1 week of supplementation for the experimental group (p=0.013).

CONCLUSION

The use of specialised amino acid does not appear to reduce wound size and PUSH scores but may improve tissue viability after 2 weeks. Further confirmation on a larger scale is required to determine the benefits of supplementing additional HMB, arginine and glutamine in patients with pressure ulcers.

Spin–orbit coupling induced magnetoresistance oscillation in a dc biased two-dimensional electron system

We study dc-current effects on the magnetoresistance oscillation in a two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit coupling, using the balance-equation approach to nonlinear magnetotransport. In the weak current limit the magnetoresistance exhibits periodical Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation with changing Rashba coupling strength for a fixed magnetic field. At finite dc bias, the period of the oscillation halves when the interbranch contribution to resistivity dominates. With further increasing current density, the oscillatory resistivity exhibits phase inversion, i.e., magnetoresistivity minima (maxima) invert to maxima (minima) at certain values of the dc bias, which is due to the current-induced magnetoresistance oscillation.

Molecular cloning and expression of the porcine S14R gene in Escherichia coli

We amplified S14R protein gene cDNA of porcine, cloned it into a prokaryotic expression plasmid, and expressed it in Escherichia coli. A pair of primers was designed based on the cDNA sequence of the porcine S14R gene in GenBank. The target gene fragment from porcine liver tissue was amplified by RT-PCR. Confirmed by auto-sequencing, the target gene fragment was subcloned into an expression vector of pET28a. The pET28a-S14R construct was subsequently transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). This construct was verified by restriction endonuclease digestion and sequencing. Using isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction, a new recombinant protein with the expected relative molecular mass of 24 kDa appeared. The result was identified by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Porcine S14R includes 549bp (GenBank No. JN793537), with an open reading frame of 549 bp coding 182 amino acids.

Differential regulation of locomotor activity to acute and chronic cocaine administration by acid-sensing ion channel 1a and 2 in adult mice

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are densely expressed in the brain with ASIC1a and ASIC2 channels being the predominant subtypes. These channels are enriched at synaptic sites and are central for the regulation of normal synaptic transmission. Moreover, increasing evidence links ASICs to the pathogenesis of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we explore the putative role of ASIC1a and ASIC2 in the regulation of behavioral sensitivity to the psychostimulant cocaine by utilizing ASIC1a or ASIC2 knockout mice. Acute cocaine injection induced a typical dose-dependent increase in locomotor activities in wild-type (WT) mice. However, in ASIC1a and ASIC2 mutant mice, different motor responses to cocaine were observed. In ASIC1a(-/-) mice, cocaine induced a significantly less motor response at all doses (5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg), while in ASIC2(-/-) mice, cocaine (5-20 mg/kg) stimulated locomotor activity to an extent comparable to WT mice. Only at 30 mg/kg, the cocaine-stimulated motor activity was reduced in ASIC2(-/-) mice. In a chronic cocaine administration model (20mg/kg, once daily for 5 days), a challenge injection of cocaine (10mg/kg, after 2-week withdrawal) caused an evident behavioral sensitization in the cocaine-pretreated WT mice. This behavioral sensitization to challenge cocaine was also displayed in ASIC1a(-/-) and ASIC2(-/-) mice. However, ASIC2(-/-) mice showed less sensitization to challenge cocaine when compared to WT and ASIC1a(-/-) mice. Our results demonstrate the important role of ASIC1a and ASIC2 channels in the modulation of behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. The two synapse-enriched ASIC subtypes are believed to play distinguishable roles in the regulation of behavioral responses to acute and chronic cocaine administration.

Secondary resistance to imatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors through an acquired KIT exon 17 mutation

Although imatinib has demonstrated a potent effect on advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and has improved the survival of GIST patients, with its prolonged use imatinib resistance is becoming an increasing clinical problem. Mechanisms of secondary resistance are still under investigation. Our study aimed to determine the mechanism of acquired resistance to imatinib in GISTs. Using bidirectional PCR DNA sequencing, we sequenced exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of the KIT gene and exons 12 and 18 of the PDGFRA gene in secondary resistant lesions obtained from 18 GIST patients after treatment with imatinib. Fourteen of 18 cases carried activating mutations in the KIT gene, with a mutation encoding the juxtamembrane domain present in exon 11 in 12 cases, in exon 13 in 1 case, and in exon 9 in 1 case. In 4 of 10 imatinib-resistant patients, an identical novel missense mutation (T2467G) was found in exon 17, resulting in a substitution of tyrosine by aspartic acid at codon 823 (Y823D). In conclusion, the exon 17 missense mutation T2467G in the tyrosine kinase domain of the KIT gene is correlated with imatinib resistance.

Tunable wrinkling pattern in annular graphene under circular shearing at inner edge

This work is concerned with the wrinkling phenomenon observed in an annular graphene sheet under circular shearing at its inner edge. By performing molecular mechanics simulations on the aforementioned loaded annular graphene sheet, it is observed that the unusual wrinkles formed are confined to within an annulus that hugs the perimeter of the inner radius. This confined wrinkling pattern is in contrast to the wrinkling patterns that spread throughout rectangular graphene sheets under tension or shear. The present wrinkling pattern is characterized by a wave number and wrinkle profile. The wave number at the bifurcation wrinkle is found to depend only on the inner radius of the annular graphene and it increases almost linearly with increasing inner radius. The orientation of these developed waves is found to be at a constant angle and independent from the radii ratio of annular graphene. The wrinkle profile in terms of wave amplitude and wavelength depends on the magnitude of the circular shearing. The predictable formation of wrinkles in annular graphene can be exploited for applications in nano-force sensors, tunable magnetic or electronic devices, as well as patterned stretchable electronics.

Three-dimensional chemical imaging of embedded nanoparticles using atom probe tomography

Analysis of nanoparticles is often challenging especially when they are embedded in a matrix. Hence, we have used laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) to analyze the Au nanoclusters synthesized in situ using ion-beam implantation in a single crystal MgO matrix. APT analysis along with scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDX) indicated that the nanoparticles have an average size ~8-12 nm. While it is difficult to analyze the composition of individual nanoparticles using STEM, APT analysis can give three-dimensional compositions of the same. It was shown that the maximum Au concentration in the nanoparticles increases with increasing particle size, with a maximum Au concentration of up to 50%.

Effects of psychological interventions for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this systematic review was to quantify the effects of psychological interventions on psychological health, physical health and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies were identified through a systematic search of six electronic databases and were included if they used a randomized controlled trial designed to explore the effects of psychological interventions in patients with SLE. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of included studies using a quality-scoring instrument developed by Jadad et al. and extracted relevant information according to a pre-designed extraction form. Data was analysed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Revman5.1. Finally, six studies involving 537 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that psychological interventions could reduce the levels of anxiety (standard mean difference (SMD) −0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.57,−0.34, p-value 0.00), depression (SMD −1.14, 95% CI −1.84,−0.44, p-value 0.00), stress (SMD −0.63, 95% CI −1.02,−0.23, p-value 0.00), and disease activity (SMD −0.34, 95% CI −0.57,−0.11, p-value 0.00). Although the effects on mental health, fatigue and physical function were in the expected direction, they were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). The present data indicate that psychological interventions are promising treatments for patients with SLE. The findings were based on only six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), some of which were relatively small, so more methodologically rigorous large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary estimates of effectiveness.

Structural characterization of epitaxial Cr(x)Mo(1-x) alloy thin films

To develop a model system containing regularly spaced misfit dislocations for studies of the radiation resistance of nanoscale defects, epitaxial thin films of Cr, Mo, and Cr(x)Mo(1-x) alloys were deposited on MgO(001) by molecular beam epitaxy. Film compositions were chosen to vary the lattice mismatch with MgO. The film structure was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Epitaxial films with reasonably high crystalline quality and abrupt interfaces were achieved at a relatively low deposition temperature, as confirmed by STEM. However, it was found by XRD and RBS in the channeling geometry that increasing the Mo content of the CrMo alloy films degraded the crystalline quality, despite the improved lattice match with MgO. XRD rocking curve data indicated that regions of different crystalline order may be present within the films with higher Mo content. This is tentatively ascribed to spinodal decomposition into Cr-rich and Mo-rich regions, as predicted by the Cr(x)Mo(1-x) phase diagram.

Newly designed Y-configured single-catheter stenting for the treatment of hilar-type nonanastomotic biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation

PURPOSE

This study was designed to introduce our novel technique of percutaneous single catheter placement into the hilar bile ducts strictures while fulfilling the purpose of bilateral biliary drainage and stenting. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the technique for the treatment of hilar nonanastomotic biliary strictures.

METHODS

Ten patients who were post-orthotopic liver transplantation between July 2000 and July 2010 were enrolled in this study. Percutaneous Y-configured single-catheter stenting for bilateral bile ducts combined with balloon dilation was designed as the main treatment approach. Technical success rate, clinical indicators, complications, and recurrent rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%. Nine of the ten patients had biochemical normalization, cholangiographic improvement, and clinical symptoms relief. None of them experienced recurrence in a median follow-up of 26 months after completion of therapy and removal of all catheters. Complications were minor and limited to two patients. The one treatment failure underwent a second liver transplantation but died of multiple system organ failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic Y-configured single-catheter stenting into the hilar bile ducts is technically feasible. The preliminary trial of this technique combined with traditional PTCD or choledochoscopy for the treatment of hilar biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation appeared to be effective and safe. Yet, further investigation is needed.

Large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions in weak goslings

1. Evidence has accumulated in mammals to support the idea that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and mutations might contribute to ageing and reproductive failure. White Roman geese were monitored to evaluate the effect of large-scale deletions of mtDNA in an avian species. 2. A total of 340 samples from 114 dead embryos, 111 weak goslings, and 115 normal goslings were used in this experiment. The regions of these two large-scale mtDNA deletions, ΔmtDNA6829 and ΔmtDNA6992, were between the COI and ND5 genes. A 3·6% (4 out of 111) positive sample was detected in the weak goslings. In contrast, no large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions were detected in either the dead embryos (0 out of 114) or the normal goslings (0 out of 115). 3. Large-scale mtDNA deletions may be a factor causing weak goslings.

Mapping QTL for an adaptive trait: the length of caudal fin in Lates calcarifer

The caudal fin represents a fundamental design feature of fishes and plays an important role in locomotor dynamics in fishes. The shape of caudal is an important parameter in traditional systematics. However, little is known about genes involved in the development of different forms of caudal fins. This study was conducted to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the length of caudal fin and the ratio between tail length and standard body length in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). One F1 family containing 380 offspring was generated by crossing two unrelated individuals. One hundred and seventeen microsatellites almost evenly distributed along the whole genome were genotyped. Length of caudal fin at 90 days post-hatch was measured. QTL analysis detected six significant (genome-wide significant) and two suggestive (linkage-group-wide significant) QTL on seven linkage groups. The six significant QTL explained 5.5-16.6% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting these traits were controlled by multiple genes. Comparative genomics analysis identified several potential candidate genes for the length of caudal fin. The QTL for the length of caudal fin detected for the first time in marine fish may provide a starting point for the future identification of genes involved in the development of different forms of caudal fins in fishes.

Human parechovirus infections in monkeys with diarrhea, China

Information about human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in animals is scant. Using 5' untranslated region reverse transcription-PCR, we detected HPeV in feces of monkeys with diarrhea and sequenced the complete genome of 1 isolate (SH6). Monkeys may serve as reservoirs for zoonotic HPeV transmissions and as models for studies of HPeV pathogenesis.

Human parechovirus infections in monkeys with diarrhea, China

Information about human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in animals is scant. Using 5′ untranslated region reverse transcription–PCR, we detected HPeV in feces of monkeys with diarrhea and sequenced the complete genome of 1 isolate (SH6). Monkeys may serve as reservoirs for zoonotic HPeV transmissions and as models for studies of HPeV pathogenesis.