Mutation analysis and prenatal diagnosis for three families affected by isolated methylmalonic aciduria

Isolated methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused mainly by deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. In the present study, we analyzed MUT gene mutations in 3 Chinese couples with a birth history of isolated MMA. We also provided prenatal diagnoses for the detected mutation. Exons and exon-intron boundaries of the MUT gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Prenatal genetic diagnoses were performed by chorionic villus sampling after the genotypes of parents were determined. Six heterozygous mutations in the MUT gene were identified in the 3 families, including c.1880A>G (p.H627R) and IVS9-1G>A for family 1, c.1741C>T (p.R581X) and c.729insTT (p.D244fX39) for family 2, and c.616C>T (p.Q206X) and c.1280G>A (p.G427D) for family 3. Among these, c.616C>T (p.Q206X), c.1280G>A (p.G427D), IVS9-1G>A, and c.1741C>T (p.R581X) were novel mutations. These mutations were not detected in 100 normal controls. The fetus in pedigree 3 was free of the mutations carried by the parents, while the fetuses in pedigrees 1 and 2 were heterozygous mutation carriers. All 3 families decided to continue with their pregnancies and the neonates did not show any symptoms of MMA after birth. Our results indicated that mutations in the MUT gene are the primary cause of isolated MMA, and that most mutations were novel. For families with early-onset isolated MMA, direct sequencing of the MUT gene is crucial for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and identification of carriers.

Development of a rapid cyprinid herpesvirus 2 detection method by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV2) is a pathogen that causes severe disease and high mortality in goldfish and Prussian carp. We developed a six primer loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the intercapsomeric triplex protein gene. CyHV-2 DNA was 10-fold serially diluted (10(8)-10(0) copies μl(-1)) and was used as the template to determine primer sensitivity. LAMP assays were performed with DNA templates from other pathogens to determine specificity. The LAMP assay had an unequivocal detection limit of 10 copies μl(-1), which was 100 times lower than that of the polymerase chain reaction. Other pathogen strains were not amplified by the LAMP primers, indicating good specificity. SYBR Green I was added to visually detect the amplification products. Assay applicability was evaluated in 120 samples of Carassius auratus gibelio, and a positive rate of 92·5% was obtained. In conclusion, a conventional LAMP assay has high convenience, rapidity, sensitivity and specificity for detecting CyHV-2 in infected aquatic organisms. Significance and impact of the study: Herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis, caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2), is a severe disease of goldfish and Prussian carp associated with high mortality. We developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect CyHV-2 at relatively low plasmid DNA copy levels. The results show that the LAMP assay has a number of advantages (simple, sensitive, rapid and specific) over the conventional polymerase chain reaction and can be applied in the laboratory and field. Particularly, the method is highly applicable to facilitate surveillance and early diagnosis of CyHV-2.

Chronic urticaria in Chinese population: a hospital-based multicenter epidemiological study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiologic profiles of chronic urticaria (CU) vary considerably among regions, and few such data are available from China.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter open questionnaire investigation about the clinical and laboratory features of CU, defined as recurrent wheals with/without angioedema lasting for ≥6 weeks, among 3027 patients.

RESULTS

Female preponderance was observed (female/male ratio, 1.46 : 1). The mean age at diagnosis was 34.7 ± 13.8 years, and the mean disease duration was 18.5 ± 46.1 months (range, 1.5-127 months). Patients were classified as having chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU, 61.0% of patients), physical urticaria (PU, 26.2%), or other urticaria types (OU, 2.3%). Nocturnal attacks were reported by 60% of cases. The Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) in patients with CSU was 3.8 ± 1.4. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index was 7.3 ± 3.4 (range 0-30). Induction or exacerbation of wheals with alcohol drinking was reported by 55.7% of patients. Chronic hepatitis B was less prevalent in our CU patients compared with the general Chinese population (2.7% vs 7%). Positive autologous serum skin tests (ASSTs) were observed in 66.9% of patients. Patients with positive ASST had higher UAS, greater angioedema frequencies, longer disease durations, and poorer QoL compared with patients with negative ASST (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this Chinese population, CU usually affected youth, and CSU was the most common subtype. Autoreactivity and alcohol consumption were the top two triggers for CU, whereas latent infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases were not as common as in previous reports.

Polarization-independent electrically tunable/switchable Airy beam based on polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal

Because of their non-diffraction and freely acceleration during propagation, finite energy Airy beams are interesting for application such as optical manipulation, plasma channel generation and optical vortex generation. Especially interesting are tunable/switchable Airy beams, in which the Airy beam tuning by electric field, temperature or optical intensity can be realized. Here we experimentally demonstrate polarization-independent, electrically tunable/switchable Airy beam based on polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystals with wide working temperature range and fast response time through a structure called vertical field driven mode.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 to mice alleviates clinical symptoms following influenza virus infection

Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290), isolated from a traditional Japanese pickle 'Suguki', has been reported to have immunomodulatory effects. We investigated whether oral administration of KB290 has protective effects against influenza virus (IFV) infection in mice. After 14 days of administration of lyophilized KB290 suspended in phosphate-buffered saline by oral gavage, BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with 2 × MLD50 (50% mouse lethal dose) of IFV A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). Prophylactically administered KB290 significantly alleviated the loss of body weight and the deterioration in observational physical conditions induced by the infection. In addition, 7 days after infection, the levels of IFV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in mice fed KB290 compared with controls. Moreover, there was a significant elevation of serum interferon (IFN)-α in KB290 group mice, even at three and 7 days after infection, despite the administration of KB290 being stopped before IFV infection. Our results demonstrated that oral administration of KB290 before infection could alleviate IFV-induced clinical symptoms. Alleviation of clinical symptoms by KB290 consumption may have been induced by long-lasting enhancement of IFN-α production and the augmentation of IFV-specific IgA production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrated that oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290), a probiotic strain derived from a Japanese traditional pickle, could protect against influenza virus (IFV) infection in mice. Our results demonstrated that continual intake of KB290 for 14 days prior to IFV infection alleviated clinical symptoms such as loss of body weight and deterioration in observational physical conditions induced by the infection. The beneficial effects of KB290 consumption may have been elicited by the long-lasting enhancement of interferon-α production and the augmentation of IFV-specific immunoglobulin A production.

A critical role of thrombin/PAR-1 in ADP-induced platelet secretion and the second wave of aggregation

BACKGROUND

The stable or second wave of platelet aggregation often observed in ADP-stimulated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with an artificially lowered extracellular calcium level has been attributed to enhanced thromboxane A2 (TXA2 ) generation and inhibition of ectonucleotidase activity. However, the role of thrombin in ADP-induced platelet secretion and the second wave of aggregation is unknown.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

We employed aggregometry, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and ELISA to determine whether and how thrombin participates in ADP-induced platelet secretion and the second wave of aggregation.

RESULTS

ADP induces a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway-dependent thrombin generation, presumably resulting from the cleavage of αII b β3 -associated prothrombin. Generated thrombin subsequently activates protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and mediates dense granule secretion and the second wave of platelet aggregation in ADP-stimulated citrated PRP. Thus, ADP-induced dense granule secretion and the second wave of platelet aggregation in PRP were similarly and non-additively blocked by thrombin inhibitor hirudin, PAR-1 antagonist SCH-79797 or PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. Moreover, ADP stimulation caused the dissociation of prothrombin from αII b β3 and an increased plasma thrombin level; both were prevented by wortmannin. Furthermore, the wortmannin-inhibited second wave of platelet aggregation by ADP was restored by a subaggregation concentration of PAR-1 activating peptide SFLLRN. Blocking TXA2 production with indomethacin or restoring extracellular calcium to physiological concentration did not influence this thrombin/PAR-1 dependence.

CONCLUSIONS

A PI3K-dependent thrombin generation and the resultant PAR-1 activation serve as an indispensable mechanism to relay the platelet activation process induced by ADP.

KH902 suppresses high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of human retinal endothelial cells by blocking VEGF and PIGF

AIMS

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are upregulated in many ocular neovascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). KH902 is a recombinant fusion protein with its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and can bind all VEGF-A isoforms and PlGF. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anti-angiogenic effects of KH902.

METHODS

The toxic effect of KH902 on cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) was measured by Annexin V/PI staining and MTT assay. The concentrations of secreted VEGF and PlGF were measured by ELISA. The migration of HRECs was assessed by scratch wound and transwell assay. The sprouting of HRECs was determined by tube formation assay. The protein levels of Src, p-Src, PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2 were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

KH902 at the concentrations from 100 ng/ml to 100 µg/ml had no cytotoxicity to cultured HRECs. KH902 bound not only VEGF165, but also PlGF that were secreted by HRECs under high glucose condition. A 500 ng/ml of KH902 significantly suppressed high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through downregulating the expression of PI3K and inhibiting the activation of Src, Akt1 and Erk1/2.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that KH902 suppresses high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through not only binding VEGF, but also PlGF to inhibit the activation of Src-Akt1-Erk1/2 pathway. KH902 is a drug that potentially inhibits angiogenic pathways involving in DR or other ocular neovascular diseases.

Preventive nursing of neonatal clavicular fracture in midwifery: a report of six cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

To summarize and analyze the obstetric factors and medical care for neonatal clavicle fracture during delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 4,456 vaginal deliveries, only six newborns were found with a clavicle fracture in our hospital from October 2002 to October 2011.

RESULTS

Clinical findings showed that dystocia and improper midwifery manoeuvres are the two major reasons which lead to newborn clavicular fractures.

CONCLUSION

More attention should be paid to non-violent traction and proper treatment of shoulder dystocia.

Improved Adeno-associated Viral Gene Transfer to Murine Glioma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly primary brain tumor. Current treatment, consisting of surgical removal of the tumor mass followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, does not significantly prolong survival. Gene therapies for GBM are being developed in clinical trials, for example using adenoviral vectors. While adeno-associated virus (AAV) represents an alternative vector system, limited gene transfer to glioma cells has hampered its use. Here, we evaluated newly emerged variants of AAV capsid for gene delivery to murine glioma. We tested a mutant AAV2 capsid devoid of 3 surface-exposed tyrosine residues, AAV2 (Y444-500-730F), and a "shuffed" capsid (ShH19, containing sequences from several serotypes) that had previously been selected for enhanced glial gene delivery. AAV2 (Y-F) and ShH19 showed improved transduction of murine glioma GL261 cells in vitro by 2- to 6-fold, respectively, over AAV2. While AAV2 gene transfer to GL261 cells in established tumors in brains of syngeneic mice was undetectable, intratumoral injection of AAV2 (Y-F) or ShH19 resulted in local transduction of approximately 10% of tumor cells. In addition, gene transfer to neurons adjacent to the tumor was observed, while microglia were rarely transduced. Use of self-complementary vectors further increased transduction of glioma cells. Together, the data demonstrate the potential for improved AAV-based gene therapy for glioma using recently developed capsid variants.

Post-translational modification of proteins by arginine and lysine following crush injury and during regeneration of rat sciatic nerves

Following crush injury to rat sciatic nerves, a crude fraction of the 150,000 g supernatant can post-translationally incorporate [3H]Arg and [3H]Lys into endogenous proteins in amounts approximately 10 times uninjured control nerves. These increases occur in the proximal nerve stump within 2 h of injury and 2 weeks later in a distal segment of nerve containing the tips of the regenerating axons. In the present experiments, the endogenous nerve proteins modified by Arg or Lys in these nerve segments have been identified using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The fraction used to assay for protein modification, the void volume of a Sephacryl S-300 column, was found to contain only a few proteins visible by Coomassie blue staining, one of which is likely to be albumin (68 kDa, pI 6.4). While this protein was modified by both Arg and Lys, the majority of label was found in areas not showing Coomassie blue staining. This indicates that of the many potential targets of post-translational arginylation and lysylation, most are proteins of relatively low abundance. A variety of proteins were modified by Arg or Lys alone while others were modified by both Arg and Lys. A high molecular weight protein (175 kDa, pI 9.0) was modified only by Lys and only at 2 h post crush. Of a variety of modified proteins of approximately 17 kDa one (pI 6.3) was modified by both Arg and Lys and at both time points, while another (pI 9.0) was modified at both time points, but only by Lys. The results show that Arg and Lys can be added post-translationally to a large number of low abundance, soluble sciatic nerve proteins, and that some of those proteins are modified only by Arg or Lys while others are modified by both Arg and Lys. Also, the modification of certain proteins appears to be associated specifically with the immediate response of a nerve to injury (e.g. 88 kDa, pI 7.1) while others are associated with the regenerative period (e.g. 56 kDa, pI 7.4).

Strongly linearly polarized low threshold lasing of all organic photonic quasicrystals

Lasing is obtained from a two-dimensional (2D) Penrose photonic quasicrystal made of a low index contrast material of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals (H-PDLCs) that enables a substantial reduction in the optical pumping threshold. This lasing architecture further allows for excellent linear polarization characteristics as well as wide directional dependence. The pumping threshold is fivefold lower than that obtained from the 2D defect-free photonic crystals fabricated under similar conditions. These properties make H-PDLC photonic quasicrystal promising for a new type of all organic miniature lasers.

Effects of intravitreal injection of KH902, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor decoy, on the retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

KH902 is a fusion protein that can bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) through its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor 1 and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This study was to investigate the effects of intravitreal injection of KH902 on the retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Two weeks after induction of diabetes, the left eyes of diabetic rats in each group received an intravitreal injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Avastin or KH902 solution, respectively. Four weeks after intravitreal injection, retinal electrophysiological function and the integrity of inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB) were measured by electroretinogram and Evans blue perfusion. The protein levels of VEGF signal pathway were assayed by western blot. The expression and distribution of claudin-5 and occludin were analysed by double immunofluorescent staining under confocal microscope. The expression of VEGFR2 and PlGF was measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Four weeks after intravitreal injection, KH902-treated rats had better retinal electrophysiological function, less retinal vessel leakage and lower levels of VEGFR2, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, p-ERK and p-SRC than PBS or Avastin-treated rats. The distribution of claudin-5 and occludin in the retinal vessels of diabetic rats treated by KH902 was smoother and more uniform than those of diabetic rats treated by PBS or Avastin. The expression of PlGF and VEGFR2 in KH902-treated rats was decreased compared with those in PBS or Avastin-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

KH902 could improve retinal electrophysiological function and inhibit the breakdown of iBRB by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR2, PlGF and PI3K, and the activation of SRC, AKT and ERK.

SU-E-T-190: Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Modified, Anthropomorphic, Head, Quality Assurance Phantom for Use in Stereotactic Radiosurgery

PURPOSE

To develop and evaluate a modified anthropomorphic head phantom for evaluation of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose planning and delivery.

METHODS

A phantom was constructed from a water equivalent, plastic, head-shaped shell. The original phantom design, with only a spherical target, was modified to include a nonspherical target (pituitary) and an adjacent organ at risk (OAR) (optic chiasm), within 2 mm, simulating the anatomy encountered when treating acromegaly. The target and OAR spatial proximity provided a more realistic treatment planning and dose delivery exercise. A separate dosimetry insert contained two TLD for absolute dosimetry and radiochromic film, in the sagittal and coronal planes, for relative dosimetry. The prescription was 25Gy to 90% of the GTV with >= 10% of the OAR volume receiving >= 8Gy. The modified phantom was used to test the rigor of the treatment planning process, dosimeter reproducibility, and measured dose delivery agreement with calculated doses using a Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and linear accelerator based radiosurgery systems.

RESULTS

TLD results from multiple irradiations using either a CyberKnife or Gamma Knife agreed with the calculated target dose to within 4.7% with a maximum coefficient of variation of+/-2.0%. Gamma analysis in the coronal and sagittal film planes showed an average passing rate of 99.3% and 99.5% using +/-5%/3mm criteria, respectively. A treatment plan for linac delivery was developed meeting the prescription guidelines. Dosimeter reproducibility and dose delivery agreement for the linac is expected to have results similar to the results observed with the CyberKnife and Gamma Knife.

CONCLUSIONS

A modified anatomically realistic SRS phantom was developed that provided a realistic clinical planning and delivery challenge that can be used to credential institutions wanting to participate in NCI funded clinical trials. Work supported by PHS CA010953, CA081647, CA21661 awarded by NCI. DHHS.

SU-D-217A-06: Impact of Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Posterior-Anterior (PA) Scout Scans on the CT Radiation Dose in the Whole Body PET/CT Scan

PURPOSE

CT can contribute over 50% of radiation dose in the whole body (WB) PET/CT scan. Tube current modulation (TCM) is a standard technique for reducing CT radiation dose to the patient by changing the tube current with the patient size, and is controlled by a very low-dose scoutscan, which assumes the patient is positioned at the center of the CT gantry opening. However, most patients are not positioned at the center due to practicality or to avoid claustrophobic or to reduce time of radiation exposure from the patient to the technologist. We study the impact of the AP and PA scout scans to the patient radiation exposure from CT.

METHODS

Ina retrospective study of 200 patients, each received two WB PET/CT scans: one with AP, and the other one with PA. The helical CT with TCM and PET acquisitions were identical in both scans. Separation of the two scans was about 10 months in average. The scans were performed on four GE PET/CT scanners: three 16- and one 64-slice with the same TCM settings. The 200patients were selected for the same scan coverage and similar body weight (difference = 3 kg). The tube current in each slice and average exposure tothe patient were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The AP scout caused lower radiation dose on 94% of the patients. Both the tube current, and radiation exposure were reduced by 46±30 mA and 1.6±1.0 mGy, respectively. The effective radiation dose is reduced by 1.7±1.2 mSv. These results were statistically significant (p<0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The AP scout caused significantly less radiation dose than the PA scout in the CT scan of the whole-body PET/CT scan. Care should be taken to select theorientation of the scout scan to achieve appropriate radiation exposure to the patient when TCM is applied.

Spatial angle dependent lasing from a dye-doped two-dimensional hexagonal photonic crystal made of holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

The observation of spatial angle dependent lasing from a dye-doped two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PC) holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals made of hexagonal lattice structure is reported. With the increasing output angle of the laser beam in the plane perpendicular to the 2D PC, the lasing wavelength is red-shifted. By analyzing the lasing oscillation trace, we found that the effective lattice constant changes with the output angle, causing the spatial angle dependent lasing.

Bioactive components in the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. against the inflammatory irritant action of Euphorbia plants

Chinese jujube (also known as Chinese date) is the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae). As a famous folk medicine, it is used as antidote in traditional Chinese formula, Shi Zao Decoction, to relieve the drastic inflammatory irritant nature of Euphorbia species. The irritant activities may cause serious adverse effects in clinical practices. This study aimed to investigate the active components of Z. jujuba through the inhibitory effects on the inflammatory cells activated by Euphorbia kansui and prostratin, a phorbol ester isolated from Euphorbia fischeriana. Peritoneal macrophage of rat and splenic lymphocyte (splenocyte) of mouse were selected to evaluate these actions in vitro. Nitric oxide (NO) release of macrophage and the proliferation of splenocyte were examined through Griess method and MTT assay. TNF-α, as an important pro-inflammatory cytokines, was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Six fractions extracted from Z. jujuba were evaluated and fraction F (triterpene acids fraction) was demonstrated to be the most active part, and then, 21 compounds isolated from Z. jujuba were tested at the concentrations range from 1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml. The results show that 7 compounds of them are likely to be active compounds concerning to their pronounced inhibitory action on the activated inflammatory cells. These effects might be helpful to attenuate the irritant action of Euphorbiaceae plants and protect the gastrointestinal tissue from potent inflammatory injury, which should be beneficial to some diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube-induced gene expression in the mouse lung: association with lung pathology

Due to the fibrous shape and durability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), concerns regarding their potential for producing environmental and human health risks, including carcinogenesis, have been raised. This study sought to investigate how previously identified lung cancer prognostic biomarkers and the related cancer signaling pathways are affected in the mouse lung following pharyngeal aspiration of well-dispersed MWCNT. A total of 63 identified lung cancer prognostic biomarker genes and major signaling biomarker genes were analyzed in mouse lungs (n=80) exposed to 0, 10, 20, 40, or 80μg of MWCNT by pharyngeal aspiration at 7 and 56days post-exposure using quantitative PCR assays. At 7 and 56days post-exposure, a set of 7 genes and a set of 11 genes, respectively, showed differential expression in the lungs of mice exposed to MWCNT vs. the control group. Additionally, these significant genes could separate the control group from the treated group over the time series in a hierarchical gene clustering analysis. Furthermore, 4 genes from these two sets of significant genes, coiled-coil domain containing-99 (Ccdc99), muscle segment homeobox gene-2 (Msx2), nitric oxide synthase-2 (Nos2), and wingless-type inhibitory factor-1 (Wif1), showed significant mRNA expression perturbations at both time points. It was also found that the expression changes of these 4 overlapping genes at 7days post-exposure were attenuated at 56days post-exposure. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) found that several carcinogenic-related signaling pathways and carcinogenesis itself were associated with both the 7 and 11 gene signatures. Taken together, this study identifies that MWCNT exposure affects a subset of lung cancer biomarkers in mouse lungs.

Propagation properties of an optical vortex carried by an Airy beam: experimental implementation

In this Letter, we experimentally studied the propagation dynamics of Airy beams (AiBs) carrying phase singularity or an optical vortex (OV). A 3/2 phase mask encoded with phase singularity was used to generate AiBs and OVs enjoying precise position alignment and compact optical configuration simultaneously. Experimental results showed that the OV deflection velocity was faster than that of the main lobe of the AiB, agreeing with the analytical prediction. Numerical simulation results are also in agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, OVs with larger topological charges were also studied experimentally with the same approach.

Early clinical experience of the safety and effectiveness of Hemospray in achieving hemostasis in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic therapy of upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains challenging with conventional endoscopic devices. Use of Hemospray, where a nanopowder with clotting abilities is sprayed onto the bleeding site, had been highly effective for management of arterial bleeding in a heparizined animal model. The safety and effectiveness of Hemospray for hemostasis of active peptic ulcer bleeding in humans was evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective, single-arm, pilot clinical study, consecutive adults with confirmed peptic ulcer bleeding (Forrest score Ia or Ib), who had all given informed consent to participation, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and application of Hemospray within 24 hours of hospital admission once hemodynamically stable. Up to two applications of Hemospray, not exceeding a total of 150 g were allowed. Bleeding recurrence was monitored post procedurally, by second-look endoscopy (72 hours post treatment), and by phone at 30 days. Rate of hemostasis, recurrent bleeding, mortality, need for surgical intervention, and treatment-related complications were assessed.

RESULTS

20 patients were recruited (18 men, 2 women; mean age 60.2 years). Acute hemostasis was achieved in 95 % (19 / 20) of patients; 1 patient had a pseudoaneurysm requiring arterial embolization. Bleeding recurred in 2 patients within 72 hours (shown by hemoglobin drop); neither had active bleeding identified at the 72-hour endoscopy. No mortality, major adverse events, or treatment- or procedure-related serious adverse events were reported during 30-day follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These pilot results indicate that Hemospray is safe in humans. Hemospray was effective in achieving acute hemostasis in active peptic ulcer bleeding.

Propagation dynamics of an optical vortex imposed on an Airy beam

In this Letter, we demonstrate the general propagation dynamics of an Airy beam (AiB) carrying unit phase singularity, i.e., optical vortices (OVs). For the OV with a unit charge, theoretical analysis indicates that the OV carried by the AiB will propagate along the parabolic trajectory with an acceleration velocity twice as fast as conventional AiBs before a critical position. Thereafter, the AiB main lobe destroyed by OV will be reconstructed and the phase singularity will reappear in the middle of the AiB profile.

[General and light microscope observation on histological changes of femoral heads between SANFH rabbit animal models and it were intervened by Osteoking]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the histological changes on the femoral heads of the SANFH rabbit animal models and after it were intervened by Osteoking (herbs of the Yi minority in Yunnan province) using general and light microscope observation.

METHOD

A total of 150 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a non-treatment control group (A group, n = 24), normal rabbits with Osteoking treatment group (B group, n = 24), and the experimental group (n = 102). The experimental group was injected with escherichia coli endotoxin (10 microg x kg(-1)) into auricular vein twice by 24-hour intervals, and prednisolone (20 mg x kg(-1)) was injected into buttock three times by 24-hour intervals to make steroid-induced femoral head necrosis model. At the fifth week, 48 out of 53 rabbits were equally divided into model group (C group, n = 24, models with non-treatment Osteoking) and abnormal rabbits with Osteoking treatment group (D group, n = 24). B group and D group were intragastrically administrated with Osteoking, once every two days. A group and C group were intragastrically administrated with the equal volume of saline. At 8th, 12th and 16th week after model preparation, the femoral head specimens were observed under the general and a light microscope.

RESULT

Macroscopic and light microscopic analysis showed that, clear bone necrosis of femoral head was observed in the C group, and a large number of fat cell proliferation was found in the bone marrow cavity. As compared with C group, the damage level of cells in D group was milder, however, the density of bone trabecula from Osteoking treatment was high, and the ratio of bone lacuna was very low. It is also demonstrated that the surface area of bone necrosis was decreased, and the number of cells from adiposities was reduced significantly. The phenomenon of bone necrosis repaired apparently. The morphology of femoral head from A group and B group is normal.

CONCLUSION

It suggested that Osteoking could effectively help repair steroid-induced femoral head necrosis in the early stage.

The survey of HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in middle city in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in Changsha, which is a inland city in central China, and to provide evidence that educating this population may help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in China.

METHODS

A total of 1782 migrant peasant workers participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to determine their knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related attitude and behaviour items.

RESULTS

The majority of the respondents had a rather low level of overall HIV/AIDS knowledge and its prevention, had what constituted risky behaviour in this regard and a generally low acceptance of HIV-infected persons. Furthermore, their behaviour and attitude were analysed with respect to their educational level, occupational class and score of HIV/AIDS related knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this investigation will help healthcare professionals develop a sensitive and specific educational programme for migrant peasant workers. Educating this population will be a very important aspect of HIV/AIDS prevention in China.

Hesperidin promotes cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer repair in UVB-exposed mice epidermis

PURPOSE

To investigate whether topical application of hesperin affords protection to Balb/C mice epidermis from UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs).

METHODS

A DNA damage model of UVB irradiation-induced mice epidermis was established. The immunohistochemical staining and southwestern dot blotting were used for CPDs detection; western blotting was used for P53 detection.

RESULTS

Topical application of hesperidin on Balb/C mice skin significantly decreased the amount of epidermal CPDs 24 and 48 h after 180 mJ/cm(2) of UVB irradiation as compared to untreated mice. UVB-induced p53 expression was more pronounced in hesperidin-treated mice epidermis compared to that of untreated mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that topical hesperidin application promotes DNA photo-damage repair. Hesperidin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.