Polygenic influence on plasma homocysteine: association of two prevalent mutations, the 844ins68 of cystathionine beta-synthase and A(2756)G of methionine synthase, with lowered plasma homocysteine levels

A moderately elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), whether measured during fasting or post-methionine load (PML), is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for coronary artery diseases (CAD). However, etiologies for moderately elevated plasma tHcy, particularly with regard to the role of genetic influence on plasma tHcy levels, are still not well understood. In the current investigation, we studied 1025 individuals with respect to the effect of the 68-bp insertion (844ins68 variant) of the cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) gene, the A(2756)G transition of the B(12)-dependent methionine synthase (MS) gene and the C(677)T transition of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on fasting and 4 h PML tHcy. Of these individuals, 153 (14.9%) were heterozygous for the 68-bp insertion, 329 (32.1%) were heterozygous for the G(2756) allele and 122 (11.9%) were homozygous for the C(677)T transition. Individuals heterozygous for the insertion had significantly lower PML increase in tHcy concentrations, while individuals homozygous for the A(2756)G transition had significantly lower fasting tHcy levels. A 2-way ANOVA showed that there was no interaction between the 844ins68 and the A(2756)G transition for either fasting tHcy or PML increase in tHcy, confirming the fact that the effect of these two genotypes on plasma tHcy levels are additive. The effects are opposite but additive with the C(677)50% of all individuals in this study carried polymorphic traits, which predisposed them to either higher or lower plasma tHcy concentrations, thus providing new evidence of the importance of genetic influences as determinants of tHcy levels.

Characterization, mapping, and expression of the human ceruloplasmin gene

Ceruloplasmin (CP) is a copper-binding protein in vertebrate plasma. It is the product of an intragenic triplication and is composed of three homologous domains. Oligonucleotide probes constructed according to published amino acid sequences were used to identify cDNA clones encoding human CP. Two clones, CP-1 and CP-2, differed from each other by the presence or absence, respectively, of a deduced sequence of four amino acids. The two clones provided 81% of the sequence encoding CP. Comparison of the nucleotides of the three domains of the CP coding sequence revealed internal domain homology with identity of sequences ranging from 50.1% to 56%. The nucleotide sequence of CP-2 cDNa was compared to that of a homologous human protein, clotting factor VIII, and was found to be 48% identical overall. The CP gene was mapped to human chromosome 3 by somatic-cell-hybrid analysis and to 3q25 by in situ hybridization; however, sites of hybridization to DNA on other chromosomal sites suggested additional CP-like DNA sequences in the human genome. A DNA polymorphism was detected with CP cDNA after endonuclease digestion of human DNA by Pst I. CP mRNA was detected in human liver, macrophages, and lymphocytes by in situ histohybridization.

Novel biological strategies for treatment of wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis of orthopaedic implants for joint replacement

Wear particles and by-products from joint replacements and other orthopaedic implants may result in a local chronic inflammatory and foreign body reaction. This may lead to persistent synovitis resulting in joint pain and swelling, periprosthetic osteolysis, implant loosening and pathologic fracture. Strategies to modulate the adverse effects of wear debris may improve the function and longevity of joint replacements and other orthopaedic implants, potentially delaying or avoiding complex revision surgical procedures. Three novel biological strategies to mitigate the chronic inflammatory reaction to orthopaedic wear particles are reported. These include (i) interference with systemic macrophage trafficking to the local implant site, (ii) modulation of macrophages from an M1 (pro-inflammatory) to an M2 (anti-inflammatory, pro-tissue healing) phenotype in the periprosthetic tissues, and (iii) local inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by delivery of an NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide, thereby interfering with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. These three approaches have been shown to be viable strategies for mitigating the undesirable effects of wear particles in preclinical studies. Targeted local delivery of specific biologics may potentially extend the lifetime of orthopaedic implants.

Effect of fatty acids on the mycelial growth and polysaccharide formation by Ganoderma lucidum in shake flask cultures

Fatty acids were added into the media to investigate their effects on the mycelial growth and polysaccharide formation by Ganoderma lucidum. The experiments were carried out in freely suspended cultures or immobilized cultures using shake flasks. The results indicate that the extent of stimulation or inhibition were associated with the types and levels of fatty acids. Oleic acid at the level of 0.15 g/100 ml led to a significant increase in cell concentration from 0.20 to 0.46 g/100 ml in a suspended culture and palmitic acid was of great advantage to polysaccharide production. In contrast, linoleic acid (0.1 g/100 ml) drastically suppressed both mycelial growth and polysaccharide formation. In immobilized cultures with fatty acids, the stimulation of mycelial growth remained the same level, but the enhancement of polysaccharide production became less. In addition, the growth of G. lucidum in the pattern of immobilization might be beneficial to the production of mycelia and polysaccharide.

Expression and inflammatory regulation of haptoglobin gene in adipocytes

Haptoglobin (HP) is the major hemoglobin binding protein which is synthesized mainly in the liver. It functions to prevent iron loss and kidney damage in human and other mammals. Recently, HP has been shown to possess antioxidant and angiogenic properties. As one of the major acute phase reactants, HP's levels in plasma increase significantly during inflammation, infection and malignancy. In this study, high levels of HP mRNA were found to be transcribed by adipocytes in addition to liver cells in mice. After inflammation had been induced in vivo, expression of the haptoglobin gene rose six-fold in adipose tissue, an increase compatible with that observed in the normal mouse liver. The expression of HP by adipocytes presents new directions in which HP's role as an antioxidant or as an angiogenic factor can be investigated.

Ca(2+) binding protein frequenin mediates GDNF-induced potentiation of Ca(2+) channels and transmitter release

Molecular mechanisms underlying long-term neurotrophic regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity are unknown. We report here that long-term treatment of neuromuscular synapses with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) potentiates spontaneous and evoked transmitter release, in ways very similar to presynaptic expression of the Ca(2+) binding protein frequenin. GDNF enhances the expression of frequenin in motoneurons, and inhibition of frequenin expression or activity prevents the synaptic action of GDNF. GDNF also facilitates Ca(2+) influx into the nerve terminals during evoked transmission by enhancing Ca(2+) currents. The effect of GDNF on Ca(2+) currents is blocked by inhibition of frequenin expression, occluded by overexpression of frequenin, and is selective to N-type Ca(2+) channels. These results identify an important molecular target that mediates the long-term, synaptic action of a neurotrophic factor.

Advances in skeletal tissue engineering with hydrogels

OBJECTIVES

Tissue engineering has the potential to make a significant impact on improving tissue repair in the craniofacial system. The general strategy for tissue engineering includes seeding cells on a biomaterial scaffold. The number of scaffold and cell choices for tissue engineering systems is continually increasing and will be reviewed.

DESIGN

Multilayered hydrogel systems were developed to coculture different cell types and develop osteochondral tissues for applications including the temporomandibular joint.

EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE

Hydrogels are one form of scaffold that can be applied to cartilage and bone repair using fully differentiated cells, adult and embryonic stem cells.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Case studies represent an overview of our laboratory's investigations.

RESULTS

Bilayered scaffolds to promote tissue development and the formation of more complex osteochondral tissues were developed and proved to be effective.

CONCLUSION

Tissue engineering provides a venue to investigate tissue development of mutant or diseased cells and potential therapeutics.

Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 19 in secondary glioblastomas

Glioblastomas develop rapidly de novo (primary glioblastomas) or slowly through progression from low-grade or anaplastic astrocytoma (secondary glioblastomas). Recent studies have shown that these glioblastoma subtypes develop through different genetic pathways. Primary glioblastomas are characterized by EGFR amplification/overexpression, PTEN mutation, homozygous p16 deletion, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on entire chromosome 10, whereas secondary glioblastomas frequently contain p53 mutations and show LOH on chromosome 10q. In this study, we analyzed LOH on chromosomes 19q, 1p, and 13q, using polymorphic microsatellite markers in 17 primary glioblastomas and in 13 secondary glioblastomas that progressed from low-grade astrocytomas. LOH on chromosome 19q was frequently found in secondary glioblastomas (7 of 13, 54%) but rarely detected in primary glioblastomas (1 of 17, 6%, p = 0.0094). The common deletion was 19q13.3 (between D19S219 and D19S902). These results suggest that tumor suppressor gene(s) located on chromosome 19q are frequently involved in the progression from low-grade astrocytoma to secondary glioblastoma, but do not play a major role in the evolution of primary glioblastomas. LOH on chromosome 1p was detected in 12% of primary and 15% of secondary glioblastomas. LOH on 13q was detected in 12% of primary and in 38% of secondary glioblastomas and typically included the RB locus. Except for 1 case, LOH 13q and 19q were mutually exclusive.

Application of analytical and preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography for separation of alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Franch

Analytical high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was used for the systematic selection and optimization of the two-phase solvent system to separate alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Franch. The optimum solvent system thus obtained led to the successful separation of alkaloids from C. chinensis Franch by preparative HSCCC. One batch separation yielded four pure alkaloids, including palmatine, berberine, epiberberine and coptisine from the crude alkaloid extract.

Rodent models of Alzheimer's disease: rat A beta infusion approaches to amyloid deposits

The development of rodent models for Alzheimer's disease is a critical step for both understanding the disease and developing therapeutic drugs. Transgenic and knockout mouse models will elucidate some important aspects of the etiology of the disease and the development of pharmaceutical treatments. Here, we will focus on the advantages of nontransgenic models. In nontransgenic rat models, intraventricular infusion of A beta 1-40 (alone) generally results in diffuse deposition of A beta with very few focal plaque-like amyloid deposits after a 30-day intraventricular infusion. However, we have recently found that large numbers of scattered A beta immunoreactive plaque-like deposits can be produced in retired female Sprague-Dawley rat breeders using intraventricular infusion of A beta combined with neuropil injection of transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF beta). A beta that was not associated with the large deposits was often immunolocalized with neurons and cell processes. Immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of A beta in endosome/lysosomes of neuronal processes and glia and basal lamina. In some cases this labeling was clearly in lysosomes of degenerating neurites. This model allows one to introduce A beta and other plaque-associated factors without overexpression of potentially confounding APP domains. We conclude that A beta infusion models will be a useful complement to transgenic approaches to Alzheimer's pathology.

Identification and characterization of human haptoglobin cDNA

Recombinant plasmids containing human cDNA encoding haptoglobin, a plasma protein that binds free hemoglobin, have been isolated by screening an adult human liver library with a mixed oligonucleotide probe. Four cDNA clones containing inserts have been obtained that span 1,218 nucleotides of the haptoglobin coding sequence, including the 3' end of the haptoglobin cDNA. The cDNA sequence included a leader sequence followed by alpha 2-chain and beta-chain sequences. A heretofore unseen arginine residue was deduced between the human alpha- and beta-chain sequences. This is a probable site of limited proteolysis leading to the formation of the alpha and beta polypeptides in mature haptoglobin. A comparison of the haptoglobin alpha-beta-junction region and the heavy-light-chain junction of tissue-type plasminogen activator strengthens the evolutionary homology found in haptoglobin and the serine proteases. The Hp alpha 2 gene, which was shown earlier to be a partial duplication produced by unequal crossing-over between Hp alpha 1 genes, has been impossible to align by protein characterization. The cDNA sequence establishes the alignment of Hp alpha 2FS in the Hp alpha 2 gene studied here.

Proximal femoral nails antirotation, Gamma nails, and dynamic hip screws for fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of femur: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Which surgical strategy is the best one for intertrochanteric fractures remains a controversial issue. Dynamic hip screw (DHS) and Gamma nail were commonly used but often associated with some complications, such as fixation failure and implant-related fractures. Meanwhile, proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) fixation has recently been developed for minimally invasive surgery to reduce the complications rate. To facilitate the clinical decision-making, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to discuss the optimal treatment of intertrochanteric fractures aiming to determine which implant gives the lower rates of blood loss, complications (peri-implant fracture, fixation failure, infection, thromboembolic), reoperation, and mortality, as well as the minimal duration related to surgery (fluoroscopic exposure, surgery and hospital stay).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (including OVID, Springer, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science). Fourteen studies with 1983 patients were included. The modified Jadad Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of these studies. Risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Comparison among the three groups was based on twelve indicators, including operative time, fluoroscopy time, operative blood loss, length of hospital stays, wound infection or hematoma, pneumonia, thromboembolic complications, fixation failure, operative fracture of femur, later fracture of femur, reoperation, and mortality.

RESULTS

(1) PFNA group versus DHS group: PFNA was associated with less blood loss (mean difference (MD) -253.86, 95% CI -270.25 to 237.47; P<0.00001) and lower rate of fixation failure (MD 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.59; P=0.004), but led to more fluoroscopy time (MD 2.11, 95% CI 1.78 to 2.43; P<0.00001). (2) PFNA group versus Gamma nail group: PFNA led to less blood loss (MD -55.30, 95% CI -60.07 to -50.53; P<0.00001), shorter fluoroscopy time (MD -0.50, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.45; P<0.00001) and length of hospital stay (MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.13; P<0.00001). (3) DHS group versus Gamma nail group: DHS was associated with lower rate of operative fracture of femur (MD 0.31, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.89; P=0.03), later fracture of femur (MD 0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.43; P=0.0004), and reoperation (MD 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.88; P=0.02), but caused more blood loss (MD 29.49, 95% CI 8.27 to 50.70; P=0.006). In contrast, there was no difference regarding operative time, infection hematoma, pneumonia, thromboembolic events, and mortality.

DISCUSSION

PFNA should be a priority choice for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with minimal rate of fixation failure, less blood loss and shorter length of hospital stay. DHS has distinct advantages over Gamma nail with lower rate of plant-related complications and should be preferred device for intertrochanteric fractures. However, owing to the low quality evidence currently available, more high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Age-related changes to macrophages are detrimental to fracture healing in mice

The elderly population suffers from higher rates of complications during fracture healing that result in increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammatory dysregulation is associated with increased age and is a contributing factor to the myriad of age-related diseases. Therefore, we investigated age-related changes to an important cellular regulator of inflammation, the macrophage, and the impact on fracture healing outcomes. We demonstrated that old mice (24 months) have delayed fracture healing with significantly less bone and more cartilage compared to young mice (3 months). The quantity of infiltrating macrophages into the fracture callus was similar in old and young mice. However, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated distinct differences in the transcriptomes of macrophages derived from the fracture callus of old and young mice, with an up-regulation of M1/pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages from old mice as well as dysregulation of other immune-related genes. Preventing infiltration of the fracture site by macrophages in old mice improved healing outcomes, with significantly more bone in the calluses of treated mice compared to age-matched controls. After preventing infiltration by macrophages, the macrophages remaining within the fracture callus were collected and examined via RNA-seq analysis, and their transcriptome resembled macrophages from young calluses. Taken together, infiltrating macrophages from old mice demonstrate detrimental age-related changes, and depleting infiltrating macrophages can improve fracture healing in old mice.

Two subclasses of odorant-binding proteins in Spodoptera exigua display structural conservation and functional divergence

Although many studies on lepidopteran pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs)/ general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) have been reported, the functional differentiation within and between the two odorant-binding protein (OBP) subclasses is still elusive. Here we conducted a comparative study on three SexiPBPs and two SexiGOBPs in Spodoptera exigua. Results showed that all five SexiPBP/GOBP genes have the same intron numbers and conserved exon/intron splice sites. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that these five SexiPBP/GOBPs were primarily expressed in antennae of both sexes and some were also detected in other tissues. Further, quantitative real-time PCR showed that five SexiPBP/GOBPs had different sex-biased expression patterns, with PBP1 being highly male-biased (5.96-fold difference) and PBP3 slightly female-biased (2.43-fold difference), while PBP2 and two GOBPs were approximately sex-equivalent (the absolute value<1.90-fold difference). Binding assays showed that all three SexiPBPs could bind all six sex pheromone components, but SexiPBP1 had much higher affinities [dissociation constant (Ki ) <1.10 μM] than did the other two SexiPBPs (Ki  >1.20 μM). Very intriguingly, SexiGOBP2 displayed even stronger binding to five sex pheromone components (Ki  <0.40 μM) than SexiPBP1. In contrast, SexiGOBP1 only exhibited weak binding to three alcohol-pheromone components. Similar results were obtained for tested pheromone analogues. In addition, each of SexiPBP/GOBPs selectively bound some plant odorants with considerable affinities (Ki  <10.0 μM). Taken together, of the three SexiPBPs, SexiPBP1 may play the most important role in female sex pheromone reception, and additionally all three SexiPBPs can detect some plant odorants, while SexiGOBP2 may be involved in the detection of female sex pheromones in addition to plant odorants. The results strongly suggest functional differentiation within and between the two OBP sub-classes.

Serum DDT, age at menarche, and abnormal menstrual cycle length

BACKGROUND

Although dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) exposure is known to affect human endocrine function, few previous studies have investigated the effects of DDT exposure on age at menarche or menstrual cycle length.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted to study the effects of DDT exposure on age at menarche and menstrual cycle length among 466 newly married, nulliparous female Chinese textile workers aged 20-34 years enrolled between 1996 and 1998. Serum was analysed for DDT and its major metabolites. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate DDT exposure effects on age at menarche and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate DDT exposure effects on odds of experiencing short or long cycles.

RESULTS

Relative to those in the lowest DDT quartile, the adjusted mean age at menarche was younger in those in the fourth quartile (-1.11 years). Modeled as a continuous variable, a 10 ng/g increase in serum DDT concentration was associated with an adjusted reduction in age at menarche of 0.20 years. Relative to those in the lowest DDT quartile, odds of any short cycle (<21 days) in the previous year were higher for those in the fourth quartile (odds ratio = 2.78; 95% CI 1.07 to 7.14). There were no associations between serum DDT concentrations and odds of experiencing a long cycle (>40 days).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that DDT exposure was associated with earlier age at menarche and increased risk of experiencing a shortened menstrual cycle.

Comparative studies on species identification of Noctuoidea moths in two nature reserve conservation zones (Beijing, China) using DNA barcodes and thin-film biosensor chips

Rapid and accurate identification of species is required for the biological control of pest Noctuoidea moths. DNA barcodes and thin-film biosensor chips are two molecular approaches that have gained wide attention. Here, we compare these two methods for the identification of a limited number of Noctuoidea moth species. Based on the commonly used mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (the standard DNA barcode for animal species), 14 probes were designed and synthesized for 14 species shared by two national nature reserves in Beijing and Hebei, China. Probes ranged in length from 18 to 27 bp and were designed as mismatch probes to guarantee that there were at least three base differences between the probe and nontarget sequences. The results on the chip could be detected by the naked eye without needing special equipment. No cross-hybridizations were detected although we tested all probes on the 14 target and 24 nontarget Noctuoidea species. The neighbour-joining tree of the 38 species based on COI sequences gave 38 highly supported independent groups. Both DNA barcoding and thin-film biosensor chips, based on the COI gene, are able to accurately identify and discriminate the 14 targeted moth species in this study. Because of its speed, high accuracy and low cost, the thin-film biosensor chip is a very practical means of species identification. Now, a more comprehensive chip will be developed for the identification of additional Noctuoidea moths for pest control and ecological protection.

Reciprocal chromosome painting shows that genomic rearrangement between rat and mouse proceeds ten times faster than between humans and cats

Reciprocal chromosome painting between mouse and rat using complete chromosome probe sets of both species permitted us to assign the chromosomal homology between these rodents. The comparative gene mapping data and chromosome painting have a better than 90% correspondence. The reciprocal painting results graphically show that mouse and rat have strikingly different karyotypes. At least 14 translocations have occurred in the 10-20 million years of evolution that separates these two species. The evolutionary rate of chromosome translocations between these two rodents appears to be up to 10 times greater than that found between humans and cats, or between humans and chimpanzees, where over the last 5-6 million years just one translocation has occurred. Outgroup comparison shows that the mouse genome has incorporated at least three times the amount of interchromosomal rearrangements compared to the rat genome. The utility of chromosome painting was also illustrated by the assignment of two new chromosome homologies between rat and mouse unsuspected by gene mapping: between mouse 11 and rat 20 and between mouse 17 and rat 6. We conclude that reciprocal chromosome painting is a powerful method, which can be used with confidence to chart the genome and predict the chromosome location of genes. Reciprocal painting combined with gene mapping data will allow the construction of large-scale comparative chromosome maps between placental mammals and perhaps other animals.

Antifibrotic effects of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-Lysyl-proline on the heart and kidney in aldosterone-salt hypertensive rats

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) inhibits not only hematopoietic cell proliferation but also fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro. Ac-SDKP also prevents collagen deposition and cell proliferation in the left ventricle (LV) in rats with renovascular hypertension (renin dependent). However, it is not clear whether Ac-SDKP has similar effects in a model of renin-independent hypertension (aldosterone-salt). Using a hypertensive rat model of cardiac and renal fibrosis created by chronic elevation of circulating aldosterone (ALDO) levels, we examined the effect of Ac-SDKP on blood pressure, cardiac and renal fibrosis and hypertrophy, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in the LV and left kidney. Uninephrectomized rats were divided into 4 groups: (1) controls that received tap water, (2) rats that received ALDO (0.75 microgram/h SC) and 1% NaCl/0.2% KCl in drinking water (ALDO-salt), (3) rats that received ALDO-salt plus Ac-SDKP 400 microgram. kg(-1). day(-1) SC, and (4) rats that received ALDO-salt plus Ac-SDKP 800 microgram. kg(-1). d(-1) SC. After 6 weeks of treatment, the ALDO-salt group was found to have significantly increased blood pressure with decreased body weight and plasma renin concentration (P<0.05), LV and renal hypertrophy as well as renal injury, significantly increased collagen content in both ventricles and kidney as well as increased collagen volume fraction in the LV (P<0.0001), and significantly increased interstitial and perivascular PCNA-positive cells in the LV and kidney (P<0.0001). Ac-SDKP at 800 microgram. kg(-1). d(-1) markedly prevented cardiac and renal fibrosis (P<0.005) without affecting blood pressure or organ hypertrophy. It also suppressed PCNA expression in the LV and kidney in a dose-dependent manner. We concluded that Ac-SDKP prevents increased collagen deposition and cell proliferation in the heart and kidney in ALDO-salt hypertensive rats. Because ACE inhibitors increase plasma and tissue Ac-SDKP and decrease cardiac and renal fibrosis, we speculate that Ac-SDKP may participate in the antifibrotic effect of ACE inhibitors.

Fast-track surgery improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for primary liver cancer: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Fast-track surgery (FTS), combining several techniques with evidence-based adjustments, has shown its effectiveness to accelerate recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay in many operations. This randomized controlled study was carried out aiming to compare the short-term outcomes of partial hepatectomy for liver cancer managed with FTS or with conventional surgery (CS).

METHODS

To compare the short-term effects between FTS and CS, a randomized controlled trial was carried out for liver cancer patients undergoing partial hepatectomy from September 2010 to June 2012.

RESULTS

Patients with liver cancers before receiving partial hepatectomy were randomized into the FTS group (n = 80) and the CS group (n = 80). Compared with the CS group, the FTS group had significantly less complications (P < 0.05), shorter durations of nausea/vomiting, paralytic ileus and hospital stay, higher general comfort questionnaire measures (GCQ) by Kolcaba Line (all P < 0.05), and lower serum levels of C-reactive protein on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5.

CONCLUSIONS

FTS was safe and efficacious. It lessened postoperative stress reactions and accelerated recovery for patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver cancer.

Conservation of human vs. feline genome organization revealed by reciprocal chromosome painting

We employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes established by flow sorting metaphase chromosomes of the domestic cat (Felis cattus, 2n = 38) to "paint" homologous segments on human chromosomes and, reciprocally, using human chromosome paints on feline metaphase preparations. The results revealed, by direct microscopic observation, widespread conservation of genome organization between the two mammalian orders and confirmed 90% of the homologous genes mapped to both species. Fourteen of 23 human chomosomes were hybridized with single cat probes, and 9 of 19 cat chromosomes were entirely labeled by a single human probe. All other chromosomes were labeled with only two or, at most, three probes of the respective species. Y-chromosome probes gave no signals. Approximately 30 syntenic segments were identified, and the number of translocations could be estimated to be on the order of one new translocation per 10 million years in the phylogenetic lines leading to human and cat. Using the principle of maximum parsimony, the primitive vs. derived human chromosome segments were identified by comparison to the feline, cattle, and pig genomes, a first step in reconstructing the evolutionary heritage of the mammalian radiations. The results suggest that reciprocal chromosome painting will help reconstruct the history of genomic changes by determining the polarity of chromosomal rearrangements and establishing the ancestral karyotype for each principle branching point in mammalian evolution.