Highly efficient extraction and purification of low-density lipoprotein from hen egg yolk

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from hen egg yolk has high nutritional value and plays an important role in the fields of biology, medicine, and materials. To develop fundamental research about LDL, a highly efficient extraction method is necessary. We found that 30% saturated ammonium sulfate can extract more crude LDL than 40% saturation. We selected polyethylene glycol (PEG; nonionic type) to obtain crude LDL. Three factors were employed, namely, degree of polymerization, concentration of PEG, and pH of egg yolk plasma. The optimized condition was 5% PEG 4,000 and plasma pH 6.0, and the best extraction efficiency was 68.1 ± 0.5 g lipid /100 g DM and 69.9 ± 2.0% protein. The crude LDL oil of PEG precipitation was very significantly higher (P < 0.01) than ammonium sulfate precipitation (ASP), while there was no significant difference in protein, which indicates that PEG can extract more crude LDL. When ascorbic acid was added, hydrosulfuryl (SH) groups and lipids oxidation degree of crude LDL extracted by PEG (PEG-LDL) was very significantly lower than ASP (P < 0.01). We also obtained both purified LDL and yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) with an appropriate purification column. This paper proposes a highly efficient method to extract LDL with high activity using PEG and ensures co-purification of LDL and IgY.

Protective effects of Herpetospermum caudigerum extracts against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mouse

Herpetospermum caudigerum (H. caudigerum; HC), popularly known as “Sejimeiduo” in Tibet, it is widely used in Tibetan traditional medicine for the treatment of dyspepsia, liver and colic diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of H. caudigerum extract (HCE) on suppressing liver injury induced by carbon tetra chloride (CCl4). For this purpose, we used CCl4 to induce acute liver injury in mouse model. The protective effects of HCE against liver injury were evaluated by biochemical parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased with the increasing dose of HCE as compared to the CCl4-treated group (p less than 0.01); while AST and ALT levels in serum, MDA and MPO in liver were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathology showed that HCE treatment promoted the recovery of histopathological changes in liver in a dose-dependent way. Meanwhile, there was a higher expression of caspase-3 and NF-κB in the nucleus of several liver cells in the CCl4-induced group, and a low expression of caspase-3 and NF-κB were found with the increasing dose of HCE. Therefore, the present study suggests that HCE is a potent hepatoprotective agent that can treat acute liver injury and this ability may be attributed towards its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.

Alternaria alternata challenge at the nasal mucosa results in eosinophilic inflammation and increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection

BACKGROUND

Eosinophils in the nasal mucosa are an elemental feature of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to explore eosinophilic inflammation and its impact on respiratory virus infection at the nasal mucosa.

METHODS

Inflammation in the nasal mucosae of mice was evaluated in response to repetitive stimulation with strict intranasal volumes of a filtrate of Alternaria alternata. Mice were then challenged with influenza virus.

RESULTS

Repetitive stimulation with A. alternata resulted in eosinophil recruitment to the nasal passages in association with elevated levels of IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin-1; eosinophil recruitment was diminished in eotaxin-1^-/- mice, and abolished in Rag1^-/- mice. A. alternata also resulted in elevated levels of nasal wash IgA in both wild-type and eosinophil-deficient ∆dblGATA mice. Interestingly, A. alternata-treated mice responded to an influenza virus infection with profound weight loss and mortality compared to mice that received diluent alone (0% vs 100% survival, ***P < .001); the lethal response was blunted when A. alternata was heat-inactivated. Minimal differences in virus titre were detected, and eosinophils present in the nasal passages at the time of virus inoculation provided no protection against the lethal sequelae. Interestingly, nasal wash fluids from mice treated with A. alternata included more neutrophils and higher levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in response to virus challenge, among these, IL-6, a biomarker for disease severity in human influenza.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Repetitive administration of A. alternata resulted in inflammation of the nasal mucosae and unanticipated morbidity and mortality in response to subsequent challenge with influenza virus. Interestingly, and in contrast to findings in the lower airways, eosinophils recruited to the nasal passages provided no protection against lethal infection. As increased susceptibility to influenza virus among individuals with rhinitis has been the subject of several clinical reports, this model may be used for further exploration of these observations.

Effects of coexisting BDE-47 on the migration and biodegradation of BDE-99 in river-based aquifer media recharged with reclaimed water

Two prominent polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners have been included in the persistent organic pollutant list, 2,2',4,4',5-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99) and 2,2,4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), which have been detected in treated municipal wastewater, river water, and sediments in China. A lab-scale column experiment was established to investigate the effects of the competitive sorption of BDE-47 on BDE-99 biodegradation and migration in two types of river-based aquifer soils during groundwater recharge with reclaimed water. Two types of recharge columns were used, filled with either silty clay (SC) or black carbon-amended silty clay (BCA). The decay rate constants of BDE-99 in the BCA and SC systems were 0.186 and 0.13 m^-1 in the single-solute system and 0.128 and 0.071 m^-1 in the binary-solute system, respectively, showing that the decay of BDE-99 was inhibited by the coexistence of BDE-47. This was particularly evident in the SC system because the higher hydrophobicity of BDE-99 determined the higher affinity and competition for sorption sites onto black carbon. The biodegradation of BDE-99 was suppressed by the coexistence of BDE-47, especially in the SC system. Lesser-brominated congeners (BDE-47 and BDE-28) and higher-brominated congeners (BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) were generated in the four recharge systems, albeit at different ratios. Bacterial biodiversity was influenced by the presence of BDE-47 in the SC system, while it had no significant effect on the BCA system, because the high sorption capacity of black carbon on the hydrophobic PBDEs effectively reduced their toxicity. The ranking order of the most abundant classes changed markedly due to the coexistence of BDE-47 in both the SC and BCA systems. The ranking order of the most abundant genera changed from Azospira, Methylotenera, Desulfovibrio, Methylibium, and Bradyrhizobium to Halomonas, Hyphomicrobium, Pseudomonas, Methylophaga, and Shewanella, which could be involved in PBDE degradation.

Development of a data-processing method based on Bayesian k-means clustering to discriminate aneugens and clastogens in a high-content micronucleus assay

Genotoxicants can be identified as aneugens and clastogens through a micronucleus (MN) assay. The current high-content screening-based MN assays usually discriminate an aneugen from a clastogen based on only one parameter, such as the MN size, intensity, or morphology, which yields low accuracies (70-84%) because each of these parameters may contribute to the results. Therefore, the development of an algorithm that can synthesize high-dimensionality data to attain comparative results is important. To improve the automation and accuracy of detection using the current parameter-based mode of action (MoA), the MN MoA signatures of 20 chemicals were systematically recruited in this study to develop an algorithm. The results of the algorithm showed very good agreement (93.58%) between the prediction and reality, indicating that the proposed algorithm is a validated analytical platform for the rapid and objective acquisition of genotoxic MoA messages.

Steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene V89L polymorphism and hypospadias risk: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation in males, in which the urethral orifice is found on the ventral side of the penis as a result of incomplete fusion of urethral folds. The etiology of hypospadias is poorly understood, and may be multifactorial, including genetic, endocrine and environmental factors. The steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene, which is mainly expressed in the ventral side of the urethra in the process of male genital development, plays an important role in urethral shaping.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate, with database searches of related published papers, whether SRD5A2 gene V89L polymorphism has an association with hypospadias risk.

METHODS

The following databases were searched for relevant papers, and all published case-control studies of hypospadias were used to perform a meta-analysis: PubMed, Embase, Springer Link, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu. A quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale of a case-control study. To assess the strength of the association under various genetic models, odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects model according to the heterogeneity. Overall and stratified subgroup analyses, including ethnicity, source of controls, sample for DNA extraction, and hypospadias classification, were performed. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

This analysis included six eligible case-control studies with 1130 cases and 1279 controls. Overall, there was a statistically significant association between hypospadias risk and V89L polymorphism for allele contrast (C vs G: OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.13-3.23), P = 0.02), codominant model (CC vs GG: OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.25-7.04, P = 0.01; GC vs GG: OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.35-4.13, P = 0.003), dominant model (GC + CC vs GG: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.28-4.72, P = 0.007), and recessive model (CC vs GC + GG: OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.00-3.66, P = 0.05). Moreover, there was also a statistically significant association in some subgroups. The positive results are shown in the Summary Table.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that the V89L polymorphism definitely increases the risk of hypospadias, and the C allele is a genetic risk factor for hypospadias occurrence.

Spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals in marine sediments from Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea in China

An integrated analysis has been carried out using surface sediment monitoring data in order to characterize the spatial distributions and temporal trends of heavy metals within ten years from 2004 to 2013 in the entire Liaodong Bay. Hg, Cd and As were predominant contaminants with their median concentrations of 0.04-0.15, 0.01-0.65, and 1.80-30.3mg/kg respectively. Both areas and levels of Cu and Pb contamination were low. Cd contents exhibited an obvious decreasing trend and As presented a similar law during these 10years. Further, emissions from different sources were analyzed to identify the possible reasons contributing to the metal pollution. Dramatic descending of waste water might be the top reason for Cd and As variations. Local flue gases and smoke emissions might not be the main sources contributing to Hg pollution, whereas atmospheric deposition at a larger scale was supposed to be the leading factor.

An assessment of racial differences in the upper limits of normal ALT levels in children and the effect of obesity on elevated values

OBJECTIVES

Childhood obesity is a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and poses important public health issues for children. Racial differences in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among children have not been described. This study aimed to identify racial differences in upper limit normal (ULN) ALT levels and evaluate the effect of obesity on elevated levels in children without other metabolic risk factors.

METHODS

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and clinical data from the Loyola University Health System were used to determine ULN ALT by race and gender. Quantile regression was used to evaluate the impact of obesity on elevated ALT and to identify potential risk factors for ALT above the ULN.

RESULTS

Upper limit normal (ULN) ALT was approximately 28.0 and 21.0-24.0 U/L for boys and girls, respectively. No significant difference in ULN ALT across race was observed. Obesity was significantly associated with elevated ALT; obese children with elevated ALT had values 10 U/L higher than normal-weight children.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial differences in ALT levels among adults are not evident in children. Obesity, in the absence of metabolic risk factors and other causes of liver disease, is associated with elevated ALT, providing evidence against the concept of healthy obesity in children.

A novel large fragment deletion in PLS3 causes rare X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and response to zoledronic acid

We identified a novel large fragment deletion from intron 9 to 3'UTR in PLS3 (E10-E16del) in one Chinese boy with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, which expanded the pathogenic spectrum of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. Treatment with zoledronic acid was beneficial for increasing BMD and reshaping the vertebral bodies of this patient.

INTRODUCTION

X-linked early-onset osteoporosis is a rare disease, which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), and/or long bone fractures. We aimed to detect the phenotype and the underlying pathogenic mutation of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis in a boy from a nonconsanguineous Chinese family.

METHODS

We investigated the pathogenic mutation of the patient with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis by targeted next-generation sequencing and confirmed it by Sanger sequencing. We also observed the effects of zoledronic acid on fracture frequency and BMD of the patient.

RESULTS

Low BMD and multiple VCFs were the main phenotypes of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. We identified a total of 12,229 bp deletion in PLS3, involving intron 9 to the 3'UTR (E10-E16 del). This large fragment deletion might be mediated by Alu repeats and microhomology of 26 bp at each breakpoint junction. Zoledronic acid treatment could significantly increase the Z-score of BMD and reshape the compressed vertebral bodies.

CONCLUSION

We identified a large fragment deletion mutation in PLS3 for the first time and elucidated the possible mechanism of the deletion, which led to X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures. Our findings would enrich the etiology spectrum of this rare disease.

BIN1 reverses PD-L1-mediated immune escape by inactivating the c-MYC and EGFR/MAPK signaling pathways in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common and malignant carcinoma worldwide, and the incidence and mortality are increasing rapidly. Immunotherapy targeting programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling has shown prominent clinical effects in treating NSCLC; however, a poor understanding of the associated regulating molecular mechanisms of PD-L1 has become one of the biggest obstacles for further improving efficacy. Bridging integrator-1 (BIN1) can regulate numerous cancer-related molecules to exert multiple tumor-suppressing effects by either interacting or not interacting with c-MYC. In the present study, we observed that there exists a negative correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and BIN1 in NSCLC tissues. The expression levels of BIN1 and PD-L1 were significantly related to the tumor, lymph node and metastasis grade (TNM) stage, invasion range and lymph node metastasis. Simultaneously, for NSCLC patients, the expression statuses of BIN1 and PD-L1 might be independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, the expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was positively associated with BIN1 expression and negatively related to PD-L1 expression in NSCLC tissues. Importantly, we showed that PD-L1 was under the control of BIN1. In addition, the overexpression of BIN1 could inhibit the c-MYC and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)-dependent PD-L1 expression and reverse the suppressive immuno-microenvironment in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicated that BIN1 restoration in NSCLC could reverse PD-L1-mediated immune escape by inactivating the c-MYC and EGFR/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.

Effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells in vitro

Fluoride, which is often added to toothpaste or mouthwash in order to protect teeth from decay, may be a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. The periodontal ligament cells were stimulated with various concentrations of NaF added into osteogenic inductive medium. Immunohistochemistry of cell identification, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S staining and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. Moderate concentrations of NaF (50-500 μmol/L) had pro-proliferation effects, while 500 μmol/L had the best effects. ALP activity and calcium content were significantly enhanced by 10 μmol/L NaF with osteogenic inductive medium. Quantitative RT-PCR data varied in genes as a result of different NaF concentrations and treatment periods. We conclude that moderate concentrations of NaF can stimulate proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells. These in vitro findings may provide a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration by addition of suitable concentrations of NaF into the medication for periodontitis treatment, i.e., into periodontal packs and tissue patches.

Obesity inversely correlates with prostate-specific antigen levels in a population with normal screening results of prostate cancer in northwestern China

Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a diagnostic biomarker of prostate cancer and is possibly associated with obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationships between obesity indicators [body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)] with PSA in Chinese men. A cross-sectional study of men aged 30-85 years undergoing prostate cancer screening was conducted from August 2008 to July 2013 in Xi'an, China. Data were obtained from clinical reports, condition was recorded based on self-report including demographics, weight, height, and WC (>90 cm=obese). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and prostate volume (PV) were assessed clinically. Patients were grouped by BMI (normal=22.9, overweight=23-27.4, obese≥27.5 kg/m²). PSA parameters of density (PSAD), PSA serum level, and PSA increasing rate per year (PSAR) were calculated per BMI and age groups (30-40, 41-59, 60-85 years). Obesity indicators (BMI and WC) and PSA parameter relationships were modeled by age-stratified linear regression. Of 35,632 Chinese men surveyed, 13,084 were analyzed, including 13.44% obese, 57.44% overweight, and 29.12% normal weight, according to BMI; 25.84% were centrally (abdominally) obese according to WC. BMI and WC were negatively associated with all PSA parameters, except PSAD and PSAR [P<0.05, BMI: β=-0.081 (95%CI=-0.055 to -0.036), WC: β=-0.101 (-0.021 to -0.015)], and independent of FBG and PV (P<0.05) in an age-adjusted model. In conclusion, obesity was associated with lower PSA in Chinese men. Therefore, an individual's BMI and WC should be considered when PSA is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Endothelial cell-derived matrix promotes the metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte via integrin-Src signalling

The extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is involved in the regulation of hepatocyte phenotype and function. Recently, the cell‐derived extracellular matrix has been proposed to represent the bioactive and biocompatible materials of the native ECM. Here, we show that the endothelial cell‐derived matrix (EC matrix) promotes the metabolic maturation of human adipose stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells (hASC‐HLCs) through the activation of the transcription factor forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) and the nuclear receptors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Reducing the fibronectin content in the EC matrix or silencing the expression of α5 integrin in the hASC‐HLCs inhibited the effect of the EC matrix on Src phosphorylation and hepatocyte maturation. The inhibition of Src phosphorylation using the inhibitor PP2 or silencing the expression of Src in hASC‐HLCs also attenuated the up‐regulation of the metabolic function of hASC‐HLCs in a nuclear receptor‐dependent manner. These data elucidate integrin‐Src signalling linking the extrinsic EC matrix signals and metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte. This study provides a model for studying the interaction between hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cell‐derived matrix.

Analysis of risk factors of type a aortic dissection (TAAD) operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of acute renal failure (ARF) after operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement for acute thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) with mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA), and to analyze the long-term survival rate of the patients with ARF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2009 to March 2015, patients with acute TAAD accepted operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement were enrolled. Those patients who were treated with renal replacement treatment (RRT) before the operation were excluded. The age, gender, cardiovascular disease history, preoperative serum creatinine and extracorporeal circulation duration in operation were recorded. On the basis of requiring RRT after TAAD operation, the patients were divided into ARF group and non-ARF group. The risk factors of ARF after TAAD operation were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. After completion of clinical follow-up, Kaplan-Meier curve was drawn to analyze five-year survival.

RESULTS

A total of 524 patients were included in the study. 51 cases of them got postoperative ARF. The incidence was 9.7%. The mortality rate of ARF group in the hospital was significantly higher than non-ARF group (25.5% vs. 3.6%; p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that there was statistically significant difference in the age, gender, hypertension history, preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L, extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min and combined with coronary artery bypass surgery simultaneously (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there were three independent risk factors of ARF after the operation, including hypertension (p=0.031, OR=2.377), preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L (p=0.005, OR=4.451) and extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min (p=0.002, OR=3.295). The total five-year survival rate of ARF group after the operation was 56%. There was no statistically significant difference in the five-year survival rate between preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L group and <200 µmol/L group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ARF after the operation was 9.7%. Preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L, hypertension history and extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min were independent risk factors of ARF after the operation. The five-year survival rate of ARF after the operation was 56%. The preoperative serum creatinine level had no influence on the postoperative long-term survival.

A garlic substance disrupts odorant-binding protein recognition of insect pheromones released from adults of the angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is one of the most serious stored-grain pests worldwide. Control of this moth may be achieved by interfering with olfactory pathways to disrupt male-female communication with sex pheromones, using plant volatiles like garlic or its active substances. Here, three odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes [namely Si. cerealella general OBP 1 (ScerGOBP1), ScerGOBP2 and Si. cerealella pheromone-binding protein (ScerPBP)] were cloned from Si. cerealella antennae, and quantitative real-time PCR showed that these genes were predominantly expressed in adult antennae. ScerPBP expression was male-biased, but ScerGOBP1 and ScerGOBP2 were similar between sexes. The results of competitive binding assays indicated that a garlic substance, diallyl trisulphide (DATS), had similar or even higher binding affinity to ScerPBP than Si. cerealella sex pheromone, 7Z, 11E-hexadecadien-1-ol acetate (HDA). In olfactometer bioassays, DATS significantly reduced the response of adults to HDA when they were exposed to air filled with HDA and DATS. Surprisingly, ScerGOBP2, which is postulated to be involved in the detection of general odours, displayed higher affinity with HDA than did ScerPBP, indicating that ScerGOBP2 may also have a role in pheromone perception. These data suggest that DATS may interfere with recognition of female-produced sex pheromone, disrupting female and male mating behaviour and resulting in a new idea for controlling stored grain pests.

Identification of novel DYNC2H1 mutations associated with short rib-polydactyly syndrome type III using next-generation panel sequencing

Short rib-polydactyly syndrome type III (SRPS3) is a perinatal lethal skeletal disorder with polydactyly and multisystem organ abnormalities. While ultrasound of the fetus can detect skeletal abnormalities characteristic of SRPS3, the syndrome is often difficult to diagnose before birth. As SRPS3 is an autosomal recessive disorder, identification of the gene mutations involved could lead to the development of prenatal genetic testing as an accurate method of diagnosis. In this study, we describe genetic screening approaches to identify potential abnormalities associated with SRPS3. Karyotype analysis, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and next-generation panel sequencing were each performed on a fetus showing signs of the disorder, as well as on the mother and father. Karyotype and aCGH results revealed no abnormalities. However, next-generation panel sequencing identified novel mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene. The fetus was compound heterozygous for both a missense mutation c.8313A > T and a frameshift mutation c.10711_10714delTTTA in the DYNC2H1 gene, which were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. These variants were further confirmed using Sanger sequencing and have not been previously reported. Our study indicates the utility of using next-generation panel sequencing in screening for novel disease-associated mutations.

A comparison of animated versus static images in an instructional multimedia presentation

Sophisticated three-dimensional animation and video compositing software enables the creation of complex multimedia instructional movies. However, if the design of such presentations does not take account of cognitive load and multimedia theories, then their effectiveness as learning aids will be compromised. We investigated the use of animated images versus still images by creating two versions of a 4-min multimedia presentation on vascular neuroeffector transmission. One version comprised narration and animations, whereas the other animation comprised narration and still images. Fifty-four undergraduate students from level 3 pharmacology and physiology undergraduate degrees participated. Half of the students watched the full animation, and the other half watched the stills only. Students watched the presentation once and then answered a short essay question. Answers were coded and marked blind. The "animation" group scored 3.7 (SE: 0.4; out of 11), whereas the "stills" group scored 3.2 (SE: 0.5). The difference was not statistically significant. Further analysis of bonus marks, awarded for appropriate terminology use, detected a significant difference in one class (pharmacology) who scored 0.6 (SE: 0.2) versus 0.1 (SE: 0.1) for the animation versus stills group, respectively (P = 0.04). However, when combined with the physiology group, the significance disappeared. Feedback from students was extremely positive and identified four main themes of interest. In conclusion, while increasing student satisfaction, we do not find strong evidence in favor of animated images over still images in this particular format. We also discuss the study design and offer suggestions for further investigations of this type.

Current Status of Substance Abuse in East Asia and Therapeutic Prospects

The abuse of drugs, including opioids and stimulants, is a major public health problem worldwide, including in East Asia. Nonetheless, there are no pharmacological treatments for many psychiatric or neurological symptoms associated with that abuse. Abused drugs exert several detrimental effects on structural plasticity in brain regions associated with reward circuits. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie this structural plasticity in brain neurons will aid in the development of novel therapeutic drugs for substance abuse. In this review, we discuss recent topics in substance abuse in East Asia and the therapeutic drugs available. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic signalling pathways involved in long-term changes to structural plasticity in the brain after repeated administration of opioids and stimulants.

A rare case of trisomy 11q23.3-11q25 and trisomy 22q11.1-22q11.21

Partial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 11 and the partial trisomy of 22q are uncommon karyotypic abnormalities. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who showed partial trisomy of 11q and 22q, as a result of a maternal balanced reciprocal translocation (11;22), and exhibited dysmorphic features, severe intellectual disability, brain malformations, and speech delay related to this unique chromosomal abnormality. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 11, spanning at least 18.22 Mb. Additionally, there was a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 22, spanning at least 3.46 Mb. FISH analysis using a chromosome 11 short arm telomere probe (11p14.2), a chromosome 11 long arm telomere probe (11q24.3), and a chromosome 22 long arm telomere probe (22q13.33) confirmed the origin of the marker chromosome. It has been confirmed by the State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China that this is the first reported instance of the karyotype 47,XX, +der(22)t(11;22)(q23.3;q11.1)mat in the world. Our study reports an additional case that can be used to further characterize and delineate the clinical ramifications of partial trisomy of 11q and 22q.

Efficacy of three-dimensional visualization in mobile apps for patient education regarding orthognathic surgery

'Sur-face' is an interactive mobile app illustrating different orthognathic surgeries and their potential complications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Sur-face by comparing two methods of delivering patient information on orthognathic surgeries and their related potential complications: a mobile app with interactive three-dimensional (3D) animations and a voice recording containing verbal instructions only. For each method, the participants' acquired knowledge was assessed using a custom-designed questionnaire. Participants in the 'app' group performed significantly better (P<0.0034) than those in the 'voice' group and retained more knowledge, suggesting that interactive visualizations play a key role in improving understanding of the orthognathic surgical procedure and its associated complications. This study emphasizes the impact of 3D visualizations in delivering information regarding orthognathic surgery and highlights the advantage of delivering validated patient information through mobile apps.

miR-155 regulates the proliferation and invasion of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells by targeting E2F2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical modulators of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In the present work, we sought to identify the biological function of miR-155 as well as its underlying mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We examined the expression of miR-155 in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and adjacent normal tissues and then explored the roles of miR-155 both in vitro and in vivo. The results of this analysis indicated that miR-155 activity was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues compared with the corresponding normal tissues. miR-155 was associated with ccRCC aggressiveness in both cell lines and clinical specimens, and a specific and inverse correlation between miR-155 and E2F2 expression was found in human ccRCC samples. Overexpression of miR-155 in 786-O cells decreased E2F2 expression while reduction of miR-155 by anti-miR-155 in ACHN cells elevated E2F2 expression. Re-expression of E2F2 in 786-O cells repressed the cell migration/invasion abilities elevated by miR-155, whereas knockdown of E2F2 in ACHN cells restored these cellular functions hampered by the miR-155 inhibitor. Using Western blot and luciferase reporter assays, we determined that E2F2 was a direct target of miR-155. Taken together, the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that miR-155 functions as a tumor-promoting miRNA by targeting E2F2 in ccRCC.