Genetic polymorphisms in very important pharmacogenomic (VIP) variants in the Tibetan population

Genetic polymorphisms of very important pharmacogenomic (VIP) variants are important for personalized medicine. However, these have not been extensively studied in the Tibetan population. In this study, 82 VIP variants were detected in the Tibetan and Han (HAN) populations from northwestern China. Subsequently, we compared the differences between the Tibetan population and ten populations, including the HAN, Japanese in Tokyo (JPT), Mexican ancestry in Los Angeles (MEX), Toscans in Italy (TSI), African ancestry in Southwest USA (ASW), Luhya in California Webuye, Kenya (LWK), Gujarati Indians in Houston, Texas (GIH), Maasai in Kinyawa, Kenya (MKK), Yoruba in Ibadan, Nigeria (YRI), and Utah residents with Northern and Western European ancestry from the CEPH collection (CEU). Using the χ(2) test, we identified differences in the frequency distribution of 4, 4, 7, 10, 11, 11, 13, 15, 19, and 20 loci in the Tibetan population, compared to the HAN, JPT, MEX, TSI, ASW, LWK, GIH, MKK, YRI, and CEU populations, respectively [P < 0.05/(82*10)]. rs2115819, rs9934438, and rs689466, located in the ALOX5 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase), VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1) and PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2) genes, respectively, in the Tibetan population were different from those in most of the populations. Our results complement the information provided by the database of pharmacogenomics on Tibetan people, and provide an avenue for personalized treatment in the Tibetan population.

Prevalence of Metabolically Healthy Obese and Metabolically Obese but Normal Weight in Adults Worldwide: A Meta-Analysis

The objective of the present study was to summarize the prevalence and influencing factors of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW) among people ≥ 18 years old in the general population worldwide. We searched for studies of the prevalence of MHO and MONW published in English and Chinese up to October 2013. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated by a random-effects model according to a Q test. The effects of gender, region, age, sample size, smoking, and alcohol consumption on MHO and MONW were analyzed. Differences between subgroups were assessed by chi-square test. Publication bias was estimated by Egger's test. Studies of MHO and MONW showed heterogeneity (I(2)=99.4% and I(2)=99.7%, respectively). The overall prevalence of MHO and MONW was 7.27% (95% CI 5.92-8.90%) and 19.98% (95% CI 16.54-23.94%), respectively. American populations had the highest MHO prevalence and European populations the highest MONW prevalence. Different patterns of MHO and MONW were observed in the subgroup analysis with respect to gender, age, sample size, smoking, alcohol consumption, and metabolically healthy criteria. The prevalence of both MHO and MONW were affected by gender, region, age, sample size, smoking, alcohol consumption, and metabolically healthy criteria, but studies showed high heterogeneity.

SLC2A9 and ZNF518B polymorphisms correlate with gout-related metabolic indices in Chinese Tibetan populations

Current evidence suggests that heredity and metabolic syndrome contribute to gout progression. SLC2A9 and ZNF518B may play a role in gout progression in different populations, but no studies have focused on the Tibetan Chinese population. In this study, we determined whether variations in these 2 genes were correlated with gout-related indices in Chinese-Tibetan gout patients. We detected 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC2A9 and ZNF518B in 319 Chinese Tibetan gout patients. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the polymorphisms' effects on gout based on mean serum levels of metabolism indicators. Polymorphisms in SLC2A9 and ZNF518B affected multiple risk factors related to gout development. Significant differences in serum triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level were detected between different genotypic groups with SLC2A9 polymorphisms rs13129697 (P = 0.022), rs4447863 (P = 0.018), and rs1014290 (P = 0.045). Similarly in ZNF518B, rs3217 (P = 0.016) and rs10016022 (P = 0.046) were associated with high creatinine and glucose levels, respectively. This study is the first to investigate and identify positive correlations between SLC2A9 and ZNF518B gene polymorphisms and metabolic indices in Tibetan gout patients. We found significant evidence indicating that genetic polymorphisms affect gout-related factors in Chinese Tibetan populations.

Subtraction suppressive hybridisation analysis of differentially expressed genes associated with puberty in the goat hypothalamus

The cost of developing replacement nanny goats could be reduced by decreasing the age at puberty because this way nanny goats could be brought into production at an earlier age. The aim of the present study was to screen genes related to puberty to investigate the molecular mechanisms of puberty. Subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed for hypothalami from juvenile (Group A), pubertal (Group B) and age-matched control pubertal (Group E) Jining grey (JG) and Liaoning cashmere (LC) goats using suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH). Differentially expressed genes were analysed by bioinformatics methods. There were 203 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in the subtracted cDNA libraries that were differentially expressed between JG and LC goats at the juvenile stage, 226 that were differentially expressed at puberty and 183 that were differentially expressed in the age-matched control group. The differentially expressed ESTs in each subtracted cDNA library were classified as known gene, known EST and unknown EST according to sequence homology in the GenBank non-redundant (NR) and EST database. According to gene function analysis in the COG (Cluster of Orthologous Groups) database, the known genes were grouped into 10 subdivisions in Group A, into seven subdivisions in Group E and into nine subdivisions in Group B under three categories: cellular processes and signalling, information storage and processing, and metabolism. Pathway analysis in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway database of known genes revealed that the three pathways that most differentially expressed genes were involved in were metabolic pathways, Parkinson's disease and oxidative phosphorylation. Protein interaction analysis of the high homology genes revealed the most dominant network to be structure of ribosome/protein translation, oxidative phosphorylation and carbohydrate metabolism. The results reveal that the onset of puberty is a complex event involving multiple genes in multiple biological processes. The differentially expressed genes include genes related to both neuroendocrine and energy metabolism.

1.21 W passively mode-locked Tm:LuAG laser

A watt-level output passively mode-locked Tm:LuAG bulk laser with an InGaAs semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is demonstrated for the first time. A maximum average output power of 1.21 W at 2022.9 nm has been achieved with a pulse duration of 38 ps and a repetition rate of 129.2 MHz. The results indicate the potential of Tm:LuAG crystals as candidate for realizing high power ultrafast lasers at 2 μm.

Broadly wavelength tunable acousto-optically Q-switched Tm:Lu2SiO5 laser

A broadly wavelength tunable acousto-optically Q-switched Tm:Lu2SiO5 (Tm:LSO) laser is presented for the first time, to our best knowledge. The emission wavelength was tuned in a broad spectral region over 111 nm ranging from 1959 to 2070 nm. A shortest pulse duration of 345 ns with beam quality of M(2)≤1.65 was obtained at pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 1 kHz, corresponding to a maximum single pulse energy of 0.26 mJ and peak power of 0.75 kW. The experimental results indicated that Tm:LSO crystal has outstanding potential for obtaining broadly wavelength tunable and low-PRF laser pulses at 2 μm.

β-Glucan attenuates inflammatory responses in oxidized LDL-induced THP-1 cells via the p38 MAPK pathway

AIM

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of β-(1,3/1,6)-d-glucan on atherosclerosis as well as on the molecular mechanisms of its transition.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells were differentiated into the macrophage phenotype by incubation with oxLDL in the absence or presence of β-glucan. β-glucan attenuated CD86 and CD80 expression and simultaneously reduced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Western blot analysis showed that oxLDL treatment induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. However, β-glucan inhibited p38 MAPK activation. In experiments with monocytes derived from healthy donors, β-glucan inhibited IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α production. The anti-inflammatory effects of β-glucan were also observed in atherosclerotic plaque cells.

CONCLUSIONS

β-glucan inhibited oxLDL-induced pro-inflammatory effects in macrophages via regulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. This novel finding may provide insight for new therapeutic strategies.

Diode-pumped continuous wave and passively Q-switched Tm, Mg: LiTaO₃ lasers

We have demonstrated the continuous wave and passively Q-switched Tm, Mg: LiTaO3 lasers for the first time. In continuous wave (CW) regime, a maximum CW output power of 1.03 W at 1952 nm was obtained, giving a slope efficiency of 9.5% and a beam quality M2 = 2.2. In passive Q-switching regime, a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was employed as saturable absorber (SA). The Tm,Mg:LiTaO3 laser has yielded a pulse of 560 ns under repetition rate of 34.2 kHz at 1926 nm, corresponding to a single pulse energy of 10.1 μJ. The results indicate a promising potential of nonlinear crystals in the applications for laser host materials.

Beneficial therapeutic effects of hemoperfusion in the treatment of severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

Most of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe drug eruptions. There is currently no established treatment due to a lack of controlled/blinded studies. High-dose glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapy have been widely used, but these approaches remain controversial. This study introduces a novel method by which to treat severe SJS/TEN patients who were refractory to glucocorticoids and IVIG.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven patients with SJS and three patients with TEN were enrolled in this non-blinded, uncontrolled study. The average patient age was 8.1 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Hemoperfusion was conducted daily using a HA280 resin sorbent column until new skin lesions ceased appearing and the skin started healing with visible re-epithelialization.

RESULTS

The average BSA involvement in SJS and TEN was 8.57% and 75%, respectively. The number of hemoperfusion sessions ranged from 3 to 5. Hemoperfusion led to prompt improvements in general health and halted the disease progression. All children were discharged and recovered completely. The average length of stay was 14.4 days. Four patients experienced adverse reactions: femoral vein thrombosis (N = 2), hypotension (N = 1), and cardiac palpitation (N = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemoperfusion may be a useful adjunct treatment for patients with severe SJS/TEN if the initial treatment with glucocorticoids and IVIG fails.

Induced maturation of hepatic progenitor cells in vitro

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are a potential cell source for liver cell transplantation but do not function like mature liver cells. We sought an effective and reliable method to induce HPC maturation. An immortalized HP14.5 albumin promoter-driven Gaussian luciferase (ALB-GLuc) cell line was established from HPCs isolated from fetal mouse liver of post coitus day 14.5 mice to investigate the effect of induction factors on ALB promoter. HP14.5 parental cells were cultured in DMEM with different combinations of 2% horse serum (HS), 0.1 µM dexamethasone (DEX), 10 ng/mL hepatic growth factor (HGF), and/or 20 ng/mL fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). Trypan blue and crystal violet staining were used to assess cell proliferation with different induction conditions. Expression of hepatic markers was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Glycogen storage and metabolism were detected by periodic acid-Schiff and indocyanine green (ICG) staining. GLuc activity indicated ALB expression. The combination of 2% HS+0.1 µM Dex+10 ng/mL HGF+20 ng/mL FGF4 induced the highest ALB-GLuc activity. Cell proliferation decreased in 2% HS but increased by adding FGF4. Upon induction, and consistent with hepatocyte development, DLK, AFP, and CK19 expression decreased, while ALB, CK18, and UGT1A expression increased. The maturity markers tyrosine aminotransferase and apolipoprotein B were detected at days 3 and 6 post-induction, respectively. ICG uptake and glycogen synthesis were detectable at day 6 and increased over time. Therefore, we demonstrated that HPCs were induced to differentiate into functional mature hepatocytes in vitro, suggesting that factor-treated HPCs may be further explored as a means of liver cell transplantation.

1.94 μm switchable dual-wavelength Tm3+ fiber laser employing high-birefringence fiber Bragg grating

A 1.94 μm switchable dual-wavelength Tm(3+) fiber laser employing two high-birefringence fiber Bragg gratings (HB-FBGs) is demonstrated. The polarization hole burning effect enhanced by the HB-FBG is first observed and adopted to guarantee stable dual-wavelength operation in the spectral region near 2 μm at room temperature. The wavelength spacing between the dual lasing wavelengths is 0.81 nm. The polarization states of the dual-output lasers are orthogonal. By adjusting a polarization controller, a single-wavelength mode operating at one of the dual wavelengths can be selected. The side-mode-suppression ratio of each laser can be greater than 60 dB. The power fluctuation measurement at both operating wavelengths shows that this Tm(3+) fiber laser has good stability.

Sexual dysfunction and unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in two Chinese cities

This study investigated the associations between sexual dysfunction and unprotected anal intercourse among adult Chinese men who have sex with men; 519 participants who had had anal sex (past 12 months) were recruited from gay venues (Hong Kong and Shenzhen) and from the Internet (Hong Kong). Respectively, 48.9% and 59.6% (p< .05) of the Hong Kong and Shenzhen participants had had at least one type of sexual dysfunction for 3 consecutive months (past 12 months); the difference may be explained by differential income levels or other factors. After adjustment for significant background variables, three variables related to sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and experienced at least one sexual dysfunction) were significantly associated with unprotected anal intercourse in the Hong Kong (adjusted odds ratio = 1.65-2.80) and Shenzhen samples (adjusted odds ratio = 5.46-6.41). Anxiety about sex was significant only in the Shenzhen sample (adjusted odds ratio = 8.67). The associations may be results of coping toward sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is prevalent and may contribute to unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in China. Physiological damages of receptive anal sex may contribute to some types of sexual dysfunction. However, one limitation is that participants were not asked about insertion/receptive anal sex. HIV interventions targeting men who have sex with men in China need to take counseling related to sexual dysfunction into account.

Interactions between tidal turbine wakes: experimental study of a group of three-bladed rotors

It is well known that a wake will develop downstream of a tidal stream turbine owing to extraction of axial momentum across the rotor plane. To select a suitable layout for an array of horizontal axis tidal stream turbines, it is important to understand the extent and structure of the wakes of each turbine. Studies of wind turbines and isolated tidal stream turbines have shown that the velocity reduction in the wake of a single device is a function of the rotor operating state (specifically thrust), and that the rate of recovery of wake velocity is dependent on mixing between the wake and the surrounding flow. For an unbounded flow, the velocity of the surrounding flow is similar to that of the incident flow. However, the velocity of the surrounding flow will be increased by the presence of bounding surfaces formed by the bed and free surface, and by the wake of adjacent devices. This paper presents the results of an experimental study investigating the influence of such bounding surfaces on the structure of the wake of tidal stream turbines.

Neural correlates of music recognition in Down syndrome

The brain mechanisms that subserve music recognition remain unclear despite increasing interest in this process. Here we report the results of a magnetoencephalography experiment to determine the temporal dynamics and spatial distribution of brain regions activated during listening to a familiar and unfamiliar instrumental melody in control adults and adults with Down syndrome (DS). In the control group, listening to the familiar melody relative to the unfamiliar melody, revealed early and significant activations in the left primary auditory cortex, followed by activity in the limbic and sensory-motor regions and finally, activation in the motor related areas. In the DS group, listening to the familiar melody relative to the unfamiliar melody revealed increased significant activations in only three regions. Activity began in the left primary auditory cortex and the superior temporal gyrus and was followed by enhanced activity in the right precentral gyrus. These data suggest that familiar music is associated with auditory-motor coupling but does not activate brain areas involved in emotional processing in DS. These findings reveal new insights on the neural basis of music perception in DS as well as the temporal course of neural activity in control adults.

Polymorphisms of caprine POU1F1 gene and their association with litter size in Jining Grey goats

Seven pairs of primers were designed to amplify 5' promoter region, six exons and partial introns and to detect the polymorphisms of POU1F1 gene in five goat breeds with different prolificacy. The results showed that six mutations were identified in caprine POU1F1 gene including C256T in exon 3, C53T and T123G in intron 3, and G682T (A228S), T723G and C837T in exon 6. The former four mutations were novel SNPs in goat POU1F1 gene. The 53 and 123 loci were in complete linkage disequilibrium in five caprine breeds. Regarding the 256 locus, the Jining Grey goat does with genotype CT had 0.66 kids more than those with genotype CC (P < 0.05), while does with genotype GT had 0.63 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype GG at the 682 locus. The present study preliminarily showed an association between allele T at the 256 and 682 loci of POU1F1 gene and high litter size in Jining Grey goats. Totally 16 haplotypes and 50 genotypes were identified at the above six loci in POU1F1 gene of five goat breeds. Three common haplotypes (hap2, hap3 and hap4) were identified in five goat breeds joined. Four specific haplotypes (hap7, hap9, hap11 and hap13) were detected in Jining Grey goats. The predominant haplotype was hap1 (35.29% and 48.25%) in both Jining Grey and Guizhou White goats, while hap4 (50%) in Boer goats, and hap2 (42.86% and 38.75%) in both Wendeng Dairy and Liaoning Cashmere goats. The most frequent genotypes at six loci in the above five goat breeds were hap1/hap2 (14.38%) and hap1/hap4 (14.38%), hap1/hap2 (38.60%), hap4/hap4 (40.91%), hap2/hap4 (26.53%), hap2/hap5 (20.00%), respectively. The Jining Grey goat does with nine genotypes analyzed of POU1F1 gene showed no obvious difference in litter size.

Predictive potential of microsatellite markers on heterosis of fecundity in crossbred sheep

Small Tail Han (STH) sheep is a famous Chinese local breed and has perfect prolificacy performance, but it is inferior to imported mutton sheep breeds on meat production. In this study, six imported male sheep populations (White Suffolk, Black Suffolk, Texel, Dorper, South African Mutton Merino and East Friesian) were crossbred with STH female sheep respectively. The heterosis values of litter size, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of crossbred sheep were analyzed for seeking the optimal cross. Meanwhile 28 microsatellite markers were used to measure the genetic distance between imported populations and STH population. Regression between the genetic distance and heterosis was analyzed for evaluating potential of microsatellite on predicting heterosis. Results showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.892, P < 0.05) between heterosis of litter size and genetic distance D (A) of six crosses. This implied that these microsatellite markers had moderate potential to forecast heterosis of litter size in sheep. Results of this study also indicated that South African Mutton Merino and East Friesian sheep would be the optimal sire breeds for the litter size and might bring the greatest economic benefit in six imported populations; Suffolk sheep could be prior consideration as sire breeds when breeding objective focused on ADG. Finally these results provided valuable information for Chinese sheep industry.

GDF9 as a candidate gene for prolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) which controls the fecundity of Belclare, Cambridge, Santa Ines, Moghani, Ghezel and Thoka ewes was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep. According to the sequence of ovine GDF9 gene, six pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of two exons of GDF9 gene in both high fecundity breed (Small Tail Han sheep) and low fecundity breed (Dorset sheep) by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). Only the products amplified by primers 2-1 and 2-2 displayed polymorphisms. For primer 2-1, three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected in both sheep breeds. Sequencing revealed one silent mutation (G477A) in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in the BB genotype in comparison with the AA, which was known as G3 mutation of GDF9 gene in Belclare and Cambridge ewes. The relationship of least squares means for litter size was AA > AB > BB in Small Tail Han sheep (P > 0.05). For primer 2-2, two genotypes (CC and CD) were detected in both sheep breeds. Sequencing revealed one novel single nucleotide mutation (G729T) in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in the CD genotype in comparison with the CC, which resulted in an amino acid change (Gln243His). The ewes with mutation heterozygous genotype CD had 0.77 (P < 0.01) lambs more than those with wild type CC in Small Tail Han sheep. These results preliminarily indicated that allele D of GDF9 gene was a potential genetic marker for improving litter size in Small Tail Han sheep.