Genetic contribution of suppressor of cytokine signalling polymorphisms to the susceptibility to infection after traumatic injury

Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are crucial negative regulators in many signalling pathways and are implicated in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to uncover possible associations of common polymorphisms within SOCS genes with infectious outcomes after traumatic injury. A total of 1087 trauma patients (Chongqing cohort 806 and Yunnan cohort 281) were recruited and followed-up for the development of infectious outcomes, such as sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Twelve selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened by pyrosequencing to determine their genotypes and associations with infectious complications. Among the 12 selected SNPs, only the cytokine-inducible Src homology (SH2) domain protein (CISH) promoter rs414171 polymorphism was found consistently to be associated statistically with the incidence of sepsis and MOD score in the two cohorts, despite analysing the SNPs independently or in combination. Further, patients with a T allele had significantly lower CISH expression and lower production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but higher production of interleukin (IL)-10. Luciferase assay confirmed that the A→T variant in the rs414171 polymorphism inhibited the transcriptional activities of the CISH gene significantly. The CISH rs414171 polymorphism is associated significantly with susceptibility to sepsis and MODS in traumatic patients, which might prove to be a novel biomarker for indicating risk of infectious outcomes in critically injured patients.

[Expression of microRNA-155 in inflammatory bowel disease and its clinical significance]

Objective: To explore the expression of microRNA-155 in colonic mucosa and peripheral blood in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to examine the clinical value and significance of microRNA-155 in the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: Quatitative reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the expression of microRNA-155 in 20 patients with Crohn disease(CD), 21 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 18 patients with IBD type unclassified(IBDU), 25 healthy people(control group), 12 patients with infection colitis and 19 patients with ischemia colitis.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to analyze the clincal value of microRNA-155 in diagnosis of IBD. Results: The expression of microRNA-155 in colonic mucosa in CD, UC and IBDU group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05). MicroRNA-155 expression was also significantly higher in UC group in comparison to CD group (35.4±3.0 vs 18.6±5.9, P<0.01), IBDU group in comparison to CD group (23.0±3.7 vs 18.6±5.9, P<0.05) and UC group in comparison to IBDU group (35.4±3.0 vs 23.0±3.7, P<0.01). The plasma level of microRNA-155 in UC group (55.6±2.5) and IBDU group (48.1±6.2) was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05), while no significant difference in CD group was observed when compared with control group(P>0.05). ROC curve shows an AUC of 0.83 and 95%CI of 0.679-0.986 of microRNA-155 expression in colonic mucosa.The sensitivity and specificity of microRNA-155 expression in colonic mucosa in diagnosis of IBD was 68.4% and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusions: MicroRNA-155 showed high expression in colonic mucosa and peripheral blood in patients with IBD.MicroRNA-155 shows promise as a biomarker in diagnosis of IBD.Furthermore, the aberrant expression indicates that microRNA-155 may be involved in pathogenesis and progression of IBD.

Temporal patterns in principal Salmonella serotypes in the USA; 1996-2014

Analysing temporal patterns in foodborne illness is important to designing and implementing effective food safety measures. The reported incidence of illness due to Salmonella in the USA. Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) sites has exhibited no declining trend since 1996; however, there have been significant annual trends among principal Salmonella serotypes, which may exhibit complex seasonal patterns. Data from the original FoodNet sites and penalised cubic B-spline regression are used to estimate temporal patterns in the reported incidence of illness for the top three Salmonella serotypes during 1996-2014. Our results include 95% confidence bands around the estimated annual and monthly curves for each serotype. The results show that Salmonella serotype Typhimurium exhibits a statistically significant declining annual trend and seasonality (P < 0.001) marked by peaks in late summer and early winter. Serotype Enteritidis exhibits a significant annual trend with a higher incidence in later years and seasonality (P < 0.001) marked by a peak in late summer. Serotype Newport exhibits no significant annual trend with significant seasonality (P < 0.001) marked by a peak in late summer.

Comparison of effectiveness and safety between conbercept and ranibizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A retrospective case-controlled non-inferiority multiple center study

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of conbercept and ranibizumab when administered according to a treat-and-extend (TREX) protocol for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in China.

Patients and methods

Between May 2014 and May 2015, 180 patients were treated in a 1 : 1 ratio using conbercept or ranibizumab from four hospitals. Patients received either conbercept 0.5 mg or ranibizumab 0.5 mg intravitreal injections. Follow-up time was 1 year and treated based on a TREX approach. Main outcomes and measures include best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS); number of injections; central retinal thickness (CRT); and leakage of choroidal neovascularization before and after the treatment was analyzed by fluorescein fundus angiography and indocyanine green angiography.

Results

The 1-year visit was completed by 168 (93.3%) of patients. Mean BCVA was equivalent between two cohorts, and were improved by 12.7±7.770 and 12.3±7.269 letters in the conbercept and ranibizumab cohorts, respectively (P=0.624). There was no significant difference in measured CRT, with a mean decrease of 191.5 μm for conbercept and 187.8 μm for ranibizumab (P=0.773). There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.001) between the drugs regarding the number of treatments: 7.4 for conbercept and 8.7 for ranibizumab. The difference in the distribution of injection intervals was statistically significant between two groups (P=0.011). During the study, there were no cases of endophthalmitis or intraocular inflammation.

Conclusion

Both drugs had equivalent effects in visual and anatomic gains at 1 year when administered. In the conbercept group, longer treatment intervals were achieved with more patients.

Identification of proteome, antigen protein and antigen membrane protein from Spiroplasma eriocheiris

Spiroplasma eriocheiris, which causes tremor disease in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, has led to huge economic losses in aquaculture. Immunoproteomics, a new scientific technique combining proteomics and immunological analytical methods, provided the direction of our research on S. eriocheiris. The aim of our study was to identify the proteome, antigen proteins and antigen membrane proteins of S. eriocheiris. A total of 780 S. eriocheiris proteins were identified by the LC-MS/MS technique. Based on immunoproteomics, 51 proteins and 7 proteins in S. eriocheiris were identified by anti-S. eriocheiris serum and negative serum respectively (six proteins in common). Thus, 45 antigenic proteins in S. eriocheiris were identified; among them, molecular chaperone DnaK, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ATP synthase subunit beta and enolase can be considered as immunogenic proteins. Similarly, 32 membrane proteins and 6 membrane proteins were identified by anti-S. eriocheiris serum and negative serum respectively (two proteins in common). Thus, 30 antigenic membrane proteins in S. eriocheiris were identified; three of them have been reported as surface proteins including pyruvate kinase, enolase and GAPDH. All of these proteins may play key roles in the pathogeny and can be used in the future for diagnoses and prevention.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Spiroplasma eriocheiris is a novel pathogen causing the tremor disease in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. This is the first time LC-MS/MS was used to identify the proteome, antigen protein and antigen membrane protein of S. eriocheiris. The results can certainly provide valuable information towards the identification of virulent proteins or diagnosis of pathogenic mechanisms.

Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on the maturation and differentiation of dendritic cells in rotavirus-infected mice

Rotavirus-related diarrhoea is considered one of the most important diseases in field animal production. In addition to the classic vaccine strategy, a number of studies have utilised probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), to prevent rotavirus-induced diarrhoea. Although it has been partially revealed that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in the LGG-mediated protection against rotavirus infection, the details of the underlying immunologic mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, three-to-four-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups and orally administered phosphate buffered saline (PBS), PBS plus rotavirus or LGG plus rotavirus, respectively. The differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) were then determined by FACS, the expression levels of TLR-3 and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) were evaluated using real time PCR, and the production of inflammatory cytokines in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were determined by ELISA. The results demonstrated that rotavirus infection significantly increased the percentage of CD11c⁺CD11b⁺CD8a^- DCs and decreased the percentage of CD11c⁺CD11b^-CD8a⁺ DCs in MLNs. By contrast, the presence of LGG significantly decreased the percentage of CD11c⁺CD11b⁺CD8a^- DCs and increased the percentage of CD11c⁺CD11b^-CD8a⁺ DCs, which indicates that the differentiation of DCs is involved in the protective effects of LGG. Rotavirus infection also resulted in the increased expression of surface markers such as CD40, CD80 and MHC-II in DCs, and the administration of LGG significantly increased the expression level further. The mRNA levels of TLR-3 and NF-κB in the intestine and MLNs were also significantly increased in the presence of rotavirus, which was further increased in the presence of LGG. The production of inflammatory cytokines was also determined, and the results showed that rotavirus caused the increased production of interleukin (IL)-12 and tumour necrosis factor alpha; this effect was further enhanced by LGG. Meanwhile, although rotavirus infection led to the increased production of IL-6 and IL-10, the presence of LGG significantly decreased the mRNA levels of these cytokines. By contrast, rotavirus infection resulted in the decreased production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and the administration of LGG significantly increased the levels of IFN-γ. Taken together, the protective effects of LGG were partially due to the modulation of the differentiation and maturation of DCs, the increased production of TLR-3 and NF-κB, and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines.

Stem cell therapy for enhancement of bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis: A contemporary review of experimental studies

Objectives

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) mobilises bone regenerative potential and avoids the complications of other treatments such as bone graft. The major disadvantage of DO is the length of time required for bone consolidation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to promote bone formation with some good results.

Methods

We hereby review the published literature on the use of MSCs in promoting bone consolidation during DO.

Results

Studies differed in animal type (mice, rabbit, dog, sheep), bone type (femur, tibia, skull), DO protocols and cell transplantation methods.

Conclusion

The majority of studies reported that the transplantation of MSCs enhanced bone consolidation or formation in DO. Many questions relating to animal model, DO protocol and cell transplantation regime remain to be further investigated. Clinical trials are needed to test and confirm these findings from animal studies.

Cite this article: Y. Yang, S. Lin, B. Wang, W. Gu, G. Li. Stem cell therapy for enhancement of bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis: A contemporary review of experimental studies. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:385–390. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.66.BJR-2017-0023.

Alleviation of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge by recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing a FaeG- and DC-targeting peptide fusion protein

FaeG is the major subunit of K88 fimbriae. These cell surface attachments are considered to be the major virulence factor of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which causes diarrhoea in piglets. The use of dendritic cell-targeting peptide (DCpep) has been demonstrated to be an effective approach to enhance the immunity of vaccines. Lactobacillus plantarum is an attractive candidate for oral vaccination owing to its beneficial effects and safety. In this study, L. plantarum was employed to deliver a FaeG-DCpep fusion antigen, and the immune response in mice was evaluated. The synthesis of FaeG-DCpep dramatically increased the adhesion of recombinant L. plantarum (RLP) to IPEC-J2 cell surfaces, resulting in direct competition between L. plantarum and ETEC during adhesion assays. Significantly higher levels of body weight gain, sera immunoglobulin G and intestinal immunoglobulin A were observed in BALB/c mice immunised with RLP. In addition, the number of CD19+ B cells and CD11c+DC cells and the expression levels of several cytokines in the spleen and lymph nodes increased significantly compared to non-immunised mice. The oral administration of RLP also alleviated the symptoms of ETEC challenge, as shown by haematoxylin-eosin staining, indicating that RLP may be an efficient vaccine candidate.

Multicentre randomized controlled trial with sensor-augmented pump vs multiple daily injections in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes in China: Time to reach target glucose

AIM

Sensor-augmented pump (SAP) technology, which combines continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM), has been available for several years in China. In this study, the time required to reach predefined glycaemic targets with SAP vs multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy was compared in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Adults (aged 18-65 years) with T2DM treated with insulin and admitted to hospital for glucose management were randomized to either SAP (Medtronic MiniMed™ Paradigm™ 722 system) or MDI with blinded CGM (Medtronic MiniMed CGMS System Gold™) for a 2-week period. Glycaemic targets were defined as three preprandial measurements between 80 and 130mg/dL (4.4 and 7.2mmol/L) and three 2-h postprandial measurements between 80 and 180mg/dL (4.4 and 10.0mmol/L) within the same day.

RESULTS

When data from 81 patients (40 SAP, 41 MDI) were analysed, 21 patients using SAP therapy, compared with six using MDI therapy, achieved their glycaemic targets within 3 days, and their time to reach their glucose targets was significantly shorter (3.7±1.1 vs 6.3±3.1 days for MDI; P<0.001), while three MDI patients failed to reach glycaemic targets within 14 days. SAP vs MDI patients experienced significantly less hypoglycaemia [sensor glucose<50mg/dL (2.8mmol/L): 0.04% vs 0.32%, respectively; P<0.05] and significantly less hyperglycaemia [sensor glucose>180mg/dL (10mmol/L): 21.56% vs 35.03%, respectively; P<0.05].

CONCLUSION

SAP vs MDI therapy in hospitalized patients with T2DM significantly reduced the time required to achieve glycaemic targets, and such systems may be a cost-effective way to improve glucose control and reduce hospital stays in T2DM patients.

Two-stage operation to treat destructive midfoot tuberculosis: 14 cases experience

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis (TB) in midfoot is often secondary to tuberculosis elsewhere in the body. The experience and literatures to treat midfoot tuberculosis are rare. Up until now, no successful method is reported to treat midfoot tuberculosis.

HYPOTHESIS

Stage surgery is an effective method to treat midfoot bone TB.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2008 to January 2011, 14 patients who were diagnosed midfoot tuberculosis and suffered stage operation were enrolled. All the patients had been diagnosed definitely relying on imaging examination and laboratory tests preoperatively. Two-stage operation was performed to all patients. At the first stage, TB tissue and infective tissue were completely removed and replaced by antibiotic bone cement. Normal foot length and arch would be restored and maintained by K-wires and external fixators. At the second stage, autologous iliac and allogeneic bone graft were used to replace bone cement and by fixed by locking plates. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), SF-36 and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score were recorded at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

The average bone union time was 3.8 (range 3-6) months. There is no case of local recurrence or skin sinus. Neither implant broken nor screw loosen was present in this study. The AOFAS score was increased from 51.7±6.8 (range 43-61) preoperatively to 82.9±3.9 (range 76-90) postoperatively (P<0.001). The SF-36 score increased from 46.1±6.1 preoperatively to 83.1±5.4 postoperatively (P<0.001). The VAS score decreased from 6.1±1.1 preoperatively to 1.4±0.9 points postoperatively (P<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Stage operation is an effective treatment to stage III, IV midfoot tuberculosis.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective.

Stroke increases the risk of hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Many studies have investigated the association between stroke and hip fracture risk, but the precise association was still unclear due to insufficient statistical power in single studies with relatively small sample size. Thus, we firstly conducted a meta-analysis of all published studies to precisely estimate the relationship of stroke with hip fracture risk. The strength for this relationship was weighed by pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) after adjustment for confounding variables. Stratified analyses by study design and ethnicity and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Two investigators independently performed a comprehensive literature search in databases of PubMed, Embase, and Wanfang for eligible articles. A Bayesian meta-analysis was also performed to get a more precise assessment of the relationship. Eleven relevant studies from 10 publications were finally included into our meta-analysis according to the inclusion criteria. Overall, stroke significantly and independently increased the risk of hip fracture (RR = 2.06, 95 % CI 1.68-2.52, P < 0.001). Bayesian meta-analysis showed that stroke was also associated with an over two-fold increased risk of hip fracture (RR = 2.11, 95 % CI 1.62-2.75). In stratified analysis, stroke could increase the risk of hip fracture in Caucasians (RR = 2.36, 95 % CI 1.83-3.05, P < 0.001). These data support the notion that stroke is an independent risk factor for hip fracture, and patients with stroke have a two-fold increased risk of hip fracture than those without stroke.

A new neurotoxicity model composed of a neurovascular unit in vitro

In this study, we established a 2-D model composed ofbrain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and neurons, and a new 3-D model called a neurovascular unit (NVU) that included co-culturing with BMECs, hippocampal neurons, and astrocytes. First, three different cell types (BMECs, hippocampal neurons, and astrocytes) were cultured and identified; then, positive neurotoxic chemicals were used to test cell viability. Half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) and intracellular calcium concentrations were calculated using primary cells in both models. The results showed that Pb2+ and AL3+ exposure significantly decreased cell viability and increased intracellular calcium concentrations. The two experimental models did not display any differences in cell viability and intracellular calcium concentrations compared to the control, but they did show declining cell viability with increasing Pb2+ and AL3+ concentrations. The permeability results suggested Pb2+ and AL3+ could change the permeability of the two models. In conclusion, the two models replicated the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more accurately than the control, so it has potential usefulness in further scientific and clinical drug research. Furthermore, NVU model could be used to screen neurotoxicity chemicals due to its NVU properties.

Neutralization of Interleukin-17 Attenuates Cholestatic Liver Fibrosis in Mice

Anti-inflammation strategy is one of the proposed therapeutic approaches to hepatic fibrosis. IL-17 is critical in inflammation, but the role of IL-17 in liver fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the role of IL-17 on bile duct ligation-induced liver injury and fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were sacrificed at designated times, and serum and liver tissues were collected for analysis of liver function and serum IL-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels. IL-17 blockade with anti-IL-17A mAb significantly improved liver function and decreased hepatocellular necrosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophils and macrophages influx. Furthermore, CD3 + and CD8 + lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages were found to express IL-17, and neutrophils are the principal IL-17-producing cells after BDL-induced liver injury. These data indicated that IL-17 signal contributes to the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury and blocked of IL-17 could potentially benefit patients with cholestatic liver disease.

Expression and significance of aquaporin protein in sprague-dawley rats after experimental intraventricular hemorrhage

The AQP4 protein in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was expressed after experimental intraventricular hemorrhage to investigate the possible pathogenesis of chronic posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into two groups - sham-operated group (n=35) and experimental group (n=35). Saline and citrated autologous blood were injected into the lateral ventricle of the SD rats in the two groups, respectively. The rats in experimental group were further divided into seven subgroups based on different time points at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5 d and 7 d. The change of expression of AQP4 protein at different time of bleeding were detected by immumohistochemical techniques and mRNA of AQP4 was observed by in situ hybridization. It was found that 75% rats in experimental group suffered from chronic hydrocephalus at 12 h after intraventricular hemorrhage. High protein expression of AQP4 was observed in the apical of cuboidal epithelium of choroids plexus. The protein expression of AQP4 gradually weakened in experimental group after 3 days of intraventricular hemorrhage and dropped to the minimum at the 7th day, which was significantly different from the control and operative groups (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of AQP4 was weaker than the protein expression, and the locations of expression were generally in agreement with each other.

Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization (DASH): using Cas9 to remove unwanted high-abundance species in sequencing libraries and molecular counting applications

Next-generation sequencing has generated a need for a broadly applicable method to remove unwanted high-abundance species prior to sequencing. We introduce DASH (Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization). Sequencing libraries are 'DASHed' with recombinant Cas9 protein complexed with a library of guide RNAs targeting unwanted species for cleavage, thus preventing them from consuming sequencing space. We demonstrate a more than 99 % reduction of mitochondrial rRNA in HeLa cells, and enrichment of pathogen sequences in patient samples. We also demonstrate an application of DASH in cancer. This simple method can be adapted for any sample type and increases sequencing yield without additional cost.

Perceptual symptoms in the latino psychiatric patients attending inner city outpatient clinic

Introduction

Psychotic symptoms occur in a variety of psychiatric disorders and medical conditions. In addition, a significant proportion of the general population reports history of psychotic symptoms in the apparent absence of a psychiatric disorder. Reviewed literature suggests that Latino patients report certain forms of visual and auditory hallucinations without other indications of psychotic illness. In addition, it is common that some individuals with diverse religious or cultural backgrounds may present with psychotic transient experiences, which can be culturally normative.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of hallucinations and describe the nature of hallucinatory experiences in relation to cultural belief in Latino and non-Latino psychiatric outpatients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case control study of 146 patients who were admitted to the outpatient psychiatric clinic for a period of ten months. We assessed clinical characteristics of these patients and reviewed the extended mental status examination, which contained questions about various form of hallucinations and spiritual experiences. This poster will explore the prevalence of hallucinations in the Latino population and determine the percentage of patients with a diagnosis of psychotic illness. A discussion of the phenomenological hallucinatory experiences and its relationship to cultural beliefs in the Latino psychiatric patients will also be presented.

Conclusions

Psychotic symptoms present differently across cultures. The Latino population is most likely to have psychotic like symptoms related to their cultural beliefs. Clinicians must understand the diverse cultural experiences and beliefs of the patients they work with to prevent misdiagnosis of culturally normative experiences.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.