[The correlation between CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning]

Objective: To explore correlation between chest CT score and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning, whether CT score can be applied to assess acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning and provide basis and reference. Methods: The clinic and a series of CT datas of 32 acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning cases were retrospectively analysed and compared, According to GBZ31-2002 (the diagnostic standard of occupational H(2)S acute poisoning) , these patients were divided into 2 grouds including moderate groud and severe groud; The CT score were improved, referenceing the scoring criteria of the chest X-ray; The difference of the CT score and the oxygenation index were analyzed between moderate and severe group in the acute phase and the disperse phase; The correlation between CT score and oxygenation index were analyzed. Results: The CT score in moderate poisoning group were lower than severe group (2.26±1.37 vs 10.44±2.55, 1.34±0.65 vs 4.55±2.45, all P<0.05) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase.The oxygen index of the 19 cases in the acute phase were 307.55±28.29, and the oxygen index of the 8 cases in the dissipation phase was 435.75±37.00; The oxygen index of the 9 cases in the acute phase and the dissipation phase were respectively 193.17±36.41, 347.67±44.49. The oxygen partial pressure and oxygenation index in severe group were significantly lower than those in moderate group (all P<0.01) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase. Pearman correlation analysis showed that the CT score were negatively correlated to the oxygen index in the acute phase and the dissipation phase, respectively (r=-0.97、-0.75, all P<0.01) . Conclusions: The CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index is negatively correlated. The CT score can be used to evaluate the degree of lung injury, and can be used in the evaluation of acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

Clinical significance of fibrotic, haemostatic and endotoxic changes in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

To investigate the relationship among fibrotic, haemostatic and endotoxic changes in patients with different degrees of liver cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Liver fibrotic markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), Ccollagen IV (Col-IV), laminin (LN), and N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III (PIIINP), were determined by radioimmunoassay. A series of haemostatic tests, including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin-III, thrombin time, fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation product and D-dimer were determined using an automatic coagulation analyszer. Plasma levels of endotoxin were detected quantitatively using an endotoxin detection kit. Correlation analysis of the data was performed.

RESULTS

Based on Child-Pugh classification, statistically significant differences in fibrotic markers and haemostatic parameters were found in 249 patients with liver cirrhosis, while no significant differences in endotoxin levels were observed. Based on ascites classification, statistically significant differences in fibrotic markers (such as HA, Col-IV and PIIINP, except for LN) and haemostatic parameters were found. As for endotoxin levels, there were significant differences between the ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and no-ascites groups, while no significant differences were observed between the ascites and SBP groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated some correlation among fibrotic markers, haemostatic parameters and endotoxin.

CONCLUSIONS

A close relationship exists between the severity of cirrhosis and fibrotic changes, as well as haemostatic changes. Endotoxin may be an important contributing factor to the development of ascites in cirrhosis. Some correlation may exist between fibrosis, haemostatic and endotoxin.

Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of STK32B, PPARGC1A and CTNNA3 Gene With Sporadic Parkinson's Disease Susceptibility in Chinese Han Population

Recently, five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs10937625 in STK32B (serine/threonine kinase 32B), rs17590046 in PPARGC1A (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), and rs12764057, rs10822974, and rs7903491 in CTNNA3 (catenin alpha 3), were found to be associated with increased risk of essential tremor (ET) in a genome-wide association study (GWAS)in individuals of Caucasian ancestry. Considering the overlap between ET and Parkinson's disease (PD) in pathological features and clinical manifestations, a case-control study comprising 546 PD patients and 550 control subjects was carried out to examine whether the same variants were also associated with PD in Chinese Han population. However, the above variants did not show an association with PD. Our results suggested that these variants do not play a major role in PD in the Chinese population, Actually, the clinical overlap between PD and ET is under debate. In our Chinese Han cohort, we did not verify potential genetic pleiotropy between two diseases, which may indicated that etiology and pathobiology of PD and ET are distinct. Thus, a more comprehensive study such as a multi-center study may be helpful to evaluate the relationship between the five new susceptible loci and PD in Chinese Han population in the future.

Experimental Evidence of Kinetic Effects in Indirect-Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Hohlraums

We present the first experimental evidence supported by simulations of kinetic effects launched in the interpenetration layer between the laser-driven hohlraum plasma bubbles and the corona plasma of the compressed pellet at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility. Solid plastic capsules were coated with carbon-deuterium layers; as the implosion neutron yield is quenched, DD fusion yield from the corona plasma provides a direct measure of the kinetic effects inside the hohlraum. An anomalous large energy spread of the DD neutron signal (∼282  keV) and anomalous scaling of the neutron yield with the thickness of the carbon-deuterium layers cannot be explained by the hydrodynamic mechanisms. Instead, these results can be attributed to kinetic shocks that arise in the hohlraum-wall-ablator interpenetration region, which result in efficient acceleration of the deuterons (∼28.8  J, 0.45% of the total input laser energy). These studies provide novel insight into the interactions and dynamics of a vacuum hohlraum and near-vacuum hohlraum.

DNAJC12 mutation is rare in Chinese Han population with Parkinson's disease

Recently, mutations of DNAJC12 gene were reported to be associated with early-onset parkinsonism, progressive neurodevelopmental delay, and dystonia in several unrelated pedigrees. This study aimed to evaluate DNAJC12 coding mutations in sporadic Chinese Han patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and test whether an age-of-onset effect exists. Seven hundred two Chinese Han sporadic PD patients, including 181 early-onset PD and 521 late-onset PD, and 728 healthy controls were recruited. No documented disease-causing mutation of DNAJC12 was identified, but we found 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Allele frequencies did not differ between all the PD patients and controls or between any 2 subgroups for all these single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our study suggests that DNAJC12 mutation is not a risk factor of PD in Chinese Han population, and no age-of-onset effect was verified.

Continuous femoral nerve block and patient-controlled intravenous postoperative analgesia on Th1/Th2 in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study is to observe and compare the effects of continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on postoperative analgesia and Th1/Th2 in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Forty-six TKA were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the cFNB group and PCIA group. Patients in the two groups all underwent general anesthesia using a laryngeal mask. In the cFNB group, the femoral nerve block and catheterization were performed after induction of general anesthesia: 0.375% ropivacaine hydrochloride with a 20 mL loading dose was provided. After the end of the operation, the electronically controlled analgesia pump was connected. In the PCIA group, fentanyl with a 0.05 mg loading dose was provided and the electronic controlled analgesia pump was connected at the end of the operation. Venous blood was collected before anesthesia (T0), 1 h postoperatively (T1), 24 h postoperatively (T2) and 48 h postoperatively (T3). Th1/Th2 was calculated and analyzed by flow cytometry, and other indexes of these time points were recorded. The results show that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding changes in blood pressure, heart rate and postoperative sedation Ramsay score. There was no significant difference in Th1 percentages (Th1%), Th2 percentages (Th2%) and ratios of Th1-to-Th2 (Th1/Th2) between the two groups at T0, T1 and T2 (P>0.05), while the Th1%, Th2% and Th1/Th2 of the PCIA group were lower than those of the cFNB group at T3 (P less than 0.05). It was concluded that cFNB represents a better postoperative analgesia for patients than PCIA, and has a lesser effect on Th1/Th2 balance, which can improve the outcome of patients.

Landscapes with different biodiversity influence distribution of small mammals and their ectoparasitic chigger mites: A comparative study from southwest China

From a previous field investigation in Yunnan, southwest China between 2001 and 2015, we selected two types of landscapes to make a retrospectively comparative study on the distribution of small mammals and their ectoparasitic chigger mites. One landscape is "mountainous uncultivated land (MUL)" with higher biodiversity, which is located in a famous "World Nature Heritage Site", the Three-Parallel-Rivers Region in the northwest of Yunnan. The other is "cultivated flatland landscape (CFL)" with lower biodiversity, which is located in the south of Yunnan. The landscapes with different biodiversity apparently influenced the distribution of small mammals and their ectoparasitic chigger mites. Much more species of small mammals and mites were found in MUL than in CFL. A total of 3,177 small mammals captured from MUL were identified as 55 species, 30 genera and 10 families in five orders. From these small mammal hosts, 5,882 chigger mites were collected and identified as 127 species, 15 genera and 3 subfamilies in two families. A total of 1,112 small mammals captured from CFL were identified as 19 species, 12 genera and 5 families in three orders. From these hosts, 17,742 chiggers were collected and identified as 86 species, 12 genera and 3 subfamilies in two families. Both the species diversity (S = 55) and community diversity (H = 2.673) of small mammals in MUL were much higher than those in CFL (S = 19; H = 0.926). There were also higher values of β diversity in MUL than in CFL. Different main reservoir rodent hosts of zoonoses (including tsutsugamushi disease) were found in two types of landscapes. Rattus tanezumi (one main reservoir host) was most abundant in CFL, which accounted for 80.22% of all the small mammals. Another two main reservoir hosts, Eothenomys miletus and Apodemus chevrieri were the dominant species in MUL, but they were not as abundant as R. tanezumi in CFL. Different vector species of chigger mites also existed in MUL and CFL. Leptotrombidium deliense (a main and powerful vector of tsutsugamushi disease in China) and Ascoschoengastia indica (a potential vector of tsutsugamushi disease) were the dominant species of chigger mites in CFL (Cr = 25.81% for A. indica; Cr = 23.47% for L. deliense). Leptotrombidium scutellare (also a main vector of tsutsugamushi disease in China) was the dominant chigger species in MUL (Cr = 26.09%). Higher infestation of vector mites on small mammals was found in the simple landscape with lower biodiversity (CFL) than in the complex landscape with higher biodiversity (MUL). The overall prevalence (P), mean abundance (MA) and mean intensity (MI) of chigger mites on small mammals were much higher in CFL than in MUL. The main vector mite species on their main rodent hosts also showed a higher P, MA and MI in CFL than in MUL.

A novel RAB39B gene mutation in X-linked juvenile parkinsonism with basal ganglia calcification

OBJECTIVES

Mutations in RAB39B have been reported as a potential cause of X-linked Parkinson's disease (PD), a rare form of familial PD. We conducted a genetic analysis on RAB39B to evaluate whether RAB39B mutations are related to PD in the Chinese population.

METHODS

In this study, 2 patients from an X-linked juvenile parkinsonism pedigree were clinically characterized and underwent whole-exome sequencing. A comprehensive screening for RAB39B mutations in 505 sporadic patients with PD and 510 healthy controls in a Chinese population was also performed.

RESULTS

A novel mutation, c. 536dupA (p.E179fsX48), in RAB39B was identified in the juvenile parkinsonism pedigree. Brain MRI and CT scans in the 2 patients revealed calcification within the bilateral globus pallidus. No other potentially disease-causing RAB39B mutations were found in sporadic PD patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

X-linked juvenile parkinsonism could be caused by a RAB39B mutation, and basal ganglia calcification may be a novel clinical feature of RAB39B-related parkinsonism. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Inhibitory effect of uranyl nitrate on DNA double-strand break repair by depression of a set of proteins in the homologous recombination pathway

Occupational and environmental exposure to uranium has been confirmed to cause tissue injury and carcinogenesis. As a heavy metal from actinide series, the chemical and radiological toxicities of uranium jointly induce the detrimental effects. However, the mutual action and mechanism of both forms of toxicities still need to be further elucidated. DNA double-strand break (DSB) is a fundamental cause of cell death or genomic instability induced by ionizing radiation. Herein, we investigate the effect of uranyl nitrate on the cellular function of DNA damage response and intrinsic DSB repair on the aspect of chemical toxicity. The results indicated that uranyl ion increased the accumulation of nuclear DNA DSBs in a dose-dependent manner. Both homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways of DSB repair were affected by the uranyl ion. The inhibition of DSB repair efficiency is attributed to the depression of a set of critical repair proteins, particularly those for the HR pathway such as ATM, BRCA1, RPA80 and EXO1. The available data enable us to imagine that the chemical toxicity of uranium leads to inhibition of cellular DNA repair capability, which can further aggravate its radiological toxicity.

Sensitive and rapid detection of Pectobacterium atrosepticum by targeting the gyrB gene using a real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay

This study reports the development of a real-time, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay for the detection of Pectobacterium atrosepticum (P. atrosepticum). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the gyrB gene of P. atrosepticum and related species. Pectobacterium atrosepticum from different sources can be clustered in the same branch with 100% support rate. The RealAmp primers targeting the gyrB gene of P. atrosepticum worked most efficiently at 61·0°C. Compared with 55 related bacterial strains, the eight P. atrosepticum strains displayed positive reaction in the RealAmp assay. The melting temperature (Tm) of P. atrosepticum amplified products was about 85·0°C. The detection limit of the RealAmp assay for the detection of P. atrosepticum in pure culture was approx. 3 CFU reaction(-1) . The detection limit of the RealAmp assay for the detection of P. atrosepticum in artificially contaminated samples was 22 CFU reaction(-1) . The detection rate of the RealAmp assay for the detection of potato tubers was 28·5-32·0% higher than that of the conventional PCR. In summary, a specific, sensitive and rapid RealAmp assay based on the gyrB gene of P. atrosepticum, which can be easily performed and real-time monitored, was established.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Potato blackleg caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum (P. atrosepticum) which is mainly transmitted through the seed potato leads to the decline in potato production. To reduce yield loss, rapid detection of P. atrosepticum in seed potato remains essential. Based on the gyrB gene of P. atrosepticum, species-specific primers were designed. A real-time, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay was established for the detection of P. atrosepticum. The RealAmp assay is a specific, rapid and sensitive method for P. atrosepticum detection. Therefore, it provides an effective diagnosis of potato blackleg in both the growing and stored potato.

Genetic analysis of the TMEM230 gene in Chinese Han patients with Parkinson's disease

TMEM230 mutations have been recently reported to cause autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there are limited studies from different ethnic populations to support the role of TMEM230 in sporadic PD. In this study, we performed a comprehensive TMEM230 mutation screening in 550 sporadic PD patients and 560 controls to elaborate the genetic contribution of TMEM230 to sporadic PD. Overall, we did not find any pathogenic mutations in the coding sequence, while we identified four variants (c.68 + 182G > A, c.78A > G, c.552 + 11A > G and c.174 + 11C > T) both in the patients and controls, and c.68 + 182G > A appeared to be associated with an increased risk of PD (odds ratio 1.782, 95% confidence interval 1.035-3.067, p < 0.05). After Bonferroni correction, however, c. 68 + 182G > A had no significant association with sporadic PD (p _c = 0.136, p _c > 0.05). Thus our results suggest that TMEM230 gene mutations may be rare in Chinese populations, and the variability of TMEM230 gene may not be a main factor for sporadic PD patients in Chinese Han populations. More evidence is still needed to clarify this question.

Endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood may serve as a biological marker to predict severe acute pancreatitis

AIM

To investigate the significance of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in predicting severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

We recruited 71 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and excluded 11 of them; finally, cases of mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) (n = 30) and SAP (n = 30), and healthy volunteers (n = 20) were internalized to investigate levels of EPCs, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), fibrinogen (FIB) and white blood cells (WBC) in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

The levels of TNF-α, WBC, FIB and CRP were higher both in SAP and MAP cases than in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05, all). Interestingly, the level of EPCs was higher in SAP than MAP (1.63% ± 1.47% vs 6.61% ± 4.28%, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the MAP cases and healthy volunteers (1.63% ± 1.47% vs 0.55% ± 0.54%, P > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) showed that EPCs, TNF-α, CRP and FIB were significantly associated with SAP, especially EPCs and CRP were optimal predictive markers of SAP. When the cut-off point for EPCs and CRP were 2.26% and 5.94 mg/dL, the sensitivities were 90.0% and 73.3%, and the specificities were 83.3% and 96.7%. Although, CRP had the highest specificity, and EPCs had the highest sensitivity and highest area under the curve value (0.93).

CONCLUSION

Data suggest that EPCs may be a new biological marker in predicting SAP.

Developing an Integrated Modeling Tool for River Water Quality Index Assessment

  The goal of this study was to establish a modeling tool for river water quality with a direct linkage to the water quality index (WQI5) calculation and the river water quality model, the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP), for pollutant transport modeling. The integrated WASP and WQI5 tool was field-tested to assess pollutant loadings and their impacts on river environment. Suspended solid (SS) and electric conductivity (EC) correlation equations and the WQI5 calculation tool were included in the water quality model and direct WQI5 calculation. The SS concentration, which was influenced by river flows, had crucial effects on river water quality and WQI5 values. EC value was controlled by dissolution of soil minerals, which was affected by the watershed drainage area and surface runoff. The integrated system could establish a direct correlation for river water quality, river flow, and WQI5.

[Effect of trichostatin A on the osteogenic differentiation potential of periodontal ligament stem cells in inflammatory microenvironment induced by tumor necrosis factor-α stimulation]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the expression of histone deacetylase(HDAC)1-11 of human periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSC)in normal and inflammatory microenvironments, and to investigate the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A(TSA)on the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironment induced by tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)stimulation.

METHODS

PDLSC were isolated from periodontal ligament tissues obtained from the surgically extracted human teeth and cultured by single-colony selection. The expression of HDAC1-11 in cells with or without TNF-α(10 μg/L)stimulation was evaluated by quantitative real time-PCR(RT-PCR). The effect of TSA on cell proliferation was investigated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay. The influence of TSA on osteogenic differentiation of PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironment with TNF-α stimulation was assessed by alizarin red staining, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression of HDAC in PDLSC with TNF-α stimulation was significantly higher than that in normal PDLSC(P<0.05)(except HDAC7, P=0.243). TSA had no significant effect on PDLSC proliferation at the concentration of 50 nmol/L(P=0.232). The alizarin red staining showed that PDLSC in TNF-α group generated less mineralized nodule than the control group, while the cell matrix mineralization in TSA group was improved obviously. TNF-α had an inhibitory effect on the expression of osteogenesis related genes, runt-related transcription factor-2(RUNX2)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP), with relative gene expression ratio(experimental/control)decreased to 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.32 ± 0.03, while TSA could significantly increase the genes' expression to 0.67±0.03 and 0.89±0.02(P<0.01). Western blotting test showed that in TNF-α group the expression of osteogenesis related proteins was obviously reduced, and compared with the TNF-α group, TSA could significantly promote the expression of proteinsin inflammatory microenvironment.

CONCLUSIONS

PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironment by TNF-α stimulation had a higher expression of HDAC than that in normal conditions. TSA, as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing HDAC.

SMPD1 variants in Chinese Han patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

A founder mutation, p.L302P, in sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1, acid lysosomal (SMPD1), causing Niemann-Pick disease, a recessive lysosomal storage disorder, was reported to be associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Ashkenazi Jewish population. Several other studies about the association between SMPD1 variants and PD were performed afterward in other populations. However, the results on the role of SMPD1 mutations for PD have been conflicting. This study aimed to investigate the role of mutations in SMPD1 in Chinese PD patients.

METHODS

We sequenced all the exons of this gene in 512 Chinese Han cases with sporadic Parkinson's disease and 495 matched healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We identified Leu-Ala (Val) repeat variants and six known single nucleotide variants (p.A36V, p.D212D, p.P332R, p.G508R, p.P533L, p.T544T) in SMPD1 in both patients and normal controls. Case-control analysis showed the association between Leu-Ala (Val) repeat variants in SMPD1and Chinese Han patients with PD (χ² = 8.771, p = 0.012), and the allele with less than seven LeuAla (Val) repeats may increase the risk of PD (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

We identified association between Leu-Ala (Val) repeat variants in SMPD1 and Chinese Han patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease. Our results provide further support for the role of lysosomal pathways in PD development.

[Comparison of anterolateral minithoracotomy versus partial upper hemisternotomy in aortic valve replacement]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of aortic valve replacement through anterolateral minithoracotomy (RT) and partial upper hemisternotomy (PS) approaches.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of collected data on 297 patients undergoing isolated primary aortic valve replacement between July 2009 and March 2016 at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. There were 174 male and 123 female patients, aging from 15 to 73 years with a mean age of (51±13) years. Of these, 132 were performed through right RT and 165 through PS. Outcomes of the two groups were compared by t test, t' test, rank-sum test and χ(2) test, respectively.

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 1.7% (5/297), with no difference between the 2 groups (3.0%, 4/132 vs. 0.6%, 1/165, P=0.175 ). Patients in the RT group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass ((92±27) minutes vs. (76±18) minutes, t'=5.848, P=0.000)and crossclamping ((56±21) minutes vs. (43±12) minutes, t'=6.333, P=0.000)times. Three patients in the RT group and two patients required intraoperative conversion. Patients by way of RT was associated with a lower incidence of blood transfusions (20.4% vs. 39.4%, χ(2)=12.303, P=0.001) and less drainage (250 (307) ml vs. 570 (370) ml, Z=8.161, P=0.000). In addition, patients in RT group had a shorter postoperative length of stay (5(4) days vs. 9(10) days, Z=4.548, P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve replacement via RT and PS are both safe and feasible. The approach through PS is associated with better exposure, more extensive indication for surgery, and more suitable to heart centers which intend to carry out miminally invasive aortic valve replacement. While, for an experienced surgeon, the approach through right RT is worthy of clinical selective application for patients concern more about good cosmetic result, and patients have faster recovery by avoid sternotomy through RT approach.

A novel aptasensor for thrombin detection based on alkaline phosphatase decorated ZnO/Pt nanoflowers as signal amplifiers

To remedy the problems caused by the introduction of an additional electron mediator and realize signal amplification, a new strategy has been presented to construct an electrochemical aptasensor for thrombin detection based on the cascade electrocatalysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Pt nanoparticle (PtNP)-functionalized ZnO nanoflowers.

Molecular analysis of MLH1 variants in Chinese sporadic colorectal cancer patients

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mismatch repair genes, especially in the MLH1 gene, are closely associated with susceptibility to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. However, few relevant findings are available regarding the association between sporadic colorectal cancer (SCRC) and SNPs of MLH1 in Chinese patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the pathogenic association between three important MLH1 polymorphisms and SCRC in the Chinese population. Peripheral blood samples from 156 SCRC patients and 311 healthy controls were collected. DNA was purified from peripheral blood, and the V384D, R217C, and I219V polymorphisms were evaluated using high-resolution melting analysis and direct sequencing. The association between the three important MLH1 polymorphisms and clinical pathological features of the SCRC patients was analyzed. In addition, PMS2-MLH1 protein interactions were determined by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) to determine the protein functional alteration induced by these SNPs. Among the three polymorphisms, V384D was significantly associated with the risk of SCRC (OR = 31.36, P < 0.0001). The allele frequencies were 4.81 and 0.16% in the SCRC group. No association was found between SCRC and R217C, or between SCRC and I219V. Moreover, the allele frequency of R217C was significantly higher in the SCRC patients younger than 60 years than in those older than 60 years. Co-IP showed that the MLH1 R217C, V384D, and I219V variants had relative binding abilities with PMS2 of 0.59, 0.70, and 0.80, respectively, compared with the wild-type. These findings suggest that MLH1 V384D could be a promising genetic marker for susceptibility to SCRC.

Spatiotemporal expression of Nogo-66 receptor after focal cerebral ischemia

NgR, the receptor for the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-66, plays a critical role in the plasticity and regeneration of the nervous system after injury such as ischemic stroke. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to investigate the regional expression of NgR in rat brain following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). NgR protein expression was not observed in the center of the lesion, but was elevated in the marginal zone compared with control and sham-operated rats. The cerebral cortex and hippocampus (CA1, CA2, and CA3) showed the greatest expression of NgR. Furthermore, NgR expression was higher in the ipsilesional hemisphere than on the control side in the same coronal section. Although time-dependent changes in NgR expression across brain regions had their own characteristics, the overall trend complied with the following rules: NgR expression changes with time showed two peaks and one trough; the first peak in expression appeared between 1 and 3 days after MCAO; expression declined at 5 days; and the second peak occurred at 28 days.

MC1R variants in Chinese Han patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease

Recently, a variant p.R160W in the MC1R gene was identified that increased the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Spanish population. To explore whether the MC1R gene variants are associated with sporadic PD in Chinese population, we performed a case-control comparison study for comprehensive MC1R variant screening in 510 Chinese Han patients and 495 healthy controls as ethnically matched controls. We identify 5 nonsynonymous variants, including rs34090186 (p.R67Q), rs2228479 (p.V92M), rs33932559 (p.I120T), rs885479 (p.R163Q), and rs372152373 (p.R223W). However, variants mentioned previously did not show association with PD. Our results suggest that variants in MC1R do not play a major role in PD in the Chinese population.

Exome capture sequencing identifies a novel CCM1 mutation in a Chinese family with multiple cerebral cavernous malformations

PURPOSE

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular anomalies predominantly in the central nervous system but may include lesions in other tissues, such as the retina, skin and liver. The main clinical manifestations include seizures, hemorrhage, recurrent headaches and focal neurological deficits. Previous studies of familial CCMs (FCCMs) have mainly reported in Hispanic and Caucasian cases. Here, we report on FCCMs in a Chinese family further characterized by a novel CCM1 gene mutation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated clinical and neuroradiological features of a Chinese family of 30 members. Furthermore, we used exome capture sequencing to identify the causing gene. The CCM1 mRNA expression level in three patients of the family and 10 wild-type healthy individuals were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple intracranial lesions in seven members. The clinical manifestation of CCM was found in five of these cases, including recurrent headaches, weakness, hemorrhage and seizures. Moreover, we identified a novel nonsense mutation c.1159G>T (p. E387*) in the CCM1 gene in the pedigree. Based on real-time RT-PCR results, we have found that the CCM1 mRNA expression level in three patients was reduced by 35% than that in wild-type healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding suggests that the novel nonsense mutation c.1159G>T in CCM1 gene is associated with FCCM, and that CCM1 haploinsufficiency may be the underlying mechanism of CCMs. Furthermore, it also demonstrates that exome capture sequencing is an efficient and direct diagnostic tool to identify causes of genetically heterogeneous diseases.

Validation of an RNA cell cycle progression score for predicting death from prostate cancer in a conservatively managed needle biopsy cohort

BACKGROUND

The natural history of prostate cancer is highly variable and difficult to predict accurately. Better markers are needed to guide management and avoid unnecessary treatment. In this study, we validate the prognostic value of a cell cycle progression score (CCP score) independently and in a prespecified linear combination with standard clinical variables, that is, a clinical-cell-cycle-risk (CCR) score.

METHODS

Paraffin sections from 761 men with clinically localized prostate cancer diagnosed by needle biopsy and managed conservatively in the United Kingdom, mostly between 2000 and 2003. The primary end point was prostate cancer death. Clinical variables consisted of centrally reviewed Gleason score, baseline PSA level, age, clinical stage, and extent of disease; these were combined into a single predefined risk assessment (CAPRA) score. Full data were available for 585 men who formed a fully independent validation cohort.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, the CCP score hazard ratio was 2.08 (95% CI (1.76, 2.46), P<10(-13)) for one unit change of the score. In multivariate analysis including CAPRA, the CCP score hazard ratio was 1.76 (95% CI (1.44, 2.14), P<10(-6)). The predefined CCR score was highly predictive, hazard ratio 2.17 (95% CI (1.83, 2.57), χ(2)=89.0, P<10(-20)) and captured virtually all available prognostic information.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCP score provides significant pretreatment prognostic information that cannot be provided by clinical variables and is useful for determining which patients can be safely managed conservatively, avoiding radical treatment.