Genetic association, mRNA and protein expression analysis identify ATG4C as a susceptibility gene for Kashin-Beck disease

OBJECTIVE

Recent study observed defective autophagy in chondrocytes with Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD). To clarify the potential role of autophagy-related ATG4C gene in the development of KBD, we conducted an integrative analysis of genetic association, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of ATG4C in KBD patients.

METHODS

1026 subjects (559 KBD patients and 467 healthy cases) were enrolled in discovery association study. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ATG4C gene (rs11208030, rs4409690, rs12097658 and rs6587988) were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Association analysis was conducted by PLINK software. The significant SNPs of ATG4C were replicated using an independent sample of 899 subjects (including 90 KBD patients and 809 healthy controls). Ungenotyped SNPs in ATG4C gene were imputed by IMPUTE 2.0. Knee cartilage specimens were collected from five KBD patients and five healthy subjects. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to compare the mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG4C between KBD cartilage and control cartilage.

RESULTS

We observed significant association between KBD and rs11208030 (P value = 0.003), rs4409690 (P value = 0.004), rs12097658 (P value = 0.003) and rs6587988 (P value = 0.003) in both discovery and replication samples. The mRNA expression level of ATG4C (ratio = 0.168, P value = 0.007) in KBD chondrocytes was significantly lower than that in normal chondrocytes. Western blot (P value < 0.001) further confirmed the reduced expression of ATG4C protein in both KBD cartilage and chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

Our results strongly suggest that ATG4C was a novel autophagy-related susceptibility gene of KBD.

[Epidemiological pattern of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational fluoride exposure in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational exposure, and its relationships with age, work years and gender in Shanghai. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted respectively in 4 999 exposed workers and 283 non-exposed people during 2012-2015. Their urine samples were collected in plastic bottles and the fluoride ion selective electrode method was used for urinary fluoride level analysis. Logistic regression model was used to estimate associations between the abnormal rates and demographic/socioeconomic status of the study subjects. Results: In the past 4 years, the abnormal urinary fluoride rates (≥1.6 mg/L) in the population with occupational exposure was about 14.38%, it was about 1.43% in the control groups without occupational exposure. Their geometric mean of urinary fluoride content was 0.95 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively. The incidences of the abnormal rates in those aged ≥50 years and 34-39 years were 19.15% and 22.39%, respectively. The abnormal rate in males was 16.87%, much higher than that in females (6.85%). The abnormal rate had an upward trend along with the increased work years, especially in those with work years of ≥20 years. The abnormal rate was 23.28% in those with work years of ≥20 years and 13.29% in those with work years of <4 years. The relative risk for abnormal urinary fluoride rates was higher in male group, older age group and longer work year group, the odds ratio was 2.28, 1.10 and 1.13, respectively. Conclusions: Serious challenges exist in occupational health supervision. The relevant national standards should be updated as soon as possible. Males, those aged >50 years, and those with longer work years are the risk groups for intervention measures. More efforts are needed, such as strengthening the innovative application of health examination data and the equalization of basic public health service with comprehensive occupational health supervision programs among off-farm workers in the new medical reform.

[A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled and multicentre study: compare the efficacy and safety of domestic and imported human recombinant FSH in WHO group Ⅱ anovulatory infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domestic human recombinant FSH(rhFSH)in women with anovulation of WHO group Ⅱ.

METHODS

A randomized, blind, parallel-controlled, non-inferiority and multicenter study was performed. A total of 534 admitted to 13 hospitals from May 2008 to August 2009. There were 531 women with ovulatory disorder was included in the statistical analysis, were randomly divided into test group(domestic rhFSH, n=352)and control group(imported rhFSH, n=179). Percentage of cycle with mature follicle, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS)and adverse events were observed.

RESULTS

No statistical significant differences(P>0.05)were observed between the two groups in terms of the efficiency on mature follicle[91.8%(323/352)versus 88.8%(159/179)], ovulation rate[91.3%(295/323)verus 90.6%(144/159)], clinical pregnancy rate[19.2%(62/323)verus 18.2%(29/159)], the number of the follicles<14 mm, the level of serum LH and progesterone, the thickness of endometrium on the day of hCG administration. The number of follicle≥18 mm and 14 mm≤follicle<18 mm and the level of serum estradiol on the day of hCG in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The number of days of rhFSH administration in the test group was significantly less than that in the control group[(9.8±2.2)versus(11.4± 0.6)days, P<0.05], the dosage of rhFSH was significantly lower than that in the control group[(879 ± 419)versus(1 043±663)U, P<0.05]. The multiple pregnancy rate in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group[21%(13/62)versu 10%(3/29), P<0.05]. The incidence of OHSS and adverse events were similar between the two groups(P>0.05), and no other adverse events were observed in test group during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian stimulation with domestic rhFSH is effective, safe and economical in women with anovulation of WHO group Ⅱ.

In utero exposure of high-dose di-n-butyl phthalate resulted in opposite effects on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal male rat offspring

Objective:

To investigate the effects of in utero exposure to high-dose di- n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal male rat offspring.

Methods:

Twenty pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into two groups. During gestation day (GD) 12 to GD 19, control group was given 1 ml day−1 of olive oil and experimental group was given DBP 500 mg kg−1 day−1 by gavage. On GD 19.5 and postnatal day (PND) 45, the testes were removed. Morphological analysis of the testes was observed by transmission electron microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Testicular cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 was presented by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. Data of the two groups was compared using independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney test by SPSS 20.0.

Results:

H&E staining showed that spermatogenetic cells were significantly decreased in DBP exposed pubertal rat testis. The apoptosis index of testes in DBP-treated group was significantly lower on GD 19.5 but higher on PND 45 than that of the controls ( p < 0.01). IHC and western blot revealed significantly increased expression of Bcl-2 in GD 19.5 rat testis and Bax and p53 in PND 45 rat testis after DBP exposure, compared with the control ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In utero exposure of high-dose DBP resulted in opposite effects on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal rat offspring. The overexpression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 might be related to the occurrence of abnormal apoptosis and finally produce male infertility.

Household air pollution and personal exposure to nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatics (PAHs) in rural households: Influence of household cooking energies

Residential solid fuels are widely consumed in rural China, contributing to severe household air pollution for many products of incomplete combustion, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their polar derivatives. In this study, concentrations of nitrated and oxygenated PAH derivatives (nPAHs and oPAHs) for household and personal air were measured and analyzed for influencing factors like smoking and cooking energy type. Concentrations of nPAHs and oPAHs in kitchens were higher than those in living rooms and in outdoor air. Exposure levels measured by personal samplers were lower than levels in indoor air, but higher than outdoor air levels. With increasing molecular weight, individual compounds tended to be more commonly partitioned to particulate matter (PM); moreover, higher molecular weight nPAHs and oPAHs were preferentially found in finer particles, suggesting a potential for increased health risks. Smoking behavior raised the concentrations of nPAHs and oPAHs in personal air significantly. People who cooked food also had higher personal exposures. Cooking and smoking have a significant interaction effect on personal exposure. Concentrations in kitchens and personal exposure to nPAHs and oPAHs for households using wood and peat were significantly higher than for those using electricity and liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Evaluation of the relationship and genetic overlap between Kashin-Beck disease and body mass index

OBJECTIVES

Body mass index (BMI) is one of the major factors affecting the development of osteoarthritis (OA) but there is currently no information available regarding the relationship between BMI and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship and genetic overlap between BMI and KBD.

METHOD

A total of 2050 Han Chinese subjects participated in this study. Using a cohort of 333 grade I KBD patients, logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between BMI and KBD. Another independent sample of 1717 subjects was genotyped for a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Affymetrix Human SNP 6.0 Arrays. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effect concordance analysis (SECA) was applied to the GWAS summaries of KBD and BMI for pleiotropy analysis. Genome-wide bivariate association analysis (GWBAA) of KBD and BMI was carried out to identify the genes with pleiotropic effects on KBD and BMI. The relevance of identified genes with KBD was validated by gene expression profiling and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

BMI correlated positively with knee movement disorder in KBD (coefficient β = 0.068, p = 0.045). SECA identified a significant pleiotropic effect (empirical p = 0.021) between KBD and BMI. In the GWBAA, the rs1893577 of the ADAMTS1 gene achieved the most significant association signal (p = 7.38 × 10^-9). ADAMTS1 was also up-regulated in KBD vs. normal (ratio = 2.64 ± 2.80) and KBD vs. OA (ratio = 2.31 ± 2.01). The rate of ADAMTS1-positive chondrocytes in KBD was significantly higher than that in OA (p < 0.05) and healthy controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that ADAMTS1 is a novel susceptibility gene for KBD.

Association of 3q13.32 variants with hip trochanter and intertrochanter bone mineral density identified by a genome-wide association study

We performed a GWAS of trochanter and intertrochanter bone mineral density (BMD) in the Framingham Heart Study and replicated in three independent studies. Our results identified one novel locus around the associated variations at chromosomal region 3q13.32 and replicated two loci at chromosomal regions 3p21 and 8q24. Our findings provide useful insights that enhance our understanding of bone development, osteoporosis, and fracture pathogenesis.

INTRODUCTION

Hip trochanter (TRO) and intertrochanter (INT) subregions have important clinical relevance to subtrochanteric and intertrochanteric fractures but have rarely been studied by genome-wide association studies (GWASs).

METHODS

Aiming to identify genomic loci associated with BMD variation at TRO and INT regions, we performed a GWAS utilizing the Framingham Heart Study (FHS, N = 6,912) as discovery sample and utilized the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) African-American subsample (N = 845), WHI Hispanic subsample (N = 446), and Omaha osteoporosis study (N = 971), for replication.

RESULTS

Combining the evidence from both the discovery and the replication samples, we identified one novel locus around the associated variations at chromosomal region 3q13.32 (rs1949542, discovery p = 6.16 × 10^-8, replication p = 2.86 × 10^-4 for INT-BMD; discovery p = 1.35 × 10^-7, replication p = 4.16 × 10^-4 for TRO-BMD, closest gene RP11-384F7.1). We also replicated two loci at chromosomal regions 3p21 (rs148725943, discovery p = 6.61 × 10^-7, replication p = 5.22 × 10^-4 for TRO-BMD, closest gene CTNNB1) and 8q24 (rs7839059, discovery p = 2.28 × 10^-7, replication p = 1.55 × 10^-3 for TRO-BMD, closest gene TNFRSF11B) that were reported previously. We demonstrated that the effects at both 3q13.32 and 3p21 were specific to the TRO, but not to the femoral neck and spine. In contrast, the effect at 8q24 was common to all the sites.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide useful insights that enhance our understanding of bone development, osteoporosis, and fracture pathogenesis.

Muscle spindle alterations precede onset of sensorimotor deficits in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2E

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting approximately 2.8 million people. The CMT leads to distal neuropathy that is characterized by reduced motor nerve conduction velocity, ataxia, muscle atrophy and sensory loss. We generated a mouse model of CMT type 2E (CMT2E) expressing human neurofilament light E396K (hNF-L^E396K ), which develops decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, ataxia and muscle atrophy by 4 months of age. Symptomatic hNF-L^E396K mice developed phenotypes that were consistent with proprioceptive sensory defects as well as reduced sensitivity to mechanical stimulation, while thermal sensitivity and auditory brainstem responses were unaltered. Progression from presymptomatic to symptomatic included a 50% loss of large diameter sensory axons within the fifth lumbar dorsal root of hNF-L^E396K mice. Owing to proprioceptive deficits and loss of large diameter sensory axons, we analyzed muscle spindle morphology in presymptomatic and symptomatic hNF-L^E396K and hNF-L control mice. Muscle spindle cross-sectional area and volume were reduced in all hNF-L^E396K mice analyzed, suggesting that alterations in muscle spindle morphology occurred prior to the onset of typical CMT pathology. These data suggested that CMT2E pathology initiated in the muscle spindles altering the proprioceptive sensory system. Early sensory pathology in CMT2E could provide a unifying hypothesis for the convergence of pathology observed in CMT.

Substantial Progress Yet Significant Opportunity for Improvement in Stroke Care in China

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke is a leading cause of death in China. Yet the adherence to guideline-recommended ischemic stroke performance metrics in the past decade has been previously shown to be suboptimal. Since then, several nationwide stroke quality management initiatives have been conducted in China. We sought to determine whether adherence had improved since then.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2 phases of China National Stroke Registries, which included 131 hospitals (12 173 patients with acute ischemic stroke) in China National Stroke Registries phase 1 from 2007 to 2008 versus 219 hospitals (19 604 patients) in China National Stroke Registries phase 2 from 2012 to 2013. Multiple regression models were developed to evaluate the difference in adherence to performance measure between the 2 study periods.

RESULTS

The overall quality of care has improved over time, as reflected by the higher composite score of 0.76 in 2012 to 2013 versus 0.63 in 2007 to 2008. Nine of 13 individual performance metrics improved. However, there were no significant improvements in the rates of intravenous thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation. After multivariate analysis, there remained a significant 1.17-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.21) increase in the odds of delivering evidence-based performance metrics in the more recent time periods versus older data. The performance metrics with the most significantly increased odds included stroke education, dysphagia screening, smoking cessation, and antithrombotics at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to stroke performance metrics has increased over time, but significant opportunities remain for further improvement. Continuous stroke quality improvement program should be developed as a national priority in China.

The Statistics and Mathematics of High Dimension Low Sample Size Asymptotics

The aim of this paper is to establish several deep theoretical properties of principal component analysis for multiple-component spike covariance models. Our new results reveal an asymptotic conical structure in critical sample eigendirections under the spike models with distinguishable (or indistinguishable) eigenvalues, when the sample size and/or the number of variables (or dimension) tend to infinity. The consistency of the sample eigenvectors relative to their population counterparts is determined by the ratio between the dimension and the product of the sample size with the spike size. When this ratio converges to a nonzero constant, the sample eigenvector converges to a cone, with a certain angle to its corresponding population eigenvector. In the High Dimension, Low Sample Size case, the angle between the sample eigenvector and its population counterpart converges to a limiting distribution. Several generalizations of the multi-spike covariance models are also explored, and additional theoretical results are presented.

Detecting a novel Eriocheir sinensis reovirus by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay

The novel Eriocheir sinensis reovirus (EsRV) is a pathogen that causes severe disease and high mortality rates in cultivated crabs. Here, we established a highly sensitive and specific rapid reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay that was cheaper and more suitable for field applications in crab aquaculture than those of traditional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The amplification was completed within 45 min under isothermal conditions at 65°C. The RT-LAMP test for EsRV had a detection limit of 15 pg, and sensitivity was 100 times greater than that of conventional RT-PCR. The LAMP primers for EsRV were not amplified by other pathogen strains, indicating good specificity. In addition to detection by electrophoresis, RT-LAMP results were detectable by visual observations of reaction tube turbidity, and calcein was added to visually detect the amplification products. These results indicate that this highly convenient, rapid and sensitive RT-LAMP assay can be used to detect EsRV-infected aquatic organisms.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Tremor disease (TD) is one of the most serious diseases of Eriocheir sinensis. A novel E. sinensis reovirus (EsRV) was identified from E. sinensis afflicted with TD and caused high mortality. We developed a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay with high specificity, sensitivity and rapidity to detect EsRV, which can be used to diagnose aquatic animal diseases, particularly where expensive diagnostic instruments are not available.

Highlights From the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists/ International Transporter Consortium Joint Workshop on Drug Transporters in Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion: From the Bench to the Bedside - Clinical Pharmacology Considerations

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists/International Transporter Consortium Joint Workshop on Drug Transporters in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion was held with the objective of discussing innovative advances in transporter pharmacology. Specific topics included (i) transporters at the blood-brain barrier (BBB); (ii) emerging transport proteins; (iii) recent advances in achieving hepatoselectivity and optimizing clearance for organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) substrates; (iv) utility of animal models for transporter studies; and (v) clinical correlation of transporter polymorphisms. Here, we present state-of-the-art highlights from this workshop in these key areas of focus.

[The analysis of pattern visual evoked potential in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To objectively evaluate visual function by pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) and its related factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)without any ocular symptoms.

METHODS

Eighty-three newly diagnosed OSAS and 18 normal subjects were enrolled in the study. The OSAS patients were divided into mild (n=11), moderate(n=17) and severe (n=55) groups based on the apnea-hypopnea index(AHI). Before the polysomnography(PSG) test, all participants underwent a PVEP examination measuring the latency and amplitude of P100.

RESULTS

Compared to healthy controls, the latency of P100 was significantly increased in OSAS patients [controls group: 97(95-100) ms, mild OSAS group: 101(98-103) ms, moderate OSAS group: 101(98-105) ms, severe OSAS group: 105(101-108) ms, all P<0.05], and the amplitude of P100 was significantly reduced [controls group: 9(8-10) μV, mild OSAS group: 7(5-8) μV, moderate OSAS group: 6(5-7) μV, severe OSAS group: 6(4-7) μV, all P<0.05]. The severe group showed significantly longer latency of P100 when compared with mild and moderate groups(P<0.05). In the OSAS patients, univariate analysis showed that, the latency of P100 was correlated with ODI, T90, AHI, sleep efficiency, minimum SaO2, and mean SaO2, and the amplitude of P100 was statistically associated with sleep efficiency .But the stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only AHI was significantly correlated with the latency of P100 (r=0.275, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal PVEP was found in patients with OSAS without any clinical manifestations of the optic neuropathy. The dysfunction of optic nerve was significantly associated with AHI and sleep efficiency.

Dorsal open reduction with pedicle screw rod internal fixation for lower cervical spine dislocation: A retrospective analysis of 12 cases

BACKGROUND

Lower cervical spine dislocation remains a surgical challenge.

METHODS

Twelve patients with lower cervical dislocation due to articular process injury underwent dorsal open reduction and manual pedicle screw rod fixation. Patients with cervical spinal cord injury received simultaneous open door expansive laminoplasty. Neurological function was evaluated using ASIA Impairment Scale 12.

RESULTS

Median time from injury to operation was 10 days (range, 5 to 52 days). Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients. In nine patients with cervical spinal cord injury, 55.5% (5/9) showed improvement in ASIA grade following surgery. Unilateral numbness of the superior radicular area in one patient resolved 2 weeks post-surgery and two cases (11.1%, 2/9) had postoperative leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid, which resolved in 11 days and 13 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal open reduction and manual pedicle screw rod fixation is safe and effective for lower cervical spine dislocation due to articular process injury.

[Correlation analysis between glycolipids metabolism and clinicopathologic features in patients with gastric cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the correlation between glycolipids metabolism and clinicopathologic features in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Glycolipids metabolism and clinicopathologic features of 443 gastric cancer patients were collected, and their correlation was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to gastric cancer patients with normal levels of glycolipids metabolism, there were less male patients who were with low level of total cholesterol (TCH)(χ(2)=7.676, P<0.05), and the number of male patients with low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (χ(2)=7.520) and apoA1 (χ(2)=6.253) was higher (both P<0.05). Serum TCH level showed a negative correlation with age of patients (r=-0.116), tumor size (r=-0.117) and TNM stage (r=-0.111) (P<0.05); serum HDL level was negatively correlated with tumor diameter (r=-0.094), the number of metastatic lymph nodes (r=-0.106), primary tumor invasion depth (r=-0.112), metastatic lymph nodes stage (r=-0.102) and TNM stage (r=-0.107) (P<0.05); serum LDL was negatively correlated with age of patients (r=-0.116) (P<0.05); serum LPa was positively correlated with tumor size (r=0.170), the number of metastatic lymph nodes (r=0.151), primary tumor invasion depth (r=0.160), metastatic lymph nodes stage (r=0.153) and TNM stage (r=0.115) (P<0.05); apoA1 was negatively correlated with distant metastasis (r=-0.168) and TNM stage (r=-0.120) (P<0.05); and apoB was negatively correlated with distant metastases (r=-0.132, P<0.05). Levels of blood glucose and TG had no significant association with clinicopathological features of gastric cancer patients (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low lipid metabolism but high level of LPa may be the metabolic characteristics of gastric cancer progression. Monitoring the changes of serum lipids levels could be valuable for the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

Intratumoral heterogeneity of CD44v6 in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

CD44v6 plays a controversial role in tumor progression and patient outcome in colorectal cancer by plenty of conflicting reports. The purpose of this study was to profile the intratumoral heterogeneity of CD44v6 in rectal cancer and investigate its role in lymph node metastasis.

METHODS

Sixty patients were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry for CD44v6 was performed in normal mucosa, primary tumor, and lymph node metastasis with whole tissue sections. The staining intensity in tumor center and invasive front was separately measured. Sampling bias was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR with 15 pairs of frozen tissues from different sites of the primary tumor.

RESULTS

CD44v6 expression increased from normal mucosa to primary tumor to lymph node metastasis. Multiple intratumoral staining patterns was observed in primary tumor, and CD44v6 expression in invasive front was significantly higher than that in tumor center. In addition, mRNA expression levels differed across different geographical regions of the tumor. No association between CD44v6 expression and lymph node metastasis was revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial intratumoral heterogeneity of CD44v6 exists in rectal cancer that impacts the outcome of individual studies. CD44v6 expression should be assessed in a more precise way with a specified staining pattern and in a designated location.

The Genome-Wide Influence on Human BMI Depends on Physical Activity, Life Course, and Historical Period

In this analysis, guided by an evolutionary framework, we investigate how the human genome as a whole interacts with historical period, age, and physical activity to influence body mass index (BMI). The genomic influence is estimated by (1) heritability or the proportion of variance in BMI explained by genome-wide genotype data, and (2) the random effects or the best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data on BMI. Data were used from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) in the United States. The study was initiated in 1948, and the obesity data were collected repeatedly over the subsequent decades. The analyses draw analysis samples from a pool of >8,000 individuals in the FHS. The hypothesis testing based on Pitman test, permutation Pitman test, F test, and permutation F test produces three sets of significant findings. First, the genomic influence on BMI is substantially larger after the mid-1980s than in the few decades before the mid-1980s within each age group of 21-40, 41-50, 51-60, and >60. Second, the genomic influence on BMI weakens as one ages across the life course, or the genomic influence on BMI tends to be more important during reproductive ages than after reproductive ages within each of the two historical periods. Third, within the age group of 21-50 and not in the age group of >50, the genomic influence on BMI among physically active individuals is substantially smaller than the influence on those who are not physically active. In summary, this study provides evidence that the influence of human genome as a whole on obesity depends on historical period, age, and level of physical activity.

A Pilot Metabolic Profiling Study of Patients With Neonatal Jaundice and Response to Phototherapy

Phototherapy has been widely used in treating neonatal jaundice, but detailed metabonomic profiles of neonatal jaundice patients and response to phototherapy have not been characterized. Our aim was to depict the serum metabolic characteristics of neonatal jaundice patients relative to controls and changes in response to phototherapy. A (1) H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic approach was employed to study the metabolic profiling of serum from healthy infants (n = 25) and from infants with neonatal jaundice (n = 30) pre- and postphototherapy. The acquired data were processed by multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The PLS-DA and OPLS-DA model identified nine metabolites capable of distinguishing patients from controls. In addition, 28 metabolites such as β-glucose, α-glucose, valine, and pyruvate changed in response to phototherapy. This study offers useful information on metabolic disorders in neonatal jaundice patients and the effects of phototherapy on lipids, amino acid, and energy metabolism.

Technical Note: An investigation of polarity effects for wide-angle free-air chambers

PURPOSE

Wide-angle free-air chambers (WAFACs) are used as primary standard measurement devices for establishing the air-kerma strength of low-energy, low-dose rate brachytherapy seeds. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is commissioning a primary standard wide-angle free-air chamber (NRC WAFAC) to serve the calibration needs of Canadian clients. The University of Wisconsin has developed a similar variable-aperture free-air chamber (UW VAFAC) to be used as a research tool. As part of the NRC commissioning, measurements were carried out for both polarities of the applied bias voltage and the resulting effects were observed to be very large. Similar effects were identified with the UW VAFAC. The authors describe the measurements carried out to determine the underlying causes of the polarity effect and the approach used to eliminate it.

METHODS

The NRC WAFAC is based on the WAFAC design developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA. Charge measurements for (125)I and (241)Am sources were carried out for both negative and positive polarities on the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC. Two aperture sizes were also investigated with the UW VAFAC. In addition, measurements on the NRC WAFAC were carried out with a small bias between the collecting electrode and the shield foil at the downstream end of the chamber. To mitigate all of the polarity effects, the downstream surface of the collecting electrode was covered with a thin layer of graphite on both the NRC and UW chambers.

RESULTS

Both chamber designs showed a difference of more than 30 % between the charge collected with positive and negative bias voltages for the smallest electrode separation. It was shown for the NRC WAFAC that charge could be collected in the small gap downstream of the collecting volume by applying a voltage between the shield foil and the collecting electrode, even though an insulating foil (Mylar or polyimide film) separated the conducting surface from the small gap region. The unwanted additional current was shown to be proportional to the size of the aperture for the UW VAFAC. The extra ionization produced in the small gap region was eliminated for both chambers by covering the insulating side of the collecting electrode with a grounded conducting layer.

CONCLUSIONS

The small gap region downstream of the collecting electrode in the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC can serve as an unwanted source of ion current. It is concluded that a residual electric field in the small gap region may lead to ion transport and to charge being trapped on the surface of the foil. The foil then acts as a capacitor with an equal charge, but of opposite sign, being attracted to the conducting surface. Covering the back of the collecting electrode surface with a grounded conducting layer eliminated the polarity effect.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Tembusu Virus Circulating in Muscovy Ducks in South China

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an infectious pathogen that can cause epidemics in egg-laying ducks. Here, we isolated and characterized a DTMUV, designated GDLH01, thought to be responsible for the noticeable egg drop in Muscovy duck flocks in South China since 2011. The genome sequence of GDLH01 shared 97-99% homology with other avian-origin Tembusu viruses, and 99.5% homology with the mosquito-borne strain SDMS recently reported in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the entire open reading frame confirmed that the isolate was of avian origin and closely related to a mosquito-borne strain. Our findings characterize a novel Tembusu virus circulating in Muscovy ducks in South China and emphasize the importance of reinforcing biosecurity measures and developing vaccines to prevent the spread of this viral pathogen.

[The evaluation and surgical treatment of mass in the pretracheal space]

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathological and clinical features and the surgical results of the mass in the pretracheal space.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2004, 8 females and 3 males with an average of 43 years (from 32 to 61 years) were included CT scan, nuclear imaging, ultrasound and ultrasound-guided aspiration, endoscopic and laboratory measure were used in the evaluation for the masses before operation. Complete removal of mass was carried out in all patients under general anesthesia, and continuous negative pressure draining was routinely used.

RESULTS

Six masses with firm consistency could be moved easily transversely, but slightly moveable with swallowing. On contrast CT or ultrasound, all the masses had clear circumscription and showed rounded or lobular shape. No hemorrhage, chylous or lymph leakage, or recurrent laryngeal injury was encountered. Goiter was found in 6 cases, parathyroid adenoma in 2 cases, and thymoma, parathyroid cyst or lymphatic cyst was diagnosed in the rest three patients respectively. No recurrence was found with the following-up of 7 - 42 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Goiter, parathyroid adenoma and thymoma were common lesions presenting as mass in the pretracheal space and surgically curable without complications.

Reversal of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells by down-regulation of ZNRD1 with ZNRD1 siRNA

The over-expression of a new zinc ribbon (ZNRD1) gene has been shown previously to promote a multidrug-resistant phenotype in gastric cancer cells through the up-regulation of permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp). In the present study, siRNA eukaryotic expression vectors of ZNRD1 are constructed and transfected into SGC7901/VCR cells to examine whether or not down-regulation of ZNRD1 increases cell sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic drugs. After transfection, ZNRD1 expression decreased dramatically in ZNRD1 siRNA transfectants compared with that in parental cells and empty vector control cells. Down-regulation of ZNRD1 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of SGC7901/VCR cells to vincristine, adriamycin and etoposide, but not to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. Cell capacity to efflux adriamycin decreased markedly in ZNRD1 siRNA transfectants, and correlation between ZNRD1 down-regulation and increased multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene transcriptional activity was observed. These results suggest that the ZNRD1 siRNA constructs down-regulate the expression of ZNRD1 effectively and reverse the resistant phenotype of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, ZNRD1 might influence transcription of the MDR1 gene and thus play an important role in multidrug resistance in gastric carcinoma.

Random-start controlled ovarian stimulation for emergency fertility preservation in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report

This study reports a case of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in a young female with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who underwent fertility preservation using random-start controlled ovarian stimulation. This method involves the stimulation of the ovary regardless of a patient's menstrual-cycle phase. A review of the related literature is also provided. A 17-year-old patient was diagnosed with MDS and required initiation of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation within a maximum of 3 weeks and was in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when the possibility of attempting preservation of fertility was presented to her. She opted for a random-start controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. With successful hemorrhagic prophylaxis, 17 oocytes were retrieved including 10 mature and 7 immature oocytes. Of the immature oocytes, 3 were successfully matured in vitro and a vitrification protocol was used to freeze the 13 mature oocytes.

Scalable photonic network architecture based on motional averaging in room temperature gas

Quantum interfaces between photons and atomic ensembles have emerged as powerful tools for quantum technologies. Efficient storage and retrieval of single photons requires long-lived collective atomic states, which is typically achieved with immobilized atoms. Thermal atomic vapours, which present a simple and scalable resource, have only been used for continuous variable processing or for discrete variable processing on short timescales where atomic motion is negligible. Here we develop a theory based on motional averaging to enable room temperature discrete variable quantum memories and coherent single-photon sources. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to scalable quantum memories with a proof-of-principle experiment with room temperature atoms contained in microcells with spin-protecting coating, placed inside an optical cavity. The experimental conditions correspond to a few photons per pulse and a long coherence time of the forward scattered photons is demonstrated, which is the essential feature of the motional averaging.

[Surgical management of primary hyperthyroidism and coexistent thyroid carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluated the results of surgical treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism coexistent with thyroid cancer.

METHODS

From March 2007 to May 2014, 27 patients suffered thyroid carcinoma coexistent with primary hyperparathyroidism with pathological and laboratory confirmation were studied retrospectively. In 8 of 27 cases thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy were performed separately, with interval time of 3 to 26 months, and in the remaining cases both procedures were done simultaneously. During surgery quick PTH evaluation and calcium measure were routinely performed.

RESULTS

Postoperative temporary hypoparathyroidism was found in 26 of 27 cases, and postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism developed in 4 cases that underwent separate operation. Limited movement of vocal cord was showed in 4 cases after parathyroidectomy, but it lasted no more than 2 months. No permanent paralysis of recurrent laryngeal nerve was found. No thyroid cancer or hyperparathyroidism was found with follows-up of 11 to 43 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy performed separately have higher risk to develop hypoparathyroidism than they are done simultaneously. PTH and calcium should be evaluated in patients with thyroid carcinoma whenever available.

CTGF promotes articular damage by increased proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are a major component of the hyperplastic synovial pannus, which aggressively invades cartilage and bone during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2) is a product of a growth factor-inducible immediate early gene and is involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. However, the role that CTGF plays in FLS proliferation has remained undetermined. The aim of this study was to identify the role of CTGF in regulating the proliferation of FLS derived from patients with RA.

METHOD

CTGF levels in serum and synovial fluid (SF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of CTGF in FLS was determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FLS proliferation stimulated by CTGF was measured by thymidine incorporation. The influence of CTGF small interfering RNA (siRNA) on FLS apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CTGF was overexpressed in serum and SF samples from RA patients compared with samples from normal controls. Elevated levels of CTGF in RA SF promoted the proliferation of FLS. Furthermore, in samples from RA patients, CTGF was found to protect FLS from apoptosis and to sustain the expression of survivin in FLS. The expression of CTGF in FLS can be up-regulated by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that CTGF plays a crucial role in the proliferation of FLS in RA and probably contributes to synovial lining cell hyperplasia and eventually to joint destruction in patients with RA.

Household air pollution and personal exposure risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among rural residents in Shanxi, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of pollutants of widespread concerns. Gaseous and size-segregated particulate-phase PAHs were collected in indoor and outdoor air in rural households. Personal exposure was measured and compared to the ingestion exposure. The average concentrations of 28 parent PAHs and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) were 9000 ± 8390 and 131 ± 236 ng/m(3) for kitchen, 2590 ± 2270 and 43 ± 95 ng/m(3) for living room, and 2800 ± 3890 and 1.6 ± 0.7 ng/m(3) for outdoor air, respectively. The mass percent of high molecular weight (HMW) compounds with 5-6 rings contributed 1.3% to total 28 parent PAHs. Relatively higher fractions of HMW PAHs were found in indoor air compared to outdoor air. Majorities of particle-bound PAHs were found in the finest PM0.25 , and the highest levels of fine PM0.25 -bound PAHs were in the kitchen using peat and wood as energy sources. The 24-h personal PAH exposure concentration was 2100 ± 1300 ng/m(3) . Considering energies, exposures to those using wood were the highest. The PAH inhalation exposure comprised up to about 30% in total PAH exposure through food ingestion and inhalation, and the population attributable fraction (PAF) for lung cancer in the region was 0.85%. The risks for inhaled and ingested intakes of PAHs were 1.0 × 10(-5) and 1.1 × 10(-5) , respectively.

Interleukin-35 upregulates OPG and inhibits RANKL in mice with collagen-induced arthritis and fibroblast-like synoviocytes

IL-35 is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine, but the exact role of IL-35 in the progression of RA remains unclear, especially associated with osteoporosis and bone erosion. The present research has not been reported. Our purpose is to study how IL-35 affects RA bone destruction.

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the effect of interleukin-35 (IL-35) on OPG and RANKL expression in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and in cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS).

METHODS

Thirty DBA/1J mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10 per group): the control group, the CIA group, and the CIA + IL-35 group. Collagen-induced arthritis was induced by immunization with collagen. IL-35 was intraperitoneally injected daily for 10 days, starting from the 24(th) day after immunization. FLS cells were isolated and cultured from CIA. The expression of IL-17, RANKL, and OPG was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Each experiment was repeated three times.

RESULTS

CIA mice exhibited arthritis symptoms on day 24, followed by a rapid progression of arthritis. The expression of IL-17 and RANKL was increased and the expression of OPG was decreased in CIA mice compared with control mice. IL-35 treatment inhibited the development of arthritis in CIA mice, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of IL-17 and RANKL and an increase in the expression of OPG. Furthermore, IL-35 dose-dependently inhibited the expression of RANKL and increased the expression of OPG in cultured FLS cells.

CONCLUSION

IL-35 inhibits RANKL expression and increases OPG expression in CIA mice. IL-35 may be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

[The expression of serum endoplasmic reticulum stress protein-78 in obstructive sleep apnea patients]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to detect serum level of glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) and explore the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress and the pathophysiology of OSA.

METHODS

A total of 91 patients with OSA were enrolled in this study, including 30 mild, 28 moderate and 33 severe. The other 27 obese subjects were of age, gender and BMI matched group. Eleven moderate or severe OSA patients were administrated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for 24 hours. Polysomnography, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest arterial oxygen saturation(SaO2) and percentage of time spent at SaO2 below 90% (SIT90) were measured before and after sleep. Serum GRP78 was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

The expression of GRP78 in mild(3.42±0.97)μg/L, moderate(2.67±1.14)μg/L and severe(2.62±1.11)μg/L OSA groups was significantly higher than in control group(1.75±0.41)μg/L (P<0.05). The GRP78 level in mild OSA group was significantly higher than either moderate or severe OSA group (P<0.05). After 24 h treatment of CPAP, serum GRP78 level decreased significantly [(1.77±0.39)μg/L vs(2.84±0.39)μg/L; P<0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Endoplasmic reticulum stress involves in the pathophysiology of patients with OSA. Higher GRP78 level in mild OSA patients suggests that endoplasmic reticulum related protein GRP 78 might rise then fall during exacerbation of OSA.

Epigenomic elements analyses for promoters identify ESRRG as a new susceptibility gene for obesity-related traits

OBJECTIVES

With ENCODE epigenomic data and results from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs), we aimed to find regulatory signatures of obesity genes and discover novel susceptibility genes.

METHODS

Obesity genes were obtained from public GWAS databases and their promoters were annotated based on the regulatory element information. Significantly enriched or depleted epigenomic elements in the promoters of obesity genes were evaluated and all human genes were then prioritized according to the existence of the selected elements to predict new candidate genes. Top-ranked genes were subsequently applied to validate their associations with obesity-related traits in three independent in-house GWAS samples.

RESULTS

We identified RAD21 and EZH2 as over-represented, and STAT2 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 2) and IRF3 (interferon regulatory transcription factor 3) as depleted transcription factors. Histone modification of H3K9me3 and chromatin state segmentation of 'poised promoter' and 'repressed' were over-represented. All genes were prioritized and we selected the top five genes for validation at the population level. Combining results from the three GWAS samples, rs7522101 in ESRRG (estrogen-related receptor-γ) remained significantly associated with body mass index after multiple testing corrections (P=7.25 × 10(-5)). It was also associated with β-cell function (P=1.99 × 10(-3)) and fasting glucose level (P<0.05) in the meta-analyses of glucose and insulin-related traits consortium (MAGIC) data set.Cnoclusions:In summary, we identified epigenomic characteristics for obesity genes and suggested ESRRG as a novel obesity-susceptibility gene.

MiR-125a-5p decreases after long non-coding RNA HOTAIR knockdown to promote cancer cell apoptosis by releasing caspase 2

HOTAIR (homeobox transcript antisense RNA), one of the prototypical long non-coding RNAs, has been verified overexpressed in multiple carcinomas and has emerged as a promising novel anticancer target. Its well-established role is acting as a predictor of poor prognosis and promoting cancer cell metastasis. Recently, another important mission of HOTAIR was uncovered that targeting HOTAIR caused cancer cell apoptosis. Nevertheless, so far there is no published data elaborating the mechanism. Here, we report that microRNA miR-125a-5p decreases and releases caspase 2 to promote cancer cell apoptosis after HOTAIR knockdown. We applied siRNAs targeting HOTAIR to various cancer cells, and observed apoptosis in all of these cell lines. RNA sequencing detected that miR-125a-5p was decreased after HOTAIR knockdown and miR-125a-5p mimics could rescue the apoptosis induced by HOTAIR deficiency. Luciferase assays identified caspase 2, an initiator caspase, to be a new target of miR-125a-5p. Elevated expression and subsequent cleavage of caspase 2 was observed after HOTAIR knockdown or inhibition of miR-125a-5p. RNAi of caspase 2 could attenuate the apoptosis induced by HOTAIR knockdown. In 80 clinical colon cancer tissues, HOTAIR and miR-125a-5p levels were higher than adjacent tissues, whereas caspase 2 was lower. MiR-125a-5p expression level was significantly correlated with colon tumor size, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. These findings indicate that miR-125a-5p decreases after HOTAIR knockdown to promote cancer cell apoptosis by releasing caspase 2. Our work reveals a previously unidentified apoptotic mechanism, which might be exploitable in anticancer drug development.

A potentially functional polymorphism in ABCG2 predicts clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer in a Chinese population

ABCG2, CD133 and CD117 are pivotal markers of cancer stem cell, which are involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. The expression of these genes has been reported to be associated with the development and progression of many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We selected and genotyped 9 potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3 genes in a clinical cohort of 1001 NSCLC patients in a Chinese population. We found that variant genotypes of ABCG2 rs3114020 were associated with a significantly increased risk of death for NSCLC (additive model: adjusted hazard ratio=1.25, 95% confidence intervals=1.10-1.42, P<0.001). Further stepwise regression analysis suggested that rs3114020 was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of NSCLC. Besides, histology interacted with the genetic effect of rs3114020 in relation to NSCLC survival in the interaction analysis. Our findings show that ABCG2 rs3114020 might be one of the candidate biomarkers for NSCLC survival in this Chinese population, especially among patients with adenocarcinoma.

Post-treatment with cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript enhances infarct resolution, reinnervation, and angiogenesis in stroke rats - an MRI study

Recent studies have shown that post-treatment with cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) has neuroregenerative effects in animal models of stroke. The purpose of this study was to characterize CART-mediated neuronal and vascular repairments using non-invasive MRI techniques. Adult male rats were subjected to a 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Animals were separated into two groups with similar infarction sizes, measured by T2 -weighted MRI on Day 2 after MCAo, and were treated with CART or vehicle intranasally from Day 3 to Day 12. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to examine changes in plasticity of white matter elements. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) was used to measure angiogenesis. Post-treatment with CART significantly increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in lesioned cortex on Days 10 and 25 post stroke. A significant correlation between the behavioral recovery in body asymmetry and the change in FA was shown, suggesting that behavioral recovery was associated with reinnervation to the lesioned hemisphere. CART also increased the intensity of SWI and the immunoreactivity of the vascular marker alpha-smooth muscle actin in lesioned cortex. Together, our data support a non-invasive treatment strategy for stroke through angiogenesis and reinnervation by CART. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Integrative analysis of genome-wide association studies and gene expression profiles identified candidate genes for osteoporosis in Kashin-Beck disease patients

SUMMARY

The molecular mechanism of osteoporosis (OP) in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients was unclear. Our results suggest that KBD and OP shared some common causal genes, functionally involved in skeletal growth and development and chronic inflammation. Our results provide novel clues for clarifying the molecular mechanism of OP in KBD patients.

INTRODUCTION

KBD is a chronic skeletal disorder with osteopenia and OP. The pathogenesis of OP in KBD patients remains elusive.

METHODS

A total of 1717 subjects participated in this study. KBD was diagnosed according to the clinical diagnosis criteria of China (GB16395-1996). The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone areas of the ulna and radius, hip, and lumbar (L1-L4) were measured with a Hologic 4500 W dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. Genotyping was conducted using Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0. Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of KBD and OP patients were compared using Affymetrix HG-U133 plus 2.0 arrays and Agilent Human 1A arrays, respectively. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted by PLINK. SCEA and DAVID were applied for pleiotropy and functional enrichment analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

SCEA analysis observed significant pleiotropic effects between KBD and the ulna and radius BMD (P value = 5.99 × 10(-3)). GWAS meta-analysis identified six candidate genes with pleiotropic effects, including PDGFD, SOX5, DPYD, CTR9, SPP1, and COL4A1. GO analysis identified 16 significant GO shared by KBD and the ulna and radius BMD, involved in cell morphogenesis and apoptosis. Pathway enrichment analysis detected two common pathways for KBD and the ulna and radius BMD, including calcium signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway. Gene expression analysis detected three up-regulated inflammation-related genes for KBD and OP, including IL1B, IL8, and CCL1.

CONCLUSION

This study reported several candidate genes involved in the development of OP in KBD patients.