A novel index using routine clinical parameters for predicting significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B

Identifying the degree of liver inflammation is critical for therapeutic judgement of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, we lack indexes which can accurately predict significant liver inflammation in patients with CHB. This study aimed to develop a simple predictive index for liver inflammation in CHB using routine clinical parameters. A total of 519 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled and randomly divided into training (n = 346) and validation cohorts (n = 173). Based on routine clinical parameters, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT; P = 0.031) and platelets (PLT; P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of significant inflammation by multivariable analysis in the training cohort. Accordingly, the GGT to PLT ratio (GPR) was developed to amplify the opposing effects for predicting liver inflammation. In the training cohort, the AUCs of GPR in predicting significant inflammation were 0.791 (95% CI: 0.742-0.839), 0.783 (95% CI: 0.717-0.849) and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.716-0.867) in the entire patients with CHB, HBeAg-positive CHB patients and HBeAg-negative CHB patients, respectively. The diagnostic performance of GPR for significant inflammation was significantly superior to that of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and GGT in all patients with CHB and HBeAg-positive CHB patients, but was comparable with ALT, AST and GGT in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. In the validation cohort, the diagnostic performance of GPR in assessing significant liver inflammation was also superior to other indexes in all patients with CHB and HBeAg-positive CHB patients, but was comparable with GGT in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Thus, GPR can be a novel and simple index for predicting significant liver inflammation in CHB, especially for HBeAg-positive CHB.

Market characteristics associated with community health assessments by local health departments

OBJECTIVES

Community health assessments (CHAs) have been promoted as a strategy for population health. This study uses the resource dependence theory (RDT) to examine how external market characteristics are associated with CHAs conducted by local health departments (LHDs) and subsequent partnering with hospitals for CHAs in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

The RDT was used to guide the conceptualization of the market in the context of local public health. RDT emphasizes that organizations are not in control of all the resources they need and, to some extent, must rely on the external environment to provide those necessary resources. Binary measures were used to examine whether LHDs conducted CHAs and whether they did so in partnership with a local hospital. Independent variables were identified to measure the RDT constructs of munificence (resource availability in the environment), complexity (level of heterogeneity), and dynamism (level of environmental turbulence).

METHODS

Bivariate (Chi-squared and t-tests) and multivariate (logistic regression) cross-sectional analyses were conducted using secondary data from the National Association of County and City Health Officials 2013 Profile Survey, the 2013 County Health Rankings data set, and the Health Resources and Services Administration's Area Health Resource File.

RESULTS

Two of three variables measuring munificence were positively associated with having conducted a CHA; one variable was also related to doing so in conjunction with a local hospital. One measure of market complexity was negatively associated with having conducted a CHA. No measure of dynamism was related to the dependent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results provide partial support for the use of RDT in understanding the relationship between market factors and LHDs' activities around CHAs. Local hospitals as partners and other market factors should be considered by LHDs when conducting CHAs. Findings from this work will be of interest to public health practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers interested in public health and population health improvement.

[DNA methylation modification of BRMS1 in triple-negative breast cancer and its correlation with tumor metastasis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of methylation status of breast cancer metastasis suppressor gene 1 (BRMS1) on the expression of breast cancer and the biological behavior of cancer cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: The expression of BRMS1 in TNBC tissues and corresponding non-malignant tissues and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression of BRMS1 in normal breast epithelial cells and TNBC cells were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to detect the methylation status of BRMS1 in each cell. These cells were treated with demethylated preparations (5-Aza-dC) to re-activate BRMS1 expression. Using tumor cell invasion assay to detect influence of BRMS1 demethylation on the invasion capacity of cancer cells. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: The positive expression rate of BRMS1 protein in TNBC tissues was significantly lower than that in corresponding non-malignant tissues (χ(2)= 6.635, P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of BRMS1 in patients with lymph node metastasis was significantly lower than those with no lymph node metastasis (P=0.018). The down-regulation of BRMS1 expression was related to the methylation of DNA promoter, which was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.68, P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of BRMS1 was also correlated with tumor size and TNM staging (P=0.000-0.003). After using 5-Aza-dC, the number of cells with invasive capacity was significantly lower than those of the control group (t=3.262-10.72, P<0.05). Conclusions: The decrease of BRMS1 expression in TNBC cells is related to the methylation of DNA. Demethylation can inhibit the invasion of breast cancer cells.

Transport stress-induced cerebrum oxidative stress is not mitigated by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant defense response in newly hatched chicks

Transportation of newly hatched chicks from the hatchery to the farm is inevitable, especially for parent stock and grandsire parent stock chicks. However, the possible effects of transport stress in the newly hatched chicks are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the adaptive responses to transport stress by activing the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-induced antioxidant defense. One hundred twenty newly hatched chicks were divided into 3 groups (control group, transport group, and simulation transport group) for 2, 4, and 8 h of real or simulated transportation. Transport stress could cause oxidative stress in the cerebrum of newly hatched chicks by increasing lipid peroxidation and production of free radicals and decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the glutathione:oxidized glutathione ratio. Transport stress activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and triggered the transcription of antioxidant parameters. However, transport stress-induced cerebrum oxidative stress was not mitigated by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant defense response in newly hatched chicks.

Localized Control of Curie Temperature in Perovskite Oxide Film by Capping-Layer-Induced Octahedral Distortion

With reduced dimensionality, it is often easier to modify the properties of ultrathin films than their bulk counterparts. Strain engineering, usually achieved by choosing appropriate substrates, has been proven effective in controlling the properties of perovskite oxide films. An emerging alternative route for developing new multifunctional perovskite is by modification of the oxygen octahedral structure. Here we report the control of structural oxygen octahedral rotation in ultrathin perovskite SrRuO_{3} films by the deposition of a SrTiO_{3} capping layer, which can be lithographically patterned to achieve local control. Using a scanning Sagnac magnetic microscope, we show an increase in the Curie temperature of SrRuO_{3} due to the suppression octahedral rotations revealed by the synchrotron x-ray diffraction. This capping-layer-based technique may open new possibilities for developing functional oxide materials.

Chip-scale alignment of long DNA nanofibers on a patterned self-assembled monolayer

Controlled alignment of long DNA nanofibers is challenging. This communication reports a method to align human genomic DNA with nearly unlimited length using lithographically produced micro-patterns of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with positively charged terminal groups. The micro-patterns act as local DNA reservoirs to supply DNAs for nanofiber formation, and can also stretch and align DNA nanofibers to form an ordered array by controlling the dewetting profile. By reducing the size and inter-patch distance of a micro-patch, a nearly uniform array of long DNA nanofibers can be patterned over a large area. A controlled motion of a DNA containing droplet allows for free patterning of DNA nanofibers and production of complex structures without a transfer process. Bending of DNA nanofibers due to local distortion of the contact line bridges more adjacent micro-patches and increases the chance of producing continuous nanofibers. The interplay between surface tension and electrostatic attraction of positively charged micro-patterns allows the production of long DNA nanofibers in a simple yet powerful way.

Dopaminergic and behavioural changes in a loss-of-imprinting model of Cdkn1c

The imprinted gene Cdkn1c is expressed exclusively from the maternally inherited allele as a consequences of epigenetic regulation. Cdkn1c exemplifies many of the functional characteristics of imprinted genes, playing a role in foetal growth and placental development. However, Cdkn1c also plays an important role in the brain, being key to the appropriate proliferation and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Using a transgenic model (Cdkn1c^BACx1) with a twofold elevation in Cdkn1c expression that mimics loss‐of‐imprinting, we show that increased expression of Cdkn1c in the brain gives rise to neurobiological and behavioural changes indicative of a functionally altered dopaminergic system. Cdkn1c^BACX1 mice displayed altered expression of dopamine system‐related genes, increased tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) staining and increased tissue content of dopamine in the striatum. In addition, Cdkn1c^BACx1 animals were hypersensitive to amphetamine as showed by c‐fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Cdkn1c^BACX1 mice had significant changes in behaviours that are dependent on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Specifically, increased motivation for palatable food stuffs, as indexed on a progressive ratio task. In addition, Cdkn1c^BACX1 mice displayed enhanced social dominance. These data show, for the first time, the consequence of elevated Cdkn1c expression on dopamine‐related behaviours highlighting the importance of correct dosage of this imprinted gene in the brain. This work has significant relevance for deepening our understanding of the epigenetic factors that can shape neurobiology and behaviour.

Surface-dominated conduction up to 240 K in the Kondo insulator SmB6 under strain

SmB₆ is a strongly correlated mixed-valence Kondo insulator with a newly discovered surface state, proposed to be of non-trivial topological origin. However, the surface state dominates electrical conduction only below T^∗ ≈ 4 K (ref. ), limiting its scientific investigation and device application. Here, we report the enhancement of T^∗ in SmB₆ under the application of tensile strain. With 0.7% tensile strain we report surface-dominated conduction at up to a temperature of 240 K, persisting even after the strain has been removed. This can be explained in the framework of strain-tuned temporal and spatial fluctuations of f-electron configurations, which might be generally applied to other mixed-valence materials. We note that this amount of strain can be induced in epitaxial SmB₆ films via substrate in potential device applications.

Transplantation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Efficiently Rescues Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Failure in Mice

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) transplantation in acute liver failure caused by thioacetamide in mice as well as its underlying mechanism by comparing transplantation routes.

METHODS

ADMSCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mice and analyzed regarding their surface markers and differentiation potential. Acute liver failure models were established by infusion of thioacetamide, and then we injected EGFP-ADMSCs or phosphate-buffered saline solution by intrasplenic or intravenous route. The restoration of biologic functions of the livers receiving transplantation was assessed by means of a variety of approaches, such as survival rates, live function parameters, histology, localization of EGFP-ADMSCs, and immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

ADMSCs were positive for CD90 and CD44 and negative for CD34 and had adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. And they prevented the release of liver injury biomarkers. Transplantation via tail vein provided a significant survival benefit, but no significant differences were observed in the intrasplenic pathway and between the 2 pathways in our animal experiments. Furthermore, the transplanted cells were well integrated into injured livers and produced albumin and cytokeratin-8.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct transplantation of ADMSCs is an effective treatment for acute liver failure rather than intrasplenic transplantation. The transplanted ADMSCs exhibit the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in the injured livers. Thus, ADCMSCs would be a potential option for treatment of acute liver failure.

Presynaptic PICK1 facilitates trafficking of AMPA-receptors between active zone and synaptic vesicle pool

Previous studies have indicated that presynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors (AMPARs) contribute to the regulation of neurotransmitter release. In hippocampal synapses, the presynaptic surface expression of several AMPAR subunits, including GluA2, is regulated in a ligand-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the presynaptic trafficking of AMPARs are still unknown. Here, using bright-field immunocytochemistry, western blots, and quantitative immunogold electron microscopy of the hippocampal CA1 area from intact adult rat brain, we demonstrate the association of AMPA receptors with the presynaptic active zone and with small presynaptic vesicles, in Schaffer collateral synapses in CA1 of the hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that GluA2 and protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) are colocalized at presynaptic vesicles. Similar to postsynaptic mechanisms, overexpression of either PICK1 or pep2m, which inhibit the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF)-GluA2 interaction, decreases the concentration of GluA2 in the presynaptic active zone membrane. These data suggest that the interacting proteins PICK1 and NSF act as regulators of presynaptic GluA2-containing AMPAR trafficking between the active zone and a vesicle pool that may provide the basis of presynaptic components of synaptic plasticity.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of coumarin using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy coupled with intelligent multivariate analysis

Coumarin is harmful to health but still used in cosmetics, tobacco, or illegally added into food as a spice in trace amounts so that it is exceedingly difficult to be determined accurately.

Transcript analysis in two alfalfa salt tolerance selected breeding populations relative to a non-tolerant population

With the growing limitations on arable land, alfalfa (a widely cultivated, low-input forage) is now being selected to extend cultivation into saline lands for low-cost biofeedstock purposes. Here, minerals and transcriptome profiles were compared between two new salinity-tolerant North American alfalfa breeding populations and a more salinity-sensitive western Canadian alfalfa population grown under hydroponic saline conditions. All three populations accumulated two-fold higher sodium in roots than shoots as a function of increased electrical conductivity. At least 50% of differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05) were down-regulated in the salt-sensitive population growing under high salinity, while expression remained unchanged in the saline-tolerant populations. In particular, most reduction in transcript levels in the salt-sensitive population was observed in genes specifying cell wall structural components, lipids, secondary metabolism, auxin and ethylene hormones, development, transport, signalling, heat shock, proteolysis, pathogenesis-response, abiotic stress, RNA processing, and protein metabolism. Transcript diversity for transcription factors, protein modification, and protein degradation genes was also more strongly affected in salt-tolerant CW064027 than in salt-tolerant Bridgeview and salt-sensitive Rangelander, while both saline-tolerant populations showed more substantial up-regulation in redox-related genes and B-ZIP transcripts. The report highlights the first use of bulked genotypes as replicated samples to compare the transcriptomes of obligate out-cross breeding populations in alfalfa.

[Extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate for maxillary sinus and adjacent lesions]

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility and results of surgical removal of maxillary sinus and adjacent lesions via extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate.Method:Among these 28 cases,there were 9 cases of maxillary cysts(4 of which with oroantral fistula),2 cases of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis(1 of which with oroantral fistula),3 cases of maxillary sinus cysts,2 cases of antrochoanal polyps,5 cases of maxillary sinus inverted papilloma,1 case of maxillary sinus inverted papilloma with infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma(moderately differentiated),4 cases of inferior orbital fracture,1 case of anterior maxillary sinus wall fracture,and 1 case of infratemporal fossa cysts with fungal maxillary sinusitis.All operations were conducted via extended inferior meatal approach.Result:All patients did not have intraoperative complications,and were free of recurrence after the 3 to 36 months postoperative follow-up.Conclusion:The extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate can deal with all aspects of the maxillary sinus and retromaxillary lesions.This procedure has a clear vision and high successful rate.

Effect of MSTN propeptide protein on the growth and development of Altay lamb muscle

Prokaryotic expression technology was used to express maltose-binding protein binding myostatin (MSTN) propeptide fusion protein. Six disease-free Altay lambs were used in this study. The right leg gastrocnemii were injected with MSTN recombinant propeptide protein. The left leg gastrocnemii (the control group) were injected with the same dose of phosphate based saline. The lambs were fed during four months under the same conditions and then slaughtered. Gastrocnemius samples were hematoxylin-eosin stained and the size of the muscle fibers was measured. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that single gastrocnemius cells in the experimental group had an average area of 1163.01 µm(2), while it was 845.09 µm(2) in the control group (P < 0.05). This indicates that the MSTN propeptide biological agents had an inhibitory effect on MSTN. In order to reveal its mechanism, RT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of the differentiation-associated genes MyoD, Myf5, Myogenin, p21, and Smad3. The results showed that, in the MSTN propeptide biological agent injected group, expression levels of MSTN, Smad3, and p21 were lower than the control group, while Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin were higher compared to the control group. This indicates that, when expression of the MSTN gene was inhibited, muscle cell differentiation and growth can be promoted by Smad3 up-regulated expression of Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin.