Yield survey and nutritional evaluation of garlic stalk for ruminant feed

Background

Very limited information exists on the ruminal degradation kinetics of nutrients in garlic stalk. The present study aimed to survey the annual yield of garlic stalk in Korea and determine its feed-nutritive value for ruminants.

Methods

In Experiment 1, garlic stalk was incubated in situ in the rumen of two Hanwoo steers (360 ± 15 kg body weight) and removed after 12, 24, or 48 h to determine the ruminal degradation kinetics of DM and NDF. Rice straw was also included for comparison. In Experiment 2, In Experiment 2, six male Corriedale sheep were randomized to two dietary treatments to determine the apparent digestibility of nutrients in garlic stalk. Diets included a control ration without garlic stalk (60% concentrate mix +40% ryegrass) or a treatment ration (70% control diet +30% garlic stalk).

Results

The Korean national yield of garlic stalk (sun-dried basis) in 2016 was estimated to be 31,910 tons, with the southern coastal regions producing the highest quantity. Compared with rice straw, garlic stalk had lower NDF, higher ADF, and greater effective degradabilities of DM and NDF, resulting in a greater TDN value (56.3%), which was higher than that obtained for rice straw (43.7%).

Conclusion

These results provide basic information on the ruminal DM and NDF degradation kinetics of garlic stalk, which would be helpful for the efficient utilization of this by-product in ruminant diets.

Indistinguishable heralded single photon generation via relative temporal multiplexing of two sources

Generating N single photons simultaneously is a formidable challenge due to the lack of deterministic single photon sources. Recent work [New J. Phys. 19, 063013 (2017] has proposed a relative multiplexing scheme that can enhance the N single photons probability with a minimum of active switching resources. We experimentally demonstrate relative temporal multiplexing on two photon sources with a 90% additional enhancement over the standard temporal multiplexing scheme demonstrated previously. 88 ± 11% visibility of Hong-Ou-Mandel quantum interference verifies the indistinguishability of the heralded single photons after the synchronization. This proof-of-principle demonstration points out the potential significance of the relative multiplexing scheme for large-scale photonic quantum information processing.

Associations between SLC2A9 polymorphisms and gout susceptibility : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in solute carrier family 2 and facilitated glucose transporter member 9 (SLC2A9) are associated with susceptibility to gout.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on associations between the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 and gout susceptibility using fixed and random effects models.

RESULTS

Eleven comparative studies comprising 1,472 patients and 3,269 controls from Caucasian and Asian populations were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis identified a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 (minor) of the rs12510549 polymorphism in the overall population (OR = 0.641, 95 % CI = 0.540-0.761, P = 4.1 × 10^-7). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.647, 95 % CI = 0.542-0.771, P = 1.2 × 10^-6) but not in Asians (OR = 0.515, 95 % CI = 0.214-1.236, P = 0.137). The meta-analysis showed a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 of the rs16890979 polymorphism in all study subjects (OR = 0.229, 95 % CI = 0.084-0.628, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.469, 95 % CI = 0.317-0.695, P = 1.6 × 10^-6) and in Asians (OR = 0.192, 95 % CI = 0.072-0.513, P = 0.001). A significant negative association was found between allele 2 of the rs1014290 polymorphism and gout susceptibility in Asians (OR = 0.597, 95 % CI = 0.478-0.746, P = 5.4 × 10^-6) but not in Caucasians (OR = 0.778, 95 % CI = 0.595-1.043, P = 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 protect against the development of gout in Caucasians and/or Asians.

Mid-wave infrared beam steering based on high-efficiency liquid crystal diffractive waveplates

We demonstrated two liquid crystal diffractive waveplates: one optimized for near-infrared (1.06 µm), and another for mid-wave infrared (MWIR, 3~5 µm). By employing a low loss liquid crystal mixture UCF-M3, whose absorption loss is below 2% in the 4~5 µm spectral region, the grating achieves over 98% diffraction efficiency in a broad MWIR range. To switch the grating, both active and passive driving methods can be considered. In our experiment, we used a polymer-stabilized twisted nematic cell as the polarization rotator for passive driving. The obtained rise time is 0.2 ms and decay time is 10 ms.

The effects and mechanism of action of methane on ileal motor function

BACKGROUND

Methane has been associated with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, slowing intestinal transit time by augmenting contractile activity. However, the precise mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect of methane on contractile activity, and whether such effects are mediated by nerve impulses or muscular contraction.

METHODS

We connected guinea pig ileal muscle strips to a force/tension transducer and measured amplitudes of contraction in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1, 2, 8, 16 Hz) following methane infusion in the presence of tetradotoxin (TTX), atropine, guanethidine, or GR 113808. We then performed calcium imaging using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 AM in order to visualize changes in calcium fluorescence in response to EFS following methane infusion in the presence of TTX, atropine, or a high K⁺ solution.

KEY RESULTS

Methane significantly increased amplitudes of contraction (P<.05), while treatment with TTX abolished such contraction. Methane-induced increases in amplitude were inhibited when lower-frequency (1, 2 Hz) EFS was applied following atropine infusion (P<.05). Neither guanethidine nor GR 113808 significantly altered contraction amplitudes. Methane significantly increased calcium fluorescence, while this increase was attenuated following atropine infusion (P<.05). Although calcium fluorescence was increased by the high K⁺ solution under pretreatment with TTX, the intensity of fluorescence remained unchanged after methane infusion.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The actions of methane on the intestine are influenced by the cholinergic pathway of the enteric nervous system. Our findings support the classification of methane as a gasotransmitter.

Association between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched. Meta-analyses were performed comparing serum/plasma leptin levels in patients with SLE and healthy controls, and on patients with SLE in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables (age, sex, and/or body mass index (BMI)). Results Eighteen studies including 1333 patients with SLE and 1048 controls were ultimately selected, which showed that leptin levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.275-0.947, p < 0.001). When we excluded two outlier studies because of high heterogeneity, leptin levels were also significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.619, 95% CI = 0.431-0.807, p < 0.001). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated leptin levels in the SLE group in European, Asian, Arab, Latin American, and mixed populations. Subgroup analysis by sample size showed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group by small ( n ≤ 100) and large sample numbers ( n > 100) (SMD = 0.780, 95% CI = 0.445-1.115, p < 0.001; SMD = 0.495, 95% CI = 0.275-0.715, p < 0.001). Stratification by data type revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the original data and imputed data groups. Subgroup analysis adjustment revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group, regardless of adjustment for variables. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables.

Abstract 3927: Programmed cell death ligand 1 expression in resected colorectal adenocarcinomas: association with micrometastasis

Background: Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are key suppressors of the cytotoxic immune response. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells may be induced by the immune microenvironment, resulting in immune escape, and an adverse prognosis in many malignancies. In colorectal carcinoma the response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition is correlated with microsatellite instability. However, little is known about the clinicopathologic, molecular, and prognostic characteristics of colorectal carcinoma with PD-L1 expression.

In surgically resected colorectal adenocarcinoma, micrometastasis should be crucial for recurrence, and micrometastasis may be related to PD-L1. The aim of this study is to assess the PD-L1 expression and its association with clinicopathologic manifestations.

Methods: PD-L1 expression was evaluated in 176 resected colorectal adenocarcinomas using tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression of PD-L1. The relationship of clinicopathologic manifestations and PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer were evaluated by chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression test.

Results: High PD-L1 expression was present in 52.8% colorectal adenocarcinoma and was not related pathologic T or N stage. High PD-L1 expression was associated with decreased recurrence rate (p &lt; 0.001), better disease-free survival (p &lt; 0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that pathologic N stage and High PD-L1 expression was an independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival (p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion: High PD-L1 expression is an independent prognostic factor, such as pathologic stage in colorectal adenocarcinoma. PD-L1 expression is independent prognostic factor, relating immune response to micrometastasis and immune suppression by PD-L1 may not be effective in micrometastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Key words: PD-L1, colon, cancer, immunology, micrometastasis

Citation Format: Ilseon Hwang, Keon Uk Park, Jin Young Kim, Hun-Mo Ryoo, Yun-Han Lee. Programmed cell death ligand 1 expression in resected colorectal adenocarcinomas: association with micrometastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3927. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3927

Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous or subcutaneous belimumab in combination with standard therapy in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective In this study, we aimed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) belimumab compared with those of placebo in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to combine the direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of belimumab 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg IV administration, and belimumab 200 mg SC injection, and placebo in patients with active SLE despite having received standard therapy. Results Five RCTs (3460 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The SLE Responder Index (SRI) response rate at week 52 was significantly higher in the belimumab 10 mg/kg group than in the placebo group (OR 2.63, 95% CrI 2.14-3.23). Similarly, the SRI response rates were significantly higher in the belimumab 1 mg/kg, and belimumab 200 mg SC groups than in the placebo group (OR 2.42, 95% CrI 1.90-3.09; OR 1.71, 95% CrI 1.27-2.29). Ranking probability based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that belimumab 10 mg/kg had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving the SRI response (SUCRA = 0.9174), followed by belimumab 1 mg/kg (SUCRA = 0.7338), belimumab 200 mg SC (SUCRA = 0.3487), and placebo (SUCRA = 0.0000). However, a sensitivity test by omitting one outlier study showing low SRI response rate compared with the other three studies (11% vs. 33%, 40%, 48%) showed that belimumab 200 mg SC and belimumab 10 mg/kg had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving the SRI response (SUCRA = 0.7903, SUCRA = 0.7456), followed by belimumab 1 mg/kg, and placebo. The number of serious adverse events (SAEs) did not differ significantly among the four treatment options. Conclusions Belimumab at 1 and 10 mg/kg IV and belimumab 200 mg SC in combination with standard therapy was an efficacious intervention for active SLE, and was not associated with a significant risk of SAEs.

Circulating leptin level in rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the circulating serum leptin level and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to establish a correlation between serum leptin levels and RA activity.

METHODS

We searched the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. A meta-analysis was performed, comparing the serum/plasma leptin levels in patients with RA and healthy controls. Correlation coefficients between serum leptin level and either disease activity score 28 (DAS28) or C‑reactive protein (CRP) in RA patients were also examined.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with a total of 648 RA patients and 426 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Circulating leptin level was significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group (SMD = 1.056, 95 % CI = 0.647-1.465, p = 4.2 × 10^-7). In addition, stratification by ethnicity showed a significantly elevated leptin level in the RA group in Caucasian, Turkish, and Arab populations (SMD = 0.813, 95 % CI = 0.137-1.490, p = 0.018, SMD = 0.981, 95 % CI = 0.307-1.655, p = 0.004, and SMD = 1.469, 95 % CI = 0.443-2.495, p = 0.005 respectively). A meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed a small but significantly positive correlation between the circulating leptin level and either DAS28 (correlation coefficient = 0.275, 95 % CI = 0.076-0.452, p = 0.007) or CRP (correlation coefficient = 0.274, 95 % CI = 0.068-0.458, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the circulating leptin level is significantly higher in patients with RA and that a small but significantly positive correlation exists between leptin levels and RA activity.

Association between BANK1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis

This study aimed to explore whether BANK1 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. We conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between the BANK1 rs10516487, rs3733197, and rs17266594 polymorphisms and autoimmune diseases. Twenty-two articles with a total of 22,684 patients and 36,437 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between autoimmune diseases and the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele (OR = 1.161, 95% CI = 1.092-1.275, p = 1.9 × 10-6, heterogeneity p<0.001). The analysis also revealed an association between autoimmune diseases and the BANK1 rs3733197 A allele (OR = 1.178, 95% CI = 1.105-1.256, p = 4.5 × 10-7, heterogeneity p = 0.002) and the rs17266594 T allele (OR = 1.189, 95% CI = 1.073-1.315, p = 0.001, heterogeneity p<0.001). Meta-analysis by autoimmune disease type revealed an association between both systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis and the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele (OR = 1.294, 95% CI = 1.232-1.360, p<1.0 × 10-8, heterogeneity p = 0.556; OR = 1.102, 95% CI = 1.027-1.183, p = 0.017, heterogeneity p = 0.048). However, meta-analysis failed to indicate an association between the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele and rheumatoid arthritis (RA; OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.956-1.058, p = 0.819). This meta-analysis demonstrates that BANK1 rs10516487, rs3733197, and rs17266594 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Association between circulating transforming growth factor-β1 level and polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

This study systemically reviewed evidence regarding the relationship between circulating blood transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to SLE and RA.  We conducted a meta-analysis on the serum/plasma TGF-β1 levels in SLE and RA patients and healthy controls, and the associations between TGF-β1 +869 T/C, +915 C/G, and -509 T/C polymorphisms and SLE or RA risk. Twenty-eight studies were considered in this meta-analysis. Circulating TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the SLE group than in controls (SMD = -1.164, 95% CI = -2.257 - -0.070, P = 0.037). Serum/plasma TGF-β1 levels were not significantly different between RA and control groups (SMD = 0.699, 95% CI = -0.379 - 1.717, p = 0.211). No association between TGF-β1 +869 T/C polymorphism and SLE was found. However, meta-analysis showed an association between the TGF-β1 +869 T allele and RA in all subjects (OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.118-1.470, P = 3.8 x 10-4). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that the T allele was significantly associated with RA in Asians and Arabs (OR = 1.429, 95% CI = 1.179-1.733, P = 2.9 x 10-4; OR = 1.352, 95% CI = 1.097-1.668, P = 0.005), but not Europeans. However, no association was found between TGF-β1 +915 G/C or -509 C/T polymorphisms and RA or SLE. Meta-analysis revealed a significantly lower circulating TGF-β1 level in SLE patients, and a significant association between TGF-β1 +869 T/C polymorphism and RA development.

Circulating prolactin level in systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity: a meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating prolactin level and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to establish a correlation between plasma/serum prolactin levels and SLE activity.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis comparing the plasma/serum prolactin levels in patients with SLE to controls, and examined correlation coefficients between circulating prolactin level and SLE disease activity.

Results

Twenty-five studies with a total of 1056 SLE patients and 426 controls were included. Prolactin levels were significantly higher overall in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.987, 95% CI = 0.512–1.463, p = 4.7 × 10−5). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated prolactin levels in the SLE group in Asian, Latin American, and mixed populations (SMD = 0.813, 95% CI = 0.137–1.490, p = 0.018; SMD = 0.981, 95% CI = 0.307–1.655, p = 0.004; SMD = 1.469, 95% CI = 0.443–2.495, p = 0.005, respectively), but not in the European population. Subgroup analysis by sample size showed significantly higher prolactin levels in the SLE group by small ( n < 30) and large sample numbers ( n > 30). Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed a significantly positive correlation between circulating prolactin level and SLE activity (correlation coefficient = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.026–0.487, p = 4.0 × 10−9). Circulating prolactin levels were positively associated with SLE activity in European, Asian, and mixed populations (SMD = 0.532, 95% CI = 0.443–0.609  p < 1.0 × 10−8; SMD = 0.427, 95% CI = 0.240–0.583, p = 2.4 × 10−5; SMD = 0.433, 95% CI = 0.212–0.591, p = 2.7 × 10−5, respectively).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating prolactin levels are higher in patients with SLE, and that a significantly positive correlation exists between prolactin levels and SLE activity.

Recent progress in Pancharatnam–Berry phase optical elements and the applications for virtual/augmented realities

In this review paper,we report recent progress on Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase optical elements, such as lens, grating, and deflector. PB lenses exhibit a fast switching time between two or more focal lengths with large diopter change and aperture size, which is particularly attractive for addressing the accommodation mismatch in head-mounted display devices. On the other hand, PB gratings and deflectors offer a large-angle beam deflection with wide acceptance cone and high efficiency, as compared to conventional volume gratings. Such merits provide great advantages for waveguide-coupling augmented reality headsets. Moreover, the thickness of PB optical elements is only a few micrometers, thus they can be conveniently integrated into modern wearable display systems.

Vitamin D receptor FokI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore whether vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Meta-analyses were conducted on the associations between the VDR FokI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms and RA.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were considered in the meta-analysis, involving a total of 923 patients and 912 controls. Meta-analysis of the VDR FokI polymorphism showed no association between RA and the F allele in the entire studied cohort (odds ratio, OR = 1.1740, 95 % confidence interval, CI = 0.994-1.387, p = 0.059). However, stratification by ethnicity revealed a significant association between the F allele and RA in Europeans (OR = 1.402, 95 % CI = 1.126-1.746, p = 0.003). Furthermore, an association was found between RA and the VDR FokI polymorphism using both the dominant model and homozygote contrast. Meta-analysis revealed no association between RA and the VDR BsmI B and TaqI T polymorphisms in Europeans (OR for the B allele = 1.065, 95 % CI = 0.911-1.245, p = 0.427; OR for the T allele = 1.065, 95 % CI = 0.834-1.361, p = 0.613).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the VDR FokI polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to RA in European populations.

The effects of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner structures under gait- and squat-loading conditions: A computational knee model

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to analyse the effects of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on forces of the posterolateral corner structure and on tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) contact force under dynamic-loading conditions.

Methods

A subject-specific knee model was validated using a passive flexion experiment, electromyography data, muscle activation, and previous experimental studies. The simulation was performed on the musculoskeletal models with and without PCL deficiency using a novel force-dependent kinematics method under gait- and squat-loading conditions, followed by probabilistic analysis for material uncertain to be considered.

Results

Comparison of predicted passive flexion, posterior drawer kinematics and muscle activation with experimental measurements showed good agreement. Forces of the posterolateral corner structure, and TF and PF contact forces increased with PCL deficiency under gait- and squat-loading conditions. The rate of increase in PF contact force was the greatest during the squat-loading condition. The TF contact forces increased on both medial and lateral compartments during gait-loading conditions. However, during the squat-loading condition, the medial TF contact force tended to increase, while the lateral TF contact forces decreased. The posterolateral corner structure, which showed the greatest increase in force with deficiency of PCL under both gait- and squat-loading conditions, was the popliteus tendon (PT).

Conclusion

PCL deficiency is a factor affecting the variability of force on the PT in dynamic-loading conditions, and it could lead to degeneration of the PF joint.

Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, M. Jung, J-H. Nam, J. Son, Y.H. Lee, S-J. Kim, S-H. Kim. The effects of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner structures under gait- and squat-loading conditions: A computational knee model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:31–42. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0184.R1.

Effect of atomic size on undercoolability of binary solid solution alloy liquids with Zr, Ti, and Hf using electrostatic levitation

We investigate the relationship between the excess volume and undercoolability of Zr-Ti and Zr-Hf alloy liquids by using electrostatic levitation. Unlike in the case of Zr-Hf alloy liquids in which sizes of the constituent atoms are matched, a remarkable increase of undercoolability and negative excess volumes are observed in Zr-Ti alloy liquids as a function of their compositional ratios. In this work, size mismatch entropies for the liquids were obtained by calculating their hard sphere diameters, number densities, and packing fractions. We also show that the size mismatch entropy, which arises from the differences in atomic sizes of the constituent elements, plays an important role in determining the stabilities of metallic liquids.

A storage ring experiment to detect a proton electric dipole moment

A new experiment is described to detect a permanent electric dipole moment of the proton with a sensitivity of 10^-29 e ⋅ cm by using polarized "magic" momentum 0.7 GeV/c protons in an all-electric storage ring. Systematic errors relevant to the experiment are discussed and techniques to address them are presented. The measurement is sensitive to new physics beyond the standard model at the scale of 3000 TeV.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 polymorphisms, K469E and G261R and susceptibility to vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine whether intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to vasculitis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meta-analyses were performed to assess the associations between K469E and G241R polymorphisms of ICAM-1 and vasculitis or RA. A total of 12 studies on 1,368 patients and 1,922 controls, which comprised 8 vasculitis studies and 4 RA studies, were included in the meta-analysis. We found no significant association between vasculitis and K469E E allele among the various subjects (OR = 1.238, 95% CI = 0.9781-1.566, p = 0.076). However, an association between vasculitis and K469E polymorphism was observed under homozygote contrast (OR = 1.443, 95% CI = 1.084-1.920, p = 0.012). Stratification by ethnicity and vasculitis type showed no association between vasculitis and 1 K469E polymorphism under heterozygote contrast. In addition, the meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the ICAM-1 G241R R allele and Behcet's disease (BD) (OR = 3.261, 95% CI = 1.653-6.434, p = 0.001), but not giant cell arteritis. Moreover, the meta-analysis indicated an association between RA and the R allele and RR+ RG genotype of the ICAM-1 G241R polymorphism (OR = 2.014, 95% CI = 1.215-3.339, p = 0.007; OR = 2.394, 95% CI = 1.354-4.235, p = 0.003). This meta-analysis suggests that the K469E polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to vasculitis, and that the G241R polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to BD and RA.

Association between glutathione S-transferase M1, P1, and NFKB1 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine whether Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), P1 (GSTT1), NFKB1 polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We performed a meta-analysis on the associations between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, and NFKB1 -94 ins/delATTG polymorphisms and SLE. In total, seven studies were considered for this meta-analysis, which comprised 2,119 SLE patients and 3,014 healthy controls. Meta-analysis of the GSTM1 null polymorphism in 869 SLE and 1,544 control subjects revealed an association between SLE and the GSTM1 null genotype (OR = 1.321, 95% CI = 1.103-1.583, p = 0.002). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the GSTM1 null genotype and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.334, 95% CI = 1.096-1.623, p = 0.004). However, meta-analysis of the GSTT1 null polymorphism, comprising 717 SLE and 1,008 control subjects, revealed no association between SLE and the GSTT1 null genotype overall (OR = 0.850, 95% CI = 0.687-1.051, p = 0.113) or in an Asian population (OR = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.594-1.061, p = 0.119). Meta-analysis of the NFKB1 -94 ins/delATTG polymorphism, comprising 1,250 SLE and 1,127 control subjects, revealed an association between SLE and the NFKB1 D allele (OR = 1.127, 95% CI = 1.011-1.257, p = 0.031). Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis revealed an association between the NFKB1 D allele and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.026-1.300, p = 0.017). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the functional GSTM1 and NFKB1 polymorphisms are associated with the SLE risk in Asians.

Diagnostic accuracy of anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases and performed two meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of anti-MCV and anti-CCP in patients with RA compared to healthy controls.

RESULTS

We identified 12 studies that included a total of 2003 RA patients and 831 healthy controls for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of anti-MCV were 68.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6-79.7] and 94.2% (95% CI 92.4-96.7) and those of anti-CCP were 61.7% (95% CI 59.5-63.8) and 97.1% (95% CI 96.7-98.1), respectively. Anti-MCV PLR, NLR, and DOR were 12.99 (95% CI 8.013-21.27), 0.297 (95% CI 0.238-0.369), and 47.78 (95% CI 28.59-79.84), and those for anti-CCP were 16.71 (95% CI 11.42-24.47), 0.378 (95% CI 0.325-0.439), and 54.20 (95% CI 31.65-92.82), respectively. The AUC of anti-MCV was 0.886, and its Q* index was 0.817, indicating modest accuracy, while the AUC of anti-CCP was 0.946, and its Q* index was 0.885. The sensitivity of anti-MCV was significantly higher than that of anti-CCP in the diagnosis of RA (difference 0.069, 95% CI 0.039-0.098, p < 0.0001), but the specificity of anti-MCV was lower than that of anti-CCP (difference -0.029, 95% CI -0.051 to -0.006, p = 0.012). The Q* index of anti-MCV was significantly lower than that of anti-CCP (difference -0.068, 95% CI -0.070 to -0.065, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that anti-MCV is more sensitive but less specific, and has lower diagnostic accuracy than anti-CCP in RA, although anti-MCV and anti-CCP showed comparable high PLRs.

Knockdown of RPL9 expression inhibits colorectal carcinoma growth via the inactivation of Id-1/NF-κB signaling axis

Ribosomal protein L9 (RPL9), a component of the 60S subunit for protein synthesis, is upregulated in human colorectal cancer. In the present study, we investigated whether RPL9 gained extraribosomal function during tumorigenesis and whether targeting of RPL9 with small interfering (si) RNA could alter the course of colorectal cancer progression. Our results showed that siRNA knockdown of RPL9 suppresses colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth and long-term colony formation through an increase in sub-G1 cell population and a strong induction of apoptotic cell death. To obtain insights into the molecular changes in response to RPL9 knockdown, global changes in gene expression were examined using RNA sequencing. It revealed that RPL9-specific knockdown led to dysregulation of 918 genes in HCT116 and 3178 genes in HT29 cells. Among these, 296 genes showed same directional regulation (128 upregulated and 168 downregulated genes) and were considered as a common RPL9 knockdown signature. Particularly, we found through a network analysis that Id-1, which is functionally associated with activation of NF-κB and cell survival, was commonly downregulated. Subsequent western blot analysis affirmed that RPL9 silencing induced the decrease in the levels of Id-1 and phosphorylated IκBα in both HCT116 and HT29 cells. Also, the same condition decreased the levels of PARP-1 and pro-caspase-3, accelerating apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of RPL9 expression significantly suppressed the growth of human CRC xenografts in nude mice. These findings indicate that the function of RPL9 is correlated with Id-1/NF-κB signaling axis and suggest that targeting RPL9 could be an attractive option for molecular therapy of colorectal cancer.