SOX9 is a regulator of ADAMTSs-induced cartilage degeneration at the early stage of human osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether cartilage master regulator SRY-related protein 9 (SOX9) mediates A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) dysregulation during osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage degeneration.

METHOD

Twenty-two randomly selected OA patients were evaluated using Outerbridge Classification via arthroscopy. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE), Safranin O and Masson staining were performed for the histopathological assessment. The expression of ADAMTSs, collagen 2A1 (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and SOX9 were examined using real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (RT-qPCR) and western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed to investigate the production of ADAMTSs in cartilage tissues. The association between SOX9 production and ADAMTSs, COL2A1, ACAN, and COMP expression was established by full-depth cartilage biopsies.

RESULTS

ADAMTSs expression levels were repressed at stage 1, while a significant increase was observed at the progressive stage of OA. SOX9 was upregulated at stage 1 and suppressed at a later stage of cartilage development, particularly in cartilage with severe damage. In addition, SOX9 repressed the expression of ADAMTSs and promoted COL2A1, ACAN and COMP expression in human chondrocytes. SOX9 was recruited to the promoters of ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-7. SOX9 expression was negatively correlated with ADAMTSs production and was positively associated with COL2A1, ACAN and COMP expression. Inhibition of ADAMTSs markedly increased the production of COL2A1, ACAN and COMP in chondrocytes isolated from the early stage of OA.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that SOX9 upregulation might mediate ADAMTSs suppression at the early stage of human OA. In addition, SOX9 could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for human OA at an early stage.

Racial differences in the relationship between clinical prostatitis, presence of inflammation in benign prostate and subsequent risk of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic studies, primarily done in white men, suggest that a history of clinically-diagnosed prostatitis increases prostate cancer risk, but that histological prostate inflammation decreases risk. The relationship between a clinical history of prostatitis and histologic inflammation in terms of how these two manifestations of prostatic inflammation jointly contribute to prostate cancer risk and whether racial differences exist in this relationship is uncertain.

METHODS

Using a nested design within a cohort of men with benign prostate tissue specimens, we analyzed the data on both clinically-diagnosed prostatitis (NIH categories I-III) and histological inflammation in 574 prostate cancer case-control pairs (345 white, 229 African American).

RESULTS

Clinical prostatitis was not associated with increased prostate cancer risk in the full sample, but showed a suggestive inverse association with prostate cancer in African Americans (odds ratio (OR)=0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.27-0.81). In whites, clinical prostatitis increased risk by 40%, but was only associated with a significant increased prostate cancer risk in the absence of evidence of histological inflammation (OR=3.56; 95% CI=1.15-10.99). Moreover, PSA velocity (P=0.008) and frequency of PSA testing (P=0.003) were significant modifiers of risk. Clinical prostatitis increased risk of prostate cancer almost three-fold (OR=2.97; 95% CI=1.40-6.30) in white men with low PSA velocity and about twofold in white men with more frequent PSA testing (OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.09-3.35).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of men with benign prostate specimens, race, and histological inflammation were important cofactors in the relationship between clinical prostatitis and prostate cancer. Clinical prostatitis was associated with a slightly decreased risk for prostate cancer in African American men. In white men, the relationship between clinical prostatitis and prostate cancer risk was modified by histological prostatic inflammation, PSA velocity, and frequency of PSA testing-suggesting a complex interplay between these indications of prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer detection.

Facile synthesis of monodisperse functional magnetic dialdehyde starch nano-composite and used for highly effective recovery of Hg(II)

By covalently linking dialdehyde starch and amine functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticle, and modifying with aminothiourea functional group, the novel monodisperse nano-composite has been successfully synthesized without any toxic crosslinking agent. The resulting nano-composite was characterized by means of the Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). As the new kind of low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent with the excellent monodispersity in aqueous phase, the obtained nano-composite has shown not only the good adsorption capacity for Hg(II) on high initial concentration, but also the strong removal ability on low concentration. Moreover, the unique selectivity for Hg(II) among the mixed metal ions solution and good regeneration performance of nano-composite has also been demonstrated by batch experiments.

[Matrix Effect of Fe and Ca on EDXRF Analysis of Ce Concentration in Bayan Obo Ores]

When Energy-Dispersive X-RayFluorescence (EDXRF) used for measuring cerium (Ce) content in the Bayan Obo ores, matrix effect mainly comes from iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca). Due to extensive concentration variability of the two elements, commonly employed standard sample method for matrix effect correction is invalid. To overcome the problem, testing samples were prepared based on the average contents of elements in the Bayan Obo ores, and the influence of Fe and Ca on the coefficient in a linear relationship between Ce content and XRF signal was determined by linear least squares fitting for multivariate analysis. The coefficients thus determined reflected the matrix effect on Ce emitted fluorescence from Fe emitted fluorescence and Ca absorption. When the coefficients were used in analyzing Ce content in Bayan Obo mine by EDXRF, the relative error is less than 10%.

Influence of pre-pregnancy obesity on the development of macrosomia and large for gestational age in women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-pregnancy obesity on macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 587 GDM women and 478 non-GDM women from 2012 to 2013. We collected their data of the pre-pregnancy weight, sociodemographic data, medical histories, clinical treatment, and followed-up the outcomes of delivery including birth weight. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test associations between pre-pregnant obesity and macrosomia/LGA and between GDM and macrosomia/LGA.

RESULT

Of 1065 women we studied, obese women had 4.17 times and 2.27 times increased risk of developing macrosomia (95% CI: 2.52 to 6.91) and LGA (95% CI: 1.60 to 3.21), respectively, than non-obese women after adjustment for maternal age, gestational weeks and GDM. We did not find GDM is a risk factor for macrosomia or LGA after GDM treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pre-pregnancy obesity accounts for a high prevalence of macrosomia. Interventions that focus on pre-pregnancy obesity have the potential to reach far more women at risk of macrosomia.

Blepharoplasty Combined with Fat Grafting: A Treatment of Complications Following Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injections in Tear Troughs

BACKGROUND

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) can cause serious complications during facial augmentation. Previous studies have reported complications following PAAG injections to correct tear troughs.

METHODS

We report a rare case of tear trough deformity following PAAG injections. We developed a comprehensive treatment plan including transcutaneous blepharoplasty and fat grafting to address the presenting complications.

RESULTS

The patient showed flat lower lids and no more complications 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Blepharoplasty combined with fat grafting is an effective approach to eliminate PAAG injection complications in tear troughs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

A multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of classical swine fever virus, African swine fever virus, highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and pseudorabies in swines

In this assay, we developed and evaluated a multiplex PCR (mPCR) for its ability in detecting multiple infections of swine simultaneously. Four pairs of primers were used to detect five viruses. Specific primers were designed for classical swine fever virus (CSFV), African swine fever virus (ASFV) and pseudorabies (PRV). A pair of primers was designed prudently for two different types of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus that respectively were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV). The detection limits of the mPCR were 1.09×104, 1.50×103, 2.10×103, 1.30×103 and 8.97×102 copies/reaction for CSFV, ASFV, HP-PRRSV, PRRSV and PRV, respectively. A total of 49 clinical specimens were tested by the mPCR, and the result showed that co-infection by two or three viruses was 51%. In conclusion, the PCR is a useful tool for clinical diagnosis of not only single infections but also mixed infections in swines.

Association between serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the risk of hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: result from a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D for musculoskeletal health, including osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine whether serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations were associated with the risk of hip arthroplasty for OA.

DESIGN

This study examined 9135 participants from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study who had serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D measured in 1999-2000 and were aged ≥40 years at the commencement of arthroplasty data collection. The incidence of hip arthroplasty for OA during 2002-2011 was determined by linking cohort records to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.

RESULTS

Over an average 9.1 (standard deviation (SD) 2.7) years of follow-up, 201 hip arthroplasties for OA were identified (males n = 90; females n = 111). In males, a one-standard-deviation increase in 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was associated with a 25% increased incidence (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.56), with a dose response relationship evident by quartiles of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentration (P for trend 0.04). These results were independent of age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, smoking status, physical activity, season of blood collection, latitude, hypertension and diabetes, area level disadvantage or after excluding those with extreme low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations. No significant association was observed in women (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.87, 1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations were associated with an increased risk of hip arthroplasty for OA in males, while no significant association was observed in females. The mechanism for the association warrants further investigation.

Design High-Efficiency III-V Nanowire/Si Two-Junction Solar Cell

In this paper, we report the electrical simulation results of a proposed GaInP nanowire (NW)/Si two-junction solar cell. The NW physical dimensions are determined for optimized solar energy absorption and current matching between each subcell. Two key factors (minority carrier lifetime, surface recombination velocity) affecting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cell are highlighted, and a practical guideline to design high-efficiency two-junction solar cell is thus provided. Considering the practical surface and bulk defects in GaInP semiconductor, a promising PCE of 27.5 % can be obtained. The results depict the usefulness of integrating NWs to construct high-efficiency multi-junction III-V solar cells.

High glucose/High Lipids impair vascular adiponectin function via inhibition of caveolin-1/AdipoR1 signalsome formation

Reduced levels of adiponectin (APN) contribute to cardiovascular injury in the diabetic population. Recent studies demonstrate elevated circulating APN levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction during pre-diabetes, suggesting the development of APN resistance. However, mechanisms leading to, and the role of, vascular APN resistance in endothelial dysfunction remain unidentified. The current study determined whether diabetes cause endothelial APN resistance, and by what mechanisms. Under high glucose/high lipids (HG/HL), APN-stimulated nitric oxide production by HUVEC was decreased, phosphorylation of eNOS, AMPK, and Akt was attenuated (P<0.01), and APN's anti-TNFα effect was blunted (P<0.01). APN receptor expression remained normal, whereas Cav1 expression was reduced in HG/HL cells (P<0.01). The AdipoR1/Cav1 signaling complex was dissociated in HG/HL cells. Knock-down of Cav1 inhibited APN's anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions. Conversely, preventing HG/HL-induced Cav1 downregulation by Cav1 overexpression preserved APN signaling in HG/HL cells. Knock-in of a wild type Cav1 in Cav1 knock-down cells restored caveolae structure and rescued APN signaling. In contrast, knock-in of a mutated Cav1 scaffolding domain restored caveolae structure, but failed to rescue APN signaling in Cav1 knock-down cells. Finally, AdipoR1/Cav1 interaction was significantly reduced in diabetic vascular tissue, and the vasorelaxative response to APN was impaired in diabetic animals. The current study demonstrates for the first time the interaction between AdipoR1 and Cav1 is critical for adiponectin-mediated vascular signaling. The AdipoR1/Cav1 interaction is adversely affected by HG/HL, due largely to reduced Cav1 expression, supporting a potential mechanism for the development of APN resistance, contributing to diabetic endothelial dysfunction.

Effects of tumor-specific antigen induced by lentinan on murine H22 hepatocellular carcinoma immunoprophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumor types and the third most common form of morbidity in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lentinan isolated from Lentinus edodes, is known to be a biologically active macromolecule with extremely strong activation of the human immune system such as host-mediated anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the immunoprophylaxis effect of the antigens induced by lentinan on murine hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antigens were prepared by a co-culture method (HCL) and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation precipitation (Z1, Z2, Z3). The effects of antigens on murine hepatocellular carcinoma immunoprophylaxis were determined in vivo. The cellular immunity of the immunized mice was tested by spleen lymphocyte proliferation tests and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis assays. The tumor-specific antigen was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Results in vivo revealed that the antigens (HCL/Z1) activated immunoprophylaxis against hepatocellular carcinoma with a better survival status. The survival rates (60%, 100%) of the HCL/Z1 group were better than the model group (p < 0.01). The quantity of lymphocytes in the spleen in the HCL or Z1 groups treated with ConA or LPS were higher than that of the model group (p < 0.01). The phagocytosis ability of macrophages in the HCL or Z1 groups was better than that of the control group or model group (p < 0.01). The characterization of Western blot analysis showed that about 59.6 kDa tumor specific antigen combined with antiserum of immunized mice specifically appeared in antigens.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly generated tumor-specific antigen played a key role in the anti-tumor immune response and in activating the immune system. Our results suggest that this protein could serve as a tumor vaccine, and it could generate new ideas for tumor immunoprophylaxis.

[Health Risk Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Tianjin Based on GIS]

This study intends to assess the potential health hazards of drinking water quality and explore the application of geographic information system( GIS) in drinking water safety in Tianjin. Eight hundred and fifty water samples from 401 sampling points in Tianjin were measured according to the national drinking water standards. The risk assessment was conducted using the environmental health risk assessment model recommended by US EAP, and GIS was combined to explore the information visualization and risk factors simultaneously. The results showed that the health risks of carcinogens, non-carcinogens were 3.83 x 10⁻⁵, 5.62 x 10⁻⁹ and 3.83 x 10⁻⁵ for total health risk respectively. The rank of health risk was carcinogen > non-carcinogen. The rank of carcinogens health risk was urban > new area > rural area, chromium (VI) > cadmium > arsenic > trichlormethane > carbon tetrachloride. The rank of non-carcinogens health risk was rural area > new area > urban, fluoride > cyanide > lead > nitrate. The total health risk level of drinking water in Tianjin was lower than that of ICRP recommended level (5.0 x 10⁻⁵), while was between US EPA recommended level (1.0 x 10⁻⁴-1.0 x 10⁻⁶). It was at an acceptable level and would not cause obvious health hazards. The main health risks of drinking water came from carcinogens. More attentions should be paid to chromium (VI) for carcinogens and fluoride for non-carcinogens. GIS can accomplish information visualization of drinking water risk assessment and further explore of risk factors.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Chinese Professional Female Marathoners and Predicted Variables for Their Personal Bests

To investigate anthropometric characteristics of Chinese professional female marathoners and suitable predicted variables correlated with their personal bests (PB), 96 Chinese female long-distance runners were divided into international (< 2 h 34 min), national (2 h 34 min~2 h 45 min) and average (2 h 45 min~3 h 19 min) levels according to their PB in marathon during the process of talent identification for London Olympic Games. Selected anthropometric variables, including height, body mass, percentages of body fat, girths, breadths, lengths and skin-folds were measured. Only iliac crest skin-fold of international athletes was significantly lower than it is in national group. Girth of forearm and lower limbs, length of lower limbs, and all skin-folds of national athletes were significantly lower than those from average level group. Percentages of body fat, girth of forearm and calf, length of lower limbs, and skin-folds at sites of subscapular, abdominal and iliac crest of athletes from average level group were significantly higher than those in international athletes. Positive correlation was found between forearm girth and PB, and between the subscapular, abdominal, iliac crest and triceps surae skin-folds and PB for total athletes. Negative correlation between biiliac breadth and PB in international athletes, and positive correlations between abdominal and triceps surae skin-folds and PB in national athletes were found. For average runners, high positive correlation was found between upper arm girth and PB, and between subscapular, abdominal, iliac crest and triceps surae skin-folds and PB. The findings suggested that compared to stride length, stride frequency and efficiency were more important factors influencing running performance, which were in accordance with running technique in Chinese female marathoners.

Coincident systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis vulgaris: a case report

Psoriasis vulgaris is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory skin disease, but its association with other typical autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus has only occasionally been reported. We presented a 25-year-old female who developed systemic lupus erythematosus associated with psoriasis vulgaris. Her conditions were in good control after she got administration of prednisolone (5 mg/day) and Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook (20 mg/day). It is necessary to integrate past history and physical examination to diagnose coincident SLE and psoriasis, and combined treatment with prednisolone and Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook proves effective.

Deleterious effects of lard-enriched diet on tissues fatty acids composition and hypothalamic insulin actions

Altered tissue fatty acid (FA) composition may affect mechanisms involved in the control of energy homeostasis, including central insulin actions. In rats fed either standard chow or a lard-enriched chow (high in saturated/low in polyunsaturated FA, HS-LP) for eight weeks, we examined the FA composition of blood, hypothalamus, liver, and retroperitoneal, epididymal and mesenteric adipose tissues. Insulin-induced hypophagia and hypothalamic signaling were evaluated after intracerebroventricular insulin injection. HS-LP feeding increased saturated FA content in adipose tissues and serum while it decreased polyunsaturated FA content of adipose tissues, serum, and liver. Hypothalamic C20:5n-3 and C20:3n-6 contents increased while monounsaturated FA content decreased. HS-LP rats showed hyperglycemia, impaired insulin-induced hypophagia and hypothalamic insulin signaling. The results showed that, upon HS-LP feeding, peripheral tissues underwent potentially deleterious alterations in their FA composition, whist the hypothalamus was relatively preserved. However, hypothalamic insulin signaling and hypophagia were drastically impaired. These findings suggest that impairment of hypothalamic insulin actions by HS-LP feeding was not related to tissue FA composition.

Obesity and iron deficiency: a quantitative meta-analysis

Hypoferraemia (i.e. iron deficiency) was initially reported among obese individuals several decades ago; however, whether obesity and iron deficiency are correlated remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the putative association between obesity and iron deficiency by assessing the concentration of haematological iron markers and the risks associated with iron deficiency in both obese (including overweight) subjects and non-overweight participants. We performed a systematic search in the databases PubMed and Embase for relevant research articles published through December 2014. A total of 26 cross-sectional and case-control studies were analysed, comprising 13,393 overweight/obese individuals and 26,621 non-overweight participants. Weighted or standardized mean differences of blood iron markers and odds ratio (OR) of iron deficiency were compared between the overweight/obese participants and the non-overweight participants using a random-effects model. Compared with the non-overweight participants, the overweight/obese participants had lower serum iron concentrations (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -8.37 μg dL(-1) ; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.38 to -5.36 μg dL(-1) ) and lower transferrin saturation percentages (WMD: 2.34%, 95% CI: -3.29% to -1.40%). Consistent with this finding, the overweight/obese participants had a significantly increased risk of iron deficiency (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.01-1.68). Moreover, subgroup analyses revealed that the method used to diagnose iron deficiency can have a critical effect on the results of the association test; specifically, we found a significant correlation between iron deficiency and obesity in studies without a ferritin-based diagnosis, but not in studies that used a ferritin-based diagnosis. Based upon these findings, we concluded that obesity is significantly associated with iron deficiency, and we recommend early monitoring and treatment of iron deficiency in overweight and obese individuals. Future longitudinal studies will help to test whether causal relationship exists between obesity and iron deficiency.