[Effects of perioperative thermoregulation on patients' body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing elective vertical hemi laryngectomy]

Objective:To compare the effects of different thermal insulation measures on perioperative body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing vertical hemi laryngectomy.Method:Sixty eligible patients with elective vertical hemi laryngectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups: preoperative inflatable heating blanket group (A group, n=20), warmed irrigation group (B group, n=20), and control group (C group, n=20). The core temperature were recorded after entering the operating room, before induction, 20th minute during operation, entering PACU and 2nd hour after operation respectively. Blood samples were got at the end of operation to test pH, lactic acid, PT and APTT. After waking patients' SpO₂ and thermal comfort were recorded.Result:The core temperatures at time points of 20th minute during operation and entering PACU were significantly different between C group and A group, C group and B group. There were significant difference in lactic acid, PT, APTT and SpO₂ between C group and A group, C group and B group. Patients' thermal comfort in all three groups were different.Conclusion:Inflatable heating blanket during operation combined with using it before operation or fluid warmers during operation for perioperative body temperature protection duringelective vertical partial laryngectomy surgery can effectively prevent perioperative hypothermia, improve peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time changes, improve patients' comfort after operation.

Emergence and whole-genome sequence of Senecavirus A in Colombia

In 2015 and 2016, Senecavirus A (SVA) emerged as an infectious disease in Brazil, China and the United States (US). In a Colombian commercial swine farm, vesicles on the snout and coronary bands were reported and tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDv), but positive for SVA. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis indicates the Colombian strain clusters with the strains from the United States, not with the recent SVA strains from Brazil.

Starter feeding altered ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and some key immune-related genes' expression before weaning in lambs

To characterize changes in ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and immune-related gene expression during concentrate starter feeding before weaning in lambs, 6 pairs of 10-d-old Hu lamb twins were selected: 1 kid received milk (M, = 6), and the other received milk plus starter (M+S, = 6). All lambs received hay and water ad libitum and were slaughtered at 56-d-old. Their rumen fluid was collected to determine ruminal pH and VFA levels; rumen epithelia were collected to characterize their bacterial communities using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and to determine mRNA expression of immune-related genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that starter feeding caused a decreased ruminal pH ( = 0.004) and increased concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA ( < 0.001). Principal coordinate analysis and analysis of molecular variance revealed that starter feeding affected ruminal epithelial bacterial communities in the lambs ( = 0.001), with higher relative abundance of dominant taxa , unclassified BS11 gut group, , unclassified Synergistaceae, , , , , and ( < 0.05) but lesser relative abundance of , unclassified Bacteroidales, unclassified Candidate, unclassified RF9, and ( < 0.05). Additionally, a phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis indicated that starter feeding markedly increased relative abundance values of dominant ruminal epithelial bacterial-inferred genes related to other ion-coupled transporters, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, glycosyltransferases, other glycan degradation, AA metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, biotin metabolism, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-globo series, and lysosome ( < 0.05) but decreased relative abundance values of genes related to carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes and energy metabolism ( < 0.05) in the lambs. The qRT-PCR results showed that starter feeding decreased the relative mRNA expression of IL-6 ( = 0.003), IL-10 ( = 0.013), and interferon γ ( = 0.003). Collectively, this study showed that starter feeding could alter ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and some key immune-related genes' expression in preweaned lambs. All these responses of ruminal epithelial bacteria and the immune system would be beneficial for starter-fed lambs to be weaned.

Associations of carboxypeptidase 4 with ALDH1A1 expression and their prognostic value in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis because of early metastasis when diagnosed and recurrence after surgery. This study is aimed at investigating the expression of carboxypeptidaseA4 (CPA4) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tumor tissues and analyzed their association and clinical significance. The expression of CPA4 and ALDH1A1 was determined by immunohistochemistry using the corresponding primary antibodies on two commercial tissue arrays. High level of CPA4 was observed in 87/150 (58%) ESCC samples and was significantly associated with histologic grade, lymph node metastasis, and TNM Classification of Esophageal cancer stage. The expression level of ALDH1A1 was much higher in ESCC than their corresponding normal epithelial tissues, with 66% positive rate. And, high levels of ALDH1A1 were significantly associated with lymph nodes metastasis (P < 0.05) and TNM stage (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed the expression level of CPA4 positively correlated with that of ALDH1A1 (r = 0.416, P < 0.01). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, either CPA4 or ALDH1A1 was significantly correlated with poor overall survival of ESCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that high expression of CPA4 was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated for the first time that CPA4 might be used as an independent poor prognostic factor in ESCC. This study demonstrated for the first time that CPA4 was aberrantly expressed in ESCC tissues. Overexpression of CPA4 was closely associated with the putative cancer stem cell marker ALDH1A1 and might be used as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC.

A LYVE-1/CRSBP-1 Mutation in Inherited Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is clinically and genetically heterogeneous with germline mutations identified in approximately 20 primary lymphedema genes. The lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) gene, also known as cell-surface retention sequence binding protein-1 (CRSBP-1), encodes the major hyaluronan receptor in lymphatic endothelia and is one of the most specific lymphatic vessel markers. However, the role of this lymphatic endothelial specific protein in the development of the lymphatic system and lymphatic diseases remains unclear. Here, we report a missense mutation c.18C>G (p.S6R) in exon 1 within the N-terminal extension domain (outside the hyaluronan binding region) of LYVE-1 in three generations of an inherited lymphedema family with or without clinical symptoms. Lymphatic imaging revealed a partial, weak and delayed enhancement of tortuous lymph collectors in the distal part of the lymphedematous lower limb. Our findings revealed that LYVE-1/CRSBP-1 mutation in primary lymphedema cases is connected with both structural and functional lymphatic defects.

Increased expression of LncRNA BANCR and its prognostic significance in human epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in the tumorigenesis and development of human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and clinical value of BRAF-activated non-coding RINA (BANCR) in EOC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BANCR expression was detected in 84 EOC and 36 normal ovarian epithelial tissue samples. Association between BANCR levels and clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was also analyzed.

RESULTS

BANCR expression was increased in EOC compared with normal ovarian epithelial tissues. Moreover, high expression of BANCR was closely correlated with advanced FIGO stage, higher serum, CAI125 expression level, and lymph node metastasis. Multivariate regression analysis identified BANCR overexpression as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in EOC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that BANCR may act as a tumor promoter in EOC and would be a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker for this disease.

Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and the Incident Risk of Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVES

No quantitative assessment has been performed to specifically link the consumption of fruit and vegetables with the incident risk of cognitive disorders.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and the Embase databases (both from the inception to June 13th, 2016) for records that report the intake of fruit and vegetables and the risk of developing cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive decline/impairment). A generic inverse-variance method (random-effects model) was used to combine the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To explore the potential sources of heterogeneity, we performed the subgroup and meta-regression analyses by pre-specified characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 6 cohorts involving a total of 21,175 participants. The pooled analysis showed that consumption of fruit and vegetables was inversely associated with the incident risk of cognitive disorders, and the pooled RR (95% CI) was 0.74 (0.62, 0.88), with evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2 =68%). Furthermore, we found that the significant heterogeneity might be attributed to the ethnic difference.

CONCLUSION

Further large prospective studies should be performed to quantify the potential dose-response patterns of fruit and/or vegetables intake and to explore the role of fruit or vegetables consumption separately on cognitive disorders in different populations.

Cryopreservation of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill callus and subsequent plant regeneration

Cryopreservation has been proven significance as a technique for promising the long-term conservation of plant germplasms. This study aimed to establish a cryopreservation protocol for calli of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, and to explore the effects of different process parameters on callus viability. Effects of desiccation duration, cryoprotectants and cryopreservation methods, thawing temperature, and post-culture conditions on the viability of cryopreserved calli were assessed. Among different cryoprotectants and freezing procedures, the highest survival was recorded when the water content of callus after 30 min desiccation was 57.3%, were loaded into a cryoprotectant containing 10% ethylene glycol, 8% glucose, and 10% DMSO, and frozen slowly (-1°C/min). Rapid thawing at 40°C for 2 min demonstrated the best recovery of cryopreserved S. chinensis calli. Post-culturing in darkness for one week before transfer to light conditions (under 16 h photoperiod at 36 µmol·m^-2·s^-1) was beneficial to callus regeneration. Plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from cryopreserved calli remained ploidy stable after cryopreservation. The callus cryopreservation procedure established in this study is a promising tool for the conservation of S. chinensis resources.

Rare Variants in LAMA5 Gene associated with FLT4 and FOXC2 Mutations in Primary Lymphedema May Contribute to Severity

Mutations in the Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4) and forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) genes cause Milroy disease (MD) and lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (LDS), respectively, but the mechanism underlying disease pathology remains unclear. Applying whole-exome sequencing to two families with MD, one LDS family, and one sporadic LDS case, we identified four rare variants in the laminin subunit alpha-5 gene (LAMA5) in subjects carrying novel and known missense FLT4 mutations and a 7-bp duplication and 1-bp insertion in FOXC2. Phenotyping was expanded in some individuals using magnetic resonance lymphangiography, indiocyanine green fluorescence lymphography, and immunofluorescent lymphatic staining of skin tissue. Skin lymphatic staining showed the existence of dermal lymphatic vasculature in the MD case. Significant lymphatic dysfunction was observed in both MD and LDS patients. In the MD patient, tortuous lymphatics in the dorsum of the foot were slowly enhanced on indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography (ICG) imaging. Dilated lymph collectors with disruption and lymph leakage were observed in the familial LDS case on magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL). Numerous tortuous lymph collectors were visualized along the entire length of affected lower limbs on MRL imaging, and retrograde lymph flow was observed in the lymph collectors during ICG lymphography in the isolated LDS case. The finding of rare LAMA5 variants together with FLT4 and FOXC2 mutations suggests that these mutations may be co-responsible for these disorders and most likely interfere with the function of lymphatics. Further, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

The predictors of the severity of ischaemic colitis: a systematic review of 2823 patients from 22 studies

AIM

The study reviews the literature related to ischaemic colitis (IC) as the evidence base to identify factors predicting severity.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the predictors of the severity of IC. Severe IC or adverse outcome of IC was defined as a patient requiring surgery or who died. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to 15 January 2015. Manual searches of reference lists from potentially relevant papers and meetings were also performed.

RESULTS

In all, 22 studies involving 2823 patients were identified; 19 were case series, two were case-control studies and one was a cohort study. The overall adverse outcome rate was 22.0% (620/2823). The prognostic predictors for surgery or mortality which were most frequently reported included right sided IC, peritonitis, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg), male gender, tachycardia and lack of rectal bleeding. Thirteen studies relating to the right colon from which data could be extracted were further analysed. The right colon was involved in 277 cases, with an incidence of adverse outcomes of 48.4% (134/277), while in the non-right colonic involvement group the incidence was significantly lower at 12.1% (142/1175) (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of adverse outcome in patients with IC remains high. Male gender, tachycardia, lack of rectal bleeding, peritonitis, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg) and right sided IC are predictors of poor prognosis. Right-sided IC, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg) and signs of peritonitis may be the most significant predictors of severity.

Identification of QTLs for resistant starch and total alkaloid content in brown and polished rice

An F3 population consisting of 117 F2:3 families derived from a cross between two varieties of rice, Gongmi No. 3 and Diantun 502, with a large difference in their resistant starch and total alkaloid content, was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Two QTLs of resistant starch for rice (qRS7-1, qRS7-2) were identified in a linkage group on chromosome 7, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.6 to 17.3%, due to additive effects for resistant starch from Gongmi No. 3 or over-dominance effects for qRS7-2 of the marker interval (RM3404-RM478) on chromosome 7 from Gongmi No. 3, accounting for 13.8-17.3% of the phenotypic variance. Two QTLs of total alkaloids for brown rice (qALb7-1, qALb7-2) were identified in the same linkage group, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.7 and 19.3%, respectively, due to dominance or over-dominance effects for total alkaloids on chromosome 7 from Diantun 502. To our knowledge, these are the first QTLs to be identified, which are related to resistant starch and total alkaloid content in rice. These results are beneficial for understanding the genetic basis of, as well as for developing markers linked with, resistant starch and total alkaloids of functional components for marker-assisted selection breeding in rice.

Synthesis of Chitosan-Alginate Microcapsule Membranes

A polysaccharide, chitosan, was chemically modified to form a polyelectrolyte complex membrane with calcium alginate beads. A key factor in membrane for mation was found to be the viscosity average molecular weight (M v) of the chitosan. While unmodified chitosan (Mv = 12.1 x 105) formed thin and weak microcapsule membranes, when the Mv of the chitosan was reduced to 2.4 x 105, the polymer exhibited optimum membrane forming characteristics in terms of capsule strength and flexibility. The degree of deacetylation of chi tosan varied from 94.3% for the unmodified polymer to 93.2% for chitosan of Mv = 1.6 × 105. A substitution reaction sequence was developed in an attempt to modify the pendant amine of the practical grade polysaccharide. Reactive groups were coupled to the chitosan main chain following a two-step process; activation with a bromoacetyl halide and termination with a diamine [(NH2 (CH2)nNH2)] or methyl containing amine compound. Initial studies indicated that thin capsule membranes formed regardless of application of reaction se quence, distance of reactive groups from the main chain, or type of reactive group inserted. The permeability of the chitosan-alginate capsules was assessed, with various diffusing proteins. Membranes formed with chitosan Mv =0.5 × 106 excluded beta amylase, suggesting a membrane molecular weight cut-off of approximately 200,000.

Synchronous Tracking Control of Parallel Manipulators Using Cross-coupling Approach

This paper presents a cross-coupled control approach to the tracking control of parallel manipulators in a synchronous manner. Based on the synchronization goal, the position synchronization error is investigated by considering motion synchronization between each actuator joint and its adjacent ones. A decentralized trajectory tracking controller is then developed with feedback of both position and synchronization errors, formed with a combination of feedforward, feedback and a saturation control. It is proven that this tracking controller can asymptotically stabilize both position and synchronization errors of the system. The proposed controller does not require the explicit use of the system dynamic model. Experiments performed on a 3-DOF parallel manipulator demonstrate improved performance with the proposed synchronous control design.

Targets of Amphotericin B Methyl Ester (AME) in the Inhibition of Infection of Different Cell Lines by HIV-1

The effect of amphotericin B methyl ester (AME) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was examined in vitro in cultures of H9, Molt-3 and human peripheral blood lymphocytes acutely infected with HIV. AME inactivates HIV-1 at non-cytotoxic concentrations ranging from 10–100 μg ml−1, and protects pretreated target cells from the cytopathic effects of the virus. AME inhibits the cell to cell spread of virus, as shown by the blocking of syncytia formation in Molt-3 cells, and the reduction in the level of virus expression in cultured peripheral blood leukocytes from an AIDS patient. These results suggest AME may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of AIDS patients, and, because of its unique mode of action may act cooperatively with other AIDS chemotherapeutics.

Fruit and vegetables consumption and incident hypertension: dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

The role of dietary factors on chronic diseases seems essential in the potentially adverse or preventive effects. However, no evidence of dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies has verified the association between the intake of fruit and/or vegetables and the risk of developing hypertension. The PubMed and Embase were searched for prospective cohort studies. A generic inverse-variance method with random effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Generalized least squares trend estimation model was used to calculate the study-specific slopes for the dose-response analyses. Seven articles comprised nine cohorts involving 185 676 participants were assessed. The highest intake of fruit or vegetables separately, and total fruit and vegetables were inversely associated with the incident risk of hypertension compared with the lowest level, and the pooled RRs and 95% CIs were 0.87 (0.79, 0.95), 0.88 (0.79, 0.99) and 0.90 (0.84, 0.98), respectively. We also found an inverse dose-response relation between the risk of developing hypertension and fruit intake, and total fruit and vegetables consumption. The incident risk of hypertension was decreased by 1.9% for each serving per day of fruit consumption, and decreased by 1.2% for each serving per day of total fruit and vegetables consumption. Our results support the recommendation to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables with respect to preventing the risk of developing hypertension. However, further large prospective studies and long-term high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the observed association.

Structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III) molecules and their magnetic coupling with ferromagnetic surface: first-principles study

Using first-principles calculations, we have systematically investigated the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of facial (fac-) and meridional (mer-) tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III) (Feq3) molecules and their interaction with ferromagnetic substrate. Our calculation results show that for the isolated Feq3, mer-Feq3 is more stable than the fac-Feq3; both Feq3 isomers have a high spin-state of 5 μB as the ground state when an on-site Hubbard-U term is included to treat the highly localized Fe 3d electrons; while the standard DFT calculations produce a low spin-state of 1 μB for mer-Feq3. These magnetic behaviors can be understood by the octahedral ligand field splitting theory. Furthermore, we found that fac-Feq3 has a stronger bonding to the Co surface than mer-Feq3 and an anti-ferromagnetic coupling was discovered between Fe and Co substrate, originating from the superexchange coupling between Fe and Co mediated by the interface oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These findings suggest that Feq3 molecular films may serve as a promising spin-filter material in spintronic devices.

Mosquito salivary allergen Aed a 3: cloning, comprehensive molecular analysis, and clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are an increasing clinical concern. Due to the lack of availability of mosquito salivary allergens, they are underdiagnosed. Here, we reported a newly cloned mosquito Aedes (Ae.) aegypti salivary allergen.

METHODS

A cDNA encoding a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti salivary protein, designated Aed a 3, was isolated from an expression library. The full-length cDNA was cloned into a baculovirus expression vector, and recombinant Aed a 3 (rAed a 3) was expressed, purified, and characterized. Skin prick tests with purified rAed a 3 and Ae. aegypti bite tests were performed in 43 volunteers. Serum rAed a 3-specific IgE levels were measured in 28 volunteers.

RESULTS

The primary nucleotide sequence, deduced amino acid sequence, and IgE-binding sites of Aed a 3 were identified. rAed a 3-selected antibodies recognized a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti saliva protein. rAed a 3 bound IgE in mosquito-allergic volunteers and the binding could be inhibited by the addition of natural mosquito extract dose dependently. Immediate skin test reactions to rAed a 3 correlated significantly with mosquito bite-induced reactions. Of the bite test-positive volunteers, 32% had a positive rAed a 3 skin test and 46% had specific IgE. No bite test-negative volunteers reacted to rAed a 3 in either the skin tests or the IgE assays, confirming the specificity of the assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Aed a 3 that corresponds to the Aegyptin protein is a major mosquito salivary allergen. Its recombinant form has biological activity and is suitable for use in skin tests and specific IgE assays in mosquito-allergic individuals.

Prospects for flavonoid and related phytochemicals as nature-inspired treatments for Clostridium difficile infection

AIMS

There is a need for novel treatments for Clostridium difficile infection(CDI). Antibacterial flavonoids are part of a large family of polyphenol phytochemicals with a long history of use in ethnomedicine, but are unexamined against Cl. difficile. We explored their anti-difficile properties.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Anti-difficile activities were determined for several naturally occurring flavonoids, olympicin A and synthetic 4-chromanone and chalcone analogues. With the exception of olympicin A, most naturally occurring phytochemicals tested were poorly active. Diversified synthetic flavonoids resembling olympicin A retained anti-difficile activity, suggesting olympicin A could act as a pharmacophore to obtain novel agents. They also demonstrated concentration-dependent killing of logarithmic and stationary phase cultures and reduced sporulation and toxin production. Olympicin A and some synthetic flavonoids dissipated the bacterial transmembrane potential. Interestingly, mutants could only be selected with the analogue 207 at a frequency of 10(-9).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the potent anti-difficile properties of olympicin A and modified flavonoids, further exploration of this class of phytochemicals is warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Clostridium difficile infection is a major problem in developed countries. These studies point to there being an avenue for optimizing plant-derived flavonoids, and related antibacterial phytochemicals, as nature-inspired approaches to treat CDI.

A post-GWAS confirming the SCD gene associated with milk medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in Chinese Holstein population

The stearoyl-CoA desaturase (delta-9-desaturase) gene encodes a key enzyme in the cellular biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. In our initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Chinese Holstein cows, 19 SNPs fell in a 1.8-Mb region (20.3-22.1 Mb) on chromosome 26 underlying the SCD gene and were highly significantly associated with C14:1 or C14 index. The aims of this study were to verify whether the SCD gene has significant genetic effects on milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle. By resequencing the entire coding region of the bovine SCD gene, a total of six variations were identified, including three coding variations (g.10153G>A, g.10213T>C and g.10329C>T) and three intronic variations (g.6926A>G, g.8646G>A and g.16158G>C). The SNP in exon 3, g.10329C>T, was predicted to result in an amino acid replacement from alanine (GCG) to valine (GTG) in the SCD protein. An association study for 16 milk fatty acids using 346 Chinese Holstein cows with accurate phenotypes and genotypes was performed using the mixed animal model with the proc mixed procedure in sas 9.2. All six detected SNPs were revealed to be associated with six medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0457 to P < 0.0001), specifically for C14:1 and C14 index (P = 0.0005 to P < 0.0001). Subsequently, strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.88-1.00) was observed among all six SNPs in SCD and the five SNPs (rs41623887, rs109923480, rs42090224, rs42092174 and rs42091426) within the 1.8-Mb region identified in our previous GWAS, indicating that the significant association of the SCD gene with milk fatty acid content traits reduced the observed significant 1.8-Mb chromosome region in GWAS. Haplotype-based analysis revealed significant associations of the haplotypes encompassing the six SCD SNPs and one SNP (rs109923480) in a GWAS with C14:1, C14 index, C16:1 and C16 index (P = 0.0011 to P < 0.0001). In summary, our findings provide replicate evidence for our previous GWAS and demonstrate that variants in the SCD gene are significantly associated with milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle, which provides clear evidence for an increased understanding of milk fatty acid synthesis and enhances opportunities to improve milk-fat composition in dairy cattle.

Vascular risk factors aggravate cognitive impairment in first-ever young ischaemic stroke patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Young ischaemic stroke patients often suffer from cognitive impairment after stroke. However, the risk factors of cognitive impairment are still unclear. This study examined the impact of vascular risk factors (VRFs) on cognitive impairment in first-ever young ischaemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Subjects were divided into low (0-1 VRF, n = 27), medium (2-3 VRFs, n = 45) and high-risk (≥4 VRFs, n = 12) groups according to their number of VRFs. The following VRFs were collected: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, atrial fibrillation, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia. A battery of cognitive assessments was executed 2 weeks after stroke. Differences of cognitive performances between groups were compared. The correlation between VRFs and cognitive function was investigated with an emphasis on discovering the main VRFs.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were enrolled in this study eventually. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group had significantly worse performance in most of the cognitive domains. VRFs had a correlation with general cognition, executive function, attention and verbal fluency. After adjusting the covariates, VRFs showed a linear correlation with global cognitive function (R = 0.640, P = 0.000), verbal fluency (R = 0.372, P = 0.000), delayed memory (R = 0.327, P = 0.002), visual attention (R = 0.290, P = 0.007) and executive function (R = 0.266, P = 0.015). Amongst all the VRFs, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia were the main influencing VRFs.

CONCLUSION

Vascular risk factors aggravate cognitive impairment after young ischaemic stroke. Effective management of VRFs in young adults is urgent and this may reduce the cognitive impairment.