Transforming growth factor-alpha short-circuits downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand which is distinguished from EGF by its acid-labile structure and potent transforming function. We recently reported that TGFalpha induces less efficient EGFR heterodimerization and downregulation than does EGF (Gulliford et al., 1997, Oncogene, 15:2219-2223). Here we use isoform-specific EGFR and ErbB2 antibodies to show that the duration of EGFR signalling induced by a single TGFalpha exposure is less than that induced by equimolar EGF. The protein trafficking inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA) reduces the duration of EGF signalling to an extent similar to that seen with TGFalpha alone; the effects of TGFalpha and BFA on EGFR degradation are opposite, however, with TGFalpha sparing EGFR from downregulation but BFA accelerating EGF-dependent receptor loss. This suggests that BFA blocks EGFR recycling and thus shortens EGF-dependent receptor signalling, whereas TGFalpha shortens receptor signalling and thus blocks EGFR downregulation. Consistent with this, repeated application of TGFalpha is accompanied by prolonged EGFR expression and signalling, whereas similar application of EGF causes receptor downregulation and signal termination. These findings indicate that constitutive secretion of pH-labile TGFalpha may perpetuate EGFR signalling by permitting early oligomer dissociation and dephosphorylation within acidic endosomes, thereby extinguishing a phosphotyrosine-based downregulation signal and creating an irreversible autocrine growth loop.

MicroRNA-143 inhibits cell growth by targeting ERK5 and MAP3K7 in breast cancer

This study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of microRNA-143 (miR-143) in the occurrence and development of breast cancer (BC). A total of 30 BC tissues, 30 corresponding noncancerous tissues, and 10 normal control (NC) breast tissues were obtained to detect the levels of miR-143, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase 7 (MAP3K7) using RT-qPCR, western blotting or immunohistochemistry. The correlation of miR-143 with ERK5 or MAP3K7 was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. MCF-7 cells were transiently transfected with miR-143 mimic, miR-143 inhibitor, miR-143 mimic/inhibitor + si-ERK5, si-MAP3K7 or si-cyclin D1. Then, cell growth was evaluated by MTT assay and the expressions of phospho-ERK5 (p-ERK5), ERK5, p-MAP3K7, MAP3K7 and cyclin D1 were detected by western blotting. Results showed that, compared with noncancerous tissues or NC breast tissues, miR-143 level was decreased, while p-ERK5, ERK5, p-MAP3K7 and MAP3K7 expressions were increased in BC tissues (all P<0.01). The miR-143 level was negatively correlated with the mRNA level of ERK5 or MAP3K7 (r=-4.231 or r=-4.280, P<0.01). In addition, up-regulated miR-143 significantly decreased the expressions of p-ERK5, ERK5, p-MAP3K7, MAP3K7 and cyclin D1 (all P<0.01), as well as cell viability in MCF-7 cells (all P<0.05) while the effect of down-regulated miR-143 was the opposite. In conclusion, both ERK5 and MAP3K7 may be the target genes of miR-143. Increased expression of miR-143 can inhibit cell growth, which may be associated with ERK5 and MAP3K7 expressions in BC.

The Electronic Spectrum of Gaseous CoO in the Visible Region

Laser excitation spectra of gaseous CoO have been recorded using Doppler-limited intracavity spectroscopy and supersonic jet-cooled molecular beam methods. As seen in the molecular beam spectra there are nearly 100 bands arising from the X4Delta7/2 spin component of the ground state in the wavelength region 430-720 nm. All of them are very strongly red-degraded and most of them are perturbed. 59Co hyperfine broadenings or splittings have been observed in many. The bands can be arranged into five electronic transitions, together with a considerable number of "extra" bands induced by perturbations; two of the excited electronic states are 4Phi, while the other three, which lie within 1700 cm-1, are 4Delta. Semi-empirical calculations have been carried out for the 4Delta excited states, using exchange integrals transferred from the TiO and VO spectra; the predicted energies, spin-orbit structures, and relative intensities in absorption are consistent with the assignment of all three 4Delta states to the same electron configuration, (4ssigma)1(3ddelta)3(3dpi)2(3dsigma)1. It seems that there are extensive interactions between the excited 4Delta states, because only one of them gives rise to a recognizable, though irregular, long vibrational progression in absorption. The other two progressions die out abruptly and unexpectedly after three or four members, presumably as a result of interference effects; however, wavelength-resolved fluorescence studies, together with calculations of the Franck-Condon overlap integrals to the various vibrational levels of the ground state, show that the upper state progressions reappear following a region of confused absorption. All of the excited states show highly irregular variations of their vibrational intervals and rotational constants with the vibrational quantum number, v. The wavelength-resolved fluorescence spectra give evidence for new low-lying electronic states of CoO at 3038, 5989, and 9105 cm-1; based on its vibrational frequency the 3038 cm-1 state is possibly the sigmadelta4pi2 B4Sigma- state. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press

Lactic acid bacteria differentially regulate filamentation in two heritable cell types of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans

Microorganisms rarely exist as single species in natural environments. The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are common members of the microbiota of several human niches such as the mouth, gut and vagina. Lactic acid bacteria are known to suppress filamentation, a key virulence feature of C. albicans, through the production of lactic acid and other metabolites. Here we report that C. albicans cells switch between two heritable cell types, white and opaque, to undergo filamentation to adapt to diversified environments. We show that acidic pH conditions caused by LAB and low temperatures support opaque cell filamentation, while neutral pH conditions and high temperatures promote white cell filamentation. The cAMP signalling pathway and the Rfg1 transcription factor play major roles in regulating the responses to these conditions. This cell type-specific response of C. albicans to different environmental conditions reflects its elaborate regulatory control of phenotypic plasticity.

Effect of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

A prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

Patients (n = 10) with advanced Parkinson's disease were surgically implanted with microelectrodes to facilitate STN-DBS. Evaluations of FOG, motor function, activities of daily living and neuropsychological function were carried out in on-medication and off-medication states (with and without levodopa treatment), before surgery and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

STN-DBS was associated with significant improvement in FOG score and neuropsychological function at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively, compared with preoperatively. Significant postoperative improvements were also observed in motor function and activities of daily living. Daily levodopa dosage was significantly lower at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

STN-DBS improved FOG in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The significant reduction in levodopa dosage and improvement in neuropsychological function may be the reason for the therapeutic effect seen with STN-DBS.

Islet autoantibodies are associated with HLA-DQ genotypes in Han Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes and their relatives

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between islet autoantibodies of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), islet antigen-2A (IA-2A), insulin autoantibody (IAA), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ genotypes in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients and their first-degree relatives (FDRs). Cross-sectional and case-control study. Four hundred and ninety-five T1D patients, 419 FDRs, and 376 control subjects in Han Chinese populations were recruited and tested for GADA and IA-2A, while 71 cases, all FDRs and 300 controls were tested for IAA. The 338 T1D patients (including 187 antibody-positive and 151 antibody-negative patients), 173 FDRs and 278 controls were genotyped for HLA-DQ with polymerase chain reaction sequencing-based method. Compared with the control, the frequency of DQA1*03-DQB1*0303, DQA1*05-DQB1*0201, and DQA1*03-DQB1*0401 haplotypes was higher (P < 0.05-0.01) but DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 haplotype was lower (P < 0.01) in T1D patients. DQA1*03 allele was less in the FDRs than in their probands (P < 0.05). GADA was more prevalent in T1D patients carrying DQA1*05-DQB1*0201 or DQA1*03-DQB1*0401 haplotype (55.8% vs 41.0%, 65.5% vs 40.3%, P < 0.05-0.01), whereas IA-2A presented more in the patients carrying DQA1*03-DQB1*0303 haplotype (27.0% vs 7.9%, P < 0.05-0.01), both GADA and IA-2A showed frequently in the patients with DQA1*03-DQB1*0303/DQA1*05-DQB1*0201 haplotypes (34.5% vs 9.7%, P < 0.01). GADA positivity was lower in the patients with DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 haplotype (16.7% vs 45.9%, P < 0.05). The frequency of IAA was not different between patients with and without susceptible DQ haplotypes (P > 0.05). GADA, IA-2A or IAA presented frequently in FDRs with DQA1*03-DQB1*0303 haplotype. The findings in the study indicate that some of specific HLA-DQA1/-DQB1 genotypes and haplotypes not only confer susceptibility to T1D but also are associated with the presence of the islet autoantibodies in the Han Chinese population.

Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Impairment and Inflammation in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the combined action of folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive performance and inflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN

This was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (n=120) diagnosed clinically as probable AD and in stable condition from Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

MEASUREMENTS

Individuals were randomly divided into the intervention group (n=60, folic acid 1.2 mg/d + vitamin B12 50 μg/d) and the placebo group (n=60). Cognitive performance, blood folate, vitamin B12, one carbon cycle metabolite, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured at baseline and after 6 months. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

A total of 101 participants (51 in the intervention group and 50 in the placebo group) completed the trial. Folic acid plus vitamin B12 supplementation had a beneficial effect on the MoCA total scores (P=0.029), naming scores (P=0.013), orientation scores (P=0.004), and ADAS-Cog domain score of attention (P=0.008), as compared to those of the control subjects. Moreover, supplementation significantly increased plasma SAM (P<0.001) and SAM/SAH (P<0.001), and significantly decreased the levels of serum Hcy (P<0.001), plasma SAH (P<0.001), and serum TNFα (P<0.001) compared to in the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation showed a positive therapeutic effect in AD patients who were not on a folic acid-fortified diet. The findings of this study help to delineate nutrient intervention as far as public health management for the prevention of dementia is concerned.

STAT3 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to non-small cell lung cancer

Signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) has been implicated in cancer development and is recognized as a type of oncogene. However, association studies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the STAT3 gene with cancer risk are rare and not available for lung cancer. We examined whether STAT3 polymorphisms are associated with the risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eight SNPs in the STAT3 gene were genotyped by TaqMan assays in 326 NSCLC cases and 432 controls in a Chinese population. Significant decreased risk of NSCLC was observed for carriers of minor alleles rs4796793 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51-0.92), rs7211777 (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.50-0.90), rs12949918 (OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.54-0.97), rs744166 (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.51-0.92), rs9912773 (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.55-0.98), and rs3869550 (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.53-0.94). The GGCGGC haplotype, comprised of minor alleles of the six NSCLC-associated SNPs, had a 0.78-fold (95%CI = 0.62-0.97) significantly decreased risk of NSCLC, as compared to the most common haplotype of CATACT. Stratification analyses by clinical stage showed that the trend for the association between STAT3 polymorphisms and NSCLC risk was present both for stage I/II and stage III/IV, and appeared moderately stronger for stage III/IV. We conclude that polymorphisms in the STAT3 gene may have a protective role in the development of NSCLC, particular of stage III/IV NSCLC.

Analysis of the electrostatics in DyIII single-molecule magnets: the case study of Dy(Murex)3

A Dy^III-based single-molecule magnet is reported. Ab initio calculations highlight that molecular symmetry plays a predominant role over site symmetry in determining the shape and orientation of Dy^III magnetic anisotropy.

Congou tea drinking and oesophageal cancer in South China

The study from a large hospital-based case-control for 1248 cases with oesophageal cancer and the same number of controls in South China showed that Congou, a grade of Chinese black tea, may protect against cancers of the oesophagus and reduce the risk of a combination of alcohol drinking and smoking (especially smoking), regardless of temperature when drinking.

White cells facilitate opposite- and same-sex mating of opaque cells in Candida albicans

Modes of sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms are extremely diverse. The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans undergoes a phenotypic switch from the white to the opaque phase in order to become mating-competent. In this study, we report that functionally- and morphologically-differentiated white and opaque cells show a coordinated behavior during mating. Although white cells are mating-incompetent, they can produce sexual pheromones when treated with pheromones of the opposite mating type or by physically interacting with opaque cells of the opposite mating type. In a co-culture system, pheromones released by white cells induce opaque cells to form mating projections, and facilitate both opposite- and same-sex mating of opaque cells. Deletion of genes encoding the pheromone precursor proteins and inactivation of the pheromone response signaling pathway (Ste2-MAPK-Cph1) impair the promoting role of white cells (MTLa) in the sexual mating of opaque cells. White and opaque cells communicate via a paracrine pheromone signaling system, creating an environment conducive to sexual mating. This coordination between the two different cell types may be a trade-off strategy between sexual and asexual lifestyles in C. albicans.

In eukaryotic organisms, cells often undergo differentiation into distinct cell types in order to fulfill specialized roles. To achieve a certain function, different cell types may behave coordinately to complete a task that they may otherwise be incapable of completing independently. The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can exist as two functionally and morphologically distinct cell types: white and opaque. The white cell type is thought to be the default state and may be the majority cell population in nature. However, only the minority opaque cells are mating-competent. In this study, we report that white and opaque cells show a coordinated behavior in the process of mating. When in the presence of opaque cells with an opposite mating type, white cells release sexual pheromones, and thus create an environment conducive for both opposite- and same-sex mating of opaque cells. The two cell types communicate via a paracrine pheromone signaling system. We propose that this communal coordination between white and opaque cells may not only support the fungus to be a successful commensal and pathogen in the host, but may also increase the fitness of the fungus during evolution over time.

Reduced-intensity allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation induces durable responses in patients with chronic B-lymphoproliferative disorders

Thirty-six patients with chronic B-lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPD) underwent reduced-intensity allogeneic transplantation (RIT) from HLA-identical related donors. Diagnoses included follicular (n=17), mantle cell (n=9) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (n=2), and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (n=8). Median age at transplant was 51 years (range, 30-66) and time from diagnosis was 3.4 years (range, 0.3-9.5). At transplant, 28% were in CR, 36% were in PR and 36% were chemorefractory. Conditioning therapy included fludarabine and either cyclophosphamide (n=27) or melphalan (n=9). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporin (CsA)/methotrexate (n=21), CsA/mycophenolate mofetil (n=13) or CsA alone (n=2). Eight patients died owing to acute GVHD (n=3), infection in association with chronic GVHD (n=4) and intra-abdominal bleeding (n=1). Treatment-related mortality was 8% at day 100, and 17 and 20% at one and two years, respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 58%, whereas limited and extensive chronic GVHD occurred in 25 and 56%, respectively. No patient has relapsed or progressed. At a median follow-up of 48 months, overall survival probability is 80% (95% CI, 67-93%). We confirm that RIT in chronic B-LPD can result in high and durable CR rates but with significant incidences of acute and chronic GVHD.

Expression and localization of inhibin/activin subunits and activin receptors in the normal rat prostate

Activin, a member of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), plays an important role during embryonic development, and defects of this growth factor results in degenerative disorders as demonstrated by gene knock out studies. TGF beta has been shown to have dual effects on the regulation of growth of prostate cancer cells. Recently, we have reported that activin was localized and messenger RNAs encoding activin and its receptors were expressed in human prostate cancer cells. To determine whether normal prostate cells produce inhibin and/or activin, immunohistochemistry was conducted on rat prostate glands using specific antibodies for inhibin and activin. The inhibin and activin were present in the cytoplasm and nuclei of epithelial cells whereas stromal cells were not stained. The expression of mRNA for the inhibin/activin subunits was determined using both in situ hybridization and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. In addition, the identity of the cDNA product of RT-PCR was verified with DNA sequencing. These findings suggest that inhibin is only produced and mRNA encoding the alpha-subunit for inhibin is only expressed in the normal rat prostate but activin and its receptors are produced and expressed in both normal rat prostate as well as human prostate cancer cells.

Obesity, osteoarthritis and genetic risk: The rs182052 polymorphism in the ADIPOQ gene is potentially associated with risk of knee osteoarthritis

Objectives

Given the function of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) on the inflammatory condition of obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), we hypothesized that the ADIPOQ gene might be a candidate gene for a marker of susceptibility to OA.

Methods

We systematically screened three tagging polymorphisms (rs182052, rs2082940 and rs6773957) in the ADIPOQ gene, and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study that included 196 OA patients and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform.

Results

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs182052 was found to be potentially associated with knee OA risk (additive model: odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.76; p = 0.012). Furthermore, a non-significant association was observed for rs182052 and body mass index with regard to OA risk in interaction analyses (p = 0.063). Similarly, no significant interaction was detected for rs182052 and age with regard to OA risk (p = 0.614).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the SNP rs182052 in the ADIPOQ gene may potentially modify individual susceptibility to knee OA in the Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to investigate our findings in more depth.

Cite this article: L. Jiang, X. Zhu, J. Rong, B. Xing, S. Wang, A. Liu, M. Chu, G. Huang. Obesity, osteoarthritis and genetic risk: The rs182052 polymorphism in the ADIPOQ gene is potentially associated with risk of knee osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:494–500. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.77.BJR-2017-0274.R1.

Genomic epidemiology of Candida auris in a general hospital in Shenyang, China: a three-year surveillance study

Candida auris is an emerging pathogenic fungal species found worldwide. Since April 2016, C. auris colonization/infection cases have been found in a general hospital in Shenyang, China. The genome-based phylogenetic studies of these isolates remain undefined. In the current study, the microbiological characteristics and antifungal susceptibility of these C. auris isolates, which were collected in Shenyang during the three-year period (2016–2018), were investigated. Whole-genome sequencing was applied to investigate the genetic variation and molecular epidemiological characteristics. A total of 93 C. auris isolates, including 92 clinical isolates and 1 environmental screening isolate were identified. Among the investigated wards, the C. auris cases were the most prevalent (97.4%, 37/38) in four intensive care units (ICUs). The Shenyang isolates carrying the VF125AL mutation in the key drug-resistance gene ERG11 were mainly fluconazole resistant and formed a distinct subclade under the South African clade according to the phylogenetic and population structural analyses. In addition, the Shenyang subclade was found to be closely related to the British subclade in the aspect of genetic distance. As a conclusion, this study provides an important clue for revealing the origin of C. auris found in Shenyang and could also contribute to improve the understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of C. auris worldwide.

Which is more invasive-mini versus standard incisions in total hip arthroplasty?

In this study, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and haemoglobin levels were evaluated to compare the degree of surgical invasion between mini and standard incisions in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Sixty-two patients admitted for primary cementless THA were enrolled in this randomised study. The patients were allocated to have surgery through either a mini incision of <10 cm or a standard incision of 15 cm. In each group, inflammatory responses were evaluated by IL-6, CRP, and haemoglobin levels before operation and one day after operation. Significant differences were not found in IL-6, CRP, and haemoglobin levels between both groups. At six months after surgery, there were no significant differences in postoperative Harris hip scores or radiographic evaluations between both groups. In conclusion, a 5.0 cm difference in the skin incision to the hip joint seemed to have no influence on the degree of surgical invasion during THA.

Albicidin antibiotic and phytotoxin biosynthesis in Xanthomonas albilineans requires a phosphopantetheinyl transferase gene

Xanthomonas albilineans produces a family of highly potent antibiotics and phytotoxins called albicidins, which are key pathogenesis factors in the systemic development of leaf scald disease of sugarcane. A gene (xabA) required for albicidin biosynthesis encodes a peptide of 278 amino acids, including the signature sequence motifs for phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases) that activate polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases. The Escherichia coli entD gene, which encodes a PPTase involved in biosynthesis of enterobactin (a siderophore), restored biosynthesis of albicidin (a DNA replication inhibitor) in X. albilineans Tox- LS156 (xabA::Tn5). We conclude that XabA is a PPTase required for post-translational activation of synthetases in the albicidin biosynthetic pathway. This is the first antibiotic or toxin biosynthesis gene characterized from the genus Xanthomonas, and the first demonstration that antibiotic synthetases in the Pseudomonadaceae, like those in the Enterobacteriaceae and in Gram-positive bacteria, can require activation by a PPTase. Coupled with the recent demonstration of a separate albicidin biosynthetic gene cluster, the results indicate the possibility for overproduction of albicidins,which allows better understanding and application of these potent inhibitors of prokaryote DNA replication.

From Type 1, through LADA, to type 2 diabetes: a continuous spectrum?

This study aims to explore whether diabetes mellitus from T1DM, through LADA, to T2DM presents a continuous spectrum in terms of HLA-DQ genetic background. We recruited 223 patients with autoimmune T1DM, 215 with LADA, 206 with T2DM, and 228 nondiabetic controls, and then defined their HLA-DQA1 and -DQB1 genotypes and haplotypes. T1DM patients were divided into two groups depending on age of onset of disease: juvenile-onset (JO; before the age of 20) and adult-onset (AO; after the age of 20). LADA patients were sorted according to the GADA titer: the LADA1 group had titers higher than 175 U/mL, whereas the LADA2 group had lower titers. The susceptible haplotypes of T1DM were DQA1*03-DQB1*0303, DQA1*03-DQB1*0401, and DQA1*05-DQB1*0201. The protective haplotype was DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602. The frequency of DQA1*03-DQB1*0303 in JO, AO, LADA1, LADA2, T2DM, and control groups were 38.2%, 34.2%, 25.3%, 18.9%, 17.5%, and 16.5%, respectively. The frequencies of DQA1*05-DQB1*0201 were 21.2%, 15.0%, 12.7%, 4.6%, 3.6% and 3.3%; the frequencies of DQA1*03-DQB1*0401 were 11.3%, 9.4%, 11.3%, 5.4%, 4.4% and 3.3%; and the frequencies of DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 were 1.4%, 1.7%, 0.7%, 4.6%, 7.0%, and 5.3%. The linear-by-linear association showed that the frequency of DQA1*03-DQB1*0303, DQA1*05-DQB1*0201, and DQA1*03-DQB1*0401 presented a decremental tendency in JO, AO, LADA1, LADA2, T2DM, and control groups. The preliminary data demonstrated that the susceptible haplotypes of the HLA-DQ gene present a continuous spectrum from typical T1DM, through LADA, to T2DM, which deserves further investigation.

Disruption of neuronal migration in the neocortex of the dreher mutant mouse

To analyze developmental abnormalities related to neuronal migration in the dreher mutant mouse, the neocortical cytoarchitecture of dreher and control mice were examined in Nissl-stained serial sections by light microscopy. In general, the dreher neocortex has six layers which are similar in size and thickness to those observed in normal mouse neocortex. However, in dreher neocortex, three types of abnormalities were found: (1) an increase in the number of diffusely distributed neurons in layer I, (2) small, ectopic collections of neurons in layer I, and (3) isolated disturbances of local cytoarchitecture characterized by neuron-free space distributed in areas between layer II to IV. The occurrence of small, punctate deficits in the dreher neocortex may be secondary to disruptions of the radial glial fiber system and neuronal migration. The fact that cytoarchitectonic abnormalities of several types were found in the dreher neocortex may be useful in analyzing the relationship between radial glial fibers and migrating young neurons, the synaptic connections which are formed by ectopically situated neurons, and the mechanism of formation of sporadically distributed neocortical abnormalities.

Effects of curcumin plus Soy oligosaccharides on intestinal flora of rats with ulcerative colitis

To explore the therapeutic effect of curcumin (Cur) and soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS) on ulcerative colitis (UC) through testing the intestinal flora and ulcerative colitis (UC). 80 male SD rats were selected divided into four groups with 20 rats in each group: normal group, sulfasalazine (SASP) group, model group and group of curcumin plus soy oligosaccharide. All animals were treated for 4 weeks. In the fifth week rats were decapitated. Macroscopic damage scores of colonic mucosa were calculated. A 4mL blood sample was taken to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) by the double antibody sandwich ABC-ELISA method (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Colonic tissues with the most obvious lesions were obtained using a surgical scissor. A routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to stain pathological specimens and images of staining results were obtained. Histological injury scores of colonic mucosa were calculated. Ulcerative colitis model rats had the highest macroscopic damage scores and histological injury scores of colonic mucosa. After treatment the contents of TNF-α and IL-8 decreased significantly in the group of curcumin plus soy oligosaccharide compared with the model group with statistical significance (P <0.01) while the contents were close to those in the SASP group. There was no statistical significance (P> 0.05). The treatment could decrease TNF-α and IL- 8 expression and reduce colonic mucosa inflammation and tissue damage.