Systematic analysis of copy-number variations associated with early pregnancy loss

OBJECTIVES

Embryonic numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of early pregnancy loss. However, the role of submicroscopic copy-number variations (CNVs) in early pregnancy loss is unclear, and little is known about the critical regions and candidate genes for miscarriage, because of the large size of structural chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify potential miscarriage-associated submicroscopic CNVs and critical regions of large CNVs as well as candidate genes for miscarriage.

METHODS

Over a 5-year period, 5180 fresh miscarriage specimens were investigated using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction/CNV sequencing or chromosomal microarray analysis. Statistically significant submicroscopic CNVs were identified by comparing the frequency of recurrent submicroscopic CNVs between cases and a published control cohort. Furthermore, genes within critical regions of miscarriage-associated CNVs were prioritized by integrating the Residual Variation Intolerance Score and the human gene expression dataset for identification of potential miscarriage candidate genes.

RESULTS

Results without significant maternal-cell contamination were obtained in 5003 of the 5180 (96.6%) cases. Clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 59.1% (2955/5003) of these cases. Three recurrent submicroscopic CNVs (microdeletions in 22q11.21, 2q37.3 and 9p24.3p24.2) were significantly more frequent in miscarriage cases, and were considered to be associated with miscarriage. Moreover, 44 critical regions of large CNVs were observed, including 14 deletions and 30 duplications. There were 309 genes identified as potential miscarriage candidate genes through gene-prioritization analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified potential miscarriage candidate CNVs and genes. These data demonstrate the importance of CNVs in the etiology of miscarriage and highlight the importance of ongoing analysis of CNVs in the study of miscarriage. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The ability of arsenic metabolism affected the expression of lncRNA PANDAR, DNA damage, or DNA methylation in peripheral blood lymphocytes of laborers

Arsenic has been associated with significant effects on human health. Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with the changes in gene expression. Promoter of CDKN1A antisense DNA damage activated RNA (PANDAR) expression is induced by p53 protein and DNA damage response. Here, we investigated whether the ability of arsenic metabolism in individuals affected the expression of PANDAR, DNA damage, and DNA methylation. Levels of gene expression and DNA damage were examined by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and DNA methylation was measured by the methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting curve. In our study, we demonstrated that arsenic exposure increased PANDAR expression and DNA damage among arsenic smelting plant laborers. The PANDAR expression and DNA damage were positively linked to monomethylarsonic acid % ( R = 0.25, p < 0.05 and R = 0.32, p < 0.01) and negatively linked to dimethylarsinic acid % ( R = −0.21, p < 0.05 and R = −0.31, p < 0.01). Subjects with low primary methylation index had increased levels of DNA damage (51.62 ± 2.96 vs. 60.93 ± 3.10, p < 0.05) and methylation (17.14 (15.88–18.51) vs. 15.83 (14.82–18.00), p < 0.05). Subjects with low secondary methylation index had increased levels of PANDAR expression (4.88 ± 0.29 vs. 4.07 ± 0.23, p < 0.01) and DNA damage (17.38 (15.88–19.29) vs. 15.83 (14.82–17.26), p < 0.01). DNA methylation of PANDAR gene was linked to the regulation of its expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes among laborers ( Y = −2.08 × X + 5.64, p < 0.05). These findings suggested arsenic metabolism ability and exposure affected the expression of PANDAR, DNA damage, and DNA methylation.

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQOL) score: development and validation of a measure for clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition that can have a large negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A reliable and validated measure of HS-specific HRQOL in clinical studies is needed.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality Of Life (HiSQOL©) scale, for clinical trial measurement of HS-specific HRQOL.

METHODS

In stage 1, qualitative concept elicitation interviews were conducted with patients with HS in Denmark (n = 21) and the U.S.A. (n = 21). In stage 2, cognitive debriefing interviews were performed with U.S. (n = 30) and Danish patients with HS (n = 30). In stage 3 an observational study of 222 patients with HS in the U.S.A. was conducted for item reduction, measure validation and assessment of psychometric properties. In stage 4, an observational study of 215 patients with HS in Denmark was conducted to confirm the psychometric structure derived in stage 3. In both studies the Dermatology Life Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and numerical rating scale for pain were also included.

RESULTS

In concept elicitation, 99 items were generated, which were reduced to 41 after removing duplicates. In cognitive debriefing, two items were added and one item removed. A 42-item instrument was psychometrically assessed. Based on psychometric analyses and patient input, the instrument was reduced to 17 items that had strong psychometric properties in both the U.S. and Danish samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The HiSQOL is a reliable and valid instrument to measure HS-specific HRQOL in clinical trials.

MicroRNA-203 inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells via targeting LASP1

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of microRNA-203 in laryngeal cancer and its underlying mechanism in regulating cell invasion and apoptosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MicroRNA-203 expression in laryngeal cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues was detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effects of microRNA-203 on the invasion and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells were detected by transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to access the binding condition of microRNA-203 and LASP1. Both mRNA and protein levels of LASP1 in laryngeal cancer cells were detected after transfection with microRNA-203 mimic or microRNA-203 inhibitor by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Rescue experiments were finally performed to detect whether microRNA-203 regulates laryngeal cancer development via targeting LASP1.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-203 was lowly expressed in laryngeal cancer tissues and cell lines. MicroRNA-203 knockdown in Hep-2 cells can promote the invasion and inhibit the apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells. Subsequently, LASP1 was predicted to be the target gene of microRNA-203, which was further verified by the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. LASP1 expression was negatively regulated by microRNA-203. Furthermore, rescue experiments showed that the regulatory effects of microRNA-203 on the invasion and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells were reversed by LASP1.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that lowly expressed microRNA-203 could promote the invasion and inhibit apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells via inhibiting LASP1.

Modification of Enrichment Protocols for TECRA Listeria Visual Immunoassay Method 995.22: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted to validate new enrichment methods for the TECRA Listeria Visual Immunoassay (TLVIA). These new methods incorporate a newly formulated medium, TECRA Listeria Enrichment Broth, which does not contain the highly toxic antifungal agent, cycloheximide. The new procedures will provide an alternative to the enrichment procedures described in AOAC Method 995.22. Three food types (raw ground beef, lettuce, and ice cream) were analyzed in the United States, and 2 food types (cooked turkey and cooked fish fillets) were analyzed in Australasia. Thirty collaborators participated in the study, 16 in Australasia and 14 in the United States. With the exception of one batch of ground beef, comparison of the proportion of positive test portions (p ≥ 0.05) showed no significant difference between the TLVIA and the reference method for the 5 foods at 3 inoculation levels. For the one batch of naturally contaminated raw ground beef, the TLVIA gave significantly more confirmed positive results than the reference method.

Research on associations between variants and haplotypes of Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) gene with growth traits in three cattle breeds

Aquaporin 9 plays critical roles in aspects of energy homeostasis, metabolism, gluconeogenesis, fat synthesis and even the individual growth and development. So the Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) gene is a potential candidate gene for bovine growth traits. In this study, we detected the polymorphism of the bovine AQP9 gene including all exons by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods with six pairs of PCR primers in 555 individuals from three cattle breeds. Three novel SNPs (NC_007308:g.47575 C > T, 47615 C > T, 47690A > G) were detected using P6 primer. The linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the three SNPs were completely linked (r² = 1), which constructed three genotypes (AA, AB, BB). The genotype AB was dominant in all three breeds. The frequencies of haplotype A and haplotype B were almost equivalent between each other. The individuals with genotype AB were significantly higher than those individuals with genotype BB in body weight (p < 0.01), chest circumference (p < 0.05) and rump length (p < 0.05). Moreover, individuals with genotype AA were significantly higher than those of individuals with genotype BB in body height (p < 0.01). These results suggested that the novel SNPs could be a perfect molecular marker for marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding.

Recommendations for rosacea diagnosis, classification and management: update from the global ROSacea COnsensus 2019 panel

Background

A transition from a subtyping to a phenotyping approach in rosacea is underway, allowing individual patient management according to presenting features instead of categorization by predefined subtypes. The ROSacea COnsensus (ROSCO) 2017 recommendations further support this transition and align with guidance from other working groups.

Objectives

To update and extend previous global ROSCO recommendations in line with the latest research and continue supporting uptake of the phenotype approach in rosacea through clinical tool development.

Methods

Nineteen dermatologists and two ophthalmologists used a modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on statements pertaining to critical aspects of rosacea diagnosis, classification and management. Voting was electronic and blinded.

Results

Delphi statements on which the panel achieved consensus of ≥ 75% voting ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ are presented. The panel recommends discussing disease burden with patients during consultations, using four questions to assist conversations. The primary treatment objective should be achievement of complete clearance, owing to previously established clinical benefits for patients. Cutaneous and ocular features are defined. Treatments have been reassessed in line with recent evidence and the prior treatment algorithm updated. Combination therapy is recommended to benefit patients with multiple features. Ongoing monitoring and dialogue should take place between physician and patients, covering defined factors to maximize outcomes. A prototype clinical tool (Rosacea Tracker) and patient case studies have been developed from consensus statements.

Conclusions

The current survey updates previous recommendations as a basis for local guideline development and provides clinical tools to facilitate a phenotype approach in practice and improve rosacea patient management.

What's already known about this topic?

A transition to a phenotype approach in rosacea is underway and is being recommended by multiple working groups.

New research has become available since the previous ROSCO consensus, necessitating an update and extension of recommendations.

What does this study add?

We offer updated global recommendations for clinical practice that account for recent research, to continue supporting the transition to a phenotype approach in rosacea.

We present prototype clinical tools to facilitate use of the phenotype approach in practice and improve management of patients with rosacea.

Linked Comment: Elewski. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:1090–1091.

Plain language summary available online

Association of SOD2 A16V and PON2 S311C polymorphisms with polycystic ovary syndrome in Chinese women

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) A16V and paraoxonase 2 (PON2) S311C gene variants and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and evaluate the effects of the genotypes on clinical, hormonal, metabolic and oxidative stress indexes in Chinese women.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 932 patients with PCOS and 745 control women. For the clinical and metabolic association study of genotypes, 631 patients and 492 controls were included after excluding the subjects with interferential factors. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Serum total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), oxidative stress index and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and clinical and metabolic parameters were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the A allele of SOD2 A16V polymorphism was significantly greater in patients with PCOS than in control subjects. Genotype (AA + AV) remained a significant predictor for PCOS in prognostic models including age, body mass index, insulin resistance index, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs) as covariates. Patients carrying the A allele had significantly higher serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and the ratio of LH to follicle-stimulating hormone compared with patients with the VV genotype. We also showed that patients carrying the C allele of the PON2 S311C polymorphism had lower T-AOC compared with patients carrying the SS genotype. However, no significant differences were observed in the frequencies of the S311C genotypes and alleles of the PON2 gene between PCOS and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The SOD2 A16V, but not PON2 S311C, polymorphism may be one of the genetic determinants for PCOS in Chinese women.

Blood Flow Regulates Zebrafish Caudal Vein Plexus Angiogenesis by ERK5-klf2a-nos2b Signaling

BACKGROUND

Vascular network formation induced by angiogenesis plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of blood flow and underlying mechanisms in vascular network formation, for example for the development of the caudal vein plexus (CVP), is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of ERK5-klf2a-nos2b signaling in the CVP angiogenesis.

METHOD AND RESULTS

In this study on tnnt2a-MO injection and chemical blood flow modulator treatment in zebrafish embryos, we demonstrated that decreased blood flow disrupted CVP formation. The hemodynamic force was quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, CVP angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos was inhibited by disruption of the blood flow downstream effectors ERK5, klf2a, and nos2b in response to treatment with the ERK5 specific inhibitor and to injection of klf2a-MO, nos2b-MO. Overexpression of klf2a mRNA or nos2b mRNA restored vascular defects in tnnt2a or klf2a morphants. The data suggest that flow-induced ERK5-klf2a-nos2b signaling is involved in CVP angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that blood flow is essential for vascular network formation, specifically for CVP angiogenesis in zebrafish. A novel genetic and mechanical mechanism was discovered in which ERK5 facilitates the integration of blood flow with the downstream klf2a-nos2b signaling for CVP angiogenesis.

[Study on the effect of in vitro cultured calculus bovis in perioperative period after H-UPPP operation]

Objective:TThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of in vitro cultured Calculus Bovis on the inflammation of oropharynx and body in patients with OSA during the perioperative period of H-UPPP.Method:Eighty patients with OSA and H-UPPP indications were enrolled. The patients were divided into experimental group and control group by random number table, 40 cases in each group. The experimental group was given in vitro cultured Calculus Bovis, while the control group was not given bovine bezoar in vitro. The postoperative oropharyngeal pain, time to resume normal diet, local edema, concentration of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in saliva, and concentration of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in blood were compared between the two groups. Result:The pain of oropharynx in the experimental group was lighter than that in the control group on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the pain of oropharynx between the two groups on the 1st day after operation(P>0.05); the time of restoring normal diet in the experimental group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05); the edema of oropharynx in the experimental group was lighter than that in the control group on the 5th and 7th day after operation (P<0.05).The levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in saliva were lower than those in control group on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after operation (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in blood on the 5th and 7th day after operation were lower than those in control group (P<0.05).Conclusion:In vitro perioperative period of H-UPPP can improve the postoperative sore throat and local edema of oropharynx, shorten the time of normal diet and reduce the expression of related inflammatory factors in oropharynx and blood.