Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and behaviour of its metabolite florfenicol amine in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) after oral administration

Pharmacokinetics and elimination of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in grouper held in sea water at 23.3 ± 0.8 °C were studied using HPLC method after they were given a single peroral dose of florfenicol at 24 mg kg(-1) body weight. Florfenicol was rapidly absorbed from intestine and distributed extensively to all the tissues examined. The maximum concentrations (Cmax , μg g(-1) or μg mL(-1) ) in plasma and tissues were observed at 2-6 h (the time to reach maximum concentration, Tmax ) except for bile (Tmax  = 24 h) and were in the order of intestine (52.02 ± 25.07) > bile (49.41 ± 28.16) > gill (45.12 ± 11.10) > plasma (28.28 ± 5.43) > liver (21.97 ± 12.08) > muscle (21.63 ± 6.12) > kidney (20.88 ± 11.28) > skin (19.10 ± 5.88). The drug distribution level was higher in plasma than in extravascular tissues except for bile, based on the ratios of the area under concentration-time curve between tissue and plasma (AUCtissue/plasma ). The elimination of florfenicol was rapid in fish, and the corresponding half-lives (T1/2β ) in the order of magnitude were bile (13.92 h) > muscle or liver (12.31 h) > skin (11.77 h) > plasma (11.57) > gill (11.04 h) > intestine (10.55 h) > kidney (10.05 h). The delayed Tmax , lower Cmax and longer T1/2β for florfenicol amine compared with florfenicol were measured in grouper.

Cross-cultural validation of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in Chinese adolescents

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The TAS-20 is the most widely used self-reported questionnaire to assess the level of alexithymia in students and community and clinical samples. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The TAS-20-C exhibited high levels of reliability and validity, indicating that it is appropriate for the assessment of alexithymia in Chinese adolescents. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Screening adolescents who are at risk of alexithymia through the TAS-20 could help to perform necessary and effective precautions to decrease the adverse effects of alexithymia, such as the risks of developing depressive mood and behavioral problems.

ABSTRACT

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20-C) in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Method Adolescents (n = 1260) recruited from three schools in mainland China completed the TAS-20-C, the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Five different factorial models of the TAS-20 were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's α, mean inter-item correlations and predictive validity were also evaluated. Results Among those five different factorial models, the four-factor structure model was suitable and invariant across gender and age in this sample. The TAS-20-C demonstrated adequate internal reliability. Gender and age accounted for insignificant amounts of variability in total TAS-20-C and factor scores. TAS-20-C total and subscale scores were correlated significantly with SCL-90 somatization subscale and CES-D. Girls scored higher than boys on difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and pragmatic thinking (PR) subscales. DIF and lack of subjective significance or importance of emotions (IMs) subscale scores were higher among younger than among middle and older adolescents. Implications for Practice Validating the TAS-20 in adolescents is quite important to use it in evaluating adolescents' alexithymia, and screen those at risk of alexithymia.

Aqueous lubrication of poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) brushes: a strategy for their enhanced load bearing capacity and wear resistance

Poly(N-hydroxylethyl acrylamide) brushes show a very low aqueous surface friction coefficient. Crosslinking of these brushes increases the surface friction coefficient, but can significantly enhance their load bearing capacity and wear resistance.

Endovascular Coiling versus Surgical Clipping for Poor-Grade Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Postoperative Complications and Clinical Outcome in a Multicenter Poor-Grade Aneurysm Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular coiling is an alternative to surgical clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, no large multicenter prospective study has compared coiling and clipping in patients with poor-grade ruptured aneurysms. We aimed to determine differences in postoperative complications and clinical outcome between the 2 treatments in this group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Multicenter Poor-Grade Aneurysm Study was a prospective, multicenter, observational registry of consecutive patients who presented with poor-grade ruptured aneurysms. Three hundred sixty-six patients were enrolled from October 2010 to March 2012. "Poor-grade aneurysm" was defined as a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of IV or V at the time of aneurysm treatment. Two hundred sixty-two patients received aneurysm treatment within 21 days and were included. Clinical outcomes were assessed at discharge and at 6 and 12 months by the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three (50.8%) patients underwent endovascular coiling. Unadjusted analysis showed that the outcome rate (mRS 0-1 or mRS 0-2) at 6 and 12 months in patients undergoing coiling was higher than that in patients undergoing clipping. In adjusted analyses, there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes at 6 and 12 months between the 2 groups. The risk of radiologic hydrocephalus was higher in patients treated with coiling than that in those treated with clipping (adjusted OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.13-10.01; P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcome in selected patients was similar between endovascular coiling and clipping for poor-grade ruptured aneurysms. The risk of radiologic hydrocephalus was higher after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aneurysms.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is associated with increased risk of preterm birth: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Although several epidemiological studies reported that maternal chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection had significantly increased risk of undergoing adverse obstetrical and perinatal outcomes, studies on the relationship between HCV infection and risk of preterm birth (PTB) have yielded inconclusive and inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between HCV infection and PTB. The electronic database was searched until 1 September 2014. Relevant studies reporting the association between HCV infection and the risk of PTB were included for further evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using revmen 5.3 and stata 10.0. Nine studies involving 4186698 participants and 5218 HCV infection cases were included. A significant association between HCV infection and PTB was observed (odds ratio = 1.62, 95% CI 1.48-1.76, P < 0.001, fixed-effects model). Stratification according to maternal smoking/alcohol abuse, maternal drug abuse or coinfected with HBV and/or HIV matched groups still demonstrated that women with HCV infection had a high risk for PTB. Findings from our meta-analysis suggested that maternal HCV infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTB. In the future, pathophysiological studies are warranted to ascertain the causality and explore the possible biological mechanisms involved.

Genome-wide differential expression of synaptic long noncoding RNAs in autism spectrum disorder

A genome-wide differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was identified in blood specimens of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 3929 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in ASD peripheral leukocytes, including 2407 that were upregulated and 1522 that were downregulated. Simultaneously, 2591 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including 1789 upregulated and 821 downregulated, were also identified in ASD leukocytes. Functional pathway analysis of these lncRNAs revealed neurological pathways of the synaptic vesicle cycling, long-term depression and long-term potentiation to be primarily involved. Thirteen synaptic lncRNAs, including nine upregulated and four downregulated, and 19 synaptic mRNAs, including 12 upregulated and seven downregulated, were identified as being differentially expressed in ASD. Our identification of differential expression of synaptic lncRNAs and mRNAs suggested that synaptic vesicle transportation and cycling are important for the delivery of synaptosomal protein(s) between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes in ASD. Finding of 19 lncRNAs, which are the antisense, bi-directional and intergenic, of HOX genes may lead us to investigate the role of HOX genes involved in the development of ASD. Discovery of the lncRNAs of SHANK2-AS and BDNF-AS, the natural antisense of genes SHANK2 and BDNF, respectively, indicates that in addition to gene mutations, deregulation of lncRNAs on ASD-causing gene loci presents a new approach for exploring possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying ASD. Our study also opened a new avenue for exploring the use of lncRNA(s) as biomarker(s) for the early detection of ASD.

Traditional karyotyping vs copy number variation sequencing for detection of chromosomal abnormalities associated with spontaneous miscarriage

OBJECTIVES

To compare the performance of traditional G-banding karyotyping with that of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-Seq) for detection of chromosomal abnormalities associated with miscarriage.

METHODS

Products of conception (POC) were collected from spontaneous miscarriages. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected using high-resolution G-banding karyotyping and CNV sequencing. Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction analysis of maternal and POC DNA for short tandem repeat (STR) markers was used to both monitor maternal cell contamination and confirm the chromosomal status and sex of the miscarriage tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 64 samples of POC, comprising 16 with an abnormal and 48 with a normal karyotype, were selected and coded for analysis by CNV-Seq. CNV-Seq results were concordant for 14 (87.5%) of the 16 gross chromosomal abnormalities identified by karyotyping, including 11 autosomal trisomies and three sex chromosomal aneuploidies (45,X). Of the two discordant results, a 69,XXX polyploidy was missed by CNV-Seq, although supporting STR marker analysis confirmed the triploidy. In contrast, CNV-Seq identified a sample with 45,X karyotype as a 45,X/46,XY mosaic. In the remaining 48 samples of POC with a normal karyotype, CNV-Seq detected a 2.58-Mb 22q deletion associated with DiGeorge syndrome and nine different smaller CNVs of no apparent clinical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

CNV-Seq used in parallel with STR profiling is a reliable and accurate alternative to karyotyping for identifying chromosome copy number abnormalities associated with spontaneous miscarriage.

SAR650984 directly induces multiple myeloma cell death via lysosomal-associated and apoptotic pathways, which is further enhanced by pomalidomide

The anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody SAR650984 (SAR) is showing promising clinical activity in treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Besides effector-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-mediated cytotoxicity, we here define molecular mechanisms of SAR-directed MM cell death and enhanced anti-MM activity triggered by SAR with Pomalidomide (Pom). Without Fc-cross-linking agents or effector cells, SAR specifically induces homotypic aggregation (HA)-associated cell death in MM cells dependent on the level of cell surface CD38 expression, actin cytoskeleton and membrane lipid raft. SAR and its F(ab)'2 fragments trigger caspase 3/7-dependent apoptosis in MM cells highly expressing CD38, even with p53 mutation. Importantly, SAR specifically induces lysosome-dependent cell death (LCD) by enlarging lysosomes and increasing lysosomal membrane permeabilization associated with leakage of cathepsin B and LAMP-1, regardless of the presence of interleukin-6 or bone marrow stromal cells. Conversely, the lysosomal vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor blocks SAR-induced LCD. SAR further upregulates reactive oxygen species. Pom enhances SAR-induced direct and indirect killing even in MM cells resistant to Pom/Len. Taken together, SAR is the first therapeutic monoclonal antibody mediating direct cytotoxicity against MM cells via multiple mechanisms of action. Our data show that Pom augments both direct and effector cell-mediated MM cytotoxicity of SAR, providing the framework for combination clinical trials.

Salt-Responsive Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes with Tunable Friction and Antifouling Properties

Development of smart, multifunction materials is challenging but important for many fundamental and industrial applications. Here, we synthesized and characterized zwitterionic poly(3-(1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonate) (polyVBIPS) brushes as ion-responsive smart surfaces via the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. PolyVBIPS brushes were carefully characterized for their surface morphologies, compositions, wettability, and film thicknesses by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle, and ellipsometer, respectively. Salt-responsive, switching properties of polyVBIPS brushes on surface hydration, friction, and antifouling properties were further examined and compared both in water and in salt solutions with different salt concentrations and counterion types. Collective data showed that polyVBIPS brushes exhibited reversible surface wettability switching between in water and saturated NaCl solution. PolyVBIPS brushes in water induced the larger protein absorption, higher surface friction, and lower surface hydration than those in salt solutions, exhibiting "anti-polyelectrolyte effect" salt responsive behaviors. At appropriate ionic conditions, polyVBIPs brushes were able to switch to superlow fouling surfaces (<0.3 ng/cm(2) protein adsorption) and superlow friction surfaces (u ∼ 10(-3)). The relationship between brush structure and its salt-responsive performance was also discussed. This work provides new zwitterionic surface-responsive materials with controllable antifouling and friction capabilities for multifunctional applications.

Identification of mutations in U2HR in two Chinese families with Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis

Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by coarse, wiry, twisted hair developing during early childhood, with subsequent progressive hair loss. Recently, mutations in U2HR, an inhibitory upstream open reading frame in the 5' untranslated region of the human hairless gene (HR), were identified as the underlying cause of MUHH. We investigated two unrelated Chinese multigenerational families with MUHH. By sequencing U2HR in the two families, we identified two previously reported mutations, c.1A >T (p.Met1?) and c.104A>G (p*35Wext1263*). Both these mutations cosegregated with the disease phenotype in the two families.

Completion sequence and cloning of the infectious cDNA of a chb isolate of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is an important and widespread seed-borne virus that infects Cucurbitaceous plants. It is a member of the genus Tobamovirus in the family Virgaviridae with a monopartite (+) ssRNA genome. Here we report the complete genome sequence, construction and testing of the infectious clones of a chb isolate of CGMMV. Full-length CGMMV cDNA was cloned into the vector pUC19. The linearized vector containing full-length cDNA was used as template for in vitro transcription, and the synthesized capped transcript was highly infectious in Chenopodium amaranticolor and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Inoculated plants showed symptoms typical of CGMMV infection. The infectivity was confirmed by mechanical transmission to new plants, RT-PCR and western blot. Progeny virus derived from infectious transcripts had the same biological and biochemical properties as wild-type virus. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of a biologically active transcript from CGMMV.

TRIB3 mediates the expression of Wnt5a and activation of nuclear factor-κB in Porphyromonas endodontalis lipopolysaccharide-treated osteoblasts

Porphyromonas endodontalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is considered to be correlated with the progression of bone resorption in periodontal and periapical diseases. Wnt5a has recently been implicated in inflammatory processes, but its role is unclear as a P. endodontalis LPS-induced mediator in osteoblasts. Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) encodes a pseudokinase and has been linked to inflammation in certain situations. Here, we found that P. endodontalis LPS induced Wnt5a expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner and it also upregulated translocation, phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in MC3T3-E1 cells. Bay 11-7082 blocked the translocation of NF-κB and Wnt5a expression induced by P. endodontalis LPS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay further established that induction of Wnt5a by P. endodontalis LPS was mediated through the NF-κB p65 subunit. Additionally, P. endodontalis LPS increased expression of TRIB3 in osteoblasts after 10 h simulated time. Overexpression of TRIB3 enhanced NF-κB phosphorylation and Wnt5a induction, whereas knockdown of TRIB3 inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation and Wnt5a expression in P. endodontalis LPS-stimulated osteoblasts. These results suggest that P. endodontalis LPS has the ability to promote the expression of Wnt5a in mouse osteoblasts, and this induction is mainly mediated by NF-κB pathway. TRIB3 seems to modulate the sustained expression of Wnt5a in osteoblasts stimulated by P. endodontalis LPS, as well as regulating NF-κB phosphorylation.

Effect of nanoporous structure and polymer brushes on the ionic conductivity of poly(methacrylic acid)/anode aluminum oxide hybrid membranes

Anode aluminum oxide (AAO) porous materials have been widely used in ionic translocation for many biological and chemical studies.

Polyelectrolyte/mesoporous silica hybrid materials for the high performance multiple-detection of pH value and temperature

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are modified by electrolyte polymer, giving significant ionic permselectivity under pH and/or temperature switches.

Synthesis and characterization of “comb-like” poly(ionic liquid-co-styrene): expected applications in graphene dispersion and CO2 separation

A new PIL “comb-like” copolymer was synthesized by directly polymerizing ionic liquid monomer by ATRP using macroinitiator. This polymer is potentially useful in graphene dispersion and CO₂ separation.

The risk of placental abruption and placenta previa in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several epidemiological studies have found a positive association between chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and the risk of placental abruption and placenta previa, but various studies have reported conflicting findings. The objective was to systematically review the literature to determine a possible association between CHB infection and these two placental complications.

METHODS

We conducted a computerized search in electronic database through March 1, 2014, supplemented with a manual search of reference lists, to identify original published research on placental abruption and placenta previa rates in women with CHB infection. Data were independently extracted, and relative risks were calculated. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 10.0 software.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 9088 placenta previa cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placenta previa was identified (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.60-1.62). Five studies involving 15571 placental abruption cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placental abruption was identified (OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 0.93-2.15).

DISCUSSION

The immune response against the virus represents a key factor in determining infection outcomes. No observation of significant increased risk of the placental complications could be partially explained by the complex immune response during CHB infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis found no evidence of significant associations between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa. Further well-designed studies were warranted to assess any potential association between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa.

Visible light responsive sulfated rare earth doped TiO(2)@fumed SiO(2) composites with mesoporosity: enhanced photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation

Visible light (VL) responsive mesoporous sulfated rare earth ions (Nd(3+), La(3+), Y(3+)) incorporated TiO2@fumed SiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel method with P123 (EO20PO70EO20) as a template. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption-desorption measurements (BET), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analyses (TG-DTA). In comparison with nondoped sample, RE-doped samples showed not only an increase in the surface areas and pore volumes, but also an inhibition of titania phase transition from anatase to rutile. Photo-degradation results revealed that RE-doped samples could greatly improve the photocatalytic activity, and the experimental degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) were higher than that catalyzed by undoped samples and Degussa P-25, obeyed the order of Nd(3+)>La(3+)>Y(3+). Nd-doped sample expressed the highest photoactivity and the optimal dosage was 0.25mol%, which resulted in MO degradation rates of 99.8% and 90.05% irradiation under UV for 60min and VL (λ>400nm) for 40h, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the higher specific area, good crystallinity, strong VL absorption and effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the catalyst.