MR imaging of hemorrhage associated with acute pancreatitis

PURPOSE

To study MRI findings of hemorrhage in acute pancreatitis (AP) and correlate the presence and extent of hemorrhage with the MR severity index (MRSI), Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores, and clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 539 patients with AP. Hemorrhage was defined as areas of hyperintensity in or outside the pancreas on liver imaging with volume acceleration flexible (LAVA-Flex). The presence of hemorrhage was classified into three areas: within the pancreatic parenchyma, retroperitoneal space, and sub-or intraperitoneal space. Involvement of each area was awarded 1 point resulting in the hemorrhage severity index (HSI) score. The predicted severity of AP was graded by MRSI and APACHE II score. The association between HSI, MRSI, and APACHE II scores was analyzed. The length of hospital stay and organ dysfunction was used as clinical outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Among 539 AP patients, 62 (11.5%) had hemorrhage. The prevalence of hemorrhage was 1.1% (2/186), 13.9% (43/310), and 39.5% (17/43) in predicted mild, moderate, and severe AP, respectively, based on MRSI (χ² = 55.3, p = 0.00); and 7.7% (21/273) and 19.2% (18/94) in predicted mild and severe AP, respectively, based on APACHE II (χ² = 21.2, p = 0.00). HSI score significantly correlated with MRSI (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and APACHE II scores (r = 0.21, p = 0.00). The prevalence of organ dysfunction was higher and length of hospital stay was longer in patients with hemorrhage than in those without hemorrhage (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage in AP is common. The presence of hemorrhage, rather than its extent, correlates with poor clinical outcome.

MicroRNA-146a Mimics Reduce the Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) regulates multiple immune diseases. However, the role of miR-146a in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been investigated. We found that mice (db/db) with type 2 diabetes exhibited substantial downregulation of miR-146a in sciatic nerve tissue. Systemic administration of miR-146a mimics to diabetic mice elevated miR-146a levels in plasma and sciatic nerve tissue and substantially increased motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities by 29 and 11%, respectively, and regional blood flow by 50% in sciatic nerve tissue. Treatment with miR-146a mimics also considerably decreased the response in db/db mice to thermal stimuli thresholds. Histopathological analysis showed that miR-146a mimics markedly augmented the density of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran-perfused blood vessels and increased the number of intraepidermal nerve fibers, myelin thickness, and axonal diameters of sciatic nerves. In addition, miR-146a treatment reduced and increased classically and alternatively activated macrophage phenotype markers, respectively. Analysis of miRNA target array revealed that miR-146a mimics greatly suppressed expression of many proinflammatory genes and downstream related cytokines. Collectively, our data indicate that treatment of diabetic mice with miR-146a mimics robustly reduces DPN and that suppression of hyperglycemia-induced proinflammatory genes by miR-146a mimics may underlie its therapeutic effect.

[Clinical analysis on hysteroscopic surgery for the treatment of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of hysterosopic management of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and the value of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE). Methods: Totally 104 patients with type Ⅱ CSP treated with hysteroscopic surgery at the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, during Jan. 2009 to Jun. 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, 67 patients combined with UAE (UAE group) and 37 patients without combined with UAE (non-UAE group). Laparoscopy or sonography guidance was conducted simultaneously. The following clinical parameters were compared, including: primary cure rate, uterine packing rate, uterine perforation rate, hemoglobin level change, the time for the mass absorption and the return of β-hCG to normal, complications, hospital days and hospital stay cost. Results: Median gestational age, size of mass, thickness of the anterior myometrium and β-hCG level in UAE group versus non-UAE group were 47 versus 47 days, 30 versus 30 mm,2 versus 2 mm, 36 524 versus 32 226 U/L (all P>0.05). Out of 104, 100 patients were managed successfully with hysteroscopic surgery, and 4 patients transformed to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery was effective in 63 out of 67 patients (94%) in UAE group and 34 out of 37 patients (92%) in non-UAE group (P>0.05). There was no significant differences regarding uterine perforation rate, uterine packing rate, hemoglobin change and recovery time between UAE group and non-UAE group (all P>0.05). The median hospital day was 7 days in UAE group versus 5 days in non-UAE group (P<0.01). The median hospital stay cost was 13 654 yuan in UAE group versus 9 108 yuan in non-UAE group (P<0.01). Serious complication occurred in 4 patients (6%, 4/67) in UAE group and 2 patients (5%, 2/67) in non-UAE group (P=0.906). Conclusions: Hysteroscopic surgery is effective and safe for patients with type Ⅱ CSP in the first trimester with size ≤30 mm in diameter and gestation age<7 weeks. The value of prophylactic UAE is uncertain.

[Clinic pathological and ultrasonographic features of primary thyroid lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the ultrasonographic and clinicopathological features of primary thyroid lymphoma(PTL). Methods: The ultrasonographic and clinicopathological featuresof 21 cases of pathologically-confirmed PTLs were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of all 21 PTLs, 15 cases were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 4 were mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue extranodular marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, 1 was small B-cell lymphoma and 1 was classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Eight cases were proved by pathology with concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Ultrasonography observed bilateral or unilateral asymmetric goiter (21/21, 100.0%), marked hypoechogenicity (21/21, 100.0%) with posterior acoustic enhancement (19/21, 90.5%), heterogeneous echo texture with interspersed linear echogenic strands or intensive reticular echogenic strands or cloud echogenic, heterogeneous echo texture of thyroid gland (21/21, 100.0%), focal nodular hypoechoic(2/21, 9.5%) with regular or irregular shape, increased vascularity (13/21, 61.9%) and cervical lymphadenopathy (12/21, 57.1%). Two cases involved the anterior cervical muscle and 1 infiltrated trachea. Rapidly enlarging cervical mass were found in 13 cases (13/21, 61.9%)with associated compressive symptoms such as dyspnea, dysphagia and hoarseness. There was no any indisposed symptom in 3 cases. Conclusion: PTL has some common ultrasonographic and clinical features, core needle biopsy should be warranted to prove PTL.Surgical resection should be considered when needed to reduce misdiagnosis.

Effect of magnesium ion on human osteoblast activity

Magnesium, a promising biodegradable metal, has been reported in several studies to increase bone formation. Although there is some information regarding the concentrations of magnesium ions that affect bone remodeling at a cellular level, little is known about the effect of magnesium ions on cell gap junctions. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the effects of different concentrations of magnesium on bone cells, and further evaluate its effect on gap junctions of osteoblasts. Cultures of normal human osteoblasts were treated with magnesium ions at concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 mM, for 24, 48 and 72 h. The effects of magnesium ions on viability and function of normal human osteoblasts and on gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteoblasts were investigated. Magnesium ions induced significant (P<0.05) increases in cell viability, alkaline phosphate activity and osteocalcin levels of human osteoblasts. These stimulatory actions were positively associated with the concentration of magnesium and the time of exposure. Furthermore, the GJIC of osteoblasts was significantly promoted by magnesium ions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that magnesium ions induced the activity of osteoblasts by enhancing GJIC between cells, and influenced bone formation. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the influence of magnesium on bone remodeling and to the advance of its application in clinical practice.

Controllable synthesis of ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic core-shell NWs with tunable magnetic properties

Several nanotechnology applications are based on the promising scheme of highly anisotropic magnetic nanomaterials. Using this idea, we investigated the structure, magnetic properties, and interfacial exchange anisotropy effects of the Ni/Cr₂O₃ and Fe/Cr₂O₃ core-shell nanowires (NWs) geometry. A template-based strategy was developed to synthesize Ni (Fe)-Cr₂O₃ core-shell NWs, which combines a wet-chemical route and electrodeposition within the nanopores of the membranes. Structural determination in correlation with magnetic testing shows that the crystalline Cr₂O₃-nanoshells (NSs) cause an enhanced exchange bias, providing an extra source of anisotropy that leads to their magnetic stability. This core-shell NWs geometry, with enhanced anisotropy, should, therefore, motivate further study related to the applicability of anisotropic nanostructures. Our design opens a new pathway to obtain optimized heterostructured nanomaterials exhibiting tunable magnetic properties.

The identification of up-regulated ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p targeting MALT1 and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 in the circulation of patients with multiple sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a well-documented aetiological factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV encodes at least 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) that are readily detectable in the circulation of human. Previous studies have demonstrated that EBV-encoded miRNAs regulate host immune response and may serve as biomarkers for EBV-associated diseases. However, the roles of EBV miRNAs in MS are still unknown. To fill the gap, we conducted a comprehensive profiling of 44 mature EBV miRNAs in 30 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients at relapse and 30 matched healthy controls. Expression levels of ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 were elevated significantly in the circulation and correlated positively with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of MS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed that the expression of these two miRNAs distinguished MS patients clearly from healthy controls. Luciferase assays revealed that ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p may directly target MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma transport protein 1), a key regulator of immune homeostasis. In conclusion, we described the expression of EBV miRNAs in MS and preliminarily validated the potential target genes of significantly altered EBV miRNAs. The findings may pave the way for prospective study about the pathogenesis of MS.

[The relationship between oxygen saturation and related respiratory events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To explore the relationship between variation of hemoglobin saturation and related respiratory events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Method:According to the SaO₂, the respiratory events were divided into two groups, followed or not followed the second events (SRE and N-SRE). Four features were extracted from SaO₂ and compared within groups under SRE versus N-SRE, and comparisons were also developed between moderate patients and severe patients.Result:ΔSaO₂, max, the duration and Dvmax was significantly higher in SRE than N-SRE (P< 0.01), while Nadir was significantly lower in SRE than N-SRE (P< 0.01). There was also significant difference in the blood oxygen index between moderate and severe patients. The change of SaO₂ is correlated with the ventilation restoration. The results also suggest that the severity of the patient's condition will affect the change of SaO₂ related indicators. Conclusion:This study provides information on the further study of ventilation restoration. Moreover, this study may provide a possible solution for the treatment of OSAHS.

Endothelial Tight Junctions Are Opened in Cholinergic-Evoked Salivation In Vivo

Blood vessels provide the original supplies for the formation of primary saliva, which is regulated by the tight junctions (TJs) between endothelial cells. Previous studies have shown that blood flow increases with vasodilatation during cholinergic-evoked salivation. However, changes in vascular paracellular permeability and the role of endothelial TJs in salivation are unknown. Here, we established an in vivo paracellular permeability detection system and observed that the endothelial TJs were permeable to 4-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran while impermeable to 40- and 70-kDa FITC-dextran under an unstimulated condition in mouse submandibular glands (SMGs). Pilocarpine increased the flux of 4- and 40-kDa FITC-dextran out of blood vessels but did not affect 70-kDa FITC-dextran. Claudin 5, a TJ protein specifically localized in salivary endothelial cells, was redistributed from the apicolateral membranes to the lateral and basolateral membranes and cytoplasm in cholinergic-stimulated mouse SMGs and freshly cultured human SMG tissues. In the transplanted SMGs from epiphora patients, we found that claudin 5 was present in the basolateral membranes and cytoplasm, instead of the apical region in control SMGs. Moreover, the level of phospho-myosin light chain 2 increased within the blood vessels of the pilocarpine-stimulated mouse SMGs and transplanted human SMGs, while the downstream molecule F-actin was reorganized in the endothelial cells of the transplanted human SMGs. Taken together, our findings provide direct visual evidence that the opening of endothelial TJs and the redistribution of claudin 5 are essential events contributing to cholinergic-evoked salivation, thus enriching our understanding of the secretory mechanisms that link blood flow to primary saliva formation by regulating the endothelial paracellular permeability.

In vitro dentin barrier cytotoxicity testing of some dental restorative materials

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cytotoxicity of four dental restorative materials in three-dimensional (3D) L929 cell cultures using a dentin barrier test.

METHODS

The cytotoxicities of light-cured glass ionomer cement (Vitrebond), total-etching adhesive (GLUMA Bond5), and two self-etching adhesives (GLUMA Self Etch and Single Bond Universal) were evaluated. The permeabilities of human dentin disks with thicknesses of 300, 500, and 1000μm were standardized using a hydraulic device. Test materials and controls were applied to the occlusal side of human dentin disks. The 3D-cell scaffolds were placed beneath the dentin disks. After a 24-h contact with the dentin barrier test device, cell viabilities were measured by performing MTT assays. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) permeabilities of the 300-μm, 500-μm, and 1000-μm dentin disks were 0.626 (0.214), 0.219 (0.0387) and 0.089 (0.028) μlmin^-1cm^-2cm H₂O^-1. Vitrebond was severely cytotoxic, reducing the cell viability to 10% (300-μm disk), 17% (500μm), and 18% (1000μm). GLUMA Bond5 reduced the cell viability to 40% (300μm), 83% (500μm), and 86% (1000μm), showing moderate cytotoxicity (300-μm) and non-cytotoxicity (500-μm and 1000-μm). Single Bond Universal and GLUMA Self Etch did not significantly reduce cell viability, regardless of the dentin thicknesses, which characterized them as non-cytotoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytotoxicity varied with the materials tested and the thicknesses of the dentin disks.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The tested cytotoxicity of materials applied on 300-, 500-, and 1000-μm dentin disks indicates that the clinical use of the test materials (excepting self-etching adhesives) in deep cavities poses a potential risk of damage to the pulp tissues to an extent, depending on the thickness of the remaining dentin.

[Clinicopathologic features of adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features and grading of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast. Methods: Sixteen cases of ACC of the breast were analyzed and graded according to the previous report. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to detect the immunophenotype, Ki-67 proliferative index and expression of EZH2, and the association with tumor grade and outcome was analyzed. Results: Of the 16 cases, 11 were grade Ⅰ, with the epithelial and myoepithelial cells being arranged into tubular and cribriform structure with no solid component; three were grade Ⅱ, which were composed of mixed tubular, cribriform and solid component (<30%); and two were grade Ⅲ, which showed mainly solid component (>90%) and the tumor cells showed basaloid features with scanty cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei, and mitotic count was>5/10 HPF. Immunophenotypically, the epithelial cells expressed CK7, CK8/18 and CD117; the myoepithelial cells expressed p63 and CK5/6; while the basaloid cells were positive for CK5/6 and CD117.Tubular and cibriform ACC showed low Ki-67 and EZH2 expression, while the two cases of solid variant with basaloid features showed high level of Ki-67 and EZH2 expression. Follow-up data were available in 13 cases with a median follow-up period of 42 months. Lung metastasis occurred after 12 months in one grade Ⅱ case and the patient died of disease after 34 months. Vertebral metastasis occurred after 12 months in one grade Ⅲ case and axillary lymph node metastasis occurred in another grade Ⅲ case. All other patients were free of disease at the end of the follow-up periods. Conclusions: ACC shows morphologic spectrum varying from low to high grade, the latter can may give rise to local and distant metastasis. ACC should not be regarded simply as low malignant potential, and should be graded for optimal treatment.

[Effect of autonomic denervation on the secretory function of submandibular glands]

Submandibular gland is innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, both of which work synergistically to promote the salivation of the glands. However, denervation does not always produce an inhibitive effect. Regeneration secretion was put forward to describe the situation in which the glands after denervation were found to be supersensitive to the stimulation of several agonists of saliva secretion-related receptors. It is of clinical significance to get a good understanding of the secretory mechanism changes in the autonomically denervated submandibular gland. The present paper aims to review the studies on the denervation effects on the submandibular gland.

[Control study of total percutaneous access with preclose technique versus open femoral artery exposure for endovascular aneurysm repair]

OBJECTIVE

To compare total percutaneous access using preclose technique with femoral artery cut-down in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and assess the safety and feasibility of preclose technique.

METHODS

In the study, 81 cases undergoing EVAR from Dec. 2011 to Nov. 2014 in Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative CT angiography (CTA) showed presence of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm or descending aortic aneurysm in all the cases. The maximum diameter of aneurysm >4.5 cm met the indications for surgical treatment. The conditions of bilateral femoral artery and iliac artery CTA showed were good, and there was no moderate or severe stenosis, nor was there any severe calcification in anterior wall of femoral artery. Not only were the cases fit for percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR), but also feasible with open endovascular aneurysm repair (OEVAR). According to the intention of the patients about the surgical incision, the cases were divided into group PEVAR and group OEVAR. The data of the general situation, operation time, blood loss, technical success rate, length of hospital stay after procedure and wound complications were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

In the study, 44 cases (78 incisions) were enrolled in group PEVAR and 37 cases (65 incisions) in group OEVAR. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), accompanying diseases, average number of stents and outer diameter of stent delivery system. Average operation time of group PEVAR was less than that of group OEVAR [(119.1±102.0) min vs. (163.6±61.9) min, P=0.025]. The blood loss in group PEVAR was less than that in group OEVAR [(64.7±97.0) mL vs. (98.6±88.3) mL], but there was no significant difference (P=0.106). There was no difference in the technical success rate (94.9% vs.95.4%, P=1.000). The average length of hospital stay after procedure was significantly shorter in group PEVAR [(7.8±2.8) d vs.(12.3±7.2) d, P<0.001]. There were 2 cases with subcutaneous hematoma of wound in group PEVAR and 7 cases of wound complications that occurred in group OEVAR including 3 cases with lymphatic leakage, 3 cases with lower limb ischemia and 1 case with subcutaneous hematoma. The analysis showed that PEVAR could reduce the wound complications (2.6%vs.10.8%), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.079).

CONCLUSION

Using preclose technique in EVAR is safe and effective. It can shorten the operation time and length of hospital stay after procedure.

Anti-neuroinflammation activity of acetylpuerarin mediated by a PKC-δ-dependent caspase signaling pathway: in vivo and in vitro studies

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the regulating effects of acetylpuerarin on inflammation in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model and an inflammatory cell model.

METHODS

Healthy female Wistar rats and mouse BV2 microglia cells were selected. AD rat models were established with the method of bilateral intrahippocampal amyloid-β(Aβ)1-42 injections and the inflammatory cell models were established using Aβ25-35-induced mouse BV2 microglia cells. The cytotoxicity of acetylpuerarin on BV2 microglial cells was detected by MTT assay and the morphological changes of BV2 microglia cells were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. As inflammatory parameters, the expressions of IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined by Elisa, Immunohistochemistry, Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and Immunofluorescence analyses. We also examined the acetylpuerarin's effect on the activity of PKC-δ, IKKβ and caspase-8/caspase-3 pathway.

RESULTS

Acetylpuerarin exerted no significant cytotoxicity on BV2 microglia cells and was applied in all subsequent experiments. Acetylpuerarin treatment mitigated Aβ25-35-induced morphological changes associated with microglia activation. Moreover, the expressions of caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3, PKC-δ, IKKβ, iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α in Aβ25-35-stimulated BV2 microglia cells were significantly suppressed by acetylpuerarin and in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the expression of IL-1β in hippocampus and the level of IL-6 in serum of Aβ1-42 treated rat were reduced by acetylpuerarin and in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that acetylpuerarin's anti-inflammation mechanism on AD may be mediated through the PKC-δ-dependent caspase signalling pathway.

Lipase-catalyzed modification of the flavor profiles in recombined skim milk products by enriching the volatile components

The purpose of this study was to modify the amount and composition of volatile components in bovine milk products, in an attempt to create a recombined skim milk product with full-fat milk flavor but with only 0.5% fat. The experimental plan included lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis and esterification reactions using Palatase 20000L (Novozymes, Bagsværd, Denmark). The results, measured by the methods of volatile compositional analysis and sensory evaluation, showed that the flavor profiles of the optimal recombined milk products were effectively modified in this way, possessing intensified characteristic volatile flavor components with rather low level of fat contents, and the sensory characters were quite realistic to natural whole milk flavor.

[Association between 23 urinary metals and mean platelet volume among a community-dwelling population in Wuhan, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential association between 23 urinary metals and mean platelet volume (MPV) among a community population in Wuhan.

METHODS

A total of 3 053 community residents who lived in the sampling buildings for more than 5 years, aged from 18 to 80 years, were recruited using a stratified, cluster sampling approach in Wuhan city, China. Blood and urine samples were obtained from participants in the morning under fasting conditions. Urinary metals, including aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, barium, tungsten, thallium, lead and uranium, were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The MPV contents were determined using a fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Participants with missing data on covariates or cardiovascular disease were excluded. According to the reference intorvals of MPV for Chinese adults, the participants were classified into normal (7.0-11.0 fl) and high MPV (>11.0 fl) subgroups. Data from 2 203 participants were used to evaluate the associations between urinary metals and MPV levels using generalized linear regression models, and the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV using multivariable logistic regression models. The false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected P-value from 23 hypothesis tests was used to adjust for multiple testing.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, urinary concentrations of arsenic (P50=2.431 μg/mmol creatinine) and molybdenum (P50=4.035 μg/mmol creatinine) were significantly associated with increased MPV levels and the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV. In contrast, urinary aluminum (P50=2.706 μg/mmol creatinine) and thallium (P50=0.046 μg/mmol creatinine) were associated with decreased MPV levels, but also the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV. The regression coefficients and 95% CIs were 0.119 (0.043-0.196) for arsenic (FDR-adjusted P=0.018), 0.119 (0.042-0.195) for molybdenum (FDR-adjusted P=0.018), -0.115 (-0.195--0.034) for aluminum (FDR-adjusted P=0.029), and -0.307 (-0.386- -0.228) for thallium (FDR-adjusted P<0.001), respectively. When comparing the extreme quartiles for arsenic, molybdenum, aluminum and thallium, adjusted OR and the 95%CIs were 1.830 (1.382-2.423), 1.496 (1.125-1.989), 0.566 (0.412-0.779) and 0.302 (0.219-0.416), respectively, and FDR-adjusted P-values were <0.001,<0.014,<0.008 and<0.001, respectively. Moreover, significant associations were found between an increased risk of abnormal MPV elevation with urinary iron (P50=6.716 μg/mmol creatinine) , antimony (P50=0.014 μg/mmol creatinine) and uranium (P50=0.003 μg/mmol creatinine) , and a decreased risk with urinary tungsten (P50=0.010 μg/mmol creatinine) and lead (P50=0.265 μg/mmol creatinine) . When comparing the extreme quartiles for iron, antimony and uranium, the respective adjusted OR (95%CI) were 1.866 (1.395-2.496), 1.507 (1.111-2.043) and 1.452 (1.063-1.984), and the respective FDR-adjusted P-values were <0.001,<0.022 and<0.012. The respective adjusted OR (95%CI) were 0.551 (0.417-0.726) and 0.534 (0.394-0.725), and the respective FDR-adjusted P-values were<0.001 and<0.001, when comparing the extreme quartiles for tungsten and lead. Based on multi-metal models, urinary chromium (P50=0.120 μg/mmol creatinine) and selenium (P50=0.646 μg/mmol creatinine) were associated with increased risk of abnormal MPV, while urinary nickel (P50=0.193 μg/mmol creatinine) was associated with decreased risk of abnormal MPV. When comparing the extreme quartiles for chromium, selenium and nickel, adjusted OR (95% CI) were 1.578 (1.054-2.363), 1.718 (1.159-2.549) and 0.535 (0.373-0.767), respectively, and the FDR-adjusted P-values were 0.017, 0.028 and 0.002, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the general population of Wuhan city, exposure to aluminum, chromium, iron, nickel, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, antimony, tungsten, thallium, lead and uranium were all associated with abnormal MPV elevation.

[Association between personal exposure to metals in fine particulate matter and urinary metals: baseline results from a panel study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between 21 metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their corresponding concentrations in urine in the general population.

METHODS

Between April and May 2011, this panel study enrolled 120 residents using random sampling approach in Wuhan communities which contained 3 035 subjects. Participants were aged 18 to 80 years and had lived in the sampling buildings for at least 5 years. Data from basic questionnaires, physical examinations, and morning blood and urine samples under fasting conditions were collected. Participants with missing data were excluded. Finally, 83 particpants included. Participants were instructed to use personal air samplers to continuously monitor PM2.5 for 24 h. The following 21 metals were measured in PM2.5 and urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, barium, tungsten, thallium and lead. The associations between PM2.5 metals and urinary metals were investigated using generalized linear regression models.

RESULTS

The age of the study population was (51.5±6.3)years. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, BMI, education and income, elevated urinary chromium was significantly associated with increased chromium concentrations in personal PM2.5. The least square means (standard deviation) of urinary chromium in participants classified as having low exposure (<12.491 ng/m(3)), intermediate exposure (12.491-32.388 ng/m(3)) and high exposure (>32.388 ng/m(3)) were (-1.334±0.756), (-1.114±0.813) and (-0.718±0.645) μg/mmol creatinine, respectively (P=0.009). However, the association between urinary and personal PM chromium was not observed after additionally adjusting for false discovery rate (P>0.05). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that other metals in PM2.5 were not related to their corresponding concentrations in urine of subjects.

CONCLUSION

Urinary concentrations of metals did not reflect human exposure to metals in air, and may not be appropriate as an index to assess personal exposure to metals in particulate matter.

Identification of miRNomes associated with adult neurogenesis after stroke using Argonaute 2-based RNA sequencing

Neurogenesis is associated with functional recovery after stroke. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Using an Ago2-based RNA immunoprecipitation to immunoprecipated Ago2-RNA complexes followed by RNA sequencing (Ago2 RIP-seq) approach, we profiled the miRNomes in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) harvested from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles of young adult rats. We identified more than 7 and 15 million reads in normal and ischemic NPC libraries, respectively. We found that stroke substantially changed Ago2-associated miRNA profiles in NPCs compared to those in non-ischemic NPCs. We also discovered a new complex repertoire of isomiRs and multiple miRNA-miRNA* pairs and numerous novel miRNAs in the non-ischemic and ischemic NPCs. Among them, pc-3p-17172 significantly regulated NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Collectively, the present study reveals profiles of Ago2-associated miRNomes in non-ischemic and ischemic NPCs, which provide a molecular basis to further investigate the role of miRNAs in mediating adult neurogenesis under physiological and ischemic conditions.

Acute pancreatitis with gradient echo T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

To study gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) for normal pancreas and acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

Fifty-one patients without any pancreatic disorders (control group) and 117 patients with AP were recruited. T2* values derived from T2*WI of the pancreas were measured for the two groups. The severity of AP was graded by the magnetic resonance severity index (MRSI) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the T2* values and AP severity. The usefulness of the T2* value for diagnosing AP and the relationship between the T2* values and the severity of AP were analyzed.

RESULTS

On GRE-T2*WI, the normal pancreas showed a well-marinated and consistently homogeneous isointensity. Edematous AP, as well as the non-necrotic area in necrotizing AP, showed ill-defined but homogeneous signal intensity. AP with pancreatic hemorrhage showed a decreased T2* value and a signal loss on the signal decay curve. The T2* value of pancreas in the AP group was higher than that of the control group (t=-8.20, P<0.05). The T2* value tended to increase along with the increase in MRSI scores but not with the APACHE II scores (P>0.05). AP was associated with a one standard deviation increment in the T2* value (OR =1.37; 95% CI: 1.216-1.532).

CONCLUSIONS

T2*WI demonstrates a few characteristics of the normal pancreas and AP, which could potentially be helpful for detecting hemorrhage, and contributes to diagnosing AP and its severity.

Growth inhibitive effect of betulinic acid combined with tripterine on MSB-1 cells and its mechanism

Marek's disease (MD), a highly infectious lymphoproliferative disease in chickens, is caused by a cell-associated oncogenic herpesvirus, Marek's disease virus (MDV). MSB-1 is a MD-derived lymphoblastoid cell line and can induce tumors when inoculated into susceptible chickens. Betulinic acid, which is present as one of the major effective components in many traditional Chinese medicines, has recently been reported to inhibit growth of cancer cells and employed as a potential anticancer agent. Tripterine, a major active compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has now also shown anti-tumor activities in various cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic growth-inhibitive effect of betulinic acid combined with tripterine on MSB-1 cells and its mechanism. Viability of MSB-1 cells was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cell apoptotic analysis was performed by fluorescence detection. NF-κB transcription activity was detected by measuring luciferase activity. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of p65, IκB and Meq. Our results showed that the proliferation in the combination group was significantly decreased as compared with that of monotherapy using betulinic acid or tripterine, accompanied by an induction of apoptosis, inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity and its targeting oncogenic gene Meq. The results suggest that the combination of betulinic acid and tripterine at lower concentration may produce a synergistic inhibitive effect on MSB-1 cells that warrants further investigation for its potential clinical applications.

Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy Elicited by Mycobacterium bovis BCG Overexpressing Ag85A Protein against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Aerosol Infection

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is currently the only vaccine available for preventing tuberculosis (TB), however, BCG has varying success in preventing pulmonary TB. In this study, a recombinant BCG (rBCG::Ag85A) strain overexpressing the immunodominant Ag85A antigen was constructed, and its immunogenicity and protective efficacy were evaluated. Our results indicated that the Ag85A protein was successfully overexpressed in rBCG::Ag85A, and the Ag85A peptide–MHC complexes on draining lymph node dendritic cells of C57BL/6 mice infected with rBCG::Ag85A were detectable 4 h post-infection. The C57BL/6 mice infected with this strain had stronger antigen-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses and higher antibody titers than those immunized with BCG, and the protective experiments showed that rBCG::Ag85A can enhance protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) H37Rv infection compared to the BCG vaccine alone. Our results demonstrate the potential of rBCG::Ag85A as a candidate vaccine against TB.

[Effects of hemoglobin J-Bangkok traits on measurements of glycated hemoglobin by five methods]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the interference of hemoglobin variants J-Bangkok on glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1)c) detected by five measurement systems.

METHODS

Seventy cases of blood samples were collected at Zhongshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from July 2012 to January 2014, the blood samples were divided into the normal control group (40 cases) and Hb J-Bangkok variant group (30 cases), and the normal control group was divided into healthy control group (20 cases) and diabetic group (20 cases). HbA(1)c measurement systems were Primus Ultra2, Variant Ⅱ, Variant Ⅱ Turbo, Modular P and Leadman. Based on the standard of the American National Glycosylated Hemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP), Primus Ultra2 was used as comparative system, and the other 4 systems were test systems. Comparative analysis and bias evaluation were conducted on the results from five detection systems in different groups, statistical analysis were used for evaluating the differences. The estimated average glucose (eAG) was calculated by HbA(1)c values and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of Hb J-Bangkok variant group with the different detection systems. Deming regression analysis was used to determinate whether Hb J-Bangkok produced significant clinical effect on HbA(1)c results. HbA(1)c ± 10% and relative bias at 6% and 9% HbA1c were evaluation limits.

RESULTS

The differences of the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) between the test systems and the comparative system in control group were within ±0.7% HbA(1)c, bias were less than 6%, there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). In Hb J-Bangkok group, the eAG calculated from HbA(1)c measured by using Primus Ultra2, Modular P and Leadman were (8.14±2.99), (8.10±3.06) and (8.23±3.00)mmol/L, which had no statistically significant difference compared with FPG ((8.21±3.12)mmol/L, t=0.996, 1.091, 1.479, all P>0.05), and the differences of 95%CI between the results measured by Modular P and the comparative system were all within ±0.7% HbA(1)c, bias were -4.3%-0.4% and -5.2%-4.9%, there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). At 6% and 9% HbA(1)c concentrations, the mean differences of the results from the three detection systems were less than the clinically acceptable range. These results showed that the systems of Primus Ultra2, Modular P and Leadman were not affected by Hb J-Bangkok. However, the eAG values calculated from HbA(1)c of Variant Ⅱ and Variant Ⅱ Turbo were (5.58±2.12) and(5.00±2.13)mmol/L, which showed statistically significant lower results compared with FPG level (t=12.29, 13.23 , all P<0.001). Compared with Primus Ultra2, the differences of 95%CI were outside of ± 0.7% HbA1c, bias were -31.9%--12.0% and -42.0%- -17.6% , greater than 6%, showed a negative bias.At 6% and 9% HbA(1)c concentrations, the mean differences of the results were all greater than the clinical acceptable range. These results indicated that Hb J-Bangkok had significantly clinical interference on Variant Ⅱ and Variant Ⅱ Turbo systems.

CONCLUSION

Hb J-Bangkok has different interference on different HbA(1)c measurement systems, when performs the HbA(1)c test, clinical laboratory should pay attention to identify Hb variants, and select the appropriate methods to measure the HbA(1)c values in order to prevent the occurrence of interference by Hb variants.