Downregulation of TIM-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) family is associated with autoimmune diseases, but its expression level in the immune cells of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of TIM-3 mRNA is associated with pathogenesis of SLE. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT-PCR) was used to determine TIM-1, TIM-3, and TIM-4 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 132 patients with SLE and 62 healthy controls. The PBMC surface protein expression of TIMs in PBMCs from 20 SLE patients and 15 healthy controls was assayed by flow cytometry. Only TIM-3 mRNA expression decreased significantly in SLE patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). No significant differences in TIM family protein expression were observed in leukocytes from SLE patients and healthy controls (P>0.05). SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN) had a significantly lower expression of TIM-3 mRNA than those without LN (P=0.001). There was no significant difference in the expression of TIM-3 mRNA within different classes of LN (P>0.05). Correlation of TIM-3 mRNA expression with serum IgA was highly significant (r=0.425, P=0.004), but was weakly correlated with total serum protein (r_s=0.283, P=0.049) and serum albumin (r_s=0.297, P=0.047). TIM-3 mRNA expression was weakly correlated with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; r_s=-0.272, P=0.032). Our results suggest that below-normal expression of TIM-3 mRNA in PBMC may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Novel diagnosis for citrus stubborn disease by detection of a spiroplasma citri-secreted protein

Citrus stubborn disease (CSD), first identified in California, is a widespread bacterial disease found in most arid citrus-producing regions in the United States and the Mediterranean Region. The disease is caused by Spiroplasma citri, an insect-transmitted and phloem-colonizing bacterium. CSD causes significant tree damage resulting in loss of fruit production and quality. Detection of CSD is challenging due to low and fluctuating titer and sporadic distribution of the pathogen in infected trees. In this study, we report the development of a novel diagnostic method for CSD using an S. citri-secreted protein as the detection marker. Microbial pathogens secrete a variety of proteins during infection that can potentially disperse systemically in infected plants with the vascular flow. Therefore, their distribution may not be restricted to the pathogen infection sites and could be used as a biological marker for infection. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we identified a unique secreted protein from S. citri that is highly expressed in the presence of citrus phloem extract. ScCCPP1, an antibody generated against this protein, was able to distinguish S. citri-infected citrus and periwinkle from healthy plants. In addition, the antiserum could be used to detect CSD using a simple direct tissue print assay without the need for sample processing or specialized lab equipment and may be suitable for field surveys. This study provides proof of a novel concept of using pathogen-secreted protein as a marker for diagnosis of a citrus bacterial disease and can probably be applied to other plant diseases.

The atypical ubiquitin ligase RNF31 stabilizes estrogen receptor α and modulates estrogen-stimulated breast cancer cell proliferation

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is initially expressed in the majority of breast cancers and promotes estrogen-dependent cancer progression by regulating the transcription of genes linked to cell proliferation. ERα status is of clinical importance, as ERα-positive breast cancers can be successfully treated by adjuvant therapy with antiestrogens or aromatase inhibitors. Complications arise from the frequent development of drug resistance that might be caused by multiple alterations, including components of ERα signaling, during tumor progression and metastasis. Therefore, insights into the molecular mechanisms that control ERα expression and stability are of utmost importance to improve breast cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Here we report that the atypical E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF31 stabilizes ERα and facilitates ERα-stimulated proliferation in breast cancer cell lines. We show that depletion of RNF31 decreases the number of cells in the S phase and reduces the levels of ERα and its downstream target genes, including cyclin D1 and c-myc. Analysis of data from clinical samples confirms correlation between RNF31 expression and the expression of ERα target genes. Immunoprecipitation indicates that RNF31 associates with ERα and increases its stability and mono-ubiquitination, dependent on the ubiquitin ligase activity of RNF31. Our data suggest that association of RNF31 and ERα occurs mainly in the cytosol, consistent with the lack of RNF31 recruitment to ERα-occupied promoters. In conclusion, our study establishes a non-genomic mechanism by which RNF31 via stabilizing ERα levels controls the transcription of estrogen-dependent genes linked to breast cancer cell proliferation.

Posterior hemivertebra resection and monosegmental fusion in the treatment of congenital scoliosis

INTRODUCTION

Posterior hemivertebra resection combined with multisegmental or bisegmental fusion has been applied successfully for congenital scoliosis. However, there are several immature bones and their growth can be influenced by long segmental fusion in congenital patients. Posterior hemivertebra resection and monosegmental fusion was therefore suggested for treatment of congenital scoliosis caused by hemivertebra.

METHODS

Between June 2001 and June 2010, 60 congenital scoliosis patients (aged 2-18 years) who underwent posterior hemivertebra resection and monosegmental fusion were enrolled in our study. A standing anteroposterior x-ray of the whole spine was obtained preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up appointment to analyse the Cobb angle in the coronal and sagittal planes as well as the trunk shift.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative coronal plane Cobb angle was 41.6°. This was corrected to 5.1° postoperatively and 5.3° at the last follow-up visit (correction 87.3%). The compensatory cranial curve was improved from 18.1° preoperatively to 7.1° postoperatively and 6.5° at the last follow-up visit while the compensatory caudal curve was improved from 21.5° to 6.1° after surgery and 5.6° at the last follow-up visit. The mean sagittal plane Cobb angle was 23.3° before surgery, 7.3° after surgery and 6.8° at the last follow-up visit (correction 70.1%). The trunk shift of 18.5mm was improved to 15.2mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior hemivertebra resection and monosegmental fusion seems to be an effective approach for treatment of congenital scoliosis caused by hemivertebra, allowing for excellent correction in both the frontal and sagittal planes.

Imaging findings in MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatment for patients with essential tremor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MR imaging-guided focused sonography surgery is a new stereotactic technique that uses high-intensity focused sonography to heat and ablate tissue. The goal of this study was to describe MR imaging findings pre- and post-ventralis intermedius nucleus lesioning by MR imaging-guided focused sonography as a treatment for essential tremor and to determine whether there was an association between these imaging features and the clinical response to MR imaging-guided focused sonography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with medication-refractory essential tremor prospectively gave consent; were enrolled in a single-site, FDA-approved pilot clinical trial; and were treated with transcranial MR imaging-guided focused sonography. MR imaging studies were obtained on a 3T scanner before the procedure and 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following the procedure.

RESULTS

On T2-weighted imaging, 3 time-dependent concentric zones were seen at the site of the focal spot. The inner 2 zones showed reduced ADC values at 24 hours in all patients except one. Diffusion had pseudonormalized by 1 month in all patients, when the cavity collapsed. Very mild postcontrast enhancement was seen at 24 hours and again at 1 month after MR imaging-guided focused sonography. The total lesion size and clinical response evolved inversely compared with each other (coefficient of correlation = 0.29, P value = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging-guided focused sonography can accurately ablate a precisely delineated target, with typical imaging findings seen in the days, weeks, and months following the treatment. Tremor control was optimal early when the lesion size and perilesional edema were maximal and was less later when the perilesional edema had resolved.

Recombinant human endostatin combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Since brain metastases (BM) is often accompanied by edema, and endostatin (ES) can prevent tumor tissue edema, we investigated the therapeutic effects of ES combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of BM of NSCLC. We also determined the patients who are suitable for this therapy.

METHODS

Eighty patients with BM of NSCLC were randomly divided into combination group and radiotherapy alone group. The primary endpoint was overall response rate, and secondary endpoints were overall survival time, cerebral edema index and adverse reactions. These were observed and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) protein and KDR gene in primary lesions were detected with immunohistochemical method and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Compared with radiotherapy alone, brain edema was significantly reduced in the ES group (P = 0.003) without marked adverse reactions. For the overall response rate, there was no statistical significant difference between the two groups (control, 90 % vs. ES, 75 %, P = 0.07), but there was statistical significance in the patients with positive VEGFR2 (93 vs. 67.7 %, P = 0.012) or positive KDR gene (94.4 vs. 47.3 %, P = 0.002). In overall survival time, there was no statistical significance in the two groups (P = 0.35), in the tumors with positive VEGFR2 (P = 0.109) or with positive KDR gene (P = 0.147).

CONCLUSION

Compared with radiotherapy alone, ES combined with radiotherapy can reduce brain edema in NSCLC patients with BM and obtain better short-term response rate in tumors with positive VEGFR2 or positive KDR gene, but does not improve the overall survival.

Inhibitory effects of curcumin on gastric cancer cells: a proteomic study of molecular targets

Curcumin, a natural anticancer agent, has been shown to inhibit cell growth in a number of tumor cell lines and animal models. We examined the inhibition of curcumin on cell viability and its induction of apoptosis using different gastric cancer cell lines (BGC-823, MKN-45 and SCG-7901). 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay showed that curcumin inhibited cell growth in a dose- (1, 5, 10 and 30 μM) and time- (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) dependent manner; analysis of Annexin V binding showed that curcumin induced apoptosis at the dose of 10 and 30 μM when the cells were treated for 24 and 48 h. As cancers are caused by dysregulation of various proteins, we investigated target proteins associated with curcumin by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer. BGC-823 cells were treated with 30 μM curcumin for 24 h and total protein was extracted for the 2-DE. In the first dimension of the 2-DE, protein samples (800 μg) were applied to immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips (24 cm, pH 3-10, NL) and the isoelectric focusing (IEF) was performed using a step-wise voltage ramp; the second dimension was performed using 12.5% SDS-PAGE gel at 1 W constant power per gel. In total, 75 proteins showed significant changes over 1.5-fold in curcumin-treated cells compared to control cells (Student's t-test, p<0.05). Among them, 33 proteins were upregulated and 42 proteins downregulated by curcumin as determined by spot densitometry. 52 proteins with significant mascot scores were identified and implicated in cancer development and progression. Their biological function included cell proliferation, cycle and apoptosis (20%), metabolism (16%), nucleic acid processing (15%), cytoskeleton organization and movement (11%), signal transduction (11%), protein folding, proteolysis and translation (20%), and immune response (2%). Furthermore, protein-protein interacting analysis demonstrated the interaction networks affected by curcumin in gastric cancer cells. These data provide some clues for explaining the anticancer mechanisms of curcumin and explore more potent molecular targets of the drug expected to be helpful for the development of new drugs.

Oomycete pathogens encode RNA silencing suppressors

Effectors are essential virulence proteins produced by a broad range of parasites, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, protozoa, insects and nematodes. Upon entry into host cells, pathogen effectors manipulate specific physiological processes or signaling pathways to subvert host immunity. Most effectors, especially those of eukaryotic pathogens, remain functionally uncharacterized. Here, we show that two effectors from the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora sojae suppress RNA silencing in plants by inhibiting the biogenesis of small RNAs. Ectopic expression of these Phytophthora suppressors of RNA silencing enhances plant susceptibility to both a virus and Phytophthora, showing that some eukaryotic pathogens have evolved virulence proteins that target host RNA silencing processes to promote infection. These findings identify RNA silencing suppression as a common strategy used by pathogens across kingdoms to cause disease and are consistent with RNA silencing having key roles in host defense.

Laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery: a prospective cost analysis

AIM

Cost has been perceived to be a factor limiting the development of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This study aimed to compare the costs of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery.

METHOD

Patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective colorectal surgery were recruited into a prospective study to evaluate the healthcare costs of each operative procedure in a district general hospital in England. All healthcare resources used (operation, hospital and community) were recorded and converted to costs in British pounds, 2006-2007. Costs of laparoscopic and open surgery were compared.

RESULTS

In all, 201 consecutive patients consented and were recruited (131 laparoscopic, 70 open). Operative costs were greater in the laparoscopic group (£2049 vs£1263, P < 0.001) due to the costs of disposable instruments, but the hospital costs were less (£1807 vs£3468, P < 0.001) due to longer lengths of stay in the open group. Community costs were similar in the two groups and had little impact on the overall costs, which were not significantly different (£3875 laparoscopic vs£4383 open, P = 0.308). In the subgroup of patients with a stoma, overall costs in the laparoscopic group are higher (not significant).

CONCLUSION

The costs of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery are broadly equivalent. If there is an associated improvement in patient benefit, then laparoscopic colorectal surgery may be considered to be cost effective compared with open surgery.

Effects of depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy on pregnant, obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a follow-up study

Antenatal clinics can expect at least one in five pregnant women to experience mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety. The present study aims to estimate the effects of the antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms on pregnant, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This was a prospective cohort study of 527 pregnancies and their neonates. Whether the women were with or without symptoms of depression and anxiety was determined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). All the participants were followed to delivery. The prevalence of antenatal depressive and/or anxiety was 11.0%. The antenatal depressive and/or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy can increase the risk of prolonged pregnancy (RR =4.080, 95% CI: 1.249-13.325), especially in primiparous women.

Comparison of carotid plaque ulcer detection using contrast-enhanced and time-of-flight MRA techniques

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ulceration in carotid plaque is a risk indicator for ischemic stroke. Our aim was to compare plaque ulcer detection by standard TOF and CE-MRA techniques and to identify factors that influence its detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carotid MR imaging scans were acquired on 2066 participants in the ARIC study. We studied the 600 thickest plaques. TOF-MRA, CE-MRA, and black-blood MR images were analyzed together to define ulcer presence (plaque surface niche ≥2 mm in depth). Sixty ulcerated arteries were detected. These arteries were randomly assigned, along with 40 nonulcerated plaques from the remaining 540, for evaluation of ulcer presence by 2 neuroradiologists. Associations between ulcer detection and ulcer characteristics, including orientation, location, and size, were determined and explored by CFD modeling.

RESULTS

One CE-MRA and 3 TOF-MRAs were noninterpretable and excluded. Of 71 ulcers in 56 arteries, readers detected an average of 39 (55%) on both TOF-MRA and CE-MRA, 26.5 (37.5%) only on CE-MRA, and 1 (1.5%) only on TOF-MRA, missing 4.5 (6%) ulcers by both methods. Ulcer detection by TOF-MRA was associated with its orientation (distally pointing versus perpendicular: OR = 5.57 [95% CI, 1.08-28.65]; proximally pointing versus perpendicular: OR = 0.21 [95% CI, 0.14-0.29]); location relative to point of maximum stenosis (distal versus isolevel: OR = 5.17 [95% CI, 2.10-12.70]); and neck-to-depth ratio (OR = 1.96 [95% CI, 1.11-3.45]) after controlling for stenosis and ulcer volume.

CONCLUSIONS

CE-MRA detects more ulcers than TOF-MRA in carotid plaques. Missed ulcers on TOF-MRA are influenced by ulcer orientation, location relative to point of maximum stenosis, and neck-to-depth ratio.

Clinical application of 2.7M Cytogenetics array for CNV detection in subjects with idiopathic autism and/or intellectual disability

Higher resolution whole-genome arrays facilitate the identification of smaller copy number variations (CNVs) and their integral genes contributing to autism and/or intellectual disability (ASD/ID). Our study describes the use of one of the highest resolution arrays, the Affymetrix(®) Cytogenetics 2.7M array, coupled with quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) for detection and validation of small CNVs. We studied 82 subjects with ASD and ID in total (30 in the validation and 52 in the application cohort) and detected putatively pathogenic CNVs in 6/52 cases from the application cohort. This included a 130-kb maternal duplication spanning exons 64-79 of the DMD gene which was found in a 3-year-old boy manifesting autism and mild neuromotor delays. Other pathogenic CNVs involved 4p14, 12q24.31, 14q32.31, 15q13.2-13.3, and 17p13.3. We established the optimal experimental conditions which, when applied to select small CNVs for QMPSF confirmation, reduced the false positive rate from 60% to 25%. Our work suggests that selection of small CNVs based on the function of integral genes, followed by review of array experimental parameters resulting in highest confirmation rate using multiplex PCR, may enhance the usefulness of higher resolution platforms for ASD and ID gene discovery.

Association among serum uric acid, cardiovascular risk, and arterial stiffness: a cross-sectional study in She ethnic minority group of Fujian Province in China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between serum uric acid levels, cardiovascular risk, and arterial stiffness in She ethnic minority in South China's Fujian Province.

METHODS

5109 participants aged 20-79 yr were enrolled in analysis. Tpeak-Tend interval (Tp-e), QT interval, and height of the R wave in lead aVL (aVLR) were measured on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and Minnesota code-indicated major abnormal ECG MA-ECG was used as a risk indicator of cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).

RESULTS

Longer Tp-e interval, greater Tp-e/QT ratio, and higher aVLR were observed in the highest quartile of uric acid level. The incidence of MA-ECG was gradually increased from lowest to highest quartile of serum uric acid in males (p for trend <0.01). After adjusting traditional cardiovascular risk factors, multivariate analysis revealed that the fourth quartile of serum uric acid level was independently associated with MA-ECG in males [odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval): 2.129 (1.376-3.295)] but not in females. Serum uric acid was also associated with abnormal baPWV, when adjusted for atherogenic confounders. Compared with the lowest serum uric acid quartile, the OR (95% confidence interval) of the second, third, and fourth quartile were 1.920 (1.246-2.957), 1.650 (1.064-2.558), and 2.501 (1.600-3.908) in males.

CONCLUSION

Among China's She ethnic minority, uric acid level was independently related to arterial stiffness assessed by baPWV in both genders. The evaluation of uric acid level was related to higher cardiovascular risk in males but not in females.

Antibacterial activity and increased bone marrow stem cell functions of Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings on titanium

In this work, zinc was incorporated into TiO2 coatings on titanium by plasma electrolytic oxidation to obtain the implant with good bacterial inhibition ability and bone-formability. The porous and nanostructured Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings are built up from pores smaller than 5 μm and grains 20-100 nm in size, in which the element Zn exists as ZnO. The results obtained from the antibacterial studies suggest that the Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings can greatly inhibit the growth of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the ability to inhibit bacteria can be improved by increasing the Zn content in the coatings. Moreover, the in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation demonstrates that the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow stem cells (bMSC) on Zn-incorporated coatings are significantly enhanced compared with Zn-free coating and commercially pure Ti plate, and no cytotoxicity appeared on any of the Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings. Moreover, bMSC express higher level of alkaline phosphatase activity on Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings and are induced to differentiate into osteoblast cells. The better antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility and the capability to promote bMSC osteogenic differentiation of Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings may be attributed to the fact that Zn ions can be slowly and constantly released from the coatings. In conclusion, innovative Zn-incorporated TiO2 coatings on titanium with excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility are promising candidates for orthopedic and dental implants.