Characteristics and Follow-Up of 13 pedigrees with Gitelman syndrome

CONTEXT

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is clinically heterogeneous. The genotype and phenotype correlation has not been well established. Though the long-term prognosis is considered to be favorable, hypokalemia is difficult to cure.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics and treatment of all members of 13 GS pedigrees.

METHODS

Thirteen pedigrees (86 members, 17 GS patients) were enrolled. Symptoms and management, laboratory findings, and genotype-phenotype associations among all the members were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average ages at onset and diagnosis were 27.6 ± 10.2 years and 37.9 ± 11.6 years, respectively. Males were an average of 10 years younger and exhibited more profound hypokalemia than females. Eighteen mutations were detected. Two novel mutations (p.W939X, p.G212S) were predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatic analysis. GS patients exhibited the lowest blood pressure, serum K⁺, Mg²⁺, and 24-h urinary Ca²⁺ levels. Although blood pressure, serum K⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels were normal in heterozygous carriers, 24-h urinary Na⁺ excretion was significantly increased. During follow-up, only 41.2% of patients reached a normal serum K⁺ level. Over 80% of patients achieved a normal Mg²⁺ level. Patients were taking 2-3 medications at higher doses than usual prescription to stabilize their K⁺ levels. Six patients were taking spironolactone simultaneously, but no significant elevation in the serum K⁺ level was observed.

CONCLUSION

The phenotypic variability of GS and therapeutic strategies deserve further research to improve GS diagnosis and prognosis. Even heterozygous carriers exhibited increased 24-h Na⁺ urine excretion, which may make them more susceptible to diuretic-induced hypokalemia.

Prevalence and risk of diabetes based on family history in the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study

AIMS

To evaluate the prevalence and risk of diabetes based on family history in high-risk subjects and also to evaluate insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in these subjects.

METHODS

Data were analysed from 9756 participants in the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) Project. Family history of diabetes was classified according to parental and sibling diabetes status. The prevalence and odds ratios were calculated for each grouping after adjusting for other risk factors. Insulin resistance and sensitivity were evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test-derived indices that were validated by hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic clamps.

RESULTS

A total of 30.4% of the subjects had a family history of diabetes in a first-degree relative. The proportions of subjects with a father, mother or sibling with diabetes were 7.5, 11.9 and 5.5%, respectively. The prevalence rates of diabetes in subjects with sibling history, maternal history or paternal history of diabetes were 39.3, 38.3 and 36.4%, respectively. Sibling history was a strong risk factor for diabetes (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI 1.27-1.84; P < 0.05). Insulin secretion was significantly lower in those with a maternal or sibling history of diabetes; however, insulin sensitivity was not significantly different among subjects with a family history of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sibling history of diabetes was more strongly associated with diabetes risk than parental history among high-risk subjects. Subjects with a sibling or maternal history of diabetes had significantly lower insulin secretion. Sibling history is an important and independent risk factor for diabetes even among multi-risk populations. Those with a sibling history of diabetes warrant intensive care and follow-up screening.

Diabetes-associated mutations in a beta-cell transcription factor destabilize an antiparallel "mini-zipper" in a dimerization interface

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young, a monogenic form of Type II diabetes mellitus, is most commonly caused by mutations in hepatic nuclear factor 1alpha (HNF-1alpha). Here, the dimerization motif of HNF-1alpha is shown to form an intermolecular four-helix bundle. One face contains an antiparallel coiled coil whereas the other contains splayed alpha-helices. The "mini-zipper" is complementary in structure and symmetry to the top surface of a transcriptional coactivator (dimerization cofactor of homeodomains). The bundle is destabilized by a subset of mutations associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Impaired dimerization of a beta-cell transcription factor thus provides a molecular mechanism of metabolic deregulation in diabetes mellitus.

Analysis of the serotype-specific epitopes of avian infectious bronchitis virus strains Ark99 and Mass41

The Ark and Mass serotype-specific epitopes of infectious bronchitis virus were studied by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of mutant and recombinant spike glycoproteins (S protein) expressed in mouse L cells. Serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies could bind to the recombinant proteins of Ark99 and Mass41 expressed from the chimeras in which the N-terminal thirds of the S1 sequences were reciprocally exchanged. Therefore, it appears that the respective serotype-specific epitopes of both strains were localized within the C-terminal two-thirds of the S1 proteins. Deletion and insertion of a five-amino-acid fragment on the S1 proteins of Ark99 and Mass41, altered the serotype-specific epitopes. This result implies that the five-amino-acid insertion on the S1 protein of the Ark serotype was involved in determining the conformation of the protein, probably acting as a spacer. In addition, it appears that an interaction between sequences of the N-terminal third and the remaining portion of the S1 protein determines the tertiary structure of the protein as well as the conformation of the serotype-specific epitope.

An integrated device with high performance multi-function generators and time-to-digital convertors

A highly integrated, high performance, and re-configurable device, which is designed for the Nitrogen-Vacancy (N-V) center based quantum applications, is reported. The digital compartment of the device is fully implemented in a Field-Programmable-Gate-Array (FPGA). The digital compartment is designed to manage the multi-function digital waveform generation and the time-to-digital convertors. The device provides two arbitrary-waveform-generator channels which operate at a 1 Gsps sampling rate with a maximum bandwidth of 500 MHz. There are twelve pulse channels integrated in the device with a 50 ps time resolution in both duration and delay. The pulse channels operate with the 3.3 V transistor-transistor logic. The FPGA-based time-to-digital convertor provides a 23-ps time measurement precision. A data accumulation module, which can record the input count rate and the distributions of the time measurement, is also available. A digital-to-analog convertor board is implemented as the analog compartment, which converts the digital waveforms to analog signals with 500 MHz lowpass filters. All the input and output channels of the device are equipped with 50 Ω SubMiniature version A termination. The hardware design is modularized thus it can be easily upgraded with compatible components. The device is suitable to be applied in the quantum technologies based on the N-V centers, as well as in other quantum solid state systems, such as quantum dots, phosphorus doped in silicon, and defect spins in silicon carbide.

Mitochondrial DNA mutation m.3243A>G is associated with altered mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with heteroplasmy levels and with clinical phenotypes

AIMS

To investigate the associations among heteroplasmy levels (i.e. the proportions of mutant and wild-type mitochondrial DNA in the same cell), mitochondrial function and clinical severity of the m.3243A>G mutation.

METHODS

A total of 17 participants carrying the m.3243A>G mutation and 17 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Heteroplasmy levels of the m.3243A>G mutation in leukocytes, saliva and urine sediment were determined by pyrosequencing. The clinical evaluation included endocrinological, audiological and ophthalmological examinations. Mitochondrial function was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from participants.

RESULTS

Heteroplasmy levels in urine sediment were higher than those in leukocytes and saliva. Reduced levels of adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species production were observed in mutant peripheral blood mononuclear cells (all P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that higher heteroplasmy levels in peripheral blood leukocytes were associated with increased levels of glycated albumin and HbA_1c , and decreased total hip bone mineral density T-score after adjustment for age and sex (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was independently associated with bone mineral density T-score at the femoral neck (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Heteroplasmy levels in peripheral blood leukocytes and mitochondrial membrane potential in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were closely associated with clinical manifestations and were valuable for evaluation of the clinical severity of the m.3243A>G mutation.

The effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) variants on visceral fat accumulation in Han Chinese populations

Objectives:

We aim to validate the effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) on fat distribution and glucose metabolism in Han Chinese populations.

Methods:

We genotyped six tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GIP and four tag SNPs of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) among 2884 community-based individuals from Han Chinese populations. Linear analysis was applied to test the associations of these variants with visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) quantified by magnetic resonance imaging as well as glucose-related traits.

Results:

We found that the C allele of rs4794008 of GIP tended to increase the VFA and the VFA/SFA ratio in all subjects (P=0.050 and P=0.054, respectively), and rs4794008 was associated with the VFA/SFA ratio in males (P=0.041) after adjusting for the BMI. The VFA-increasing allele of rs4794008 was not related to any glucose metabolism traits. However, rs9904288 of GIP was associated with the SFA in males as well as glucose-related traits in all subjects (P range, 0.004–0.049), and the GIPR variants displayed associations with both fat- and glucose-related traits.

Conclusions:

The results could provide the evidence that GIP might modulate visceral fat accumulation via incretin function or independent of incretin.

Variation of PHT families adapts salt cress to phosphate limitation under salinity

Salt cress (Eutrema salsugineum) presents relatively high phosphate (Pi) use efficiency cy in its natural habitat. Phosphate Transporters (PHTs) play critical roles in Pi acquisition and homeostasis. Here, a comparative study of PHT families between salt cress and Arabidopsis was performed. A total of 27 putative PHT genes were identified in E. salsugineum genome. Notably, seven tandem genes encoding PHT1;3 were found, and function analysis in Arabidopsis indicated at least six EsPHT1;3s participated in Pi uptake. Meanwhile, different expression profiles of PHT genes between the two species under Pi limitation and salt stress were documented. Most PHT1 genes were down-regulated in Arabidopsis while up-regulated in salt cress under salinity, among which EsPHT1;9 was further characterized. EsPHT1;9 was involved in root-to-shoot Pi translocation. Particularly, the promoter of EsPHT1;9 outperformed that of AtPHT1;9 in promoting Pi translocation, K⁺ /Na⁺ ratio, thereby salt tolerance. Through cis-element analysis, we identified a bZIP transcription factor EsABF5 negatively regulating EsPHT1;9 and plant tolerance to low-Pi and salt stress. Altogether, more copies and divergent transcriptional regulation of PHT genes contribute to salt cress adaptation to the co-occurrence of salinity and Pi limitation, which add our knowledge on the evolutionary and molecular component of multistress- tolerance of this species.

Decrease of FGF19 contributes to the increase of fasting glucose in human in an insulin-independent manner

PURPOSE

The ileum-derived fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) plays key roles in hepatic glucose homeostasis in animals in an insulin-independent manner. Here, we analyzed the association of FGF19 with glucose effectiveness (GE, the insulin-independent glucose regulation), as well as hepatic glucose production (HGP) in Chinese subjects.

METHODS

GE was measured by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) in normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated-impaired glucose tolerance (I-IGT), and isolated-impaired fasting glucose (I-IFG) subjects. The oral glucose tolerance test-derived surrogate of GE (oGE) was determined in NGT, I-IFG, combined glucose intolerance (CGI), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects. HGP was assessed by labeled ([3-³H]-glucose) hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in NGT subjects. Insulin secretion and sensitivity were calculated by the hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in a subgroup of NGT, I-IGT, and I-IFG subjects. Serum FGF19 levels were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

FGF19 positively correlated with GE (r = 0.29, P = 0.004) as determined by FSIVGTT. The result was further confirmed by oGE (r = 0.261, P < 0.001). FGF19 was negatively associated with FPG (r = - 0.228, P = 0.025), but the association no longer existed after adjusting for GE (r = - 0.177, P = 0.086). FGF19 was negatively associated with basal HGP (r = - 0.697, P = 0.006). However, the correlation between FGF19 and insulin secretion and sensitivity were not found.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF19 levels are associated positively with GE and negatively with HGP. The increase of FPG in human is at least partially due to the decrease of FGF19 in an insulin-independent manner.

Isolation of cDNAs encoding gibbon and monkey platelet and T cell activation antigen 1 (PTA1)

Human platelet and T cell activation antigen 1 (PTA1) is a 67kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells and platelets, and is involved in the development of human cytotoxic T cell (CTL) as well as platelet activation and aggregation. We have cloned and sequenced gibbon PTA1 (gPTA1) and monkey PTA1 (mPTA1) cDNAs by RT-PCR from gibbon leukemic cell line MLA 144 and PHA-induced Rhesus monkey PBMC respectively. The mature proteins of gPTA1, mPTA1 and human PTA1 (hPTA1) share 93-95% amino acid similarity with the highest similarity in domain 1 of extracellular region. All the important features of PTA1 molecule are conserved among these Primates: (1) the ORF encoding 336 amino acid residues including signal sequence (18aa), extracellular region (232aa), transmembrane sequence (25aa) and cytoplasmic region (61aa); (2) two conserved pairs of Cys (Cys19 to Cys90 and Cys134 to Cys204) forming disulfide bonds stabilizing the two immunoglobulin superfamily V-like domains; (3) eight putative N-linked glycosylation sites (except gPTA1 with nine sites) and three O-linked glycosylation sites in extracellular region; and (4) predicated protein kinase C phosphorylation sites (Thr275 and Ser311), casein kinase II sites (Ser295 and The299) and the potential tyrosine phosphorylation site (Tyr304). These data indicate that PTA1 molecule is highly conserved among the Primates and may play important roles in immune response.

Cell biological mechanism for triggering of ABA accumulation under water stress in Vicia faba leaves

Water stress-induced ABA accumulation is a cellular signaling process from water stress perception to activation of genes encoding key enzymes of ABA biosynthesis, of which the water stress-signal perception by cells or triggering mechanism of the ABA accumulation is the center in the whole process of ABA related-stress signaling in plants. The cell biological mechanism for triggering of ABA accumulation under water stress was studied in leaves of Vicia faba. Mannitol at 890 mmol * kg(-1) osmotic concentration induced an increase of more than 5 times in ABA concentration in detached leaf tissues, but the same concentration of mannitol only induced an increase of less than 40 % in ABA concentration in protoplasts. Like in detached leaf tissues, ABA concentration in isolated cells increased more than 10 times under the treatment of mannitol at 890 mmol * kg(-1) concentration, suggesting that the interaction between plasmalemma and cell wall was essential to triggering of the water stress-induced ABA accumulation. Neither Ca(2+)-chelating agent EGTA nor Ca(2+)channel activator A23187 nor the two cytoskeleton inhibitors, colchicine and cytochalasin B, had any effect on water stress-induced ABA accumulation. Interestingly water stress-induced ABA accumulation was effectively inhibited by a non-plasmalemma-permeable sulfhydryl-modifier PCMBS (p-chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonic acid), suggesting that plasmalemma protein(s) may be involved in the triggering of water stress-induced ABA accumulation, and the protein may contain sulfhydryl group at its function domain.

Silk-elastinlike copolymers enhance bioaccumulation of semisynthetic glycosaminoglycan ethers for prevention of radiation induced proctitis

Radiation-induced proctitis (RIP) is a debilitating adverse event that occurs commonly during lower abdominal radiotherapy. The lack of prophylactic treatment strategies leads to diminished patient quality of life, disruption of radiotherapy schedules, and limitation of radiotherapy efficacy due to dose-limiting toxicities. Semisynthetic glycosaminoglycan ethers (SAGE) demonstrate protective effects from RIP. However, low residence time in the rectal tissue limits their utility. We investigated controlled delivery of GM-0111, a SAGE analogue with demonstrated efficacy against RIP, using a series of temperature-responsive polymers to compare how distinct phase change behaviors, mechanical properties and release kinetics influence rectal bioaccumulation. Poly(lactic acid)-co-(glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid)-co-(glycolic acid) copolymers underwent macroscopic phase separation, expelling >50% of drug during gelation. Poloxamer compositions released GM-0111 cargo within 1 h, while silk-elastinlike copolymers (SELPs) enabled controlled release over a period of 12 h. Bioaccumulation was evaluated using fluorescence imaging and confocal microscopy. SELP-415K, a SELP analogue with 4 silk units, 15 elastin units, and one elastin unit with lysine residues in the monomer repeats, resulted in the highest rectal bioaccumulation. SELP-415K GM-0111 compositions were then used to provide localized protection from radiation induced tissue damage in a murine model of RIP. Rectal delivery of SAGE using SELP-415K significantly reduced behavioral pain responses, and reduced animal mass loss compared to irradiated controls or treatment with traditional delivery approaches. Histological scoring showed RIP injury was ameliorated for animals treated with GM-0111 delivered by SELP-415K. The enhanced bioaccumulation provided by thermoresponsive SELPs via a liquid to semisolid transition improved rectal delivery of GM-0111 to mice and radioprotection in a RIP model.

Psychological status of Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes: data review of Diabcare-China studies

AIM

To describe the status of glycaemic control, self-reported adherence to treatments, psychological well-being and quality of life in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes in 2006.

METHODS

Subjects having registered for care for > 12 months at a diabetes clinic were enrolled in this study. Glycaemic control was determined by HbA(1c) and plasma glucose levels; information about self-reported adherence to treatments was obtained by questionnaire; psychological well-being was assessed by use of a modified World Health Organization-5 Well-being Index; and quality of life was measured by use of a modified Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) survey. All data were tabulated and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 2702 patients were enrolled during 2006. Only 23% of patients achieved an HbA(1c) level of < 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) as per the 2007 China guideline for Type 2 diabetes and only 16.2% followed all treatment recommendations from healthcare providers. Of the patients, 46.0-68.6% of the patients showed positive psychological well-being. A quality-of-life survey showed that 28.5-50.6% of the patients experienced various diabetes-related emotional problems. Large percentages (approximately 50%) of patients were experiencing psychological insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although in China therapies for Type 2 diabetes are more effective and available than ever before, the patient outcomes remain disappointing. Problems with glycaemic control, self-reported adherence to treatments, psychological well-being and quality of life, all of which are key to diabetes control, are common among Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Fixation effects of different types of cannulated screws on vertical femoral neck fracture: A finite element analysis and experimental study

Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young patients usually result from high-energy violence, and the vertical transcervical type is typically challenging for its instability. FNFs are commonly treated with three cannulated screws (CS), but the role of screws type on fixation effects (FE) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the FE of ten types of CS with different diameters, lengths, depths, and pitches of thread via finite element analysis which was validated by a biomechanical test. Ten vertical FNF models were grouped, fixed by ten types of CS, respectively, all in a parallel, inverted triangular configuration. Their FE were scored comprehensively from six aspects via an entropy evaluation method, as higher scores showed better results. For partial-thread screws, thread length and thread shape factor (TSF) are determinative factors on stability of FNF only if thread depth is not too thick, and they have less cut-out risk, better compression effects and better detached resistance of fracture than full-thread screws, whereas full-thread screws appear to have better shear and shortening resistance. A combination of two superior partial-thread screws and one inferior full-thread screw for vertical FNF may get optimal biomechanical outcomes. The type of cannulated screw is important to consider when treating vertical FNF.

Biomechanical Comparison of Locking Plate and Cancellous Screw Techniques in Medial Malleolar Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis

As the commonly used fixation strategy of medial malleolar fractures, cancellous screws (CS) have been challenged for instability, bone destruction, and metal prominence. It is still unclear whether a locking compression plate (LCP) is a better choice in such fractures. Our purpose is to compare the mechanical efficacy of LCP with traditional 4.0-mm CS for transverse, oblique, and vertical medial malleolar fractures by using finite element analysis. In this study, 3-dimensional models of the distal tibia were reconstructed from a computed tomography scan of a young healthy male adult. Conditions included 3 fracture lines at 30°, 60°, and 90°; 2 groups of fixation (LCP and CS); and 3 adduction loads of 300, 500, and 700 N applied to the medial malleolar joint surface. The proximal part of the tibia was fixed for all degrees of freedom. The fracture displacements of the LCP were smaller than those of CS (p < .05). The stiffness of the LCP constructs was much higher than that of the CS constructs, especially in the 90° fractures (490.3 versus 163.6 N/mm). The mean stress around the CS was higher than that in LCP for 60° and 90° fractures, but there was no difference for 30°. Maximal bone stress increased (19.84 to 50.86 MPa) and concentrated on cortical bone in LCP, whereas it concentrated on cancellous bone in CS. The results showed that LCP could improve stability, preventing bone destruction in oblique and vertical medial malleolar fractures. However, in transverse fractures, CS provides sufficient stability, with no need to use LCP.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Genetic variants of LPIN1 indicate an association with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population

AIMS

Metabolic disorders are independent risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to test the association of LPIN1 variants with Type 2 diabetes and clinical characteristics in large samples of the Chinese population.

METHODS

In the first stage, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were selected and genotyped in 3700 Chinese Han participants. In the second stage, the single nucleotide polymorphisms showing significant association or trends towards association were genotyped in an additional 3122 samples for replication. Meta-analyses and genotype-phenotype association studies were performed after combining the data from the two stages.

RESULTS

In the first stage, we detected that rs16857876 was significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.806 (95% CI 0.677-0.958, P = 0.015), while rs11695610 showed a trend with Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 0.846, 95% CI 0.709-1.009, P = 0.062). In the second stage, a similar effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes was observed (odds ratio 0.849, 95% CI 0.700-1.030, P = 0.096). The meta-analyses combining the information from the two stages showed a significant effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.847 (95% CI 0.744-0.965, P = 0.012). Finally, the phenotype-genotype association analyses showed that rs11695610 was associated with 2-h plasma glucose (P = 0.040) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data implied that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were associated with Type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits in the Chinese population.

Contribution of fibroblast growth factor 23 to Framingham risk score for identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in Chinese men

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum FGF23 levels and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) in men with a low-to-moderate CVD risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Subjects with normal kidney function were selected from the Shanghai Obesity Study. Serum FGF23 levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C-IMT was measured by ultrasonography. The Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to assess CVD risk. A total of 392 men with low CVD risk and 372 men with moderate CVD risk were enrolled. The recognition rate of an elevated C-IMT was 85.66% with the combination of a moderate CVD risk and high serum FGF23 levels, which was greater than that with either parameter alone (65.44% and 61.03%, respectively). Subjects with high serum FGF23 levels, and either low or moderate CVD risk, were more likely to have elevated C-IMT than those with low serum FGF23 levels and low CVD risk (P = 0.014 and 0.001, respectively). The serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively associated with C-IMT in subjects with low or moderate CVD risk (both P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

In men with low-to-moderate CVD risk, serum FGF23 levels were associated independently and positively with C-IMT. As a complementary index, serum FGF23 levels strengthen the capacity of the FRS to identify subclinical atherosclerosis.

Role of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val gene polymorphisms in the response to chemotherapy and overall survival of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

We evaluated the association between GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val gene polymorphisms and treatment outcomes of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. Between January 2010 and December 2012, a total of 244 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma were recruited from Yiwu Central Hospital. The GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the results were statistically analyzed. Conditional regression analysis, showed that individuals carrying the null GSTM1 were associated with an increased risk of response to chemotherapy when compared to the present GSTM1 (odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-3.47). Moreover, the GG genotype of GSTP1 IIe105Val was associated with a better response to chemotherapy compared to the AA genotype (odds ratio = 2.77, 95%CI = 1.14-6.64). The null GSTM1 genotype was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes when compared with the present GSTM1 genotype (hazard ratio = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.10-4.38). Moreover, the GG genotype of GSTP1 IIe105Val was correlated with a reduced risk of death from all causes compared with the AA genotype (hazard ratio = 2.94, 95%CI = 1.11-8.68). In conclusion, we found that the null GSTM1 and the GG genotype of GSTP1 IIe105Val were correlated with a good response to chemotherapy and improved overall survival of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma patients.

Control of Amino Acid Homeostasis by a Ubiquitin Ligase-Coactivator Protein Complex

Intercellular amino acid transport is essential for the growth of all multicellular organisms, and its dysregulation is implicated in developmental disorders. By an unknown mechanism, amino acid efflux is stimulated in plants by overexpression of a membrane-localized protein (GLUTAMINE DUMPER 1 (GDU1)) that requires a ubiquitin ligase (LOSS OF GDU 2 (LOG2). Here we further explore the physiological consequences of the interaction between these two proteins. LOG2 ubiquitin ligase activity is necessary for GDU1-dependent tolerance to exogenous amino acids, and LOG2 self-ubiquitination was markedly stimulated by the GDU1 cytosolic domain, suggesting that GDU1 functions as an adaptor or coactivator of amino acid exporter(s). However, other consequences more typical of a ligase-substrate relationship are observed: disruption of the LOG2 gene increased the in vivo half-life of GDU1, mass spectrometry confirmed that LOG2 ubiquitinates GDU1 at cytosolic lysines, and GDU1 protein levels decreased upon co-expression with active, but not enzymatically inactive LOG2. Altogether these data indicate LOG2 negatively regulates GDU1 protein accumulation by a mechanism dependent upon cytosolic GDU1 lysines. Although GDU1-lysine substituted protein exhibited diminished in vivo ubiquitination, overexpression of GDU1 lysine mutants still conferred amino acid tolerance in a LOG2-dependent manner, consistent with GDU1 being both a substrate and facilitator of LOG2 function. From these data, we offer a model in which GDU1 activates LOG2 to stimulate amino acid export, a process that could be negatively regulated by GDU1 ubiquitination and LOG2 self-ubiquitination.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Fatigue behaviour and biocompatibility of additively manufactured bioactive tantalum graded lattice structures for load-bearing orthopaedic applications

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing of pure tantalum and their graded lattice structures was systematically investigated, with emphasis on their microstructure evolution, phase formation, surface energy and biological properties in comparison with conventionally forged pure Ta. The LPBF fabricated Ta (LPBF-Ta) exhibited lower contact angles and higher surface energy than the forged-Ta which indicated the better wettability of the LPBF-Ta. The adhesion and proliferation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) were also enhanced for the LPBF-Ta when compared to forged-Ta. Three different Ta graded gyroid lattice structures (i.e., uniform structure, Y-gradient structure, Z-gradient structure) were designed and fabricated using the same optimised LPBF parameters. Y-gradient structures exhibited the best plateau stress and compressive modulus among three different graded structures due to the maximum local volume fraction on the fracture plane. In fatigue response, Y-gradient outperformed the other two gyroid structures under varying stresses. In terms of cell culture response, the uniform structures performed the best biocompatibility due to its suitable pore size for cell adhesion and growth. This study provides new and in-depth insights into the LPBF additive manufacturing of pure Ta graded lattice structures with desired fatigue and biological properties for load-bearing orthopaedic applications.