[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation specific antibodies in lung adenocarcinoma: evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and relationship to histologic subtypes]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation specific antibodies in invasive lung adenocarcinomas, and their sensitivity, specificity, as well as relationship to histological subtypes.

METHODS

Immunostaining with EGFR mutation-specific antibodies, del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21, was performed in tissue microarrays of 884 cases of resection specimens to study the relationship between the immunophenotypes and morphologic subtypes. The sensitivity and specificity of the stains were compared with gene mutations detected by amplified refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR).

RESULTS

Of the 884 cases, the expression of del E746-A750 in exon 19 was 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 in 7 cases (0.79%), 38 cases (4.30%), 129 cases (14.59%) and 710 cases (80.32%), respectively. For L858R in exon 21, 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 staining were seen in 82 cases (9.28%), 93 cases (10.52%), 82 cases (9.28%) and 627 cases (70.93%), respectively. For both antibodies, positive expression (1+ or more) was mainly observed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, and rarely seen in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (P=0.014 and 0.016). If 1+ to 3+ expression was set as positive, the specificity of exon 19/exon 21 reached 98.59%/92.98%, while the sensitivity was relatively lower (62.86%/88.89%). If 2+ to 3+ expression was read as positive, the specificity and sensitivity were 99.30%/97.37% and 25.71%/74.60% for exon 19/exon 21. If only 3+ expression was considered positive, the specificity was 100.0% for both antibodies, with a low sensitivity (8.57% for exon 19 and 34.92% for exon 21). Of the 18 cases with E746-A750 del in exon 19 based on molecular detection, the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry for exon 19 was 88.89% if a positive cutoff value ≥1+ was used; in contrast, of the 8 cases harboring other deletions in exon 19, only two cases were positive as 1+ .

CONCLUSIONS

Both the EGFR mutation specific antibodies del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21 demonstrate high specificity and relatively low sensitivity, and are mostly expressed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, but rarely in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. For cases with 3+ expression, a mutational statue for EGFR is likely. For the 2+ positive cases, the accuracy to predict mutation almost reaches 90%, but molecular detection for confirmation is desirable. For the 1+ and negative cases, DNA-based test is essential to avoid false negativity.

Increased miR-155-5p expression in dermal mesenchymal stem cells of psoriatic patients: comparing the microRNA expression profile by microarray

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have pleiotropic immuno-modulatory effects and pro-angiogenic ability, leading to the presumption that MSCs may be involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. In a previous study, we reported the specific gene expression profile of dermal MSCs from psoriasis. Inflammation- and angiogenesis-related genes, such as lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha transcription factor (LITAF), dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGFα), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP5), are abnormally expressed in psoriatic dermal MSCs. As a key regulator of gene expression, miRNA are involved in a wide variety of biological processes; in fact, several miRNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. In this study, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of dermal MSCs from patients with psoriasis to those in MSCs from normal individuals by microarray, and found that the pro-inflammatory miRNA miR-155 was significantly overexpressed in psoriatic MSCs (2.44 fold, P < 0.001). Additionally, the expression of miR-155 target gene TAB2 (8.47 ± 1.55 vs 6.38 ± 2.10, P < 0.01,) and the downstream gene iNOS (5.26 ± 2.58 vs 3.73 ± 1.89, P < 0.05) was found to be inhibited in psoriatic dermal MSCs by real-time PCR. Therefore, we speculated that the elevation in miR-155 levels may be an indicator of, or a key regulatory pathway in, the pathogenesis of psoriasis, resulting in functionally impaired dermal MSCs.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.

[The imaging analysis of the age-related changes on maxillary sinus]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the age-related changes rules of maxillary sinus.Method:The 540 patients (1 080 sides) with normal data of deputy sinus in spiral CT were enrolled,including 270 cases of male and female,age from 7 to 81 years old.They are divided into 9 groups according to the age:Group A at the age of 7-12 years old,Group B at the age of 13-17,Group C at the age of 18-20 years old,Group D at the age of 21-24 years old,Group E at the age of 25-28 years,Group F at the age of 29-35 years old,Group G at the age of 36-40 years old,Group H at the age of 41-65 years old,and Group I is more than 65 years old.By the gender,the patients in each group was divided into male and female groups.There are 30 cases in each group(60 sides).The volumes and the three-dimensional diameters of the maxillary sinus were measured,and the coefficient of gasification of them were calculated.Result:The maxillary sinus volume and 3 D lines have almost the same change trend along with the age between the male and female group;From 7 to 20 ages,they are increased linearly,13 to 17 fastest-growing;18 to 20 years old reached to peak;declined slightly in 21-28 years old,29-35 a second growth peak,and 36 to 40 years old have fallen sharply,to reaching a steady state after 41 years old;The gasification coefficient has no difference among all groups.Conclusion:The volume changes with the age-related on maxillary sinus is in the adolescent stage.It reaches a steady state in the middle and old age stage,and gasification coefficient on maxillary sinus has no age-related changes among all groups.

[Relationship between weather factors and heat stroke in Ningbo city]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the main effects of weather factors on heat stroke.

METHODS

Data from case report on heat stroke was collected in Ningbo city during 2011 to 2014. Temperature threshold, lag effects and interaction of weather factors on heat stroke had been analyzed, using the piecewise regression model, distributed lag non-linear model, response surface model and other methods.

RESULTS

RESULTS showed that temperature and humidity were more correlated with heat stroke than other weather-related factors. Through different models, daily average temperature always presented a better role in predicting the heat stroke, rather than maximum or minimum temperature. Positive association between daily average temperature and heat stroke was obvious, especially at lag 0-1 days, with its threshold as 29.1 (95% CI: 28.7-29.5) ℃ . The cumulative RR of heat stroke at 90(th) percentile of daily average temperature versus 10(th) percentile was 14.05 (95% CI: 7.23-27.31) in lag 0-1 days. The effects of daily relative humidity on heat stroke appeared nonlinear, with low humidity showing a negative effect on heat stroke and could lag for 1-4 days. However, the effect of high humidity was not significant, with the cumulative RR of low humidity and high humidity as 2.35 (95%CI: 1.27-4.33) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.40-1.85) in lag of 0-4 days, respectively. We also noticed that there was an interactive effect of both temperature and humidity on heat stroke. Under high temperature and low humidity, the risk of heat stroke showed the highest.

CONCLUSIONS

Temperature and humidity showed obvious relationship with heat stroke in Ningbo city, with the threshold temperature as 29.1 ℃. Under high temperature and low humidity, the risk of heat stroke became the highest.

Effects of threonine supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, oxidative status, intestinal integrity, and barrier function of broilers at the early age

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of L-threonine (L-Thr) supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers at the early age. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Arbor Acres Plus) were allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 birds each, and fed a basal diet (analyzed Thr content, 7.87 g/kg) supplemented with 0 (control diet), 1 and 3 g/kg L-Thr for 21 d, respectively. Treatments did not alter growth performance of broilers. Compared with control, 1 g/kg Thr supplementation increased relative weight of spleen (P = 0.013). A higher level of Thr (3 g/kg) increased relative weight of thymus (P = 0.003). The supplementation of 3 g/kg Thr reduced Escherichia coli (P = 0.040) and Salmonella colonies (P = 0.015), whereas increased Lactobacillus colonies (P < 0.001) in the cecal contents. Thr supplementation increased intestinal villus height (P < 0.05), and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.001), and the values for these parameters were intermediate with 1 g/kg Thr. Goblet cell density was increased by Thr supplementation (P < 0.001). The jejunal immunoglobulin G content was increased by the inclusion of Thr (P = 0.002). Broilers fed diet supplemented with 1 g/kg Thr exhibited increased concentrations of jejunal immunoglobulin M (P = 0.037) and secretory immunoglobulin A (P = 0.018). Likewise, 3 g/kg Thr inclusion increased ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content (P = 0.023). The jejunal malondialdehyde accumulation was reduced by Thr inclusion (P = 0.012). A higher level of Thr inclusion also reduced malondialdehyde content in the serum (P = 0.029). The high level of Thr inclusion (3 g/kg) upregulated mucin-2 mRNA expression (P = 0.034), whereas downregulated the mRNA abundances of interferon-γ (P = 0.036) and interleukin-1β (P = 0.031) in the ileum. In conclusion, L-Thr supplementation can improve immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of broilers at an early age.

[HIV prevalence and risk factors among left-behind women in high HIV epidemic rural areas of Yunnan province]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the status of HIV infection and risk factors among those left-behind women (LBW) in high HIV epidemic rural areas.

METHODS

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted between March and May, 2015 in Dehong and Lincang prefectures, Yunnan province, where HIV appeared highly epidemic. Probability Proportion to Size (PPS) sampling method was used, and 500 cases were involved and tested for HIV antibody.

RESULTS

The total rate of HIV infection among LBW was 8.2% (41/500). The rate of HIV infection among LBWs whose husbands were on medication was 22.7% (30/132). Data from Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of HIV infection were: being minorities, education background lower than junior high school, widowed, living in Lincang prefecture, husband infected with HIV but did not consistently use condoms,etc. The rate of HIV infection among other LBWs was 2.8% (10/363). Data from Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of HIV infection would include: aged between 30-40 years, being minorities, education background lower than junior high school, divorced, living in Dehong prefecture, having had multiple-sex partners, husband coming home less than once a year,etc. The rate of HIV infection among drug users whose husbands did not take HIV medication was 20.0% (1/5).

CONCLUSION

HIV prevalence among LBWs in highly HIV epidemic areas was high, and the major risk factors related to their husbands were: being drug users or with HIV infected. Further effort should be made on consistently use of anti-HIV drugs and prevention of inter-marital sexual transmission. Comprehensive intervention should be carried out for LBWs who were having lower education background, being minority and having multiple-sex partners.

Cardiac progenitor cell-derived exosomes prevent cardiomyocytes apoptosis through exosomal miR-21 by targeting PDCD4

Cardiac progenitor cells derived from adult heart have emerged as one of the most promising stem cell types for cardiac protection and repair. Exosomes are known to mediate cell–cell communication by transporting cell-derived proteins and nucleic acids, including various microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we investigated the cardiac progenitor cell (CPC)-derived exosomal miRNAs on protecting myocardium under oxidative stress. Sca1⁺CPCs-derived exosomes were purified from conditional medium, and identified by nanoparticle trafficking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy and western blotting using CD63, CD9 and Alix as markers. Exosomes production was measured by NTA, the result showed that oxidative stress-induced CPCs secrete more exosomes compared with normal condition. Although six apoptosis-related miRNAs could be detected in two different treatment-derived exosomes, only miR-21 was significantly upregulated in oxidative stress-induced exosomes compared with normal exosomes. The same oxidative stress could cause low miR-21 and high cleaved caspase-3 expression in H9C2 cardiac cells. But the cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased when miR-21 was overexpressed by transfecting miR-21 mimic. Furthermore, miR-21 mimic or inhibitor transfection and luciferase activity assay confirmed that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of miR-21, and miR-21/PDCD4 axis has an important role in anti-apoptotic effect of H9C2 cell. Western blotting and Annexin V/PI results demonstrated that exosomes pre-treated H9C2 exhibited increased miR-21 whereas decreased PDCD4, and had more resistant potential to the apoptosis induced by the oxidative stress, compared with non-treated cells. These findings revealed that CPC-derived exosomal miR-21 had an inhibiting role in the apoptosis pathway through downregulating PDCD4. Restored miR-21/PDCD4 pathway using CPC-derived exosomes could protect myocardial cells against oxidative stress-related apoptosis. Therefore, exosomes could be used as a new therapeutic vehicle for ischemic cardiac disease.

Hepcidin and iron metabolism associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children: A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of cardiometabolic disease; however, the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and hepcidin as well as other iron parameters remains unclear in children. The aims of this study were to compare the circulating hepcidin levels and iron metabolism between children with and without CMRFs and to investigate the association between those iron parameters and CMRFs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A case-control study was conducted among 1126 children aged 7-14 years in the case group (n = 563) with CMRFs and the healthy control group (n = 563). Iron parameters, lipids, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. The information on demographics, diet, and physical activities was either children reported or parent reported. Compared with the healthy controls, children with CMRFs had higher levels of hepcidin and lower levels of serum iron, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; P < 0.001). Besides, the odds ratios (ORs) for low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 2.03, 0.21, and 0.33 in children with higher hepcidin, transferrin, and sTfR levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ORs for cardiometabolic risk were 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.85, P < 0.05), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.42, P < 0.01) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.36, P < 0.01) in children with higher serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The levels of hepcidin were higher, while those of iron, transferrin, and sTfR were lower in children with CMRF. Hepcidin was positively associated with the risk of low HDL levels, whereas transferrin and sTfR levels negatively correlated with the risk of low HDL levels. In addition, serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels were negatively associated with cardiometabolic risk.

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.

Interactions of allele E of the MC1R gene with FM and mutations in the MLPH gene cause the five-gray phenotype in the Anyi tile-like gray chicken

The Anyi tile-like gray chicken is a Chinese indigenous breed with a gray dilution phenotype, having gray feathers, comb, skin, shanks, and beak, which is valuable for genetic research on pigmentation. However, the genetic basis of the gray dilution phenotype remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic basis of the gray dilution phenotype in the Anyi tile-like gray chicken. We found that all Anyi tile-like gray chickens tested in this study carried at least one E allele, which is responsible for the appearance of black feathers, and some of them carried the FM allele, which is responsible for the black skin phenotype. A single nucleotide polymorphism (C.1909A>G) was identified within the melanophilin (MLPH) gene and was significantly associated with the gray dilution phenotype. Our findings suggest that the E and FM alleles act together to cause the development of the "five-black" phenotype (black feather, comb, skin, shank, and beak), whereas the MLPH mutation results in defective melanosome transport, leading to the development of the "five-gray" phenotype.

Toll-like receptor-4-dependence of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation

Bone fractures or bones subjected to open conduction and internal fixation are easily infected by bacteria; bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor affecting bone fracture healing. Therefore, the effect of LPS on bone metabolism is relevant for bone healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPS on the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (an LPS receptor) by using real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. We also examined the regulatory role of LPS in osteoblast differentiation by measuring the ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA (essential factors affecting osteoblast differentiation) expression in LPS-treated mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. We also evaluated the effect of TLR-4 on LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation using RNA interference. LPS promotes TLR-4 mRNA and protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and inhibits osteoblast differentiation by downregulating matrix mineralization and ALP activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and suppressing the expression ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conversely, RNAi-mediated TLR-4 knockdown abrogates the LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In summary, LPS was shown to inhibit osteoblast differentiation by suppressing the expression of ALP, OCN, and Runx2 in a TLR-4-dependent manner. The results of this study may provide insights into the signal pathway of LPS-induced bone loss or delayed bone fracture healing.

[A clinical study into the vestibular function and therapy of patients with chronic positional symptoms after acute vestibular syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the status of the vestibular function of the patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) and the curative effect of the vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). Method:Using caloric test (CT), head shaking nystagmus test (HST), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials as well as ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to estimate the function of semicircular canal and otolith organs. The patients with normal VEMPs are divided as Group A. Otherwise are as Group B. Both groups are treated with VRT. The curative effect is estimated by vestibular symptom index (VSI) and Berg balance scale (BBS). Result:Thirty-three of 37 patients (86.5%) had an abnormal result of CT and HST, with 23 of these patients (65.7%) had an abnormal of both test. Twenty-two patients (59.5%) were in Group A and 15 (40.5%) in Group B. Before the therapy, Group B had a higher score of the balance and dizziness symptoms of VSI (P<0.05), and Group A had a higher score of the BBS (P<0.05). After the therapy, the VSI scores of both groups dropped and scores of the BBS raised. Conclusion:Patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral AVS have dynamic vestibular lesions to different extents. Those with otolith organs lesions tend to have a worse function of balance. Nevertheless, patients have a better off after VRT.

Improved Mobility and Bias Stability of Thin Film Transistors Using the Double-Layer a-InGaZnO/a-InGaZnO:N Channel

The amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) were demonstrated based on a double-layer channel structure, where the channel is composed of an ultrathin nitro-genated a-IGZO (a-IGZO:N) layer and an undoped a-IGZO layer. The double-layer channel device showed higher saturation mobility and lower threshold-voltage shift (5.74 cm2/Vs, 2.6 V) compared to its single-layer counterpart (0.17 cm2/Vs, 7.23 V). The improvement can be attributed to three aspects: (1) improved carrier transport properties of the channel by the a-IGZO:N layer with high carrier mobility and the a-IGZO layer with high carrier concentration, (2) reduced interfacial trap density between the active channel and the gate insulator, and (3) higher surface flatness of the double-layer channel. Our study reveals key insights into double-layer channel, involving selecting more suitable electrical property for back-channel layer and more suitable interface modification for active layer. Meanwhile, room temperature fabrication amorphous TFTs offer certain advantages on better flexibility and higher uniformity over a large area.

Efficient development of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Pteroceltis tatarinowii (Ulmaceae)

Pteroceltis tatarinowii (Ulmaceae) is a scientifically and economically important temperate deciduous tree that is endemic to China. In the present study, 12 P. tatarinowii polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed using the tailed primer-M13-simple sequence repeats (TP-M13-SSR) biotin-capture method. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 10, with an average of 6.58. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.208 to 0.958 and from 0.198 to 0.858, with average values of 0.703 and 0.710, respectively. The markers isolated in this study represent a favorable tool for further analyses of the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of this relic tree.

LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells from patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been hypothesized to play an important role in abnormal localized inflammation and vascular proliferation observed in skin lesions. Previous studies have revealed abnormal gene expression patterns, DNA methylation status, and cytokine secretion of MSCs in psoriatic skin lesions, as well as some gene expression abnormalities related to inflammation and angiogenesis. We further verified the gene and protein expressions of inflammation-related lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha transcription factor (LITAF), dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), and angiogenesis-related hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) in MSCs derived from the skin lesions of psoriasis patients. The gene expression of LITAF, DUSP1, and HHEX in dermal MSCs was measured at the mRNA level using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the corresponding protein expression levels were analyzed by western blotting analysis. The gene and protein expression levels of LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1 in dermal MSCs were significantly lower in psoriasis patients compared to controls. Amplification and western blotting results were consistent with our previously reported gene chip data. Our results suggest that dermal MSCs in psoriatic skin lesions may be involved in the development, progression, and regulation of localized inflammatory abnormalities by reducing the expression of LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1, which are related to inflammation and angiogenesis.

Breeding of a target genotype variety based on identified chalkiness marker-QTL associations in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The aim of this study was to breed a target genotype variety based on the identified chalkiness marker-QTL (quantitative trait locus) associations in rice. First, a permanent mapping population of rice that consisted of 525 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), which were derived from Zhenshan 97/Minghui 63, was used to identify QTLs with additive effects for rice quantitative traits and percentage of grain chalkiness (PGC). Subsequently, based on the identified QTLs in rice, the molecular marker 68923-PGC was selected to screen the low chalkiness rice line. Then, using the integration of molecular marker breeding and traditional breeding, we analyzed the genotype and phenotype of inbred lines from 525 RILs; we identified one rice variety with particularly high yields, good taste, and broad adaptability. The new variety was temporarily named RIL10, which was a high quality, high yield, and broadly adaptable variety, and it is predominantly a feature that has contributed to its geographical adaptability, which would be planted from 35°E to 18°E in Chinain China, where 2/3 of rice production occurs. RIL10 was a marker-assisted selection breeding achievement for producing a high quality, high yield, and broadly adaptable rice variety.

Effect of low temperatures on BAX and BCL2 proteins in rats with spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury

We evaluated changes in BAX and BCL2 expression levels after spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) and hypothermia during operations in rats. Eighty rats were divided into four groups: Group A (N = 20, 18°C); Group B (N = 20, 28°C); Group C (N = 20, room temperature); and Group D (N = 20, sham operation control). Spinal cord ischemia was induced for 90 min. Hypothermia was induced 15 min before, and maintained during ischemia, followed by heating to normothermia for 30 min after reperfusion. Motor function of the lower limbs was evaluated according to the Tarlov score at 72 and 168 h. For each rat, spinal cord samples were taken at 6, 24, 72 h, and 1 week to evaluate the histopathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, and BAX and BCL2 expression levels. Compared with normothermia, hypothermia significantly improved hind limb function; Group B achieved a higher score than Group A. Group D showed no neurologic deficiency, while the other groups showed various degrees. Group C exhibited greater neuronal apoptosis, higher BAX expression, but lower BCL2 expression than the other groups. Compared with Group A, BAX was expressed less and BCL2 more in Group B, and there was less apoptosis in Group B. Hypothermia preserves hind limb motor function and reduces neuronal death, thereby protecting rats from SCII. The spinal cord may be protected from SCII by inhibition of BAX and activation of BCL2. However, deep hypothermia may inhibit the expression of BCL2, resulting in a worse outcome than mild hypothermia.

Identification of conserved microRNAs and their target genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by bioinformatic analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play important roles in posttranscriptional regulation of target genes. miRNAs are involved in multiple biological processes by degrading targeted mRNAs or repressing mRNA translation in various organisms. Their conserved nature in various organisms makes them a good source of new miRNA discovery using comparative genomic approaches. In the present study, conserved Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) miRNAs were identified using a bioinformatic strategy based on expressed sequence tag and genome survey sequence databases. A total of 21 new miRNAs were detected and were found to belong to 17 families. Using mature miRNA sequences as queries, potential targets for tilapia miRNAs were predicted using a local BLAST program and the miRanda software. Target proteins identified using miRanda and BLAST analyses included transcription factors and molecules important in metabolism, transportation, immunity, stress-related activity, growth, and development. These miRNAs and their targets in tilapia may increase the understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating the growth and development of tilapia.

Meta-analysis of constitutive QTLs for disease resistance in maize and its synteny conservation in the rice genome

We collected data regarding 340 disease resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from the maize genomic database (MaizeGDB). We constructed an integrated linkage map and analyzed this map by using the BioMercator 2.1 software with IBM2 2008 Neighbors genetic linkage map as a reference. We used a meta-analysis method to identify five "consensus" synthetic resistance QTLs located on maize chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 10, with map intervals of 5.14, 9.00, 28.50, 1.73, and 33.34 cM, respectively. The gene and marker sequences within the five "consensus" QTLs were downloaded from the MaizeGDB website. We identified eight resistance gene analogs (RGAs), through comparison of these sequences with the resistance genes of other members of Poaceae by using the online BLASTx software. On the basis of comparative mapping between the maize genetic map and the rice physical map, 54 rice and 44 maize resistance genes were projected onto the maize IBM2 2008 Neighbors genetic linkage map by using a synteny conservation approach. Additionally, 15 resistance genes in the "consensus" QTL regions were found in two "consensus" QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 6; these resistance genes included rp3, scmv2, wsm2, RG3, RG16, RG36, RG51, RG53, scmv1, mdm1, RG5, RG8, RG10, RG14, and RG29. Our results provide valuable information for fine-mapping QTL, gene cloning, and molecular breeding for resistance in maize.

Experimental research on end-to-side anastomosis of peripheral nerves and effect of FK506 on end-to-side anastomosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of end-to-side anastomosis of initially-denatured nerves at different times.

METHOD

60 male Wistar albino rats were used to fabricate animal models for the experiment on end-to-side anastomosis of peripheral nerves and 50 female Wistar albino rats were used to fabricate animal models for the experiment on the effect of FK506 on end-to-side anastomosis. Bilateral common peroneal nerve, tibialis anterior muscle electrophysiological and histological examinations, tibialis anterior muscle wet muscle weight determination, and motor end plate examination were performed 3 months after operation.

RESULTS

All recovery rates of action potential, single muscle contraction force and tetanic contraction force of the FK506 experimental group are significantly higher than those of the control group and the sectional area of muscle fiber is also higher than that of the control group of normal saline.

CONCLUSION

The best time for end-to-side anastomosis of nerves should be controlled within 2 weeks and the effect of end-to-side anastomosis of nerves will gradually become unsatisfactory. FK506 plays a role in promoting functional rehabilitation following nerve end-to-side anastomosis (Tab. 7, Fig. 4, Ref. 31).

Human papillomavirus infection among Uyghur women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Xinjiang area

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the baseline data of Uyghur women for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Xinjiang.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors analyzed the infection and distribution characteristics of HPV genotypes in genital tracts among Uyghur women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in Urumqi of Xinjiang. A total of 1,431 eligible cases involved in this trial. All cervical samples from these patients were detected for HPV genotype.

RESULTS

High-risk HPV was identified in 24.7% of 979 histologically confirmed normal samples and 89.2% of 452 samples with CIN (p < 0.05). The prevalence of one single high-risk type, low-risk type, and multiple HPV types were 74.6%, 10.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. A single high risk HPV infection progressively increased with the severity of cervical lesions significantly (chi2 = 31.53, p < 0.01). While interestingly multiple infection and single low risk HPV infection were decreased with the severity of cervical lesions, and there was significant difference chi2 = 6.44, p <0.05; chi2 = 4.85, p < 0.05). The major prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes in 346 samples of CIN II-III were HPV-16, -58, -31, -33, -68,-18,-45, and -39. The comparison of HPV genotype distributions between normal cytology and CIN II-III was analyzed. The estimated risks for progression from viral infection to CIN II-III was highest in HPV-33 (prevalence ratio (PR), 2.62), followed by HPV-31 (2.27), HPV-16 (1.92), HPV-58 (1.62), HPV-18 (1.51), HPV-68 (1.05), and HPV-39 (1.05), suggesting that the six genotypes of HPV-31, -16, -58, -18, -68, and -39 (PR > 1) are higher-risk HPV types in Uyghur women with CIN in Urumqi of Xinjiang. There was no association between multiple infection and cervical lesion progression (0.31, PR < 1).

CONCLUSION

Except for the common HPV-16, -58, -31, -33, -18 in Xinjiang, HPV-68 and HPV-39 may be the oncogenic subtypes to Uyghur female with CIN in Xinjiang. Distinguishing these HPV subtypes may have implications for future cervical screening strategies and vaccine implementation. Multiple infections were not association with an increased risk of high-grade cervical neoplasia.

Abdominal regional fat distribution on MRI correlates with cholecystolithiasis

AIMS

To determine whether abdominal regional fat distribution pattern on MRI is correlated with cholecystolithiasis.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 163 patients with cholecystolithiasis and 163 non-cholecystolithiasis control subjects admitted to our institution between March 2011 and September 2013 were included in this cross-sectional evaluation. There were 98 women and 65 men in cholecystolithiasis group with an average age of 57±16 years (range 25-86 years). There were 87 women and 76 men in the control group with an average age of 41±16 years (range 14-77 years). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAT) of all the subjects at navel level were measured on abdominal MRI. According to the visceral adipose area (cut-off point VAT = 100 cm2), study subjects were divided into 1) increased accumulation of intra-abdominal fat and 2) normal distribution of intra-abdominal fat. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of fat with the presence of cholecystolithiasis, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

The incidence of increased intra-abdominal fat accumulation in the cholecystolithiasis group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = 0.000). After adjusting for age and sex, cholecystolithiasis was associated with a one standard deviation increment in the waist circumference (WC) (OR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.01,1.93; p = 0.00), VAT (OR = 4.26; 95%CI: 1.85,5.29; p = 0.00), VAT/SAT (OR = 8.66; 95%CI: 1.60,12.63; p = 0.00), and VAT/TAT (OR = 6.73; 95%CI: 4.24,12.18; p = 0.00), but not with fat content in the abdominal subcutaneous fat (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The visceral adipose tissue and distribution proportion of abdominal adipose tissue are correlates of cholecystolithiasis.

Valproic acid attenuates the suppression of acetyl histone H3 and CREB activity in an inducible cell model of Machado-Joseph disease

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is caused by a (CAG)n trinucleotide repeat expansion that is translated into an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. This disease is considered the most common form of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). In the present study, we developed stable inducible cell lines (PC12Tet-On-Ataxin-3-Q28/84) expressing ataxin-3 with either normal or abnormal CAG repeats under doxycycline control. The expression of acetyl histone H3 and the induction of c-Fos in response to cAMP were strongly suppressed in cells expressing the protein with the expanded polyglutamine tract. Treatment with valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), attenuated mutant ataxin-3-induced cell toxicity and suppression of acetyl histone H3, phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) as well as c-Fos expression. These results indicate that VPA can stimulate the up-regulation of gene transcription through hyperacetylation. Thus, VPA might have a therapeutic effect on MJD.

First Report of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii on Sweet Potato in China

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) is the fifth largest staple crop after rice, wheat, maize, and soybean in China. Sweet potato tubers were received from Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, in June 2013 for research purposes. Upon inspection, the storage roots showed typical symptoms of being infected by root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp.; the incidence of infection was 95%. Meloidogyne spp. females and egg masses were dissected from the symptomatic roots. Each root contained about 32 females on average (n = 20). The perineal patterns of most female specimens (n = 10) were oval shaped, with moderately high to high dorsal arch and mostly lacking obvious lateral lines. The second-stage juvenile had large and triangular lateral lips and broad, bluntly rounded tail tip. These morphological characteristics are similar to those reported in the original description of Meloidogyne enterolobii Yang & Eisenback (2). The 28S rRNA D2D3 expansion domain was amplified with primers MF/MR (GGGGATGTTTGAGGCAGATTTG/AACCGCTTCGGACTTCCACCAG) (1). The sequence obtained for this population (n = 5) of Meloidogyne sp. (GenBank Accession No. KF646797) was 100% identical to the sequence of M. enterolobii (JN005864). For further confirmation, M. incognita specific primers Mi-F/Mi-R (GTGAGGATTCAGCTCCCCAG/ACGAGGAACA TACTTCTCCGTCC), M. javanica specific primers Fjav/Rjav (GGTGCGCGATTGAACTGAGC/CAGGCCCTTCAGTGGAACTATAC), and M. enterolobii specific primers Me-F/Me-R (AACTTTTGTGAAAGTGCCGCTG/ TCAGTTCAGGCAGGATCAACC) were used for amplification of the respective DNA sequences (1). The electrophoresis results showed a bright band (~200 bp) only in the lane with the M. enterolobii specific primers. Therefore, this population of Meloidogyne sp. on sweet potato was identified as M. enterolobii based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. M. enterolobii has been reported to infect more than 20 plant species from six plant families: Fabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, Annonaceae, and Marantaceae (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. enterolobii on a member of the Convolvulaceae in China. Refrences: (1) M. X. Hu et al. Phytopathol. 101:1270, 2011. (2) B. Yang and J. D. Eisenback. J. Nematol. 15:381, 1983.