Intra-aneurysmal microcatheter looping technique for stent-assisted embolization of complex intracranial aneurysms

The endovascular treatment of wide-necked, large and giant aneurysms remains challenging. This retrospective study investigated the feasibility and safety of an intra-aneurysmal microcatheter looping technique for stent-assisted embolization of complicated intracranial aneurysms.This technique was used for 31 patients with complicated cerebral aneurysms from January 2007 to November 2013. The clinical and angiographic results were retrospectively evaluated.The target aneurysms were successfully treated in all cases (100%). A flow diverter was used in seven procedures. There were no aneurysmal perforations or ischemic complications, except for a microguidewire perforation of the distal vessel in one case. Among the 24 cases with conventional stent-assisted embolization, complete embolization or neck residual was obtained in 21 cases. Partial occlusion occurred in three cases.In conclusion, the intra-aneurysmal microcatheter looping technique is a safe and feasible alternative treatment of complicated intracranial aneurysms. This approach is a reasonable choice for patients and leads to successful outcomes.

An in vivo and in vitro study: High-dosage Danshen injection induces peripheral vascular endothelial cells injury

Danshen injection, a pharmaceutical dosage form of Danshen, has been widely used in the treatment of coronary heart diseases, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. With more and more adverse drug reactions linked with Danshen injection, its safety comes under suspicion. To evaluate its safety, mice were divided into four groups: vehicle, low-, middle-, and high-Danshen group, and each group was intravenously administered with Danshen injection at a dose of 0, 0.64, 1.55, and 5.76 g/kg/day for 5 days, respectively (the low dosage was the recommended clinical dosage, the middle dosage was the most commonly used higher dosage, and the high dosage was the highest dosage used in clinic). Peripheral vascular toxicity wasn't observed in the low-dosage group, elevated serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) was observed in the middle-dosage group; and more peripheral vascular toxicities like increased vascular leakage, elevated serum nitrate and ET-1, and vascular endothelial cells apoptosis were detected in the high-dosage group. In vitro study, low-concentration Danshen injection showed protective effect to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while high concentration displayed strong cytotoxic effects, including increase in nitric oxide and ET-1 production, inhibition of cell viability, and apoptosis induction. Further, the HUVECs' apoptosis induced by high-concentration Danshen injection was found along with the induction of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, these results suggest that Danshen injection is nontoxic in its recommended clinical dosage, and the 2.4-fold as the recommended clinical dosage might be the highest safety dosage in clinic treatment. In addition, Danshen injection is a potential vascular toxic drug in its high dosage and shouldn't be used far beyond its recommended dosage in clinic treatment.

The effects of differing resistance training modes on the preservation of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis synthesized current evidence from 24 clinical trials to evaluate the impact of different resistance training modes on postmenopausal bone loss. Exercise interventions were categorized into two training modes, namely resistance-alone versus combined resistance training protocols. The combined resistance training protocols were defined as the combination of resistance training and high-impact or weight-bearing exercise. The results suggested that the combined resistance training protocols were effective in improving bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine.

INTRODUCTION

The current meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of combined resistance and resistance-alone training protocols on the preservation of femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

An electronic database search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and ProQuest up to March 1, 2014 for the influence of resistance exercise on BMD in postmenopausal women. The study quality was evaluated. The effect sizes were estimated in terms of the standardized mean difference (SMD). A subgroup analysis was conducted by exercise categories.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were included in the overall analysis of skeletal response to resistance exercise. The between-study heterogeneity was evident for the hip (I (2) = 46.5%) and spine (I (2) = 62.3%). The overall analysis suggested that resistance training significantly increased femoral neck BMD (SMD = 0.303, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.127-0.479, p = 0.001) and lumbar spine BMD (SMD = 0.311, 95% CI = 0.115-0.507, p = 0.002) in postmenopausal women. However, subgroup analysis indicated that combined resistance training programs significantly affected both the hip BMD (SMD = 0.411, 95% CI = 0.176-0.645, p = 0.001) and spine BMD (SMD = 0.431, 95% CI = 0.159-0.702, p = 0.002), whereas resistance-alone protocols only produced nonsignificant positive effects both on the femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined resistance exercise protocols appear effective in preserving femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD in postmenopausal women, whereas resistance-alone protocols only produced a nonsignificant positive effect.

GSK3β negatively regulates LPS-induced osteopontin expression via inhibiting its transcription

Osteopontin (OPN) is expressed by a variety of immune cells and is critical for both innate and adaptive immune responses. The expression status of OPN might be tightly regulated to maintain immune homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which OPN is negatively regulated in LPS-stimulated macrophages remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitors - SB216763, LiCl and azakenpaullone - enhanced LPS-induced OPN expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. GSK3β knock-down had the similar effects. Furthermore, we found that GSK3β inhibitors and GSK3β knock-down both increased the activity of OPN promoter in LPS-stimulated macrophages. GSK3β inhibitor-mediated enhancement of LPS-induced OPN promoter activity was abrogated in GSK3β siRNA-treated macrophages. Therefore, we identified GSK3β as a negative regulator of OPN expression and suggest GSK3β as a potential therapeutic target for the intervention of diseases with uncontrolled OPN production.

Breed-specific lipid-related gene expression in the subcutaneous fat of Large White and Erhualian pigs at weaning

Abstract. The Erhualian (EHL) pig possesses significantly lower growth rates and higher adipose deposition compared with the Large White (LW) pig. To further understand the mechanism of breed lipid deposition difference at the early postnatal age, we employed an animal model of EHL and LW pigs at weaning age to compare the lipid metabolism differences in subcutaneous fat. The result showed that serum triglyceride in EHL was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of LW. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ protein level in EHL was significantly higher (P < 0.01) though CCTTA enhancer-binding protein level demonstrated no change compared with LW pigs. Hormone sensitive lipase, adipose tissue triglyceride lipase mRNA expression and the lipase activity were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in EHL. Uncoupling protein-2 protein content was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in EHL than that in LW pigs. We first cloned the nucleotide sequence of Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) with 1090 bp and found that both ZAG mRNA expression and protein level in EHL pigs was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of LW pigs. β3 adrenergic receptor mRNA expression in EHL pigs was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of LW pigs, though tumour necrosis factor α gene expression demonstrated no significant difference. Therefore, the significant breed lipid metabolism difference in subcutaneous fat exists at an early postnatal age between EHL and LW pigs, and this difference may originate from two causes including the increased lipid synthesis and reduced lipid mobilization in EHL pigs compared with LW pigs.

The association of CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is expressed in T cells and plays an important role in the regulation of T cell. CTLA-4 has long been considered to be associated with various kinds of diseases. With the attempt to examine the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population, we employed TaqMan assay to genotype the CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism in 311 colorectal cancer cases and 389 cancer-free controls. We found evidence of the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk (GG vs. AA: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.29-3.07, P = 0.002; GA vs. AA: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.53-3.57, P = 0.001; GA + GG vs. AA: OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.46-3.21, P = 0.001). Next, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively examine the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. We found a significant association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk among Asians, which is consistent with our result. However, we found no evidence for the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk among Caucasians. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism increased the susceptibility of colorectal cancer in Asian population.

Altered structural covariance of the striatum in functional dyspepsia patients

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is thought to be involved in dysregulation within the brain-gut axis. Recently, altered striatum activation has been reported in patients with FD. However, the gray matter (GM) volumes in the striatum and structural covariance patterns of this area are rarely explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the GM volumes and structural covariance patterns of the striatum between FD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained from 44 FD patients and 39 HCs. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was adopted to examine the GM volumes in the two groups. The caudate- or putamen-related regions identified from VBM analysis were then used as seeds to map the whole brain voxel-wise structural covariance patterns. Finally, a correlation analysis was used to investigate the effects of FD symptoms on the striatum.

KEY RESULTS

The results showed increased GM volumes in the bilateral putamen and right caudate. Compared with the structural covariance patterns of the HCs, the FD-related differences were mainly located in the amygdala, hippocampus/parahippocampus (HIPP/paraHIPP), thalamus, lingual gyrus, and cerebellum. And significant positive correlations were found between the volumes in the striatum and the FD duration in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These findings provided preliminary evidence for GM changes in the striatum and different structural covariance patterns in patients with FD. The current results might expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of FD.

Kisspeptin-10 enhanced egg production in quails associated with the increase of triglyceride synthesis in liver

Our previous results showed that kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) injections via intraperitoneal (i.p.) once daily for three weeks notably promoted the egg laying rate in quails. In order to investigate the mechanism behind the effects of Kp-10 on enhancing the egg laying rate in birds, this study focused on the alternations of lipids synthesis in liver after Kp-10 injections. 75 female quails (22 d of age) were allocated to three groups randomly, and subjected to 0 (control, Con), 10 nmol (low dosage, L) and 100 nmol (high dosage, H) Kp-10 injections via i.p. once daily for three weeks, respectively. At d 52, quails were sacrificed and sampled for further analyses. Serum E2 concentration was increased by Kp-10 injections, and reached statistical significance in H group. Serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations were increased by 46.7% in L group and 36.8% in H group, respectively, but did not reach statistical significance, and TG contents in liver were significantly elevated by Kp-10 injections in a dose-dependent manner. Serum total cholesterol (Tch) concentrations significantly decreased in H group, while in H group the hepatic Tch content was markedly increased. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), apolipoprotein A1 and B (apoA1 and apoB) were not altered by Kp-10 injections. The genes expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), apolipoprotein VLDL-II (apoVLDL-II), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and vitellogenin II (VTG-II) were significantly up-regulated by high but not low dosage of Kp-10 injection compared to the control group. However, the expression of SREBP-2, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCα), malic enzyme (ME), stearoyl-CoA (Δ9) desaturase 1 (SCD1), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2), 3-hydroxyl-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductases (HMGCR), estrogen receptor α, β (ERα and β) mRNA were not affected by Kp-10 treatment. In line with hepatic mRNA abundance, hepatic SREBP1 protein content was significantly higher in H group. Although the mRNA expression was not altered, the content of ERα protein in liver was also significantly increased in H group. However, SREBP-2 protein content in liver was not changed by Kp-10 treatment. In conclusion, exogenous Kp-10 consecutive injections during juvenile stage significantly advanced the tempo of egg laying in quails, which was associated with the significant elevation in hepatic lipids synthesis and transport.

Optically controllable THz chiral metamaterials

Switchable and tunable chiral metamaterial response is numerically demonstrated here in different uniaxial chiral metamaterial structures operating in the THz regime. The structures are based on the bi-layer conductor design and the tunable/switchable response is achieved by replacing parts of the metallic components of the structures by photoconducting Si, which can be transformed from an insulating to an almost conducting state through photoexcitation, achievable under external optical pumping. All the structures proposed and discussed here exhibit frequency regions with giant tunable circular dichroism, as well as regions with giant tunable optical activity, showing unique potential in the achievement of active THz polarization components, like tunable polarizers and polarization filters.

Characterization and full genome sequence analysis of a Chinese isolate of tomato chlorosis virus

KEYWORDS

crinivirus; complete nucleotide sequence; tomato; sequence analysis.

A novel flow-diverting device (Tubridge) for the treatment of 28 large or giant intracranial aneurysms: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Tubridge flow diverter is a novel device developed in China and aimed at reconstructing the parent artery and occluding the aneurysm. We conducted this study to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and efficacy for the treatment of large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms, which are still challenging with conventional therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical and angiographic data of 28 patients with 28 large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with Tubridge flow diverters were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three Tubridge flow diverters were successfully implanted except for 1 poor midstent opening; the result was a technical success rate of 97.0% (32/33). Follow-up angiographies were available for 25 aneurysms; the mean follow-up was 9.9 months (5-24 months). Of the 25 aneurysms, 18 (72.0%) were completely occluded, 6 (24.0%) were improved, and 1 (4.0%) was unchanged. All of the visible covered branches and parent arteries were patent, with no stenosis or obliteration. During a follow-up of 6-30 months (mean, 19 months), symptoms were resolved in 13 patients, improved in 6 patients, and unchanged in 4 patients. Five patients experienced transient clinical deterioration due to a postoperative increased mass effect. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality were both zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience shows that the Tubridge flow diverter is a safe and effective tool for treating large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms. However, multicenter randomized trials and studies involving a long-term follow-up are necessary.

Differential expression of hypothalamic fear- and stress-related genes in broiler chickens showing short or long tonic immobility

The serotonin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis play important roles in modulating fear and stress-coping characteristics. Tonic immobility (TI) is a fear-related phenotype, and previously we have shown that broiler chickens showing short TI (STI) duration experience better growth performance and higher adaptability to stress. Here, we sought to further elucidate the central mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences between chickens showing STI and long TI duration, by comparing the hypothalamic expression of genes in the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and corticosterone-exposed situations. The STI broilers had significantly lower (P < 0.01) hypothalamic expression of serotonin reuptake transporter and serotonin receptor 1A. Moreover, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was expressed significantly lower in STI chickens at the level of both mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05). Hypothalamic expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA tended to be higher (P < 0.059) in long TI chickens, but the protein content was approximately 2 times higher (P < 0.01) in STI chickens. The uncoupled expression of GR mRNA and protein was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.05) expression of gga-miR-181a, gga-miR-211, and gga-miR-22, which are predicted to target GR, in STI chickens. Corticosterone administration reduced the mRNA expression of postsynaptic serotonin receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (P = 0.059) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (P < 0.05), yet significantly increased the protein content of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that broilers of different TI phenotypes have a distinct pattern of hypothalamic expression of fear- and stress-related genes.

Large magnetoelectric coupling in Co4Nb2O9

Magnetoelectric materials which simultaneously exhibit electric polarization and magnetism have attracted more and more attention due to their novel physical properties and promising applications for next-generation devices. Exploring new materials with outstanding magnetoelectric performance, especially the manipulation of magnetization by electric field, is of great importance. Here, we demonstrate the cross-coupling between magnetic and electric orders in polycrystalline Co₄Nb₂O₉, in which not only magnetic-field-induced electric polarization but also electric field control of magnetism is observed. These results reveal rich physical phenomenon and potential applications in this compound.

Abstract P3-01-04: Obesity induces functional transcriptomic changes enhancing the cancer hallmarks of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Obesity increases the risk of cancer death among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but the direct evidence for the mechanisms is lacking. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate direct evidence for the mechanisms mediating this epidemiologic phenomenon. Transcriptomic profiles of pretreatment biopsies from a prospective cohort of 137 ER+ breast cancer patients were analyzed. A transgenic and an orthotopic/syngeneic obese mouse models were created to phenocopy obese patients and evaluate the effect of obesity on breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and to explore further direct mechanisms. Functional transcriptomic analysis of untreated human ER+ breast cancer revealed that obesity was associated with increased insulin signaling among others. Many of the functional changes in obese patients were linked to cancer hallmarks. Obese mouse models recapitulated the functional transcriptomic landscape of obesity-associated changes seen in human ER+ breast cancer and demonstrated the role of the Akt/mTOR pathway in obesity-induced breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Functional transcriptomic analysis identified 85 biological functions common to humans and mice. An in vitro co-culture model revealed that adipocyte-secreted adipokines (e.g., TIMP-1) regulate adipocyte-induced breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The human transcriptomic data provided direct evidence for the roles of hyperinsulinemia, estrogen signaling, adipokine secretion, and inflammation in the link between obesity and ER+ breast cancer. Our animal experiments provide strong evidence for the causal relationship between obesity and accelerated carcinogenesis and cancer progression and for potential therapeutic interventions by blocking these signaling pathways.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-01-04.

miRNA-374 regulates dexamethasone-induced differentiation of primary cultures of porcine adipocytes

To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid on adipocytes metabolism and miRNAs that may be involved in adipocyte differentiation, primary porcine preadipocytes were treated with 10-6 M dexamethasone and RU486 (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) for 48 h. PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ), and C/EBP-β (CCTTA enhancer binding protein-β) gene and protein expression were measured. The expressions of miRNAs predicted to directly target C/EBP-β were determined, and the functions of the potential miRNAs were verified. The results showed that the triglyceride content in cultured adipocytes increased significantly after 10-6 M dexamethasone treatment for 48 h, whereas the cell viability did not differ among the four groups (

CONTROL

10-6 M dexamethasone; 10-6 M RU486: 10-6 M dexamethasone+10-6 M RU486) (p>0.05). Cells treated with dexamethasone for 48 h significantly upregulated perilipin and PPAR-γ gene expression, and PPAR-γ protein expression was also significantly increased. However, C/EBP-β mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased. Both miR-374a and miR-374b, targeting the C/EBP-β 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated region), were significantly increased. Dual luciferase activity assay results indicated that miR-374a/b was directly recognised and bound to the 3'-UTR of C/EBP-β and thereby suppressed C/EBP-β gene expression. The present study showed that 10-6 M dexamethasone promotes lipid accumulation in primary cultures of porcine preadipocytes. PPAR-γ and C/EBP-β protein abundance showed differences after 48 h dexamethasone treatment; miR-374a/b may be involved in regulating of C/EBP-β expression. These results provide new targets for further regulation of porcine lipid metabolism.

The safety and efficacy of stenting in the treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a seven-case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of stenting with coil in the endovascular treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms.

METHODS

The data on PCA aneurysms treated with stents were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively collected intervention database. The literature was reviewed concerning the use of stents for PCA aneurysms.

RESULTS

Seven cases with complex PCA aneurysms (male: female = 6:1; ruptured: unruptured = 4:3) were retrieved from our database. Three aneurysms were localized at the junction of P1 and P2 segments (P1-2), two at P1, and two at P2A. Four were wide-necked saccular aneurysms, while the other three were dissecting ones. A total of nine stents (one Neuroform and eight Enterprise stents) were successfully deployed. Two aneurysms were totally eliminated, three were with neck residues and two were partially occluded. No procedure-related complications occurred. All patients recovered well. Angiographic follow-ups (FU) showed that three aneurysms achieved total obliterations, one got improved, two remained stable, and one recurred. The recurred aneurysm caused no symptom and was treated with two stents. Clinical FU demonstrated no neurological deterioration or bleeding. In literature review, the procedure-related mortality is 5.3 % (2/38). The incidence of permanent neurologic deficit is 2.6 % (1/38). Three (3/23) aneurysms recurred, of which one caused rebleeding. Four (4/23) in-stent stenoses were all asymptomatic. No other hemorrhagic or ischemic event occurred in clinical FU.

CONCLUSION

Stent offers a therapeutic alternative for complex PCA aneurysms especially when PVO cannot be tolerated. Long-term therapeutic efficacy requires further observations in clinical series with larger case numbers.