Populus euphratica plant cadmium tolerance PePCR3 improves cadmium tolerance

Contamination of soils with toxic heavy metals is a major environmental problem. Growing crop plants that can promote the efflux of heavy metals is an effective strategy in contaminated soils. The plant cadmium resistance (PCR) protein is involved in the translocation of heavy metals, specifically zinc and cadmium (Cd). In this study, yeast expressing Populus euphratica PCR3 (PePCR3) showed enhanced Cd tolerance and decreased Cd accumulation under Cd treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses revealed up-regulation of PePCR3 in poplar seedlings under Cd stress. Localization analysis revealed that PePCR3 localizes at the plasma membrane. The plant growth and biomass were greater in PePCR3-overexpressing (OE) transgenic hybrid poplar lines than in wild type (WT). Physiological parameters analyses indicated that, compared with WT, PePCR3-OE transgenic lines were more tolerant to Cd. In addition, more Cd was excreted in the roots of the PePCR3-OE transgenic lines than in those of WT, but the remaining Cd in transgenic lines was more translocated into the stems and leaves. Eight genes encoding transporters showed increased transcript levels in PePCR3-OE transgenic lines under Cd treatment, implying that PePCR3 interacts with other transporters to translocate Cd. Thus, PePCR3 may be an important genetic resource for generating new lines that can enhance Cd translocation to phytoremediation in contaminated soils.

Populus euphratica plant cadmium resistance 2 mediates Cd tolerance by root efflux of Cd ions in poplar

KEY MESSAGE

Populus euphratica PePCR2 increases Cd resistance by functioning as a Cd extrusion pump and by mediating the expression of genes encoding other transporters. Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential, toxic metal that negatively affects plant growth. Plant cadmium resistance (PCR) proteins play key roles in the response to heavy metal stress. In this study, we isolated the gene PePCR2 encoding a plant PCR from Populus euphratica. PePCR2 gene transcription was induced by Cd, and its transcript level peaked at 24 h after exposure, at a level approximately 18-fold higher than that at 0 h. The PePCR2 protein was localized to the plasma membrane. Compared with yeast cells harboring the empty vector, yeast cells expressing PePCR2 showed enhanced Cd tolerance and a lower Cd content. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, poplar overexpressing PePCR2 showed higher Cd resistance. Net Cd2+ efflux measurements showed that Cd2+ efflux from the roots was 1.5 times higher in the PePCR2-overexpressing plants than in WT plants. Furthermore, compared with WT plants, the PePCR2-overexpressing plants showed increased transcript levels of ABCG29, HMA5, PDR2, YSL7, and ZIP1 and decreased transcript levels of NRAMP6, YSL3, and ZIP11 upon exposure to Cd. These data show that PePCR2 increased Cd resistance by acting as a Cd extrusion pump and/or by regulating other Cd2+ transporters to decrease Cd toxicity in the cytosol. The results of this study identify a novel plant gene with potential applications in Cd removal, and provide a theoretical basis for reducing Cd toxicity and protecting food safety.

Plant cadmium resistance 6 from Salix linearistipularis (SlPCR6) affects cadmium and copper uptake in roots of transgenic Populus

Phytoextraction in phytoremediation is one of the environmentally friendly methods used for restoring soils contaminated by heavy metals (HMs). The screening and identification of HM-resistant plants and their regulatory genes associated with HM ion transport are the key research aims in this field. In this study, a plant cadmium (Cd) resistance (PCR) gene family member, SlPCR6, was identified in roots of Salix linearistipularis, which exhibits strong HM resistance. The results revealed that SlPCR6 expression was induced in S. linearistipularis roots in response to Cd stress. Furthermore, SlPCR6 was mainly localized on the plasma membrane. Compared with the wild type, SlPCR6 overexpression reduced the Cd and copper (Cu) contents in the transgenic poplar (84 K) and increased its Cd and Cu resistance. The roots of transgenic poplar seedlings had lower net Cd and Cu uptake rates than wild type roots. Further investigation revealed that the transcript levels of multiple HM ion transporters were not significantly different between the roots of the wild type and those of the transgenic poplar. These results suggest that SlPCR6 is directly involved in Cd and Cu transport in S. linearistipularis roots. Therefore, SlPCR6 can serve as a candidate gene to improve the phytoextraction of the HMs Cd and Cu through genetic engineering.

Sex-specific associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 with bone density and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes

We evaluated the associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We found positive associations between IGF-I and BMD and negative associations between IGF-I and all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs and HFs in men, but not in women.

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to investigate the associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in each gender.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study that included men over 50 years and postmenopausal women with T2D without medical conditions or medications known to significantly affect BMD or serum IGF-I levels. Data of IGF-1, bone metabolism markers, lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) BMD were obtained; 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) and hip fractures (HFs) was calculated and modified with rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score, and age. Correlations of IGF-1 levels with bone metabolism and risk of fractures were statistically analyzed in men and women, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 391 patients, including 226 men and 165 women, were included. The age, serum fasting C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), bone formation marker, and all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs and HFs were higher in women than those in men (all p < 0.05). The levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), IGF-1, and BMD were lower in women than those in men (all p < 0.05). In men, IGF-1 was positively correlated with FN and TH BMD (FN BMD: r = 0.267, p < 0.001; TH BMD: r = 0.235, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs (RA-modified MOFs: r = - 0.289, p < 0.001; age-modified MOFs: r = - 0.237, p < 0.001; FN T-score-modified MOFs: r = - 0.280, p < 0.001) and HFs (RA-modified HFs: r = - 0.291, p < 0.001; age-modified HFs: r = - 0.271, p < 0.001; FN T-score-modified HFs: r = - 0.270, p < 0.001), while no significant correlations were found between serum IGF-I and BMD and three modified 10-year probability in women.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, we found sex differences in the associations of serum IGF-1 with BMD and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with T2D. These results suggested that increasing serum IGF-1 might be a clinical target for protecting fractures in T2D, especially in men.

Study on a new type of environment-friendly polymer and its preliminary application as soil consolidation agent during tree transplanting

Transplanting trees with rhizospheric soil is an important way to facilitate tree survival in the process of landscaping and reforestation. Traditional way to prevent looseness of rhizospheric soil is forming soil balls around the roots with bags, boxes or rope wrapping, which is cumbersome, laborious and easy to break. This study is aimed to develop a new type of degradable environment-friendly polymer as soil consolidation agent to facilitate tree transplanting. In this paper, the KGM/CA/PVA ternary blending soil consolidation agent was prepared by using Konjac glucomannan (KGM), chitosan (CA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as raw materials. Through the verification and evaluation, the clay and sandy soil can be consolidated and formed into soil balls by the ternary blend adhesive, which was convenient for transportation. The preliminary application of the ternary blend adhesive in the transplanting process of sierra salvia, Japanese Spindle (Euonymus japonicus) and Juniperus sabina ‘Tamaricifolia’ confirmed that the application of soil consolidation agent can effectively solve the problem that the root ball of seedling is easily broken in the process of transplant. And the application of soil consolidation agent has no adverse effect on the growth of transplanted seedlings. The research and development of ternary blending soil consolidation agent and its preliminary application in seedling transplanting will provide a new solution to solve the problem of soil ball breakage in the process of seedling transplanting. This is an important stage in the development of new seedling transplanting technology. Therefore, the research and development of soil consolidation agent is of great significance.

Effects of probiotic and Bidens pilosa on the performance and gut health of chicken during induced Eimeria tenella infection

AIM

In this study, we have examined the individual and combined protective mechanism of probiotic and Bidens pilosa on the performance and gut health of chickens during Eimeria tenella infection over a 29-day experimental trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of one hundred and fifty 1-day-old chickens were equally distributed into five treatment groups with three biological replicates: two groups were allocated as control groups (control group untreated unchallenged, CG and control positive untreated challenged, CPG) and three groups were fed diets with probiotic (PG), B. pilosa (BPG) and probiotic + B. pilosa (PG + BPG) and challenged with E. tenella. Birds of all groups were assessed for pre and post-infection body weights, oocysts shedding, caecal lesion scores and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3), antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD 1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) and tight junction proteins (CLDN 1 and ZO 1). Our results revealed that during infection (day 21-29), E. tenella challenged chickens significantly decreased the body weight compared with uninfected control chickens; however, there was no significant effect on body weight of chickens fed with probiotic, B. pilosa and probiotic + B. pilosa was observed. Eimeria tenella challenged untreated birds increased (P < 0·05) oocysts shedding, destructive ratio of caeca and mortality as compared to treated challenged birds. CPG group up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 while down-regulated the pro-apoptosis protein Bax relative to PG, BPG and PG + BPG groups. Moreover chickens fed probiotic, B. pilosa and probiotic + B. pilosa diets enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins with the comparison of control positive untreated challenged chickens.

CONCLUSION

These findings elaborated that feed supplementation of probiotic and B. pilosa (individually or in combination) appeared to be effective in inhibiting the occurrence of disease and decreasing the severity of Eimeria infection in chickens.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study explained the underlying anti-coccidial mechanism in which probiotic and B. pilosa (individually and/or in combination) improve the performance of chicken and protect against gut inflammatory responses caused by E. tenella.

The Osmotin-Like Protein Gene PdOLP1 Is Involved in Secondary Cell Wall Biosynthesis during Wood Formation in Poplar

Osmotin-like proteins (OLPs) mediate defenses against abiotic and biotic stresses and fungal pathogens in plants. However, no OLPs have been functionally elucidated in poplar. Here, we report an osmotin-like protein designated PdOLP1 from Populus deltoides (Marsh.). Expression analysis showed that PdOLP1 transcripts were mainly present in immature xylem and immature phloem during vascular tissue development in P. deltoides. We conducted phenotypic, anatomical, and molecular analyses of PdOLP1-overexpressing lines and the PdOLP1-downregulated hybrid poplar 84K (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) (Hybrid poplar 84K PagOLP1, PagOLP2, PagOLP3 and PagOLP4 are highly homologous to PdOLP1, and are downregulated in PdOLP1-downregulated hybrid poplar 84K). The overexpression of PdOLP1 led to a reduction in the radial width and cell layer number in the xylem and phloem zones, in expression of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, and in the fibers and vessels of xylem cell walls in the overexpressing lines. Additionally, the xylem vessels and fibers of PdOLP1-downregulated poplar exhibited increased secondary cell wall thickness. Elevated expression of secondary wall biosynthetic genes was accompanied by increases in lignin content, dry weight biomass, and carbon storage in PdOLP1-downregulated lines. A PdOLP1 coexpression network was constructed and showed that PdOLP1 was coexpressed with a large number of genes involved in secondary cell wall biosynthesis and wood development in poplar. Moreover, based on transcriptional activation assays, PtobZIP5 and PtobHLH7 activated the PdOLP1 promoter, whereas PtoBLH8 and PtoWRKY40 repressed it. A yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay confirmed interaction of PtoBLH8, PtoMYB3, and PtoWRKY40 with the PdOLP1 promoter in vivo. Together, our results suggest that PdOLP1 is a negative regulator of secondary wall biosynthesis and may be valuable for manipulating secondary cell wall deposition to improve carbon fixation efficiency in tree species.

Health-related quality of life in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a large-sample study

In this large-sample study, we demonstrated that osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) significantly impaired the quality of life (QoL) in children. Moderate/severe OI patients had worse QoL scores than patients with mild OI. Furthermore, the QoL for OI patients was correlated with the presence of pathogenic gene mutations.

INTRODUCTION

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary disease characterized by multiple fragility fractures and progressive skeletal deformities. No detailed investigations about the quality of life (QoL) have been carried out in a large sample of patients with OI. We evaluated the QoL and its influencing factors in a large and well-characterized OI cohort.

METHODS

We used a validated questionnaire of PedsQL 4.0 to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with OI. We compared HRQoL among patients with OI types I, III, and IV. The relationship between HRQoL and pathogenic mutations in candidate OI genes was investigated. We also evaluated the influencing factors of HRQoL in OI patients.

RESULTS

A total of 138 children with OI and 138 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The HRQoL scores of OI patients were 64.4 ± 30.0, 71.9 ± 22.2, 75.7 ± 24.8, 63.7 ± 24.5, and 68.9 ± 22.0 in physical, emotional, social, school functioning, and total score, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of healthy children (86.5 ± 12.7, 83.3 ± 16.0, 92.1 ± 11.8, 87.5 ± 11.8, and 87.3 ± 10.7, all p < 0.01). Moderate and severe OI (type III/IV) patients had poorer HRQoL scores than patients with mild OI (type I). Gene mutations inducing qualitative defects in type I collagen led to worse HRQoL scores than those with quantitative defects in type I collagen, except in emotional functioning. The total HRQoL score was positively correlated with family income, lumbar, and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores and negatively correlated with disease severity and fracture frequency.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL was significantly impaired in OI patients, and patients with more severe OI had poorer HRQoL scores. For the first time, we found that children with qualitative defects in type I collagen had poorer HRQoL scores than those with quantitative defects in type I collagen.

Proline-rich protein gene PdPRP regulates secondary wall formation in poplar

Proline-rich protein (PRP) is a plant cell wall associated protein. Its distinct patterns of regulation and localization studied in a number of plants indicate that it may play important roles in growth and development. However, the mechanism of how these genes control secondary cell wall development in tree species is largely unknown. Here, we report that a Populus deltoides (Marsh.) proline-rich protein gene PdPRP was preferentially expressed in immature/mature phloem and immature xylem in P. deltoides. PdPRP overexpression increased poplar plant height and diameter as well as the radial width of the phloem and xylem regions, facilitated secondary wall deposition, and induced expression of genes related to microfibril angle (MFA) and secondary wall biosynthesis. Downregulation of PdPRP retarded poplar growth, decreased the radial width of the secondary phloem and secondary xylem regions, reduced secondary wall thickening in fibers and vessels, and decreased the expression of genes related to MFA and secondary wall biosynthesis. These results suggest that PdPRP might positively regulate secondary cell wall formation by promoting secondary wall thickening and expansion in poplar. PdPRP-overexpressing poplar had a lower MFA, indicating that PdPRP may be useful for improving wood stiffness and properties in plants. Together, our results demonstrate that PdPRP is a proline-rich protein associated with cell wall development, playing a critical role in regulating secondary cell wall formation in poplar.

Serum Homocysteine Levels Had Important Associations with Activity and Quality of Daily Living in Chinese Centenarians

BACKGROUND

Population aging is an important problem worldwide, with activity and quality of daily living commonly reduced in elderly people. leading to increased hospitalization and mortality rates, and substantial individual and social burdens.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the associations of serum homocysteine levels with activity and quality of daily living in Chinese centenarians for the first time.

PARTICIPANTS

The China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was performed in 18 cities and counties of Hainan Province.

MAIN MEASURES

Home interview, physical examination and blood analysis were performed in 787 centenarians following standard procedures.

KEY RESULTS

The median age was 102 years, ranging between 100 and 115 years. There were 634 females (80.6%) and 153 males (19.4%) in all. The median level of serum homocysteine was 23.80 (18.80-29.90) umol/L, whereas median values of Barthel Index and EuroQol 5 Dimensions were 85(60-95) and 0.661(0.558-0.766), respectively. The centenarians with serum homocysteine levels ≥23.8μmol/L were more likely to had lower values of Barthel Index and EuroQol 5 Dimensions than those with serum homocysteine levels <23.8μmol/L (P<0.05 for all). In multivariate linear regression analyses, serum homocysteine levels were significantly associated with Barthel Index and EuroQol 5 Dimensions (P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum homocysteine levels had important associations with activity and quality of daily living in Chinese centenarians. Future research should focus on the value of intervening in serum homocysteine levels by supplying folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 on improving activity and quality of daily living in elderly people.

Relationships of Sex Hormone Levels with Activity of Daily Living in Chinese Female Centenarians

BACKGROUND

Activity of daily living declines in female elderly, which not only increases hospitalization and mortality rates, but also aggravates individual and societal burden. Large samples are needed to elucidate the relationships of plasma sex hormone levels with activity of daily living in Chinese female centenarians to better understand the effects of hormone-replacing therapy.

OBJECTIVE

As the first time in the world, the current study was designed to investigate the relationships of plasma sex hormone levels with activity of daily living in Chinese female centenarians.

PARTICIPANTS

China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was carried out in 18 cities and counties of Hainan Province.

MAIN MEASURES

Home interview, physical examination and blood analysis were carried out in 583 female centenarians following standard procedures. Barthel Index was used to assess the activity of daily living.

KEY RESULTS

Median age of all female centenarians was 102 years, with the range from 100 to 115 years. Median values of Barthel Index were 85(60-90). In multivariate linear regression analyses, Barthel Index values were inversely associated with plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-simulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, progesterone and estradiol levels (P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Plasma sex hormone levels, including LH, FSH, testosterone, progesterone and estradiol, had significant relationships with activity of daily living in Chinese female centenarians.

Novel compound heterozygous mutations in SERPINH1 cause rare autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta type X

We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in SERPINH1 in a Chinese boy suffering from recurrent fractures, femoral deformities, and growth retardation, which resulted in extremely rare autosomal recessive OI type X. Long-term treatment of BPs was effective in increasing BMD Z-score, reducing fracture incidence and reshaping vertebrae compression.

INTRODUCTION

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable bone disorder characterized by low bone mineral density, recurrent fractures, and progressive bone deformities. Mutation in serpin peptidase inhibitor clade H, member 1 (SERPINH1), which encodes heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), leads to rare autosomal recessive OI type X. We aimed to detect the phenotype and the pathogenic mutation of OI type X in a boy from a non-consanguineous Chinese family.

METHODS

We investigated the pathogenic mutations and analyzed their relationship with the phenotype in the patient using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing. Moreover, the efficacy of long-term bisphosphonate treatment in this patient was evaluated.

RESULTS

The patient suffered from multiple fractures, low bone mass, and bone deformities in the femur, without dentinogenesis imperfecta or hearing loss. Compound heterozygous variants were found in SERPINH1 as follows: c.149 T>G in exon 2 and c.1214G>A in exon 5. His parents were heterozygous carriers of each of these mutations, respectively. Bisphosphonates could be helpful in increasing BMD Z-score, reducing bone fracture risk and reshaping the compressed vertebral bodies of this patient.

CONCLUSION

We reported novel compound heterozygous mutations in SERPINH1 in a Chinese OI patient for the first time, which expanded the spectrum of phenotype and genotype of extremely rare OI type X.

[Photochemical induced vestibular ischemiawith icy water test in guinea pigs]

Objective:To ascertain the effects of a new method of photochemical reaction in vestibular function in guinea pigs.Method:Local photochemical reaction was initiated by systemic injection of rose bengal(20mg), photoillumination of the vestibule through medial wall of epitympanum for 30 minutes was started immediately after the injection of rose bengal, with a optic fiber connected to a xenon light (wavelength, 540nm; photointense, 500-600 mW/cm ²). There were 20 guinea pigs divided random equally into 2 groups. Group 1 was injected with rose bengal. Group 2 was control, injected with physiological saline solution. The ice caloric tests were performed on the second day.Result:The test group (7 ears) and the control group (6 ears) with test nystagmus showed mean frequencies were（2.0±0.33）times/s and（3.7±0.33）times/s,the mean amplitude were (3.1±0.39)mm and (3.5±0.54)mm,and the mean duration were (44.7±17.22)s and (62.0±7.22)s respectively.The nystagmus frequency difference was statistically significant, but the amplitude and the duration of the nystagmus were not significantly different. There was no obvious spontaneous nystagmus in the two groups, and there were negative results of ice water test (3 ears in the test group and 4 ears in the control group).Conclusion:Photochemical reaction can induce the ischemic state of the vestibule system in guinea pig, and produce an acute vestibular dysfunction, and ice water test shows that the frequency of nystagmus is reduced.

The antibacterial activity and modes of LI-F type antimicrobial peptides against Bacillus cereus in vitro

AIMS

LI-Fs are a family of highly potent cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotics with a broad antimicrobial spectrum (Gram-positive bacteria and fungi). In this study, LI-F-type antimicrobial peptides (AMP-jsa9) composing of LI-F03a, LI-F03b, LI-F04a, LI-F04b and LI-F05b were isolated from Paenibacillus polymyxa JSA-9. To better understand the antimicrobial mechanism of AMP-jsa9, the potency and action(s) of AMP-jsa9 against Bacillus cereus were examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flow cytometry, confocal laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy observation, as well as determination of peptidoglycan and cell wall-associated protein and other methods were used. The results indicate that AMP-jsa9 exhibits strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Moreover, AMP-jsa9 targets the cell wall and membrane of B. cereus to impair membrane integrity, increase membrane permeability and enhance cytoplasm leakage (e.g. K⁺ , protein, nucleic acid). This leads to bacterial cells with irregular, withered and coarse surfaces. In addition, AMP-jsa9 is also able to bind to DNA and break down B. cereus biofilms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the action mechanism of LI-Fs against B. cereus was clarified in details.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for utilizing AMP-jsa9 or similar analogues as natural and effective preservatives in the food and feed industries. These efforts could also stimulate research activities interested in understanding the specific effects of other antimicrobial agents.

Correction to: Gene mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlation in a cohort of Chinese osteogenesis imperfecta patients revealed by targeted next generation sequencing

In Table 2:Family 6 should be c.643-13_662delCTATCTTTTCTAGGGTCCCATGGGTCCCCGAGG instead of c.643-13_662delCTATCTTTTCTAGGGTCCCATGGGTCCCC.Family 33 should be c.271_279dupGCCCTCTCG instead of c.271_279dupGCCCTCT.In the 2nd para. of the Molecular diagnosis, section t(5;8)(q32;q21) should be t(5;7)(q32;q21).

Gene mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlation in a cohort of Chinese osteogenesis imperfecta patients revealed by targeted next generation sequencing

The achievement of more accurate diagnosis would greatly benefit the management of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In this study, we present the largest OI sample in China as screened by next generation sequencing. In particular, we successfully identified 81 variants, which included 45 novel variants. We further did a genotype-phenotype analysis, which helps make a better understanding of OI.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to reveal the gene mutation spectrum and the genotype-phenotype relationship among Chinese OI patients by next generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

We developed a NGS-based panel for targeted sequencing of all exons of 14 genes related to OI, and performed diagnostic gene sequencing for a cohort of 103 Chinese OI patients from 101 unrelated families. Mutations identified by NGS were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 103 patients from 101 unrelated OI families, we identified 79 mutations, including 43 novel mutations (11 frameshift, 17 missense, 5 nonsense, 9 splice site, and 1 chromosome translocation) in 90 patients (87.4%). Mutations in genes encoding type I collagen, COL1A1 (n = 37), and COL1A2 (n = 29) accounts for 73.3% of all molecularly diagnosed patients, followed by IFITM5 (n = 9, 10%), SERPINF1 (n = 4, 4.4%), WNT1 (n = 4, 4.4%), FKBP10 (n = 3, 3.3%), TMEM38B (n = 3, 3.3%), and PLOD2 (n = 1, 1.1%). This corresponds to 75 autosomal dominant inherited (AD) OI patients and 15 autosomal recessive (AR) inherited patients. Compared with AD inherited OI patients, AR inherited patients had lower bone mineral density (BMD) at spine (P = 0.05) and less frequent blue sclera (P = 0.001). Patients with type I collagen qualitative defects had lower femoral neck BMD Z-score (P = 0.034) and were shorter compared with patients with type I collagen quantitative defects (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

We revealed the gene mutation spectrum in Chinese OI patients, and novel mutations identified here expanded the mutation catalog and genotype and phenotype relationships among OI patients.

Down-regulation of single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 expression induced by HCMV infection promotes lipid accumulation in cells

The objective of this study was to observe the infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and its effect on the expression of single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSBP1) and on lipid metabolism in endothelial cells. We screened the differential expression of mRNAs after HCMV infection by suppression subtractive hybridization and the expression levels of SSBP1 mRNA and protein after HCMV infection by real-time PCR and western blot. After verification of successful infection by indirect immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR, we found a differential expression of lipid metabolism-related genes including LDLR, SCARB, CETP, HMGCR, ApoB and LPL induced by HCMV infection. The expression levels of SSBP1 mRNA and protein after HCMV infection were significantly down-regulated. Furthermore, we found that upregulation of SSBP1 inhibited the expression of atherosclerosis-associated LDLR, SCARB, HMGCR, CETP as well as the accumulation of lipids in the cells. The results showed that the inhibition of SSBP1 by HCMV infection promotes lipid accumulation in the cells.

A novel large fragment deletion in PLS3 causes rare X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and response to zoledronic acid

We identified a novel large fragment deletion from intron 9 to 3'UTR in PLS3 (E10-E16del) in one Chinese boy with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, which expanded the pathogenic spectrum of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. Treatment with zoledronic acid was beneficial for increasing BMD and reshaping the vertebral bodies of this patient.

INTRODUCTION

X-linked early-onset osteoporosis is a rare disease, which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), and/or long bone fractures. We aimed to detect the phenotype and the underlying pathogenic mutation of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis in a boy from a nonconsanguineous Chinese family.

METHODS

We investigated the pathogenic mutation of the patient with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis by targeted next-generation sequencing and confirmed it by Sanger sequencing. We also observed the effects of zoledronic acid on fracture frequency and BMD of the patient.

RESULTS

Low BMD and multiple VCFs were the main phenotypes of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. We identified a total of 12,229 bp deletion in PLS3, involving intron 9 to the 3'UTR (E10-E16 del). This large fragment deletion might be mediated by Alu repeats and microhomology of 26 bp at each breakpoint junction. Zoledronic acid treatment could significantly increase the Z-score of BMD and reshape the compressed vertebral bodies.

CONCLUSION

We identified a large fragment deletion mutation in PLS3 for the first time and elucidated the possible mechanism of the deletion, which led to X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures. Our findings would enrich the etiology spectrum of this rare disease.

Association between bone mineral density, muscle strength, and vitamin D status in patients with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study

Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients had low proximal hip BMD, which could be explained by reduced muscle strength, elevated bone resorption markers, vitamin D deficiency, and increased PTH levels in those with MG compared to controls.

INTRODUCTION

Muscle strength is closely correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status. Here, we evaluated muscle strength, BMD, and vitamin D status in a large sample of Chinese patients with MG.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional survey, 86 patients with MG without glucocorticoid treatment and 86 healthy controls were included. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD], parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and BMD were measured and compared between the two groups. Grip strength and one-leg standing time (OLST) were also assessed in MG patients.

RESULTS

Low grip strength and short OLST were found in 11 (12.8%) and 12 (14.0%) MG patients, respectively. There were 3 (3.5%) MG patients with low bone mass for chronological age. Serum beta C-terminal telopeptide and PTH levels were higher (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and BMD at the femoral neck and trochanter were lower in MG patients (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to healthy controls. In patients with MG, grip strength was positively correlated with BMD. Serum 25OHD levels were lower in MG patients than in healthy controls (17.36 ± 6.64 vs. 22.11 ± 7.28 ng/ml, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Grip strength was positively correlated with BMD in Chinese patients with MG. MG patients tended to have low proximal hip BMD, which may partially be explained by reduced muscle strength, vitamin D deficiency, increased PTH levels, and elevated bone resorption markers compared to controls.

Gross painless transudative ascites in a patient with ovarian cancer

Transudative ascites are a rare entity in cancer which may sometimes make their diagnosis difficult. Here, the authors report an unusual case of transudative ascites in a 50-year-old woman with ovarian cancer. The patient first presented with progressive painless gross transudative ascites for the past five months with no associated nephrotic syndrome or liver cirrhosis, and chylous ascites developed on day 14 of the admission. The ascites were transudate with serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) above 11 g/L. Repeated screening of cancer cells from ascites revealed adenocarcinoma originated from ovary.

Variants in mitochondrial tRNA gene may not be associated with thyroid carcinoma

Thyroid cancer is a very common form of endocrine system malignancy. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying thyroid cancer remains poorly understood. Studies of oncocytic tumors have led to a hypothesis which proposes that defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OX- PHOS) may result in a compensatory increase in mitochondrial replication and gene expression. As a result, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation analysis has become a useful tool to explore the molecular basis of this disease. Among these mutations, mitochondrial transfer RNAs (mttRNAs) are the hot spots for pathogenic mutations associated with thyroid cancer. However, due to its high mutation rate, the role of mt-tRNA variants in thyroid cancer is still controversial. To address this problem, in this study, we reassessed seven reported mt-tRNA variants: tRNA^Asp G7521A, tRNA^Arg T10411C and T10463C, tRNA^Leu(CUN) A12308G, tRNA^Ile G4292C and C4312T, and tRNA^Ala T5655C, in clinical manifestations of thyroid cancer. We first performed the phylogenetic conservation analysis for these variants; moreover, we used a bioinformatic tool to compare the minimum free energy (G) of mt-tRNA with and without mutations. Most strikingly, none of these variants caused the significant change of the G between the wild-type and the mutant form, suggesting that they may not play an important roles in thyroid cancer. In addition, we screened the frequency of the “pathogenic” A12308G alternation in 300 patients with thyroid cancer and 200 healthy controls. We found that there were five patients and three control subjects carrying this variant. It seemed that the A12308G variant may be a common polymorphism in the human population. Taken together, our study indicated that variants in mt-tRNA genes may not play active roles in patients with thyroid cancer.

Establishment of a normal reference value of parathyroid hormone in a large healthy Chinese population and evaluation of its relation to bone turnover and bone mineral density

A normal reference value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was established for the first time in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects by completely excluding interference of vitamin D deficiency. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study are to establish a normal reference value for serum PTH and to evaluate the effect of parathyroid gland status on bone turnover and BMD.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional study included 1436 healthy individuals from 5 different Chinese cities. Concentrations of serum PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), procollagen I N-terminal peptide (P1NP, a bone formation marker), and carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX, a bone resorption marker) were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relation of PTH concentration to age, gender, height, and weight was examined. Reference values of PTH were established for all subjects and for subjects categorized by serum 25OHD concentrations. Correlations of PTH levels with bone turnover biomarkers and BMD were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Reference values of PTH were 8.84-69.95 pg/mL in all the subjects and 7.48-60.73 and 5.83-56.78 pg/mL in the subjects with serum 25OHD concentrations of ≥20 and ≥30 ng/mL, respectively. Serum PTH showed a negative linear correlation with 25OHD, and the breakpoint was 18.21 ng/mL, below which the PTH level rapidly increased. The increase in PTH levels with age showed a positive linear correlation with P1NP and β-CTX concentrations and a negative linear correlation with BMD at the lumbar spines and the femoral neck.

CONCLUSIONS

A reference value of PTH was established in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects according to 25OHD status, gender, and age. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced BMD.

Mitochondrial ND3 G10398A mutation: a biomarker for breast cancer

Mitochondrial DNA mutations have been found to play important roles in carcinogenesis. The most common G10398A mutation, a non-conservative amino acid substitution from Thr to Ala, seems to be involved in the tumorigenesis of breast cancer. Results from studies concerning this mutation remain inconclusive. In the current study, we first took clinical and molecular datasets from case-control studies to determine the association between the G10398A mutation and breast cancer. We further used the Phylotree to determine the haplogroups of this mutation. The frequencies of this mutation in 500 unrelated healthy controls were also screened. We found that this mutation is very common in the human population, and may be a polymorph.

Metabolic syndrome of weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes

AIMS

Few studies have evaluated the effect of weight change from pre-pregnancy to post-partum with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum with metabolic syndrome among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 women with gestational diabetes mellitus at 1-5 years post-partum. Participants were divided into four groups based on their weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum: loss of ≥ 3 kg, ± 3 kg, gain of 3-7 kg and gain of ≥7 kg.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.1%, 16.2%, 26.0% and 44.3% among women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg, stable weight ( ± 3 kg), weight gain 3-7 kg and weight gain ≥ 7 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum, respectively. The positive association between weight change and metabolic syndrome was observed among women with pre-pregnancy normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI 24-27.9 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2)). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was almost similar among pre-pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain ≥ 7 kg, pre-pregnancy overweight women with stable weight ( ± 3 kg) and pre-pregnancy obese women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum (P = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had large weight gain from pre-pregnancy to post-partum were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Women who are pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and also diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy need more weight control after delivery.

Enrichment of committed human nucleus pulposus cells expressing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans under alginate encapsulation

OBJECTIVE

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with a malfunction of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Alginate culturing provides a favorable microenvironment for the phenotypic maintenance of chondrocyte-like NP cells. However, NP cells are recently evidenced to present heterogeneous populations, including progenitors, fibroblastic cells and primitive NP cells. The aim of this study is to profile the phenotypic changes of distinct human NP cells populations and describe the dynamic expression of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (CS-GAGs) in extended alginate encapsulation.

METHOD

Non-degenerated (ND-NPC) and degenerated (D-NPC) NP cells were expanded in monolayers, and subject to 28-day culture in alginate after serial passaging. CS-GAG compositional expression in monolayer-/alginate-cultured NP cells was evaluated by carbohydrate electrophoresis. Cellular phenotypic changes were assessed by immunologic detection and gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

Relative to D-NPC, ND-NPC displayed remarkably higher expression levels of chondroitin-4-sulfate GAGs over the 28-day culture. Compared with monolayer culture, ND-NPC showed increased NP marker expression of KRT18, KRT19, and CDH2, as well as chondrocyte markers SOX9 and MIA in alginate culture. In contrast, expression of fibroblastic marker COL1A1, COL3A1, and FN1 were reduced. Interestingly, ND-NPC showed a loss of Tie2+ but gain in KRT19+/CD24+ population during alginate culture. In contrast, D-NPC showed more consistent expression levels of NP surface markers during culture.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate for the first time that extended alginate culture selectively enriches the committed NP cells and favors chondroitin-4-sulfate proteoglycan production. These findings suggest its validity as a model to investigate IVD cell function.

The impact of LH, E2, and P level of HCG administration day on outcomes of in vitro fertilization in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration on outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, 129 infertile women undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments were included; these cycles were stratified according to LH levels of ≥ 1.12 IU/L or < 1.12 U/L and according to E2 levels of ≥ 1,005.89 pmol/L or < 1,005.89 pmol/L. The main outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate.

RESULTS

The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the group with LH ≥ 1.12 IU/L than in the group with LH < 1.12 U/L (43.28% vs. 30.65%, p < 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was also higher in the group with E2 ≥ 1,005.89 pmol/L than in the group with average E2 < 1,005.89 pmol/L (42.86% vs. 30.51%, p < 0.05). Among the LH, E2, and P levels on the day of HCG administration, LH level was the most important predictor of outcomes of IVF in COH. The present data showed an adverse effect of low serum LH level (LH < 1.12 IU/L) on the day of HCG administration on clinical pregnancy rate. E2 level can also predict the outcomes of IVF in COH.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum LH level (LH < 1.12 IU/L) and low serum E2 level (average E2 < 1,005.89 pmol/L) on the day of HCG administration led to low clinical pregnancy rates, while the P level on the day of HCG administration may have had little effect on clinical pregnancy.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage: role of subtraction CT angiography in etiological diagnosis and pretreatment planning

AIM

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a deleterious cerebrovascular disorder that requires prompt etiological diagnosis. We wished to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the latest generation 3D subtraction CT angiography (CTA) in etiological diagnosis and pretreatment planning of patients with suspected SAH.

METHODS

A total of 88 patients were included in our study and underwent both 3D subtraction CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations. The 3D subtraction CTA images were reviewed by two independent readers who were blinded to the results of DSA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 3D subtraction CTA were calculated on a per-patient basis. The possibility for surgical treatment was also evaluated based on information provided by CTA alone.

RESULTS

According to DSA results, 72 patients were diagnosed with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, 5 patients with arteriovenous malformations, and no lesion was detected in 11 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of CTA for etiological evaluation of SAH were all 100%. Correct pretreatment decision was made in 67 of 70 patients based on the CTA measurements alone.

CONCLUSION

THE results of our study indicate that 3D subtraction CTA is an accurate, fast and non-invasive imaging modality that is equal to DSA in etiological evaluation and pretreatment planning of patients with suspected SAH. It may replace DSA as the first step imaging method in patients with suspected SAH, while DSA should still be reserved for case of uncertainty.

Expression profiling and functional characterization of a CBL-interacting protein kinase gene from Populus euphratica

This is the first report on the function of a member of the CIPK family in Populus euphratica. The Ca(2+)-dependent salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway has been shown to play an essential role in maintaining ion homeostasis and conferring salt tolerance. One component of the SOS pathway, SOS1, was identified in the salt-resistant tree P. euphratica. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized another component of the SOS pathway in this tree called PeSOS2 or PeCIPK26. On the basis of protein sequence similarity and complementation studies in Arabidopsis, PeCIPK26 was concluded to be the functional homolog of Arabidopsis AtSOS2. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that PeCIPK26 can interact with four calcineurin B-like (CBL) genes, i.e., PeCBL1, PeCBL4/PeSOS3, PeCBL9 and PeCBL10. Autophosphorylation assays showed that PeCIPK26 is an active protein kinase. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that PeCIPK26 is expressed in root, stem and leaf, and throughout the cell including cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus; in addition, it can be induced under salt-stress treatment. Functions of PeCIPK26 in salt tolerance were evaluated by gene overexpression in Arabidopsis cipk24 mutants. The better salt tolerance of transgenic plants relative to mutants was shown by their higher germination rate, lower Na(+) accumulation and higher capacity to discharge Na(+) when grown with NaCl. These results suggest the involvement of PeCIPK26 in the salt-stress response of P. euphratica.

Abstract P3-13-06: A prospective phase II trial of vinorelbine plus oxaliplatin in second- or third-line metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

Purpose: Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) typically have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Previous study showed biweekly combination of vinorelbine and oxaliplatin (NVBOX) at doses of 30 mg/m2 and 90 mg/m2, respectively, is highly active and well tolerated as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The purpose of this study (NCT 01528826) was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of NVBOX in second- or third-line mTNBC.

Methods: Eligible patients were female with 18–70 years old and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 1, and had mTNBC that had progressed after 1or 2 prior chemotherapy regimens in the metastatic setting. A period of 4 weeks (NVBOX twice) was considered as one treatment cycle and the maximum cycles were 6. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety.

Results: Between Dec 2011 and Nov 2012, forty-four patients were recruited [median age 47; 77.3% with viceral metastasis, 100% had been exposed to anthracyclines and/or taxanes; 56.8% cis/carbo-platin pretreated for MBC; 38.6% with time to progression (TTP) of 1-2 previous regimens before recruitment ≤ 3 months]. The overall response rate was 31.6% (1 complete response, 11 partial responses) and 10 achieved stable diseases (7 lasting more than 6 months) in 38 evaluable patients. After a median follow-up of 12.8 months, the median PFS and OS were 4.3 (95% CI, 3.6–5.0) months and 12.6 (95% CI, 8.1–17.0) months, respectively. PFS was significantly shorter in patients with disease free interval (DFI) ≤ 1year (HR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.05–4.21; P = 0.037) and TTP of 1-2 previous regimens before recruitment ≤ 3 months (HR = 3.39; 95% CI, 1.66–6.89; P &lt; 0.001). Also, these two factors were two independent predictors for the poor OS (HR = 5.45; 95% CI, 2.08–14.32; P &lt; 0.001 and HR = 4.09; 95% CI, 1.73–9.68; P &lt; 0.001). For 34 second line patients, prior platinum in the first line was a factor significantly compromise the PFS (HR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.03–5.10; P = 0.043). Dose adjustment happened in 14 patients (31.8%) due to adverse events (AEs). Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (70.5%), thrombocytopenia (27.3%) and anemia (15.9%). Four patients experienced febrile neutropenia. The most frequent grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities were constipation (20.5%) and vomiting (11.4%). Two patients developed grade 3 NVBOX-related peripheral neurotoxicity. There were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusion: We conclude that biweekly NVBOX regimen is effective with a good safety profile in the second- or third-line mTNBC, which warrants further investigation in a phase III study.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-13-06.

Annexin 1: a glucocorticoid-inducible protein that modulates inflammatory pain

Annexin 1, a glucocorticoid (GC)-inducible protein, can play an important role via formyl peptide receptor like 1 (FPR2/ALX, also known as FPRL1) in inflammatory pain modulation. The aim of this review is to analyze different lines of evidence for the role of ANXA1 with different mechanisms on inflammatory pain and describe the profile of ANXA1 as a potential analgesic. A Medline (PUBMED) search using the terms 'Annexin 1 distribution OR expression, FPR2/ALX distribution OR expression, Annexin 1 AND pain, Annexin 1 AND FPR2/ALX AND pain' was performed. Articles with a publication date up to Nov. 1st, 2012 were included. The antinociception of ANXA1 has been evaluated in diverse pain models. It has been suggested that ANXA1 may exerts its action via: (1) inhibiting vital cytokines involved in pain transmission, (2) inhibiting neutrophil accumulation through preventing transendothelial migration via an interaction with formyl peptide receptors, (3) facilitating tonic opioid release from neutrophil in inflammatory site, (4) interrupting the peripheral nociceptive transmission by suppressing neuronal excitability. In general, ANXA1 is a potential mediator for anti-nociception and the role with its receptor constitute attractive targets for developing anesthesia and analgesic drugs, and their interaction may prove to be a useful strategy to treat inflammatory pain.

The calcium sensor PeCBL1, interacting with PeCIPK24/25 and PeCIPK26, regulates Na(+)/K (+) homeostasis in Populus euphratica

This paper is the first to directly link two types of ion channel regulation pathway into an emerging and complex CBL-CIPK signal system in wooden plant. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the calcineurin b-like (CBL) 1 gene has been shown to be necessary in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, we identified CBL1 in the woody plant Populus euphratica, designated as PeCBL1. Heterologous expression of PeCBL1 could build the resistance of sensitive phenotypes to low K(+) stress in the corresponding Arabidopsis cbl1/cbl9 mutant, and display a salt-sensitive phenotype compared with the mutant. Protein interaction analysis showed that PeCBL1 can interact with PeCIPK24, 25 and 26, and form different complexes of PeCBL-PeCIPK. To further investigate the mechanism of PeCBL1, we analyzed the fluxes of K(+) and Na(+) in roots of the wild-type Arabidopsis, cbl1/9 mutant, and PeCBL1 transgenic plants under low K(+) stress and high Na(+) stress. These analyses revealed that, compared to the cbl1/9 mutant, the PeCBL1 transgenic plant roots exhibited a higher capacity to absorb K(+) after exposure to low K(+) stress, and a lower capacity to discharge Na(+) after exposure to salt stress. The results suggest that CBL1 interacts with CIPK24, CIPK25 and CIPK26 to regulate Na(+)/K(+) homeostasis in Populus euphratica.

Increasing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women from 1999 to 2008

AIMS

To investigate the trend in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus during 1999-2008 in women living in urban Tianjin, China.

METHODS

A universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus has become an integral part of the antenatal care in Tianjin, China from 1998. A total of 105,473 pregnant women living in the six urban districts of Tianjin, China, participated in the gestational diabetes mellitus screening programme between December 1998 and December 2008. The screening test consisted of a 50-g 1-h glucose test. Women who had a glucose reading ≥7.8 mmol/l at the initial screening were invited to undergo the standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with a 75-g glucose load. Gestational diabetes mellitus was confirmed using the World Health Organization's diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The adjusted prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus increased by 2.8 times during 1999-2008, from 2.4 to 6.8% (P<0.0001 for linear trend). In 2008, the age-specific prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was the highest among women aged 30-34 years (11.3%) and lowest among women aged 25 and under (1.2%). In women aged 35 years and more, the prevalence was 5.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus has markedly been increasing in a universally screened urban Chinese female population and has become an important public health problem in China.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of active bleeding associated with hepatic and splenic trauma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of active bleeding from hepatic and splenic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and ninety-two patients with liver or/and spleen trauma (179 liver and 217 spleen injuries), who underwent CEUS examinations following contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), were enrolled in this retrospective study over a period of >4 years. CEUS detected contrast medium extravasation or pooling in 16% (63/396) of liver or spleen lesions in 61 patients, which was confirmed by contrast-enhanced CT. Special attention was paid to observing the presence, location, and characteristics of the extravasated or pooled contrast medium.

RESULTS

The CEUS detection rate for active bleeding was not different from that of contrast-enhanced CT (p=0.333). Information from surgery, minimally invasive treatment and conservative treatment was used as reference standard, and the sensitivities of the two techniques were not different (p=0.122). Of 63 lesions in 61 patients, CEUS showed that 74.6% (47/63) (21 liver lesions and 26 spleen lesions) presented contrast medium extravasation or pooling, both in the organ and out the capsule, in 14.3% (9/63) and only outside the capsule in 11.1% (7/63). CEUS imaging of active bleeding from hepatic and splenic trauma presented various characteristics, and the sizes and shapes of the active bleeding due to contrast medium extravasation or pooling were variable.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS can show the active bleeding associated with hepatic and splenic trauma with various imaging characteristics, thus making it possible to diagnose active bleeding using CEUS.

Effectiveness and safety of CEUS-guided haemostatic injection for blunt splenic trauma: an animal experiment

The aim of this study was to investigate whether complications occur after haemostatic agents are injected into blunt splenic injuries. After undergoing ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations, dogs with grade III-IV injury received the minimally invasive therapy. After treatment, CEUS was performed to observe changes in the regions treated. In the immediate group, dogs underwent laparotomy 30 min after treatment to observe the haemostatic effect. In the survival group, animals underwent CEUS and CECT examinations to observe the short-term healing outcome and complications at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the injection. After undergoing CEUS and CECT examinations, 12 dogs with grade III-IV injury received the minimally invasive therapy. Before injection, CEUS examinations showed anechoic and/or hypoechoic perfusion defects and active bleeding at the injury sites, and CECT showed traumatic lesions as low-density regions without enhancement. After treatment, CEUS demonstrated the disappearance of active bleeding, and hyperechoic spots emerged at the injury sites. Uneven density regions were displayed on CECT. Treated areas were covered by blood clots and glue membrane in the immediate-group animals. Three weeks later, CEUS showed a decrease of hyperechoic spots in the survival group, and the splenic parenchyma enhanced uniformly on CECT. Laparotomy showed that the greater omentum had moved upwards and partly covered the wound in four animals, and the injury sites had completely healed. Histopathological examination showed that fibrous connective tissue covered the splenic capsule and that the haemostatic glue had degraded. No complication occurred, such as delayed splenic haemorrhage, splenic abscesses, splenic pseudoaneurysms, intestinal obstruction or intestinal adhesions. CEUS-guided haemostatic injection is not only effective in stopping active bleeding immediately, but it is also safe in that no complications occurred during the 3 weeks of follow-up. This study indicates that CEUS-guided percutaneous injection may provide a safe, feasible and effective therapy for blunt splenic trauma.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica

OBJECTIVE

Brain abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attracted much attention. Our study was to identify the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients.

METHODS

Patients who fulfilled the latest diagnostic criteria of NMO proposed by Wingerchuk et al. [Neurology 66 (2006) 1485] and whose brain MRI did not meet the multiple sclerosis (MS) criteria of McDonald et al. [Ann Neurol 50 (2001) 121] were selected to perform MRI scanning of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 33 patients (84.8%) had abnormal MRI findings. Twenty-two patients (66.7%) presented with well-defined brain parenchymal lesions and the other six patients (18.2%) with macroscopic symmetrical diffuse hyperintensities in deep white matter. Fifteen of 22 patients had more than one lesion (> or =2 lesions) and the other seven patients had single lesion. In the supratentorium, most lesions were punctate or small round dot and non-specific in juxtacortical, subcortical and deep white matter regions, a few were patchy atypical confluent lesions. Brainstem was easily involved (14/33, 42.4%) especially in medulla (7/33, 21.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the characteristics of brain MRI abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients, which are helpful to the revision of diagnostic criteria for NMO.

In silico quantitative prediction of peptides binding affinity to human MHC molecule: an intuitive quantitative structure-activity relationship approach

In this paper, we have handpicked 23 kinds of electronic properties, 37 kinds of steric properties, 54 kinds of hydrophobic properties and 5 kinds of hydrogen bond properties from thousands of amino acid structural and property parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on these parameters and thus ten score vectors involving significant nonbonding properties of 20 coded amino acids were yielded, called the divided physicochemical property scores (DPPS) of amino acids. The DPPS descriptor was then used to characterize the structures of 152 HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL epitopes, and significant variables being responsible for the binding affinities were selected by genetic algorithm, and a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model by partial least square was established to predict the peptide-HLA-A*0201 molecule interactions. Statistical analysis on the resulted DPPS-based QSAR models were consistent well with experimental exhibits and molecular graphics display. Diversified properties of the different residues in binding peptides may contribute remarkable effect to the interactions between the HLA-A*0201 molecule and its peptide ligands. Particularly, hydrophobicity and hydrogen bond of anchor residues of peptides may have a significant contribution to the interactions. The results showed that DPPS can well represent the structural characteristics of the antigenic peptides and is a promising approach to predict the affinities of peptide binding to HLA-A*0201 in a efficient and intuitive way. We expect that this physical-principle based method can be applied to other protein-peptide interactions as well.

Internet use and risk behaviours: an online survey of visitors to three gay websites in China

OBJECTIVES

To describe the risk behaviours of visitors to gay websites and to explore the role of the internet in the HIV transmission among the Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

Between May and August 2006, visitors of three Chinese gay websites were invited to complete an online questionnaire about the use of the internet and risk sexual behaviours.

RESULTS

The median age of the online sample was 25 years old (range 18 to 64). Over three-quarters (77.6%) had an education of college or higher. Less than 44% of the online sample reported little or no risk for HIV transmission. These men had either had no anal intercourse (28.0%) or had always used a condom for anal intercourse (15.8%). Although only about half of the participants reported that their main purpose of visiting the gay websites was to look for sexual partners, most participants (86.1%) had used the internet to seek partners. Compared with men seeking sexual partners only on the internet, men seeking partners both in traditional gay venues and on the internet were older, less likely to be students and more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse, more than six sexual partners in the past 6 months and commercial sex behaviours.

CONCLUSION

The users of the gay websites are relatively young and well educated, and highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, given their low prevalence of consistent condom use and multiple-risk sexual behaviours. Effective intervention programmes should be implemented and strengthened in China, especially for those who seek sexual partners both on the internet and in traditional gay venues.

Advantages and challenges of using census and multiplier methods to estimate the number of female sex workers in a Chinese city

Using census and multiplier methods to estimate the size of the population of female sex workers (FSWs) in a small city in western China, this study compared the advantages and challenges of the two methods. It was estimated that there were about 1,500 FSWs within the urban area using the census method, which was significantly lower than that estimated by the multiplier method (2,500). Each method has advantages and limitations, and could be applied to different situations. The census method is less time and resource consuming in smaller regions and has a tendency to underestimate, and therefore, the result can be viewed as a low limit. It is useful in a local setting, for example, when estimations are needed for planning HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in a single city. Using existing information or resources, multiplier method could be used to produce estimates for a large geographic area or at a national level.