First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production

The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1  GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.

Toxicity of glyphosate to animals: A meta-analytical approach

Glyphosate (GLY)-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most commonly applied pesticide worldwide, and non-target organisms (e.g., animals) are now regularly exposed to GLY and GBHs due to the accumulation of these chemicals in many environments. Although GLY/GBH was previously considered to be non-toxic, growing evidence indicates that GLY/GBH negatively affects some animal taxa. However, there has been no systematic analysis quantifying its toxicity to animals. Therefore, we used a meta-analytical approach to determine whether there is a demonstrable effect of GLY/GBH toxicity across animals. We further addressed whether the effects of GLY/GBH vary due to (1) taxon (invertebrate vs. vertebrate), (2) habitat (aquatic vs. terrestrial), (3) type of biological response (behavior vs. physiology vs. survival), and (4) dosage or concentration of GLY/GBH. Using this approach, we also determined whether adjuvants (e.g., surfactants) in commercial formulations of GBHs increased toxicity for animals relative to exposure to GLY alone. We analyzed 1282 observations from 121 articles. We conclude that GLY is generally sub-lethally toxic for animals, particularly for animals in aquatic or marine habitats, and that toxicity did not exhibit dose-dependency. Yet, our analyses detected evidence for widespread publication bias so we encourage continued experimental investigations to better understand factors influencing GLY/GBH toxicity to animals.

The association between iron deficiency and outcomes: a secondary analysis of the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial

In the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial, the use of intravenous iron did not reduce the need for blood transfusion or reduce patient complications or length of hospital stay. As part of the trial protocol, serum was collected at randomisation and on the day of surgery. These samples were analysed in a central laboratory for markers of iron deficiency. We performed a secondary analysis to explore the potential interactions between pre-operative markers of iron deficiency and intervention status on the trial outcome measures. Absolute iron deficiency was defined as ferritin <30 μg.l^-1 ; functional iron deficiency as ferritin 30-100 μg.l^-1 or transferrin saturation < 20%; and the remainder as non-iron deficient. Interactions were estimated using generalised linear models that included different subgroup indicators of baseline iron status. Co-primary endpoints were blood transfusion or death and number of blood transfusions, from randomisation to 30 days postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included peri-operative change in haemoglobin, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. Most patients had iron deficiency (369/452 [82%]) at randomisation; one-third had absolute iron deficiency (144/452 [32%]) and half had functional iron deficiency (225/452 [50%]). The change in pre-operative haemoglobin with intravenous iron compared with placebo was greatest in patients with absolute iron deficiency, mean difference 8.9 g.l^-1 , 95%CI 5.3-12.5; moderate in functional iron deficiency, mean difference 2.8 g.l^-1 , 95%CI -0.1 to 5.7; and with little change seen in those patients who were non-iron deficient. Subgroup analyses did not suggest that intravenous iron compared with placebo reduced the likelihood of death or blood transfusion at 30 days differentially across subgroups according to baseline ferritin (p = 0.33 for interaction), transferrin saturation (p = 0.13) or in combination (p = 0.45), or for the number of blood transfusions (p = 0.06, 0.29, and 0.39, respectively). There was no beneficial effect of the use of intravenous iron compared with placebo, regardless of the metrics to diagnose iron deficiency, on postoperative complications or length of hospital stay.

A reproducible dynamic phantom for sequence testing in hyperpolarised 13C-magnetic resonance

OBJECTIVE

To develop a phantom system which can be integrated with an automated injection system, eliminating the experimental variability that arises with manual injection; for the purposes of pulse sequence testing and metric derivation in hyperpolarised 13C-MR.

METHODS

The custom dynamic phantom was machined from Ultem and filled with a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and lactate dehydrogenase mixture dissolved in phosphate buffered saline. Hyperpolarised [1-13C]-pyruvate was then injected into the phantom (n = 8) via an automated syringe pump and the conversion of pyruvate to lactate monitored through a 13C imaging sequence.

RESULTS

The phantom showed low coefficient of variation for the lactate to pyruvate peak signal heights (11.6%) and dynamic area-under curve ratios (11.0%). The variance for the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme rate constant (kP) was also seen to be low at 15.6%.

CONCLUSION

The dynamic phantom demonstrates high reproducibility for quantification of 13C-hyperpolarised MR-derived metrics. Establishing such a phantom is needed to facilitate development of hyperpolarsed 13C-MR pulse sequenced; and moreover, to enable multisite hyperpolarised 13C-MR clinical trials where assessment of metric variability across sites is critical.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The dynamic phantom developed during the course of this study will be a useful tool in testing new pulse sequences and standardisation in future hyperpolarised work.

Abstract P3-03-28: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Yoo T-K, Chae BJ, Ahn JY, Ryu J, Eom YH, Park WC, Song BJ. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-28.

44 Misregulation of ten-eleven translocation 3 CXXC domain leads to abnormal formation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and expression of pluripotency genes in pig embryos

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases are considered to play an important role in regulation of DNA methylation patterns by converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). TET3 protein, a member of TET family, is enriched in mature oocytes and early stage embryos and contributes to DNA demethylation of the paternal genome in zygotes. N-terminal CXXC domain of TET3 is thought to be important in catalysing 5mC oxidation through its DNA binding potential. However, it is not clear whether specific DNA binding of CXXC domain is required for 5hmC conversion in mammalian embryos. Here, we investigated the role of TET3 CXXC domain in controlling 5hmC formation in fertilized pig embryos by injecting TET3 CXXC domain into mature pig oocytes as a dominant negative to inhibit the direct binding of TET3 to the genome through the CXXC domain. The CXXC domain of pig TET3 was identified through bioinformatics comparison of TET3 sequences among different species and cloned from mature pig oocyte-derived cDNA. To construct the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-CXXC fusion protein, CXXC sequence was subcloned into N-terminal GFP fusion vector, and then mRNA was synthesised by in vitro transcription. The GFP-CXXC mRNA (100 ng/µL) was injected into oocytes matured in vitro for 36 to 37h. Then, the oocytes were fertilized at 42h post-maturation. Water-injected oocytes served as a control. At 17h post-fertilization, zygotes were collected to analyse 5hmC level by immunocytochemistry. The level of 5hmC was analysed using ImageJ (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/). Expression of pluripotency-related genes at Day 7 blastocysts was examined through quantitative RT-PCR; ΔΔCt method was used to analyse the quantitative RT-PCR data and Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. All experiments were conducted at least three times and P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. The GFP-CXXC was exclusively localised in pronuclei, indicating that the CXXC domain may lead to nuclear localization of TET3. The level of 5hmC in zygotes was not altered by the overexpression of GFP-CXXC. Interestingly, in 2-cell stage embryos, the 5hmC level was reduced in GFP-CXXC injected embryos compared with the control group, suggesting that CXXC domain is important for 5hmC formation post-DNA replication. There was an increase in transcript abundance of NANOG and ESRRB in blastocysts developed from GFP-CXXC injected oocytes compared with control blastocysts (P&lt;0.05). There was no difference in the expression of POU5F1 and SOX2. In this study, we found that CXXC domain of TET3 is critical in maintaining the level of 5hmC formation at 2-cell stage and proper level of pluripotency-related genes (NANOG and ESRRB) in blastocysts. Future studies will focus on elucidating mechanisms behind the changes after overexpression of GFP-CXXC in pig embryos.

209 Overexpression of WAVE1 activates pluripotency-related genes in porcine somatic cells

Despite extensive efforts, cellular reprogramming in livestock species has had limited success. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have been established; however, these cells often show incomplete reprogramming status, and constitutive expression of exogenous reprogramming factors is required due to inactivation of endogenous pluripotency-related genes. A previous study reported that overexpression of the Xenopus egg-derived WAVE1 gene assists reprogramming of murine somatic cells into the pluripotent state. The WAVE1 gene is also required for oocyte-mediated reprogramming by transcriptional activation of embryonic genes. In this study, we investigated the role of porcine WAVE1 in cellular reprogramming by inducing overexpression of WAVE1 in porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFF). Previously, we cloned the coding sequences (CDS) of porcine WAVE1 using porcine expressed sequence tags (EST) and predicted porcine WAVE1 sequences. The WAVE1 CDS, derived from porcine mature oocytes, was overexpressed in PFF by transfection using the Neon system. Then, G418-based antibiotic selection was performed to enrich cells constitutively overexpressing WAVE1. After cell culture for 4 weeks, RNA was extracted from the WAVE1 transfected and control PFF, and cDNA was synthesised from the RNA using random hexamers. The cDNAs were used for quantitative reverse transcription PCR to analyse the expression pattern of pluripotency- and reprogramming-related genes: POU5F1, NANOG, KLF2, SOX2, DPPA3, ZFP42, ESRRB, TET1, TET2, and TET3. The expression of target genes were normalized to GAPDH level and the ΔΔCt algorithm was used for analysis. Three technical replications and 4 biological replications were performed. Student’s t-test was used for the comparison and P-values&lt;0.05 were considered significant. On average, a 20-fold increase of WAVE1 was observed in the transfected cells compared with control cells. Interestingly, overexpression of WAVE1 activated some of the pluripotency-related genes in porcine PFF. Specifically, transcript levels of NANOG, KLF2, and SOX2 were increased compared with those in the control cells (P&lt;0.05). In addition, levels of POU5F1 and DPPA3 tended to be higher in WAVE1-overexpressing cells compared with those in the control cells (P&lt;0.1). However, transcript levels of other pluripotency-related genes (ZFP42, DPPA3, and ESRRB) did not change in WAVE1-overexpressing cells. The expression level of TET family (TET1, TET2, and TET3), which is enriched in pluripotent stem cells and a key regulator of DNA methylation, was not changed in WAVE1-overexpressing cells. These results indicate that WAVE1 can be a novel factor in porcine cellular reprogramming. Considering that a key defect of current porcine iPSC generation is insufficient expression of endogenous pluripotency genes, application of WAVE1 may enhance quality of porcine iPSC. We intend to evaluate expression of pluripotency markers at the protein level in WAVE1-overexpressing cells and investigate mechanisms underpinning WAVE1-mediated reprogramming process in future studies.

Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration

OBJECTIVE

Although dissolving microneedle patches have been widely studied in the cosmetics field, no comparisons have been drawn with the topical applications available for routine use. In this study, two wrinkle-improving products, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches and an adenosine cream, were evaluated for efficacy, with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration, and safety in a clinical test on the crow's feet area.

METHODS

Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 10 weeks on 22 female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch was applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow's feet area. The adenosine cream was applied two times per day, in the morning and evening, for 8 weeks to the other crow's feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration were measured by using PRIMOS^® premium, Dermascan^® C, Cutometer^® MPA580, and Corneometer^® CM 825, respectively. In addition, subjective skin irritation was evaluated by self-observation, and objective skin irritation was assessed through expert interviews.

RESULTS

The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches had a similar or better efficacy than the adenosine cream. Both groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters (P < 0.05). The dissolving microneedle patches had a long-lasting effect on the average wrinkle depth (P < 0.05), only showed efficacy in dermal density (P < 0.05), had an early improving effect on elasticity (P < 0.05), and demonstrated better hydration efficacy (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

CONCLUSIONS

In the clinical efficacy test of four skin-improvement parameters, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches showed the same or better effect than the adenosine cream, although the weekly adenosine dose was 140 times lower. The dissolving microneedle patches caused no adverse reactions. These adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches are expected to be safe, effective, and novel cosmetics for skin improvement.

Effects of an Acidic, Lactate-Based Peritoneal Dialysis Solution and its Euhydric, Bicarbonate-Based Counterpart on Neutrophilic Intracellular pH

An exposure of human neutrophils to an acidic (pH 5.2), lactate-based incubation mixture containing a conventional, acidic, lactate-based peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) resulted in the development of a prompt and substantial intracellular acidosis. A comparable exposure to a euhydric, bicarbonate-based incubation mixture containing a euhydric, bicarbonate-based PDS did not bring about similar changes in intracellular pH. The absence of an intracellular acidosis in the instance of the euhydric, bicarbonate-based PDS may be the reason why this solution is more biocompatible than its acidic, lactate-based counterpart.

57 Disruption of TET1 Leads to Abnormal Expression of Pluripotency-Related Genes in Porcine Embryos

DNA methylation is one of the principal epigenetic modifications playing an essential role in regulating gene expression. The TET family (1-3) is implicated in initiating the demethylation process by converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine (5hmC) during embryogenesis. Previous studies in mice suggest that TET1 is required for pluripotency and maintenance of embryonic stem cells by managing their epigenetic marks, specifically DNA methylation. This raises the possibility that TET1 is capable of establishing distinct epigenetic marks during embryo development, thus regulating pluripotency-related genes. However, this has not been demonstrated in any species. Previously we have demonstrated that the level of TET1 (mRNA and protein) was high in porcine blastocysts. In this study, we generated TET1 knockout embryos and analysed expression patterns of pluripotency-related genes in blastocysts to study the role of TET1 in maintaining pluripotency during porcine embryo development. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was applied to disrupt the TET1 gene during embryogenesis. Three single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed based on our previous cloning of the TET1 gene. In vitro-synthesised Cas9 mRNA (20 ng µL−1) and sgRNAs (10 ng µL−1 each) were injected into the cytoplasm of zygotes after IVF. A total of 605 zygotes were used for microinjection and subsequently 54 blastocysts were formed. As a control, 89 IVF blastocysts were developed from 240 embryos. Nine to ten blastocysts per group were collected on Day 7 to analyse gene expression patterns of TET family and pluripotency-related genes using quantitative RT-PCR. Three biological and 3 experimental replications were used. Differences in the gene expression were evaluated by ANOVA. As expected, there was a 2-fold decrease in the transcript level of TET1 in TET1-knockout blastocysts compared with that in control IVF blastocysts (P < 0.05). Interestingly, an increase in TET3 mRNA (P < 0.01) and numeric increase of TET2 mRNA was observed in TET1-knockout blastocysts. We could also detect an elevated level of pluripotency-related genes in TET1-knockout blastocysts; the expression of NANOG, ESRRB, ZFP42, and TCL1A was up-regulated. However, there was no significant change in the expression level of other pluripotency-related genes (POU5F1, SOX2, KLF2, PRDM14, and DPPA3) in TET1 knockout blastocysts. In this study, we found that TET1 is involved in regulating expression of pluripotency-related genes: NANOG, ESRRB, ZFP42, and TCL1A. The loss of functional TET1 resulted in elevated expression of these genes. The reason for this is still under investigation, although TET3, known to have a positive correlation with the level of NANOG, could be involved. A 3-fold increase in TET3 mRNA response to the TET1-knockout may suggest a compensatory mechanism between TET1 and TET3 during porcine embryogenesis. To further understand these actions, we intend to analyse DNA methylation (5mc and 5hmc) levels on the promoter region of the genes. In addition, embryos lacking functional TET1 and TET3 will be generated to explore a potential compensatory effect of TET3 under the absence of TET1.

NAMPT Is an Essential Regulator of RA-Mediated Periodontal Inflammation

Recent studies have indicated a potential correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal inflammation. We undertook this study to verify whether RA mediates periodontitis-like phenotypes in experimental mouse models of RA and to explore the role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in periodontal inflammation during RA pathogenesis. Periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss have been reported in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and in genetically modified tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) transgenic (TG) mouse models. Among the adipokines examined in our study, NAMPT expression was markedly upregulated in the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues in RA mouse models and in human PDL cells stimulated by the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) 1β and TNF-α. When NAMPT was overexpressed with the Nampt-synthesizing adenovirus vector (Ad- Nampt), the PDL cells exhibited an increased expression of cytokines (IL6), chemokines (IL8 and chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 5 [CCL5]), inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase 2 [COX-2]), and matrix-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] 1 and MMP3). Inhibition of NAMPT by the intracellular NAMPT (iNAMPT) inhibitor, FK866, or by the sirtuin inhibitor, nicotinamide, in PDL cells led to inhibition of the IL1β or Ad- Nampt–induced upregulation of catabolic factors, whereas treatment with recombinant NAMPT protein or blockade of extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT) with blocking antibody did not. Moreover, NAMPT inhibition by the intraperitoneal or intragingival injection of FK866 in CIA mice inhibited periodontal tissue damage, under conditions of RA. Thus, our results verified the co-occurrence of RA and periodontal inflammation using experimental mouse models of RA, suggesting that iNAMPT in PDL cells plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RA-mediated periodontal inflammation by regulating the expression levels of catabolic genes, such as IL6, IL8, CCL5, COX-2, MMP1, and MMP3.

91 DISRUPTION OF TET1 DURING PORCINE EMBRYOGENESIS USING CRISPR/Cas9 SYSTEM

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes catalyse oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine. This TET-mediated conversion of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine is implicated in initiating the DNA demethylation process, observed post-fertilization. Three members (TET1–3) of the TET family are differentially expressed during embryo development and appear to have different roles. Previous studies in mice suggest that TET1 is a key regulator in maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells by managing epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. This would imply that TET1 should be a regulator of epigenetic marks during embryo development, although this has not been demonstrated. Previously, we have cloned porcine TET1 from blastocysts (GenBank accession number KC137683) and demonstrated that the level of TET1 (mRNA and protein) was high in blastocysts. The protein level was greater in the inner cell mass compared with the trophectoderm. In this study, we generated TET1 knockout porcine embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 system to study the role of TET1 in controlling epigenetic marks during porcine embryo development. First, 2 sgRNA, immediately downstream of the presumable translation initiation site, were designed and synthesised; location of the sgRNA were nucleotide position at 2 to 21 bp and 23 to 42 bp, respectively (KC137683). Then, sgRNA (10 ng μL−1 each) and Cas9 mRNA (20 ng μL−1) were injected into the cytoplasm of IVF zygotes, and Day 7 blastocysts were genotyped. All embryos carried mutations on both alleles of TET1 (10/10), one homozygous and 9 biallelic mutations. However, immunocytochemistry analysis of other CRISPR/Cas9 injected embryos revealed that TET1 was not removed (10/10), indicating that the sgRNA may have not introduced a premature stop codon 3′ to the presumable translation initiation site. Therefore, 2 new sgRNA were designed to generate a premature stop codon at the 5′ side of a key functional domain, the 2-oxoglutarate-Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase domain (4690 to 5160 bp); the locations of the 2 sgRNA were 4450 to 4469 bp and 4501 to 4520 bp, respectively. Similarly, all of the embryos carried mutations in TET1 (7/7), 2 homozygous and 5 biallelic mutations. In addition, TET1 proteins were not detected in 11 of 16 blastocysts, confirmed by immunocytochemistry. In this study, we successfully generated embryos lacking TET1 by introducing designed CRISPR/Cas9 system during embryogenesis. Presence of TET1 from the first injection experiment suggests that the presumable translation initiation site is not accurate. Discrepancy between genotyping and immunocytochemistry results from the second injection experiment indicates that embryos possessing TET1 protein probably have mutations in triplets, thus no premature stop codon was synthesised. Further studies will focus on identifying the role of TET1 in maintaining pluripotency and epigenetic modification during pre-implantation stage using these embryos.

Genome-wide expression analysis of a rice mutant line under salt stress

Salinity is a major environmental stress to plants. In this study, the ability of plants to tolerate salt was investigated by studying growth, physiological characteristics, and expression levels of genes related to the salt-stress response in the salt-tolerant rice mutant (Till-II-877), which was derived from γ-ray irradiation. Compared to plants grown under normal conditions, the height and root length of wild type (WT) were reduced by approximately 40 and 29% following exposure to salt stress for 3 weeks, whereas Till-II-877 line showed 29 and 23% reductions in plant height and root length, respectively. No significant changes were observed in total chlorophyll content, and the malondialdehyde content of the mutant increased less than that of the WT under salt treatment. Gene expression was compared between the WT and mutant lines using microarray analysis. An unbiased analysis of the gene expression datasets allowed us to identify the pathways involved in salt-stress responses. Among the most significantly affected pathways, changes in gene expression were observed in α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism (in lipid metabolism), fructose and mannose metabolism and glycolysis-gluconeogenesis (in carbohydrate metabolism), cysteine and methionine metabolism (in amino acid metabolism), and carbon fixation (in the energy metabolism of photosynthetic organisms) under salt stress. These results show that the differential response of plants subjected to salt stress was due to changes in multiple metabolic pathways. These findings increase our understanding of the effects of salt stress in rice and may aid in the development of salt-tolerant rice cultivars.

Zolpidem use and risk of fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zolpidem is a representative of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Recent epidemiologic studies have reported increased fracture risk in patients taking zolpidem, but the results have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis shows that the use of zolpidem is associated with an increased risk of fractures.

PURPOSE

Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between the use of zolpidem and the risk of fractures. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the association.

METHODS

We identified relevant studies by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO without language restrictions (until August 2014). Methodological quality was assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

A total of 1,092,925 participants (129,148 fracture cases) were included from 9 studies (4 cohort, 4 case-control, and 1 case-crossover study). Overall, the use of zolpidem was associated with an increased risk of fracture (relative risk [RR] 1.92, 95 % CI 1.65-2.24; I (2) = 50.9 %). High-quality subgroups (cohort studies, high NOS score, adjusted for any confounder, or adjusted for osteoporosis) had higher RRs than the corresponding low-quality subgroups (high quality, 1.94-2.76; low quality, 1.55-1.79). Of note, the risk for hip fracture was higher than that for fracture at any site (hip fracture, RR 2.80, 95 % CI 2.19-3.58; fracture at any site, RR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.67-2.03; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of zolpidem may increase the risk of fractures. Clinicians should be cautious when prescribing zolpidem for patients at high risk of fracture.

Generation of RUNX3 knockout pigs using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting

Pigs are an attractive animal model to study the progression of cancer because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to human. However, the use of pig models for cancer research has been limited by availability of genetically engineered pigs which can recapitulate human cancer progression. Utilizing genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 system allows us to generate genetically engineered pigs at a higher efficiency. In this study, specific CRISPR/Cas9 systems were used to target RUNX3, a known tumour suppressor gene, to generate a pig model that can induce gastric cancer in human. First, RUNX3 knockout cell lines carrying genetic modification (monoallelic or biallelic) of RUNX3 were generated by introducing engineered CRISPR/Cas9 system specific to RUNX3 into foetal fibroblast cells. Then, the genetically modified foetal fibroblast cells were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer, followed by embryo transfer. We successfully obtained four live RUNX3 knockout piglets from two surrogates. The piglets showed the lack of RUNX3 protein in their internal organ system. Our results demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is effective in inducing mutations on a specific locus of genome and the RUNX3 knockout pigs can be useful resources for human cancer research and to develop novel cancer therapies.

Development of a transposon-based marker system for mutation breeding in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Under certain circumstances, transposable elements (TE) can create or reverse mutations and alter the genome size of a cell. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is promising for plant transposon tagging due to its small genome size and its low content of repetitive DNA. We developed a marker system based on targeted region amplification polymorphisms (TE-TRAP) that uses the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of transposons. A total of 3816 class 2 transposons belonging to the PIF/Harbinger family were identified from the whole sorghum genome that produced five primers, including eight types of TIRs. To define the applicability and utilization of TE-TRAP, we used 21 individuals that had been bred after ɤ-ray irradiation. In total, 31 TE-TRAP, 16 TD, and 21 AFLP primer combinations generated 1133, 223, and 555 amplicons, respectively. The percent polymorphic marker was 62.8, 51.1, and 59.3% for the TE-TRAP, TD, and AFLP markers, respectively. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses revealed that TE-TRAP divided the 21 individuals into three groups. Analysis of molecular variance suggested that TE-TRAP had a higher level of genetic diversity than the other two marker systems. After verifying the efficiency of TE-TRAP, 189 sorghum individuals were used to investigate the associations between the markers and the ɤ-ray doses. Two significant associations were found among the polymorphic markers. This TE-based method provides a useful marker resource for mutation breeding research.

Chemical and genetic diversity of high-seed-yield sorghum (Sorghum bicolor M.) germplasms

This study evaluated the chemical and genetic diversity of high-seed-yield sorghum germplasms from Korea, the United States, and South Africa. We identified significant differences in the chemical contents of whole plants at the heading stage in all cultivars, including differences in crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, mineral, and fatty acid contents. Our results suggest that Banwoldang is the most appropriate cultivar for roughage because of its high protein yield. We identified significant differences in the tannin, flavonoid, amylose, mineral, crude fat, fatty acid, and 3-deoxyanthocyanin contents in the whole grain from all cultivars, but not in the mineral or crude fat contents. Tannin levels were generally low. IS645 contained the highest levels of flavonoids and linolenic acid compounds, and Moktak had the highest amylose and deoxyanthocyanidin content in the grain. To assess genetic diversity, we used 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer sets to identify 38 alleles with 3-8 alleles per locus. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the SSR markers, the sorghum cultivars were divided into three major groups. Comparison of clusters based on chemical compositions with those based on SSRs showed that the groups formed by the three native Korean cultivars clustered similarly in molecular dendrograms. Association analysis was conducted for the 10 SSR marker; 48 chemical and growth traits were present for two marker traits (seed color and whole plant fatty acid content) with significant marker-trait associations. These markers could be used to select sorghum cultivars for breeding programs.

Functional Anatomy of the Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex of the Elbow: Morphology and Strain

The anatomy of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) of the elbow was investigated in 26 fresh frozen cadavers. Two types of insertion of the LUCL were originally described but we found another type which is characterized by a broad single expansion along with a thin membranous fibre. Strain on the LUCL was measured in situ during extension and flexion with the forearm in supination, pronation and neutral. Strain in the proximal fibres started to occur at around 32° flexion and peaked at between 50° and 60° flexion. Strains measured in the distal fibres were smaller in magnitude. Forearm rotation had little effect on strain during extension to flexion. Based on these results, we conclude that the LUCL functions in unison with the annular ligament.

The Anatomical Basis for Reverse First to Fifth Dorsal Metacarpal Arterial Flaps

This study discusses the anatomical basis for reverse first to fifth dorsal metacarpal arterial flaps. The arterial pattern and size of the first to fifth dorsal metacarpal arteries were examined in 20 fresh cadaver hands. Their connections to the palmar arterial system at the metacarpal head were observed, and the location, number and diameter of skin perforators from each dorsal metacarpal artery were measured. The first to fourth dorsal metacarpal arteries were found in all specimens; the fifth dorsal metacarpal artery was found in 19 of our 20 specimens. The mean diameters of the first to fifth arteries at their bifurcation site were 0.6, 0.8, 0.5, 0.4 and 0.2 mm, respectively. Each artery gave off four to eight skin perforators (diameter: 0.1–0.3 mm) between the metacarpal head and base. The first to third dorsal metacarpal arteries consistently connected to the palmar arterial system, and connections between the fourth and fifth dorsal metacarpal arteries and the palmar system were found in 65% and 40% of specimens.

Neuregulin-1 attenuates cognitive function impairments in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

The neuregulin (NRG) family of epidermal growth factor-related proteins is composed of a wide variety of soluble and membrane-bound proteins that exert their effects via the tyrosine kinase receptors ErbB2-ErbB4. In the nervous system, the functions of NRG1 are essential for peripheral myelination, the establishment and maintenance of neuromuscular and sensorimotor systems and the plasticity of cortical neuronal circuits. In the present study, we report that an intracerebroventricular infusion of NRG1 attenuated cognitive impairments in 13-month-old Tg2576 mice, an animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, according to Golgi-Cox staining, NRG1 rescued the reduction in the number of dendritic spines detected in the brains of Tg2576 mice compared with vehicle (PBS)-infused mice. This result was also corroborated in vitro as NRG1 attenuated the oligomeric amyloid beta peptide_1-42 (Aβ_1-42)-induced decrease in dendritic spine density in rat primary hippocampal neuron cultures. NRG1 also alleviated the decrease in neural differentiation induced by oligomeric Aβ_1-42 in mouse fetal neural stem cells. Collectively, these results suggest that NRG1 has a therapeutic potential for AD by alleviating the reductions in dendritic spine density and neurogenesis found in AD brains.

The prevalence of and factors related to calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition in the knee joint

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to reveal the accurate prevalence and related factors to the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition in cadaveric knee joints.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Six hundred and eight knees from 304 cadavers (332 male knees and 276 female knees, formalin fixed, Japanese anatomical specimens) were included in this study. The average age of the cadavers was 78.3 ± 10.7 years. Knees were macroscopically evaluated for the existence of CPPD, and the depth of cartilage degeneration of the femoro-tibial joint following the Outerbridge's classification. CPPD crystal was confirmed under Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis using light microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed to reveal the correlation between the occurrence of CPPD deposition in the knee joint and gender, age, and the depth of cartilage degeneration of the femoro-tibial joint.

RESULTS

The prevalence of grossly visible CPPD crystal was 13% (79 knees). In all of these knees, CPPD crystal was confirmed under FTIR analysis. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between the occurrence of CPPD deposition and gender (P < 0.001), and depth of cartilage degeneration in the femoro-tibial joint (P < 0.001). In the cartilage degeneration positive knees (Over grade 3 in Outerbridge's classification), average age of CPPD deposition knee was significantly higher than CPPD negative knees.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the prevalence of CPPD deposition disease was evaluated in a relatively large sample size of cadaveric knees. The prevalence of CPPD deposition disease was 13%, and was significantly correlated with the subject's age, gender, and severity of cartilage degeneration in the femoro-tibial joint.