Herpes zoster mRNA vaccine induces superior vaccine immunity over licensed vaccine in mice and rhesus macaques

Herpes zoster remains an important global health issue and mainly occurs in aged and immunocompromised individuals with an early exposure history to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Although the licensed vaccine Shingrix has remarkably high efficacy, undesired reactogenicity and increasing global demand causing vaccine shortage urged the development of improved or novel VZV vaccines. In this study, we developed a novel VZV mRNA vaccine candidate (named as ZOSAL) containing sequence-optimized mRNAs encoding full-length glycoprotein E encapsulated in an ionizable lipid nanoparticle. In mice and rhesus macaques, ZOSAL demonstrated superior immunogenicity and safety in multiple aspects over Shingrix, especially in the induction of strong T-cell immunity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both ZOSAL and Shingrix could robustly activate innate immune compartments, especially Type-I IFN signalling and antigen processing/presentation. Multivariate correlation analysis further identified several early factors of innate compartments that can predict the magnitude of T-cell responses, which further increased our understanding of the mode of action of two different VZV vaccine modalities. Collectively, our data demonstrated the superiority of VZV mRNA vaccine over licensed subunit vaccine. The mRNA platform therefore holds prospects for further investigations in next-generation VZV vaccine development.

Radiation Induced Lung Injury in Rats after Pre-Oxygenation Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Deep inspiratory breath holding (DIBH) has been widely used during the radiotherapy of thoracic tumors. The main disadvantage of voluntary DIBH is the short duration of each breath hold. The hypocapnia induced by hyperoxia (oxygen concentration > 50%) pre-oxygenation (PreO2) combined with mechanical hyperventilation has been reported to prolong the duration of single breath hold, but its safety remains controversial, especially the sensitivity of lung tissue to radiation damage under hyperoxia exposure has not been elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the changes of radiation induced lung injury in rats after PreO2 radiation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We evaluated the lung tissue of rats at different time points (48h, 2w, 4w, 8w, 12w) after thoracic radiation (15Gy single fraction to the right lung), and sequenced the transcriptome of lung tissue at 48 hours after irradiation. Rat cohorts (n = 7/group): 1. Control (Con); 2. Radiation group (RT); 3. Pre-oxygenation (oxygen concentration > 90%) for 8 hours before thoracic radiation (PreO2).

RESULTS

The inflammatory exudation emerged in the pulmonary interstitium at 48 hours, and reached the most serious alveolitis after four weeks of irradiation (the comparison of alveolitis scores in RT4w vs Con4w and PreO2(4w) vs Con4w, P<0.001) on hematoxylin-eosin staining. While the alveolitis scores in RT group and PreO2 group were not statistically different at each time point. Masson staining showed that the pulmonary fibrosis in the RT group and the PreO2 group reached an obvious pathological change at 12 weeks after irradiation, but the difference between the two groups was not significant. Transcriptome sequencing showed that the number of differential genes in PreO2 vs Con was 559 (302 up-regulated genes and 257 down-regulated genes). The GO enrichment analysis indicated that chromosome segregation was the most significant functional item with P value in the comparative analysis, and the KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that cell division was the most significant enrichment pathway of these differential genes. While there was a small quantity of differential genes in PreO2 vs RT group (3 up-regulated genes and 12 down-regulated genes). Pentose and glucuronate conversions were the most significant enrichment pathway of these differential genes.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that PreO2 radiotherapy did not increase the severity of radiation induced lung injury in rats compared to conventional radiotherapy. Further study should be conducted to confirm these results and to investigate the regulatory mechanism of pneumonia caused by PreO2 radiotherapy.

Digital template-guided genioplasty for patients with jaw deformity resulting from temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A comparison between single- and double-layer genioplasty

The aim of this study was to compare single- and double-layer digital template-assisted genioplasty for the correction of jaw deformity resulting from temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). Thirteen patients with jaw deformity resulting from TMJA who underwent lateral arthroplasty, costochondral graft, or total joint replacement combined with single- or double-layer digital template-assisted genioplasty were included. Computed tomography data were obtained for the preoperative design. Digital templates were designed and manufactured using three-dimensional printing to assist with the chin osteotomy and repositioning in single- or double-layer genioplasty. Of the 13 patients included, seven underwent single-layer genioplasty and six underwent double-layer genioplasty. The digital templates precisely reflected the osteotomy planes and repositioning of the chin segments intraoperatively. The radiographic evaluation showed that the patients who underwent double-layer genioplasty exhibited more chin advancement (11.95 ± 0.92 mm vs 7.50 ± 0.89 mm; P < 0.001) with a slightly larger mean surface error (1.19 ± 0.14 mm vs 0.75 ± 0.15 mm; P < 0.001) than those who underwent single-layer genioplasty. This indicates that double-layer genioplasty better promoted chin advancement and improved the facial shape, but was accompanied by more surgical error compared with the preoperative design. Furthermore, hardly any nerve damage was observed. Digital templates are useful for assisting in surgical procedures.

Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Curcumin is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. It is now widely used in food processing, cosmetics, dyes, etc. Current researching indicates that curcumin has high medical value, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrosis, immune regulation and other effects, and can be used to treat a variety of diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The drug treatment effect is often limited and accompanied by side effects. A large number of basic and clinical studies have shown that curcumin has the effect of treating IBD and also can maintain the remission of IBD. In this review, the research of curcumin on IBD in recent years is summarized in order to provide reference for further research and application of curcumin.

Learning and memory impairment induced by 1,4-butanediol is regulated by ERK1/2-CREB-BDNF signaling pathways in PC12 cells

1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) is a known γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) precursor which affects the nervous system after ingestion, leading to uncontrolled behavioral consequences. In the present study, we investigated whether 1,4-BD induces oxidative stress and inflammation in PC12 cells and evaluated the toxic effects of 1,4-BD associates with learning and memory. CCK-8 results revealed a dose-effect relationship between the cell viability of PC12 cells and 1,4-BD when the duration of action was 2 h or 4 h. Assay kits results showed that 1,4-BD decreased the levels of Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Acetylcholine (Ach) and increased the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) and Acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Elisa kits results indicated that 1,4-BD decreased the levels of synaptophysin I (SYN-1), Postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), Growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and increased the levels of Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin- 6 (IL-6). RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA levels of PSD-95, SYN-1 and GAP-43 were significantly decreased. The expression of phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), phosphorylation cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) proteins were significantly decreased in PC12 cells by protein blotting. Overall, these results suggest that 1,4-BD may affect synaptic plasticity via the ERK1/2-CREB-BDNF pathway, leading to Ach release reduction and ultimately to learning and memory impairment. Furthermore, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by 1,4-BD may also result in learning and memory deficits. These findings will enrich the toxicity data of 1.4-BD associated with learning and memory impairment.

[Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women with left ventricular non-compaction]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC). Methods: The clinical data of seven pregnant women with LVNC from January 2011 to December 2021 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, including age, gestational age of symptom first occured, LVNC history, clinical symptoms, New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function class, echocardiography, blood brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), treatment and the maternal and fetal outcomes. Results: Five cases were diagnosed before pregnancy, of which there were three women with medication; one case diagnosed in the month of pregnancy; one case diagnosed at 36 weeks of gestation. NYHA cardiac function was grade Ⅰ in four cases and grade Ⅱ in three cases before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Of the five pregnant women who underwent echocardiography, there were one case of left ventricular insufficiency, three cases of mild left ventricular dysfunction and one case of normal left ventricular function before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Of the five pregnant women to the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there were one case of grade Ⅳ, one case of grade Ⅲ, two cases of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ and one case of grade Ⅱ in NYHA class ; three cases of left ventricular insufficiency, two cases of normal left ventricular function by echocardiography four cases had cardiac symptoms at 15-24 weeks of gestation and were treated with medication. In four cases, blood BNP increased to 214-1 197 ng/L during pregnancy, and were 89-106 ng/L after termination of pregnancy. There were 4 cases with arrhythmia. Indications for termination of pregnancy: LVNC complicated with heart failure in two cases, LVNC complicated with decreased cardiac function and threatened preterm birth in one case, complicated with pregnancy at full term in two cases, LVNC complicated with severe pulmonary hypertension in one case, and left ventricular dysfunction in one case. Cesarean section in four cases in the third-trimester, in one case in the second-trimester, and forceps curettage in two cases were taken. Two full-term infants,two preterm infants were born without LVNC. Conclusions: Women diagnosed with LVNC and low left ventricular ejection fraction before pregnancy are more prone to decreased cardiac function during pregnancy. Carrying out pregnancy risk assessment and strengthening the multi-disciplinary team management of high risk factors in pregnancy are conducive to achieve good pregnancy outcomes.

Pressure sensing with high-finesse monolithic buckled-dome microcavities

We describe the use of on-chip buckled-dome Fabry-Perot microcavities as pressure sensing elements. These cavities, fabricated by a controlled thin-film buckling process, are inherently sealed and support stable optical modes (finesse >10³), which are well-suited to coupling by single-mode fibers. Changes in external pressure deflect the buckled upper mirror, leading to changes in resonance wavelengths. Experimental shifts are shown to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Sensitivities as large as ∼1nm/kPa, attributable to the low thickness (<2µm) of the buckled mirror, and resolution ∼10Pa are demonstrated. We discuss potential advantages over traditional low-finesse, quasi-planar Fabry-Perot pressure sensors.

Comparative Analysis of Whey Proteins in Human Milk Using a Data-Independent Acquisition Proteomics Approach during the Lactation Period

Human milk (HM) is the primary source of nutrients and bioactive components that supports the growth and development of infants. However, the proteins present in human milk may change depending on the period of lactation. In this light, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lactation period on HM utilizing a data-independent acquisition (DIA) approach to identify the differences in HM whey protein proteomes. As part of the study, whey proteins of January, February, and June in human milk were studied. The results identified a total of 1563 proteins in HM whey proteins of which 114 groups were subunits of differentially expressed proteins as revealed by cluster analysis. Protein expression was observed to be affected by the period of lactation with expression levels of plasminogen, thrombospondin-1, and tenascin higher during January, keratin, type I cytoskeletal 9 highest in February, and transcobalamin-1 highest in June. The results of this study contribute to expand our understanding of the human whey proteome but also provide strong evidence for the nutritional difference of HM during different lactation periods.

Dose- and time-effects responses of Nonylphenol on oxidative stress in rat through the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway

Nonylphenol (NP) is a representative environmental endocrine-disrupting compound that can induce oxidative stress in organisms. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway acts an important role in preventing oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oxidative stress caused by NP on Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in rats. Rats were treated with NP (30, 90, 270 mg/kg) for different exposure time (7, 14 and 28 days). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum and glutathione S-transferase (GST), UDP-Glucuronosyl Transferase (UGT) in liver were detected by ELISA kits. Western blot was used to detect Keap1, Nrf2 protein expression in liver and cerebral cortex. The results showed that 28 days of NP exposure significantly increased ROS levels in NPH group. And 14 days exposure to NP significantly enhanced the levels of GST and UGT, while 28 days of exposure showed a suppressive effect. In liver, Keap1 levels was upregulated at 7, 14 and 28 days of NP exposure, while nuclear Nrf2 levels decreased at 7 and 28 days but increased at 14 days. In cerebral cortex, Keap1 and Nrf2 expression increased at 14 days but decreased at 28 days. Besides, with the prolongation of NP exposure time, the GST and UGT levels in NPM and NPH groups were increased firstly and then decreased, while Keap1 and Nrf2 protein levels were constantly decreased in liver and cerebral cortex. In conclusion, the lower dose and shorter exposure time of NP activated the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway that may reduce the damage of oxidative stress, but when further exposed to NP at higher dose and time, the pathway could be inhibited.

Monolithically integrated membrane-in-the-middle cavity optomechanical systems

We describe curved-mirror Fabry-Perot cavities with embedded silicon nitride membranes, fabricated using a monolithic surface-micromachining process. The presence of the suspended membranes was confirmed by confocal microscopy, and their properties were verified through optical studies and thermomechanical calibration of mechanical/vibrational noise spectra measured at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The cavities exhibit reflectance-limited finesse (F ∼ 10³) and wavelength-scale mode volumes (VM ∼ 10·λ³). The short cavity length (L ∼ 2·λ) results in large optomechanical coupling, which is desirable for numerous applications in sensing and quantum information.

Negative Mood Is Associated with Diet and Dietary Antioxidants in University Students During the Menstrual Cycle: A Cross-Sectional Study from Guangzhou, China

Postpubescent females may have negative mood or premenstrual syndrome during the menstrual cycle; with the emotional and physical symptoms interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about the relationship of dietary behaviors and dietary antioxidant intake with negative mood or premenstrual syndrome in university students in China; so we explored the relationship between negative mood and dietary behavior in female university students during the three menstrual cycle phases. Random sampling was used to enroll 88 individuals from a university in Guangzhou; China in the study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. During the menstrual phase, tea, black coffee and carbonated beverage intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low score group (p < 0.05). Likewise; during the premenstrual phase, fresh fruit (banana and red Chinese dates) intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low-score group (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis results showed that negative mood was positively associated with tea, coffee, and carbonated beverage intake during the menstrual phase (β = 0.21, p = 0.0453, odds ratio = 1.23), and negative mood was positively associated with banana and red Chinese dates intake during the premenstrual phase (β = 0.59, p = 0.0172, odds ratio = 1.81). Our results suggest that negative mood may be associated with diet and specific food in university postpubescent females.

Effects of nonylphenol administration on serum, liver and testis estrogen metabolism

PURPOSE

Nonylphenol (NP) is one widely distributed representative of environmental estrogens that disturb reproductive activities, bone metabolism and brain function through interfering diverse signal pathways leading to hormone metabolic dysfunctions, immunologic derangement, and tumorigenesis. Few of previous studies have observed the subacute toxicity on rodents, and little has been focused on the mechanism underneath the toxicities observed.

METHODS

The 32 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, the negative control group (corn oil) NP low, medium and high dose groups [30, 90, 270 mg/(kg·d)]. SD rats administrated with different dosage of NP every other day for 28d. Elisa and RT-PCR was employed to observe estrogen metabolism markers or mRNA expressions.

RESULTS

In serum, NP exposure caused testosterone (T) (p < 0.001), progesterone (PROG) (p < 0.05) and estrone (E1) (p < 0.05) increased. In testicle, NP exposure caused T (p < 0.001), PROG (p < 0.05), E1 (p < 0.05), 17β-estradiol (E2) (p < 0.05) and ERα mRNA (p < 0.01) increased, while P450 aromatizing enzyme (p < 0.001) decreased in NPL and ERβ mRNA (p < 0.001) decreased in NPM and NPH. In liver, NP exposure caused 17β-HSD2 mRNA (p < 0.01) increased, while P450 aromatizing enzyme decreased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NP exposure exhibited general and estrogenic toxicity in rats through disturbing estrogen secretion network and estrogen receptor expression network, inducing abnormal metabolism of estrogen, whether in serum, liver and testicle.

Widely tunable bandpass filter based on resonant optical tunneling

We describe a tunable bandpass filter and polarizer based on resonant tunneling through an air gap between two hemi-cylindrical prisms coated with 4-layer a-Si/SiO₂ matching stacks. Tuning is achieved by simultaneous variations in the incident angle and the air gap thickness, enabling the pass-band center wavelength to be continuously adjusted over a very wide range (potentially ~1000 - 1800 nm) with an approximately fixed fractional bandwidth (Δλ/λ ~1%). An analytical derivation of the conditions required to produce a flat-top TE pass-band at a desired wavelength is given. The filter provides excellent out-of-band rejection and strong suppression of the orthogonal TM polarization over the entire tuning range. For applications involving collimated light, it could be a useful alternative to existing widely tunable filters based on gratings or liquid crystals.

GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg399Gln gene polymorphisms contribute to the clinical outcome of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) genetic variations may in-fluence the efficacy of chemotherapy in various cancers. We investi-gated the possible roles of GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg194Trp, and Arg399Gln gene polymorphisms in the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Between January 2010 and December 2012, this study consecutively recruited 141 patients with advanced NSCLC from the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. Logistic regression analy-sis showed that individuals carrying the GG genotype were associated with a better response to chemotherapy than those with the wide-type genotype, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 4.07 (1.06-25.06). Moreover, we observed that the AA genotype of XRCC1 Arg399Gln was correlated with a greater complete response + partial response to chemotherapy than that with the GG genotype (odds ratio = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.13-10.08). Based on the Cox hazard proportional model, the GG genotype of GSTP1 Ile105Val was found to be associated with a lower risk of death from all causes as compared to that with the AA genotype (hazard ratio = 0.07, 95%CI = 0.01-0.34). In summary, we suggest that GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms could influence the response to chemotherapy and sur-vival of advanced NSCLC.

Serum Irisin Level is Higher and Related with Insulin in Acanthosis Nigricans-related Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is proved to be a skin phenotype of hyperinsulinemia especially in obese patients. Irisin is a new myokine which plays an important role in metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The role of irisin in the development of AN-related obesity is not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between irisin and AN-related obesity. Patients & Measurements: 30 obese patients without AN (OB group), 30 obese patients with AN (AN group), and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers (control group, CON) were included in this study. Weight, BMI, lipid profile, FFA, UA, and CRP were measured in all participants. Oral Glucose Tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed and serum glucose and plasma insulin were measured at 0, 30, 60,120 and 180 min. The AUC (area under curve) of glucose and insulin was calculated. Serum irisin was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Hyperinsulinemia is found in both AN and OB groups. The AN group had higher levels of insulin but better blood glucose tolerance and insulin response. The difference in irisin levels between the 3 groups was statistically significant, with the AN group showing the highest serum level of irisin. Serum irisin levels were positively correlated with BMI, and fasting insulin.

CONCLUSION

AN is a state of hyperinsulinmia and has better insulin response and glucose tolerance compared to obese patients without AN. Serum irisin may be a protective factor against impaired beta cell function in obesity with AN.

Semitransparent Fully Air Processed Perovskite Solar Cells

Semitransparent solar cells are highly attractive for application as power-generating windows. In this work, we present semitransparent perovskite solar cells that employ conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (

PEDOT

PSS) film as the transparent counter electrode. The

PEDOT

PSS electrode is prepared by transfer lamination technique using plastic wrap as the transfer medium. The use of the transfer lamination technique avoids the damage of the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite film by direct contact of

PEDOT

PSS aqueous solution. The semitransparent perovskite solar cells yield a power conversion efficiency of 10.1% at an area of about 0.06 cm(2) and 2.9% at an area of 1 cm(2). The device structure and the fabrication technique provide a facile way to produce semitransparent perovskite solar cells.

Growth, patterning and alignment of organolead iodide perovskite nanowires for optoelectronic devices

Organolead halide perovskites are becoming intriguing materials applied in optoelectronics. In the present work, organolead iodide perovskite (OIP) nanowires (NWs) have been fabricated by a one step self-assembly method. The controllable NW distributions were implemented by a series of facile techniques: monolayer and small diameter NWs were prepared by precursor concentration tuning; NW patterning was achieved via selected area treatment assisted by a mask; NW alignment was implemented by modified evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). The synthesized multifunctional NWs were further applied in photodetectors (PDs) and solar cells as application demos. The PD performances have reached 1.32 AW(-1) for responsivity, 2.5 × 10(12) Jones for detectivity and 0.3 ms for response speed, superior to OIP films and other typical inorganic NW based PD performances. An energy conversion efficiency of ∼2.5% has been obtained for NW film based solar cells. The facile fabrication process, controllable distribution and optoelectronic applications make the OIP NWs promising building blocks for future optoelectronics, especially for low dimensional devices.

p-Type mesoscopic NiO as an active interfacial layer for carbon counter electrode based perovskite solar cells

Replacement of the ZrO₂insulator layer in the state-of-the-art TiO₂/ZrO₂/carbon structure by mesoscopic p-type NiO particles led to 39% increase of energy conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

Scd1ab-Xyk: a new asebia allele characterized by a CCC trinucleotide insertion in exon 5 of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene in mouse

We describe here a spontaneous, autosomal recessive mutant mouse suffering from skin and hair defects, which arose in the outbred Kunming strain. By haplotype analysis and direct sequencing of PCR products, we show that this mutation is a new allele of the asebia locus with a naturally occurring mutation in the Scd1 gene (a CCC insertion at nucleotide position 835 in exon 5), which codes for stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. This mutation introduces an extra proline residue at position 279 in the Scd1 protein. The mutant mice, originally designated km/km but now assigned the name Scd1ab-Xyk (hereafter abbreviated as abXyk/abXyk), have a similar gross and histological phenotype to that reported for previously characterized allelic asebia mutations (Scd1ab, Scd1abJ, Scd1ab2J, and Scd1tm1Ntam). Histological analysis showed they were also characterized by hypoplasic sebaceous glands and abnormal hair follicles. In a cross between Kunming- abXyk/abXyk and ABJ/Le-abJ/abJ mice, all the progeny showed the same phenotype, indicating that the two mutations were non-complementing and therefore allelic. Comparisons with the other four allelic mutants indicate that the Scd1ab-Xyk mutation causes the mildest change in Scd1 function. This new mouse mutant is a good model not only for the study of scarring alopecias in humans, which are characterized by hypoplasic sebaceous glands, but also for studying the structure and function of the Scd1 protein.

Germline mutational analysis of CDH1 and pathologic features in familial cancer syndrome with diffuse gastric cancer/breast cancer proband in a Chinese family

AIMS

Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, thyroid medullary carcinoma, breast/ovarian cancer and gastric cancer/breast cancer syndrome are encountered in surgery. Some gastric cancer/breast cancer syndrome may be the result of a CDH1 germline mutation. This is the first report of CDH1 germline mutations gastric cancer/breast cancer syndrome in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Peripheral blood from the proband, as well as, her first and second degree relatives was collected and CDH1 gene exon 1-16 mutations were screened. E-cadherin/beta-catenin proteins expression and histopathologic features were examined on gastric cancer/breast cancer tissues from the proband.

RESULTS

A C-->T nucleotide substitution at exon 13 (mRNA 2200 locus, Accession number NM-004360) was found. This was a transition from GCC-->GCT in DNA sequence (Ala154Ala). Diffuse-type gastric cancer and infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma were present. Both tumours preserved E-cadherin/beta-catenin expression immunohistochemically.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial cancer syndrome with diffuse-type gastric cancer/breast cancer proband in Chinese has a propensity of early onset during lifespan. No truncating or splice-site CDH1 mutations had been identified in this family. A silent nucleotide variation in exon 13 of the CDH1 gene may contribute to some forms of cancer susceptibility.

Identification of a locus for porokeratosis palmaris et plantaris disseminata to a 6.9-cM region at chromosome 12q24.1-24.2

BACKGROUND

Porokeratosis palmaris et plantaris disseminata (PPPD) is a rare autosomal dominant dyskeratotic disorder characterized by a cornoid lamella with parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis and loss of granular layers. The genetic basis of this disease is still unknown. Two loci for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) were found to be located on 12q23.2-24.1 and 15q25.1-26.1. Both PPPD and DSAP are disseminated types of porokeratosis.

OBJECTIVES

To locate the locus for PPPD, thereby facilitating the identification of this disease gene and leading to an understanding of the pathogenesis of porokeratosis.

METHODS

Genotyping was performed in a Chinese family with PPPD using polymorphic microsatellite markers on 12q and 15q.

RESULTS

The locus for PPPD is located within a 6.9-cM region between markers D12S1613 and D12S1341, with a maximum two-point LOD score of 8.14 (theta = 0.00) at D12S1335.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a map location for isolation of a gene causing PPPD.

[Cloning and biological regulating effects of human WAF1 gene]

OBJECTIVE

To clone human WAF1 gene and construct WAF1-pcDNA3 recombinant plasmid, and to explore the biological regulating effects of WAF1 gene.

METHODS

Human WAF1 gene was amplified and cloned into pcDNA3 vector by RT-PCR and DNA direct sequencing from Hela cells. By immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, the identify the expression of the inserted WAF1 gene and its biological regulating effects on Rb, cyclin D1 gene.

RESULTS

Human WAF1-pcDNA3 recombinant plasmid was correctly constructed and transfected into Hct-8 cells. P21WAFI/Clip was successfully expressed. The functional characterization of the inserting WAF1 gene implied that P21WAF1/Cip1 expression could upregulate Rb gene and downregulate cyclin D1 gene at protein level.

CONCLUSION

Human WAF1-pcDNA3 can modulate the protein expression of the downstream gene.

A new locus for hereditary gingival fibromatosis (GINGF2) maps to 5q13-q22

Gingival fibromatosis (GINGF) is an oral disorder characterized by enlargement of the gingiva. It occurs either as the sole phenotype or combined with other symptoms. Thus far, one GINGF locus has been mapped on chromosome 2, at 2p21, and a second possible locus has been mapped to 2p13. However, the genes responsible for this disorder have not been elucidated. We identified a four-generation Chinese GINGF family in which the disease manifests within 1 year after birth. After exclusion of the two known GINGF loci in this family, we performed a genome-wide search to map the chromosome location of the responsible gene. We identified a new locus, GINGF2, on chromosome 5q13-q22 with a maximum two-point lod score of 4.31 at D5S1721 (theta = 0.00). Haplotype analysis placed the critical region in the interval defined by D5S1491 and D5S1453. Within this region, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) is a strong candidate.

Improved orthopaedic bone cement formulations based on rubber toughening

Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements have been used for the fixation of hip and knee implants since the early 1960s. Aseptic loosening, related to fracture of the PMMA, continues to be the primary mode of failure for these prostheses. Failed prostheses must be replaced causing additional expense and patient trauma. Furthermore, the average lifetime of the revised prosthesis is significantly lower than that of a primary prosthesis. Recent work by Moseley and co-workers led to the development of a promising new rubber toughened cement. It is comprised of a matrix of the traditional PMMA with dispersed rubber particles to modify mechanical properties and, in particular, improve fracture toughness. The fracture toughness of the experimental material was 167% greater than the toughness of a nontoughened control; however, the elastic modulus and compressive strength were reduced. The reductions in properties should not pose a clinical problem based on results of the implant model reported by Moseley. More serious concerns were mixing and delivery problems and high residual monomer concentrations. The formulation and chemical/mechanical characterization of new toughened acrylic formulations that have residual monomer levels equivalent to Simplex and better mixing properties are reported.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta 1 with or without progressive hearing loss is associated with distinct mutations in DSPP

Dentinogenesis imperfecta 1 (DGI1, MIM 125490) is an autosomal dominant dental disease characterized by abnormal dentin production and mineralization. The DGI1 locus was recently refined to a 2-Mb interval on 4q21 (ref. 1). Here we study three Chinese families carrying DGI1. We find that the affected individuals of two families also presented with progressive sensorineural high-frequency hearing loss (gene DFNA39). We identified three disease-specific mutations within the dentin sialophosphoprotein gene (DSPP) in these three families. We detected a G-->A transition at the donor-splicing site of intron 3 in one family without DFNA39, a mutation predicted to result in the skipping of exon 3. In two other families affected with both DGI1 and DFNA39, however, we identified two independent nucleotide transversions in exons 2 and 3 of DSPP, respectively, that cause missense mutations of two adjacent amino-acid residues in the predicted transmembrane region of the protein. Moreover, transcripts of DSPP previously reported to be expressed specifically in teeth are also detected in the inner ear of mice. We have thus demonstrated for the first time that distinct mutations in DSPP are responsible for the clinical manifestations of DGI1 with or without DFNA39.

Refinement of the locus for autosomal dominant hereditary gingival fibromatosis (GINGF) to a 3.8-cM region on 2p21

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF, MIM 135300; approved gene symbol GINGF) is an oral disease characterized by enlargement of gingiva. Recently, a locus for autosomal dominant HGF has been mapped to an 11-cM region on chromosome 2p21. In the current investigation, we genotyped four Chinese HGF families using polymorphic microsatellite markers on 2p21. The HOMOG test provided evidence for genetic homogeneity, with evidence for linkage in four families (heterogeneity versus homogeneity test HOMOG, chi(2) = 0. 00). A cumulative maximum two-point lod score of 5.04 was produced with marker D2S390 at a recombination frequency of &theta; = 0 in the four linked families. Haplotype analysis localized the hereditary gingival fibromatosis locus within the region defined by D2S352 and D2S2163. This region overlaps by 3.8 cM with the previously reported HGF region. Single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequence analysis of the coding region of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) excluded it as a likely candidate gene.

[The diagnostic value of computed tomography and ultrasonography for detecting hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography for detecting hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to evaluate their clinical implications.

METHODS

94 neonates were examined with CT and ultrasonography, respectively, for detecting HIE and the results were compared to clinical investigation.

RESULTS

Significant difference (P < 0.01) was found for diagnosis of mild and moderate HIE by CT and ultrasonography. Compared with clinical diagnosis, the agreement rates of ultrasonography and CT were 83% and 39% (P < 0.01) for mild HIE, and 100% and 43% (P < 0.01) for moderate HIE respectively. There was no difference for detecting severe HIE among clinical diagnosis, CT and ultrasonography. Additionally, 9 cases with intracranial hemorrhage were detected by CT in which only 3 cases were found by ultrasonography.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with clinical finding for diagnosis of mild and moderate HIE, the agreement rate of ultrasonography is higher than that of CT. However, CT is more sensitive to detect intracranial hemorrhage than ultrasonography.

Bromine-, chlorine-, and mixed halogen-substituted 4-methyl-2(5H)-furanones: synthesis and mutagenic effects of halogen and hydroxyl group replacements

The versatility of 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2(5H)-furanone as a starting point for the synthesis of several bromine and mixed halogen analogues of the potent water mutagen 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) has been demonstrated. However, in some preparations the yields of desired products were lower for bromine- than chlorine-substituted counterparts. A total of 12 bromine-, chlorine-, and mixed halogen-substituted 4-methyl-2(5H)-furanones were tested repeatedly in 10 independent experiments for levels of Salmonella typhimurium (TA100) mutagenicities. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the mutagenic response to changing halogen content, type, and position as well as to learn the measure of these responses in the presence and absence of the C-5 OH group. Mutagenicities reached levels of 10(3) and 10(2) rev/nmol for all trihalo- and dihalo-4-methyl-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanones, respectively, notwithstanding substitutions by bromine or chlorine. Trihalides lacking the C-5 hydroxyl group possessed mutagenicities of the order of 10(2) rev/nmol, while hydroxyl group absence in the dihalides resulted in potency levels of slightly less than 10 rev/ nmol. Pairwise comparisons of compound mutagenicities showed that overall the C-5 H-by-OH replacement and, next in importance, increasing the number of C-6 halogens from one to two resulted in the greatest enhancements of mutagenicities. However, in comparing compound pairs within two different sets of four di- and trihalides, it was observed that replacement of a C-5 H by OH enhanced mutagenicity more for the dihalides than the trihalides indicating that increasing the C-6 halogen number simultaneously with replacing C-5 H by OH results in a nonlinear, additive enhancement. For fewer than half of the compound pairs compared, changing the C-6 halogen from chlorine to bromine resulted in small increases in mutagenicity, and for the remaining compound pairs, no increase could be discerned. This result points to the relative unimportance of only C-6 halogen type as a determinant of mutagenicity. Similarly, no impact on mutagenicity was observed for changing only the halogen type attached to C-3.

Test of chiral recognition in the Salmonella typhimurium (TA100) mutagenicity of mucochloric acid-cysteine adducts

A difference in biological response to enantiomers is not an uncommon observation and is, therefore, to be expected in various manifestations of genotoxicity. The bacterial mutagen mucochloric acid (2,3-dichloro-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone) has one chiral center, at C-5, but this mutagen exists in racemic form because of the facile stereoisomerization occurring by the mechanism of ring-chain tautomerism. Two readily synthesized enantiomeric analogs of mucochloric acid, as well as the racemic form of the two, were prepared from mucochloric acid and (R)-(+)-, (S)-(-)-, and (R,S)-(+/-)-cysteine. Using Salmonella typhimurium (TA100), the enantiomeric compounds were assayed together in four dose/response assays along with mucochloric acid, the reference mutagen. In three of the same four assays, the racemic form was also assayed. Neither statistically significant differences in mutagenicity, as determined in slope responses, nor distinctions from the plotted curves were observed among the two enantiomers and their racemic form. Therefore, no enantiospecific interaction between enantiomers and chiral DNA or enzymes involved in repair or replication could be concluded.

Structure-activity relationships of bacterial mutagens related to 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone: an emphasis on the effect of stepwise removal of chlorine from the dichloromethyl group

The Salmonella typhimurium (TA100) mutagenicities of six structural analogues of 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) were determined and compared. These were also compared to previously determined mutagenicities for another four analogues. This study was conducted for the primary purpose of ascertaining the effect of C-6 chlorine-by-hydrogen replacement on mutagenicity. The compounds assayed were 3-chloro-4-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (3), 3-chloro-4-(chloromethyl)-2(5H)-furanone (4), 3-chloro-4-methyl-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (7), 3-chloro-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone (8), 4-methyl-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (9), and 4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone (10). Compounds 3, 4, and 7 were mutagenic whereas 8-10 were not. All six compounds were stable under assay conditions. Mutagenicity data for the three active compounds were combined with data of another four active compounds studied previously to obtain an expanded data set. Mutagenicities of the seven compounds were compared, pairwise, in 21 comparisons and then by multiple regression analysis. On the average, chlorine-by-hydrogen replacement of a single chlorine located at a chloromethyl group (C-6) had a markedly greater effect in reducing mutagenicity than a similar replacement at C-3 or a hydroxyl-by-hydrogen replacement at C-5. The chlorine-by-hydrogen replacement at C-6 of compound 3 resulted in the greatest mutagenicity reduction of any single replacement and amounted to a 10(3)-fold diminished mutagenicity.