Image Segmentation and Quantification of Droplet dPCR Based on Thermal Bubble Printing Technology

Thermal inkjet printing can generate more than 300,000 droplets of picoliter scale within one second stably, and the image analysis workflow is used to quantify the positive and negative values of the droplets. In this paper, the SimpleBlobDetector detection algorithm is used to identify and localize droplets with a volume of 24 pL in bright field images and suppress bright spots and scratches when performing droplet location identification. The polynomial surface fitting of the pixel grayscale value of the fluorescence channel image can effectively compensate and correct the image vignetting caused by the optical path, and the compensated fluorescence image can accurately classify positive and negative droplets by the k-means clustering algorithm. 20 µL of the sample solution in the result reading chip can produce more than 100,000 effective droplets. The effective droplet identification correct rate of 20 images of random statistical samples can reach more than 99% and the classification accuracy of positive and negative droplets can reach more than 98% on average. This paper overcomes the problem of effectively classifying positive and negative droplets caused by the poor image quality of photographed picolitre ddPCR droplets caused by optical hardware limitations.

[Effects of cortical bone trajectory screw in adjacent-segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation combined with midline lumbar fusion (MIDLF) for adjacent spondylopathy after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 16 patients, including 9 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (68±6) years, who underwent revision surgery for adjacent spondylopathy after posterior lumbar fusion surgery using CBT combined with MIDLF technology in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University from May 2013 to August 2019. The reasons for revision were radiculalgia in 4 cases, intermittent claudication in 10 cases and protrusive dissociate in 2 cases. Eleven cases had 1 segment fused in the first operation, while the other 5 cases received fusion in 2 segments. The average interval time between the first operation and the revision operation was (7.5±2.0) years. For the levels underwent revision, 1 case was L_2/3, 6 cases were L_3/4, 7 cases were L_4/5 and 2 cases were L₅/S₁. Before the operation, all the patients took X-rays scans of the thoracic and lumbar spine. CT and MRI scans were also performed. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS) of low back and leg pain before the operation and at each follow-up were all recorded. Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the functional improvement of patients after the operation. Results: All operations were completed successfully. The operation time was 120-240 (170±30) mins, intraoperative bleeding was 100-280 (220±45) ml. One case had a slight split in the isthmus, and the screw was inserted smoothly after adjusting the insertion point. In one case, the cerebrospinal fluid leaked during the operation and was successfully treated with conservative methods including no pillow supine treatment and strengthened anti-infection. The average follow-up time was of (19.5±1.3) months. The VAS of low back pain was 2.9±1.7 before the operation and it was 1.8±0.5 at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The VAS of leg pain was 5.9±1.5 before the operation and it was 1.5±0.4 at the last the follow-up (P<0.01). The ODI score was 34.5±3.2 preoperatively and it decreased to 12.6±4.2 at the last follow-up, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: CBT technique combined with MIDLF for the adjacent-segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion is minimally invasive and convenient, with good clinical effects. This technique can be used as an option for the revision of adjacent spondylopathy.

The Cysteine-Rich Repeat Protein TaCRR1 Participates in Defense against Both Rhizoctonia cerealis and Bipolaris sorokiniana in Wheat

The domain of unknown function 26 (DUF26), harboring a conserved cysteine-rich motif (C-X8-C-X2-C), is unique to land plants. Several cysteine-rich repeat proteins (CRRs), belonging to DUF26-containing proteins, have been implicated in the defense against fungal pathogens in ginkgo, cotton, and maize. However, little is known about the functional roles of CRRs in the important staple crop wheat (Triticum aestivum). In this study, we identified a wheat CRR-encoding gene TaCRR1 through transcriptomic analysis, and dissected the defense role of TaCRR1 against the soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia cerealis and Bipolaris sorokiniana, causal pathogens of destructive wheat diseases. TaCRR1 transcription was up-regulated in wheat towards B. Sorokiniana or R. cerealis infection. The deduced TaCRR1 protein contained a signal peptide and two DUF26 domains. Heterologously-expressed TaCRR1 protein markedly inhibited the mycelia growth of B. sorokiniana and R. cerealis. Furthermore, the silencing of TaCRR1 both impaired host resistance to B. sorokiniana and R. cerealis and repressed the expression of several pathogenesis-related genes in wheat. These results suggest that the TaCRR1 positively participated in wheat defense against both B. sorokiniana and R. cerealis through its antifungal activity and modulating expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Thus, TaCRR1 is a candidate gene for improving wheat resistance to B. sorokiniana and R. cerealis.

Association between iodine intake and thyroid autoantibodies: a cross-sectional study of 7073 early pregnant women in an iodine-adequate region

PURPOSE

The association between iodine intake and thyroid autoimmunity has been debated, especially in pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate thyroid autoantibodies and their association with iodine intake and hypothyroidism in early pregnancy.

METHODS

7073 early pregnant women from an iodine-sufficient region participated in this study. Urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) were measured using an ammonium persulfate method. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and Tg were determined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

RESULTS

Iodine deficiency (UIC < 100 μg/L) was associated with higher risks of TPOAb positivity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.29-2.08)] and TgAb positivity [aOR = 1.44, 95% CI (1.16-1.80)]. Women with isolated TPOAb positivity, isolated TgAb positivity, or both TPOAb and TgAb positivity had a 14.64-fold, 7.83-fold, and 44.69-fold increased risk of overt hypothyroidism, and a 4.36-fold, 2.86-fold, and 6.26-fold increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism, respectively. Moreover, the risks of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism in women with a high TPOAb titer were 16.99 and 4.80 times that in TPOAb-negative women, respectively. The risk of overt hypothyroidism in women with a high TgAb titer was 6.97 times that in TgAb-negative women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates that iodine deficiency during early pregnancy is an independent risk factor for both TPOAb positivity and TgAb positivity. Furthermore, positivity for both autoantibodies and a high thyroid autoantibody titer are associated with significantly higher risks of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes: an intervention and prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. To explore whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of women who had IMH identified in the first trimester improves pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Women in the early pregnancy in the iodine-sufficient area (n = 3398) were recruited to this prospective cohort study (ChiCTR-TRC-12002326). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were detected. Women with IMH before 12 weeks chose to receive L-T4 or remain untreated. The L-T4 dose was adjusted to attain a normal FT4 and TSH level. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

IMH in the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with controls. The incidence of macrosomia (p = 0.022) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation compared with controls. IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation was a risk factor for macrosomia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.076-3.503, p = 0.027] and gestational hypertension (aOR 4.203, 95% CI 1.611-10.968, p < 0.01), when body mass index in the early pregnancy was < 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

IMH in the first trimester did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes irrespective of whether women received L-T4 treatment. However, IMH identified in the second trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The results suggest that thyroid function follow-up during the second trimester is necessary, even if thyroid function is normal during the first trimester.

Incidence of hepatitis B virus infection in young Chinese blood donors born after mandatory implementation of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination nationwide

This study was carried out to determine the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the young generation born after mandatory implementation of hepatitis B vaccination since 1992. Repeat blood donors born between 1992 and 1997 were enrolled, who gave blood at least twice during the past 3 years. Donors were tested for HBV infection markers of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and viral DNA by immunoassays (EIAs) and nucleic acid tests (NAT). A total of 14 937 pre-donation screening qualified young repeat donors aged 18-23 years were tested with 9 (0.06%) being HBsAg by EIA and 10 (1:1494) HBV DNA positive by Ultrio NAT (10.4 IU/mL), respectively. HBV DNA was further detected in 1:192 (9/1732) anti-HBc+ repeat donors with Ultrio Plus NAT (3.4 IU/mL). Most cases were identified as occult HBV infection (OBI). Of 14 937 repeat donors, 20.9% were anti-HBc+ positive, while approximately 50% of 12 024 repeat donors were anti-HBs negative or had levels <100 IU/L. HBsAg+ or OBI strains were classified as wild type of genotype B or genotype C. Incident HBV infection in repeat donors was approximately 1:18.5 person-years (1.1%/year) but significantly less frequent in donors with confirmed HBV vaccination (2.4%-3.3%) than those unsure of vaccination status (10.5%; P = .0023). Hepatitis B virus vaccination appears largely protective of HBV infection, but incidence of infections increases in young adults with mostly undetectable or low anti-HBs or occasionally high anti-HBs. A boost of hepatitis B vaccine for adolescents prior to age 18 years may reduce HBV infection, and implementation of more sensitive NAT in blood donation screening may improve HBV safety in blood transfusion.

Orexin A increases sympathetic nerve activity through promoting expression of proinflammatory cytokines in Sprague Dawley rats

AIM

Accumulating evidence suggests that orexin signalling is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular function. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we test the hypothesis that upregulated orexin A signalling in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) through stimulating expression of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs).

METHODS

In vivo sympathetic nerve recordings were performed to test the impact of PVN orexin signalling on sympathetic outflow in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Real-time PCR was carried out to assess effects of central administration of orexin A on PVN PICs expression in SD rats. To test whether orexin A-induced increases in PICs were exclusively mediated by orexin receptor 1 (OX1R), OX1R-expressing PC12 (PC12-OX1R) cells were incubated with different dose of orexin A, and then, PICs mRNA and immunoreactivity were measured.

RESULTS

Orexin A microinjection (25 pmol) into the PVN significantly increased splanchnic SNA (93.5%) and renal SNA (83.3%) in SD rats, and these increases were attenuated by OX1R antagonist SB408124. Intracerebroventricular injection of orexin A (0.2 nmol) into SD rats increased mRNA levels of PICs including IL-1-β (2.7-fold), IL-6 (1.7-fold) and TNF-α (1.5-fold), as well as Fra1 (1.6-fold) in the PVN. Orexin A treatment in PC12-OX1R cells resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in the expression of PICs and Fra1, a subunit of AP1 transcriptional factor. The increase in the PICs was blocked by AP1 blocker curcumin.

CONCLUSION

Paraventricular nucleus orexin system activation is involved in SNA regulation maybe through triggering AP1-PICs pathway.

Osteochondral Interface Stiffening in Mandibular Condylar Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is associated with dental biomechanics. A major change during OA progression is the ossification of the osteochondral interface. This study investigated the formation, radiological detectability, and mechanical property of the osteochondral interface at an early stage, the pathogenesis significance of which in OA progression is of clinical interest and remains elusive for the TMJ. Unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) was performed on 6-wk-old rats as we previously reported. TMJs were harvested at 4, 12, and 20 wk. The progression of TMJ OA was evaluated using a modified Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score system. Osteochondral interface was investigated by quantifying the thickness via von Kossa staining of histological slices and in vivo calcium deposition by calcein injection. Tissue ossification was imaged by micro-computed tomography (CT). Mechanical properties were measured at nanoscale using dynamic indentation. Time-dependent TMJ cartilage lesions were elicited by UAC treatment. Geometric change of the condyle head and increased value of the OARSI score were evident in UAC TMJs. At the osteochondral interface, there was not only enhanced deep-zone cartilage calcification but also calcium deposition at the osseous boundary. The thickness, density, and stiffness of the osteochondral interface were all significantly increased. The enhanced ossification of the osteochondral interface is a joint outcome of the aberrant deeper cartilage calcification at the superior region and promoted formation of subchondral cortical bone at the inferior region. The micro-CT detectable ossification from an early stage thus is of diagnostic significance. Although the environment of the cartilage and subchondral bone could be changed due to the stiffness of the interface, whether or not the stiffened interface would accelerate OA progress remains to be confirmed. With that evidence, the osteochondral interface could be a new diagnostic and therapeutic target of the mechanically initiated OA in the TMJ.

HBV/HCV co-infection is associated with a high level of HCV spontaneous clearance among drug users and blood donors in China

Understanding the biology of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could lead to improved strategies to prevent the sequelae associated with chronic HCV infection. Chronic infections with hepatitis virus are very common in China, but the factors associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV have not been adequately studied. We evaluated the spontaneous clearance of HCV among 1918 drug users and 1526 HCV-seropositive blood donors in Guangzhou, China. Among participants who were co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), 41.38% of drug users and 39.47% of blood donors had cleared their HCV infection without antiviral therapy compared to 9.41% of drug users and 16.73% of blood donors who were mono-infected with a single virus (P<.01). The proportion of subjects who had cleared their HCV infection was significantly greater in the co-infected subjects whose serum HBV DNA was greater than 2000IU/mL than those with lower levels. A multiple logistic regression analysis found female gender, IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype, HBV co-infection and blood donors (vs drug users) associated with increased spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. Although acute HCV infections are common in China, the incidence of chronic HCV may be reduced among the high prevalence of chronic HBV and IL28B genotypes associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in Chinese populations.

Change in serum TSH levels within the reference range was associated with variation of future blood pressure: a 5-year follow-up study

Controversy exists on the relationship between serum thyrotropin (TSH) and blood pressure, and only a few prospective studies are available up to now. The study aimed to investigate the association between serum TSH within the reference range and blood pressure through a 5-year follow-up study. A total of 623 subjects with normal TSH were followed up for 5 years, including the measurement of demographic data, blood pressure, height, weight and serum TSH. Finally, 531 subjects were included in this prospective study. Body mass index (BMI), prevalence of hypertension, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were all higher at follow-up than at baseline. Adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, BMI and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at baseline, multiple linear regression analyses found no relationship between serum TSH at baseline and levels of blood pressure at follow-up, but the changes in serum TSH levels during follow-up was positively associated with the changes in systolic blood pressure (B=2.134, P<0.05), which became more significant in women but not significant in men. The change of systolic blood pressure in group of TSH increase >0.5 mIU l^-1 was significantly higher than in group of TSH decrease >0.5 mIU l^-1 within reference, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, BMI and HOMA-IR at baseline. This result became more significant in women, but no statistical significance was observed in men. Co-variation with serum TSH levels and blood pressure was observed during 5-year follow-up among people with normal TSH.

Glycemic control and self-monitoring of blood glucose in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin: Baseline results from the COMPASS study

AIMS

Self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is not widely utilized in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. In this analysis, we evaluated the current state of SMBG in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin.

METHODS

The 2-phase COMPASS study involved 24 centers across 10 provinces and cities in China. In the first phase, a cross sectional survey was carried out in type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment. The inclusion criteria for the study subjects in the first phase were: type 2 diabetes, insulin treatment for ≥ 3 months, and age ≥ 18 years. Evaluation was made on the status of SMBG and insulin therapy in these patients by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 2819 patients (age 58.2 ± 10.8 years; 49.6% females; BMI 24.6 ± 3.4 kg/m(2)) with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were recruited in phase I of this study. The majority of patients (80.4%) were receiving insulin treatment for at least 6 months. At baseline, the mean HbA1c was 8.5 ± 1.9% and 54.6% of patients had an HbA1c above 8%. 50.4% of the cohort had diabetes for at least 10 years, and fewer of these patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). At baseline, 65.8% of patients reported that daily SMBG frequency was performed on a random basis. 59.2% of patients reported that they occasionally, rarely or never follow their physician's instructions regarding SMBG. Hypoglycemia occurred in over 50% of patients, although in 71.8% of patients this was a rare occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low utilization of SMBG in Chinese adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, with approximately two-thirds of patients reporting irregular use of SMBG. This is in line with an overall poor level of glycemic control.

Impact of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose on the quality of life of insulin-treated Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from the COMPASS study

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) regimen on quality of life (QoL) in poorly controlled insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Phase II of the COMPASS trial was a 6-month, multicenter, prospective, single-arm, interventional study. This study recruited 820 outpatients from 19 clinical sites in China who met the following inclusion criteria: type 2 diabetes, insulin treatment for ≥ 3 months, and age 18-65 years, an HbA1c >8.0% (64 mmol/mol), and willingness to perform SMBG. Subjects were advised to follow a structured SMBG regimen specific to their insulin regimen, and were trained to respond to SMBG readings via lifestyle changes and insulin dose self-adjustment. QoL assessments (SF-36) were performed at baseline and 6 months.

RESULTS

Patients with a mean age of 55.13 ± 9.77 years had an average diabetes duration of 9.83 ± 7.05 years and had been receiving insulin therapy for a mean of 45.4 ± 46.79 months. All QoL parameters were significantly improved following structured SMBG after 6 months, most notably the physical role functioning (p<0.0001) and emotional role functioning (p<0.0001) component scores. Overall, 40.6% of patients rated their overall QoL as 'a bit' or a lot better' after structured SMBG compared with 16.5% prior to the intervention (p<0.0001). SMBG also improved overall feelings of wellbeing, with 39.13% of patients believing that their health was deteriorating prior to SMBG compared with only 14.4% of patients after the intervention (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The structured SMBG program in insulin-treated Chinese outpatients with type 2 diabetes significantly improved QoL outcomes. Physical and emotional role functioning are the 2 QoL scales that demonstrate the largest improvement with SMBG.

Comparison of the effects on glycaemic control and β-cell function in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients of treatment with exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone: a multicentre randomized parallel-group trial (the CONFIDENCE study)

OBJECTIVE

Progressive β-cell dysfunction hinders the maintenance of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, but comparative data on β-cell-protective therapies are lacking in the early stage of type 2 diabetes. Here we evaluated the comparative glycaemic efficacy and impact on β-cell function of three antihyperglycaemic agents that have a β-cell-protective effect, exenatide, insulin and pioglitazone, in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 48-week, multicentre, parallel-group study, 416 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned 1 : 1 : 1 to receive exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone. The primary end-point was the change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline. Secondary end-points included effects on weight, blood pressure, lipid profiles and β-cell function assessed by homeostasis model assessment, fasting proinsulin:insulin (PI/I), disposition index (DI) and acute insulin response (AIR).

RESULTS

At week 48, mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] HbA1c changes from baseline were -1.8% (-1.55% to -2.05%) with exenatide, -1.7% (-1.52% to -1.96%) with insulin and -1.5% (-1.23% to -1.71%) with pioglitazone. Treatment differences were -0.20% (95% CI -0.46% to 0.06%) for exenatide versus insulin (P = 0.185), and -0.37% (95% CI -0.63% to -0.12%) for exenatide versus pioglitazone (P = 0.002). Significant improvements from baseline in AIR, PI/I and DI were observed with all treatments, with the greatest improvements in DI, as well as weight, blood pressure and lipid profile, observed with exenatide.

CONCLUSIONS

All three agents showed efficacy regarding glycaemic control and metabolic benefits; however, exenatide showed the greatest efficacy. β-cell function improved in all treatment groups; hence, early initiation of β-cell-protective therapy may halt the decline in β-cell function in type 2 diabetes.

The construction of cDNA library and the screening of related antigen of ascitic tumor cells of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To construct the cDNA library of the ascites tumor cells of ovarian cancer, which can be used to screen the related antigen for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer and therapeutic targets of immune treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four cases of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, two cases of ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and two cases of ovarian endometrial carcinoma in patients with ascitic tumor cells which were used to construct the cDNA library. To screen the ovarian cancer antigen gene, evaluate the enzyme, and analyze nucleotide sequence, serological analysis of recombinant tumor cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) and suppression subtractive hybridization technique (SSH) techniques were utilized. The detection method of recombinant expression-based serological mini-arrays (SMARTA) was used to detect the ovarian cancer antigen and the positive reaction of 105 cases of ovarian cancer patients and 105 normal women's autoantibodies correspondingly in serum.

RESULTS

After two rounds of serologic screening and glycosides sequencing analysis, 59 candidates of ovarian cancer antigen gene fragments were finally identified, which corresponded to 50 genes. They were then divided into six categories: (1) the homologous genes which related to the known ovarian cancer genes, such as BARD 1 gene, etc; (2) the homologous genes which were associated with other tumors, such as TM4SFI gene, etc; (3) the genes which were expressed in a special organization, such as ILF3, FXR1 gene, etc; (4) the genes which were the same with some protein genes of special function, such as TIZ, ClD gene; (5) the homologous genes which possessed the same source with embryonic genes, such as PKHD1 gene, etc; (6) the remaining genes were the unknown genes without the homologous sequence in the gene pool, such as OV-189 genes.

CONCLUSION

SEREX technology combined with SSH method is an effective research strategy which can filter tumor antigen with high specific character; the corresponding autoantibodies of TM4SFl, ClD, TIZ, BARDI, FXRI, and OV-189 gene's recombinant antigen in serum can be regarded as the biomarkers which are used to diagnose ovarian cancer. The combination of multiple antigen detection can improve diagnostic efficiency.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis in the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis: a meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis for systematic evaluation of the status quo of catheter thrombolysis for the treatment of acute lower limb deep vein thrombosis in China. We searched the China Biomedical bibliographic database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu full-text electronic journals, Wanfang full-text database, and Medline (1990 through June 2011) for clinical randomized controlled trials of catheter-directed thrombolysis and superficial venous thrombolysis to compare their efficacies for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis. The results were analyzed by using the Cochrane-recommended RevMan 4.2 software package, and the odds ratio (OR) was used as the combined measure of efficacy. The search retrieved 8 randomized controlled trials, and meta-analysis using the total rate of effective treatment as the clinical observation index found that the combined OR for the catheter thrombolysis group versus the superficial venous thrombolysis group was significant (P < 0.01; OR = 11.78; 95% confidence interval = 6.99-19.87). In conclusion, the meta-analysis indicated that catheter thrombolysis was more effective than superficial venous thrombolysis for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis in the lower limb in Chinese individuals. However, the included trials were only of medium quality, so more rational and scientific clinical trials are needed to validate this conclusion.

AdLTR2EF1α-FGF2-mediated prevention of fractionated irradiation-induced salivary hypofunction in swine

Patients frequently experience a loss of salivary function following irradiation (IR) for the treatment of an oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Herein, we tested if transfer of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) cDNA could limit salivary dysfunction after fractionated IR (7.5 or 9 Gy for 5 consecutive days to one parotid gland) in the miniature pig (minipig). Parotid salivary flow rates steadily decreased by 16 weeks post-IR, whereas blood flow in the targeted parotid gland began to decrease ~3 days after beginning IR. By 2 weeks, post-IR salivary blood flow was reduced by 50%, at which point it remained stable for the remainder of the study. The single preadministration of a hybrid serotype 5 adenoviral vector encoding FGF2 (AdLTR2EF1a-FGF2) resulted in the protection of parotid microvascular endothelial cells from IR damage and significantly limited the decline of parotid salivary flow. Our results suggest that a local treatment directed at protecting salivary gland endothelial cells may be beneficial for patients undergoing IR for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.

Defective expression of regulatory B cells in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in non-obese diabetic H-2(h4) mice

INTRODUCTION

The ability of B cells to negatively regulate cellular immune responses and inflammation has been described. The regulatory B (Breg) cells with the unique CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) phenotype and the capacity to produce IL-10 are potent negative regulators of inflammation and autoimmunity in several in vivo mouse models of autoimmune disease.

AIM

To investigate whether Breg cell deficiency participates in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-obese diabetic (NOD).H-2(h4) mice at 4 weeks of age were randomly divided into control and iodine-treated groups; the iodine-treated group received sterile water containing 0.005 % NaI for 10 or 20 weeks. The percentage of CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Bregs, CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4(+)IL17(+) T helper 17 cells (Th17) in splenic mononuclear cells was detected by multicolor flow cytometry. The expression of IL-10 mRNA and TGF-β mRNA in splenocytes was measured by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

NOD.H-2(h4) mice spontaneously develop anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies and intrathyroidal lymphocyte infiltration when supplied with iodine in drinking water. Mice with AIT had a decreased CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Breg subset and reduced IL-10 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with controls (p < 0.05) and maintained relatively low levels during the development of thyroiditis. The proportion of Breg cells was negatively correlated with the proportion of Th17 cells, but positively correlated with CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) Treg cells in splenocytes (All p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The defective expression of Breg cells combined with impaired Treg cells and enhanced Th17 cells might play an important role in the development of iodine-induced AIT in NOD.H-2(h4) mice.

Allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for periodontal regeneration

In this study, we investigated the possibility of using local administration of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) to induce tissue regeneration in periodontal defects in a rat model of periodontitis. BMMSCs isolated from rats were mixed with 0.9% NaCl solution and injected into periodontal defects. Control groups were 0.9% NaCl solution or left untreated. The clinical assessments, x-rays, and histological examinations were used to evaluate the effect. At 12 wks post-transplantation, quantitative analysis revealed average probing bone loss values of 1.2 ± 0.19, 1.6 ± 0.2, and 1.7 ± 0.14; the bone regeneration rate was 53%, 45%, and 44% in the BMMSC+NaCl group, NaCl group, and untreated group, respectively. The clinical assessments, x-rays, and histological examinations revealed significant periodontal tissue regeneration in the BMMSC injection group, compared with the control groups. The ELISA results showed that TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β were 2,674.88 ± 102.77 pg/mL vs. 3,422.1 ± 51.98 pg/mL, 609.85 ± 25.5 pg/mL vs. 803.79 ± 33.85 pg/mL, and 1,038.46 ± 76.29 pg/mL vs. 1,175.26 ± 105.55 pg/mL in the BMMSC+NaCl group and NaCl group, respectively, indicating that BMMSC injection inhibited the inflammatory factors TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β. Our results indicate that local administration of BMMSCs can repair defects due to periodontitis, exerting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in the Chinese population with impaired glucose regulation: the 2007-2008 China national diabetes and metabolic disorders study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in China. This aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors in Chinese impaired glucose regulation subjects.We used a multistage, stratified sampling method to select subjects from the general Chinese population aged 20 years and older. Subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to identify normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose regulation including isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and combined IFG/IGT and diabetic mellitus (DM). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between glucose abnormalities and CVD events.We identified that 34 293 subjects had NGT, 1 469 i-IFG, 4 571 i-IGT, 957 IFG/IGT and 4 949 DM. The age-sex standardized prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease was 1.06% (95% CI 0.87-1.28), 1.79% (95% CI 1.37-2.33) and 3.83% (95% CI 2.79-5.24) in NGT, impaired glucose regulation and DM, respectively. Among impaired glucose subjects, prevalence of defined CVD risk factors (smoking, overweight, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia) was 29.52% (95% CI: 27.8-31.21), 36.25% (95% CI: 34.29-38.26), 10.05% (95% CI: 8.86-11.37), 36.43% (95% CI: 34.53-38.36) and 69.96% (95% CI: 67.87-71.98), respectively. Compared to 1 risk factor, the odds ratios (ORs) of CVDs with 2, 3 or 4 risk factors were 1.94 (95% CI: 0.74-5.09), 2.76 (95% CI: 1.06-7.21) and 5.84 (95% CI: 1.68-20.26), respectively. Additionally, compared to i-IFGs, ORs of CVDs with i-IGT and IFG/IGT were 2.88 (95%CI 1.36-6.01) and 2.12 (95% CI 0.83-5.44), respectively.The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was high in the Chinese impaired glucose regulation population. The postprandial hyperglycemia is more associated with CVD than isolated fasting hyperglycemia.

First Report of Phomopsis Seed Decay of Soybean Caused by Phomopsis longicolla in South China

Phomopsis seed decay of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) causes poor seed quality and suppresses yield in most soybean-growing areas in the world. The disease is caused primarily by Phomopsis longicolla Hobbs. During the spring of 2010, soybean seeds without symptoms were planted in the fields but emergence was poor and the emergence rates ranged from 30 to 70% in south China. Approximately 3,000 symptomless seeds were randomly collected from seven fields at three locations in Guangzhou, Nanchang, and Wuhan. Seeds were surface disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 12 min, rinsed in sterile distilled water three to four times, and placed on 2% agar. Plates were then incubated at 26°C under 16/8-h photoperiod for 3 to 4 days. About 10 to 20% of the seeds produced white hyphae that spread rapidly and covered the whole seed. The hyphae from fungal isolates were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 26°C in the dark. After 3 to 4 weeks, conidia were elliptical with two oil drops at both ends and hyaline (6.2 to 7.2 × 2.6 to 3.2 μm). The cultural and morphological characteristics of the isolates corresponded with the description of P. longicolla (2). Colonies on PDA were floccose, dense, and white. Stromata were large, black, and spreading. To confirm the morphological identification, the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) from three isolates were sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. JQ899030, JQ899031, and JQ899032). BLAST analysis indicated that the isolates had 99% nucleotide sequence identity with P. longicolla (GenBank Accession Nos. AY857868.1, EF026104, and HQ130441.1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 2-week-old soybean seedlings (3). A mycelial plug (3 mm in diameter) from the margin of 1-week-old PDA culture of the Wuhan isolate was individually placed mycelial side down directly on the top of cut stem 1 to 2 cm above cotyledon node of the soybean seedling. PDA plugs without the fungus was used as the negative control. All seedlings were kept in a growth chamber at 26°C with 92 to 94% relative humidity. After 2 weeks, all inoculated seedlings showed browning, stem wilt, and the lesions were 0.3 to 2.0 cm long. No symptoms were observed in the control plants. P. longicolla was reisolated from the infected seedlings. The pathogenicity test was repeated three times. Soybean stem blight caused by P. longicolla has been reported in northeast China (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. longicolla causing Phomopsis seed decay of soybean in south China. This report will establish a foundation for developing a program for screening germplasm for resistance to this disease in south China. References: (1) Y. L. Cui et al. Plant Pathol. 58:799, 2009. (2) T. W. Hobbs et al. Mycologia 77:535,1985. (3) S. Li et al. Plant Dis. 85:1031, 2001.

C1 catecholamine neurons form local circuit synaptic connections within the rostroventrolateral medulla of rat

C1 catecholamine neurons reside within the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM), an area that plays an integral role in blood pressure regulation through reticulospinal projections to sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord. In a previous investigation we mapped the efferent projections of C1 neurons, documenting supraspinal projections to cell groups in the preautonomic network that contribute to the control of cardiovascular function. Light microscopic study also revealed putative local circuit connections within RVLM. In this investigation we tested the hypothesis that RVLM C1 neurons elaborate a local circuit synaptic network that permits communication between C1 neurons giving rise to supraspinal and reticulospinal projections. A replication defective lentivirus vector that expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of a synthetic dopamine beta hydroxylase (DβH) promoter was used to label C1 neurons and their processes. Confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrated thin varicose axons immunopositive for EGFP and tyrosine hydroxylase that formed close appositions to C1 somata and dendrites throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the C1 area. Dual-labeled electron microscopic analysis revealed axosomatic, axodendritic and axospinous synaptic contacts with C1 and non-C1 neurons with a distribution recapitulating that observed in the light microscopic analysis. Labeled boutons were large, contained light axoplasm, lucent spherical vesicles, and formed asymmetric synaptic contacts. Collectively these data demonstrate that C1 neurons form a synaptic network within the C1 area that may function to coordinate activity among projection-specific subpopulations of neurons. The data also suggest that the boundaries of RVLM should be defined on the basis of function criteria rather than the C1 phenotype of neurons.

Treatment with levothyroxine in pregnant rats with subclinical hypothyroidism improves cell migration in the developing brain of the progeny

AIM

This study aims to investigate whether maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) influences the developing brain, and the effect of treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4) in early maternal SCH on the progeny's developing brain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five thyroidectomized female Wistar rats were divided randomly into groups of hypothyroidism (CH), SCH, SCH treated with L-T4 from embryonic day (E) 10, E13, and E17 till post-natal day 21. There were 15 sham operated controls.

RESULTS

Pups from SCH or CH group had significantly lower body weight than euthyroid group. Pups from E10, E13 or E17 groups had normal body weight compared to control pups at P3 and P7. The levels of TSH and total T4 (TT4) of all pups were normal. The mean latencies were longer in pups from CH, SCH, and E17 group than controls. The latencies from E10 and E13 pups were comparable to those from control pups. There were changes in the cytoarchitecture of the barrel cortex and of the hippocampus in CH, SCH, and E17 pups. The barrel cortex of E10 or E13 pups was similar to that of control pups. The distribution of bromodeoxyuridinelabeled cells was more widespread in CH, SCH, and E17 pups than in control, E10, and E13 progeny.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal SCH disturbs learning and memory performances in pups, and affects cytoarchitecture and cell migration in the developing brain of the progeny. Treatment with L-T4 in early maternal SCH before E13 improves cell migration in the developing brain, as well as learning and memory function of the progeny.

Early levothyroxine treatment on maternal subclinical hypothyroidism improves spatial learning of offspring in rats

Maternal hypothyroidism has adverse effects on neural development in the offspring. The present study aimed to investigate whether maternal subclinical hypothyroidism impairs spatial learning in the offspring, as well as the efficacy and optimal time of levothyroxine (L-T(4)) treatment in pregnancy. Female adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group): control, hypothyroid (H), subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) and SCH treated with L-T(4), starting from the tenth, thirteenth and seventeenth gestational day (GD10, GD13 and GD17), respectively, to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. Spatial learning was assessed on progenies by a water maze test, a field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) recording, and an long-term potentiation induction assay. Protein levels of early growth response protein 1 (Egr1), activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by western blotting. Progenies from the SCH and H groups demonstrated significantly longer mean latency in the water maze test and a lower amplification percentage of the amplitude and slope of the fEPSPs compared to offspring of the control group. L-T(4) treatment for the GD10 and GD13 groups significantly shortened mean latency and increased the amplification percentage of the amplitude and slope of the fEPSPs of the progeny of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, L-T(4) treatment for the GD17 group showed only minimal effects on spatial learning in the offspring. Progenies of SCH and H groups had lower levels of Egr1, Arc, p-ERK and BDNF but higher levels of Rap1 compared to those of the controls. L-T(4) treatment ameliorated these protein expression changes in the progeny of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism. Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism impaired spatial learning in the offspring; L-T(4) treatment in early pregnancy recovered this adverse effect, and the optimal time of treatment should start from early pregnancy (GD10 and GD13).

Successful treatment of a paraneoplastic pemphigus in a teenager using plasmapheresis, corticosteroids and tumour resection

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a severe autoimmune blistering disease. Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a common complication of PNP, is the major cause of death. PNP is rarely seen before the age of 18 years, and the prognosis is poor because of BO. We report a 16-year-old girl with the typical findings of PNP associated with Castleman's tumour. She was treated with tumour resection in combination with plasmapheresis and corticosteroids. Fifteen months after the operation, the patient had recovered without the development of BO.

Identification and Characterization of the Huanglongbing Bacterium in Pummelo from Multiple Locations in Guangdong, P. R. China

Huanglongbing (HLB, yellow shoot disease, ex. citrus greening disease), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter spp., is highly destructive to citrus production in Asia, Africa, and South America. Although primarily affecting sweet orange and mandarin, HLB has long been observed in pummelo in Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; however, the disease in pummelo has received little research attention. Accordingly, it remains unclear how closely related the strains of Ca. Liberibacter in pummelo are to those in other citrus species. In this study, the loci of 16S rDNA, rplAJ (β-operon of ribosomal protein), and an outer membrane protein (omp) gene were analyzed and characterized among strains of Ca. Liberibacter in pummelo samples from six different locations in Guangdong. Sequence comparisons indicated that 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', but not 'Ca. Liberibacter africanus' or 'Ca. Liberibacter americanus', was exclusively associated with HLB symptoms in pummelo. The pummelo strains of 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' from Guangdong were highly homogeneous. Analyses of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the omp locus showed that the Guangdong pummelo strains grouped with 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' strains from Thailand, Nepal, and an unspecified location in China but differed from the Philippine and China-Behai strains. Based on the sequence homogeneity at the omp locus, the history of pummelo culture and the means by which HLB is known to be spread, we believe that, likely, the pummelo strain of 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' recently was spread to pummelo in the study areas from infected sweet orange or mandarin trees by insect vectors or by propagation of pummelo infected elsewhere.

A five-year follow-up study of goiter and thyroid nodules in three regions with different iodine intakes in China

OBJECTIVE

The association between iodine status and the prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules has been well established but the extent to which different iodine intake levels influence the incidence of goiter and thyroid nodules is unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of goiter and thyroid nodules in 3 regions with different iodine intake levels: mildly deficient, more than adequate, and excessive.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Of the 3385 unselected subjects enrolled in 1999 in Panshan, Zhangwu, and Huanghua where median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was 83.5 microg/l, 242.9 microg/l, and 650.9 microg/l, respectively, 2708 (80.0%) participated in the follow-up study in 2004. The examinations of thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid function, thyroid autoantibodies and UIE were performed at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of diffuse goiter was 7.1%, 4.4%, and 6.9%, respectively, higher in Panshan and Huanghua than in Zhangwu (p=0.013 and p=0.015) and that of nodular goiter was 5.0%, 2.4%, and 0.8%, respectively, declining with increasing iodine intake levels (p<0.001). Mild iodine deficiency, chronic iodine excess as well as positive thyroid autoantibodies were associated with the occurrence of goiter [Logistic regression: odds ratio (OR)=1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.65), OR=1.46 (95% CI 1.01-2.11) and OR=1.68 (95% CI 1.14-2.48), respectively]. The cumulative incidence of single nodule was 4.0%, 5.7%, and 5.6%, respectively and that of multiple nodules was 0.4%, 1.2%, and 1.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between iodine and the risk for the occurrence of diffuse goiter shows a U-shaped curve. Nodular goiters are more prevalent in iodine-deficient areas.

Effective management of main bronchial rupture in patients with chest trauma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the most effective diagnostic method and the effect of surgical treatment on traumatic main bronchial rupture.

METHODS

Chest X-rays, CT and fiberoptic bronchoscopy were the main means used to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery was performed as early as possible.

RESULTS

Pneumonectomy was performed in 1 patient. Bronchial end-to-end anastomosis was performed in 10 patients whose lungs were well ventilated, and lung function recovered.

CONCLUSION

Main bronchial rupture occurs relatively rarely. Early diagnosis and operative intervention can save lives.

High iodine intake is a risk factor of post-partum thyroiditis: result of a survey from Shenyang, China

The aim of the present study is to obtain the epidemiological data on post-partum thyroiditis (PPT) firstly in Chinese women, and to tryto evaluate whether excessive intake of iodine in post-partum women imposes any danger of occurring PPT. Sixty hundred and ten pregnant women were involved in the cohort just before delivery. Four hundred and eighty-eight (80%) of them accepted taking part in follow-ups more than 6 months post-partum. A blood sample was taken from participants before delivery and every 3 months post-partum for testing of serum TSH, thyroid autoantibodies. Free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4) and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) were detected if TSH was abnormal. The iodine nutrition was evaluated according to the mean level of the fasting urinary iodine excretions at different times during the studying period, and participants were subgrouped into 3 categories with low, adequate and high iodine intake. For those participants who had thyroid dysfunction within 6 months post-partum, the follow-up persisted for 1 yr. Of 488 pregnant women, PPT developed in 11.9% (58/488). Given overt and subclinical PPT, the prevalence was 7.17% (no.=35) and 4.71% (no.=23), respectively. There was a strong association between the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) at delivery and the risk of developing PPT [RR=6.76, 95% (CI) 4.42-10.34]. Overt cases had much higher titers of TPOAb than subclinical patients (all p<0.05). The median urinary iodine (MUI) of patients with PPT was significantly higher than that of healthy women (231.93 vs 199.88 microg/l p=0.00153). Both the prevalence of PPT and positive TPOAb rise with the increment of iodine intakes. Pregnant women with high iodine intake had more risk of developing PPT when compared with those with low iodine intake (RR=2.92, 95%CI 1.31-6.50). We concluded that positive TPOAb was of value for predicting the occurrence and severity of PPT, and a high iodine intake was a risk factor triggering PPT.

Increased fluid secretion after adenoviral-mediated transfer of the human aquaporin-1 cDNA to irradiated miniature pig parotid glands

The treatment of most head and neck cancer patients includes ionizing radiation (IR). Salivary glands in the IR field suffer irreversible damage. Previously, we reported that adenoviral (Ad)-mediated transfer of the human aquaporin-1 (hAQP1) cDNA to rat submandibular glands following IR restored salivary flow to near normal levels. It is unclear if this strategy is useful in larger animals. Herein, we evaluated AdhAQP1-mediated gene transfer after parotid gland IR (20 Gy) in the miniature pig. Sixteen weeks following IR, salivation from the targeted gland was decreased by >80%. AdhAQP1 administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in parotid salivary flow to approximately 80% of pre-IR levels on day 3. A control Ad vector was without significant effect. The effective AdhAQP1 dose was 2.5 x 10(5) pfu/microl infusate, a dose that leads to comparable transgene expression in murine and minipig salivary glands. Three days after Ad vector administration little change was observed in clinical chemistry and hematology values. These findings demonstrate that localized delivery of AdhAQP1 to IR-damaged salivary glands increases salivary secretion, without significant general adverse events, in a large animal model.

Effects of prolactin on HLA-DR and CD40 expressions by human thyrocytes

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of prolactin (PRL) on HLA-DR and CD40 expressions by human thyrocytes, and to investigate the possible mechanisms for PRL to affect the development of Graves' disease (GD).

METHODS

Thyrocytes in secondary culture, which were from GD thyroid glands and the tissues adjacent to the lesions of multinodular goiter and adenoma (control group), were treated respectively with ovine PRL (oPRL), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interlukin-4 (IL-4) and oPRL plus IFN-gamma (10 U/ml) or IL-4 (5 ng/ml) for 7 days. HLA-DR and CD40 expressions on the thyrocytes were determined by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

oPRL (12.5 ng/ml-1000 ng/ml) had no significant direct effect on HLA-DR or CD40 expression. It did not significantly affect the stimulation of HLA-DR expressions on the two groups of thyrocyte treated with IFN-gamma or on GD thyrocytes treated with IL-4. oPRL could antagonize the stimulation of CD40 expressions by IFN-gamma and the inhibition by IL-4 on both groups of thyrocytes. The antagonizing effects were related to the concentrations of PRL. IFN-gamma-stimulated percentages of CD40+ thyrocytes and delta mean fluorescence intensity (dMF) in both thyrocyte sources were significantly reduced in the presence of 200 ng/ml oPRL (both GD and

CONTROL

P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively;

CONTROL

P < 0.05) and 1000 ng/ml oPRL (GD: P < 0.01;

CONTROL

P < 0.05). oPRL caused significant increasing in IL-4-inhibited percentages of CD40+ cells from the two groups of thyrocytes at 12.5 ng/ml and 1000 ng/ml and dMF from GD thyrocytes at 1000 ng/ml (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PRL can exert indirect effects on CD40 expressions on thyrocytes by antagonizing the modulatory actions of IFN-gamma and IL-4 with dose-related effects. This may be one important mechanism for PRL to affect the development of GD.

DNA amplification associated with double minutes originating from chromosome 19 in mouse hepatocellular carcinoma

DNA amplification is associated with genomic instability, the main characteristic of cancer cells, and it frequently involves protooncogenes. Double minute chromosomes (DM) and homogeneously stained regions (HSR) are cytological manifestations of DNA amplification. Gain of chromosome 19 is a recurrent alteration in mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In one tumor cell line established from HCC developed in myc transgenic mice, DM derived from chromosome 19 were identified by spectral karyotyping and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A probe generated by PCR from microdissected DM was localized by FISH on normal and HCC-derived cell lines on DM and chromosome 19 at two sites separated by several medium size G-bands. This organization of DM containing amplified sequences from separate loci of the same chromosome, indicates a complex mechanism of DNA amplification, possibly involving more than one gene. DM or HSR were not previously identified in mouse HCC and adult human HCC. The recognition of these loci could lead to the cloning of new genes or identification of known genes important in development or progression of HCC.

Genomic organization and expression of the doublesex-related gene cluster in vertebrates and detection of putative regulatory regions for DMRT1

Genes related to the Drosophila melanogaster doublesex and Caenorhabditis elegans mab-3 genes are conserved in human. They are identified by a DNA-binding homology motif, the DM domain, and constitute a gene family (DMRTs). Unlike the invertebrate genes, whose role in the sex-determination process is essentially understood, the function of the different vertebrate DMRT genes is not as clear. Evidence has accumulated for the involvement of DMRT1 in male sex determination and differentiation. DMRT2 (known as terra in zebrafish) seems to be a critical factor for somitogenesis. To contribute to a better understanding of the function of this important gene family, we have analyzed DMRT1, DMRT2, and DMRT3 from the genome model organism Fugu rubripes and the medakafish, a complementary model organism for genetics and functional studies. We found conservation of synteny of human chromosome 9 in F. rubripes and an identical gene cluster organization of the DMRTs in both fish. Although expression analysis and gene linkage mapping in medaka exclude a function for any of the three genes in the primary step of male sex determination, comparison of F. rubripes and human sequences uncovered three putative regulatory regions that might have a role in more downstream events of sex determination and human XY sex reversal.

Genomic organization and expression of the doublesex-related gene cluster in vertebrates and detection of putative regulatory regions for DMRT1

Genes related to the Drosophila melanogaster doublesex and Caenorhabditis elegans mab-3 genes are conserved in human. They are identified by a DNA-binding homology motif, the DM domain, and constitute a gene family (DMRTs). Unlike the invertebrate genes, whose role in the sex-determination process is essentially understood, the function of the different vertebrate DMRT genes is not as clear. Evidence has accumulated for the involvement of DMRT1 in male sex determination and differentiation. DMRT2 (known as terra in zebrafish) seems to be a critical factor for somitogenesis. To contribute to a better understanding of the function of this important gene family, we have analyzed DMRT1, DMRT2, and DMRT3 from the genome model organism Fugu rubripes and the medakafish, a complementary model organism for genetics and functional studies. We found conservation of synteny of human chromosome 9 in F. rubripes and an identical gene cluster organization of the DMRTs in both fish. Although expression analysis and gene linkage mapping in medaka exclude a function for any of the three genes in the primary step of male sex determination, comparison of F. rubripes and human sequences uncovered three putative regulatory regions that might have a role in more downstream events of sex determination and human XY sex reversal.

[Effect of iodine intake on thyroid diseases and intelligence among schoolchildren in rural areas]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the throid function and intelligence among the schoolchildren in three rural areas with different iodine intakes in China to probe the side-effect of excessive iodine intake on intelligence of schoolchildren.

METHODS

Chinese version of Raven's test was made among rural schoolchildren, 190 from Panshan County, Liaoning Province, a low iodine intake area with the median urinary iodine (MUI) of 99 microgram/L among its inhabitants, 236 from Zhangwu County, Liaoning Province, a moderate iodine intake area with the MUI of 338 microgram/L, and 313 from Huanghua County, Hebei Province, an excessive iodine intake area with the MUI of 631 microgram/L. Thyroid function, thyroid autoantibody (TAA), and MUI were determined among 116, 110 and 112 from the above-mentioned schoolchildren from these three areas respectively.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference among the prevalence rates of overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism in the areas of Panshan, Zhangwu and Huanghua. However, a significant difference was found among the prevalence rates of subclinical hypothyroidism in theses three areas (P = 0.001). The prevalence rates of subclinical hypothyroidism in Huanghua and Zhangwu were 4.76 and 3.37 times higher than that in Panshan (P = 0.001). TAA was negative among all of the schoolchildren with subclinical hypothyroidism except for one. No significant difference was found among the positive rates of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) in these three areas. Serum thyroglobulin (TG) values in Huanghua were markedly higher than those in the other two areas (P = 0.015 7). Serum TG value in Zhangwu was higher than that in Panshan but with no significant difference. The IQ value of the schoolchildren in Huanghua was markedly higher than that in Zhangwu (P = 0.001 2). The IQ value of the schoolchildren in Panshan was lower than that in Huanghua and higher than that in Zhangwu but with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The increase of iodine intake may increase the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism among schoolchildren. In the area with excessive iodine intake, most of the subclicical hypothyroidism cases among schoolchildren are not of autoimmune origin. No obvious effect of excessive iodine intaue is found on mental development of schoolchildren.

One-step synthesis of a highly active, mesoporous, titanium-containing silica by using bifunctional templating

A highly active, three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilica, TiTUD-1, with comparable properties to Ti-grafted mesoporous silica MCM-41, has been prepared in a one-step synthesis. A non-surfactant chemical, triethanolamine, was used as a template molecule. Triethanolamine easily forms complexes with titanium alkoxides, yielding titanatrane complexes, which together with free triethanolamine form meso-sized aggregates that template mesopores upon increasing the temperature of the synthesis mixture. Triethanolamine served as both mesopore template and ligand for the titanium complexes, which represent the majority of the catalytic-site precursors. The formation of the silica network and the titanium insertion were followed by a combination of diffuse reflectance UV/ Vis/NIR and FTIR spectroscopy. A titanium-rich phase was obtained on the mesopore surfaces during calcination, allowing for easy accessibility of the reactants to the catalytic sites. TiTUD-1 is about six times more active than framework-substituted Ti-MCM-41 and has similar activity to Ti-grafted MCM-41.

[A study of phenylketonuria heterozygotes screening in married population of Tianjin area]

OBJECTIVE

To find out a method that is simple and reliable for screening phenylketonuria(PKU) heterozygotes.

METHODS

Detecting and analyzing plasma phenylalanine(Phe) and tyrosine(Tyr) from 101 known-PKU heterozygotes and 2023 married people by means of a high performance liquid chromatograph.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between known- PKU heterozygotes and screening population in plasma Phe, Phe/Tyr and Phe(2)/Tyr. The values of plasma Phe, Phe/Tyr and Phe(2)/ Tyr from 94.1% known-PKU heterozygotes were higher than mean+2s of those values from screening population. According to the limits of mean+2s, 81 cases were screened out from the 2023 married people. It was the first time to get the actual heterozygote frequency of 4% from population.

CONCLUSION

The biochemical method mentioned above is available for use in screening PKU heterozygotes.

[Effects of prolactin on in-vitro interactions between thyrocytes from patients with Graves' disease and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of prolactin on interactions between Graves' disease (GD) thyrocytes and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in coculture.

METHODS

Primary thyrocytes and autologous PBMC were cocultured at various levels of ovine prolactin (oPRL) in vitro. The activation and proliferation of PBMC as well as HLA-DR and CD(40) expressions on thyrocytes were determined by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

With PBMC in GD cocultures, oPRL caused significant increase in the percentage of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) cells at 200 microg/L [(13.08 +/- 2.54)%, P < 0.01] and in the proliferative index at 200 microg/L [(17.82 +/- 3.02)%, P < 0.01] and 1,000 microg/L [(16.57 +/- 2.56)%, P < 0.05], but not at 12.5 microg/L [(10.43 +/- 2.38)% and (14.08 +/- 2.67)%, respectively] or 50 microg/L [(9.94 +/- 2.54)% and (14.56 +/- 2.80)%, respectively)]. The values at 200 or 1,000 microg/L as above were also significantly different from those at 12.5 or 50 microg/L. The percentage of CD(40)(+) cells [(48.25 +/- 6.63)%, (52.28 +/- 6.94)%] and delta mean fluorescence intensity (dMF; 42.94 +/- 10.24, 49.51 +/- 12.34) were significantly lower in thyrocytes in GD cocultures treated with 200 or 1,000 microg/L oPRL than those untreated [(58.38 +/- 6.62)% and 67.30 +/- 20.20] or treated with two other concentrations of oPRL. The percentage of HLA-DR + cells [(46.79 +/- 7.51)%, P < 0.01] and dMF (21.02 +/- 5.43, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the thyrocytes treated with 50 microg/L oPRL than those untreated [(33.51 +/- 8.58)% and 13.91 +/- 3.88] or treated with three other concentrations. There were no significant differences between the dose groups of oPRL but those mentioned above.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolactin could affect interactions between GD PBMC and autologous thyrocytes and might eventually influence the shift of helper T cells. High prolactin levels might aggravate GD.

Effect of IFN-gamma, IL-4 on proliferation and synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen in cultured human retroorbital fibroblasts in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cellular immune mechanism of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and provide a basis for treating TAO with cytokine or anti-cytokine agents, we determined whether interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4, representative cytokines of Th1 and Th2 cells, may have some effect on the development and progression of TAO.

METHOD

Retroorbital fibroblasts (RF) proliferation and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) and type IV collagen were measured with liquid scintillation and radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

IFN-gamma stimulated RF proliferation and HA synthesis and had a significant inhibitory effect on type IV collagen synthesis. IL-4 stimulated proliferation and type IV collagen synthesis in RF and had inhibitory effect on HA synthesis. When IFN-gamma (100 U/ml) and IL-4 (1 microgram/L) were incubated together with RF, they antagonized their respective stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the proliferation and synthesis of HA and type IV collagen. Thyrotropin (TSH) stimulated RF proliferation and type IV collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, while only at high dose (100 U/L and 200 U/L), stimulated RF to synthesize HA.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-gamma, a representative cytokine of Th1 cells, is responsible for the inflammatory process of TAO; whereas IL-4, a representative cytokine of Th2 cells, has some effect on the repair process. IL-4 could antagonize the inflammatory effect of IFN-gamma on RF. TSH may have aggravating effect on the pathogenesis of TAO.

Sex-specific expression of an evolutionarily conserved male regulatory gene, DMRT1, in birds

Based on its Z-sex-chromosomal location and its structural homology to male sexual regulatory factors in humans (DMRT1 and DMRT2), Drosophila (Dsx), and Caenorhabditis elegans (Mab-3), chicken DMRT1 is an excellent candidate for a testis-determining factor in birds. The data we present provide further strong support for this hypothesis. By whole mount in situ hybridization chicken DMRT1 is expressed at higher levels in the male than in the female genital ridges during early stages of embryogenesis. Its expression becomes testis-specific after onset of sexual differentiation. Northern blot and RT PCR analysis showed that in adult birds DMRT1 is expressed exclusively in the testis. We propose that two gene dosages are required for testis formation in ZZ males, whereas expression from a single Z chromosome in ZW females leads to female sexual differentiation.