[Definition of severe pulmonary tuberculosis: a scoping review]

Objective: To clarify the definition of severe pulmonary tuberculosis and its inclusion criteria by summarizing and analyzing the studies of severe pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A systematic search of Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Web of Science, Epistemonikos, Embase, CNKI, WanFang database, and CBM database was conducted to collect studies published between 2017 and 2022 on patients with severe pulmonary TB. Searches were performed using a combination of subject terms and free words. The search terms included: tuberculosis, severe, serious, intensive care, critical care, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, hospitalization, respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, pulmonary heart disease, and pneumothorax. The definitions and inclusion criteria for severe pulmonary TB in the included studies were extracted. Results: A total of 19 981 studies were identified and 100 studies were finally included, involving 8 309 patients with severe pulmonary TB. A total of 8 (8.00%) studies explicitly mentioned the definition of severe pulmonary TB, and 53 (53.00%) studies clearly defined the inclusion criteria for patients with severe pulmonary TB. A total of 5 definitions and 30 inclusion criteria were extracted. A total of 132 dichotomous variables and 113 continuous variables were included in the outcome indicators related to patients with severe pulmonary TB of concern in the studies. Conclusions: The definition and diagnostic criteria for severe TB are unclear, and there is an urgent need to develop a clear definition and diagnostic criteria to guide clinical practice.

[Anatomical study and clinical application of in situ reduction and fixation of anterior medial fenestration approach of femoral head fracture]

Objectives: To explore the feasibility of anterior medial fenestration approach in situ reduction and fixation in the treatment of PipkinⅠ and Ⅱ femoral head fractures,and to explore the clinical effect of this operation. Methods: Hips of two anti-corrosion adult specimens treated with formalin were dissected, then anatomical structures and directional characteristics of anterior medial main muscles,ligaments,blood vessels and nerves were observed.The anterior medial fenestration approach was performed on bilateral hips of four fresh frozen specimens to determine pulling direction of stripped muscles and ligaments required during operation,and to observe and analyze vascular and nerve traction protection directions exposed in the approach.Determine extent of exposure to the approach and assess feasibility of this approach.The clinical data of 12 patients with Pipkin Ⅰ and Ⅱ femoral head fractures who underwent in situ reduction and fixation of anterior medial fenestration at Department of Orthopaedics,Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University from February 2016 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 3 males and 9 females with an age of 48.5 years(range:37 to 59 years).There were 8 cases of Pipkin type Ⅰ and 4 cases of Pipkin type Ⅱ.The operation time,blood loss,fracture healing time,last Thompson-Epstein evaluation and Harris score were observed. Results: Anterior medial fenestration approach to expose the femoral head in 4 bilateral hips with a total of 8 sides of fresh frozen specimens.The upper boundary of observation fenestration was pubic body (anterior acetabulum),and the outer upper boundary was iliacus and psoas muscle.The lateral boundary is rectus femoris and femoral vessels,the lower boundary was transverse branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery and vein.The medial boundary was pubis muscle,short adductor muscle and long adductor muscle.Pubofemoral and iliofemoral ligament were seen in fenestration. Four quadrants in front of femoral head in fenestration can be seen after cutting switch capsule active hip joint. In 12 patients with femoral head fracture,the operation time was 107.5 minutes(range:90 to 135 minutes),and the intraoperative bleeding volume was 115.0 ml(range:85 to 150 ml).The patients were followed up for 18.6 months(range:12 to 28 months).The fracture healing time of 12 patients was 144.2 days(range:120 to 180 days).The curative effect was evaluated according to Thompson-Epstein standard at the last follow-up:excellent in 6 cases,good in 4 cases and fair in 2 cases.At the last follow-up,the Harris score of hip joints was 85.1(range:75 to 93). Conclusions: Anterior medial fenestration in situ reduction and fixation surgery is feasible for the treatment of Pipkin Ⅰ and Ⅱ femoral head fractures. The short and midterm follow-up reveal satisfactory effect.

Transcriptome profiling reveals morphogenesis-related candidate genes and pathways in the chick embryonic small intestine

1. A better understanding of intestinal development is essential for the intestinal health of poultry. Intestinal villification starts on embryo day E15 and is generally completed before hatching (E21). The development of lymphoid organs in the intestine starts during embryogenesis. However, transcriptional information on the processing of intestinal morphogenesis and immune development during chick embryogenesis is limited.2. In this work, RNA-sequencing was performed using 12 biological replicates to investigate Hy-Line brown chick embryonic small intestinal transcription at E15 and E21. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between E15 and E21 were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, based on the DEGs, were performed to identify key GO terms in the biological process category and key KEGG pathways. PPI networks were constructed based on the DEGs in the key pathways to screen hub genes. The embryonic small intestinal morphology and IgA distribution were observed by histological processing. The serum levels of IgA and lysozyme were measured by ELISA.3. A total of 76.38 Gb of high-quality RNA-sequencing data were generated and uploaded. A total of 2,676 DEGs, between E15 and E21, were identified. Structural development and villification of the small intestine at E15 tended to proceed via the expression of nervous system development-related genes. A combination of the histological and serological results with the transcriptome data indicated that the identified genes and pathways may be strong candidates for intestinal morphogenesis-regulation.4. The small intestine appears to have developed a relatively complete morphology and transport, metabolism, digestion and immunity functions by E21. This work provided a transcriptome profile of the chick embryonic small intestine and provided insights into the intestinal development and health of poultry.

Gen-editing to model Short QT syndrome type 5 using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

Aims

Short QT syndrome (SQTS), a disorder associated with characteristic electrocardiogram QT-segment abbreviation, predisposes afflicted patients to sudden cardiac death. Despite some progress in assessing the organ level pathophysiology and genetic changes of the disorder, the understanding of the human cellular phenotype and discovering of an optimal therapy has lagged due to a lack of appropriate human cellular models of the disorder. The aim of this study was to establish a cellular model of SQTS type 5 using human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and gene-edited cell line using CRISPR/CAS9.

Methods and results

This study recruited one patient with short QT syndrome type 5 carrying a mutation in CACNb2 gene as well as one healthy control subject. We generated hiPSCs from their skin fibroblasts, and differentiated hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) for physiological. Isogenic control hiPSC-CMs generated by the CRISPR/CAS9 technique were also used for the study.

The hiPSC-CMs from the patient showed a reduced calcium current (ICa-L) density and shortened action potential duration (APD) compared with healthy control hiPSC-CMs and isogenic hiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, they demonstrated abnormal rhythmic activities. Carbachol increased the arrhythmic events in SQTS significantly but not in healthy and isogenic control cells. Gene and protein expression profiling showed a decreased CACNb2 expression in SQTS cells. Quinidine prolonged the APD and abolished arrhythmic activity.

Conclusions

Patient-specific hiPSC-CMs are able to recapitulate single-cell phenotype features of SQTS type 5 and provide novel opportunities to further elucidate the cellular disease mechanism and test drug effects.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

[Study on the correlation between dietary N-glycolylneuraminic acid intake and chronic inflammation state of body]

Objective: To explore the correlation between dietary N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) intake and chronic inflammation state of body. Methods: A total of 306 samples of 102 types of food were purchased from a supermarket in Xiamen in September 2019, including grains, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. The content of Neu5Gc in food was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 500 healthy freshmen from Xiamen University were selected by using a simple random sampling method. The food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the food intake in the past year. The food intake was corrected by 3 consecutive 24-hour recalls, and the amount of Neu5Gc intake was calculated. The concentration of anti-Neu5Gc antibody, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum was detected. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between Neu5Gc intake and anti-Neu5Gc antibody, CRP and IL-6 levels. Results: Neu5Gc was mainly found in red meat and liquid dairy products. The contents of Neu5Gc in beef, lamb and pork were (30.32±2.84), (20.39±4.73) and (5.58±1.04) mg/kg, respectively, and in liquid milk and yogurt were (10.87±1.54) and (6.91±0.24) mg/L, respectively. The M (P₂₅, P₇₅) intake of Neu5Gc for all participants was 4.62 (2.20, 8.60) mg/d. The M(P₂₅, P₇₅) intake of Neu5Gc for males about 6.60(2.83, 10.20) was higher than that for females about [3.84 (1.84, 6.35) mg/d] (P<0.001). The M (P₂₅, P₇₅) of serum anti-Neu5Gc, CRP and IL-6 levels were 3.07 (2.17, 4.14) μg/ml, 0.37 (0.22, 0.87) mg/ml and 61.82 (12.23, 315.30) pg/ml, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the intake level of Neu5Gc was positively correlated with serum anti-Neu5Gc antibody, CRP and IL-6 levels, with r_s values about 0.222, 0.102 and 0.126, respectively (all P values <0.05). Conclusion: Dietary Neu5Gc intake is mainly from red meat and liquid dairy products, and its intake level is positively correlated with chronic inflammatory state of body.

Cucumber mosaic virus infection modulated the phytochemical contents of Passiflora edulis

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) caused huge agricultural impact on Passiflora edulis. However, the interactions between CMV and P. edulis are poorly unknown, which lead to lack of prevention and control measures. In this study, we identified the infection of CMV in P. edulis through modern small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) technology combined with traditional electron microscope and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We also confirmed CMV infection adversely affected or modulated the contents of phytochemicals and further injured the development of P. edulis; inversely, P. edulis modulated its resistance to CMV stress by increasing the levels of secondary metabolites and the activities of antioxidant enzymes components. This is of significant importance to understand the interaction between virus infection and plant host.

Identification of Telosma mosaic virus infection in Passiflora edulis and its impact on phytochemical contents

Background

Viral disease has become the most severe constraint for the cultivation and production of Passiflora edulis in China. The infection of Telosma mosaic virus (TeMV), a potyvirus, and its effects on the phytochemical components of P. edulis remain largely unknown in China.

Methods

P. edulis plants showing distorted leaves and severe mosaic skin on green fruit were identified with TeMV infection through traditional transmission electron microscopy, RT-PCR and modern small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) platform. The contents of phytochemical components and the activities of antioxidative enzymes were compared between virus-infected and virus-free P. edulis to confirm the effects of TeMV infection on host plant.

Results

Firstly, approximately 700 nm linear virus particles, representing TeMV, were detected in infected P. edulis fruits and leaves with Electron microscopy. Partial coat protein genes of TeMV were successfully amplified by RT-PCR in infected P. edulis leaves and fruits but not in healthy plants. Abundant small interference RNAs (siRNAs) sequences, showing several characterizations, were specifically generated from the TeMV genome in infected plant fruits by sRNA-seq platform. Furthermore, fruit length, fruit thickness (wideness) and fruit weight decreased significantly due to TeMV infection. The levels of total protein and total sugar increased significantly; however, the level of total fat, total acid and vitamin C decreased obviously after TeMV infection. The level of total phenols, a secondary metabolite, was obviously higher in TeMV-infected than TeMV-free P. edulis fruit. The activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD) and catalases (CAT) obviously increased in TeMV-infected in comparison with healthy P. edulis fruit.

Conclusions

TeMV infection adversely affected the development of P. edulis fruits, differently and selectively modulated the phytochemical components of P. edulis fruits. In turn, P. edulis plants enhanced their tolerance to the stress of TeMV infection by increasing the secondary metabolite level and the antioxidative capacity. This is of significant importance to understand the effects of TeMV infection on the biochemical changes and the antioxidant defense mechanism in P. edulis.

Design of Langmuir probe diagnostic system for the upgraded lower tungsten divertor in EAST tokamak

In order to achieve long-pulse H-mode plasma scenario over 400 s with high heating power in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) device, the lower graphite divertor will be upgraded into a tungsten (W) divertor with active water cooling, which consists of the W/Cu monoblock units and the W flat-tile units as the divertor plasma facing components. As a fundamental diagnostic tool, the divertor Langmuir probe (Div-LP) diagnostic system will be upgraded accordingly. This paper presents the design of two kinds of new Div-LP systems, which are planned to be utilized on the W/Cu monoblock units and the W flat-tile units for the upgraded lower tungsten divertor, respectively, including their structures and preliminary poloidal and toroidal layouts. The Div-LP diagnostic system can measure the plasma parameters with the schemes of triple-probe, double-probe, and single-probe, to obtain the spatial and temporal distribution of plasma behavior on the divertor targets, which is useful for the discharge control and operation in EAST. In addition, the thermal analysis of the two kinds of probe assemblies is also carried out by using the three-dimensional finite element code ANSYS, which is aimed to get the optimal designs to withstand the long-pulse and high-power operation in EAST future experiments.

[Comparison of external fixation with or without limited internal fixation for open knee fractures]

Objective: To explore the characteristics and methods of different fixation methods and prevention of open knee joint fracture. Methods: The data of 86 cases of open knee joint fracture admitted from January 2002 to December 2015 in Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University were analyzed retrospectively.There were 65 males and 21 females aged of 38.6 years. There were 38 cases treated with trans articular external fixation alone, 48 cases were in the trans articular external fixation plus auxiliary limited internal fixation group. All the patients were treated according to the same three stages except for different fixation methods. Observation of external fixation and fracture fixation, fracture healing, wound healing and treatment, treatment and related factors of infection control and knee function recovery. χ(2) test was used to analyze data. Results: Eleven patients had primary wound healing, accounting for 12.8%. Seventy-five patients had two wounds healed, accounting for 87.2%. Only 38 cases of trans articular external fixator group had 31 cases of articular surface reduction, accounting for 81.6%; Five cases of trans articular external fixator assisted limited internal fixation group had 5 cases of poor reduction, accounting for 10.4%; There was significant difference between the two groups (χ(2)=44.132, P<0.05). Take a single cross joint external fixation group, a total of 23 cases of patients with infection, accounted for 60.5% of external fixation group; trans articular external fixation assisted limited internal fixation group there were 30 cases of patients with infection, accounting for the assistance of external fixator and limited internal fixation group 62.5%; There was significant difference between the two groups(χ(2)=0.035, P>0.05). Five cases of fracture nonunion cases of serious infection, patients voluntarily underwent amputation. The Lysholm Knee Scale: In the external fixation group, 23 cases were less than 50 points, accounting for 60.5%, 15 cases were more than 50 points, accounting for 39.5%, external fixation and limited internal fixation group 20 cases were less than 50 points, accounting for 41.7%, 28 cases were more than 50 points, accounting for 58.3%; There was significant difference between the two groups(χ(2)=1.279, P>0.05). Conclusions: Prevention and control of infection is a central link in the treatment of open fracture of the knee. Trans articular external fixator plus limited internal fixation is an important measure to treat open fracture of the knee-joint.

RNA interference-mediated knockdown and virus-induced suppression of Troponin C gene adversely affect the behavior or fitness of the green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps

The green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps, is a major rice pest in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Novel control strategies must be explored to control the rice pest. Behavior or fitness regulation of insect by modulating the Troponin C (TnC) may be a novel strategy in the comprehensive management of the insect pest. However, characterizations and functions of TnC, especially regarding effect of its RNA interference-mediated gene knockdown on the behavior or fitness of N. cincticeps remain unknown. Here, we successfully cloned and characterized TnC gene from N. cincticeps (Nc-TnC). We demonstrated that Nc-TnC ubiquitously transcribed at all development stages and special tissues in adult insects, with relative higher levels at the adult stage and in the intestinal canal. Microinjection- or oral membrane feeding-based transient knockdown of Nc-TnC adversely affected the performance or fitness, such as the decreased survival, feeding capacity, weight, and fecundity of N. cincticeps. Furthermore, we revealed that the expression of Nc-TnC was suppressed by its interaction with rice dwarf virus-encoded nonstructural protein 10, which ultimately affected detrimentally the corresponding parameters of the performance or fitness of N. cincticeps. In conclusion, our data deepen understanding of Nc-TnC functions during the development of and viral infection in N. cincticeps. It imply Nc-TnC may serve as a potential target for N. cincticeps control in future.

Investigation of alimentary canal ultrastructure following knockdown of the Dicer-2 gene in planthoppers reveals the potential pathogenicity of southern rice black streaked dwarf virus to its insect vector

An increasing number of studies are suggesting that plant viruses, including southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), can adversely affect biological characteristics of insect vectors by unknown mechanisms. To study the adverse effect of SRBSDV at cellular level on the insect vector, we promoted viral infection by the disruption of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. The transmission electron microscopy was utilized to describe the ultrastructural changes that occurred in insects when the core component of the siRNA pathway, Dicer-2, was knocked down. The increasing accumulation of SRBSDV in virus-infected vector, the white-backed planthoppers, caused severe cytopathology in the alimentary canal. Similar cytopathology changes in the midgut ultrastructure were characterized in the virus-infected incompetent vector, the small brown planthopper. These results not only add support to the existing evidence suggesting that the siRNA pathway has an antiviral effect, but also reveal the universal and potential ability of SRBSDV to cause damage to the insect tissues of both the vector and non-vector.

[Clinical outcome of totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral valve replacement: a series of 634 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical outcome of totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral valve replacement.

METHODS

Clinical data of 634 cases undergoing totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral valve replacement from May 2004 to February 2016 in Department of Thoracoscopic Cardiacsurgery, Shanghai Yodak Cardiothoracic Hospital was analyzed retrospectively. There were 292 male and 342 female patients, aged from 17 to 68 years with a mean of (45±13) years. All the 634 patients had moderate-severe mitral valve stenosis and (or) incompetence, 263 patients had moderate-severe tricuspid valve incompetence, 356 patients had atrial fibrillation, 46 patients had left atrium thrombosis. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with right femoral artery and a single 2 stage venus cannula in the right atrium. The ascending aorta was cross-clamped and the myocardium was protected by coronary perfusion with cold crystalloid cardioplegia. Totally thoracoscopic mitral valve replacement were performed.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases had incision expanded and 8 cases had conversions to sternotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time were (89±18) minutes and (51±12) minutes, respectively. Operation time was (3.1±1.2) hours. Mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay were (17±6) hours and (27±8) hours, respectively. Postoperation drainage quantity was (390±70) ml. The hospital days was (9.2±2.1) days. There were 5 cases in-hospital deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in 42 cases (6.6%), including 18 cases of right hemoneumothorax, 12 cases of reoperation for bleeding, 3 cases of perivalvular leakage (reoperation was done in 1 patient), 3 cases of low cardiac output syndrome, 2 cases of acute renal failure, 2 cases of inferior vena cava injury, 1 case of right femoral artery thrombosis and liver injury, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was (58±9) months in 608 cases, with a follow-up rate of 96.7% (608/629). Three patients had died during the period of follow-up caused by congestive heart failure (2 patients) and stroke (1 patient). Late complication among 605 survivors were 37 cases, including 32 cases of moderate tricuspid valve insufficiency, 3 cases of stroke, 1 case of perivalvular leakage and infective endocarditis, respectively.There was no reoperation during the period of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral valve replacement is safe and effective, with unique superiority and clinical feasible.

Small Interfering RNA Pathway Modulates Initial Viral Infection in Midgut Epithelium of Insect after Ingestion of Virus

Numerous viruses are transmitted in a persistent manner by insect vectors. Persistent viruses establish their initial infection in the midgut epithelium, from where they disseminate to the midgut visceral muscles. Although propagation of viruses in insect vectors can be controlled by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) antiviral pathway, whether the siRNA pathway can control viral dissemination from the midgut epithelium is unknown. Infection by a rice virus (Southern rice black streaked dwarf virus [SRBSDV]) of its incompetent vector (the small brown planthopper [SBPH]) is restricted to the midgut epithelium. Here, we show that the siRNA pathway is triggered by SRBSDV infection in continuously cultured cells derived from the SBPH and in the midgut of the intact insect. Knockdown of the expression of the core component Dicer-2 of the siRNA pathway by RNA interference strongly increased the ability of SRBSDV to propagate in continuously cultured SBPH cells and in the midgut epithelium, allowing viral titers in the midgut epithelium to reach the threshold (1.99 × 10(9) copies of the SRBSDV P10 gene/μg of midgut RNA) needed for viral dissemination into the SBPH midgut muscles. Our results thus represent the first elucidation of the threshold for viral dissemination from the insect midgut epithelium. Silencing of Dicer-2 further facilitated the transmission of SRBSDV into rice plants by SBPHs. Taken together, our results reveal the new finding that the siRNA pathway can control the initial infection of the insect midgut epithelium by a virus, which finally affects the competence of the virus's vector.

IMPORTANCE

Many viral pathogens that cause significant global health and agricultural problems are transmitted via insect vectors. The first bottleneck in viral infection, the midgut epithelium, is a principal determinant of the ability of an insect species to transmit a virus. Southern rice black streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is restricted exclusively to the midgut epithelium of an incompetent vector, the small brown planthopper (SBPH). Here, we show that silencing of the core component Dicer-2 of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway increases viral titers in the midgut epithelium past the threshold (1.99 × 10(9) copies of the SRBSDV P10 gene/μg of midgut RNA) for viral dissemination into the midgut muscles and then into the salivary glands, allowing the SBPH to become a competent vector of SRBSDV. This result is the first evidence that the siRNA antiviral pathway has a direct role in the control of viral dissemination from the midgut epithelium and that it affects the competence of the virus's vector.

Edge multi-energy soft x-ray diagnostic in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

A multi-energy soft x-ray (ME-SXR) diagnostic has been built for electron temperature profile in the edge plasma region in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) after two rounds of campaigns. Originally, five preamplifiers were mounted inside the EAST vacuum vessel chamber attached to five vertically stacked compact diode arrays. A custom mechanical structure was designed to protect the detectors and electronics under constraints of the tangential field of view for plasma edge and the allocation of space. In the next experiment, the mechanical structure was redesigned with a barrel structure to absolutely isolate it from the vacuum vessel. Multiple shielding structures were mounted at the pinhole head to protect the metal foils from lithium coating. The pre-amplifiers were moved to the outside of the vacuum chamber to avoid introducing interference. Twisted copper cooling tube was embedded into the back-shell near the diode to limit the temperature of the preamplifiers and diode arrays during vacuum vessel baking when the temperature reached 150 °C. Electron temperature profiles were reconstructed from ME-SXR measurements using neural networks.

Characterization of OsPM19L1 encoding an AWPM-19-like family protein that is dramatically induced by osmotic stress in rice

The plant-specific AWPM-19-domain proteins play important roles in plant development and stress responses. In the current study, OsPM19L1 encoding Oryza sativa AWPM-19-like protein 1 was isolated from rice. Tissue-specific gene expression analysis revealed that OsPM19L1 was highly expressed in the leaf sheath of rice. Interestingly, expression of OsPM19L1 was high at the early stage of panicle development and decreased thereafter. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that OsPM19L1 was dramatically induced by 20% PEG stress (>600-fold), exogenous abscisic acid (>350-fold), salt and cold stress. Subcellular localization assay suggested that the OsPM19L1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein was localized in the membrane system in rice cells. Moreover, under stress conditions, OsPM19L1 expression was enhanced in an ABI5-Like1 (ABL1) deficiency rice mutant, abl1, suggesting that ABL1 negatively regulates OsPM19L1 gene expression. Thus, OsPM19L1 appears to be closely associated with stress tolerance through ABA-dependent pathway in rice.

Molecular alterations of the WWOX gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is a candidate tumor suppressor gene. However, its exact mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the WWOX gene in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Tissues were collected from 65 NPC patients. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed on NPC tissues to determine the expression of WWOX in NPC. The status of WWOX promoter methylation was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR. Moreover, a PCR-based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) assay was conducted to detect the presence of WWOX deletion in NPC. The expression of WWOX in NPC tissues was significantly downregulated compared with that in non-tumorous tissues (P<0.05). The low expression of WWOX was significantly correlated with clinical TNM stage (P<0.05). In addition, methylation of WWOX was detected in 27 (87%) of 31 WWOX protein negative tissues, suggesting that methylation of the WWOX promoter may regulate its expression. We found that a relatively high percentage of LOH was observed in NPC tissues. A significant inverse correlation between WWOX expression and methylation of its promoter was found in NPC tissue (rs=-0.582, P=0.001). However, LOH was not correlated with WWOX expression and methylation of its promoter. Our results show that WWOX gene alteration is an early genetic alteration and may contribute to tumorigenesis of NPC. WWOX may be an important prognostic marker in NPC.

The JAK2/STAT3 and mitochondrial pathways are essential for quercetin nanoliposome-induced C6 glioma cell death

The formulation of quercetin nanoliposomes (QUE-NLs) has been shown to enhance QUE antitumor activity in C6 glioma cells. At high concentrations, QUE-NLs induce necrotic cell death. In this study, we probed the molecular mechanisms of QUE-NL-induced C6 glioma cell death and examined whether QUE-NL-induced programmed cell death involved Bcl-2 family and mitochondrial pathway through STAT3 signal transduction pathway. Downregulation of Bcl-2 and the overexpression of Bax by QUE-NL supported the involvement of Bcl-2 family proteins upstream of C6 glioma cell death. In addition, the activation of JAK2 and STAT3 were altered following exposure to QUE-NLs in C6 glioma cells, suggesting that QUE-NLs downregulated Bcl-2 mRNAs expression and enhanced the expression of mitochondrial mRNAs through STAT3-mediated signaling pathways either via direct or indirect mechanisms. There are several components such as ROS, mitochondrial, and Bcl-2 family shared by the necrotic and apoptotic pathways. Our studies indicate that the signaling cross point of the mitochondrial pathway and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in C6 glioma cell death is modulated by QUE-NLs. In conclusion, regulation of JAK2/STAT3 and ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway agonists alone or in combination with treatment by QUE-NLs could be a more effective method of treating chemical-resistant glioma.

Brachial artery waveforms for automatic blood pressure measurement

Theoretically the auscultatory method using Korotkoff sounds is more related to the maximum artery closure status, while the oscillometric method is more related to the overall artery closure status under the cuff. Therefore, the latter is less accurate than the former. This work introduces a new method, which is more accurate than the oscillometric method and suitable for automatic devices. To monitor the maximum artery closure status, a piezoelectric film sensor is attached to the skin just above the brachial artery and under the central section of the cuff where maximum cuff pressure is transferred to the arm. Using the waveform features obtained by this sensor, measurement errors of 0.7±2.5 and 1.27±4.53 mmHg were obtained for the systolic and diastolic pressure, respectively. These reflect small deviations from auscultatory clinical data.

Agonists at GPR119 mediate secretion of GLP-1 from mouse enteroendocrine cells through glucose-independent pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) mediates insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release from intestinal L cells. While GPR119-mediated insulin secretion is glucose dependent, it is not clear whether or not GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion similarly requires glucose. This study was designed to address the glucose-dependence of GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion, and to explore the cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion in L cells versus those in β cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

GLP-1 secretion in response to GPR119 agonists and ion channel modulators, with and without glucose, was analysed in the intestinal L cell line GLUTag, in primary intestinal cell cultures and in vivo. Insulin secretion from Min6 cells, a pancreatic β cell line, was analysed for comparison.

KEY RESULTS

In GLUTag cells, GPR119 agonists stimulated GLP-1 secretion both in the presence and in the absence of glucose. In primary mouse colon cultures, GPR119 agonists stimulated GLP-1 secretion under glucose-free conditions. Moreover, a GPR119 agonist increased plasma GLP-1 in mice without a glucose load. However, in Min6 cells, GPR119-mediated insulin secretion was glucose-dependent. Among the pharmacological agents tested in this study, nitrendipine, an L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker, dose-dependently reduced GLP-1 secretion from GLUTag cells, but had no effect in Min6 cells in the absence of glucose.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Unlike that in pancreatic β cells, GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L cells was glucose-independent in vitro and in vivo, probably because of a higher basal calcium tone in the L cells.

Human telomerase RNA gene (TERC) gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 in cervicovaginal liquid-based pap preparations: a fluorescence in situ hybridization study

PURPOSE. This study investigated human telomerase RNA gene (TERC) gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 in cervicovaginal liquid-based pap preparations in Guilin, China, and assessed the relationship between FISH findings and clinical diagnoses. METHODS. Slides prepared from 63 liquid-based preparations with cytologic diagnoses of negative for squamous intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM n = 9), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS, n = 18), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL, n = 14), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL, n = 9), and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA, n = 13) were analyzed for TERC gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 using a commercially available two-color FISH probe. The results of the cytologic analysis and those of concurrent or subsequent biopsies, when available, were compared with the FISH findings. The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess associations between FISH findings and diagnoses. RESULTS. TERC gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 were significantly associated with the cytologic diagnosis (p? 0.001). Patients with HSIL or SCCA cytology diagnoses had a significantly higher percentage of cells with TERC gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 than did patients with NILM, ASCUS or LSIL cytologic diagnoses. Those abnormal cases with CIN1 histological diagnosis had a significantly lower percentage of cells with TERC gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 than did patients with a CIN2, CIN3 and SCCA histological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS. TERC gain and polysomy of chromosome 3 may be important associated genetic events in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma. FISH is a potential tool for the diagnoses of uterine cervix disease.

Polymorphisms in E-cadherin (CDH1) result in a mis-localised cytoplasmic protein that is associated with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn's disease have defects in intestinal epithelial permeability that are inadequately explained by known inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility genes. E-cadherin (CDH1) plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier and its cellular localisation is disrupted in patients with Crohn's disease.

AIM

To determine if polymorphisms in the CDH1 gene are associated with Crohn's disease and to determine the function associated with these polymorphisms.

METHODS

The hypothesis was tested using a candidate gene approach using 20 Tag SNPs derived from the HapMap and Crohn's disease trios. Functional studies were carried out using HapMap cell lines and polarised epithelial cell lines (MDCK-1 and Caco2).

RESULTS

Here we show that CDH1 is associated with Crohn's disease in 327 trios (rs10431923 excess transmission of "TT" genotype; p = 0.0020) and is replicated in the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium CD data set (TT risk allele; OR 1.2, p = 0.005). Patients with the Crohn's disease risk haplotype (rs12597188, rs10431923 and rs9935563; GTC allelic frequency 21%; p = 0.000016) exhibited increased E-cadherin cytoplasmic accumulation in their intestinal epithelium which may be explained by the presence of a novel truncated form of E-cadherin. Accordingly, expression of this truncated E-cadherin in cultured polarised epithelial cells resulted in abnormal intracellular accumulation and impaired plasma membrane localisation of both E-cadherin and beta-catenin.

CONCLUSION

The mis-localisation of E-cadherin and beta-catenin may explain the increased permeability seen in some patients with Crohn's disease. Thus, the polymorphisms identified in CDH1 are important for understanding the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and point to a defect in barrier defence.

Pc4, a putative movement protein of Rice stripe virus, interacts with a type I DnaJ protein and a small Hsp of rice

Rice stripe virus (RSV) infects rice and causes great yield reduction in some Asian countries. In this study, rice cDNA library was screened by a Gal4-based yeast two-hybrid system using pc4, a putative movement protein of RSV, as the bait. A number of positive colonies were identified and sequence analysis revealed that they might correspond to ten independent proteins. Two of them were selected and further characterized. The two proteins were a J protein and a small Hsp, respectively. Interactions between Pc4 and the two proteins were confirmed using coimmunoprecipitation. Implications of the findings that pc4 interacted with two chaperone proteins were discussed.

Endogenous and synthetic agonists of GPR119 differ in signalling pathways and their effects on insulin secretion in MIN6c4 insulinoma cells

Background and purpose:

GPR119 is a G protein-coupled receptor that is preferentially expressed in islet cells and mediates insulin secretion. Oleoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) act as endogenous ligands for this receptor, whereas PSN375963 and PSN632408 are two recently reported synthetic agonists. In this study, we explored mechanisms underlying GPR119-induced insulin secretion. In addition, we assessed the potential utility of the synthetic agonists as tools for exploring GPR119 biology.

Experimental approach:

We examined natural and synthetic GPR119 agonist activity at GPR119 in MIN6c4 and RINm5f insulinoma cells. We evaluated insulin secretion, intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]_i, ion channel involvement and levels of cAMP.

Key results:

We report that increases in insulin secretion induced by OEA were associated with increased cAMP and a potentiation of glucose-stimulated increases in [Ca²⁺]_i. We also demonstrate that ATP-sensitive K⁺ and voltage-dependent calcium channels were required for GPR119-mediated increases in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In contrast to OEA, the synthetic GPR119 agonist PSN375963 and PSN632408 have divergent effects on insulin secretion, cAMP and intracellular calcium in MIN6c4 cells.

Conclusions and implications:

The endogenous ligand OEA signals through GPR119 in a manner similar to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor with respect to insulin secretion, [Ca²⁺]_i and cAMP. In addition, PSN375963 and PSN632408 substantially differ from OEA and from one another. These studies suggest that the commercially available synthetic agonists, although they do activate GPR119, may also activate GPR119-independent pathways and are thus unsuitable as GPR119-specific pharmacological tools.

Synergistic antitumor efficacy of suicide/ePNP gene and 6-methylpurine 2'-deoxyriboside via Salmonella against murine tumors

Some anaerobes and facultative anaerobes have been used in tumor-specific gene therapy by reason of their selective growth in tumors. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as a carrier to deliver the Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase (ePNP) gene for GDEPT (gene-directed enzyme-prodrug therapy). A live attenuated purine-auxotrophic strain of S. typhimurium (SC36) was used to carry the pEGFP-C1-ePNP vector that contains a green fluorescent protein (GFP) and an ePNP gene under the control of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. The function of the ePNP expression vector was confirmed in vitro using the enzymic conversion of 6-methylpurine 2'-deoxyriboside (MePdR) into 6-methylpurine. We also observed a high bystander effect induced by the ePNP/MePdR system with a very low proportion (1%) of ePNP-positive cells. The killing effect and increased apoptosis induced by SC/ePNP (SC36 carrying the ePNP expression vector) infection were detected by cytotoxicity assay and PI staining flow cytometry analysis, in combination with MePdR administration. Furthermore, SC/ePNP was administered orally into mice bearing melanomas or pulmonary tumors, and its anti-tumor effect was evaluated. When the tumor was huge (500 mm(3)) at the beginning of MePdR administration, SC/ePNP plus MepdR significantly inhibited tumor growth by about 59-80% and prolonged survival of mice. Complete tumor regression and long-term cure were achieved by MePdR administration, even when the tumor was large (100 mm(3)) at the beginning of MePdR treatment. Our data support a hopeful view that tumor-targeting SC36 could improve antitumor efficacy of the ePNP/MePdR system due to its preferential accumulation and anticancer activity in tumors.

Statistical methods for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping

Traditional genetic mapping has largely focused on the identification of loci affecting one, or at most a few, complex traits. Microarrays allow for measurement of thousands of gene expression abundances, themselves complex traits, and a number of recent investigations have considered these measurements as phenotypes in mapping studies. Combining traditional quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping methods with microarray data is a powerful approach with demonstrated utility in a number of recent biological investigations. These expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies are similar to traditional QTL studies, as a main goal is to identify the genomic locations to which the expression traits are linked. However, eQTL studies probe thousands of expression transcripts; and as a result, standard multi-trait QTL mapping methods, designed to handle at most tens of traits, do not directly apply. One possible approach is to use single-trait QTL mapping methods to analyze each transcript separately. This leads to an increased number of false discoveries, as corrections for multiple tests across transcripts are not made. Similarly, the repeated application, at each marker, of methods for identifying differentially expressed transcripts suffers from multiple tests across markers. Here, we demonstrate the deficiencies of these approaches and propose a mixture over markers (MOM) model that shares information across both markers and transcripts. The utility of all methods is evaluated using simulated data as well as data from an F(2) mouse cross in a study of diabetes. Results from simulation studies indicate that the MOM model is best at controlling false discoveries, without sacrificing power. The MOM model is also the only one capable of finding two genome regions previously shown to be involved in diabetes.

The Mcs7 quantitative trait locus is associated with an increased susceptibility to mammary cancer in congenic rats and an allele-specific imbalance

Identification of high-penetrance breast cancer genes such as Brca1 has been accomplished by analysing familial cases. However, these genes occur at low frequency and do not account for the majority of genetic risk. Identification of low-penetrance alleles that occur commonly in populations may benefit from unbiased genome-wide screening. One such approach uses linkage studies in rodent models to identify homologous human candidates. The Wistar Kyoto (WKy) rat is resistant to mammary carcinomas induced with 7,12-dimethybenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), whereas the Wistar Furth (WF) strain is susceptible. Previous genome-wide linkage studies in crosses of these strains identified three WKy resistance quantitative trait loci, Mcs5, Mcs6 and Mcs8, and one predicted to increase susceptibility, Mcs7. The Mcs7 region on rat chromosome 10 (RNO10) is orthologous to human 17q, a common site of genetic aberrations in breast cancer. Here, we establish the independent phenotype conferred by Mcs7 using congenic rats carrying the WKy Mcs7 locus on a WF background. Tumor multiplicity was significantly higher ( approximately 50%) in DMBA-treated congenics homozygous and heterozygous for the WKy allele at the Mcs7 locus, compared to controls. We also investigated allelic imbalance (AI) in mammary carcinomas from (WKy x WF)F1 rats and Mcs7 heterozygous congenics. Of the four known WKy Mcs loci tested, only Mcs7 displayed AI. The pattern of AI in carcinomas from both F1 and Mcs7 congenic rats was similar, suggesting a WF allelic loss. Together, these data suggest that one or more breast cancer-related genes are located within the dominantly acting WKy allele at the Mcs7 locus.

Unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation for β-thalassemia major: an experience from China

Although related bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is effective for thalassemia, less than 30% of patients have sibling donors. Here, we report unrelated BMT in nine thalassemic children using a high-resolution HLA typing technique to identify donors. HLA mismatches between donors and recipients were 0, 1 and 2 in 2, 5 and 2 cases, respectively. The results showed that white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin all returned to normal at various time points, and blood transfusion was eliminated from 13 to 62 days after transplantation. Full engraftment was achieved in eight patients while ABO blood types were replaced with that of donors in five of the six ABO mismatched recipients. Acute skin GVHD was found in seven patients and acute liver GVHD in one. One patient with acute intestinal GVHD eventually developed chronic GVHD. One patient died of pulmonary hemorrhage in spite of having a fully functional graft. We conclude that this is the first successful application of unrelated BMT for thalassemia major in Chinese people and that the results will certainly expand donor resources and greatly enhance the survival and quality of life of thalassemic patients.

On parametric empirical Bayes methods for comparing multiple groups using replicated gene expression profiles

DNA microarrays provide for unprecedented large-scale views of gene expression and, as a result, have emerged as a fundamental measurement tool in the study of diverse biological systems. Statistical questions abound, but many traditional data analytic approaches do not apply, in large part because thousands of individual genes are measured with relatively little replication. Empirical Bayes methods provide a natural approach to microarray data analysis because they can significantly reduce the dimensionality of an inference problem while compensating for relatively few replicates by using information across the array. We propose a general empirical Bayes modelling approach which allows for replicate expression profiles in multiple conditions. The hierarchical mixture model accounts for differences among genes in their average expression levels, differential expression for a given gene among cell types, and measurement fluctuations. Two distinct parameterizations are considered: a model based on Gamma distributed measurements and one based on log-normally distributed measurements. False discovery rate and related operating characteristics of the methodology are assessed in a simulation study. We also show how the posterior odds of differential expression in one version of the model is related to the ratio of the arithmetic mean to the geometric mean of the two sample means. The methodology is used in a study of mammary cancer in the rat, where four distinct patterns of expression are possible.

The effects of lower intensity anticoagulation therapy on coagulation system in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves

To evaluate the effect of lower intensity anticoagulation therapy in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves, laboratory-based hematological assays including prothrombin time (PT), activity of factor X, antithrombin III (AT III), D-dimer, fibrinogen (Fg) and platel et al pha-granular membrane protein (GMP-140) were performed in 65 patients who had been on warfarin treatment for over one month. The patients were assigned to 3 groups on the basis of their International Normalized Ratios (INR), ranging from 2.00 to 2.50; 2.51 to 3.00; 3.01 to 4.50, respectively. The results showed that the D-dimer, Fg, GMP-140 levels were higher after mechanical valve replacement than those before operation, indicating the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis system and the damage of platelets. Lower intensity anticoagulation therapy (INR 2.00 to 2.50) could effectively inhibit the activity of factor X and increase the level of AT III. There were no appreciable differences among D-dimer, Fg, GMP-140 and AT III in the 3 anticoagulation intensity groups. These results suggest that in patients with new generation mechanical prosthetic valves, target anticoagulation level (INR 2.00 to 2.50) may result in good protection from thrombo-embolism.

The efficiency of pooling mRNA in microarray experiments

In a microarray experiment, messenger RNA samples are oftentimes pooled across subjects out of necessity, or in an effort to reduce the effect of biological variation. A basic problem in such experiments is to estimate the nominal expression levels of a large number of genes. Pooling samples will affect expression estimation, but the exact effects are not yet known as the approach has not been systematically studied in this context. We consider how mRNA pooling affects expression estimates by assessing the finite-sample performance of different estimators for designs with and without pooling. Conditions under which it is advantageous to pool mRNA are defined; and general properties of estimates from both pooled and non-pooled designs are derived under these conditions. A formula is given for the total number of subjects and arrays required in a pooled experiment to obtain gene expression estimates and confidence intervals comparable to those obtained from the no-pooling case. The formula demonstrates that by pooling a perhaps increased number of subjects, one can decrease the number of arrays required in an experiment without a loss of precision. The assumptions that facilitate derivation of this formula are considered using data from a quantitative real-time PCR experiment. The calculations are not specific to one particular method of quantifying gene expression as they assume only that a single, normalized, estimate of expression is obtained for each gene. As such, the results should be generally applicable to a number of technologies provided sufficient pre-processing and normalization methods are available and applied.