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Biallelic variants in RBM42 cause a multisystem disorder with neurological, facial, cardiac, and musculoskeletal involvement. Protein Cell 2024; 15:52-68. [PMID: 37294900 PMCID: PMC10762670 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report a previously unrecognized syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in the RBM42 gene. The patient is a 2-year-old female with severe central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, hypotonia, hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and dysmorphic facial features. Familial whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveals that the patient has two compound heterozygous variants, c.304C>T (p.R102*) and c.1312G>A (p.A438T), in the RBM42 gene which encodes an integral component of splicing complex in the RNA-binding motif protein family. The p.A438T variant is in the RRM domain which impairs RBM42 protein stability in vivo. Additionally, p.A438T disrupts the interaction of RBM42 with hnRNP K, which is the causative gene for Au-Kline syndrome with overlapping disease characteristics seen in the index patient. The human R102* or A438T mutant protein failed to fully rescue the growth defects of RBM42 ortholog knockout ΔFgRbp1 in Fusarium while it was rescued by the wild-type (WT) human RBM42. A mouse model carrying Rbm42 compound heterozygous variants, c.280C>T (p.Q94*) and c.1306_1308delinsACA (p.A436T), demonstrated gross fetal developmental defects and most of the double mutant animals died by E13.5. RNA-seq data confirmed that Rbm42 was involved in neurological and myocardial functions with an essential role in alternative splicing (AS). Overall, we present clinical, genetic, and functional data to demonstrate that defects in RBM42 constitute the underlying etiology of a new neurodevelopmental disease which links the dysregulation of global AS to abnormal embryonic development.
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Noninvasive Evaluation of Fetal Zygosity in Twin Pregnancies Involving a Binary Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms. J Mol Diagn 2023; 25:682-691. [PMID: 37599029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Twin pregnancy constitutes significant risks for maternal and fetal health, which is usually detected by ultrasound examination at early gestation. However, the imaging-based approach may not accurately identify all twins confounded by practical or clinical variables. The analysis of fetal cell-free DNA in noninvasive prenatal screening assays can completement the ultrasound method for twin detection, which differentiates fraternal or identical twins based on their distinct genotypes. Here, a new noninvasive prenatal screening employing high-coverage next-generation sequencing for targeted nucleotide polymorphisms was developed for detection of zygosity and determination of fetal fraction in twin pregnancies. This method utilizes a binary analysis of both the number and allelic fraction of fetus-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms to infer the zygosity. In 323 samples collected from 215 singleton, 90 dizygotic, and 18 monozygotic twin pregnancies, all 90 dizygotic twins were correctly detected, with a 100% sensitivity and a 100% specificity. In addition, this method can detect complex pregnancies, such as egg donors, contamination, and twins with complete hydatidiform mole. The fetus-specific fetal fraction change was monitored in nine dizygotic twin pregnancies, which demonstrated highly variable dynamics of fetal cell-free DNA turnover up to 7 weeks after twin reduction. Overall, this study provides a new noninvasive prenatal screening strategy for the accurate identification of twin zygosity and quantification of fetal fraction, which has important clinical implications for the management of twin pregnancies.
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Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:1553-1562. [PMID: 36775844 PMCID: PMC10500561 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis. METHODS We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded. RESULTS We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers. CONCLUSION In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.
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Intraarticular steroids as DMARD-sparing agents for juvenile idiopathic arthritis flares: Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2022; 20:107. [PMID: 36434731 PMCID: PMC9701017 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-022-00770-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who achieve a drug free remission often experience a flare of their disease requiring either intraarticular steroids (IAS) or systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). IAS offer an opportunity to recapture disease control and avoid exposure to side effects from systemic immunosuppression. We examined a cohort of patients treated with IAS after drug free remission and report the probability of restarting systemic treatment within 12 months. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of patients from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry who received IAS for a flare after a period of drug free remission. Historical factors and clinical characteristics and of the patients including data obtained at the time of treatment were analyzed. RESULTS We identified 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of those with follow up data available 49% had restarted systemic treatment 6 months after IAS injection and 70% had restarted systemic treatment at 12 months. The proportion of patients with prior use of a biologic DMARD was the only factor that differed between patients who restarted systemic treatment those who did not, both at 6 months (79% vs 35%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (81% vs 33%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION While IAS are an option for all patients who flare after drug free remission, it may not prevent the need to restart systemic treatment. Prior use of a biologic DMARD may predict lack of success for IAS. Those who previously received methotrexate only, on the other hand, are excellent candidates for IAS.
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Genetic deconvolution of fetal and maternal cell-free DNA in maternal plasma enables next-generation non-invasive prenatal screening. Cell Discov 2022; 8:109. [PMID: 36229437 PMCID: PMC9562363 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Current non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) analyzes circulating fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal peripheral blood for selected aneuploidies or microdeletion/duplication syndromes. Many genetic disorders are refractory to NIPS largely because the maternal genetic material constitutes most of the total cfDNA present in the maternal plasma, which hinders the detection of fetus-specific genetic variants. Here, we developed an innovative sequencing method, termed coordinative allele-aware target enrichment sequencing (COATE-seq), followed by multidimensional genomic analyses of sequencing read depth, allelic fraction, and linked single nucleotide polymorphisms, to accurately separate the fetal genome from the maternal background. Analytical confounders including multiple gestations, maternal copy number variations, and absence of heterozygosity were successfully recognized and precluded for fetal variant analyses. In addition, fetus-specific genomic characteristics, including the cfDNA fragment length, meiotic error origins, meiotic recombination, and recombination breakpoints were identified which reinforced the fetal variant assessment. In 1129 qualified pregnancies tested, 54 fetal aneuploidies, 8 microdeletions/microduplications, and 8 monogenic variants were detected with 100% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity. Using the comprehensive cfDNA genomic analysis tools developed, we found that 60.3% of aneuploidy samples had aberrant meiotic recombination providing important insights into the mechanism underlying meiotic nondisjunctions. Altogether, we show that the genetic deconvolution of the fetal and maternal cfDNA enables thorough and accurate delineation of fetal genome which paves the way for the next-generation prenatal screening of essentially all types of human genetic disorders.
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Social determinants of health influence disease activity and functional disability in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2022; 20:18. [PMID: 35255941 PMCID: PMC8903717 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-022-00676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health (SDH) greatly influence outcomes during the first year of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease similar to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). We investigated the correlation of community poverty level and other SDH with the persistence of moderate to severe disease activity and functional disability over the first year of treatment in pJIA patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. METHODS In this cohort study, unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear mixed effects models analyzed the effect of community poverty and other SDH on disease activity, using the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10, and disability, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS One thousand six hundred eighty-four patients were identified. High community poverty (≥20% living below the federal poverty level) was associated with increased odds of functional disability (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28-2.60) but was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81-1.86) and was not associated with increased disease activity. Non-white race/ethnicity was associated with higher disease activity (aOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41-4.36). Lower self-reported household income was associated with higher disease activity and persistent functional disability. Public insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29) and low family education (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.12) was associated with persistent functional disability. CONCLUSION High community poverty level was associated with persistent functional disability in unadjusted analysis but not with persistent moderate to high disease activity. Race/ethnicity and other SDH were associated with persistent disease activity and functional disability.
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Low-level germline mosaicism of a novel SMARCA2 missense variant: Expanding the phenotypic spectrum and mode of genetic transmission. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1763. [PMID: 34296532 PMCID: PMC8457699 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nicolaides–Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with multiple abnormalities. To date, all pathogenic variants in SMARCA2 causing NCBRS are de novo and most are missense variants located in the ATPase domain of SMARCA2 protein. Methods In this study, a familial trio whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the proband presenting with intellectual disability, early‐onset epilepsy, and autistic features. A novel missense variant c.553C>G (p.Gln185Glu) in SMARCA2 was identified, which is located in the QLQ domain. The same variant was subsequently also found in the mother's ongoing pregnancy. Samples from accessible tissues such as saliva and sperm other than blood were collected from the parents, and the detection of the target variant was performed by amplicon‐based deep sequencing. Results Low‐level mosaicism of the target variant c.553C>G (p.Gln185Glu) was detected in the father's sperm with allele fraction of 2.8% by amplicon‐based deep sequencing, which was not detected in either parents’ blood or saliva specimens. Heterozygosity of this variant was confirmed in the proband. Conclusion This is the first report of paternal germline mosaicism for a SMARCA2 disease‐causing variant. In addition, the missense variant c.553C>G (p.Gln185Glu) in the QLQ domain causes mainly neurological and developmental phenotypes with unremarkable characteristic facial features and limb abnormalities. Our findings expand the phenotypic spectrum and mode of genetic transmission associated with the SMARCA2 variants.
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Vitamin B 12 modulates Parkinson's disease LRRK2 kinase activity through allosteric regulation and confers neuroprotection. Cell Res 2019; 29:313-329. [PMID: 30858560 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-019-0153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) cause the majority of familial and some sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The hyperactivity of LRRK2 kinase induced by the pathogenic mutations underlies neurotoxicity, promoting the development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors as therapeutics. Many potent and specific small-molecule LRRK2 inhibitors have been reported with promise. However, nearly all inhibitors are ATP competitive-some with unwanted side effects and unclear clinical outcome-alternative types of LRRK2 inhibitors are lacking. Herein we identify 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), a physiological form of the essential micronutrient vitamin B12 as a mixed-type allosteric inhibitor of LRRK2 kinase activity. Multiple assays show that AdoCbl directly binds LRRK2, leading to the alterations of protein conformation and ATP binding in LRRK2. STD-NMR analysis of a LRRK2 homologous kinase reveals the contact sites in AdoCbl that interface with the kinase domain. Furthermore, we provide evidence that AdoCbl modulates LRRK2 activity through disrupting LRRK2 dimerization. Treatment with AdoCbl inhibits LRRK2 kinase activity in cultured cells and brain tissue, and prevents neurotoxicity in cultured primary rodent neurons as well as in transgenic C. elegans and D. melanogaster expressing LRRK2 disease variants. Finally, AdoCbl alleviates deficits in dopamine release sustainability caused by LRRK2 disease variants in mouse models. Our study uncovers vitamin B12 as a novel class of LRRK2 kinase modulator with a distinct mechanism, which can be harnessed to develop new LRRK2-based PD therapeutics in the future.
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Endometrial MIR-543 is down-regulated during the implantation window in women with endometriosis-related infertility. Fertil Steril 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Quantification of classical HLA class I mRNA by allele-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction for most Han individuals. HLA 2017; 91:112-123. [PMID: 29178661 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that expression levels of different alleles at the same HLA class I locus can vary dramatically, which might have a broad influence on human disease. However, precise quantification of the relative expression level of each HLA allele is challenging, because distinguishing different alleles on the same locus is difficult. Here, we developed a series of allele-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for quantifying HLA class I allele mRNA in most Han individuals. The alleles of almost all heterozygous genotypes with a frequency higher than 0.5% in our population (78 alleles on HLA-A locus, 124 alleles on HLA-B locus, and 74 alleles on HLA-C locus) were specifically amplified. The specificity of the amplification was strictly validated by setting the corresponding negative control for each allele of each genotype. The amplification efficiency of each reaction was determined, and the slopes of the reactions were compared. This study provides a tool for detecting the comprehensive expression profile of HLA class I alleles and will be useful not only for the investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying HLA allele expression regulation but also for exploration of immunological mechanisms involving HLA expression in the fields of tumour immune evasion, viral infection, auto-immune disorders, and graft vs host disease after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Abstract
We have investigated antioxidant actions of acteoside (ACT) and another natural phenylpropanoid glycoside, cistanoside F (CIS-F) on lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria (RLM) and rat liver mitochondrial lipid (RLML) liposomes induced by Fe(2+)/ADP. A synthetic ACT analogue, TX-1847, was also examined. Oxygen consumption, the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and glutathione concentration were determined simultaneously during lipid peroxidation. The radical scavenging activity of the compounds was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. ACT and its analogs produced dose-dependent inhibitions of mitochondrial and liposomal lipid peroxidation (ACT ≈ CIS-F > TX-1847). Their radical scavenging activities were ranked as follows: TX-1847 > ACT > CIS-F. ACT, CIS-F, and TX-1847 spared reduced glutathione (GSH) during mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. The radical scavenging activities of the compounds did not parallel their anti-peroxidative activities. The data are consistent with the idea that the inhibitory activities of phenylpropanoids were primarily due to a radical chain-breaking mechanism. The sugar moieties in ACT and CIS-F, and/or the conformational structure of the compounds, also seem to play an important role in their inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation.
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The impact of disease activity and tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor therapy on cytokine levels in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol 2016; 184:308-17. [PMID: 26934060 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively cytokine levels and disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients treated with and without tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors. TNF-α inhibitor-naive JIA subjects were followed prospectively for 6 months. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-17 were measured at baseline for JIA subjects and healthy controls (HCs). Cytokine levels were then measured at four time-points after initiation of TNF-α inhibition for anti-TNF-α-treated (anti-TNF) JIA subjects, and at two subsequent time-points for other JIA (non-TNF) subjects. JIA disease activity by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) disability index/pain score and physician joint count/global assessment was recorded. Sixteen anti-TNF, 31 non-TNF and 16 HCs were analysed. Among JIA subjects, those with higher baseline disease activity (subsequent anti-TNFs) had higher baseline TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 than those with lower disease activity (non-TNFs) (P < 0·05). TNF-α and IL-10 increased, and IL-6 and IL-8 no longer remained significantly higher after TNF-α inhibitor initiation in anti-TNF subjects. Subgroup analysis of etanercept versus adalimumab-treated subjects showed that TNF-α and IL-17 increased significantly in etanercept but not adalimumab-treated subjects, despite clinical improvement in both groups of subjects. JIA subjects with increased disease activity at baseline had higher serum proinflammatory cytokines. TNF-α inhibition resulted in suppression of IL-6 and IL-8 in parallel with clinical improvement in all anti-TNF-treated subjects, but was also associated with elevated TNF-α and IL-17 in etanercept-treated subjects.
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Simple screening tool for assessing attention deficit in pediatric lupus. Lupus 2015; 25:447-8. [PMID: 26637289 DOI: 10.1177/0961203315619032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Controlled synthesis of barium chromate microcrystals. CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/crat.201400267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Typical therapies try to reverse pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we describe treatment effects achieved by enhancing depression-causing mechanisms in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. In a social defeat stress model of depression, depressed (susceptible) mice display hyperactivity of VTA DA neurons, caused by an up-regulated hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)). Mice resilient to social defeat stress, however, exhibit stable normal firing of these neurons. Unexpectedly, resilient mice had an even larger I(h), which was observed in parallel with increased potassium (K(+)) channel currents. Experimentally further enhancing Ih or optogenetically increasing the hyperactivity of VTA DA neurons in susceptible mice completely reversed depression-related behaviors, an antidepressant effect achieved through resilience-like, projection-specific homeostatic plasticity. These results indicate a potential therapeutic path of promoting natural resilience for depression treatment.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rising anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA titers have been shown by some, but not all, studies to be predictive of disease flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We hypothesized that a rapid and substantial rise in anti-dsDNA titer (anti-dsDNA surge) would be a good predictor of a clinically important SLE flare. METHODS A matched case-control study was conducted in an academic rheumatology practice setting. Our primary endpoint was the occurrence of a severe SELENA-SLEDAI (SS) flare within six months of an anti-dsDNA surge, and secondary endpoints were mild/moderate SS flares, as well as BILAG A and B renal flares. Cases were identified as those patients whose disease course included a surge of anti-dsDNA, defined as an increase of anti-dsDNA titer by the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence (CLIF) assay from 0 to 3+/4+, or from 1+ to 4+, within a period of less than 12 months. The date of the anti-dsDNA surge was defined as Day 0. Two control SLE patients were identified for each case and were matched for age, sex, race, and visit date closest to case Day 0, but without an anti-dsDNA surge. Logistic regression models were used to detect associations between anti-dsDNA surges and severe SS flares. RESULT A higher proportion of cases, compared to controls, experienced a severe SS flare within six months of Day 0 (OR 6.3 (95% confidence intervals 2.0-19.9), p = 0.02). Associations with all flares and hospitalizations for flares were also observed. However, an anti-dsDNA surge was not predictive of a renal flare. CONCLUSION An anti-dsDNA surge predicts the subsequent development of a severe SS flare within six months. Physicians should closely monitor such patients and treat promptly at the first sign of clinical activity.
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Imperfect interface of Beclin1 coiled-coil domain regulates homodimer and heterodimer formation with Atg14L and UVRAG. Nat Commun 2012; 3:662. [PMID: 22314358 PMCID: PMC3293417 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beclin 1 is a core component of the Class III Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase VPS34 complex. The coiled coil domain of Beclin 1 serves as an interaction platform for assembly of distinct Atg14L- and UVRAG-containing complexes to modulate VPS34 activity. Here we report the crystal structure of the coiled coil domain that forms an antiparallel dimer and is rendered metastable by a series of 'imperfect' a-d' pairings at its coiled coil interface. Atg14L and UVRAG promote the transition of metastable homodimeric Beclin 1 to heterodimeric Beclin1-Atg14L/UVRAG assembly. Beclin 1 mutants with their 'imperfect' a-d' pairings modified to enhance self-interaction, show distinctively altered interactions with Atg14L or UVRAG. These results suggest that specific utilization of the dimer interface and modulation of the homodimer-heterodimer transition by Beclin 1-interacting partners may underlie the molecular mechanism that controls the formation of various Beclin1-VPS34 subcomplexes to exert their effect on an array of VPS34-related activities, including autophagy.
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Abstract
The new alleles human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*40:122 and HLA-B*40:127 differs from B*40:02:01 and B*40:06:01:01 by a single nucleotide, respectively.
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Abstract
HLA-G and HLA-E are nonclassical human MHC class I molecules, which promote tolerance to NK cytotoxicity. MICA and MICB are known to enhance the functions of NK and T cells. However, the expression of these molecules has never been investigated in liver cancer. Using RT-PCR and western blot, we aimed to identify the expression of HLA-G, HLA-E, MICA and MICB in a panel of 41 tissues dissecting from liver cancer patients in China. HLA-G mRNA was expressed in 8 of 41 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) specimens and in 1 adjacent normal hepatocellular tissue. The expression of HLA-G protein was found in 7 of the 8 HLA-G mRNA-positive HCC tissues. HLA-E mRNA was up-regulated in 56% HCC specimens but the expression of HLA-E protein was only upregulated in 29% HCC tissues in comparison with their adjacent normal counterpart. MICA and MICB mRNA was decreased in 5% and 8% HCC specimens, while the expression of their proteins decreased in 21% and 24% HCC tissues. These results suggested that the expressions of HLA-G, HLA-E, MICA and MICB were differently up-regulated in HCC tissues. Furthermore, HLA-E and MICA/B genes showed obviously distinctive expression pattern at transcription and translation level.
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Abstract
The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I allele C*12:10:02 differs from C*12:02:03 by a non-synonymous mutation at codon 99 (TAT to TTT).
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Abstract
The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I allele, HLA-Cw*0134, was identified in a Chinese individual. HLA-Cw*0134 differs from HLA-Cw*0124 by one nonsynonymous nucleotide change at the codon 99 (TGT to TAT) and one synonymous nucleotide change at the codon 127 (AAC to AAT).
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Abstract
The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*9216 differs from A*02010101 by a nonsynonymous nucleotide change at condon 76 (GTG>CTG).
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Copper-1,10-Phenanthroline-Induced Apoptosis in Liver Carcinoma Bel-7402 Cells Associates with Copper Overload, Reactive Oxygen Species Production, Glutathione Depletion and Oxidative DNA Damage. Biometals 2006; 20:1-11. [PMID: 16683182 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-006-9008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2005] [Accepted: 03/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of cytotoxicity on liver carcinoma Bel-7402 cells induced by copper-1,10-phenanthroline, Cu(OP)2, has been studied. Cell viability and apoptotic rate were examined in cells treated with Cu(OP)2 or Cu2+ alone. It was found that the apoptosis induced by Cu(OP)2 could not be induced by Cu2+ or OP alone in our experimental conditions. Total copper content in cells was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the abnormal elevation of intracellular copper transported by lipophilic OP ligand may play the role of initial factor in the apoptosis, which caused subsequent redox state changes in cells. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Reduced (GSH) and total glutathione (GSSG + GSH) were determined by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after derivatization, and the ratios of GSH/GSSG were subsequently calculated. The overproduction of ROS and the decreased GSH/GSSG ratio were observed in cells which represented the occurrence of oxidative stress in the apoptosis. Oxidative DNA damage was also found in cells treated with Cu(OP)2 in the early stage of the apoptosis, and it suggests that the activation of DNA repair system may be involved in the pathway of the apoptosis induced by Cu(OP)2.
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Unfolding Features of Bovine Testicular Hyaluronidase Studied by Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy. J Fluoresc 2005; 15:841-7. [PMID: 16292497 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-005-0011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chemical unfolding of bovine testicular hyaluronidase (HAase) has been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermodynamic parameters were determined for unfolding HAase from changes in the intrinsic fluorescence emission intensity and the formations of several possible unfolding intermediates have been identified. This was further confirmed by representation of fluorescence data in terms of 'phase diagram'. The secondary structures of HAase have been assigned and semiquantitatively estimated from the FTIR. The occurrence of conformational change during chemical unfolding as judged by fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the unfolding of HAase may not follow the typical two-state model.
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Infrared Spectra of Phthalocyanine and Naphthalocyanine in Sandwich-Type (Na)phthalocyaninato and Porphyrinato Rare-Earth Complexes. II. The Effects of Rare-Earth Ionic Size on the IR Characteristics of Naphthalocyaninein Bis(naphthalocyaninato) Rare-Earth Complexes. Aust J Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1071/ch02080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The infra-red (IR) spectroscopic data for a series of 28 homoleptic substituted bis(naphthalocyaninato) rare-earth complexes M(2,3-Nc*)2 [M = Y, La–Lu except Pm; H2Nc* = 3(4),12(13),21(22),30(31)-tetra(tert-butyl)-2,3- naphthalocyanine (H2TBNc) and 3,4,12,13,21,22,30,31-octa(dodecylthio)-2,3-naphthalocyanine (H2ODTNc)] have been collected with a resolution of 2 cm–1. These neutral sandwich complexes are radicals due to their composition (Nc*)2–MIII(Nc*)–, wherein the unpaired electron is delocalized over both macrocycles on the vibrational time scale. Compared to spectra obtained with low resolution, such as 4 cm–1, a larger number of vibrational modes could be distinguished. The IR spectra for M(ODTNc)2 are much simpler than those of M(TBNc)2, revealing the relatively higher symmetry of the former molecules. By analogy with bis(phthalocyaninato) rare-earth counterparts, the pyrrole stretching absorptions at 1314–1317 and 1323–1330�cm–1 for M(TBNc)2 and at 1316–1327 cm–1 for M(ODTNc)2 are assigned to the IR marker bands of the respective naphthalocyanine mono-anion radicals. These marker bands, together with those at 746–753 cm–1 assigned to C–H wagging, 1350–1355 cm–1 attributed to pyrrole stretchings, and 1389–1394 cm–1 due to naphthalene stretchings, have been found to shift slightly to higher energy along with the rare-earth contraction, clearly demonstrating the effect of rare-earth ionic radius.
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[Study of enzyme immunosensor immobilized by regenerated silk fibroin]. SHENG WU GONG CHENG XUE BAO = CHINESE JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2001; 17:639-42. [PMID: 11910756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The author studies the enzyme immunosensor made up of graphite electrode and protein film of regenerated silk fibroin which is employed to immobilized antigen (rabbit IgG). IgG will be recognized and combined by antibody (goat-anti-rabbit IgG-HRP). After enlarging the signal of the combination of antigen and antibody by H2O2, the concentration of IgG is able to be measured by testing the electrode potential directly. The Enzyme Immunosensor is sensitive when measuring IgG and the detection limit of 1.2 x 10(-10) mol/L is found. It shows linear response over the concentration range of 4.1 x 10(-7)-1.2 x 10(-10) mol/L. Electrophoresis cuts down the time of antibody-antigen interaction from 90 min to 30 min. The response time is 15 s. Enzyme immunosensor with better stability and higher sensitivity can be used extensively in clinical diagnosis, medical and environmental studies, HLA molecular diagnosis and so on.
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[A brief history of epidemiology of rabies]. ZHONGHUA YI SHI ZA ZHI (BEIJING, CHINA : 1980) 2001; 24:196-9. [PMID: 11613251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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Abstract
The molecular basis of obligate anaerobiosis is not well established. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is an opportunistic pathogen that cannot grow in fully aerobic habitats. Because microbial niches reflect features of energy-producing strategies, we suspected that aeration would interfere with its central metabolism. In anaerobic medium, this bacterium fermented carbohydrates to a mixture of succinate, propionate and acetate. When cultures were exposed to air, the formation of succinate and propionate ceased abruptly. In vitro analysis demonstrated that the fumarase of the succinate-propionate pathway contains an iron-sulphur cluster that is sensitive to superoxide. In vivo, fumarase activity fell to < 5% when cells were aerated; virtually all activity was recovered after extracts were chemically treated to rebuild iron-sulphur clusters. Aeration minimally affected the remainder of this pathway. However, aeration reduced pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), the first enzyme in the acetate fermentation branch, to 3% of its anaerobic activity. This cluster-containing enzyme was damaged in vitro by molecular oxygen but not by superoxide. Thus, aerobic growth is precluded by the vulnerability of these iron-sulphur cluster enzymes to oxidation. Importantly, both enzymes were maintained in a stable, inactive form for long periods in aerobic cells; they were then rapidly repaired when the bacterium was returned to anaerobic medium. This result explains how this pathogen can easily recover from occasional exposure to oxygen.
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[Change of NOS activity in hypoxia and cold-induced blood vessels damage and its biological significance]. ZHONGHUA YU FANG YI XUE ZA ZHI [CHINESE JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE] 2001; 35:57-60. [PMID: 11860964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the therapeutic methods for hypoxia and cold induced blood vessel damage by observing the changes of NO synthase (NOS) activity in hypoxia and development of coldm induced blood vessels damage, and studying the effects of SOD and vitamin C on the changes of NOS activity. METHODS The main artery was isolated from Wistar rats and exposed to hypoxia and/or cold environment in vitro. LDH activity was measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer and NOS and SOD activities in blood vessels were analyzed respectively by Griess assay and adrenaline autoxidantion method. RESULTS NOS activity in hypoxia, cold and hypoxia-cold damaged vessels decreased by 18.2%, 19.1% and 25.9% respectively after exposure as compared with the control vessels. The changes of NOS activity were time dependent. The NOS activity in damaged vessels was negatively correlated with LDH activity in the culture medium of the respective vessels. The SOD activity in hypoxia and/or cold damaged vessels also decreased significantly. Giving SOD (200 u/ml) or vitamin C (50 mg/ml) immediately after hypoxia and/or cold exposure increased the NOS activity and SOD activity in the damaged vessels significantly, as compared with the non-treatment controls. CONCLUSIONS The decrease of NOS activity is closely related to the development of damage induced by hypoxia and/or cold injury. SOD and vitamin C could protect the blood vessels exposed to hypoxia and/or cold from damage, possibly by increasing NOS activity.
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Enhancement effect of methyl alpha-D-glucoside for inhibitory effects of antioxidants on ADP/Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2000; 471:395-401. [PMID: 10659172 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4717-4_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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33
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General dental practitioners' perceptions of removable prosthodontics in the undergraduate curriculum. THE NEW ZEALAND DENTAL JOURNAL 1999; 95:80-3. [PMID: 10561992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The undergraduate dental curriculum is undergoing rapid change and revision in dental schools worldwide. Decreasing edentulism, the advent of the clinical dental technician, and advances in technology (such as dental implantology) have led to changes in patient management and treatment options for general dental practitioners in New Zealand. The current undergraduate removable prosthodontic curriculum has seen very little change in past years at the School of Dentistry, University of Otago, and is under review to facilitate the teaching of general dental practice in the Final Year. A questionnaire-based survey of 150 general dental practitioners (response rate 74.6 percent) supported modification of the existing removable prosthodontics curriculum to improve its relevance to modern general dental practice. Integration of fixed and removable prosthodontic teaching was recommended.
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MESH Headings
- Attitude to Health
- Curriculum
- Dental Implantation
- Dental Occlusion
- Dental Technicians
- Denture, Complete
- Denture, Partial, Fixed
- Denture, Partial, Removable
- Esthetics, Dental
- General Practice, Dental/education
- Humans
- Jaw Relation Record
- Mouth, Edentulous/prevention & control
- New Zealand
- Patient Care Planning
- Prosthodontics/education
- Schools, Dental
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Technology, Dental
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Adaptation of Haemophilus influenzae to acquired and innate humoral immunity based on phase variation of lipopolysaccharide. Mol Microbiol 1998; 30:767-75. [PMID: 10094625 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.1998.01108.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phase variation in colony morphology has been associated with the pathogenesis of infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae. This study shows that differences in colony opacity in non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) strain H233 involve phase changes in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and depend on the expression of licl and lic2, which contain translational switches based on intragenic tandem repeats of 5'-CAAT-3'. Genetic analysis showed that opaque organisms have an out-of-frame number of repeats in both licl, required for the expression of phosphorylcholine (ChoP), and lic2, a putative galactosyl transferase that adds the terminal galactose on Galalpha1-4Gal. Defined variants in these loci were used to examine the contribution of individual LPS structures to resistance to serum bactericidal activity mediated by antibody and C-reactive protein (CRP). The addition of ChoP by licl was the only factor in serum killing involving CRP and complement. The terminal galactose moiety, in contrast, conferred resistance to killing by naturally acquired antibody and complement present in human serum. As Galalpha1-4Gal is also found on human glycolipids, it appears that decoration of the cell surface with this host-like antigen blocks antibody-mediated serum bactericidal activity. Genetic analysis of NTHi within the human respiratory tract demonstrated that Galalpha1-4Gal may not be expressed during carriage but may be advantageous for the organism in inflammatory states such as pneumonia.
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The phosphorylcholine epitope undergoes phase variation on a 43-kilodalton protein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and on pili of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infect Immun 1998; 66:4263-7. [PMID: 9712776 PMCID: PMC108514 DOI: 10.1128/iai.66.9.4263-4267.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/1998] [Accepted: 07/02/1998] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) is a component of the teichoic acids of Streptococcus pneumoniae and has been recently identified on the lipopolysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae, also a major pathogen of the human respiratory tract. Other gram-negative pathogens that frequently infect the human respiratory tract were surveyed for the presence of the ChoP epitope as indicated by binding to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing this structure. The ChoP epitope was found on a 43-kDa protein on all clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa examined and on several class I and II pili of Neisseria meningitidis. The specificity of the anti-ChoP MAb was demonstrated by the inhibition of binding in the presence of ChoP but not structural analogs. As in the case of H. influenzae, the expression of this epitope was phase variable on these species. In P. aeruginosa, this epitope was expressed at detectable levels only at lower growth temperatures. Expression of the ChoP epitope on piliated neisseriae displayed phase variation, both linked to pilus expression and independently of fully piliated bacteria.
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Phosphorylcholine on the lipopolysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae contributes to persistence in the respiratory tract and sensitivity to serum killing mediated by C-reactive protein. J Exp Med 1998; 187:631-40. [PMID: 9463413 PMCID: PMC2212159 DOI: 10.1084/jem.187.4.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae undergoes phase variation in expression of the phosphorylcholine (ChoP) epitope, a structure present on several invasive pathogens residing in the human respiratory tract. In this study, structural analysis comparing organisms with and without this epitope confirmed that variants differ in the presence of ChoP on the cell surface-exposed outer core of the lipopolysaccharide. During nasopharyngeal carriage in infant rats, there was a gradual selection for H. influenzae variants that express ChoP. In addition, genotypic analysis of the molecular switch that controls phase variation predicted that the ChoP+ phenotype was predominant in H. influenzae in human respiratory tract secretions. However, ChoP+ variants of nontypable H. influenzae were more sensitive to the bactericidal activity of human serum unrelated to the presence of naturally acquired antibody to ChoP. Serum bactericidal activity required the binding of C-reactive protein (CRP) with subsequent activation of complement through the classical pathway. Results of this study suggested that the ability of H. influenzae to vary expression of this unusual bacterial structure may correlate with its ability both to persist on the mucosal surface (ChoP+ phenotype) and to cause invasive infection by evading innate immunity mediated by CRP (ChoP- phenotype).
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[Three kinds of standing-materials for concha in reconstruction of ear]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 1997; 11:208-9. [PMID: 9867980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In the reconstruction of the concha, standing support was necessary. From 1984 to 1996, 33 cases of aurical defects were admitted. Three standing-materials were chosen, and they included carved autogenous cartilage, heterogenous concha cartilage and steel wire work silicon-wires with silastic rubber tube. After expansion of the postauricular skin by tinsion expander, the standing-material was enveloped and total ear reconstruction or repair was performed. After followed up for average of 3.5 years, of the twenty-two cases, 16 had a satisfactory result, unsatisfied in 3 and failure in 3. It was concluded that the outcome of autogenous concha cartilage as a standing-material was good. The other two materials if used should be very carefully.
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190-fs passively mode-locked thulium fiber laser with a low threshold. OPTICS LETTERS 1996; 21:881-883. [PMID: 19876190 DOI: 10.1364/ol.21.000881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We report a self-starting passively mode-locked thulium-doped silica fiber laser capable of 190-fs pulses. This practical, compact package is driven by a single 50-mW passively cooled diode laser, has a launched pumppower threshold of 18 mW for mode locking, and produces a 50-MHz train of mode-locked 20-pJ pulses at a wavelength near 1.9 microm.
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Immunodetection of beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA3-encoded protein in different host plants and tissues. Acta Virol 1996; 40:67-72. [PMID: 8886114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The protein p25 open reading frame (ORF) of beet necrotic yellow vein virus-BNYVV RNA3 was cloned into bacterial expression vector downstream of the 5-'terminus part of beta-galactosidase ORF and the expressed p25 fusion protein was used to produce an antiserum. The latter was employed to detect the subcellular location of p25 in mechanically inoculated Tetragonia expansa, Chenopodium quinoa and sugarbeet leaves by Western blot assay. The results showed that p25 was present as a soluble protein only in the S30 fraction of T. expansa, C. quinoa and sugarbeet leaves infected with BNYVV.
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Abstract
Estrogen affects the synthesis and release of several pituitary hormones. The estrogen receptor (ER), a member of the steroid hormone receptor family, is thought to mediate transcriptional effects in a cell-specific fashion. We investigated whether ER is expressed in specific hormone-producing cell types in the human pituitary and its adenomas. Pituitary adenomas (n = 34) were collected at the time of surgery, and normal glands were obtained from autopsy. Expression of ER messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. ER was also localized with immunohistochemistry and protein extraction. By RT-PCR, ER mRNA was found in the nontumorous pituitary and in pituitary adenomas expressing only PRL, in those producing GH and PRL, and in adenomas expressing the gonadotropic hormones. No ER mRNA was detected in adenomas expressing only GH without PRL or gonadotropins, nor in tumors producing ACTH without PRL or gonadotropins. In situ hybridization was not as sensitive or specific as RT-PCR. Biochemical analysis performed on seven tumors that were positive for ER mRNA by RT-PCR detected ER protein in only one PRL adenoma and one oncocytoma and yielded negative or equivocal results in one PRL adenoma, three GH-PRL adenomas, and one null cell adenoma. ER protein was localized by immunohistochemistry in scattered cells of the nontumorous adenohypophysis and in a few PRL and gonadotroph adenomas. We conclude that ER expression, as determined by RT-PCR, correlates with the expression of PRL or gonadotropins; in contrast, ER mRNA was not detected in adenomas that express only GH or ACTH. These findings implicate ER as a cell-specific transcription factor that may regulate cytodifferentiation in the pituitary.
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Clonality of thyroid nodules in sporadic goiter. DIAGNOSTIC MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY : THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY, PART B 1995; 4:113-21. [PMID: 7551291 DOI: 10.1097/00019606-199506000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Clonality studies have suggested that neoplasms are monoclonal and hyperplasias are polyclonal. To investigate this question in thyroid, we analyzed the clonality of 26 morphologically characterized hyperplastic nodules from 19 patients with sporadic goiters. For comparison we studied six thyroid carcinomas. We used the highly informative M27 beta probe that maps to the X-chromosome DXS255 locus (X cen-p11.22). Material was obtained from 52 nodules; tissue from nine nodules was rejected because of contamination with normal elements, five patients (eight nodules) were homozygous at Pst I sites in nonnodular thyroid tissue, and three nodules were excluded for technical reasons. Methylation patterns after Hpa II digestion confirmed polyclonality in all nontumorous thyroids of informative patients. Seven hyperplastic nodules were polyclonal, and 18 were monoclonal; one showed loss of heterozygosity. One nodule exhibited aberrant methylation. Multiple nodules were obtained from four patients; in three, all were monoclonal with activation of the same allele. Three papillary carcinomas were monoclonal; two exhibited aberrant methylation. One follicular carcinoma showed loss of heterozygosity. Our data indicate that morphologically indistinguishable hyperplastic thyroid nodules may be monoclonal or polyclonal. These findings suggest that variable molecular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of nodules in sporadic goiter. Future studies will need to explore the biological significance of nodules of variable clonal origin.
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The interaction of acteoside with mitochondrial lipid peroxidation as an ischemia/reperfusion injury model. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1994; 361:319-25. [PMID: 7597955 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-1875-4_51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Abstract
In 15 patients with essential hypertension, 16 patients with renal hypertension and in 12 healthy subjects Ca2+ ATPase activity was determined in red blood cells both in the basal state and after maximal stimulation with calmodulin. Normal subjects showed a basal and maximal activity of 7.1 +/- 3.6 and 16.0 +/- 2.3 pmol phosphate/min.10(6) RBC, respectively. Renal hypertensives had a similar basal Ca2+ ATPase activity (5.4 +/- 4.1 pmol phosphate/min.10(6) RBC) and a lowered maximal Ca2+ ATPase activity (9.8 +/- 5.4 pmol phosphate/min.10(6) RBC, p < 0.05). In essential hypertensives basal and maximal Ca2+ ATPase activity was 9.0 +/- 5.3 and 35.4 +/- 14.4 pmol phosphate/min.10(6) RBC, respectively, the latter being significantly increased (p < 0.01). This finding, which is in contrast to earlier results indicating a lowered Ca2+ ATPase activity in essential hypertension, may be explained as a consequence of an increased Ca2+ influx in essential hypertension. A lowered Ca2+ ATPase activity does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
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[GC-MS analysis of essential oils in needles of Pinus in northeastern China]. ZHONGGUO ZHONG YAO ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO ZHONGYAO ZAZHI = CHINA JOURNAL OF CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA 1992; 17:166-8, 192. [PMID: 1418539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The essential oils of five species of Pinus (P. densiflora, P. sylvestris var. mongolica, P. sylvestris var. sylvestriformis, P. tabulaeformis and P. takahasii) have been analysed by GC-MS. Fifty compounds have been identified.
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Autoantibodies to serum proteins in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion: subsequent pregnancy outcome. Immunol Invest 1991; 20:441-9. [PMID: 1791033 DOI: 10.3109/08820139109082625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sera from 130 first trimester pregnant women were tested for their serum antibody level against a naturally occurring serum antigen purified from non-pregnancy sera. IgG and IgM antibody level was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results indicate that patients with multiple abortion (n = 26) have significantly (p = 0.0029) lower level of IgG antibody and significantly (p = 0.0001) higher level of IgM antibodies against the serum antigen as compared to the patients with successful pregnancies with no history of miscarriage (n = 63). Western blot analysis identified the serum antigen recognized by the IgM antibody as a 24 kDa molecular mass component. These IgG and IgM antibodies may play an important role in the outcome of pregnancy.
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Increased ATPase activity and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) content in airway smooth muscle from sensitized dogs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1991; 304:369-76. [PMID: 1839487 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4684-6003-2_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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47
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[Analysis of essential oils in roots and fruits of Angelica in Northeast China]. ZHONGGUO ZHONG YAO ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO ZHONGYAO ZAZHI = CHINA JOURNAL OF CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA 1990; 15:419-21, 447. [PMID: 2261074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The essential oils of roots and fruits of five species of Angelica have been examined and analysed by GC-MS-DS; 59 chemical compounds are reported, of which alpha-pinene, myrcene and p-cymene are common to all five species. This paper provides a scientific basis for developing the resources of this genus in the Northeast.
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[GC-MS analysis of the essential oils in pine needles in Northeast China]. ZHONG YAO TONG BAO (BEIJING, CHINA : 1981) 1988; 13:34-6, 63. [PMID: 3197219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Dispute at Greenock. West J Med 1965. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.5445.1315-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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50
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Remnants of the Venous Valves in the Adult Heart. J Anat 1936; 70:435-8. [PMID: 17104605 PMCID: PMC1249171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
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