Mapping cell diversity in human sporadic cerebral cavernous malformations

BACKGROUND

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a low-flow, bleeding-prone vascular disease that can cause cerebral hemorrhage, seizure and neurological deficits. Its inheritance mode includes sporadic or autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance, namely sporadic CCM (SCCM) and familial CCM. SCCM is featured by single lesion and single affection in a family. Among CCM patients especially SCCM, the pathogenesis of the corresponding phenotypes and pathological features or candidate genes have not been fully elucidated yet.

METHODS

Here, we performed in-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and bulk assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-Seq) in SCCM and control patients. Further validation was conducted for the gene of interest using qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization (RNA FISH) techniques to provide further atlas and evidence for SCCM generative process.

RESULTS

We identified six cell types in the SCCM and control vessels and found that the expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 were up-regulated in SCCM tissues. Among the six cell types, we found that compared with control conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak which followed the pseudo-time axis in endothelial cell clusters of SCCM samples, while showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cell clusters of SCCM samples. Further experiments indicated that, compared with the control vessels, PVT1 exhibited significantly elevated expression in SCCM samples.

CONCLUSION

In SCCM conditions, We found that in the process of development from control to lesion conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak in endothelial cells and showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cells at the same time. Overall, there was a significantly elevated expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 in SCCM specimens compared to control samples.

Clinical Outcomes On Tubridge Flow Diverter in Treatmenting Intracranial Aneurysms: a Retrospective Multicenter Registry Study

PURPOSE

In China, the application of nitinol Tubridge flow diverter (TFD) has become popular for treating intracranial aneurysms (IAs). In this study, we investigated the safety outcomes of the application of TFD for treating IAs in real-world scenarios.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed aneurysms treated with TFD in 235 centers throughout China between April 2018 and April 2020. The primary endpoint was the event-free survival rate at 12 months, defined as the occurrence of morbidity (spontaneous rupture, intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH), ischemic stroke, and permanent cranial neuropathy) or death. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the risk factors. A good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0-2.

RESULTS

We included 1281 unruptured aneurysms treated with TFD. The overall neurological morbidity and death rates after 12 months were 5.4 and 2.8%, respectively. Ischemic strokes were the most common complication (4.2%, P < 0.001). Cranial neuropathy, IPH, and spontaneous rupture occurred in 0.3%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of aneurysms, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the male gender, older age, larger aneurysm diameter, and aneurysm located on BA were the independent risk factors for neurologic events. Aneurysm located on BA was the independent risk factor for ischemic strokes. Most patients (1222) had access to the mRS, and 93.2% of them achieved good outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of IAs with TFD was associated with low morbidity and mortality, most of which were ischemic events. Large posterior aneurysms might be associated with a higher complication rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

RNF213 loss-of-function promotes pathological angiogenesis in moyamoya disease via the Hippo pathway

Moyamoya disease is an uncommon cerebrovascular disorder characterized by steno-occlusive changes in the circle of Willis and abnormal vascular network development. Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) has been identified as an important susceptibility gene for Asian patients, but researchers have not completely elucidated whether RNF213 mutations affect the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease. Using donor superficial temporal artery samples, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify RNF213 mutation types in patients with moyamoya disease, and histopathology was performed to compare morphological differences between patients with moyamoya disease and intracranial aneurysm. The vascular phenotype of RNF213-deficient mice and zebrafish was explored in vivo, and RNF213 knockdown in human brain microvascular endothelial cells was employed to analyse cell proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities in vitro. After bioinformatics analysis of both cell and bulk RNA-seq data, potential signalling pathways were measured in RNF213-knockdown or RNF213-knockout endothelial cells. We found that patients with moyamoya disease carried pathogenic mutations of RNF213 that were positively associated with moyamoya disease histopathology. RNF213 deletion exacerbated pathological angiogenesis in the cortex and retina. Reduced RNF213 expression led to increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. Endothelial knockdown of RNF213 activated the Hippo pathway effector Yes-associated protein (YAP)/tafazzin (TAZ) and promoted the overexpression of the downstream effector VEGFR2. Additionally, inhibition of YAP/TAZ resulted in altered cellular VEGFR2 distribution due to defects in trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane and reversed RNF213 knockdown-induced angiogenesis. All these key molecules were validated in ECs isolated from RNF213-deficient animals. Our findings may suggest that loss-of-function of RNF213 mediates the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease via the Hippo pathway.

SAD score of intracranial aneurysms for rupture risk assessment based on high-resolution vessel wall imaging

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a comprehensive model that integrates the radiological, morphological, and clinical factors to assess rupture risk for intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms who underwent high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) preoperatively. Clinical characteristics, aneurysm features and aneurysm wall enhancement scale (AWES) were recorded. AWES was categorized into three grades (no/faint/strong enhancement) by comparing AWE to enhancement of the pituitary infundibulum or choroid plexus on HR-VWI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with aneurysmal rupture.

RESULTS

A total of 25 ruptured and 116 unruptured aneurysms were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that non-ICA site (OR 6.25, 95% CI 1.35-28.30, P = 0.019), AWES (OR 5.99, 95% CI 2.51-14.29, P < 0.001) and daughter sac or lobulated shape (OR 6.22, 95% CI 1.68-23.16, P = 0.006) were independent factors associated with ruptured aneurysms. The "SAD" model was generated and named after the first letters of each of these factors. SAD scores of 0-4 predicted 0, 2%, 12%, 42% and 100% ruptured aneurysms, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the SAD model was 0.8822.

CONCLUSION

The SAD model aids in distinguishing aneurysm rupture status and in managing unruptured aneurysms. Larger cohort studies are needed to confirm its applicability in predicting the rupture risk of unruptured aneurysms.

Ticagrelor is related to nuisance bleeding after flow diversion of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Nuisance bleeding (NB) without urgent medical attention is rarely characterized despite its frequent occurrence in patients with cerebral aneurysms undergoing flow diversion (FD) who are maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study explored the risk factors for NB. Patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms who underwent intervention using FD (July 2018 to May 2022) and had follow-up data were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm features and follow-up data were analysed. Bleeding complications were classified as NB, internal bleeding and alarming bleeding. NB was characterized by easy bruising, bleeding from small cuts and nonfatal petechiae and ecchymosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for NB. This study assessed 121 patients. Of these, 52 (43.0%) patients had NB. Compared with the non-bleeding group, the NB group had more females (82.7% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.003), lower smoking rate (7.7% vs. 23.2%; p = 0.027) and smaller aneurysms (6.65 mm [4.60-9.60 mm] vs. 8.82 mm [5.65-15.65 mm]; p = 0.007) and had more patients maintained on ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (90.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-11.87; p = 0.016) was associated with NB. These results suggest that NB is a common bleeding complaint in patients on DAPT. In patients undergoing FD, DAPT with ticagrelor was the only independent risk factor for NB.

Pathogenic analysis of suspected COVID-19 patients in a SARS-CoV-2 non-epidemic area of China

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to find the distributions of pathogens in 164 suspected COVID-19 patients from the outpatient clinic of Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University from 24th January, 2020, to 29th February of 2020.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

164 COVID-19 suspected patients were from the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were acquired by respiratory doctors under standardized conditions. Specific nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus A and B, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, along with pneumonic mycoplasma were detected by real-time fluorescence PCR. Symptomatic, epidemiologic, laboratory and radiological data of the patients were obtained from the electronic medical record system of our hospital.

RESULTS

Among the 164 patients, 3 were positive for SARS-CoV-2, 15 were positive for other respiratory viruses and 16 were positive for pneumonic mycoplasma. Of the positive patients above, 1 patient was co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus, and 1 was co-infected with influenza B and pneumonic mycoplasma. The 3 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were clinically diagnosed as COVID-19 because they meet the diagnostic criteria listed in "Chinese Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Pneumonia diagnosis and treatment", including epidemic history, symptom and pathogenic detection, as well as abnormalities of the laboratory and radiological data. However, the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients were non-specific compared to those of the patients infected with other respiratory viruses.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic common respiratory pathogens are more prevalent than SARS-CoV-2 in the SARS-CoV-2 non-epidemic areas of this research. Detection of the pathogen is the unique means for definite COVID-19 diagnosis.

Endovascular treatment of complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms using TuBridge flow diverters

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of the TuBridge flow diverter in treating middle cerebral artery aneurysms remains unknown. In this study, we report our preliminary experience treating complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms using the TuBridge flow diverter.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of intracranial aneurysms treated with the TuBridge flow diverter was retrospectively reviewed, and patients with middle cerebral artery aneurysms were included in this study. Demographics, aneurysm features, complications, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were assessed. Evaluation of the angiographic results included occlusion grade of aneurysm (O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale), patency of jailed branch(es), and in-stent stenosis.

RESULTS

Eight patients with eight middle cerebral artery aneurysms were included in this study. The mean aneurysm size was 11.8 ± 6.8 mm. There were no procedure-related complications and there was no morbidity or mortality at a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 3.6 months. All patients had follow-up angiograms at a mean of 7.5 ± 4.0 months after surgery. Of the eight patients, there was 1 (12.5%) O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale A, 3 (37.5%) O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale B, 1 (12.5%) O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale C, and 3 (37.5%) O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale D. Of the seven patients with jailed branch, the blood flow of jailed branch was unchanged in 4 (57.1%), decreased in 2 (28.6%), and occluded in 1 (14.3%). In-stent stenosis was mild in 2 (25%) patients and moderate in 1 (12.5%) patient.

CONCLUSION

Midterm results suggest that endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms using the TuBridge flow diverter is safe and associated with good outcomes. The TuBridge flow diverter may be an option for complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms that are difficult to treat with either clipping or coiling.

The association of bisphenol A exposure with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

A few epidemiological investigations and animal studies have demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) may affect female reproductive health. However, no epidemiologic study has investigated the relationship between BPA exposure and the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

METHODS

In this case-control study, urinary concentrations of BPA and serum levels of reproductive hormone were measured. Associations between BPA concentrations and the risk of POI and POI-related hormone levels were estimated.

RESULTS

Among BPA quartiles, no obvious association was found between BPA levels and the risk of POI (p = 0.603). Although the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of POI was slightly increased for participants in the highest BPA concentration quartile, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 1.282, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.615-2.049 for the highest vs. lowest quartile, p = 0.508). Although follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels showed no tendency of an association with BPA (p = 0.941 and p = 0.876 for FSH and AMH, respectively), the highest quartile of luteinizing hormone was significantly positively associated with BPA levels (OR = 1.333, 95% CI 0.986-1.803, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The urinary concentrations of BPA determined in this study were consistent with the range of exposure currently observed in Chinese women. However, BPA exposure at a relatively low level is not associated with POI in Chinese women. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes

BACKGROUND

Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long-term consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis.

METHODS

We report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow-up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.

Expressions of miR-525-3p and its target gene SEMG1 in the spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia

BACKGROUND

Semenogelin 1 (SEMG1) is an important secretory protein in spermatozoa involved in the formation of a gel matrix encasing ejaculated spermatozoa. Previous studies show that the SEMG1 gene is highly expressed in spermatozoa from patients with asthenozoospermia (AZS); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

To study the molecular mechanism of high expression of SEMG1 gene and its potential roles in AZS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression levels of SEMG1 protein and mRNA in the ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic males and AZS patients. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict miRNAs targeting for SEMG1 3'-untranslated region detection of the expression levels of all the candidate miRNAs in ejaculatory spermatozoa in AZS patients or normozoospermic volunteers. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm it can directly bind to SEMG1. Correlation of miR-525-3p and SEMG1 mRNA expression with clinical sperm parameters were also analyzed. Finally, we conducted a follow-up study of reproductive history about all the subjects.

RESULTS

SEMG1 mRNA and protein level were significantly higher in AZS patients compared to that in normozoospermic volunteers (p < 0.001). Subsequently, microRNA-525-3p (miR-525-3p) which was predicted as a candidate regulator of SEMG1 was found lower expressed in ejaculatory spermatozoa in AZS patients (p = 0.0074). Luciferase experiment revealed that microRNA-525-3p could directly target SEMG1 3'-untranslated region and suppress its expression. Importantly, our retrospective follow-up study showed that both low miR-525-3p expression and high SEMG1 expression level was significantly associated with low progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, and infertility.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The elevated expression of SEMG1 and reduced expression of miR-525-3p are associated with AZS and male infertility. Our study provides a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of male infertility or for male contraception.

Low Wall Shear Stress Is Associated with Local Aneurysm Wall Enhancement on High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Some retrospective studies have found that the aneurysm wall enhancement on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI has the potential to distinguish unstable aneurysms. This study aimed to identify hemodynamic characteristics that differ between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TOF-MRA and high-resolution MR vessel wall T1WI of 25 patients were fused to localize the enhanced area of the aneurysm wall. Using computational fluid dynamics, we studied the aneurysm models. Mean static pressure, mean wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index were compared between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas.

RESULTS

The aneurysmal enhanced area had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a lower oscillatory shear index (P = .021) than the nonenhanced area. In addition, the whole aneurysm had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a higher oscillatory shear index (P = .007) than the parent artery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that there are hemodynamic differences between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI.

Birth population survey in Huai'an in 2015: perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions in China

Objective: This survey followed the birth population-based study conducted in 2010 in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, with the aim to estimate perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions with similar maternal-fetal and neonatal care conditions in China.Materials and methods: Data of total births in 2015 were prospectively collected by regional perinatal network collaboration in Huai'an, a subprovincial region with a population of 5,644,500 and gross domestic production of 9082 USD per capita.Results: The 59,424 birth registries (including 59,023 live births and 167 stillbirths) corresponded to a birth rate of 10.5‰ and a Male-to-female ratio of 113.7:100. All births there were from 85, 16, and 6 level I, II, and III hospitals, with a delivery rate of 30.4, 40.2, and 29.4%, respectively. Of all births, 14.1% had pregnancy-associated comorbidities and complications, 54.4% (32,226/59,190) had cesarean delivery, and multiple pregnancies and birth defects occurred in 2.1% (1,250) and 5.5‰ (324), respectively. The mean birth weight was 3448 ± 507 g with 13.9% being macrosomia, and 2.86% (1695/59,190) low birth weight. Preterm birth rate was 4.06% (2404/59,190) with a mortality rate of 8.5%. There were 94.5% recorded as healthy newborns and 5.5% (3263) requiring hospitalization after birth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate was 5.2‰ (167 stillbirths, 139 early neonatal deaths) and 4.0‰, respectively. Compared with the 2010 survey, these data demonstrated generally improved status of perinatal-neonatal healthcare.Conclusions: The low rates of perinatal-neonatal mortality, preterm birth and preterm mortality suggest that the concept and study protocol of perinatal-neonatal healthcare in Huai'an may serve as the benchmark for estimating regional vital statistics and perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

Serum cryptococcal antigen titre as a diagnostic tool and a predictor of mortality in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to determine the effectiveness of the serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test in the diagnosis of concurrent cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and as a predictor of mortality in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all HIV-infected patients admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from 1 January 2014 to 31 August 2016 were screened for serum CrAg using the latex agglutination test. Serum CrAg-positive patients underwent lumbar puncture to confirm CM prior to the initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy and were followed up for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and four (7.1%) of the total of 1474 HIV-infected patients screened were serum CrAg-positive. CM was diagnosed in the majority of serum CrAg-positive patients (71.3%; 67 of 94) and was confirmed in all (46 of 46) of the patients with headache or coma and in 43.8% (21 of 48) of patients without neurological symptoms. CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 showed a sensitivity of 82.5% and a specificity of 86.7% for the diagnosis of concurrent CM (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value for CM in this population was 94.3%. A total of 13 serum CrAg-positive patients [13.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5-22.4%] died (11 as a result of CM and two others as a result of bacterial pneumonia) despite early antifungal treatment initiation. Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 predicted all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.69; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 not only were associated with concurrent CM but also predicted mortality. HIV-infected patients with a positive serum CrAg test during screening should receive lumbar punctures regardless of symptoms to rule out CM and patients with serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 should be offered immediate care.

Comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma

Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry and transfer regulatory bioactive molecules and mediate intercellular communication between cells and tissues. Although seminal exosomes have been identified in human seminal plasma, their exact composition and possible physiologic function remain unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma. Seminal exosomes were isolated and purified from 12 healthy donors using a 30% sucrose cushion‐based exosome‐isolation protocol, followed by characterization by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis before performing extensive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. The identified proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, and seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were selectively validated by western blot. A total of 1474 proteins were identified in all seminal exosomes samples, with Gene Ontology analysis demonstrating that these identified seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were mostly linked to ‘exosomes,’ ‘cytoplasm,’ and ‘cytosol.’ Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these proteins were mainly involved in biologic processes, including metabolism, energy pathways, protein metabolism, cell growth and maintenance, and transport. Of these identified proteins, PHGDH, LGALS3BP, SEMG1, ACTB, GAPDH, and the exosomal‐marker protein ALIX were validated by western blot. This study provided a more comprehensive description of the seminal exosomes proteome and could also be a resource for further screening of biomarkers and comparative proteomics studies, including those associated with male infertility and prostate cancer.

IRX3 is a genetic modifier for birth weight, adolescent obesity and transaminase metabolism

OBJECTIVE

IRX3 expression has been functionally associated in obesity-associated long-distance susceptibility loci, but the effect of the IRX3 genetic variants on human obesity and obesity-related metabolism remains uncertain.

METHODS

To determine the genetic role of IRX3, we conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis using three haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs8053360, rs3751723 and rs12445085) and one nonsynonymous SNP (rs1126960) at the IRX3 locus in 333 junior and senior high school students from a northeast Chinese population.

RESULTS

We identified significant associations between IRX3 SNPs and birth weight, body mass index (BMI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio. The rs8053360 CC and rs1126960 GG genotypes were associated with increased birth weight and BMI, especially in females. Individuals with the rs12445085 TT genotype had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT, whereas individuals with the rs1126960 GG genotype had a significantly lower AST/ALT ratio than did individuals with other genotypes. However, no significant relationships were found between any of the IRX3 SNPs and metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

IRX3 genetic variants associate with birth weight, BMI and AST/ALT-related transaminase metabolism, supporting the role of IRX3 as an obesity-associated susceptibility gene.

Abstract 199: A Predicting Model of Aneurysm Rupture Status Based on High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective: Aneurysm wall enhancement on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) is seen in ruptured aneurysms. However, site, size and other morphology features also contribute to aneurysm rupture. We introduce a model combining aneurysm wall enhancement and these factors to predict rupture status of aneurysm.

Methods: We prospectively collected data of patients with intracranial aneurysms who received HR-MRI scan before surgical treatment. Aneurysms were divided into ruptured group (n=25) and unruptured group (n=116). Clinical features, imaging features including size, site, width of neck, aspect ratio(AR), daughter sac, and aneurysm wall enhancement scale(AWES) in both groups were analyzed. AWES was categorized on HR-MRI contrast-enhanced T1WI images: grade 0, no enhancement; grade 1, enhancement greater than grade 0 but less than that of the pituitary infundibulum or choroidal plexus; grade 2, enhancement greater than or equal to that of the pituitary infundibulum or choroidal plexus. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the risk factors of aneurysm rupture status.

Results: AWES(P<0.001),AR(P=0.0001),daughter sac(P=0.001) and non-ICA location(P=0.002) were higher in ruptured aneurysms. Multivariate logistic regression showed that AWES(OR 5.99,95%CI 2.51-14.29,P<0.001),daughter sac(OR6.22,95%CI 1.68-23.16,P=0.006),and non-ICA location(OR6.25,95%CI 1.35-28.30,P=0.019) were associated with aneurysm rupture status. A simplified predicting model (SAD model) using site(non-ICA,1; ICA,0), AWES(2,1,0), daughter sac(yes,1; no,0) predicted 0, 2%, 12%, 44% and 100% of ruptured aneurysms from scale 0 to 4(Area under curve 0.8920, 95%CI 0.8241-0.9404).

Conclusion: SAD model is helpful to predict rupture stutus of aneurysm and may provide a new tool to screen high-risk aneurysms.

Etiology and clinical features of 229 cases of bloodstream infection among Chinese HIV/AIDS patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS. The etiology varies in different regions and different periods. We aimed to survey the etiological and clinical features of BSIs in HIV patients in mainland China. We assessed all HIV patients with a positive blood culture in a Chinese teaching hospital from September 2009 through December 2014. We excluded those with specimens likely to have been contaminated. We used Pearson's chi-squared test to measure the differences in characteristics among subgroups of different pathogens. Among 2442 Chinese HIV-seropositive inpatients, 229 (9.38 %) experienced BSIs. The most common pathogens detected included Cryptococcus neoformans (22.7 %), Penicillium marneffei (18.8 %), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.3 %), and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (14.8 %). 30/229 (13.1 %) HIV patients with BSIs had a poor prognosis. BSIs are prevalent in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS in China. Fungi and mycobacteria are the predominant pathogens.

Abstract WP89: Hemodynamic Differences Found Between Growing and Stable Aneurysms of Comparable Dome and Neck Sizes

Introduction: Reports have suggested that high blood flow pulsatility in aneurysms may predict a higher risk of rupture, however, it is unclear whether similar flow dynamics also predict aneurysm growth. The objective of this study is to investigate differences in shape and blood flow characteristics between unruptured growing and stable aneurysms of comparable sizes.

Hypothesis: Growing and stable aneurysms of comparable sizes exhibit different flow characteristics across different aneurysm regions.

Method: We studied 4 growing aneurysms located at the posterior communicating artery (size ranged from 1.8mm to 11.4mm). Patient-specific aneurysm flow analysis and 3D aneurysm shape analysis were performed to investigate the flow changes during follow-up imaging. Specifically, we compared the shape parameters including aneurysm size, volume, and surface changes. We also compared the aneurysm flow properties including flow velocity, wall shear stress, pulsatility, and flow oscillatory characteristics. The growing aneurysms were analyzed against stable-matching aneurysms which were selected based on similar dome and neck size to find the predictive factors for aneurysm growth. These stable-matching aneurysms exhibiting no size changes for 2 years during follow-up were analyzed as a baseline.

Results: We found that blood flow pulsatility through the parent artery was similar across all growing and stable aneurysms, averaging 0.58±0.003. Regardless of aneurysm size, blood flow pulsatility through the aneurysm neck was at the level of 0.66 (0.66±0.06) for growing aneurysms. We also found a clear trend of that blood flow pulsatility increased from the neck to dome in growing aneurysms. Blood flow pulsatility, however, decreased from the aneurysm neck to dome in the stable aneurysms (P<0.05). The rate of increase of blood flow pulsatility through the dome also appears to have an exponential correspondence with the aneurysm volume increase, with a R^2 value of 0.94.

Conclusion: We found that increasing blood flow pulsatility from the aneurysm neck to dome may be indicative of aneurysm growth, which may be useful in identifying aneurysms that will potentially grow into high-risk aneurysms.

Abstract TP91: Vessel Wall Imaging Demonstrates Aneurysm Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms With Oculomotor Nerve Palsy

Background: In ruptured aneurysms, vessel wall imaging (VWI) shows aneurysm wall enhancement, which may be caused by inflammation of the aneurysm wall. However, whether this inflammation is the cause or the result of aneurysm rupture remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed high-resolution VWI on posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms, seeking to better understand aneurysm wall inflammation.

Hypothesis: Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is a warning sign of PComA aneurysm rupture. ONP results from compression of the oculomotor nerve and indicates aneurysm enlargement. Thus, PComA aneurysms with ONP are about to rupture, which makes them perfect cases to research aneurysm wall inflammation. If the inflammation of the aneurysm wall is the cause of aneurysm rupture, VWI may capture images of aneurysm wall enhancement before it ruptures.

Methods: PComA aneurysm patients with ONP were examined using a Verio 3.0T scanner with a 12-channel head coil (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Time-of-flight MRI angiography was performed to localize the aneurysm site. Then, a high-resolution T1-weighted black blood vessel wall sequence was obtained before and after intravenous administration of gadolinium. Each sequence was performed in the axial planes. Additional coronal planes or other planes were obtained if necessary. Patients with ruptured PComA aneurysms were also examined as a positive control, and patients with unruptured PComA aneurysms without ONP were examined as a negative control.

Results: Ten patients with PComA aneurysm were examined. VWI of 3 patients with ONP showed aneurysm wall enhancement. Of these 3 patients, 2 were with post-orbital pain, and VWI showed complete enhancement of the aneurysm wall. VWI showed partial enhancement of the aneurysm wall in the other one patient without post-orbital pain. In the positive control group, complete wall enhancement was seen in all 3 ruptured PComA aneurysms (2 with ONP, 1 without ONP). In the negative control group of 4 cases, no aneurysm wall enhancement was seen.

Conclusion: VWI demonstrated aneurysm wall enhancement in PComA aneurysms with ONP, which indicates that wall inflammation may occur before aneurysm rupture.

The role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in the vasculogenesis and remodeling of cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Background

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) involves the vasculogenesis of cerebral blood vessels and can cause severe intracranial hemorrhage. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor, CXCR4, are believed to exert multiple physiological functions including angiogenesis. Thus, we investigated the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in the vasculogenesis of cerebral AVM.

Methods

Brain AVM lesions from surgical resections were analyzed for the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, VEGF-A, and HIF-1 by using immunohistochemical staining. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the level of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Further, in an animal study, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model rats were analyzed for the expression of SDF-1 and HIF-1. CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, was also used to detect its effects on cerebral vasculogenesis and SDF-1 expression.

Results

Large amounts of CXCR4-positive CD45⁺ cells were found in brain AVM lesion blood vessel walls, which also have higher SDF-1 expression. Cerebral AVM patients also had higher level of EPCs and SDF-1. In chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats, SDF-1, HIF-1, and CD45 expressions were elevated. The application of AMD3100 effectively suppressed angiogenesis and infiltration of CXCR4-positive CD45⁺ cells in hypoperfusion rats compared to controls.

Conclusion

The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in the vasculogenesis and migration of inflammatory cells in cerebral AVM lesions, possibly via the recruitment of bone marrow EPCs.

Structural distortion-induced magnetoelastic locking in Sr(2)IrO(4) revealed through nonlinear optical harmonic generation

We report a global structural distortion in Sr_{2}IrO_{4} using spatially resolved optical second and third harmonic generation rotational anisotropy measurements. A symmetry lowering from an I4_{1}/acd to I4_{1}/a space group is observed both above and below the Néel temperature that arises from a staggered tetragonal distortion of the oxygen octahedra. By studying an effective superexchange Hamiltonian that accounts for this lowered symmetry, we find that perfect locking between the octahedral rotation and magnetic moment canting angles can persist even in the presence of large noncubic local distortions. Our results explain the origin of the forbidden Bragg peaks recently observed in neutron diffraction experiments and reconcile the observations of strong tetragonal distortion and perfect magnetoelastic locking in Sr_{2}IrO_{4}.

Abstract W P77: Ruptured Aneurysms Tend To Have Prominent Blood Flow Changes At Aneurysm Neck

Introduction: Hemodynamics is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis, progression, and rupture of aneurysms. Reports have suggested that aneurysm rupture, regardless of aneurysm size, may be due to the collision of incoming flow forming a prominent jet stream directed towards the aneurysm head. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the effect of aneurysm neck, body, and dome cross section geometries on local flow rates.

Hypothesis: Aneurysm neck, body, and dome cross section geometries affect local flow rates within the aneurysm head.

Methods: Blood flow through the aneurysm neck, body, and dome were evaluated with respect to the cross section size of each region in 33 cases of ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms. Computational fluid dynamic analysis was performed and quantitative hemodynamic variables were extracted from the simulation results.

Results: All aneurysms generally experienced similar incoming systole volumetric flow rates regardless of the inlet cross-section geometry. Aneurysms with smaller necks experienced greater and more uniform flow reductions than medium or large sized necks. The overall reductions of flow volume through the neck for small, medium, and large necks were 97.8 ±1.4%, 90.0 ±2.7%, and 41.1±22.4%, respectively. Blood flow through the aneurysm body was not affected by body size in small and medium cross sections but still appeared to have some dependence on the aneurysm neck size. Aneurysms with large body geometries, however, further experienced flow reductions of 99.1 ±0.43%. Aneurysm dome cross section size was not found to have a significant effect on volumetric flow rate.

Conclusion: Regardless of shape, we found that certain aneurysm neck, body, and dome cross section sizes may have a large influence on flow reduction and energy transmission to the aneurysm apex. By analyzing a group of ruptured aneurysm cases, we found small aneurysms necks have the most drastic flow changes, indicating that aneurysm neck shape may be important for clinical assessment of rupture risk.

Mixed linear model approach for mapping quantitative trait loci underlying crop seed traits

The crop seed is a complex organ that may be composed of the diploid embryo, the triploid endosperm and the diploid maternal tissues. According to the genetic features of seed characters, two genetic models for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of crop seed traits are proposed, with inclusion of maternal effects, embryo or endosperm effects of QTL, environmental effects and QTL-by-environment (QE) interactions. The mapping population can be generated either from double back-cross of immortalized F2 (IF2) to the two parents, from random-cross of IF2 or from selfing of IF2 population. Candidate marker intervals potentially harboring QTLs are first selected through one-dimensional scanning across the whole genome. The selected candidate marker intervals are then included in the model as cofactors to control background genetic effects on the putative QTL(s). Finally, a QTL full model is constructed and model selection is conducted to eliminate false positive QTLs. The genetic main effects of QTLs, QE interaction effects and the corresponding P-values are computed by Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for Gaussian mixed linear model via Gibbs sampling. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to investigate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method. The simulation results showed that the proposed method had higher power to accurately detect simulated QTLs and properly estimated effect of these QTLs. To demonstrate the usefulness, the proposed method was used to identify the QTLs underlying fiber percentage in an upland cotton IF2 population. A computer software, QTLNetwork-Seed, was developed for QTL analysis of seed traits.

Trends in clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Shanghai from 2006 to 2011

This study aimed to characterise the clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Shanghai, China, from 2006 to 2011. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who initiated ART in Shanghai during the 6-year period of 2006 through 2011. The median age at ART initiation decreased from 41 years in 2008 to 38 years in 2011. The median CD4 counts at ART initiation rose from 65 cells/mm(3)in 2006 to 203 cells/mm(3)in 2011. The proportion of patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm(3)at ART initiation decreased from 88.5% in 2006 to 49.6% in 2011. The proportion of patients starting stavudine-based regimens of stavudine/lamivudine/efavirenz and stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine fell from 49.2% in 2006 to 23.4% in 2011. The proportion of patients starting nevirapine-based regimens of zidovudine/lamivudine/nevirapine and stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine fell from 44.3% in 2006 to 16.5% in 2011. The study reflects that the clinical characteristics of the patients initiating ART in Shanghai have changed over time; ART was increasingly provided in patients with higher CD4 counts; and the regimens containing stavudine were prescribed less frequently. Strategies to facilitate early access to ART and further reduction in stavudine use are needed.

Receptor activity-modifying protein-dependent impairment of calcitonin receptor splice variant Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) function

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Alternative splicing expands proteome diversity to GPCRs. Distinct receptor variants have been identified for a secretin family GPCR, the calcitonin receptor (CTR). The possible functional contributions of these receptor variants are further altered by their potential interactions with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). One variant of the human CTR lacks the first 47 residues at its N terminus [Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) ]. However, very little is known about the pharmacology of this variant or its ability to interact with RAMPs to form amylin receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) was characterized both with and without RAMPs in Cos7 and/or HEK293S cells. The receptor expression (ELISA assays) and function (cAMP and pERK1/2 assays) for up to six agonists and two antagonists were determined.

KEY RESULTS

Despite lacking 47 residues at the N terminus, Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) was still able to express at the cell surface, but displayed a generalized reduction in peptide potency. Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) retained its ability to interact with RAMP1 and formed a functional amylin receptor; this also appeared to be the case with RAMP3. On the other hand, its interaction with RAMP2 and resultant amylin receptor was reduced to a greater extent.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) acts as a functional receptor at the cell surface. It exhibits altered receptor function, depending on whether it associates with a RAMP and which RAMP it interacts with. Therefore, the presence of this variant in tissues will potentially contribute to altered peptide binding and signalling, depending on the RAMP distribution in tissues.

Thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels as drug delivery systems

Thermosensitive hydrogels are very important biomaterials used in drug delivery systems (DDSs), which gained increasing attention of researchers. Thermosensitive hydrogels have great potential in various applications, such as drug delivery, cell encapsulation, tissue engineering, and etc. Especially, injectable thermosensitive hydrogels with lower sol-gel transition temperature around physiological temperature have been extensively studied. By in vivo injection, the hydrogels formed non-flowing gel at body temperature. Upon incorporation of pharmaceutical agents, the hydrogel systems could act as sustained drug release depot in situ. Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel systems have a number of advantages, including simplicity of drug formulation, protective environment for drugs, prolonged and localized drug delivery, and ease of application. The objective of this review is to summarize fundamentals, applications, and recent advances of injectable thermosensitive hydrogel as DDSs, including chitosan and related derivatives, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based (PNIPAAM) copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO) copolymers and its derivatives, and poly(ethylene glycol)/ biodegradable polyester copolymers.

MicroRNA-145 inhibits the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma cells through targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha

Recent evidence shows that hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) may have critical roles in the growth and progression of neuroblastoma (NB) under non-hypoxic conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms and clinical potentials of normoxic HIF-2α expression in NB still remain largely unknown. In this study, HIF-2α immunostaining was identified in 26/42 NB tissues, which was correlated with clinicopathological features. In subtotal 20 NB cases, microRNA-145 (miR-145) was downregulated and inversely correlated with HIF-2α expression. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a putative miR-145 binding site in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of HIF-2α messenger RNA (mRNA). Overexpression or knockdown of miR-145 responsively altered both the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-2α and its downstream genes, cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 14 and vascular endothelial growth factor, in normoxically cultured NB cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH. In a luciferase reporter system, miR-145 downregulated the luciferase activity of HIF-2α 3'-UTR, and these effects were abolished by a mutation in the putative miR-145-binding site. Overexpression of miR-145 suppressed the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH cells in vitro and in vivo, while restoration of HIF-2α expression rescued the tumor cells from miR-145-mediated defects in these biological features. Furthermore, anti-miR-145 inhibitor rescued the HIF-2α knockdown-mediated repression on the growth, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of NB cells. These data indicate that miR-145 suppresses HIF-2α expression via the binding site in the 3'-UTR under normoxic conditions, thus inhibiting the aggressiveness and angiogenesis of NB.

Separation, culture and identification of SD rat corpus cavernosal endothelial cells

The aim of the study is to investigate the methods of separation, culture and identification of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat corpus cavernosal vascular endothelial cells (CCECs). Cavernosal tissues were isolated from male SD rats. Enzymatic digestion was applied to separate CCECs. Purified cells were obtained using immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometric cell sorting and subcultured in EMG-2 medium. The growth curve of CCECs was measured by the tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The cells were identified by von Willebrand factor (vWF) using immunofluorescence, and the positive percentage of vWF expression was detected by flow cytometry. The monomorphic cobblestone-like cells were observed by microscopy. High purification was obtained using immunomagnetic beads. After 2 days of incubation, cells entered the logarithmic growth phase and reached a plateau on the fifth day. The vWF expression in cytoplasm was positive. The purity of cells was 95.8%, which was tested by flow cytometry. SD rat CCECs can be separated and cultured successfully by the method of enzymatic digestion, immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometric cell sorting.

Susceptible gene single nucleotide polymorphism and hemorrhage risk in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation

The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of interleukin-17 (IL-17A), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), as well as its receptor (TGFR-β2) and susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) was investigated in the present study. A total of 53 patients with BAVM and 120 healthy controls were recruited, all of whom were Han Chinese from South China. There were no statistically significant differences in the IL-17A-197 guanine/adenine (G/A) or TGF-β1-509 cytosine/thymine (C/T) genotypes or gene frequencies between BAVM patients and controls (p>0.05), but the gene frequency of the TGFR-β2-875 A/G genotype in patients with BAVM was significantly higher (p<0.05). Furthermore, the frequencies of the G allele of IL-17A-197 G/A and TGFR-β2-875 A/G in BAVM patients with hemorrhage were higher than those without hemorrhage. TGFR-β2-875 G/G genotype is a risk factor for BAVM, and the IL-17A-197 G/A and TGFR-β2-875 A/G genotype is closely related to hemorrhage risk for patients with BAVM.

Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization: a new treatment strategy for complex intracranial aneurysms. Results of medium length follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We present detailed results of using Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization to treat complex cerebral aneurysms over a three-year period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Only patients who underwent Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization were included in this study. We assessed patients' history, aneurysm morphology, indications for stenting, and technical details of the procedures, as well as complications and the midterm follow-up data.

RESULTS

This study included 26 patients with 39 aneurysms. A total of 32 of 39 aneurysms were treated by Neuroform stent-assisted embolization (SAC), whereas 3 aneurysms were stented without coiling, 2 aneurysms coiled without stenting and 2 aneurysms surgically clipped. The indications for use of stent included broad-neck aneurysms (n = 28), giant or large aneurysms (n = 6), and fusiform aneurysms (n = 5). Of the 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC, we achieved complete (100%) and near complete (> 95%) occlusion in 27 aneurysms, and partial (< 95%) occlusion in 5 aneurysms. Follow-up angiographic data available in 22 of 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC (68.7%) demonstrated recanalization in 3 aneurysms (13.6%), and stable occlusion in 19 aneurysms (86.4%). There was no delayed progressive embolization or in-stent stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct and midterm follow-up results confirmed that Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization was a safe and effective technique in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms. Although clinically significant complications were uncommon and the evaluation at midterm follow-up is encouraging, further studies need to assess the long-term stability and durability of the stent.

Comparative proteomic analysis for the detection of biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas

AIMS

To search for novel potential protein biomarkers for the early detection and better intervention of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

Eight pairs of matched PDAC and non-cancerous pancreas tissues were profiled with two-dimensional electrophoresis; differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Expression patterns of TBX4 (T-box transcription factor TBX4) and HSP60 (60 KDa heat shock protein) were studied with immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays.

RESULTS

A total of 48 differentially expressed proteins were identified; 30 of them are novel potential biomarkers. Immunohistochemistry showed that TBX4 expression could be seen in both centroacinar cells and small ducts in normal pancreas and tumour cells in 5/5 (100%) well differentiated, 35/38 (92.1%) moderately differentiated, and 11/18 (61.1%) poorly differentiated PDAC tissues with different staining intensity. However, in normal acinar cells and tumour cells in the other 3/38 (7.9%) moderately differentiated and 7/18 (38.9%) poorly differentiated PDAC tissues, there was no visible TBX4 expression. The expression difference of TBX4 between moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated PDAC tissues was statistically significant (p<0.01). In addition, there was obvious morphology difference between TBX4 negatively stained and positively stained tumour cells, which suggests different cellular origins. Strong expression of HSP60 could be seen in both acinar cells and small ducts in normal pancreas tissues and tumour cells in PDAC tissues except for islets and tumour stoma; no correlation was found between HSP60 expression and differentiation of PDAC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

30 novel potential biomarkers differentially expressed in PDAC tissues were identified. TBX4 may be a differentiation related protein; its prognostic value for PDAC deserves further study.

Experimental study of Eudragit mixture as a new nonadhesive liquid embolic material

OBJECTIVE

To assess the embolic effects and biocompatibility of Eudragit mixture, a new liquid embolic agent.

METHODS

In vitro, the viscosity and precipitation time of Eudragit mixtures at several concentrations were measured to study the best proportion of components of the mixture. In vivo, a branch of the right external carotid artery was embolized with Eudragit mixture in 12 rabbits, and with n-butyl cyanoacrylate in another 12 rabbits for a comparative study of the general, angiographic and histopathologic changes between the two groups.

RESULTS

Eudragit mixture containing 7.5 g Eudragit, 50 ml absolute ethanol and 50 ml iopromide was shown in vitro to have good properties including rapid precipitation and soft elastic sponge formation upon contact with blood; in vivo, to be nontoxic, nonadherent to the microcatheter and able to embolize the vascular lumen completely without later recanalisation.

CONCLUSION

Eudragit mixture is an effective, nontoxic, safe and promising liquid embolic agent.

Middle Eocene primate tarsals from China: implications for haplorhine evolution

We describe tarsal remains of primates recovered from the Middle Eocene (approximately 45 mya) Shanghuang fissures in southern Jiangsu Province, China. These tarsals document the existence of four higher-level taxa of haplorhine primates and at least two adapid species. The meager and poorly preserved adapid material exhibits some similarities to European adapines like Adapis. The haplorhine primates are divided into two major groups: a "prosimian group" consisting of Tarsiidae and an unnamed group that is anatomically similar to Omomyidae; and an "anthropoid group" consisting of Eosimiidae and an unnamed group of protoanthropoids. The anthropoid tarsals are morphologically transitional between omomyids (or primitive haplorhines) and extant telanthropoids, providing the first postcranial evidence for primates which bridge the prosimian-anthropoid gap. All of the haplorhines are extremely small (most are between 50-100 g), and the deposits contain the smallest euprimates ever documented. The uniqueness of this fauna is further highlighted by the fact that no modern primate community contains as many tiny primates as does the fauna from Shanghuang.

The oldest known anthropoid postcranial fossils and the early evolution of higher primates

The middle Eocene primate family Eosimiidae, which is known from sites in central and eastern China and Myanmar, is central to efforts to reconstruct the origin and early evolution of anthropoid or 'higher' primates (monkeys, apes and humans). Previous knowledge of eosimiid anatomy has been restricted to the dentition and an isolated petrosal bone, and this limited anatomical information has led to conflicting interpretations of early anthropoid phylogeny. Here we describe foot bones of Eosimias from the same middle Eocene sites in China that yield abundant dental remains of this primate. Tarsals of Eosimias show derived anatomical traits that are otherwise restricted to living and fossil anthropoids. These new fossils substantiate the anthropoid status of Eosimias and clarify the phylogenetic position of anthropoids with respect to other major primate clades. Early anthropoids possessed a mosaic of primitive and derived traits in their postcranial skeletons, reflecting their derivation from haplorhine ancestors that retained many prosimian-like features.

Late eocene sivaladapid primate from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China

A new genus and species of Sivaladapidae is described from the late Eocene Gongkang Formation, Yongle Basin, western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. Guangxilemur tongi, new genus and species, shows a combination of traits that occur separately in earlier and more primitive Asian adapiforms (Hoanghonius and Rencunius) and in Miocene sivaladapines (Sivaladapis and Sinoadapis). Phylogenetic analysis of dental characters suggests that Guangxilemur is closely related to the Miocene sivaladapine clade. Miocene sivaladapines were the latest surviving members of a broad radiation of Eocene adapiforms in Asia that included Hoanghonius, Rencunius, and Wailekia in addition to Guangxilemur. European Periconodon may also be specially related to this primarily Asian clade, but current anatomical data are insufficient to test this possibility adequately. Sivaladapine adapiforms and tarsiid tarsiiforms maintained relictual distributions in southern and/or southeastern Asia far beyond the extirpation of their closest relatives on other Holarctic continents near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. This temporal persistence was mediated by Asian paleogeography, which allowed virtually continuous access to tropical refugia during a middle Cenozoic interval of climatic deterioration that coincided with the extinction of adapiforms and tarsiiforms in Europe and North America.

[A preliminary study on metastasis-associated gene screened by monoclonal antibodies HIL]

The cDNA expression libraries derived from a highly metastatic cell subline Anip[973] and from the poorly metastatic, parental cell line, AGZY-83a were screened by monoclonal antibodies HIL. A positive clone (H4-D) from the Anip[973] cDNA library was isolated and its nucleotide sequence was determined. This clone contained 978 bp with an open reading frame of 318 bp encoding a polypeptide consisting of 106 amino acids. The H4-D cDNA sequence showed 85% homology with a human propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha-chain. In western blotting analysis, the MoAb H4 recognized 2 bands (15KD and 27KD) of Anip[973] cell membrane proteins. The mRNA expression of H4-D was higher in Anip[973] cells than in AGZY-83a cells. The metastatic potential of Anip[973] cells was markedly decreased after being pretreated with MoAb H4. The above findings indicate that H4-D has a certain relationship with the metastatic phenotype of Anip[973] cells.

A diverse new primate fauna from middle Eocene fissure-fillings in southeastern China

We report the discovery of a fauna of primates from Eocene (approximately 45 Myr) deposits in China having a diversity greater than in European and North American localities of similar antiquity. From the many forms that will illuminate questions of primate phylogeny comes evidence for a basal radiation of primitive simians.

[Enhancing effect of chuangxinmycin on synthesis of enzymes in tryptophan synthesis pathway of chuangxinmycin-resistant mutant strain of E. coli]

Chuangxinmycin (CXM) and L-trp cause repression of trp-operon in wild strain of E. coli and indolepropanic acid (IPA) causes derepression of this strain. In CXM-resistant mutant strain, CXM and IPA both cause derepression, and interaction of CXM and IPA is competitive. However, L-trp results in neither repression nor derepression in the mutant, but it can counteract the activity of CXM or IPA. These results suggest that there are repression and derepression sites on repressor of E. coli. CXM can bind to both sites, but mainly to repression site. The structure of repression site of the CXM-resistant mutant is altered, so that CXM can not bind to the repression site and binds mainly to the derepression site, thus leading to the derepression of trp-operon.