Untargeted metabolomics analysis of probiotic jujube juice and its anti-obesity effects on high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

Dietary intervention, including polyphenol consumption, is recognized as an effective strategy to prevent obesity. Although fermented jujube juice (FJJ) with lactic acid bacteria has been shown to be rich in polyphenols and have strong antioxidant properties, little is known about its anti-obesity properties.

RESULTS

Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify and analyze the differential metabolites between FJJ and raw jujube juice. A total of 431 metabolites belonging to diverse classes and with various functional active ingredients were quantitatively identified. The animal experiments results showed that FJJ administration for 13 weeks significantly inhibited high-fat-diet-induced body and epididymal adipose weight gain, and improved the serum lipid parameters in obese mice. Additionally, DNA-sequencing results revealed that FJJ treatment increased Akkermansia abundance in the gut and changed the composition of fecal microbiota by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and Helicobacter pylori abundance.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that FJJ contributes to regulating lipid accumulation and gut microbiota composition in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice, which helps to prevent obesity. Hence, FJJ has the potential to be a beneficial beverage for controlling obesity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Novel dual-recognition electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of AFM1 in milk

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a highly carcinogenic and toxic compound that is commonly found in dairy foods such as milk. We developed an electrochemical MIP (molecularly imprinted polymer) and aptamer (Apt) based aptasensor (Apt-Au@PEIM/AFM1/MIP-Apt/AuNPs)/GCE) with dual-recognition signal amplification to detect AFM1 in milk. The MIP-Apt/AuNP/GCE sensor was prepared by synthesizing an MIP film through the electropolymerization of resorcinol on gold nanoparticles-modified electrodes. The dropwise addition of our cApt-Au@PEIM signal amplification probe could enhance the current signal response and improve the sensitivity of the sensor to detect AFM1. The AFM1 present in milk could prevent the probe from binding to the sensor, thereby drastically reducing the current signal. Under optimal experimental conditions, the sensor exhibits a linear range of 0.01-200 nM and a limit of detection of 0.07 nM (S/N = 3). The developed dual-recognition aptasensor would provide a novel and rapid method for specific detection of AFM1 in milk.

A novel electrolytic gas lift reactor for efficient microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide

The low current density impedes the practical application of microbial electrosynthesis for CO2 fixation. Engineering the reactor design is an effective way to increase the current density, especially for H2-mediated microbial electrosynthesis reactors. The electrolytic bubble column microbial electrosynthesis reactor has shown great potential for scaling up, but the mixing and gas mass transfer still need to be enhanced to further increase the current density. Here, we introduced an inner draft tube to the bubble column to tackle the problem. The addition of draft tube resulted in a 76.6% increase in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of H2, a 40% increase in the maximum current density (337 A/m2) and a 72% increase in average acetate production rate (3.1 g/L/d). The computational fluid dynamics simulations showed that the addition of draft tube enhanced mixing efficiency by enabling a more ordered cyclic flow pattern and a more uniform gas/liquid distribution. These results indicate that the electro-bubble column reactor with draft tube holds great potential for industrial implementation.

Rapid and label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on a palladium nanoparticles/titanium carbide/polyethyleneimine functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes composite for amplified detection of streptomycin

A novel electrochemical aptasensor for the determination of streptomycin (STR) was constructed in this work. We prepared a palladium nanoparticles/titanium carbide/polyethyleneimine-functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (Pd@Ti3C2-PEI-NCNTs) composite via hydrothermal-assisted formic acid reduction and employed it as a substrate material for anchoring a NH2-functionalized aptamer (Apt) to the surface of an electrode through the Pd-N bond. The Pd@Ti3C2-PEI-NCNTs composite increased the electrochemically active surface area and conductivity of the electrode, achieving substantial signal amplification (1.87 times). The constructed aptasensor demonstrated accurate STR detection via specific recognition between the Apt and STR, with a detection range and limit of 0.01-700 and 0.003 nmol/L, respectively. The aptasensor also exhibited excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility, practicability and shorter assay times (60 min). Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamic also elucidated the binding mechanism between the aptamer and STR molecules. Overall, this method is expected to be a helpful tool for detecting STR in food.

3D Capsule Networks for Brain Image Segmentation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current autosegmentation models such as UNets and nnUNets have limitations, including the inability to segment images that are not represented during training and lack of computational efficiency. 3D capsule networks have the potential to address these limitations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 3430 brain MRIs, acquired in a multi-institutional study, to train and validate our models. We compared our capsule network with standard alternatives, UNets and nnUNets, on the basis of segmentation efficacy (Dice scores), segmentation performance when the image is not well-represented in the training data, performance when the training data are limited, and computational efficiency including required memory and computational speed.

RESULTS

The capsule network segmented the third ventricle, thalamus, and hippocampus with Dice scores of 95%, 94%, and 92%, respectively, which were within 1% of the Dice scores of UNets and nnUNets. The capsule network significantly outperformed UNets in segmenting images that were not well-represented in the training data, with Dice scores 30% higher. The computational memory required for the capsule network is less than one-tenth of the memory required for UNets or nnUNets. The capsule network is also >25% faster to train compared with UNet and nnUNet.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a capsule network that is effective in segmenting brain images, can segment images that are not well-represented in the training data, and is computationally efficient compared with alternatives.

Utilization of two plant polysaccharides to improve fresh goat milk cheese: Texture, rheological properties, and microstructure characterization

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of added jujube polysaccharide (JP) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the texture, rheological properties, and microstructure of goat milk cheese. Seven groups of fresh goat milk cheese were produced with 4 levels (0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1%, wt/wt) of JP and LBP. The goat milk cheese containing 1% JP showed the highest water-holding capacity, hardness, and the strongest rheological properties by creating a denser and more stable casein network structure. In addition, the yield of goat milk cheese was substantially improved as a result of JP incorporation. Cheeses containing LBP expressed lower fat content, higher moisture, and softer texture compared with the control cheese. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis demonstrated that the addition of JP improved the stability of the secondary protein structure in cheese and significantly enhanced the binding capacity of the casein matrix to water molecules due to strengthened intermolecular interactions. The current research demonstrated the potential feasibility of modifying the texture of goat milk cheese by JP or LBP, available for developing tunable goat milk cheese to satisfy consumer preferences and production needs.

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor using silver nanoparticle/titanium carbide nanocomposites for the determination of Staphylococcus aureus in milk

A novel sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was developed. S. aureus aptamers were self-assembled onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with nanocomposites comprising titanium carbide embedded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@Ti₃C₂) through hydrogen bonds and the chelation interaction between phosphate groups and Ti ions. In addition, the self-assembled aptamers were immobilized on CuO/graphene (GR) nanocomposites via π-π stacking interactions to serve as a signal probe. In the presence of the target S. aureus, the sandwich-type recognition system reacted on the surface of GCE, and the CuO/GR nanocomposites catalyzed the hydrogen peroxide + hydroquinone reaction producing a strong current response. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the current response of the aptasensor was linearly correlated with the concentration of S. aureus (52-5.2 × 10⁷ CFU mL^-1) with a low detection limit of 1 CFU mL^-1. The aptasensor displayed good repeatability and excellent selectivity for S. aureus detection. Moreover, this aptasensor was applied to the detection of S. aureus in cow, sheep, and goat milk samples, affording recoveries ranging from 92.64 to 109.58%. This research provides a new platform for the detection of pathogenic bacteria and other toxic and harmful substances in food.

A novel electrochemical aptasensor based on layer-by-layer assembly of DNA-Au@Ag conjugates for rapid detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is a common toxin in dairy products that causes acute and chronic human health disorders. Thus, the development of a rapid and accurate AFM₁ detection method is of vital importance for food safety monitoring. This work was to develop a novel electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive and specific determination of AFM_1. The dendritic-like nanostructure was formed on the gold electrode surface by layer-by-layer assembly of gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles modified with DNA conjugates. In the presence of AFM₁, the specific recognition between AFM₁ and Apt caused the disassociation of the DNA controlled dual Au@Ag conjugates from the surface of the electrode, causing less methylene blue to bind to the surface and weakening the electrochemical signal. The more AFM₁ there is, the weaker the electrochemical signal. Transmission electron microscope results showed that the successfully synthesized Au@Ag nanoparticles exhibited a core-shell structure with Au as core and Ag as shell, and their average diameter was about 30 nm. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical aptasensor showed a wide detection ranging from 0.05 ng mL^-1 to 200 ng mL^-1, and a low detection limit of 0.02 ng mL^-1. Moreover, the proposed strategy has been successfully applied to the detection of AFM₁ in cow, goat, and sheep milk samples with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 91.10% to 104.05%. This work can provide a novel rapid detection method for AFM₁, and also provide a new sensing platform for the detection of other toxins.

Gapless indica rice genome reveals synergistic contributions of active transposable elements and segmental duplications to rice genome evolution

The ultimate goal of genome assembly is a high-accuracy gapless genome. Here, we report a new assembly pipeline that is used to produce a gapless genome for the indica rice cultivar Minghui 63. The resulting 397.71-Mb final assembly is composed of 12 contigs with a contig N50 size of 31.93 Mb. Each chromosome is represented by a single contig and the genomic sequences of all chromosomes are gapless. Quality evaluation of this gapless genome assembly showed that gene regions in our assembly have the highest completeness compared with the other 15 reported high-quality rice genomes. Further comparison with the japonica rice genome revealed that the gapless indica genome assembly contains more transposable elements (TEs) and segmental duplications (SDs), the latter of which produce many duplicated genes that can affect agronomic traits through dose effect or sub-/neo-functionalization. The insertion of TEs can also affect the expression of duplicated genes, which may drive the evolution of these genes. Furthermore, we found the expansion of nucleotide-binding site with leucine-rich repeat disease-resistance genes and cis-zeatin-O-glucosyltransferase growth-related genes in SDs in the gapless indica genome assembly, suggesting that SDs contribute to the adaptive evolution of rice disease resistance and developmental processes. Collectively, our findings suggest that active TEs and SDs synergistically contribute to rice genome evolution.

Physicochemical and textural characteristics and volatile compounds of semihard goat cheese as affected by starter cultures

Today, cheese is valued because of its high nutritional value and unique characteristics. Improving the texture and flavor of cheese by selecting suitable starter cultures is an important way to promote the development of cheese industry. The effect of starter cultures on the physicochemical and textural properties and volatile compounds during the ripening of semihard goat cheese were investigated in this work. Different starter cultures-mesophilic (M) and thermophilic starters (T), Lactobacillus plantarum ssp. plantarum ATCC 14917 (Lp), a mix of the M and T starters (M1), and mix of the M, T, and Lp starters (M2)-were used in the production of the goat cheeses. Volatile compounds were determined by a solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (SPME/GC-MS) method. The results showed that the moisture content of cheeses produced with the 5 kinds of starter cultures decreased after maturation, whereas ash content increased. The pH values of goat cheeses decreased first and then increased during maturity, and the pH value of M2 cheese was the lowest among the cheeses. The hardness and chewiness of the cheeses increased with increasing maturity, whereas cohesiveness, springiness, and resilience showed the opposite tendency. The 60-d-old cheese made with Lp had the highest chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness, and resilience, whereas the 60-d-old cheese made with M2 had the highest hardness. A total of 53 volatile components were identified by SPME/GC-MS, and carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, and esters were the 4 major contributors to the characteristic flavors of the cheeses. Volatile components and their contents differed greatly among the produced cheeses. The M2 cheese contained the highest relative content of the main volatile compounds (90.10%), especially butanoic acid and acetoin. Through a comprehensive comparison of the results, we concluded that M2 cheese had a dense texture and milky flavor, and M2 is a potential starter culture candidate for the production of goat cheese.

Efficacy of laparoscopic gastric bypass vs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating obesity combined with type-2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study compared the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating overweight and obese patients with BMI>28 kg/m² and type-2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients were randomized into a gastric bypass group (n = 77) or a gastrectomy group (n = 80). The surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, recovery time, and hospitalization time were collected. BMI, waistline, hipline, C-peptide level, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and their blood and lipid profile were also measured.

RESULTS

Surgery time and blood loss were significantly higher in the gastrectomy group, when compared to the gastric bypass group (P < 0.05). In both groups, the levels of BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference (but not their ratio) gradually and significantly decreased after surgery compared with baseline (P < 0.05), and no significant difference was found between these two groups. The C-peptide level, HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin gradually and significantly decreased after surgery compared with the values before treatment (P < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were also lower after surgery in both groups, while HDL and glucagon-like peptide-1 were significantly higher after surgery compared with the values before treatment (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between these two groups of patients.

CONCLUSION

Both laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy improved the BMI and diabetic conditions of overweight/obese diabetics, while laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had a shorter surgical time and less blood loss.

A draft genome for Spatholobus suberectus

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (S. suberectus), which belongs to the Leguminosae, is an important medicinal plant in China. Owing to its long growth cycle and increased use in human medicine, wild resources of S. suberectus have decreased rapidly and may be on the verge of extinction. De novo assembly of the whole S. suberectus genome provides us a critical potential resource towards biosynthesis of the main bioactive components and seed development regulation mechanism of this plant. Utilizing several sequencing technologies such as Illumina HiSeq X Ten, single-molecule real-time sequencing, 10x Genomics, as well as new assembly techniques such as FALCON and chromatin interaction mapping (Hi-C), we assembled a chromosome-scale genome about 798 Mb in size. In total, 748 Mb (93.73%) of the contig sequences were anchored onto nine chromosomes with the longest scaffold being 103.57 Mb. Further annotation analyses predicted 31,634 protein-coding genes, of which 93.9% have been functionally annotated. All data generated in this study is available in public databases.

USF1 gene polymorphisms may associate with the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy based on paclitaxel and prognosis in the treatment of ovarian cancer

This study was supposed to investigate the correlation between the functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2516839 and rs3737787) in USF1 gene and the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy and prognosis in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC). In total 100 OC patients were selected and divided into the sensitive group and the resistantgroup according to the tumor response to paclitaxel-based chemotherapy after surgery, and the incidence of observed and recorded toxic reaction. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was applied to test the polymorphisms of rs2516839 and rs3737787 in USF1 gene after extraction of DNA. The correlation between USF1 gene polymorphisms and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy resistance was analyzed using Logistic regression analysis. Stratified analysis was used to test the incidence of toxic reaction in OC patients. Cox proportional hazard model was adapted to make a multiple-factor survival analysis. Significant differences exhibited in the genotype and the allele frequencies of rs2516839 between the sensitive and resistant groups, which showed no obvious difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of rs3737787. OC patients carrying the GA+AA genotype had higher incidence of serious toxic reaction than those carrying the GG genotype. Physical status score, tumor type, maximum tumor diameter and rs2516839 were the independent risk factors for the prognosis of OC patients. Taken together, our results suggest that the rs2516839 polymorphism in USF1 gene may associate with the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy and prognosis in the treatment of OC.

Optimized Extraction of Phenolics from Jujube Peel and Their Anti-inflammatory Effects in LPS-Stimulated Murine Macrophages

The extraction of phenolics from jujube peel (PJP) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was utilized to analyze the effects of NaOH concentration, temperature, and extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC). The results showed that RSM could be an adequate approach for modeling the extraction of PJP. The optimal extraction condition for the highest TPC was obtained with 3.4 M NaOH concentration for 67 min at 50 °C. Not only PJP but also phenolics from the jujube seed (PJS) contain considerable amounts of phenolics, particularly flavonoids. Quercetin and galangin were found to be the predominant phenolics. PJP markedly down-regulated the levels iNOS and COX-2 proteins in macrophages by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB through interfering with the MAPK signaling pathways. Compared to PJS, PJP presented higher anti-inflammatory activities, reflecting increased amounts of TPC and total flavonoid content (TFC). These findings suggest that PJP could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents.

Scallop genome provides insights into evolution of bilaterian karyotype and development

Reconstructing the genomes of bilaterian ancestors is central to our understanding of animal evolution, where knowledge from ancient and/or slow-evolving bilaterian lineages is critical. Here we report a high-quality, chromosome-anchored reference genome for the scallop Patinopecten yessoensis, a bivalve mollusc that has a slow-evolving genome with many ancestral features. Chromosome-based macrosynteny analysis reveals a striking correspondence between the 19 scallop chromosomes and the 17 presumed ancestral bilaterian linkage groups at a level of conservation previously unseen, suggesting that the scallop may have a karyotype close to that of the bilaterian ancestor. Scallop Hox gene expression follows a new mode of subcluster temporal co-linearity that is possibly ancestral and may provide great potential in supporting diverse bilaterian body plans. Transcriptome analysis of scallop mantle eyes finds unexpected diversity in phototransduction cascades and a potentially ancient Pax2/5/8-dependent pathway for noncephalic eyes. The outstanding preservation of ancestral karyotype and developmental control makes the scallop genome a valuable resource for understanding early bilaterian evolution and biology.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of oleanolic mono- or di-glycosides against Magnaporthe oryzae

Saponins are naturally-occurring units with broad diversity and are usually recognized as phytoanticipins. In order to develop new saponin chemical entities with high activity against Magnaporthe oryzae, we selected oleanolic acid (OA), which has wide natural distribution and rich content in plants. We used the ability of OA to act as an aglycone for glycosylation to obtain information on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for rational molecular pesticide design. Oleanolic mono- or di-glycosides were synthesized at either the C₃-hydroxy and/or C₂₈-carboxyl position, using trichloroacetimidate or glycosyl bromide donors, respectively. Structures were confirmed by [¹H]-,[¹³C]-NMR. Furthermore, the activity of the synthesized glycosides against M. oryzae was assessed in vitro, based on the mycelium growth rate. The twenty five oleanolic mono- or di-glycosides comprised fourteen saponins with 3-monosaccharide residue 1a-1n, six saponins with 28-monosaccharide residue 2a-2f, and five saponins with 3, 28-monosaccharide residue 3a-3e; all showed different activities against M. oryzae according to their different structures. We concluded that the optimal oleanolic mono- and di-glycoside structure for activity against M. oryzae is a C₃ connection of a hexose such as mannose, galactose, or glucose, in combination with a C₂₈ connection to a small group such as allyl or a C₃ connection to a pentose accompanied by a larger group such as another pentose or heptenyl at C₂₈.

Possible relevance of tumor-related genes mutation to malignant transformation of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Despite studies have suggested that endometriosis has malignant potential, the molecular mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of endometriosis is poorly understood so far. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) or ovarian cancer arising from endometriosis (OCEM) may provide an ideal model for genetic studies. To investigate the genetic alterations during transformation of ovarian endometriosis into cancer, the authors analysed mutations of tumour-related genes (PTEN and p53) in EAOC cases (n=23, group 1), including 19 cases which were detected co-existence of endometriosis and cancer and four cases which fulfilled the histological criteria in malignant transformation of endometriosis (OCEMs), and in atypical hyperplasia ovarian endometriosis (aEMs) (n = 10, group 2), as well as in solitary ovarian endometriosis (EMs) (n = 20, group 3), simultaneously, to study the correlation of the two genes in the development and progression of the ovarian endometriosis malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each paraffin block was sliced into serial ten-µm-thick sections. Extracted DNA was amplified by nested PCR. Mutations of PTEN and p53 were examined by bidirectional DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

It was acknowledged by experiments that the PTEN and p53 mutation frequency in EAOCs were significantly higher than that in aEMs and EMs. There was significant difference to compare EAOCs with EMs (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), and converse to compare with aEMs (p > 0.05), respectively. No definite involvement between the frequency of PTEN and p53 mutations in EAOCs and age difference, histological type, clinical stage, pathological grade, and whether accompanied by metastasis (p > 0.05); however, a decreasing trend of PTEN mutation with the increased age, decreased clinical stage and pathological grade, and when accompanied by metastasis was detected. Adversely, an increasing trend of p53 mutation was represented. In EAOCs group, the authors detected eight PTEN and four p53 mutation events, respectively. Moreover, one case occurred PTEN and p53 mutation simultaneously. With 23 EAOCs, two cases which fulfilled the histological criteria in malignant transformation of endometriosis, which may be a specific entity distinct from non-endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, the authors named them the OCEMs, occurred PTEN or p53 mutation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that the mutation and functional incapacitation of certain tumor-related genes may be involved in malignant transformation of endometriosis. PTEN mutation is the pristine event, but p53 mutation is the late.

Germline mutation analysis in the CYLD gene in Chinese patients with multiple trichoepitheliomas

Trichoepithelioma is a benign neoplasm that primarily shows follicular germinative differentiation. Classic trichoepithelioma typically presents as a skin-colored papule or nodule on the face or upper trunk; lesions have a predilection for the nose. Trichoepithelioma can be sporadic or familial and solitary or multiple. Most previously reported multiple trichoepithelioma cases are familial, and germline CYLD mutations could be detected in some patients. We performed mutational analysis of the germline CYLD gene in 8 Chinese multiple trichoepitheliomas patients, 6 of which were sporadic cases. A heterozygous missense mutation (c.1112C>A) in the 9th exon of the CYLD gene was detected in some mother-daughter patients. However, the germline CYLD mutation could not be detected in the 6 non-familial cases. The results suggest that the pathogenesis of sporadic multiple trichoepitheliomas may differ from that of familial cases. Our findings also further confirmed the genetic heterogeneity of multiple trichoepitheliomas.

Genome sequence of ground tit Pseudopodoces humilis and its adaptation to high altitude

Background

The mechanism of high-altitude adaptation has been studied in certain mammals. However, in avian species like the ground tit Pseudopodoces humilis, the adaptation mechanism remains unclear. The phylogeny of the ground tit is also controversial.

Results

Using next generation sequencing technology, we generated and assembled a draft genome sequence of the ground tit. The assembly contained 1.04 Gb of sequence that covered 95.4% of the whole genome and had higher N50 values, at the level of both scaffolds and contigs, than other sequenced avian genomes. About 1.7 million SNPs were detected, 16,998 protein-coding genes were predicted and 7% of the genome was identified as repeat sequences. Comparisons between the ground tit genome and other avian genomes revealed a conserved genome structure and confirmed the phylogeny of ground tit as not belonging to the Corvidae family. Gene family expansion and positively selected gene analysis revealed genes that were related to cardiac function. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the adaptation of this species to extreme environmental living conditions.

Conclusions

Our data and analysis contribute to the study of avian evolutionary history and provide new insights into the adaptation mechanisms to extreme conditions in animals.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) monitored by tree bark in an E-waste recycling area

To investigate the environmental levels and profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tree bark samples (n=22) were collected from Luqiao, an E-waste recycling area, in east China in July 11-13, 2006. The average concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs determined by isotope dilution-high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) coupled with high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) were 0.1+/-0.0, 1.4+/-0.2, and 6.5+/-0.8 microg g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. PCDD/F-toxic equivalent (TEQ, WHO-1998), PCB-TEQs, and total dioxin-like TEQs were 1.3+/-0.1, 0.5+/-0.0, and 1.8+/-0.2 ng g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. The profiles of these pollutants in the tree bark were also discussed. Tetra-CDFs, deca-BDE and tri-CBs were the main homologues and accounted for 47% of total PCDD/Fs, 79.3% of total PBDEs, and 33.2% of total PCBs, respectively; As for TEQs, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and PCB126 were the main contributors and accounted for 36% of the total PCDD/F-TEQs and 81.2% of the total PCB-TEQs, respectively. High accumulation of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs detected in the tree bark indicated heavy contaminations of these pollutants in Luqiao area.

Essential role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1-bearing CD8+CD44+CCR7+ T cells in acute skin allograft rejection

A subset of naturally formed sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1)-bearing CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+) memory T cells has been identified in transplant recipient BALB/c (H-2(d)) mice. The frequency of this subset of memory T cells is significantly increased in the spleen, lymph nodes and skin grafts in the recipient BALB/c mice during acute skin allograft rejections. The immune-reconstitution with CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) memory T cells facilitates acute skin allograft rejection in SCID mice. Being Th1-polarized and cytotoxic, CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) memory T cells proliferate and differentiate immediately into effectors upon encountering allo-antigens. A siRNA against S1P1 inhibits CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) memory T cell-mediated acute skin allograft rejection in SCID mice by means of knocking-down S1P1-expression. CCL21 mutant (CCL21-DeltaCT) has been used to compete with wild-type CCL21 in the course of binding to CCR7. Combined administration of siRNA S1P1 and CCL21-DeltaCT significantly prolongs the survival of skin allograft in the recipient BALB/c mice by means of inhibiting accumulation of CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) memory T cells in the spleen and the skin grafts. Our data provide direct evidence that S1P1 and CCR7 are involved in the proliferation and trafficking of CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) memory T cells. S1P1 may serve as a functional marker for CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+) memory T cells. Targeting CD8(+)CD44(+)CCR7(+)S1P1(+) T cells may be a useful strategy to prolong the survival of allograft transplant.

A new strategy to replace the natural vitreous by a novel capsular artificial vitreous body with pressure-control valve

PURPOSE

The current vitreous substitutes such as silicone oil, heavy silicone oil, and polymeric gels that are directly injected into vitreous cavity frequently cause severe intraocular complications. There is a very urgent need to find a more suitable artificial vitreous substitute for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery.

METHODS

We have devised a novel capsular artificial vitreous using tailor-made silicone rubber elastomer. The novel device was implanted into the vitreous cavity of rabbit after PPV and the eye was examined by ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and tonometry during an 8-week treatment period. B-scan ultrasonography, electroretinogram (ERG), and histological studies by light microscopy were also performed at the end of 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The novel artificial vitreous body consists of a thin vitreous-like capsule with a silicone tube-valve system. The capsule can be folded and implanted into vitreous cavity through 1.5 mm incision on sclera. Physiological balanced solution (PBS) was then injected into the capsule and inflated to support retina and control intraocular pressure (IOP) through the tube-valve system subsequently fixed under the conjunctiva. Experiments using rabbits showed that the novel vitreous body could effectively support the retina and apparently induced no significant pathological changes in the eye over 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This approach may provide a new research strategy in the vitreous replacement technology. The novel artificial vitreous body device can effectively support retina, control IOP, and has good biocompatibility. It may be a good alternative to injecting artificial vitreous although its tamponade properties and usefulness still have to be proven in complex vitreoretinal diseases.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis with semilobar holoprosencephaly

We describe a child who has congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis with single maxillary central incisor, holoprosencephaly and central diabetes insipidus without any apparent anterior pituitary dysfunction. Conservative management of the congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis is adopted and management of diabetes insipidus is described. A literature review is undertaken.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in a survivor of extreme prematurity

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease in children. Previous reports suggested that prematurity and early age of presentation were poor prognostic factors. We report on a 24-week premature infant who presented with stridor, weak cry, and hoarseness of voice at age 9 months (corrected age), in whom the diagnosis of RRP was not made until age 21 months (corrected age). Laser excision of RRP was subsequently performed, and the child is still surviving at age 2.5 years. RRP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway problems in survivors of extreme prematurity; the prognosis is not uniformly poor in premature infants.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

The role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is controversial. We hypothesised that H pylori eradication leads to worsened control of reflux disease.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with weekly reflux symptoms were prospectively recruited for endoscopy and symptom evaluation. Patients were enrolled if they had H pylori infection and required long term acid suppressants. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole triple therapy (HpE group) or omeprazole with placebo antibiotics (Hp+ group) for one week. Omeprazole 20 mg daily was given for eight weeks for healing of oesophagitis and symptom relief. This was followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg daily for up to 12 months. The primary study end point was the probability of treatment failure within 12 months, which was defined as either incomplete resolution of symptoms or oesophagitis at the initial treatment phase, or relapse of symptoms and oesophagitis during the maintenance phase. Predictors of treatment failure were determined by Cox's proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 236 GORD patients were screened and 113 (47.9%) were positive for H pylori; 104 (92%) patients were included in the intention to treat analysis (53 in the HpE group and 51 in the Hp+ group). Thirty one patients (30%) had erosive oesophagitis at baseline. H pylori was eradicated in 98% of the HpE group and in 3.9% of the Hp+ group. Overall, 15 patients (28.3%) in the HpE group and eight patients (15.7%) in the Hp+ group had treatment failure. The 12 month probability of treatment failure was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9-56.5%) in the HpE group and 21.1% (95% CI 9.9-32.3%) in the Hp+ group (log rank test, p = 0.043). In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjustment for the covariates age, sex, erosive oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, degree of gastritis, and severity of symptoms at baseline, H pylori eradication was the only predictor of treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.47 (95% CI 1.05-5.85)).

CONCLUSION

H pylori eradication leads to more resilient GORD.

Feasibility of implementing a universal neonatal hearing screening programme using distortion product otoacoustic emission detection at a university hospital in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of implementing a universal neonatal hearing screening programme using distortion product otoacoustic emission detection at a major teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

DESIGN

Descriptive study and questionnaire. SETTING. Teaching hospital, Hong Kong.

METHODS

A total of 1064 infants, together with their mothers, were successfully recruited for the study. The participation rate was 99.3%. A three-stage hearing screening protocol using distortion product otoacoustic emission detection was adopted. Each of the participating infants was screened on three separate occasions (day 1-4, day 5-14, and day 21-30 after birth), irrespective of the test results. A questionnaire was administered to 364 randomly selected mothers to determine whether as consumers of the hearing screening service, mothers would find screening desirable.

RESULTS

Results of the screening demonstrated an incidence of permanent bilateral hearing loss (>or=40 dB in the better ear) of 0.28%. The results also showed that 3.5% of the screened infants were referred for subsequent diagnostic audiological assessment, including those suspected with unilateral as well as bilateral hearing loss. Data obtained were comparable to other reported results obtained using multi-stage screening protocols. Taking both the false positive rate and the default rate into consideration, the most appropriate time for screening in this hospital setting appeared to be around day 5 to 14 when infants returned to the hospital's day centre as out-patients for routine medical follow-up. Since this day centre service is not generally provided by all maternity hospitals in Hong Kong, an alternative time for screening would be around day 21 to 30 when infants could return as out-patients solely for the hearing test. The results of the questionnaire suggested that most mothers thought a neonatal hearing screening would be desirable (91.35%). The majority (81.70%) indicated a preference for screening either within a few days of birth at the maternity ward prior to discharge from the hospital, or between 5 and 30 days when returning to the hospital as an out-patient.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that a universal neonatal hearing screening programme could be readily implemented in a maternity hospital setting in Hong Kong.

The role of lamivudine and predictors of mortality in severe flare-up of chronic hepatitis B with jaundice

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may develop severe disease exacerbations (flare) with jaundice, and some may progress to fulminant hepatic failure. Whether early administration of lamivudine can prevent liver failure and mortality is uncertain. We investigated the role of lamivudine treatment in severe hepatitis B virus (HBV) exacerbations. Consecutive patients presented with severe flare-up of HBV (new onset of jaundice plus alanine aminotransferase greater than five times upper limit of normal) treated with lamivudine and historical controls who did not receive lamivudine were studied. All patients had no hepatic encephalopathy on admission. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed on various clinical and laboratory factors for the prediction of mortality. Twenty-eight patients treated with lamivudine and 18 controls were identified. Overall, nine patients died and two other received liver transplants for fulminant hepatic failure. Six of 28 (21.4%) lamivudine-treated patients vs five of 18 (27.8%) controls died or received a liver transplant (P = 0.62). On multivariate analysis, platelet < or = 143 x 10E9/L (odds ratio 22.4, 95% CI 1.8-281.6) and bilirubin > 172 micromol/L (odds ratio 18.4, 95% CI 1.5-228.5) were independent predictors of liver-related mortality. The mortality of patients who had thrombocytopenia and high bilirubin, thrombocytopenia, high bilirubin, and no risk factor were 69.2%, 11.1%, 12.5% and 0% respectively. Hence lamivudine confers no survival benefit to conventional treatment in severe exacerbations of CHB. Patients with thrombocytopenia and high bilirubin should be considered for liver transplantation.