Revealing the Effect of Spinopelvic Alignment on Hip Disorders

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a growing burden and one of the leading causes of hip pain. The relationship between the HOA and the alignment of the spinopelvic region has been intensively studied, however the issue remains controversial. Spinopelvic imbalance, HOA, and dysplasia were investigated in relation to sagittal spinopelvic parameters in this study.

Methods

We collected computerized tomography (CT) topograms of the pelvis or abdomen from 380 patients. In antero-posterior (AP) topograms, Tonnis grading, center-edge angle (CEA) and Sharp's acetabular angle (AA) measurements were performed on each patient. Lateral topograms were used to evaluate the following spinopelvic parameters for each patient: pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), sacral table angle (STA), lumbar lordosis (LL), proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL), distal lumbar lordosis (DLL), and PI-LL difference. Initially, the cohort was divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they had HOA. Then, they were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they had dysplasia. Ultimately, it was divided in half based on the PI-LL imbalance. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the likely correlations between the spinopelvic parameters of these subgroups. In addition, the correlations between spinopelvic parameters were investigated.

Results

There were 380 patients evaluated. We found no association between HOA or dysplasia and spinopelvic parameters. In addition, there was no association between PI-LL imbalance and HOA or dysplasia.

Conclusion

There was no difference in constant PI and STA angle, besides other variable parameters, between groups having HOA and dysplasia or not. PI-LL imbalance has no effect on HOA and dysplasia.

Antimicrobial resistance monitoring in the Danish swine production by phenotypic methods and metagenomics from 1999 to 2018

BackgroundIn Denmark, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pigs has been monitored since 1995 by phenotypic approaches using the same indicator bacteria. Emerging methodologies, such as metagenomics, may allow novel surveillance ways.AimThis study aimed to assess the relevance of indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis) for AMR surveillance in pigs, and the utility of metagenomics.MethodsWe collated existing data on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) from the Danish surveillance programme and performed metagenomics sequencing on caecal samples that had been collected/stored through the programme during 1999-2004 and 2015-2018. We compared phenotypic and metagenomics results regarding AMR, and the correlation of both with AMU.ResultsVia the relative abundance of AMR genes, metagenomics allowed to rank these genes as well as the AMRs they contributed to, by their level of occurrence. Across the two study periods, resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, and beta-lactams appeared prominent, while resistance to fosfomycin and quinolones appeared low. In 2015-2018 sulfonamide resistance shifted from a low occurrence category to an intermediate one. Resistance to glycopeptides consistently decreased during the entire study period. Outcomes of both phenotypic and metagenomics approaches appeared to positively correlate with AMU. Metagenomics further allowed to identify multiple time-lagged correlations between AMU and AMR, the most evident being that increased macrolide use in sow/piglets or fatteners led to increased macrolide resistance with a lag of 3-6 months.ConclusionWe validated the long-term usefulness of indicator bacteria and showed that metagenomics is a promising approach for AMR surveillance.

Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Content, Individual Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Sweet Rowanberry Cultivars

Sweet rowanberry and its cultivars represent a less-known fruit species with significant antioxidant activity, mostly promoted by polyphenolic compounds. This paper examined seven Sorbus cultivars and evaluated their total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the content of individual polyphenolic compounds from the group of phenolic acids and flavonoids. It also determined their antioxidant activity using DPPH, ACW and ACL. Furthermore, to reflect the distribution of the contribution to antioxidant activity, correlations between antioxidant activity and the contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E and individual phenolic compounds were established. The highest total phenolic content of 8307.4 mg kg^-1 was determined in 'Granatina', with the main contribution of phenolic acid content of 7001.7 mg kg^-1 and a significantly lower total flavonoid content of 1304.6 mg kg^-1. Flavanols represented the most abundant group of flavonoids, with catechin being the second most frequent flavanol with the highest content of 633.67 mg kg^-1 in 'Granatina'. Flavonols were represented by rutin and quercetin. 'Businka' displayed a significant vitamin E content of 4.77 mg kg^-1, and 'Alaja Krupnaja' had the highest vitamin C level of 7.89 g kg^-1. These results emphasize their potential health and nutritional benefits and, thus, their promising and valuable role in the food processing industry.

Improvement of physicochemical characteristics, flavor profiles and functional properties in Chinese radishes via spontaneous fermentation after drying

Spontaneously dried-fermented radishes have been consumed in China for hundreds of years and are usually fermented for a long time to acquire high quality. In this study, the spontaneously dried-fermented radishes with short-term manufacturing periods were made from five different varieties of radishes that grew in the same environment. In addition, the physicochemical characteristics (i.e., moisture content, soluble solid, and pH value), flavor profiles (i.e., free amino acids, organic acids, and volatile compounds), and functional properties (i.e., total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, sulforaphane content, and γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA] content) of these five raw radishes and spontaneously dried-fermented radishes were analyzed and compared. In detail, the content of volatile and nonvolatile compounds increased, especially in oxalic acid, succinic acid, and umami free amino acids. Furthermore, functional components, such as sulforaphane and GABA, were also enriched via spontaneous fermentation after drying. In addition, the results of principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and redundancy analysis showed that there were significant discrepancies appeared when raw radishes were processed via spontaneous fermentation or not. These results suggested that the process of spontaneous fermentation after drying may contribute to improving the quality of fresh radishes. Notably, radishes with red skin and flesh were regarded as exceptional varieties for processing, because of the preferable flavor profiles and affluent functional substances via spontaneous fermentation after drying. Therefore, these findings could deliver a systematical insight into developing processed radishes with high quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The spontaneously dried-fermented radishes were manufactured through the process of spontaneous fermentation after drying, which acquired tasty and healthy characteristics by accumulating the volatile and nonvolatile compounds as well as the functional components, like total phenolics, total flavonoids, sulforaphane, and γ-aminobutyric acid. Importantly, because of the excellent processing properties, the radishes with red skin and flesh could be more appropriate to produce spontaneously dried-fermented radishes. Our findings may provide a practical strategy for developing vegetable relishes with superb flavor profiles and good functional properties in pickled vegetables.

Upper Limbs Muscle Co-contraction Changes Correlated With the Impairment of the Corticospinal Tract in Stroke Survivors: Preliminary Evidence From Electromyography and Motor-Evoked Potential

Objective

Increased muscle co-contraction of the agonist and antagonist muscles during voluntary movement is commonly observed in the upper limbs of stroke survivors. Much remain to be understood about the underlying mechanism. The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between increased muscle co-contraction and the function of the corticospinal tract (CST).

Methods

Nine stroke survivors and nine age-matched healthy individuals were recruited. All the participants were instructed to perform isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and horizontal task which consist of sponge grasp, horizontal transportation, and sponge release. We recorded electromyography (EMG) activities from four muscle groups during the MVC test and horizontal task in the upper limbs of stroke survivors. The muscle groups consist of extensor digitorum (ED), flexor digitorum (FD), triceps brachii (TRI), and biceps brachii (BIC). The root mean square (RMS) of EMG was applied to assess the muscle activation during horizontal task. We adopted a co-contraction index (CI) to evaluate the degree of muscle co-contraction. CST function was evaluated by the motor-evoked potential (MEP) parameters, including resting motor threshold, amplitude, latency, and central motor conduction time. We employed correlation analysis to probe the association between CI and MEP parameters.

Results

The RMS, CI, and MEP parameters on the affected side showed significant difference compared with the unaffected side of stroke survivors and the healthy group. The result of correlation analysis showed that CI was significantly correlated with MEP parameters in stroke survivors.

Conclusion

There existed increased muscle co-contraction and impairment in CST functionality on the affected side of stroke survivors. The increased muscle co-contraction was correlated with the impairment of the CST. Intervention that could improve the excitability of the CST may contribute to the recovery of muscle discoordination in the upper limbs of stroke survivors.

Enhancing the Accuracy of Linear Finite Element Models of Vehicle Structures Considering Spot-Welded Flanges

Structural engineering simulations have required increasingly complex computational models to replace physical tests accurately. This work focuses on the numerical analysis of vehicle body structures, whose size and complexity make the use of very accurate nonlinear models unfeasible due to the prohibitive computational costs involved. The purpose of this study is to find a new approach to model spot-welded joints in linear finite element models of thin-wall vehicle body structures, improving the accuracy of the model without increasing its complexity. Using a set of simplified nonlinear models, we fitted the stiffness and damping properties of these welded joints and used those adjusted values into a linear model of the entire vehicle body structure. The results were compared with experimental tests, showing a clear improvement in the accuracy of the modal and frequency responses provided by the linear finite element model, but keeping its initial complexity level. The adjusted model was then used in an optimization analysis to reduce the structure’s weight, leading to interesting cost savings and important reductions in the use of natural resources and carbon emissions.

Integrated DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Analysis Identified S100A8 and S100A9 in the Pathogenesis of Obesity

Background: To explore the association of DNA methylation and gene expression in the pathology of obesity.

Methods: (1) Genomic DNA methylation and mRNA expression profile of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were performed in a comprehensive database of gene expression in obese and normal subjects. (2) Functional enrichment analysis and construction of differential methylation gene regulatory networks were performed. (3) Validation of the two different methylation sites and corresponding gene expression was done in a separate microarray dataset. (4) Correlation analysis was performed on DNA methylation and mRNA expression data.

Results: A total of 77 differentially expressed mRNAs matched with differentially methylated genes. Analysis revealed two different methylation sites corresponding to two unique genes—s100a8-cg09174555 and s100a9-cg03165378. Through the verification test of two interesting different expression positions [differentially methylated positions (DMPs)] and their corresponding gene expression, we found that methylation in these genes was negatively correlated to gene expression in the obesity group. Higher S100A8 and S100A9 expressions in obese subjects were validated in a separate microarray dataset.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression and emphasized the important role of S100A8 and S100A9 in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Job Satisfaction Among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinic Service Providers in Jiangsu, China: A Cross-sectional Survey

OBJECTIVE

Service providers' job satisfaction is critical to the stability of the work force and thereby the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs. This study aimed to explore MMT clinic service providers' job satisfaction and associated factors in Jiangsu, China.

METHODS

This secondary study used baseline data of a randomized interventional trial implemented in Jiangsu, China. A survey was conducted among 76 MMT service providers using the computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) method. Job satisfaction responses were assessed via a 30-item scale, with a higher score indicating a higher level of job satisfaction. Perceived institutional support and perceived stigma due to working with drug users were measured using a 9-item scale. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with job satisfaction.

RESULTS

Correlation analyses found a significant association between job satisfaction and having professional experience in the prevention and control of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, or other infectious diseases (P = 0.046). Multiple regression analyses revealed that working at MMT clinics affiliated with Center for Disease Control and Prevention sites was associated with a lower level of job satisfaction (P = 0.014), and perception of greater institutional support (P = 0.001) was associated with a higher level of job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Job satisfaction among MMT clinic service providers was moderate in our study. Our findings suggest that institutional support for providers should be improved, and that acquisition of additional expertise should be encouraged.

Hydrophobicity Improvement of Cement-Based Materials Incorporated with Ionic Paraffin Emulsions (IPEs)

Cement-based materials are non-uniform porous materials that are easily permeated by harmful substances, thereby deteriorating their structural durability. In this work, three ionic paraffin emulsions (IPEs) (i.e., anionic paraffin emulsion (APE), cationic paraffin emulsion (CPE), and non-ionic paraffin emulsion (NPE), respectively) were prepared. The effects of incorporation of IPEs into cement-based materials on hydrophobicity improvement were investigated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission and reflection polarizing microscope (TRPM) tests and correlation analyses, as well as by compressive strength, impermeability, and apparent contact angle tests. Finally, the optimal type and the recommended dose of IPEs were suggested. Results reveal that the impermeability pressure and apparent contact angle value of cement-based materials incorporated with IPEs are significantly higher than those of the control group. Thus, the hydrophobicity of cement-based materials is significantly improved. However, IPEs adversely affect the compressive strength of cement-based materials. The apparent contact angle mainly affects impermeability. These three IPEs impart hydrophobicity to cement-based materials. In addition, the optimal NPE dose can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of cement-based materials.

Integrated DNA methylation and gene expression analysis in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease

To evaluate DNA methylation sites and gene expression associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and the possible pathological mechanism involved, we performed (1) genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA expression profiling in peripheral blood datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository of CAD samples and controls; (2) functional enrichment analysis and differential methylation gene regulatory network construction; (3) validation tests of 11 differential methylation positions of interest and the corresponding gene expression; and (4) correlation analysis for DNA methylation and mRNA expression data. A total of 669 differentially expressed mRNAs were matched to differentially methylated genes. After disease ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, gene ontology, protein-protein interaction and network construction and module analyses, 11 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) corresponding to 11 unique genes were observed: BDNF - cg26949694, BTRC - cg24381155, CDH5 - cg02223351, CXCL12 - cg11267527, EGFR - cg27637738, IL-6 - cg13104385, ITGB1 - cg20545410, PDGFRB - cg25613180, PIK3R1- cg00559992, PLCB1 - cg27178677 and PTPRC - cg09247619. After validation tests of 11 DMPs of interest and the corresponding gene expression, we found that CXCL12 was less hypomethylated in the CAD group, whereas the relative expression of ITGB1, PDGFRB and PIK3R1 was lower in CAD samples, and CXCL12 and ITGB1 methylation was negatively correlated with their expression. This study identified the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression and highlighted the importance of CXCL12 in CAD pathogenesis.

Evaluation of bacterial and fungal communities during the fermentation of Baixi sufu, a traditional spicy fermented bean curd

BACKGROUND

Baixi sufu (BS) is a traditional Chinese spicy fermented bean curd manufactured with a natural starter. In this study, the bacterial and fungal communities during BS fermentation were determined by culture and by the culture-independent method of high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Correlation analyses were performed to select the microorganisms potentially contributing to this fermentation.

RESULTS

During the fermentation of BS, 162 bacterial and 97 fungal strains were isolated and identified, and a total of 268 314 bacterial and 287 844 fungal high-quality sequences were analyzed. In general, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Enterococcus and Lactococcus, were dominant in the early stage of fermentation, and spore-forming bacteria, especially Bacillus spp., became the predominant bacteria by the end of fermentation. Geotrichum, Mortierella, and unclassified Ascomycota, were the major fungal populations, which could not be detected in the final product. Correlation analyses indicated that Enterococcus, Bacillus, Geotrichum, and unclassified Ascomycota correlated significantly and positively with amino nitrogen. However, due to the sporulation characteristics of Bacillus, they may have little effect on BS ripening. The presence of Bifidobacterium spp. in sufu is reported for the first time, but the excessive counts of the Bacillus cereus group (>10⁵  CFU g^-1 ) indicate a potential hazard to consumers.

CONCLUSION

The profiles obtained from this study will contribute to the development of autochthonous starter cultures to control BS fermentation, and may lead to the development of novel strategies to shorten the fermentation time of sufu products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analysis of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Endosome Association Using Live-Cell Imaging in Plant Cells

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is one of the most abundant endomembrane compartments and is in close association with most of the other organelles. In mammalian and yeast cells, the physiological roles and the molecular machineries underlying such association have only recently begun to emerge. In plant cells, recent live-cell confocal imaging and electron microscopy studies have established that endosomes are associated with the ER [1]. Here, we describe confocal imaging methods and software to analyze ER-endosome association in plant cells.

Association between promoter DNA methylation and gene expression in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke

To assess DNA methylation sites as well as gene expression related to ischemic stroke (IS) and comprehensively reveal their correlation and possible pathological mechanisms, we implemented (1) genome-wide DNA methylation profiling from the GEO repository related to IS with and without symptoms; (2) identification of differentially methylation positions (DMPs) and genes (DMGs), functional enrichment analysis along with DMG regulatory network construction; (3) validation tests of 2 differential methylation positions of interest as well as analogous gene expression in other datasets and in IS patients and controls; and (4) correlation analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA expression data. In total, 870 DMPs were physically located within 693 DMGs. After disease ontology (DO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, gene ontology (GO), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction as well as module analysis, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 were identified. Their expression was validated in 4 other datasets but was significant in only 1, and the expression was lower in the IS group (P < 0.05). After validation in IS patients and controls, we found that these two genes showed more hypermethylation and lower expression levels in the IS group (P < 0.001). The methylation of genes was negatively associated with their expression (P < 0.05). The current study recognized a connection among DNA methylation and gene expression and emphasized the prominence of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 in IS pathogenesis.

WITHDRAWN: Long non-coding RNA UCA1 regulates tumor growth by impairing let-7e-dependent HMGA2 repression in bladder cancer

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Archaeorhizomycetes Spatial Distribution in Soils Along Wide Elevational and Environmental Gradients Reveal Co-abundance Patterns With Other Fungal Saprobes and Potential Weathering Capacities

Archaeorhizomycetes, a widespread fungal class with a dominant presence in many soil environments, contains cryptic filamentous species forming plant-root associations whose role in terrestrial ecosystems remains unclear. Here, we apply a correlative approach to identify the abiotic and biotic environmental variables shaping the distribution of this fungal group. We used a DNA sequencing dataset containing Archaeorhizomycetes sequences and environmental variables from 103 sites, obtained through a random-stratified sampling in the Western Swiss Alps along a wide elevation gradient (>2,500 m). We observed that the relative abundance of Archaeorhizomycetes follows a "humped-shaped" curve. Fitted linear and quadratic generalized linear models revealed that both climatic (minimum temperature, precipitation sum, growing degree-days) and edaphic (carbon, hydrogen, organic carbon, aluminum oxide, and phyllosilicates) factors contribute to explaining the variation in Archaeorhizomycetes abundance. Furthermore, a network inference topology described significant co-abundance patterns between Archaeorhizomycetes and other saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa. Overall, our results provide strong support to the hypothesis that Archaeorhizomycetes in this area have clear ecological requirements along wide, elevation-driven abiotic and biotic gradients. Additionally, correlations to soil redox parameters, particularly with phyllosilicates minerals, suggest Archaeorhizomycetes might be implied in biological rock weathering. Such soil taxa-environment studies along wide gradients are thus a useful complement to latitudinal field observations and culture-based approaches to uncover the ecological roles of cryptic soil organisms.

Cereal Crops Are not Created Equal: Wheat Consumption Associated with Obesity Prevalence Globally and Regionally

BACKGROUND

Cereals have been extensively advocated as the beneficial food group in terms of body weight management, but each staple cereal crop may contribute in different ways. Studies of the association between wheat availability and risk of obesity are controversial. This study aimed to test the global and regional association between wheat availability as reported by FAO and obesity prevalence at a population level. FAO does not distinguish between whole grain wheat and refined wheat.

METHODS

Population-specific data from 170 countries on prevalence of obesity, availabilities of mixed cereals, wheat, rice, maize, meat, sugar, fat, soy and calories and GDP are obtained from the UN agencies. All variables were measured as per capita per day (or per year). Each country is treated as an individual subject. SPSS v. 22 is used to analyse these data for all the 170 countries and official country groupings (regions) using non parametric and parametric correlations, including partial correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis showed that obesity prevalence is positively associated with wheat availability (r = 0.500, p < 0.001), but is inversely associated with availabilities of total cereals (r = -0.132, p = 0.087), rice (r = -0.405, p < 0.001) and maize (r = -0.227, p = 0.004). These associations remain in partial correlation model when we keep availabilities of meat, fat, sugar, soy, caloric intake and GDP statistically constant. Overall, positive associations between wheat availability and obesity prevalence remain in different regions. Maize and mixed cereal availabilities do not show independent associations with the obesity prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that wheat availability is an independent predictor of the obesity prevalence both worldwide and with special regard to the regions of Africa, Americas and Asia. Future studies should distinguish between possible influence of whole grain and ultra-processed refined wheat products.

Comorbid anxiety and depression in school-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and selfreported symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression among parents of school-aged children with and without ADHD

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder in children that can extend into adulthood and that is often associated with a variety of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

AIM

Assess the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety disorders and depressive disorders in school-aged children, and the relationship of the severity of ADHD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in children who have ADHD with the severity of the corresponding symptoms in their parents.

METHODS

A two-stage screening process identified children 7-10 years of age with and without ADHD treated at the Xin Hua Hospital in Shanghai. ADHD and other DSM-IV diagnoses were determined by a senior clinician using the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children (K-SADS-PL). One parent for each enrolled child completed three self-report scales: the ADHD Adult Self Report Scale (ASRS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In total 135 children with ADHD and 65 control group children without ADHD were enrolled; parents for 94 of the children with ADHD and 63 of the children without ADHD completed the parental assessment scales.

RESULTS

Among the 135 children with ADHD, 27% had a comorbid anxiety disorder, 18% had a comorbid depressive disorder, and another 15% had both comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders. Parents of children with ADHD self-reported more severe ADHD inattention symptoms than parents of children without ADHD and were more likely to meet criteria for adult ADHD. Mothers (but not fathers) of children with ADHD had significantly more severe trait anxiety and depressive symptoms than mothers of children without ADHD. Among children with ADHD, the severity of ADHD symptoms was not significantly correlated with the severity of ADHD symptoms in parents, but depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms in the children were significantly correlated with the corresponding symptoms in the parents.

CONCLUSION

School-aged children with ADHD commonly suffer from comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders, and the severity of these symptoms parallels the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms in their parents. Self-reported symptoms of ADHD are significantly more common in parents of children with ADHD than in parents of children without ADHD. Longitudinal studies are needed to disentangle the genetic, biological, and social factors responsible for these complex inter-relationships.

Enhancement of soluble CD28 levels in the serum of Graves' disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland mediated by T cells. CD28, a member of costimulatory molecules, plays a pivotal role in regulating T-cell responses. Plasma-soluble CD28 is one form of CD28 in peripheral blood. To investigate the concentrations of soluble CD28 in patients with Graves' disease, we used a sensitive dual monoclonal antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the soluble form of CD28. Our results suggested that mean concentrations of soluble CD28 in plasma of patients with Graves' disease were 1.79 ±1.52 ng/ml, and levels of soluble CD28 in healthy subjects were only 0.83 ±1.35 ng/ml. Concentrations of soluble CD28 detected in patients with Graves' disease were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects (p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of soluble CD28 in plasma and levels of FT3 (r = 0.663), FT4 (r = 0.624) and TRAb (r = 0.728) in serum, but a negative correlation was found between sCD28 levels and TSH (r = -0.726). Through in vitro experiments we observed that engagement of soluble CD28 protein and B7-1/B7-2 molecules expressed on dendritic cells could exert the secretion of cytokine IL-6, which may promote the production of autoantibody and aggravate Graves' disease. Therefore, aberrant elevation of plasma-soluble CD28 in patients with Graves' disease may reflect the dysregulation of immune system, and may serve as a useful biomarker in Graves' disease diagnosis.