Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates retinal neurodegeneration through CREB signaling

The nervous and vascular systems, although functionally different, share many common regulators of function maintenance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important players in many biological processes and human disorders. We previously identified a role of MALAT1 in microvascular dysfunction. However, its role in neurodegeneration is still unknown. Here, we used the eye as the model to investigate the role of MALAT1 in retinal neurodegeneration. We show that MALAT1 expression is significantly up-regulated in the retinas, Müller cells, and primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) upon stress. MALAT1 knockdown reduces reactive gliosis, Müller cell activation, and RGC survival in vivo and in vitro MALAT1-CREB binding maintains CREB phosphorylation by inhibiting PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation, which leads to continuous CREB signaling activation. Clinical and animal experimentation suggests that MALAT1 dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative processes and several human disorders. Collectively, this study reveals that MALAT1 might regulate the development of retinal neurodegeneration through CREB signaling.

Acupuncture for ischemic stroke: cerebellar activation may be a central mechanism following Deqi

The needling sensation of Deqi during acupuncture is a key factor of influencing acupuncture outcome. Recent studies have mainly focused on the brain function effects of Deqi in a physiological state. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on the effects of acupuncture at Waiguan (SJ5) in pathological and physiological states is controversial. In this study, 12 patients with ischemic stroke received acupuncture at Waiguan (SJ5) and simultaneously underwent fMRI scanning of the brain, with imaging data of the activated areas obtained. Based on the patient's sensation, imaging data were allocated to either the Deqi group or non-Deqi group. In the Deqi group, the activated/deactivated areas were the left superior temporal gyrus (BA39)/right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and left thalamus. In the non-Deqi group, the activated areas included the medial frontal gyrus of the right frontal lobe (BA11), right limbic lobe (BA30, 35), and left frontal lobe (BA47), while the only deactivated area was the right parietal lobe (BA40). Compared with the non-Deqi group, the Deqi group exhibited marked activation of the right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and right limbic lobe (BA30). These findings confirm that the clinical effect of Deqi during acupuncture is based on brain functional changes. Cerebellar activation may be one of the central mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

[Microsurgical management of petroclival meningiomas combined trans-subtemporal and suboccipital retrosigmoid keyhole approach]

OBJECTIVE

With the development of modern skull base minimally invasive technology mature and neural radio surgery techniques, it is necessary to re-examine the therapeutic strategy for the treatment of petroclival meningiomas. To sum up the operative experience and methods in microsurgical resection of petroclival meningiomas by the combining trans-subtemporal and suboccipital retrosigmoid keyhole approach. To explore the minimally invasive operation approach of petroclival meningiomas, to raise the removal degree and to improve the postoperative result using this approach.

METHODS

The clinical data of the consecutive 21 patients with the petroclival meningiomas were reviewed retrospectively. The method, degree of tumor resection,techniques of the combining keyhole approach, Karnofsky performance score (KPS) before and after operation were also analyzed. The neuronavigation guided operation was performed in 9 cases, and 12 cases were operated in the neuroelectrophysiological monitoring.

RESULTS

Total excision of the tumor resection (Simpson, I-II levels) was conducted in 18 cases (85.7%, 18/21), and 3 patients underwent close resection (Simpson III level, 14.3%, 3/21). Postoperative three-dimensional CT showed good lock bone flap restoration; Postoperative pathology confirmed meningioma. Postoperative cranial nerve dysfunction or new original nerve dysfunction were aggravated in 5 cases (23.8%) , including transient trochlear nerve (3 cases), abducent nerve (1 case), and the motor branch of trigeminal nerve paralysis (1 case). Abducent nerve paralysis (1 case) appeared, with hearing impairment. After the 3-month follow-up, 11 cases had the same KPS aspreoperation, 7 cases improved, and 3 cases not improved. The KPS score was 77.14±23.12 on average, and there was no statistically significant difference compared with that before operation (P>0.05). The postoperative follow-up for half a year showed fluent speaking and writing in 19 cases (KPS 70 or higher), and general recovery in 2 cases (KPS<70). The postoperative follow-up for 3-29 months showed no tumor recurrence or progress.

CONCLUSION

The combining trans-subtemporal and suboccipital retrosigmoid keyhole approach is simple, safe, and minimally invasive, and an ideal operation approach of petroclival meningioma. To master the operation skills and the intraoperative matters needing attention in the operation, is favorable to improve the resection rate and curative effect.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of surgical bypass and endovascular management in the treatment of 116 Takayasu arteritis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy and safety of surgery and endovascular management in treating Takayasu arteritis.

METHODS

The data of 116 patients (24 males and 92 females; mean age (32±12) years) with Takayasu arteritis and underwent surgery or endovascular therapy was retrospective analyzed. According to the two different surgical procedures, the patients were divided into two groups: open repair group and endovascular repair group. One hundred and fifty-four surgical procedures were done including 69 cases of open repair and 85 cases of endovascular repair. A total of 211 arterial lesions were revascularized (open repair 114; endovascular repair 97).

RESULTS

Among the 154 surgical procedures, 11(7.1%) presented a complication during perioperative period including 6(8.7%) of open repair and 5(5.9%) of endovascular repair. After a median follow-up of 38.5(0.5-142.0) months, three(4.3%) cases of stroke and death were observed in open repair group, two(2.3%) cases of stroke and 4(4.7%) cases of death were observed in endovascular repair group. At 1, 3, 5 and 10 years of follow-up, primary patency rate of open repair and endovascular repair were 95.0% and 89.3%, 84.3% and 69.8%, 73.3% and 56.3%, 53.4% and 48.1%, respectively; Primary assisted patency rate were 100% and 97.5%, 90.4% and 78.2%, 79.1% and 72.8%, 60.7% and 54.0%, respectively; Secondary patency rate were 100% and 98.8%, 95.6% and 92.7%, 85.8% and 78.1%, 74.8% and 58.0%, respectively. Cumulative survival rate were 97.0% and 100%, 97.0% and 97.6%, 97.0% and 90.6%, 91.3% and 84.5%, respectively (χ(2)=0.182, P=0.669).

CONCLUSIONS

Both of the surgical revascularization and endovascular management are safe and effective in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis. Although long-term patency of endovascular therapy is low, it can be performed repeatedly and can be used as a preferred approach in treating a short stenosis. Surgical repair shows excellent long-term durability, it seems to be more suitable for complex lesions and failure cases of endovascular management.

Analysis of the genome sequence of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus HLJ-09 in China

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a highly contagious disease of juvenile salmonid fish. Six genome target fragments of the complete genome sequence of IHNV HLJ-09 were amplified by RT-PCR, and the 3'-terminal and 5'-terminal region of the genomic RNA were amplified using the RACE method. The complete genome sequence of HLJ-09 comprises 11,132 nucleotides (nt) (Accession number JX649101) and is different from that of other IHNV strains published in GenBank. Homology comparison and phylogenetic analysis of six ORF sequences were carried out using HLJ-09 and other IHNV strains published in GenBank. From phylogenetic tree analysis, the N gene, M gene, and P gene had the closest genetic relationship to IHNV-PRT from Korea. Phylogenetic analysis for the full length of the G gene showed that the HLJ-09 strain exhibited very close homology to the ChYa07, RtNag96, RtUi02, and RtGu01 strains from Korea and Japan, indicating that the HLJ-09 strain belonged to the genotype JRt. Ultimately, the Chinese IHNV HLJ-09 strain may have originated in Korea and Japan.

Impact of Protein Nutritional Status on Plasma BNP in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that the levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in plasma are negatively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) whereas lean body mass is also closely related to plasma BNP. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of protein nutritional status on plasma BNP in aged patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The cross-sectional study was applied and the anthropometric measurement and nutritional biochemical test was performed in 1118 elderly inpatients in a stable condition were enrolled in the study (mean age, 75 years; 54% women). The partial correlation and multivariate regression analysis were conducted to analyze the relation of plasma BNP with covariates. After adjustment for confounding factors such as age, smoking and coexisting diseases, we found that the concentrations of BNP were independently associated with serum albumin (β=-0.065, P<0.001), serum total cholesterol (β=-0.097, P<0.012) and calf circumference (β=-0.032, P<0.014) in female patients, and associated with the serum albumin (β=-0.051, P<0.001), prealbumin (β=-2.177, P<0.026), mid-arm circumference (β=-0.062, P<0.001) and grip strength (β=-0.100, P<0.048) in male patients. Every 1 gram per liter of increased serum albumin corresponded to the reduced plasma BNP in male patients by 13.9% (OR 0.861, 95% CI 0.817, 0.909) and in female patients by 13.4% (OR 0.866, 95% CI 0.819, 0.916).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that plasma BNP is negatively correlated with muscle mass, and it is also related to muscle force in male patients. The serum albumin is an independent determinant factor of BNP in both men and women. These findings suggest that good protein nutritional status could be beneficial in maintaining the cardiac function in elder population.

Granulocytic sarcoma of the breast: A case report

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an unusual type of tumor composed of immature cells outside the bone marrow. The disease exhibits a correlation with acute myeloid leukemia and other myeloproliferative disorders. Although it can invade a number of areas of the body, the involvement of the breast is uncommon. The present study reports the case of a 58-year-old female with a mildly tender lump in the left breast that had been apparent for one year. Available diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography, were systematically used to determine a diagnosis of GS, and lumpectomy and systemic chemotherapy were performed. The patient was satisfied with the result of no local recurrence at the one year follow-up examination. The present study discusses the clinical and pathological characteristics of the present case of GC.

Microcystic/Reticular Schwannoma of the Mandible First Case Report and Review of the Literature

Schwannoma comprises a group of nerve sheath tumors. Morphologic variants of schwannoma have no distinct relationship to clinical behavior, but unawareness of rare variants may lead to diagnostic pitfall and risk of mistreatment. Microcystic/reticular schwannoma is a recently described rare variant of schwannoma. We report a case of a 61-year-old female with a 5.0 cm × 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm mass in the right mandible, which has never been reported to date. Light microscopic evaluation showed that the mass was circumscribed with focal infiltration. Arranged in a prominent microcystic and reticular growth pattern, tumor cells were spindle-shaped with eosinophilic cytoplasm. No evidence of cytologic atypia, mitosis, or necrosis was observed. The stroma of the tumor mainly contained myxoid material with local infiltration of hyalinized collagen. Tumor cells showed diffuse and strong nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for S100 protein. Tumor cells were also positive for CD34, CD99, and NSE, but negative for CK, EMA, CK5/6, P63, Calponin, CD10, SMA, Desmin, GFAP, NF, Syn, and CgA. The proliferation marker MIB-1 showed <1% nuclear reaction. Furthermore, we reviewed the clinical and pathological features of 24 previously reported cases of microcystic/reticular schwannoma. Unlike classic schwannoma, the reticular variant showed striking microcystic and reticular architecture microscopically. Recognition of these distinct entities is essential in avoiding misdiagnosis. Unlike classic schwannoma with a complete capsule, some masses were reported to lack encapsulation or contain focal infiltration. Further follow-up of tentative or identified cases is necessary to better understand this schwannoma.

Incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of acute kidney injury following transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective first-line therapy for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acute renal injury may be induced after transarterial chemoembolization because of iodinated radiocontrast medium, but its incidence, risk factors, and prognosis remain unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 166 HCC patients with a total of 316 TACE treatments. The incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) were examined.

RESULTS

The incidence of post-TACE AKI was 21.84% (69/316) according to Barrett and Parfrey criteria, whereas 7.59% (24/316) according to acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum total bilirubin (TB) (>13.5 μmol/L; odds ratio [OR]: 1.871 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044-3.352; P = 0.035) and hemoglobin (HGB) level (<120 g/L; OR: 1.823, 95% CI: 1.019-3.264; P = 0.043) were associated with the development of AKI after TACE procedure in accordance to Barrett and Parfrey criteria. Meanwhile, age (>55 years; OR: 3.456, 95% CI: 1.107-10.790; P = 0.033), post-TACE AKI history (OR: 7.108, 95% CI: 1.387-36.434, P = 0.019), and serum aminotransferase level (>55 U/L; OR: 4.420, 95% CI: 1.792-10.906; P = 0.001) were associated with the development of AKI after TACE procedure in accordance to AKIN criteria. Total hospitalization cost was significantly higher (P = 0.034) in the patients with AKI after TACE procedure according to Barrett and Parfrey criteria. A post-TACE AKI diagnosis was associated with mortality in any definition used (P = 0.034 and P = 0.001 for Barrett and Parfrey and AKIN criteria, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that the incidence of post-TACE AKI was high in HCC patients (i.e., 7.59-21.84%) depending on criteria used. HGB (<120 g/L), serum TB (>13.5), and aminotransferase level (>55 U/L), age (>55 years) and post-TACE AKI history may be predictors of post-TACE AKI in HCC patients. The development of post-TACE AKI was associated with the risk of renal replacement treatment, prolonged renal insufficiency, or mortality according to AKIN criteria.

Characterization and source identification of sub-micron particles at the HKUST Supersite in Hong Kong

Particle size distribution measurements were conducted continuously at a 30-second interval using the Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS) in August, September, November and December of 2011 at a coastal background site in Hong Kong. Concurrent measurements of CO, NOx, O3, SO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were used to determine the causes of high particle number concentration (PNC) events. In all sampling months, PNC were usually higher in the evening, likely resulting from the arrival of upwind air pollutants as wind direction changed in the late afternoon. On the more polluted days, the PNC were usually higher around noon, particularly in August, similar to the diurnal trend of O3. The mode diameter at noon was smaller than in other time periods in all sampling months, further highlighting the role of secondary formation at this urban background site. A prolonged period of pollution episode occurred in late August. High PNC resulted from the arrival of pollution laden air from the PRD region or super regions. In December, new particle formation followed by subsequent growth accounted for most of the polluted days. Overall, meteorology was the most important parameter affecting particle concentrations and formation at this Hong Kong background site.

Effect of dietary creatine monohydrate supplementation on muscle lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of transported broilers in summer

This experiment was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CMH) during the finishing period on the muscle lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of broilers that experienced transport stress in summer. A total of 320 male Arbor Acres broilers (28 d in age) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments including a basal control diet without additional CMH (160 birds), or with 600 (80 birds) or 1,200 mg/kg (80 birds) CMH for 14 d. On the morning of d 42, after an 8-h fast, the birds fed the basal diets were divided into 2 equal groups, and all birds in the 4 groups of 80 birds were transported according to the following protocols: 1) a 0.75-h transport of birds on basal diets (as a lower-stress control group), 2) a 3-h transport of birds on basal diets, 3) a 3-h transport of birds on 600 or 4) 1,200 mg/kg CMH supplementation diets. The results showed that the 3-h transport decreased the concentration of creatine (Cr) in both the pectoralis major (PM) and the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, increased the concentration of phosphocreatine (PCr) and PCr/Cr ratio in PM muscle, and elevated the concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and the activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in both the PM and TA muscles of birds (P < 0.05). In addition, transport also upregulated mRNA expression of avian uncoupling protein and heat shock protein 70 in both the PM and TA muscles, as well as avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α in the TA muscle (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 1,200 mg/kg CMH increased the concentrations of Cr and PCr in PM muscle, and Cr in TA muscle than those in the 3-h transport group (P < 0.05). However, contrary to our hypothesis, dietary CMH did not alter the measured parameters in relation to muscle lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity affected by 3-h transport (P > 0.05). These results indicate that dietary CMH supplementation does not provide any significant protection via directly scavenging free radicals or increased antioxidant capacity of transported broilers.

Dasatinib suppresses invasion and induces apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Dasatinib, an orally available tyrosine kinas inhibitor (TKI), potently inhibits SRC which was found to activate RTKs that induce trastuzumab de novo and acquired resistance. To evaluate the potential of Dasatinib in the treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, we used a variety of assays to measure its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. This work aimed to test the antitumor effects of the inhibitor in vitro to determine whether in vivo analyses were warranted. Cell growth rate and 50% inhibitory concentration was calculated by MTT assay. Dasatinib-induced apoptotic cells were investigated by Annexin V/PI staining. Proteins from cell extracts were analyzed by Western blot. Cell motility was investigated by Transwell. Our study showed that Dasatinib significantly inhibited CNE2 proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. Phospho-AKT, phospho-MEK, phospho-ERK expression was significantly reduced when treated with dasatinib which means the downregulated RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathway activity. Dasatinib significantly inhibited the motility of CNE2 as well as Phospho-FAK expression. Dasatinib exhibit antitumor effects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways activity and FAK phosphorylation. This suggests that dasatinib would have therapeutic activity against NPC.

Association of CD14 C159T polymorphism with atopic asthma susceptibility in children from Southeastern China: a case-control study

CD14 is involved in primary immune and inflammatory responses. The -159 C/T variation in the CD14 gene plays an important role in regulating CD14 expression and has been associated with the susceptibility to various diseases, including allergies. In this study, we examined the association between the C-159T polymorphism and atopic asthma susceptibility in children from Southeastern China. The study population included 746 unrelated children of Chinese Han nationality (362 patients with atopic asthma and 384 healthy controls). CD14 gene polymorphisms were identified by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in human serum samples were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Individuals carrying the TT genotypes for rs2569190 were significantly associated with an increased risk of atopic asthma compared with those carrying the wild-type homozygous CC genotypes [adjusted odds ratio (OR) by gender and age, from 1.075-2.398, P = 0.025]. Total serum IgE levels in TT genotype carriers were significantly higher than those in CC genotype carriers in atopic asthma patients (286.3 ± 161.5 IU/mL vs 248.3 ± 147.8 IU/mL). Our data suggest that the CD14 TT genotype may be a genetic susceptibility marker for atopic asthma in Chinese Han children.

Cognitive impairment in Chinese neuromyelitis optica

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction is frequently seen in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, the features and influencing factors of cognitive impairment of Chinese NMO patients are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the patterns of cognitive impairment in Chinese NMO patients, and correlate the neuropsychiatric scores with clinical and MRI parameters.

METHODS

Thirty-six Chinese NMO patients, and 30 sex and age-matched healthy controls were recruited with extensive neuropsychological assessments, using the modified Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS). The demographic and clinical characteristics as well as MRI parameters were compared between cognitively impaired (CI) and cognitively preserved (CP) patients.

RESULTS

NMO patients were significantly impaired in the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (P<0.05), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (P<0.001), the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (P<0.05), the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (P<0.05) and semantic fluency (P<0.001). Only lower education level was associated with cognitive dysfunction in NMO (odds ratio: 0.57, P<0.05). There were no significant differences of MRI parameters regarding white matter (WM) lesions, grey matter and WM brain volume between CI and CP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese NMO patients particularly demonstrated cognitive impairment in information processing speed, executive function and memory. Lower education level was the main factor contributing to cognitive impairment in NMO.

Atomic scale investigation of non-equilibrium segregation of boron in a quenched Mo-free martensitic steel

B-added low carbon steels exhibit excellent hardenability. The reason has been frequently attributed to B segregation at prior austenite grain boundaries, which prevents the austenite to ferrite transformation and favors the formation of martensite. The segregation behavior of B at prior austenite grain boundaries is strongly influenced by processing conditions such as austenitization temperatures and cooling rates and by alloying elements such as Mo, Cr, and Nb. Here an local electrode atom probe was employed to investigate the segregation behavior of B and other alloying elements (C, Mn, Si, and Cr) in a Cr-added Mo-free martensitic steel. Similar to our previous results on a Mo-added steel, we found that in both steels B is segregated at prior austenite grain boundaries with similar excess values, whereas B is neither detected in the martensitic matrix nor at martensite-martensite boundaries at the given cooling rate of 30K/s. These results are in agreement with the literature reporting that Cr has the same effect on hardenability of steels as Mo in the case of high cooling rates. The absence of B at martensite-martensite boundaries suggests that B segregates to prior austenite grain boundaries via a non-equilibrium mechanism. Segregation of C at all boundaries such as prior austenite grain boundaries and martensite-martensite boundaries may occur by an equilibrium mechanism.

Local Breast Cancer Recurrence after Mastectomy and Breast-Conserving Surgery for Paget's Disease: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Paget's disease (PD) of the breast is a rare presentation of breast malignancy. Mastectomy has been considered the standard of care, but several studies have shown that breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with radiotherapy is an alternative option. According to the literature, the total recurrence rate is as high as 20-40%. In an effort to enable a rational therapy decision, we compiled and analyzed the available data on PD.

METHODS

Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, and China Journal Net were searched for studies concerning treatment for PD between 1990 and 2013. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the effect of different treatments.

RESULTS

7 studies with a total of 685 patients were included. The cumulative local recurrence rate was 7.6%, 5.6% among women undergoing mastectomy and 13.2% among those treated with BCS. Compared to the BCS group, mastectomy showed significant differences in terms of local recurrence (odds ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.69; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Since not all currently available diagnostic and therapeutic options (magnetic resonance imaging, radiotherapy, tamoxifen) were systematically used in the studies included in this meta-analysis, it may be presumptuous to suggest that mastectomy is the right choice for all patients with PD in a modern interdisciplinary setting. Rather we can conclude that all efforts should be undertaken to assure local control since BCS is not equivalent to mastectomy in the treatment of PD.

Effects of dietary supplementation with ferulic Acid or vitamin e individually or in combination on meat quality and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E (VE), ferulic acid (FA) and their combination supplementation on meat quality and antioxidant capacities of finishing pigs. Sixty barrows were randomly allocated to four experimental diets using a 2×2 factorial arrangement with 2 VE supplemental levels (0 or 400 mg/kg) and 2 FA supplemental levels (0 or 100 mg/kg) in basal diets. After 28 days, six pigs per treatment were slaughtered. The results showed that VE supplementation increased loin eye area of pigs (p<0.05) and FA supplementation increased pH_45min value (p<0.05). The interaction of FA×VE was observed in shear force of longissimus dorsi muscle (p<0.05). Moreover, supplementation with VE decreased hepatic and sarcous malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased hepatic glutathione (GSH) content and sarcous glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p<0.05). Additionally, supplementation with FA increased hepatic GSH-Px activity and decreased sarcous MDA content (p<0.05). However, dietary treatment did not affect the expression of genes related to nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) pathway. These results suggest that dietary FA and VE could partially improve meat quality and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs, but not by activating NFE2L2 pathway under the normal conditions of farming.

Multivariate analysis of molecular markers in peripheral blood associated with recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Invasion, metastasis, and recurrence are the most common causes of death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are therefore critical factors for both therapy and prognosis. Current methods for diagnosis of HCC rely mainly on serological markers such as alpha-fetoprotein and liver enzymes, together with physical assessment and imaging techniques. The availability of more accurate serum markers may facilitate screening and early diagnosis, which will improve prognosis. This retrospective cohort analysis included 50 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and single or multifocal HCC and 40 control subjects with no liver disease or risk factors for viral hepatitis. Expression of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7), osteopontin (OPN), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum levels of EGFL7, OPN, and PGE2 in the HCC group were 132.11 pg/mL, 11.77 ng/mL, and 179.37 pg/mL, respectively, which were all significantly higher than the levels in the control group (23.03 pg/mL, 2.31 ng/mL, and 47.36 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum levels of EGFL7, OPN, and PGE2 levels may thus be useful for screening and surveillance of HCC among high-risk populations, and have the potential to improve prognosis of these patients.

Evaluation of concentrations of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of hemifacial spasm: a randomized double-blind crossover trial

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two concentrations of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for the treatment of hemifacial spasm. We randomly divided 20 patients with hemifacial spasm into high- and low-concentration groups; they were administered 50 and 25 U/mL BTX-A injection, respectively. Further, we compared the curative effects and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups. Our results showed that both the concentrations of BTX-A were effective and no significant difference was observed in the onset time and therapeutic efficacy between the two groups; however, the duration of efficacy was longer in the high-concentration group than in the low-concentration group. Patients in both groups had no allergic reactions and systemic toxic reactions, but those in the high-concentration group had more serious adverse reactions and they lasted for longer durations. The adverse reactions in the two groups were not specifically treated, and they resolved in a relatively short time. In conclusion, local injection of BTX-A was effective in treating hemifacial spasm and each concentration of BTX-A had advantages and disadvantages, which indicated that the concentration of BTX-A can be selected according to the clinical characteristics and willingness of the patients.

Construction of the mammalian expressing vector pEGFP-N1-P53 and its expression successful in chicken fibroblast cells and blastoderm

The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) pEGFP-N1-P53 eukaryotic expression vector, which contains the human tumor suppressor p53, was constructed and transfected into chicken fibroblast cells and stage-X blastoderm to analyze the transfection efficiency. The complementary DNA of the human p53 gene was cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from human peripheral blood and inserted into the pEGFP-N1 vector by HindIII and BamHI double digestion. The pEGFP-N1-P53 vector was transfected into chicken embryo fibroblasts by Lipofectamine 2000 liposomes, and the transfection efficiency was analyzed by fluorescence microscope after 36 h of transfection. The stage-X blastoderm was also transfected by blastoderm injection using Lipofectamine 2000 liposomes at room temperature after 12-24 h; then hatching occurred until seventh day, and the transfection efficiency was analyzed by fluorescence microscope in the dead embryo. A total of 90 hatching eggs were transfected by the pEGFP-N1-P53 vector, and 20 chicken embryos expressed the reporter gene, which indicated that recombinant pEGFP-N1-P53 could be transfected and expressed in stage-X blastoderm by liposomes. Chicken embryo fibroblasts were transfected and expressed the reporter gene. The pEGFP-N1-P53 vector was constructed successfully and could be transfected and expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts and stage-X blastoderms efficiently.

Proteomic analysis identifies differentially expressed proteins participating in forming Type III brush hair in Yangtze River Delta white goat

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a goat breed that can produce high quality brush hair (Type III hair) around the world. This study aimed to compare Type III hair and non-Type III hair goat skin tissues using differentially expressed proteins based on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis technology. The differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed using the PDquest 8.0 software. Ten protein spots were detected as positive for mass spectrometric analysis based on a threshold of 2-fold change. Through matching based on Ultraflex III TOF/TOF and MASCOT database, four differentially expressed proteins were identified. Fibrinogen beta chain isoform 1 and ATP synthase beta subunit were upregulated in Type III hair, while succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme A transferase 1-mitochondrial-like and actin-cytoplasmic 1 were upregulated in non-Type III hair. The 4 proteins play important roles in different aspects of hair follicle development. These findings could pave a good foundation for explaining the mechanism of forming Type III hair.