Novel Binder with Cross-Linking Reconfiguration Functionality for Silicon Anodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Silicon is expected to be used as a high theoretical capacity anode material in lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities. However, the huge volume change incurred when silicon de-embeds lithium ions, leading to destruction of the electrode structure and a rapid reduction in battery capacity. Although binders play a key role in maintaining the stability of the electrode structure, commonly used binders cannot withstand the large volume expansion of the silicon. To alleviate this problem, we propose a PGC cross-linking reconfiguration binder based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), gelatin (GN), and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Within PGC, PAA supports the main chain and provides a large number of carboxyl groups (-COOH), GN provides rich carboxyl and amide groups that can form a cross-linking network with PAA, and β-CD offers rich hydroxyl groups and a cone-shaped hollow ring structure that can alleviate stress accumulation in the polymer chain by forming a new dynamic cross-linking coordination conformation during stretching. In the half cell, the silicon negative prepared by the PGC binder exhibited a high specific capacity and capacity maintenance ratio, and the specific capacity of the silicon negative electrode prepared by the PGC binder is still 1809 mAh g-1 and the capacity maintenance ratio is 73.76% following 200 cycles at 2 A g-1 current density, indicating that PGC sufficiently maintains the silicon negative structure during the battery cycle. The PGC binder has a simple preparation method and good capacity retention ability, making it a potential reference for the further development of silicon negative electrodes.

Simple Designed Micro-Nano Si-Graphite Hybrids for Lithium Storage

Up to now, the silicon-graphite anode materials with commercial prospect for lithium batteries (LIBs) still face three dilemmas of the huge volume effect, the poor interface compatibility, and the high resistance. To address the above challenges, micro-nano structured composites of graphite coating by ZnO-incorporated and carbon-coated silicon (marked as Gr@ZnO-Si-C) are reasonably synthesized via an efficient and convenient method of liquid phase self-assembly synthesis combined with annealing treatment. The designed composites of Gr@ZnO-Si-C deliver excellent lithium battery performance with good rate performance and stable long-cycling life of 1000 cycles with reversible capacities of 1150 and 780 mAh g^-1 tested at 600 and 1200 mA g^-1 , respectively. The obtained results reveal that the incorporated ZnO effectively improve the interface compatibility between electrolyte and active materials, and boost the formation of compact and stable surface solid electrolyte interphase layer for electrodes. Furthermore, the pyrolytic carbon layer formed from polyacrylamide can directly improve electrical conductivity, decrease polarization, and thus promote their electrochemical performance. Finally, based on the scalable preparation of Gr@ZnO-Si-C composites, the pouch full cells of Gr@ZnO-Si-C||NCM523 are assembled and used to evaluate the commercial prospects of Si-graphite composites, offering highly useful information for researchers working in the battery industry.

Texture analysis of multi-phase MRI images to detect expression of Ki67 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To determine whether texture analysis of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images could be used to detect Ki67 expression, a widely used cell proliferation marker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 83 patients were included, 25 with low Ki67 (Ki67 ≤10%) HCC expression and 58 with high Ki67 (Ki67 ≥10%) HCC expression as demonstrated by retrospective surgical evaluation. All patients were examined using a 3 T MRI unit with one standard protocol. The region of interest was drawn manually by one radiologist. Texture analysis included histogram, co-occurrence matrix, run-length matrix, gradient, auto-regressive model, and wavelet transform features as calculated by MaZda (version 4.6; quantitative texture analysis software). The features reduced by the Fisher, probability of classification error, and average correlation coefficient (POE+ACC), mutual information were used to select the features that predicted Ki67 proliferation status with highest accuracy and then using the B11 program for data analysis and classification.

RESULTS

The misclassification rate of the principal component analysis (PCA) in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), arterial phase (AP), and portal vein phase (PVP) was 36/83 (43.37%), 35/82 (42.68%), 40/83 (48.19%), and 34/83 (40.96%), respectively. The misclassification of the linear discriminant analysis in HBP, T2WI, AP, and PVP phase was 13/83 (15.66%), 21/82 (25.61%), 9/83 (10.84%), and 8/83 (9.64%), respectively. The misclassification of the nonlinear discriminant analysis in HBP, T2WI, AP, and PVP phase was 7/83 (8.43%), 6/82 (7.32%), 5/83 (6.02%), and 7/83 (8.43%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Texture analysis of HBP, AP, and PVP were helpful for predicting Ki67 expression and may provide a less-invasive method to investigate critical histopathology markers for HCC.

Effects of aging, baseline renal function and stage of HIV infection on post-treatment changes in renal function among HIV-infected patients: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) increases clinical uncertainty about changes in renal function. Specifically, little is known regarding the interaction of the effects of aging, baseline renal impairment, and stages of HIV infection on post-treatment changes in renal function.

METHODS

This analysis included 5533 HIV-infected patients on cART in 2004-2016. Progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as either two consecutive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurements < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (mild renal impairment or normal renal function) or a 25% decline for baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (moderate renal impairment).

RESULTS

During follow-up (median 4.8 years), 130 (2.3%) of the patients progressed to CKD. A total of 20.1% of patients with baseline normal renal function progressed to mild renal impairment, while 74.0% of patients with baseline mild or moderate renal impairment improved to normal renal function. In multivariable analysis, a significant positive baseline-eGFR-by-World Health Organization (WHO)-stage interaction effect on progression to CKD in all patients was identified, indicating a cross-over effect from a reduced risk to an increased risk. A significant negative baseline-age-by-WHO-stage interaction effect on progression to mild renal impairment in patients with baseline normal renal function was identified, with adjusted hazard ratios progressively lower at older ages. In addition, there were significant associations with older age, lower baseline eGFR, Dai ethnic minority, and anaemia for both outcomes, hyperglycaemia for CKD only, and higher CD4 count, tenofovir and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir use for mild renal impairment only.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a complex pattern of renal function dynamics in patients on cART, which requires precise management with systematic monitoring of the interaction of the effects of sociodemographic, nephrological and HIV-specific clinical characteristics.

Small hepatocellular carcinoma: using MRI to predict histological grade and Ki-67 expression

AIMS

To investigate the predictive indicators of small aggressive hepatocellular carcinomas by examining the association between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and Ki-67 expression and histological grade.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with small hepatocellular carcinomas (tumour diameter: ≤3 cm, tumour numbers: ≤2) who underwent curative resection or biopsy after contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI were evaluated retrospectively. Signal intensity (SI) of the whole lesion and erector spinae muscle was measured quantitatively. Tumour-to-muscle SI ratio was calculated. The association between these MRI parameters and histological grade and Ki-67 level was then investigated.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between tumour-to-muscle SI ratio and histological grade in tissues captured during the non-enhanced T1-weighted (p=0.001), arterial phase (p=0.001), and portal venous phase (p=0.036) of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (p=0.027). Arterial inhomogeneous enhancement was also correlated with high-Ki-67 expression (p=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative MRI may serve as a non-invasive tool for prediction of small, aggressive hepatocellular carcinomas, which may otherwise be treated conservatively.

Characteristics of miliary tuberculosis in pregnant women after in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical characteristics of miliary tuberculosis (TB) in pregnant women after in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Six pregnant women with miliary TB after IVF-ET between October 2010 and July 2015 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

The patients were aged between 29 and 39 years. Fever, cough and dyspnoea were the main symptoms, and started during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were increased. White blood cell count was normal or slightly increased. Tuberculin purified protein derivative and acid-fast smear of sputum tests were negative. T-SPOT^®.TB was performed in two cases and the results were positive. Chest computed tomography showed typical miliary nodules. One patient had tuberculous meningitis. Although all patients were cured, the foetuses died.

CONCLUSIONS

The principal symptoms of miliary TB in pregnant women after IVF-ET were fever and dyspnoea. Physicians should consider the occurrence of miliary TB, particularly in the case of fever of long duration, respiratory symptoms and no response to antibiotic treatment.

[Efficacy of endoscopic approach to reconstruct the medial orbital fracture with perpendicular plate of ethmoid]

Objective:To study the efficacy of endoscopic sinus approach in the repair of medial orbital fracture with perpendicular plate of ethmoid.Method:Retrospective chart was reviewed in 10 cases receiving endoscopic approach to reconstruct the medial orbital fracture with perpendicular plate of ethmoid.We observed the improvement of the symptom such as diplopia, eye movement,and enophthalmos of the preoperative and postoperative.Result:After postoperative follow-up of 4 months to 23 months, all the patients had no graft loss or displacement, infection and other complications, and except for 1 patient with mild diplopia, other patients recovered completely, including eye movement disorder, diplopia,and enophthalmos.Conclusion:Endoscopic approach is a safe and effective treatment in the repair of medial orbital fracture with perpendicular plate of ethmoid.

Efficacy and safety of pramipexole extended-release in Parkinson's disease: a review based on meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pramipexole extended-release (pramipexole ER) versus pramipexole immediate-release (pramipexole IR) or placebo in Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

We performed a systematic online search for clinical trials for pramipexole ER treatment up to 1 August 2016. We assessed differences in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, percentage of 'on' time or 'off' time, withdrawals, adverse events (AEs) and life quality between pramipexole ER and pramipexole IR or placebo. Data analyses were performed by the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials were included. Compared with placebo, pramipexole ER achieved a significant improvement in the UPDRS Part II + III score [weighted mean difference, -4.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), -6.40 to -3.23], whereas no significant difference was found in the UPDRS Part III + III score between pramipexole ER and pramipexole IR groups (weighted mean difference, -0.26; 95% CI, -1.15 to 0.64). No differences were found in total AEs (relative risk, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.03), drug-related AEs (relative risk, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.03) or the commonly reported AEs between pramipexole ER and pramipexole IR.

CONCLUSIONS

Pramipexole ER is as safe and effective as pramipexole IR in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

More improvement than progression of liver fibrosis following antiretroviral therapy in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients with or without HBV and HCV co-infections

We examined the effect of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on liver fibrosis among HIV-infected patients with or without hepatitis B (HBV) or C virus (HCV) co-infection. This was a retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients receiving cART during 2004-2016. Liver fibrosis was assessed using Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score with three classifications: Class 1, <1.45; Class 2, 1.45-3.25; Class 3, >3.25. Of 3900 participants, 68.6% were HIV mono-infected, 5.3% were HIV/HBV co-infected, 23.8% were HIV/HCV co-infected and 2.3% were HIV/HBV/HCV co-infected. Participants received follow-up treatment (median was 3.3 years). Improvement to a lower class was observed in Class 2 (52.6%) and Class 3 (74.2%), respectively. Progression to a higher class was observed in 12.8% and 5.0% in Class 1 and Class 2, respectively, and with a median time of 5.7 months. For improvement to lower classes, older age, male, Dai ethnicity, injection drug use, HCV co-infection and tenofovir for treatment were negative predictors, but in Class 3 of FIB-4 and time-updated increases in CD4 count from baseline were positive predictors. For progression to higher classes, older age, male, Jingpo ethnicity and HCV co-infection were positive predictors, while baseline CD4 count and in Class 2 of FIB-4 were negative predictors. Improvement to lower class linked with decreased mortality risk among patients in Class 3. Early cART initiation for HIV-infected patients with and without hepatitis co-infections may mitigate or slow down some of liver fibrosis, but special attention should be given to those who are older, male, co-infected with HCV.

Abstract P5-11-11: A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA)

Background: Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) may lead to significant psychosocial and quality of life issues. Currently there are no FDA approved oral or topical agents available to prevent CIA. In murine studies, topical calcitriol reduced CIA, due to arrest of cell cycle in healthy hair follicles, and reduction in the sensitivity of follicular epithelium to chemotherapy.

Methods: A prospective dose escalation study is being performed in up to 31 women with breast cancer, gynecologic cancer and sarcomas. Each patient is applying 1mL of BPM31543 to her scalp bid, ≥ 5 days prior to initiation of taxane-based chemotherapy for at least 3 months or until the completion of chemotherapy. The study cohorts are: 5/10/20/40/60/80μg/mL. The first 5 cohorts are completely enrolled and the final cohort is currently being enrolled. Each patient undergoes pk analysis, adverse event (AE) monitoring, patient self-assessment diaries (1-10 scale), and blinded photographic assessments. Efficacy and pK data are still being collected and analyzed for the patients on study, but will be available by December.

Results: Twenty-four subjects have been enrolled so far (evaluable at this time, n = 13). Pk data (n = 16; 5-40μg/mL) showed inter-individual variability, but no significant dose-dependent increase in systemic absorption (range, &lt; 20-110 pg/mL). Treatment-related AEs (probably/possibly) were mild/moderate in nature and included scalp pain (n = 1; 5 μg/mL), elevated vitamin D levels in 1 patient (20μg/mL) and passage of renal calculus in another (n = 1; 40μg/mL). All subjects reported changes in overall hair fullness, thickness, and volume of hair during chemotherapy. At the 5/10 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was reported in 85% of patients. At the ≥ 20 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was seen only in 43% of patients. Hair loss/ thinning caused all subjects to change their hair style (onset, week 2; peak, weeks 5-6).

Conclusions: Data have shown that the twice daily application of BPM31543 in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy was safe and well-tolerated. Efficacy data from the preliminary analysis was promising and led to the amendment of the study to evaluate two additional higher dose cohorts: 60 and 80 μg/ml.

Citation Format: Goldfarb SB, Konner J, Stevens J, Brouwer S, Narain NR, Ye R, Ravipaty S, Sarangarajan R, Akmaev VR, Jimenez JJ, Belum VR, 'Kitts S, Ciccolini K, Berman B, Lacouture ME. A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-11.

Stage-Specific Relationship between Frailty and Cognitive Impairment in a Specialist Memory Clinic Setting

BACKGROUND

It is unclear if the complex relationship between physical frailty and cognition varies across the severity of cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES

We therefore aimed to explore if there are stage-specific differences in the relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A specialist Memory Clinic setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) community-dwelling subjects.

MEASUREMENTS

We obtained data on demographics, multimorbidity, cognition-related measures, nutrition, neuroimaging measures, muscle mass, Vitamin D level, apolipoprotein - e (APOE) status and physical performance measures. Frailty measures of gait speed, hand grip strength, question on exhausation and weight loss, classified subjects according to the Buchmann criteria into non-frail and frail categories.

RESULTS

Forty-five MCI, 64 mild AD and 13 moderate AD subjects (total n=122) were studied. The prevalence of frailty for MCI, mild AD and moderate AD was 35.6%, 21.9% and 46.2% respectively, indicating a u-shaped trend. Significant differences were noted in fatigue, grip strength and gait speed frailty sub-items. Significant correlation of frailty with cognition were noted in mild-moderate AD (Spearman's coefficient 0.26, p<0.05) but not in MCI (0.01, p=0.6). No other differences in multimorbidity, Vitamin D, APOE, nutritional measures, white matter lesions were observed. Sarcopenia interestingly had an inverse stage-specific relationship unlike frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a U-shaped relationship between frailty and cognition, characterized by initial dissociation with cognitive impairment and subsequent convergence at later stages. Future studies incorporating immune markers and endocrine pathways with longitudinal follow-up could potentially elucidate intermediary mechanisms in the frailty cascade.

A meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of real-time PCR for diagnosing novel coronavirus infections

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) belongs to the Coronaviridae family, which includes the virus that causes SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. However, infection source, transmission route, and host of nCoV have not yet been thoroughly characterized. In some cases, nCoV presented a limited person-to-person transmission. Therefore, early diagnosis of nCoV may be of importance for reducing the spread of disease in public. Methods for nCoV diagnosis involve smear dyeing inspection, culture identification, and real-time PCR detection, all of which are proved highly effective. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of real-time PCR for diagnosing nCoV infection. Fifteen articles conformed to the inclusion and exclusion criteria for further meta-analysis on the basis of a wide range of publications searched from databases involving PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, ISI. We analyzed the stability and publication bias as well as examined the heterogeneity inspection of real-time PCR detection in contrast to smear staining and culture identification. The fixed-effect model was adopted in our meta-analysis. Our result demonstrated that the combination of real-time PCR and smear diagnostics yielded an odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.51-2.41, Z = 5.43, P < 0.05, while the combination of real-time PCR and culture identification yielded OR = 2.44, 95%CI = 1.77-3.37, Z = 5.41, P < 0.05. Therefore, we propose real-time PCR as an efficient method that offers an auxiliary support for future nCoV diagnosis.

Timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation after diagnosis of recent human immunodeficiency virus infection and CD4(+) T-cell recovery

We retrospectively examined the timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and CD4(+) T-cell recovery over 36 months among recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections using BED (HIV-1 subtypes B, E and D) immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). Regardless of baseline CD4(+) counts, individuals (n = 393) who initiated ART >2 months after diagnosis had significantly decreased probability and rate of achieving CD4(+) counts ≥900 cells/μL or ≥600 cells/μL than those individuals (n = 135) who started ART earlier (≤2 months). But the mean CD4(+) counts in two groups converged after 30 months of treatment. Early ART initiation leads to accelerated CD4(+) recovery, but does not offer a long-term advantage in CD4(+) counts.

Impact of renin-angiotensin system-targeting antihypertensive drugs on treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The impacts of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-targeting antihypertensive drugs on Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the precise value of RAS-targeting antihypertensive drugs in terms of attenuating incidence of AD and slowing down cognitive decline in patients with AD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect and CBM (China Biology Medicine Disc) before September 2014. Studies analysing incidence of AD and cognitive changes in AD patients with RAS-targeting antihypertensive drugs were identified. The principal outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) for incidence of AD and standardised mean difference (SMD) for cognitive changes in AD patients. Pooled data were calculated using fixed or random effects models according to the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, 12 studies involving 896,410 participants met our inclusion criteria. RAS-targeting antihypertensive drugs were significantly associated with a reduced incidence rate of AD (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92, p = 0.001). In subgroup analysis, both angiotensin renin blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were shown to effectively decrease the incidence rate of AD. In the analysis of cognitive changes, a slower rate of cognitive decline was observed in AD patients with RAS-targeting antihypertensive drug (SMD 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.50, p = 0.004), when randomised trials and observational trials were combined. However, analysis of randomised trials alone did not show the same result (SMD 0.20, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.50, p = 0.182).

CONCLUSIONS

Renin-angiotensin system-targeting antihypertensive drugs may be a potential treatment for reducing the incidence and progression of AD. Further studies on RAS-targeting antihypertensive drugs, especially large randomised clinical trials, should be conducted in the future.

Highly efficient one-step PCR-based mutagenesis technique for large plasmids using high-fidelity DNA polymerase

Gene mutation plays an important role in molecular biological studies. A highly efficient one-step polymerase chain reaction-based mutagenesis technique for site-directed mutagenesis was developed in this study. One complementary pair of primers was designed that contained the desired mutations in the middle of the primers. The amplification products of mutation were amplified using a high-fidelity DNA polymerase and the original plasmid templates were digested by DpnI. This method was successfully used to introduce mutations in two different-sized plasmids (12 and 6 kb) with high efficiency. The results indicate that this technique can be widely used to introduce any plasmid mutations quickly and efficiently.

iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling of the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) gonad exposed to BDE-47

A recent study demonstrated that 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) may have an adverse effect on the reproduction in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the protein expression profiles of male and female gonads of O. melastigma exposed to dietary BDE-47 at two dosages (0.65 and 1.30 μg/g/day, respectively) for 21 days. Extracted proteins were labeled with iTRAQ and analyzed on a MALDI TOF/TOF analyzer, as results, 133 and 144 unique proteins were identified in testis and ovary, respective, and they exerted dose- and sex-dependent expression patterns. In testis, among the 42 differentially expressed proteins; down-regulation of histone variants and parvalbumins implicated BDE-47 may disrupt the spermatogenesis and induce sterility in fishes. In ovary, 38 proteins were differentially expressed; the elevation of vitellogenins and apolipoprotein A-I expression indicated BDE-47 acts as an estrogen-mimicking compound and led to reproductive impairment in O. melastigma.

Quantitative trait loci mapping and gene network analysis implicate protocadherin-15 as a determinant of brain serotonin transporter expression

Presynaptic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporters (SERT) regulate 5-HT signaling via antidepressant-sensitive clearance of released neurotransmitter. Polymorphisms in the human SERT gene (SLC6A4) have been linked to risk for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism. Using BXD recombinant inbred mice, a genetic reference population that can support the discovery of novel determinants of complex traits, merging collective trait assessments with bioinformatics approaches, we examine phenotypic and molecular networks associated with SERT gene and protein expression. Correlational analyses revealed a network of genes that significantly associated with SERT mRNA levels. We quantified SERT protein expression levels and identified region- and gender-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs), one of which associated with male midbrain SERT protein expression, centered on the protocadherin-15 gene (Pcdh15), overlapped with a QTL for midbrain 5-HT levels. Pcdh15 was also the only QTL-associated gene whose midbrain mRNA expression significantly associated with both SERT protein and 5-HT traits, suggesting an unrecognized role of the cell adhesion protein in the development or function of 5-HT neurons. To test this hypothesis, we assessed SERT protein and 5-HT traits in the Pcdh15 functional null line (Pcdh15(av-) (3J) ), studies that revealed a strong, negative influence of Pcdh15 on these phenotypes. Together, our findings illustrate the power of multidimensional profiling of recombinant inbred lines in the analysis of molecular networks that support synaptic signaling, and that, as in the case of Pcdh15, can reveal novel relationships that may underlie risk for mental illness.

Caesarean delivery, caesarean delivery on maternal request and childhood overweight: a Chinese birth cohort study of 181 380 children

What is already known about this subject Both rates of caesarean section and childhood overweight have been steadily increasing over the past decade in many parts of the world. Caesarean delivery on maternal request contributes remarkably to the rising trend of caesarean births. A few small-scale studies suggest that caesarean section may be associated with later overweight and obesity, whereas little is known about the impact of caesarean delivery on maternal request. What this study adds Caesarean section is associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight. Children born by caesarean delivery on maternal request are also more likely to be overweight. The strength of the caesarean-overweight association is modest.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of caesarean delivery including non-medically indicated maternal request caesarean delivery on childhood overweight.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective investigation of a Chinese birth cohort involving 181 380 children, who were born during 1993-1996 to mothers registered in a perinatal care surveillance system and whose weight and height were measured in 2000. Information on delivery mode and covariates was obtained from the surveillance system. Overweight was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force body mass index (BMI) cutoffs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios. Stratified analyses were done to test whether the association between caesarean section and overweight persisted across subgroups.

RESULTS

The adjusted odds ratio of overweight for children born by caesarean compared with vaginal delivery was 1.13 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.08, 1.18]. The association persisted in subgroups stratified by gender, maternal education, maternal BMI, weight gain during pregnancy and child birthweight (all P values for interaction test ≥0.30). The adjusted odds ratio of overweight for children born by non-medically indicated caesarean delivery compared with vaginal delivery was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.41).

CONCLUSION

Caesarean delivery including non-medically indicated maternal request caesarean delivery compared with vaginal delivery modestly increases childhood overweight risk.

Evaluation of heritable determinants of blood and brain serotonin homeostasis using recombinant inbred mice

The biogenic amine serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) exerts powerful, modulatory control over multiple physiological functions in the brain and periphery, ranging from mood and appetite to vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal motility. In order to gain insight into shared and distinct molecular and phenotypic networks linked to variations in 5-HT homeostasis, we capitalized on the stable genetic variation present in recombinant inbred mouse strains. This family of strains, all derived from crosses between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J (BXD) parents, represents a unique, community resource with approximately 40 years of assembled phenotype data that can be exploited to explore and test causal relationships in silico. We determined levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid from whole blood, midbrain and thalamus/hypothalamus (diencephalon) of 38 BXD lines and both sexes. All 5-HT measures proved highly heritable in each region, although both gender and region significantly impacted between-strain correlations. Our studies identified both expected and novel biochemical, anatomical and behavioral phenotypes linked to 5-HT traits, as well as distinct quantitative trait loci. Analyses of these loci nominate a group of genes likely to contribute to gender- and region-specific capacities for 5-HT signaling. Analysis of midbrain mRNA variations across strains revealed overlapping gene expression networks linked to 5-HT synthesis and metabolism. Altogether, our studies provide a rich profile of genomic, molecular and phenotypic networks that can be queried for novel relationships contributing risk for disorders linked to perturbed 5-HT signaling.

Apparent diffusion coefficient values of necrotic and solid portion of lymph nodes: differential diagnostic value in cervical lymphadenopathy

AIM

To evaluate whether the analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the necrotic and solid portions of lymph nodes aids differentiation between the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with cervical lymph node metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 19 patients with lymphoma, and 23 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The ADC values of necrotic and solid portions of lymph nodes were measured and compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to investigate whether ADC values could help to discriminate between the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy, and to obtain the optimal ADC threshold values.

RESULTS

The mean ADC values of the solid portions of metastatic nodes, lymphomatous nodes, and tuberculous nodes were (0.93±0.16)×10(-3)mm(2)/s, (0.64±0.13)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and (1.01±0.11)×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively (p<0.01). The mean ADC values of necrosis of metastatic and tuberculous nodes were (2.02±0.36)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and (1.25±0.15)×10(-3)mm(2)/s (p<0.01). By using the ADC value of the solid portion, the optimal ADC threshold values for distinguishing between metastasis and lymphoma, between metastasis and tuberculosis, and between lymphoma and tuberculosis were 0.77×10(-3), 0.98×10(-3) and 0.81×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, and the sensitivities and specificities were 83 and 89%, 70 and 68%, 93 and 100%, respectively. By using ADC values of necrosis, the optimal ADC threshold value for distinguishing between metastasis and tuberculosis was 1.59×10(-3)mm(2)/s, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The ADC values both of the necrotic and solid portions of the lymph nodes are useful in differentiation between the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy. The ADC value of necrosis is especially helpful in discriminating metastasis from tuberculosis.

Ginsenoside Rd attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and sequential apoptosis after transient focal ischemia

We previously found that ginsenoside Rd (Rd), one of the major active ingredients in Panax ginseng, protects neuronal cells from hydrogen peroxide and oxygen-glucose deprivation, an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia. In this study, we examined the protective effects of Rd in an animal model of focal cerebral ischemia. Rats administered with Rd or vehicle were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rd (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the infarct volume by 52.8%. This reduction of injury volume was associated with an improvement in neurological function and was sustained for at least 2 weeks after the induction of ischemia. To evaluate the underlying mechanisms of Rd against stroke, brain tissues were assayed for mitochondrial enzyme activities, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), energy metabolites, and apoptosis. Rd markedly protected mitochondria as indicated by preserved respiratory chain complex activities and aconitase activity, lowered mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production, and hyperpolarized MMP. Microdialysis results illustrated that Rd significantly decreased the accumulation of lactate, the end product of anaerobic glycolysis, and increased pyruvate, the end product of aerobic glycolysis, hence inducing a lower lactate/pyruvate ratio. Additionally, in vitro studies further exhibited that Rd protected isolated mitochondria from calcium-induced damage by attenuating mitochondrial swelling, preserving MMP and decreasing ROS production. Moreover, Rd treatment reduced mitochondrial release of cytochrome c (CytoC) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), thereby minimizing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis following ischemia. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that Rd exerts neuroprotective effects in transient focal ischemia, which may involve an integrated process of the mitochondrial protection, energy restoration and inhibition of apoptosis.

Caesarean delivery on maternal request and childhood psychopathology: a retrospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively examine the association between mode of delivery and childhood psychopathology.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Eighteen counties and three cities in China.

POPULATION

A total of 4190 preschool children whose mothers were registered in a perinatal surveillance programme were assessed with the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), an instrument to assess child emotional (internalising) and behavioural (externalising) problems.

METHODS

Differences in CBCL problem scores were analysed both quantitatively and categorically among children born by caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR), assisted vaginal delivery (AVD), and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The CBCL total, externalising, and internalising scores.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the mean scores of total (20.9, 23.0, and 25.0), externalising (7.6, 8.4, and 9.1), and internalising (4.7, 5.2, and 5.6) problems among children born by CDMR, SVD, and AVD, after adjusting for potential confounding factors (P = 0.007, 0.014, and 0.031). Children born by AVD were more likely than those born by SVD to have total (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.10-1.86), externalising (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.11-1.92), and internalising (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.08-1.84) scores in the highest quartile, whereas children born by CDMR were less likely to have externalising scores in the highest quartile (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42-0.97). Furthermore, there were significant increasing linear trends on all problem scores, and in the odds of being in the highest quartile, from children born by CDMR to those born by SVD and AVD.

CONCLUSION

The likelihood of childhood psychopathological problems may be the lowest in children born by CDMR, followed by those born by SVD, whereas the highest probability was observed in those born by AVD.

Essential role of the unfolded protein response regulator GRP78/BiP in protection from neuronal apoptosis

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with dysfunction in protein quality control. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key site for protein synthesis, senses stressful conditions by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we report the creation of a novel mouse model where GRP78/BiP, a major ER chaperone and master regulator of UPR, is specifically eliminated in the Purkinje cells (PCs). GRP78 depleted PCs activate UPR including induction of GRP94, PDI, CHOP and GADD34, feedback suppression of eIF2α phosphorylation and apoptotic cell death. In contrast to current models of protein misfolding where abnormal accumulation of ubiquitinated protein is prominent, cytosolic ubiquitin staining is dramatically reduced in GRP78 null PCs. Ultrastructural evaluation reveals that the ER shows prominent dilatation with focal accumulation of electron-dense material within the ER. The mice show retarded growth and severe motor coordination defect by week 5 and cerebellar atrophy by week 13. Our studies uncover a novel link between GRP78 depletion and reduction in cytosolic ubiquitination and establish a novel mouse model of accelerated cerebellar degeneration with basic and clinical applications.

Genetic polymorphism of toxicant-metabolizing enzymes and prognosis of Chinese workers with chronic benzene poisoning

Workers with chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) sometimes have a white blood cell count (WBC) below 4 x 10(9)/L even after cessation of workplace exposure to benzene for years. In order to explore this phenomenon, 120 workers with CBP were divided into two groups depending on the WBC, the mean diagnostic age of CBP, benzene exposure duration, and body mass index (BMI). The proportion of genotypes of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), glutathione-S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1), glutathione-S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NAD(P)H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were compared between workers with WBC <4 x 10(9)/L and those with WBC > or =4 x 10(9)/L. With methods of logistic regression, a risk model was set up to predict the prognosis of CBP workers. The results indicated that the BMI of workers with WBC <4 x 10(9)/L was lower than that of workers with WBC of > or =4 x 10(9)/L (21.40 +/- 2.76 versus 23.09 +/- 3.36, P = 0.01), and the logistic regression model suggested there was a 4.5-fold increased risk among workers carrying GSTT1 null genotype (95% CI= 1.13- 17.54) compared with workers with GSTT1 non-null genotype. Our findings suggest that benzene exposure duration, BMI, and GSTT1 genotype may impact prognosis of the CBP workers.

Association of preconceptional health care utilization and early initiation of prenatal care

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether women having preconceptional health care utilization were more likely to have early initiation of prenatal care than were women not having preconceptional health care utilization.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cohort study, data were collected prospectively from a population-based Perinatal Health Care Surveillance System in China. The analysis included 195 796 women who delivered single live births in 13 cities/counties during 1997 to 2000. Mantel-Haenszel test was employed to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between preconceptional health care utilization and early initiation of prenatal care after controlling for maternal residence, age at delivery, educational attainment, occupation, parity, preconceptional medical disorders, and high-risk medical experiences during the first trimester. SPSS 11.5 (SPSS Inc.) was employed for data analysis.

RESULTS

Women having preconceptional health care utilization were 2.6 times (95%CI: 2.5 to 2.6) more likely to have early initiation of prenatal care compared with women not having preconceptional health care utilization. When stratified by maternal residence, age at delivery, educational attainment, occupation, parity, preconceptional medical disorder, high-risk medical experiences during the first trimester, and preconceptional medical disorders, this association still existed. After controlling for stratification factors mentioned above and the interaction of maternal age, educational attainment, and parity, women having preconceptional health care utilization were 2.7 times (95%CI: 2.6 to 2.8) more likely to have early initiation of prenatal care than were women not having preconceptional health care utilization.

CONCLUSION

Women who had preconceptional health care utilization were more likely to have early prenatal care than were women not having preconceptional health care utilization.

Roles of the polypyrimidine tract and 3' noncoding region of hepatitis C virus RNA in the internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome contains a 3'noncoding region (3'NCR) consisting of a variable region, a polypyrimidine tract (polyU/UC) and the X region. To examine the roles of 3'NCR and polyU/UC tract in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation process, a variety of 3'NCRs containing different lengths of polyU/UC tract were obtained from HCV infected patients and cloned respectively to the downstream of the firefly luciferase coding gene linked to HCV 5'NCR and 30 nucleotides of core gene (containing IRES element). The results of in vitro translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) and cell transfection assay in mammalian cells showed that the IRES-mediated translation efficiency could be enhanced by the full-length of 3'NCR of HCV RNA. However, contradictory results were observed when the role of polyU/UC tract in the IRES-mediated translation was studied. While the IRES-mediated translation efficiency was inhibited by the presence of polyU/UC tract in in vitro translation experiments, transfection of these expression cassettes into hepatic cell line showed that polyU/UC tract enhanced IRES-mediated translation efficiency in vivo. Cellular-fraction complement experiments showed that cellular factors were required for the enhancement by the polyU/UC tract. Further antibody blocking assay and UV cross-linking assay suggested the correlation of IRES-mediated translation with host factors, including the La protein. The data above also indicated that the modulations of the IRES-mediated translation by the HCV 3'NCR and the polyU/UC tract were in a length-independent manner.

Loss of phospholipids asymmetry in red blood cells contributes to anemia in uremic patients

Anemia is common in dialysis patients. Change in phospholipids asymmetry in red blood cells (RBCs) may affect the removal of RBCs from the circulation and thus shorten the lifespan of RBCs. In the present study, we investigated phospholipids asymmetry in RBCs in uremic patients and its relationship with anemia. We studied 34 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (age: 51 +/- 15 years), 73 hemodialysis (HD) patients (age: 48 +/- 12 years), 8 pre-dialysis renal-failure patients (age: 42 +/- 21 years), and 16 healthy controls (age: 32 +/- 9 years). All patients were clinically stable. Phospholipids asymmetry as measured by phosphatidylserine exposure was determined by a flow-cytometric annexin V-binding assay. Hemoglobin levels were 93 +/- 20 g/L, 83 +/- 17 g/L, 78 +/- 21 g/L, and 145.8 +/- 12.5 g/L for CAPD patients, pre-dialysis patients, HD patients, and healthy controls respectively. Phosphatidylserine exposure in RBCs was significantly higher in uremic patients as compared with healthy controls, especially in HD patients--whose values were significantly higher than values seen in CAPD patients and pre-dialysis patients. No significant difference was seen in RBC phosphatidylserine exposure between pre-dialysis patients and CAPD patients. Cells positive for annexin V binding were 1.58%, 1.40%, 2.11%, and 0.71% for CAPD patients, pre-dialysis patients, HD patients, and healthy controls respectively. Significant reverse correlations were seen between annexin V and hemoglobin (r = -0.381, p < 0.001), and between annexin V and hematocrit (r = -0.355, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that (1) anemia is common in our uremic patients, especially in HD patients; and (2) anemia in uremic patients may be partly related to the loss of phospholipids asymmetry in RBCs.

Sequence analysis shows that ribgrass mosaic virus Shanghai isolate (RMV-Sh) is closely related to Youcai mosaic virus

The complete nucleotide sequence of an isolate of Ribgrass mosaic virus (RMV-Sh) from Brassica chinensis (Qingcai) in Shanghai, China was determined. The genome consisted of 6301 nucleotides and its genomic organization was similar to those of other crucifer-tobamoviruses. Comparisons of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences and phylogenetic analyses showed that RMV-Sh had very high homology (> 95% identical nucleotides and 97.7-99.6% identical amino acids) to a sequence of Youcai mosaic virus (YMV = Chinese rape mosaic or Oilseed rape mosaic virus), despite differences in host range or symptoms and this strongly suggests that these isolates should be regarded as belonging to the same species. Only coat protein sequences have been reported for other RMV isolates but it seems likely that the distinction between RMV and YoMV will be difficult to maintain.

[The establishment of an electronic reproductive health surveillance system (ERHSS)]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an electronic reproductive health surveillance system (ERHSS) and a population-based, computerized monitoring and management information system.

METHODS

The ERHSS was designed based on the existing perinatal health care (PHC) surveillance, birth defects (BD) surveillance and child health care (CHC) surveillance systems. Advanced computing and network techniques were adopted in designing and developing this system. The use of information technology (IT) and its products has become popular in public health surveillance.

RESULTS

The ERHSS was developed by National Center for Maternal and Infant Health (NCMIH) and Beijing InfoUnit Technological Corporation. It consists of four main components: (1) The establishment of electronic data collection system, including the electronic forms and the screening system for high risk factors; (2) The established electronic data transmission system; (3) The established electronic information reporting system; (4) The established back-up system, including card making system, ID search engine and maintenance, etc.

CONCLUSION

It is the first time this population-based electronic surveillance system being developed in China. It has many features regarding accuracy, security, smooth operation, optimal performance of real-time data processing, etc. The ERHSS has been set up in 22 counties/cities in China since 1999.

Gene expression of glucose transporters and its regulation by glucose in mesothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To observe the influence of glucose on the expression of glucose transporters (GluTs) in peritoneal tissues.

METHODS

Mesothelial cells (MsCs) from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were cultured in medium with glucose 214.4 mmol/L or 75.5 mmol/L. The normal medium with glucose 17.5 mmol/L was used as control. Total RNA was extracted from each sample after 24 hours incubation. Reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed with primers corresponding to sodium-glucose transporter (SGIT1) and GluT1-GluT4. mRNA expression of the above GluTs from each sample was measured with quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

GluT1 and GluT2 mRNA can be detected in MsCs from SD rats, while no positive bands can be found specifically for GluT3, GluT4 and SGiT1. Quantitating the amount of PCR products indicated that the levels of GluT1 mRNA in MsCs cultured 24 h in both 214.4 mmol/L glucose and 75.5 mmol/L glucose medium decreased dramatically compared with that in normal medium (P < or = 0.01). While under the same conditions, the levels of GluT2 mRNA in MsCs cultured 24 h in 214.4 mmol/L and 75.5 mmol/L glucose medium both increased significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

GluT1 is strongly expressed in MsCs under normal glucose levels and decreased dramatically under high glucose conditions, while GluT2 expressed at a low level in normal medium and increased greatly after incubation in high glucose conditions. This may play a great role in glucose absorption during peritoneal dialysis and have some connection with ultrafiltration failure due to the alteration of glucose absorption after long-term dialysis.

Protein phosphatases regulate DNA-dependent protein kinase activity

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a complex of DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and the DNA end-binding Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer. DNA-PK is required for DNA double strand break repair by the process of nonhomologous end joining. Nonhomologous end joining is a major mechanism for the repair of DNA double strand breaks in mammalian cells. As such, DNA-PK plays essential roles in the cellular response to ionizing radiation and in V(D)J recombination. In vitro, DNA-PK undergoes phosphorylation of all three protein subunits (DNA-PK catalytic subunit, Ku70 and Ku80) and phosphorylation correlates with inactivation of the serine/threonine protein kinase activity of DNA-PK. Here we show that phosphorylation-induced loss of the protein kinase activity of DNA-PK is restored by the addition of the purified catalytic subunit of either protein phosphatase 1 or protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and that this reactivation is blocked by the potent protein phosphatase inhibitor, microcystin. We also show that treating human lymphoblastoid cells with either okadaic acid or fostriecin, at PP2A-selective concentrations, causes a 50-60% decrease in DNA-PK protein kinase activity, although the protein phosphatase 1 activity in these cells was unaffected. In vivo phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs, Ku70, and Ku80 was observed when cells were labeled with [(32)P]inorganic phosphate in the presence of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. Together, our data suggest that reversible protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for the regulation of DNA-PK protein kinase activity and that the protein phosphatase responsible for reactivation in vivo is a PP2A-like enzyme.

Role of apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis during experimental obstructive nephropathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To examine the role of apoptosis in experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).

METHODS

Rat kidneys were examined 3, 7 and 11 days following UUO or sham operation (SO). Tissue was immunohistochemically stained for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. Apoptotic analysis was carried out in kidney sections using in situ end labelling of endonuclease cleaved DNA.

RESULTS

The relative volume (Vv) of cortical interstitium and interstitial alpha-SMA increased progressively following UUO. ED1-positive monocytes/macrophages peaked at day 7 and significantly decreased at day 11. PCNA-positive cells in tubulointerstitium were significantly increased on day 3. Staining returned to the level of the SO group by day 11, meanwhile those in the interstitium remained much higher than baseline. TUNEL-positive cells were persistently raised following UUO. Transient tubular cell proliferation seemed unable to counteract the apoptosis since tubular atrophy was apparently present by day 11 of UUO. However, interstitial cell proliferation was high enough to overwhelm apoptosis, particularly with respect ot myofibroblasts, since alpha-SMA immunostaining and Vv remained elevated. The ratio of the number of PCNA-positive cells to apoptotic cells formed a predictive pattern for the staining score of interstitial alpha-SMA (R(2) = 47.23%, p < 0.05) and Vv (R(2) = 49.93%, p < 0.05). Tubular Bcl-2 immunostaining peaked on day 3, and then gradually decreased to baseline by day 11. The expression of Bax protein was inhibited on day 3 when compared with that of the SO group, but increased with time following UUO.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest an important role for apoptosis and its regulatory proteins in the processes of tubular atrophy and fibrogenesis following UUO.

The plant isoflavenoid genistein activates p53 and Chk2 in an ATM-dependent manner

Genistein is an isoflavenoid that is abundant in soy beans. Genistein has been reported to have a wide range of biological activities and to play a role in the diminished incidence of breast cancer in populations that consume a soy-rich diet. Genistein was originally identified as an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases; however, it also inhibits topoisomerase II by stabilizing the covalent DNA cleavage complex, an event predicted to cause DNA damage. The topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide acts in a similar manner. Here we show that genistein induces the up-regulation of p53 protein, phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15, activation of the sequence-specific DNA binding properties of p53, and phosphorylation of the hCds1/Chk2 protein kinase at threonine 68. Phosphorylation and activation of p53 and phosphorylation of Chk2 were not observed in ATM-deficient cells. In contrast, the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide induced phosphorylation of p53 and Chk2 in ATM-positive and ATM-deficient cells. In addition, genistein-treated ATM-deficient cells were significantly more susceptible to genistein-induced killing than were ATM-positive cells. Together our data suggest that ATM is required for activation of a DNA damage-induced pathway that activates p53 and Chk2 in response to genistein.

Peritoneal dialysis solutions disturb the balance of apoptosis and proliferation of peritoneal cells in chronic dialysis model

The present study investigated variation in apoptosis and proliferation, and the balance between apoptosis and proliferation, for peritoneal mesothelial cells (MCs) after exposure to peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) in vivo. We implanted 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 groups; n = 8 in each group) with catheters and intraperitoneally infused the animals with 20 mL Dianeal 1.36%, 2.27%, or 3.86% (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.) PDS twice daily for eight consecutive weeks, using saline as a control. At the end of the eighth week, samples of peritoneal membrane were fixed and sliced. Expression of apoptosis was checked with TUNEL kits (Boehringer Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany), and expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was checked by immunohistochemistry [streptoavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (SABC) method]. The ratio of MC apoptosis to proliferation was measured from the same slices using the dual-stain combination of TUNEL and SABC. Cells positive for apoptosis and PCNA were counted for all samples by light microscopy in 50 consecutive grids (10 x by 40). Peritoneal dialysis solution was found to significantly induce MC apoptosis as compared with control at the end of the eighth week. The degree of apoptosis was proportional to the concentration of glucose in the PDS. The 1.36% PDS, but not the 2.27% or 3.86%, significantly stimulated the expression of PCNA. The degree of PCNA expression was negatively related to the glucose concentration of the PDS. The MC apoptosis: PCNA ratio was significantly higher for 3.86% and 2.27% PDS than for the control, but no significant difference was seen between 1.36% PDS and control. We conclude that glucose-based PDS may induce apoptosis and disturb the balance of MC apoptosis and proliferation, and that 1.36% PDS damages the balance less than does 2.27% or 3.86% PDS. These effects may be partly due to pH, calcium, hyperosmolality, and glucose degradation products (GDPs). Loss of balance between MC proliferation and apoptosis--induced by unphysiologic PDS--may be one of the major causes of peritoneal membrane failure during long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

[Experimental study on effect of ligustrazine on peritoneal ultrafiltrative function in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of ligustrazine on peritoneal transport in various dosages.

METHODS

Forty SD rats received intraperitoneal injection of 25 ml 4.25% glucose dialysis solution (GDS) or GDS plus 40 mg/L ligustrazine (GDS-LL) or GDS plus 160 mg/L ligustrazine (GDS-HL) daily, for 45 days. Then a 4-hour dwell study was performed in each rat to evaluate the peritoneal transportation.

RESULTS

The drainage volume at 4 hours was significantly lower in all the dialysis groups as compared to the control group, especially in the GDS-HL group. However, drainage volume was significantly higher in the GDS-LL group as compared to the GDS and GGS-HL groups. There were no significant differences in the peritoneal fluid absorption rate among the 3 dialysis groups. The fluid absorption rate and the direct lymphatic absorption rate were all significantly higher in the 3 dialysis groups as compared to the control group. In the GDS-LL group, the ratio of urea level in dialysis solution and in plasma (D/Purea) was not different in comparing with that in the GDS group, but the ratio of glucose concentration in dialysis solution and that in unused dialysis solution (D/D0), and urea clearance were significantly higher than those in the GDS group and the GDS-HL group. D/Purea increased in the GDS-HL group significantly.

CONCLUSION

Low dose of ligustrazine adding to the dialysis solution could reduce the peritoneal damage caused by the hypertonic dialysis solution, increase the ultrafiltration function and dialysis function of peritoneum. However, high dose of ligustrazine does not display any beneficial effect, it increases the permeability of peritoneum.

[Distribution of interleukin-6 receptors (CD(126) and CD(w130)) on circulating lymphocytes in patients with lupus nephritis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of IL-6 receptors (CD(126) and CD(w130)) on lymphocytes in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

METHOD

The percentages of lymphocyte subsets were examined by direct two colour immunofluorescence on flow cytometry.

RESULTS

(1) In active and inactive cases, the percentages of CD(+)(4) cells obviously decreased as compared with the normal controls (P < 0.01). Increased numbers of CD(+)(8) cells could be detected in LN patients (P < 0.05), especially in active cases (P < 0.01). Lymphocytes of active cases contained significantly greater percentage of CD(+)(23) cells than those of normal subjects (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the percentage of CD(+)(23) cells was statistically lower in the inactive cases than in normal subjects (P < 0.01). No significant difference in the percentages of CD(+)(126) and CD(+)(w130) cells was observed among the active, inactive and healthy groups (P > 0.05); (2) The proportion of CD(+)(4) CD(+)(126) and CD(+)(4) CD(+)(w130) cells in total lymphocytes was significantly lower in the active than in the inactive ones or normal subjects (P < 0.05; P < 0.01), whereas that of CD(+)(8) CD(+)(126) and CD(+)(8) CD(+)(w130) cells was not different among the active, inactive and normal subjects (P > 0.05). The proportion of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(126) cells and CD(+)(23) CD(+)(w130) cells augmented significantly in the active (P < 0.05), whereas it lessened in the inactive without statistical meaning as compared with the normal subjects (P > 0.05). (3) There was a positive correlation between the percentage of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(126) cells and that of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(w130) cells in total lymphocytes in the active group (r = 0.756, P < 0.05). However, no correlation between the percentage of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(126) cells and that of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(w130) cells in total lymphocytes was found in the inactive (r = 0.376, P > 0.05) or normal group (r = 0.256, P > 0.05); (4) The fraction of CD(+)(23) cells expressing CD(126) and CD(w130) was related to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and lymphopenia (P < 0.05, P < 0.005). But it was neither associated with the number of damaged organs and the degree of damage, not with that of ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody and complements (C(3) and C(4)) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LN patients present not only B cell hyperactivity but also T cell abnormality. In active cases, there is abnormal distribution of IL-6 receptors on lymphocytes: reduced CD(126) and CD(w130) expression on CD(+)(4) cells and elevated CD(126) and CD(w130) expression on CD(+)(23) cells. Detecting the proportion of CD(+)(23) CD(+)(126) cells or CD(+)(23) CD(+)(w130) cells in total lymphocytes may serve as one of activity indexes for LN patients.