Proteomic Analysis of Preeclampsia Amniotic Fluid Based on a Novel Solid-State Preservation Method

Objective: Amniotic fluid (AF) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and predicting perinatal diseases, specifically preeclampsia (PE). Adequate preservation of AF samples is essential for advancing the development of PE-related biomarkers and understanding the disease's mechanisms. Materials and Methods: This study presents a method for preserving proteins in AF on a solid medium, specifically a nitrocellulose membrane, which is referred to as an AF membrane. Samples were collected from normotensive subjects and PE patients and treated with direct freezing and the AF membrane methods, respectively. Protein quality was assessed through sodium dodecyl sulfate-page and capillary electrophoresis. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with data-independent acquisition was employed for proteomic analysis. Bioinformatics analysis identified differentially expressed proteins and pathways distinguishing normotensive subjects from PE patients. Results: Comparison of the AF membrane method to the direct freezing method showed no significant impact on the protein content in the AF. The preservation methods employed did not result in evident protein differences or degradation in the AF obtained from both normotensive subjects and PE patients. Analysis based on Gene Ontology and HALLMARK gene sets revealed the upregulation of pathways associated with angiotensin, reactive oxygen species, and coagulation in PE patients. Furthermore, several biomarkers previously reported to be increased in PE serum, namely ENG, ERN1, FLT1, GDF15, HSPA5, LGALS3, PAPPA, PTX3, and SERPINE1, were significantly elevated in the AF. Conclusion: The AF membrane method proved to be highly effective, reliable, and durable for preserving proteins in AF samples. Preserving AF samples in a solid state holds significant value in discovering novel protein biomarkers and investigating the underlying mechanisms of PE.

[Effects of neonatal stimulator of interferon genes innate immune signaling pathway of HBsAg-positive mothers on non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants]

Objective: To explore the effects of neonatal stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune signaling pathway of HBsAg-positive mothers on non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) in their infants. Methods: From November 2019 to June 2022, HBsAg-positive mothers and their infants in the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan were recruited as the study subjects. The epidemiological and clinical data were collected by questionnaire survey and medical records review. The key molecular proteins of STING innate immune signaling pathway (STING, pIRF3) and immune cells associated with vaccine response (DC, T and B and plasma cells) in neonatal cord blood were detected by flow cytometry. Follow up was conducted for infants for 1-2 months after the full vaccination of HepB. Serum hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Unconditional logistic regression model, nomogram and Bayesian network model were used to evaluate the effect of STING innate immune signaling pathway on non/hypo-response to HepB and related factors in infants, and the relationship between various factors. Results: A total of 195 pairs of HBsAg-positive mothers and infants were recruited, the rate of non/hypo-response to HepB in the infants was 12.31% (24/195). High maternal HBV DNA load, low expression of neonatal STING, low expression of pIRF3 and low percentage of plasma cells were risk factors for non/hypo-response to HepB in the infants (OR=4.70, 3.46, 3.18 and 2.20, all P<0.05). The nomogram constructed by these factors had good predictive efficacy (area under curve=0.81, 95%CI: 0.63-0.83). The results of Bayesian network model showed that the infants with a high maternal HBV DNA load had a higher conditional probability of low STING expression (62.50%) and a higher conditional probability of low pIRF3 expression (58.54%). The conditional probabilities of low expression of DC, T, B and plasma cells were 53.16%, 60.20%, 68.42% and 57.14%, respectively. Conclusion: Maternal HBV DNA might inhibit STING innate immune signaling pathways in infants and immune cells associated with HepB response, resulting in non/hypo-response to HepB in infants of HBsAg-positive mothers.

[Non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccination and influencing factors in HIV-infected patients in the context of different immunization schedules]

Objective: To study the non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-infected patients, identify the influencing factors and provide evidence for the development of hepatitis B prevention and control strategies and measures for special population. Methods: On the basis of the randomized controlled trial of 20 µg hepatitis B vaccine immunization at 0-1-6 month, 0-1-2-6 month and 60 µg hepatitis B vaccine immunization at 0-1-2-6 month, the HIV-infected patients who completed one-month follow-up after the full course vaccination were selected as study subjects. Quantification of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in serum samples was performed by using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and demographic characteristics, disease history, HIV infection and treatment status of the study subjects were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted by χ² test, t test, unconditional logistic regression and interaction analyses. Results: The non/hypo-response rates to hepatitis B vaccination were 34.65% (35/101), 24.49% (24/98) and 10.99% (10/91) in 20 µg group at 0-1-6 month or 0-1-2-6 month and 60 µg group at 0-1-2-6 month (P<0.001), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for confounding factors, the risk for non/hypo-response was 0.22 times higher in HIV-infected patients receiving 60 µg hepatitis B vaccine at 0-1-2-6 month than in patients receiving 20 µg hepatitis B vaccine at 0-1-6 month (95%CI: 0.10-0.50), the risk for non/hypo-response was higher in men than in women (OR=3.65, 95%CI: 1.88-7.07), and the risk for non/hypo-response was 2.64 times higher in those without hepatitis B vaccination history than in those with hepatitis B vaccination history (95%CI: 1.10-6.32). Moreover, there were multiplicative interactions between immunization schedule and gender (OR=2.49, 95%CI: 1.24-5.00). Conclusion: The non/hypo-response rate to hepatitis B vaccination was significantly lower in HIV-infected patients receiving 60 µg hepatitis B vaccine at 0-1-2-6 month than in those receiving 20 µg hepatitis B vaccine at 0-1-6 month and 0-1-2-6 month. Gender, vaccination schedule and history of hepatitis B vaccination were the influencing factors of the non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccination. There was a multiplicative interaction between vaccination schedule and gender, and men receiving 20 µg hepatitis B vaccines had a higher risk for non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccination.

[Immunogenicity and influencing factors of hepatitis B vaccination based on different vaccination schedules among chronic kidney disease patients]

Objective: To explore the immunogenicity and influencing factors of hepatitis B vaccination based on different vaccination schedules among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: CKD patients who participated in randomized controlled trials in four hospitals in Shanxi province and completed three doses of 20 µg vaccination (at months 0, 1 and 6) and four doses of 20 µg or 60 µg vaccination (at months 0, 1, 2, and 6) were surveyed from May 2019 to July 2020.According to the ratio of 1∶1∶1, 273 CKD patients were divided into 3 groups randomly. Quantification of the anti-hepatitis B surface antigen-antibody (anti-HBs) in serum samples was performed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay at months 1 and 6 after the entire course of the vaccinations. The positive rate, high-level positive rate, geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs, and the influencing factors were analyzed by χ² tests, analysis of variance, unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 273 CKD patitents were participants.The positive rates in the CKD patients with four doses of 20 µg vaccination (92.96%,66/71) or 60 µg vaccination (93.15%, 68/73) were higher than that in the CKD patients with three doses of 20 µg vaccination (81.69%, 58/71) at month one after the full course of the vaccinations (P<0.05). The GMCs of anti-HBs showed similar results (2 091.11 mIU/ml and 2 441.50 mIU/ml vs. 1 675.21 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). The positive rate was higher in the CKD patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination (94.83%,55/58) than in those with three doses of 20 µg vaccination (78.79%,52/66) (P<0.05) at month six after the full course of the vaccinations. And the GMC of anti-HBs in the patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination (824.28 mIU/ml) was significantly higher than those in the patients with 3 or 4 doses of 20 µg vaccination (639.74 mIU/ml and 755.53 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). After controlling the confounding factors, the positive rate in the CKD patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination were 3.19 (95%CI: 1.02-9.96) and 5.32 (95%CI: 1.27-22.19) times higher than those in the patients with three doses of 20 µg vaccination at months 1 and 6 after the full course of the vaccinations, respectively. The positive rate in CKD patients without immune suppression or hormone therapy was 3.33 (95%CI: 1.26-8.80) and 4.78 (95%CI: 1.47-15.57) times higher than those in the patients with such therapy, respectively. Conclusions: Four doses of 20 µg or 60 µg hepatitis B vaccination could improve the immunogenicity in patients with CKD. And four doses of 60 µg vaccination might play a positive role in maintaining anti-HBs in this population. The immunogenicity in the CKD patients with immune suppression or hormone therapy was poor.

[Immunity persistence of 60 μg high dose hepatitis B vaccine and influencing factors in maintained hemodialysis patients]

Objective: To compare the anti-HBs level in maintained hemodialysis patients one year after receiving 20 μg and 60 μg hepatitis B vaccination at 0, 1 and 6 months, and explore the influence factors for the immunity persistence and their interactions. Methods: Based on a randomized controlled trial of 20 μg and 60 μg hepatitis B vaccine immunization in maintained hemodialysis patients at 0, 1, and 6 months, follow up was conducted for the patients for one year after the completion of the vaccination for the quantitative detection of anti-HBs, and χ² test, t test, unconditional logistic regression and interaction analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results: One year after the vaccination, 125 and 124 patients in the 20 μg and 60 μg groups were tested for anti-HBs, respectively. The positive rate of anti-HBs in the 60 μg group (77.42%, 96/124) was significantly higher than that in the 20 μg group (65.60%, 82/125) (P<0.05). After adjusting for the confounding factors, the positive probability of anti-HBs in the 60 μg group was 1.925 times higher than that in the 20 μg group (95%CI: 1.068-3.468). Patients with hemodialysis duration ≥5 years (OR=0.523, 95%CI: 0.293-0.935) and diabetes mellitus (OR=0.376, 95%CI: 0.173-0.818) had lower positive probability of anti-HBs. Moreover, there were additive and multiplicative interactions between hemodialysis duration ≥5 years and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The immunity persistence after one year in 60 μg hepatitis B vaccination group was longer than that in 20 μg hepatitis B vaccination group in maintained hemodialysis patients, vaccine dose, hemodialysis duration and diabetes mellitus were the influencing factors for the immunity persistence, there were additive and multiplicative interactions between hemodialysis duration ≥5 years and diabetes mellitus.

[Influence of neuroimaging markers of chronic cerebral small vessel disease on prognosis of patients with cardioembolic stroke]

Data of 189 patients with first-ever cardioembolic stroke (CES) hospitalized in the Second People's Hospital of Changzhou from June 2014 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The neuoimaging markers of chronic small vessel disease (cSVDm) were evaluated and their total burden (0-3 points) was calculated. At 90 d after onset, 65 patients had poor prognosis. Regression analysis showed that the total cSVDm burden score was an independent riskfactor for the poor prognosis(OR=1.754, 95%CI:1.137-2.707, P=0.011).

[Related factors and interaction on hepatitis C virus infection in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Taiyuan]

Objective: To explore the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, influence factors and interaction on HCV infection in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Taiyuan. Methods: Between April-June 2019, three MMT clinics in Taiyuan were selected to conduct a face-to-face questionnaire survey among MMT patients to collect the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, MMT, sexual behavior and health status. Software EpiData 3.1 was used for real-time double entry to establish the database. Software SAS 9.4 was used to analyze the data, and χ² test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression model was used for multivariate and interaction analyses. Results: A total of 903 subjects were surveyed among MMT patients, the male to female ratio of was 7.21∶1(743∶103), and the rate of HCV infection was 12.53% (106/846). After adjusting for the confounding factors, being women (OR=1.936, 95%CI: 1.023-3.662), having sex with drug users (OR=2.073, 95%CI: 1.110-3.871) and injection drug use (OR=7.737, 95%CI: 4.614-12.973) might be the risk factors for HCV infection in patients receiving MMT. The results showed that there were multiplicative interactions among women, having sex with drug user and injection drug use on HCV infection. Conclusions: Being women, having sex with drug user and injection drug use were associated with higher risk for HCV infection in patients receiving MMT in Taiyuan. There were multiplication interactions between being women and having sex with drug user, being female and injection drug use, and having sex with drug use and injection drug use on HCV infection.

[Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment clinic patients and influencing factors for HBsAg positivity based on Bayesian network model]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and explore the influencing factors of HBsAg positivity in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic patients. Methods: A face to face interview and medical record review were conducted in 1 040 patients at three MMT clinics in Guangxi from September to November in 2014. The questionnaire information included general demographic characteristics, drug use history, MMT status, sexual behaviors, and health status, etc. Blood samples were collected from the patients at the same time for the detections of the level of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. By using χ(2) test, unconditional logistic regression model and Bayesian network model the influencing factors for HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients and the complex network relationship among these factors were explored. Results: A total of 1 031 MMT clinic patients were surveyed, the HBsAg positive rate was 11.35% (117/1 031). The anti-HCV positive rate was 71.77% (740/1 031), among the anti-HCV positive patients, the HBsAg positive rate was 10.27% (76/740). After adjusting for the confounding factors, anti-HBs positive persons might not be HBsAg positive (OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.03-0.09), and anti-HCV positive persons might not be HBsAg positive too (OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.17-0.52) compared with anti-HBs negative and anti-HCV negative persons, respectively. The persons with family history of hepatitis B virus infection were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared those with no such family history (OR=5.30, 95%CI: 2.68-10.52). Bayesian network model analysis results showed that family history of hepatitis B virus infection and anti-HBs were directly related with HBsAg positivity. Anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in the past three months and other drug using during treatment were indirectly related with HBsAg positivity. Conclusions: Anti-HBs, family history of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in past three months and other drug use during treatment were related with the HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients. So, it is necessary to enhance health education, improve health awareness and decrease high risk behaviors to reduce the rate of HBV infection.

[Related factors and interaction on HIV/HCV co-infection of patients access to methadone maintenance treatment]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection and explore the influence factors and their interaction on HIV/HCV co-infection of patient's access to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods: A face to face interviews were conducted among 750 patients at two MMT clinics in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The questionnaires information included demographic characteristics, HIV and HCV infection status, history of drug abuse, urine test for morphine, high risk sex behaviors, needle sharing, dropped out etc. Methods of χ(2) test one-way, multivariate logistic regression and interactions were used to analyze the related factors of HIV/HCV co-infection. Results: The study subjects included 750 participants, 18.31% (127/691) of patients were co-infected with HIV and HCV. The HIV/HCV co-infection rate in patients who shared needles with others or dropped out of treatment was 35.84% (81/226) and 19.88% (64/322) respectively, which were higher than those who have never shared needles or dropped out (9.89%, 46/465 and 17.07%, 63/369). Logistic regression analysis results showed that after adjusted for confounding factors, patients who shared needles (OR=4.50, 95%CI: 2.72-7.43) and dropped out of treatment (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.04-2.80) were more likely to be infected with HIV/HCV. Interaction analysis showed that sharing needles and dropping out of treatment exist additive effect on co-infection of HIV and HCV (RERI=4.21, AP=0.44, SI=1.95). Conclusions: Needle sharing and dropping out of treatment are associated with HIV/HCV co-infection. Health education, psychological counseling and other measures should be taken to reduce needle sharing and dropping out of MMT.

Baseline concentration of misfolded α-synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid predicts risk of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of misfolded α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been well investigated. The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between misfolded α-Syn aggregate concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cognitive decline risk in PD.

METHODS

A total of 278 patients with PD were retrospectively included. They were diagnosed between 2011 and 2013. The end-point was 2016, and the follow-up period was 54.3 ± 10.0 months. Cognitive decline was defined as a 4-point decrease in the Mini-Mental State Examination score during follow-up. Misfolded α-Syn aggregate concentration in baseline CSF was measured using the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique. Time to reach 50% of the maximum fluorescence value was recorded.

RESULTS

The PMCA technique successfully detected the level of misfolded α-Syn aggregates in CSF with a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 91.4%. The time to reach 50% of the maximum fluorescence value was shorter in the patients with cognitive decline than in the patients without cognitive decline (190.7 ± 40.1 h vs. 240.8 ± 45.6 h, P < 0.001). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that reaching 50% of the maximum fluorescence value in ≤219 h at baseline was associated with increased risk of cognitive decline during the follow-up (HR: 4.90, 95% CI: 2.75-8.74, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Baseline concentration of misfolded α-Syn aggregates in CSF measured by the PMCA technique predicts risk of cognitive decline in PD.

Prognostic analysis of stage III gastric cancer after curative surgery according to the newest TNM classification

AIM

To study the prognostic factors of gastric cancer (GC) patients who were classified with stage III disease according to the newest TNM classification.

METHODS

This study retrospectively enrolled 279 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy from January 2012 to December 2014 at our hospital and who were diagnosed with stage III GC according to the new 8th edition of the TNM classification. The patient data that were collected included age, sex, pathological parameters, survival, lymph node ratio, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and S-1, and operation type. The characteristics, survival, and prognostic factors of the patients were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median OS of the patients after curative surgery was 19 months, and the 3-year survival rate (3-YSR) was 25.3%. A univariate analysis showed that tumor location (P = 0.01), neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.005), pathological T stage (P = 0.002), pathological N stage (P < 0.001), lymph node ratio (LNR) (P < 0.001), and operation type (P = 0.032) were significantly associated with overall survival. A multivariate analysis revealed that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.009), pathological T stage (P = 0.012), and LNR (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, pathological T stage, and LNR were independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of patients with stage III GC. The neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and S-1 can be used for the patients to improve their survival.

Mechanism of iodine release from iodoapatite in aqueous solution

Incongruent release of iodine from iodoapatite (Pb₅(VO₄)₃I) for immobilization of¹²⁹iodine, controlled by exchange of iodide and hydroxide in solution.

Characterization of cold-induced remodelling reveals depot-specific differences across and within brown and white adipose tissues in mice

AIM

Brown and beige adipose tissues dissipate energy in the form of heat via mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, defending against hypothermia and potentially obesity. The latter has prompted renewed interest in understanding the processes involved in browning to realize the potential therapeutic benefits. To characterize the temporal profile of cold-induced changes and browning of brown and white adipose tissues in mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were singly housed in conventional cages under cold exposure (4 °C) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days. Food intake and body weight were measured daily. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), inguinal subcutaneous (sWAT) and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, gene and protein expression analysis.

RESULTS

Upon cold exposure, food intake increased, whilst body weight and adipocyte size were found to be transiently reduced. iBAT mass was found to be increased, whilst sWAT and eWAT were found to be transiently decreased. A combination of morphological, genetic (Ucp-1, Pgc-1α and Elov13) and biochemical (UCP-1, PPARγ and aP2) analyses demonstrated the depot-specific remodelling in response to cold exposure.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the differential responses to cold-induced changes across discrete BAT and WAT depots and support the notion that the effects of short-term cold exposure are achieved by expansion, activation and increasing thermogenic capacity of iBAT, as well as browning of sWAT and, to a lesser extent, eWAT.

Colonoscopic features and malignant potential of sessile serrated adenomas: comparison with other serrated lesions and conventional adenomas

AIM

Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) have been proposed as precursors of colorectal cancer. The aims of this investigation were to compare the endoscopic findings of SSA/Ps with those of other serrated lesions and to compare the histological findings of SSA/Ps with those of conventional adenomas.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed colonoscopy records at our institution from 1984 to 2013 and identified cases of endoscopically or surgically resected conventional adenomas and serrated lesions, including SSA/Ps, hyperplastic polyps (HPs) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs). The colonoscopic findings of SSA/Ps were compared with those of the other two serrated lesions and histological findings were compared among all groups of lesions.

RESULTS

There were 79 HPs in 68 patients, 77 SSA/Ps in 63 patients, 167 TSAs in 145 patients and 6324 conventional adenomas in 4129 patients. The inverted type and flat-elevated type were more frequent among SSA/Ps than among the other two types of serrated lesions. Magnifying colonoscopy revealed that a round and open pit pattern, expanded crypt openings and varicose microvascular vessels were more frequently observed among SSA/Ps than among the other types. The incidence of high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma among SSA/Ps (13.0%) was significantly higher than that among HPs (0%, P < 0.001) and equivalent to that among conventional adenomas (12.3%).

CONCLUSION

SSA/Ps have colonoscopic features distinct from those of HPs and TSAs. The malignant potential of SSA/Ps seems to be equal to that of conventional adenomas.

Folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake, and risk of preeclampsia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Folic acid supplementation has been suggested to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. However, results from few epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive. We investigated the hypothesis that folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake before conception and during pregnancy reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A birth cohort study was conducted in 2010-2012 at the Gansu Provincial Maternity & Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou, China. A total of 10,041 pregnant women without chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension were enrolled.

RESULTS

Compared with nonusers, folic acid supplement users had a reduced risk of preeclampsia (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.87). A significant dose-response of duration of use was observed among women who used folic acid supplemention during pregnancy only (P-trend=0.007). The reduced risk associated with folic acid supplement was similar for mild or severe preeclampsia and for early- or late-onset preeclampsia, although the statistical significant associations were only observed for mild (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.81) and late-onset (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86) preeclampsia. The reduced risk associated with dietary folate intake during pregnancy was only seen for severe preeclampsia (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.87, for the highest quartile of dietary folate intake compared with the lowest).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest that folic acid supplementation and higher dietary folate intake during pregnancy reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Future studies are needed to confirm the associations.

Uniformity of stratum-ventilated thermal environment and thermal sensation

Three human test series were conducted to evaluate the uniformity of the thermal environments in a stratum-ventilated chamber with dimensions of 8.8 m (L) × 5.1 m (W) × 2.4 m (H). In all, nineteen conditions were generated by adjusting the room temperature, supply airflow rate, and supply terminal type. An air diffuser performance index (ADPI) of at least 80% was achieved for most cases. This result shows that the air velocity and temperature in the occupied zone are reasonably uniform. Subjective assessments using the ASHRAE 7-point scale indicate that the thermal sensations of the subjects in stratum ventilation are also uniform. This study examines the applicability of the predicted mean vote (PMV) model for evaluating stratum ventilation. When compared to the actual mean thermal sensation votes (ATS), the PMV values are acceptable. The PMV results at a height of 1.1 m above the floor show better agreement with the ATS than at a height of 0.1 m.

Infectivity, transmission, and pathology of human-isolated H7N9 influenza virus in ferrets and pigs

The emergence of the H7N9 influenza virus in humans in Eastern China has raised concerns that a new influenza pandemic could occur. Here, we used a ferret model to evaluate the infectivity and transmissibility of A/Shanghai/2/2013 (SH2), a human H7N9 virus isolate. This virus replicated in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of the ferrets and was shed at high titers for 6 to 7 days, with ferrets showing relatively mild clinical signs. SH2 was efficiently transmitted between ferrets via direct contact, but less efficiently by airborne exposure. Pigs were productively infected by SH2 and shed virus for 6 days but were unable to transmit the virus to naïve pigs or ferrets. Under appropriate conditions, human-to-human transmission of the H7N9 virus may be possible.

Electrochemical isothermal-capacitance-transient spectroscopy: a new depth profiling method of deep levels

The authors report on a new depth profiling method of deep levels, which we call electrochemical isothermal-capacitance-transient spectroscopy (EICTS). This is combined with electrochemical capacitance-voltage using the Schottky barrier of etchable electrolyte and isothermal-capacitance-transient spectroscopy using the capacitance-transient profile at a fixed temperature. We proved its validity by applying to the ZnSe:N epitaxial film of thickness of more than 1000 nm and comparing the characteristics of an obtained deep level with the results measured by conventional deep-level detection techniques. It is expected that EICTS is very effective to assess the deep levels of wide-bandgap semiconductors that suffer from various point defects and their complexes.

Evaluation of thermal comfort conditions in a classroom with three ventilation methods

Thermal sensation is studied experimentally under mixing ventilation, displacement ventilation, and stratum ventilation in an environmental chamber. Forty-eight subjects participated in all tests under the same boundary conditions but different ventilation methods in the classroom. Thermal comfort analysis was carried out according to the designated supply airflow rate, room temperature, and relative humidity for the three ventilation methods. The thermal neutral temperature under stratum ventilation is approximately 2.5 °C higher than that under mixing ventilation and 2.0 °C higher than that under displacement ventilation. This result indicates that stratum ventilation could provide satisfactory thermal comfort level to rooms of temperature up to 27 °C. The energy saving attributable to less ventilation load alone is around 12% compared with mixing ventilation and 9% compared with displacement ventilation.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The confirmation of the significantly elevated thermal neutral temperature can have a number of implications for both thermal comfort in an air-conditioned room and energy consumption of the associate air-conditioning system. With respect to the former, it provides scientific basis for the feasibility of elevated room temperatures, and with respect to the latter, it reveals considerable potentials for energy saving.

Relationship between epithelial damage or basement membrane thickness and eosinophilic infiltration in nasal polyps with chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration. This study hypothesized that the aggregation of the mucosal pathology during remodeling is related to infiltrating eosinophils in patients with such nasal polyps.

OBJECT

To clarify the pathogenetic role of eosinophils in patients with CRS with nasal polyps, this study investigated the relationship between epithelial damage or basement membrane (BM) thickening and the epithelial infiltration of eosinophils in these nasal polyps.

METHODS

The number of eosinophils that infiltrated into the epithelial and subepithelial layers of sinonasal tissues was counted. The staging of epithelial damage allowed the quantification of epithelial loss.

RESULTS

Both epithelial damage and BM thickness in CRS, which were correlated with the number of infiltrated eosinophils, were significantly greater than in the control group. Neither parameter showed significant differences between the asthma and non-asthma groups. There was a significantly correlation in the eosinophilic infiltration between the subepithelial and epithelial layers.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that eosinophils that infiltrate into both the epithelial and subepithelial layers play a part in the process of mucosal remodeling of CRS with nasal polyps.

Role of interleukin-17A in the eosinophil accumulation and mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps associated with asthma

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-17A is a highly inflammatory cytokine with a robust effect on stromal cells in many tissues. Although IL-17A is known to be associated with inflammatory lung disorders by triggering an accumulation of neutrophils, the effect of IL-17A on the upper airway is still uncertain. The expression of IL-17A and its role were investigated in the nasal polyps of chronic rhinosinusitis associated with asthma.

METHODS

IL-17A was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The cellular source of IL-17A was examined by double staining with EG2, CD4 and neutrophil elastase. The tissue remodeling of the nasal polyps was evaluated by assessing the epithelial damage and basement membrane thickness.

RESULTS

Both the immunoreactivity and mRNA of IL-17A were significantly detected in the nasal polyps in comparison with control normal sinus mucosa. The localization of IL-17A expression predominantly coincided with eosinophils and CD4-positive lymphocytes. Furthermore, the number of IL-17A-positive cells correlated with tissue eosinophils, but not with neutrophils. The degree of epithelial damage and basement membrane thickness was dependent on the number of infiltrated IL-17A-positive cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests, for the first time, that IL-17A plays an important role in the eosinophil accumulation in the nasal polyps and the remodeling of the nasal polyps of chronic rhinosinusitis associated with asthma.

Ultrafast lasing due to electron-hole plasma in ZnO nano-multipods

Dynamics of stimulated emission and ultrafast lasing in ZnO nano-multipods has been investigated with a femtosecond optical Kerr shutter technique. Under band-to-band excitation with high density, stimulated emission is observed around 395-400 nm with a mode-like structure. The stimulated emission emerges with an onset time of ∼2 ps and then the intensity gradually decreases with time having a blue-shift and a spectral narrowing. The characteristics of the blue-shift and spectral narrowing suggest that not only recovery of bandgap renormalization but also conversion from an electron-hole plasma (EHP) state to high density excitonic state takes place as the carrier density decreases due to recombination of electrons with holes. The mode-like structure observed strongly indicates that a high quality resonant cavity is formed between the two facets toward the leg length direction of individual nano-multipod. These results show that the ultrafast lasing observed around 395-400 nm in ZnO nano-multipods comes from population inversion in the EHP regime. We also found that the initial carrier distribution of the EHP regime in nano-multipods is much wider than that in ZnO thin films, implying that the carrier diffusion might be suppressed by their nano-size structure.

Impact of double-balloon endoscopy on the diagnosis of jejunoileal involvement in primary intestinal follicular lymphomas: a case series

In recent years, primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma has been increasingly detected in the duodenum on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphomas are frequently distributed to multiple sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, investigation into the spread of follicular lymphomas in the small bowel is important in order to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy. The performance of double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) in the diagnosis of jejunoileal follicular lymphoma lesions has not been fully evaluated. We aimed to investigate the value of DBE in addition to computed tomography (CT) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) in the diagnosis of jejunoileal follicular lymphoma. DBE with biopsy was performed in seven patients with primary duodenal follicular lymphoma diagnosed by EGD, in order to investigate jejunoileal involvement. Jejunoileal follicular lymphoma lesions were detected by DBE in six out of the seven patients (three in the jejunum and three in the jejunum and ileum), whereas CT and (18)F-FDG-PET failed to detect the existence of these lesions. Endoscopic findings of the jejunoileal lesions revealed multiple white nodules and white villi, which were similar to those of duodenal lesions. DBE was more useful for the diagnosis of jejunoileal involvement in primary intestinal follicular lymphoma than CT and (18)F-FDG-PET. The use of DBE will become important for determining the most appropriate treatment for gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma.

Flat adenoma-carcinoma sequence with high-malignancy potential as demonstrated by CD10 and beta-catenin expression: a different pathway from the polypoid adenoma-carcinoma sequence

AIMS

CD10+ colorectal carcinomas have a high risk of giving rise to liver metastasis. The aim was to examine phenotypic expression in colorectal neoplasia and to elucidate changes in such expression through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the expression of various proteins immunohistochemically in 111 flat [non-polypoid growth (NPG)] colorectal neoplasms, categorized into 28 low-grade (NPG-LGN), 44 high-grades (NPG-HGN) and 39 cases of invasive neoplasia (NPG-IN), as well as in 96 polypoid [polypoid growth (PG)] neoplasms, categorized into 26 PG-LGN, 39 PG-HGN and 31 PG-IN according to the Vienna classification. CD10 was more frequently expressed in NPG than in PG neoplasia. MUC2 and MUC5AC were more frequently expressed in PG than in NPG neoplasias. Nuclear beta-catenin was more frequently expressed in NPG-LGN than in PG-LGN. No difference in p53 expression was found between NPG and PG neoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

From the viewpoint of the expression of CD10 and beta-catenin, it would appear that NPG-LGN differs significantly from PG-LGN, thereby indicating that NPG-LGN is a precursor of CD10+ carcinoma. It is important to ensure that NPG neoplasia is not overlooked if cases of CD10+ carcinoma are to be detected at an early stage.

Genomic and functional analyses of MUTYH in Japanese patients with adenomatous polyposis

The present study was undertaken to elucidate germ line mutations of the base excision repair gene, MUTYH, in Japanese patients with adenomatous polyposis. We screened germ line mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and MUTYH in 66 Japanese patients with adenomatous polyposis. APC was screened by the protein truncation test, while MUTYH was screened by polymerase chain reaction-based single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing. The nicking assay was applied in order to evaluate the DNA glycosylase activity of the identified MUTYH variant. In this study, Seven MUTYH variants were identified in 16 of 21 APC-negative patients. Q324H mutation was the most frequent mutation, with an allele frequency of 49%. Two patients carried biallelic mutations other than Q324H; a patient had biallelic G272E and A359V mutations, while the other had compound heterozygotes of P18L and G25D mutations. Nicking assay for G272E using the corresponding mouse MUTYH mutant with G257E revealed that G272E is a variant to cause an impaired DNA glycosylase activity. Homozygous MUTYH mutation accounts for approximately 10% of Japanese patients with adenomatous polyposis. G272E may be one of the mutations specific to patients with adenomatous polyposis in East Asia.

Raloxifene acutely reduces glutamate-induced intracellular calcium increase in cultured rat cortical neurons via inhibition of high-voltage-activated calcium current

There is increasing evidence indicating that estrogen replacement therapy produces neuroprotective actions but has undesirable side effects on the reproductive system. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that exerts estrogen agonist action in the brain while acting as an estrogen antagonist in the reproductive system. In the present study, we investigated whether raloxifene affected the glutamate-induced calcium (Ca2+) overload in rat cultured cortical neurons. The bulk cytosolic intracellular Ca2+ level was measured by using confocal microscopy with fluorescent Ca2+ probe fluo3. Whole-cell recording technique was used to observe the effects of raloxifene on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked and voltage-activated Ca2+ currents in cultured cortical neurons. Pre-exposure of cortical neurons to raloxifene (0.5 microM-10 microM) for 3 min attenuated intracellular Ca2+ increase induced by application of glutamate (300 microM) for 1 min. The action of raloxifene was reversible after washout. ICI 182,780 and thapsigargin did not block the action of raloxifene. In whole-cell recording experiments, raloxifene (10 microM) significantly reduced the amplitude of the high-voltage-activated Ca2+ current but had no effect on NMDA-evoked Ca2+ current. The present study demonstrates that raloxifene acutely reduces glutamate-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase probably via inhibition of high-voltage-activated calcium channels.