[Clinical application of a novel separated magnetic controlled forceps assisted single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Objective: To explore the application value of a novel separated magnetic-controlled forceps in transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). Methods: This is a prospective case series study. Data from patients who underwent SILC at the Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March to August 2023 were prospectively collected, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients underwent cholecystectomy assisted by a novel separated magnetic-controlled forceps. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, the need for additional incisions during surgery, and the length of hospital stay were recorded to assess surgical difficulty and effectiveness. Postoperative pain scores and complications were documented to evaluate the safety of the procedure. The collaboration experience of the surgeon and assistant was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale to assess the feasibility of this surgical approach. Informed consent was obtained from all patients in accordance with medical ethical regulations. Patients were followed up through outpatient visits or telephone calls, with follow-up at 7 days and 1 month after surgery, and evaluation of incisional scar healing and completion of satisfaction questionnaires. Follow-up was conducted until September 30, 2023. Results: A total of 45 patients were included in the study,including 19 males and 26 females,aged (42.7±4.2)years(range:32 to 61 years). The difficulty of the operation was evaluated as grade 1 or 2 in 38 cases(84.4%) and grade 3 in 7 cases(15.6%). Operation time was (37.3±5.3) minutes(range: 25 to 80 minutes),and intraoperative blood loss(M(IQR)) was 17.8(35.0) ml (range:10 to 60 ml). All surgical procedures proceeded smoothly without intraoperative incidents, and the overall satisfaction of the surgeon and assistants was high. All patients underwent successful day surgery management and were discharged within 48 hours of hospitalization. The postoperative pain scores at 1, 7, and 30 days were 3 (4), 1 (3), and 0 (2), respectively. The follow-up time was 5.0(2.2) weeks (range: 3 to 7 weeks), with no occurrence of grade 3 to 4 adverse reactions, and the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic effect of the umbilical incision. Conclusions: The novel separated magnetic-controlled forceps can be applied in transumbilical SILC. It has the advantages of convenient operation, and patients are satisfied with the surgical results.

Effect of supplementation and withdrawal of selenium-enriched kale sprouts on productivity and egg selenium concentration of laying hens

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of supplementation and withdrawal of selenium-enriched kale sprouts (SeKS) on productivity and egg Se concentration of laying hens. Selenium from commercial Se-enriched yeast (SeY) was used as a comparative Se source.

METHODS

One-hundred and eighty 61-week-old laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 4 replicates (9 hens each) in a 2×2+1 Augmented Factorial Experiment in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2 and 0.4 mg Se/kg from SeKS and SeY, respectively. The 8-week feeding trial was divided into 2 periods, namely the Se supplemental period (week 1 to 4) and the Se withdrawal period (week 5 to 8).

RESULTS

Productive performance, egg quality and egg Se concentration of laying hens were not affected by sources of Se (SeKS and SeY) during both, the Se supplemental and withdrawal periods. Egg production and egg Se concentration increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of Se supplementation. The egg Se concentration increased and reached a peak 1 week after Se supplementation. However, concentration of Se in eggs of hens fed Se from both sources decreased rapidly from the second week of the Se withdrawal period to reach the same egg Se concentration of hens fed the basal diet by the fourth week of the Se withdrawal period.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of Se from SeKS on productivity and egg Se concentration in laying hens was comparable to commercial SeY. Thus, SeKS can provide an alternate organic Se source for production of Se-enriched eggs.

[A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing ergometrine with oxytocin and oxytocin alone for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage at cesarean section]

Objective: To compare oxytocin combined with ergometrine with oxytocin alone in terms of primary prophylaxis for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) at the time of cesarean section (CS). Methods: This was a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled interventional study comparing ergometrine combined with oxytocin and oxytocin alone administered at CS. From December 2018 to November 2019, a total of 298 parturients were enrolled in 16 hospitals nationwide. They were randomly divided into experimental group (ergometrine intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 148 cases) and control group (oxytocin intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 150 cases) according to 1∶1 random allocation. The following indexes were compared between the two groups: (1) main index: blood loss 2 hours (h) after delivery; (2) secondary indicators: postpartum blood loss at 6 h and 24 h, placental retention time, incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution; (3) safety indicators: nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other adverse reactions, and blood pressure at each time point of administration. Results: (1) The blood loss at 2 h after delivery in the experimental group [(402±18) ml] was less than that in the control group [(505±18) ml], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) The blood loss at 6 h and 24 h after delivery in the experimental group were less than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution (all P>0.05). (3) Adverse reactions occurred in 2 cases (1.4%, 2/148) in the experimental group and 1 case (0.7%, 1/150) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure within 2.0 h and diastolic blood pressure within 1.5 h of drug administration in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), but the blood pressure of the two groups were in the normal range. Conclusion: The use of ergometrine injection in CS could reduce the amount of PPH, which is safe and feasible.

Application of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scores in the risk assessment of elderly hip fracture surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Since Mohamed et al. analyzed 2326 orthopedic cases in 2002 and believed that the POSSUM formula can be directly used to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in orthopedic patients, applications of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scores in the hip fracture surgery have been mostly reported in the field of orthopedics, but there are still some inconsistencies in the related reports.

Methods

The electronic library was searched for all literature that met the purpose from its inception to 2021. Relative risk (RR) was selected to evaluate whether the model could be used to assess the risk of surgery in patients with elderly hip fractures. Finally, sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

Thirteen studies were finally included, including 9 retrospective and 4 prospective studies.The morbidity analysis includes 11 studies, and the result was RR = 1.07 (95% CI 0.93–1.24), The mortality analysis includes 11 studies on POSSUM and 5 studies on P-POSSUM. The results of mortality by POSSUM and by P-POSSUM were RR = 1.93 (95% CI 1.21–3.08) and RR = 1.15 (95% CI 0.89–1.50), respectively. POSSUM had more accuracy to predict mortality for sample < 200 subgroup(RR = 2.45; 95% CI 0.71–8.42) than sample > 200 subgroup(RR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.06–2.40), and in the subgroup of hip fractures that did not distinguish between specific fracture types(RR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.87–3.32) than intertrochanteric neck fracture subgroup(RR = 5.04, 95% CI 1.07–23.75) and femoral femoral fracture subgroup(RR = 1.43,95% CI 1.10–1.84).

Conclusion

POSSUM can be used to predict morbidity in elderly hip fractures. The P-POSSUM was more accurate in predicting mortality in elderly hip fracture patients compared to the POSSUM, whose predictive value for mortality was influenced by the sample size and type of fracture studied. In addition, we believe that appropriate improvements to the POSSUM system are needed to address the characteristics of orthopedic surgery.

Extraction Techniques, Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Marine Algae Enteromorpha prolifera Polysaccharide

There is increasing interest in the use of marine algae as functional food additives for improving human health. Enteromorpha (Ulva) prolifera (E. prolifera) is a seaweed green alga (Chlorophyta) that contains many bioactive compounds, of which polysaccharide is the main component. With the advancement of technology in the methods of extraction and analysis, recent studies in in vitro and animals model showed that polysaccharides derived from E. prolifera exert various biological activities, such as gut microbiota modulation, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic. Research evidence has shown that methods of extraction and molecular modification, such as degradation, carboxymethylation, and sulfonation could alter the biological activities of polysaccharides. Therefore, in this review, we discussed the different extraction techniques, structural-activity relationship, and health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides derived from E. prolifera, and suggested future research avenues. This review helps to advance the extraction techniques and promote the application of marine algae polysaccharides as functional food and therapeutic agent.

Digitalization system of ancient architecture decoration art based on neural network and image features

The inheritance and innovation of ancient architecture decoration art is an important way for the development of the construction industry. The data process of traditional ancient architecture decoration art is relatively backward, which leads to the obvious distortion of the digitalization of ancient architecture decoration art. In order to improve the digital effect of ancient architecture decoration art, based on neural network, this paper combines the image features to construct a neural network-based ancient architecture decoration art data system model, and graphically expresses the static construction mode and dynamic construction process of the architecture group. Based on this, three-dimensional model reconstruction and scene simulation experiments of architecture groups are realized. In order to verify the performance effect of the system proposed in this paper, it is verified through simulation and performance testing, and data visualization is performed through statistical methods. The result of the study shows that the digitalization effect of the ancient architecture decoration art proposed in this paper is good.

Abstract 264: Long noncoding RNA LNC01534 regulates cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer

Introduction The clinical importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been widely reported, and clinical studies targeting CSCs are in progress. Additionally, accumulating evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have essential roles in cancer initiation and progression, while deregulated lncRNA expression is found in a variety of cancer types. In this study, we focused on lncRNAs regulating CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objectives To identify the lncRNAs associated with CSCs and to evaluate their clinical relevance and function.

Materials and Methods We separated CSCs and other cells in CRC using the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) degron system to visualize CSCs based on the correlation between low proteasome activity and CSC properties. We performed comprehensive gene analysis comparing CSCs and other cells to identify a candidate lncRNA that regulates the stemness of CRC cells. Finally, we analyzed the clinical relevance and function of the lncRNA.

Results The lncRNA LNC01534 showed high expression in CSCs compared with the level in other CRC cells. Using gene expression and clinical data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Project for CRC patients, we showed that LNC01534 was associated with overall survival in CRC. LNC01534 was also associated with overall survival and disease-free survival in 187 separate CRC samples. Functional studies revealed that the loss of LNC01534 function reduced proliferation and arrested the cell cycle in CRC cells. Furthermore, genes that underwent expression changes upon the knockdown of LNC01534 were evaluated by RNA-seq. This showed that the knockdown of LNC01534 affected the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. Specifically, the expression levels of HSPA5, LC3-I, p62, and Beclin-1–genes related to ER stress and autophagy–increased upon suppressing LNC01534.

Conclusions We demonstrated the clinical and biological relevance of LNC01534 in association with CSCs, and discovered the effect of LNC01534 on ER stress and autophagy to maintain stemness in CRC.

Citation Format: Masahisa Ohtsuka, Wu Xin, Momoko Ichihara, Haruka Hirose, Hidekazu Takahashi, Chu Matsuda, Hiroki Akamatsu, Tsunekazu Mizushima, Yuichiro Doki, Hirofumi Yamamoto. Long noncoding RNA LNC01534 regulates cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 264.

Assessment of Apparent Internal Carotid Tandem Occlusion on High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging: Comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Not all tandem occlusions diagnosed on traditional vascular imaging modalities, such as MRA, represent actual complete ICA occlusion. This study aimed to explore the utility of high-resolution vessel wall imaging in identifying true ICA tandem occlusions and screening patients for their suitability for endovascular recanalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with no signal in the ICA on MRA were retrospectively reviewed. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed their high-resolution vessel wall images to assess whether there were true tandem occlusions and categorized all cases into intracranial ICA occlusion, extracranial ICA occlusion, tandem occlusion, or near-occlusion. DSA classified patient images into the same 4 categories, which were used as the comparison with high-resolution vessel wall imaging. The suitability for recanalization of occluded vessels was evaluated on high-resolution vessel wall imaging compared with DSA.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with no ICA signal on MRA who had available high-resolution vessel wall imaging and DSA images were included. Among the 34 patients (34/45, 75.6%) with tandem occlusions on DSA, 18 cases also showed tandem occlusions on high-resolution vessel wall imaging. The remaining 16 patients, intracranial ICA, extracranial ICA occlusions and near-occlusions were found in 2, 6, and 8 patients, respectively, on the basis of high-resolution vessel wall imaging. A total of 20 cases (20/45, 44.4%) were considered suitable for recanalization on the basis of both DSA and high-resolution vessel wall imaging. Among the 25 patients deemed unsuitable for recanalization by DSA, 11 were deemed suitable for recanalization by high-resolution vessel wall imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution vessel wall imaging could allow identification of true ICA tandem occlusion in patients with an absence of signal on MRA. Findings on high-resolution vessel wall imaging can be used to screen more suitable candidates for recanalization therapy.

[Differences in anterior segment structure between Chinese Han people and American Caucasians]

Objective: To compare the difference of anterior segment structure between Chinese Han people and American Caucasians, and to explore the confounding factors of anterior chamber angle. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study was designed to include two healthy groups of Chinese Han people (enrolled from Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital) and American Caucasians (enrolled from Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco) from May 2008 to December 2010, each with approximately 120 participants, including 15 persons of each gender in each decade between 40 and 80 years of age. The parameters of the anterior segment were measured by the automatic refractive test, A-ultrasound and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Differences between the two groups were compared with the independent-sample t test or Wilcoxon two-sample test for continuous variable data and the χ(2) test for classified variable data. Multiple linear regression models were performed to analyze the associated factors of anterior chamber angle. Results: There were 118 subjects (118 eyes) and 117 subjects (117 eyes) enrolled in the Chinese and American Caucasians groups, respectively. Compared to Caucasians, Chinese had smaller A-ultrasound measured anterior chamber depth [(3.03±0.34) mm vs. (3.38±0.36) mm, t=-5.791, P<0.001], smaller relative lens position [0.227 (0.198, 0.256) vs. 0.235 (0.191, 0.262), Z=-3.063, P=0.002], smaller axial length [23.3 (20.9,28.3) mm vs. 24.2 (20.8,28.5) mm, Z=-5.510, P<0.001], smaller iris root distance [0.111 (0.000, 0.401) mm vs. 0.142 (0.000, 0.451) mm, Z=-3.188, P=0.001], smaller ciliary body thickness at 1 mm posterior to the scleral spur [0.661 (0.424, 0.892) mm vs. 0.716 (0.467, 0.942) mm, Z=-3.456, P=0.001], smaller trabecular ciliary process distance [0.780 (0.410, 1.400) mm vs. 0.930 (0.420, 1.470) mm, Z=-3.191, P=0.001], smaller trabecular ciliary process angle [73.4° (36.3°, 115.3°) vs. 81.1° (47.9°, 147.9°), Z=-3.407, P=0.001], smaller angle opening distance at 500 μm (AOD500) [0.181 (0.000, 0.703) mm vs. 0.264 (0.000, 0.806) mm, Z=-3.444, P=0.001], smaller angle recess area (ARA) [0.118 (0.011, 0.457) mm(2) vs. 0.179 (0.000, 0.626) mm(2), Z=-3.814, P<0.001], larger spherical equivalent [0.40 (-5.80, 4.00) D vs. -0.70 (-8.00, 4.00) D, Z=-5.454, P<0.001], larger lens thickness [(4.62±0.40) mm vs. (4.52±0.40) mm, t=2.077, P=0.039] and larger iris thickness [0.430 (0.280, 0.600) mm vs. 0.410 (0.240, 0.580) mm, Z=-2.263, P=0.024]. On average, with each decade of the increased age, Chinese had a greater decrease in the AOD500 than Caucasians (0.040 mm in Chinese vs. 0.030 mm in Caucasians), while the angle recess area decreased at the same rate (0.020 mm(2) in both groups). After adjusted for age, gender, spherical equivalent, axial length and other parameters of the anterior segment, the trabecular ciliary process angle [for AOD500, standardized regression coefficient (SRC)=0.487, R(2)=0.549, P<0.001; for ARA, SRC=0.372, R(2)=0.502, P<0.001] and anterior chamber depth (for AOD500, SRC=0.413, R(2)=0.476, P<0.001; for ARA, SRC=0.331, R(2)=0.403, P<0.001) were the main factors of anterior chamber angle parameters for Chinese and Caucasians, respectively. Conclusions: Compared with age and gender matched American Caucasians, Chinese Han people have more crowded anterior chambers and narrower anterior chamber angles. The more anteriorly positioned ciliary processes and shallower anterior chambers are the main factors that contributed to more crowded anterior chambers in Chinese Han people and American Caucasians, respectively. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 820-826).

[Effect of simplified and traditional Chinese character on accommodative microfluctuation in young adult myopes and emmetropes]

Objective: This study investigates the effect of simplified and traditional Chinese character on accommodative microfluctuation in young adult myopes and emmetropes. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Based on refractive errors, Young adult candidates (18-28 years) were classified into two groups based on their spherical equivalent degrees: emmetropes (n=18), myopes (n=18). Four different reading targets (12pt size simplified and traditional Chinese characters, and 8pt size simplified and traditional Chinese characters) were displayed on computer screen collectively for 135s. The accommodative microfluctuation of the candidates were measured using the free space Grand-Seiko WAM-5500 autorefractor. Results: The results indicated that the type of character (simplified and traditional) had significant influence on accommodative microfluctuation. For myopic candidates, the accommodative microfluctuation for traditional Chinese character was greater than that for simplified Chinese character [traditional Chinese character: (0.35±0.17) D, vs. simplified Chinese character: (0.29±0.11) D, t=2.556, P=0.017], however as for emmetropic candidates, the difference between the accommodative microflucuation for the two types of characters was of no statistical significance [traditional Chinese character: (0.24±0.11) D, vs. simplified Chinese character: (0.24±0.12) D, t=0.004, P=0.996]. There was a difference between emmetropic and myopic candidates in terms of accommodative microfluctuation for traditional Chinese character, myopes had greater accommodative microfluctuation than emmetropes (t=3.140, P=0.02). However the difference between emmetropic and myopic candidates in terms of accommodative microfluctuation for simplified Chinese character was of no statistical significance (t=1.866, P=0.066). Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that myopes were more susceptible than emmetropic in accommodative microfluctuation when reading traditional Chinese character of high spatial frequency. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 288-293).

Integrated hepatic transcriptional and serum metabolic studies on circulating nutrient metabolism in diurnal laying hens

The aim of the study was to see the diurnal variation of nutrients metabolism and their regulation under the management of large-scaled production. The hepatic transcriptional and serum metabolic studies on circulating nutrient metabolism were investigated in diurnal laying hens. Liver and blood were collected from 36 hens that were slaughtered at 3:30, 7:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19:30, and 23:30 (n = 6), respectively. The serum amino acid, fatty acid and glucose levels, as well as the hepatic transcriptome were analyzed. The results revealed that the circadian clock genes such as Bmal1, Clock, Per1, and Cry2 displayed circadian rhythms in hen livers. The genes related to circulating nutrient transportation, lipogenesis, lipid catabolism, sterol metabolism, and oxidative/anti-oxidative systems also oscillated. However, the nadir of glucose was observed at 7:30 and peaked at 11:30 in the day. Amino acid levels peaked mainly at night, and most amino acids exhibited circadian rhythms based on CircWave analysis. With the exception of undecanoic acid (C11:0), myristoleic acid (C14:1), cis-11, 14-eicosenoic acid (C20:2), and (cis-4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19-docosahexaenoic acid) C20:3N6 fatty acids, others peaked at 7:30 and 15:30. The results indicated that the hens required more glucose in the early morning. More proteins should be ingested late in the day, since protein catabolism occurred mostly at night. To remove the redundant fats and lipids, fewer should be ingested, especially during the night. All these results would help to design a more accurate nutrition schedule for improving the performance of laying hens in the future.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of fulvestrant versus anastrozole as first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer

Although recent studies demonstrated that fulvestrant is superior to anastrozole as first-line treatment for hormone receptor (HR)-positive advanced breast cancer, the cost-effectiveness of fulvestrant versus anastrozole remained uncertain. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fulvestrant compared with anastrozole in the first-line setting. A Markov model consisting of three health states (stable, progressive and dead) was constructed to simulate a hypothetical cohort of patients with HR-positive advanced breast cancer. Costs were calculated from a Chinese societal perspective. Health outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed as incremental cost per QALY gained. Model results suggested that fulvestrant provides an additional effectiveness gain of 0.11 QALYs at an incremental cost of $32,654 compared with anastrozole, resulting in an ICER of $296,855/QALY exceeding the willingness-to-pay threshold of $23,700/QALY. Hence, fulvestrant is not a cost-effective strategy compared with anastrozole as first-line treatment for HR-positive advanced breast cancer.

[Epidemiological study on the relationship between the siesta and blood pressure]

OBJECTIVE

Use epidemiological approaches to investigate the correlation between the siesta and blood pressure.

METHOD

From March 1(st,) 2011 to June 30(th) 2013, a total of 950 people were collected from East Jiaozhou Qingdao region using variable sampling methods including stratified method, the entire group method, random and proportional methods. Medical professionals conducted a person-to-person survey, collecting the data and inputting it into computers, after which a database was established using STATA 12.0. We analyzed the correlation between the siesta time and blood pressure/hypertension by using rank correlation method (Spearman). Logistic regression method was used to analyze the relationship between high blood pressure and different time and habit of the siesta after adjusting age, sex and BMI.

RESULTS

There was a negative correlation between the time of siesta and the systolic pressure with r=-0.18, P<0.001; there was no relationship between the time of siesta and the diastolic pressure with r=-0.07, P=0.02; also, there is a negative correlation between the time of siesta and the hypertension morbidity, with r=-0.22, P<0.001. In the Logistic regression analysis about the period of time to take a nap and the risk of hypertension, it was found that the relative risk factors for hypertension were more than 60-year-old, BMI >25 kg/m(2) and no siesta habits.

CONCLUSIONS

The time of siesta is negatively correlated to the systolic pressure, rather than the diastolic pressure, and it can generally reduce the incidence of hypertension. The relative risk factors of hypertension are more than 60-year-old, BMI >25 kg/m(2) and no siesta habits in all four seasons. We recommend that take a nap a day, or it might be even better for systolic blood pressure to take longer siesta.

Meta-analysis evidence of maternal lineages in Chinese Tibetan sheep using mtDNA D-loop panel

The Tibetan sheep is an indigenous breed living in the entire Tibetan Plateau, and its origin and phylogenic relationships are still uncertain and controversial. In this study, we analyzed partial mtDNA D-loop sequences of 156 Chinese Tibetan sheep individuals from 12 distributed geographic ecotype populations. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that three maternal lineages (haplogroups A, B and C) were found in this breed and that Ovis vignei and Ovis ammon have possibly contributed to the original Tibetan sheep. The absence of haplogroups D and E in Tibetan sheep suggests that this breed did not originate in the Middle East, China.

miR-27b overexpression improves mitochondrial function in a Sirt1-dependent manner

Resveratrol improves mitochondrial function, and recent evidences demonstrate that miRNAs play important roles in certain effects of resveratrol. In the current study, we found that a microRNA, miR-27b, was significantly induced in a dose-dependent way in skeletal muscle and C2C12 myoblast treated with resveratrol. Our results showed that overexpression of miR-27b could mimic the effects of resveratrol on improving mitochondrial function and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Subsequently, we found that FOXO1 was a potential target of miR-27b, and the effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial function were significantly affected after inhibition of miR-27b. Moreover, the effects of miR-27b on mitochondrial function were lost after inhibition of Sirt1, although miR-27b and FOXO1 expression were not influenced. Taken together, these data suggested that overexpression of miR-27b could benefit mitochondrial function, while the effects of overexpressed miR-27b were Sirt1-dependent.

Changes of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in the penumbra area after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and effects of astragaloside IV on rats

This study investigated the changes in peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) in the penumbra after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and examined the effects of astragaloside IV (AST) on PBRs in rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a sham operation group, a model group, and three AST treatment groups. Cerebral ischemic models were induced by the clue-blocked method. Neurological deficits were examined. The animals were sacrificed after 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, and mitochondria from the penumbra were purified. PBR density (Bmax) and affinity were measured by radioligand assays. Mitochondrial [(3)H]PK11195 binding was correlated with neurological deficits in rats. Compared to the model group, the 10 mg/kg AST group, 40 mg/kg AST group, and 100 mg/kg AST group had fewer neurological deficits. The effects in the 40 mg/ kg group did not significantly differ from the effects in the 100 mg/ kg group. Compared to the model group, the 10 mg/kg AST group, 40 mg/kg group, and 100 mg/kg group had a decreased Bmax in the penumbra. The Bmax decreased in the 40 mg/kg AST group and in the 100 mg/kg AST group compared with the 10 mg/kg group. The Bmax and neurological deficits in the 40 mg/kg did not significantly differ from those in the 100 mg/kg group. By contrast, the AST-treated rats showed no significant changes in the binding parameter equilibrium dissociation constant compared with those in the sham operation group and the model group. AST protects ischemic brain tissue by inhibiting PBR expression after cerebral ischemia.

Dynamic CT for parathyroid disease: are multiple phases necessary?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A 4D CT protocol for detection of parathyroid lesions involves obtaining unenhanced, arterial, early, and delayed venous phase images. The aim of the study was to determine the ideal combination of phases that would minimize radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With institutional review board approval, the records of 29 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who had undergone surgical exploration were reviewed. Four neuroradiologists who were blinded to the surgical outcome reviewed the imaging studies in 5 combinations (unenhanced and arterial phase; unenhanced, arterial, and early venous; all 4 phases; arterial alone; arterial and early venous phases) with an interval of at least 7 days between each review. The accuracy of interpretation in lateralizing an abnormality to the side of the neck (right, left, ectopic) and localizing it to a quadrant in the neck (right or left upper, right or left lower) was evaluated.

RESULTS

The lateralization and localization accuracy (90.5% and 91.5%, respectively) of the arterial phase alone was comparable with the other combinations of phases. There was no statistically significant difference among the different combinations of phases in their ability to lateralize or localize adenomas to a quadrant (P = .976 and .996, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of a small group of patients shows that adequate diagnostic accuracy for parathyroid adenoma localization may be achievable by obtaining arterial phase images alone. If this outcome can be validated prospectively in a larger group of patients, then the radiation dose can potentially be reduced to one-fourth of what would otherwise be administered.

Sensitization to food and inhalant allergens in relation to age and wheeze among children with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children; however, persistence of AD with or without asthma is less common. Longitudinal studies remain limited in their ability to characterize how IgE antibody responses evolve in AD, and their relationship with asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To use a cross-sectional study design of children with active AD to analyse age-related differences in IgE antibodies and relation to wheeze.

METHODS

IgE antibodies to food and inhalant allergens were measured in children with active AD (5 months to 15 years of age, n = 66), with and without history of wheeze.

RESULTS

Whereas IgE antibodies to foods persisted at a similar prevalence and titre throughout childhood, IgE antibodies to all aeroallergens rose sharply into adolescence. From birth, the chance of sensitization for any aeroallergen increased for each 12-month increment in age (OR ≥ 1.21, P < 0.01), with the largest effect observed for dust mite (OR = 1.56, P < 0.001). A steeper age-related rise in IgE antibody titre to dust mite, but no other allergen was associated with more severe disease. Despite this, sensitization to cat was more strongly associated with wheeze (OR = 4.5, P < 0.01), and linked to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4, but not Fel d 2. Comparison of cat allergic children with AD to those without, revealed higher IgE levels to Fel d 2 and Fel d 4 (P < 0.05), but not Fel d 1.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Differences in sensitization to cat and dust mite among young children with AD may aid in identifying those at increased risk for disease progression and development of asthma. Early sensitization to cat and risk for wheeze among children with AD may be linked to an increased risk for sensitization to a broader spectrum of allergen components from early life. Collectively, our findings argue for early intervention strategies designed to mitigate skin inflammation in children with AD.

The acute and chronic effects of monosodium L-glutamate on serum iron and total iron-binding capacity in the jugular artery and vein of pigs

We analyzed the effects of acute and chronic oral administration of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) on serum iron (Fe) levels and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in piglets. In the first experiment, 12 piglets were randomly assigned to two groups: one fed a standard diet (SD) and the other fed an SD containing MSG (10 g/kg). On day 30, serum, liver, kidney, and spleen samples were collected to determine the Fe levels. In the second experiment, six pigs were surgically fitted with a catheter in the jugular artery and vein to investigate the dynamic changes of serum Fe and TIBC. Blood samples were taken from each pig via the catheter every 30 min, for a period of 4 h. The results show that MSG increases Fe levels in the spleen (P < 0.05) and in serum obtained from the jugular artery (P < 0.01). In addition, TIBC in serum obtained from the jugular artery demonstrated an increasing trend in pigs fed the MSG diet; however, this trend was not observed in the jugular vein. In conclusion, MSG increases Fe retention by enhancing TIBC in serum.

Prediction of Optimum Process Conditions for Rotomolded Products

This paper describes analytical and experimental work which has been carried out to identify optimum process conditions for rotomolded products. The mechanical performance of the moldings has been assessed using tensile impact tests. It has been found that changes in the oven temperature or oven time cause a very significant shift in the ductile-brittle transition for the SCLAIR 8504 grade of polyethylene used in the work. Optimum combinations of process variables can be clearly defined and used to establish a processing window for the material.

The ROTOSIM computer simulation for the rotomolding process has been used to establish the best (most economic) combinations of process conditions to obtain the optimum mechanical properties. A single equation is presented to relate pool depletion time to some of the process variables.

The historical development of Chinese group callisthenics

The history of Chinese group callisthenics can be traced back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Modern callisthenics was brought to China in the Republic of China Era (1912-49) and developed rapidly in the People's Republic of China Era (1949 to the present). Since the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, group callisthenics has developed in five stages: the formation of systemisation, the breakthrough, the multiple development and the comprehensive development. Today, Chinese group callisthenics has become world-famous and has continued its development from its own system and style.

Intraepidermal nerve fiber loss corresponds to the development of taxol-induced hyperalgesia and can be prevented by treatment with minocycline

Loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) has been speculated to play a critical role in the development of various neuropathies. In this study, the density of IENFs were studied over time during the induction of Taxol (Bristol-Myers Squibb, NY, USA)-induced chemoneuropathy and compared with the changes in IENFs in animals co-treated with Taxol plus the protective agent minocycline. Rats were injected (intraperitoneally) with 2mg/kg of Taxol every other day for four injections (day 1, 3, 5, and 7). Minocycline (25mg/kg) was given in a separate group of rats 24h prior to the first dose of Taxol and every day for the next 9days (day 0 through 9). Animals were tested for mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds prior to any drug administrations and again on day 7, 14, and 30. Immunohistochemistry using the pan-neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 was performed on glabrous skin of the hind-paw foot pad to stain for IENFs also on day 7, 14, and 30. The results show that Taxol-treated animals developed mechanical sensitivity and corresponding IENF loss. Animals receiving minocycline plus Taxol showed no hyperalgesia or loss of IENFs. This study confirms, for the first time, that a loss of IENFs occurs as a neuropathy develops, and further shows a protection against both IENF loss and hyperalgesia with minocycline treatment. The progression of Taxol-induced mechanical hypersensitivity coincides with loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers, and the hyperalgesia and nerve fiber loss were prevented with minocycline treatment.

Binding of pro-prion to filamin A: by design or an unfortunate blunder

Over the last decades, cancer research has focused on tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Genes in other cellular pathways has received less attention. Between 0.5% to 1% of the mammalian genome encodes for proteins that are tethered on the cell membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. The GPI modification pathway is complex and not completely understood. Prion (PrP), a GPI-anchored protein, is infamous for being the only normal protein that when misfolded can cause and transmit a deadly disease. Though widely expressed and highly conserved, little is known about the functions of PrP. Pancreatic cancer and melanoma cell lines express PrP. However, in these cell lines the PrP exists as a pro-PrP as defined by retaining its GPI anchor peptide signal sequence (GPI-PSS). Unexpectedly, the GPI-PSS of PrP has a filamin A (FLNA) binding motif and binds FLNA. FLNA is a cytolinker protein, and an integrator of cell mechanics and signaling. Binding of pro-PrP to FLNA disrupts the normal FLNA functions. Although normal pancreatic ductal cells lack PrP, about 40% of patients with pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma express PrP in their cancers. These patients have significantly shorter survival time compared with patients whose cancers lack PrP. Pro-PrP is also detected in melanoma in situ but is undetectable in normal melanocyte, and invasive melanoma expresses more pro-PrP. In this review, we will discuss the underlying mechanisms by which binding of pro-PrP to FLNA disrupts normal cellular physiology and contributes to tumorigenesis, and the potential mechanisms that cause the accumulation of pro-PrP in cancer cells.

CLN5 mutations are frequent in juvenile and late-onset non-Finnish patients with NCL

OBJECTIVES

To explore a potential expansion of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Finnish variant late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), we screened a collection of 47 patients with clinically diagnosed NCL in whom no molecular diagnosis had been made.

METHODS

We used PCR amplification of genomic DNA, followed by fluorescent-labeled dideoxy-nucleotide chain termination sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, to screen our cohort of patients for mutations in CLN5. We collected ethnic background, clinical, and pathologic information, as available, to clarify the breadth of CLN5 disease expression and to explore possible genotype-phenotype correlations.

RESULTS

We identified 10 patients with pathogenic CLN5 mutations, including 11 mutations not previously described: 4 missense, 5 out-of-frame insertion/deletion mutations, and 2 large intragenic deletions. We also documented 3 previously reported CLN5 mutations. The age at disease onset in this cohort is predominantly juvenile rather than late infantile. Importantly, we have identified 2 adult-onset patients who share a common pathogenic allele. The majority of patients presented with motor and visual impairments and not seizures. In those patients with available longitudinal data, most had progressed to global neurodevelopmental and visual failure with seizures within 1 to 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that CLN5 mutations 1) are more common in patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) than previously reported, 2) are found in non-Finnish NCL patients of broad ethnic diversity, and 3) can be identified in NCL patients with disease onset in adult and juvenile epochs. CLN5 genetic testing is warranted in a wider population with clinical and pathologic features suggestive of an NCL disorder.

Effect of N-cadherin knock-down on invasiveness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

e15571

Background: Cell adhesion molecules are of crucial importance in cancer invasion and metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition, characterized by reduced E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin expression, has been recognized as a feature of aggressive tumors, but the importance of this phenotype has not been settled in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Aim: To examine the expressions of N-cadherin and E-cadherin in 62 normal esophageal epithelium specimens, 31 adjacent atypical hyperplasia epithelium specimens and 62 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma specimens, and to investigate the roles of N-cadherin in the invasiveness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line EC9706 transfected by N-cadherin shRNA.. Methods: PV immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression pattern of N-cadherin and E-cadherin in 62 normal esophageal epithelium specimens, 31 adjacent atypical hyperplasia epithelium specimens and 62 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma specimens. The invasiveness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line EC9706 in vitro and in vivo was determined by transwell assay and nude mice experiments after EC9706 was transfected by N-cadherin shRNA. Results: The positive rates of N-cadherin decreased in the sequence of carcinoma, adjacent atypical hyperplasia and normal esophageal tissue, which were 75.8%, 61.3%, 29.0% (P < 0.05), respectively, while those of E-cadherin increased in sequence, which were 40.3%, 71.0% and 95.2% (P < 0.05). The increased expression of N-cadherin and decreased expression of E-cadherin were related to the invasion, differentiation, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression level of N-cadherin decreased in the N- cadherin knocked down cells, and the invasiveness of those cells decreased significantly as well in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: These results suggest that N-cadherin is an important factor in the invasiveness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and N-cadherin may serves as a potential molecular target for biotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Genetic imbalance and human papillomavirus states in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a disease of significant clinical importance, which arises in the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV).

METHODS

We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to document non-random chromosomal gains and losses with HPV positive and negative VSCCs.

RESULTS

Gains of 3q and 12q were significantly more common in HPV-positive cancers compared to HPV-negative cancers where chromosome 8q was more commonly gained in HPV-negative compared to HPV-positive cancer chromosomes and, 4p and 3p were lost in both categories of VSCCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that one or more oncogenes important in the development and progression of HPV-induced carcinomas are located on 3q and 12q.

Differentiation potential of an immortalized non-tumorigenic human liver epithelial cell line as liver progenitor cells

We report the differentiation potential of an immortalized non-tumorigenic human liver epithelial cell line, THLE-5b. Under basic culture conditions THLE-5b showed undifferentiated phenotypes. When grown as cell aggregates, THLE-5b exhibited a hepatocyte-like ultrastructure, ammonia metabolic activity and several other indicators that suggest hepatocytic maturation, including up-regulation or induction of liver-specific genes such as albumin and tryptophane 2,3-dioxygenase, and down-regulation of biliary cell markers such as gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Under these conditions, transcriptional factors such as HNF-1 and HNF-4alpha were also up-regulated or induced. In Matrigel culture, expression of GGT was up-regulated. THLE-5b expressed both albumin and alpha 1-antitrypsin, but lost expression of CK19 in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Thus, THLE-5b can be aligned with progenitor cells, which are committed to the hepatocytic or biliary epithelial cell lineage. These results imply that bipotent progenitor cell populations similar to THLE-5b cells may exist in adult human liver.

Expression of NOD2 in Paneth cells: a possible link to Crohn's ileitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Genetic variation in NOD2 has been associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) and specifically with ileal involvement. The reason for the unique association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease is unclear. To identify a possible link, we tested expression of NOD2 in intestinal tissue of CD patients and controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty five specimens of ileum or colon from 21 CD patients, seven ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and five controls with pathology other than CD or UC were stained for NOD2 using an immunoperoxidase method.

RESULTS

Using a monoclonal antibody against NOD2 developed in our laboratory, we detected uniform expression of NOD2 in terminal ileum Paneth cells from controls and patients as well as in metaplastic Paneth cells in the colon. Mechanical purification showed enriched expression of NOD2 mRNA in ileal crypts. In Paneth cells, NOD2 was located in the cytosol in close proximity to the granules that contain antimicrobial peptides. We detected minimal NOD2 in the villous epithelium of the ileum or in the colonic epithelium from both CD patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a role for NOD2 in the regulation of Paneth cell mediated responses against intestinal bacteria and a plausible mechanism to explain the selective association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease. The impaired capacity of CD associated mutations to sense luminal bacteria may result in increased susceptibility to certain gut microbes.

Production and interaction of oxygen and nitric oxide free radicals in PMA stimulated macrophages during the respiratory burst

The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) during the respiratory burst in phorbol-1,2-myristate-1,3-acetate (PMA) stimulated macrophages has been the topic of much debate in the literature. To help clarify the role of NOS, we have examined the chemiluminescence arising from peroxynitrite production, nitrite/nitrate and nitric oxide production, and oxygen consumption during the respiratory burst in PMA-stimulated macrophages. The Griess reaction was used to measure nitrite/nitrate, spin trapping with N-methyl D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD)2-Fe2+ was used to quantify nitric oxide, and the spin probe 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl-4-ol (TEMPOL) was used to measure oxygen consumption. Oxygen free radical production (hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals) was also investigated using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyroline-1-oxide (DMPO). The chemiluminescence emitted by the PMA-stimulated macrophages and nitrite/nitrate in the culture system were both found to increase. However, the rate of nitric oxide release remained constant, indicating that the activity of NOS is not enhanced during the respiratory burst in PMA stimulated macrophages.

Nitric oxide induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in neuronal cells

Within the central nervous system and under normal conditions, nitric oxide (NO) is an important physiological signaling molecule. When produced in large excess, NO also displays neurotoxicity. In our previous report, we have demonstrated that the exposure of neuronal cells to NO donors induced apoptotic cell death, while pretreatment with free radical scavengers L-ascorbic acid 2-[3, 4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8, 12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl-hydrogen phosphate] potassium salt (EPC-K1) or superoxide dismutase attenuated apoptosis effectively, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved in the cascade of events leading to apoptosis. In the present investigation, we directly studied the kinetic generation of ROS in NO-treated neuronal cells by flow cytometry using 2', 7'-dichloro-fluorescein diacetate and dihydrorhodamine 123 as redox-sensitive fluorescence probes. The results indicated that exposure of cerebellar granule cells to the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) induced oxidative stress, which was characterized by the accumulation of cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS, the increase in the extracellular hydrogen peroxide level, and the formation of lipid peroxidation products. SNAP treatment also induced apoptotic cell death as confirmed by the formation of cytosolic mono- and oligonucleosomes. Pretreating cells with the novel antioxidant EPC-K1 effectively prevented oxidative stress induced by SNAP, and attenuated cells from apoptosis.

Mechanisms of apoptosis in rat cerebellar granule cells induced by hydroxyl radicals and the effects of EGb761 and its constituents

In this study investigation is made on whether oxidative stress produced by treatment with hydroxyl radicals can induce apoptosis in rat cerebellar granule cells. The protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) and its active constituents against apoptosis are also examined. The results show that hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction induced apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells, which was associated with the decrease in the Bcl-2 mRNA level and the increase in the protein levels of the transcription factors Fos and Jun. Moreover, hydroxyl radicals induced time-dependent lipid peroxidation in cells and caused the changes in the sulfhydryl group binding sites on the membrane proteins. Hydroxyl radicals may induce apoptosis via different signaling pathways. EGb761 attenuated these changes and its different constituents showed different effects. The total flavonoid component of EGb761 and a mixture of flavonoids and terpenes protected cerebellar granule cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by hydroxyl radicals. Total terpenes of EGb761 did not protect against apoptosis. Flavonoids and terpenes did not show a synergistic effect in this regard.

Oxidative metabolites of 5-S-cysteinylnorepinephrine are irreversible inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I and the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes: possible implications for neurodegenerative brain disorders

The major initial product of the oxidation of norepinephrine (NE) in the presence of L-cysteine is 5-S-cysteinylnorepinephrine which is then further easily oxidized to the dihydrobenzothiazine (DHBT) 7-(1-hydroxy-2-aminoethyl)-3,4-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2H-1, 4-benzothiazine-3-carboxylic acid (DHBT-NE-1). When incubated with intact rat brain mitochondria, DHBT-NE-1 evokes rapid inhibition of complex I respiration without affecting complex II respiration. DHBT-NE-1 also evokes time- and concentration-dependent irreversible inhibition of NADH-coenzyme Q(1) (CoQ(1)) reductase, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC), and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KGDH) when incubated with frozen and thawed rat brain mitochondria (mitochondrial membranes). The time dependence of the inhibition of NADH-CoQ(1) reductase, PDHC, and alpha-KGDH by DHBT-NE-1 appears to be related to its oxidation, catalyzed by an unknown component of the inner mitochondrial membrane, to electrophilic intermediates which bind covalently to active site cysteinyl residues of these enzyme complexes. The latter conclusion is based on the ability of glutathione to block inhibition of NADH-CoQ(1) reductase, PDHC, and alpha-KGDH by scavenging electrophilic intermediates, generated by the mitochondrial membrane-catalyzed oxidation of DHBT-NE-1, forming glutathionyl conjugates, several of which have been isolated and spectroscopically identified. The possible implications of these results to the degeneration of neuromelanin-pigmented noradrenergic neurons in the locus ceruleus in Parkinson's disease are discussed.