Effects of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone on testicular development and reproduction-related gene expression in roosters

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction in the hypothalamus of poultry and has been intensely investigated since its discovery. This study aimed to assess the effects of GnIH on testicular development, as well as on reproduction-related hormone release and gene expression levels in roosters. The administration of exogenous GnIH resulted in a significant reduction in testis weight, testis volume and semen quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, exogenous GnIH significantly up-regulates the expression of GnIH, and down-regulates the expression of PRL (p < 0.05). GnIH application also decreased the GnRH, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and luteinizing hormone β subunit(LHβ)gene expression levels. Meanwhile, by neutralizing the effects of endogenous GnIH through immunization, testicular development on day 150 in roosters was significantly promoted. Compared to the control condition, GnIH immunization significantly down-regulated the expression of the VIP and PRL genes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that exogenous GnIH treatment inhibited testicular development, reduces PRL gene expression, and suppressed reproductive performance in roosters. Conversely, GnIH immunization down-regulated VIP and PRL genes, activates the reproductive system, and promotes the reproductive activity and testicular development of roosters.

[Clinical features of SF3B1 mutation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts]

Objective: To exploring the clinical features of SF3B1-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts (MDS-EB) and analyzing the association between SF3B1 mutation, and efficacy and prognostic significance for patients with MDS-EB. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 266 patients with MDS-EB diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 2016 and November 2021 were analyzed. The observed indicators included blood routine counts, mutated genes, overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and leukemia-free survival (LFS). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict the survival curves. The Log-rank test method was equally used to compare survival across groups and performed the Cox proportional hazard regression model for prognostic analysis. Results: In 266 patients with MDS-EB, 166 (62.4%) were men, and the median age was 57 (17-81) years. Moreover, there were included 26 and 240 patients in the SF3B1-mutated and SF3B1 wild-type groups. Patients in the SF3B1-mutated group were older [median age 65 (51, 69) years vs. 56 (46, 66) years, P=0.033], had higher white blood cell (WBC) counts [3.08 (2.35, 4.78) × 10⁹/L vs. 2.13 (1.40, 3.77) × 10⁹/L], platelet (PLT) counts [122.5 (50.5, 215.0) ×10⁹/L vs. 49.0 (24.3, 100.8) × 10⁹/L], absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) [1.83 (1.01, 2.88) × 10⁹/L vs. 0.80 (0.41, 1.99) × 10⁹/L]and occurrence of DNMT3A mutation [23.1% (6/26) vs. 6.7% (16/240)] (all P<0.05). The ORR were similar in both groups after 2 and 4 cycles of therapy (P=0.348, P=1.000). Moreover, the LFS (P=0.218), PFS (P=0.179) and OS (P=0.188) were similar across the groups. Univariate Cox analysis revealed that SF3B1 mutation did not affect the prognosis of patients with MDS-EB (OS: P=0.193; PFS: P=0.184). Conclusions: Patients with SF3B1 mutation were older, with greater WBC, PLT, and ANC, and SF3B1 mutation easily co-occurred with DNMT3A mutation. From this model, there were no significant differences in efficacy and survival of MDS-EB with or without SF3B1 mutation.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Ameliorates Age-Associated Bone Loss and Gut Barrier Dysfunction in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 6 Mice

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Senile osteoporosis is one of the most common age-related diseases worldwide. Glucagon like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a naturally occurring gastrointestinal peptide, possesses therapeutic effects on bone loss in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized rats. However, the role of GLP-2 in senile osteoporosis and underlying mechanisms has not been explored. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> GLP-2 was subcutaneously injected into the 6-month-old male senile osteoporosis model of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) mice for 6 weeks. SAMP6 subjected to normal saline and senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 served as control groups. Micro-computed tomography was performed to evaluate the bone mass and microarchitecture of the mice. Osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities were determined by biochemical, quantitative real-time PCR, histological, and histomorphometric analyses combined with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. We also examined the proteins and structure of intestinal tight junction using immunohistochemical assay as well as a transmission electron microscope. Serum inflammation marker levels were measured using ELISA. Additionally, anti-oxidative enzymes GPX-4 and SOD-2 and receptors of GLP-2 and vitamin D expression in the ileum and colon were detected under immunofluorescence staining. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Six-week GLP-2 treatment attenuated bone loss in SAMP6 mice, as evidenced by increased bone mineral density, improved microarchitecture in femora, and enhanced osteogenic activities. In contrast, the activity of osteoclastic activity was not obviously inhibited. Moreover, GLP-2 ameliorated tight junction structure and protein expression in the intestinal barrier, which was accompanied by the reduction of TNF-α level. The expression of receptors of intestinal GLP-2 and vitamin D in the ileum was elevated. Furthermore, the oxidative stress in the intestines was improved by increasing the GPX-4 and SOD-2 signaling. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings suggest that GLP-2 could ameliorate age-associated bone loss, tight junction structure, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity in the gut in SAMP6 mice. Amelioration of gut barrier dysfunction may potentially contribute to improving bone formation and provide evidence for targeting the entero-bone axis in the treatment of senile osteoporosis.

[Influencing factors of suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM, and to explore the influence of perceived social support and depression on suicidal ideation and the possible pathway. Methods: MSM who are ≥18 years, HIV-negative, and ever had sex with men (oral sex/anal sex) in the last year participated in is study. Cross-sectional survey and convenient sampling method were used to recruit MSM through a male social interaction platform Blued 7.5 software from December 2020 to March 2021, with a questionnaire survey. Demographic questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Questionnaire and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were employed to collect data. Mplus 8.3 was used for data analysis. Results: Among 1 394 eligible MSM participants, 25.7% (358/1 394) had suicidal ideation. Perceived social support could have a direct effect on suicidal ideation (β=-0.11, P=0.009), and an indirect effect on suicidal ideation through depression (β=-0.18, P<0.001). Conclusions: Suicidal ideation was found to be lower in MSM with a higher level of perceived social support and a lower level of depression. Using social media to improve MSM's perceived social support and reduce depressive symptoms might be an effective means to prevent suicidal ideation.

[Sustainable development roadmap of Chinese antimalarial products]

As the first country that has been certified malaria-free in the WHO Western Pacific Region for more than 3 decades, China should share its successful experiences of malaria control and provide globally recognized anti-malaria products by making full uses of its advantages in provision and production capacity of artemisinin raw materials, to fill the gaps of international demands for mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic reagents and antimalarial compounds. Increasing the investment of research and development of antimalarial products, building overseas bases for artemisinin raw material production, establishing international regulatory authority and promoting the local production of antimalarial products are needed to further promote the internationalization of Chinese antimalarial products, so as to achieve the equity and accessibility of Chinese antimalarial products in highburden regions for malaria.

Obesity in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effects of obesity on clinical outcomes of COVID-19 warrant systematical investigation.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the effects of obesity with the risk of severe disease among patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Body mass index (BMI) and degree of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation were used as indicators for obesity status. Publication databases including preprints were searched up to August 10, 2020. Clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 included hospitalization, a requirement for treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and mortality. Risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes are presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for cohort studies with BMI-defined obesity, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI for controlled studies with VAT-defined excessive adiposity.

RESULTS

A total of 45, 650 participants from 30 studies with BMI-defined obesity and 3 controlled studies with VAT-defined adiposity were included for assessing the risk of severe COVID-19. Univariate analyses showed significantly higher ORs of severe COVID-19 with higher BMI: 1.76 (95%: 1.21, 2.56, P = 0.003) for hospitalization, 1.67 (95%CI: 1.26, 2.21, P<0.001) for ICU admission, 2.19 (95%CI: 1.56, 3.07, P<0.001) for IMV requirement, and 1.37 (95%CI: 1.06, 1.75, P = 0.014) for death, giving an overall OR for severe COVID-19 of 1.67 (95%CI: 1.43, 1.96; P<0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed increased ORs of severe COVID-19 associated with higher BMI: 2.36 (95%CI: 1.37, 4.07, P = 0.002) for hospitalization, 2.32 (95%CI: 1.38, 3.90, P = 0.001) for requiring ICU admission, 2.63 (95%CI: 1.32, 5.25, P = 0.006) for IMV support, and 1.49 (95%CI: 1.20, 1.85, P<0.001) for mortality, giving an overall OR for severe COVID-19 of 2.09 (95%CI: 1.67, 2.62; P<0.001). Compared to non-severe COVID-19 patients, severe COVID-19 cases showed significantly higher VAT accumulation with a SMD of 0.49 for hospitalization (95% CI: 0.11, 0.87; P = 0.011), 0.57 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.81; P<0.001) for requiring ICU admission and 0.37 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.71; P = 0.035) for IMV support. The overall SMD for severe COVID-19 was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.68; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity increases risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, IMV requirement and death among patients with COVID-19. Further, excessive visceral adiposity appears to be associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for effective actions by individuals, the public and governments to increase awareness of the risks resulting from obesity and how these are heightened in the current global pandemic.

Global trend of diabetes mortality attributed to vascular complications, 2000-2016

Background

The global epidemic of diabetes mellitus continues to grow and affects developed and developing countries alike. Intensive glycemic control is thought to modify the risks for vascular complications, hence the risks for diabetes-related death. We investigated the trend of diabetic vascular complication-related deaths between 2000 and 2016 in the global diabetes landscape.

Methods

We collected 17 years of death certificates data from 108 countries in the World Health Organization mortality database between 2000 and 2016, with coding for diabetic complications. Crude and age-standardized proportions and rates were calculated. Trend analysis was done with annual average percentage change (AAPC) of rates computed by joinpoint regression.

Results

From 2000 through 2016, 7,108,145 deaths of diabetes were reported in the 108 countries. Among them, 26.8% (1,904,787 cases) were attributed to vascular complications in damaged organs, including the kidneys (1,355,085 cases, 71.1%), peripheral circulatory (515,293 cases, 27.1%), nerves (28,697 cases, 1.5%) and eyes (5751 cases, 0.3%). Overall, the age-standardized proportion of vascular complication-related mortality was 267.8 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 267.5–268.1] cases per 1000 deaths and the rate was 53.6 (95% CI 53.5–53.7) cases per 100,000 person-years. Throughout the 17-year period, the overall age-standardized proportions of deaths attributable to vascular complications had increased 37.9%, while the overall age-standardized mortality rates related to vascular complications had increased 30.8% (AAPC = 1.9% [1.4–2.4%, p < 0.05]). These increases were predominantly driven by a 159.8% increase in the rate (AAPC = 2.7% [1.2–4.3%, p < 0.05]) from renal complications. Trends in the rates and AAPC of deaths varied by type of diabetes and of complications, as well as by countries, regions and domestic income.

Conclusion

Diabetic vascular complication-related deaths had increased substantially during 2000–2016, mainly driven by the increased mortality of renal complications.

The Phytophthora infestans AVR2 Effector Escapes R2 Recognition Through Effector Disordering

Intrinsic disorder is a common structural characteristic of proteins and a central player in the biochemical processes of species. However, the role of intrinsic disorder in the evolution of plant-pathogen interactions is rarely investigated. Here, we explored the role of intrinsic disorder in the development of the pathogenicity in the RXLR AVR2 effector of Phytophthora infestans. We found AVR2 exhibited high nucleotide diversity generated by point mutation, early-termination, altered start codon, deletion/insertion, and intragenic recombination and is predicted to be an intrinsically disordered protein. AVR2 amino acid sequences conferring a virulent phenotype had a higher disorder tendency in both the N- and C-terminal regions compared with sequences conferring an avirulent phenotype. In addition, we also found virulent AVR2 mutants gained one or two short linear interaction motifs, the critical components of disordered proteins required for protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, virulent AVR2 mutants were predicted to be unstable and have a short protein half-life. Taken together, these results support the notion that intrinsic disorder is important for the effector function of pathogens and demonstrate that SLiM-mediated protein-protein interaction in the C-terminal effector domain might contribute greatly to the evasion of resistance-protein detection in P. infestans.

A comparison of prokaryote communities inhabiting sponges, bacterial mats, sediment and seawater in Southeast Asian coral reefs

In the present study, we used Illumina sequencing to explore the prokaryote communities of 17 demosponge species and how they compare with bacterial mat, sediment and seawater samples (all sampled from coral reef habitat in Taiwan and Thailand). The studied sponge species formed three clusters. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness and evenness were by far highest in the sediment and bacterial mat biotopes. There were pronounced differences in OTU richness and evenness among clusters and also considerable variation among certain host species within clusters. Additionally, the relative abundance of some prokaryotic taxa also differed among clusters with Poribacteria, e.g., being recorded in all sponge species, but with very low relative abundances in species of two of the three clusters. This sponge-associated phylum was, however, recorded at relatively high mean abundance in bacterial mat samples, which also housed relatively high abundances of actinobacterial and Chloroflexi members. Our results support high microbial abundance (HMA) status of the species Aaptos lobata, Hyrtios erectus, Pseudoceratina purpurea and Xestospongia testudinaria and low microbial abundance (LMA) status of the species Acanthella cavernosa, Echinodictyum asperum, Jaspis splendens, Ptilocaulis spiculifer, Stylissa carteri and Suberites diversicolor. Other species (Agelas cavernosa, Agelas nemoechinata, Acanthostylotella cornuta, Paratetilla sp., Hymeniacidon sp. and Haliclona cymaeformis) deviated somewhat from the typical HMA/LMA dichotomy and formed a strongly supported cluster.

[COVID-19 pandemic: global epidemiological trends and China's subsequent preparedness and responses]

The outbreak of COVID-19 has spread quickly across 114 countries/territories/areas in six continents worldwide and has been announced as a pandemic by WHO. This study analyzed global COVID-19 epidemiological trends, examined impact of the pandemic on global health security, diplomacy, and social environment in China, and provided short- and long-term strategic policy recommendations for China's subsequent preparedness and responses.

Amyloids in Site-Specific Autoimmune Reactions and Inflammatory Responses

Amyloid deposition is a histological hallmark of common human disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes. Although some reports highlight that amyloid fibrils might activate the innate immunity system via pattern recognition receptors, here, we provide multiple lines of evidence for the protection by site-specific amyloid protein analogs and fibrils against autoimmune attacks: (1) strategies targeting clearance of the AD-related brain amyloid plaque induce high risk of deadly autoimmune destructions in subjects with cognitive dysfunction; (2) administration of amyloidogenic peptides with either full length or core hexapeptide structure consistently ameliorates signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; (3) experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is exacerbated following genetic deletion of amyloid precursor proteins; (4) absence of islet amyloid coexists with T-cell-mediated insulitis in autoimmune diabetes and autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome; (5) use of islet amyloid polypeptide agonists rather than antagonists improves diabetes care; and (6) common suppressive signaling pathways by regulatory T cells are activated in both local and systemic amyloidosis. These findings indicate dual modulation activity mediated by amyloid protein monomers, oligomers, and fibrils to maintain immune homeostasis. The protection from autoimmune destruction by amyloid proteins offers a novel therapeutic approach to regenerative medicine for common degenerative diseases.

Prednisolone dose during treatment of tuberculosis might be a risk factor for mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a hospital-based cohort study

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) because of their immunocompromised status and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. In endemic regions, TB complicates the diagnosis and treatment of SLE, but the risk factors of mortality in these patients have not been investigated. In this study, we reviewed medical records during 2006–2016. Patients who fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria and presented with definite TB were enrolled. The primary outcome was mortality during TB treatment. There were 5388 SLE patients screened, and 30 patients were enrolled. Seven patients died during follow-up. Compared with the survival group, patients in the mortality group had significantly more central nervous system involvement of TB, higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 scores and more cyclophosphamide use before TB, and higher prednisolone dose before and during TB treatment. Cox regression showed that prednisolone dose during TB treatment was an independent risk factor for mortality (per 10 mg/day increase, hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, p = .019). For SLE patients, prednisolone dose during TB treatment is an independent risk factor for mortality. Keeping prednisolone dose at less than 25 mg per day during TB treatment might be a reasonable strategy in these patients.

Analysis of EEG Lemple-Ziv complexity and correlative aspects before and after treatment of anti-syphilis therapy for neurosyphilis

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of electroencephalogram (EEG) complexity in patients with neurosyphilis by comparing the changes of electroencephalogram Lempel-Ziv complexity (EEG-LZC) before and after anti-syphilis treatment. Methods The EEG complexity of neurosyphilis patients diagnosed in our hospital from July in 2015 to June in 2017 was analyzed and compared with other diagnostic results such as serology examination and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Results A total of 27 patients were diagnosed, including 19 males and 8 females, of which 6 were mesenchymal(cerebrospinal membrane and meningeal vascular), 16 were parenchymal(paralytic dementia, spinal cord tuberculosis and optic neuropathy), and 5 were asymptomatic. After intensive anti-syphilis therapy, the LZC increased significantly in all patients while the trend and degree of change were consistent with other diagnostic results. Conclusion The LZC can be used as one of the diagnostic indexes meanwhile the trend and degree of its change can be used as the reference index of curative effect to neurosyphilis.

[Clinical applications of intelligent pressure control flexible ureteroscope for the treatment of renal calculi ≤2 cm]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intelligent pressure control flexible ureteroscope for management of renal stones ≤2 cm. Methods: The clinical data of 267 cases of renal calculi treated with flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy at Department of Urology, Ganzhou People's Hospital from June 2015 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 129 male and 138 female patients, with a mean age of 51.2 years (ranging from 19 to 76 years). Among them, 145 patients underwent intelligent pressure control flexible ureteroscope (intelligent control group) and 122 patients underwent flexible ureteroscope ordinary (ordinary group). The t test, χ² test or Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. The success rate of stone seeking, the stone free rates, the incidence of complications, the average operation time, the average hospital stay after operation were compared between the two groups. Results: The average mean operative time of the patients with intelligent control group was (26.17 ± 8.64) minutes, significantly shorter than (47.23±18.35) minutes of the ordinary group (t=1.968, P=0.000). The stone free rate of the patients with intelligent control group was 97.2%, it was higher than 86.0% of ordinary group (χ²=0.069, P=0.004). The complication rate of the patients with intelligent control group was 2.7%, which was significantly shorter than 18.0% of the ordinary group (χ²=17.586, P=0.000). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the success rate of stone seeking and postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). Conclusion: Intelligent controlled pressure ureteral flexible ureteroscope has the advantages of short operation time, high stone free rate and less complications in the treatment of renal calculi ≤2 cm compared with flexible ureteroscope ordinary.

[Assessment of Height Prediction Model Based on SNPs Loci]

OBJECTIVES

To establish a height prediction model of Chinese Han male based on the reported 547 height-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） loci in Europeans, and assess its accuracy for height estimation.

METHODS

The DNA typing was analyzed in 59 Han male samples of Shandong province by Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 chip and HiSeq 4000 sequencing platform. Prediction model was established using 547 height-associated SNPs loci as predictors and weight allele sums （WAS） as computing method. The accuracy of height prediction model was analysed using receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve and area under curve （AUC）.

RESULTS

There was no height-associated SNPs locus was found by genome-wide association studies. In present study, height prediction model was established by WAS and obtained an AUC of 0.67 （95% CI: 0.53-0.90）.

CONCLUSIONS

It has reference value for predicting the height of Han male in Shandong province by WAS model based on 547 SNPs loci, while it is still necessary to further promote the accuracy of the prediction model by screening more height-associated SNPs loci with population heterogeneity.

Sponge Prokaryote Communities in Taiwanese Coral Reef and Shallow Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystems

Previously, it was believed that the prokaryote communities of typical 'low-microbial abundance' (LMA) or 'non-symbiont harboring' sponges were merely subsets of the prokaryote plankton community. Recent research has, however, shown that these sponges are dominated by particular clades of Proteobacteria or Cyanobacteria. Here, we expand on this research and assess the composition and putative functional profiles of prokaryotic communities from LMA sponges collected in two ecosystems (coral reef and hydrothermal vent) from vicinal islands of Taiwan with distinct physicochemical conditions. Six sponge species identified as Acanthella cavernosa (Bubarida), Echinodictyum asperum, Ptilocaulis spiculifer (Axinellida), Jaspis splendens (Tetractinellida), Stylissa carteri (Scopalinida) and Suberites sp. (Suberitida) were sampled in coral reefs in the Penghu archipelago. One sponge species provisionally identified as Hymeniacidon novo spec. (Suberitida) was sampled in hydrothermal vent habitat. Each sponge was dominated by a limited set of operational taxonomic units which were similar to sequences from organisms previously obtained from other LMA sponges. There was a distinct bacterial community between sponges collected in coral reef and in hydrothermal vents. The putative functional profile revealed that the prokaryote community from sponges collected in hydrothermal vents was significantly enriched for pathways related to DNA replication and repair.

Autoimmunity and dysmetabolism of human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains ill-defined by lists of symptoms, infections, tumors, and disorders in metabolism and immunity. Low CD4 cell count, severe loss of body weight, pneumocystis pneumonia, and Kaposi's sarcoma are the major disease indicators. Lines of evidence indicate that patients living with AIDS have both immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Immunodeficiency is attributed to deficits in the skin- and mucosa-defined innate immunity, CD4 T cells and regulatory T cells, presumably relating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The autoimmunity in AIDS is evident by: (1) overproduction of autoantibodies, (2) impaired response of CD4 cells and CD8 cells, (3) failure of clinical trials of HIV vaccines, and (4) therapeutic benefits of immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation in patients at risk of AIDS. Autoantibodies are generated in response to antigens such as debris and molecules de novo released from dead cells, infectious agents, and catabolic events. Disturbances in metabolic homeostasis occur at the interface of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in the development of AIDS. Optimal treatments favor therapeutics targeting on the regulation of metabolism to restore immune homeostasis.

Family history and renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

A positive family history is recognized as an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the association of family history with rennin-angiotensin system (RAS) gene polymorphisms has not been reported yet, thus we aim to investigate it.Family history records, clinical and biochemical data were obtained from 1239 T2DM patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotyping and PCR-restricted fragment length polymorphism was used for angiotensinogen (AGT) genotyping.Patients with a negative family history had higher level of triglyceride and blood pressure, whereas those with a positive family history showed younger onset age and lower body mass index value (All P < .05), these findings were age-dependent. The percentage of hypertension was lower with a higher percentage of overweight among the patients with a positive family history (All P < .05). Patients with a positive family history and those with a negative family history had comparable genotype and allele distribution of ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphisms and AGT gene M/T polymorphisms.A positive family history of diabetes was not associated with the RAS gene polymorphisms.

Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of CvfB, SEK and SEQ genes among Staphylococcus aureus isolates from paediatric patients with bloodstream infections

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most frequently isolated pathogens in neonatal cases of early and late-onset sepsis. Drug resistance profiles and carriage of toxin genes may affect the treatment and outcome of an infection. The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and frequencies of the toxin-associated genes conserved virulence factor B (CvfB), staphylococcal enterotoxin Q (SEQ) and staphylococcal enterotoxin K (SEK) among S. aureus isolates recovered from paediatric patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Guangzhou (China). Of the 53 isolates, 43.4% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and resistance rates to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin of 92.5, 66.0, 62.3, 13.2, 20.8 and 1.9% were recorded, respectively. However, no resistance to nitrofurantoin, dalfopristin/quinupristin, rifampicin, gentamicin, linezolid or vancomycin was detected. Resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline in the MRSA group was significantly higher than that in the methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) group. No significant differences in antimicrobial resistance patterns were noted between two age groups (≤1 year and >1 year). The proportion of S. aureus isolates positive for CvfB, SEQ and SEK was 100, 34.0 and 35.8%, respectively, with 24.5% (13/53) of strains carrying all three genes. Compared with those in MSSA isolates, the rates of SEK, SEQ and SEK + SEQ carriage among MRSA isolates were significantly higher. Correlations were identified between the carriage of SEQ, SEK and SEQ + SEK genes and MRSA (contingency coefficient 0.500, 0.416, 0.546, respectively; P<0.01). In conclusion, MRSA isolated from the blood of paediatric patients with BSIs not only exhibited higher rates of antimicrobial resistance than MSSA from the same source, but also more frequently harboured SEK and SEQ genes. The combination of the two aspects influenced the dissemination of MRSA among children. The present study clarified the characteristics of BSI-associated S. aureus and enhanced the current understanding of the pathogenicity and treatment of MRSA.

Efficacy and safety of pramlintide injection adjunct to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of pramlintide plus insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We included clinical studies comparing pramlintide plus insulin to placebo plus insulin. Efficacy was reflected by glycemic control and reduction in body weight and insulin use. Safety concerns were hypoglycemia and other adverse events. Subgroup analysis was performed for different doses (30, 60, 90 µg/meal) and durations (≤4, 26, 29, >29 weeks) of the treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 10 randomized placebo-controlled studies were included for this meta-analysis (pramlintide, n=1978; placebo, n=1319). Compared with controls, patients given pramlintide had significantly lower HbA1c (p < 0.001), total daily insulin dose (p = 0.024), mean mealtime insulin dose (p < 0.001), body weight (p < 0.001) and postprandial glucose level (p = 0.002). The addition of pramlintide increased the incidence of nausea (p < 0.001), vomiting (p < 0.001), anorexia (p < 0.001) and hypoglycemia (p < 0.05) at the initiation of the treatment. The efficacy and adverse reactions of pramlintide were largely significant for the different doses and durations of the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of pramlintide to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes improves glycemic control and reduces insulin requirement and body weight while bringing transient hypoglycemia and digestive disorders.

Characteristic patterns of normal meridian acupoint temperature

BACKGROUND

Body temperature is an important indicator of health and illness. However, a single temperature measurement is not always reliable. Such measurements can be made using meridians, which are energy channels with acupoints being the nodes. To date, there is no published reference of meridian acupoint temperatures applicable to human health, and there is no clear digitalized indicator that could be utilized to evaluate human health by way of meridian acupoints up to now.

METHODS

Our study recruited 100 healthy medical college students for the measurement of acupoint temperature. The temperatures of 135 acupoints of 14 main meridians were measured using infrared thermometers in order to provide a comprehensive body temperature reading of each study participant.

RESULTS

The degree of the acupoint temperature consistently ranged from 34.88°C to 36.14°C. The gross thermograph was concentric, with high degree readings around the heart and low degree readings originating from the feet. The left and right body sides had significant correlation between the degrees of bilateral same name acupoint temperatures of 12 regular meridians (correlation coefficient, 0.367-0.985; p < 0.0001). There was also a significant correlation between the acupoint temperature for the governor vessel and the conception vessel (correlation coefficient, 0.083; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that meridian acupoint temperature is characterized by a consistently narrow range, as well as concentricity and symmetry in body temperature degree readings in college students. Meridian acupoint temperature may be a sensitive and valuable indicator to assist in the accurate evaluation of meridian and general human health, and the significance and changes of acupoint temperature in clinical conditions warrants future exploration.

FAMLF is a target of miR-181b in Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is closely related to the abnormal expression of genes. Familial acute myelogenous leukemia related factor (FAMLF; GenBank accession No. EF413001.1) is a novel gene that was cloned by our research group, and miR-181b is located in the intron of the FAMLF gene. To verify the role of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL, RNAhybrid software was used to predict target site of miR-181b on FAMLF and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) was used to detect expression of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL patients, Raji cells and unaffected individuals. miR-181b was then transfected into Raji and CA46 cell lines and FAMLF expression was examined by RQ-PCR and western blotting. Further, Raji cells viability and proliferation were detected by MTT and clone formation, and Raji cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that miR-181b can bind to bases 21–42 of the FAMLF 5′ untranslated region (UTR), FAMLF was highly expressed and miR-181b was lowly expressed in BL patients compared with unaffected individuals. FAMLF expression was significantly and inversely correlated to miR-181b expression, and miR-181b negatively regulated FAMLF at posttranscriptional and translational levels. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay identified that the 5′ UTR of FAMLF mRNA contained putative binding sites for miR-181b. Down-regulation of FAMLF by miR-181b arrested cell cycle, inhibited cell viability and proliferation in a BL cell line model. Our findings explain a new mechanism of BL pathogenesis and may also have implications in the therapy of FAMLF-overexpressing BL.

Expression of T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis factor on the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma

In recent years, many studies have found that tumor metastasis-related gene T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing factor 1 (TIAM1) had abnormal high expression in a variety of tumor cells; however, there are few studies regarding its expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to observe the expression of TIAM1 in OSCC and investigated its clinical significance. The expression of TIAM1 in tissues from 120 cases of OSCC and oral mucosa from 40 normal cases was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between the expression of TIAM1 and the clinicopathological parameters of OSCC was analyzed. The positive expression rate of TIAM1 in the OSCC tissues was significantly higher than that in the normal oral mucosa (92.5% vs 0%). With the decrease of histological differentiation of OSCC, the increase of tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and the occurrence of lymph node metastasis, the TIAM1 staining positive rate was gradually increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). However, the expression of TIAM1 in the OSCC tissues was in no correlation with the gender and age of the patients. The expression of TIAM1 is closely related to the occurrence, development and metastasis of OSCC, and it can be used as a new marker for reflecting its biological behaviors.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella enteritidis by a pre-concentrated immunochromatographic assay in a large-volume sample system

A pre-concentrated immunochromatographic assay for Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) detection was developed based on the unique optical and magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Cross-talk between AMP-activated protein kinase and renin-angiotensin system in uninephrectomised rats

INTRODUCTION

The renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the ultrasensitive energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been implicated in normal and aberrant states of the kidney, but interaction between the RAS and AMPK remains unknown.

METHODS

Ninety-six rats were stratified into four groups: sham, uninephrectomised, uninephrectomised rats treated with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril or the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan. Histopathological examination at 9 months post-operation and biochemical measurements at 3, 6 and 9 months were performed for changes in renal structure and function. The expression of AMPK and angiotensin II at 9 months was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with sham rats, uninephrectomised rats demonstrated progressive glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy with cast formation and chronic inflammatory infiltration, in parallel to elevated serum urea, creatinine, urine total protein to creatinine ratio and reduced serum albumin. Overexpression of angiotensin II coexisted with a 85.6% reduction of phosphorylated to total AMPK ratio in the remnant kidney of uninephrectomised rats. RAS blockade by the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker substantially normalised AMPK expression, morphological and functional changes of the remnant kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

Uninephrectomy-induced RAS activation and AMPK inhibition in the remnant kidney could be substantially corrected by RAS blockade, suggesting a cross-talk between AMPK and RAS components in uninephrectomised rats.

Protection against death and renal failure by renin-angiotensin system blockers in patients with diabetes and kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to block the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Yet it remains uncertain whether these drugs are equally effective and safe.

METHODS

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of ACEis/ARBs in diabetes and kidney disease published in PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases were searched for clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), hyperkalemia and cough.

RESULTS

Eight meta-analyses included 2177-61,264 patients with follow-up of 6-108 months. RAS blockers reduced mortality (relative risk ratio (RR), 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86-0.95) without heterogeneity. The death protection was significant specifically with ACEis (RR, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.79-0.91), but not with ARBs. Protection against ESRD was homogenously evident by ARBs (RR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.73-0.87), ACEis (RR, 0.79, 95% , 0.64-0.94), and both (RR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.73-0.87). Significant side effects were hyperkalemia by ARBs (RR, 2.44, 95% CI, 1.13-5.26), and cough by ACEis (RR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.75-3.22) CONCLUSIONS: In patients with diabetes and kidney disease, ACEis and ARBs are consistently protective for the development of ESRD. Use of ACEis alone additionally reduces deaths and increases the risk for cough. Use of ARBs alone increases the risk for hyperkalemia without additional benefit of death protection.

A putative mechanism on remission of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: estrogen-induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by dendritic cells

The basis for the reduced relapse rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) during pregnancy remains unexplained but, if defined, could create novel treatment options. Estrogen constitutes one candidate molecule, but the mechanism by which estrogen may affect MS during pregnancy is unclear. In this study, we used monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from MS patients to explore the estrogen (17-b-estradiol)-related pathway of immune modulation. Estrogen induced the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) on DCs, limiting T-cell proliferation and both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. The suppression of T-cell proliferation mediated by estrogenexposed DCs was partly abolished by the IDO-inhibitor, 1-methyl-dl-tryptophan, indicating that estrogen-exposed DCs induced IDO-dependent T-cell suppression. Our data support the hypothesis that the change in the clinical course of MS observed in pregnancy may be related to the estrogen DC-IDO axis, which could represent a novel target for MS therapy.

Renin-angiotensin system blockade for the risk of cancer and death

INTRODUCTION

The effects of renin-angiotensin system blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) on cancer remain inconsistent.

METHODS

We searched existing databases from 1960 to August 2015, for randomised controlled trials and observational studies (case-control studies and cohort studies) of ARB/ACEI therapy with a minimal one year of follow-up. Outcomes were incidence and mortality of cancer.

RESULTS

We included 14 randomised controlled trials and 17 observational studies of 3,957,725 participants (350,329 ARB/ACEI users). The users had a lower incidence of cancer in the observational studies (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.93) but not in the randomised controlled trials (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92-1.08). The protection persisted for lung cancer (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.97) but not for other sites of cancer. The relative risk of cancer associated with renin-angiotensin system blockade was reduced along with time of follow-up. Mortality reduction with ARB/ACEI was marginally significant in the observational studies (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.93) but not in the randomised controlled trials (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.89-1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

The significant benefits of renin-angiotensin system blockade observed in case-control studies and cohort studies might diminish in randomised controlled trials. Clinical design, site of cancer and duration of follow-up may affect the clinical outcomes.

A meta-analysis of renal outcomes in living kidney donors

Given the increased burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), renal outcomes of kidney donation by living donors are of particular interest. PubMed, ProQuest, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chinese national knowledge infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched for clinical outcomes of living kidney donors (LKDs) including renal death, ESRD, proteinuria/albuminuria, and renal function after donation. We included 62 studies from 19 countries involving 114,783 kidney donors and nondonors to evaluate the renal consequences less than 6 months, 6 months to 5 years, 5 to 10 years, and 10 years onward after donation. The pooled data showed that uninephrectomy significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance rate in parallel with increased serum creatinine concentration (all P < 0.05). The drastic changes in renal function occurred within 6 months rather than 5 to 10 years after donation. Ten years and onward, rate of proteinuria/albuminuria increased gradually: microalbuminuria from 5.3% to 20.9%, proteinuria from 4.7% to 18.9%, and overt proteinuria from 2.4% to 5.7% (all P < 0.05). Prevalence of ESRD was 1.1%. All-cause mortality was 3.8% and all the renal deaths on average occurred 10 years postnephrectomy. LKDs might have aggravated glomerular filtration and creatinine clearance within 6 months after donation. Five years and onward, albuminuria, proteinuria, ESRD, and death might be the major concerns of LKDs. Long-term studies may clarify the survival time after donation.

Spontaneous remission of membranous glomerulonephritis with successful fetal outcome: A case report and literature review

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) represents an immunologically mediated disease characterized by deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular subepithelial space. Persistent proteinuria at diagnosis predicts poor prognosis. Pregnancy with MGN is a risk of fetal loss and may worsen maternal renal function.Here, we report a lady with MGN and proteinuria achieved spontaneous remission and successful fetal outcome naive to any medications. The 26-year old woman had 1-year history of persistent proteinuria (5.5-12.56 g/24 hours) and biopsy-proven MGN. Histopathological characteristics included glomerular basement membrane spikes, subepithelial monoclonal IgG immunofluorescence, and diffuse electron dense deposits. She was sticking to a regular morning exercise routine without any medications. After successful delivery of a full-term baby girl, the mother had improved proteinuria (0.56 g/24 hours) and albuminuria (351.96 g/24 hours contrasting 2281.6 g/24 hours before pregnancy). The baby had normal height and body weight at 4 months old.We identified more pregnancies with MGN in 5 case reports and 5 clinical series review articles (7-33 cases included). Spontaneous remission of maternal MGN with good fetal outcome rarely occurred in mothers on immunosuppressive therapy.Mothers naive to immunosuppressive therapy may achieve spontaneous remission of maternal membranous glomerulonephritis and successful fetal outcome. Theoretically, fetus might donate stem cells to heal mother's kidney.

Neuroendocrine hormone amylin in diabetes

The neuroendocrine hormone amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, is co-localized, co-packaged and co-secreted with insulin from adult pancreatic islet β cells to maintain glucose homeostasis. Specifically, amylin reduces secretion of nutrient-stimulated glucagon, regulates blood pressure with an effect on renin-angiotensin system, and delays gastric emptying. The physiological actions of human amylin attribute to the conformational α-helix monomers whereas the misfolding instable oligomers may be detrimental to the islet β cells and further transform to β-sheet fibrils as amyloid deposits. No direct evidence proves that the amylin fibrils in amyloid deposits cause diabetes. Here we also have performed a systematic review of human amylin gene changes and reported the S20G mutation is minor in the development of diabetes. In addition to the metabolic effects, human amylin may modulate autoimmunity and innate inflammation through regulatory T cells to impact on both human type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Consistent Efficacy of Wendan Decoction for the Treatment of Digestive Reflux Disorders

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bile reflux gastritis (BRG) are common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders with unmet medical needs. Traditional Chinese medicine has long been used for the treatment of GERD and BRG whereas the ginger-containing formula Wendan decoction (WDD) targets homeostatic disturbances characterized by "reflux" and "gut-juice exposure" problems. Here we used WDD as a therapeutic tool to unravel the common pathogenesis of GI reflux disorders. Control clinical trials reporting the WDD-treated patients with GERD and BRG were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Outcome measurements were clinical efficacy defined by symptom relief with normal GI endoscopy, radiology, and pathology. Eventually, 33 studies involved 3253 participants (1351 vs. 1035 of the BRG in 20 publications, 449 vs. 418 of the GERD in 13 studies, and 194 vs. 159 of relapse rate in 6 trials). Pooled data showed a consistent therapeutic efficacy of WDD on BRG (OR = 6.00, 95%C = 4.68-7.69) and GERD (OR = 4.39, 95%CI = 2.72-7.07). The relapse rate was 12.4% for WDD, significantly lower than 44.0% for conventional therapies (OR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.08-0.26). The consistent therapeutic efficacy of the single TCM formula on GERD and BRD indirectly indicates reflux as a common pathogenesis in reflux-associated GI disorders.

Efficacy of the wen dan decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, for metabolic syndrome

CONTEXT

Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to the clustering of metabolic derangements that include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and chronic kidney impairment. Those conditions are well known as being synergistically responsible for morbidity from cardiovascular disease as well as for driving the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes. It is still unknown whether an exact unifying pathogenesis of MS exists.

OBJECTIVE

The meta-analysis intended to analyze the use of Chinese medicine (CM) as a therapeutic tool to explore indirectly the unifying pathogenesis of MS.

METHODS

PubMed, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Wanfang databases were systematically searched from inception to November 2013 for randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) that compared treatment efficacy for MS patients using the Wen Dan decoction (WDD), a CM formula, versus Western conventional therapeutics.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Measurements included tests of the overall therapeutic efficacy of WDD for hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and renal functions, and the study also analyzed adverse events. Data were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs), with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and the odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

A total of 31 RCTs were included for meta-analysis, involving 2512 patients and including 1282 participants in the intervention groups. The pooled data favored WDD over the control treatments as follows: (1) hyperglycemia, with a WMD of -0.95 mmol/L (95% CI: -1.19 to -0.71); (2) hypertension, with a WMD of -7.40 mm Hg (95% CI: -9.86 to -4.93); (3) dyslipidemia: (a) total cholesterol (TC), with a WMD of -0.62 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.90 to -0.33); (b) triglycerides (TGs), with a WMD of -0.32 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.52 to -0.13); (c) low-density lipoproteins (LDPs), with a WMD of -0.22 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.41 to -0.02); and (d) high-density lipoproteins (HDPs), with a WMD of 0.10 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.17); and (4) of renal functions: (a) urea, with a WMD of -3.41 mmol/L (95% CI: -5.50 to -1.32) and (b) creatinine, with a WMD of -68.81 μmol/L (95% CI: -132.63 to -4.98). No statistical significance was documented in creatinine clearance between the 2 treatments with a WMD of 15.47 mL/min (95% CI: -7.71 to 38.64). The overall efficacy rate was 91.4% for WDD and 66.9% for the control treatments (OR: 5.33; 95% CI: 4.06 to 6.99). Adverse events were rare and minor.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistent improvements found in metabolic profiles by use of the single herbal formula may indirectly imply a common pathogenesis in MS.

Prolactin plays a stimulatory role in ovarian follicular development and egg laying in chicken hens

The aim of this study was to show a stimulatory role in ovarian follicle development by prolactin (PRL) in chicken hens. In experiment 1, anti-PRL antibodies were generated in hen plasma by intramuscular administrations of recombinant PRL antigen. Egg laying remained at levels lower (P < 0.05) in the PRL-immunized group than in the BSA-immunized group of hens, whereas development of incubation was depressed in the former but not the latter group. Throughout the experiment, plasma PRL concentrations were lower in the PRL-immunized hens than in non-incubating control hens; LH concentrations were similar between the PRL- and BSA-immunized hens until the end of the experiment when LH was lower in the BSA-immunized hens (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, anti-PRL receptor (PRLR) antibodies were raised in hens with the use of immunizations against recombinant PRLR extracellular domain. Immunization against PRLR initially increased the egg-laying rate when measured under the short photoperiod (12 h) but blocked the laying rate increase that occurred in the BSA-immunized control hens when the photoperiod was extended from 12 to 16 h. The development of incubation behavior was not affected by immunization against PRLR nor was plasma PRL or LH concentration. In experiment 3, when the egg-laying rate was depressed in PRL immunization hens, developmental speed of large white follicles was found to be slower than in the BSA-immunized control hens (P < 0.05). These results indicate that immunization against PRL slows down ovarian follicular development and reduces hen egg-laying performance, suggesting that PRL plays a stimulatory role in ovarian follicular development in chicken hens.

The influence of autonomic interventions on the sleep-wake-related changes in gastric myoelectrical activity in rats

BACKGROUND

Significant changes in autonomic activity occur at sleep-wake transitions and constitute an ideal setting for investigating the modulatory role of the autonomic nervous system on gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA).

METHODS

Using continuous power spectral analysis of electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and electrogastromyogram (EGMG) data from freely moving rats that had undergone chemical sympathetomy and/or truncal vagotomy, sleep-wake-related fluctuations in GMA were compared among the intervention groups.

KEY RESULTS

The pattern and extent of fluctuations in EGMG power across the sleep-wake states was blunted most significantly in rats undergoing both chemical sympathectomy and truncal vagotomy. The effect of these interventions also varied with respect to the transition between different sleep-wake states. The most prominent influences were observed between active waking and quiet sleep and between paradoxical sleep and quiet sleep.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The sleep-wake-related fluctuations in EGMG power are a result of joint contributions from both sympathetic and vagal innervation. Vagotomy mainly resulted in a reduction in EGMG power, while the role of sympathetic innervation was unveiled by vagotomy and this was reflected most obviously in the extent of the fluctuations in EGMG power.

[Polymorphism of 7 Y-STR loci in Chinese populations by multiplex PCR genotyping using fluorescein-labeled primers]

We reported the multiplex-PCR-based genotyping method for 7 Y-STR loci, including DYS456, DYS464a/b/c/d, DYS527a/b labeled with FAM (blue) and DYS531, DYS709, DYS448, DYS522 labeled with JOE (green). We investigated the haplotype distribution of these 7 Y-STR loci among 151 unrelated Han males in the Guangdong Province and 106 unrelated males in the Henan Province, and evaluated this method for forensic practice. The results showed that this method could successfully determine the genotypes using as little as 0.02 ng genomic DNA, and the male's Y-STR genotypes could be detected in a DNA mixture in which the ratio of male/female components was 1:150 (160 ng in total amount of DNA template). There were 150 and 105 haplotypes found of these 7 Y-STR loci in these two Chinese populations, out of them 149 and 104 haplotypes appeared only once, respectively. The haplotype diversity in the two populations were 0.999912 and 0.999820, respectively. The distribution variation of the 7 Y-STR haplotypes between Guangdong and Henan Chinese populations was statistically significant (P<0.001). Thus, the fluorescein-labeled multiplex-PCR genotyping of 7 Y-STR loci is a valuable tool for forensic medicine practice and for human anthropology study.

Multiple sclerosis: reduced proportion of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing BDCA-2 and BDCA-4 and reduced production of IL-6 and IL-10 in response to herpes simplex virus type 1

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that autoaggressive immune responses observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) could be associated with an imbalance in proportion of immune cell subsets and in cytokine production in response to infection, including viruses.

METHODS

We collected blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from 23 patients with MS and 23 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) from the island of Sardinia, Italy, where the prevalence of MS is extraordinarily high. Using flow cytometry, we studied MNC for expression of blood dendritic cell antigens (BDCA)-2 and BDCA-4 surface markers reflecting the proportion of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) that produce type I interferons (IFNs) after virus challenge and promote Th2/anti-inflammtory cytokine production. In parallel, pro-inflammatory (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-12, IFN-gamma), anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10), and immuno-regulatory/pleiotropic cytokines (type I IFNs including IFN-alpha and beta, IL-6) were measured before and after an in vitro exposure to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

RESULTS

The subset of lineage negative (lin(-)), BDCA-2(+) cells was lower in patients with MS compared with HC (0.08 + or - 0.02% vs 0.24 + or - 0.02%; P < 0.001). A similar pattern was observed for lin(-)BDCA-4(+) cells (0.08 + or - 0.02% vs 0.17% + or - 0.03; P < 0.01). Spontaneous productions of IL-6 (45 + or - 10 pg/mL vs 140 + or - 26 pg/mL; P < 0.01) and IL-10 (17 + or - 0.4 pg/mL vs 21 + or - 1 pg/mL; P < 0.05) by MNC were lower in patients with MS compared with HC. Spontaneous production of IL-6 (6.5 + or - 0.15 pg/mL vs 21 + or - 5 pg/mL; P < 0.01 and IL-10 (11 + or - 1 pg/mL vs 14 + or - 3 pg/mL; P < 0.05) by pDC was also lower in patients with MS compared with HC. Exposure of MNC to HSV-1 showed, in both patients with MS and HC, increased production of IFN-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 but decreased production of IL-4. In response to HSV-1 exposure, productions of IL-6 (165 +or - 28 pg/mL vs 325 + or - 35 pg/mL; P < 0.01) and IL-10 (27 +or - 3 vs 33 + or - 3 P < 0.05) by MNC as well as by pDC (IL-6: 28 + or - 7 vs 39 + or - 12 P < 0.05; IL-10: 14 + or - 1 vs 16 + or - 3 P < 0.05) were lower in patients with MS compared with HC.

CONCLUSION

The results implicate a new evidence for altered immune cells and reduced immune responses in response to viral challenge in MS.

Endocrine regulations of reproductive seasonality, follicular development and incubation in Magang geese

This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of seasonal breeding, developments of ovarian follicles and incubation in Magang geese, a short day breeding bird. Throughout the year, plasma PRL concentrations increased in non-breeding season in spring and summer (from April to early August), and remained low in the rest of the year, while LH concentrations peaked in August and September and remained low in non-breeding season (March to June). Lengthening photoperiod increased PRL and decreased LH secretions, which inhibited follicular development, terminated lay and induced moulting, while shortening photoperiod decreased PRL and increased LH secretion and reinitiated lay. Long photoperiod stimulated PRL secretion occurred with increased gene expressions of PRL in the pituitary gland and VIP in the hypothalamus, but inhibition of LH secretion was without decreases in gene expressions of LH beta subunit and GnRH. Under breeding conditions, terminating incubation decreased PRL but increased LH concentrations and resumed lay in 24 days following recruitment of about 10 large white follicles into hierarchical development. Plasma concentrations of progesterone and inhibin peaked at peak lay, whereas LH concentrations exhibited a bi-phasic pattern with troughs at peak lay and incubation when PRL concentrations were high. Ninety percent geese exhibited incubation behaviour after laying one clutch of approximately eight eggs in approximately 30 days. In conclusion the seasonal reproductive activities in Magang geese is directly inhibited by long photoperiod and directly stimulated by short photoperiod via PRL and LH secretions, whose interplays also cause occurrences of four to five lay and incubation cycles in the breeding season.