[Influential factors of non-motor symptoms prognosis in Parkinson's disease patients undergoing deep brain stimulation]

Objective: To investigate the effects of electrode activated contact location, volume of tissue activated (VTA) and age on non-motor symptoms, such as emotional symptoms and cognitive function, in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: PD patients who underwent DBS of subthalamic nucleus (STN) at the Department of Functional Neurosurgery of Beijing Tiantan Hospital from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Mini-Mental State Examination Scales (MMSE) were used at the preoperative, 1-month and 12-month postoperative time points. In this study, patients were divided into middle-aged (age<60 years,n=39) and elderly (age≥60 years,n=62) groups to investigate the effect of age factor on the clinical outcome of surgery. Lead-DBS software was used to convert the patients' electrode reconstruction results into Montreal standard space, and the patients were divided into sensorimotor(n=43) and combined groups(n=53) according to the distribution of activation contact locations in the subzones of the STN. In addition, the patients were divided into a cognitive improvement group(n=57)and a cognitive deterioration group(n=44) based on the results of MoCA at 12 months. The positional information of the electrode activation contacts was collected and the VTA was calculated to analyze the effects on electrode activation electroshock location and activated tissue volume on patients' non-motor symptoms. Results: A total of 101 patients with PD were enrolled, including 46 males and 55 females, aged (62.6±8.4) years. Middle-aged patients had significantly higher MoCA scores, delayed recall scores, attention scores, and naming scores than older patients at 12 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). At 12-month follow-up, the improvement rate of MoCA score, HAMA score and HAMD score were -1.77%±20.36%, 39.65%±42.91% and 36.23%±45.45% respectively in sensorimotor group. At 12-month follow-up, the improvement rate of MoCA score, HAMA score and HAMD score was 11.69%±22.24%, 16.62%±68.10% and 2.30%±95.04% respectively in the combined group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (MoCA: P=0.002; HAMA: P=0.040; HAMD: P=0.033) The distribution of VTA in the sensory motor area and marginal area of the left hemisphere STN in patients with improved cognitive function was significantly smaller than that in the deterioration group [(60.53±52.04)mm³vs (84.55±61.00)mm³, P=0.035; (41.81±33.36)mm³vs (59.05±45.46)mm³, P=0.030]. Conclusion: The effect of STN-DBS on emotional symptoms and cognitive function in PD patients is influenced by various factors and is closely related to the patient's age, electrode activation contact location and VTA.

Optimising diffusion-weighted imaging of the thyroid gland using dedicated surface coil

AIM

To assess the feasibility of applying field-of-view (FOV) optimised and constrained undistorted single-shot (FOCUS) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the thyroid gland by comparing its image quality with conventional DWI (C-DWI) qualitatively and quantitatively using a dedicated surface coil exclusively designed for the thyroid gland at 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 32 healthy volunteers who had undergone 3 T the thyroid gland MRI with FOCUS-DWI and C-DWI were enrolled. Two independent reviewers assessed the overall image quality, artefacts, sharpness, and geometric distortion based on a five-point Likert scale. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were quantified for both sequences. Interobserver agreement, qualitative scores, and quantitative parameters were compared between two sequences.

RESULTS

Agreement between the two readers was good for FOCUS-DWI (κ = 0.714-0.778) and moderate to good for C-DWI (κ = 0.525-0.672) in qualitative image quality assessment. Qualitatively, image quality (overall image quality, artefacts, sharpness, and geometric distortion) was significantly better in FOCUS-DWI than that in the C-DWI (all p<0.05); however, quantitatively, FOCUS-DWI had significantly lower SNRs (p<0.001) and CNRs (p=0.012) compared with C-DWI. The ADC value on FOCUS-DWI was significantly higher than that on C-DWI (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

FOCUS-DWI depicted the thyroid gland with significantly better image quality qualitatively and less ghost artefacts, but had significantly lower SNR and CNR quantitatively, compared with C-DWI, suggesting that both DWI sequences have advantages and could be chosen for different purposes.

Porous Photo-Fenton Catalysts Rapidly Triggered by Levodopa-Based Mussel-Inspired Coatings for Enhanced Dye Degradation and Sterilization

The advanced oxidation process of the photo-Fenton reaction can produce hydroxyl radicals with extremely strong oxidizing properties for the efficient and green degradation of various chemical and microbial pollutants. Herein, we report an approach to fabricating heterogeneous Fenton catalysts of β-FeOOH nanorods on porous substrates triggered by mussel-inspired coatings of levodopa (3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl-l-alanine, l-DOPA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) for efficient photocatalytic dyes' degradation and sterilization. The l-DOPA-based coatings not only promote the formation and immobilization of β-FeOOH nanorods on the porous substrates by strong coordination between catechol/carboxyl groups and Fe³⁺ but also improve the energy band structure of the Fenton catalysts through a valence band blue shift and band gap narrowing. The photo-Fenton catalysts prepared by the l-DOPA-based coatings exhibit high electron transport efficiency and improved utilization of sunlight. Only 2 h of mineralization is needed to fabricate these catalysts with excellent photocatalytic efficiency, in which the degradation efficiency of methylene blue can reach 99% within 30 min, whereas the sterilization efficiency of E. coli/S. aureus can reach 93%/94% within 20 min of the photo-Fenton reaction. Additionally, the prepared catalysts reveal a high photodegradation performance for various dyes including methylene blue, methyl blue, methyl orange, direct yellow, and rhodamine B. Furthermore, the catalysts retain high dye degradation efficiencies of above 90% after five photodegradation cycles, indicating cycling performance and good stability.

[Clinical analysis of 34 cases of acute fatty liver of pregnancy]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics, diagnosis and prognosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), and to guide the management of AFLP patients. Methods: The clinical data of 34 AFLP patients admitted to Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2009 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The general situation, diagnostic characteristics, treatment and maternal and neonatal prognosis of the AFLP patients were collected and analyzed. Results: The incidence of AFLP in our hospital was 0.022% (34/152 383). The age of onset was (30.6±4.9) years old, and the gestational age was (35.3±2.4) weeks. Most of the first symptom was gastrointestinal symptoms of unknown cause in the third trimester of pregnancy (53%, 18/34), accompanied by different degrees of elevated liver enzymes. Cesarean section was performed in 97% (33/34) of patients for termination of pregnancy. Only one pregnant woman was diagnosed prenatal and delivered vaginally, and the prognosis of both mother and infant was good. Five cases were transferred to intensive care unit, including 2 cases of acute renal failure, 1 case of gastrointestinal bleeding and 2 cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. There was no maternal death. Severe asphyxia occurred in 2 neonates. Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the digestive tract symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy and the diversity of clinical manifestations of AFLP for early detection. Once AFLP is diagnosed, pregnancy should be terminated as soon as possible to improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Fabrication of "Spongy Skin" on Diversified Materials Based on Surface Swelling Non-Solvent-Induced Phase Separation

Porous surfaces have attracted tremendous interest for customized incorporation of functional agents on biomedical devices. However, the versatile preparation of porous structures on complicated devices remains challenging. Herein, we proposed a simple and robust method to fabricate "spongy skin" on diversified polymeric substrates based on non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Through the swelling and the subsequent phase separation process, interconnected porous structures were directly formed onto the polymeric substrates. The thickness and pore size could be regulated in the ranges of 5-200 and 0.3-0.75 μm, respectively. The fast capillary action of the porous structure enabled controllable loading and sustained release of ofloxacin and bovine albumin at a high loading dosage of 79.9 and 24.1 μg/cm², respectively. We verified that this method was applicable to diversified materials including polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polylactide acid, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and can be realized onto TCPS cell culture plates. This NIPS-based method is promising to generate porous surfaces on medical devices for incorporating therapeutic agents.

Impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on microbial community of coastal waters in Shenzhen, South China

During the urbanization, human activities have brought great changes to marine biodiversity and microbial communities of coastal water. Shenzhen is a coastal city that has developed rapidly over the past four decades, but the microbial communities and metabolic potential in offshore water are still not well characterized. Here, 16S rRNA gene V4-V5 sequencing was conducted to determine the microbial components from coastal waters in twenty selected areas of Shenzhen. The results showed a significant difference on the microbial composition between the western and eastern waters. Samples from western coast had more abundant Burkholderiaceae, Sporichthyaceae, Aeromonadaceae, and Methylophilaceae compared to eastern coast, and at the genus level, Candidatus Aquiluna, Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Ottowia and Acidibacter were significantly higher in western waters. There was also a notable difference within the western sample group, suggesting the taxa-compositional heterogeneity. Moreover, analysis of environmental factors and water quality revealed that salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen were relatively decreased in western samples, while total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, and harmful marine vibrio were significantly increased compared to eastern waters. The results suggest the coastal waters pollution is more serious in western Shenzhen than eastern Shenzhen and the microbial communities are altered, which can be associated with anthropogenic disturbances.

Codeposition of Levodopa and Polyethyleneimine: Reaction Mechanism and Coating Construction

Mussel-inspired poly(catecholamine) coatings from polydopamine (PDA) have been widely studied to design functional coatings for various materials. The chemical precursor of dopamine (DA), levodopa (l-DOPA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine), is known as the main element of mussel adhesive foot protein, but it is relatively hard to be constructed into a desirable coating on a given material surface under the same conditions as those for DA. Herein, we report a codeposition strategy to achieve the rapid fabrication of mussel-inspired coatings by l-DOPAwith polyethyleneimine (PEI) and to deeply understand the formation mechanism of those aggregates and coatings from l-DOPA/PEI. DFT calculations, fluorescence spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identification demonstrate that the formation of l-DOPA/PEI aggregates is effectively accelerated by PEI crosslinking with those intermediates of oxidized l-DOPA, including l-DOPAquinone and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid as well as 5,6-dihydroxyindole, through Michael-addition and Schiff-base reactions. Therefore, we can facilely control the growth rate and the particle size of the l-DOPA/PEI aggregates in the deposition solution by adjusting the concentration of PEI. The coating formation rate of l-DOPA/PEI is four times faster than that of PDA and DA/PEI within 12 h. These l-DOPA/PEI coatings are demonstrated to display potential as structure colors, superhydrophilic surfaces, and antibacterial materials.

CR6-interacting factor-1 contributes to osteoclastogenesis by inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand after radiation

BACKGROUND

Radiation induces rapid bone loss and enhances bone resorption and adipogenesis, leading to an increased risk of bone fracture. There is still a lack of effective preventive or therapeutic method for irradiation-induced bone injury. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) provides the crucial signal to induce osteoclast differentiation and plays an important role in bone resorption. However, the mechanisms of radiation-induced osteoporosis are not fully understood.

AIM

To investigate the role of CR6-interacting factor-1 (Crif1) in osteoclastogenesis after radiation and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to Co-60 gamma rays and received 5 Gy of whole-body sublethal irradiation at a rate of 0.69 Gy/min. For in vitro study, mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) were irradiated with Co-60 at a single dose of 9 Gy. For osteoclast induction, monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cocultured with mouse BM-MSCs for 7 d. ClusPro and InterProSurf were used to investigate the interaction interface in Crif1 and protein kinase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-activited catalytic subunit alpha complex. Virtual screening using 462608 compounds from the Life Chemicals database around His120 of Crif1 was carried out using the program Autodock_vina. A tetrazolium salt (WST-8) assay was carried out to study the toxicity of compounds to different cells, including human BM-MSCs, mouse BM-MSCs, and Vero cells.

RESULTS

Crif1 expression increased in bone marrow cells after radiation in mice. Overexpression of Crif1 in mouse BM-MSCs and radiation exposure could increase RANKL secretion and promote osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Deletion of Crif1 in BM-MSCs could reduce both adipogenesis and RANKL expression, resulting in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Deletion of Crif1 in RAW264.7 cells did not affect the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB expression or osteoclast differentiation. Following treatment with protein kinase A (PKA) agonist (forskolin) and inhibitor (H-89) in mouse BM-MSCs, Crif1 induced RANKL secretion via the cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, we identified the Crif1-protein kinase cyclic adenosine monophosphate-activited catalytic subunit alpha interaction interface by in silico studies and shortlisted interface inhibitors through virtual screening on Crif1. Five compounds dramatically suppressed RANKL secretion and adipogenesis by inhibiting the cAMP/PKA pathway.

CONCLUSION

Crif1 promotes RANKL expression via the cAMP/PKA pathway, which induces osteoclastogenesis by binding to receptor activator of nuclear factor κB on monocytes-macrophages in the mouse model. These results suggest a role for Crif1 in modulating osteoclastogenesis and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis for radiation-induced bone injury.

[Effect of induced labor on delivery outcome of pregnant women undergoing vaginal trial of labor after cesarean section]

Objective: To explore the effect of induced labor on delivery outcome of pregnant women undergoing vaginal trial of labor after cesarean section. Methods: Totally, 173 pregnant women undergoing vaginal trial of labor after cesarean from April 1st, 2016 to October 31st, 2017 were involved. According to whether or not induced labor, pregnant women were divided into induced labor group (n=47) and natural labor group (n=126). The two groups of the general situation, the situation of delivery and delivery outcome were compared. Further more, the induced labor group were divided into cesarean section patients (n=20) and vaginal delivery patients (n=27) based on pregnancy outcomes, induction situation and delivery situation were analyzed. Results: (1) The gestational weeks was 39.2±1.1 in induced labor group, 38.7±1.0 in natural labor group. The 1-minute Apgar score was 9.98±0.15 in induced labor group, and 9.87±0.60 in natural labor group. The neonatal weight was (3 497±426) g in induced labor group, and (3 288±350) g in natural labor group. The thickness of lower uterine segment at 36-39 weeks of pregnancy was (2.4±0.6) mm in induced labor group, (2.1±0.6) mm in natural labor group. There were obviously differences in the gestational week, the 1-minute Apgar score, the neonatal weight and the thickness of lower uterine segment at 36-39 weeks of pregnancy between the two groups (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in 5-minute Apgar score, the interval between previous cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress, and intrauterine infection, secondary uterine inertia, placental abruption and uterine ruption between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) In induced labor group, the cervical score of cesarean section patients was 3.8±1.7, while the cervical score of vaginal delivery patients was 5.2±1.7. The induced labor days of cesarean section patients was (1.6±0.9) days, while the induced labor days of vaginal delivery patients was (1.2±0.4) days. There were obviously differences in the cervical score and the induced labor days among the two subgroup patients (all P<0.05). There were no significiant differences in Apgar score, neonatal weight, the thickness of lower uterine segment at 36-39 gestational weeks and the interval times of previous cesarean delivery between the two subgroup patients (P>0.05). Conclusion: Induction of labor does not reduce neonatal Apgar score, and does not increase the incidence of postpartum complications, and eliminats the increase of cesarean section rate caused by increased gestational weeks and fetal enlargement, and increases the vaginal delivery rate of pregnant women undergoing vaginal trail of labor after cesarean section.

[A 3.0 T MRI study on the alterations of the volume and morphology of fifteen subcortical nucleus in patients with early post-stroke depression]

Objective: To investigate the alterations of the volumes and 3D shapes of fifteen subcortical nucleus in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) and to explore the pathogenesis regularity and mechanism of early PSD. Methods: From 2015 to 2017, a total of 28 patients with PSD and 18 stroke patients without depression (PSND), 13 patients with depression (De) and 11 cases of healthy volunteers (NC) were enrolled to perform 3.0 T high resolution MRI.Computer automatic segmentation and vertex analysis were used to segment and measure the volume of bilateral nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, hippocampus, mygdale and brainstem. Results: The volume of bilateral nucleus accumbens and bilateral thalamus, left pallidum were different among groups with statistical difference (P<0.05). The nucleus volume of the PSD group was (415±128) mm(3) (L-Nac)/(303±90) mm(3) (R-Nac), (7 590±867) mm(3) (L-Th)/(7 459±905) mm(3) (R-Th), (1 675±328) mm(3) (L-Pa), which was smaller than that of PSND group (433±100) mm(3) /(307±88) mm(3), (7 999±961) mm(3) /(7 753± 955) mm(3), (1 790±286) mm(3) and other groups.The nuclei with significantly statistical differences between inter-group were found in following: between PSD group and NC group, right accumbens and bilateral thalamus (P<0.01); between PSD group and De group, right accumbens and right thalamus (P<0.001), left accumbens, left pallidum and left thalamus (P<0.01); between PSND group and NC group, right accumbens (P<0.05); between PSND group and De group, right accumbens (P<0.001), left accumbens and right thalamus (P<0.05). Significant differences in morphology changes of nuclei (P<0.05) by F test mainly located on the top and tail of right accumbens, the anterior and middle body of right caudate nucleus, the most part of bilateral thalamus, the ventromedial body of bilateral hippocampus, the anterior and body of left caudate nucleus, especially in left thalamus. Conclusion: PSD has abnormal volume and morphological structure of subcortical nuclei, which supports the role of subcortical structures changes in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of early PSD.

Association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 gene polymorphism and risk of childhood asthma: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 (ADAM33) gene polymorphisms and the risk of childhood asthma. The relevant studies about the relationship between ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and childhood asthma were searched from electronic databases and the deadline of retrieval was May 2016. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAM33 (rs511898, rs2280092, rs3918396, rs528557, rs2853209, rs44707, rs2280091 and rs2280089) were analyzed based on several models including the allele, codominant, recessive and dominant models. The results showed that the ADAM33 rs2280091 polymorphism in all four genetic models was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. Positive associations were also found between the polymorphisms rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 and childhood asthma in some genetic models. This meta-analysis suggested that ADAM33 polymorphisms rs2280091, rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 were significantly associated with a high risk of childhood asthma.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles induced pulmonary fibrosis via TGF-β1 activation in rats

Nano nickel oxide (NiO), widely used in industry, has recently been discovered to have pulmonary toxicity. However, no subchronic exposure studies about nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate pulmonary fibrosis induced by nano NiO and its potential mechanism in rats. Male Wistar rats ( n = 40, 200–240 g) were randomized into control group, nano NiO groups (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg), and micro NiO group (0.024 mg/kg). All rats were killed to collect lung tissue after intratracheal instillation of NiO particles twice a week for 6 weeks. To identify pulmonary fibrosis, Masson trichrome staining, hydroxyproline content, and collagen protein expression were performed. The results showed widespread lung fibrotic injury in histological examination and increased content of hydroxyproline, collagen types I and III in rat lung tissue exposed to nano NiO. To explore the potential pulmonary fibrosis mechanism, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β1) content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the messenger RNA expression of key indicators was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The TGF- β1 content was increased in nano NiO exposure groups, as well as the upregulated gene expression of TGF- β1, Smad2, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase. The findings indicated that nano NiO could induce pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to TGF- β1 activation.

[Indications and pregnancy outcomes of intrapartum cesarean section after the new partogram applied]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean indications and pregnancy outcomes after the new partogram applied.

METHODS

Totally 3 290 pregnant women trying to vaginal delivery which were managed according to the new partogram in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University from August to October in 2014(new partogram group)were involved; 2 987 pregnancy women trying to vaginal delivery from May to July in 2014 which were managed according to the old partogram(old partogram group)were involved as control. The intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean indications and the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery was 8.50%(254/2 987)in old partogram group, and was significantly higher than that in new partogram group(6.2%, 204/3 290; P<0.01). Cesarean indications in old partogram group included 18 labor protraction(7.1%, 18/254), 82 labor arrest(32.3%, 82/254), 44 relative cephalopelvic disproportion(17.3%, 44/254), 80 fetal distress(31.5%, 80/254), 23 intrauterine infection(9.1%, 23/254)and 7 cesarean delivery on maternal request(CDMR; 2.8%, 7/254). Cesarean indications in new partogram group included 33 labor arrest(16.2%, 33/204), 71 relative cephalopelvic disproportion(34.8%, 71/204), 73 fetal distress(35.8%, 73/204)and 22 intrauterine infection(10.8%, 22/204), 5 CDMR(2.5%, 5/204). There were no significant differences in incidence of asphyxia neonatorum and puerperal morbidity(P> 0.05), but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in new partogram group was higher than the old partogram group[6.9%(14/204)versus 1.6%(4/254), P<0.05].

CONCLUSION

After the new partogram applied, the rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery is significantly decreased, but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is increased.

Common polymorphisms in the HIF-1α gene confer susceptibility to digestive cancer: a meta-analysis

Recent evidence suggests that common functional polymorphisms in the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) gene may play an important role in the development and progression of digestive cancer, but individually published results are inconclusive. Our meta-analysis is aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationships between HIF-1α gene polymorphisms and digestive cancer risk. An extensive literature search for relevant studies was conducted on Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from their inception through May 1, 2013. This meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. The crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Eight case-control studies were included with a total of 1276 digestive cancer patients and 3392 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis revealed that the A variant of HIF-1α G1790A polymorphism might be associated with increased risk of colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and liver cancers, especially among Asian populations. However, no statistically significant associations were found between HIF-1α C1772T polymorphism and susceptibility to digestive cancer. No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. The current meta-analysis suggests that the HIF-1α G1790A polymorphism may increase the risk of colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and liver cancers, especially among Asian populations.

Association between genetic polymorphisms in the ADAM33 gene and asthma risk: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between the rs3918396 G>A and rs528557 C>G polymorphisms in the disinterring and metalloproteinase domain 33 (ADAM33) gene and asthma risk. We searched CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception through August 1st, 2013 without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Thirteen case-control studies were included with a total of 7104 asthma patients and 8172 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis results revealed that ADAM33 rs528557 C>G polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of asthma (all p<0.05). However, we found no correlation between the ADAM33 rs3918396 G>A polymorphism and asthma risk (all p>0.05). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that the ADAM33 rs528557 C>G polymorphism might be strongly associated with an increased risk of asthma among both Caucasian and Asian populations (All p<0.05). No significant association was found between the ADAM33 rs3918396 G>A polymorphism and the risk of asthma among the studied ethnicities (All p>0.05). The present meta-analysis suggests that the ADAM33 rs528557 C>G polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to asthma. Thus, the ADAM33 rs528557 C>G polymorphism may be utilized as a biomarker for early diagnosis of asthma.

Effects of aerobic exercise on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

Increasing scientific evidences suggest that aerobic exercise may improve cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients, but many existing studies have yielded inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the effects of aerobic exercise on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The PubMed, CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases were searched from inception through July 1, 2013 without language restrictions. Crude standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Twelve comparative studies were assessed with a total of 1,014 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, including 522 patients in the aerobic exercise group (intervention group) and 492 patients in the usual care group (control group). The meta-analysis results revealed that the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS) scores of breast cancer patients in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (SMD=-0.82, 95% CI=-1.04 ∼ -0.60, P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Treatment-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F) scores between the intervention and control groups (SMD=0.09, 95% CI=-0.07 ∼ 0.25, P=0.224). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that there were significant differences in RPFS and FACIT-F scores between the intervention and control groups among Asian populations (RPFS: SMD=-1.08, 95% CI=-1.35 ∼ -0.82, P<0.001; FACIT-F: SMD=1.20, 95 % CI=0.70 ∼1.71, P<0.001), but not among Caucasian populations (all P>0.05). The current meta-analysis indicates that aerobic exercise may improve cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, especially among Asian populations.

Melatonin reduced volume of cerebral infarct induced by photothrombosis in wild-type mice, not in Cyclooxygenase-1 gene knockout mice

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is crucial in inflammation and plays important role in cerebral ischemia. Antiinflammatory effects of melatonin have been verified in previous studies. In this study, cerebral blood flow (CBF) was monitored during operation, infarct volume (IFV) was determined with 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and MR image, and neurological functions were evaluated with turn in an alley and fall pole test in both COX1-gene knockout and wide-type mice with or without melatonin administration 3 days after photothrombosis. CBF reduction, IFV and neurological deficits were not significantly different in COX-1 wild-type and COX-1 knockout mice. Melatonin (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection decreased the CBF reduction, IFV and the latency to turn in an alley in COX-1 wide-type mice, whereas the neuroprotective effect of melatonin was attenuated in COX-1 knockout mice. We concluded that melatonin reduced susceptibility to photothrombotic stroke. COX-1 gene knockout does not alter the susceptibility to cerebral ischemia caused by photothrombosis. COX-1 plays an important role in the pathway of the protection of melatonin.

Effect of tetramethyl pyrazine on L-type calcium channel in rat ventricular myocytes

To elucidate possible ionic mechanisms of antimyocardial ischemia and antiarrythmia of tetramethyl pyrazine (TP), we studied L-type Ca2+ currents (I(Ca.L)) in adult rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The results showed: (i) under physiological conditions, 0.25 mmol/L TP decreased amplitude of I(Ca.L) to 60.6% and this inhibition was increased with increasing concentration of TP. ID50 was 0.20 mmol/L. (ii) The Ca2+-antagonistic effect of TP was voltage-dependent. A marked negative shift of the steady-state inactivation curve was observed with long (10 s) conditioning prepulses, but not with short (350 ms) ones. (iii) The time course of inhibition during TP treatment was increased with an increase in drug concentration, and recovery from TP-induced inactivation of I(Ca.L) was slower than in control cases. (iv) Tonic block and use-dependent block with TP treatment, which was induced by increasing the frequency of stimulation, occurred. We suggest that TP inhibits the I(Ca.L) mainly by binding to inactivated Ca2+ channels. The high affinity of TP for the inactivated state of I(Ca.L) may play an important role in developing therapies for pathological conditions.

[LC/MS research on the isomers of special melanoma antigen-encoding gene-2 epitope peptide induced by solvent]

To study the influence of different solvent systems on the isomers of melanoma antigen-encoding gene-2(MAGE-2) epitope peptide synthesized by Marrifield's solid synthesis method, MAGE-2(171-179) epitope peptides were pre-treated using ethanol and methanol systems respectively, and then analysed by RP-HPLC/MS, with dimethyl-sulphoxide (DMSO) as control solvent. Results demonstrated that 100% ethanol and 100% methanol solvents could induce the production of isomers of MAGE-2, while 100% DMSO, 50% ethanol and 50% methanol could not. These isomeric peptides could be reversed greatly if treated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The results also showed that the analysis would be distorted and the yield of peptides would decrease dramatically if the peptides were pre-treated with high concentrations of ethanol and methanol before RP-HPLC analysis and preparation. Thus it is suggested that it might be better to decrease the concentration of organic phase in the solvent system for the resolvable hydrophobic peptides, acidified ethanol and methanol might also be better for the highly hydrophobic peptides, and DMSO would be a good solvent for hydrophobic peptides analysis provided that it would not influence the resolving power of chromatography.

Beneficial vs. detrimental actions of ethanol on heart and coronary vascular muscle: roles of Mg2+ and Ca2+

Epidemiologic studies suggest that daily ingestion of small amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, whereas higher intake may be detrimental. We studied: 1) cardiac performance, bioenergetics, and [Mg2+]i of isolated working rat hearts during perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit medium containing different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH), 2) mechanical responses. Ca2+ metabolism and Mg content of isolated coronary arteries obtained from dogs, sheep, and piglets subjected to varying concentrations of EtOH and [Mg2+]o and 3) intracellular free Ca2+ of isolated rat cardiac myocytes. In intact hearts, EtOH produced a biphasic hemodynamic change, depending upon concentration; 15 mM EtOH (0.07 g/dl) and 45 mM EtOH (0.21 g/dl) were stimulatory: 90 (0.42 g/dl), 135 (0.63 g/dl), and 170 mM (0.79 g/dl) EtOH were depressive. EtOH 15 and 45 mM increased coronary flow up to 150%, cardiac output up to 130%, stroke volume up to 135%, and oxygen consumption (VO2) up to 130%. However, 90 mM and higher EtOH depressed most hemodynamic parameters (except for heart rate) dose dependently. Lactic acid, lactic acid dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase levels in the perfusate tended to be elevated progressively with increasing duration of EtOH perfusion and pH tended to be reduced (p < 0.05). [31P]NMR spectroscopy on hearts revealed that EtOH > or = 90 mM resulted in rises in Pi/ATP concentration ratio with no significant change in PCr/ATP ratio; [Mg2+]i levels fell and cytosolic pH tended to become slightly acidotic [19F]NMR spectroscopy of isolated myocytes revealed that [Ca2+]i rises at high concentrations of EtOH. With respect to coronary vascular muscle (CVM), low concentrations of EtOH resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in contractions induced by K+, angiotensin II, and 5-HT; concentration-effect curves were shifted rightward to higher concentrations. Low [Mg2+]o potentiated contractions of CVM induced by EtOH. Low EtOH also resulted in reductions in exchangeable and membrane-bound 45Ca in CVM; medium to high concentrations of EtOH reduced Mg content in CVM and increased 45Ca. In the absence of [Ca2+]o, caffeine and EtOH induced similar, transient contractions followed by relaxation in K(+)-depolarized coronary arterial tissues. EtOH-induced contractions were completely abolished by pretreatment of tissues with caffeine. These results on isolated coronary vessels suggest that in addition to a need for [Ca2+]o, an intracellular release of Ca2+ is needed for EtOH to induce contractions. Overall, the data indicate that low concentrations of EtOH (15, 45 mM) are beneficial on cardiac performance, at least in the intact rat heart and coronary arteries: higher concentrations of EtOH (90, 135 mM) are detrimental. High concentrations of EtOH decrease coronary flow, lead to loss of cellular Mg2+, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis of the myocardium, cell membrane damage, and Ca2+ overload, which could result in cardiac failure. Cellular loss of Mg2+ appears to be causative in the detrimental actions of EtOH on the heart.