Propagation of extended fractures by local nucleation and rapid transverse expansion of crack-front distortion

Fractures are ubiquitous and can lead to the catastrophic material failure of materials. Although fracturing in a two-dimensional plane is well understood, all fractures are extended in and propagate through three-dimensional space. Moreover, their behaviour is complex. Here we show that the forward propagation of a fracture front occurs through an initial rupture, nucleated at some localized position, followed by a very rapid transverse expansion at velocities as high as the Rayleigh-wave speed. We study fracturing in a circular geometry that achieves an uninterrupted extended fracture front and use a fluid to control the loading conditions that determine the amplitude of the forward jump. We find that this amplitude correlates with the transverse velocity. Dynamic rupture simulations capture the observations for only a high transverse velocity. These results highlight the importance of transverse dynamics in the forward propagation of an extended fracture.

[Clinical features and antimicrobial resistance of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella infection in children at Xiamen]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, serogroups and antimicrobial resistance of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella infection in children at Xiamen. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. The clinical manifestations, treatment, prognosis, serogroups and antimicrobial resistance of 29 hospitalized children with invasive non-typhoid Salmonella infection confirmed by blood, cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow and other sterile body fluids or deep pus culture at the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Orthopedics and the Department of General Surgery in Xiamen Children's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were analyzed. According to the clinical diagnosis criteria, the patients were divided into sepsis group and non-sepsis group (bacteremia and local suppurative infection). The inflammatory markers, serogroups distribution and drug resistance were compared between the two groups. Comparison between groups using Mann-Whitney U test and χ² test. Results: Among the 29 cases, there were 17 males and 12 females, with an onset age of 14 (9, 25) months, and 10 cases (34%) of patients were younger than 1 year old, 15 cases (52%) under 1 to 3 years old, and 4 cases (14%) greater than or equal 3 years old. The onset time of 25 cases (86%) was from April to September. The diseases included 19 cases (66%) septicemia (2 of which were combined with suppurative meningitis), 10 cases (34%) non-sepsis group, including 7 cases bacteremia and 3 cases local suppurative infection (2 cases of osteomyelitis, 1 case of appendicitis with peritonitis). The clinical manifestations were fever in 29 cases (100%), diarrhea and abdominal pain in 18 cases (62%), cough and runny nose in 10 cases (34%). Eighteen cases (62%) were cured and 11 cases (38%) were improved by effective antibiotics treatment. C-reactive protein in sepsis group was significantly higher than that in non-sepsis group (25.2 (16.1, 56.4) vs. 3.4 (0.5, 7.5) mg/L, Z=-3.81, P<0.001).The serogroups of C, B and E were the most prevalent among non-typhoid Salmonella isolates, accounting for 10 cases (34%), 9 cases (31%) and 7 cases (24%) respectively. Antibacterial drug sensitivity test showed that the sensitivity rates of imipenem, ertapenem and piperaciratazobactam were all 100% (31/31), those of ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime were 94% (29/31), 94% (29/31) and 97% (30/31) respectively. The drug resistance rates of ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 51% (16/31), 48% (15/31) and 48% (15/31) respectively, those of cefazolin, cefotetan, tobramycin, gentamicin and amikacinwere all 100% (31/31). There were no significant differences in the drug resistance rates of ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, ampicillin-sulbactam, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin between the sepsis group and the non-sepsis group (χ²=0.31,0.31,0.00,0.02,0.02,0.02,0.26, all P>0.05). Conclusions: Invasive non-typhoid Salmonella infection in children at Xiamen mainly occurred in infants younger than 3 years old.The main clinical manifestations are fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. C-reactive protein can be served as the laboratory indicators for indicating sepsis. The third generation of cephalosporins is recommended as the first choice for treatment.

Effects of kisspeptin-10 on the reproductive performance of sows in a fixed-time artificial insemination programme

Kisspeptin (KP) is a major positive regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and affects female reproductive cyclicity in mammals. It offers an attractive alternative strategy to control reproduction in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) on sow reproductive performance in FTAI protocols. One hundred ninety-eight weaned sows were divided into three groups at random. A FTAI-GnRH group of sows (n = 98) received 100 µg (2 mL) gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; gonadorelin) by intramuscular injection at 96 h after weaning (t = 0 h); FTAI-KPL (KPL: low-dose KP-10, n = 50), and FTAI-KPH groups of sows (KPH: high-dose KP-10, n = 50) received 0.5 or 1 mg KP-10 (2 mL) respectively at 96 h after weaning. Sows were checked twice daily for oestrus. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed to determine the follicular diameter and time of ovulation; blood samples were collected immediately before injection (t₀ = 0 min) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 min, 24 and 48 h postinjection. Sows were inseminated at 112 and 132 h after weaning. The oestrus rates (96 vs 92%; 96 vs 88%) and weaning-to-oestrus intervals (98.9 vs 98.6 h; 98.9 vs 97.1 h) were not affected by treatment, but oestrus in the FTAI-KPL group was significantly longer than in the FTAI-GnRH group (38.7 vs 30.0 h; P < 0.05). The peak LH concentrations were 1.29 times greater than at t₀ = 0 in the FTAI-GnRH group, and 1.45 and 1.44 times greater than at t₀ = 0 in the FTAI-KPL and FTAI-KPH groups, respectively. Follicular diameters and pregnancy rates (86 vs 88%, 86 vs 80%, respectively) did not differ between the treatments. Moreover, the total numbers of piglets born and those born alive did not differ among the three groups. These findings suggested that 0.5 mg KP-10 given at 96 h after weaning could be used in FTAI programmes to manage batch farrowing in sows.

A comparison of the reproductive performance in primiparous sows following two timed artificial insemination protocols

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is an efficient reproductive technology in batch farrowing production that aids management in pig farms. However, the effect of TAI on the reproduction performance is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two TAI protocols on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows. A total of 332 weaned sows were randomly allocated into three treatments. Sows assigned to Control (n = 110) were untreated and inseminated on each day in oestrus after weaning. Sows assigned to eG-TAI (n = 112) received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 24 h after weaning and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gonadorelin: GnRH) at oestrus, and were inseminated at 8 and 32 h later if oestrus at 0800, or 16 and 40 h later if oestrus at 1600. Sows assigned to 2e-TAI (n = 110) received eCG and GnRH 24 h and 96 h after weaning, respectively, and were inseminated 16 and 40 h after GnRH administration. Sows showing oestrus at GnRH administration or 64 h after were inseminated immediately, for a total of three inseminations. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed to determine the follicular diameter and time of ovulation. Most sows in the 2e-TAI and eG-TAI groups ovulated 0-48 h after the GnRH injection. Our results indicated that oestrus rate within seven days after weaning in the experimental groups was higher, and weaning-to-oestrus interval was shorter than in the control group (99.3 h vs 113.5 h, P < 0.05). The breeding and farrowing rates in the experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), while the numbers of total born, live-born and stillborn were not different among the three groups (Control: 12.7, 11.6 and 1.1; 2e-TAI: 12.4, 11.3 and 1.0; eG-TAI: 12.0, 11.4 and 0.4, respectively). These results indicated that TAI could ensure a high farrowing rate in primiparous sows under batch farrowing management.

[Outcome of radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and determine the failure patterns after radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTCL). Methods: A total of 557 patients from 2000-2015 with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL who received radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) from China Lymphoma Collaborative Group were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 427 patients received combined modality therapy, whereas 130 patients received RT alone. Survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was compared with age and sex-matched general Chinese population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Cox stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87.2% and 77.2%. The SMR was 3.59 (P<0.001) at 1 year after treatment, whereas it was 1.50 at 4 years after treatment, without significant difference between ENKTCL group and country-matched general population (P=0.146). Compared with RT alone, CMT did not result in significantly superior 5-year OS (87.0% vs 87.4%, P=0.961) or PFS (76.1% vs 80.7%, P=0.129). Local failure (11.5%, 64/557) and distant failure (10.8%, 60/557) were the main failure modes, while regional failure was rare (2.9%, 16/557). The 5-year locoregional control rate (LRC) was 87.2% for the whole group, with 89.5% for ≥50 Gy versus 73.7% for <50 Gy (P<0.001). Radiotherapy dose was an independent factor affecting LRC(P<0.05). Conclusions: Radiotherapy achieves a favorable prognosis in patients with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL. The incidence of either locoregional or distant failure is low. Radiation dose still is an important prognostic factor for LRC.

Association of improved overall survival with decreased distant metastasis following asparaginase-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy for intermediate- and high-risk early-stage extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma: a CLCG study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the survival benefit of asparaginase (ASP)-based versus non-ASP-based chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy in a real-world cohort of patients with early-stage extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 376 patients who received combined radiotherapy with either ASP-based (ASP, platinum, and gemcitabine; n = 286) or non-ASP-based (platinum and gemcitabine; n = 90) regimens. The patients were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups using the early stage-adjusted nomogram-revised risk index. Overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis (DM)-free survival (DMFS) between the chemotherapy regimens were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

ASP-based (versus non-ASP-based) regimens significantly improved 5-year OS (84.5% versus 73.2%, P = 0.021) and DMFS (84.4% versus 74.5%, P = 0.014) for intermediate- and high-risk patients, but not for low-risk patients in the setting of radiotherapy. Moreover, ASP-based regimens decreased DM, with a 5-year cumulative DM rate of 14.9% for ASP-based regimens compared with 25.1% (P = 0.014) for non-ASP-based regimens. The survival benefit of ASP-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy remained consistent after adjusting the confounding variables using IPTW and multivariate analyses; additional sensitivity analyses confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provided support for ASP-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a first-line treatment strategy for intermediate- and high-risk early-stage ENKTCL.

[Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment for T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma]

目的

探讨自体造血干细胞移植（auto-HSCT）巩固治疗T淋巴母细胞淋巴瘤（T-LBL）的疗效及相关影响因素。

方法

对2006年4月至2017年7月在苏州大学附属第一医院血液科和北京大学肿瘤医院淋巴瘤科接受auto-HSCT的41例T-LBL患者进行回顾性分析。

结果

①41例T-LBL患者中，男30例，女11例，中位年龄24（11～53）岁，12例（29.3％）纵隔累及，20例（48.8％）骨髓累及，Ann Arbor分期Ⅲ期及以上33例（80.5％）；移植前疾病处于第1次完全缓解（CR₁）期26例（63.4％），非CR₁期15例（36.6％）；移植前国际预后指数（IPI）中低危组（<3分）29例（70.7％），中高危组（≥3分）12例（29.3％）。②移植后中位随访29（3～98）个月，全部41例患者的3年总生存（OS）率、无进展生存（PFS）率分别为（64.3±8.2）％、（66.0±7.8）％，3年累积复发率（CIR）为（30.7±7.4）％，3年非复发死亡率（NRM）为（4.8±4.6）％。③CR₁组、非CR₁组患者3年OS率分别为（83.4±7.6）％、（38.9±12.9）％（P＝0.010），3年PFS率分别为（83.8±7.4）％、（40.0±12.6）％（P＝0.006），3年CIR分别为（16.2±7.4）％、（53.3±12.9）％（P＝0.015），3年NRM分别为0、（14.3±13.2）％（P＝0.157）。④IPI中低危组、中高危组3年OS率分别为（76.9±8.4）％、（35.7±15.2）％（P＝0.014），3年PFS率分别为（77.4±8.2）％、（40.0±14.6）％（P＝0.011），3年CIR分别为（18.1±7.3）％、（60.0±14.6）％（P＝0.006），3年NRM分别为（5.6±5.4）％、0（P＝0.683）。

结论

auto-HSCT可显著改善T-LBL患者的预后，移植前疾病状态和IPI评分是影响auto-HSCT疗效的重要因素。

[Analysis of mental state of allergic rhinitis patients in Chengdu city by symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) scale]

Objective: To analyse the mental state of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Chengdu. Methods: One thousand five hundred and thirty-six AR patients from Sichuan Provincial Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan People's Hospital, Sichuan Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected from July 2013 to January 2018. Eight hundred and twenty-seven patients were screened into study group by inclusion and exclusion standards. The symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) was used to group and score the mental state of these patients according to nine classification criteria: gender, BMI, age, marital status, monthly salary, disease duration, living environment, education level and working environment. Then, the scores were compared within groups. Inter-group comparison was made between the study group and the Chinese norm, and the positive factors for psychological disorders were extracted. Four symptoms in the study group, i.e. nasal itching, sneezing, clear discharge and nasal congestion, were scored on the visual analogue scale (VAS). SPSS 19.0 software was used to carry out statistical analysis. Partial correlation analysis was performed between the positive factors and the symptom scores by multiple regression statistical method. Results: The total score of SCL-90 in the study group was 2.64±0.25, which was accorded with mild to moderate mental health impairment. There were 124 (15.0%) without mental health damage, 176 (21.3%) with mild damage, 474 (57.3%) with mild to moderate damage, 41 (5.0%) with moderate to severe damage and 12 (1.4%) with severe damage. The in-group comparison showed that the top three categories of different items were the living environment, gender and working environment. The scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, psychosis, other (sleep, diet) and total average score of urban residents were higher than that of country residents (3.29±0.61 vs 2.65±0.50, 2.81±0.77 vs 2.05±0.38, 3.10±0.19 vs 2.49±0.67, 3.40±0.84 vs 2.49±0.70, 3.04±0.64 vs 2.33±0.51, 3.02±0.55 vs 2.40±0.77, 3.40±0.41 vs 2.52±0.77, 2.91±0.11 vs 2.29±0.40, Z value was 4.88, 5.25, 4.57, 5.91, 5.09, 4.63, 5.55, -4.55, respectively, all P<0.05). Women scored higher than man for somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression and others (2.66±0.51 vs 2.00±0.45, 3.37±0.47 vs 2.63±0.51, 3.44±0.57 vs 2.85±0.52, 3.47±0.36 vs 2.76±0.45, Z value was -5.10, -5.51, -4.86, -5.28, respectively, all P<0.05). The scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) were higher in the indoor group than those in the outdoor group (3.49±0.64 vs 2.78±0.46, 3.33±0.30 vs 2.56±0.68, 3.28±0.60 vs 2.67±0.31, 3.50±0.85 vs 2.85±0.37, Z value was 5.31, 5.79, 4.89, 5.00, respectively, all P<0.05). The outdoor group scored higher on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety and hostility (3.44±0.40 vs 2.83±0.35, 3.40±0.50 vs 2.57±0.93, 3.34±0.88 vs 2.69±0.56, Z value was 4.96, 6.22, 5.08, respectively, all P<0.05). The inter-group comparison found that depression, anxiety, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) could be partially correlated with VAS scores as 4 positive factors. The results of partial correlation analysis showed that depression was positively correlated with sneezing and nasal runny discharge, anxiety was positively correlated with nasal itching and nasal obstruction, psychosis was positively correlated with nasal itching and sneezing, and other (sleep, diet) was positively correlated with nasal runny discharge and nasal obstruction. Conclusion: AR patients have mild to moderate mental health impairments, which are correlated with AR symptoms.

[Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of de novo grade 3 or transformed follicular lymphoma patients]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with de novo grade 3 or transformed follicular lymphoma (FL). Methods: Fifty-two patients treated at Peking University Cancer Hospital between January 2009 and September 2017 were assessed, including 28 patients with FL 3A grade, 13 patients with FL 3B grade, 11 patients with transformed FL. Baseline characteristics, survival and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: ① Twenty-six male and 26 female patients were enrolled, including 28 patients with FL 3A grade, 13 patients with FL 3B grade, 11 patients with transformed FL. ②The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort were 56.0% and 80.6%, respectively. Patients with international prognostic index (IPI) score 0-1 demonstrated significantly better 3-year PFS (80.3% vs 20.1%; t=18.902, P<0.001) and OS (95.7% vs 57.0%; t=10.406, P<0.001) than patients with IPI score 2-3. Three-year PFS (94.1% vs 37.2% vs 25.2%; P=0.002) and OS (100.0% vs 76.0% vs 59.8%; P=0.020) were also significantly different among patients with FLIPI 1 score 0-1, 2, ≥3. FLIPI 2 score was also identified as a prognostic factor for 3-year PFS (68.4%, 0, 0; P=0.001) and OS(87.5%, 76.2%, 0; P=0.003). ③Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association of PFS (HR=3.536, P=0.015) and OS (HR=15.713, P=0.015) with IPI. FLIPI 2 was associated with OS (score 0-1, HR=0.078, P=0.007; score 2, HR=0.080, P=0.022). Conclusion: De novo grade 3 or transformed FL might be a group of curable disease with current treatment strategies. IPI is still a prognostic tool in this scenario.

N-octanoylated ghrelin peptide inhibits bovine oocyte meiotic resumption

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that ghrelin plays an important role in the mammalian reproductive system, including the central, gonadal levels, and also during in vitro maturation of oocytes; however, the functions of ghrelin in bovine oocyte meiosis require further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the effects of an n-octanoylated ghrelin peptide on oocyte meiotic resumption and the developmental competence of mature oocytes in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL

design: The expression of GHRL (encoding ghrelin) mRNA and its receptor (the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR) in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COCs), denuded oocytes (DOs), and cumulus cells (CCs) was assessed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and the effects of the n-octanoylated ghrelin peptide on meiotic resumption were studied at four different doses (0, 10, 50, and 100 ng/mL) in a 6 h culture system.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR analysis showed that GHRL and GHSR mRNAs were expressed in all tested samples; however, GHRL was predominantly expressed in DOs, and GHSR was predominantly expressed in CCs. Germinal vesicle breakdown was inhibited significantly by 50 ng/mL ghrelin compared with that in the negative control (P < 0.05). Further studies showed that n-octanoylated ghrelin increased the levels of cAMP and cGMP in the CCs and DOs, which inhibited the meiotic resumption of bovine oocytes. And the inhibitory role in the developmental competence of mature oocytes were also included, ghrelin could significantly improve the cleavage rate (P < 0.05) and blastocyst rate (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

N-octanoylated ghrelin maintained bovine oocytes meiotic arrest and further improved their developmental competence; therefore, n-octanoylated ghrelin could be considered as a potential pharmaceutical inhibitor of meiosis for the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes.

[Surgical treatment of external auricular cholesteatoma involving tympanum and papilloma]

Objective:To explore the operation treatments and their outcomes of external auditory canal cholesteatomas involving the tympanic cavity and mastoid process. Method:Forty-two patients (45 ears) with external auditory canal cholesteatomas were included in this study who were operated. All lesions invaded the tympanic cavity and mastoid process. Excision of cholesteatoma, external auditory canal angioplasty and concha formation were performed. Ossicular chain reconstruction was performed in 3 ears. Mastoidectomy with close technique were performed in 4 ears. Open radical mastoidectomy was performed in 5 ears. Posterior bone-wall of auricular meatus reconstruction was performed in 3 ears. Tympanoplasty was performed in 21 ears. Pure tone audiogram and aural endoscope were carried out after the operation (3 months, 6months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years…). Result:Stricture of external auditory meatus were occured in 2 ears in 2 and 3 months after surgery respectively. Cholesteatoma recurrence was observed in 2 ears in 1 year after operation. Wet ear was observed in 1 patient and then another operation was performed after 7 months. Besides the patients above, the epitheliums of the cavity were well in all other patients with complete tympanic membranes. Hearing was improved in all patients (hearing by air conduction:5－30 dB HL). Conclusion:According to the range of the external auditory canal cholesteatoma, we took different operation methods including tympanoplasty, open or close radical mastoidectomy and reconstruction of posterior wall of external auditory canal etc. Those methods, including external auditory canal angioplasty, cavity plasty of concha and skin grafting of external auditory canal, could help to prevent scar formation and stricture of external auditory canal, prevent cholesteatoma recurrence and improve hearing.

[The understanding of Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder]

In recent years, there are increasing articles concerning Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+ LPD), and the name of EBV+ LPD is used widely. However, the meaning of EBV+ LPD used is not the same, which triggered confusion of the understanding and obstacles of the communication. In order to solve this problem. Literature was reviewed with combination of our cases to clarify the concept of EBV+ LPD and to expound our understanding about it. In general, it is currently accepted that EBV+ LPD refers to a spectrum of lymphoid tissue diseases with EBV infection, including hyperplasia, borderline lesions, and neoplastic diseases. According to this concept, EBV+ LPD should not include infectious mononucleosis (IM) and severe acute EBV infection (EBV+ hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, fatal IM, fulminant IM, fulminant T-cell LPD), and should not include the explicitly named EBV+ lymphomas (such as extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, aggressive NK cell leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, etc.) either. EBV+ LPD should currently include: (1) EBV+ B cell-LPD: lymphomatoid granulomatosis, EBV + immunodeficiency related LPD, chronic active EBV infection-B cell type, senile EBV+ LPD, etc. (2) EBV+ T/NK cell-LPD: CAEBV-T/NK cell type, hydroa vacciniforme, hypersensitivity of mosquito bite, etc. In addition, EBV+ LPD is classified, based on the disease process, pathological and molecular data, as 3 grades: grade1, hyperplasia (polymorphic lesions with polyclonal cells); grade 2, borderline (polymorphic lesions with clonality); grade 3, neoplasm (monomorphic lesions with clonality). There are overlaps between EBV+ LPD and typical hyperplasia, as well as EBV+ LPD and typical lymphomas. However, the most important tasks are clinical vigilance, early identification of potential severe complications, and treating the patients in a timely manner to avoid serious complications, as well as the active treatment to save lives when the complications happened.

[Effects of overexpression of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 on the inflammatory response in rats with myocardial infarction and related mechanisms]

Objective: To observe the effects of recombinant adenovirus with human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(Ad-hTIMP-1) on the inflammatory response in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) and explore the related mechanisms. Methods: The male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, saline group, Ad-Track group and Ad-hTIMP-1 group according to the random number table (n=8 each group). MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and MI rats were injected with saline, Ad-Track and Ad-hTIMP-1, respectively. Sham-operated rats received similar surgical procedure without ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 4 weeks, the cardiac function was measured by echocardiography, then rats were sacrificed and hearts were removed for morphological and biological analysis. The morphology of myocardial tissue in each group was detected by HE staining and Masson staining. The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and C-reactive protein(CRP) were detected by real-time PCR. Immune histochemical staining was performed to observe the protein expression levels of IL-6 and CRP. Results: (1) Left ventricular end systolic dimension derived from echocardiography was increased in saline group ((5.10±0.72) mm) and Ad-Track group ((4.88±0.64) mm) compared to sham-operated group ((4.25±0.46) mm), which was reduced in Ad-hTIMP-1 group ((4.13±0.35) mm, all P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction was (72.46±5.74)%, (64.27±8.52)%, (64.65±3.90)%, and (71.55±6.95)%, the fractional shortening was (36.90±4.97)%, (29.03±3.40)%, (30.95±2.51)%, and (36.31±5.68)% in sham-operated group, saline group, Ad-Track group and Ad-hTIMP-1 group, respectively. The left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening in saline group and Ad-Track group were lower than those in sham-operated group and Ad-hTIMP-1 group (all P<0.05). (2) Necrosis of myocardial cells was not found and a small amount of immune cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis were observed on HE and Masson stained myocardial sections of Ad-hTIMP-1 group. (3) Real-time PCR showed that mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP were lower in Ad-hTIMP-1 group than in saline group. mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-10 and CRP were lower in Ad-hTIMP-1 group than in Ad-Track group (all P<0.05). (4) Immune histochemical staining showed that protein expressions of IL-6 and CRP were higher in saline group and Ad-Track group than those in Ad-hTIMP-1 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Recombinant adenovirus Ad-hTIMP-1 can improve cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction via inhibiting the inflammatory response and downregulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP.

Evaluation of Aphis glycines as an Alternative Host for Supporting Aphelinus albipodus Against Myzus persicae on Capsicum annuum cv. Ox Horn and Hejiao 13

Bank plant systems provide effective biological control for pests infesting commercially important crops. Aphids cause physical damage to crops by feeding on the leaves, as well as transmitting damaging viral diseases. To develop a bank plant system to control aphids that damage vegetable crops, we initially reared the parasitoid Aphelinus albipodus (Hayat and Fatima) on the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Matsumura) reared on the soybean plant, Glycine max (L.) that was elected as the alternate host. Parasitoid adults that emerged from A. glycines were allowed to parasitize second instar nymphs of the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) which were reared on sweet pepper and chili pepper leaves. The results showed that A. albipodus females feeding and parasitizing M. persicae nymphs reared on sweet pepper lived for 18.9 days, with an average fecundity of 337.3 progenies/female, while females feeding and parasitizing on M. persicae nymphs reared on chili pepper lived for 18.8 days, with an average fecundity of 356.2 progenies/female. There were no significant difference in the development time and reproduction of A. albipodus individuals parasitizing M. persicae nymphs reared on sweet pepper and chili pepper plants. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R ₀), net aphid killing rate (Z ₀), and finite aphid killing rate (θ) of A. albipodus parasitizing sweet pepper and chili pepper M. persicae was 0.2258 days^-1, 171.7 progeny adults, 222.6 aphids, and 0.4048 and 0.2295 days^-1, 191.8 progeny adults, 243.3 aphids, and 0.4021, respectively. Our results suggested that A. glycines could serve as an effective alternative host for supporting A. albipodus against M. persicae infesting sweet pepper and chili pepper.

[Expression of CD137 in tumor cells of Hodgkin lymphoma from Northern China and its application in pathological differential diagnosis]

目的

明确CD137在北方地区经典型霍奇金淋巴瘤（cHL）中的表达，探讨其作为cHL辅助病理鉴别诊断新指标的可能应用价值。

方法

收集54例cHL患者资料，以55例伴有“HRS样细胞”的非cHL患者为对照。在病理组织标本中选取“HRS细胞”或“HRS样细胞”丰富的区域制作组织芯片；以“HRS细胞”或“HRS样细胞”为观察对象，cHL组应用CD30、CD15、CD20、PAX5、CD3免疫组织化学染色；同时对两组患者标本进行CD137（BBK-2）抗体免疫组织化学染色及采用EBV编码的小RNA（EBER）原位杂交法检测EBV感染状态。

结果

54例cHL患者均为淋巴结内原发，中位年龄45.5（22.0~68.0）岁；男女比例1.7∶1；对照组患者结内54例，结外（皮肤）1例，中位年龄50.0（12.0~81.0）岁；男女比例1.9∶1。54例cHL患者均表达CD30，HRS细胞主要诊断相关免疫标志物CD30、CD15、CD20、CD3阳性表达率依次为100.0%、70.4%、18.5％和0，可见PAX5弱至中等强度表达，阳性率70.4%；EBV感染阳性率25.9%（对照组阳性率21.8%）。cHL组CD137阳性率57.4%，对照组阳性率14.5%，差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。将cHL组及对照组按照患者年龄（≥60/<60岁）、性别、有无EBV感染、组织学亚型以及主要诊断相关标志物的表达与否进行分组，CD137阳性率差异均无统计学意义（P值均> 0.05）。以2013年为界进行分组，2013年前后两组cHL患者的CD137阳性率差异有统计学意义（39.4%对85.7%，P=0.001），对照组差异无统计学意义（12.5％对16.1%，P=0.705）；2013以后存档的标本中cHL组与对照组患者CD137阳性率差异有统计学意义（85.7％对16.1%，P<0.001）。

结论

通过研究初步证实北方地区大多数cHL患者的HRS细胞表达CD137，而对照组患者“HRS样细胞”CD137阳性率较低。保存期3年以内较保存期3年以上的cHL患者标本CD137阳性率高，更适于进行CD137免疫组织化学染色检测。CD137有望作为辅助cHL病理鉴别诊断的新指标。

Lack of evidence for a harmful effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on fracture risk among type 2 diabetes patients: a network and cumulative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

To evaluate the comparative effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to 27 January 2016 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the outcome of fracture in patients with T2DM treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Pairwise and network meta-analyses, as well as a cumulative meta-analysis, were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 38 eligible RCTs (10 canagliflozin, 15 dapagliflozin and 13 empagliflozin) involving 30 384 patients, with follow-ups ranging from 24 to 160 weeks, were included. The fracture event rates were 1.59% in the SGLT2 inhibitor groups and 1.56% in the control groups. The incidence of fracture events was similar among these three SGLT2 inhibitor groups. Compared with placebo, canagliflozin (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.71-1.88), dapagliflozin (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.37-1.25) and empagliflozin (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.74-1.18) were not significantly associated with an increased risk of fracture. Our cumulative meta-analysis indicated the robustness of the null findings with regard to SGLT2 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis based on available RCT data does not support the harmful effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on fractures, although future safety monitoring from RCTs and real-world data with detailed information on bone health is warranted.

Disaster nursing experiences of Chinese nurses responding to the Sichuan Ya'an earthquake

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the disaster experiences of nurses called to assist survivors one month after the 2013 Ya'an earthquake.

BACKGROUND

China has experienced an increasing number of earthquake disasters in the past four decades. Although a health and disaster management system was initiated after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, nurses' roles and experiences in a disaster have been overlooked.

METHODS

The researchers used qualitative descriptive design that included 16 participants. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation notes, after which a qualitative content analysis was conducted.

FINDINGS

Three major themes emerged: the process of being dispatched from hospitals to the disaster zone, the effort involved in getting to and working in the affected site and reflecting on the challenges they encountered.

DISCUSSION

About half of the participants had received disaster nursing training before deploying to the disaster site, but they consistently expressed a lack of physical and psychological preparedness regarding the process of being dispatched from their hospitals to the disaster zone.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-incident experience. Caution should be taken when trying to extend the findings to other parts of China.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlighted the need for disaster in-service training as well as for having disaster plans in place.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Hospital and nursing leaders should provide disaster training opportunities that included topics such as compiling resource inventories, formulating disaster drills and simulations, managing emergencies, and using emergency communication methods. Health policy-makers should be required to prioritize capacity-building training for front-line nurses as well as to develop and implement disaster management plans to better prepare nurses for future disasters.

[Efficacy and survival analysis of DICE regimen for 97 patients with relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

目的

观察DICE方案（顺铂＋异环磷酰胺＋依托泊苷＋地塞米松）治疗复发／难治非霍奇金淋巴瘤（NHL）患者的疗效和安全性。

方法

回顾性分析2008年9月1日至2013年12月31日在北京大学肿瘤医院接受DICE方案治疗的97例复发／难治NHL患者的临床资料。

结果

①97例患者中男64例（65.08%），女33例（34.02%），中位年龄49(13~84）岁。T细胞淋巴瘤9例，B细胞淋巴瘤88例[其中弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）71例（73.20%）]。难治（原发耐药）60例（61.86%），一线治疗后复发37例。35例B细胞淋巴瘤患者联合应用利妥昔单抗。26例患者在挽救化疗结束后行自体造血干细胞移植（auto-HSCT）。②治疗后达到完全缓解（CR）、部分缓解（PR）患者分别为22、24例，总有效率（ORR）为47.42%（46/97）。复发组ORR高于难治组[67.57%（25/37）对35.00%（21/60），χ²=9.736，P= 0.002]。③全部97例患者中位随访时间为15.0 (1.5~80.0）个月，预期中位无进展生存（PFS）、总生存（OS）时间分别为12.0（95%CI 5.0~19.0）、26.0 (95%CI 6.0~45.9）个月。④auto-HSCT组（26例）与非auto-HSCT组（71例）中位OS时间差异无统计学意义[41.0 (95%CI 8.9~73.1）对22.0（95%CI 8.5~35.5）个月，P=0.361]。DICE方案获得CR/PR患者（46例）中位OS时间长于疾病稳定／进展患者（51例）（56.0个月对18.5个月，P<0.001）。利妥昔单抗组的中位OS时间长于非利妥昔单抗组（51.5个月对28.5个月，P=0.041）。多因素分析结果显示DICE方案近期疗效是OS的独立预后因素[HR=4.24 (95%CI 2.12~8.50），P<0.001]。⑤82例（84.54%）患者出现粒细胞减少，43例（41.24%）患者出现血小板减少，66例（68.04%）出现贫血，14例（14.43%）出现肝功能损伤，1例出现急性肾功能损伤，64例（65.98%）出现不同程度的消化道反应。无治疗相关死亡。

结论

DICE方案治疗复发／难治NHL患者有效，安全性良好；DICE方案治疗有效（CR/PR）的患者预期生存较好；DICE联合利妥昔单抗可延长B细胞淋巴瘤患者OS时间。

Ultrafast 3D spin-echo acquisition improves Gadolinium-enhanced MRI signal contrast enhancement

Long scan times of 3D volumetric MR acquisitions usually necessitate ultrafast in vivo gradient-echo acquisitions, which are intrinsically susceptible to magnetic field inhomogeneities. This is especially problematic for contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI applications, where non-negligible T₂* effect of contrast agent deteriorates the positive signal contrast and limits the available range of MR acquisition parameters and injection doses. To overcome these shortcomings without degrading temporal resolution, ultrafast spin-echo acquisitions were implemented. Specifically, a multiplicative acceleration factor from multiple spin echoes (×32) and compressed sensing (CS) sampling (×8) allowed highly-accelerated 3D Multiple-Modulation-Multiple-Echo (MMME) acquisition. At the same time, the CE-MRI of kidney with Gd-DOTA showed significantly improved signal enhancement for CS-MMME acquisitions (×7) over that of corresponding FLASH acquisitions (×2). Increased positive contrast enhancement and highly accelerated acquisition of extended volume with reduced RF irradiations will be beneficial for oncological and nephrological applications, in which the accurate in vivo 3D quantification of contrast agent concentration is necessary with high temporal resolution.

Influence of social environment on loneliness in older adults: Moderation by polymorphism in the CRHR1

OBJECTIVE

Both adverse social environments and genetic factors contribute to loneliness in old age. Mixed findings between older adults' social relations with their children and their levels of loneliness suggested that a gene × social environment interaction may be operating. We examine whether the effects of infrequent contact with children and low levels of perceived social support from children on loneliness in older adults are moderated by two candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (i.e., rs1876831 and rs242938) in the corticotrophin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) gene.

DESIGN

This was a longitudinal observational study.

SETTING

and

PARTICIPANTS

A population-based sub-sample of 1,374 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older was examined from both the 2003-2004 and 2006-2007 English Longitudinal Study of Aging assessments.

MEASUREMENTS

Our main outcome measure is loneliness, which was assessed by four items extracted from the ULCA loneliness scale.

RESULTS

Compared with older adults carrying the CT/TT genotypes, individuals homozygous for the C allele of rs1876831 reported higher levels of loneliness in the context of infrequent social contact with children and lower levels of perceived social support from children. No gene × social environment interactions were found for loneliness between rs242938 and an adverse social environment related to children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence in humans that the CRHR1 gene interacts with exposure to a negative social environment to predict loneliness in older adults.

Large magnetoelectric coupling in Co4Nb2O9

Magnetoelectric materials which simultaneously exhibit electric polarization and magnetism have attracted more and more attention due to their novel physical properties and promising applications for next-generation devices. Exploring new materials with outstanding magnetoelectric performance, especially the manipulation of magnetization by electric field, is of great importance. Here, we demonstrate the cross-coupling between magnetic and electric orders in polycrystalline Co₄Nb₂O₉, in which not only magnetic-field-induced electric polarization but also electric field control of magnetism is observed. These results reveal rich physical phenomenon and potential applications in this compound.

Plasma amyloid-β oligomers level is a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis

Amyloid beta (Aβ), especially Aβ oligomers, is important in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. We studied plasma Aβ(40), Aβ(42), and Aβ oligomers levels in 44 AD patients and 22 non-demented controls. Cognitive functions were assessed by Chinese version of mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Abbreviated Metal Test (AMT), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog). Plasma Aβ monomers and oligomers levels were measured by ELISA. We found that the median plasma Aβ(40) and Aβ(42) levels were similar between AD and controls, and without significant correlation with cognition. Plasma Aβ oligomers level was higher in AD than controls (642.54 ng/ml [range 103.33-2676.93] versus 444.18 ng/ml [range 150.19-1311.18], p=0.047), and negatively correlated with cognition. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the highest tertile of Aβ oligomers levels showed an increased risk of AD than the combined group of middle and lowest tertiles (OR=8.85, p=0.013), after adjustment of gender, age and APOE4 genotype. Increased plasma Aβ oligomers level was associated with decreased MMSE and AMT scores (p=0.037, p=0.043, respectively) and increased ADAS-cog score (p=0.036), suggesting negative correlation with cognitive function. We concluded that plasma Aβ oligomers level is an useful biomarker for AD diagnosis.

Detailed study on the role of oxygen vacancies in structural, magnetic and transport behavior of magnetic insulator: Co-CeO(2)

Room temperature ferromagnetism in polycrystalline Co(x)Ce(1-x)O(2-δ) (0.001≤x≤0.10) bulk samples has been investigated. Annealing in the forming gas transformed the as-prepared paramagnetic into a ferromagnetic insulating material with over two orders of magnitude enhancement (from 3.7 × 10(-2) to 1.24 μ(B)/Co) in the magnetization. Structural characterization of both the as-prepared and H(2)-treated samples showed a single phase material. The incorporation of Co with the formation of oxygen vacancies in the oxide lattice was revealed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The presence of oxygen vacancies is indicated by the existence of mixed valence states of cerium (Ce(4+) and Ce(3+)) in the high resolution XPS 3d spectrum. The role of the donor defects (oxygen vacancies) has been verified through the removal of oxygen vacancies. The ferromagnetic insulating ground state has been explained in terms of the interaction of the F(+) center and 3d magnetic cations. The connection between magnetic properties, electronic structure of the magnetic impurity and donor defect has been established. First principle calculations have been performed using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method within the density functional theory (DFT) framework; these support our experimental findings. Both the experiment and calculations reinforced the crucial role of oxygen vacancies.

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of Co-doped CeO(2): based on first principle calculation

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of Co-doped CeO(2) are theoretically investigated by first principles calculations based on the density functional theory + U (DFT+U) methods, using the WIEN2k package. With the presence of oxygen vacancies (V(O)) in CeO(2), d and f orbits of Ce are obviously pulled closer to the Fermi level, but without spin polarization. On the other hand, in Co-doped CeO(2), V(O) defects can lead to strong ferromagnetic coupling between the nearest neighboring Co ions. Such ferromagnetic exchange coupling is mainly attributed to spin splitting of Co 3d states, via electrons trapped in V(O). The results provide direct evidence for the F-center mediated exchange interaction in oxide-based magnetic semiconductors.

Intron 2 (T/C) CYP46 polymorphism is associated with Alzheimer's disease in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cholesterol-related genes are plausible candidate genes for AD. Genetic association of CYP46A1 polymorphisms with AD had been under extensive investigations; however, observations on intron 2 T-->C (rs754203) generated inconclusive results.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse an independent data set in a Chinese population to see whether the polymorphic site rs754203 of the CYP46A1 gene is associated with AD.

METHODS

We analysed 130 sporadic AD patients and 110 healthy controls of the Southern Chinese origin.

RESULTS

An association between the genotype frequency and AD was suggested in the general population (p = 0.047, odds ratio, OR = 1. 61, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.96-2.70), while the association was most significant in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4-negative group (p = 0.004, OR = 2.54, 95% CI =1.31-4.95). Linkage disequilibrium block prediction results also favoured this association. Consistent with previous reports, intron 3 C-->T (rs4900442) polymorphism did not show any evidence of association; in our data set ApoEepsilon4 was confirmed to be a genetic risk factor for AD (p = 0.0016, OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.50-5.11).

Phenotypic and population differences in the association between CILP and lumbar disc disease

BACKGROUND

Lumbar disc disease (LDD) is one of the leading causes of disability in the working-age population. A functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), +1184T-->C, in exon 8 of the cartilage intermediate layer protein gene (CILP) was recently identified as a risk factor for LDD in the Japanese population (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.98), with implications for impaired transforming growth factorbeta1 signalling.

AIM

To validate this finding in two different ethnic cohorts with LDD.

METHODS

This SNP and flanking SNPs were analysed in 243 Finnish patients with symptoms of LDD and 259 controls, and in 348 Chinese subjects with MRI-defined LDD and 343 controls.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results showed no evidence of association in the Finnish (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.87; p = 0.14) or the Chinese (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.43; p = 0.71) samples, suggesting that cartilage intermediate layer protein gene is not a major risk factor for symptoms of LDD in Caucasians or in the general population that included individuals with or without symptoms.

Clinical phenotypes of a large Chinese multigenerational kindred with autosomal dominant familial ALS due to Ile149Thr SOD1 gene mutation

About 10% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are familial. We identified a five-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant familial ALS (FALS). We performed a detailed family study, clinical and electromyographic validation, and SOD1, VEGF and CNTF mutation analyses. Forty-five living members (16 affected) were studied and DNA samples collected. Genealogical data were collected for deceased members. Based on the duration between symptom onset to ventilator dependence, they were divided into rapidly progressive (range 1-18 months, mean (SD) duration = 12.08 (+/-6.10) months, mean (SD) age of symptom onset = 39.75 (+/-9.84) years) and slowly progressive groups (>18 months; mean (SD) age of onset = 37.25 (+/-5.32) years old). We identified a heterozygous mutation of ATT to ACT of SOD1 gene at codon 149 in exon 5 resulting in substitution of isoleucine to threonine. It co-segregated with all affected members and 11 non-symptomatic members. We report a large multigenerational Chinese FALS kindred with I149T mutation in SOD1. No polymorphisms or mutations were found to date in two known modifier genes, namely, VEGF and CNTF, which were associated with heterogeneity in the phenotype within this kindred. Follow-up of the family will be helpful to explore any potential disease markers.

Expression of survivin and bax/bcl-2 in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma ligands induces apoptosis on human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro

The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligand-induced apoptosis on human myeloid leukemia K562 and HL-60 cell lines. The results revealed that both 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) and troglitazone (TGZ) have significant anti-proliferation- and apoptosis-inducing effects on these two kinds of leukemia cells. Marked morphological changes of cell apoptosis including condensation of chromatin and nuclear fragmentation were observed clearly using Wright's and Hoechst 33258 staining. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated that both survivin and bcl-2 expression were downregulated markedly, while bax expression was upregulated concurrently when apoptosis occurred. We therefore conclude that 15d-PGJ2 and TGZ have significant apoptosis effects on K562 and HL-60 cells in vitro, and that upregulation of bax as well as downregulation of survivin and bcl-2 expression may be the important apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The results suggest that PPAR-gamma ligands may serve as potential therapeutic agents for both acute and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Oridonin-induced apoptosis in leukemia K562 cells and its mechanism

Oridonin, an extract from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens, is currently one of the most important traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Recently oridonin has been reported to have anti- tumor effects in a large variety of malignant diseases. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic inducing effect of oridonin in leukemia K562 cells and its mechanism. Cell growth inhibition was measured using a microculture tetrazolium assay, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and electron microscopy as well as by DNA fragmentation analysis. Telomerase activity was measured by TRAP-enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins was detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that oridonin could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis on leukemia K562 cells remarkably. Telomerase activity as well as Bcl-2 expression was down- regulated, while Bax expression was up-regulated concurrently, when apoptosis ocurred. We therefore conclude that oridonin demonstrated anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on K562 cells in vitro, and that changes in bcl-2 and bax protein levels as well as telomerase activity may play an important role in its mechanism of action.

Clinical and genetic study of a large Italian family linked to SPG12 locus

BACKGROUND

Seven loci for autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (ADHSP) have been mapped. To date, two families of SPG12 (chromosome 19q13) have been analyzed; however, there is not enough clinical information on SPG12 to establish locus-phenotype correlations.

METHODS

The authors studied 60 individuals from a large Italian family with ADHSP, in which 16 members in four generations were affected. They performed genetic linkage analysis with DNA markers from currently known ADHSP loci. After database searching, one candidate gene for SPG12 was analyzed by sequencing.

RESULTS

The patients in this family showed an early onset and rapid progression of symptoms, resulting in severe disability, with a large proportion of affected members requiring use of a wheelchair. By age 16, most patients had sensory disturbance. Evidence for linkage to the SPG12 locus was obtained. Obligate recombination events observed in this family have narrowed the SPG12 locus from the 16.1 cM to 11.3 cM region between markers D19S416 and D19S412. In combination with previous genetic studies, the SPG12 locus was further narrowed to the 3.3 cM region between D19S416 and D19S220. A homologue of the AAA (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) protein family, proteasome 26S subunit ATPase mapped near D19S220, was excluded by sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study refined the SPG12 region between D19S416 and D19S220 and revealed several clinical characteristics-early onset, rapid progression, and involvement of sensory disturbance-that may be unique to SPG12. Suggestive evidence of genetic anticipation was obtained, but should be confirmed in other SPG12 families.

A founder mutation in presenilin 1 causing early-onset Alzheimer disease in unrelated Caribbean Hispanic families

CONTEXT

Genetic determinants of Alzheimer disease (AD) have not been comprehensively examined in Caribbean Hispanics, a population in the United States in whom the frequency of AD is higher compared with non-Hispanic whites.

OBJECTIVE

To identify variant alleles in genes related to familial early-onset AD among Caribbean Hispanics.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Family-based case series conducted in 1998-2001 at an AD research center in New York, NY, and clinics in the Dominican Republic.

PATIENTS

Among 206 Caribbean Hispanic families with 2 or more living members with AD who were identified, 19 (9.2%) had at least 1 individual with onset of AD before the age of 55 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The entire coding region of the presenilin 1 gene and exons 16 and 17 of the amyloid precursor protein gene were sequenced in probands from the 19 families and their living relatives.

RESULTS

A G-to-C nucleotide change resulting in a glycine-alanine amino acid substitution at codon 206 (Gly206Ala) in exon 7 of presenilin 1 was observed in 23 individuals from 8 (42%) of the 19 families. A Caribbean Hispanic individual with the Gly206Ala mutation and early-onset familial disease was also found by sequencing the corresponding genes of 319 unrelated individuals in New York City. The Gly206Ala mutation was not found in public genetic databases but was reported in 5 individuals from 4 Hispanic families with AD referred for genetic testing. None of the members of these families were related to one another, yet all carriers of the Gly206Ala mutation tested shared a variant allele at 2 nearby microsatellite polymorphisms, indicating a common ancestor. No mutations were found in the amyloid precursor protein gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The Gly206Ala mutation was found in 8 of 19 unrelated Caribbean Hispanic families with early-onset familial AD. This genetic change may be a prevalent cause of early-onset familial AD in the Caribbean Hispanic population.

Mutations in the open reading frame of the beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) locus are not a common cause of Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The gene encoding the beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE), one of two enzymes that sequentially cleave the beta-amyloid precursor protein to generate Abeta, has recently been cloned. We tested the hypothesis that BACE might be genetically associated with AD by linkage analysis (56 pedigrees), by direct nucleotide sequencing of the entire open reading frame (20 subjects with familial AD, and 10 subjects with sporadic AD) and by allelic association analysis (155 AD cases and 173 non-demented controls). Our results revealed no evidence for either genetic linkage or allelic association between BACE and AD, and no coding sequence mutations were detected in the open reading frame of the BACE gene. These data suggest that while BACE protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, and may be a robust therapeutic target, it is unlikely to be a major AD susceptibility locus.

Resolution of the essential constituents of Ramulus cinnamomi by an evolving chemometric approach

The analysis of complex mixtures, such as those of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is difficult by conventional methods of analysis. Chemometric methods provide a new way to solve such problems. Subwindow factor analysis (SFA) paired with the evolving window orthogonal projection (EWOP) method, has been used as a new evolving approach to the resolution of volatile components of Ramulus cinnamomi (RC). Compared with conventional chromatographic analysis, the chromatographic separation conditions necessary are greatly mitigated in our approach, yet the accuracy of qualitative and quantitative results is improved, because the measured data matrix has been resolved into chromatograms and mass spectra of the chemical components. Our method is, moreover, friendly to use and easy to program. Experimental results show the efficiency and convenience of the proposed approach. Forty-seven of the seventy-eight separated constituents in an essential oil, accounting for 89.55% of the sample, were identified by mass spectroscopy (MS).

Screening for PS1 mutations in a referral-based series of AD cases: 21 novel mutations

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the presenilin-1 gene (PS1) account for a majority of patients with early-onset familial AD. However, the clinical indications and algorithms for genetic testing in dementia are still evolving.

METHODS

The entire open reading frame of the PS1 gene was sequenced in a series of 414 consecutive patients referred for diagnostic testing, including 372 patients with AD and 42 asymptomatic persons with a strong family history of AD.

RESULTS

Forty-eight independent patients screened had a PS1 mutation including 21 novel mutations. In addition, 3% of subjects (11/413) had a known polymorphism, the Glu318Gly substitution. The majority of the mutations were missense substitutions but there were three insertions and Delta exon 10 mutation. With six exceptions (codons 35, 178, 352, 354, 358, and 365) most of the mutations occurred at residues conserved in the homologous PS2 gene or in PS1 of other species.

CONCLUSIONS

Eleven percent of a referral-based series of patients with AD can be explained by coding sequence mutations in the PS1 gene. The high frequency of PS1 mutations in this study indicates that screening for PS1 mutations in AD is likely to be successful, especially when directed at patients with a positive family history with onset before 60 years (90% of those with PS1 mutations were affected by age 60 years). This will also have significance for the secondary identification of at-risk relatives who might be candidates for future prophylactic therapies for AD.

Nicastrin binds to membrane-tethered Notch

The presenilins and nicastrin, a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, form high molecular weight complexes that are involved in cleaving the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) and Notch in their transmembrane domains. The former process (termed gamma-secretase cleavage) generates amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The latter process (termed S3-site cleavage) generates Notch intracellular domain (NICD), which is involved in intercellular signalling. Nicastrin binds both full-length betaAPP and the substrates of gamma-secretase (C99- and C83-betaAPP fragments), and modulates the activity of gamma-secretase. Although absence of the Caenorhabditis elegans nicastrin homologue (aph-2) is known to cause an embryonic-lethal glp-1 phenotype, the role of nicastrin in this process has not been explored. Here we report that nicastrin binds to membrane-tethered forms of Notch (substrates for S3-site cleavage of Notch), and that, although mutations in the conserved 312-369 domain of nicastrin strongly modulate gamma-secretase, they only weakly modulate the S3-site cleavage of Notch. Thus, nicastrin has a similar role in processing Notch and betaAPP, but the 312-369 domain may have differential effects on these activities. In addition, we report that the Notch and betaAPP pathways do not significantly compete with each other.

Mutation of conserved aspartates affect maturation of presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 complexes

Presenilin (PS1 and PS2) holoproteins are transiently incorporated into low molecular weight (MW) complexes. During subsequent incorporation into a higher MW complex, they undergo endoproteolysis to generate stable N- and C-terminal fragments (NTF/CTF). Mutation of either of two conserved aspartate residues in transmembrane domains inhibits both presenilin-endoproteolysis and the proteolytic processing of APP and Notch. We show that aspartate-mutant holoprotein presenilins are not incorporated into the high molecular weight, NTF/CTF-containing complexes. Aspartate-mutant presenilin holoproteins also preclude entry of endogenous wild-type PS1/PS2 into the high molecular weight complexes, but do not affect the incorporation of wild-type holoproteins into lower molecular weight holoprotein complexes. These data suggest that the loss-of-function aspartate-mutants cause altered PS complex maturation, and argue that the functional presenilin moieties are contained in the high molecular weight presenilin NTF/CTF-containing complexes.

Pore sizes and pore connectivity in rocks using the effect of internal field

A novel nuclear magnetic resonance method has been applied to several sandstone rocks to measure the pore size distribution using the magnetization decay due to diffusion in the internal magnetic field (DDIF). By comparing the results of the DDIF and Hg porosimetry experiments, a clear picture of pore connectivity emerges. The pore body diameter can be defined using the DDIF data and is found to have a clear trend as a function of porosity.

[Analysis of the essential oil of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. with GC/MS]

AIM

To detect chemical components of the essential oil of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill..

METHODS

The essential oil was analyzed with GC/MS, heuristic evolving latent projections(HELP) resolution and overall volume integration method.

RESULTS

HELP method along with the data from GC/MS can be used to conduct the peak purity examination and resolution of overlapping peaks to obtain pure chromatogram and MS spectrum of each component. Fifty six components were separated and 49 of them were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. All the components represent about 98.27% of the total content.

CONCLUSION

The resolved pure chromatogram and MS spectrum can greatly enhance the reliability of similar searches in the commercial MS database and thus contribute to the accuracy of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the essential oil.

Carboxyl-terminal fragments of Alzheimer beta-amyloid precursor protein accumulate in restricted and unpredicted intracellular compartments in presenilin 1-deficient cells

Absence of functional presenilin 1 (PS1) protein leads to loss of gamma-secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP), resulting in a dramatic reduction in amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) production and accumulation of alpha- or beta-secretase-cleaved COOH-terminal fragments of betaAPP (alpha- or beta-CTFs). The major COOH-terminal fragment (CTF) in brain was identified as betaAPP-CTF-(11-98), which is consistent with the observation that cultured neurons generate primarily Abeta-(11-40). In PS1(-/-) murine neurons and fibroblasts expressing the loss-of-function PS1(D385A) mutant, CTFs accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and lysosomes, but not late endosomes. There were some subtle differences in the subcellular distribution of CTFs in PS1(-/-) neurons as compared with PS1(D385A) mutant fibroblasts. However, there was no obvious redistribution of full-length betaAPP or of markers of other organelles in either mutant. Blockade of endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi trafficking indicated that in PS1(-/-) neurons (as in normal cells) trafficking of betaAPP to the Golgi compartment is necessary before alpha- and beta-secretase cleavages occur. Thus, although we cannot exclude a specific role for PS1 in trafficking of CTFs, these data argue against a major role in general protein trafficking. These results are more compatible with a role for PS1 either as the actual gamma-secretase catalytic activity or in other functions indirectly related to gamma-secretase catalysis (e.g. an activator of gamma-secretase, a substrate adaptor for gamma-secretase, or delivery of gamma-secretase to betaAPP-containing compartments).

Detection of the high eigenmodes of spin diffusion in porous media

The dynamics of spin diffusion in a fluid is governed by the Torrey-Bloch equations, and the solution is often expressed mathematically in an eigenmode expansion. We report an experimental demonstration of the excitation and detection of a wide range of eigenmodes in porous media by exploring the inhomogeneous internal magnetic field in the pore space. The nodal character of the eigenfunctions of the high eigenmodes was clearly observed. The methodology of excitation and detection of the high eigenmodes may be used to better characterize pore geometry.

Novel presenilin 1 mutations associated with early onset of dementia in a family with both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer disease

Two children of an adult with early-onset, autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer disease (AD) developed dementia in their late 20s and were subsequently found to have novel mutations in codon 434 of the presenilin 1 (PS1) gene on chromosome 14, a G-to-T substitution at nucleotide 1548 and a C-to-G substitution at nucleotide 1549. The younger of the 2 children had AD confirmed at postmortem examination. The disease course in these 3 individuals was characterized by cognitive and behavioral problems accompanied by myoclonus, seizures, and aphasia within 5 years after onset. Two grandparents had clinically diagnosed AD with stroke beginning at ages 78 and 66 years, but neither had a PS1 mutation. No other living family member was demented, nor did any other family member have the PS1 mutation. We conclude that the affected parent of the proband was a likely recent founder for these novel mutations in PS1. The family demonstrates the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of AD. Arch Neurol. 2000;57:1454-1457

Mutation of the conserved N-terminal cysteine (Cys92) of human presenilin 1 causes increased A beta42 secretion in mammalian cells but impaired Notch/lin-12 signalling in C. elegans

The presenilin proteins are involved in the proteolytic processing of transmembrane proteins such as Notch/lin-12 and the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP). Mutation of a conserved cysteine (Cys60Ser) in the C. elegans presenilin sel-12 has a loss-of-function effect on Notch/lin-12 processing similar to that of null mutations in sel-12. In contrast, in mammalian cells, most missense mutations increase gamma-secretase cleavage of betaAPP. We report here that mutation of this conserved cysteine (Cys92Ser) in human presenilin 1 confers a loss-of-function effect in C. elegans, but causes increased A beta42 secretion in mammalian cells. These data suggest that the role of presenilins in Notch/lin-12 signalling and betaAPP processing are either separately regulated activities or independent activities of the presenilins.

Nicastrin modulates presenilin-mediated notch/glp-1 signal transduction and betaAPP processing

Nicastrin, a transmembrane glycoprotein, forms high molecular weight complexes with presenilin 1 and presenilin 2. Suppression of nicastrin expression in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos induces a subset of notch/glp-1 phenotypes similar to those induced by simultaneous null mutations in both presenilin homologues of C. elegans (sel-12 and hop-1). Nicastrin also binds carboxy-terminal derivatives of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP), and modulates the production of the amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) from these derivatives. Missense mutations in a conserved hydrophilic domain of nicastrin increase A beta42 and A beta40 peptide secretion. Deletions in this domain inhibit A beta production. Nicastrin and presenilins are therefore likely to be functional components of a multimeric complex necessary for the intramembranous proteolysis of proteins such as Notch/GLP-1 and betaAPP.

Mutation of conserved aspartates affects maturation of both aspartate mutant and endogenous presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 complexes

Presenilin (PS1 and PS2) holoproteins are transiently incorporated into low molecular weight (MW) complexes. During subsequent incorporation into a higher MW complex, they undergo endoproteolysis to generate stable N- and C-terminal fragments. Mutation of either of two conserved aspartate residues in transmembrane domains inhibits both presenilin-endoproteolysis and the proteolytic processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein and Notch. We show that although PS1/PS2 endoproteolysis is not required for inclusion into the higher MW N- and C-terminal fragment-containing complex, aspartate mutant holoprotein presenilins are not incorporated into the high MW complexes. Aspartate mutant presenilin holoproteins also preclude entry of endogenous wild type PS1/PS2 into the high MW complexes but do not affect the incorporation of wild type holoproteins into lower MW holoprotein complexes. These data suggest that the loss of function effects of the aspartate mutants result in altered PS complex maturation and argue that the functional presenilin moieties are contained in the high molecular weight complexes.

Determining pore sizes using an internal magnetic field

A concept is proposed to measure the pore size length scale by the internal magnetic field (B(i)) in porous materials. The spatial distribution of the magnetic field inhomogeneity, a result of the magnetic susceptibility contrast between the porous material and the fluid, reflects the underlying pore geometry. Diffusion in B(i) causes the initial decay of magnetization. At long times, the effect of B(i) saturates when the diffusion length reaches a characteristic pore size. This method is independent of surface spin relaxation in determining pore sizes. Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on packed glass beads and sedimentary rock samples will be presented. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme and Alzheimer disease

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme has been reported to show altered activity in patients with neurologic diseases. An insertion-deletion polymorphism in ACE has recently been linked to heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and AD.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is associated with risk of Alzheimer disease (AD).

METHODS

We investigated the ACE polymorphism as a potential risk factor for AD in 151 patients with AD and 206 ethnically matched controls from Russia and in 236 patients with AD and 169 controls from North America by means of allele association methods and logistic regression.

RESULTS

None of the ACE genotypes was associated with increased susceptibility to AD in the total sample or in subsets stratified by apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) epsilon4 status. However, the D allele was more frequent among AD cases between ages 66 and 70 years compared with controls in both the Russian (P = .02) and North American (P = .001) datasets. In this age group, the effect of D (odds ratio, 11.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-44.0) appeared to be independent of and equal or greater in magnitude to the effect of APOE epsilon4 (odds ratio, 7.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-7.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that APOE and ACE genotypes may be independent risk factors for late-onset AD, but the ACE association needs to be confirmed in independent samples in which the time and extent of vascular cofactors can be assessed.