Allergic rhinitis and allergy are risk factors for otitis media with effusion: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: We systematically reviewed the associations between allergic rhinitis or allergy and otitis media with effusion, by reference to published data. STUDY DESIGN: A meta-analysis of case-controlled studies. DATA SOURCE: Five databases (Pubmed, Highwire, Medline, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for relevant studies in the English language published prior to November 12, 2015. STUDIES CHOSEN: Studies with clearly defined experimental and control groups, in which the experimental groups had otitis media with effusion together with allergic rhinitis or allergy, were selected. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis on data from the identified cross-sectional and case-controlled studies using fixed- or random-effects models (depending on heterogeneity). We used Reviewer Manager 5.3 software to this end. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with otitis media with effusion and the control groups differed significantly in three studies (P<0.00001), as did the prevalence of allergy (in six studies; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis and allergy appear to be risk factors for otitis media with effusion.

Effect of salinity on oxygen consumption in fishes: a review.

The effect of salinity on resting oxygen uptake was measured in the perch Perca fluviatilis and available information on oxygen uptake in teleost species at a variety of salinities was reviewed. Trans-epithelial ion transport against a concentration gradient requires energy and exposure to salinities osmotically different from the body fluids therefore imposes an energetic demand that is expected to be lowest in brackish water compared to fresh and sea water. Across species, there is no clear trend between oxygen uptake and salinity, and estimates of cost of osmotic and ionic regulation vary from a few per cent to >30% of standard metabolism.

Air-breathing fishes in aquaculture. What can we learn from physiology?

During the past decade, the culture of air-breathing fish species has increased dramatically and is now a significant global source of protein for human consumption. This development has generated a need for specific information on how to maximize growth and minimize the environmental effect of culture systems. Here, the existing data on metabolism in air-breathing fishes are reviewed, with the aim of shedding new light on the oxygen requirements of air-breathing fishes in aquaculture, reaching the conclusion that aquatic oxygenation is much more important than previously assumed. In addition, the possible effects on growth of the recurrent exposure to deep hypoxia and associated elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide, ammonia and nitrite, that occurs in the culture ponds used for air-breathing fishes, are discussed. Where data on air-breathing fishes are simply lacking, data for a few water-breathing species will be reviewed, to put the physiological effects into a growth perspective. It is argued that an understanding of air-breathing fishes' respiratory physiology, including metabolic rate, partitioning of oxygen uptake from air and water in facultative air breathers, the critical oxygen tension, can provide important input for the optimization of culture practices. Given the growing importance of air breathers in aquaculture production, there is an urgent need for further data on these issues.

Clinicopathological implications of tumour-associated macrophages and vascularization in sinonasal melanoma.

This study investigated tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their effects on tumour vascularization in sinonasal melanoma (SNM). Data on 45 patients with SNM undergoing surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Tumour sections were analysed immunohistochemically for TAMs, microvessels, lymph vessels, and vasculogenic mimicry in both intra- and peritumoural areas. The density of intratumoural TAMs was associated with tumour thickness and with overall survival in SNM stages I and II but there were no correlations between micro- or lymph vessel density and TAM infiltration. Greater TAM infiltration was observed in tumour tissues with vasculogenic mimicry although this was not statistically significant. These data suggest that high intratumoural TAM infiltration is associated with tumour aggressiveness and a poor prognosis for SNM, and that activation of macrophages can be polarized by different micro-environments. TAMs could be potential prognostic indicators for patients with SNM.

SGN nerve filaments develop synapses with IHCs earlier than with OHCs in C57BL/6 mouse inner ear.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the connections between hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) during the development of the C57BL/6 mouse inner ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens of C57BL/6 mouse inner ear, from E15 (embryo day 15) to adult mouse, were collected; immunohistochemistry was employed to explore the frozen sections of specimens. RESULTS: The development of cochlea starts sequentially from the basal turn to the apex turn. Morphological development of SGNs occurs mainly from E16 to P12 (postnatal day 12). Hair cells appear from E18 to P12, and inner hair cells (IHCs) develop earlier than outer hair cells (OHCs). The connections between hair cells and SGNs begin to develop during E18-P1, morphologically resemble mature synapses during P8-P12, and completely mature in adult mice. CONCLUSIONS: The genesis of auditory ribbon synapse occurs from E18 to P1. Synchronized with the development of SGNs and hair cells, the functional filaments remain connected to hair cells, while the spare ones get disconnected from the surface of hair cells. Connections between SGN nerve filaments and IHCs occur earlier than those between SGN nerve filaments and OHCs.

Femtosecond time resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy of H(2)-N(2) mixtures in the Dicke regime: Experiments and modeling of velocity effects.

In this paper, we present measurements and modeling of femtosecond time resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) signal in H(2)-N(2) mixtures at low densities. Three approaches have been used to model the CARS response. The first is the usual sum of Voigt profiles. In the second approach, the speed dependent Voigt profile is used. In the last approach, a model of the temporal CARS signal is developed, which takes into account the velocity changes induced by collisions and the speed dependence of the collisional parameters. The velocity changes are modeled using the Keilson and Storer memory function; the radiator speed dependences of the collisional parameters are determined from their temperature dependences. The results obtained are consistent with previous studies in the frequency domain, showing that the changes of the velocity have important effects for the H(2)/N(2) system in the Dicke narrowing density regime.

Peroxiredoxin1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer via p38MAPK signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxiredoxin1 (PRDX1), a class of thiol peroxidases, is a multifunctional protein. We aimed at analyzing the effect of PRDX1 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer and to investigate the potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Western blot and PCR were used to validate the silencing efficiency in SW480 cell by transfection of PRDX1-siRNA. The cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) test. Flow cytometry Annexin V/PI double staining was used to analyze cell apoptosis. Transwell and scratch test were used to detect the migration and invasion of cells. Signal pathway protein expression was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of PRDX1 in SW480 cells could be reduced by siRNA effectively. The cell proliferation, migration and invasion were reduced significantly compared with control group after down-regulation of PRDX1 (p<0.05), while the cell apoptosis was enhanced significantly (p<0.05). The ratio of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-p38) /p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38) was down-regulated after the down-regulation of PRDX1 (p<0.05). The ratio of phospho-c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (p-JNK)/c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) showed changes with no significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of PRDX1 in colorectal cancer SW480 cells could inhibit the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce cell apoptosis. This is very likely to be achieved by activating the p38MAPK-signaling pathway.

A five-generation family with sacral agenesis and spina bifida: possible similarities with the mouse T-locus.

In man, a malformation that recalls some of the defects associated with T/t mutants in the mouse is sacral agenesis. We report on a family with a high incidence of sacral malformation, ranging from a complete absence of the sacrum (SA), with or without spina bifida aperta, to a spina bifida occulta (SBO) that could only be detected by x-ray. The condition appeared in a man with four children who were all affect, and thereafter, to varying degrees, in 17 of his 28 descendants. Segregation analysis has been performed in this family, using the Elston and Stewart transmission probability model [1971]. The two traits (SA and SBO) were first studied separated and then together. A fully penetrant major dominant gene is show to cause SA. When the phenotypes SA and SBO are considered together, Mendelian transmission is rejected. This could be explained genetically by two alternative hypotheses: genetic heterogeneity or a dominant major gene transmitted in excess by heterozygotes (tau Aa A = 0.896), suggesting a segregation distortion property of an allele at a T-like locus.

A polymorphism of angiotensinogen gene codon 174 and coronary artery disease in Japanese subjects.

The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and polymorphisms of genes encoding angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was analyzed in Japanese subjects. One hundred and four patients with CAD and 170 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. CAD was defined as having a luminal diameter stenosis > or =50% in at least one of three major coronary arteries by coronary angiography. The genotypes (determined by polymerase chain reaction) of AGT gene codon 174 were not significantly associated with CAD in the total study population. However, the frequency of T/T homozygotes of AGT codon 174 was significantly higher in CAD patients compared to controls in each of three subgroups: 1) body mass index (BMI) below the median value of 24.1 kg/m2; 2) not more than two CAD risk factors out of five (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and family history of CAD); and 3) the ACE I/I genotype. The M/M genotype of AGT codon 235 was negatively associated, and the ACE D/D genotype was positively associated, with CAD in the total study population. Our results indicate that the T/T genotype of AGT codon 174 may be a risk factor for CAD in Japanese individuals with low BMI, lesser CAD risk factors, or ACE I/I genotype.

A comparative study of fatigue complaints among assembly line workers employed in the two electronic factories in Vietnam.

A cross-sectional study concerning working conditions and the fatigue complaints of assembly line workers employed in two different electronic factories (A and B) in Vietnam was conducted from August to September 1994. While general working conditions, such as noise, dust, heat and lighting, were worse in Factory B, the prevalence rate of the subjective fatigue after working time was significantly higher among workers in Factory A. Fatigue symptoms in category I (Drowsiness and dullness) were particularly apparent among workers in Factory A. More interestingly, one-third of workers in Factory A complained of stiff shoulders and low back pain. Our field observation results suggest that the ergonomic inappropriateness of the assembly line in Factory A, may be causing a high rate of subjective fatigue among workers.

A study of complaints of fatigue by workers employed in Vietnamese factories with newly imported technology.

The aim was to study the actual situation of subjective fatigue among the Vietnamese workers in factories with newly imported technology. A cross-sectional study concerning working conditions and the fatigue complaints of 389 workers who are employed in 10 Vietnamese factories with newly imported technology, was conducted from August to September 1994. About 60% of the workers were satisfied with their current working conditions. Regarding occupational risks at the workplace, heat, dust and noise were identified as the three most dangerous risks. About 46% of the workers complained about the incompatibility of the machines and equipment they were using, which are too large for Vietnamese workers. One third of all workers felt that the work pace is too rapid. Seventeen percent of the workers considered their working conditions monotonous. Finally, among 150 female workers under 40 years old, 45 workers (30.0%) complained of irregularity of menstruation. Generally these problems were more common among workers in textile factories. The prevalence rate of subjective fatigue complaints was significantly increased after work in all 30 items. The fatigue level were substantially high among workers in textile factories. Female workers in this sector had a high prevalence rate of irregularity of menstruation. There were many problems observed in the Vietnamese factories with newly imported technology. Special consideration is required to improve the working conditions of female workers in the textile industry. Both the Vietnamese government and donor countries have to give special attention to the transfer of worker-friendly technology to Vietnam, in order to achieve sound economic development.

[Genetic control of hexosaminidases]. / Le controle genetique des hexosaminidases.

The authors present the results they obtained which interspecific cell hybrids. The hexosaminidases A, B and C, seem to be under the control of the two genes alpha and beta, B and CS constituing homopolymers (beta beta)n and (alpha alpha)n, A being a heteropolymer (alpha beta)n. The isozyme CF, particularly abundant in fetal tissues and found also in Tay-Sachs by some authors is, in all probability, under independent genetic control.

[Genetic study of GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff) by the study of the hexosaminidases of the Sandhoff-rodents hybrids (mouse and hamster)]. / Contribution à l'étude génétique des gangliosidoses GM2 (Tay-Sachs et Sandhoff) par l'étude des hexosaminidases des hybrides Sandhoff-rongeurs (souris et hamster)

The electrophoretic pattern of human fibroblast extracts displays three bands (cathode to anode) of hexosaminidase: Hex B, Hex A, Hex C in normal strains, only one B band in Tay-Sachs strains, and only one C band in Sandhoff strains. The author's observations on rodent-Sandhoff cellular hybrids agree with the hypothesis made by others: Hex B = (beta beta)n; Hex A = (alpha beta)n; and Hex B = (alpha alpha) n. The mutation occurred in the alpha chain in Tay-Sachs disease and in the beta chain in Sandhoff disease. When mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) is present, and therefore Hex C because of the well known MPI - Hex C synteny, a new hexosaminidase band called "Hex A fast" is seen in Sandhoff-hamster hybrids, while a "Hex A like" band is seen in Sandhoff-mouse hybrids. Both bands are absent from parental cells. It is suggested that "Hex A fast" and "Hex A like" are human-rodent hybrid hexosaminidases: "Hex A fast" = (alpha beta')n; "Hex A like" = (alpha beta's)n with the assumption that hamster HB' = (beta' beta')n and mouse Hex B'S = (beta's beta's)n. The specific anti Hex A = anti (alpha beta); the non-specific anti Hex A = anti Hex B = anti (beta); the anti (alpha) would be absent or weak. This explains the reactivity of the anti-Hex A against Hex A and Hex B, but not against Hex C.

[Permissivity of mouse-man hybrid cell clones to three enteroviruses: poliovirus II, coxsackie B3 and echovirus 11. Role of human chromosome F. 19 (author's transl)]. / Permissivité de clones cellulaires hybrides homme-souris à trois entérovirus : poliovirus II, coxsackie B3 et echovirus 11. Rôle de chromosome humain F 19

The permissivity of human cells to enteroviruses is linked to the presence of specific cell receptors. Owing to the chance elimination of human chromosomes, the man-mouse hybrid cells may be permissive or not depending on the genome responsible for synthesis of the receptors, and whether it has been conserved or not. By comparison of the cytopathogenic effects and virus production after inoculation of the viruses Polio II, Echo 11 and Coxsachie B3 to various hybrid strains, we observed an identity of the spectrum of permissivity to these three viruses. The enzyme study revealed a very high correlation between this permissivity and expression by the clones of the human glucose phosphate isomerase enzyme, of which the structural gene was localised on chromosome F 19. These results suggest the presence on this chromosome of a gene or syntenic genes, governing the synthesis of specific cell receptors to the viruses studied.

Chromosomal localization of human genes governing the interferon-induced antiviral state.

Interferon sensitivity of different normal and aneusomic human cells and of different mouse-human hybrids cells has been compared. G21 trisomic cells are more sensitive than diploid cells; whereas, on the contrary, triploid cells are normal in their human interferon sensitivity. Among other aneusomic cell lines tested, E16 trisomic cells are significantly less sensitive. These data are in favor of the hypotheses that the G21 chromosome carries genetic information for structural proteins involved in the receptor system for interferon, that there is a regulatory mechanism governing the antiviral state, and that the E16 chromosome is a possible candidate for carrying information for such a depressive regulatory mechanism. None of the chromosome abnormalities studies are involved with interferon synthesis.

[Gene localization in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Comparison with the factor mapping of man (Homo sapiens)]. / Localisations géniques chez le chimpanzé (Pan troglodytes) Comparaison avec la carte factorielle de l'homme (Homo sapiens)

Ten independant cellular hybrids were obtained from Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) fibroblasts and the murine cell line C11D. The comparison of electrophoretic and cytogenetic studies showed that 9 markers with known localizations in Man could also be localized on the homologous chromosomes of the Chimpanzee: pyrophosphate hydratase (PPH), phosphoglucomutase-1 (PGM1), and peptidase-C (Pep-C) on the No. 1; malate dehydrogenase MDH(NAD) on the No. 2; lactico dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) on the No. 11; lactico dehydrogenase-B (LDH-B) on the No. 12; thymidine kinase (TK) on the No. 17; superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) on the No. 21; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) on the X. The localization of mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) on the No. 7 could be excluded. One discrepancy between Chimpanzee and Man was noted: the localization of superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) on the 6 is excluded.

Chromosome no. 1 of man and chimpanzee: identity of gene mapping for three loci: PPH, PGM1, and Pep-C.

Cytogenetic and biochemical analysis of 10 independant Chimpanzee-Mouse cell hybrids and of 18 subclones of one of these showed that PPH, PGM1 and Pep-C are localized on the Chimpanzee chromosome homologous to the human chromosome No. 1.

Investigations on the chromosomal localizations of the human and chimpanzee interferon genes: possible role of chromosomes 9 and 13.

Analysis of a great number of independent hamster-human and mouse-chimpanzee somatic cell hybrid clones confirms the role of chromosome 9 as carrying one or more primate beta interferon genes. The presence of chromosome 13 in producing hybrids and its absence in all non producing clones must be kept in mind for future studies. The strong negative regulation of interferon production in the parental hamster cells also affects the human gene product. The UV irradiation target for these regulatory genes is significantly greater than the structural genes responsible for interferon production.

[Assignment of the creatine kinase BB gene to chromosome 14 by man-rodent cell hybridization (author's transl)]. / Localisation du gène de la créatine kinase, BB sur le chromosome 14 par l'analyse des hybrides homme-rongeur.

The value of man-rodent hybrids for detecting creatine kinase BB (CKBB) was greatly increased by the use of an agar technique, in extended incubation (20 hours) with a concentrated solution of creatine as substrate (8 mg/ml instead of 1 mg/ml as usual). The selection of a man-rodent hybrid without discordant between chr. 14 and nucleoside phosphorylase (NP) (a marker of this chromosome) contributed efficiently to the detection of the positive correlation between CKBB and chr. 14/NP. Among 22 independent hybrids, the following were observed : 8 NP + CKBB+, 3 NP + CKBB(+), 11 NP-CKBB- and 6 chr. 14 + CKBB+, 2 chr. 14 + CKBB(+), 11 chr. 14 CKBB-, 2 chr. 14/CKBB+ and 1 chr. 14/CKBB(+). The presence of the chromosome was noted + or - according to its presence in more or less than 30% of the cells. These results show that the gene for CKBB is located on chr. 14 and that the presence of this single chr. 14 is sufficient for the expression of human CKBB in man-rodent hybrids. Discordant results reported by others (Povey et al., 1979) may be due to the weakness of the human CKBB detection in man-rodent hybrids or to the bad conservation of this enzyme.