[Comparison of surgical outcomes between Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy and Trabectome surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma].

Objective: To compare the medium-term therapeutic effects of Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy and Trabectome surgery in the treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This study was a non-randomized prospective interventional controlled clinical study. POAG patients who underwent KDB goniotomy or Trabectome surgery at Beijing Tongren Hospital from May 2017 to April 2022 were enrolled. The definition of successful surgery was postoperative average intraocular pressure (IOP)≤21 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and IOP decrease≥20%. Follow-up visits were conducted on the 1st day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd and 6th month after surgery. The IOP value, the number of IOP-lowering medications, the proportion of surgical success (average IOP≤21 mmHg at 6 months), and complications were evaluated. Statistical methods included independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney rank sum test, χ2 test, repeated measures two-factor analysis of variance, Bonferroni, Friedman M test, Wilcoxon, and Log-rank. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative success rate of each group. Results: Seventeen male patients (17 eyes) and 10 female patients (10 eyes) were included. The mean age was (39.9±17.7) years old. There were 11 patients in the KDB group and 16 patients in the Trabectome group. There was no significant difference in clinical baseline conditions between the two groups (P>0.05). The IOPs in the KDB and Trabectome groups at postoperative 1 week [(16.6±6.3) and (16.4±4.1) mmHg) and 6 months [(17.8±5.3) and (19.9±4.4) mmHg) were lower than those before surgery [(25.1±9.3) and (27.4±9.1) mmHg) (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the overall IOP between groups (P>0.05). The IOP reduction rates in the KDB and Trabectome groups were 23.4% and 19.0%, with no significant difference (P=0.674). The numbers of IOP-lowering medications used in the KDB and Trabectome groups at 3 months [2.0 (1.0, 4.0) and 2.0 (1.0, 2.3)] and 6 months [2.0 (0.0, 4.0) and 2.0 (1.0, 3.0)] after surgery were not significantly different from those before surgery [4.0 (2.0, 4.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)] (both P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the overall number of IOP-lowering medications used between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with an IOP decrease of≥20% and the proportion of patients whose mean postoperative IOP was≤21 mmHg (all P>0.05). The proportions of IOP≤21 mmHg in the KDB group and the Trabectome group at 6 months after surgery were 81.8% and 68.8% (P>0.05). Serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in neither group. Conclusions: Both KDB trabeculotomy and Trabectome surgery can effectively reduce IOP and have a good safety profile in treating POAG, with the same number of IOP-lowering medications.

[A preliminary study on the efficacy and safety of a new type of trabeculotome tunnelling trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma].

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of trabeculotome tunnelling trabeculoplasty and gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study. The patients with open-angle glaucoma diagnosed in the ophthalmology center of Beijing Tongren Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January to July 2022 were collected and divided into GATT group (undergoing GATT) and 3T group (undergoing 3T operation) using a random number table. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded for both groups at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, and the types and quantities of anti-glaucoma drugs used, postoperative complications, and surgical success rate were compared. Normal distribution measurement data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, non-normal distribution measurement data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, and counting data were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: This study included 35 patients (43 eyes), consisting of 27 males and 8 females, with an average age of (43.0±14.3) years. There were 21 patients (23 eyes) in the GATT group and 19 patients (20 eyes) in the 3T group. The maximum IOP without anti-glaucoma drugs before surgery, the highest IOP with the maximum number of anti-glaucoma drugs, and the IOP at 3 months after surgery in the GATT group were (33.5±9.1), (22.2±6.1), and (16.0±3.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively. The corresponding values for the 3T group were (35.2±7.8), (21.5±6.8), and (16.1±2.0) mmHg. After surgery, the IOP in both groups was lower than before surgery, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) and no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). In the 3 months following surgery, 13 eyes in the GATT group and 11 eyes in the 3T group received more than two types of anti-glaucoma drugs, with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Three months after surgery, the complete and conditional success rates of the GATT group were 14/18 and 16/18, respectively, and those of the 3T group were 12/15 and 13/15, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of hyphema, ciliary detachment, and shallow anterior chamber 1 day after surgery was 91%(21/23), 35%(8/23), and 30%(7/23), respectively, in the GATT group and 55%(11/20), 5%(1/20), and 0 in the 3T group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: 3T and GATT have similar success rates in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. However, compared with GATT, 3T has fewer complications and is considered to be safer. (This article was published ahead of print on the Online-First Publishing Platform for Excellent Scientific Researches of Chinese Medical Association Publishing House on February 28, 2023).

[Strictly following the indications during the promotion of micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries].

Lots of new micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) are clinically available in recent two decades. The common characters of these surgeries are micro-invasive and non-filter bleb dependent. There are some problems during the promotion of the MIGS in China, like performing the MIGS with inappropriate indications. The MIGS procedures have more strict indications than traditional trabeculectomy and need more technical skills. To promote the popularization of MIGS and improve the clinical treatment of glaucoma, strictly following the indications and standardizing the surgical technique training are needed. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 641-643).

[Epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and the lag effect of average daily temperature on the epidemic of HFMD in Beijing].

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Beijing and explore the short-term lag effect of daily average temperature on HFMD. Methods: The incidence data and meteorological data of HFMD were collected from Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing between January 2009 and December 2018. The dose-response relationship and short-term lag effect of temperature and HFMD incidence were explored by the distributed lag non-linear model (DNLM). Results: From 2009 to 2018, a total of 97 210 cases of HFMD were confirmed in Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing. The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng district was 71.83/100 000, which was the lowest in three districts. The total annual average incidence was 146.89/100 000 in the three districts. The cases were concentrated from May to July, with a small peak in October to November. The ratio of male to female was 1.49∶1, and the median age of the patients was 3.08 (1.89, 4.39) years old, which showed a decreasing trend in children under 6 years old (Z=-30.11, P<0.01). The DNLM showed that the cumulative relative risk (RR) curve had a bimodal distribution, with RR of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.05-1.76) and 1.35 (95%CI: 1.10-1.66), and the peak values appeared at 4 ℃ and 26 ℃, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng was the lowest in three districts of Beijing. In addition, the incidence of HFMD is seasonal, and the incidence is higher in spring and summer than that in autumn and winter. Daily average temperature had a lag effect on HFMD, which was different between high temperature and low temperature.

[Emphasis on valid surgical indication for childhood glaucoma].

The childhood glaucoma presents high blindness and requires high quality of surgical treatment, laying heavy burdens on patients' families and the society. So far, there is no widely accepted standard and consensus on the surgical treatment for childhood glaucoma. Angle surgery and trabeculotomy, especially microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, have a good therapeutic effect on childhood glaucoma. Established consensus and popularization of the new surgery can significantly improve the success rate of treatment for childhood glaucoma. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 321-324).

[Spontaneous focal lamina cribrosa defect in glaucoma and its relationship with nonprogressive glaucomatous neuropathy].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the spontaneous focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defect and the progression of visual field defect (VFD) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: Case-control study. The patients who were diagnosed as POAG with at least 5 visual field results had been collected from June 2018 to January 2019 at Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University. Serial imaging by swept source optical coherence tomography B-Scan of the optic discs were acquired at the end of the follow-up and LC defects status were reviewed. Intraocular pressure, mean defects of visual field, central corneal thickness and axis length were recorded in the follow-up duration. Eyes were classified as having either progressive or nonprogressive VFD, and associating factors were evaluated by χ(2) or Fisher's test, mixed-effect model analysis and multivariate Logistical regression analysis. Results: A total of 32 subjects (64 eyes) were enrolled in the study with mean age of (47±14) years, the group consisted of 17 males and 15 females. Fourty-five eyes showed nonprogressive VFD. LC defects were more common in eyes without (28/45) rather than with progressive VFD (5/19) (χ(2)=6.896, P=0.009). Eyes with nonprogressive VFD showed longer axis length[(26.82±1.34) mm vs. (25.79±1.44) mm; t=6.589, P=0.013] and wider LC defects diameter[211 (165-326) µm vs. 114 (106-156) µm; Z=4.797, P=0.042]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of LC defect was significantly associated with nonprogressive VFD (odds ratio=0.217, P=0.012). There were 7 subjects with asymmetry VFD and the incedence of LC defects without progression (7/7) is higher than fellow eye with progression (1/7, P=0.002). There was only one patient with progressive VFD showed one LC defect with an smaller diameter (169 µm) than that in the contralateral eyes with stable VFD (269 µm). Conclusions: LC defects are more common in eyes with nonprogressive VFD. Spontaneous LC defects are associated with nonprogressive glaucomatous defects and could be a protective factor for POAG. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:338-346).

[Relationship of BMI and wrist joint index with carpal tunnel syndrome in manual laborers].

Objective: To evaluate the severity of median nerve damage in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) , and to analyze its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and wrist joint index. Methods: From May 2016 to January 2017, 23 patients with mild CTS (mild group) and 35 patients with moderate to severe CTS (moderate to severe group) were enrolled in this study. And 22 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age were selected as control group. The neuroelectrophysiological monitor was used to measure the median nerve movement and sensory nerve conduction in the subjects. The BMI and wrist joint index were calculated. The relationship of neuroelectrophysiological parameters with BMI and wrist joint index was analyzed in the CTS patients. Results: Compared with the control group, the mild group and the moderate to severe group had significantly higher wrist joint index, significantly longer distal motor latency (DML) of the median nerve, and significantly lower sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (P<0.01) ; the moderate to severe group had significantly higher BMI and significantly lower composite muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (P<0.01) . The wrist joint index and BMI were positively correlated with DML of the median nerve and negatively correlated with SCV and SNAP amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (all P<0.05) . The patients with a wrist joint index of >0.73 had a significantly higher risk of CTS than those with a wrist joint index of <0.73 (odd ratio=30.67, 95% confidence interval: 3.79-248.36) . Conclusion: A wrist joint index of >0.73 is an independent risk factor for CTS in manual laborers. CTS should be prevented in the manual laborers with high wrist joint index and BMI.

[Analysis of risk factors for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome after esophagectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence and risk factors for the acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after resection of esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 422 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine with esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy from January 2010 to December 2016 in Peking University Cancer Hospital. ALI/ARDS were diagnosed, the patients were divided into ALI/ARDS group and control group without ALI/ARDS, the differences of clinical features were contrasted between the two groups, and the multivariate Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS. RESULTS: In the study, 41 ALI/ARDS cases were diagnosed, making up 9.7% (41/422) of all the enrolled patients undergoing esophagectomy. Comparisons of the ALI/ARDS group and the control group indicated significant statistical differences in the average length of their hospital stay [(18.9±9.7) d vs. (14.8±3.6) d, P=0.011], the proportion of the patients who needed mechanical ventilation support [51.2% (21/41) vs. 9.4% (36/381), P<0.001] and in-hospital mortality [31.7% (13/41) vs. 5.0% (19/381), P<0.001]. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the patients with ALI/ARDS and without ALI/ARDS in smoking history (P=0.064), preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (P=0.020), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (P=0.011), body weight index (BMI) (P=0.044), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (P=0.049) and one lung ventilation duration (P=0.008), while multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC (OR=1.053, P=0.016, 95%CI 1.010-1.098), ASA physical status classification (OR=2.392, P=0.033, 95%CI 1.073-5.335) and one lung ventilation duration (OR=0.994, P=0.028, 95%CI 0.989-0.999) were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy. CONCLUSION: ALI/ARDS was a serious complication in patients undergoing esophagectomy associated with increment in length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC, ASA classification and one lung ventilation duration were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy. Carefully assessing the patient before operation, shortening one lung ventilation duration were the key points in preventing ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy.

Alteration of serum endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Endocan is a novel marker for inflammation but its significance in preeclampsia remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to delineate the changes of maternal endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 42 non-pregnant women, from 43 normal pregnant women at third trimester, and from 41 preeclamptic women. Serum endocan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared among the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum endocan among non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and women with preeclampsia (X²= 2.207, p = 0.137) and there was no significant difference in serum endocan between women with mild and severe preeclampsia (Z= 0.368, p = 0. 713). The authors concluded that serum endocan did not change in pregnancy and preeclampsia, indicating endocan may not be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

[Application of neuroendoscope combined with minimal-access for elderly patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia in enhanced recovery after surgery of microvascular decompression].

Objective: To explore the value of neuroendoscope and minimal-access in enhanced recovery after surgery of microvascular decompression (MVD) for treatment elderly patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN). Methods: The clinical data of 62 elderly patients with ITN who undergoing neuroendoscope-assisted minimal-access microvascular decompression were analyzed retrospectively, including operative data and follow-up results. Results: In 62 cases, the effective rate was 96.8%, with 88.7% complete cure and 8.1% little residual pain. Sixty successful cases were followed-up for an average of 61 months.Three cases recurred within 3 years after operation.Eight cases had complications after MVD. Conclusions: There was no serious complications that could be ascribed to old age and the operative result was satisfactory compared with younger age cases.Endoscope and minimal-access can help shorten operation time, raise the effectiveness of MVD, reduce postoperative recurrence rate, and enhanced recovery after surgery for elderly patients.

[Effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in trophocytes on the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in trophocytes, in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Sixty-one pregnant women who were hospitalized in Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January to December 2015 were recruited. Thirty-one women who were diagnosed as ICP were defined as the ICP group and 30 healthy pregnant women were defined as the control group. The localization and expression intensity of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP-78) in placental tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry technique. Electronic microscope was used to observe ultra-microstructure change of the endoplasmic reticulum in trophocytes and cell line Swan71. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blot were used to investigate the expression of GRP-78 mRNA and protein in Swan 71 cell. Results: (1) GRP-78 protein was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. The protein expression of GRP-78 in placentas of the ICP group (13.2±2.4) was significantly higher than that in the control group (7.8±1.3, P<0.01). (2) The volume of endoplasmie reticulum did not increase and the microvilli developed well, with no swelling and no expansion of endoplasmic reticulum in the control group.In the ICP group, microvilli injury, endoplasmic reticulum edema were found; the volume of endoplasmic reticulum increased, with dilation, vacuolation and significant degranulation. After treated with 100 µmol/L cholyglycine for 24 hours, universal dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum were seen in the Swan71 cells. (3) In Swan71 cells, cholylglycine displayed a concentration-dependent up-regulation on the expression of GRP-78. The expressions of GRP-78 mRNA in 0, 25, 50, 100 µmol/L cholylglycine experimental group were 1.01±0.17, 2.17±0.16, 5.47±0.36, 5.65±0.82, respectively. The expression of GRP-78 protein in 0, 25, 50, 100 µmol/L cholylglycine experimental group were 1.01±0.04, 1.17±0.15, 1.33±0.13, 1.73±0.13, respectively. The expression of GRP-78 mRNA and protein in 100 and 50 µmol/L cholylglycine experimental group were significantly higher than 0 µmol/L (all P<0.01). Conclusion: The obvious expansion of endoplasmic reticulum and the increased expression of GRP-78 in trophocytes indicated that endoplasmic reticulum stress of trophocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of ICP.

[Clinical observation on the treatment of untreatable childhood glaucoma with microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy for untreatable childhood glaucoma with traditional surgeries repeatedly. Methods: Clinical charts of fifteen cases (16 eyes) with childhood glaucoma patients from Beijing Tongren Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All eyes had previously received 2 or more traditional anti-glaucoma surgeries. We performed microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy for these patients. The intraocular pressure (IOP), numbers of anti-glaucoma medications and post-operative complications were analyzed. The differences between pre-operative and last post-operative IOP and numbers of anti-glaucoma medications were compared using paried t test and wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Thirteen male and 2 female children aged between 2-10 (median: 4) years old were recruited. 11 cases (12 eyes) were diagnosed as primary congenital glaucoma, 3 eyes of 3 cases were late-onset childhood glaucoma, and 1 eye was secondary glaucoma. The mean pre-operative IOP was (35.69 ± 6.27) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) on a mean of 3(1-4) medications for childhood glaucoma patients. The mean post-operative IOP decreased to (17.88 ± 7.74) mmHg (t=6.97, P< 0.01) and the median post operative medications decreased to 0(0-3)(Z=-3.15, P <0.01) at last visit. Twelve cases and 14 cases achieved complete and qualified success, respectively. No severe complications were observed for all patients. Conclusion: Microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy got lower introcular pressure results for 15 childhood glaucoma patients with untreadtable traditional surgeries repeatedly with minimal complications. (Chin J Ophthalmol , 2017, 53:203-206).

[A preliminary study on macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change after posterior scleral reinforcement by optical coherence tomography angiography].

Objective: To investigate macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change using optical coherence tomography angiography after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. Methods: Prospective study. Twenty eyes of 10 patients with high myopia were enrolled in this open-label, single-treatment group and prospective study. Radial lines and Angio retina (3 mm×3 mm) module were performed for 20 eyes using Angio-vue optical coherence tomography (Avanti, Optovue) without pupil dilation, and best corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent and axial length were compared before and 60 days after surgery. Retinal and choroidal thickness was measured in the fovea, 1 mm superior, 1 mm inferior, 1 mm nasal and 1 mm temporal to the fovea. Flow area, flow density and flow index were recorded using self-provided software in the superficial retina layer, deep retina layer, outer retina layer and choroid capillary layer, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Data that followed normal distribution were compared with paired two-sample t-test, while others were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Of the patients participating in this preliminary study, the mean age was (35.5±4.2) years, and 50% were female. No significant difference was found between before and 60 days after PSR surgery in best corrected visual acuity (t=0.99, P=0.33), spherical equivalent (t=-1.89, P=0.07) and axial length (t=0.2, P=0.08). The retinal thickness in the fovea was thinner (Z=-2.58, P=0.01), while there was no significant difference in the 1 mm superior (t=0.44, P=0.67) , 1 mm inferior (t=0.05, P=0.96) , 1 mm nasal (Z=0.87, P=0.64) and 1 mm temporal (Z=-0.78, P=0.99) to the fovea. No significant difference was found in choroidal thickness (t=-0.12, P=0.87; t=-0.25, P=0.81. t=0.53, P=0.61; t=-0.91, P=0.38. t=1.2, P=0.25) before and after surgery. The postoperative flow density in the superficial and deep retinal layers (48.18±4.56% and 31.47±5.11%) was significantly increased (t=2.66, P=0.02; t=3.16, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (33.82±4.33% and 14.29±3.89%). The postoperative flow index in the superficial and deep retina layers (0.044±0.005 and 0.025±0.005) was significantly increased (t=2.59, P=0.02. t=2.95, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (0.028±0.004 and 0.010±0.003). The other flow measurements showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Retinal thickness decreased, and flow density and index increased in the superficial and deep retinal layers after PSR surgery. This suggested blood flow improvement in the macular region after PSR surgery in high myopic eyes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:39-45).

Characterization of the NLRC5 promoter in chicken: SNPs, regulatory elements and CpG islands.

NLRC5 plays an important role in the innate immunity and cellular immunity in many species, but the regulatory mechanism of NLRC5 expression in chickens remains unclear. In this study, a series of deletion fragments of the NLRC5 promoter region were constructed and dual-luciferase assay was performed. Then, we detected the SNP in the core region and its function. Important transcriptional regulatory elements were predicted and identified. Methylation of CpG islands was measured. The results revealed that the two core regions of -4372 to -3756 and -2925 to -2265 in the NLRC5 promoter were essential for NLRC5 mRNA expression in which a SNP (A/G), located at -2470, was found to have an effect on the transcriptional activity. Also, the STAT1 element in the second core region of the NLRC5 promoter was identified to bind with the STAT1 transcription factor, which was necessary for the transcriptional activity. In addition, many other elements in the NLRC5 promoter, including YY1 and CEBP, may contribute significantly to the expression activity of NLRC5. Moreover, two CpG islands were searched. Part of one was located in the first core region, which suggests that epigenetic modification may regulate the activity of the first promoter region, and the other was mostly in an unmethylated state. Collectively, these results suggest the complex regulation of NLRC5 expression includes SNPs, transcription factors and methylation.

Molecular epidemiology of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in China between 2007 and 2013 using multilocus sequence typing and the DiversiLab system.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of 83 clinical Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex isolated in Beijing, China, between 2007 and 2013. Restriction fragment length polymorphism of the gene URA5 (URA5-RFLP), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and automated repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR; DiversiLab system) were performed to genotype these cryptococcal isolates. There was an excellent correlation amongst the three methods; however, PU157 was assigned as VNII according to URA5-RFLP, while it was classified as VNI by the DiversiLab system analysis. PU157 was finally identified as VNB by seven-locus MLST analysis. Moreover, though AD hybrids could not be processed by MLST, ideal results could be obtained by the DiversiLab system. The genotype VNI accounted for 95.2% (79/83) of isolates. Besides one strain of VNB, VNIII, and VGI each, a strain of VGII was detected in our study, which was isolated from a patient from the temperate region in North China. In addition, the most common MLST sequence type (ST) was ST5, accounting for 91.6% (76/83), followed by ST31, ST63, ST182, ST295, ST296, and ST332. ST295, ST296, and ST332 were new STs. Except for isolate PU157 (VNB), identical results were obtained quickly and accurately through the DiversiLab system compared to MLST and URA5-RFLP. The discovery of VNB and VGII in the temperate climate regions of China suggested that the population structure of C. neoformans and C. gattii should be explored more extensively. Our results also showed that the DiversiLab system can be used in the genotyping of C. neoformans and C. gattii.

Proteomic analysis reveals the mechanisms of Mycena dendrobii promoting transplantation survival and growth of tissue culture seedlings of Dendrobium officinale.

AIMS: Dendrobium officinale is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its seedlings generally show low survival and growth when transferred from in vitro tissue culture to a greenhouse or field environment. In this study, the effect of Mycena dendrobii on the survival and growth of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings and the mechanisms involved was explored. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mycena dendrobii were applied underneath the roots of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings. The seedling survival and growth were analysed. The root proteins induced by M. dendrobii were identified using two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF-MS). Mycena dendrobii treatment significantly enhanced survival and growth of D. officinale seedlings. Forty-one proteins induced by M. dendrobii were identified. Among them, 10 were involved in defence and stress response, two were involved in the formation of root or mycorrhizae, and three were related to the biosynthesis of bioactive constituents. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that enhancing stress tolerance and promoting new root formation induced by M. dendrobii may improve the survival and growth of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides a foundation for future use of M. dendrobii in the large-scale cultivation of Dendrobiums.

Single nucleotide polymorphism screening, molecular characterization, and evolutionary aspects of chicken Piwi genes.

The P-element-induced wimpy testis (Piwi) gene is involved in germline stem cell self-renewal, meiosis, RNA silencing, and transcriptional regulation. Piwi genes are relatively well conserved in many species, but their function in poultry species is unclear. In this study, Piwi genes were sequenced using a target-sequence capture assay in quail and 28 breeds of chicken. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and evolutionary aspects of these chicken breeds were then analyzed. We found that SNP sites existed mainly in the introns of a few chicken breeds, and we selected an SNP on intron 4 for further verification by Sanger sequencing, the results of which were similar to those obtained by the target-capture sequencing assay. The evolutionary analysis revealed that there were more mutations in the Chahua and Leghorn breeds than in the other breeds, and that the phylogenetic tree was divided into four main categories that suggested that Piwi is evolutionarily conserved, and mutations in the introns might be associated with gametogenesis. The screened SNPs can be used as candidate markers for Piwi, and our results provide basic information for the further study of Piwi function in poultry.

Extratemporal abnormalities of brain parenchyma in young adults with temporal lobe epilepsy: a diffusion tensor imaging study.

AIM: To examine extratemporal abnormalities of the cerebral parenchyma in young adult temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 20 adults with unilateral TLE and 20 controls. The fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), parallel eigenvalue (λ∥), and perpendicular eigenvalue (λ⊥) were calculated in the regions of interest (ROIs) using a 3 T MRI system. ROIs included the anterior/posterior limb of the internal capsule (AIC/PIC), external capsule (EC), head of caudate nucleus (HCN), lenticular nucleus (LN), thalamus (TL), and genu/body/splenium of the corpus callosum (GCC/BCC/SCC). RESULTS: Compared to controls, TLE patients showed lower FA in all ROIs; higher ADC in bilateral ECs, HCNs, TLs, and BCC; lower λ∥ in the ipsilateral LN and bilateral AICs, TL, and GCC; and higher λ⊥ in all ROIs except the bilateral PICs. In TLE patients, the ipsilateral TL had decreased FA compared with the contralateral TL. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the ADC of the GCC and the age at onset of epilepsy; the λ∥ of the ipsilateral PIC and age at onset of epilepsy; the λ⊥ of the contralateral AIC and duration of epilepsy, respectively; and a positive correlation between the ADC of the GCC and the duration of epilepsy and the λ⊥ of the GCC and the duration of epilepsy, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study revealed bilateral extratemporal abnormalities in young adult TLE patients compared with controls. In addition, TLE patients with younger age at onset or longer duration of epilepsy may have more serious extratemporal changes.

Isolation and characterization of novel EST-SSRs in the showy dendrobium, Dendrobium nobile (Orchidaceae).

Expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers could enrich the current resource of molecular markers. In this study, microsatellite markers were developed for Dendrobium nobile Lindl. by mining the ESTs. Twenty-eight EST-SSRs amplified 2 to 6 nucleotide repeats with a mean number of 2.82 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities per locus ranged from 0.158 to 0.579 and 0.422 to 0.752, respectively. These novel EST-SSRs enriched the current resource of molecular markers for the Dendrobium genus and would facilitate further applications in germplasm appraisal, evolution and genetic diversity studies, genetic mapping, and plant breeding of D. nobile and other congeneric species.