Association between circulating full-length angiopoietin-like protein 8 and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Chinese non-diabetic individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is a novel hormone involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. There are inconsistent results regarding the association between ANGPTL8 and lipids in humans. We aimed to investigate the associations between ANGPTL8 and lipids in people without diabetes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 107 patients with dyslipidemia and 141 patients without. Dyslipidemia diagnosis was based on Chinese guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in adults. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were examined. Non-HDL-C was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. Circulating full-length ANGPTL8 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between log-transformed circulating full-length ANGPTL8 and serum lipids were examined using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with dyslipidemia compared with patients without dyslipidemia. Circulating full-length ANGPTL8 concentrations were positively associated with non-HDL-C, TG and TC levels after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine. CONCLUSION: In people without diabetes, circulating full-length ANGPTL8 concentrations in patients with dyslipidemia were significantly elevated compared with non-dyslipidemia, and ANGPTL8 was positively associated with serum non-HDL-C levels.

Multi-slice computed tomography for diagnosis of combined thoracoabdominal injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic value of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) for combined thoracoabdominal injury. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data and MSCT images of 68 patients who sustained a combined thoracoabdominal injury associated with diaphragm rupture, and 18 patients without diaphragm rupture. All the patients were admitted and treated in the Chongqing Emergency Medical Center (a level I trauma center) between July 2005 and February 2014. There were 71 males and 15 females with a mean age of 39.1 years (range 13e88 years). Among the 86 patients, 40 patients suffered a penetrating injury, 46 suffered a blunt injury as a result of road traffic accident in 21 cases, fall from a height in 16, and crushing injury in 9. The MSCT images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. The results of CT diagnosis were compared with surgical findings and/or follow-up results. RESULTS: Among the 86 cases, diaphragm discontinuity was found in 29 cases, segmental nonrecognition of the diaphragm in 14, diaphragmatic hernia in 21, collar sign in 14, dependent viscera sign in 18, elevated abdominal organs in 21, bowel wall thickening and/or hematoma in 6, and pneumoperitoneum in 8. CT diagnostic accuracy for diaphragm rupture was 88.4% in the right side and 90.7% in the left side. CT diagnostic accuracy for hemopneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, mediastinal hemorrhage, kidney and adrenal gland injuries was 100%, while for liver, spleen and pancreas injuries was 96.5%, 96.5%, 94.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: To reach an early diagnosis of combined thoracoabdominal injury, surgeons and radiologists should be familiar with all kinds of images which might show signs of diaphragm rupture, such as diaphragm discontinuity, segmental nonrecognition of the diaphragm, dangling diaphragm sign, diaphragm herniation, collar sign, dependent viscera sign, and elevated abdominal organs.

Incidence and risk factors of cognitive impairment 3 months after first-ever stroke: a cross-sectional study of 5 geographic areas of China.

This study examined the incidence, neuropsychological characteristics and risk factors of cognitive impairment 3 months after stroke in China. Five regions that differed in geography and economy in China were selected. Patients from the hospitals located in the five regions were prescreened at admission, and the demographic data, vascular risk factors and clinical characteristics of stroke were obtained. A battery of cognitive-specific domain tests was performed in the patients who failed to pass cognitive screening 3 months post stroke. Patients were diagnosed as having post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) or no cognitive impairment (NCI) based on the results of the neuropsychological tests. Univariate analysis was performed for suspect risk factors, and significant variables were entered in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Our results showed that a total of 633 patients were recruited 3 months after stroke; complete cognitive tests were performed in 577 of the stroke patients. The incidence of PSCI in these Chinese patients was 30.7%. There were 129 (22.4%) patients with visuospatial impairment, 67 (11.6%) with executive impairment, 60 (10.4%) with memory impairment and 18 (3.1%) with attention impairment. The risk factors associated with PSCI were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.58), low education level (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.65-3.64), depressive symptom (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.61), obesity (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.41-4.71), stroke severity 3 months post stroke (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.10-2.37) and cortex lesion (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04-2.31). It was concluded that PSCI occurs commonly 3 months after first-ever stroke in Chinese patients. Visuospatial ability may be the most frequently impaired cognitive domain for the patients with stroke. The critical risk factors of PSCI are older age, low education level, depressive symptom, obesity, stroke severity 3 months post stroke and cortex lesion.

Prevalence of Porcine Circoviruses in Slaughterhouses in Central Shanxi Province, China.

Background: Porcine circovirus disease is currently the greatest threat to pig farming. Four main porcine circovirus genotypes are circulating worldwide. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of porcine circovirus genotypes in the central part of Shanxi province. Methods: We investigated the prevalence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4). Porcine circoviruses were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the lung tissues of 180 pigs from 7 slaughterhouses in central Shanxi, China. Results: The prevalence of PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 were 56.8, 80, and 9.4%, respectively, and the negative rate was 10% for all three pathogens. The co-infection with PCV2 + PCV3, PCV2 + PCV4, PCV3 + PCV4, and PCV2 + PCV3 + PCV4 were 47.2, 7.4, 7.4, and 5.6%, respectively. Among PCV4-positive samples, the positive rate of PCV4 + PCV2 was 52.9% (9/17), whereas that of PCV4 + PCV3 was 100% (17/17). On the other hand, PCV2 and PCV3 were detected in 57.1% (93/163) and in 78.5% (128/163) of PCV4-negative samples, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 were not in the same clade and were distant from each other. Conclusion: The high positive rates of PCV3, PCV2 + PCV3, and PCV3 + PCV4 suggest that PCV3 may play a decisive role in PCV2 and PCV4 infections. Therefore, further control of PCV3 is needed to reduce the spread of the virus.

Prevalence of porcine respiratory pathogens in slaughterhouses in Shanxi Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Porcine respiratory diseases remain the biggest challenge in pig-based food production and are a public health concern. Despite control measures, persistent outbreaks have been reported worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To establish an early detection mechanism for pig farm disease outbreaks based on slaughterhouse risk and environmental assessment. METHODS: We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of porcine respiratory disease-causing pathogens including Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHP), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyse the lungs of 491 pigs from 19 slaughterhouses across 11 cities in Shanxi Province, China. RESULTS: PCR detected MHP, PCV2, PPRSV and HPS in 76.99%, 67.00%, 11.82% and 19.55% of the samples, respectively; 10.12% were negative for all four pathogens. Co-positivity rates for two and three pathogens were identified. The results confirmed significant correlations between PCV2 and MHP (p = .001, p < .05), HPS and PCV2 (p = .01, p < .05) and MHP and PRRSV (p = .01, p < .05). No significant correlation was observed between HPS and MHP (p = .067, p > .05). Positive MHP and PCV2 rates were low in areas with high vegetation coverage. The overall pathogen positivity rate was higher in both lower and higher temperature environments. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions among pathogens may increase disease severity. Furthermore, environmental assessment and pathogen surveillance within pig slaughterhouses can be an effective approach for early detection and mitigation of new disease threats before broad dissemination occurs among a herd.

Effect of Cryptorchidism on the Histomorphometry, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in Boar Testes.

Spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boars have one testis in the abdomen or inguinal canal, causing its temperature to be at or near the body temperature, which impairs spermatogenesis, although the histomorphometry and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the histomorphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy alterations in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in unilateral cryptorchid, scrotal (contrascrotal), and preweaning piglet (preweaning) testes. Histomorphometrical analysis of cryptorchid testes showed that the seminiferous tubules contained only Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The number of spermatogonia markedly decreased, and the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably in cryptorchid testes. TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis signals were predominantly observed in spermatogonia. In cryptorchid and contrascrotal testes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and LC3 were located in spermatogonia. The number of PCNA-positive, TUNEL-positive, and LC3-positive germ cells was low, and the protein and mRNA levels of PCNA and LC3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid testes. Taken together, the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably, whereas the number of germ cells decreased in the cryptorchid testes, compared with that in the contrascrotal testes. Insufficient proliferation, excessive apoptosis, and autophagy were involved in the regulation of the decrease in spermatogonia in cryptorchid boar testes.

Lentivirus-Carried microRNA-195 Rescues Memory Deficits of Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mouse by Attenuating the Generation of Amyloid Plaques.

Although lots of new drugs are developed to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), many clinical trials of monotherapy have failed to affect disease progression or symptoms compared with placebo. Recently, scientists believe that combination treatment is more promising than monotherapy. Previous studies found that microRNA-195 (miR-195) was down-regulated in the hippocampi and cortices of chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) rats and ApoE4(+/+) mice, and up-regulation of miR-195 can improve the declined cognitive function of ApoE4(+/+) mice and CBH rats by targeting multi-genes that are related to AD pathology, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) and ß-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) genes. However, whether the gain-of-function of miR-195 could improve the impaired learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mouse has not been reported. In this study, we stereotaxically injected lentiviral-carried miR-195 into the bilateral hippocampus of 4-month-old (4M) APP/PS1 mice. Morris water maze (MWM) was performed to detect the effect of miR-195 on the cognitive function of APP/PS1 mice after 1M, 2M, and 3M treatment. Western blot was used to detect the expression of APP, BACE1, and AT8. Aß plagues were quantitatively assessed by immunofluorescence technique. We found that the declined cognitive phenotype of APP/PS1 mice occurred at the age of 6M, not at the age of 5M. And treatment of Lv-pre-miR-195 to APP/PS1 mice for 1M did not achieve any changes. Although Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment for 2M improved the declined learning ability of APP/PS1 mice, it did not affect the memory functions. However, Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment in APP/PS1 mice for 3M can effectively improve both the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice at the age of 7M. Further studies demonstrated that gain-of-function of miR-195 by Lv-pre-miR-195 injection could inhibit the increased APP and AT8 expression of APP/PS1 mice but did not affect BACE1 level that was not changed in both hippocampus and cortex. By counting the number of Aß plaques of different sizes, we found that Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment mainly reduced the number of Aß plaques of less than 20 µm, but did not affect the number of Aß plaques of greater than 50 µm. Taken together, the gain-of -function of miR-195 in the hippocampus can improve the cognition of APP/PS1 mice, probably by blocking the formation of Aß plagues rather than clearing those that have already formed Aß plagues.

Expression and localization of meiosis-associated protein in gonads of female rats at different stages.

It was well known that a critical process of oogenesis in the female mammalian was the entry of mitotic oogonia into meiosis. Early studies from model animal mice suggested that the retinoic acid (RA) response signal protein STRA8 (stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) and the meiosis-specific chromosomal behavior marker protein SCP3 (Synaptonemal Complex Protein 3) were two crucial molecular markers during meiosis. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 at different stages in rat ovaries was investigated by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Immunohistochemistry results showed that STRA8 and SCP3 were mainly expressed in embryonic stage. And STRA8 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the ovaries after birth. qRT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of STRA8 and SCP3 were expressed in embryonic stage. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 indicated germ cells enter meiosis in rats embryo, and STRA8 and SCP3 could serve as molecular markers for the meiosis in rats. The localization of STRA8 in the nucleus increased the possibility that STRA8 might act as transcription factor or activate transcription to function after birth.

Effects of CYP1A enzyme specific inhibitor on pharmacokinetics of para-acetaminophen in Bactrian camel.

The effects of CYP1A enzyme on the pharmacokinetics of p-acetaminophen were studied in Bactrian camel. Twelve Bactrian camels were divided into 2 groups, then given a single dose of p-acetaminophen only or with the enzyme inhibitor lomefloxacin. Blood samples were collected after different intervals, and p-acetaminophen concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by Phoenix WinNonLin v.7.0. The results show that lomefloxacin can significantly inhibit Bactrian camel CYP1A enzyme, as evidenced by the prolonged elimination half-life, increased maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve values and the shortened time to peak concentration for p-acetaminophenol in the substrate with inhibitor group. The results lay a foundation for revealing the particular characteristics of the CYP1A enzyme in Bactrian camels.

Effects of body temperature on the expression and localization of meiosis-related proteins STRA8 and SCP3 in boar testes.

Body temperature could lead to interruption of spermatogenesis, but the molecular mechanism was still unclear. Cryptorchidism was defined as the failure of testes to enter the scrotum, which exposed the testes to body temperature. Meiosis was a unique feature of germ cell development. Whether cryptorchidism damage the initiation of meiosis in boars had not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether spermatogonia in the cryptorchid testes entered into meiosis by detecting meiosis-related markers stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3). Three boars with spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism were used. The testis located in the abdomen was cryptorchidism group, the scrotal testis of the same animal was used as control. HE results showed that only Sertoli cells, and a few spermatogonia remained in the seminiferous tubules, and no spermatids were seen compared with the control. Immunohistochemistry results showed that in both control and cryptorchidism group, STRA8 was mainly expressed in the nucleus of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In control group, SCP3 was expressed in the nucleus of spermatocytes. In cryptorchidism group, SCP3 immunopositive cells were also observed. qRT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of STRA8 and SCP3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid boars. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 in cryptorchidism suggested that spermatogonia could still enter meiosis in cryptorchid boars.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ-induced inhibition of delayed rectifier potassium currents by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II.

The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been shown to inhibit delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) in acutely dissociated rat parietal cortical neurons. However, the detailed mechanism of N/OFQ-induced inhibition on IK is not clear. This study is the first to explore an involvement of calcium/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) in mediating N/OFQ-induced responses. Utilizing pharmacological inhibitors of CaM and CaMKII, we have investigated the contribution of CaMKII in N/OFQ-induced effects using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In whole-cell voltage clamp, W-7 (100 µM), an antagonist of CaM, as well as KN-62, an inhibitor of CaMKII activity, attenuated the inhibitory effects of N/OFQ on IK. Activation and inactivation analysis indicated that the kinetics of IK were altered by N/OFQ, with decreased activation and promoted inactivation of IK. W-7 and KN-62 (10 µM) partly abolished the activation and inactivation curves shift of IK induced by N/OFQ. These findings show that CaMKII plays a critical role in N/OFQ-induced inhibition of IK in acutely dissociated rat parietal cortical neurons.

Mechanisms underlying low [Ca(2+)](o)-induced increased excitability of hippocampal neurons.

OBJECTIVE: Concentration of extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](o)) in the central nervous system decreases substantially in different conditions. It results in facilitating neuronal excitability. The goal of this study is to examine the mechanisms of enhanced neuronal excitation in low [Ca(2+)](o) in order to provide new clues to treat the hyperexcitability diseases in clinic. METHODS: Whole-cell patch-clamp technique and neuron culture were used in the study. RESULTS: The firing threshold of cultured hippocampal neurons decreased markedly in low [Ca(2+)](o) saline. Unexpectedly, apamine and isoprenaline, antagonists of medium afterhyperpolarization (mAHP) and slow AHP (sAHP) respectively, had no statistic significant effect on excitability of neurons. TTX at a low concentration was sufficient to inhibit I(NaP), which blocked the increase of firing frequency in low [Ca(2+)](o). It also reduced the number of spikes in normal [Ca(2+)](o). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in cultured hippocampal neurons, modulation of spiking threshold but not AHP may cause the increased excitability in low [Ca(2+)](o).

[Effects and mechanisms of morphine on synaptic transmission of hippocampal neurons of rat].

AIM: To investigate the effects of morphine on synaptic transmission of neurons of central nervous system and reveal the mechanism underlying it. METHODS: New born wistar rats were used for primary culture of hippocampus neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we observed the excitatory and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (EPSC, sIPSC) and glutamate-induced current before and after morphine treatment. RESULTS: (1) sEPSC of hippocampal neurons was markedly increased after morphine application. The effect of morphine was blocked by opioid antagonist naloxone (n=18, P < 0.01). (2) The frequency of mEPSC and the amplitude of glutamate-induced current of hippocampal neurons had no significant changes after morphine treatment (P > 0.05). (3) Morphine inhibited sIPSC of hippocampal neurons markedly and naloxone could block this effect (n=13, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the exciting effect of morphine on hippocampal neurons are not due to direct influence of morphine on glutamate synapses transmission, but may result from the inhibition on interneurons, that is "disinhibition" way.