MMP-1 gene polymorphism in osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of osteoporosis (OP) with matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene polymorphism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 199 patients as observation group (OP) and 180 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study, and the general data, the expression levels of serum calcium, serum phosphate and MMP-1 were collected and determined. The bone mineral density was determined using a bone sonometer, and the method of TaqMan-MGB probe was adopted for the detection of gene polymorphism of MMP-1 rs494379. RESULTS: The level of serum calcium and bone mineral density were lower in observation group than those in control group (p>0.05), while the levels of serum phosphate and MMP-1 were higher than those in control group (p>0.05). There were differences in rs494379 genotype and allele in MMP-1 gene between the two groups (p<0.05). In the analysis of the genetic model, the dominant models between the two groups were different (p<0.05), while there were no differences in the recessive model and additive model (p>0.05). The MMP-1 level was higher in rs494379 AA genotype than that in GG, GT genotype in MMP-1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Gene polymorphism of MMP-1 rs494379 has a correlation with the occurrence of OP.

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator.

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi1:5Sb0:5Te1:8Se1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applying a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.

[A study of the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound guide sheath transbronchial lung biopsy combined with virtual bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound guide sheath transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-GS-TBLB) combined with virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) in peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). METHODS: Cases with a PPL identified by computed tomography in Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University underwent EBUS-GS-TBLB with or without VBN randomly between Nov. 2014 to Aug. 2015. X-ray guidance was not performed in these cases. The sensitivity and the operation time were evaluated in the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were enrolled and completed this study. Among them 117 were males and 67 were females. There were 93 cases in the group of EBUS-GS-TBLB with VBN, and 91 in the group without VBN. The diagnostic sensitivity of VBN group was 72.04%(67/93). Among these positive cases, 64.1% cases (43/67) were malignant tumors, and 35.9% cases (24/67) were benign lesions. The mean operation time was (45±10)min. In the group without VBN, the diagnostic sensitivity was 69.23%(63/91), including 33 malignant tumors(52.4%, 33/63), and 30 benign lesions(47.6%, 30/63). The mean operation time was (55±10)min. There was no significant difference between EBUS-GS-TBLB with VBN group and EBUS-GS-TBLB without VBN group in diagnostic sensitivity (χ(2)=0.175, P=0.747). But there was a significant difference in the mean operation time between the 2 groups (t=6.522, P<0.001). EBUS-GS-TBLB was well tolerated. No severe procedure-related complications such as pneumothorax and hemoptysis were observed. CONCLUSION: VBN cannot improve the diagnostic sensitivity, but it can clear the location of lesion, and shorten the operation time. This technique helps to abandon the X-ray guidance. EBUS-GS-TBLB combined with VBN is a safe and effective technique for PPLs.

Expression of the 2-dehydro-3-deoxyphosphooc-tonate aldolase (KdsA) gene in mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) is down-regulated under high salt and drought stress.

The oligosaccharide 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) is a key component of lipopolysaccharide in Gram-negative bacteria, and is also part of the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan (RG-II) of the plant cell wall. The enzyme KDO-8-phosphate synthase (KDO8Ps), encoded by the 2-dehydro-3-deoxyphosphooctonate aldolase (KdsA) gene, catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of Kdo. In this study, the complete coding sequence of the KdsA gene from mulberry leaves was cloned and the primary structure of KDO8Ps was deduced. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of KDO8Ps from mulberry with those of five other plant species revealed a high level of evolutionary conservation. A phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated a short genetic distance among KDO8Ps proteins of different species. Expression of the KdsA gene was higher in the second leaves than in the eighth leaves of mulberry, and was down-regulated under conditions of high salt or drought stress. Our results suggest that KdsA expression is important for the growth of new plant tissues, and is sensitive to harsh environments.

Mitochondrial DNA mutation and heteroplasmy in type I Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited disorder characterized by bilateral acute or subacute loss of central vision, primarily in young males. A G----A single base mutation at 11778nt of the mitochondrial genome which eliminates a SfaNI restriction site [Wallace et al., 1988; Holt et al., 1989; Hotta et al., 1989; Singh et al., 1989; Vilkki et al., 1989; Yoneda et al., 1989; Stone et al., 1990; Lott et al., 1990.] has been found in more than 60% of the families with LHON studied. We studied 25 persons from 4 families with LHON using SfaNI and Mae III digestion of a 201 base pair polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product encompassing the 11778nt mutation. The loss of the SfaNI site and the acquisition of a Mae III site at 11778nt were identified in all maternal relatives of the LHON families studied. The mutation was heteroplasmic in all affected individuals, female carriers, and males at-risk. The heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was also identified by direct DNA sequencing of PCR amplified by direct DNA sequencing of PCR amplified mtDNA digested by SfaNI or Mae III. It appears that the proportion of the mutant mtDNA correlates with the severity of the disease.

Microdeletion in the X-chromosome and prenatal diagnosis in a family with Norrie disease.

We have studied a three-generation family in which Norrie disease is segregating and have performed prenatal diagnosis on the fetus of an obligatory carrier. Deletions at loci DXS7 and DXS77 defined by probes L1.28, L1.28-p59, and pX59 were detected in the affected male. DNA studies of chorionic villus biopsy material indicated that the male fetus had inherited the normal allele from the carrier mother. This prediction was confirmed on eye examination at age 5 months.

Dong quai.

The Chinese people discovered Dong Quai and used it as a tonic and spice. Women especially have used Dong Quai to protect their health, generation after generation. This paper reviews the pharmacological effect, toxicity and dosage formula of Dong Quai, based on the modern concept.