Changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and metabolic indices according to grip strength in Korean postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and metabolic indices such as blood pressure, serum lipid level and serum glucose level according to grip strength in postmenopausal women. METHOD: Data from participants (postmenopausal women) in the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018 were analyzed. Absolute handgrip strength was the sum of the maximal grip strength of both hands, and relative handgrip was calculated as absolute handgrip divided by the body mass index. We performed linear regression analysis after adjusting for confounders to assess the influence of grip strength on hs-CRP level and metabolic indices. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounders, with an increased absolute grip strength, systolic blood pressure and hs-CRP levels were decreased; however, the changes were not significant for the remaining indices. Relative grip strength was associated with hs-CRP levels and metabolic indices. With a high relative grip strength, hs-CRP, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c and triglyceride levels were decreased, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was increased. CONCLUSION: Our study evaluated the overall health status using grip strength in postmenopausal women. The grip strength adjusted by body size was suitable in evaluating the overall health status, including inflammatory and metabolic indices. Additionally, increased grip strength was associated with a better health status in postmenopausal women.

Airflow limitation as a risk factor for vascular stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and atherosclerosis is a cause of cardiac comorbidities in COPD. However, it is not clear whether airflow limitation is associated with atherosclerosis irrespective of smoking.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether airflow limitation is independently associated with vascular stiffness.METHODS: We enrolled 18 893 participants (male 70.5%; mean age 47.5 ± 9.8 years; never smokers 44.2%) who underwent spirometry and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as part of a standard health examination at Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, South Korea, from January 2010 to December 2015.We defined vascular peripheral atherosclerosis as baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s and airflow limitation as pre-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) <70%.RESULTS: Mean baPWV was higher in subjects with airflow limitation (1477.6 ± 331.7 cm/sec, n = 638) than in those without airflow limitation (1344.1 ± 231.8 cm/sec, n = 18255, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following were independent predictors associated with peripheral atherosclerosis (P < 0.05): age, male sex, fasting serum glucose, mean blood pressure, serum leukocyte count, serum low density lipoprotein level and FEV1.CONCLUSION: Airflow limitation was an independent predictor of vascular stiffness irrespective of smoking history, which suggests that airflow limitation is linked with atherosclerosis.

Sex-specific association of urate and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As a major antioxidant, uric acid (UA) is known to be associated with the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated whether baseline UA levels are associated with the risk for levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD in a sex-dependent manner. METHODS: In all, 152 patients with de novo PD (78 males and 74 females) who were followed up for >2 years were enrolled. The effect of baseline serum UA levels on LID-free survival was assessed by Cox regression, separately for sex, whilst being adjusted for potential confounding factors. The optimal UA level cut-off value to determine the high-risk group for LID was set using Contal and O'Quigley's method. RESULTS: Levodopa-induced dyskinesia developed in 23 (29.5%) male patients and 30 (40.5%) female patients. Cox regression showed a significant interaction between UA level and sex. Higher UA levels were associated with a higher risk for LID in male PD patients (hazard ratio 1.380; 95% confidence interval 1.038-1.835; P = 0.027), although this relationship was not observed in female PD patients. The optimal UA level cut-off for LID in male PD was 7.2 mg/dl, and the high UA group had a 5.7-fold higher risk of developing LID than the low UA group. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to a presumptive beneficial role of UA, the present study demonstrated that higher UA levels are associated with increased risk of LID occurrence in male patients with PD, suggesting a sex-dependent role of UA in LID.

Parkinson's disease and skin cancer risk: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a significantly lower risk of cancer. Studies reporting prevalence of skin cancers in Parkinson's disease mostly involve Caucasians. OBJECTIVE: A nationwide population-based study was conducted to determine the risk of skin cancer in patients diagnosed with PD in Korea. METHODS: Data obtained from National Health Insurance Claims records were used to retrieve information about 70 780 patients with newly diagnosed PD between January 2010 and December 2015. The control group included 353 900 sex- and age-matched patients without PD. In this nationwide population-based cohort study, we investigated the association between PD and skin cancer. RESULTS: The overall hazard ratio (HR) of skin cancers in patients with PD was 1.169 (95% CI, 1.005-1.359) compared with non-PD group. Among patients with PD, males aged above 65 had a 2.8-fold increase in the risk for melanoma development than the non-PD group (HR, 2.825; 95% CI, 1.395-5.721). In addition, female PD patients aged above 65 years showed a 1.3-fold increase in non-melanoma skin cancer risk than the non-PD group (HR, 1.305; 95% 1.073-1.589). CONCLUSION: Compared with the general population, Korean patients diagnosed with PD had a greater risk of skin cancer. Especially, male patients aged 65 years and above, and diagnosed with PD had a significant risk of melanoma development compared with control.

Influence of complications following total mastectomy and immediate reconstruction on breast cancer recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Immediate breast reconstruction is safe from an oncological perspective, but the relatively high rate of postoperative complications raises oncological concerns. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential influence of postoperative complications after immediate breast reconstruction on breast cancer recurrence and survival. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer who had total mastectomy and immediate reconstruction between 2008 and 2013 were followed for at least 5 years. The impact of postoperative complications on oncological outcomes was assessed using multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 438 patients with a median follow-up of 82 months were analysed. Five-year local recurrence-free, disease-free and overall survival rates were 95·4, 93·1 and 98·4 per cent respectively. Postoperative complications developed in the operated breast in 120 patients (27·4 per cent) and at other sites (flap donor) in 30 patients (6·8 per cent). Development of breast complications was associated with significantly increased rate of recurrence compared with no complications (16·7 versus 5·9 per cent; P = 0·002). In multivariable analysis, patients with breast complications had significantly worse disease-free survival than those with no complications (hazard ratio (HR) 2·25; P = 0·015). This remained significant in patients who received adjuvant therapy without delay (8 weeks or less after surgery) (HR 2·45; P = 0·034). CONCLUSION: Development of postoperative complications in the breast can have a negative impact on survival and recurrence after immediate reconstruction.

ANTECEDENTES: La reconstrucción mamaria inmediata es una técnica segura desde el punto de vista oncológico, pero con una tasa relativamente alta de complicaciones postoperatorias, lo que preocupa por si puede afectar a los resultados. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la influencia potencial de las complicaciones postoperatorias tras la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata en la recidiva y la supervivencia del cáncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Se hizo un seguimiento de al menos 5 años de las pacientes a las que se realizó una mastectomía total por cáncer de mama y una reconstrucción mamaria inmediata entre 2008 y 2013. Se evaluó el impacto de las complicaciones postoperatorias en los resultados oncológicos mediante un análisis multivariables de regresión de Cox. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 438 pacientes con una mediana de seguimiento de 82 meses. La supervivencia libre de recidiva local a 5 años, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y la supervivencia global fueron del 95,4%, 93,1% y 98,4%, respectivamente. Hubo complicaciones postoperatorias en la mama en 120 (31,8%) pacientes y en otros lugares (zona donante de colgajo) en 30 (6,8%). La presentación de complicaciones mamarias se asoció con una tasa de recidiva significativamente mayor en comparación con el grupo de pacientes sin complicaciones (16,7% versus 5,9%, P < 0,01). En el análisis multivariable, las pacientes con complicaciones mamarias mostraron una supervivencia libre de enfermedad significativamente menor que aquellas que no padecieron complicaciones (cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR 2,25; P = 0,02). También fue significativo el porcentaje de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento adyuvantes sin demora (≤ 8 semanas después de la operación) (HR 2,45; P = 0,03). CONCLUSIÓN: El desarrollo de complicaciones postoperatorias en la mama puede impactar negativamente en la supervivencia y en la recidiva después de la reconstrucción inmediata.

Sex-dependent association of urate on the patterns of striatal dopamine depletion in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate the relationship between the serum urate (UA) levels and patterns of striatal dopamine depletion in patients with de novo Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: In all, 167 de novo PD patients who underwent 18 F-fluorinated N-3-fluoropropyl-2-beta-carboxymethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane positron emission tomography scans were enrolled. After quantifying dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in each striatal subregion, sex-dependent patterns of striatal dopamine depletion were analysed by measuring (i) dopamine depletion in the other striatal subregions and posterior putamen (intersubregional ratio, ISR) and (ii) the interhemispheric asymmetry of dopamine depletion in the posterior putamen (asymmetric ratio, AR). RESULTS: The interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of sex and serum UA levels on the ISR but not on the AR. The ISR was negatively correlated with the serum UA levels in all patients with PD (r = -0.156, P = 0.045), and this association was more prominent in male PD patients (r = -0.422, P < 0.001). However, no significant association between the AR and serum UA levels was found in any of the patients. In addition, serum UA levels were significantly associated with DAT availability in the posterior putamen on both the more affected side (r = 0.312, P = 0.005) and the less affected side (r = 0.312, P = 0.005) only in male PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the potentially close sex-specific relationship between the serum UA levels and the anterior-posterior gradient of DAT patterns, suggesting a sex-specific protective effect of UA on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in de novo PD.

Are patients with mild to moderate renal impairment on metformin or other oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents at increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and metabolic acidosis after radiocontrast exposure?

AIM: To investigate whether the use of metformin during computed tomography (CT) with radiocontrast agents increases the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and metabolic acidosis after CT in type 2 diabetes patients with mild to moderate renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient records from January 2015 to December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 374 patients were included in the final analysis. Of them, 157 patients received metformin, and 217 patients were taking other oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) during radiocontrast administration. RESULTS: No significant difference in CIN incidence was observed between the metformin use group and the other OHAs group (p=0.085). Metabolic acidosis after CT was seen in 91 (58%) patients who used metformin and 141 (65%) patients who were taking other OHAs. There was no relationship between metabolic acidosis after CT and the use of metformin (p=0.195). Metabolic acidosis after radiocontrast agent exposure was associated with malignant disease, low serum albumin level, and low serum total CO2 level at baseline. CONCLUSION: These data show that other factors, but not metformin use, are associated with metabolic acidosis after radiocontrast agent exposure in patients with reduced renal function. These data support current recommendations that there is no need to discontinue metformin before CT using radiocontrast agents in patients with mild to moderate renal failure.

The outcome following spinal instrumentation in haemodialyzed patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of spinal instrumentation in haemodialyzed patients with native pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Spinal instrumentation in these patients can be dangerous due to rates of complications and mortality, and biofilm formation on the instrumentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 134 haemodialyzed patients aged more than 50 years who underwent surgical treatment for pyogenic spondylodiscitis were included in the study. Their mean age was 66.4 years (50 to 83); 66 were male (49.3%) and 68 were female (50.7%). They were divided into two groups according to whether spinal instrumentation was used or not. Propensity score matching was used to attenuate the potential selection bias. The outcome of treatment was compared between these two groups. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients (66.4%) underwent non-instrumented surgery and 45 (33.5%) underwent instrumented surgery. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications, except for an increased rate of wound problems in the instrumented group, which was found in the unmatched cohorts (p = 0.034). There were no significant differences in the rate of recurrent infections (p = 0.328 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.269 for the matched cohort) and mortality rate, including in-hospital (p = 0.713 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.738 for the matched cohort) and one-year rates (p = 0.363 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.787 for the matched cohort), between the groups. However, the interval between the initial diagnosis and the first recurrence was significantly longer in the instrumented group (p = 0.008 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.032 for the matched cohort). CONCLUSION: Instrumented surgery for haemodialyzed patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis showed similar outcomes, including recurrence and mortality, to non-instrumented surgery, despite the instrumented group having more severe neurological deficit, a larger number of involved levels, and increased kyphotic angle.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: a nationwide, population-based study in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and clinical significance of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. METHODS: We included systemic lupus erythematosus patients ( n = 18,575) without previous cardiovascular disease and age- and sex-matched individuals without systemic lupus erythematosus (controls; n = 92,875) from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2008-2014). Both cohorts were followed up for incident cardiovascular disease and death until 2015. RESULTS: During follow up, myocardial infarction occurred in 203 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 325 controls (incidence rate: 1.76 and 0.56 per 1000 person-years, respectively), stroke occurred in 289 patients and 403 controls (incidence rate: 2.51 and 0.70 per 1000 person-years, respectively), heart failure occurred in 358 patients and 354 controls (incidence rate 3.11 and 0.61 per 1000 person-years, respectively), and death occurred in 744 patients and 948 controls (incidence rate 6.54 and 1.64 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had higher risks for myocardial infarction (hazard ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 2.28-3.37), stroke (hazard ratio: 3.31, 95% confidence interval: 2.84-3.86), heart failure (hazard ratio: 4.60, 95% confidence interval: 3.96-5.35), and cardiac death (hazard ratio: 3.98, 95% confidence interval: 3.61-4.39). CONCLUSIONS: Here, systemic lupus erythematosus was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, thus cardiac assessment and management are critical in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Bone mineral density in osteoporotic patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: effect of early versus late treatment for osteoporosis.

Patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) are at greater risk of bone loss. However, treatment guidelines for bone loss have been lacking. Early bisphosphonate treatment within 6 weeks after PVO diagnosis was significantly associated with superior outcome in femoral BMD at 2-year follow-up, compared to that with late treatment. INTRODUCTION: Due to absence of concern and proper guidelines, management of bone loss or osteoporosis in PVO is often neglected or delayed. A retrospective cohort study was planned to investigate differences in bone mineral density (BMD) in PVO patients with osteoporosis according to the timing of osteoporosis treatment. METHODS: The PVO cohort consisted of 192 patients with osteoporosis who visited our institution between January 2003 and March 2015 and received bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis. According to the interval between PVO diagnosis and initiation of bisphosphonate, the patients were divided into three groups: group A (within 6 weeks after PVO diagnosis), group B (between 6 weeks and 3 months after diagnosis), and group C (more than 3 months after PVO diagnosis). RESULTS: The percent increase in total femoral BMD in group A was significantly larger than that in group B at 2-year follow-up (p = 0.036). Similarly, the percent increase in trochanteric (p = 0.008) and total femoral (p = 0009) BMD in group A was significantly larger than that in group C at 2-year follow-up. Even after multivariate adjustment, total femoral BMD changes were significantly associated with the treatment group. Group B (odds ratio = 2.824, p = 0.013) and group C (odds ratio = 3.591, p = 0.001) were more significantly associated with total femoral BMD decreases at 2-year follow-up compared with group A. CONCLUSIONS: Early bisphosphonate treatment within 6 weeks after PVO diagnosis (group A) was significantly associated with superior outcome in femoral BMD at 2-year follow-up, compared to that with late treatment (groups B and C).

Environmental Impacts and Recovery After the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in Korea.

The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) on December 7, 2007 was the worst oil spill recorded in Korea, with the release of approximately 10,900 tons of crude oil and 375 km of coastline polluted along the west coast of Korea. Cleanup operation was conducted by official and contract responders as well as volunteers for massive oil containment and removal of heavy accumulations of stranded oil. Together with the oil cleanup, a long-term environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the HSOS was initiated based on the Marine Environmental Management Act, which covers oil contamination in a multimedia environment, toxic effects on organisms, and ecosystem injury. This review summarizes the long-term monitoring results of HSOS EIA focused on (1) pollution status of seawater, sediment, and bivalves, (2) ecotoxicological effects, and (3) ecosystem recovery. Overall, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment indicated that their concentrations were well down to at or near background or pre-spill contamination levels at most sites after 1 year. The potential toxic effects of residual oils in sediments have decreased to background levels in most coastal areas of Taean. The entire ecosystem in the most affected area of the Taean coasts appear to be considerably, but not fully, recovered at present, namely after 8 years of the HSOS. The presence of lingering oil and elevated contamination levels at several sites still require continuous long-term monitoring.

Outcomes of En Bloc Kidney Transplantation From Pediatric Donors: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: To overcome a shortage of donors, cadaveric pediatric en bloc kidneys can be used to expand the donor pool. Recent evidence shows that en bloc kidney transplantation (EBKT) has better outcomes than standard-criteria deceased adult donor kidney transplantation. We reviewed our experiences of EBKT and their outcomes. METHODS: From September 1996 to January 2016, 15 EBKTs were performed in Asan Medical Center. The characteristics of donors and recipients were analyzed. Graft survival was analyzed by means of serum creatinine levels. RESULTS: Nine male and 6 female donors were used. The mean age and body weight of donors was 2.79 years (range, 0.25-14) and 13.14 kg (range, 5.5-35). The mean weight of en bloc kidneys was 117.43 g (range, 36-146). Recipient median age was 39.13 years and body weight was 49.47 kg. Ureteral anastomosis was performed by means of side-to-side anastomosis and then bladder anastomosis in 9 patients and by bladder patch anastomosis in 4 patients. Serum creatinine levels at discharge and latest follow-up were 0.97 mg/dL (range, 0.7-1.54) and 0.89 mg/dL (range, 0.44-2.58). Delayed graft function developed in 3 patients and clinical rejection developed in 2 patients. We performed graftectomy on post-operative day 1 because of graft thrombosis. The rest maintained their graft function well. Graft survival was comparable with that of kidney transplantation from standard donors. CONCLUSIONS: EBKT showed excellent graft function and outcomes at our center. As an approach to expand the donor pool and improve graft utilization, EBKT is acceptable and should be more widely used.

Detecting selection signatures between Duroc and Duroc synthetic pig populations using high-density SNP chip.

The development of high throughput genotyping techniques has facilitated the identification of selection signatures of pigs. The detection of genomic selection signals in a population subjected to differential selection pressures may provide insights into the genes associated with economically and biologically important traits. To identify genomic regions under selection, we genotyped 488 Duroc (D) pigs and 155 D × Korean native pigs (DKNPs) using the Porcine SNP70K BeadChip. By applying the FST and extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH-Rsb) methods, we detected genes under directional selection associated with growth/stature (DOCK7, PLCB4, HS2ST1, FBP2 and TG), carcass and meat quality (TG, COL14A1, FBXO5, NR3C1, SNX7, ARHGAP26 and DPYD), number of teats (LOC100153159 and LRRC1), pigmentation (MME) and ear morphology (SOX5), which are all mostly near or at fixation. These results could be a basis for investigating the underlying mutations associated with observed phenotypic variation. Validation using genome-wide association analysis would also facilitate the inclusion of some of these markers in genetic evaluation programs.

Comparison of Polymerization Shrinkage, Physical Properties, and Marginal Adaptation of Flowable and Restorative Bulk Fill Resin-Based Composites.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal adaptation of two flowable bulk fill resin-based composites (FB-RBCs), two restorative bulk fill resin-based composites (RB-RBCs), and one regular incremental-fill RBC in MOD cavities in vitro. Additionally, the influence of linear polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage force, flexural modulus, and bottom/top surface hardness ratio on the marginal adaptation was evaluated. METHODS: A Class II MOD cavity was prepared in 40 extracted sound lower molars. In group 1 (control group), the preparation was filled with Filtek Z350 (Z3, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) using the incremental filling technique. The FB-RBCs, SDR (SD, group 2) (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA) and Venus Bulk Fill (VB, group 3) (Heraeus Kulzer, Dormagen, Germany), were placed in the core portion of the cavity first, and Z350 was filled in the remaining cavity. The RB-RBCs, Tetric N-Ceram Bulkfill (TB, group 4) (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and SonicFill (SF, Group 5) (Kerr, West Collins, Orange, CA, USA), were bulk filled into the preparation. Images of the magnified marginal area were captured under 100× magnification before and after thermomechanical loading, and the percentage ratio of the imperfect margin (%IMwhole) was calculated. Gaps, cracks in the enamel layer, and chipping of composite, enamel, or dentin were all considered to be imperfect margins. Linear polymerization shrinkage, polymerization shrinkage force, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and bottom/top surface hardness ratio of were measured. Eight specimens were allocated for each material for each test. One-way analysis of variance with the Scheffé test was used to compare the groups at a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Before thermomechanical loading, %IMwhole was in the order of group 3 ≤ groups 2 and 5 ≤ groups 1 and 4 (p=0.011), whereas after loading, it was in the order of group 4 ≤ group 5 ≤ group 1 ≤ groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001). The order of materials were Z3 < TB and SF < SD and VB (p<0.001) in polymerization shrinkage; SF ≤ TB ≤ Z3 < SD < VB (p<0.001) in polymerization shrinkage force; VB < SD < TB ≤ Z3 ≤ SF (p<0.001) in flexural modulus; SD, VB, and TB < Z3 and SF (p<0.001) in flexural strtength; and SF< Z3 < TB < VB and SD (p<0.001) in bottom/top surface hardness ratio. The Pearson correlation constant between %IMwhole and polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage force, elastic modulus, and bottom/top surface hardness ratio was 0.697, 0.708, -0.373, and 0.353, respectively, after thermomechanical loading. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, RB-RBCs showed better marginal adaptation than FB- RBCs. The lower level of polymerization shrinkage and polymerization shrinkage stress in RB-RBCs seems to contribute to this finding because it would induce less polymerization shrinkage force at the margin. FB-RBCs with lower flexural modulus may not provide an effective buffer to occlusal stress when they are capped with regular RBCs.

Forebrain-specific ablation of phospholipase Cγ1 causes manic-like behavior.

Manic episodes are one of the major diagnostic symptoms in a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders that include schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder (BD). Despite a possible association between BD and the gene encoding phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCG1), its etiological basis remains unclear. Here, we report that mice lacking phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) in the forebrain (Plcg1f/f; CaMKII) exhibit hyperactivity, decreased anxiety-like behavior, reduced depressive-related behavior, hyperhedonia, hyperphagia, impaired learning and memory and exaggerated startle responses. Inhibitory transmission in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and striatal dopamine receptor D1-expressing neurons of Plcg1-deficient mice was significantly reduced. The decrease in inhibitory transmission is likely due to a reduced number of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic boutons, which may result from impaired localization and/or stabilization of postsynaptic CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) at inhibitory synapses. Moreover, mutant mice display impaired brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, which could account for deficits of spatial memory. Lithium and valproate, the drugs presently used to treat mania associated with BD, rescued the hyperactive phenotypes of Plcg1f/f; CaMKII mice. These findings provide evidence that PLCγ1 is critical for synaptic function and plasticity and that the loss of PLCγ1 from the forebrain results in manic-like behavior.

Adalimumab-induced pulmonary sarcoidosis not progressing upon treatment with etanercept.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors effectively treat sarcoidosis, but can, paradoxically, induce sarcoidosis. The TNF-α inhibitor etanercept is most commonly associated with paradoxical sarcoidosis, which has previously been reported to be resolved by adalimumab. However, we describe the case of a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and adalimumab-induced sarcoidosis not aggravated by switching to etanercept, thus indicating that etanercept could be a treatment option for patients who develop paradoxical sarcoid-like reactions after treatment with other TNF-α inhibitors.

Association between shortened telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis.

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched; meta-analyses were performed comparing telomere length in SLE patients and healthy controls, and on SLE patients in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample type, assay method and data type. Results Eight studies including 472 SLE patients and 365 controls were ultimately selected which showed that telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.835, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.291 to -0.380, p = 3.3 × 10-4). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly shortened telomere length in the SLE group in Caucasian, Asian and mixed populations (SMD = -0.455, 95% CI = -0.763 to -0.147, p = 0.004; SMD = -0.887, 95% CI = -1.261 to -0.513, p = 3.4 × 10-4; SMD = -0.535, 95% CI = -0.923 to -0.147, p = 0.007; respectively). Furthermore, telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cell groups (SMD = -0.361, 95% CI = -0.553 to -0.169, p = 2.3 × 10-4; SMD = -1.546, 95% CI = -2.583 to -0.510, p = 0.003; respectively); a similar trend was observed in leukocyte groups (SMD = -0.699, 95% CI = -1.511 to -0.114, p = 0.092). Meta-analyses based on assay method or data type revealed similar associations. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that telomere length was significantly shorter in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample type or assay method evaluated.

Association of Interleukin 10 Gene Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of eligible studies and to derive a precise estimate of the association between interleukin 10 (IL10) polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Meta-analyses were conducted on the associations between AITD and the -1082 G/A (rs1800896), -819 C/T (rs1800871) and -592 C/A (rs1800872) polymorphisms in IL10, and the haplotype of these polymorphisms and AITD. A total of 2903 AITD patients and 3060 controls in 10 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed significant associations between IL10 at the -1082 G allele and overall AITD (OR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.82, P = 0.003), but no association between the IL10 -592 C allele and the -819 C allele and AITD. Subgroup studies demonstrated significant associations between the -1082 G allele and susceptibility to Graves' disease. Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis revealed significant associations between the -1082 G allele and AITD susceptibility in Asian populations; however, in Middle Eastern populations, no association was evident. Meta-analysis of the IL10 haplotype revealed an association between the ATA haplotype and AITD (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.00-1.36, P = 0.04). Meta-analysis demonstrates that the IL10 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to AITD.

Relationships between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers and Meat Quality Traits of Duroc Breeding Stocks in Korea.

This study was conducted to determine the relationships of five intragenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers (protein kinase adenosine monophosphate-activated γ3 subunit [PRKAG3], fatty acid synthase [FASN], calpastatin [CAST], high mobility group AT-hook 1 [HMGA1], and melanocortin-4 receptor [MC4R]) and meat quality traits of Duroc breeding stocks in Korea. A total of 200 purebred Duroc gilts from 8 sires and 40 dams at 4 pig breeding farms from 2010 to 2011 reaching market weight (110 kg) were slaughtered and their carcasses were chilled overnight. Longissimus dorsi muscles were removed from the carcass after 24 h of slaughter and used to determine pork properties including carcass weight, backfat thickness, moisture, intramuscular fat, pH24h, shear force, redness, texture, and fatty acid composition. The PRKAG3, FASN, CAST, and MC4R gene SNPs were significantly associated with the meat quality traits (p<0.003). The meats of PRKAG3 (A 0.024/G 0.976) AA genotype had higher pH, redness and texture than those from PRKAG3 GG genotype. Meats of FASN (C 0.301/A 0.699) AA genotype had higher backfat thickness, texture, stearic acid, oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid than FASN CC genotype. While the carcasses of CAST (A 0.373/G 0.627) AA genotype had thicker backfat, and lower shear force, palmitoleic acid and oleic acid content, they had higher stearic acid content than those from the CAST GG genotype. The MC4R (G 0.208/A 0.792) AA genotype were involved in increasing backfat thickness, carcass weight, moisture and saturated fatty acid content, and decreasing unsaturated fatty acid content in Duroc meat. These results indicated that the five SNP markers tested can be a help to select Duroc breed to improve carcass and meat quality properties in crossbred pigs.