Orthographic Processing of Developmental Dyslexic Children in China: Evidence from an Event-Related Potential Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the orthographic processing of simplified Chinese characters in developmental dyslexic children in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China, and provide a theoretical basis for intervention strategies for developmental dyslexia in Chinese. METHODS: Using event-related potential (ERP) measures, 18 developmental dyslexic children and 23 typically developing children performed a character decision task with three types of stimuli: real characters (RCs), pseudocharacters (PCs), and noncharacters (NCs). RESULTS: Behavioral results showed that the control children displayed a faster and higher accurate performance than the dyslexic children across PCs and NCs. ERP data revealed that the RCs and PCs elicited a stronger P200 than the NCs. Compared with the RCs and NCs, children in the control group showed more N400 negatives for PCs. It is worth mentioning that dyslexic children did not show any difference on N400, which reflected the insufficient orthographic processing of dyslexic children in China. CONCLUSION: These results show that Chinese dyslexic children had orthographic processing defects.

Effect and Mechanism of EGFL7 Downregulation in Human Osteosarcoma Cells on the Biological Function of Co-cultured HUVEC.

BACKGROUND: Even though epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 is known to be overexpressed in osteosarcoma and is associated with poor clinical outcome, few reports are available regarding its mechanism. AIMS: The objective of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of downregulating epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 expression in a human osteosarcoma cell line on the biological function of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN: Cell study. METHODS: In the present study, human osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS, Saos-2, HOS, and MG63, and normal human osteoblasts were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1x antibiotics at 37 °C and 5% CO2 in an incubator. Of the four osteosarcoma cell lines, U2OS expresses the highest level of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 mRNA as determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. With the knockdown of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells by lentivirus, the proliferation and apoptosis of U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were investigated using MTT and flow cytometry assays. After the co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS, the in vitro effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, and the angiogenic ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were detected using MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. The expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phospho-Akt, total Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were detected using western blot assay. RESULTS: Lentivirus with epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 shRNA could not significantly affect the proliferation and apoptosis of both U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas the knockdown of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in U2OS could significantly inhibit the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic ability of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, the expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phospho-Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells decreased after co-culturing with epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS. CONCLUSION: Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS cells inhibit the migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells by diminishing phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Akt signaling pathway activity and vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Decreased expression of microRNA-130a correlates with TNF-α in the development of osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) has emerged as an important inflammatory factor in osteoarthritis (OA) and other joint diseases. The study was performed to investigate whether the expression of TNF-α in human chondrocytes was regulated by miRNAs. METHODS: MiRNA-130a and TNF-α expression in cartilage specimens was examined in patients with knee osteoarthritis, chondrocytes and osteoarthritis rat model. Chondrocytes were transfected with siRNAs as a gene silencing methods. Expression of genes and proteins were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting respectively. RESULTS: Increased TNF-α and decreased miRNA-130a were observed in tissues from osteoarthritis patients. Moreover, we found a highly negitive correlation between miRNA-130a and TNF-α. Next, miRNA-130a loss-of-function increased the expression of TNF-α and promoted inflammation in chondrocytes. It was reasonable that miRNA-130a regulated a distinct underlying molecular and pathogenic mechanism of OA by forming a negative feedback loop with TNF-α. Furthermore, there were the abnormalities of bone metabolism in OA rat, which showed the miRNA-130a and TNF-α dysfunction that was one of important factors for the occurrence and development of OA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that miR-130a played an important role in regulating the expression of TNF-α in human chondrocytes and identified miR-130a as a novel therapeutic target in OA.

Analysis of differentially expressed genes between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis based on the gene co-expression network.

The aim of the current study was to investigate disease-associated genes and related molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using GSE7669 datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus databases, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RA and OA synovial fibroblasts (SFBs) (n=6 each) were screened. DEG-associated co-expression and topological properties were analyzed to determine the rank of disease-associated genes. Specifically, the fold change of differentially expressed genes, the clustering coefficient and the degree of differential gene co-expression were integrated to determine the disease-associated gene ranking. The underlying molecular mechanisms of these crucial disease-associated genes were investigated by gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. A total of 1313 DEGs, including 1068 upregulated genes and 245 downregulated genes were observed. The top 20 disease-associated genes were identified, including proteoglycan 4, inhibin ß B, carboxypeptidase M, alcohol dehydrogenase 1C and integrin ß2. The major GO biological processes of these top 20 disease-associated genes were highly involved in the immune system, such as responses to stimuli, immune responses and inflammatory responses. This large-scale gene expression study observed disease-associated genes and their associated GO function in RA and OA, which may provide opportunities for biomarker development and novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of these two diseases.

Perforated sarcomatoid carcinoma of the jejunum: Case report.

Sarcomatoid carcinomas exhibit features that are common to epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. These carcinomas are rare, particularly in the small intestine. In the current case report, we describe a case of an intestinal sarcomatoid carcinoma in a 70-year-old Chinese female. Sarcomatoid carcinoma was confirmed based on light microscopy and immunohistochemical observations. The patient presented with symptoms of acute abdomen, which was due to an intestinal perforation caused by sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small bowel. Patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma are usually associated with a poor prognosis. However, this patient experienced a relatively favorable prognosis, which may be attributed to low positivity for Ki67 in the tumor.

[Roles of gap junctions in proliferation mediated by Hcy in the spontaneous hypertensive rat vascular smooth muscle cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether homocysteine (Hcy) participates the proliferation of the spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR) vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) and the molecular mechanism. METHODS: The rat's arota were removed. The primary SHR VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, then the SHR VSMCs were divided into four groups: (1) control group, (2) Hcy group, (3) 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) group, (4) Hcy + 18alpha-GA group. We detected proliferation of the SHR VSMCs by MTT and flow cytometry. The expression and co-localization of the connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx40 proteins in the SHR VSMCs were deteced by immunofluorescence. The expression of the Cx43 and Cx40 proteins in SHR VSMCs were detected by Western blot. The molecular dye transfer method (scrape dye transfer method) was applied to detect the gap junction function in the SHR VSMCs. RESULTS: (1) The Cx43 and Cx40 proteins expression in the SHR VSMCs were positive, confocal microscopy supported the co-localization of Cx43 and Cx40 in the cytoplasm. (2) The S value deteced by cell cycle and A value detected by MTT in the Hcy group were increased obviously compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05), decreased in 18alpha-GA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the Hcy group, the S and A value in the Hcy + 18alpha-GA group were significantly decreased, respectively (P < 0.05). (3) The expression of Cx43 and Cx40 proteins in Hcy group were increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05), decreased in 18alpha-GA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the Hcy group, the expression of Cx43 and Cx40 proteins in the Hcy + 18alpha-GA group were significantly decreased, respectively (P < 0.05). (4) The function of gap junction detected by scrape dye transfer method in the Hcy group were enhanced compared with the control group (P < 0.05), weakened in the 18alpha-GA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the Hcy group,the function of gap junction in the Hcy + 18alpha-GA group was significantly weakened (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hcy can enhance the function of gap junctional to stimulate the proliferation of SHR VSMCs through the expression of Cx43 and Cx40 proteins promoted.

Association of polymorphisms in the DCDC2 gene with developmental dyslexia in the Han Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Genetic association studies on populations of European origin have identified the DCDC2 gene as a susceptibility locus for developmental dyslexia. Here, we sought to investigate the association of DCDC2 polymorphisms with developmental dyslexia in children of Han Chinese origin. METHODS: We undertook a case-control genetic association study on 76 dyslexic children and 79 non-dyslexic matched controls. We isolated DNA from oral mucosal cell samples and genotyped two DCDC2 coding-sequence single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2274305 and rs6456593, in each sample using SNaPshot single nucleotide extension. We compared the allele and genotype frequencies between the groups using the χ(2) test and analyzed the relationship between dyslexia and the polymorphism at both loci using unconditional logistic regression. We also predicted haplotypes and compared their frequencies between the two groups. RESULTS: The differences in the genotype distribution and the allelic genes of the two single nucleotide luci of the DCDC2 gene, rs2274305 and rs6456593, between the two dyslexic and non-dyslexic groups were statistically meaningless (P > 0.05). The differences in the haplotype distributions of the DCDC2 gene between the dyslexic and normal group were statistically meaningless (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The DCDC2 gene may not be a susceptibility factor for developmental dyslexia among the Han Chinese. However, methodological issues may have prevented the detection of positive associations.

Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade and reverse less invasive stabilization system-distal femur systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade (PFNA) and reverse less invasive stabilization system-distal femur (Liss-DF) systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. METHODS: Between June 2007 and October 2009, 41 proximal femoral fractures were treated, 22 with PFNA (group A) and 19 with reverse LISS-DF plates (group B). The time to starting full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, functional recovery (Parker and Palmer mobility score), neck-shaft angle discrepancies with the intact contralateral hip, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, the operation durations and amount of intraoperative bleeding were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 11.2 months (range, 10-12 months). Compared with Group A, Group B showed a statistically longer mean time to bear full body weight and heal their fractures, but a smaller neck-shaft angle discrepancy (all P < 0.05). The groups were similar in ASA score, operation duration, amount of intraoperative bleeding and Parker and Palmer mobility score. CONCLUSION: Both PFNA and reverse Liss-DF were satisfactory for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, but had different advantages. PFNA allowed earlier weight-bearing and accelerated fracture healing. Reverse Liss-DF more effectively avoided coxa vara and may be indicated for patients with very severe osteoporosis.

[Interaction between TGF-beta1/Smad pathway and ERK pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the interaction between TGF-beta1/Smad pathway and ERK pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells exists. METHODS: The rat arota was removed. The primary VSMC were isolated and cultured in vitro, then the VSMC were divided into four groups: (1) control group, (2) (TGF-beta1 group, (3) ERK blocking agent group, (4) TGF-beta1 + ERK blocking agent group. The expression of Smad2/3, ERK1/2 proteins, the content of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 proteins were detected by Western blot, and the expression of Smad2/3 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) . RESULTS: (1) In contrast to control group, the content of phosphorylated Smad2/3 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins in TGF-beta1 group was increased (P < 0.05), that in ERK blocking agent group was decreased (P < 0.05). There was no difference between control group and TGF-beta1 + ERK blocking agent group. Compared with TGF-beta1 group, the contents of phosphorylated Smad2/3 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins in TGF-beta1 + ERK blocking agent group was decreased (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the expression of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 proteins among different groups. (2) There were no differences in expression of Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA among different groups. CONCLUSION: (1) TGF-beta1 can induce Smad2/3 proteins to be phosphorylated dependent on the activated ERK pathway. (2) ERK pathway does not effect the expression of Smad2/3 at the level of protein and mRNA.

[Dorsal approach and pi-shaped plate for treatment of distal radius fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experiences in the treatment of distal radius fracture by locking pi-shaped plate internal fixation. METHODS: All the 32 cases (left 11, right 21) of unstable fractures of distal radius treated by locking pi plate fixation. Among them, 11 were male and 21 female with an average age of 36 years (range, from 23 to 67 years). There were 16 cases of type B, 9 type C1 and 7 type C2 according to AO classification. Autogeneic bone grafting was applied in 27 patients. All the 32 cases were followed up. The range of motion of the wrist joint and radiographic parameters including palmar inclination, radial length and ulnar variance were evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 19 to 28 months postoperatively (mean 25 months). Anatomical reduction was achieved in all the cases. Delayed union or non-union was not observed. According to rating scale of Gartland-Werley, 25 cases got excellent results and 7 good. No complications such as loss of reduction, tendon rupture occurred. CONCLUSION: Locking pi-shaped plate fixation is a reliable and effective method in the treatment of unstable fracture of distal radius.

Synthesis and characterization of binuclear molybdenum-polycarboxylate complexes with sulfur bridges.

A group of four binuclear sulfur-bridged molybdenum-polycarboxylato complexes with homocitrate, citrate, cysteine, ethylenediaminetetraacetate ligands, respectively, have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes were prepared in order to study the interaction of Mo and homocitrate in the FeMo-co of nitrogenases. In the structures of K4(NH4)2[Mo2O2S2(C6H4O7)2].10H2O (2), (NH4)2[Mo2O2S2(C3H5SNO2)2].5H2O (3) and (NH4)2[Mo2O2S2(C10H12N2O8)].3.5H2O (4), molybdenum (V) atom adopts a distorted octahedral arrangement through a terminal oxygen atom, two bridging sulfur atoms and three atoms from the ligand (hydroxyl, alpha-, beta-carboxylates, sulfide or amine). The coordination mode of homocitrate ligand in K5(NH4)[Mo2O2S2(C7H5O7)2].3H2O.CH3OH (1) has been proposed in a tridentate fashion via its hydroxyl and a pair of carboxylate groups (alpha-, beta-carboxylates). The electrochemical properties of these complexes have been discussed.