Metagenomic Analysis Identifies Sex-Related Cecal Microbial Gene Functions and Bacterial Taxa in the Quail.

Background: Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are important and widely distributed poultry in China. Researchers continue to pursue genetic selection for heavier quail. The intestinal microbiota plays a substantial role in growth promotion; however, the mechanisms involved in growth promotion remain unclear. Results: We generated 107.3 Gb of cecal microbiome data from ten Japanese quail, providing a series of quail gut microbial gene catalogs (1.25 million genes). We identified a total of 606 main microbial species from 1,033,311 annotated genes distributed among the ten quail. Seventeen microbial species from the genera Anaerobiospirillum, Alistipes, Barnesiella, and Butyricimonas differed significantly in their abundances between the female and male gut microbiotas. Most of the functional gut microbial genes were involved in metabolism, primarily in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, as well as some active carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. We also identified 308 antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) from the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota. Studies of the differential gene functions between sexes indicated that abundances of the gut microbes that produce carbohydrate-active enzymes varied between female and male quail. Bacteroidetes was the predominant ARG-containing phylum in female quail; Euryarchaeota was the predominant ARG-containing phylum in male quail. Conclusion: This article provides the first description of the gene catalog of the cecal bacteria in Japanese quail as well as insights into the bacterial taxa and predictive metagenomic functions between male and female quail to provide a better understanding of the microbial genes in the quail ceca.

Clinical Characteristics and Endoscopic Endonasal Removal of Foreign Bodies within Sinuses, Orbit, and Skull Base.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies within the sinuses, orbit, and skull base (FBSOS) are rare; hence, diagnosis and management guidelines are lacking. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) removal is preferred because of the less invasiveness and minimal morbidity. This study was designed to summarize clinical experience with ESS management of FBSOS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes in consecutive patients with ESS removal of FBSOS between 2004 and 2015 at a tertiary academic medical center. The Chi-square test was performed to compare the infection rate between wooden and nonwooden FBSOS. RESULTS: There were 23 male and five female patients, with median age of 11 years. FBSOS were located within the sinuses (86%), orbit (75%), and skull base/intracranial region (46%). Wooden FBSOS had a significantly higher risk of infection (78%) compared with nonwooden FBSOS (5%, P < 0.05). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) plus three-dimensional reconstruction was sensitive in all cases. Twenty-seven (96%) FBSOS were removed by ESS alone, while 1 (4%) FBSOS was removed using the combined ESS and lateral cervical approach. Four of the nine intracranial penetrating FBSOS patients had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and received endoscopic CSF leak repair. Twelve (43%) patients suffered complications (meningitis, diplopia, and vision loss). CONCLUSIONS: ESS is a minimally invasive, safe, and promising surgical approach for FBSOS removal. Contrast-enhanced CT is effective in preoperative diagnosis and intraoperative guidance. Wooden FBSOS had higher risk of infection, thus antibiotics are recommended.

Postconditioning attenuates coronary perivascular and interstitial fibrosis through modulating angiotensin II receptors and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Postconditioning (Postcon) is known to reduce infarct size. This study tested the hypothesis that Postcon attenuates the perivascular and interstitial fibrosis after myocardial infarction through modulating angiotensin II-activated fibrotic cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 45-min coronary occlusion followed by 1 and 6 wk of reperfusion. Postcon was applied at the onset of reperfusion with four cycles of 10/10-s reperfusion-ischemia at the onset of reperfusion. Preconditioning (Precon) with two cycles of 5/5-min ischemia-reperfusion was applied before coronary occlusion. RESULTS: Postcon reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme protein and expression in the perivascular area and intermyocardium, coincident with the less-expressed angiotensin II receptor, type 1, enhanced angiotensin II receptor, type 2, and angiotensin converting enzyme 2. Postcon lowered the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and inhibited the populations of interstitial macrophages (60 ± 12 versus 84 ± 9.5 number per high-powered field [HPF] in control, P < 0.05). Along with these modulations, Postcon also downregulated transforming growth factor ß1 protein and inhibited proliferation of α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts (41 ± 11 versus 79 ± 8.2 number per HPF in control, P < 0.05), consistent with downregulated phospho-Smad2 and phospho-Smad3. Furthermore, the synthesis of collagen I and III was attenuated, and the perivascular-interstitial fibrosis was inhibited by Postcon as demonstrated by reduced perivascular fibrosis ratio (0.6 ± 0.6 versus 1.6 ± 0.5 per HPF in control, P < 0.05) and smaller collagen-rich area (16 ± 4.7 versus 34 ± 9.2% per HPF in control, P < 0.05). Precon conferred a comparable level of protection as Postcon did in all parameters measured, suggesting protection trigged by this endogenous stimulation can be achieved when it was applied either before ischemia or after reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Postcon could be selected as an adjunctive intervention with other existing therapeutic drugs to treat the fibrosis-derived heart failure patients after myocardial infarction.

Impact of GC content on gene expression pattern in chicken.

BACKGROUND: GC content varies greatly between different genomic regions in many eukaryotes. In order to determine whether this organization named isochore organization influences gene expression patterns, the relationship between GC content and gene expression has been investigated in man and mouse. However, to date, this question is still a matter for debate. Among the avian species, chicken (Gallus gallus) is the best studied representative with a complete genome sequence. The distinctive features and organization of its sequence make it a good model to explore important issues in genome structure and evolution. METHODS: Only nuclear genes with complete information on protein-coding sequence with no evidence of multiple-splicing forms were included in this study. Chicken protein coding sequences, complete mRNA sequences (or full length cDNA sequences), and 5' untranslated region sequences (5' UTR) were downloaded from Ensembl and chicken expression data originated from a previous work. Three indices i.e. expression level, expression breadth and maximum expression level were used to measure the expression pattern of a given gene. CpG islands were identified using hgTables of the UCSC Genome Browser. Correlation analysis between variables was performed by SAS Proprietary Software Release 8.1. RESULTS: In chicken, the GC content of 5' UTR is significantly and positively correlated with expression level, expression breadth, and maximum expression level, whereas that of coding sequences and introns and at the third coding position are negatively correlated with expression level and expression breadth, and not correlated with maximum expression level. These significant trends are independent of recombination rate, chromosome size and gene density. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that GC content in genes could explain approximately 10% of the variation in gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: GC content is significantly associated with gene expression pattern and could be one of the important regulation factors in the chicken genome.

In vitro and in vivo effect of 5-FC combined gene therapy with TNF-α and CD suicide gene on human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of combined cancer gene therapy with exogenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cytosine deaminase (CD) suicide gene on laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 in vitro and in vivo. Transfection of the recombinant eukaryotic vectors of pcDNA3.1 (+) containing TNF-α and/or CD into Hep-2 cells resulted in expression of TNF-α and/or CD gene in vitro. The significant increase in apoptotic Hep-2 cells and decrease of Hep-2 cell proliferation were observed using 5-FC treatment combined with TNF-a expression by CD/5-FC suicide system. Moreover, bystander effect was also observed in the TNF-α and CD gene co-expression group. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) mice model was established by using BALB/c mice which different transfected Hep-2 cells with pcDNA3.1 (+) containing TNF-α and/or CD were applied subcutaneously. So these mice are divided into four groups, namely, (1)Hep-2/TIC group; (2)Hep-2/CD group; (3)Hep-2/TNF-α group; (4)Hep-2/0 group. At day 29 after cell inoculation, volume of grafted tumor had significant difference between each two of them (P<0.05). These results showed that the products of combined CD and TNF-α genes inhibited the growth of transplanted LSCC in mice model. So by our observed parameters and many others results, we hypothesized that 5-FC combined gene therapy with TNF-αand CD suicide gene should be an effective treatment on Laryngeal carcinoma.

Middle frontal horizontal partial laryngectomy (MFHPL): a treatment for stage T1b squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx involving anterior vocal commissure.

OBJECTIVE: The therapeutic effect of middle frontal horizontal partial laryngectomy (MFHPL) in treating stage T1b squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx involving anterior vocal commissure (AVC) was compared with that of the anterior frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy (AFVPL). The feasibility and practical significance of MFHPL in clinical application was discussed in the present study. METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2010, a total of 65 patients diagnosed with stage T1bN0M0 glottic laryngeal cancer were treated with MFHPL or AFVPL. The postoperative complications, glottic reconstruction, recurrence rate, voice quality and survival rates were evaluated and compared between two treatments. RESULTS: AFVPL and MFHPL were performed in 34 and 31 patients, respectively. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed that in the MFHPL-treated patients the reconstructed glottis was spacious and symmetric. In contrast, AFVPL treatment resulted in irregular glottic area with poor symmetry and tubular glottis. The incidence of postoperative laryngeal stenosis significantly differed between the MFHPL- and AFVPL-treated groups (P = 0.025). No significant difference was detected in the 3- and 5-year overall- or tumor-free survival rates between two treatments. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and maximum phonation time (MPT) after surgery were 51.0±12.99 and 12.42±3.44 sec in the AFVPL-treated group; while in the MFHPL-treated patients they were 31.81±7.48 and 7.65±1.98 sec, respectively. Both differences in VHI (P = 0.012) and MPT (P = 0.024) were significant between two treatments. CONCLUSIONS: MFHPL was comparable to AFVPL with respect to postoperative complications, recurrence rate and survival rates, but possessed advantages over AFVPL in terms of the incidence of laryngeal stenosis and voice quality. Our study indicated that MFHPL has a potential value in clinical practice of treating stage T1b squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx involving AVC.

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricothyroidopexy: a treatment for anterior vocal commissure laryngeal squamous carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficiency and functional outcomes of supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricothyroidopexy (CTP) were compared with those of the traditional SCPL with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in treating laryngeal squamous carcinoma involving anterior vocal commissure (AVC). METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2009, 50 patients diagnosed with early- or intermediate-stage (T1b-T3 classification) glottic cancer involving AVC were treated with SCPL-CHEP or SCPL-CTP. Postoperative complications, local recurrence, survival rate, and speech performance were compared between these 2 surgical procedures. RESULTS: Patients undergoing SCPL-CHEP or SCPL-CTP manifested similar levels of postoperative complications, tumor recurrence, and survival rates. However, the SCPL-CTP group showed significantly lower Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores, higher maximum phonation time, and improved glottic reconstruction and closure than the SCPL-CHEP group. CONCLUSION: The SCPL-CTP procedure better preserves postoperative speech performance than the SCPL-CHEP procedure, underscoring the moderate effectiveness of SCPL-CTP as a treatment for laryngeal squamous carcinoma involving AVC.

Postconditioning promotes the cardiac repair through balancing collagen degradation and synthesis after myocardial infarction in rats.

Postconditioning (Postcon) reduces infarct size. However, its role in modulation of cardiac repair after infarction is uncertain. This study tested the hypothesis that Postcon inhibits adverse cardiac repair by reducing degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and synthesis of collagens via modulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and transforming growth factor (TGF) ß1/Smad signaling pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 45 min ischemia followed by 3 h, 7 or 42 days of reperfusion, respectively. In acute studies, four cycles of 10/10 s Postcon significantly reduced infarct size, which was blocked by administration of a mitochondrial K(ATP) channel blocker, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) at reperfusion. In chronic studies, Postcon inhibited MMP activity and preserved ECM from degradation as evidenced by reduced extent of collagen-rich scar and increased mass of viable myocardium. Along with a reduction in collagen synthesis and fibrosis, Postcon significantly down-regulated expression of TGFß1 and phospho-Smad2/3, and up-regulated Smad7 as compared to the control, consistent with a reduction in the population of α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts within the infarcted myocardium. At 42 days of reperfusion, echocardiography showed significant improvements in left ventricular end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction. The wall thickness of the infarcted middle anterior septum in the Postcon was also significantly greater than that in the control. The beneficial effects of Postcon on cardiac repair were comparable to preconditioning and still evident after a blockade with 5-HD. These data suggest that Postcon is effective to promote cardiac repair and preserve cardiac function; protection is potentially mediated by inhibiting ECM degradation and collagen synthesis.

Tumorigenesis role and clinical significance of DJ-1, a negative regulator of PTEN, in supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: DJ-1 can induce the tumor cell proliferation and invasion via down-regulating PTEN in many malignant tumors, and correlated to prognostic significance. However, the tumorigenesis role and clinical significance of DJ-1 in supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the DJ-1 the relationship between DJ-1 and clinicopathological data including patient survival. METHODS: The expression of DJ-1 and PTEN in SSCCs (52) and adjacent non-cancerous tissues (42) was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the relationship between DJ-1 and clinicopathological data was analyzed. RESULTS: DJ-1 was detected mainly in SSCCs (88.5%) and less frequently in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (21.0%). PTEN expression was detected in 46.2% of SSCCs and in 90.5% of adjacent non-cancerous tissues. DJ-1 expression was linked to nodal status (P = 0.009), a highly significant association of DJ-1 expression with shortened patient overall survival (5-year survival rate 88.0% versus 53.9%; P = 0.007; log rank test) was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that DJ-1 over-expression was linked to nodal status, and might be an independent prognostic marker for patients with SSCC.

[Relations between serum homocysteinemia and carotid artery plaques].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation between homocysteinemia (HCY) and carotid artery plaque. METHODS: Subjects were derived from a cohort of Kailuan study, which was a community-based and cross-sectional. From June 2010 to June 2011, a total of 5852 subjects were selected from 101 510 working or retired employees at the Tangshan Kailuan Company in 2006 - 2007. Data was extracted from the results of health examination on the employees. Selecting process was carried out by those staff working on the clinical trials on stroke and from the research center of Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Subjects who were beyond 40 years of age but without histories as previous stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or myocardial infarction were included and identified, to take part in the study through stratified random sampling. Finally, 5440 eligible subjects were enrolled and data from 5377 subjects were analyzed. All the information was obtained through unified questionnaire, blood tests and carotid artery ultrasonography. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors related to carotid artery plagues. RESULTS: (1) The baseline results showed that the average age of the subjects (n = 5377) was 55.18 ± 11.78 years old with 3215 as males. All the subjects were divided into three groups by tertiles of HCY, with 1771 subjects in the first quartile group (HCY < 11.00 µmol/L), 1814 in the second quartile group (11.00-16.98 µmol/L) and 1792 in the third quartile group (≥ 16.98 µmol/L). 2300 subjects were identified as having carotid artery plaques. (2) The prevalence rates of carotid artery plaques in the three groups were 29.9%, 43.3% and 55.0% respectively. (3) After multivariable adjustment, the third quartile HCY was still serving as a risk factor, affecting the formation of carotid artery plaques, with the OR values as 1.344 (95%CI: 1.134 - 1.594). CONCLUSION: High HCY was related to the increased prevalence of carotid artery plaque and thus served as a risk factor for carotid artery plaque.

Curcumin promotes cardiac repair and ameliorates cardiac dysfunction following myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Curcumin, the natural yellow pigment extracted from the rhizomes of the plant curcuma longa, has been demonstrated to exhibit a variety of potent beneficial effects, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic. In this study we tested the hypothesis that curcumin attenuates maladaptive cardiac repair and improves cardiac function after ischaemia and reperfusion by reducing degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibiting synthesis of collagens via TGFß/Smad-mediated signalling pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 45 min of ischaemia followed by 7, 21 and 42 days of reperfusion respectively. Curcumin was fed orally at a dose of 150 mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) only during reperfusion. KEY RESULTS: Curcumin reduced the level of malondialdehyde, inhibited activity of MMPs, preserved ECM from degradation and attenuated collagen deposition, as it reduced the extent of collagen-rich scar and increased mass of viable myocardium. In addition to reducing collagen synthesis and fibrosis in the ischaemic/reperfused myocardium, curcumin significantly down-regulated the expression of TGFß1 and phospho-Smad2/3, and up-regulated Smad7 and also increased the population of α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts within the infarcted myocardium relative to the control. Echocardiography showed it significantly improved left ventricular end-diastolic volume, stroke volume and ejection fraction. The wall thickness of the infarcted middle anterior septum in the curcumin group was also greater than that in the control group. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Dietary curcumin is effective at inhibiting maladaptive cardiac repair and preserving cardiac function after ischaemia and reperfusion. Curcumin has potential as a treatment for patients who have had a heart attack.

[Effects of systolic blood pressure and low density lipoprotein on carotid plaques].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the different effects of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low density lipoprotein on carotid plaques (LDL-C). METHODS: A total of 101 510 serving and retired workers of a company who participated in the health examination in 2006-2009, 5852 participants were selected as study subjects by stratified random sampling according to the age and sex ratio. These subjects took their health examination in 2010-2011 including the carotid ultrasound. Finally, 5361 eligible participants with complete data were included in the analysis. The detection and weighted rates of carotid plaques were calculated for four groups: normal SBP and LDL-C group (3524 subjects), normal SBP and high LDL-C group (356 subjects), elevated SBP and normal LDL-C group (1308 subjects) and elevated SBP and high LDL-C group (173 subjects). The effects of different baseline SBP and LDL-C on detection rates of the carotid artery plaques were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The detection rate of carotid plaques in normal SBP and LDL-C group, normal SBP and high LDL-C group, elevated SBP and normal LDL-C group, elevated SBP and high LDL-C group was 33.7% (1186/3524), 41.3% (147/356), 64.8% (847/1308), 68.8% (119/173) (χ(2) = 425.75, P < 0.05) and the weighted detection rate was 36.0%, 42.0%, 64.5% and 68.3% respectively. For men, the detection rate was 44.2% (877/1985), 51.1% (97/190), 70.6% (657/930), 71.3% (82/115) (χ(2) = 194.02, P < 0.05) and the weighted detection rate was 31.2%, 36.1%, 49.8% and 50.3% respectively. For women, the detection rate was 20.1% (309/1539), 30.1% (50/166), 50.3% (190/378), 63.8% (37/58) (χ(2) = 180.17, P < 0.05) and the weighted detection rate was 30.9%, 46.3%, 70.3%, and 88.1% respectively. After adjusted for other risk factors, the OR (95%CI) value was 1.37 (1.05 - 1.78), 2.05 (1.74 - 2.43) and 2.12 (1.45 - 3.12) for normal SBP and high LDL-C group, elevated SBP and normal LDL-C group and elevated SBP and high LDL-C group respectively compared with normal SBP and LDL-C group. CONCLUSION: Elevated SBP and high LDL-C were risk factors of the carotid artery plaques. Compared with high LDL-C, elevated SBP may add a higher risk for carotid plaques.

Anesthesia for tracheobronchial foreign bodies removal via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy in children.

This study attempted to explore suitable anesthetic methods used for removal of tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy in children. 92 cases had undergone FB removal via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy or rigid bronchoscopy in our hospital since 2006, of which 56 cases were under intravenous anesthesia and endotracheal intubation with muscle relaxation (IAEI with MR), and the other 36 cases were under intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous breathing (IASB). Operative parameters and intraoperative vital signs were analyzed. Tracheobronchial foreign body was successfully removed in 87 cases, and not found in the other 5 cases. SpO(2) was below 90% transiently in 41 cases, 29 cases of which were under IAEI with MR and 12 cases were under IASB. Laryngospasm and choke were found in 12 cases under IASB. Vital signs including P(ET)CO(2) and heart rate were stable in all the cases. The mean surgical time, anaesthetic induction and recovery time of IAEI with MR via self-retaining laryngoscopy group were (5.69 ± 3.43) min, (9.68 ± 1.66) min and (26.13 ± 6.94) min, IASB via self-retaining laryngoscopy group were (21.35 ± 17.25) min, (13.71 ± 3.79) min and (24.64 ± 5.44) min, IAEI with MR via rigid bronchoscopy group were (10.20 ± 5.01) min, (10.31 ± 3.56) min and (25.13 ± 6.21) min, and IASB via rigid bronchoscopy group were (25.35 ± 13.25) min, (14.71 ± 3.61) min and (26.22 ± 5.65) min. It's a new and wonderful surgical procedure that combining self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy for removal of tracheobronchial foreign body. IAEI with MR is suitable for bronchial FBA cases via them, while IASB is better for tracheal FBA or complicated cases.

Indel segregating within introns in the chicken genome are positively correlated with the recombination rates.

Insertions and deletions (Indel) are important sources of genetic diversity and phenotypic divergence. Many factors such as mutation, recombination, selection and genetic drift can jointly affect the indel distribution across the genome. Studies of the relationship between recombination and indel density can, to a certain extent, reflect the selective constrain on indel. Based on the improved genetic map, genome sequence assembly and the partial (0.25X) shotgun sequencing of three breeds of domestic chicken, we calculated the recombination rates and the indel density segregating within introns and intergenic for 4 Mb windows (n = 210). Regression analyses demonstrated that recombination rates are significantly correlated with intron indel density, but not with the intergenic indel density. After adjusted regional effect, the significant trend was remained. This implies that selection is an important factor to influence the indel distribution within introns in chicken genome. By contrast, the intergenic indel seem to be neutral. Since the intron indel density on Z chromosome is less than half of that on autosomes, we preliminarily deduced that genetic hitchhiking might be more important than background selection in producing the observed correlation. As these two processes are not mutually exclusive, it is most likely that both contribute somewhat to the observed pattern. In result similar to previous study, we also found SNP density is highly correlated with indel density. Based on this characteristic, a hypothesis suggested that there are common effects of mutation and/or selection on the occurrence of indel and point mutations. This hypothesis can not explain our observations.

[Rapid eye movement-related and none rapid eye movement-related classification in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of a new measurement that divided obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) into rapid-eye-movement (REM) related and non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) related subgroups. METHODS: According to Siddiqui classification, 137 adult patients with OSHAS were diagnosed as REM-related OSAHS [REM apnea hypopnea index (AHI)/NREM AHI > 1] or NREM-related OSAHS (REM AHI/NREM AHI < 1). Polysomnographic data were compared and discussed. RESULTS: (1) There were 72 cases defined as REM-related OSAHS (52.6%) and 65 cases defined as NREM-related OSAHS (47.4%). (2) In all cases, total AHI and NREM AHI in REM-related OSAHS were significantly lower than those in NREM-related OSAHS, while lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSaO2), REM LSaO2 and NREM LSaO2 were significantly higher than those in NREM-related OSAHS (t were -6.466, -7.638, 3.426, 2.472, 4.873 respectively, P < 0.05). No significance was found in sleep structure, REM AHI and REM LSaO2 between REM-related and NREM-related OSAHS (P > 0.05). (3) Given the severity of OSHAS, the constituent ratio of REM-related OSAHS decreased (77.8%, 61.5%, 37.3%) from mild to severe OSAHS, while that of NREM-related OSAHS rose (22.7%, 38.5%, 62.7%; chi² = 16.996, P < 0.01). In mild and moderate groups, REM LSaO2 of REM-related OSAHS was significantly lower than those in NREM-related OSAHS (t were -4.273 and -2.136, P < 0.05), while the differences of total AHI and LSaO2, NREM LSaO2 between these two types were not significant. In severe group, AHI in NREM-related OSAHS was significantly higher than that in REM-related OSAHS, while LSaO2, REM LSaO2 and NREM LSaO2 was significantly lower than those in REM-related OASHS (t were -4.943, 2.574, 1.996, 3.571, P ≤ 0.05). (4) There was no significance in sleeping latency and efficiency between REM-related and NREM-related OSHAS. CONCLUSIONS: REM-related OSHAS mainly exists in mild and moderate OSHAS, while NREM-related one mainly exists in severe OSHAS. NREM-related OSAHS may be more severe in AHI and hypoxia than REM-related one. Whenever obstructive apnea happened in REM or NREM period, its impacts on sleep structure, efficiency and latency have no difference.

DJ-1: a novel independent prognostic marker for survival in glottic squamous cell carcinoma.

DJ-1 is frequently overexpressed in a large variety of solid tumors, but the DJ-1 expression in laryngeal squamous cell cancer and its clinical/prognostic significance is unclear. We aimed to evaluate DJ-1 protein expression in glottic squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) and to correlate this with clinicopathological data including patient survival. The expression of DJ-1 in GSCCs (60) and adjacent normal tissue (44) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. In addition, the role of DJ-1 was investigated in tumorigenesis by transfecting DJ1-specific siRNA into laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) Hep-2 cells. Our data showed that positive expression of DJ-1 was found in 85% of GSCCs. In univariate survival analysis of the GSCC cohorts, a highly significant association between DJ-1 expression with shortened patient overall survival (5-year survival rate 92.9%vs 66.6%; P = 0.001; log rank test) was demonstrated. In multivariate analyses, DJ-1, tumor grading, and pT status were significant prognostic parameters for shortened patient overall survival. Furthermore, siRNA targeting DJ-1 can effectively inhibit DJ-1 expression, resulting in enhanced apoptosis and less proliferation of Hep-2 cells. We concluded that DJ-1 overexpression might be a novel independent molecular marker for poor prognosis (shortened overall survival) of patients with GSCC.

[Comparative study of SNP diversity and calculation of the effective size of population in chicken].

A region (200 kb) of Contig. 060226.1 on GGA1 was selected to study the average diversity of Red Jungle Fowl (RJF), Taihe Silk chicken (TS), and White Recessive Rock (WRR), and estimate the effective population size (Ne) of chicken. The mean heterozygosities of RJF, TS and WRR were 0.28533+/-0.034747, 0.32926+/-0.039191 and 0.30168+/-0.040382, respectively. Significant test indicted that there is not significant difference between them (P=0.2368>0.05). The initial chicken effective population size was estimated to be about 20 000-150 000. Chicken has undergone serious population bottleneck effect during the first stage of domestication. However, this bottleneck effect did not result in a substantial loss of diversity as revealed by SNP. The possible explanations for similar SNP diversity between domesticated chicken and Red Jungle Fowl might due to many factors, such as a big Ne in earlier phase of domestication, population expending in breed differentiation, abroad crossing between breeds (especially crossing with RJF), together with high recombination rate in chicken genome.

[Regularity and therapeutic strategy of cervical lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: At present, whether neck dissection should be employed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue with clinically node negative neck(cN0) is still controversial. This study was designed to explore the regularity of cervical lymph node metastasis in SCC of the mobile part of the tongue, and to discuss the theories and principles of employment of selective neck dissection in cN0 cases. METHODS: A retrospective research was performed on clinical data of 214 cases of SCC of the tongue treated with surgery from 1991 to 1997. Distribution of cervical lymph node metastasis of cN0 pN(+)= (pathologically node positive) and cN(+) (clinically node positive) pN(+)= cases were analyzed; the survival rates of different groups were compared; the factors that impact the survival of SCC of the tongue were screened out by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Cervical lymph node metastases were found in 69 cases. The metastatic rate was 32.2%. Metastases occurred in level I, II, III, IV, V of the ipsilateral neck were 22.3%, 33.5%, 22.3%, 4.6%, 1.0%, in level I,II,III, IV,V of the contralateral neck were 6.6%, 3.6%, 3.0%, 2.0%, 0.5%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates of the pN(+)= group and the pN0 group were 47% and 83%, respectively(P< 0.001). T stage and N stage were independent factors that impact the long-term outcome of SCC of the tongue. CONCLUSION: Level I,II,III of the ipsilateral neck tend to be involved when cervical lymph node metastases occur. Selective neck dissection can be used to treat the cervical metastasis in cN0 cases, as well as to evaluate the cervical lymph node status in order to determine whether comprehensive neck dissection should be employed.