Engraftable neural crest stem cells derived from cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem cells

Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), a population of multipotent cells that migrate extensively and give rise to diverse derivatives, including peripheral and enteric neurons and glia, craniofacial cartilage and bone, melanocytes and smooth muscle, have great potential for regenerative medicine. Non-human primates provide optimal models for the development of stem cell therapies. Here, we describe the first derivation of NCSCs from cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem cells (CmESCs) at the neural rosette stage. CmESC-derived neurospheres replated on polyornithine/laminin-coated dishes migrated onto the substrate and showed characteristic expression of NCSC markers, including Sox10, AP2α, Slug, Nestin, p75, and HNK1. CmNCSCs were capable of propagating in an undifferentiated state in vitro as adherent or suspension cultures, and could be subsequently induced to differentiate towards peripheral nervous system lineages (peripheral sympathetic neurons, sensory neurons, and Schwann cells) and mesenchymal lineages (osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and smooth muscle cells). CmNCSCs transplanted into developing chick embryos or fetal brains of cynomolgus macaques survived, migrated, and differentiated into progeny consistent with a neural crest identity. Our studies demonstrate that CmNCSCs offer a new tool for investigating neural crest development and neural crest-associated human disease and suggest that this non-human primate model may facilitate tissue engineering and regenerative medicine efforts.     

Massive transfusion prediction in patients with multiple trauma by decision tree: a retrospective analysis

Early initial massive transfusion protocol and blood transfusion can reduce patient mortality, however accurately identifying the risk of massive transfusion (MT) remains a major challenge in severe trauma patient therapy. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of severe trauma patients with and without MT. Based on analysis results, we established a MT prediction model of clinical and laboratory data by using the decision tree algorithm in patients with multiple trauma. Our results demonstrate that shock index, injury severity score, international normalized ratio, and pelvis fracture were the most significant risk factors of MT. These four indexes were incorporated into the prediction model, and the model was validated by using the testing dataset. Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under curve values of prediction model for MT risk prediction were 60%, 92%, 90% and 0.85. Our study provides an easy and understandable classification rules for identifying risk factors associated with MT that may be useful for promoting trauma management.     

Associations of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis

BackgroundPolymorphisms in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ pro12Ala (PPAR-γ Pro12Ala) have been associated with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in several studies. However, the results of these studies are not entirely consistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphisms and NAFLD.MethodsStudies were identified by searching PubMed database and manual assessment of the cited references in the retrieved articles. Study-specific relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effect model. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.ResultsRelevant medical researches show that 11 studies have been conducted on the analysis of NAFLD for meta-analysis, with a total of 2404 cases and 3959 participating controls. Meta-analysis results show that PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism and NALAD Ala alleles[no association between dominance model (OR = 0.968, 95%CI: 0.734–1.276, P = 0.815); Pro/Ala vs. Pro/Pro (OR = 0.930, 95 % CI: 0.701–1.233, P = 0.612); Ala/Ala vs. Pro/Pro (OR = 1.220, 95 % CI: 0.668–2.230, P = 0.518); recessive model (OR = 0.907, 95 % CI: 0.516–1.596, P = 0.736)]. Moreover, stratification by ethnicity also revealed that no matter it is in Caucasian populations or in Asian populations, NAFLD has no association with the PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism.ConclusionsAccording to the meta-analysis, both in Asians and Caucasian populations, the PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism can't be demonstrated to have any link with susceptibility to NAFLD.     

Fetuin-A to adiponectin ratio is an independent indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus

AimsThe purpose of this research was to explore the associations of fetuin-A, adiponectin, and fetuin-A/adiponectin ratio (F/A ratio) with subclinical atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in cases with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 283 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were enrolled in this study. Serum fetuin-A and adiponectin levels were determined with an ELISA method. Other clinical and biochemical parameters were also collected.ResultsSignificant linear increases in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C-reactive protein (CRP) and F/A ratio, and a significant linear decrease in adiponectin with increasing tertiles of CIMT were observed (P for trends <0.05). However, no significant correlation between fetuin-A and CIMT was detected (P > 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression models, WHR, SBP and F/A ratio were independently correlated with higher CIMT. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that F/A ratio had a better predictive power for higher CIMT than adiponectin and fetuin-A, with an area under the curve of 0.802, 0.713 and 0.646, respectively.ConclusionF/A ratio is an independent indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.