Westernization of the Filipino population resident in Rome: obesity, diabetes and hypertension

BACKGROUND: Aims of the present study were to examine the anthropometrical and metabolic characteristics of the Filipino population migrant to the Southern European city of Rome, Italy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the city of Rome. Three hundred thirty-five Filipinos (95 M/240 F, mean age: 44.0+/-9.8 years, mean residence in Italy: 12.9+/-6.3 years) were studied. Data were collected by standardized questionnaires; anthropometrical parameters, arterial pressure, and fasting capillary blood glucose (FCG) were measured. RESULTS: Abdominal obesity was found in 52.5%, and BMI >or= 25 kg/m(2) in 44.5% of subjects. History of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension were reported by 6.0 and 9.0% of subjects, respectively. Impaired fasting glucose was found in 13.1%, and FCG >or= 110 mg/dl in 18.5% of subjects. Altered systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure was found in 34.3% of subjects. About three-fourths of subjects were unaware of being diabetic and/or hypertensive. Years of Italy residence showed a direct significant correlation with the degree of changes in alimentary behaviours (rho=0.18, p=0.001), and with weight gain (rho=0.27, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed only age and waist circumference to be associated with both diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the first to examine the metabolic disorders in a migrant Filipino population resident in Rome, a high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension was found. The alarming results emerging from this study should be seriously considered by public health practitioners and decision makers, and made known to the Filipinos resident in Europe.     

Rare recombination events generate sequence diversity among balancer chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster

Multiply inverted balancer chromosomes that suppress exchange with their homologs are an essential part of the Drosophila melanogaster genetic toolkit. Despite their widespread use, the organization of balancer chromosomes has not been characterized at the molecular level, and the degree of sequence variation among copies of balancer chromosomes is unknown. To map inversion breakpoints and study potential diversity in descendants of a structurally identical balancer chromosome, we sequenced a panel of laboratory stocks containing the most widely used X chromosome balancer, First Multiple 7 (FM7). We mapped the locations of FM7 breakpoints to precise euchromatic coordinates and identified the flanking sequence of breakpoints in heterochromatic regions. Analysis of SNP variation revealed megabase-scale blocks of sequence divergence among currently used FM7 stocks. We present evidence that this divergence arose through rare double-crossover events that replaced a female-sterile allele of the singed gene (sn^X2) on FM7c with a sequence from balanced chromosomes. We propose that although double-crossover events are rare in individual crosses, many FM7c chromosomes in the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center have lost sn^X2 by this mechanism on a historical timescale. Finally, we characterize the original allele of the Bar gene (B¹) that is carried on FM7, and validate the hypothesis that the origin and subsequent reversion of the B¹ duplication are mediated by unequal exchange. Our results reject a simple nonrecombining, clonal mode for the laboratory evolution of balancer chromosomes and have implications for how balancer chromosomes should be used in the design and interpretation of genetic experiments in Drosophila.Balancer chromosomes are genetically engineered chromosomes that suppress crossing over with their homologs and are used for many purposes in genetics, including construction of complex genotypes, maintenance of stocks, and estimation of mutation rates. Balancers typically carry multiple inversions that suppress genetic exchange or result in the formation of abnormal meiotic products if crossing over does occur (Fig. 1A); for example, single crossovers inside the inverted segment create acentric or dicentric chromosomes that will fail to segregate properly during meiosis or large deletions or duplications that will likely result in inviable gametes (1, 2). Balancers also often carry recessive lethal or sterile mutations to prevent their propagation as homozygotes as well as dominant markers for easy identification. First developed for use in Drosophila melanogaster, balancer chromosomes remain some of the most powerful tools for genetic analysis in this species (3).Open in a separate windowFig. 1.Consequences of a single or double crossover between a WT X chromosome and an X chromosome carrying a single inversion, In(1)dl-49. Euchromatin is shown in blue, heterochromatin is shown in gray, and centromeres are depicted as circles. Thin white lines mark locations of inversion breakpoints, and yellow crosses/thin lines mark locations of crossover events. (A) A single crossover event within the inverted segment results in the formation of chromosomes with deletions and zero (acentric) centromeres or duplications and two (dicentric) centromeres, neither of which will segregate properly during meiosis. (B) A double crossover within an inverted segment results in intact chromosomes with one centromere that will segregate properly during meiosis.Despite their widespread use, very little is known about the organization of Drosophila balancer chromosomes at the molecular level. Since their original syntheses decades ago, balancers have undergone many manipulations, including the addition or removal of genetic markers. Moreover, rare recombination events can cause spontaneous loss of deleterious alleles on chromosomes kept over balancers in stock, as well as loss of marker alleles on balancer chromosomes themselves (3). Likewise, recent evidence has shown that sequence variants can be exchanged between balancer chromosomes and their wild type (WT) homologs via gene conversion during stock construction or maintenance (4, 5). Thus, substantial variation may exist among structurally identical balancer chromosomes owing to various types of sequence exchange.To gain insight into the structure and evolution of balancer chromosomes, we have undertaken a genomic analysis of the most commonly used X chromosome balancer in D. melanogaster, First Multiple 7 (FM7). We have focused on FM7 because this X chromosome balancer series lacks lethal mutations and thus can be easily sequenced in a hemizygous or homozygous state. In addition, the FM7 chromosome has been shown to pair normally along most of its axis with a standard X chromosome, providing a structural basis for possible exchange events (6). Moreover, although details of how early balancers in D. melanogaster were created are not fully recorded, the synthesis and cytology of the FM7 series is reasonably well documented (3).The earliest chromosome in the FM7 series, FM7a, was constructed using two progenitor X chromosome balancers, FM1 and FM6, to create a chromosome carrying three inversions—In(1)sc⁸, In(1)dl-49, and In(1)FM6—relative to the WT configuration (7, 8) (Fig. 2A). Subsequently, a female-sterile allele of singed (sn^X2) was introduced onto FM7a to create FM7c, which prevents the loss of balanced chromosomes carrying recessive lethal or female-sterile mutations (9). More recently, versions of FM7a and FM7c have been generated that carry transgene insertions that allow the determination of balancer genotypes in embryonic or pupal stages (10–14).Open in a separate windowFig. 2.Structure of the FM7 balancer chromosome. Euchromatin is shown in blue, and heterochromatin is shown in gray. (A) Schematic view of the organization of WT and FM7 X chromosomes. FM7 contains three inversions—In(1)sc⁸, In(1)dl-49, and In(1)FM6—relative to WT. The six breakpoint junctions for the three inversions are numbered 1–6 and are shown in detail in B. (B) Location and organization of inversion breakpoints in FM7. Each inversion has two breakpoints that can be represented as A/B and C/D in the standard WT arrangement and as A/C and B/D in the inverted FM7 arrangement, where A, B, C, and D represent the sequences on either side of the breakpoints. Locations of euchromatic breakpoints are on Release 5 genome coordinates, and the identity of the best BLAST match in FlyBase is shown for heterochromatic sequences. Primers used for PCR amplification are shown above each breakpoint; details are provided in Methods and Datasets S2 and S3. Forward and reverse primers are named with respect to the orientation of the assembled breakpoint contigs, not the orientation of the WT or FM7 X chromosome.To identify the inversion breakpoints in FM7 balancers and to study patterns of sequence variation that may have arisen since the origin of the FM7 series, we sequenced genomes of eight D. melanogaster stocks carrying the FM7 chromosome (four FM7a and four FM7c). We discovered several megabase-scale regions in which FM7c chromosomes differ from one another, which presumably arose via double-crossover (DCO) events from balanced chromosomes (Fig. 1B). These DCOs eliminate the female-sterile sn^X2 allele in the centrally located In(1)dl-49 inversion and are expected to confer a fitness advantage to sn⁺ chromosomes, either by allowing propagation of sn⁺ FM7 as homozygotes in females or by sn⁺ FM7 males outcompeting sn^X2 FM7 males in culture. We found that loss of the sn^X2 allele is common in FM7c chromosomes by screening other FM7c-carrying stocks at the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center. We also identified the breakpoints of the B¹ duplication carried on FM7, and found direct molecular evidence for the role of unequal exchange in the origin and reversion of the B¹ allele (15–19). Our results provide clear evidence that the common assumption that balancers are fully nonrecombining chromosomes is incorrect on a historical timescale, and that substantial sequence variation exists among balancer chromosomes in circulation today.     

Opioid receptors mediate inotropic and depressor effects of apelin in rats with 2K1C‐induced chronic renovascular hypertension

Apelin receptors (APJ) cross‐talk with other G‐protein‐coupled receptors. However, the role of APJ interaction with opioid receptors (OPR) on the cardiovascular effects of apelin in hypertension is not clear. Renovascular hypertension was induced by placing a Plexiglas clip on the left kidney of rats. After 16 weeks, F13A (an APJ antagonist), naloxone (a general OPR inhibitor), and nor‐binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor‐BNI; a selective inhibitor of KOR) were given prior to injections of apelin at doses of 40 and 60 μg/kg. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular contractility responses were then evaluated. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure in sham and 2K1C rats was 110/71 mm Hg and 171/124 mm Hg, respectively. The hypotensive effects of apelin at both doses were inhibited by F13A and naloxone. Nor‐BNI completely inhibited the effects of apelin 40 on arterial pressure, and decreased the effects of 60 μg/kg. KOR inhibition also prevented the compensation for the decrease in the left ventricle +dp/dt max and ?dp/dt max caused by apelin 60. The simultaneous inhibition of OPR and APJ reduced arterial pressure and increased cardiac contractility. Findings showed that the OPR, particularly KOR, mediate the inotropic, lusitropic, and depressor effects of apelin. The interaction of the OPR and APJ augments the inotropic and vasodepressor effects of apelin. This interaction may have potential clinical applications in cardiac failure since opioids are currently used in the treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke, and apelin has been introduced as a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular complications.     

Analysis of electrocautery smoke released from the tissues frequently cut in orthopedic surgeries

BACKGROUND Electrosurgical smoke could be different by the device of cutting or the type of tissue that is being cut.AIM To analyze the electrocautery smoke released from the tissues that are frequently cut in orthopedic surgeries.METHODS The released smoke from electrocautery of five different tissue types(meniscus,ligament,adipose,muscle,and synovium) of five patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were collected and analyzed for volatile organic compounds(VOCs) and 27 candidate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(n = 25).Surgical smoke was produced with an electrocautery device for 4 min.RESULTS None of the 27 evaluated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compounds were detectable in electrocautery smoke collected from the surgical cutting of the different tissues.The number and identity of detected VOCs were similar between the patients but not between tissue types.The number of detected VOCs was the highest in synovial tissue(n = 21) and the lowest in the meniscus and adipose tissue(n = 12).The number of toxic and/or carcinogenic VOCs were the most in the muscle and meniscus tissues(Toluene,Ethylbenzene,and Styrene).No toxic and/or carcinogenic VOCs were identified in the ligament and adipose tissue.CONCLUSION Meniscus and muscle tissue are associated with the highest number of toxic and/or carcinogenic VOCs.Therefore,we recommend that surgeons avoiding the electrocautery of these tissues.     

Evaluation of humoral immune function in patients with bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by abnormal dilated thick-walled bronchi. To investigate humoral immune function in bronchiectatic patients, this study was performed. Forty patients with established diagnosis of bronchiectasis, who were referred from two tertiary care pulmonology centers in Tehran, were investigated in this study. Immunoglobulin isotypes concentrations and IgG-subclasses were measured by nephelometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. All patients received unconjugated pneumococcal vaccine, and blood samples were taken before and 21 days after vaccination. Specific antibodies against whole pneumococcal antigens were measured using the ELISA method. Fifteen (37.5%) out of 40 patients were diagnosed to have defects in antibody mediated immunity including 5 (12.5%) patients with immunoglobulin class deficiency (2 with common variable immunodeficiency and 3 with IgA deficiency), 3 (7.5%) with IgG subclass deficiency and 7 (17.5%) patients had Specific antibody deficiency (SAD) against polysaccharide antigen despite normal levels of serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses. Our study along with several other studies confirmed that all patients with bronchiectasis should undergo thorough immunological evaluation in order to identify the presence of the underlying immunologic defect. This evaluation should include serum immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses concentrations and also determination of serum antibodies against pneumococcal antigens. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will prevent the subsequent complications and improve quality of life of affected individuals.     

Marginal Adaptation of CAD/CAM All‐Ceramic Crowns Made by Different Impression Methods: A Literature Review

All‐ceramic crowns for teeth are widely used for restoring teeth. Stone casts have been made from conventional impression methods; however, newer techniques have made this process easier and faster for both the patient and the practitioner. Laboratory CAD/CAM technology mainly involves scanning the die stone, while other systems permit impression or intraoral scanning; however, one major concern remaining is the marginal fit of the restorations made using different methods for recording the prepared teeth. This study aims to review studies evaluating the marginal fit of all‐ceramic crowns manufactured by CAD/CAM systems using different extra‐ and intra‐oral scanners compared to conventional impressions.     

Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Gene in Breast Cancer

The exon 1 polymorphism (49A/G) of ctla-4 gene corresponds to an amino acid exchange (threonine to alanine) in the leader peptide of the expressed protein. There are reports concerning the higher level of G allele in subjects with various autoimmune diseases, which has resulted in the hypothesis that CTLA-4 may play a role in regulating self-tolerance by the immune system and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. This study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of exon 1 (49A/G) polymorphism in the ctla-4 gene and breast cancer. The ctla-4 49A/G polymorphism was studied in 197 women with primary breast cancer and 151 age/sex matched normal individuals. The results indicated a significant difference between frequency of ctla-4 genotypes in patients and controls. The frequency of GG genotype was significantly decreased in breast cancer patients compared to controls (4.6% v.s. 12.6%, P = 0.012). There was also a significant positive correlation between tumor size and the existence of AA genotype in patients (P = 0.016). In addition, a positive correlation between AA genotype and lymph node involvement was observed (P = 0.042). The observed decrease in the frequency of GG genotype in the breast cancer patients is contrary to the frequently reported increase of GG genotype in autoimmune diseases. In addition, the data implies that polymorphism of ctla-4 exon 1 contributes in tumor progression.     

Rheumatoid Arthritis,Disease Modifying Agents,and Periprosthetic Joint Infection: What Does a Joint Surgeon Need to Know?

The incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 1.6× greater than in patients undergoing the same procedure for osteoarthritis. This higher risk “may” be due to the immunosuppressive therapies for RA patients including corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate. There is a debate about the role of DMARDs in increasing the incidence of subsequent PJI. Studies show conflicting results, with some demonstrating no significant increase in the rates of PJI and some finding otherwise. The International Consensus Meeting on PJI recommended that DMARDs should be halted prior to an elective total joint arthroplasty based on their half-life. Moreover, the International Consensus Meeting stated that cessation of immunosuppressant medications should be performed in consultation with and under the direction of the treating physician. In this review, we aimed to provide an introduction to the available treatment options and cover the recommendations on the treatment protocols for RA patients who undergo elective total joint arthroplasty.