Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers in yellowcheck (Elopichthys bambusa)

Out of 55 microsatellites isolated by an enriched genomic library from yellowcheck (Elopichthys bambusa), eighteen polymorphic loci were characterized in a wild population from the Zhangdu Lake of the Yangtze River. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 14, the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.019 to 0.346 and 0.019 to 0.529, respectively. Eight loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction, and ten loci were in HWE. Lower rate of polymorphic loci and heterozygosity may suggest a relative low level genetic diversity in the studied population. These novel microsatellite markers would facilitate molecular population genetic studies for yellowcheck.     

Modulation of the Initial Mineralization Process of SaOS-2 Cells by Carbonic Anhydrase Activators and Polyphosphate

Ca-phosphate/hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals constitute the mineral matrix of vertebrate bones, while Ca-carbonate is the predominant mineral of many invertebrates, like mollusks. Recent results suggest that CaCO₃ is also synthesized during early bone formation. We demonstrate that carbonic anhydrase-driven CaCO₃ formation in vitro is activated by organic extracts from the demosponge Suberites domuncula as well as by quinolinic acid, one component isolated from these extracts. Further results revealed that the stimulatory effect of bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?) ions on mineralization of osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells is strongly enhanced if the cells are exposed to inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a linear polymer of phosphate linked by energy-rich phosphodiester bonds. The effect of polyP, administered as polyP (Ca²⁺ salt), on HA formation was found to be amplified by addition of the carbonic anhydrase-activating sponge extract or quinolinic acid. Our results support the assumption that CaCO₃ deposits, acting as bio-seeds for Ca-carbonated phosphate formation, are formed as an intermediate during HA mineralization and that the carbonic anhydrase-mediated formation of those deposits is under a positive–negative feedback control by bone alkaline phosphatase-dependent polyP metabolism, offering new targets for therapy of bone diseases/defects.     

Novel technique for the treatment of large subcapsular renal hematoma: combined use of percutaneous drainage and urokinase injection

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined use of percutaneous drainage and urokinase injection to treat patients with large subcapsular renal hematoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 20 patients with large subcapsular renal hematoma who were treated with percutaneous drainage and urokinase at our institutes between 2002 and 2010. Percutaneous drainage of the hematoma was performed after bleeding stopped. Then, urokinase was injected into the hematoma cavity per our protocol every 3 days. During the treatment and follow-up period, the diameter of hematoma was assessed by ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) in all cases. Complete blood count, serum creatinine and blood pressure were evaluated as well. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 60 months (mean 24.1 ± 11.5 months).

Results

Percutaneous renal hematoma drainage combined with urokinase injection was successfully performed in all the patients. After sufficient drainage, all of the patients were free from their symptoms. The average time to pain relief was 10.8 ± 2.1 days after percutaneous drainage, and the total duration of drainage was 28 ± 5.1 days. Relative to baseline, there was reduction in the diameter of hematoma evaluated by the enhanced CT scan after treatment (from 11.7 ± 3.1 to 2.8 ± 1.0 cm). During long-term follow-up, active bleeding, hypertension, renal function impairment or infectious complications were not found.

Conclusions

This study revealed that combined use of percutaneous drainage and urokinase injection was a safe and effective treatment for patient with large subcapsular renal hematoma.     

The p.R229Q variant of the NPHS2 (podocin) gene in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

While many previous studies have reported an association between the p.R229Q variant of the NPHS2 gene and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), a conclusive relationship has not been defined. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of the published data to investigate the impact of the p.R229Q polymorphism on FSGS and SRNS patients. Despite significant heterogeneity within some of the comparisons, the results revealed significantly higher risks of SRNS in individuals homozygous for the variant allele (OR 7.411, 95 % confidence interval 1.876–29.436, p = 0.004) compared to homozygous non-variant individuals. However, the carrier rate of the p.R229Q variant was not significantly different between SRNS patients and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome patients. No statistically significant differences in the p.R229Q carrier rate were observed between FSGS patients and controls or FSGS patients and patients with different pathology classifications. No notable differences in the p.R229Q carrier rate were found between patients and controls in any group with early-onset disease (onset age < 18). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that for adult-onset disease (onset age > 18), the homozygous variant could be a potential predictor of hereditary nephrotic syndrome and that the p.R229Q allele cannot currently be considered a risk factor for predicting FSGS.     

Increased rate of ptosis following glaucoma drainage device placement and other anterior segment surgery: a prospective analysis

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To determine the degree&nbsp;and rate of ptosis in patients undergoing glaucoma and cataract surgery. Patients undergoing...