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...     

A prospective study concerning the relationship between metal allergy and post-operative pain following total hip and knee arthroplasty

Purpose

A prospective study was conducted to detect whether a relationship exists between metal allergy and post-operative pain in total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. We postulated that to some extent a relationship does exist between them.

Materials and methods

Patients who had undergone total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery because of hip and knee disease were included. The exclusion criteria were patients who were treated with immunosuppressor two weeks pre-operatively, skin conditions around the patch testing site, and other uncontrollable factors. Each patient agreed to patch testing for three days before surgery. Photographic images before patch testing, two and three days after patch testing were obtained to evaluate the final incidence of metal allergy. The patch tests contained 12 metal elements; chromium, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, titanium, aluminium, vanadium, iron, manganese, tin, zirconium, and copper. Two independent observers evaluated the images. The results were divided into a non-metal allergy group and a metal allergy group. Pre-operative and postoperative VAS score, lymphocyte transforming test, and X-rays were collected to detect the relationship between metal allergy and post-operative pain following total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Results

There were 96 patients who underwent pre-operative patch testing. The overall metal allergy rate was 51.1 % (49/96) in our study. Nickel, cobalt, manganese, and tin were the most common allergic metal elements in our study. Nine inappropriate cases were excluded, and 87 patients were finally included in our study. There were 36 metal allergy and 26 non-metal allergy patients in the THA group, while 11 metal allergy and 14 non-metal allergy patients were found in the TKA group. We found no relationship existed between metal allergy and post-surgery pain in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Pain caused by metal allergy usually presents as persistent and recurrent pain. The white cell count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and postoperative radiographs were not affected. Currently, patch testing and lymphocyte transforming tests are used for metal allergy diagnosis. We deemed that a relationship between post-surgery pain and metal allergy in total hip and knee patients may exist to some extent. Larger samples and longer follow-up time are essential for further study.