Toxicology of 3-epi-deoxynivalenol,a deoxynivalenol-transformation product by Devosia mutans 17-2-E-8

Microbial detoxification of deoxynivalenol (DON) represents a new approach to treating DON-contaminated grains. A bacterium Devosia mutans 17-2-E-8 was capable of completely transforming DON into a major product 3-epi-DON and a minor product 3-keto-DON. Evaluation of toxicities of these DON-transformation products is an important part of hazard characterization prior to commercialization of the biotransformation application. Cytotoxicities of the products were demonstrated by two assays: a MTT bioassay assessing cell viability and a BrdU assay assessing DNA synthesis. Compared with DON, the IC₅₀ values of 3-epi-DON and 3-keto-DON were respectively 357 and 3.03 times higher in the MTT bioassay, and were respectively 1181 and 4.54 times higher in the BrdU bioassay. Toxicological effects of 14-day oral exposure of the B6C3F₁ mouse to DON and 3-epi-DON were also investigated. Overall, there were no differences between the control (free of toxin) and the 25 mg/kg bw/day or 100 mg/kg bw/day 3-epi-DON treatments in body and organ weights, hematology and organ histopathology. However, in mice exposed to DON (2 mg/kg bw/day), white blood cell numbers and serum immunoglobulin levels were altered relative to controls, and lesions were observed in adrenals, thymus, stomach, spleen and colon. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that 3-epi-DON is substantially less toxic than DON.     

不安运动阶段对早产儿运动发育结局的预测价值

目的比较全身运动质量评估(General movements assessment,GMs)不安运动阶段和Gesell发育量表(Gesell Developmental Test Scales,GDS)对早产儿运动发育结局的预测效度,及对两种评估方法和发育结局的一致性检测。方法对2011年6月-2013年6月共226例在本院儿童保健科随访的早产儿,在纠正5个月内采用GMs和GDS进行评估,在纠正12个月时临床诊断是否为脑瘫,并使用Peabody运动发育量表(Peabody Development Motor Scale 2,PDMS-2)确定其运动发育结局。对比分析两种评估方法的预测效度(包括敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值),及与发育结局的相关性。结果 226例早产儿发育结局中运动发育正常176例,运动发育迟缓22例,脑瘫28例。不安运动阶段评估结果为正常者168例,异常为58例;GDS评估结果为正常者140例,异常为86例。不安运动及GDS预测脑瘫敏感度92.9%、71.4%,特异度83.8%、66.7%,阳性预测值44.8%、23.3%,阴性预测值98.8%、94.3%。不安运动及GDS预测运动发育结局敏感度88.0%、68.0%,特异度92.0%、70.4%,阳性预测值75.9%、39.5%,阴性预测值96.4%、88.6%。GDS和PDMS-2的一致性检验Kappa值0.306,P0.05,GMs和PDMS-2评估的一致性检验Kappa值0.757,P0.05,提示GMs、GDS对运动发育预测与发育结局均具有良好的一致性,GMs中不安运动阶段的预测与发育结局的一致性更高。结论 GMs的不安运动阶段能够超早期预测脑瘫等不良运动发育结局,在预测预后方面要优于GDS,能更早期的做出预测。     

DNA methylation patterns of the gamma delta beta-globin genes in human fetal and adult erythroid tissues.

An investigation of the correlation between the gamma----beta-globin switch and DNA methylation was carried out. The restriction patterns obtained with methylation-sensitive and -insensitive enzymes indicated hypomethylation in the promoter region of the gamma-globin genes in fetal liver DNA but high methylation of the same region in all other samples (except in the presence of an elevated erythroblast count or leukemia). All samples appeared to be partially hypomethylated at the 5' end of the delta-globin gene and hypomethylated at the 3' region of the beta-globin gene. Although consistent with a role for DNA methylation in globin gene regulation, the results also suggest that other factors besides methylation may be required for regulation of the level of expression, and switching of the globin genes.     

短病程2型糖尿病患者C反应蛋白与血糖控制的相关性

短病程2型糖尿病患者C反应蛋白升高（n=59）和正常（n=178）者的研究显示，C反应蛋白水平与BMI，TG，HOMA-IR，HbA1c，SBP，DBP均呈正相关。     

α‐Thalassemia 2, 3.7 kb deletion and hemoglobin AC heterozygosity in pregnancy: a molecular and hematological analysis

α‐Thalassemia is a synthesis hemoglobinopathy with a worldwide distribution. α‐thalassemia‐2^3.7kb (α‐Thal2^3.7kb) was investigated by PCR and standard hematologic analysis techniques in 106 pregnant women – 53 heterozygous for hemoglobin (Hb) A and C (AC) and 53 homozygous for the normal Hb A (AA) with similar ages and race ancestry. Eleven (21%) of AC women were α‐Thal2^3.7kb heterozygous and 1 (2%) was homozygous, while 12 AA women (23%) were heterozygous. In the AA group, the MCV differed among those with normal α genes and those with α‐Thal2^3.7kb (P = 0.031). Statistical analysis of AC group patients with normal α genes and α‐Thal2^3.7kb carriers showed differences in MCV (P = 0.001); MCH (P = 0.003) and Hb C concentrations (P = 0.011). Analysis of AA and AC group patients with normal α genes showed differences in RBC (P = 0.033), Hb concentration (P = 0.003) and MCHC (P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences for any hematologic parameters between AC and AA group patients with the α‐Thal2^3.7kb genotype. The AC α‐Thal2^3.7kb homozygous women had low hematologic parameters. Serum ferritin levels were normal among the groups studied. These results emphasize the importance of diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with hemoglobinopathy carriers during pregnancy in order to administer adequate therapy and avoid further complications for mothers and newborns.     

Central macular thickness in patients with sickle cell disease and no signs of retinopathy: a cross-sectional study of Jordanian patients

ObjectivesTo measure central macular thickness in Jordanian patients with sickle cell disease who did not have retinopathy and compare the findings with age- and sex-matched controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, participants underwent visual acuity testing, slit-lamp bio-microscopy, dilated ophthalmoscopy, and SDOCT imaging to measure central macular thickness. Macular quadrant measurements and thickness difference indexes (TDIs) were compared between groups.ResultsTwenty eyes with sickle cell disease and 20 control eyes were enrolled. The median visual acuity in both groups was 20/20. The mean macular thickness was significantly lower in eyes with sickle cell disease than in matched controls (mean difference, 22.15 ± 6.44 µm). Peripheral quadrants were all significantly thinner in eyes with sickle cell disease, especially in superior and temporal quadrants. TDIs were lower in eyes with sickle cell disease than in control eyes.ConclusionsEyes with sickle cell disease that had no clinical evidence of retinopathy exhibited significantly lower central macular thickness in all quadrants, compared with eyes in age- and sex-matched controls. SDOCT is a non-invasive imaging modality that can detect preclinical changes in eyes with sickle cell disease and can be used to screen and monitor the disease process.     

Use of face mask by blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on donor hemoglobin concentration: A bane or a boon

BackgroundCOVID-19 virus has caused the world’s deadliest pandemic. Early April 2020, the Delhi Government made it compulsory for people to wear face masks while going outdoors to curb disease spread. Prolonged use of surgical masks during the pandemic has been reported to cause many adverse effects. Intermittent hypoxia has been shown to activate erythropoietin (EPO leading to increased hemoglobin mass.AimTo analyze whether face mask induced intermittent hypoxia has any effect on the hemoglobin levels of healthy blood donors.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed donor data from 1st July 2019-31st December 2020 for hemoglobin distribution across hemoglobin ranges and donor deferral on basis of hemoglobin. Study population was divided into two cohorts Group 1- (1st July 2019-31 st March 2020): before implementation of mandatory face masks Group 2- (1st April 2020-31 st December 2020): after implementation of mandatory face masksResultsMean Hb of blood donors in Group 2 (15.01 ± 1.1 g/dl) was higher than Group1 (14.49 ± 1.15 g/dl), (p < 0.0001). 47.1 % group2 donors had Hb of 16.1−18 g/dl compared to group1 (38.4 %). 52.9 % group 2 donors had Hb between 12.5−15 g/dl compared to 61.6 % Group 1 (p < 0.05). Deferral due to anemia was lesser in group 2 compared to group 1 (p < 0.00001). Group 2 had significantly higher deferral due to high Hb (>18 gm/dl) was than Group 1 (p = 0.0039).ConclusionThis study including 19504 blood donors spanning over one and a half year shows that prolonged use of face mask by blood donors may lead to intermittent hypoxia and consequent increase in hemoglobin mass.