Chromatin-to-nucleoprotamine transition is controlled by the histone H2B variant TH2B

The conversion of male germ cell chromatin to a nucleoprotamine structure is fundamental to the life cycle, yet the underlying molecular details remain obscure. Here we show that an essential step is the genome-wide incorporation of TH2B, a histone H2B variant of hitherto unknown function. Using mouse models in which TH2B is depleted or C-terminally modified, we show that TH2B directs the final transformation of dissociating nucleosomes into protamine-packed structures. Depletion of TH2B induces compensatory mechanisms that permit histone removal by up-regulating H2B and programming nucleosome instability through targeted histone modifications, including lysine crotonylation and arginine methylation. Furthermore, after fertilization, TH2B reassembles onto the male genome during protamine-to-histone exchange. Thus, TH2B is a unique histone variant that plays a key role in the histone-to-protamine packing of the male genome and guides genome-wide chromatin transitions that both precede and follow transmission of the male genome to the egg.     

Saucerization: A Modified Uncapitonnage Method of Surgery for Pulmonary Hydatidosis

Background

There are contrary opinions regarding the surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts. We report our experience performing a modified version of uncapitonnage surgery, called “saucerization,” for treating pulmonary hydatid cysts.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts were studied regarding their surgery outcome and the complication rate. The procedure used for cyst evacuation depended on whether the cyst had ruptured. If ruptured, cystotomy was done; otherwise, enucleation was preferred. To deal with the residual cavity in an uncapitonnage manner, we removed the thin margins of the pericyst and closed the bronchial openings at the cavity floor. All patients were followed up at least for 6 months.

Results

The intensive care unit stay ranged from 1 to 9 days. Incomplete lung expansion (six patients) was the main postoperative complication followed by wound infection (four patients) and persistent air leak (≥7 days) (one patient). There was one death. Dependence on mechanical ventilation and subsequent septic shock were also observed. The other patients exhibited no complications during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrated a low complication rate associated with removing the thin margins of the residual cavity and changing the shape of it into a “saucer.” The results were satisfactory and comparable to the results of other studies on pulmonary hydatid cysts.     

The effect of systemic erythropoietin and oral prednisolone on recent-onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a randomized clinical trial

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To evaluate the effect of systemic erythropoietin, as well as oral steroids, in the management of recent-onset non-arteritic...     

Association between diabetic retinopathy and polymorphisms of cytokine genes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Ophthalmology - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a medical condition caused by damage to the blood vessels of retina tissue due to diabetes mellitus. DR leads to injury in neural and...     

Die Perinealsonographie zur Diagnostik der m?nnlichen Belastungsinkontinenz

Background

The diagnostic options for persistent urinary incontinence following prostatectomy are limited despite incidence numbers of up to 40%. Perineal ultrasound, which is already well established in urogynecology to quantify urethral mobility, can also be used for the diagnostics of incontinence in men. The present study investigated whether there is a difference in reproducibility concerning the quantification of urethral mobility between men and women.

Material and methods

A total of 27 men and 27 women aged 65-85 years participated in the study. All underwent perineal ultrasound examination following standardized criteria under the three conditions of rest, contraction and a Valsalva maneuvre. Ultrasound images were taken under each condition and given to two independent examiners for evaluation. For all conditions it was recorded which of the three reference points for the quantification of urethral mobility, the urethra, internal urethral meatus and the base of the urinary bladder, could be assessed. The results were compared by means of a coefficient of agreement (p0) and the difference of the results between the two groups was validated for statistical significance using Student’s t-test.

Results

At a t-value of 1.58 (p=0.154) there were no significant differences in the reproducibility in visualizing the three sonographic reference points, the urethra, internal urethral meatus and the base of the urinary bladder, between men and women.

Conclusions

Using perineal ultrasound for quantification of urethral mobility in the diagnostics of incontinence in men after prostatectomy is just as reproducible in men as in women. For both sexes the technique is comfortable and pain-free due to the non-invasive nature. Perineal ultrasound is a cheap, non-invasive and reproducible diagnostic procedure which can be recommended for the evaluation of incontinence and the selection of a suitable surgical procedure also in men.     

Hospital admission volume does not impact the in-hospital mortality of acute pancreatitis

Background

Multiple factors influence mortality in Acute Pancreatitis (AP).

Dietary Quality among Tehranian Adults in Relation to Lipid Profile: Findings from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

The prevalence of dyslipidaemia has been increasing in developing countries that are undergoing nutrition transition. However, the association of diet quality and lipid profile has not been well-understood in these countries. The aim of the current study was to compare the ability of three diet quality indices—the Mediterranean diet scale (MDS), healthy eating index-2005 (HEI-2005), and diet quality index-international (DQI-I) in relation to changes in lipid profile between baseline and 6.7 years of follow-up. Baseline data from two 24-hour dietary recalls provided by 469 adults with mean age of 38.7±12.3 years, who were participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, were analyzed to describe dietary intakes. Data on anthropometry, sociodemography, physical activity, and other lifestyle variables were recorded, and a comparison of baseline and follow-up data revealed changes in the concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). A general linear model was used in assessing changes in lipid profile depending on adherence to diet quality indices at baseline, after adjustment for age, smoking status, waist-circumference, body mass index, physical activity, and energy intake. A significant interaction was observed between scores and sex, and upon stratification, males in the highest quartile score of the HEI-2005 had significantly lower TG changes than those in the lowest quartile, after adjusting for confounders (-8.8 vs 2.9, p=0.038). No association was apparent in females (-0.2 vs 11.2, p=0.297). In addition, a positive association was found between DQI-I and HDL-C (Q1=0.6 vs Q4=-2.0, p=0.044) in males. In both sexes, all these indices were weakly associated with TC while none was associated with LDL-C. It is concluded: adherence to the HEI-2005 recommendations was weakly associated with reduced TG concentration in an urban Iranian adult population. The MDS and DQI-I were not related to change in lipid profile.Key words: Diet quality index-international, Healthy eating index-2005, Lipid profile, Mediterranean diet scale