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1.
ISME Commun ; 4(1): ycae030, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38524761

ABSTRACT

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by methanotrophic bacteria has been shown to play an important role in maintaining fertility. However, this process is still limited to aerobic methane oxidation with sufficient oxygen. It has remained unknown whether and how methanotrophic BNF proceeds in hypoxic environments. Herein, we incubated paddy soils with a ferrihydrite-containing mineral salt medium to enrich methanotrophic bacteria in the presence of methane (20%, v/v) under oxygen constraints (0.27%, v/v). The resulting microcosms showed that ferrihydrite-dependent aerobic methane oxidation significantly contributed (81%) to total BNF, increasing the 15N fixation rate by 13-fold from 0.02 to 0.28 µmol 15N2 (g dry weight soil) -1 d-1. BNF was reduced by 97% when ferrihydrite was omitted, demonstrating the involvement of ferrihydrite in methanotrophic BNF. DNA stable-isotope probing indicated that Methylocystis, Methylophilaceae, and Methylomicrobium were the dominant methanotrophs/methylotrophs that assimilated labeled isotopes (13C or 15N) into biomass. Metagenomic binning combined with electrochemical analysis suggested that Methylocystis and Methylophilaceae had the potential to perform methane-induced BNF and likely utilized riboflavin and c-type cytochromes as electron carriers for ferrihydrite reduction. It was concluded that ferrihydrite mediated methanotrophic BNF by methanotrophs/methylotrophs solely or in conjunction with iron-reducing bacteria. Overall, this study revealed a previously overlooked yet pronounced coupling of iron-dependent aerobic methane oxidation to BNF and improves our understanding of methanotrophic BNF in hypoxic zones.

2.
BMC Pediatr ; 24(1): 5, 2024 01 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38172693

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to enhance the treatment protocols and help understand the harm caused by the accidental ingestion of magnetic beads by children. METHODS: Data were collected from 72 children with multiple gastrointestinal perforations or gastrointestinal obstructions. The 72 pediatric patients were divided into a perforation and a non-perforation group. The data collected for the analysis included the gender, age, medical history, place of residence (rural or urban), and symptoms along with the educational background of the caregiver, the location and quantity of any foreign bodies discovered during the procedure, whether perforation was confirmed during the procedure, and the number of times magnetic beads had been accidentally ingested. RESULTS: The accuracy rate of preoperative gastrointestinal perforation diagnosis via ultrasound was 71%, while that of the upright abdominal X-ray method was only 46%. In terms of symptoms, the risk of perforation was 13.844 and 12.703 times greater in pediatric patients who experienced vomiting and abdominal pain with vomiting and abdominal distension, respectively, compared to patients in an asymptomatic state. There were no statistical differences between the perforation and the non-perforation groups in terms of age, gender, medical history, and the number of magnetic beads ingested (P > 0.05); however, there were statistical differences in terms of white blood cell count (P = 0.048) and c-reactive protein levels (P = 0.033). A total of 56% of cases underwent a laparotomy along with perforation repair and 19% underwent gastroscopy along with laparotomy. All pediatric patients recovered without complications following surgery. CONCLUSION: Abdominal ultrasonography and/or upright abdominal X-ray analyses should be carried out as soon as possible in case of suspicion of accidental ingestion of magnetic beads by children. In most cases, immediate surgical intervention is required. Given the serious consequences of ingesting this type of foreign body, it is essential to inform parents and/or caregivers about the importance of preventing young children from using such products.


Subject(s)
Foreign Bodies , Gastrointestinal Tract , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Gastrointestinal Tract/surgery , Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging , Foreign Bodies/surgery , Foreign Bodies/complications , Vomiting/etiology , Eating , Magnetic Phenomena
3.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 75(5): 572-577, 2022 11 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35976360

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Mast cells (MCs) have been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nonetheless, the quantity and distribution of MCs in the gastrointestinal tract of pediatric patients with IBS are not well defined. This study aimed to compare the number of MCs in children with and without IBS and to establish histopathological reference values in pediatrics. METHODS: Forty-nine participants with IBS were prospectively enrolled and classified into IBS with atopy (n = 29) and IBS without atopy (n = 20). As our retrospective control group, we selected 42 individuals with a history of polyposis syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease with normal histopathology. Retrospective selection of the control cohort was performed in a manner similar to previously published adult and pediatric studies. MCs were prospectively stained immunohistochemically on specimens from the stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and descending colon of both groups. RESULTS: The IBS group showed significantly more MCs per high-power field (MCs/HPF) in the stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and descending colon ( P < 0.001), irrespective of their atopic status. Optimal MC cutoff values for IBS are ≥20.5 MCs/HPF in the stomach (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.84); ≥23.0 MCs/HPF in the duodenum (AUC = 0.79); ≥33.5 MCs/HPF in the terminal ileum (AUC = 0.82); and ≥22.5 MCs/HPF in the descending colon (AUC = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with IBS showed increased numbers of MCs in the stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and descending colon when compared with controls. Further trials are needed to explain the role of MCs in pediatric IBS, which might facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.


Subject(s)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Adult , Humans , Child , Mast Cells/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Biopsy
4.
JGH Open ; 6(6): 402-407, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35774352

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Our primary aim was to describe the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and its subclass IgG4 in immunohistochemistry staining in esophageal biopsy specimens of children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) compared with that of specimens from children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: Esophageal biopsy specimens from children with EoE or GERD were stained prospectively for IgG and IgG4 antibodies. Subjects with EoE were divided into cohorts with either active EoE or EoE in remission. Active EoE cases were further divided into proton pump inhibitor responsive (PPI-r) and PPI-nonresponsive (PPI-nr) subgroups. Demographic, clinical, and histologic data were compared among groups, including quantified IgG and IgG4 staining, peak eosinophil count, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin levels, and EoE endoscopic reference score. Results: Seventy-nine children (aged 10.6 ± 5.6 years; 68% male) were enrolled. IgG-positive cell counts were significantly elevated in those with active EoE (n = 29, 3 [interquartile range, IQR: 2-6]/high-powered field [HPF]), compared with those having EoE remission (n = 25, 1 [IQR: 0-2]/HPF; P = 0.002) and those with GERD (n = 25, 0 [IQR: 0-0.25]/HPF, P = <0.0001). IgG-positive cell counts were significantly higher in the PPI-r (n = 15, 5 [IQR: 2.5-11]/HPF) subgroup, compared with the PPI-nr subgroup (n = 11, 3 [IQR: 1.5-3.5]/HPF; P = 0.041) at baseline endoscopy. Conclusion: Initial esophageal tissue biopsy specimens from pediatric subjects with active EoE showed a significant increase in IgG-positive staining compared with tissue from subjects in EoE remission or with GERD. There was higher positivity of IgG-stained cells in the PPI-r subgroup compared with the PPI-nr subgroup.

5.
Chemistry ; 28(39): e202200756, 2022 Jul 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35415853

ABSTRACT

Fluorene is a classic three-membered polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and it has been widely used in optoelectronic devices. Here we explore a simple and efficient strategy for the derivatization at the 2- and 3- positions in fluorene unit. By introducing different types of substituents, we design two pairs of 2,3-disubstituted fluorene isomers and use them as host materials for phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs). The green PHOLEDs hosted by these fluorene derivatives realize high external quantum efficiencies (EQE) over 20 % with low efficiency roll-off. Particularly, the devices hosted by 2TRz3TPA and 2TPA3TRz achieve nearly 24 % EQE and 104 lm W-1 power efficiency. These results clearly demonstrate that the 2,3-disubstituted fluorene platforms are potentially useful for constructing host materials.

6.
Materials (Basel) ; 15(4)2022 Feb 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35208133

ABSTRACT

As a most promising material for hydrogen generation by hydrolysis, magnesium hydride (MgH2) is also trapped by its yielded byproduct Mg(OH)2 whose dense passivated layers prevent the further contact of intimal MgH2 with water. In this work, LiH, as a destroyer, has been added to promote the hydrogen properties of MgH2. The results demonstrate that even 3 wt % LiH was added into MgH2-G, the hydrogen generation yield can increase about 72% compared to the hydrogen generation yield of MgH2-G. The possible mechanism is that Mg2+ from the hydrolysis of MgH2 preferentially bound with OH- ions from the hydrolysis of LiH to form Mg(OH)2 precipitation, which is dispersed in water rather than coated on the surface of MgH2. Moreover, adding MgCl2 into hydrolysis solution, using ball milling technology, and increasing the hydrolysis temperature can make the hydrolysis rate higher and reaction process more complete. It is noted that a too high weight ratio of LiH with too high of a hydrolysis temperature will make the reaction too violent to be safe in the experiment. We determinate the best experimental condition is that the LiH ratio added into MgH2 is 3 wt %, the hydrolysis temperature is 60 °C, and the concentration of MgCl2 hydrating solution is 1 M. MgH2-LiH composite hydrogen generation technology can meet the needs of various types of hydrogen supply and has broad application prospects.

8.
Mol Clin Oncol ; 14(1): 17, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33363727

ABSTRACT

Chordoma is a sporadic type of cancer that affects the spine and is particularly challenging to treat due to the paucity of reported cases and scientific literature. In particular, primary chordomas affecting both the sacral and thoracic vertebrae are extremely rare. We herein report a rare case of chordoma in the sacral and thoracic vertebrae with pulmonary metastasis, along with a literature review. The objective of the present study was to explore treatment options and long-term outcomes in patients with metastatic chordoma. Posterior decompression was performed for the thoracic tumor, followed by extended resection of the sacral tumor. The symptoms of the patient were relieved after surgery, and the postoperative Nurick score decreased from grade 3 to grade 2, while the postoperative McCormick score was I. Therefore, complete chordoma excision and internal spinal fixation may effectively reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis.

9.
J Pers Med ; 10(4)2020 Dec 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33333793

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric epileptic encephalopathy and severe neurological disorders comprise a group of heterogenous diseases. We used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify genetic defects in pediatric patients. METHODS: Patients with refractory seizures using ≥2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) receiving one AED and having neurodevelopmental regression or having severe neurological or neuromuscular disorders with unidentified causes were enrolled, of which 54 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were enrolled, and underwent WES. RESULTS: Genetic diagnoses were confirmed in 24 patients. In the seizure group, KCNQ2, SCN1A, TBCID 24, GRIN1, IRF2BPL, MECP2, OSGEP, PACS1, PIGA, PPP1CB, SMARCA4, SUOX, SZT2, UBE3A, 16p13.11 microdeletion, [4p16.3p16.1(68,345-7,739,782)X1, 17q25.1q25.3(73,608,322-81,041,938)X3], and LAMA2 were identified. In the nonseizure group, SCN2A, SPTBN2, DMD, and FBN1 were identified. Ten novel mutations were identified. The recurrent genes included SCN1A, KCNQ2, and TBCID24. Male pediatric patients had a significantly higher (57% vs. 29%; p < 0.05, odds ratio = 3.18) yield than their female counterparts. Seventeen genes were identified from the seizure groups, of which 82% were rare genetic etiologies for childhood seizure and did not appear recurrently in the case series. CONCLUSIONS: Wide genetic variation was identified for severe childhood seizures by WES. WES had a high yield, particularly in male infantile patients.

10.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 13375, 2020 08 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32770121

ABSTRACT

Pediatric epilepsy caused by KCNQ2 mutations can manifest benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC) to neonatal-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EE). Patients might manifest mild to profound neurodevelopmental disabilities. We analysed c.853C > A (P285T) and three mutations that cause KCNQ2 protein changes in the 247 position: c.740C > T (S247L), c.740C > A (S247X), and c.740C > G (S247W). S247L, S247W, and P285T cause neonatal-onset EE and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes; S247X cause BFNC and normal outcome. We investigated the phenotypes correlated with human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell functional current changes. More cell-current changes and a worse conductance curve were present in the homomeric transfected S247X than in S247L, S247W, and P285T. But in the heteromeric channel, S247L, S247W and P285T had more current impairments than did S247X. The protein expressions of S247X were nonfunctional. The outcomes were most severe in S247L and S247W, and severity was correlated with heteromeric current. Current changes were more significant in cells with homomeric S247X, but currents were "rescued" after heteromeric transfection of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. This was not the case in cells with S247L, S247W. Our findings support that homomeric current changes are common in KCNQ2 neonatal-onset EE and KCNQ2 BFNC; however, heteromeric functional current changes are correlated with long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.


Subject(s)
KCNQ2 Potassium Channel/metabolism , Loss of Function Mutation/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Amino Acid Substitution/genetics , Child, Preschool , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/genetics , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/metabolism , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/physiopathology , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , KCNQ2 Potassium Channel/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/metabolism , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/physiopathology
11.
Cells ; 9(5)2020 05 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32455934

ABSTRACT

Nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is of great clinical importance, and mutations in the GJB2 gene and the encoded human CONNEXIN 26 (CX26) protein play important roles in the genetic pathogenesis. The CX26 p.R184Q mutation was shown to be a dominant-negative effect in our previous study. Previously, we also demonstrated that zebrafish Cx30.3 is orthologous to human CX26. In the present study, we established transgenic zebrafish models with mutated Cx30.3 specifically expressed in the supporting cells of zebrafish inner ears driven by the agr2 promoter, to demonstrate and understand the mechanism by which the human CX26 R.184 mutation causes NSHL. Our results indicated that significant structural changes in the inner ears of transgenic lines with mutations were measured and compared to wild-type zebrafish. Simultaneously, significant alterations of transgenic lines with mutations in swimming behavior were analyzed with the zebrafish behavioral assay. This is the first study to investigate the functional results of the CX26 p.R184Q mutation with in vivo disease models. Our work supports and confirms the pathogenic role of the CX26 p.R184Q mutation in NSHL, with a hypothesized mechanism of altered interaction among amino acids in the connexins.


Subject(s)
Connexin 26/genetics , Connexins/genetics , Deafness/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Zebrafish/genetics , Animals , Animals, Genetically Modified , Behavior, Animal , Biological Assay , Connexins/chemistry , Disease Models, Animal , Ear, Inner/metabolism , Ear, Inner/pathology , Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism , HeLa Cells , Humans , Mutant Proteins/chemistry
12.
Int J Mol Sci ; 21(7)2020 Mar 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32235586

ABSTRACT

A previous study indicated that mutations in the transmembrane protease serine 3 (TMPRSS3) gene, which encodes a transmembrane serine protease, cause nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL). This was the first description of a serine protease involved in hearing loss (HL). In Taiwan, however, data on the TMPRSS3 gene's association with NSHL is still insufficient. In this study, we described 10 mutations of TMPRSS3 genes found in 14 patients after screening 230 children with NSHL. The prevalence of the TMPRSS3 mutation appeared to be 6.09% (14/230). Of the 10 mutations, three were missense mutations: c.239G>A (p.R80H), c.551T>C (p.L184S), and 1253C>T (p.A418V); three were silent mutations, and four were mutations in introns. To determine the functional importance of TMPRSS3 mutations, we constructed plasmids carrying TMPRSS3 mutations of p.R80H, p.L184S, and p.A418V. TMPRSS3 function can be examined by secretory genetic assay for site-specific proteolysis (sGASP) and Xenopus oocyte expression system. Our results showed that p.R80H, p.L184S, and p.A418V TMPRSS3 mutations gave ratios of 19.4%, 13.2%, and 27.6%, respectively, via the sGASP system. Moreover, these three TMPRSS3 mutations failed to activate the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. These results indicate that the p.R80H, p.L184S, and p.A418V missense mutations of TMPRSS3 resulted in greatly diminishing the proteolytic activity of TMPRSS3. Our study provides information for understanding the importance of TMPRSS3 in the NSHL of Taiwanese children and provides a novel molecular explanation for the role of TMPRSS3 in HL.


Subject(s)
Deafness/genetics , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Serine Endopeptidases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Deafness/epidemiology , Humans , Introns , Mutation, Missense , Point Mutation , Taiwan/epidemiology , Xenopus , Young Adult
13.
Mol Genet Genomic Med ; 7(7): e00816, 2019 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31199083

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy caused by a KCNQ2 gene mutation usually manifests as neonatal seizures during the first week of life. The genotypes and phenotypes of KCNQ2 mutations are noteworthy. METHODS: The KCNQ2 sequencings done were selected from 131 nonconsanguineous pediatric epileptic patients (age range: 2 days to 18 years) with nonlesional epilepsy. RESULTS: Seven (5%) index patients had verified KCNQ2 mutations: c.387+1 G>T (splicing), c.1741 C>T (p.Arg581*), c.740 C>T p.(Ser247Leu), c.853 C>A p.(Pro285Thr), c.860 C>T p.(Thr287Ile), c.1294 C>T p.(Arg432Cys), and c.1627 G>A p.(Val543Met). We found, after their paternity had been confirmed, that three patients had de novo p.(Ser247Leu), p.(Pro285Thr), and p.(Thr287Ile) mutations and neonatal-onset epileptic encephalopathy; however, their frequent seizures remitted after they turned 6 months old. Those with the c.387+1G>T (splicing), (p.Arg581*), and p.(Val543Met) mutations presented with benign familial neonatal convulsions. In addition to their relatives, 14 patients had documented KCNQ2 mutations, and 12 (86%) had neonatal seizures. The seizures of all five patients treated with oxcarbazepine remitted. CONCLUSION: KCNQ2-related epilepsy led to varied outcomes (from benign to severe) in our patients. KCNQ2 mutations accounted for 13% of patients with seizure onset before 2 months old in our study. KCNQ2 mutations can cause different phenotypes in children. p.(Pro 285Thr) is a novel mutation, and the p.(Pro 285Thr), p.(Ser247Leu), and p.(Thr287Ile) variants can cause neonatal-onset epileptic encephalopathy.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy/genetics , KCNQ2 Potassium Channel/genetics , Mutation, Missense , Phenotype , Adolescent , Brain Waves , Child , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Male
14.
Chem Commun (Camb) ; 55(4): 549-552, 2019 Jan 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30556564

ABSTRACT

Prussian blue coupled with zinc oxide has been synthesized via a facial heat treatment process. As a cathode for sodium ion batteries, the PB coupled with ZnO delivers an excellent rate performance, retaining 86.2 mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1 and a high reversible capacity of 89.9 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 500 cycles.

15.
Int J Med Sci ; 14(12): 1251-1256, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29104481

ABSTRACT

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the most important disease in ophthalmology with high prevalence and risk of irreversible blindness. If diagnosed before the age of 35, it is usually categorized as juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG). The WDR36 gene is reckoned as one of the major causative genes of POAG, and had been studied to be related to the pathogenesis of POAG in the literature. We have selected 61 JOAG patients and 61 JOAG-free individuals, and by next-generation sequencing method, the WDR36 gene of the subjects were analyzed. We identified 26 variations exclusively in JOAG group. Among these 26 variations, there were 3 noteworthy variations. First, a novel variation c.460-650A>G was found in our study which might cause premature termination of splicing of the conserved domain in WDR36; second, c.1494+1111G>T (rs13178997) had significantly different frequency in our JOAG patients compared to the reference frequency on NCBI; third, a variation c.710+30C>T (rs10038177) was found in our study, which had already been reported to be related to high-pressure glaucoma. We offer the profile of WDR36 in JOAG in Taiwan population, and we suggest that WDR36 gene is involved in the pathogenesis of JOAG as a subordinate modifier gene.


Subject(s)
Asian People/genetics , Eye Proteins/genetics , Glaucoma, Open-Angle/epidemiology , Glaucoma, Open-Angle/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Age of Onset , Female , Genetic Testing/methods , Haplotypes , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , RNA Splicing/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Taiwan/epidemiology , Young Adult
16.
Oncol Rep ; 38(2): 611-624, 2017 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28627697

ABSTRACT

Nanomaterials are increasingly used as drug carriers for cancer therapy. Nanomaterials also appeal to researchers in the areas of cancer diagnosis and biomarker discovery. Several antitumor nanodrugs are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical trials and show promise in therapeutic and other settings. We review the development of nanomaterial drug carriers, including liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, dendritic polymers, and nanomicelles, for the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. The prospects of nanomaterials as drug carriers for future clinical applications are also discussed.


Subject(s)
Drug Delivery Systems/trends , Nanotechnology/trends , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Dendrimers/therapeutic use , Humans , Liposomes/therapeutic use , Nanoparticles/therapeutic use
17.
PLoS One ; 12(6): e0178218, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28575042

ABSTRACT

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an important factor in systematic inflammation, is reportedly involved in several cancer types. The TNF-α -308 G>A (rs1800629) polymorphism in the promoter region influences TNF-α production. The association between TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) is not fully understood, especially the connections between TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism and clinical features of CRC. In this study, TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism was genotyped in 1140 individuals with or without CRC from Southwestern China. In case-control studies, we found no association between TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism and CRC risk. Analysis of the correlations between TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism and clinical features of CRC revealed that TNF-α -308 A allele was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) larger tumor size, and distant tumor metastasis in all CRC patients. Notably, rectal cancer (a subtype of CRC) patients with TNF-α -308 A allele had a very high risk of distant tumor metastasis [odds ratio (OR) = 4.481; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.072-9.693; P = 0.00025]. The association between TNF-α -308 A allele and distant tumor metastasis remained even significant after adjusting all clinical characteristics (OR = 7.099; 95% CI: 2.482-20.301; P = 0.000256) in rectal cancer patients. Our results suggested that TNF-α -308 A allele was significantly associated with distant tumor metastasis in rectal cancer patients.


Subject(s)
Colon/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Rectum/pathology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Adult , Aged , Alleles , Case-Control Studies , China , Colon/metabolism , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genotype , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Metastasis/genetics , Neoplasm Metastasis/pathology , Rectum/metabolism
18.
Int J Med Sci ; 14(3): 246-256, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28367085

ABSTRACT

In a previous study, we identified a novel missense mutation, p.W77S, in the GJC3 gene encoding connexin30.2/connexin31.3 (CX30.2/CX31.3) from patients with hearing loss. The functional alteration of CX30.2/CX31.3 caused by the p.W77S mutant of GJC3 gene, however, remains unclear. In the current study, our result indicated that the p.W77 is localized at the second membrane-spanning segments (TM2) and near border of the E1 domain of the CX30.2/CX31.3 protein and highly conserved (Conseq score = 8~9) in all species. The p.W77S missense mutation proteins in the intracellular distribution are different CX30.2/CX31.3WT and an accumulation of the mutant protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the HeLa cell. Furthermore, co-expression of WT and p.W77S mutant chimerae proteins showed that the heteromeric connexon accumulated in the cytoplasm, thereby impairing the WT proteins' expression in the cell membranes. In addition, we found that CX30.2/CX31.3W77S missense mutant proteins were degraded by lysosomes and proteosomes in the transfected HeLa cell. Based on these findings, we suggest that p.W77S mutant has a dominant negative effect on the formation and function of the gap junction. These results give a novel molecular elucidation for the mutation of GJC3 in the development of hearing loss.


Subject(s)
Connexins/chemistry , Connexins/genetics , Deafness/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/chemistry , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Structure-Activity Relationship , Connexins/metabolism , Deafness/pathology , Endoplasmic Reticulum/chemistry , Endoplasmic Reticulum/genetics , Gap Junctions/genetics , Gap Junctions/pathology , Gene Expression Regulation , HeLa Cells , Humans , Lysosomes/genetics , Mutation, Missense , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Protein Domains , Proteolysis
19.
J Child Neurol ; 32(8): 704-711, 2017 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28399683

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the KCNQ2 wild-type gene and 3 mutations to highlight the important association between the KCNQ2 phenotype and genotype. The clinical phenotypes of 3 mutations (p.E515D, p.V543 M, and p.R213Q) were compared. KCNQ2, wild-type, and mutant KCNQ2 alleles were transfected into HEK293 cells before whole-cell patch-clamp analysis. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were worst in patients with the p.R213Q mutation, better in patients with the p.E515D mutation, and best in patients with the novel p.V543 M mutation. The currents in p.E515D and in p.V543 M were significantly lower than in the wild type in homomeric and heteromeric transfected HEK293 cells ( P < .05). The opening threshold shifted to values that were more positive, and the maximal current induced by strong depolarization was higher in cells with the p.E515D and p.R213Q mutations. We provide evidence that genotype is involved in determining clinical phenotype, including the seizure frequency and outcome.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy/genetics , KCNQ3 Potassium Channel/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics , Child , Family Health , Female , Genotype , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Infant , Male , Membrane Potentials/genetics , Patch-Clamp Techniques , Phenotype , Transfection
20.
Pediatr Neonatol ; 58(4): 338-343, 2017 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28087260

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We wanted to identify in children with epilepsy the factors associated with seizure control and recurrence after a 2-year remission. METHODS: We did a 5-year follow-up of epileptic children whose antiepileptic medication had been stopped. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare features of electroencephalograms (EEGs) and clinical findings. In this study, 43 patients with and 64 without a seizure recurrence (SR) were enrolled. RESULTS: Clinical features strongly associated with SR in the univariate analysis included a symptomatic etiology for seizures, a history of status epilepticus, treatment duration before stopping antiepileptic drugs, and abnormal EEG findings at the time of stopping antiepileptic drugs. CONCLUSION: We found that a history of status epilepticus, symptomatic partial epilepsy, treatment duration before stopping antiepileptic drugs, and an abnormal EEG when the medication was stopped are important predictors of SR. The risk factors of SR after discontinuing antiepileptic drugs have been investigated in several studies. However, a history of status epilepticus as a predictive factor is rarely mentioned.


Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Seizures/drug therapy , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/etiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Recurrence , Risk Factors , Seizures/etiology , Status Epilepticus/complications
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