LncRNA SNHG14 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via regulating miR-185-5p/WISP2 axis.

Osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is vital for bone formation, and its dysfunction is linked to osteoporosis (OP). In this work, we explored the function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) in regulating osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. In the present study, the expression of SNHG14 in hBMSCs obtained from OP patients was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SNHG14 was over-expressed or knocked down in hBMSCs, and the expression levels of OP-related genes (ALP, OCN, and OPN) in hBMSCs were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. StarBase database and miRanda database were used to predict the binding sites between SNHG14 and miR-185-5p, and between miR-185-5p and 3'UTR of WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2), respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to validate the binding relationship between SNHG14 and miR-185-5p, and miR-185-5p and 3'UTR of WISP2, respectively. Here, we report that SNHG14 was significantly down-regulated in hBMSCs obtained from patients with OP. Overexpression of SNHG14 promoted osteogenic differentiation, while knockdown of SNHG14 worked oppositely. Mechanistically, miR-185-5p was demonstrated to be a target of SNHG14, and could reverse the function of SNHG14. Additionally, WISP2 was identified as a target gene of miR-185-5p in hBMSCs and could be indirectly regulated by SNHG14. Taken together, down-regulation of SNHG14 in hBMSCs accelerated the progression of OP via regulating miR-185-5p/WISP2 axis.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in daily practice: Image features correlated to histopathology.

BACKGROUND: In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of skin lesions. In the clinical daily practice, doctors want to know the relationship between the RCM images and the skin pathological changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the basic skin pathological changes under RCM, and use RCM terminology to describe these pathological changes. METHODS: A total of 100 patients were recruited and were evaluated both by RCM and histopathologic examination. Ten healthy volunteers were also recruited as control. RCM examinations were done and biopsies of the lesions at the same site of RCM examination were performed for histopathology analysis. RESULTS: The pathological changes including hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papilloma, spongiosis, pustule, vacuolar degeneration, hyperpigmentation, changes of collagen fibers, and vascular changes can be imaged by RCM and corresponded well to their histopathology. RCM failed to find the atypical keratinocytes in two squamous cell carcinoma cases because of the hyperkeratosis and failed to find the vascular changes in one port wine stain cases because of the limitation of detecting depth. CONCLUSION: Features correlating well to histopathology are observed on RCM. RCM can be used as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for the clinical diagnosis.

[Use of alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap in dental implantation].

To introduce a method of increasing the width of alveolar bone. The patient, who needed dental implantation and had narrow alveolar bone, was selected. The preparation of mucosa-periosteal bone flap included two surgeries. The first surgery was corticotomy, which made a square cortex cut on narrow alveolar bone region. The second surgery was performed four weeks after the first one, which split the alveolar bone and inserted implants. Artificial bone and/or autologous bone was filled between inner and outer bone plate, and collagen membrane and platelet-rich fibrin membrane were used to cover the wound. This technique maintained the blood supply of labial(buccal) alveolar bone completely. Artificial bone and/or autologous bone graft contacted with cancellous bone directly and led to better bone growth and bone formation. Alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap can maintain the labial(buccal) alveolar bone effectively and avoid bone resorption.

A retrospective analysis of short and long term efficacy of RBL for hemorrhoids.

AIMS: Rubber band ligation is an effective treatment for hemorrhoids. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate its short and long-term efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2008, 254 outpatients with II- degree and 114 with III-degree hemorrhoids underwent rubber band ligation. Two or three hemorrhoids were ligated per session. Each haemorrhoid was ligated with two rubber bands through a ligator. All patients were visited after two months and followed up through a telephone after two and eleven years. RESULTS: Twenty-four or forty-eight hours post treatment, 41% of patients had mild-moderate pain. Four patients showed severe pain and required for haemorrhoidectomy within a few days. Only 2% of patients experienced self-limiting rectal bleeding after one week and 6% of patients had an additional ligation within two months. Two months later, 92% of II-degree patients and 76% of III-degree patients showed no residual symptoms. After two and eleven years, the history of 314 patients (85%) were obtained, of them, 70% was asymptomatic, 27% had some residual symptoms of occasional bleeding and prolapse, and 3% needed further surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Rubber band ligation is an efficient, cost-effective and simple outpatient procedure for the second and third degree hemorrhoids with minimal complications.

Evaluation of the clinical significance of classification of traumatic anterior shoulder instability using double-contrast computed tomography arthrography.

This study evaluated the clinical significance of traumatic anterior shoulder instability (TASI) classification using double-contrast computed tomography (CT) arthrography. Patient were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (n = 62); and group 2 (n = 63). TASI symptom severity in group 1 was assessed using physical signs of shoulder trauma and conventional X-ray, CT and magnetic resonance imaging; these patients received either conservative management (with physical rehabilitation) or standard surgery. Group 2 underwent double-contrast CT arthrography to classify TASI; its findings formed the basis of subsequent management. At 24 months post-therapy, significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed in group 2: Constant scores were higher and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores were lower. At 24 months, recurrence rates were 21.0% (13/62) in group 1 and 7.9% (5/63) in group 2. Findings suggested that TASI classification using double-contrast CT arthrography provided meaningful information thereby improving treatment efficacy.

TNF receptor I polymorphism is associated with persistent palindromic rheumatism.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), TNF receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A, also known as TNFRI), TNFRSF1B (TNFRII), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility to persistent palindromic rheumatism (PR). METHODS: Fifty-six unrelated patients with persistent PR and 100 unrelated healthy controls were genotyped for TNFalpha -308G/A, -238G/A, and +488G/A, TNFRSF1A -609G/T and +36A/G, TNFRSF1B +676T/G and +1663G/A, and IL-1beta -511C/T, -31T/C, and +3954C/T using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The TNFRSF1A +36G allele [odds ratio (OR) = 3.94, p = 0.003, corrected p (p(c)) = 0.03] and the TNFRSF1A +36AG genotype (OR = 4.81, p = 0.002, p(c) = 0.04) were significantly associated with persistent PR. The frequency of TNFRSF1B +676T/+1663A was increased in PR patients (OR = 2.12, p = 0.01), but failed to reach statistical significance after Bonferroni correction. No correlation was observed between persistent PR and TNFalpha, TNFRSF1A -609G/T, or IL-1beta SNPs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide evidence of an association between persistent PR and SNPs within the TNFRSF1A gene, and suggest that TNFRI is involved in the aetiopathogenesis of PR.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in systemic lupus erythematosus: a report of two cases.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased susceptibility to infection by Pneumocystis carinii, but this condition has rarely been reported in Taiwan. Here, we describe two cases of patients with SLE who developed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). The first patient was a 39-year-old woman presenting with fever and dyspnea that had lasted 2 weeks. Chest roentgenography disclosed bilateral interstitial and alveolar infiltrates. The second patient was a 22-year-old woman presenting with a 4-day history of malaise, cough, dyspnea, and fever. She had concomitant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Both patients had been treated with varying doses of corticosteroids and/or cytotoxic drugs within 4 months before presentation. Diagnosis was established based on the findings of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Both patients received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (20 mg.kg-1.d-1 trimethoprim), but finally died of nosocomial septicemia (Acinetobacter baumanni and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in one, P. aeruginosa bacteremia in the other). These two cases demonstrate that PCP should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with SLE presenting with pneumonic processes. In addition, a second opportunistic pathogen should be suspected. Bronchoscopic examination should be performed if the diagnosis is not clear and should include TBLB and BAL.

[Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL) therapy for renal calculi. METHODS: 126 patients were treated with Shanghai HX-902 lithotriptor on an inpatient basis. The stone size varied from 0.5 to 2.5 cm. Some patients had a double-J stent inserted prior to treatment. RESULTS: The overall stone-free rate in 2 months was 45.6%, whereas it was 53.3%, 40.8% and 18.1% according to the stone size, < or = 0.8, 0.9-1.9 and > or = 2 cm, respectively. Complications were rare, including 1 subcapsular hematoma formation, 15 renal colics and 5 stone streets, which were managed by conservative treatment or ureteral stenting or additional ESWL and resulted in complete stone clearance. CONCLUSION: ESWL therapy is a reasonable and effective method for renal stone, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy(PCNL) or open surgery should be considered for stones larger than 2 cm.

HLA-DRB1 leprogenic motifs in nigerian population groups.

Amino acid residues involved in the peptide binding groove of HLA-DRB1 alleles were examined in three Nigerian ethnic groups with leprosy (n = 287) and 170 controls to determine the role of DRB1 alleles in disease outcome with Mycobacterium leprae. Nine positively charged motifs and two others with neutral charge to the binding groove were detected. These motifs occurred more frequently in leprosy (leprogenic) than was expected by chance (P < 0.0001). In contrast, five motifs with net negative or 'modified' neutral charges to the pocket were negatively associated with leprosy. We conclude that clinical outcome of infection with M. leprae is largely determined by a shared epitope in DRB1 alleles marked by several motifs. These motifs occur in otherwise normal DRB1 alleles, characterized by net positive or neutral charges in the binding groove. We hypothesize that these polarities cause poor binding of DRB1 to M. leprae. On presentation, the signal via the T cell receptor results in muted cell-mediated immunity. The resulting response translates to various forms of leprosy depending on degree of charge consonance between M. leprae and host DRB1 allele. Other factors within or without the HLA complex, such as the T cell receptor repertoire, may also influence the resulting disease.

CD4 TCRBV CDR3 analysis in prevalent SLE cases from two ethnic groups.

We examined CD4+ T cell TCRBV-CDR3 transcripts from 19 lupus patients and 16 controls to test the hypothesis that CD4+ TCRBV-CDR3 expression in SLE differs from normals. Within the disease group we also performed exploratory analyses to determine the association between risk of oligoclonality and HLA-DRB specificities and the duration of the CDR3 patterns. Oligoclonal patterns consistent with CDR3 restriction were three times more likely in SLE than in controls (OR = 3.7). TCRBV1, BV4, BV5.1, BV7, BV9, BV18 and BV22 gene segment CDR3 patterns of oligoclonality were seen exclusively among lupus patients. HLA-DRB3 increased the risk of oligoclonal expression in SLE. In four patients studied over time, the pattern of TCRBV-CDR3 expression was stable in a second sample obtained 6-14 months later. The increased frequency of CD4+ T cell TCRBV-CDR3 oligoclonal expression in SLE when compared to controls and the persistence of these patterns are consistent with an expanded pool of autoreactive CD4 T cells in SLE which recognize peptides derived from autoantigens. The association of HLA-DRB3 genes with increased risk of CDR3 oligoclonality among the SLE subjects is compatible with the hypothesis that molecules encoded by HLA-DRB3 may facilitate autoantigen recognition by CD4 T cells.

Hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis and lymphocytic hypophysitis in Sjögren's syndrome.

The authors describe a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome who developed pachymeningitis, hypopituitarism, and central diabetes insipidus. The patient improved with corticosteroid pulse therapy.

Molecular analysis of major histocompatibility complex allelic associations with systemic lupus erythematosus in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of HLA class II alleles/haplotypes, type I C2 deficiency gene, and tumor necrosis factor a gene promoter allele (TNF2) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Chinese population in Taiwan. METHODS: The HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were studied in 105 SLE patients and 115 controls by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe method, the subtyping of DRB1*15/16 and DRB5 by PCR with sequence-specific primers, type I C2 deficiency gene by PCR, and TNF2 by PCR-Nco I restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequencies of the HLA class II alleles DRB1*02, DRB1*1502, DRB5*0102, DQB1*0501, and DQB1*0602 and DR2-associated haplotypes DRB1* 1501,DRB5*0101,DQB1*0602 and DRB1*1502,DRB5* 0102,DQB1*0501 were higher among SLE patients than among controls; however, only DQB1*0501 was statistically significantly associated with SLE. No specific allele/haplotype was significantly associated with lupus nephritis. No subject had type I C2 deficiency. SLE patients had a marginally higher percentage of TNF2, which was in linkage disequilibrium with DR3. Since DR3 was not associated with SLE in this Taiwanese Chinese population, TNF2 might play a role in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. CONCLUSION: Although no HLA-DRB1 allele was found to be significantly associated with SLE, the associations with DQB1*0501 and TNF2 suggest that DQB1 and tumor necrosis factor a may be important genetic factors in SLE susceptibility in the Chinese population in Taiwan.

Myositis ossificans progressiva mimicking ankylosing spondylitis: a case report.

Myositis ossificans progressiva is a rare disorder of young adults characterized by ossification of the connective tissue of the voluntary muscles and ligaments. Although it is trauma-related, up to 40-60% of these patients have no history of previous injury. A young female with marked kyphosis and ankylosis of the spine presented with a recent onset of a rapidly growing painful mass over the anterior aspect of her left shoulder. She received an excisional biopsy but recurrent ossification developed soon after. It then spread to the biceps muscle with subsequent contracture deformities of the shoulder and elbow joints. A plain radiogram of her spine revealed similar characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis. However, the final diagnosis was made by the pathognomonic ectopic ossification of muscles and para-articular soft tissue. Despite poor response of the established constracture, the painful mass did respond well to prednisolone treatment within 2 months, in terms of size and consistency.

[Effect of molybdenum Mo on the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats treated with 14C-diethylnitrosamine].

Effect of molybdenum on the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats treated with 14C-diethylnitrosamine was studied. When administered orally at a dose of 1 mg/rat/day as (HN4)6 Mo7O24 for 30 days, Mo inhibited the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats. The level of 3-ethylguanine, N7-ethylguanine and O6-ethylguanine decreased. Simultaneously, the exhalation of 14CO2 and the urinary excretion of 14C- were increased as compared to the controls. At a dose of 5 mg/rat/day, Mo increased the alkylation of DNA in the liver. The amount of 3-ethylguanine, N7-ethylguanine and O6-ethylguanine was higher than that of the controls. The exhalation of 14CO2 and the urinary excretion of 14C- were decreased. The authors believe that the dose of molybdenum is relevant to the role it plays in the carcinogenesis of cell. The role of molybdenum in the carcinogenesis is discussed.

Cross-reactivity for different type A influenza viruses of a cloned T-killer cell line.

Spleen cytotoxic T cells killing influenza virus-infected target cells are cross-reactive for the different type A influenza viruses, in contrast to the circulating antibodies, which show fine specificity for each A virus subtype variant. This finding has raised the question of whether a single T cell can recognize cells infected with all type A viruses. T-killer cell lines with specificity for alloantigens and the male Y antigen can be selected by means of growth factors present in the supernatant of T cells stimulated with concanavalin A (refs 3-7). We report here that we have been able to establish clones of mouse T cells killing target cells infected with influenza virus. Our cell line maintains the same specificity as the heterogeneous spleen cell population from infected mice, in as far as the T-killer cells are specific for A influenza virus, but do not discriminate between the different type A viruses. The cell line maintains H-2 restriction and does not kill cells infected with B influenza virus. The cells grow in the presence of T-cell growth factor and do not require antigen for growth although they maintain their receptors for type A virus. They can also be stimulated by irradiated T-helper cells from mice primed by type A influenza infection in the presence of type A virus-infected cells.