[Association between interleukin-17A and 17F single nucleotide polymorphisms and knee osteoarthritis].

Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of IL-17A (rs2275913) and IL-17F (rs763780) genes and susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Chinese Han and Tibetan populations. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Total of 122 Han KOA patients and 124 Han healthy controls and 76 Tibetan KOA patients and 68 Tibetan healthy controls in Qinghai Province were selected between 2015 and 2017. SNP typing was performed on four groups of rs2275913 and rs763780 polymorphisms by polymerease chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing to detect IL-17A and IL-17 F genotype frequencies and allele frequencies. The t test was used to compare data between groups. Results: The genotype AA frequency of IL-17A (rs2275913) was significantly different between the Han KOA and the control group (OR=2.625, P=0.016). Compared with the frequency of allele A in healthy control group, the allele A frequency in Han KOA group was significantly higher(OR=1.445, P=0.047); the genotype frequency of IL-17A,however,was comparable between the KOA and the healthy control in Tibetan population (OR=1.696, 1.355, both P>0.05); there were also not difference in the IL-17F (rs763780) genotype frequency and allele frequency between the Han KOA and Tibetan KOA groups and two control groups,respectively (OR=1.346, 1.126, both P>0.05). Conclusion: It is highly likely that the pathogenesis of KOA in Chinese Han population is positively related to the genotype AA and allele A of IL-17A (rs2275913).

Development and content validation of measures assessing adherence barriers and behaviors for use in clinical care.

BACKGROUND: Providers are often unaware of poor adherence to prescribed medications for their patients with chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To develop brief, computer-administered patient-reported measures in English and Spanish assessing adherence behaviors and barriers. Design, Participants, and Main Measures: Item pools were constructed from existing measures of medication adherence behaviors and barriers, which informed development of a patient concept elicitation interview guide to identify medication adherence behavior and barrier-related concepts. Two hundred six patients either living with HIV (PLWH) or without were interviewed. Interviews were coded, concepts matched to item pool content, and new items were developed for novel concepts. A provider/investigator team highlighted clinically relevant items. Cognitive interviews were conducted with patients on final candidate items (n = 37). The instruments were administered to 2081 PLWH. KEY RESULTS: Behavioral themes from concept elicitation interviews included routines incorporating time of day, placement, visual cues, and intentionality to miss or skip doses. Barrier themes included health-related (e.g. depressed mood, feeling ill), attitudes/beliefs (e.g., need for medication), access (e.g., cost/insurance problems), and circumstantial barriers (e.g., lack of privacy, disruption of daily routine). The final instruments included 6 behavior items, and 1 barrier item with up to 23 response options. PLWH endorsed a mean (SD) of 3.5 (1.1) behaviors. The 201 PLWH who missed ≥2 doses in the previous week endorsed a mean (SD) of 3.1 (2.5) barriers. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the numbers of behaviors endorsed in 61 PLWH after 4-16 days was 0.54 and for the number of barriers for the 20 PLWH with ≥2 missed doses the ICC was 0.89, representing fair and excellent test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: Measures of medication adherence behaviors and barriers were developed for use with patients living with chronic diseases focusing on clinical relevance, brevity, and content validity for use in clinical care.

Circumstances Surrounding High-risk Sexual Experiences Among Primary Care Patients Living With and Without HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) are rising in the USA, yet STI risk remains under-addressed by providers, even in HIV care, and with high-risk patients. We interviewed primary care patients living with and without HIV regarding circumstances surrounding sexual risk behavior to identify opportunities for providers to address and reduce STI risk. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured 1:1 interviews with patients living with and without HIV reporting ≥ 1 sex partner and varying STI exposure risk in the past 12 months from four geographically diverse US HIV and primary care clinics. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded interviews by circumstance type, using double-coding to ensure inter-coder reliability. We used Fisher's exact and T tests to determine associations with demographic/risk factors. RESULTS: Patients (n = 91) identified a mean of 3 of 11 circumstances. These included substance use (54%), desire for physical/emotional intimacy (48%), lack of HIV/STI status disclosure (44%), psychological drivers (i.e., coping, depression; 38%), personal dislike of condoms (22%), partner condom dislike/refusal (19%), receiving payment for sex (13%), and condom unavailability (9%). Higher proportions of those who were high STI-exposure risk patients, defined as those with ≥ 2 sex partners in the past 3 months reporting never or sometimes using condoms, reported disliking condoms (p = .006); higher proportions of the high-risk and moderate-risk (≥ 2 partners and condom use "most of the time") groups reported substance use as a circumstance (p = .04). CONCLUSION: Circumstances surrounding perceived STI exposure risk were diverse, often overlapping, and dependent on internal, environmental, and partner-related factors and inadequate communication. Meaningful care-based interventions regarding HIV/STI transmission behavior must address the diversity and interplay of these factors.

Medication understanding among patients living with multiple chronic conditions: Implications for patient-reported measures of adherence.

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy is associated with poor medication adherence and poor health outcomes. Limited understanding of prescribed medications may decrease validity of patient-reported adherence measures. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge of names and purposes of prescribed medications among patients with multiple chronic conditions. METHODS: Individual interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of patients from six U.S. primary care clinics. Participants (n = 57) were English and/or Spanish-speaking patients prescribed 3+ medications for chronic conditions, for which non-adherence may lead to disability or death. In individual interviews, patients were asked to name their medications, explain the purpose of each, and to explain how they distinguish them from one another. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded; coded content was quantified by 1) whether or not the patient could name medications; 2) method of categorizing medications; 3) whether or not the purpose of the medication was understood. Descriptive statistics were compiled using Fisher's exact test to determine the relationship between patient knowledge and medication characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients could not name at least one of their medications; 19% did not know their purpose; 30% held misconceptions about the purpose of one or more medications. There was no significant difference in ability to name medications or state their medication's purpose between patients using medi-sets, pre-packaged rolls, or blister packs, and patients who stored pills in their original containers (p = 0.56 and p = 0.73, respectively), or across demographic groups (p = 0.085 to 0.767). CONCLUSIONS: Many patients demonstrated difficulty identifying the name and purpose of prescribed medications; this did not differ by demographic group or medication storage type. Patients may benefit from routine review of medications with their provider in order to improve health literacy, outcomes, and patient-reported adherence measurement.

Validity assessment of the PROMIS fatigue domain among people living with HIV.

PURPOSE: To evaluate psychometric characteristics and cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of the 7-item PROMIS® Fatigue Short Form and additional fatigue items among people living with HIV (PLWH) in a nationally distributed network of clinics collecting patient reported data at the time of routine clinical care. METHODS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal fatigue data were collected from September 2012 through April 2013 across clinics participating in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS). We analyzed data regarding psychometric characteristics including simulated computerized adaptive testing and differential item functioning, and regarding associations with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1597 PLWH. Fatigue was common in this cohort. Scores from the PROMIS® Fatigue Short Form and from the item bank had acceptable psychometric characteristics and strong evidence for validity, but neither performed better than shorter instruments already integrated in CNICS. CONCLUSIONS: The PROMIS® Fatigue Item Bank is a valid approach to measuring fatigue in clinical care settings among PLWH, but in our analyses did not perform better than instruments associated with less respondent burden.

Relevance and clinical significance of serum resistin level in obese T2DM rhesus monkey models.

Resistin is a type of hormone-like adipocytokines, which is secreted specifically by adipocytes. It may be a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from obesity- associated insulin resistance due to results that show that it has a close relationship with insulin resistance in rodents. We utilized the rhesus monkeys as study objects to preliminarily test the association with glucose metabolism and to conduct a correlation analysis for clinical parameters and serum resistin levels in obese rhesus monkey models of T2DM. The results suggested that resistin was significantly increased in T2DM monkeys (P <0.01), and that resistin had a positive correlation respectively with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FPI) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Insulin resistance index (HOA-IR), but a negative correlation with islet ß-cell function (HOMA-ß). In the course of glucose metabolism, reverse release change of resistin and insulin in T2DM monkeys occurred, but the phenomenon that was not observed in the control group, these findings indicated that resistin negatively regulated and interfered with carbohydrate metabolism in T2DM monkey models. The character of the releasing change of resistin might be a unique process in T2DM. Therefore, all of the results could provide references for clinical diagnostic criteria for human cases of T2DM, and could have clinical significance for obese T2DM diagnosis and degree of insulin resistance.

Effect of nano-packing on preservation quality of fresh strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) during storage at 4 degrees C.

UNLABELLED: A novel nano-packing material with lower relative humidity, oxygen transmission rate and high longitudinal strength was synthesized by blending polyethylene with nano-powder (nano-Ag, kaolin, anatase TiO(2), rutile TiO(2)), and its effect on preservation quality of strawberry fruits (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) was investigated during storage at 4 degrees C. Results showed that nano-packaging was able to maintain the sensory, physicochemical, and physiological quality of strawberry fruits at a higher level compared with the normal packing (polyethylene bags). After a 12-d storage, decreases in the contents of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid of nano-packing were significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, decay rate, anthocyanin, and malondialdehyde contents were decreased to 16.7%, 26.3 mg/100g, 66.3 micromol/g for nano-packing and 26.8%, 31.9 mg/100g, 75.4 micromol/g for normal packing; polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and pyrogallol peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower in nano-packing than the control. These data indicated that the nano-packaging might provide an attractive alternative to improve preservation quality of the strawberry fruits during extended storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nano-packing exhibited identified quality benefits applicable to the preservation of fresh strawberry. Furthermore, nano-packing has the advantages of simple processing and feasibility to be industrialized in contrast with other storages. Thus, the utilization of nano-packing will likely assist commercial producers and retailers in extending the shelf life of products over a broader range in the future.

Delirium accelerates cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of delirium on the trajectory of cognitive function in a cohort of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: A secondary analysis of data collected from a large prospective cohort, the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's patient registry, examined cognitive performance over time in patients who developed (n = 72) or did not develop (n = 336) delirium during the course of their illnesses. Cognitive performance was measured by change in score on the Information-Memory-Concentration (IMC) subtest of the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale. Delirium was identified using a previously validated chart review method. Using linear mixed regression models, rates of cognitive change were calculated, controlling for age, sex, education, comorbid medical diagnoses, family history of dementia, dementia severity score, and duration of symptoms before diagnosis. RESULTS: A significant acceleration in the slope of cognitive decline occurs following an episode of delirium. Among patients who developed delirium, the average decline at baseline for performance on the IMC was 2.5 points per year, but after an episode of delirium there was further decline to an average of 4.9 points per year (p = 0.001). Across groups, the rate of change in IMC score occurred about three times faster in those who had delirium compared to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium can accelerate the trajectory of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). The information from this study provides the foundation for future randomized intervention studies to determine whether prevention of delirium might ameliorate or delay cognitive decline in patients with AD.

Concentration and chemical characteristics of PM2.5 in Beijing, China: 2001-2002.

Weekly PM2.5 samples were simultaneously collected at a semi-residential (Tsinghua University) and a downtown (Chegongzhuang) site in Beijing from August 2001 through September 2002. The ambient mass concentration and chemical composition of PM2.5 were determined. Analyses including elemental composition, water-soluble ions, and organic and elemental carbon were performed. The annual average concentrations of PM2.5 were 96.5 microg m(-3) and 106.9 microg m(-3) at CGZ and HU site, respectively. More than 80% of the PM2.5 mass concentrations were explained by carbonaceous species, secondary particles, crustal matters and trace elements at the two sites. Carbonaceous species were the most abundant components, constituting about 45% and 48% of the total PM2.5 mass concentrations at CGZ and THU site, respectively. SO4(2-), NO3- and NH4+ were three major ions, accounting for 37%, 23% and 20%, respectively, of the total mass of inorganic water-soluble ions.

Tissue specific expression of mouse transferrin during development and aging.

Transferrin (TF) is a major plasma protein that binds ferric iron and transports it to all target tissues of the body. This study is the first step to identify the tissue specific expression of the transferrin gene in mice during development, into maturity and throughout the aging process. The transferrin gene expresses mainly in mouse liver, the cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum. In mouse, transferrin is expressed in peritoneal macrophages and in mouse macrophage cell line MO59. At 19 days of gestation, transferrin mRNA is detected in the fetal lung, heart, stomach and kidney. TF mRNA levels increase in liver throughout gestation with maximum expression occurring at 19 days. Transferrin mRNA was detected in placentas of pregnant mice, with levels progressively increasing throughout the term of pregnancy. The levels of liver TF mRNA in mouse vary in a cyclic manner during the development increasing with the aging processes. Because of the dynamic nature of tissue requirements for transferrin during homeostasis the TF gene serves as a promising system for analyzing tissue-specific regulation in vivo during development and aging. Results from this study designate periods in the life-span of the mouse where regulatory mechanisms interacting with the TF gene appear to dynamically alter its expression.

Human ceruloplasmin. Tissue-specific expression of transcripts produced by alternative splicing.

Ceruloplasmin (CP) is a plasma glycoprotein that transports copper throughout the body. In previous studies (Yang, F., Naylor, S., Lum, J., Cutshaw, S., McCombs, J., Naberhaus, K., McGill, J., Adrian, G., Moore, C., Barnett, D., and Bowman, B. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 83, 3277-3261), two CP cDNA clones, CP-1 and CP-2, from a human cDNA library, differed from each other by the presence or absence, respectively, of 12 nucleotide bases encoding a deduced sequence of Gly-Glu-Tyr-Pro near the carboxyl-terminal region of the ceruloplasmin molecule. Examination of genomic DNA demonstrates that the two CP mRNAs are produced from a single gene by alternative spliced patterns. The additional amino acids deduced in CP-1 are products of alternative splicing within an intron of the CP gene at a site 12 nucleotide bases 3' to the commonly used site of CP-2. The CP-1 mRNA transcript encoding four extra amino acids appeared as a minor species accompanying CP-2 mRNA in placenta and chondrocytes. CP-1 mRNA was the predominant CP transcript in a lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, CEM. The mRNA examined from other tissues contained only CP-2 mRNA transcripts. These findings predict that alternative RNA splicing may lead to the differential expression of CP genomic sequences and produce alternate isoforms from a single CP gene in specific tissues.

Expression of transferrin and vitamin D-binding protein genes in an osteogenic sarcoma cell line.

Expression of genes encoding transferrin and the vitamin D-binding protein is described in a cell line, U-2 OS, derived from a human osteogenic sarcoma. The mRNA transcripts of transferrin and vitamin D-binding protein were shown to be the lengths of those found in normal human liver. The cells synthesize and secrete the transferrin and vitamin D-binding proteins, in addition to human albumin and ceruloplasmin. The U-2 OS cells were successfully transfected with chimeric genes carrying 670 bp of the 5' regulatory sequence of the human transferrin gene fused to a reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. These data indicate that the appropriate transcriptional factors required for expression of four plasma proteins are produced by U-2 OS nuclei and that the U-2 OS cell line will be useful for studies analyzing regulation of these genes.

Human alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein: the A and B chains with a connecting sequence are encoded by a single mRNA transcript.

The alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) is a plasma protein reported to play roles in bone mineralization and in the immune response. It is composed of two subunits, the A and B chains. Recombinant plasmids containing human cDNA AHSG have been isolated by screening an adult human liver library with a mixed oligonucleotide probe. The cDNA clones containing AHSG inserts span approximately 1.5 kilobase pairs and include the entire AHSG coding sequence, demonstrating that the A and B chains are encoded by a single mRNA transcript. The cDNA sequence predicts an 18-amino-acid signal peptide, followed by the A-chain sequence of AHSG. A heretofore unseen connecting sequence of 40 amino acids was deduced between the A- and B-chain sequences. The connecting sequence demonstrates the unique amino acid doublets and collagen triplets found in the A and B chains; it is not homologous with other reported amino acid sequences. The connecting sequence may be cleaved in a posttranslational step by limited proteolysis before mature AHSG is released into the circulation or may vary in its presence because of alternative processing. The AHSG cDNA was utilized for mapping the AHSG gene to the 3q21----qter region of human chromosome 3. The availability of the AHSG cDNA clone will facilitate the analysis of its genetic control and gene expression during development and bone formation.

Plant tumor reversal associated with the loss of foreign DNA.

Transformation of plant tissues into crown gall tumors has been associated with the transfer of a portion of a tumor-inducing plasmid (Ti-plasmid) into plant DNA. Various laboratories have regenerated normal-appearing plants from a number of crown gall tumors. This study investigates the fate of the foreign DNA in a series of tissues derived from various parts of a plant regenerated from the tumor BT-37 by Braum and his coworkers. It was found that all the foreign DNA sequences were lost from tissues that had lost all their tumorous traits; whereas the plasmid DNA sequences were still present in tissues that appeared normal but still exhibited tumorous traits when returned to tissue culture media. From these studies it would appear that the presence of the Ti-plasmid sequences in the plant DNA is required for the maintenance of the transformed state.