Root-associated bacterial diversities of Oryza rufipogon and Oryza sativa and their influencing environmental factors

Abstract

Oryza rufipogon is the ancestor of human-cultivated Oryza sativa. However, little is known about the difference between the root-associated microorganisms of O. rufipogon and O. sativa. In this study, the root-associated bacteria of O. rufipogon, Leersia hexandra, and O. sativa from different latitudes in China were studied by DGGE analysis. Their bacterial community structures were compared by principal component analysis. The relationship between root-associated bacteria and soil properties was explored by canonical correspondence analysis. The relationships of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) content, soluble sugar content, proline content of the plant, and bacterial diversity indices of their root-associated microorganisms were also investigated. We found both broad-spectrum and host-specific bacteria, and the similarity, diversity and abundance indices of O. rufipogon and L. hexandra were higher than O. sativa root-associated bacteria. However, even living in the same habitat, O. rufipogon and L. hexandra selected different root-associated bacteria. Microbial composition was primarily correlated with available N, P, and K and the annual precipitation. We also found a positive correlation between the soluble sugar content of the plant and GRSP content of the root soil. The above results indicated that the community structure of root-associated bacteria differs between wild rice and cultivated rice. Human activity and the natural selection of the host plants shaped the differences, consistent with our hypothesis.

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Approach to Lynch Syndrome for the Gastroenterologist

Abstract

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal-dominant hereditary cancer syndrome. Mutations in mismatch repair genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, are implicated in the pathogenesis of the syndrome through microsatellite instability (MSI) and a rapid adenoma–carcinoma sequence. The primary methodologies for diagnosis include clinical criteria (Amsterdam I/II, Revised Bethesda Guidelines), computational models, and genetic testing (MSI, immunohistochemistry, germline testing). Universal genetic testing of colorectal cancers has gained popularity as a method to identify high-risk individuals and to offer appropriate cancer surveillance, psychological reassurance, and family planning. Management includes short-interval surveillance with colonoscopy in those without colorectal cancer and colectomy for those with cancer. Long-term chemoprevention with aspirin may improve mortality.

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Creation of a novel risk score for surgical site infection and occurrence after ventral hernia repair

Abstract

Background

Complex ventral hernia repair (VHR) is a common surgical operation but carries a risk of complications from surgical site infections (SSI) and occurrences (SSO). We aimed to create a predictive risk score to identify patients at increased risk for SSO or SSI within 30 days of surgery.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing VHR between January 2008 and February 2015 by a single surgeon. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors predictive of SSO and SSI. Significant predictors of SSO and SSI were assigned point values based on their odds ratios to create a novel risk score, the Hopkins ventral hernia repair SSO/SSI risk score; predicted and actual rates of outcomes were then compared using weighted regression.

Results

During the study period, 362 patients underwent open VHR. Thirty-day SSO and SSI occurred in 18.5 and 10% of patients, respectively. After risk adjustment, ASA class ≥3 (1 point), operative time ≥4 h (2 points), and the absence of a postoperative wound vacuum dressing (1 point) were predictive of 30-day SSO. Predicted risk of SSO utilizing this scoring system was 9.7, 19.4, 29.1, and 38.8% for 1, 2, 3, and 4 points (AUC = 0.73). For SSI, operative time ≥4 h (1 point) and the lack of a wound vacuum dressing (1 point) were predictive. Predicted risk of SSI based on this scoring system was 12.5% for 1 point and 25% for 2 points (AUC = 0.71). Actual vs. predicted rates of SSO and SSI correlated strongly for risk model with a coefficient of determination (R ²) of 0.92 and 0.91, respectively.

Conclusion

The novel Hopkins ventral hernia repair risk score accurately predicts risk of SSO and SSI after complex VHR. Further studies using a prospective randomized controlled trial will be needed to further validate our findings.

http://ift.tt/2hW9cqC

Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a correlative study of noninvasive arterial health testing

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between noninvasive measures of arterial health and both estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk and measures of disease activity over time in established rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty rheumatoid arthritis patients underwent noninvasive arterial health testing (brachial artery reactivity, aortic augmentation index [AIx], pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and carotid artery plaque presence) and assessment of clinical disease activity (tender or swollen joint counts, Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI], and Health Assessment Questionnaire II [HAQ-II]). Clinical measures during 3 years before the study visit were averaged. Arterial health testing was compared with the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) Pooled Cohort Equation. Spearman methods identified correlations between disease activity measures, cardiac biomarkers, and arterial health parameters. Among the patients (mean age, 57.5 years), disease activity was moderate (mean [SD] CDAI, 16.9 [15.3]). At the study visit, corrected aortic augmentation index correlated with CDAI (r = 0.37, P = .009) and HAQ-II (r = 0.33, P = .02). AIx correlated with time-averaged tender joint count (r = 0.37, P = .008), CDAI (r = 0.36, P = .01), HAQ-II (r = 0.36, P = .01), swollen joint count (r = 0.36, P = .10), patient global assessment (r = 0.33, P = .02), physician global assessment (r = 0.35, P = .01), and pain score (r = 0.38, P = .007). The AHA/ACC low-risk group (<5% 10-year risk) had highest prevalence of carotid plaques. Arterial health testing may identify increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with risk obtained through AHA/ACC Pooled Cohort Equation. Measures of arterial stiffness correlate with the burden of disease activity over time.

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CD28, CTLA-4 and CCL5 gene polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint destruction caused by infiltrating leukocytes including T cells. An important role in T cell co-stimulation is played by the CD28, as a stimulatory signal transducer and the inhibitory CTLA-4. CCL5 is produced by circulating T cells and plays an active role in the chemotactic activity of T cells in RA. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between polymorphisms within CD28, CTLA-4, and CCL5 genes and RA. We examined 422 patients (340 female, 82 male, mean age 57.5 ± 12.5 years) with rheumatoid arthritis and 338 healthy subjects (261 female, 77 male). Disease activity was determined on the basis of DAS28 score. The patients with DAS28 of ≤2.5 were classified as subjects in remission of disease symptoms; the patients who had DAS28 of >2.5 were classified as subjects with active form of RA. There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of studied genotypes and alleles between RA patients and the control group. A statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of CTLA4 exon 1 +49A>G rs231775 genotypes between patients with DAS28 ≤ 2.5 and DAS28 > 2.5 where the increased frequency of AA genotype among patients with DAS28 > 2.5 was revealed (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.01–2.38). The results of our study suggest no significant association between CD28 rs1980422, CCL5 rs2107538, CTLA-4 exon 1 +49A>G rs231775 and rs3087243 gene polymorphisms and RA in the Polish population. Our results indicate a possible association between CTLA-4 exon 1 +49A>G rs231775 gene polymorphism and RA activity.

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A Case of Renal Tubular Acidosis with Sjogren’s Syndrome Showing Paradoxical Block of PTH Due to Severe Hypomagnesemia

Abstract

Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) manifests either as Complete/Classical form or Incomplete/Latent Form. Distal RTA causes normal anion gap metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Interstitial Nephritis is the most frequent renal manifestation of Sjogren's, which presents as Distal RTA in 25–40% of patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Magnesium deficiency is frequently associated with hypokalemia. Although serum calcium is the main physiological control for the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid, serum magnesium can also exert similar effects. While low levels of magnesium stimulate the secretion of PTH, very low serum concentrations tend to induce a paradoxical block of PTH release by activation of the alpha-subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. This mimicks the activation of calcium sensing receptor leading to inhibition of PTH secretion. Here we describe the case history of a 35-year-old lady who presented to our hospital with severe hypokalemia due to distal RTA and perhaps had a paradoxical block of PTH secretion in the setting of severe hypomagnesemia.

http://ift.tt/2hIyms6

Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Remission 1 Year After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Purpose

Given the lack of evidence of the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD), which is a characteristic of obese subjects, this study aimed to describe the remission rate of AD 1 year after BS in severely obese patients.

Materials and Methods

A non-randomised, prospective cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a 1-year follow-up. AD was defined as triglycerides ≥1.71 mmol/l or treatment with fibrates and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<1.03 mmol/l in men or <1.3 mmol/l in women).

Results

AD was present in 81 (22.8%) of the 356 patients; these were more frequently men and presented higher total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations. AD remission rate was 74.1% at 3 months, 90.1% at 6 months and 96.3% at 12 months, respectively, after BS. In this group of patients, HDL cholesterol levels rose progressively (1.0 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.3 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and triglycerides decreased (2.5 ± 0.9 to 1.2 ± 0.5 mmol/l, p < 0.001) during follow-up. Regarding previous lipid-lowering therapy, fibrates and ezetimibe were withdrawn in all patients and statins in 69.4% 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion

BS has beneficial effects on lipid profile, achieving complete remission of AD at 1 year of follow-up in almost all patients.

http://ift.tt/2hMHaL3