Association of Ficolin-2 Serum Levels and FCN2 Genetic Variants with Indian Visceral Leishmaniasis

BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL), one of the neglected tropical diseases, is endemic in the Indian subcontinent. Ficolins are circulating serum proteins of the lectin complement system and involved in innate immunity.MethodsWe have estimated ficolin-2 serum levels and analyzed the functional variants of the encoding gene FCN2 in 218 cases of VL and in 225 controls from an endemic region of India.ResultsElevated levels of serum ficolin-2 were observed in VL cases compared to the controls (adjusted P<0.0001). The genetic analysis revealed that the FCN2 structural variant +6359 C>T (p.T236M) was associated with VL (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.23-7.25, P=0.008) and with high ficolin-2 serum levels. We also found that the FCN2*AAAC haplotype occurred more frequently among healthy controls when compared to cases (OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.37-0.94, P=0.023).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the FCN2 variant +6359C>T is associated with the occurrence of VL and that ficolin-2 serum levels are elevated in Leishmania infections.     

Risk Factors and Early Predictors for Heterotopic Pregnancy after In Vitro Fertilization

This study investigated the risk factors and early predictors for heterotopic pregnancy (HP) after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). From January 2008 to January 2013, 41 cases of HP and 72 cases of intrauterine twin pregnancy after IVF-ET were recruited and retrospectively analyzed. Compared with intrauterine twin pregnancy group, the HP group had a lower basal luteinizing hormone (LH) level (P = 0.005) and more cases had a history of hydrosalpinx (P = 0.008). After 14 days of IVF-ET, the serum β-HCG (β-human chorionic gonadotropin), E2 (Estradiol) and P (Progesterone) levels were lower in HP group (P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain were the significant features of HP before diagnosis (P<0.001, respectively). Further by logistic regression, serum β-hCG, P levels on the 14th day after ET, and vaginal bleeding were identified as the independent factors of HP. These results indicate that when two or more embryos transferred in IVF procedure, β-hCG, P levels on the 14th day after ET, and vaginal bleeding could be taken as predictors for HP.     

Clinical application of the P3 component of event-related potentials. I. Normal aging

Normal adult volunteer subjects ranging in age from 18 to 90 years participated in a study in which analogous auditory and visual paradigms, with infrequently occurring target and non-target events, were used to elicit event-related potentials (ERPs) with a prominent P3 component. Of the 135 subjects participating, 66 completed both auditory and visual paradigms. The amplitude and latency of P3 were analyzed using average ERPs, single trials (adaptive filter) and principal components analysis (PCA). Age regressions were calculated using measures derived from average ERPs and single trials. Single trial measures were better than average ERP measures in demonstrating age-related changes in P3 latency. There was a significant increase in P3 latency with age of 1–1.5 msec/year. The range of normal P3 latency for a given age (1 S.E. of the regression = 40 msec for the visual target stimuli) was much larger than obtained by other investigators.The visual paradigm produced higher P3 latency/age correlations than the auditory paradigm (visual target r = 0.52, non-target r = 0.42; auditory target r = 0.32, non-target r = 0.33). Within individuals, the amplitude and latency of P3 generated by auditory and visual stimuli were highly correlated, though the visual paradigm produced larger and later P3s than the auditory paradigm.There is an apparent change in the scalp topography of P3 with age. In young adults, P3s to target stimuli have a markedly parietal distribution. The distribution of P3 becomes more uniformly distributed from Pz to Fz with age. This may be due to changes in overlapping components such as the slow wave (SW) rather than to changes in the amplitude of P3 per se.     

Three-dimensional human pattern visual evoked potentials. II. Multiple sclerosis patients

Pattern visual evoked potentials were obtained from 46 patients with definite relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, using both a conventional 5-channel occipital array and a 3-D recording technique consisting of three bipolar derivations approximating the three dimensions of space. These three orthogonal wave forms were displayed as a 3-D Lissajous trajectory for each subject. Two of the 15 patients with completely normal conventional pattern VEPs had abnormalities of the orientation of the B-C curvilinear segment of the 3-D pattern VEPs. Delays in the first major occipital positive component (P100) were evident using both techniques; the correlation between P100 latency and the latency of the corresponding trajectory apex was r = 0.99 (P < 0.01). Post-chiasmal MRI abnormalities were associated with 3-D VEP orientation abnormalities. Three-dimensional pattern VEPs are moderately more sensitive than conventional pattern VEPs at detecting dysfunction posterior to the optic chiasm in demyelinating disease and do not require the use of eccentric fixation to do so.     

Differences in the pattern visual evoked potential between pregnant and non-pregnant women

It has been proposed that latencies of some components of the pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (PRVEP) are shorter in women than in men because of differences in levels of circulating sex steroids. Pregnancy is a time when serum levels of oestrogen and progestogen are considerably greater than in the non-pregnant state. Whole and half field PRVEP latencies and amplitudes have been compared in 16 pregnant and 38 healthy non-pregnant women. The mean P100 latencies for all responses were shorter in the pregnant women, with statistically significant differences for the left eye whole field latency (P < 0.05) and the left eye right and left half field latencies (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively) and the right eye right half field latency (P < 0.05). The latencies in women in the pregnant group showed a negative correlation with gestation, which reached statistical significance for the REWF (r = −0.55, P < 0.05). These observed differences in PRVEP latencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women and the association between latency and gestation are likely to be due to differences in circulating sex steroids, and this effect may be the principal reason for latency differences between the sexes.     

Serum lipid profiles of young Japanese women with iron deficiency without anemia

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the association between iron deficiency without anemia (IDNA) and serum lipid profiles in young women of around 20 years of age.MethodsThis study included non-anemic (hemoglobin ≥ 12 g/dL) female volunteers aged 18 to 22 years who were not taking mineral/vitamin supplements and living in the metropolitan area of Tokyo, Japan. These volunteers were classified into two groups based on their sFer (serum ferritin) levels: normal group (sFer ≥ 20 ng/mL, n = 36) and IDNA group (sFer < 20 ng/mL, n = 29). Venous blood samples were obtained from the antecubital veins of these volunteers after 10–12-h fasting to measure the hematological and biochemical parameters, including lipid levels and iron status. The results of each group were compared using Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test (for inhomogeneous variance).ResultsThe serum cholesterol levels varied depending on the iron status in the women. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the IDNA group were significantly higher (P = 0.006) than that in the normal group. However, the levels of total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were not significantly different between the groups. Serum LDL-C levels were positively and significantly correlated with sFer levels in the IDNA group (Kendall’s rank correlation 0.264, P = 0.044), but not in the normal group. The sFer level was not correlated with serum HDL-C in both groups. The reason for the high serum HDL-C levels in young women with IDNA is not yet clear. Compared to the normal group, the frequency of eating bread containing bran was significantly higher (P = 0.031) and that for yogurt was significantly lower (P = 0.040) in the IDNA group. The proportion of the women who were susceptible to infection, which was measured using the Cornell Medical Index, was significantly higher in the IDNA group than in the normal group. Among those susceptible to infection, the serum HDL-C level of the volunteers in the IDNA group was significantly higher than that of the volunteers in the normal group (P = 0.024).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that lipid parameters may be associated with IDNA and susceptibility to infection. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the changes in the serum cholesterol levels in individuals with IDNA and the clinical significance of these findings.     

体视感觉“崩溃”的阀值

视差是产生体视感觉的主要因素.但视差过大时这种体视感觉也不能存在.这时随着双眼视差的增大从融合为单一像到成复像,而引起体视“崩溃”.本文对正常人和体视欠缺者用心理物理试验方法结合视觉诱发电位(VEP)分析,测量了人眼体视“崩溃”的视差上限阈值.并在改变刺激图形亮度和面积时加以比较.我们的结果表明正常人体视上限阈值,其视差高于2度,在某些情况下这个“崩溃”阈值达到3度.体视欠缺者的“崩溃”阈值约为1.5度.亮度和面积变小会使体视“崩溃”阈值下降,但在这种情况下体视欠缺者的“崩溃”阈值不会下降.可以认为1.5度是人的最低上限阈值·体视存在时VEP的N峰潜伏期约为220—300ms,P_3峰在280—340ms之间.无体视现象(视差为零和过大)这两个峰的潜伏期明显加大.     

Elevated Serum Level of IL-35 Associated with the Maintenance of Maternal-Fetal Immune Tolerance in Normal Pregnancy

Objectives

IL-35 is a novel inhibitory cytokine. In this study, we investigate the serum levels of inhibitory cytokines IL-35, IL-10 and TGF-β in both normal pregnancies and non-pregnant females, and whether IL-35 is associated with the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion. We also try to elucidate the relationships of IL-35 with estrogen and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

Methods

The levels of IL-35, IL-10, TGF-β, estradiol (E2), unconjugated estriol (uE3) and AFP were analyzed in 120 normal pregnancies, 40 women suffering recurrent spontaneous abortion, 40 postpartum healthy women and 40 non-pregnant women by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations between inhibitory cytokines, estrogen and AFP were assessed with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Data are expressed as median and percentiles (Q1, Q3).The level of serum IL-35 in normal pregnancies was significantly higher than that in non-pregnant women [333.6 (59.32, 1391) pg/mL vs. 123.9 (8.763, 471.7) pg/mL; P < 0.001]. A significantly higher level of TGF-β was observed in the first trimester only as compared to non-pregnant women [473.4 (398.0, 580.5) pg/mL vs. 379.7 (311.0, 441.3) pg/mL, P < 0.01]. The difference in serum IL-10 level between pregnant women and non-pregnant women was not significant [8.602 (5.854, 12.89) pg/mL vs. 9.339 (5.691, 12.07) pg/mL; P > 0.05]. The level of serum IL-35 in recurrent spontaneous abortion was significantly lower than that in normal early pregnancy [220.4 (4.951, 702.0) pg/mL vs. 386.5 (64.37, 1355) pg/mL; P < 0.05]. The higher IL-35 level in first trimester pregnant women correlated with E2 (r = 0.3062, P < 0.01) and AFP (r = 0.3179, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum levels of IL-35 increased in normal pregnancy and decreased in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Increased IL-35 correlated with estrogen and AFP levels in early pregnancy. IL-35 is becoming recognized as an active player in the maintenance of a successful pregnancy, but this is not the case for IL-10 or TGF-β.     

Spectrophotometric and radiometric studies on the in vivo binding of phenobarbital to hepatic microsomes.

We have examined hepatic microsomes prepared from phenobarbital-treated animals for the presence of the inducer and found that significant concentrations of the drug remain bound even after a number of washings. The bound drug is at least 70% unmetabolized and interferes with the in vitro binding of ethylmorphine and phenobarbital to the type I binding site but is not bound to the type I site since the K_s is 0.2–6.4 μm whereas the K_s for type I binding of phenobarbital is 103 μm. The high affinity site was not observed in microsomes from control animals either spectrophotometrically or radiometrically. The bound drug can be removed by bovine serum albumin to give a reverse pseudo-type I spectrum with a peak at 412 nm rather than the 425 nm observed for the trough of the typical type I spectrum. These data suggest that induction with phenobarbital may alter the spectral properties of cytochrome P-450 and hence care should be taken in comparing spectral data between microsomes from phenobarbital-treated and control animals.     

Association between serum somatostatin levels and glucose-lipid metabolism in the Jino ethnic minority and Han Chinese population

We aim to investigate the relationship between serum somatostatin(SST) levels and glucose-lipid metabolism at various stages of glucose tolerance in the Jino ethnic minority(n=111) and Han population(n=113) of Yunnan Province, southwest China.Anthropometric parameters and biochemical traits were measured. Serum SST and plasma glucagon levels were tested. Participants were divided into three subgroups: isolated fasting hyperglycemia(IFH), isolated post challenge hyperglycemia(IPH)and normal glucose tolerance(NGT). SST levels were found lower while glucagon levels were significantly higher in the Jino ethnic with IPH(P=0.0026 and P=0.0069, respectively). Fasting glucose and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were higher(P=0.0055 and P=0.0021, respectively) and fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessments β-cell function were lower(P=0.0479 and P=0.0007, respectively) in the Jino population. After adjusting for confounding factors, the serum SST level was associated with glucagon(P0.0001) in both populations. The SST level was correlated with fasting Cpeptide(P=0.0267) in Jino and HDL-C levels in Han(P=0.0079). Our findings suggest that serum SST levels and plasma glucagon levels may vary in subjects with IPH between two ethnics.     

Increased Serum LIGHT Levels Correlate with Disease Progression and Severity of Interstitial Pneumonia in Patients with Dermatomyositis: A Case Control Study

BackgroundActivated CD8+ T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of dermatomyositis (DM) with interstitial pneumonia (IP). Serum CD8+ T-cell activator, LIGHT, and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were measured in DM-IP patients and compared with clinical parameters to investigate their usefulness.MethodsThe correlations between the clinical findings and serum LIGHT and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine levels were investigated in 21 patients with DM-IP (14 with rapidly progressive IP [RPIP] and 7 with chronic IP [CIP], including 4 fatal cases of IP).ResultsThe median serum LIGHT level was 119 (16–335.4) pg/ml, which was higher than that in healthy control subjects and DM patients without IP. The median serum IL–6 level was 14.7 (2.4–154.5) pg/ml (n = 13). The other cytokines were detected in only a few patients. The median serum LIGHT level in DM-RPIP patients (156 [49.6–335.4] pg/ml) was significantly higher than that in DM-CIP patients (94.3 [16–164.2] pg/ml) (P = 0.02). The serum IL–6 level did not correlate with either progression or outcome of DM-IP. ROC curve analysis determined a serum LIGHT level of ≥120 pg/ml to be the cut-off value for the rapid progression of DM-IP. Serum LIGHT levels correlated significantly with %DLco (R = 0.55, P = 0.04) and total ground-glass opacity scores (R = 0.72, P = 0.0002). The serum LIGHT level significantly decreased to 100.5 (12.4–259.3) pg/ml 4 weeks after treatment initiation (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe serum LIGHT level may be a promising marker of disease progression and severity in patients with DM-IP.     

Cross-Modal and Intra-Modal Characteristics of Visual Function and Speech Perception Performance in Postlingually Deafened,Cochlear Implant Users

Evidence of visual-auditory cross-modal plasticity in deaf individuals has been widely reported. Superior visual abilities of deaf individuals have been shown to result in enhanced reactivity to visual events and/or enhanced peripheral spatial attention. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between visual-auditory cross-modal plasticity and speech perception in post-lingually deafened, adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Post-lingually deafened adults with CIs (N = 14) and a group of normal hearing, adult controls (N = 12) participated in this study. The CI participants were divided into a good performer group (good CI, N = 7) and a poor performer group (poor CI, N = 7) based on word recognition scores. Visual evoked potentials (VEP) were recorded from the temporal and occipital cortex to assess reactivity. Visual field (VF) testing was used to assess spatial attention and Goldmann perimetry measures were analyzed to identify differences across groups in the VF. The association of the amplitude of the P1 VEP response over the right temporal or occipital cortex among three groups (control, good CI, poor CI) was analyzed. In addition, the association between VF by different stimuli and word perception score was evaluated. The P1 VEP amplitude recorded from the right temporal cortex was larger in the group of poorly performing CI users than the group of good performers. The P1 amplitude recorded from electrodes near the occipital cortex was smaller for the poor performing group. P1 VEP amplitude in right temporal lobe was negatively correlated with speech perception outcomes for the CI participants (r = -0.736, P = 0.003). However, P1 VEP amplitude measures recorded from near the occipital cortex had a positive correlation with speech perception outcome in the CI participants (r = 0.775, P = 0.001). In VF analysis, CI users showed narrowed central VF (VF to low intensity stimuli). However, their far peripheral VF (VF to high intensity stimuli) was not different from the controls. In addition, the extent of their central VF was positively correlated with speech perception outcome (r = 0.669, P = 0.009). Persistent visual activation in right temporal cortex even after CI causes negative effect on outcome in post-lingual deaf adults. We interpret these results to suggest that insufficient intra-modal (visual) compensation by the occipital cortex may cause negative effects on outcome. Based on our results, it appears that a narrowed central VF could help identify CI users with poor outcomes with their device.     

The relationship between disease activity, sleep, psychiatric distress and pain sensitivity in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Cell stimulation leads to the shedding of phosphatidylserine (PS)-rich microparticles (MPs). Because autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are characterized by cell activation, we investigated level of circulating MPs as a possible biomarker in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We measured plasma levels of total, platelet and leukocyte MPs by prothrombinase capture assay and flow cytometry in 43 patients with pSS, 20 with SLE and 24 with RA and in 44 healthy controls (HCs). Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity was assessed by fluorometry. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sCD62P), reflecting platelet activation, were measured by ELISA.

Results

Patients with pSS showed increased plasma level of total MPs (mean ± SEM 8.49 ± 1.14 nM PS equivalent (Eq), P < 0.0001), as did patients with RA (7.23 ± 1.05 n PS Eq, P = 0.004) and SLE (7.3 ± 1.25 nM PS Eq, P = 0.0004), as compared with HCs (4.13 ± 0.2 nM PS Eq). Patients with AIDs all showed increased level of platelet MPs (P < 0.0001), but only those with pSS showed increased level of leukocyte MPs (P < 0.0001). Results by capture assay and flow cytometry were correlated. In patients with high disease activity according to extra-glandular complications (pSS), DAS28 (RA) or SLEDAI (SLE) compared with low-activity patients, the MP level was only slightly increased in comparison with those having a low disease activity. Platelet MP level was inversely correlated with anti-DNA antibody level in SLE (r = -0.65; P = 0.003) and serum β2 microglobulin level in pSS (r = -0.37; P < 0.03). The levels of total and platelet MPs were inversely correlated with sPLA2 activity (r = -0.37, P = 0.0007; r = -0.36, P = 0.002, respectively). sCD40L and sCD62P concentrations were significantly higher in pSS than in HC (P ≤ 0.006).

Conclusions

Plasma MP level is elevated in pSS, as well as in SLE and RA, and could be used as a biomarker reflecting systemic cell activation. Level of leukocyte-derived MPs is increased in pSS only. The MP level is low in case of more severe AID, probably because of high secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity, which leads to consumption of MPs. Increase of platelet-derived MPs, sCD40L and sCD62P, highlights platelet activation in pSS.     

Interleukin-6-Producing Pheochromocytoma as a New Reason for Fever of Unknown Origin: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To explore the fever of unknown origin (FUO) in patients with interleukin-6 (IL-6)-producing pheochromocytoma.Methods: Patients with pheochromocytoma were enrolled from June 2014 to April 2017. Clinical characteristics were recorded including sex, age, 24-h urinary catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine), tumor size, axillary temperature (AT), white blood cells (WBC), and serum IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. IL-6 secretion by pheochromocytoma was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results: We identified 29 cases of pheochromocytoma (7 with high AT and 22 with normal AT). Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels were increased in the high AT group compared with the normal AT group (both P = .001). After pheochromocytoma resection, AT and IL-6 and hsCRP levels decreased significantly (P<.001, P = .002 and P = .003, respectively). IHC revealed significantly higher IL-6 expression in the high AT group (P = .002).Conclusion: IL-6-producing pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of FUO.Abbreviations: AT = axillary temperature; CT = computed tomography; FUO = fever of unknown origin; IHC = immunohistochemistry; IL-6 = interleukin-6; hsCRP = high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; WBC = white blood cells     

High ABCC2 and Low ABCG2 Gene Expression Are Early Events in the Colorectal Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence

Development of colorectal cancer (CRC) may result from a dysfunctional interplay between diet, gut microbes and the immune system. The ABC transport proteins ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, Multidrug resistance protein 1, MDR1), ABCC2 (MRP2) and ABCG2 (BCRP) are involved in transport of various compounds across the epithelial barrier. Low mRNA level of ABCB1 has previously been identified as an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis (Andersen et al., PLoS One. 2013 Aug 19;8(8):e72119). ABCC2 and ABCG2 mRNA levels were assessed in intestinal tissue from 122 CRC cases, 106 adenoma cases (12 with severe dysplasia, 94 with mild-moderate dysplasia) and from 18 controls with normal endoscopy.We found significantly higher level of ABCC2 in adenomas with mild to moderate dysplasia and carcinoma tissue compared to the levels in unaffected tissue from the same individual (P = 0.037, P = 0.037, and P<0.0001) and in carcinoma and distant unaffected tissue from CRC cases compared to the level in the healthy individuals (P = 0.0046 and P = 0.036). Furthermore, ABCG2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in adenomas and carcinomas compared to the level in unaffected tissue from the same individuals and compared to tissue from healthy individuals (P<0.0001 for all). The level of ABCB2 in adjacent normal tissue was significantly higher than in tissue from healthy individuals (P = 0.011).In conclusion, this study found that ABCC2 and ABCG2 expression levels were altered already in mild/moderate dysplasia in carcinogenesis suggesting that these ABC transporters are involved in the early steps of carcinogenesis as previously reported for ABCB1. These results suggest that dysfunctional transport across the epithelial barrier may contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.     

The Roles of Co-Chaperone CCRP/DNAJC7 in Cyp2b10 Gene Activation and Steatosis Development in Mouse Livers

Cytoplasmic constitutive active/androstane receptor (CAR) retention protein (CCRP and also known as DNAJC7) is a co-chaperone previously characterized to retain nuclear receptor CAR in the cytoplasm of HepG2 cells. Here we have produced CCRP knockout (KO) mice and demonstrated that CCRP regulates CAR at multiple steps in activation of the cytochrome (Cyp) 2b10 gene in liver: nuclear accumulation, RNA polymerase II recruitment and epigenetic modifications. Phenobarbital treatment greatly increased nuclear CAR accumulation in the livers of KO males as compared to those of wild type (WT) males. Despite this accumulation, phenobarbital-induced activation of the Cyp2b10 gene was significantly attenuated. In ChIP assays, a CAR/retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα) heterodimer binding to the Cyp2b10 promoter was already increased before phenobarbital treatment and further pronounced after treatment. However, RNA polymerase II was barely recruited to the promoter even after phenobarbital treatment. Histone H3K27 on the Cyp2b10 promoter was de-methylated only after phenobarbital treatment in WT but was fully de-methylated before treatment in KO males. Thus, CCRP confers phenobarbital-induced de-methylation capability to the promoter as well as the phenobarbital responsiveness of recruiting RNA polymerase II, but is not responsible for the binding between CAR and its cognate sequence, phenobarbital responsive element module. In addition, KO males developed steatotic livers and increased serum levels of total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein in response to fasting. CCRP appears to be involved in various hepatic regulations far beyond CAR-mediated drug metabolism.     

Normal temporal variability of the P100

Determination of clinically significant temporal changes in P100 latency requires knowledge of the degree of normal intraindividual variability. Checkerboard visual evoked potentials using 3 check sizes (17′, 35′ and 70′) were performed serially on 20 healthy volunteers. Each subject was tested at least twice an average of 6 months apart. The P100 latency was measured at Oz with a forehead reference (Pz, O1 and O2 channels were also recorded). The overall average P100 latency change between studies for all check sizes and both eyes was 2.9 msec. However, the maximum absolute latency change was 11 msec. There was no significant difference between the average latency change for the 3 check sizes. The P100 interocular difference changed a mean of 2.5 msec (maximum 9 msec). Amplitude was more variable, with a mean change of about 1.5 μV or 25% (maximum was a 60% decrease in amplitude). A P100 latency change of up to at least 11 msec needs to be acknowledged as normal when assessing the clinical significance of changes in P100 latencies in patients. Also, P100 latency changes greater than 11 or 12 msec are very suggestive of an abnormality in the visual pathway.     

Association of Two CETP Polymorphisms With HDL Levels in the Chinese Obese Population

The association of two cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) polymorphisms, D442G and TAQIB (B1→B2), with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in 932 Chinese obese individuals (BMI ≥ 27) was investigated in comparison with normal controls (BMI ≤ 24). Independent association was demonstrated for TAQIB minor allele B2 and CETP442 minor allele G with elevated HDL levels. The CETP D442G polymorphism was associated with a much greater increase in HDL levels in subjects with BMI exceeding 27 kg/m² (+5.42 mg/dl, P = 0.0007) compared to normal controls (+1.97 mg/dl, P = 0.275), and the increase in HDL reached the highest level among subjects with BMI exceeding 30 kg/m² (+6.80 mg/dl, P = 0.016). TAQIB showed significant association with HDL levels only in normal BMI subgroup (P = 0.0017). TAQIB significantly interacted with serum triglyceride (TG) on modulating HDL levels (P = 0.027). The TAQIB–TG interaction effect remained marginally significant after controlling for BMI (P = 0.057). We conclude that D442G polymorphism is associated with more HDL elevation in obesity. TAQIB interacts with serum TG on modulating HDL levels, and the interaction is partly independent of BMI.     

Scalp-recorded oscillatory potentials evoked by transient pattern-reversal visual stimulation in man

Replicable oscillatory potentials, time-locked to pattern stimuli (9.0° central; counterphase reversal at 2.13 Hz) were dissociated from conventional, broad-band VEPs recorded in healthy volunteers at occipital scalp locations by high-pass digital filtering at 17.0–20.0 Hz. Nine consecutive wavelets were identified with a 56.4 ± 8.4 msec mean latency of the first replicable wavelet and mean peak-to-peak amplitude varying between 0.9 and 2.0 μV. The first 2 wavelets had significantly shorter latencies than wave N70 of unfiltered VEP, whereas the last 2 wavelets had longer latencies than N145. Latency and amplitude values varied as a function of contrast and spatial frequency of the stimulus, with shorter latencies and larger amplitudes at 60–90% contrast level and tuning of amplitude at 5.0 c/deg. All wavelets were correlated with wave P100 of unfiltered VEP, while a correlation with N70 of VEP was observed only for those wavelets with latencies in the range of wave P100. Two patients with documented brain lesions involving the visual system are described as examples of oscillatory responses occurring irrespective of filter bandpass and instead of the expected conventional VEP when the generation of these is interfered with by brain pathology. A substantial cortical contribution to the origin of the oscillatory response is conceivable. It is suggested that the oscillatory response to pattern-reversal stimulation reflects events in the visual system that are parallel to, and partly independent of, the conventional VEP, with potential application in research or for clinical purposes.