Prospective evaluation of pentafecta outcomes at 5 years after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: results of 170 patients at a single center

A new and more comprehensive methodology for reporting outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) has been proposed: the so-called pentafecta. However, no prior studies reported intermediate- and long-term pentafecta outcomes after laparoscopic RP. We collected prospectively the clinical data of 170 consecutive patients with a minimum 60-month follow-up undergoing laparoscopic RP for clinically localized prostate cancer. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men score were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. Logistic regression was used to perform univariable and multivariable analyses. Sixty months after surgery, a pentafecta outcome was achieved by 124 patients (72.9%). On univariable regression analysis, patient age at surgery (P<0.001), body mass index (P=0.031), pathological T stage (P<0.001) and prostate volume (P=0.003) were significantly associated with pentafecta rates. On multivariable analysis, only patient age at surgery (odds ratio 0.95; P=0.006) and pathological T stage (odds ratio 0.82; P<0.001) were independent predictors of pentafecta rates. Using validated questionnaires to assess functional outcomes, for the first time, we evaluated pentafecta outcomes at 5 years after laparoscopic RP. This approach may be beneficial and could be used when counseling patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Sorbed metals fractionation and risk assessment of release in river sediment and particulate matter

Fractionation of metals in natural sediment and suspended particulate matter (SPM) of Tadjan River is investigated. Competitive sorption, sorption capacities of sediment and SPM as well as fractionation of metal-loaded sediment and SPM are also examined. A risk assessment code (RAC) is applied to estimate the risk of heavy metals release into the environment during the sorption process. Results revealed that sediments and SPM containing more than 25 % of clay minerals and higher amounts of calcite have great capacity of metal sorption, particularly for Cu, Ni, and Mn. Assessing the risk of metals release prior to and following sorption tests indicates that RAC of metals would significantly increase from the level of no or low risk in natural sediment and SPM to high or very high risk after sorption. The Langmuir model reveals that the highest affinity for Cu, Mn, and Ni in sediment is the organic fraction. The classic isotherm models of Freundlich and Langmuir can fit the data from chemical extraction studies of adsorbed metals, indicating that although sorption was apparently a physical and chemical process in the river, isotherm models can be used to simulate the sorption and accumulation in different geochemical phases within the particulate matter.

Identification and expression analysis of components involved in rice Xa21-mediated disease resistance signalling

Rice Xa21 gene encodes a receptor-like kinase that confers broad-spectrum resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Recently, a number of genes involved in the Xa21-mediated disease resistance pathway have been identified. Based on our previous data and the literature, we chose 16 candidate proteins and made corresponding antibodies. Using Western blotting, we systematically investigated the expression profile of the proteins in Xa21-mediated disease resistance response. We found nine proteins with altered expression. We further compared their expression in resistance, susceptible and mock responses, and found that GST expression was up-regulated during the resistance process, indicating GST is a positive regulator in resistance responses. ATPsB expression was down-regulated during both the resistance and susceptible response processes, although it was higher in the resistance response than that in the susceptible response. The total amount of MYB, GAPDH, CatB, Trx and NB-ARC proteins was lower in the resistance than in the susceptible response, but their abundance per unit bacteria in the resistance response was still higher than in the susceptible response, suggesting that these proteins might be positive regulators in the resistance response. In addition, expression of another ERF was induced by inoculation with bacterial blight pathogen, and expression of Zf-LSD1 was activated by wounding stress alone. Interestingly, most proteins showed similar altered expression patterns in the resistance and susceptible responses, but differed to some extents, implying that both responses might share common molecular mechanisms. This study revealed evidence of resistance-related protein expression, providing a foundation for better understanding of their functions.

Comparison of the efficacy and complications of different surgical methods for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this was study to offer some reference for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) by comparing complication rates and treatment failure rates of different surgical methods of CIN.

METHODS

1,256 cases of CIN diagnosed by punch biopsy and pathological confirmation of postoperative specimens between January 2002 and June 2007 were reviewed and analyzed, in which 74 cases underwent the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), 869 patients adopted cold knife conization (CKC), 49 patients received vaginal enlarged amputation of cervix, and 264 patients accepted extrafascial hysterectomy. The chi-square test was used to compare the rate of complication and treatment failure of different surgical methods.

RESULTS

The rates of surgical complications for LEEP, CKC, vaginal enlarged amputation of the cervix and extrafascial hysterectomy were, respectively, 8.1% (6/74) 6.2% (54/869) 6.1% (3/49) and 2.3% (8/264), but this difference was not statistically significant. The treatment failure incidences for LEEP, CKC, vaginal enlarged amputation of cervix and external fascia hysterectomy were, respectively, 4.1% (3/74), 0.2% (2/869), 0.0% (0/49) and 0.4% (1/264). When comparing among the groups, the treatment failure incidence was higher in LEEP than that in CKC (p = 0.004) and extrafascial hysterectomy (p = 0.034); there was no statistically significant difference between CKC and extrafascial hysterectomy, and no significant difference was revealed between vaginal enlarged amputation of cervix and any other group.

CONCLUSION

LEEP, CKC, vaginal enlarged amputation of cervix and extrafascial hysterectomy are all secure and effective procedures for patients with CIN, and patients can make their own individual choice depending on different conditions.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of prophylactic endoscopic treatments for postpolypectomy bleeding

PURPOSE

The aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to determine whether bleeding prophylaxis benefits patients after colonoscopic polypectomy.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to find prospective randomized controlled trials of postpolypectomy hemorrhage prophylaxis. Studies were selected according to specific criteria and analyzed to generate pooled data.

RESULTS

Eight studies encompassing 2,595 polyps met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The rate of early bleeding was significantly decreased relative to the control when a single prophylactic technique was used [2.58% vs. 8.15%, OR = 0.34 (95% CI, 0.20-0.58), P < 0.0001]. The use of multiple prophylactic techniques resulted in a lower early postpolypectomy hemorrhage rate compared with the use of a single prophylactic technique [0% vs. 8.41%, OR = 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03-0.47), P = 0.002]. The late bleeding rate did not differ significantly between the monotherapy and control groups [0.61% vs. 1.39%, OR = 0.37 (95% CI, 0.11-1.28), P = 0.12], and the use of combined preventative techniques did not significantly decrease the late postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) rate compared with use of a single prophylactic method [1.43% vs. 2.05%, OR = 0.70 (95% CI, 0.32-1.55), P = 0.38].

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic endoscopic treatments are effective at reducing early PPB after colonoscopic polypectomy. However, patients with late PPB may not benefit from bleeding prophylaxis.

Establishment of a poisoned animal model of toxic encephalopathy induced by 1,2-dichloroethane

1,2-dichloroethane(1,2-DCE) is toxic, especially by inhalation due to its high vapour pressure. Inhalation of concentrated 1,2-DCE vapor can induce effects on the human nervous system, even encephalopathy. However, 1,2-DCE toxic encephalopathy has seldom been reported, and no adequate data were available to evaluate the encephalopathy of 1,2-DCE in experimental animals. The aim of the present study was to establish a toxic experimental animal model induced by 1,2-DCE. Dose effect and time effect of 1,2-DCE on the nervous system were detected. The rats were treated by 1,2-DCE at various concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/m3 for 6 h and treatment of rats at 10.0 g/m3 for 0, 3, 6, and 12 h. Morphology of brain tissue was observed by HE staining and TEM under light and electron microscope, besides water contents in the cortex and medulla of rats were analyzed. The results indicated that 1,2-DCE induced abnormal histopathology, and significantly higher water content were confirmed in the cerebral cortex of toxic animal model in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To declare that 1,2-DCE could induce toxic encephalopathy with a pathological feature of cerebral edema is very important for the medical rescue in urgent toxic accidents.

Room-temperature ferromagnetism and the scaling relation between magnetization and average granule size in nanocrystalline Zn/ZnO core-shell structures prepared by sputtering

Ferromagnetism is found in nanocrystalline Zn/ZnO core-shell structures prepared by sputtering pure Zn with subsequent oxidation. The saturation magnetization (M(S)) of the passivated ZnO shells increases with decrease in average particle size (d). The Curie temperature of the samples is above 400 degrees C. It is found that the ferromagnetism has a close relationship with point defects in ZnO shells. The maximum magnetization is estimated to be 28 emu cm(-3) (i.e. 0.14 mu(B) per unit cell) at 300 K, which is over three orders of magnitude larger than that of undoped ZnO nanoparticles or nanorods (10(-3)-10(-2) emu cm(-3)). More importantly, there is a scaling relation of M(s) alpha 1/d(n) (n = 5.20 +/- 0.20) for samples with d <or= 76 nm despite substantial differences in the particle size and shape. The results suggest that defects at the interface of the Zn/ZnO heterostructure make the main magnetic contributions.

Measurement of acetabular anteversion in developmental dysplasia of the hip in children by two- and three-dimensional computed tomography

This study assessed the angle of acetabular anteversion (AA) in 66 children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (132 hips: 24 left, 25 right, 17 bilateral and 49 unaffected hips as controls). The AA was measured by two- and three-dimensional computed tomography (2D-CT and 3D-CT). Measurements were taken by three observers and repeated 2 weeks later by one of these observers. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was analysed using the intra-class correlation coefficient. For all hips, the mean AA (+/-SD) measured by 2D-CT versus 3D-CT was statistically significantly different (15.76 +/- 5.23 degrees versus 16.76 +/- 4.43 degrees , respectively). The mean (+/-SD) AA by 3D-CT in unaffected and affected hips was also statistically significantly different (13.92 +/- 3.95 degrees versus 18.44 +/- 3.82 degrees , respectively). A significant positive correlation between age at presentation and AA was found in affected, but not unaffected, hips. The 3D-CT showed better intra- and inter-observer agreement than 2D-CT for assessing AA hence is a more reliable measurement of AA. An increased AA is one component of anatomical abnormalities in developmental dysplasia of the hip and the abnormality appears to worsen with age.

[Effect of supplemented Taoren Chengqi decoction on NIT-1, a pancreatic beta-cell from a transgenic NOD/Lt mouse]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Supplemented Taoren Chengqi decoction (STCD) on the secretion of insulin and proliferation of NIT-1.

METHOD

The effect of STCD and the serum of rat after orally administrating of STCD on the secretion of insulin and proliferation of NIT-1 were studied. The proliferation of NIT-1 was measured by 3H-TdR incorporation and cell counting methods, while the secretion of insulin was measured from the cultured medium by the ultra sensitive rat insulin ELISIA kit.

RESULT

Both the STCD and the serum of rat after orally administrating of STCD significantly could increased the secretion of insulin and proliferation of NIT-1.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of the diabetic patients by STCD might be through with its improvement of secretion of insulin and proliferation on pancreatic beta-cell.

Lead retention mechanisms and hydraulic conductivity studies of various bentonites for geoenvironment applications

Four bentonites from various sources were exposed to batch adsorption testing, selective sequential extraction and consolidation tests to investigate their metal retention capacity and hydraulic conductivity for geoenvironmental application such as in clay barrier materials. The Japanese bentonites (JB1-JB3) contain approximately 2-4% of carbonate and trace amount of zeolite (JB2 and JB3), whereas the US bentonite has < 1% carbonate and no zeolite. The rank of smectite content in the bentonites are USB > JB1 > JB3 > JB2. The materials ranked as JB2 approximately JB3 > JB1 > USB, according to retention capacity, while after the removal of carbonate the retention capacity order was JB1 approximately JB2 approximately JB3 > USB. SSE results indicate that carbonate plays a major role at low Pb solution concentration and precipitate as PbCO3. Once the carbonate is exhausted, the clay composition dominates the sorption process. The hydraulic conductivity of the bentonite mixtures (basalt + 10% bentonite) using water was kUSB < kJB1 < kJB3 < kJB2, consistent with the smectite content and swelling power, with USB having the highest proportion of smectite. Among the Japanese bentonites studied, JB1 is the best candidate for barrier material, comparable to the widely used USB.

Effects of hyper- and hypothyroid on expression of thyroid hormone receptor mRNA in rat myocardium

Thyroid dysfunction is classified into hyperthyroidism and congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Both hyperthyroidism and CH can cause heart lesions; however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The left ventricle was collected from eu-, hyper-, and hypothyroid rat. RNA was extracted and reverse-transcripted to cDNA. Real-time fluorescence quantitation-PCR was used to quantify the differential expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) subtype mRNA among eu-, hyper-, and hypothyroid rat myocardium. Here, we show that compared with the normal myocardium, TRalpha1 mRNA expression was upregulated by 51% (P<0.01), TRalpha2 mRNA expression was downregulated by 58% (P<0.01), and TRbeta1 mRNA expression remained unchanged in hyperthyroid rat myocardium (P>0.05). TRalpha1, TRalpha2, and TRbeta1 were expressed in normal and hypothyroid rat myocardium throughout the developmental process. In hypothyroid rats, myocardial TRalpha1 mRNA expression was generally downregulated and the expression peak appeared late. Myocardial TRalpha2 mRNA expression was generally upregulated and the expression peak appeared late. Myocardial TRbeta1 mRNA expression was generally downregulated and changed similarly with the control group. In addition, the hypogenetic myocardium can be seen in the hypothyroid rat by pathology study. Taken together, the abnormal expression of TR subtype mRNA may have a close relationship with the pathogenesis of CH and hyperthyroidism heart disease.

[The expression of transforming growth factor beta1 and its I, II receptors in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung]

AIM

To investigate the expression of TGFbeta1, TbetaRI, TbetaRII in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung and discuss the interrelationship and function mechanisms between them.

METHODS

Half-quantity RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed in studying these changes.

RESULTS

Half-quantity RT-PCR demonstrated that the expressions of these three factors increased in the 13th-15th days and decreased in the 16th-17th days of the embryonic development. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGFbeta1 was mainly expressed in the developing bronchus epithelial cells.Its receptors were obviously expressed in primitive pulmonary alveolus.

CONCLUSION

TGFbeta1 and its receptors play an important regulatory role in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung, especially in organic morphodifferentiation.

Neurotrophin-3 ameliorates sensory-motor deficits in Er81-deficient mice

Two factors, the ETS transcription factor ER81 and skeletal muscle-derived neurotrophin-3 (NT3), are essential for the formation of muscle spindles and the function of spindle afferent-motoneuron synapses in the spinal cord. Spindles either degenerate completely or are abnormal, and spindle afferents fail to project to spinal motoneurons in Er81 null mice; however, the interactions between ER81 and NT3 during the processes of afferent neuron and muscle spindle development are poorly understood. To examine if overexpression of NT3 in muscle rescues spindles and afferent-motoneuron connectivity in the absence of ER81, we generated myoNT3;Er81(-/-) double-mutant mice that selectively overexpress NT3 in muscle in the absence of ER81. Spindle reflex arcs in myoNT3;Er81(-/-) mutants differed greatly from Er81 null mice. Muscle spindle densities were greater and more afferents projected into the ventral spinal cord in myoNT3;Er81(-/-) mice. Spindles of myoNT3;Er81(-/-) muscles responded normally to repetitive muscle taps, and the monosynaptic inputs from Ia afferents to motoneurons, grossly reduced in Er81(-/-) mutants, were restored to wild-type levels in myoNT3;Er81(-/-) mice. Thus, an excess of muscle-derived NT3 reverses deficits in spindle numbers and afferent function induced by the absence of ER81. We conclude that muscle-derived NT3 can modulate spindle density and afferent-motoneuron connectivity independently of ER81.

Long contiguous stretches of homozygosity in the human genome

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common sequence variation in the human genome; they have been successfully used in mapping disease genes and more recently in studying population genetics and cancer genetics. In a population-based association study using high-density oligonucleotide arrays for whole-genome SNP genotyping, we discovered that in the genomes of unrelated Han Chinese, 34 out of 515 (6.6%) individuals contained long contiguous stretches of homozygosity (LCSHs), ranging in the size from 2.94 to 26.27 Mbp (10.22+/-5.95 Mbp). Four out of four (100%) Taiwan aborigines also demonstrated this genetic characteristic. The number of LCSH regions increased markedly in the offspring of consanguineous marriages. LCSH was also detected in Caucasian samples (11/42; 26.2%) and African American samples (2/42; 4.76%). A total of 26 LCSH regions were recurrently detected among Han Chinese, Taiwan aborigines, and Caucasians. DNA copy number determination by hybridization intensity analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) excluded deletion as the cause of LCSH. Our results suggest that LCSHs are common in the human genome of the outbred population and this genetic characteristic could have a significant impact on population genetics and disease gene studies.

Removal of multiple-metals from contaminated clay minerals

Clay minerals spiked with multi-component metal ions (Cu(+2), Cd(+2), Pb(+2)) were decontaminated using different soil washing solutions. The desorption characteristics were determined by batch acid leaching with various acids. Removal of Cu(2+), Cd(+2) and Pb(+2) ions from variable charge minerals (e.g. kaolinite) required much less effort than their removal from constant-charge minerals (e.g. illite). The surface charge of a clay mineral had an important influence. When the numbers of H+ and Na+ ions available in the soil were increased by adding a buffer solution such as NaOAc-HOAc, heavy metals adsorbed on the clay surface transferred to the pore fluid. When more H+ or Na+ ions were available in the pore fluid, more Cu(+2), Cd(+2) and Pb(+2) ions were released into the equilibrium solution. Decreasing the pH led to more removal of heavy metal ions from kaolinite. The presence of Na+ ions facilitated the removal of heavy metals from contaminated illite. The selectivity for desorption was in the order Cu(+2) > Cd(+2) > Pb(+2) for all washing solutions investigated.

Augmenting neurotransmitter release by enhancing the apparent Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1

Synaptotagmin 1 likely acts as a Ca2+ sensor in neurotransmitter release by Ca2+-binding to its two C2 domains. This notion was strongly supported by the observation that a mutation in the C2A domain causes parallel decreases in the apparent Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1 and in the Ca2+ sensitivity of release. However, this study was based on a single loss-of-function mutation. We now show that tryptophan substitutions in the synaptotagmin 1 C2 domains act as gain-of-function mutations to increase the apparent Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1. The same substitutions, when introduced into synaptotagmin 1 expressed in neurons, enhance the Ca2+ sensitivity of release. Mutations in the two C2 domains lead to comparable and additive effects in release. Our results thus show that the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of release is dictated by the apparent Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1 in both directions, and that Ca2+ binding to both C2 domains contributes to Ca2+ triggering of release.

Mathematical modelling of corneal swelling

This paper presents a differential model of the corneal transport system capable of modelling thickness changes in response to osmotic perturbations applied to either limiting membrane. The work is directed towards understanding corneal behaviour in vivo. The model considers the coupled viscous flows within the corneal stroma and across the epithelial and endothelial membranes. The flows within the stroma are established based on transport theory in porous media, while the flows across the membranes are described using the phenomenological equations of irreversible thermodynamics. The ability of the numerical model to reproduce corneal thickness changes in response to endothelial perturbations was tested against available experimental data. The sensitivity of the model to changes in stromal and membrane transport coefficients was examined.

Transgenerational transmission of radiation- and chemically induced tumors and congenital anomalies in mice: studies of their possible relationship to induced chromosomal and molecular changes

This article provides a broad overview of our earlier studies on the induction of tumors and congenital anomalies in the progeny of X-irradiated or chemically treated mice and our subsequent (published, hitherto unpublished and on-going) investigations aimed at identifying potential relationships between genetic changes induced in germ cells and the adverse effects manifest as tumors and congenital anomalies using cytogenetic and molecular approaches. The earlier studies document the fact that tumors and congenital anomalies can be induced by irradiation or treatment with certain chemicals such as urethane and that these phenotypes are heritable i.e., transmitted to generations beyond the first generation. These findings support the view that transmissible induced genetic changes are involved. The induced rates of congenital abnormalities and tumors are about two orders of magnitude higher than those recorded in the literature from classical mutation studies with specific locus mutations. The cytogenetic studies addressed the question of whether there were any relationships between induced translocations and induced tumors. The available data permit the inference that gross chromosomal changes may not be involved but do not exclude smaller induced genetic changes that are beyond the resolution of the techniques used in these studies. Other work on possible relationship between visible chromosomal anomalies (in bone marrow preparations) and tumors were likewise negative. However, there were indications that some induced cytogenetic changes might underlie induced congenital anomalies, i.e., trisomies, deletions and inversions were observed in induced and transmissible congenital anomalies (such as dwarfs, tail anomalies). Studies that explored possible relationships between induction of minisatellite mutations at the Pc-3 locus and tumors were negative. However, gene expression analysis of tumor (hepatoma)-susceptible offspring of progeny descended from irradiated male mice showed abnormal expression of many genes. Of these, only very few were oncogenes. This lends some support to our hypothesis that cumulative changes in gene expression of many genes, which perform normal cellular functions, may contribute to the occurrence of tumors in the offspring of irradiated or chemically treated mice.

An equation characterizing multi-heavy-metal sorption onto bentonite, forest soil and spruce bark

An empirical equation was developed to quantitatively describe heavy metal sorption in ternary systems of lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). The three sorbants investigated were bentonite, forest soil and spruce bark. This multi-sorption equation is based on three assumptions: the relationship between sorption and initial heavy metal concentration fits a power curve; the presence of one heavy metal proportionately reduces the sorption curve of another heavy metal; and the competition between two heavy metals is independent of the presence of other heavy metals. The multi-sorption equation modeled sorption in ternary systems to a regression fit greater than 0.96. The data required for the equation were generated from a technically straightforward and quick laboratory program involving batch adsorption tests.

Effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on the human colorectal polyps consecutively maintained in SCID mice

N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) treatments for a long period induced morphological and molecular alterations in the benign human colorectal polyps which were maintained in the severe combined immunodeficient C.B17/N-scid/scid mice. Thirty four xenografts of colorectal polyps from five solitary polyp and three familial polyposis patients were examined for K-ras and p53 mutations. Six K-ras mutations were induced in 16 grafts treated with MNNG more than five times, while no K-ras mutations were detected in 14 untreated grafts (P<0.05). Additional and new K-ras mutations were also induced in two polyps in which K-ras mutation had pre-existed. p53 mutations were not observed in both MNNG-treated and untreated groups. The mutations in K-ras gene were induced at codon 12 (GGT-->GAT) except one at codon 13 (GGC-->GGT). The results indicate that K-ras mutation plays an important role in human colorectal carcinogenesis as is the case in experimental animals.

Expression of Human Trefoil Factor 3 in Pichia pastoris and Its Biological Activity Analysis

The human TFF3 (trefoil factor 3) DNA fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from human fetal placenta cDNA. The gene was cloned into the Pichia pastoris expression vector pPIC9K containing AOX 1 promoter and alpha-factor leader sequence. Multi-copies insertion transformants were screened on G418 plates. After the induction by 2% methanol for 48 hours, the expression of dimeric hTFF3 came up to 45% of total proteins in medium, as identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot assay. The recombinant protein was further purified by S-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography and Sephacryl-S-100 gel filtration chromatography to the 95% purity, as shown by densitometric scanning. The N-terminus and molecular weight of the recombinant hTFF3 was in good agreement with the native hTFF3. The recombinant protein was proved to have good biological activity of preventing rats from the gastric ulcer induced by hydrochloric acid.

[Rapid identification of human testis spermatocyte apoptosis-related gene, TSARG2, by nested PCR and draft human genome searching]

Cloning apoptosis-related novel genes is a key to further understanding of apoptosis mechanism and the biology process of germ cells, and is of momentous significance on clarifying physiological and pathological process of spermatogenesis. To rapidly attain human novel gene full-length cDNA sequence, the gene-specific primers and the vector-specific primers were designed for nested PCR, and draft human genome searching was performed to rapidly identify the TSARG2 (GenBank accession number AY040204) 5' end from a human testis cDNA library, by using a cDNA fragment (GenBank accession number BE644542) as an electronic probe, which was significantly changed in cryptorchidism and represented a novel gene. Furthermore, a mouse homologue of this gene was identified (GenBank accession number AF395083) by lab on-line. TSARG2 with a 1 233 bp length was composed of 6 exons and spanned about 115 kb of genomic DNA, The putative protein encoded by this gene was 305 amino acid with a theoretical molecular weight of 34 751 dalton and did not share significant homology with any known protein in databases. TSARG2 was expressed in many tissues and mapped to chromosome 4q33-34.1 by database analyses. Therefore, we propose that nested-PCR and draft human genome searching are rapid, sensitive, accurate and efficient method for isolating gene 5' end, even full-length gene from cDNA library.

Action of recombinant human apoptotic endonuclease G on naked DNA and chromatin substrates: cooperation with exonuclease and DNase I

Endonuclease G (endoG) is released from mitochondria during apoptosis and is in part responsible for internucleosomal DNA cleavage. Here we report the action of the purified human recombinant form of this endonuclease on naked DNA and chromatin substrates. The addition of the protein to isolated nuclei from non-apoptotic cells first induces higher order chromatin cleavage into DNA fragments > or = 50 kb in length, followed by inter- and intranucleosomal DNA cleavages with products possessing significant internal single-stranded nicks spaced at nucleosomal ( approximately 190 bases) and subnucleosomal ( approximately 10 bases) periodicities. We demonstrate that both exonucleases and DNase I stimulate the ability of endoG to generate double-stranded DNA cleavage products at physiological ionic strengths, suggesting that these activities work in concert with endoG in apoptotic cells to ensure efficient DNA breakdown.

Modulation of endothelial cell growth arrest and apoptosis by vascular endothelial growth inhibitor

Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI), a new member of the tumor necrosis factor family, is an endothelial cell-specific gene and a potent inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. We report here that VEGI mediates the following two activities in endothelial cells: early G(1) arrest in G(0)/G(1) cells responding to growth stimuli, and programmed death in proliferating cells. G(0)/G(1)-synchronized bovine aortic endothelial cells were treated with VEGI before and after the onset of the growth cycle. When the cells were stimulated with growth conditions but treated simultaneously with VEGI, a reversible, early-G(1) growth arrest occurred, evidenced by the lack of late G(1) markers such as hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product and upregulation of the c-myc gene. Additionally, VEGI treatment led to inhibition of the activities of cyclin-dependent kinases CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. In contrast, VEGI treatment of cells that had entered the growth cycle resulted in apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by terminal deoxytransferase labeling of fragmented DNA, caspase 3 activation, and annexin V staining, all of which were lacking in nonproliferating cells treated with VEGI. Additionally, stress-signaling proteins p38 and JNK were not as fully activated by VEGI in quiescent as compared with proliferating populations. These findings suggest a dual role for VEGI, the maintenance of growth arrest and induction of apoptosis, in the modulation of the endothelial cell cycle.

[Comprehensive utilization and development of traditional Tibetan medicine in China]

OBJECTIVE

To deal with the further investigation field by discussing the status and present problem of traditional Tibetan medicine.

METHOD

Previous relevant investigations and literatures were summed up in the field. The present situation of traditional Tibetan medicine in China was analysed.

RESULT

The textual research, basic medicinal property, exploration of developable medicinal resource and protection of endangered medicinal species etc. were elaborated and the key problem of further investigation in 21st century was expounded.

CONCLUSION

The textual research, basic medicinal property, exploration of develoable medicinal resources, especially monographic study on protection of major endangered medicinal resources should be intensified. Domestication and cultivation, and exploration of good-quality medicinal resources, quality evaluation and exploitation of effectual prescriptions are the focal field in the study of traditional Tibetan medicine.

[Studies on the expression condition of human trefoil factor 3 in Pichia pastoris]

In order to enhance the expression level of human trefoil factor 3 (hTFF3) in Pichia pastoris, we optimized the transformant growth conditions in shake flasks including carbon sources in growth medium, inoculation ratio, methanol concentration, pH rotation speed and inducing time. The transformant could grow on the glucose to OD600 5.0 after 14 hours inoculation. The best inoculation ration of 100 mL growth medium to the induction medium was 1:1. The expression level of dimeric human trefoil factor 3 induction with 1% methanol for 48 hours at pH 6.0, agitation speed 240 r/min could reach 20 mg/L with OD600 15. The protein was expressed in 5-liter fermentor with 2% methanol induction for 32 hours, finally the cell density reached OD600 120. 100 mg/L of recombinant hTFF3 was obtained in the supernatant.

Polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-7 antagonizes CRX function and induces cone-rod dystrophy in a mouse model of SCA7

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion. To determine the mechanism of neurotoxicity, we produced transgenic mice and observed a cone-rod dystrophy. Nuclear inclusions were present, suggesting that the disease pathway involves the nucleus. When yeast two-hybrid assays indicated that cone-rod homeobox protein (CRX) interacts with ataxin-7, we performed further studies to assess this interaction. We found that ataxin-7 and CRX colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate. We observed that polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-7 can dramatically suppress CRX transactivation. In SCA7 transgenic mice, electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated reduced CRX binding activity, while RT-PCR analysis detected reductions in CRX-regulated genes. Our results suggest that CRX transcription interference accounts for the retinal degeneration in SCA7 and thus may provide an explanation for how cell-type specificity is achieved in this polyglutamine repeat disease.

[Clinical study on relationship of CD62p, CD63 and TSP to the qi-stagnation induced blood-stasis syndrome and qi-deficiency induced blood-stasis syndrome in aged patients]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the relationship of platelet activation to the Qi-stagnation induced blood-stasis (QSBS) or Qi-deficiency induced blood-stasis (QDBS) syndrome.

METHODS

Expressions of platelet activating molecules, including alpha-granule membrane glycoprotein (CD62p), lysosomal integral membrane protein (CD63) and thrombospondin (TSP), in patients with QSBS and QDBS were determined quantitatively with flow-cytometry and specific monoclonal antibody against activated platelet. And platelet aggregation was tested simultaneously.

RESULTS

CD62p, CD63 and TSP expressions in Blood-Stasis patients, both QSBS and QDBS, were higher than those in the normal control significantly (all P < 0.01); all the three expressions were higher in QSBS group than those in QDBS group (all P < 0.01), Positive correlation was shown between CD62p and CD63 (r = 0.740, P < 0.01), CD62p and TSP (r = 0.744, P < 0.01), TSP and CD63 (r = 0.635, P < 0.01), and between CD62p and ADP induced platelet aggregation (r = 0.715, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Platelet activation was involved in the pathogenesis and development of Blood-Stasis Syndrome, especially closely related with the QSBS Syndrome.

[Evaluation of positron emission tomography in diagnosing and staging of lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate positron emission tomography (PET) in diagnosing and staging of lung cancer.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-seven patients (93 with lung cancer, 15 with lung metastatic tumors, 39 with benign lesions) were involved in the study. 163 whole body examinations (twice in 12 cases and 3 times in 2 cases) were performed after injection of 18F-fluro-deoxy-glucose (18FDG) with a Siemens ECAT EXACT HR + PET system. The results of PET were compared with pathological diagnoses (112 cases), clinical follow-up (35 cases), CT (68 malignant and 30 benign cases), and other imaging diagnoses.

RESULTS

For the 147 cases with lung lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG PET in differentiating the malignant from the benign were 97.2%, 89.7%, and 94.6% respectively. For the 93 lung cancer cases, more lesions were detected by PET in 58 (62.4%) cases, and changed staging in 36 (38.7%). In the 98 cases examinations, PET positive findings were consistent with CT in 39 (39.8%) cases; PET detected more lesions than CT in 29 (29.6%) cases; the lesions detected by CT were negative or with low uptake in the PET images in 30 (30.6%) cases, and they were finally proved as benign by follow-up. However, CT provided better detailed anatomical structures of the lesions than PET, and image fusion should give more information about the lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

FDG PET had advantages in diagnosing and staging of lung cancer by providing metabolic information of the lesions. Comparison and fusion of PET with CT will give much help to clinical diagnosis.

[Effect of Rg2 on hemodynamics of hemorrhagic shock and its antioxidation in dogs]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of Rg2 on hemodynamics of hemorrhagic shock and its antioxidant properties.

METHOD

Twenty mongrel dogs were randomly divided into Rg2 group, Shen Mai group and control group. The hemorrhagic shock model was built in all dogs by artery bleeding and mean arterial blood pressure was kept < 5.33 kPa for 4.5 hours. Rg2 0.5-1.0 mg.kg-1 and Shen Mai 100 mg.kg-1 were intravenously administered after hemorrhagic shock appeared.

RESULT

Rg2 significantly enhanced blood pressure, LVSP and +/- dp/dtmax on hemorrhagic shock dogs who had lost compensation ability. Rg2 0.5-1.0 mg.kg-1 could reduce serum MDA, increase superoxide dismutase activity and prolong survival rate of dogs after shock. All these data have statistically significant when compared to control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Rg2 is more potent and effective than Shen Mai in improving hemodynamic state and activiting SOD on hemorrhagic shock dogs.

Endonuclease G is an apoptotic DNase when released from mitochondria

Nucleosomal fragmentation of DNA is a hallmark of apoptosis (programmed cell death), and results from the activation of nucleases in cells undergoing apoptosis. One such nuclease, DNA fragmentation factor (DFF, a caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD) and its inhibitor (ICAD)), is capable of inducing DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation after cleavage by caspase-3 (refs 2,3,4). However, although transgenic mice lacking DFF45 or its caspase cleavage site have significantly reduced DNA fragmentation, these mice still show residual DNA fragmentation and are phenotypically normal. Here we report the identification and characterization of another nuclease that is specifically activated by apoptotic stimuli and is able to induce nucleosomal fragmentation of DNA in fibroblast cells from embryonic mice lacking DFF. This nuclease is endonuclease G (endoG), a mitochondrion-specific nuclease that translocates to the nucleus during apoptosis. Once released from mitochondria, endoG cleaves chromatin DNA into nucleosomal fragments independently of caspases. Therefore, endoG represents a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway initiated from the mitochondria.

The Cellular Protein PRA1 Modulates the Anti-apoptotic Activity of Epstein-Barr Virus BHRF1, a Homologue of Bcl-2, through Direct Interaction

The Epstein-Barr virus-encoded early protein, BHRF1, is a structural and functional homologue of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. There is accumulating evidence that BHRF1 protects a variety of cell types from apoptosis induced by various external stimuli. To identify specific proteins from normal epithelial cells that interact with BHRF1 and that might promote or inhibit its anti-apoptotic activity, we screened a yeast two-hybrid cDNA library derived from human normal foreskin keratinocytes and identified a cellular gene encoding human prenylated rab acceptor 1 (hPRA1). The interaction of hPRA1 with BHRF1 was confirmed using glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation. Two regions of PRA1, amino acids 30-53 and the carboxyl-terminal 21 residues, are important for BHRF1 interactions and two regions of BHRF1, amino acids 1-18 and 89-142, including the Bcl-2 homology domains BH4 and BH1, respectively, are crucial for PRA1 interactions. PRA1 expression interferes with the anti-apoptotic activity of BHRF1, although not of Bcl-2. These results indicate that the PRA1 interacts selectively with BHRF1 to reduce its anti-apoptotic activity and might play a role in the impeding completion of virus maturation.

TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 in the retina of normal and glaucomatous eyes

PURPOSE

To determine the expression and localization of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 in the retina of normal and glaucomatous eyes.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, retinal expression and localization of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 were studied in retina sections from 20 eyes of donors with glaucoma, and 20 eyes of age-matched normal donors.

RESULTS

According to immunohistochemistry, the intensity of the immunostaining and the number of labeled cells for TNF-alpha or its receptor were greater in retina sections of glaucomatous eyes than in control eyes of age-matched normal donors. In situ hybridization showed that mRNA signals for TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha receptor-1 were similarly more intense in glaucomatous eyes than in age-matched control eyes. Both protein and mRNA of TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha receptor-1 were predominantly localized to the inner retinal layers. Double-immunofluorescence labeling demonstrated that retinal immunostaining for TNF-alpha was predominantly positive in the glial cells, whereas immunostaining for TNF-alpha receptor-1 was mainly positive in the retinal ganglion cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of TNF-alpha and its receptor-1 in glaucomatous retina suggest that TNF-alpha-mediated cell death is involved in the neurodegeneration process of glaucoma.

A study of iron mineral transformation to reduce red mud tailings

This study examines the effects of iron mineral transformation in an aluminum extraction process on the settling behavior, and the physical and chemical properties of the resulting red mud slurry that must be disposed of. By producing a red mud with a higher solid content, the total volume of mud slurry will also be reduced for a given alumina production rate and more caustic soda will be recovered. The settling behavior and the mineralogical, physical, and physico-chemical properties of one bauxite and three red muds processed under varying conditions were analyzed based on examination of the iron mineral transformations. The properties of red muds derived from the same bauxite can differ markedly due to variations in operating conditions of the Bayer process, such as temperature and the addition of a reducing agent. The settling of red mud can be improved by converting goethite into hematite and/or magnetite to produce a mud of larger particle size, smaller specific surface area, and larger specific gravity, characteristics which reduce the total volume of mud slurry to be disposed of and which allow for less potential contamination from caustic soda. This study also found that the by-product--Bayer sodalite--has the high exchange capacity for Na+ that might contribute to the long-term environmental problems.

[Relationship between hot spot mutation in hepatitis B virus basic core promotor and HBeAg status]

OBJECTIVE

This paper was to study the influence of hot spot mutation in hepatitis B virus (HBV) basic core promotor (BCP) (nt1762 and nt1764) on HBeAg status of asymptomatic HBV carriers.

METHODS

Mismatched PCR was used to amplify the fragment of HBVBCP and the fragments were analysed by restrict enzyme assay. Ninety cases of HBV infection were tested for hot spot mutations in HBVBCP.

RESULTS

Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg negative were found to have hot spot mutations in HBVBCP, among which 20 cases were accompanied by the mutation of nt 1896 in HBV Pre-C region. Hot-spot mutation in HBVBCP, however, occurred only in 3(10%) of 30 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg positive. For further investigation the HBVBCP hot spot mutations in asymptomatic HBV carriers without mutation of HBV Pre-C region were studied. Six(31.6%) of 19 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg negative were found to have hot spot mutation in HBVBCP. Two(7.1%) of 28 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg positive had hot spot mutations in HBVBCP, and there was a statistically significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hot spot mutations in HBVBCP is common in the HBV carriers with HBeAg negative and usually accompanies with nt1896 mutation of HBV Pre-C region. It is possible that Hot spot mutation in HBVBCP is a new reason of HBeAg negative HBV infection.

Expression and function of angiopoietin-1 in breast cancer

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) has been shown to act as an angiogenic promoter in embryonic angiogenesis by promoting vascular branching, pericyte recruitment and endothelial survival. We have investigated the role of Ang1 in tumour neovascularization under clinical conditions and in animal models. The expression of Ang1 in clinical breast cancer specimens was analysed by using laser-capture microdissection and reverse transcriptase-linked polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on RNA isolated from the samples. Despite the expression of Ang1 in many human breast cancer cell lines, the gene was expressed in only three of 21 breast cancer clinical specimens, even though its receptor, Tie2, is abundant in the vasculature of all of these tumours. Ang1 was then overexpressed in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) on its own and in conjunction with FGF1, an angiogenic factor shown to be able to increase the tumorigenicity of MCF-7 cells. High concentrations of Ang1 were produced in the conditioned media of the transfected cells (range 156-820 ng ml(-1)). However, in contrast to its physiological role as promoter of angiogenesis, overexpression of Ang1 did not enhance tumour growth, but instead caused up to a 3-fold retardation of tumour growth (P = 0.003).