OVX1 and CEA in Patients with Colon Carcinoma, Colon Polyps and Benign Colon Disorders

The OVX1 tumor marker promises to complement CA125 for detection of early stage ovarian carcinoma. OVX1 has also been shown to be elevated in colon cancer patients. This study is designed to assess serum OVX1 levels in patients with specific stages of colon cancer, colon polyps or other GI disorders. Serum OVX1 and CEA were measured by radioimmunoassay or enzyme immunoassay for 206 patients at the time of colonoscopy or staging for colon carcinoma. In patients with stage I, II, III, or IV colon carcinoma, serum OVX1 was positive in 37%, 48%, 74% and 63%, respectively. Fifty-three percent of patients with colon polyps had elevated OVX1 levels, while OVX1 levels were positive in only 7% of healthy controls. If both OVX1 and CEA were considered, at least one of these markers was elevated in 36%, 60%, 79% or 89% of patients with stage I, II, III or IV colon carcinoma, respectively. The majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulosis also had elevated OVX1 levels. Both markers were positive in 27% of patients with colon carcinoma, and not in any patients with a normal colonoscopy or with a diagnosis of diverticulosis or hemorrhoids. In conclusion, serum OVX1 improves the sensitivity of CEA for detecting colon polyps and colon cancer; however, the use of OVX1 in this setting is hindered by its elevation in non-malignant colonic processes.

[Diagnostic value of albumin-bilirubin grade combined with serum ammonia in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy]

Objective: To explore the value of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade combined with serum ammonia in the diagnosis of cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Methods: The serum level of total bilirubin(TBIL), albumin( ALB )and blood ammonia were detected in 139 patients including 73 cirrhosis patients without HE and 66 cirrhosis patients with HE from January 2015 to January 2017 in Beijing You'an Hospital, and the relationship between ALBI and blood ammonia value and Child grade and hepatic encephalopathy was analyzed. Results: The level of ALBI and blood ammonia were more and more higher with the increase of Child grade, the level of ALBI in Child A, B and C were -2.3±0.6, -1.7±0.5, -0.9±0.4, and there was a statistically significant(F=125.100, P<0.001). The blood ammonia concentration in Child A, B and C were(42.6±16.0), (56.1±31.2), (69.8±34.7) μmol/L, and there was a statistically significant(F=7.400, P<0.001). The level of ALBI was higher with the increase of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) grade, and there was a positive correlation(r=0.547, P<0.001). The ALBI value in the HE group was higher than the cirrhosis patients without HE((-1.1±0.5)vs(-1.6±0.7)), and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.244, P<0.001). Level of blood ammonia in the HE group was(83.6±39.5)μmol/L, which was higher than the level of cirrhosis patients without HE(42.9±17.0)μmol/L, and the difference was statistically significant (t=8.130, P<0.001) . When ALBI and blood ammonia were combined, the ROC curve area was 0.911, the sensitivity was 93.9%, the specificity was 93.2%. Conclusion: There is a significant diagnosis value and high clinical application when ALBI is combined with blood ammonia to diagnose HE .

[Study on changes of calpain and myocardial damage in rats with burn-blast combined injury]

Objective: To study myocardial damage and rules of calpain change in rats with burn-blast combined injury. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, burn group, blast group, burn-blast group, with 32 rats in each group.

CONTROL GROUP

37 degrees' warm water for 12 s; Burn group: 94 degrees' boiling water for 12 s; Blast group: 5 g cyclonite explode in 75 cm distance from left chest wall of rat; Burn-blast group: burn group and blast group combined modeling method. At 6, 24, 48, 72 h observation points after injury, abdominal aorta blood samples and myocardial specimen were collected. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular fractional shortening index (FS) were measured through color Doppler ultrasound instrument; Myocardial tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE); serum cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were detected; detection of cell apoptosis in myocardial tissue was performed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP notch labeling technique (Tunel). Expression levels of calpain mRNA level and protein were detected with Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western imprinting method analysis; calpain activity was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Results: The injury of burn-blast combined injured rats was obvious, including myocardial interstitial edema, large area of myocardial cell degeneration and disintegration and the number of neutrophil infiltration increased. Cardiac function decreased 24 h after injury in burn group, blast group, burn-blast group; both EF and FS were significant lower than those of control group (all P<0.05). FS at 48, 72 h and EF at 72 h in burn-blast group were significantly lower than those of burn group, blast group at the same time points (all P<0.05); the level of cTnI in burn-blast group rose and was higher than control group at all time points, higher than the burn group, blast group at 48 h (all P<0.05). CK-MB in burn-blast group rats increased after injury, lowered at 24 h and rose again at 48 h. The level was significantly higher than control group and burn group (both P<0.05). Comparing to control group, myocardial apoptosis index in burn group, blast group and burn-blast group were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Those of burn group (25.3±4.0) at 24 h and (28.8±5.3) at 48 h were significantly lowered than burn-blast group (43.3±9.4), (53.3±10.4) at same time points, and burn group (31.9±6.7) at 72 h was significantly higher than blast group (17.3±6.3) (all P<0.05). Compared to control group, Calpain mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue were significantly increased in burn-blast group at all time points (all P<0.05). Calpain activity reached the peak at 24 h after injury, then gradually declined, and was significantly higher than control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Calpain expression and activity increase in burn-blast combined injured rats which leads to myocardial damage.

[Effects of hydrogen on the lung damage of mice at early stage of severe burn]

Objective: To investigate the effects of hydrogen on the lung damage of mice at early stage of severe burn. Methods: One hundred and sixty ICR mice were divided into sham injury, hydrogen, pure burn, and burn+ hydrogen groups according to the random number table, with 40 mice in each group. Mice in pure burn group and burn+ hydrogen group were inflicted with 40% total body surface area full-thickness scald (hereafter referred to as burn) on the back, while mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group were sham injured. Mice in hydrogen group and burn+ hydrogen group inhaled 2% hydrogen for 1 h at post injury hour (PIH) 1 and 6, respectively, while mice in sham injury group and pure burn group inhaled air for 1 h. At PIH 24, lung tissue of six mice in each group was harvested, and then pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining and the lung tissue injury pathological score was calculated. Inferior vena cava blood and lung tissue of other eight mice in each group were obtained, and then content of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and lung tissue was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum and lung tissue was detected by spectrophotometry. After arterial blood of other six mice in each group was collected for detection of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), the wet and dry weight of lung tissue were weighted to calculate lung wet to dry weight ratio. The survival rates of the other twenty mice in each group during post injury days 7 were calculated. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, LSD test and log-rank test. Results: (1) At PIH 24, lung tissue of mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group showed no abnormality. Mice in pure burn group were with pulmonary interstitial edema, serious rupture of alveolar capillary wall, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. Mice in burn+ hydrogen group were with mild pulmonary interstitial edema, alveolar capillary congestion accompanied by slight rupture and bleeding, and the number of infiltration of inflammatory cells was smaller than that in pure burn group. The lung tissue injury pathological scores of mice in sham injury group, hydrogen group, pure burn group, and burn+ hydrogen group were (0.7±0.5), (0.8±0.5), (6.1±1.0), and (2.8±0.8) points, respectively. The lung tissue injury pathological score of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (P<0.001). The lung tissue injury pathological score of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group (P<0.001). (2) At PIH 24, the content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in hydrogen group was close to that in sham injury group (with P values above 0.05). The content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.001). The content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.001). (3) At PIH 24, the activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in hydrogen group was close to that in sham injury group (with P values above 0.05). The activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in pure burn group was significantly lower than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.001). The activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly higher than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.001). (4) At PIH 24, there was no statistically significant difference in PaO(2) among the mice in four groups (F=0.04, P>0.05). (5) At PIH 24, the ratios of lung wet to dry weight of mice in sham injury, hydrogen, pure burn, and burn+ hydrogen groups were 3.52±0.22, 3.61±0.24, 7.24±0.32, and 5.21±0.41, respectively. The ratio of lung wet to dry weight of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (P<0.001). The ratio of lung wet to dry weight of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group (P<0.001). (6) The survival rates of mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group during post injury days 7 were 100%. Compared with those in sham injury group, survival rates of mice in pure burn group from post injury days 3 to 7 were significantly decreased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with those in pure burn group, survival rates of mice in burn+ hydrogen group from post injury days 5 to 7 were significantly increased (with P values below 0.05). Conclusions: Hydrogen can significantly alleviate the infiltration of inflammatory cells and improve the pathological lesions of lung tissue of mice with severe burn. It has the effects of reducing inflammatory reaction and inhibiting oxidative stress, further showing the protective effect on the lung of burn mice.

Association between interleukin-4 polymorphisms and risk of pre-eclampsia in a population of Chinese pregnant women

Preeclampsia is a common disease unique to pregnant women, and its development involves many genetics l factors. IL-4 is an important regulatory factor of the Th2 cellular immune response, and plays an important role in the induction of placental growth. In this study, we investigated the relationship between IL-4 C-590T, C+33T and G-1098T polymorphisms and risk of pre-eclampsia in a population of pregnant women. A case-control study of 196 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 257 healthy controls was conducted. Genotyping of IL-4 C-590T, C+33T and G-1098T was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We observed that the TT genotype, compared to the CC genotype, of IL-4 C-590T harbored a lower risk of pre-eclampsia; adjusted OR (95%CI) was 0.29 (0.11-0.81). The CT+TT genotype, compared to the CC genotype, harbored a lower risk of pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95%CI = 0.30-0.84) in the dominant model. In the recessive model, the TT genotype, compared to the CC+CT genotype, harbored a lower risk of pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.11-0.86). However, no significant correlation was observed between the IL-4 C+33T and G-1098T polymorphisms and risk of pre-eclampsia in three genetic models. In conclusion, IL-4 C-590T polymorphism could be used as a predictive risk factor for pre-eclampsia.

[Laboratory diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the methods of flow cytometric-dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) analysis, gp91 protein detection, gene mutation analysis for the precise diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

METHOD

Clinical and laboratory data of patients with CGD confirmed by gene mutation analysis from 2008 to 2015 in Children's Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively reviewed.The results of respiratory burst, gp91 protein level, and gene mutations were analyzed.The relationships among these three methods were explored.

RESULT

A total of 138 patients of CGD with confirmed gene mutation were included in this study, of them, 123 cases(89.1%) had CYBB gene mutation, 4 cases(2.9%) had CYBA mutation, 5 cases(3.6%) had NCF1 mutation and 6 cases(4.4%) had NCF2 mutation.The range of stimulatory index (SI) was 0.8-60.5, the 25 th, 50 th, 75th percent was 1.7, 2.7, 4.7; 112 cases had the results of gp91, of them, 100 with gp91(0,) 2 with gp91(-), and 10 with gp91(+) . Six mutations, which were not reported before, were c. 76-77delTT, c. 343-344delCA, c. 481A>T, c. 1152G>C, c. 1613G>A for CYBB gene, and c. 137T>G for NCF2 gene. Among CGD patients with CYBB mutation, SI of patients with gp91(+) was higher than patients with gp91(0) 14.6 vs. 2.5(t=44.21, P=0.004). Patients of NCF1 mutation had higher SI than patients with CYBB mutation, 17.7 vs. 2.5 (t=60.8, P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Flow cytometric-DHR analysis and gp91 protein detection are important diagnostic methods for CGD, they could help the precise diagnosis of CGD.Different mutation types, different mutation genes could have impact on the results of respiratory burst and gp91 level.The application of diagnostic technology from function, protein to gene analysis could help precise diagnosis of CGD.

[Forensic Analysis of 95 Nasal Bone Fracture Cases Caused by Blunt Instrument]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics of nasal bone fracture caused by blunt instrument, including the fracture types, the fracture repair, and the difference of manifestations between X-ray and CT. To provide reference for the identification.

METHODS

The information of basic situation, fracture site, injury manner, diagnosis method, expert opinion of 95 adult nasal fracture cases caused by blunt object, which occurred in Gutian county of Fujian province from January 1999 to December 2013, were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The identification conclusions of different injuries were compared according to new and old standards as well.

RESULTS

There were total 95 adults including 87 male and 8 female. The fracture site and quantity have significant correlation with the nasal bone anatomical relations and the direction and size of the force. Compound fracture was most common. The fracture that could not be determined by X-ray could be clearly diagnosed by CT examination. According to new and old standards, different fracture types have different identification conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gender differences in nasal bone fracture cases. Larger external force is easy to cause compound fracture. CT examination is significantly better than X-ray examination.

[Venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference to arteriovenous oxygen content difference ratio combined with lactate to predict prognosis of patients with septic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic significance of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference to arteriovenous oxygen content difference ratio (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio) combined with lactate in patients with septic shock during the early phases of resuscitation.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for 104 septic shock patients. All patients received an initial fluid resuscitation according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock, 2012(SSC2012). Patients were classified into four groups according to lactate levels and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio at 6 h of resuscitation: group A, lactate≥2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2>1.0; group B, lactate≥2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2≤1.0; group C, lactate<2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2>1.0; group D, lactate<2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2≤1.0. The hemodynamic parameters and oxygen metabolism parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 h after fluid resuscitation. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at day 1, day 3 were calculated. The 28-day mortality rate was recorded.

RESULTS

(1) Group A had the highest SOFA score at day 3 and group D the lowest, which were respectively 10.8±3.3, 6.7±3.6, 5.6±3.1, 4.1±2.2 in four groups. Accordingly, the 28-day mortality rate of group A was the highest and group D the lowest, which were respectively 83.3%, 59.1%, 60.0%, 14.3% in four groups. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) The Cox regression analysis of 28 d mortality revealed that lactate levels (RR=4.306, 95%CI 1.979-9.369) and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio (RR=2.888, 95%CI 1.676-4.976) at T6 were independent predictors to 28-day mortality. (3) The AUCROC of Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio combined with lactate [0.910(95%CI 0.857-0.963)] was significantly greater than the AUCROC of wither lactate [0.762(95%CI 0.673-0.852), Z=2.775; P=0.006) or Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio [0.781(95%CI 0.693-0.868), Z=2.458; P=0.014) alone.

CONCLUSION

Combination of Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio and lactate level at early stage of resuscitation in patients with septic shock is better than single parameter to predict the prognosis.

[Efficacy observation of (125)I seed implantation therapy for locoregional recurrent and metastatic breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and side effects of (125)I seed implantation for locoregional recurrent and metastatic breast cancer, and to discuss its role in the comprehensive therapy of breast cancer.

METHODS

Forty-three patients with locoregional recurrent or metastatic breast cancer were included in this study. They received (125)I seed implantation and were followed up to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of the treatment.

RESULTS

Among 54 lesions in the 43 cases, there were complete response (CR) in 39, partial response (PR) in 13, stable disease (SD) in 2 patients, with a response rate of 96.3%. All 17 cases with local pain achieved pain relief. With a median follow up of 36 months (range 14 to 60 months), the 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rate was 85.2%, 53.7% and 1.9%, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 95.3%, 67.4% and 37.2%, respectively. No serious radiotherapy side effect was observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with unresectable locoregional recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, (125)I seed implantation shows proved efficacy and few complications, and can be an important treatment option.

[The influence of left ventricular-arterial coupling on the prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of left ventricular-arterial coupling(VAC) on clinical prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock.

METHODS

A total of 56 elderly septic shock patients were enrolled in this study, all of whom were admitted to Department of Intensive Care Unit in Zhejiang Hospital from August 2014 to October 2015.The patients were divided into two groups according to the status of left ventricular-arterial coupling when septic shock was diagnosed, which were left ventricular-arterial uncoupling group(UC group) and left ventricular-arterial coupling group(C group). Various parameters were recorded, including blood lactate level, central venous oxygen saturation(ScvO2), serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTNⅠ), dose of vasoactive drugs, the total fluid volume and urine volume per hour within 24 hours. The 28-day survival rate was a key index of prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression was taken to analyze risk factors related to death within 28 day.

RESULTS

Compared with C group, UC group had lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction[(42.43±4.76)% vs (53.17±3.01)%; P<0.01] and cardiac index[(2.36±0.68) L·min(-1)·m(-2) vs (2.93±0.45)L·min(-1)·m(-2); P<0.01]. Yet serum levels of NT-proBNP[lg NT-proBNP 3.93±0.53 vs 3.40±0.63; P=0.004] and cTNⅠ [lg cTNⅠ-0.16±0.68 vs-1.03±0.69; P<0.001] in UC group were higher than those in C group. Moreover, the total fluid volume within 24 hours [(3 806.3±831.4) ml vs (3 142.0±770.0) ml; P=0.016], blood lactate level[(5.61±2.68) mmol/L vs (3.93±1.59) mmol/L; P=0.043] and dose of norepinephrine[(0.630±0.300)μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) vs (0.292±0.234)μg·kg(-1)·min(-1;) P=0.001] in UC group were greater than those in C group, while ScvO2[(60.75±2.91)% vs (64.42±2.19)%; P<0.001] and urine volume per hour[(0.518±0.358)ml vs (0.926±0.678)ml; P=0.007] were less than those in C group. Compared with C group, UC group had a lower 28-day survival rate[43.2%(19/44) vs 9/12; P=0.049]. Ea/Ees ratio was negatively correlated with LVEF, ScvO2(r=-0.686, P<0.001; r=-0.411, P=0.002), positively correlated with NT-proBNP, cTNⅠ(r=0.294, P=0.028; r=0.363, P=0.006), yet no obvious correlation was noticed with blood lactate level(r=0.170, P=0.21). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that VAC(OR=11.187, 95%CI 2.489-50.285; P=0.002), lactate level (OR=1.727, 95%CI 1.164-2.563; P=0.007) and lg cTNⅠ(OR=0.247, 95%CI 0.079-0.779; P=0.017) were independent risk factors affecting 28-day mortality. Conclutions: In elderly patients with septic shock, left ventricular-arterial uncoupling indicates a lower 28-day survival rate, worse cardiac function and tissue perfusion. Ea/Ees ratio might sever as a predictive indicator of 28-day mortality.

Growth responses of broiler chickens to different periods of artificial light

This study aimed to establish response curves between broiler chicken growth parameters and artificial light periods, as opposed to optimizing a lighting regimen for broiler production. Medium-growing broiler chickens were illuminated for periods of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24 h each day. The BW of the broilers were significantly influenced by light periods ( < 0.05). Moreover, BW responded to light periods in a linear fashion, suggesting that long light periods result in greater BW. In addition, a linear relationship was found between feed intake and light periods. However, the relationship between shank length and light period was quadratic. When the light period was too short (12 h) or too long (24 h), the light stimulus did not enhance shank growth in the broiler chickens ( < 0.05). In addition, a quadratic relationship between the quantity of abdominal adipose tissue and light period suggested that the quantity of abdominal adipose decreases when the period of the light stimulus was too short or too long ( < 0.05). Moreover, a broken-stick analysis suggested that the triiodothyronine (T3) concentration in the blood was minimally affected beyond 18 h ( = 0.267), although a quadratic relationship was found between the period (from 18 to 24 h) and T3 concentrations in the blood. The response curves established in the present study will be valuable for designing future lighting regimes for medium-growing broiler strains.

Protective effects of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharide-induced monocytic adhesion and vascular endothelial permeability through regulation of vascular endothelial cadherin

We observed the effect of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), hyaline leukocyte conglutination, and permeability of the endothelium. Endotheliocytes were inoculated on 6-well plates and randomly divided into 4 groups: control, H2, LPS, LPS+H2, H2, and LPS+H2 in saturated hydrogen-rich medium. We applied Wright's stain-ing to observe conglutination of hyaline leukocytes and HUVECs, flow cytometry to determine the content of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the E-selectin concentration in the cell liquor, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to test the permeability of endothelial cells, and Western blot and immunofluorescence to test the expression and distribution of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin. Compared with control cells, there was an increase in endothelium-hyaline leukocyte conglutination, a reduction in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, and the TEER value increased obviously. Compared with LPS, there was an obvious reduction in the conglutination of LPS+H2 cells, a reduction in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin levels, and a reduction in the TEER-resistance value, while the expression of VE-cadherin increased. Fluorescence results showed that, compared with control cells, the VE-cadherin in LPS cells was in-complete at the cell joints. Compared with LPS cells, the VE-cadherin in LPS+H2 cells was even and complete at the cell joints. Liquid rich in hydrogen could reduce LPS-induced production of adhesion molecules and endothelium-hyaline leukocyte conglutination, and influence the expression and distribution of VE-cadherin to regulate the permeability of the endothelium.

A portable microfluidic device for the rapid diagnosis of cancer metastatic potential which is programmable for temperature and CO2

If metastasis of lung cancer can be found and treated early, a victim might have an improved chance to prevail over it, but routine examinations such as chest radiography, computed tomography and biopsy cannot characterize the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells; critical diagnoses to define optimal therapeutic strategies are thus lost. We designed a portable microfluidic device for the rapid diagnosis of cancer metastatic potential. Featuring a micro system to control temperature and a bicarbonate buffered environment, our device discriminates a rate of surface detachment as an index of the migratory ability of cells cultured on pH-responsive chitosan. We labeled metastatic subpopulations of lung cancer cell lines, and verified that our device is capable of separating cells according to their metastatic ability. As only few cells are needed, a patient's specimen from biopsies, e.g. from fine-needle aspiration, can be processed on site to offer immediate information to physicians. We expect that our design will provide valuable information in pre-operative evaluations to assist the definition of therapeutic plans for lung cancer, as well as for metastatic tumors of other types.

The risk of placental abruption and placenta previa in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several epidemiological studies have found a positive association between chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and the risk of placental abruption and placenta previa, but various studies have reported conflicting findings. The objective was to systematically review the literature to determine a possible association between CHB infection and these two placental complications.

METHODS

We conducted a computerized search in electronic database through March 1, 2014, supplemented with a manual search of reference lists, to identify original published research on placental abruption and placenta previa rates in women with CHB infection. Data were independently extracted, and relative risks were calculated. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 10.0 software.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 9088 placenta previa cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placenta previa was identified (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.60-1.62). Five studies involving 15571 placental abruption cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placental abruption was identified (OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 0.93-2.15).

DISCUSSION

The immune response against the virus represents a key factor in determining infection outcomes. No observation of significant increased risk of the placental complications could be partially explained by the complex immune response during CHB infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis found no evidence of significant associations between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa. Further well-designed studies were warranted to assess any potential association between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa.

G6PD deficiency with hemolytic anemia due to a rare gene deletion—A report of the first case in Malaysia

A 2-year-old Chinese boy was referred to Hospital UKM for investigation of recurrent episodes of dark-coloured urine and pallor since birth. He was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation and developed severe early-onset neonatal jaundice requiring exchange blood transfusion. Screening at birth showed Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. On admission, physical examination revealed pallor, jaundice and mild hepatomegaly. Results of laboratory investigations showed a hemoglobin level of 11.0 g/dl with a hemolytic blood picture, reticulocytosis of 20% and red cell G6PD activity reported as undetectable. The patient's DNA was analysed for G6PD mutations by PCR-based techniques and DNA sequencing and results showed a 24 bp deletion of nucleotide 953-976 in the exon 9 of the G6PD gene. DNA analysis was also performed on blood samples of the patient's mother and female sibling confirming their heterozygous status, although both showed normal red cell G6PD activity levels. The patient was discharged well and his parents were appropriately advised on the condition and the importance of taking folic acid regularly. This is a first case report in Malaysia of G6PD deficiency causing chronic-hemolytic anemia. The rare 24 bp deletion causes the G6PD Nara variant, previously reported only in two other unrelated males, a Japanese and a Portuguese both with chronic hemolytic anemia.

Advanced oxidation protein products enhances soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 expression in trophoblasts: a possible link between oxidative stress and preeclampsia

Accumulation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) is prevalent in obesity, advanced maternal age, diabetes mellitus, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Alterations in the regulation and signaling of angiogenic pathways have been recognized as a link between these conditions and pre-eclampsia. To investigate the possible impact of AOPPs on soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) expression in trophoblasts. A trophoblast cell line (HRT-8/SVneo) was treated with various concentrations of AOPPs. The mRNA expression of sFlt-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) in trophoblasts were measured with the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction; and the secretion of sFlt-1, VEGF, and PlGF protein from trophoblasts were detected with the use of ELISA. Exposure of HRT-8/SVneo cells to AOPPs induced overexpression of sFlt-1 at mRNA and protein levels in a dose dependent manner. These effects could be inhibited by apocynin, an inhibitors of NADPH oxidase. Our data identified AOPPs as a class of important mediator in the regulation and signaling of angiogenic pathways of trophoblasts. Accumulation of AOPPs might contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by promoting sFlt-1 production in trophoblasts.

Differential gene expression between the porcine morula and blastocyst

The survival and development of pre-implantation embryos are determinant factors affecting the outcome of animal reproduction. It is essential to transfer the expression of the genetic material from maternal sources, that is the ovum to the zygote before implantation to ensure successful development. Differentiation and transformation of blastomeres initiated during the morula and blastocyst stages is an important step of the embryonic development prior to implantation. We collected morula and early blastocyst samples from pure-bred Landrace pigs in vivo to study the differential gene expression patterns at these two stages. Total RNA was extracted from individual embryos and two rounds of amplification were employed. Two micrograms of antisense RNA, targets, were prepared and hybridized with each of four custom made oligo microarrays representing 24,000 porcine genes. The analyses of replicate hybridizations showed that among the 24,000 genes, 162 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in the morula compared to early blastocysts and 2126 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in early blastocysts compared to the morula. Of these differentially expressed genes, 1429 genes were functionally annotated with related human Gene Ontology terms. In addition to basic metabolic processes, genes related to signal transduction, transportation and cell differentiation were found in both stages and were up-regulated as embryo development proceeded. Real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to quantify 12 genes differentially expressed in the 2 embryonic stages and validated the reliability of major evidences shown in microarrays. In conclusion, we have obtained a preliminary landscape of genes differentially expressed during the transition from morula to early blastocysts in pigs and showed a generally increased transcriptional activity, perhaps in preparation for implantation. Our results provide an opportunity to study the functions of these genes in relation to the development and survival of pre-implantation porcine embryos.

Relativistic single-cycled short-wavelength laser pulse compressed from a chirped pulse induced by laser-foil interaction

By particle-in-cell simulation and analysis, we propose a plasma approach to generate a relativistic chirped pulse based on a laser-foil interaction. When two counterpropagating circularly polarized pulses interact with an overdense foil, the driving pulse (with a larger laser field amplitude) will accelerate the whole foil to form a double-layer structure, and the scattered pulse (with a smaller laser field amplitude) is reflected by this flying layer. Because of the Doppler effect and the varying velocity of the layer, the reflected pulse is up-shifted for frequency and chirped; thus, it could be compressed to a nearly single-cycled relativistic laser pulse with a short wavelength. Simulations show that a nearly single-cycled subfemtosecond relativistic pulse can be generated with a wavelength of 0.2 μm after dispersion compensation.

Porcine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta mediates the lipolytic effects of dietary fish oil to reduce body fat deposition

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta promotes fatty acid catabolism and energy expenditure in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. A ligand for PPARdelta is required to activate PPARdelta function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are potential ligands for PPARdelta activation. The current experiment was designed to determine the potential for PUFA, particularly from dietary fish oil, to activate porcine PPARdelta in vivo. Transgenic mice were generated to overexpress porcine PPARdelta in the adipose tissue. Mice were fed a high-saturated fat (13% beef tallow), or high-unsaturated fat (13% fish oil) diet, or a diet containing 4 mg/kg of a PPARdelta ligand (L165041) for 4 mo. Compared with beef tallow feeding, fish oil feeding reduced fat mass and decreased (P < 0.05) plasma triacylglycerol and FFA concentrations in the transgenic mice. Adipose tissue expression of genes involved in adipogenesis (i.e., lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein) was decreased in transgenic mice fed fish oil or the PPARdelta ligand. In the same mice, expression of the lipolytic gene, hormone-sensitive lipase was increased (P < 0.05). Fish oil feeding also stimulated expression of genes participating in fatty acid oxidation in the liver of transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. Overall, these results indicate that PUFA may serve as natural and effective regulators of lipid catabolism in vivo and many of these effects may be generated from activation of PPARdelta.

Docosahexaenoic acid regulates adipogenic genes in myoblasts via porcine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) triggers adipocyte differentiation by regulating lipogenic genes. A ligand for PPARgamma is necessary to activate PPARgamma function. Fatty acids are potential ligands for PPARgamma activation. The current experiment was designed to determine the potential for individual fatty acids to activate porcine PPARgamma ectopically expressed in myoblasts. The expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and adiponectin in myoblasts stably expressing porcine PPARgamma was increased when docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was added to the adipogenic medium. The response was positively related to DHA concentration and suggests that DHA may bind to and activate porcine PPARgamma, leading to increased expression of aP2 and adiponectin. The conditioned media collected from myoblasts expressing PPARgamma between d 3 and 6 or between d 6 and 9, but not DHA itself, activated the aP2 gene promoter-driven luciferase activity. These results suggest that a metabolite of DHA is the ligand binding to and activating porcine PPARgamma. The metabolite and pathway for its production are currently unknown.

Combined effects of niacin and chromium treatment on vascular endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemic rats

Combined treatment with niacin and chromium has been found to have a protective effect against oxidative damage to different tissues of hyperlipidemic rats. But its effects on vascular endothelial dysfunction are less clear. This study was performed to investigate the effect of combined treatment with niacin and chromium on vascular endothelial dysfunction, with the aim of gaining insight to the mechanisms by detecting the expression levels of ox-LDL and LOX-1. Twenty-four male, 4-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CG; n = 8), high-fat group (HF; n = 8), and drug control group (DG; n = 8). In CG group, rats were fed with pellet chow. In HF group, rats were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks. In DG group, rats were fed with the same high-fat diet and treated with CrCl(3) x 6 H(2)O (250 microg/kg days) and niacin (100 mg/kg days) by gavage technique for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, samples from aorta and blood were collected. In HF group, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and endothelin (ET) were higher, whereas the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), serum NO were lower than those in CG group. The levels of serum TC, LDL, ox-LDL and ET decreased and HDL, NO levels increased in DG group when compared with HF group. The levels of LOX-1, ICAM-1 were also observed in abdominal artery. In HF group, the protein and mRNA expression of LOX-1, ICAM-1 were elevated comparing with CG group. In DG group, the protein and mRNA expression of LOX-1, ICAM-1 were decreased obviously, but still differed significantly from those in CG group. ox-LDL was related positively to TC, LDL, ET, ICAM-1 and LOX-1, but related negatively to NO and HDL. These findings indicated that combined treatment with niacin and chromium has potential therapeutic protection of endothelial function by down-regulating ox-LDL/LOX-1 signaling pathway.

Comparison of two-phase (201)Tl SPECT with chest CT to differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions

AIM

This study was conducted to compare the performance of (201)Tl single photon emission computed tomography ((201)Tl SPECT) with chest computed tomography (CT) in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy patients with confirmed diagnostic thoracic lesions found in chest radiographs were prospectively examined by (201)Tl SPECT. The performance of (201)Tl SPECT in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions was evaluated in 161 patients with a measurable retention index (RI), using the region-of-interest method. Chest CT scans were retrospectively collected from 165 patients and were interpreted by two independent observers.

RESULTS

The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves were 0.85 using the RI value to differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.9%, 83.1%, and 76.4%, respectively, with a cutoff level for the RI set at 20%. Similarly, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of chest CT scans to differentiate malignancies from benign lesions were 78.2%, 69.7% and 74.9%, respectively. Focusing on patients with concordant results in both (201)Tl SPECT and chest CT scans, we can differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions with a sensitivity of 89.1%, a specificity of 90%, and an accuracy of 89.4%.

CONCLUSION

Both (201)Tl SPECT and chest CT scans are useful imaging tools in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions, with an accuracy of around 75%. By combining these two image modalities, the accuracy improves to 89.4%, which may circumvent the need for invasive procedures for certain equivocal cases, using either single image alone.

Porcine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma induces transdifferentiation of myocytes into adipocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma) is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipogenic genes during adipogenesis. The activity of rodent PPARgamma is regulated by phosphorylation of serine 112. The current experiment was designed to study the ability of porcine PPARgamma to stimulate transdifferentiation of myoblasts to adipocytes by overexpressing wild-type PPARgamma or mutated PPARgamma (serine 112 was mutated to alanine) in mouse myoblast cells. The expression of adipogenic marker genes (adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, lipoprotein lipase, and glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase) in cells stably expressing mutated porcine PPARgamma was greater than in cells with wild-type PPARgamma, indicating that the mutated PPARgamma has greater adipogenic capability than the wild-type PPARgamma. Under treatment with a ligand, both wild-type and mutant porcine PPARgamma-expressing C2C12 myoblasts differentiated into adipocytes in 10 d. The expression of myogenic marker genes (myogenin, myogenic regulatory factor-4) was suppressed in cells transfected with the mutated PPARgamma or wild-type PPARgamma. Moreover, wild-type and mutant PPARgamma were able to inhibit myogenesis without addition of a ligand. Our results suggest that porcine wild-type PPARgamma and mutated PPARgamma can both convert myoblast cells into adipocytes, and also that the ability to transdifferentiate was greater in cells containing the mutated PPARgamma than in cells containing the wild-type PPARgamma. Therefore, the existence of serine 112 in PPARgamma may have a role in regulating adipocyte differentiation.

Ectopic expression of porcine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ regulates adipogenesis in mouse myoblasts1

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) plays a critical role in regulating adipogenesis. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta) precedes that of PPARgamma during adipocyte differentiation in rodents. The current experiment was designed to study the function of porcine PPARdelta and the interaction of PPARdelta and PPARgamma in adipocyte differentiation. Inhibition of myogenesis was observed in mouse myoblasts expressing porcine PPARdelta, similar to myoblasts expressing PPARgamma. Treatment of myoblasts expressing PPARdelta with ligands for both PPARdelta and PPARgamma enhanced lipogenesis and adipogenesis to a greater extent than treatment with a PPARgamma ligand alone, suggesting that both genes were involved in regulating lipogenesis and adipogenesis. The ability to transdifferentiate myoblasts into adipocytes was decreased in myoblasts coexpressing PPARdelta with either wild type or mutated PPARgamma (Ser 112 was mutated to Ala; the mutated PPARgamma is more active than the wild type) compared with myoblasts expressing PPARgamma alone. Adipocyte differentiation in myoblasts coexpressing PPARdelta and mutated PPARgamma was greater than in myoblasts coexpressing PPARdelta and wild type PPARgamma, confirming that Ser 112 is important for the function of PPARgamma. Taken together, our results demonstrate that overexpression of PPARdelta inhibits myotube formation and also enhances adipocyte differentiation. However, the complexity and interaction of PPARdelta and PPARgamma in adipogenesis are not clearly understood.