Current treatment of sacral giant cell tumour of bone: a review

Sacral giant cell tumour of bone has an insidious onset and slow growth rate, making early diagnosis difficult. The tumour has a high recurrence rate and is often fatal. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT), including CT-guided fine-needle biopsy, are useful for early diagnosis. Although therapy for sacral giant cell tumour often involves surgical resection and reconstruction challenges, improvements in various treatment modalities, including arterial embolization and radiotherapy, have widened the effective treatment options. The current surgical and adjuvant treatment modalities available for the management of sacral giant cell tumour are systematically reviewed and a suggested treatment algorithm is provided. En bloc excision remains the surgical procedure of choice, with functional reconstruction important in cases where the lesion is high in the sacrum. The use of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains controversial and should be studied further. Determination of the optimum treatment for sacral giant cell tumour will require randomized controlled trials. Early diagnosis, complete surgical resection with tumour-free margins and comprehensive treatment are important for local tumour control and improved outcome.

[Effects of rainfall on nitrogen and phosphorus loss from courtyard compost and its risk of nonpoint source pollution]

The in situ 120 days experiment was conducted to investigate effects of rainfall on nitrogen and phosphorus loss from courtyard composting with four kinds of coverage, involving no coverage, rice straw, thin film and soil, and their risks of nonpoint source pollution were discussed. The results showed that, with decomposing of the manure and increasing of runoff, the concentration of total nitrogen (TN), ammoniac nitrogen (NH4(+)-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3(-)-N), total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved phosphorus (DP) from courtyard composting decreased. Especially, the concentration variation of TN, NH4(+)-N, NO3(-)-N with time fit for I kinetic equation, while TP and DP fit for linear equation. The concentration order of nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff observed as follows: no coverage > coverage by rice straw > coverage by soil > coverage by thin film. As a result, the coverage by thin film could be used as a recommended mode to decrease the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff resulting from its low risks for nonpoint source pollution.

A green approach to the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets under UV irradiation

We present a totally green approach towards the synthesis and stabilization of aqueous graphene dispersions through UV-irradiated reduction of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO). Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is used to enhance the dispersibility of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by one-step functionalization. The proposed method is low cost and easy without using any photocatalysts or reducing agents, which can open up a new possibility for green preparation of stable RGO dispersions in large-scale production.

[Matching study on treatment of sewage from highway service area by ecological soil system in Chongqing]

The osmotic coefficient by clear water and sewage, static adsorption, dynamic and water penetration tests were conducted to determine the parameters, which including materials matching, hydraulic loading, and wet to dry ratio, in the treatment of sewage from highway service area (SHSA) in Chongqing by ecological soil system. The results showed that, according to principles of easier getting, high and stable hydraulic load, large decontamination capability, the materials matching of working layer SHSA was made of 30.67% soil, 61.33% sand and 8.00% cinder in Chongqing, and the supporting layer was consisted of 0.20 m cable and 0.10 m broken stone (height). The total height of the ecological soil system was 1.6 m, at which 1.00, 1.20, 1.40, 1.60 m department of hydraulic loading were 0.344, 0.322, 0.307, 0.298 m x d(-1), respectively. The flooding period of working layer was 1 d and the drying period 1.5 d, i. e, the ratio of wet to dry was 1:1.5.

[Effects of acute lymphoblastic leukemia children bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on drug resistance of K562/A02 cell line]

The aim of study was to investigate the effect of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on resistance of K562/A02 cells and its mechanism. MSC obtained from bone marrow of AL children were cultured and identified. The co-culture of MSC and K562/A02 and the culture of K562/A02 cell suspension alone was performed, of which 2 kinds of cells were treated with same concentration of adriamycin (ADM), and the rate of apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, bcl-2 and bax of K562/A02 were detected by RT-PCR, while mdr1 gene level was detected by FQ-PCR. The results indicated that the MSC separation and proliferation were viable and steady. The apoptosis rate of the K562/A02 cells co-cultured with MSC was 1.97 ± 0.11%, while apoptosis rate of the K562/A02 cells cultured alone was 8.38 ± 0.29%, there was significant difference (p < 0.05). As compared with the K562/A02 cells cultured alone, the bcl-2 gene expression in K562/A02 cells co-cultured with MSC obviously increased; ratio of bcl-2/bax was obviously enhanced. The mdr1 gene level in K562/A02 co-cultured with MSC was no statistical different from K562/A02 cultured alone (p > 0.05), which suggested that adhesion co-cultured with MSC did not induce mdr1 expression higher than the culture of suspension. It is concluded that the MSC of ALL children can escape the leukemia cells from proapoptotic effect of drugs, the resistance of K562/A02 to ADM may be involved in enhancement of bcl-2 gene expression of K562/A02 cells co-cultured with MSC, but not in relation to mdr1 gene in K562/A02 cells themselves.

An efficient compact 300 mW narrow-linewidth single frequency fiber laser at 1.5 microm

An efficient single frequency fiber laser by using a newly-developed Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped single mode phosphate glass fiber with the net gain coefficient of 5.2 dB/cm and propagation loss coefficient of 0.04 dB/cm has been demonstrated. Over 300 mW stable continuous -wave single transverse and longitudinal mode seed lasering at 1.5 microm has been achieved from a 2.0 cm-long active fiber. The measured slope efficiency and the calculated quantum efficiency of laser emission are found to be 30.9% and 0.938 +/- 0.081, respectively. It is found that the linewidth of the fiber laser is less than 2 kHz, and the measured relative intensity noise (RIN) is around -120 dB/Hz in the frequency range of 50 to 500 kHz.

Enhanced 2.0 microm emission and gain coefficient of transparent glass ceramic containing BaF2: Ho3+,Tm3+ nanocrystals

Transparent glass ceramic containing BaF(2):Ho(3+),Tm(3+) nanocrystals has been prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. The precipitation of BaF(2) nanocrystals was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Intense 2.0 microm fluorescence originating from Ho(3+): (5)I(7) --> (5)I(8) transition was achieved upon excitation with 808 nm laser diode. A large ratio of forward Tm(3+) --> Ho(3+) energy transfer constant to that of backward process indicated high efficient energy transfer from Tm(3+)((3)F(4)) to Ho(3+)((5)I(7)), benefited from the reduced ionic distances of Tm(3+)-Tm(3+) and Tm(3+)-Ho(3+) pairs and low phonon energy environment with the incorporation of rare-earth ions into the precipitated BaF(2) nanocrystals. The results indicate that glass ceramic is a promising candidate material for 2.0 microm laser.

Analytical investigation on transient thermal effects in pulse end-pumped short-length fiber laser

The transient heat conduction and thermal effects in pulse end-pumped fiber laser are modeled and analytically solved. For the arbitrary temporal shape of pump pulse, a three-dimensional (3D) temperature expression is derived via an integral transform method, and the thermal stress field is deduced through solving the Navier displacement equations. The results show that pulse shape has an important influence on the peak thermal stress and transient phase shift induced by heating of the fiber. Reasonable design for pulse duration and period can reduce thermal effects and optimize the performance of high-power fiber laser.

Inhibition of fengycins on the production of fumonisin B1 from Fusarium verticillioides

AIM

To understand the role of fengycins in regulating the fumonisin B1 (FB1)production of Fusarium verticillioides.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The mass ratio of FB1 to mycelia was determined in order to identify the effect of fengycins on FB1 production. It was shown that the amount of FB1 produced by unit mass mycelia decreased to 28% of the control. Results from mycelia resuspension with fengycins also demonstrated that fengycins had a potent impact on FB1 production. Gene expression patterns using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) revealed that the transcriptional levels of both FUM1 and FUM8 (coding enzymes for the generation of FB1) were down-regulated with fengycin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Fengycins could down-regulate the transcription of some key genes involved in the production of FB1, and impair FB1 synthesis by F. verticillioides.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results further improved our understanding of fengycins as the potential candidates to control FB1 contamination in crops and food.

3-Dimensional heat analysis in short-length Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped phosphate fiber laser with upconversion

A 3-dimenstional (3D) heat flow model of laser diode (LD) pumped short-length Er(3+)/Yb(3+) heavily co-doped phosphate fiber laser that includes the energy-transfer upconversion (ETU) effects has been developed. The fully 3D analytical solution with the consideration of longitudinal heat flow has been given to describe the temperature distribution in phosphate fiber. The calculated results show that both ETU processes and longitudinal heat conduction have a great influence on the fiber laser performance. Finally, we have validated the analytical expression by measuring the temperature distribution of an end-pumped short-length Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped fiber laser, which was placed into the copper tube.

Thermal stability and spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses

This paper reports on the optical spectroscopic properties and thermal stability of Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses for developing 1.5 microm optical amplifiers. Upon excitation at 980 nm laser diode, an intense 1.5 microm infrared fluorescence has been observed with the maximum full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 90 nm for Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses. The emission cross-section and the lifetime of the 4I13/2 level of Er3+ ions are 6.3 x 10(-21) cm2 and 0.30 ms, respectively. It is noted that the product of the emission cross-section and FWHM of the glass studied is as great as 567 x 10(-21) cm2 nm, which is comparable or higher than that of bismuthate and tellurite glasses.

Regulation of tomato lateral root development by carbon monoxide and involvement in auxin and nitric oxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous gaseous molecule in organisms. Despite its reputation as a lethal gas, recent studies have shown that it is one of the most essential cellular components regulating a variety of biological processes. However, whether CO regulates physiological processes of morphological or developmental patterns in plants is largely unknown. In this paper, the observation that exogenous CO was able to promote the formation of tomato lateral roots (LR) is described. The CO stimulation of LR development was supported by analysis of tomato haem oxygenase-1 (LeHO-1), an enzymatic source of intracellular CO. It is shown that the amount of LeHO-1 proteins and transcripts increased parallel to the LR development. In addition, LeHO-1 loss-of-function tomato mutant yg-2 showed a phenotype of impaired LR development. The phenotype of yg-2 could be restored by treatment with CO. Since auxin is required for LR initiation and NO is shown to be a mediator for LR development, the correlation of CO with auxin and NO was tested. Our analysis revealed that the action of CO was blocked by the auxin transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid and the NO scavenger cPTIO, respectively. Furthermore, the whole seedling assays of IAA show that treatment with CO increased the overall IAA levels in various tissues of tomato. Exposure of tomato roots to CO also enhanced intracellular NO generation. These results indicate that CO plays a critical role in controlling architectural change in tomato roots.

Uterine expression of implantation serine proteinase 2 during the implantation period and in vivo inhibitory effect of its antibody on embryo implantation in mice

The aim of the present study was to examine the uterine expression pattern of implantation serine proteinase 2 (ISP2) protein during early pregnancy in mice and the effects of anti-ISP2 antibody on embryo implantation. Expression of ISP2 protein was found to be specifically up-regulated in mouse uterine endometrial glands following the initiation of embryo implantation. Similarly, ISP2 protein expression was observed during pseudopregnancy, indicating that its expression is not embryo dependent. In other experiments, rabbit anti-ISP2 IgG was infused into the mouse uterine lumen on Day 3 or 4 of pregnancy to examine its effects on embryo implantation, whereas vehicle (saline) or unspecific rabbit IgG served as controls. The mean number of implanted embryos from anti-ISP2-IgG-treated mice was significantly lower than that from control mice. These results suggest that ISP2 may play an important role during embryo implantation.

Acrosome-specific gene AEP1: identification, characterization and roles in spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a tightly regulated process leading to the development of spermatozoa. To elucidate the molecular spermatogenic mechanisms, we identified an acrosome-specific gene AEP1 in spermatids, which is located in rat chromosome 17p14 with a transcript size of 3,091 bp encoding a signal peptide, zinc finger-like motif, coiled-coil region, several predicted glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. Northern blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed the restricted expression of AEP1 to the testis only. In postnatal rat testes, AEP1 mRNA became detectable from postnatal 25 dpp (round spermatids) and onwards. By using in situ hybridization (ISH) and flow cytometry-fluorescent ISH, only the haploid spermatids yielded the positive AEP1 signal. Immunohistochemistry showed that AEP1 was expressed in the acrosomal cap of late-staged germ cells in rat testis, and co-localized with the acrosomal marker, peanut agglutinin. The spatial expression of AEP1 immunoreactivity in testis was conserved among diverse mammalian species (rat, pig, monkey, human). To further study its roles in spermatogenesis, we showed AEP1 and beta-actin was associated together in complex by co-immunoprecipitation in adult germ cells and by immunofluorescence assay in isolated spermatozoon. In human testes diagnosed with hypospermatogenesis, lower expression of AEP1 was observed, whereas there was no detectable signal in undescended testes. In short, AEP1 is an evolutionary-conserved acrosome-specific gene and likely functions in acrosome-cap formation.

[Plant sulfate assimilation and regulation of the activity of related enzymes under cadmium stress]

The complexation and sequestration of heavy metal ions (e.g. Cd) by the cysteine-rich polypeptides known as phytochelatins (PC) are thought to confer heavy metal hyperaccumulation and tolerance in some plant species. PC is synthesized enzymatically from glutathione. The tripeptide glutathione is a product of primary sulfur metabolism. A variety of enzymes or proteins are involved in sulfur assimilation including sulfate transporters (STs), ATP sulfurylase (ATPS), APS reductase (APSR), sulfite reductase (SiR), glutathione synthetase (GS) and phytochelatin synthesis (PCS). These enzymes or proteins are upstream-regulated by Cd at either the metabolic or the genetic level under metal stress. Increasing evidence shows that enhancement of sulfate uptake and reduction occurs with the production of PC in plants under heavy metal stress. In this article, the key aspects of our recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms involved in the relation between the sulfate assimilation and phytochelatin synthesis are described.

Differential expression of prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP2 in rat uterus during early pregnancy

PGE2 is essential for mammalian female reproduction. This study was to examine the expression of EP2 gene in the rat uterus during early pregnancy, delayed implantation and artificial decidualization by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. There was no detectable EP2 mRNA expression in the uterus from days 1 to 4 of pregnancy (day 1 = day of vaginal sperm). A low level of EP2 immunostaining was observed in the luminal and glandular epithelium from days 1 to 4 of pregnancy. Both EP2 mRNA and protein expression were highly detected in the luminal epithelium at implantation sites on day 6 of pregnancy. EP2 expression decreased from day 7 of pregnancy and was undetectable on days 8 and 9 of pregnancy. After delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and the embryo implanted, both EP2 mRNA and protein expression were strongly observed in the luminal epithelium at the implantation site. There was no detectable EP2 expression in both control and decidualized uteri. In conclusion, these data suggest that EP2 expression at implantation site may play an important role during embryo implantation in rats.

Effect of dissolved organic matter on the toxicity of chlorotoluron to Triticum aestivum

Response of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum cv. YM 158 and NM 9) to the herbicide chlorotoluron and the effect of two forms of dissolved organic matter on the chlorotoluron toxicity to the plants were characterized. Treatment with chlorotoluron at 10-50 microg/ml inhibited the seed germination and a dose-response was observed. The inhibition of seed germination was correlated to the depression of alpha-amylase activities. To identify whether chlorotoluron induced oxidative damage to wheat plants, the malondlaldehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage were measured. Results showed that both MDA content and electrolyte leakage in the chlorotoluron-treated roots significantly increased. Activities of several key enzymes were measured that operate in citric acid cycle and carbohydrate metabolic pathway. Inhibited activities of citrate synthase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase were observed in the chlorotoluron-treated roots as compared to control plants. We also examined malate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in wheat roots exposed to 30 gg/ml chlorotoluron. However, none of the enzymes showed significant changes in activities. Application of 160 microg/ml dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted from non-treated sludge (NTS) and heat-expanded sludge (HES) in the medium with 30 microg/ml chlorotoluron induced an additive inhibition of seed germination and plant growth. The inhibition of growth due to the DOM treatment was associated with the depression of activities of alpha-amylase, citrate synthase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase, as well as the increase in malondlaldehyde content and electrolyte leakage. These results suggested that the presence of DOM might enhance the uptake and accumulation of chlorotoluron, and thus resulted in greater toxicity in wheat plants. The two forms of DOM exhibited differences in regulation of chlorotoluron toxicity to the wheat plants. Treatments with DOM-NTS induced greater toxicity to plants as compared to those with DOM-HES. In addition to DOM affecting chlorotoluron-induced toxicity to wheat plants, the cultivars could have also contributed to differences. Generally, NM-9 showed a higher sensitivity to chlorotoluron than YM 158 either in the absence or in the presence of DOM.

Nitric oxide reduces aluminum toxicity by preventing oxidative stress in the roots of Cassia tora L

Nitric oxide (NO) as a key signaling molecule has been involved in mediation of various biotic and abiotic stress-induced physiological responses in plants. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NO on Cassia tora L. plants exposed to aluminum (Al). Plants pre-treated for 12 h with 0.4 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, and subsequently exposed to 10 microM Al treatment for 24 h exhibited significantly greater root elongation as compared with the plants without SNP treatment. The NO-promoted root elongation was correlated with a decrease in Al accumulation in root apexes. Furthermore, oxidative stress associated with Al treatment increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species, and the activation of lipoxygenase and antioxidant enzymes was reduced by NO. Such effects were confirmed by the histochemical staining for the detection of peroxidation of lipids and loss of membrane integrity in roots. The ameliorating effect of NO was specific, because the NO scavenger cPTIO [2-(4-carboxy-2-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylinidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide] completely reversed the effect of NO on root growth in the presence of Al. These results indicate that NO plays an important role in protecting the plant against Al-induced oxidative stress.

Role of fascin in the proliferation and invasiveness of esophageal carcinoma cells

Fascin, an actin-bundling protein, induces membrane protrusions and increases cell motility in various transformed cells. The overexpression of fascin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been described only recently, but the roles and mechanism still remained unclear. Here, by using RNA interference (RNAi), we have stably silenced the expression of the fascin in EC109 cells, an ESCC cell line. Down-regulation of fascin resulted in a suppression of cell proliferation and as well as a decrease in cell invasiveness. Furthermore, we revealed that fascin might have functions in regulating tumor growth in vivo. The effect of fascin on cell invasiveness correlated with the activation of matrix metalloproteases such as MMP-2 and MMP-9. We examined that fascin down-expression also led to a decrease of c-erbB-2 and beta-catenin at the protein level. These results suggested that fascin might play crucial roles in regulating neoplasm progression of ESCC.

A retrospective study on clinical features of and treatment methods for 77 severe cases of SARS

In this retrospective study, clinical data including clinical manifestations, routine blood tests, chest radiographic imaging from 77 severe cases of SARS treated with integrated Chinese and Western medicine were collected and statistically analyzed. Twenty-nine (37.6%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, non-invasive ventilation was used in 40 (51.9%) cases, and invasive ventilatory procedure was performed in eight (10.3%) cases. Seventy (90.9%) patients were clinically cured and seven (9.0%) died. The duration of defervescence was 8.3 +/- 5.0 days after admission. In the early stage, normal leucocyte count was seen in 46 (75.4%) of the 61 patients tested, decreased leucocyte count in 13 (21.3%) and elevated leucocyte count in only two (3.2%) cases. A decreased lymphocyte count was also seen in 23 (37.7%) cases of the 61 patients tested on admission, and by day 14, the number of patients with decreased lymphocyte count (1.11 +/- 0.66 x 10(9)) increased to 32 (47.7%) in 67 cases examined. Neutral granulocyte count was normal or decreased in 58 (95.0%) patients on admission, but elevated from the 7th day onward and peaked on day 21 in 32 (65.3%) of the 49 cases tested. All of the blood abnormalities returned to normal in the convalescent stage. Twenty-nine (37.6%) of the 77 severe cases of SARS patients demonstrated an extensive lung involvement. In comparison with the non-severe SARS cases, this group of patients showed significantly more pneumonic air-space opacities and ground glass-like changes on the chest radiographs (p < 0.05, chi2 test). The role Chinese medicine played in the treatment of SARS was discussed.

Synthetic studies on nonthrombogenic biomaterials 14: synthesis and characterization of poly(ether-urethane) bearing a Zwitterionic structure of phosphorylcholine on the surface

A new Zwitterionic compound of the phosphorylcholine analogue, 4-hydroxylbutyl phosphorylcholine (HBPC), was synthesized and characterized. HBPC was chemically tethered onto the surface of poly(ether-urethane) (PEU) films with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a coupling agent. The existence of a phosphorylcholine structure on the PEU surface was demomstrated by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements. The nonthrombogenicity of the modified films was evaluated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) assay. The results showed that films grafted with HBPC have excellent platelet adhesion resistance.

Salicylic acid-induced aluminum tolerance by modulation of citrate efflux from roots of Cassia tora L

Aluminum-induced exudation of organic acids from roots has been proposed as a mechanism for Al tolerance in plants. To better understand the regulatory process leading to efflux of organic acids, the possible involvement of salicylic acid (SA) in regulating Al-induced citrate release in Cassia tora L. was identified. The response of citrate efflux to exogenous SA was concentration-dependent. Application of SA at 5 microM in solution containing 20 microM Al increased citrate efflux to levels 1.76-fold higher than in controls (20 microM Al alone). However, inhibition of citrate release was observed when SA concentrations increased to more than 20 microM. Increased citrate efflux due to the SA treatment was associated with decreased inhibition of root growth and Al content in root tips, suggesting that exogenous SA could confer Al tolerance by increasing citrate efflux. We also examined citrate synthase activities (EC 4.1.3.7) and citrate concentrations in root tips exposed to Al and/or SA. However, both citrate synthase activities and citrate accumulation remained unaffected. These results indicate that SA-promotion of Al-induced citrate efflux is not correlated with increase in citrate production. Total endogenous SA concentrations were measured in root tips and the SA concentrations were significantly enhanced by Al at levels of 10-50 microM.

[Allogeneic humeral shaft transplantation with vascular anastomosis: twenty years follow-up]

OBJECTIVE

To sum up the clinical results of allogeneic humeral transplantation with vascular anastomosis, and evaluate the clinical significance.

METHODS

From September to November 1979, 1 case with humeral shaft defect of 10 cm in length and 2 cases with tibia shaft defect of 12 cm in length were repaired by allogeneic humeral transplantation with vascular anastomosis. Azathiopurine and prednisone were applied for 3 months postoperatively. All cases were followed up for 20 years.

RESULTS

Case 1 recovered well with good bone union and reconstruction after operation, and could work normally. In case 2, five chronic rejections were occurred during 3 years after operation, and recovered after treatment, the allograft bone was fractured after 2 years of operation, and unioned by autogeneous iliac bone transplantation. In case 3, the distal part of allograft bone was fractured after 46 months, and unioned by autogeneous iliac bone transplantation. The middle part of allograft bone was non-unioned after 20 years follow-up in case 3, but the patient could still work normally.

CONCLUSION

The clinical results of allogeneic long bone transplantation can be improved by rational tissue matching test, application of effective immunosuppressive drugs in a certain period according to the principles of modern transplantation immunology.

[Molecular tagging of a major powdery mildew resistance gene MlG in wheat derived from wild Emmer by using microsatellite marker]

Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici is one of the most important wheat diseases in many regions of the world. Breeding for resistant cultivars has been proved to be an effective and environmentally safe method to control diseases in wheat production. It is necessary to search for more resistance genes for the diversification of resistance genes in wheat breeding. An Isreali wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides) accession "G-305-M" was found resistant to the prevailing E. graminis f. sp. tritici isolate Race No. 15 in Beijing region. The powdery mildew resistance has been transferred from G-305-M into common wheat by crossing and backcrossing (G-305-M/781//Jing 411* 3). Genetic analysis showed that the resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene at the seedling stage. A segregating BC2F3 family of the cross "G-305-M/781//Jing 411* 3" with 167 plants was chosen for SSR analysis. Totally 96 wheat microsatellite primer pairs were screened, only one primer pair WMS570 could generate polymorphic DNA fragments between the resistant and susceptible plants. After evaluating this polymorphic marker in the segregating population, the microsatellite locus Xgwm570 mapped on chromosome 6AL was found to be linked to the resistance gene, with the estimated genetic distance of 14.9 +/- 3.0 cM. Based on the origin and chromosomal location of the gene, it is suggested that the resistance gene derived from G-305-M should be a novel Pm gene and is temporarily designated MlG.

[The proliferation and differentiation of primary human embryonic skeletal myoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the proliferation and differentiation properties of primary human embryonic skeletal myoblasts cultured in vitro.

METHODS

The skeletal muscle samples were obtained from 20 to 25-week abortion fetus, the family history of inherited myopathies of parental generation was negative. With a modified method of Blau, the muscle sample was digested with trypsin and collagenase. The isolated cell suspension was a mixture of myoblasts and fibroblasts, the latter was removed by repeated attachment to culture dishes. The morphological, immunohistochemical observation, the proliferation and differentiation of primary myoblasts were studied.

RESULTS

The isolated myoblasts were spherical in cell suspension and spindle-like after attached to culture dishes. The myosin specialized immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive. A large quantity of skeletal muscle specialized creatine kinase (CK-MM) was synthesized in cultured myoblasts. Additionally, while the cell density of myoblasts increased, the monocyte myoblasts would fused to form multinucleated myotube. All those indicated that the cultured cells were myoblasts. Primary myoblasts proliferated quickly, the doubling time, measured in growth curve, was 4.8 days.

CONCLUSION

A large number of myoblasts can be available with digestion and repeated attachment method. The cultured cells can be proved as myoblasts by morphological and immunohistochemical detection. The cultured myoblasts have good ability of proliferation and differentiation.

[Advance on repair of growth plate injury]

OBJECTIVE

To sum up the studying course and latter development of repair of injury of growth plate.

METHODS

Recent original articles about repair of injury of growth plate were extensively reviewed, focused on the progresses in understanding repair of injury of growth plate and comparison of several major reparative methods.

RESULTS

Repair of injury of growth plate is a great difficulty in experimental study and clinical treatment of pediatric orthopedics. Graft of free growth plate and cartilage were unfavorably used because of lack of blood supplement. Although graft of vascularized growth plate solved circulation problem, both two kinds of grafts were involved in limitation of donor and immunologic reaction. Non-cartilaginous tissue and material could only prevent formation of bony bridge in small defect of growth plate and lacked ability of regenerative repair. Transfer of tissue engineered cartilage might be the best choice for repair of injury of growth plate.

CONCLUSION

Considering source of transplanted material, reparative effect and adverse reaction, repair of injury of growth plate with tissue engineered cartilage deserves further investigation.

Ability of Agrogyron elongatum to accumulate the single metal of cadmium, copper, nickel and lead and root exudation of organic acids

Agrogyron elongatum were grown in nutrient solution containing moderate to high amounts of separate heavy metal of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb in a greenhouse for a 9-day. Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb generally led to decrease in the elongation of roots although the length of seedlings exposed to Cd and Pb at 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L showed to be slightly greater than that of controls. Of the four metals in the experiment, Pb was absorbed and accumulated to the highest level, with the concentrations of 92,754 mg/kg dry weight (DW) in roots and 11,683 mg/kg DW in shoots. Cd was moderately accumulated in Agrogyron elongatum, but the maximum bioaccumulation coefficients (BCs) for roots and shoots were observed. The patterns for Cu and Ni uptake and distribution in plants differed from those of Pb and Cd, as it was showed that the shoot accumulation of Cu and Ni was significantly higher than in roots. A. elongatum had the highest Ni concentration in shoots (30,261 mg/kg DW) at the external concentration of 250 mg/L. Cu ranked second, with a shoot concentration of 12,230 mg/kg DW when 50 mg/L Cu in solution was applied. For the four trace elements tested, the highest concentrations in shoots decreased by the order of Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd (mg/kg DW), and those in roots were Pb > Cd > Ni > Cu (mg/kg DW). Malic, oxalic and citric acids exuded by roots exposed to 1 and 50 mg/L of the metals were detected. Release of organic acids from plants significantly differed among the metal treatments. Cu was most effectively in inducing root exudation of the three types of organic acids. Cd, and Ni were also the inducers of secretion of malic and oxalic acids. With reference of Pb, a small amounts of malic and oxalic acids were detected in the root exudates, but few quantities of citric acid were found. However, no correlation between alternations in root exudation of organic acids and metal accumulation could be established.

[Cellular compatibility of three natural xenogeneic bone derived biomaterials]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cellular compatibility of three natural xenogeneic bone derived biomaterials.

METHODS

Three types of natural xenogeneic bone derived biomaterials were made with physical and chemical treatment, composite fully deproteinized bone(CFDB), partially deproteinized bone(PDPB) and partially decalcified bone(PDCB). Three types biomaterials were cocultured with human embryonic periosteal osteoblasts. The cell growth, attachment, cell cycle, alkaline phosphatase activity were detected to evaluate the cellular compatibility to biomaterials.

RESULTS

Osteoblasts attached on all three biomaterials and grew well, the effect of three biomaterials on cell proliferation was PDCB > PDPB > CFDB. The cell cycle was not obviously affected by three biomaterials. The effect of three biomaterials on alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts was PDCB > PDPB > CFDB.

CONCLUSION

CFDB,PDPB,PDCB have good cellular compatibility without cytotoxic and tumorigenicity, CFDB is the best. The three biomaterials can be used as scaffold materials of bone tissue engineering.

[Proliferation properties and telomerase activity of human embryonic tendon cells transformed by ptsA58H plasmid]

OBJECTIVE

To analysis the proliferation properties and telomerase activity of human embryonic tendon cells transformed by ptsA58H plasmid cultured in vitro continuously.

METHODS

The 40th, 70th, and 75th passages of transformed human embryonic tendon cells (THETC) were adopted. The collagen secretion of THETC was detected by immunohistochemical methods, the growth curve of different passages of THETC was compared, and chromosome karyotype was analyzed. Total RNA of THETC were extracted to detect human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA expression by RT-PCR technique.

RESULTS

When THETC were subcultured to 70 passages, the morphological characteristics of cells changed and began replicative senescence. THETC still could secret type I collagen normally. The chromosome of THETC was heteroploid (2n = 94). There were no hTERT mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

SV40 transfection can not make human embryonic tendon cells immortalization, on the other hand, human embryonic tendon cells transformed by ptsA58H plasmid has no tendency of malignant transformation.

[The influence of tissue engineered tendon on subgroup of T lymphocytes and its receptor in roman chickens]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of tissue engineered tendon on subgroup of T lymphocytes and its receptor in Roman chickens.

METHODS

The flexor digitorum profundus of the third toes of right feet in 75 Roman chickens were resected and made 2.5 cm defects as experimental model. They were randomly divided into five groups according to five repair methods: no operation (group A), autograft (group B), fresh allograft (group C), polymer combined with allogenous tendon cells (group D), derived tendon materials combined with allogenous tendon cells (group E). The proliferation and transformation of lymphocytes and contribution of CD4+, CD8+, CD28 and T cell receptor (TCR) were detected to study the immune response.

RESULTS

The CD4+, CD8+ and TCR of group D and E were increased slightly than that of group B after 7 days, while after 14 days, those data decreased gradually and no significant difference between tissue engineered tendon and autografts (P > 0.05), and there was significant difference between fresh allograft and tissue engineered tendon (P < 0.05). Lymphocytes transformation induced by conA also showed no significant difference between tissue engineered tendon and autografts (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tendon cells are hypoantigen cells, there are less secretion of soluble antigen or antigen chips dropped out from cells. Tissue engineered tendon has excellent biocompatibility.

[Studies on preparation of herba epimedii total flavonoids phytosomes and their pharmaceutics]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize preparation techniques for Herba Epimedii flavonoid phytosomes (EFP) and explore their suitable pharmaceutics.

METHODS

To optimize the preparation conditions by means of uniform design and step regression, prepare Herba Epimedii total flavonoid phytosomes by means of solvent evaporation and investigate the accumulative dissolution of different ratios of EFP-PVP precipitates by means of dissolution release.

RESULT

The optimized preparation conditions are as follows: solvent-tetrahydrofuran, lecithin to PVP--2.5 times, temperature--40 degrees C and reaction--3 hours. Oil/water apparent partition coefficient of icariin was enhanced more than 4 times by phospholipid. The accumulative dissolution of Herba Epimedii flavonoids of EFP-PVP precipitate was significantly higher than that of its physical mixture and Herba Epimedii extract tablet.

CONCLUSION

Phospholipid can effectively enhance the oil/water apparent partition coefficient of icariin, and PVP can improve the dissolution of Herba Epimedii phytocomes, but the pharmacokinetics needs further study.

[Repair of growth plate defects of rabbits with cultured cartilage transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To prevent early closure of growth plate and developmental deformities of limbs by allografts of cultured cartilages into growth plate defects of rabbits.

METHODS

Chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of 1-month rabbits formed cartilage after cultivation in centrifuge tubes. The cartilages cultured for two weeks were implanted into growth plate defects of proximal tibiae of 6-weeks rabbits. At 4th and 16th weeks, X-ray, histologic and immunohistochemical examination were performed.

RESULTS

The tibiae had no marked deformities after 4 weeks of operation. Histologic examinations showed that the defects were filled with cartilage. Immunohistochemical results of type II collagen were positive. The tibiae with allografts of cultured cartilages had no evident deformities after 16 weeks of operation. Histologic examination showed nearly closure of growth plates. On the contrary, the tibiae on control side formed severe deformities and growth plate were closed.

CONCLUSION

Allograft of cultured cartilages into growth plate defects may replace lost growth plate tissues, maintain normal growth of limbs and prevent developmental deformity.

[Huge thoracic wall defect repaired by tissue engineered bone transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

A rare huge desmoplastic fibroma on thoracic wall in 1 female case of 25 years old was resected, and the accompanying huge thoracic wall defect, ribs and soft tissues were repaired by tissue engineered bone and pedicled flap. The paper aims to explore the clinical results of early stage after operation.

METHODS

Autogeneic bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) were obtained from bone marrow puncture of iliac bone and isolated and cultured according to the Houghton's methods, MSC were directively induced and differentiated to osteoblasts. Allogeneic ribs were made to the bio-derived bone scaffold materials after treatment of decell, deantigen, decalcification and dry freezing. 5 x 10(6)/ml MSC were cocultured with the bio-derived bone for 6 days in vitro. After intact resection of tumor, the diaphragm flap was applied to repair pleural cavity, the three defect ribs were repaired by tissue engineered bone and the soft tissue defect was repaired by transfer of pedicled ipsilateral abdominal flaps.

RESULTS

The patient recovered well with first intention. Followed up for 3 months, tissue engineered ribs were matured in vitro and the heart and pulmonary functions were improved markedly.

CONCLUSION

The tissue engineered bone constructed by autogeneic MSC is advantageous in individual treatment.

[Biological characteristics of continuously subcultured human embryonic skeletal myoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biological characteristics of continuously subcultured human embryonic skeletal myoblasts, and choose the optimal seeding cells for muscle tissue engineering.

METHODS

Human embryonic skeletal myoblasts were subcultured in vitro. The growth curve, rate of myotube formation(RMF) were used to evaluate the proliferative and differentiation ability of myoblasts, and to investigate the influence of fibroblasts contamination on myoblasts.

RESULTS

The beginning 6 passages of myoblasts showed strong proliferative and differentiation ability. From the 8th to 20th passage, the rate of fibroblasts contamination was increased, it mainly showed the growth characteristics of fibroblasts with increased proliferation and low differentiation. After subcultured to the 20th passage, the degeneration of myoblasts was obvious.

CONCLUSION

The myoblasts within 6 passages should be used as the seeding cells of muscle tissue engineering because of strong proliferative ability and high rate of myotube formation.

Leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor, and glycoprotein 130 in rhesus monkey uterus during menstrual cycle and early pregnancy

This goal of this study was to examine immunohistochemical distribution of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), LIF receptor (LIFR), and glycoprotein (gp) 130 in rhesus monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Pregnancy rate was significantly reduced in the control group from 66.7% (12 of 18) to 22.2% (4 of 18) with an injection of goat anti-human recombinant LIF immunoglobulin G into the uterine lumen on Day 8 of pregnancy. LIF was mainly localized in glandular and luminal epithelium. LIF immunostaining during the luteal phase was stronger than it was during the proliferative phase. LIF staining gradually increased from Day 3 of pregnancy and reached its highest level on Day 9. LIFR was mainly localized in the glandular and luminal epithelium. LIFR staining during the luteal phase was stronger than it was during the proliferative phase. LIFR staining began to increase from Day 3 of pregnancy and reached a high level on Days 9 and 11. Gp130, a signal-transducing receptor component of LIF, was mainly localized in the glandular epithelium. A high level of gp130 was found on Days 16 and 20 of menstrual cycle, and from Days 5 to 11 of pregnancy. These results suggest that LIF may play an important role in monkey implantation, as it does in mice.

[Short tandem repeat loci examination after repair of coracoclavicular ligament injury by tissue engineered tendon]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the result of clinical application in the repair of coracoclavicular ligament injury by tissue engineered tendon using the technique of short tandem repeat loci examination.

METHODS

In september 1999, human embryonic tendon cells and artificial materials were co-cultured in vitro to construct tissue engineered tendon, which repaired coracoclavicular ligament injury. After 6 months of operation, micro-tissue were sampled during the operation of removal of internal fixation, and morphological characteristics were examined by HE staining, DNA of tissues were extracted to examine D3S1754 and Cyar04 gene loci.

RESULTS

The shoulder function of the patient was recovered well after operation, and no local or systemic immunological rejection were occurred. The electrophoresis typing showed 13/14 at D3S1754 and 8/9 at Cyar04 in the tissue of tissue engineered tendon, while the autogenous ligament were 13/13 and 8/8 at D3S1754 and Cyar04 loci respectively, which suggested that the tissue engineered tendon was survived in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The examination of short tandem repeat loci is a better index to evaluate the survival situation of tissue engineered tissue after transplantation in clinical application.

[Expression of type I collagen and its receptor system in osteoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of type I collagen and its receptor system-integrin alpha 2 beta 1 in different passages of osteoblasts.

METHODS

The expression of type I collagen and integrin alpha 2 beta 1 in the primary, sixth and fifteenth passage of osteoblasts were detected by S-P immunohistological staining technique, and their mRNA expression by quantity RT-PCR technique.

RESULTS

Type I collagen and integrin alpha 2 beta 1 were expressed in different passages of osteoblasts and there was no significant difference among three passages by immunohistological technique. Their mRNA expression was gradually decreased with subculture.

CONCLUSION

Type I collagen promotes the adhesion and phenotype expression of osteoblasts through its receptor-integrin alpha 2 beta 1. The reductive expression of type I collagen-receptor system will decline the phenotype of osteoblasts.

Effects of platelet activating factor on capacitation and acrosome reaction in mouse spermatozoa

Platelet activating factor (PAF) plays an important role in mammalian reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PAF on capacitation and acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa by chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence assay and coomassie blue staining. The percentage of capacitated mouse spermatozoa was increased (P < 0.05) by incubation with 50 ng/ml PAF for 20-120 min. The peak response occurred between 80 to 100 min of exposure to PAF. In contrast, the effects of PAF on acrosome reaction may be not receptor-mediated since lyso-PAF had the same effects. Ionophore A23187 stimulated an increase in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa of PAF-treated spermatozoa, but not of lyso-PAF-treated ones. These results suggest that PAF mainly acts on sperm capacitation.

[The development of an intellectualized dynamic strain device for three-dimensional cell culture]

The design principles of an intellectualized dynamic strain device for three-dimensional cell cultures based on microcomputer are mainly introduced here, which includes principles of hardware and software design of controlled unit, principle and structure of mechanical unit, and construction of three dimensional scaffold and culture unit. The main technical index and advantages of the device have been also discussed in the paper.

[SV40 and cell immortalization]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the SV40-mediated immortalization, the related factors and their roles in cell immortalization.

METHODS

The original articles about cell immortalization and replicative senescence in recent decade were reviewed.

RESULTS

Cell immortalization was a multifaceted phenomenon, it was involved in viral DNA integration, activation of telomerase, inactivation of growth suppressors, and so on, and their roles were closely related.

CONCLUSION

The research on cell immortalization may be expected to provide important insights into a broad range of cellular biological phenomenon, and the immortalized cells can play important roles in the research of cell engineering and tissue engineering as standard cells.

Evaluation on sperm quality of freshly ejaculated boar semen during in vitro storage under different temperatures

The purpose of this study was to assess the sperm quality of fresh ejaculated boar semen stored under different temperatures for up to 48 h in order to use the fresh semen efficiently. Spermatozoa were evaluated by 4 methods: Using trypan blue staining, the viability of spermatozoa stored at 39, 20, 15 and 4 degrees C for 48 h were 1.6, 46.9, 42.0 and 31.0%, respectively. Employing the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) showed 1.7%(39 degrees C), 28.7%(20 degrees C), 24.1%(15 degrees C), and 20.1%(4 degrees C) coiled-tail spermatozoa following 48 h storage. With Coomassie blue staining, the rates of acrosome-intact spermatozoa stored for 48 h were 4.5%(39 degrees C), 35.3%(20 degrees C), 55.7%(15 degrees C) and 22.8%(4 degrees C). Using fluorescein isothiocyanate-peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA), the percentages of acrosome-intact spermatozoa stored for 48 h were 4.3%(39 degrees C), 43.2%(20 degrees C), 17.3%(15 degrees C) and 14.8%(4 degrees C), respectively. The cytoplasmic droplets were found in 18.66% of the spermatozoa in fresh semen and were gradually shed during storage. The results of these 4 methods were highly correlated and could be used to characterized sperm-cell quality effectively. These findings indicated that both membrane integrity and viability of spermatozoa could be preserved well during in vitro storage at 20 degrees C and 15 degrees C for 24 to 48 h.

Aluminum tolerance genes on the short arm of chromosome 3R are linked to organic acid release in triticale

Triticale, a hybrid between wheat and rye, shows a high degree of Al tolerance that is inherited from rye, but the mechanisms of high Al tolerance in both rye and triticale are unknown. We found that the short arm of chromosome 3R carries genes necessary for Al tolerance in triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmark cv Currency). Detailed comparative studies with a 3DS.3RL translocation line (ST22) and a non-substitution line (ST2) were conducted. Root elongation was similarly inhibited by Al in ST2 and ST22 during the first 12 h of Al treatment, but more strongly in ST22 than in ST2 at 18 h and thereafter. The root inhibition induced by other metals (Cu, Cd, and La) was similar between ST2 and ST22, suggesting that the action of the genes for Al tolerance on the short arm of triticale chromosome 3R is highly specific to Al. A 2-fold larger amount of malate and citrate was released from the roots of ST2 than from ST22 at 12 and 18 h after Al treatment, respectively. The marked lag phase in the inhibition of root elongation and the release of organic acids implies that the expression of genes on the short arm of triticale chromosome 3R is induced by Al, and that these genes are necessary for the release of organic acids.

Epidermal growth factor family in rhesus monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy

This study examines immunohistochemically the presence of EGF, TGFalpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR, members of the EGF family in the monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. EGF, TGFalpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR were mainly localized in glandular and luminal epithelium. TGFalpha, HB-EGF, and AR staining were stronger in the glandular epithelium closer to the myometrium than in that closer to the luminal epithelium. The level of EGF, TGFalpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR staining was low on days 1 and 6, and began to increase on day 9 of the menstrual cycle. A high level of EGF, and EGFR staining was maintained on days 16, 20, and 25 of the menstrual cycle. The highest levels of TGFalpha, AR, and HB-EGF staining were seen on days 16 and 20 of the menstrual cycle. In early pregnancy, a low level of EGF, TGFalpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR staining appeared on days 1 and 2 of pregnancy, and then gradually increased from day 3 of pregnancy. The highest levels of EGF, TGFalpha, HB-EGF, and EGFR were detected on days 9, and 11 of pregnancy. Our data suggest that the EGF family may play a role in monkey implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 55:164-174, 2000.

[Review on transformed cell and tumorigenicity]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between characteristics of transformed cell and tumorigenicity.

METHODS

Documents about transformed cell and tumorigenicity were reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

Normal biological characteristics and cell function could be maintained in non-tumorigenic transformed cell, but it was changed markedly in malignant transformed cell.

CONCLUSION

Non-tumorigenic transformed cell can be served as a standard cell line to study the function and growth characteristics of normal cell.

[Direct and indirect recognition in pig-to-man xenotransplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of direct and indirect recognition in pig-to-man xenotransplantation.

METHODS

Taken the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLC) from three Neijiang pigs and two humans as stimulators and respondors, the one-way mixed lymphatic reactions (MLR) of xenograft were carried out, and allo- and self-PBLC as control.

RESULTS

Among the three patterns of MLR, syngeneic was MLR the lowest in proliferation, the allogenic MLR was the highest, and the xenogenic MLR was medium. The PBLCs from humans and pigs were matched on HLA-A, B, DR and DQ by means of modified Terasaki assay. The match on pigs was failure because of the pre-existing natural xenogenic antibody in the testing serum.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the degree of MHC matching still affect the rejection in xenotransplantation, but the present serum assay of MHC matching is not fit for pig.