The role of angiogenesis inhibitors re-challenge in colorectal cancer previously treated with bevacizumab: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The potential usefulness of angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs) re-challenge in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who previously treated with bevacizumab has not been established yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified relevant clinical studies through searching databases up to October 2016. Prospective clinical trials investigating AIs re-challenge in metastatic CRC were included for analysis. The primary endpoint was overall survival with secondary endpoint progression-free survival. Estimates of treatment effect from individual trials were combined using standard techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 2.686 patients with metastatic CRC who previously received bevacizumab were identified for analysis. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that AI re-challenge significantly improved progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.76, p < 0.001) and overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.89, p < 0.001) when compared to non-AI containing regimens. No publication bias was detected by Begg's and Egger's tests for PFS (p = 0.09 and p = 0.32) and OS (p = 0.85 and p = 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pooled analysis shows that AIs re-challenge offers an improved PFS and OS in the treatment of metastatic CRC patients who relapsed after a first-line bevacizumab-containing therapy. Further prospective clinical trials are still needed to confirm our findings.

Overexpression of β-arrestin2 induces G1-phase cell cycle arrest and suppresses tumorigenicity in renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of β-arrestin2 in the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle and clone formation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and to explore the possible mechanism of β-arrestin2 in RCC invasion and metastasis to find a new therapeutic target.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle and clone formation were analyzed after RCC cell lines (786-0 and CaKi) and transfected with β-arrestin2 overexpression plasmid. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference technology abrogates β-arrestin2 overexpression, and changes in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle and clone formation were analyzed. The expression levels of total IkBa, IkBa phosphorylation (P-IkBa) and NFkB P65 in 786-0 cells were examined after transfection with β-arrestin2 overexpression plasmid to explore the mechanism of β-arrestin2.

RESULTS

After transfection with β-arrestin2 overexpression plasmid, the abilities of proliferation, migration, and cloning formation in 786-0 and CaKi cells decreased significantly, the apoptosis rate increased significantly, and the cell cycles were blocked in the G1 phase. After siRNA reduced the expression of β-arrestin2, the abilities to proceed through cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, the cell cycle and clone formation were enhanced. The P-IkBa level in 786-0 cells decreased significantly after transfection, while the expression of P-IkBa in the control group remained high. The expression of NFkB P65 was high in the control group and low in the transfection group.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of β-arrestin2 can inhibit the growth of RCC cells in vitro, and β-arrestin2 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in RCC. The main mechanism may directly suppress the phosphorylation of IkBa and indirectly suppress NFkB activation. Thus, β-arrestin2 is expected to be an important marker of RCC prognosis and a new therapeutic target.

[The significance of directional preponderance in the evaluation of vestibular function in patients with vertigo]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between directional preponderance (DP), spontaneous nystagmus(SN) and vestibular disorders, and to investigate the significance of DP in directing peripheral vestibular function in patients with vertigo. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 394 cases diagnosed with peripheral vestibular disease accompanied by vertigo from March 2012 to June 2014 in the Outpatient Department of the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. Results of static and dynamic posture equilibrium tests, SN, unilateral weakness(UW), and DP in videonystagmography(VNG) were analyzed and compared. Results: The mean interval time between the last vertigo attack and examination in patients with SN or DP in caloric test were 4.4 d and 7.3 d respectively, and those without SN or DP were 18.3 d and 17.5 d respectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to DP results of caloric test. DP-normal group had 203 cases and DP-abnormal group had 191 cases. Spontaneous nystagmus was presented in 44 cases in the DP-normal group (21.67%) and four in the DP-abnormal group (2.09%). A significant difference was found between the two groups (χ²=35.27, P=0.000). Deficiency of vestibular function was noted in 165 cases in the DP-normal group (81.28%) and 123 (64.40%) in the DP-abnormal group in static and dynamic posture equilibrium tests. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ²=14.26, P=0.000). Conclusion: Compared with DP-normal patients, DP-abnormal patients are more likely to have spontaneous nystagmus and balance disorders due to vestibular dysfunction.

[Study of ultrasonographic features in predicting reginal lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in predicting associated cervical lymph nodes metastasis (LNM).

METHODS

A total of 136 patients diagnosed with PTC in Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 2014 and September 2014 were enrolled.Of 136 cases, forty patients were confirmed with cervical lymph node metastasis.Seven were males, 33 were females, aged from 18 to 65 years old, mean age was (39.6±10.3) years .The remaining 96 were reported without lymph node metastasis.Twenty-one were males, 75 were females, aged from 23 to 86 years old, mean age was (47.7±12.8) years.Medical record was reviewed for demographic characteristics and pathological findings.The ultrasonographic features of each case were evaluated retrospectively.The difference of ultrasonographic features between the patients with and without LNM was examined.

RESULTS

There were 178 PTCs confirmed with pathology, 159 lesions (89.3%) were detected by ultrasonography, the remaining 19 lesions (10.7%) were under-detected.Of 136 patients with PTC, 40 cases (40/136, 29.4%) were confirmed with cervical LNM, while the remaining 96 cases (96/136, 70.6%) were determined without cervical LNM.PTC with cervical LNM was more frequently seen in the patients who were younger (P=0.000 5) and presenting with multifocal tumors (P=0.014 6). Ultrasonographic features of PTC which significantly associated with LNM were ill-defined margins (P=0.018), solid appearance (P=0.003), and presence of calcification (P=0.000). Of 40 cases with LNM, central cervical LNM was seen in 32 cases (80%), 72.5% of whom appeared as unilateral distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with PTC with younger age and identified with multiple foci of tumors at the time of diagnosis are in an increased risk of associated cervical LNM.Ultrasonographic features of ill-defined margins, solid appearance and calcification in PTC are significant predictors of LNM.

[Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride upon inflammation and TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in ulcerative colitis rats model]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride (TWP) on ulcerative colitis (UC), and its intervention effect on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway, thus to investigate its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol enema method was used to set up the UC rat model. With random number table, 90 male Wistar rats were divided into normal control group, model group, TWP low, medium and high dose group (3, 6, 12 mg/kg, respectively) and azathioprine (AZA) group (6 mg/kg), with 15 rates in each group. Four days after enema, rates in each group were given corresponding drug lavage for 14 consecutive days. Disease activity index (DAI), colon gross morphological damage and histological grading of each group were observed. Using Western blot and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method, the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway-related proteins in UC rat intestinal tissue were detected, namely TLR4, MyD88, tumor necrosis factor receptor related factor 6 (TRAF-6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β).

RESULTS

The DAI, colon gross morphological damage, and histological grading of the model group were significantly higher than that of the normal control group (all P<0.01), indicating successful establishment of UC model. The DAI, colon gross morphological damage and histological grading of the TWP high dose group were lower than those of the model group (0.87±0.25 vs 1.60±0.76, 3.93±1.94 vs 5.40±2.21, 5.45±2.73 vs 13.27±3.50, P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the model group rats were significantly increased (all P<0.01); which were significantly decreased in the TWP high dose group compared with model group rats (mRNA: 2.166±0.475 vs 5.647±0.275, 1.295±0.087 vs 3.774±0.418, 1.125±0.188 vs 2.535±0.320, 1.201±0.152 vs 2.082±0.077, 1.525±0.218 vs 3.094±0.022, 1.797±0.257 vs 17.152±0.145; protein: 0.252±0.010 vs 0.277±0.008, 0.172±0.002 vs 0.213±0.005, 0.233±0.006 vs 0.248±0.003, 0.099±0.003 vs 0.122±0.007, 0.238±0.002 vs 0.252±0.005, 0.235±0.003 vs 0.245±0.006, all P<0.05), also decreased in the AZA group (all P<0.01); and there were no significant differences between the TWP high dose group and the AZA group (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TWP can alleviate intestinal inflammation, promote healing of mucosa, showing a therapeutic effect for UC. One of its mechanisms may be through inhibiting the expression of TLR4, affecting the expression of TRAF-6, which is downstream to MyD66 signaling pathway, thus to suppress the activation of NF-κB and reduce the release of inflammatory factor such as TNF-α and IL-1β.

[Effect of brain atrophy on the cognition in patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of brain atrophy on the cognition in patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD).

METHODS

A total of 116 SIVD patients were enrolled from the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University between September 2013 and December 2014. Lobar atrophy, leukoaraiosis (LA), lacunar infarcts (LI) and vascular risk factors were analyzed in the 116 SIVD patients who were divided into three groups according to the diagnostic criteria: non-cognitive impairment group (SIVD-NCI) , mild cognitive impairment group (SIVD-MCI) and dement group (SIVD-VaD). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 3.0-T system. The cognitive functions were evaluated by mini-metal state examination (MMSE), the Cambridge cognitive examination-Chinese version (CAMCOG-C), etc. A widely used visual atrophy rating method (0 to 3) was adopted to rate the severity of frontal, parietal and temporal lobe atrophy. The degree of LA and the numbers of LI in 4 brain regions (frontal, parieto-occipital, temporal, and basal ganglia) were evaluated meanwhile.

RESULTS

Firstly, both the SIVD-MCI and SIVD-VaD groups showed significantly higher total scores of atrophy, higher frontal lobe atrophy scores, higher LA scores and larger LI numbers than SIVD-NCI (H=6.138, P=0.013; H=45.845, P=0.000; H=36.818, P=0.000; H=37.46, P=0.000). There were no significant differences in temporal lobe atrophy scores between SIVD-NCI group and SIVD-MCI group. Parietal lobe atrophy scores also showed no differences among the three groups. Secondly, as well as total numbers of LI, total scores of atrophy and LA were negatively correlated with SIVD cognition, especially frontal lobe atrophy scores, parieto-occipital LA scores and basal ganglia LI numbers had a remarkable negative correlation with MMSE scores, CAMCOG-C scores and partial subitems in CAMCOG-C scores (P<0.005). However temporal LI numbers was absence of correlation with MMSE scores, CAMCOG-C scores and subitems in CAMCOG-C scores (P>0.005). Thirdly, education (OR= 0.787, P=0.009), total scores of LA (OR= 1.201, P=0.036) and total numbers of LI (OR= 1.221, P=0.011) remained to be associated with cognition after controlling for sex, age, education, hypertension, diabetes, smoking. While, after adjusting atrophy scores, total scores of LA had no significant association with cognition. Atrophy scores, total numbers of LI and education still showed significant association with cognition, particularly frontal lobe atrophy scores (OR= 16.082, P=0.000), but not temporal and parietal lobe atrophy scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Brain atrophy may be a new and independent predictive index of cognitive impairment in SIVD. Further, the effect of brain atrophy, the numbers of LI and degree of LA on cognitive decline is independent and decreases in turn.

Potential role of heat-shock proteins in giant cell tumors

We investigated the differential expression protein profile of giant cell tumors (GCTs), which can be used to monitor the tumor's recurrence and metastasis, to provide preliminary results for further study. We also explored heat-shock protein (HSP) inhibitor that prevents tumors from recurring and migrating. A stable isotope-labeling strategy using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify differentially expressed proteins. A total of 467 differentially expressed proteins were identified in GCT tissues. Up to 311 proteins were upregulated, whereas 156 proteins were downregulated in GCT tissues. Three of the differentially expressed HSPs, namely HP90A, HSPB1, and HSPB2, were upregulated. The differentially expressed proteins of GCT tissues will provide a scientific foundation for tumor prognosis, and for further studies exploring HSP inhibitor to prevent tumor recurrence and migration.

Genome-wide survey and phylogenetic analysis on subunit sequences of eukaryotic DNA polymerase delta

DNA polymerase d is not only the major replicative enzyme in eukaryotic chromosomal DNA synthesis but is also the primary polymerase for most DNA repair pathways. However, the subunit composition of polymerase d varies in different organisms. While polymerase d in many eukaryotic species has all 4 subunits (POLD1, 2, 3, and 4), many other organisms do not possess POLD4. Whether POLD4 is indispensable and why these differences exist are unknown. In the present study, we identified the POLD4 protein sequences of 218 eukaryotic species and determined the POLD1, 2, and 3 protein sequences of 55 species representing various taxonomic groups. No insect and nematode species examined possessed POLD4. Approximately 80% of protozoan species did not contain POLD4. Nearly 50% of fungal species did not contain POLD4. Other animal and plant species are expected to contain POLD4. Phylogenetic analyses of POLD1, 2, 3, and 4 sequences revealed that most animal and plant species inherited DNA polymerase d from protozoa, whereas some other animal and plant species may have inherited polymerase d directly from fungi. Because a large number of protozoan and fungal species do not possess POLD4, current insect and nematode species lacking POLD4 may have evolved from ancestor protozoan species lacking POLD4; thus, other protozoan and animal species lacking POLD4 may share a similar evolutionary history. Future studies should examine the origin and indispensability of POLD4 in various organisms.

Morphological and phylogenetic identification of Botrytis sinoviticola, a novel cryptic species causing gray mold disease of table grapes (Vitis vinifera) in China

Seventy-five isolates of Botrytis collected from table grapes (Vitis vinifera) with gray mold symptoms in China were identified based on morpho-cultural characteristics on potato dextrose agar (20 C) and/or phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of three nuclear genes (G3PDH, HSP60, RPB2). Isolates of different species of Botrytis were compared with fenhexamid sensitivity, Bc-hch gene-RFLP haplotyping and pathogenicity to V. vinifera. The 75 isolates comprise two species, B. cinerea (63 isolates) and an undescribed Botrytis sp. (12 isolates) described here as Botrytis sinoviticola Zhang et al. sp., nov. Both B. sinoviticola (Bs) and B. cinerea (Bc) were found to have 20 C optimum for mycelial growth and 25 C for conidial germination. Sensitivity to fenhexamid was significantly greater (P < 0.05) for Bc (EC50 = 0.04 ± 0.01 μg mL(-1)) than for Bs (EC50 = 0.08 ± 0.02 μg mL(-1)). Digestion of the PCR amplicons of the Bc-hch gene with Hha I generated two haplotypes, Group I haplotype for Bs and Group II haplotype for Bc. Bs infected table grapes (leaves, berries) only through wounds, whereas Bc infected both injured and non-injured tissues of table grapes. This study suggests that Bs is a cryptic species sympatric with Bc on table grapes in China.

First Report of Rice stripe virus in Vietnam

Rice stripe virus (RSV) is the type member of the genus Tenuivirus, and one of the prevalent viruses infecting rice. The disease was first recorded in central Japan in 1903, and is currently present in many Asian countries, including South Korea and China in the Far East (1,2). In May of 2012, a disease outbreak in Indica rice (Oryza satira L.) caused losses in a field in Huaifu, Hungyen, Vietnam (20°53'N, 106°02'E). Infected plants showed yellowing stripe symptoms on leaves. A survey indicated that disease incidence was about 10%. Six leaf samples were randomly collected and four were found positive in dot-ELISA using RSV-specific monoclonal antibodies (provided by Dr. X. Zhou, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University) (3). To confirm RSV infection, total RNA was extracted from dot-ELISA positive and asymptomatic control samples. RT-PCR was performed using RSV-specific primers (CP(+): 5'-GAGGATCCATGGGTACCAACAAGCCAG-3', CP(-): 5'-TCGTCGACCTAGTCATCTGCACCTTCTG-3'; SP(+): 5'-TGGGATCCATGCAAGACGTACAAAGGAC-3', SP(-): 5'-CTGTCGACCTATGTTTTATGAAGAAGAGGT-3'; NS2(+): 5'-GAGGATCCATGGGTACCAACAAGCCAG-3', NS2(-): 5'-CCGTCGACTCATACATCTGAATTTG-3'; NS3(+): 5'-ACCGGATCCATGACTATCAAATACAAC-3', NS3(-): 5'-CCGTCGACTCATACATTAGCTATTGTC-3') that amplify the coat protein, disease-specific protein, and NS2 and NS3 genes of RSV, respectively. Amplicons of the expected size were obtained from the four symptomatic but not the asymptomatic plants. Amplicons obtained from one of the positive samples were cloned into the vector pMD18-T (TaKaRa, Dalian, China) and sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. KC197055 to KC197058). Sequence comparisons indicated that the complete sequences of the CP, SP, NS2, and NS3 of the Vietnamese isolate shared 97.1%, 97.5%, 96.8%, and 97.3% sequence identity at the nucleotide level with the corresponding genes of RSV isolate T (NC_003776, NC_003753, and NC_003754, respectively). These results indicate that the virus associated with yellowing stripe disease of rice in Vietnam is an isolate of RSV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of RSV in Vietnam. This finding redefined the distribution of RSV in the world. Research on whole-genome sequencing of the Vietnamese isolate is continuing and is being expanded to compare the genetic diversity of the virus, assisting in the study of the evolution of the virus. References: (1) S. Toriyama. Microbiol. Sci. 3:347, 1986. (2) Q. Y. Lin et al. J. Fujian. Agric. Univ. 20:24, 1991. (3) G. Z. Wang et al. Acta Phytopathol. Sinica 34:302, 2004.

First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Acalypha australis in China

Whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (WTGs) can cause serious damage to many crops in China, so an investigation of weed hosts of WTGs was carried out in Jiangsu Province, China, in 2012. Fifty-seven symptomless samples of Acalypha australis L., a common weed known as Asian copperleaf, were randomly collected from seven tomato fields in Nanjing and Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, from July to September. Total DNA of each sample was extracted and PCR was performed using degenerate primers PA and PB to amplify a specific region covering the AV2 gene of DNA-A and part of the adjacent intergenic region (1). DNA fragments were successfully amplified from 27 out of 57 samples and PCR amplicons of 16 samples were sequenced. Alignment results showed that the nucleotide sequence identities ranged from 98 to 100% with Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) accessions. The full-length viral circular DNA genome was amplified using primer pair 1AbF (ATGTGGGATCCACTTCTAAATGAATTTCC) and 1AsR (GCGTCGACAGTGCAAGACAAACTACTTGGGGACC) which were designed based on the known sequences amplified by PA and PB. The complete genome sequence (GenBank Accession No. JX910534) was 2,781 nucleotides in length and had 99 to 100% sequence identity with TYLCV accessions (GU434142, GU111505). The dot immunobinding assay using monoclonal antibody against TYLCV confirmed the 27 weed samples positive by PCR were infected by TYLCV. These results demonstrated that A. australis is a host of TYLCV that might play an important role in viral epidemics in tomato fields in China. TYLCV-infected A. australis did not show typical symptoms like leaf curl, chlorosis, and stunting and thus appears to be a symptomless host. In our investigation, the infection rate ranged from 14 to 79% depending on the field sampled, suggesting that the weed may be an important reservoir of TYLCV, especially during the non-tomato planting period. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. australis as a host of TYLCV in China. Reference: (1) D. Deng et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 125:327, 1994.

NOD1 activation induces innate immune responses and insulin resistance in human adipocytes

AIMS

The innate immune-receptor nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD) protein recognizes intracellular bacterial peptidoglycan. Activation of the innate immune system contributes to the development and progression of insulin resistance. The present study aimed to determine the presence of NOD1 and NOD2 in human adipose cells as well as to assess their functionality.

METHODS

Subcutaneous abdominal fat from obese subjects was biopsied and characterized for NOD expression using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Human adipocytes were stimulated with iE-DAP (NOD1-specific ligand), and NOD1, proinflammatory cytokine production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation were quantified using qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) and luciferase assay. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was determined by measuring 2-deoxy-D-[(3)H] glucose uptake. Expression and phosphorylation of IRS-1, Akt and JNK were evaluated using Western blotting.

RESULTS

NOD1/NOD2 mRNA expression was induced during adipocyte differentiation and enhanced in human adipose depots. Stimulation of isolated human adipocytes with iE-DAP induced NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and a marked increase in proinflammatory cytokine production, including MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8. NOD1 activation weakened insulin signal transduction as revealed by increased JNK and IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation, inhibited IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and reduced insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt on Ser473 and Thr308 in human adipocytes. Moreover, NOD1 activation reduced insulin-induced glucose uptake, leading to insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NOD1 signaling could be one of the links between innate immunity and insulin resistance in human adipocytes. This study provides supporting evidence for NOD1 protein as a component of innate immunity involved in insulin resistance.

Changes in inflorescence protein during advanced stages of floret development in Buchloe dactyloides (Poaceae)

Buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides, is a dioecious species native to the Great Plains of North America. The florets at the early stages of development possess both gynoecium and androecium organ primordia but later become unisexual. Very little is known about the proteomic changes that occur when the florets change from hermaphroditism to unisexuality. We compared the protein composition of florets at the hermaphroditic stage with that at the unisexual stage. The development stage of the floret was determined by stereomicroscopic observation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to separate the proteins extracted from female and male inflorescences. Stage- specific protein maps, with an average of about 400 spots per map, were analyzed with the protein analysis software. Eighteen spots were found to be differentially expressed between the hermaphrodite and unisexual stages. Of these, 12 were present at both stages but with a different expression value. Four specific spots appeared at the hermaphrodite stage and disappeared at the unisexual stage. Two specific protein spots were associated with female and male floret differentiation. One appears to be associated with contabescence in the female floret and the final protein appears to lead to the abortion of gynoecium in the male floret. The MALDI TOF/TOF technique was used for peptide mass fingerprinting of the differentially expressed proteins and the MASCOT software was used to search the protein database. However, only two protein spots were identified from the database. These were aldolase1 and Os05g0574400 (similar to malate dehydrogenase). This type of proteomic study can help to identify novel protein products and determine the mechanisms involved in the floral sex differentiation process in buffalo grass.

First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus Infecting Common Bean in China

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops in China. In November 2011, symptoms with thickening and crumpling of leaves and stunting were observed on common bean with incidence rate of 50 to 70% in the fields of Huaibei, northern Anhui Province, China. Diseased common bean plants were found to be infested with large population of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), which induced leaf crumple symptoms in healthy common beans, suggesting begomovirus etiology. To identify possible begomoviruses, 43 symptomatic leaf samples from nine fields were collected and total DNA of each sample was extracted. PCR was performed using degenerate primers PA and PB to amplify a specific region covering AV2 gene of DNA-A and part of the adjacent intergenic region (2). DNA fragments were successfully amplified from 37 out of 43 samples and PCR amplicons of 31 samples were used for sequencing. Sequence alignments among them showed that the nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 99 to 100%, which implied that only one type of begomovirus might be present. Based on the consensus sequences, a primer pair MB1AbF (ATGTGGGATCCACTTCTAAATGAATTTCC) and MB1AsR (GCGTCGACAGTGCAAGACAAACTACTTGGGGACC) was designed and used to amplify the circular viral DNA genome. The complete genome (Accession No. JQ326957) was 2,781 nucleotides long and had the highest sequence identity (over 99%) with Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV; Accession Nos. GQ352537 and GU199587). These samples were also examined by dot immunobinding assay using monoclonal antibody against TYLCV and results confirmed that TYLCV was present in the samples. These results demonstrated that the virus from common bean is an isolate of TYLCV, a different virus from Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV). TYLCV is a devastating pathogen causing significant yield losses on tomato in China since 2006 (4). The virus has also been reported from cowpea in China (1) and in common bean in Spain (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of TYLCV infecting common bean in China. References: (1) F. M. Dai et al. Plant Dis. 95:362, 2011. (2) D. Deng et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 125:327, 1994. (3) J. Navas-Castillo et al. Plant Dis. 83:29, 1999. (4) J. B. Wu et al. Plant Dis. 90:1359, 2006.

A comparison of clinical outcomes of Chinese sirolimus-eluting stents versus foreign sirolimus-eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Chinese sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) have been widely used in recent years. However, the comparison of clinical outcomes between Chinese and foreign SES remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcomes of Chinese SES (Firebird) with foreign SES (Cypher Select) in the treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

4000 consecutive patients treated with SESs from January 2008 to December 2009 were included in this study. Based on the differences of the stents, the patients were divided into a Chinese SES group (Firebird; n = 2008) and a foreign SES group (Cypher Select; n = 1992). Outcomes were monitored for 1 year. The primary clinical endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE): a composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and target-vessel revascularisation (TVR).

RESULTS

No differences were observed in the incidence of MACE (17.8% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.514) and TVR rate (9.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.632) during 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese SES and foreign SES have similar effects on 1-year clinical outcomes and safety.

Cytotoxicity and radiosensitization effect of TRA-8 on radioresistant human larynx squamous carcinoma cells

TRAIL induces apoptosis in a variety of tumorigenic and transformed cell lines, but not in many normal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that death receptor 5 (DR5), one of the two death receptors bound by TRAIL, showed expression in most malignantly transformed cells. This study evaluated effects of a monoclonal antibody (TRA-8) to human death receptor 5, combined with ionizing radiation, on radioresistant human larynx squamous carcinoma cell line (Hep-2R). Cells were treated with TRA-8 alone or in combination with radiation, cell viability inhibition was measured by MTT assay, and the induction of apoptosis was determined by Annexin V staining. Radionsensitivity of Hep-2R cells treated with TRA-8 were investigated with long-term clonogenic assays. Regulation of DR5 expression in cells after radiation was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence using murine TRA-8 in combination with flow cytometry. The results suggested that TRA-8 enhanced radionsensitivity of Hep-2R cells, and that TRA-8 regulated Hep-2R cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Irradiation up-regulated the expression of DR5, and when combined with TRA-8 yielded optimal survival benefit. Therefore, TRA-8 can be used in combination with irradiation in radioresistant human larynx squamous carcinoma cells. Monoclonal antibodies such as TRA-8 may play an important role in the development of an effective treatment strategy for patients with radioresistant cancers.

Highly virulent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus emerged in China

A highly pathogenic pig disease emerged in China in 2006, which was characterized by prolonged high fever, red discoloration of the body, and blue ears associated with high mortality. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was isolated as the single most prominent virus in the samples collected from affected pigs. The full-length genomic sequence of the virus revealed two distinct deletions in the non-structural protein 2 (NSP2) in comparison to all previously reported North American genotype PRRSV. Through extensive surveys in 14 different provinces, 56 additional PRRSV isolates were obtained from affected farms. All of the isolates were found to contain identical deletions in NSP2. To confirm the etiology, eight 60-day-old PRRSV-free pigs were divided into two groups and the test group was intranasally infected at a titer of 2 x 10(5.0) tissue culture infectious dose 50 per pig. The inoculated pigs all died at 7, 8, 12, 16, or 21 days post-inoculation with their clinical and pathological findings similar to those in the field. The viruses recovered from dead pigs were identical to the inoculated virus in NSP2 and GP5 genes. Our study shows that the recently emerged PRRSV in China is characterized by two discontiguous deletions in NSP2 and is the cause for the current epizootics in China.

A new flavonol from Sophora tonkinensis

A new flavonol, tonkinensisol, was isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis, together with three known compounds named as bayin, vitexin and lupeol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Additionally, tonkinensisol showed moderate cytotoxicity suppressing the proliferation of HL-60 cells in vitro.

Roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways during Escherichia coli-induced apoptosis in U937 cells

Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections play an important and growing role in the clinic. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, and caspase-3 and 9 activity in E. coli-induced apoptosis in human U937 cells. We found that E. coli induces apoptosis in U937 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner, p38 MAPK and JNK were activated after 10 min of infection with E. coli. In contrast, ERK1/2 was down-regulated in a time-dependent manner. The levels of total (phosphorylation state-independent) p38 MAPK, JNK and ERK1/2 did not change in E. coli-infected U937 cells at all times examined. Moreover, exposure of U937 cells to E. coli led to caspase-3 and 9 activity. For the evaluation of the role of MAPKs, PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125 were used as MAPKs inhibitors for ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. Inhibition of ERK1/2 with PD98059 caused further enhancement in apoptosis and caspase-3 and 9 activity, while a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 and JNK inhibitor, SP600125 significantly inhibited E. coli-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 and 9 activity in U937 cells. The results were further confirmed by the observation that the caspase inhibitors Z-DEVD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK blocked E. coli-induced U937 apoptosis. Taken together, we have shown that E. coli increase p38 MAPK and JNK and decrease ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increase caspase-3 and 9 activity in U937 cells.

Unexpected effects of FERM domain mutations on catalytic activity of Jak3: structural implication for Janus kinases

Janus kinases comprise carboxyterminal kinase, pseudokinase, SH2-like, and N-terminal FERM domains. We identified three patient-derived mutations in the FERM domain of Jak3 and investigated the functional consequences of these mutations. These mutations inhibited receptor binding and also abrogated kinase activity, suggesting interactions between the FERM and kinase domains. In fact, the domains were found to physically associate, and coexpression of the FERM domain enhanced activity of the isolated kinase domain. Conversely, staurosporine, which alters kinase domain structure, disrupted receptor binding, even though the catalytic activity of Jak3 is dispensable for receptor binding. Thus, the Jak FERM domain appears to have two critical functions: receptor interaction and maintenance of kinase integrity.

[Properties of KATP channels in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from adult rats]

Properties of KATP channels in acutely dissociated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of adult rats were studied with inside-out patch-clamp technique. With symmetrical 140 mmol/L K+ on both sides of the excised membrane, the single-channel conductance was approximately 63 pS and the reversal potential was 1.71 mV. These channels had a weak inward rectifying property. Channels' openings interrupted by shorter closed intervals were more frequently observed at negative holding potential than at positive holding potential. However, noticeable voltage dependence was not found in channel open probability. ATP applied at the cytosolic side inhibited channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.1 mmol/L. Sulphonyluren tolbutamide (1 mmol/L), a specific KATP channel blocker, added to the bath completely suppressed the channel activity, while diazoxide (1 mmol/L), a KATP channel opener, had no apparent effect.

Signaling by type I and II cytokine receptors: ten years after

Discovered during the past ten years, Janus kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription have emerged as critical elements in cytokine signaling and immunoregulation. Recently, knockout mice for all the members of these families have been generated, with remarkably specific outcomes. Equally exciting is the discovery of a new class of inhibitors, the suppressor of cytokine signaling family. The phenotypes of mice deficient in these molecules are also striking, underscoring the importance of negative regulation in cytokine signaling.