Clinical efficacy of type-B ultrasound-guided intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemoperfusion combined with systemic chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of systemic chemotherapy combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion in advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-eight gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites who were admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the hyperthermic perfusion and control groups. The control group only received systemic chemotherapy, and the hyperthermic perfusion group received systemic chemotherapy combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemoperfusion. The therapeutic efficacy, the survival time and the associated toxicity were determined for the two groups.

RESULTS

The efficacy was significantly higher in the hyperthermic perfusion group (85.7%) than in the control group (30.0%) (P 0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the hyperthermic perfusion group (12 months) compared with the control group (6 months) (P < 0.05). The median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the hyperthermic perfusion group (21 months) compared with the control group (9 months) (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher 1-year survival rate in the hyperthermic perfusion group (89.3%) than in the control group (36.4%) (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the 3-year survival rate (10.7% vs. 10.0%). The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score in the hyperthermic perfusion group increased significantly from 62.8 ± 1.84 to 74.3 ± 5.0 after hyperthermic chemoperfusion (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Systemic chemotherapy combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion exhibited significant clinical efficacy in advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites, helped control ascites, improved the quality of life and extended PFS and OS. This treatment regimen is worth promoting.

Combined Use of Mechanical Thrombectomy with Angioplasty and Stenting for Acute Basilar Occlusions with Underlying Severe Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Stenosis: Preliminary Experience from a Single Chinese Center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute basilar occlusions have a poor prognosis without recanalization. Many have underlying severe atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis coexisting with acute thrombosis, requiring treatment of both pathologies in the same session, though technical risks may be encountered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of combined treatment by using stent retrievers for the thrombosis, together with angioplasty and stent placement for the underlying stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 13 patients with basilar occlusions treated with thrombectomy by the Solitaire stent retriever and angioplasty and intracranial stent placement for underlying severe vertebrobasilar stenosis in the same session. Reperfusion was assessed in terms of the TICI score. Perioperative complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the NIHSS at discharge and the mRS on follow-up at 90 days.

RESULTS

Of the 30 patients with acute basilar artery occlusions treated with stent retrievers during the study period, 18 had coexisting severe intracranial stenosis. Thirteen patients meeting the criteria for our study received combined mechanical thrombectomy and angioplasty with stent placement. The successful recanalization rate was 100%. Distal vessel embolizations occurred in 3 patients. There were 2 mortalities. On discharge, 10 patients (77%) had an improvement in NIHSS of ≥10 points. At 90 days, 6 patients (46%) had a good functional outcome with an mRS of ≤2.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of mechanical thrombectomy with angioplasty and stent placement for acute basilar occlusions with underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is technically feasible and safe.

Characterization of Craniocervical Artery Dissection by Simultaneous MR Noncontrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage Imaging at 3T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Craniocervical artery dissection is the most common cause of ischemic stroke identified in young adults. For the diagnosis of craniocervical artery dissection, multisequence MR imaging is recommended but is time-consuming. Recently, investigators proposed a simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging technique allowing simultaneous noncontrast MRA and vessel wall imaging in a single scan. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage MR imaging in the characterization of craniocervical artery dissection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four symptomatic patients (mean age, 45.0 ± 16.1 years; 21 men) with suspected craniocervical artery dissection were recruited. The 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage 3D TOF MRA and black-blood imaging sequences were performed on a 3T MR imaging scanner. The agreement between simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging and multisequence MR imaging in evaluating arterial dissection was determined.

RESULTS

Dissection was found to involve 1 artery in 22 patients and 2 arteries in 2 patients. The intramural hematoma and luminal occlusion were detected in 19 (79.2%) and 11 (45.8%) patients, respectively. In measuring stenosis, the Cohen κ value between 3D TOF MRA and simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging was 0.82 (P < .001). All intramural hematomas on multisequence imaging were successfully identified by simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging showed excellent agreement with multisequence MR imaging in evaluating luminal stenosis and intramural hematoma in patients with craniocervical artery dissection. The simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging saved nearly 50% of scanning time compared with multisequence MR imaging. Our findings suggest that 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging might be an alternative, time-efficient diagnostic tool for craniocervical artery dissection.

Estimating the contribution of photochemical particle formation to ultrafine particle number averages in an urban atmosphere

Ultrafine particles (UFPs, diameter<100 nm) have gained major attention in the environmental health discussion due to a number of suspected health effects. Observations of UFPs in urban air reveal the presence of several, time-dependent particle sources. In order to attribute measured UFP number concentrations to different source type contributions, we analyzed observations collected at a triplet of observation sites (roadside, urban background, rural) in the city of Leipzig, Germany. Photochemical new particle formation (NPF) events can be the overwhelming source of UFP particles on particular days, and were identified on the basis of characteristic patterns in the particle number size distribution data. A subsequent segmentation of the diurnal cycles of UFP concentration yielded a quantitative contribution of NPF events to daily, monthly, and annual mean values. At roadside, we obtained source contributions to the annual mean UFP number concentration (diameter range 5-100 nm) for photochemical NPF events (7%), local traffic (52%), diffuse urban sources (20%), and regional background (21%). The relative contribution of NPF events rises when moving away from roadside to the urban background and rural sites (14 and 30%, respectively). Their contribution also increases when considering only fresh UFPs (5-20 nm) (21% at the urban background site), and conversely decreases when considering UFPs at bigger sizes (20-100 nm) (8%). A seasonal analysis showed that NPF events have their greatest importance on UFP number concentration in the months May-August, accounting for roughly half of the fresh UFPs (5-20 nm) at the urban background location. The simplistic source apportionment presented here might serve to better characterize exposure to ambient UFPs in future epidemiological studies.

Expression of intronic miRNAs and their host gene Igf2 in a murine unilateral ureteral obstruction model

The objective of this study was to determine the expression of miR-483 and miR-483* and the relationship among them, their host gene (Igf2), and other cytokines in a murine model of renal fibrosis. The extent of renal fibrosis was visualized using Masson staining, and fibrosis was scored 3 days and 1 and 2 weeks after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Expression of miR-483, miR-483* and various cytokine mRNAs was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression of miR-483 and miR-483* was significantly upregulated in the UUO model, particularly miR-483 expression was the greatest 2 weeks after surgery. Additionally, miR-483 and miR-483* expression negatively correlated with Bmp7 expression and positively correlated with Igf2, Tgfβ, Hgf, and Ctgf expression, as determined by Pearson's correlation analysis. Hgf expression significantly increased at 1 and 2 weeks after the surgery compared to the control group. This study showed that miR-483 and miR-483* expression was upregulated in a murine UUO model. These data suggest that miR-483 and miR-483* play a role in renal fibrosis and that miR-483* may interact with miR-483 in renal fibrosis. Thus, these miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis and coexpression of their host gene Igf2.

Lignin dissolution in dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquid-water mixtures

Lignin dissolution in dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL)-water mixtures (40wt%-100wt% IL content) at 60°C was investigated. The IL content and type are found to considerably affect lignin solubility. For the IL-water mixtures except 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4C1im]BF4), the maximum lignin solubility can be achieved at 70wt% IL content. Lignin solubility in IL-water mixtures with different cations follows the order 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C4C1im](+))>1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C6C1im](+))>1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C2C1im](+))>1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C8C1im](+))>1-butyl-3-ethylimidazolium ([C4C2im](+))>1-butyl-3-propylimidazolium ([C4C3im](+)). For IL mixtures with different anions, lignin solubility decreases in the following order: methanesulfonate (MeSO3(-))>acetate (MeCO2(-))>bromide (Br(-))>dibutylphosphate (DBP(-)). Evaluation using the theory of Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is consistent with the experimental results, suggesting that HSP can aid in finding the appropriate range of IL content for IL-water mixtures. However, HSP cannot be used to evaluate the effect of IL type on lignin solubility.

Stroke service: how can we improve and measure outcomes? Consensus summary from a global stroke forum

The success of acute stroke treatment is first and foremost time-dependent, and the need for improvement in acute stroke management is demonstrated by the fact that only a minority of patients gain access to treatment - in particular, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) - within the necessary time window. Standards of acute stroke care vary widely both regionally and nationally; consequently, various healthcare organizations have undertaken initiatives to measure and improve quality of care. To date, most quality measures have been process-based, focusing primarily on metrics of patient care in the acute hospital-based setting (e.g., time to recombinant tPA administration). Therefore, there remains a need for metrics designed to assess how improvements in process translate into patient outcomes. A global forum was convened to share best practice and provide consensus recommendations on core metrics for measuring improvements in access to care and patient outcomes. Recommendations for core metrics of patient outcomes include hospital-based outcomes (e.g., neurological status at 24 h, ambulatory status at discharge) and post-discharge outcomes (e.g., modified Rankin Scale score at 30 and/or 90 days). Recommendations for best practice relating to aspects of people, process, and technology involved in the stroke treatment pathway that may help provide improvements in these core outcome measures are also outlined.

HLA-DQ polymorphisms with HBV infection: different outcomes upon infection and prognosis to lamivudine therapy

Two recent genome-wide studies showed that the single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the HLA-DQ region (rs2856718 and rs9275572) were associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and chronic hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in Japanese patients. We tested the effects of the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms for all major HBV outcomes and lamivudine treatment in Han Chinese. A total of 1649 samples were enrolled, and peripheral blood samples were collected in this study. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the HLA-DQ region were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Our study demonstrated the clear relevance of HLA-DQ rs2856718 and rs9275572 with HBV susceptibility, natural clearance and HBV-associated HCC. HLA-DQ rs2856718G and rs9275572A were strongly associated with decreased risk of chronic HBV infection (odds ratio = 0.641; P = 2.64 × 10(-4) ; odds ratio = 0.627, P = 7.22 × 10(-5) ) and HBV natural clearance (odds ratio = 0.610; P = 4.80 × 10(-4) ; odds ratio = 0.714, P = 0.013). Moreover, rs9275572A was also associated with development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (odds ratio = 0.632, P = 0.008). In addition, we showed for the first time to our knowledge that rs9275572 was a predictor for lamivudine therapy (viral response: odds ratio = 2.599, P = 4.43 × 10(-4) ; biochemical response: odds ratio = 2.279, P = 4.23 × 10(-4) ). Our study suggested that HLA-DQ loci were associated with both HBV clearance and HBV-related diseases and outcomes of lamivudine treatment in Han Chinese.

Immunoregulation therapy changes the frequency of interleukin (IL)-22+ CD4+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

T cell and T cell-related cytokine abnormalities are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our previous study showed that the interleukin (IL)-22(+) CD4(+) T cells and IL-22 play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunodepressant agents on IL-22 and IL-22-producing T cell subsets in SLE patients. The frequencies of peripheral blood T helper type 22 (Th22), IL-22(+) Th17, IL-22(+) Th1 and Th17 cells and the concentrations of serum IL-22, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ in SLE patients receiving 4 weeks of treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC), methylprednisolone and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were characterized by flow cytometry analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequencies of Th22, IL-22(+) Th17 and Th17 cells and the concentrations of IL-22 and IL-17 were reduced in response to the drugs methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine for 4 weeks in the majority of SLE patients. However, the percentage of Th1 cells showed no change. No differences in the levels of IL-22 and IL-22(+) CD4(+) T cells were found between non-responders and health controls either before or after therapy. IL-22 levels were correlated positively with Th22 cells in SLE patients after treatment. These results suggest that elevated IL-22 is correlated with IL-22(+) CD4(+) T cells, especially Th22 cells, and may have a co-operative or synergetic function in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. GC, CYC and HCQ treatment may regulate the production of IL-22, possibly by correcting the IL-22(+) CD4(+) T cells polarizations in SLE, thus providing new insights into the mechanism of GC, CYC and HCQ in the treatment of SLE.

Role of IFN-ks, IFN-ks related genes and the DEPDC5 gene in Hepatitis B virus-related liver disease

Recent studies have associated genetic variation near the interleukin 28B (IL28B/IFN-λ3) gene with natural clearance of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and a common variant in the DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5) locus on chromosome 22 has been shown to affect susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japanese individuals with chronic HCV infection. This study was conducted to determine whether polymorphisms near or in interferon-lambda (IFN-λs) genes and their receptor genes such as interleukin 28 receptor, alpha (IL28RA) and interleukin 10 receptor, beta (IL10RB) as well as p21-activated kinases 4 (PAK4) and iron/zinc purple acid phosphatase-like protein (PAPL), which are locate upstream of IFN-λs, and lastly the DEPDC5 gene are associated with hepatitis B virus-related liver disease in Han Chinese. The study subjects included 507 normal healthy controls, 350 individuals with natural clearance of HBV and 792 HBV-infected patients. The patients were categorized into 157 inactive carriers (Case I), 216 active carriers (Case II), 111 cirrhotics (Case III) and 308 HCC patients (Case IV) subgroups. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using the Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOF MS) SNP genotyping assay. Rs423058 upstream of PAPL, rs2834167 in IL10RB and rs1012068 in DEPDC5 were associated with chronic HBV status, HBV natural clearance and the presence of HCC (P = 0.0004–0.024), respectively. PAPL, IL10RB and DEPDC5 polymorphisms have an impact on progression of HBV-related liver disease. However, IFN-λs genes as a tool to differentiate between different clinical courses of HBV infection were not useful in the Han Chinese population.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of individuals resistant to M. tuberculosis infection in a longitudinal TB household contact study in Kampala, Uganda

Background

Despite sustained exposure to a person with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), some M. tuberculosis (Mtb) exposed individuals maintain a negative tuberculin skin test (TST). Our objective was to characterize these persistently negative TST (PTST-) individuals and compare them to TST converters (TSTC) and individuals who are TST positive at study enrollment.

Methods

During a TB household contact study in Kampala, Uganda, PTST-, TSTC, and TST + individuals were identified. PTST- individuals maintained a negative TST over a 2 year observation period despite prolonged exposure to an infectious tuberculosis (TB) case. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics were compared, a risk score developed by another group to capture risk for Mtb infection was computed, and an ordinal regression was performed.

Results

When analyzed independently, epidemiological risk factors increased in prevalence from PTST- to TSTC to TST+. An ordinal regression model suggested age (p < 0.01), number of windows (p < 0.01) and people (p = 0.07) in the home, and sleeping in the same room (p < 0.01) were associated with PTST- and TSTC. As these factors do not exist in isolation, we examined a risk score, which reflects an accumulation of risk factors. This compound exposure score did not differ significantly between PTST-, TSTC, and TST+, except for the 5–15 age group (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Though many individual factors differed across all three groups, an exposure risk score reflecting a collection of risk factors did not differ for PTST-, TSTC and TST + young children and adults. This is the first study to rigorously characterize the epidemiologic risk profile of individuals with persistently negative TSTs despite close exposure to a person with TB. Additional studies are needed to characterize possible epidemiologic and host factors associated with this phenotype.

Application of functional microsphere in human hepatitis B virus surface antigen detection

A novel and simple emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique was developed for preparation of mono-dispersed amino functionalized polymer microspheres with well defined diameters (about 400 nm). Various characterization methods demonstrated that the obtained amino microspheres had a uniform size and good dispersity which were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) demonstrated that amino groups have been successfully introduced to the microsphere surface. These functionalized microspheres have been shown to be efficient and controllable carriers capable of immobilizing and enriching monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, a newest chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) approach has been developed for human Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) detection. HBsAg was sandwiched between goat anti-HBsAg polyclonal antibody and mouse anti-HBsAg antibody. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugated horse anti-mouse immunnogloblin was used to bond with monoclonal antibody. Finally, chemiluminesent (CL) signals were recorded after adding 3-(2-spiroadamantane)-4-methoxy-4-(3-phosphoryloxy) phenyl-1,2-dioxetane (AMPPD) which was used as a chemiluminescent substrate reagent of ALP. This novel chemiluminescent ELISA assay was proved to be of excellent specificity and high sensitivity when using ALP and AMPPD luminescence systems for specific HBsAg detection.

The relationship between serum prolactin concentration and pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage

The role of prolactin in early pregnancy is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum prolactin concentration and the risk of miscarriage in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM). A series of 174 women with unexplained RM, who had serum prolactin concentrations measured from January 2000 to September 2009 at the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic in Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, were included in this study. Among the 174 patients with unexplained RM, 40 patients did not conceive during the study period, 9 were lost to follow-up and 125 patients conceived again. Patients who did not conceive were significantly older than those who conceived (p < 0.05, OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.13). Among those who conceived again, the pregnancy outcome data were available for analysis in 109 patients. Those who miscarried were older (p < 0.05, OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22) and had significantly lower serum prolactin concentrations (p < 0.05, adjusted OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99) after adjustment has been made for age, than those who had a live birth. Lower basal serum prolactin concentrations were associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in a subsequent pregnancy in women with unexplained RM.

The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period in women with and without polyps

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study was designed to determine whether the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the endometrial tissue obtained from the peri-implantation period of women with endometrial polyp (EP) differs from that of control subjects without a polyp.

METHODS

Endometrial samples were collected from 30 patients with EP and 30 control subjects without EP, in the mid-secretory phase. The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium was examined with the use of immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

COX-2 and VEGF were predominantly expressed in endometrial glands. The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium obtained from women with EP was lower than that of control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The reduced expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium of women with EP may account for the association between EP and infertility.

Influence of nanoparticle shape, size, and surface functionalization on cellular uptake

With the rapid development of biotechnology and nanomedicine, extensive research has focused on the investigations of delivering large-cargo molecules using nanoparticles through the cell membrane for disease diagnosis and treatment. Various inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles with optimized surface properties have been developed to carry these active cargo molecules such as organic molecules, oligonucleotides and proteins. Phagocytosis and pinocytosis have been suggested as the two major uptake mechanisms for nanoparticles to enter into cellular interior, but such mechanisms are still under debate. In order to enhance the efficiency of cellular uptake of nanoparticles and further understand the physiological process, it is important to investigate detailed interaction mechanisms between nanoparticles and cell membranes. Here, we will review the recent advances of the effect of nanoparticle properties (e.g., nanoparticle shape, size, charge, surface modification, etc.) on cellular uptake mechanisms. These will aid in the future design and development of nanoparticles with improved surface properties for drug and biomolecule delivery. Up to now, novel analytical techniques have been used to examine nanoparticle-cell membrane interactions, but their detailed uptake mechanisms and pathways still need more in-depth research. It is suggested that developing appropriate analytical techniques to study cellular uptake mechanisms of nanoparticles in real time is urgently desired.

Magnetic nanoparticles-based extraction and verification of nucleic acids from different sources

In many molecule biology and genetic technology studies, the amount of available DNA can be one of the important criteria for selecting the samples from different sources. Compared with those genomic DNA methods using organic solvents or other traditional commercial kits, the method based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and adsorption technology has many remarkable advantages like being time-saving and cost effective without the laborious centrifugation or precipitation steps, and more importantly it has the great potential and especially suitable for automated DNA extraction and up-scaling. In this paper, the extraction efficiency of genomic nucleic acids based on magnetic nanoparticles from four different sources including bacteria, yeast, human blood and virus samples are compared and verified. After measurement and verification of the extracted genomic nucleic acids, it was shown that all these genomic nucleic acids extracted using the MNPs method can be of high yield and be available for next molecule biological steps.

Target replacement strategy for selection of DNA aptamers against the Fc region of mouse IgG

Aptamers that recognize the IgG Fc region are of great interest because of their wide application as an immunology probing tool, for diagnostics, and as affinity agents for antibody purification. We developed a target replacement strategy as a modification of conventional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) in order to efficiently select and identify novel DNA aptamers against the Fc region of mouse IgG. In this new approach, multiple IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, mouse IgG Fc, and anti-HBs IgG) were sequentially used to select aptamers in one continuous SELEX. After 8 rounds of selection, the aptamers were analyzed using dot blot and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, which showed universal binding capability to different IgG subclasses. Secondary structure analysis of the aptamers indicated that the stem-loop structure of the aptamers play an important role in binding to the common site in different mouse IgG subclasses. This demonstrated the feasibility of using multiple target replacement SELEX for the selection of aptamers. This target replacement strategy is also expected to be useful for selecting aptamers that bind common regions of molecules other than antibodies.

CD44v6 expression in human skin keratinocytes as a possible mechanism for carcinogenesis associated with chronic arsenic exposure

Inorganic arsenic is a well-known human skin carcinogen. Chronic arsenic exposure results in various types of human skin lesions, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To investigate whether mutant stem cells participate in arsenic-associated carcinogenesis, we repeatedly exposed the human spontaneously immortalized skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell line to an environmentally relevant level of arsenic (0.05 ppm) in vitrofor 18 weeks. Following sodium arsenite administration, cell cycle, colony-forming efficiency (CFE), cell tumorigenicity, and expression of CD44v6, NF-κB and p53, were analyzed at different time points (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 passages). We found that a chronic exposure of HaCaT cells to a low level of arsenic induced a cancer stem-like phenotype. Furthermore, arsenictreated HaCaT cells also became tumorigenic in nude mice, their growth cycle was predominantly in G2/M and S phases. Relative to nontreated cells, they exhibited a higher growth rate and a significant increase in CFE. Western blot analysis found that arsenic was capable of increasing cell proliferation and sprouting of cancer stem-like phenotype. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that CD44v6 expression was upregulated in HaCaT cells exposed to a low level of arsenic during early stages of induction. The expression of CD44v6 in arsenic-treated cells was positively correlated with their cloning efficiency in soft agar (r=0.949, P=0.01). Likewise, the expressions of activating transcription factor NF-κB and p53 genes in the arsenic-treated HaCaT cells were significantly higher than that in non-treated cells. Higher expressions of CD44v6, NF-κB and p53 were also observed in tumor tissues isolated from Balb/c nude mice. The present results suggest that CD44v6 may be a biomarker of arsenicinduced neoplastic transformation in human skin cells, and that arsenic promotes malignant transformation in human skin lesions through a NF-κB signaling pathway-stimulated expression of CD44v6.

Epigenetic deregulations in gastric cancer

Abnormal functioning of many cellular processes such as cell cycle, DNA repair, angiogenesis and cell-cell adhesion has been reported in all types of cancer. In the context of cancer, genes responsible to sustain integrity of the cells can be categorized into tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. In normal conditions, these genes maintain a state of equilibrium and imbalance of these two groups of genes leads to a malignant form of cells known as Cancer. Genetics and epigenetics are the two main mechanisms that regulate expression of these genes. Silencing of tumor suppressor genes has been observed in different cancer while, on the other hand, silent oncogenes are active in cancer and confer growth advantage to malignant cells as compared with the contemporary normal cells. Gastric cancer (GC), like other cancers, is a complex disease. Multiple factors including bacterial infection, dietary habits, smoking and genetic polymorphisms determine the risk for GC development. Epigenetic modifications have been attributed as an initial event in the development of GC. Here, we have summarized recent findings in the field of epigenetics which correlated with GC.

Advances in applications of dendritic compounds

Dendritic compounds (so-called dendrimers) with nano-scale represent unique symmetric and spherical structures. They are usually prepared through two fundamental methods based on molecular level which involved the convergent method and divergent method, although the synthetic methods have a tendency towards the diversity and functionalization. The outershell of dendrimers with rich peripheral reactive sites are easily modified by small functional molecules. Moreover, the higher generation dendrimers also possess more exposed functional groups on the surface prior to the previous one and they are much easily customized for much more applications. Consequently, based on previous researches, this review summarized wide applications of dendritic compounds in many fields which were investigated in detail, including gene vector, drug carrier, catalysis, sensor industry, photoelectric material, etc. Dendrimers provide promising tools for the cellular delivery of molecular cargos ranging in size from small molecules and peptides to proteins and DNA. More importantly, it is necessary to explore new synthetic methods and undiscovered applications of new dendrimers.

Anti-fungi activities of Bacillus thuringiensis H3 chitinase and immobilized chitinase particles and their effects to rice seedling defensive enzymes

The chitinase producing bacterium H3 strain was screened from nature with the selective medium and was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. The purpose of this investigation is to study the antifungi activity of Bacillus thuringiensis H3 chitinase and its immobilized particles, and the effects on growth of rice seedlings and activities of defensive enzymes. The rice seedlings qualities and several defense enzymes activity were measured after rice seedlings were treated by free chitinase and immobilized chitinase particles. The results show that the height and dry weight of the rice considerably increased in comparison with the control. Bacillus thuringiensis H3 chitinase and it's immobilized particles significantly inhibit several pathogenic fungi, and the anti-fungi rates of immobilized chitinase particles on Pyricularia grisea, Thantephorus cucumris, Fusarium vasinfectum, Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium oxysporum are 72.2%, 62.6%, 44.6%, 50.0%, 55.8%, respectively. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD) activities of the rice seedling were significantly increased when it was treated by free chitinase and immobilized chitinase particles. From the results it could be concluded that Bacillus thuringiensis H3 free chitinase and immobilized chitinase particles can inhibit several pathogenic fungi and induce rice seedlings defense enzymes activity changes.

Contrast-enhanced 3T high-resolution MR imaging in symptomatic atherosclerotic basilar artery stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Contrast-enhanced 3T high-resolution MR imaging can be used to determine the wall enhancement pattern of the basilar artery in symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis. We used this method to explore the relationship between wall enhancement and both recent infarction in the territory of the stenotic BA and subsequent ischemic events associated with the stenotic BA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic BA stenosis ≥70% were enrolled consecutively. HR-MRI of cross-sectional BAs was obtained before and after contrast media injection, and wall enhancement indices were calculated for sections proximal to, at, and distal to the site of maximal luminal narrowing. DWI of the brain was performed to determine the presence of recent infarction.

RESULTS

Images from 56 patients were suitable for analysis. Thirty-three patients underwent stent placement for the stenotic BA, and 23 patients underwent conservative medical treatment with antiplatelet agents and risk-factor control. All 23 patients with medical treatment had a 12-month follow-up. Greater wall enhancement was seen in the section proximal to the MLN section in both patients with recent infarction (74 ± 65% versus 44 ± 44%; P = .046) and in patients with subsequent ischemic events (100 ± 57% versus 44 ± 44%; P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater wall enhancement proximal to the MLN site correlates with recent infarction in the territory of the stenotic BA and subsequent ischemic events associated with the stenotic BA. Contrast-enhanced HR-MRI may serve as a noninvasive tool for risk stratification of BA atherosclerosis.

MRI-based multiparametric strain analysis predicts contractile recovery after aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for referral of chronic aortic insufficiency (AI) patients for aortic valve replacement (AVR) suggest that surgery can be delayed until symptoms or reduction in left ventricular (LV) contractile function occur. The frequent occurrence of reduced LV contractile function after AVR for chronic AI suggests that new contractile metrics for surgical referral are needed.

METHODS

In 16 chronic AI patients, cardiac MRI tagged images were analyzed before and 21.5 ± 13.8 months after AVR to calculate LV systolic strain. Average measurements of three strain parameters were obtained for each of 72 LV regions, normalized using a normal human strain database (n = 63), and combined into a composite index (multiparametric strain z score [MSZ]) representing standard deviation from the normal regional average.

RESULTS

Preoperative global MSZ (72-region average) correlated with post-AVR global MSZ (R(2) = 0.825, p < 0.001). Preoperative global MSZ also predicts improvement of impaired regions (N = 271 regions from 14 AI patients, R(2) = 0.392, p < 0.001). Preoperative MRI-based LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is also predictive (r = 0.410, p < 0.001). Although global preoperative MSZ had a significantly higher correlation than preoperative LVEF with improvement of injured regions (p < 0.001), both measures convey the same phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONS

Global preoperative MRI-based multiparametric strain predicts global strain postoperatively, as well as improvement of regions (n = 72 per LV) with impaired contractile function. Global contractile function is an important correlate with improvement in regionally impaired contractile function, perhaps reflecting total AI volume-overload burden (severity/duration of AI).

Heterogeneous distribution of left ventricular contractile injury in chronic aortic insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Global systolic strain has been described previously in patients with chronic aortic insufficiency (AI). This study explored regional differences in contractile injury.

METHODS

Tagged magnetic resonance images of the left ventricle (LV) were acquired and analyzed to calculate systolic strain in 42 patients with chronic AI. Multiparametric systolic strain analysis was applied to relate cardiac function in AI patients to a normal strain database (N = 60). AI patients were classified as having normal or poor function based on their results. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied to analyze regional differences in injury.

RESULTS

The mean and standard deviation of raw strain values (circumferential strain, longitudinal strain, and minimum principal strain angle) are presented over the entire LV in our normal strain database. Of the 42 patients with AI, 15 could be defined as having poor function by multiparametric systolic strain analysis. In AI patients with poor function, statistical analysis showed significant differences in injury between standard LV regions (F(3.69,44.33) = 3.47, p = 0.017) and levels (F(1.49,17.88) = 4.41, p = 0.037) of the LV, whereas no significant differences were seen in the group with normal cardiac function.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with poor function, as defined by multiparametric systolic strain z scores, exhibit a consistent, heterogeneous pattern of contractile injury in which the septum and posterior regions at the base are most injured.

Heme oxygenase-1: a molecular brake on hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with great public health impact worldwide. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 has recently been reported as an important player in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the role of HO-1 in liver cancer metastasis is unclear. In this study, we explored genetic differences and downstream signal transduction pathways of HO-1 in liver cancer cell lines. HO-1 wild-type and mutant cell lines were generated from human liver cancer cell line HepG2. The overexpression of wild-type HO-1 decreased the migration of HepG2 cells. In contrast, the overexpression of mutant HO-1G143H increased the migration of the cancer cells. Interleukin (IL)-6 is one of the major downstream molecules that mediated this process because IL-6 expression and migration are suppressed by HO-1 and increased when HO-1 is knocked down by shRNA. In addition, we demonstrated carbon monoxide (CO) and p38MAPK are the cofactors in this signal pathway. In vivo animal model demonstrated HO-1 inhibited the tumor growth. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo data show HO-1 inhibits the human HCC cells migration and tumor growth by suppressing the expression of IL-6. The heme degradation product CO is a cofactor in this process and inhibits p38MAPK phosphorylation.

Comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging features of isolated left ventricular non-compaction in adults versus dilated cardiomyopathy in adults

AIM

To compare cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features between isolated left ventricular non-compaction (IVNC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of 50 patients with IVNC from a single institution were reviewed. During the same period, 50 patients with DCM who had prominent trabeculations, who were matched for age, gender, and body surface area, were prospectively included. Left ventricular (LV) morphology and function were assessed using cardiac MRI.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with DCM, patients with IVNC had a significantly lower LV sphericity index and end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and a greater LV ejection fraction (LVEF), number of trabeculated segments, and ratio of non-compacted to compacted myocardium (NC/C ratio). There were no significant differences in stroke volume index, cardiac output, and cardiac index between the two patient groups. In patients with IVNC, the number of trabeculated segments and the NC/C ratio correlated positively with LVEDVI (r=0.626 and r=0.559, respectively) and negatively with LVEF (r=-0.647 and r=-0.521, respectively, p<0.001 for all). In patients with DCM, the number of non-compacted segments and the NC/C ratio had no correlation with either the LVEDVI (r=-0.082 and r=-0.135, respectively) or the LVEF (r=0.097 and r=0.205, respectively).

CONCLUSION

There are demonstrable morphological and functional differences between IVNC and DCM at LV assessment using cardiac MRI. The occurrence of trabeculated myocardium might be due to a different pathophysiological mechanism.

Magnetic resonance imaging detects significant sex differences in human myocardial strain

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology responsible for the significant outcome disparities between men and women with cardiac disease is largely unknown. Further investigation into basic cardiac physiological differences between the sexes is needed. This study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based multiparametric strain analysis to search for sex-based differences in regional myocardial contractile function.

METHODS

End-systolic strain (circumferential, longitudinal, and radial) was interpolated from MRI-based radiofrequency tissue tagging grid point displacements in each of 60 normal adult volunteers (32 females).

RESULTS

The average global left ventricular (LV) strain among normal female volunteers (n = 32) was significantly larger in absolute value (functionally better) than in normal male volunteers (n = 28) in both the circumferential direction (Male/Female = -0.19 ± 0.02 vs. -0.21 ± 0.02; p = 0.025) and longitudinal direction (Male/Female = -0.14 ± 0.03 vs. -0.16 ± 0.02; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of significantly larger circumferential and longitudinal LV strain among normal female volunteers suggests that baseline contractile differences between the sexes may contribute to the well-recognized divergence in cardiovascular disease outcomes. Further work is needed in order to determine the pathologic changes that occur in LV strain between women and men with the onset of cardiovascular disease.

Cloning, partial sequence, and single-nucleotide polymorphism of the ryanodine receptor gene of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Penaeidae)

Ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel is a large protein that plays an essential role in muscle contraction; mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene affect sensitivity to stress. As a first step towards investigating the relationship between the ryanodine receptor and shrimp cramped muscle syndrome, we cloned, partially sequenced, and examined single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ryanodine receptor gene of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The nucleotide sequence of a 15.06-kb L. vannamei genomic DNA segment containing a partial ryanodine receptor gene sequence was determined (deposited in GenBank nucleotide database: HM367069). Direct sequencing of PCR-amplified ryanodine receptor exons with their intron-flanking regions in 10 cramped muscle syndrome shrimp and 10 healthy shrimp, revealed seven SNPs. Five of them (1713A/G, 1749T/C, 1755T/C, 3965G/A, and 8737C/T) are located in exons; however, they appear to be neutral (synonymous), since they do not alter the encoded amino acid. The other SNPs (1553C/T and 13337A/G) are in introns. The SNPs identified in the ryanodine receptor gene could be useful for association studies aimed at determining the physiological role of the ryanodine receptor in cramped muscle syndrome of shrimp.

Transgenic mice overproducing human thioredoxin-1, an antioxidative and anti-apoptotic protein, prevents diabetic embryopathy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Experimental studies have suggested that apoptosis is involved in diabetic embryopathy through oxidative stress. However, the precise mechanism of diabetic embryopathy is not yet clear. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a small, ubiquitous, multifunctional protein, which has recently been shown to protect cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis. Using transgenic mice that overproduce human TRX-1 (TRX-Tg mice), we examined whether oxidative stress is involved in fetal dysmorphogenesis in diabetic pregnancies.

METHODS

Non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) female mice were mated with male TRX-Tg mice. Pregnant mice were killed either at day 10 or day 17 of gestation, and viable fetuses and their placentas were recovered, weighed and assessed for gross and histological morphology, biochemical markers and gene expression.

RESULTS

In both wild-type (WT) and transgenic (Tg) groups, fetal and placental weights in the diabetic group were significantly decreased compared with the non-diabetic group. The incidence of malformation was higher in the diabetic group, and was significantly decreased in the TRX-Tg group (DM-WT vs DM-Tg; 28.6% vs 10.4%). Oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were increased in DM-WT group fetuses but were decreased in fetuses from the DM-Tg group. Furthermore, immunohistochemically assayed apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 production in embryonic neuroepithelial cells was significantly increased in the DM-WT group, and was significantly decreased in the DM-Tg group.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results indicate that oxidative stress is involved in diabetic embryopathy, and that the antioxidative protein TRX at least partially prevents diabetic embryopathy via suppression of apoptosis.

Integrated optical transfection system using a microlens fiber combined with microfluidic gene delivery

Optical transfection is a promising technique for the delivery of foreign genetic material into cells by transiently changing the permeability of the cell membrane. Of the different optical light sources that have been used, femtosecond laser based transfection has been one of the most effective methods for optical transfection which is generally implemented using a free space bulk optical setup. In conventional optical transfection methods the foreign genetic material to be transfected is homogenously mixed in the medium. Here we report the first realization of an integrated optical transfection system which can achieve transfection along with localized drug delivery by combining a microlens fiber based optical transfection system with a micro-capillary based microfluidic system. A fiber based illumination system is also incorporated in the system in order to achieve visual identification of the cell boundaries during transfection. A novel fabrication method is devised to obtain easy and inexpensive fabrication of microlensed fibers, which can be used for femtosecond optical transfection. This fabrication method offers the flexibility to fabricate a microlens which can focus ultra-short laser pulses at a near infrared wavelength to a small focal spot (~3 µm) whilst keeping a relatively large working distance (~20 µm). The transfection efficiency of the integrated system with localized plasmid DNA delivery, is approximately 50%, and is therefore comparable to that of a standard free space transfection system. Also the use of integrated system for localized gene delivery resulted in a reduction of the required amount of DNA for transfection. The miniaturized, integrated design opens a range of exciting experimental possibilities, including the dosing of tissue slices, targeted drug delivery, and targeted gene therapy in vivo.