Prognostic value of clinical and immunological markers in acute phase of SFTS virus infection

SFTS virus (SFTSV) is a novel bunyavirus that causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging infectious disease that occurred in China in recent years, with an average case fatality rate of 10-12%. Intervention in the early clinical stage is the most effective measure to reduce the mortality rate of disease. To elucidate the natural course of and immune mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of SFTSV, 59 laboratory-confirmed SFTS patients in the acute phase, who were hospitalized between October 2010 and September 2011, were enrolled in this study, and the patients sera were dynamically collected and tested for SFTSV viral RNA load, 34 cytokines or chemokines and other related laboratory parameters. All clinical diagnostic factors in the acute phase of SFTS were evaluated and assessed. The study showed that the severity of the disease in 11 (18.6%) patients was associated with abdominal pain (p 0.007; OR = 21.95; 95% CI, 2.32-208.11) and gingival bleeding (p 0.001; OR=122.11; 95% CI, 6.41-2328). The IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, granzyme B and HSP70 levels were higher over the 7-8 days in severe cases, accompanied by altered AST, CK and LDH levels. HSP70 (p 0.012; OR=8.29; 95% CI, 1.58-43.40) was independently correlated with the severity of the early acute phase of SFTSV infection. The severity of SFTS can be predicted based on the presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain and gingival bleeding and on the level of HSP70 in the acute phase of the disease.

Studying the association of microRNA-210 level with chronic hepatitis B progression

We studied the relationship between hypoxia and microRNA-210 (miR-210) levels, the miR-210 levels in patients with hepatitis B and the roles of miR-210 in liver inflammation. We used the concanavalin A (Con A) murine hepatitis model and inflammation, hypoxia and miR-210 levels were examined. In these patients, we studied serum miR-210 levels and clinical indexes related to hepatitis in 90 patients with different stages of chronic hepatitis B and 30 controls. Two functional assays of miR-210 in vitro under hypoxic condition were conducted. The animal experiments indicated that the liver and serum miR-210 levels significantly increased with liver hypoxia and inflammation. In humans, serum miR-210 levels enhanced with hepatitis severity and were related to serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) and prothrombin activity (PTA) levels. The miR-210 functional assays showed that miR-210 elevation might be related to the decreases in HepG2.2.15 cell dehydrogenase activity and HBV replication under hypoxic conditions. Because the liver inflammation causes liver hypoxia which also results in liver and serum miR-210 level elevation, the serum miR-210 level may serve as a molecular biomarker for the severity of hepatitis and increases in liver miR-210 that we see may be a response of hepatocytes to hypoxia during hepatitis progression.

Effects and mechanisms of gastric electrical stimulation on visceral pain in a rodent model of gastric hyperalgesia secondary to chemically induced mucosal ulceration

BACKGROUND

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been suggested as a potential treatment for patients with gastric motility disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects and mechanisms of GES on visceral pain in awaken rats.

METHODS

Under anesthesia, acetic acid was injected into the submucosal layer of the stomach wall in Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats. Each rat was chronically placed with an intragastric balloon and two pairs of electrodes on gastric serosa for GES and at the neck muscles for electromyography (EMG) recordings respectively. The study was composed of four experiments. Exp 1 was designed to determine optimal GES parameters in reducing EMG response to gastric distention (GD). Exp 2 was performed to investigate the effect of GES on gastric tone/accommodation. Exp 3 was to investigate if the opioid pathway was involved in the analgesic effects of GES. Exp 4 was to assess the effectiveness of GES on the spinal cord neurons (T9-T10) responding to GD.

KEY RESULTS

(i) Gastric electrical stimulation with a train on of 0.1 s and off of 0.4 s, 0.25 ms, 100 Hz, and 6 mA significantly reduced GD-induced EMG responses at GD 40, 60, and 80 mmHg. (ii) The inhibitory effects of GES on the GD-induced EMG responses were blocked by Naloxone. (iii) GES inhibited 90% of high-threshold (HT) spinal neurons in response to GD. However, GES with the same parameters only suppressed 36.3% low-threshold (LT) neuronal response to GD.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Gastric electrical stimulation with optimal parameters inhibits visceral pain; the analgesic effect of GES on visceral pain is mediated via the endogenous opioid system and the suppression of spinal afferent neuronal activities.

Synergistic cytotoxicity of gemcitabine, clofarabine and edelfosine in lymphoma cell lines

Treatments for lymphomas include gemcitabine (Gem) and clofarabine (Clo) which inhibit DNA synthesis. To improve their cytotoxicity, we studied their synergism with the alkyl phospholipid edelfosine (Ed). Exposure of the J45.01 and SUP-T1 (T-cell) and the OCI-LY10 (B-cell) lymphoma cell lines to IC₁₀–IC₂₀ levels of the drugs resulted in strong synergistic cytotoxicity for the 3-drug combination based on various assays of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell death correlated with increased phosphorylation of histone 2AX and KAP1, decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential, increased production of reactive oxygen species and release of pro-apoptotic factors. Caspase 8-negative I9.2 cells were considerably more resistant to [Gem+Clo+Ed] than caspase 8-positive cells. In all three cell lines [Gem+Clo+Ed] decreased the level of phosphorylation of the pro-survival protein AKT and activated the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) stress signaling pathway, which in J45.01 cells resulted in the phosphorylation and heterodimerization of the transcription factors ATF2 and c-Jun. The observed rational mechanism-based efficacy of [Gem+Clo+Ed] based on the synergistic convergence of several pro-death and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in three very different cell backgrounds provides a powerful foundation for undertaking clinical trials of this drug combination for the treatment of lymphomas.

Biallelic expression of the L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase gene with different methylation status between male and female primordial germ cells in chickens

The basic functions of DNA methylation include in gene silencing by methylation of specific gene promoters, defense of the host genome from retrovirus, and transcriptional suppression of transgenes. In addition, genomic imprinting, by which certain genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, has been observed in a wide range of plants and animals and has been associated with differential methylation. However, imprinting phenomena of DNA methylation effects have not been revealed in chickens. To analyze whether genomic imprinting occurs in chickens, methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation array analysis was applied across the entire genome of germ cells in early chick embryos. A differentially methylated region (DMR) was detected in the eighth intron of the l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (GATM) gene. When the DMR in GATM was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing, the methylation in male primordial germ cells (PGC) of 6-d-old embryos was higher than that in female PGC (57.5 vs. 35.0%). At 8 d, the DMR methylation of GATM in male PGC was 3.7-fold higher than that in female PGC (65.0 vs. 17.5%). Subsequently, to investigate mono- or biallelic expression of the GATM gene during embryo development, we found 2 indel sequences (GTTTAATGC and CAAAAA) within the GATM 3'-untranslated region in Korean Oge (KO) and White Leghorn (WL) chickens. When individual WL and KO chickens were genotyped for indel sequences, 3 allele combinations (homozygous insertion, homozygous deletion, and heterozygotes) were detected in both breeds using a gel shift assay and high-resolution melt assay. The deletion allele was predominant in KO, whereas the insertion allele was predominant in WL. Heterozygous animals were evenly distributed in both breeds (P < 0.01). Despite the different methylation status between male and female PGC, the GATM gene conclusively displayed biallelic expression in PGC as well as somatic embryonic, extraembryonic, and adult chicken tissues.

Rapid downregulation of programmed death-1 and interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 expression is associated with favourable outcome during antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B

The dynamics of programmed death-1 (PD-1) as well as cytokine/chemokine expression and its correlation with virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. This study was conducted in 29 treatment-naïve patients undergoing telbivudine treatment for 52 weeks. The results showed that PD-1 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was positively correlated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels (r = 0.621, P < 0.0001; r = 0.548, P = 0.002, respectively), and in virological responders, this decrease was directly correlated with a decrease in HBV DNA levels (r = 0.664, P = 0.002; r = 0.572, P = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, at the end of 52 weeks, in virological responders, the decreased rate in the frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells was significantly higher than in non-virological responders (58.3% vs 25.7%, P = 0.001), and at weeks 24 and 52, in virological responders, PD-1 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was lower than in non-virological responders (P = 0.01 and P = 0.035; P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In 34 cytokines/chemokines detected in serum, IP-10 expression was positively correlated with viral load, level of ALT and PD-1 expression on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells at baseline (r = 0.36, P = 0.055, r = 0.635, P < 0.0001, r = 0.414, P = 0.026, and r = 0.402, P = 0.030, respectively). Moreover, the decrease in IP-10 in serum directly correlated with a decrease in ALT levels (r = 0.751, P < 0.0001). At weeks 24 and 25, IP-10 expression was significantly lower than baseline in virological responders (both P = 0.005); however, this was not observed in nonresponders. Based on the above findings, PD-1 and IP-10 may be used as predictors for virological response, and blockade of their pathway may improve the outcome of patients with CHB.

The significance for chronic rejection of cardiac allograft of regulated upon activation normal T-cell cytokine and its CCR5 receptor

We sought to characterize the expression of regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and its receptor CCR5, which can activate normal T cells during chronic rejection after cardiac allografting. The rat model of cervical cardiac transplantation using a cuff technique was established in Wistar donors and Sprague-Dawley (SD) recipients. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), myofibrosis as well as RANTES and CCR5 expressions were analyzed in the allografts. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated reduced expression of RANTES and CCR5 in allograft muscle and coronary arteries when the recipients were pretreated with donor splenocytes plus cyclophosphamide. CAV and myocardial fibrosis were remarkably reduced and graft survival extended compared with non-pretreated recipients (P < .05). We suggest that the expression of RANTES and CCR5 in cardiac allografts may play important roles in chronic rejection.

Preparation methods to optimize the performance of sensor discs for fast chemiluminescence ozone analyzers

Fast ozone (O(3)) measurements (1-50 Hz) in the atmosphere are required for airborne studies and for the measurement of ground-based O(3) fluxes by the eddy covariance technique. Fast response analyzers, based on heterogeneous chemiluminescence, need dye coated sensor discs on which the chemiluminescence is generated. In this study, we present three new preparation methods for those sensor discs. Currently available sensor discs exhibit a fast temporal decay of sensitivity, resulting in short duty times which is troublesome for many field applications. To produce sensor discs that provide more stable signals over time, three dyes and nine energy transfer reagents were tested (as well as different stoichiometric mixtures). The resulting optimal method saves 80% of the solid chemicals and shows a duty ozone dose that is prolonged by a factor of 3.5, revealing the same average sensitivity as currently available discs. In addition, we observed a strong effect of the adsorption matrix on the O(3) sensitivity, although silica discs from the same manufacturer were used. Application of the new sensor discs during field measurements showed that the results are consistent with the laboratory data.

Gene pathways and cell cycle-related genes in cultured avian primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGC) from early embryos are applicable to various kinds of research, including the production of transgenic animals. Primordial germ cells eventually migrate and differentiate into germ cells in the gonads, where they settle and rapidly proliferate. However, the proliferation rate of PGC is low in early embryos, and there are many significant pathways that mediate PGC activity. Therefore, in vitro culture of PGC from early embryos with efficient growth factors has been necessary. Recently, we cultured chicken PGC from embryonic d 2.5 with basic fibroblast growth factor and characterized the PGC through analysis of cell morphology, survival, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, large-scale analyses of genes expressed in cultured PGC and the genes involved in associated pathways are limited. The objective of the present investigation was to identify the signaling and metabolic pathways of expressed genes by microarray comparison between PGC and their somatic counterpart, chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEF). We identified 795 genes that were expressed more predominantly in PGC and 824 genes that were expressed more predominantly in CEF. Among the predominant genes in PGC, 201 were differentially identified in 106 pathways. Among the predominant genes in CEF, 242 were differentially identified in 99 pathways. To further validate the genes involved in at least one candidate pathway, those involved in the cell cycle (12 predominant genes in PGC and 8 predominant genes in CEF) were examined by real-time PCR. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate signaling and metabolic pathways in cultured PGC.

Chemical shift tensor determination using magnetically oriented microcrystal array (MOMA): 13C solid-state CP NMR without MAS

Chemical shift tensors for the carboxyl and methyl carbons of L-alanine crystals were determined using a magnetically oriented microcrystal array (MOMA) prepared from a microcrystalline powder sample of L-alanine. A MOMA is a single-crystal-like composite in which microcrystals are aligned three-dimensionally in a matrix resin. The single-crystal rotation method was applied to the MOMA to determine the principal values and axes of the chemical shift tensors. The result showed good agreement with the literature data for the single crystal of L-alanine. This demonstrates that the present technique is a powerful tool for determining the chemical shift tensor of a crystal from a microcrystal powder sample.

Gene mapping and mutation screening in candidate genes in a Chinese family of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

We wanted to find the gene defect in a Chinese pedigree with autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). A small Chinese family with retinitis pigmentosa was collected. The genetic analysis of the family suggested an autosomal dominant pattern. Microsatellite (STR) markers tightly linked to candidate genes for ADRP were selected for linkage analysis. We got a maximum LOD score of 0.87 between markers D19S210 and D19S418. Precursor mRNA-processing factor (PRPF) 31, 3, 8, rhodopsin (RHO), peripherin 2 (PRPH2 or RDS), rod outer segment protein 1 (ROM1), neural retina leucine zipper (NRL), cone-rod homeobox-containing (CRX), inosine-5-prime-monophosphate dehydrogenase, type I (IMPDH1) and retinitis pigmentosa 1 (RPI) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screened by direct sequencing. One new sequence variation was found. It was the missence mutation c.148G > C (D50H) occurred in exon 1 of RDS gene which existed in all the effected individuals and one unaffected family member. The DNA sequence variation didn't cosegregate with the RP disease. We considered this transition was one new polymorphism which we speculate involved in the pathogenesis of ADRP and increased the risk of ADRP. Further study should be conducted to confirm the causative gene of this family.

Preliminary results of a prospective trial of image-guided 3D conformal accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI)

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Background: External beam APBI is noninvasive and may offer better coverage of tumor sites in proximity to skin or chest wall than brachytherapy. To improve conformality and accuracy of treatment, we conducted a prospective IRB-approved clinical trial of APBI with implanted gold markers for image guidance. Cosmetic assessments through patient and physician questionnaires were collected. Adverse events were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. This is our preliminary report on toxicity and cosmetic outcomes.

Methods: Thirty-four pts were enrolled from 12/06 to 4/10. Eligibility criteria included age > 40, unifocal disease, ductal histology, tumor ≤ 3 cm, surgical margin ≥ 2 mm, and planning target volume: breast volume ratio < 0.2. Vascular invasion, positive axillary nodes, high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and extensive intraductal component were excluded. Three gold fiducials were sutured into the operative site at the time of partial mastectomy. The clinical target volume comprised the surgical cavity including all surgical clips and gold fiducials + 10-15 mm. Prescribed dose was 3.85 Gy b.i.d. to 38.5 Gy, using 4–5 non-coplanar beams. Special breathing technique and image guidance with electronic portal imaging were used.

Results: Median follow-up is 18 months (range 7-47 months). Most pts had mild acute reactions with only 6% grade 2 erythema. Late toxicities include hyperpigmentation (71% grade 1), fibrosis (26% grade 1, 32% grade 2), skin dimpling or indentation (38% grade 1, 3% grade 2), telangiectasias (12% grade 1), rib fractures in the treatment area (3% grade 2). The only grade 3 toxicity was a seroma requiring surgical excision in one pt. Cosmesis was rated by the pt versus (v.) physician as excellent/good in 85% v. 94%, 80% v. 90%, and 84% v. 85% of the pts at prior to treatment, 6 months, and one year respectively. Ninety-one percent of patients were “totally satisfied with the treatment and results.” No breast recurrences have been observed.

Conclusions: Image-guided APBI is well-tolerated, with high patient satisfaction. Early cosmesis results, as assessed by both pts and physicians, are comparable to whole-breast radiotherapy.