A high-resolution coherent transition radiation diagnostic for laser-produced electron transport studies (invited)

High-resolution images of the rear-surface optical emission from high-intensity (I approximately 10(19) W/cm(2)) laser illuminated metal foils have been recorded using coherent transition radiation (CTR). CTR is generated as relativistic electrons, generated in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions, exit the target's rear surface and move into vacuum. A transition radiation diagnostic (TRD) records time-integrated images in a 24 nm bandwidth window around lambda=529 nm. The optical transmission at lambda=1053 nm, the laser wavelength, is 15 orders of magnitude lower than the transmission at the wavelength of interest, lambda=527 nm. The detector is a scientific grade charge-coupled device (CCD) camera that operates with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10(3) and has a dynamic range of 10(4). The TRD has demonstrated a spatial resolution of 1.4 microm over a 1 mm field of view, limited only by the CCD pixel size.

Application of high-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of vascular anomalies: an experimental study in a cockscomb model

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment in an animal model of vascular anomalies together with the energy efficiency relationship after varying exposure times and energy levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hainanhui cockscombs were irradiated using a CZP therapeutic apparatus with an optimal focus over different time periods. The changes in cuticular tissue of the cockscombs and the vascular regions were analyzed by TTC dye, H & E staining, light microscopy, and Doppler ultrasound. The rectal temperatures, weight, water and food consumption of the cocks were also measured during the whole experiment.

RESULTS

H&E staining of the tissues and combs demonstrated similar histological findings, including vessel content, and thickness of the cuticular layers (ds). There were appreciable changes to the cockscombs after doses of 2.6 w x 200 s and 3.6 w x 120 s of HIFU exposure, with 100 % effectiveness and 0.00 % and 37.50 % irreversible damage, respectively. There were no differences with regard to water consumption, weight, rectal temperature and foraging levels monitored pre- and post-HIFU administration of the two doses.

CONCLUSIONS

HIFU exposure is effective in destroying the vascular targeted anomaly with no skin burns, bleeding, large vessel ruptures or other complications. HIFU is feasible, noninvasive and safe for the treatment of vascular anomalies, but clinical trials are necessary.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 3-substituted thiochromanones

A series of 3-substituted thiochromanones has been prepared. Their structures were confirmed by H(1)-NMR and HRMS. All of the synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal activity against ten fungi species in vitro. The compounds 2f and 2g were more efficient than the control drug, ketoconazole.

[Hypoxia induced HIF-1 accumulation and VEGF expression in gastric epithelial mucosa cell: involvement of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt]

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress that influences signaling pathways and cells function, which through initiating intracellular signaling pathways and hence leading to the activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In this study, we initially confirm that hypoxia activates HIF-1alpha protein expression in a time-dependent manner with a maximum reached at 60 min in vitro and 4h in vivo in gastric mucosa epithelial cells. The expression of HIF-1alpha is correlated with the activation of HIF-1 DNA binding and transcriptional activity. Hypoxia dose not affect HIF-1alpha mRNA transcription but regulates HIF-1alpha protein expression through a translation-dependent pathway to regulate protein synthesis. Hypoxia could induce phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK (ERK), and target of p70S6K1. PI3K and MAPK inhibitor, LY294002 and U0126 could inhibit hypoxia-induced HIF-1 and VEGF expression. We also investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in HIF-1 and VEGF expression Exogenous addition of H2O2 was sufficient to activate Akt and ERK, scavengers of H2O2 significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced Akt and ERK, and subsequent HIF-lax expression and transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our data suggested that hypoxia- PI3K signaling through Akt and ERK kinases regulated ROS-dependent, hypoxia- induced HIF-1 activation and VEGF expression in gastric mucosa epithelial cells.

Analysis of imazaquin in soybeans by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

An analytical method for the determination imazaquin residues in soybeans was developed. The developed liquid/liquid partition and strong anion exchange solid-phase extraction procedures provide the effective cleanup, removing the greatest number of sample matrix interferences. By optimizing mobile-phase pH water/acetonitrile conditions with phosphoric acid, using a C-18 reverse-phase chromatographic column and employing ultraviolet detection, excellent peak resolution was achieved. The combined cleanup and chromatographic method steps reported herein were sensitive and reliable for determining the imazaquin residues in soybean samples. This method is characterized by recovery >88.4%, precision <6.7% CV, and sensitivity of 0.005 ppm, in agreement with directives for method validation in residue analysis. Imazaquin residues in soybeans were further confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of imazaquin residues in soybean samples grown in an experimental field after treatments of imazaquin formulation.

Lack of association between three promoter polymorphisms of PTGDR gene and asthma in a Chinese Han population

The PTGDR gene has been suggested to be an asthma susceptibility gene in previous genome-wide linkage studies as well as in functional studies in a mouse model of asthma. Recently, promoter polymorphisms of the PTGDR gene have been reported to be associated with asthma in American and European populations. In order to determine the association of PTGDR promoter polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population, three promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) -549T/C, -441C/T, and -197T/C were genotyped in 336 patients with asthma and 264 healthy controls. Asthma was diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. SNPs -549T/C and -441C/T were genotyped by Tetra-primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR method and -197T/C by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Unlike the results observed in American and European populations, none of the three SNPs nor any haplotypes in the PTGDR promoter region were found to be associated with asthma susceptibility in this Chinese Han population (all P-value > 0.05). The frequencies for both high-transcriptional-efficiency haplotype (CCC) and low-transcriptional-efficiency haplotype (TCT) were lower than 1% in patients and controls, significantly different from those observed in American and European populations. These results suggest that the three PTGDR gene promoter polymorphisms studied are not important risk factors for asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Distinct neural mechanisms for repetition effects of visual objects

Repetition of visually common objects was examined in relation to prior intentional learning and memory status using a delayed match-to-sample task in humans. Both response time and two temporally separate event-related potential (ERP) components indexed repetition. The early repetition effect ( approximately 200-550 ms) evoked more ERP responses for repeated visual objects, and was diminished by prior intentional learning (old/new) or being maintained in working memory (targets/distracters). In contrast, the late repetition effect (after approximately 550 ms) evoked reduced ERP activation for repeated items, and was not affected by prior learning or working memory status. Our source localization results indicate that the late and posterior repetition effect in visual cortex is consistent with repetition suppression results reported in monkey physiology and human fMRI studies. Meanwhile, the early and anterior repetition effect, in temporal pole and frontal cortices, is modulated by explicit memory mechanisms.

Comparative biology of rAAV transduction in ferret, pig and human airway epithelia

Differences between rodent and human airway cell biology have made it difficult to translate recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated gene therapies to the lung for cystic fibrosis (CF). As new ferret and pig models for CF become available, knowledge about host cell/vector interactions in these species will become increasingly important for testing potential gene therapies. To this end, we have compared the transduction biology of three rAAV serotypes (AAV1, 2 and 5) in human, ferret, pig and mouse-polarized airway epithelia. Our results indicate that apical transduction of ferret and pig airway epithelia with these rAAV serotypes closely mirrors that observed in human epithelia (rAAV1>rAAV2 congruent withrAAV5), while transduction of mouse epithelia was significantly different (rAAV1>rAAV5>>rAAV2). Similarly, ferret, pig and human epithelia also shared serotype-specific differences in the polarity (apical vs basolateral) and proteasome dependence of rAAV transduction. Despite these parallels, N-linked sialic acid receptors were required for rAAV1 and rAAV5 transduction of human and mouse airway epithelia, but not ferret or pig airway epithelia. Hence, although the airway tropisms of rAAV serotypes 1, 2 and 5 are conserved better among ferret, pig and human as compared to mouse, viral receptors/co-receptors appear to maintain considerable species diversity.

Antinociceptive activity and chemical composition of constituents from Caragana microphylla seeds

This investigation was undertaken to ascertain the antinociceptive activity of Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds and isolate and characterize the constituents. Antinociceptive activity was screened using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in ICR mice. The 75% ethanol extract and some fractions showed analgesic activity, but the antinociceptive activity of chloroform fraction was the strongest and was more productive than other fractions. Seven compounds were isolated from it and identified as: (1) machaeric acid, (2) beta-sitosterol, (3) stigmasterol, (4) pratol, (5) dehydrocavidine, (6) formononetin and (7) sucrose. Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds showed analgesic activity, with the chloroform fraction showing the strongest analgesic activity among the fractions.

Screening and characterization of yeasts for xylitol production

AIMS

To discover novel naturally occurring xylitol producing yeast species with potential for industrial applications.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Exactly 274 strains were cultivated on both solid and liquid screening medium with xylose as the sole carbon resource. Five strains were selected on the basis of significant growth and high degree of xylose assimilation. Their phylogenetic position was confirmed by the PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 5' end of the large subunit rDNA gene (5'-LSU rDNA). Enzymatic analysis was conducted to compare xylose metabolism in each strain. Candida guilliermondii Xu280 and Candida maltosa Xu316 were found to have high xylose consumption rates and xylitol yields in the batch fermentation under micro-aerobic condition. The effect of the different media with high initial xylose concentration on biosynthesis of xylitol by both strains was investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified Candida spp. strains, which exhibit high levels of xylitol production from xylose suggesting that these may have potential for industrial applications.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACTS OF THE STUDY

Microbial species are of importance for xylitol production. Xylitol production involves complicated metabolic regulation including xylose transport, production of key enzymes and cofactor regeneration. Thus, screening of naturally occurring xylose-utilizing micro-organisms is a viable and effective mean to obtain xylitol producing organisms with industrial application. Moreover, the research on selected strains will contribute to a better understanding of regulatory properties of xylose metabolism in different yeasts.

Estradiol increases proteinuria and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in kidneys of rats receiving L-NAME and angiotensin II

Prospective, placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that estrogen may have adverse effects on the vascular system in women. The goal of this study was to determine if 17beta-estradiol (E2) would have adverse effects on the renovasculature in a rat model of renal injury characterized by low nitric oxide (NO) and high angiotensin II (AngII). We studied female Wistar rats that were sham-operated (sham), ovariectomized (OVX), or ovariectomized and replaced with E2 (OVX/E2). All rats were maintained on a high salt diet and renovascular injury was caused by treating rats with an inhibitor of NO synthase, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME), for 14 days, plus AngII on days 11 through 14. L-NAME/AngII treatment, as compared to placebo, caused proteinuria, glomerular injury, and fibrinoid necrosis of renal arterioles in sham-operated rats. Ovariectomy reduced L-NAME/AngII-induced renal damage, whereas E2 treatment increased L-NAME/AngII-induced damage in OVX rats. In rats treated with L-NAME/AngII, levels of AngII type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) protein were higher in the renal cortex of sham and OVX/E2 rats than in OVX rats. AT(1)R protein correlated with renal injury. E2 treatment also increased expression of AT(1)R mRNA. Thus, under conditions of low NO and high AngII, E2 exacerbated renal injury. E2-mediated increases in renal cortical AT(1)R expression may represent a novel mechanism for the adverse renovascular effects of estrogen.

Donor lymphoid organs are a major site of alloreactive T-cell priming following intestinal transplantation

We hypothesized that lymphoid organs within intestinal allografts contribute to their immunogenicity. Consistent with this hypothesis recipient T cells rapidly migrated to the lymph nodes and Peyer's patches of syngeneic and allogeneic intestinal grafts such that at 24 h approximately 50% of the lymphocytes isolated from donor lymphoid organs were of recipient origin. However, only in the lymphoid organs of allografts did recipient T cells display an activated phenotype, proliferate and produce IFNgamma. Rejection of allogeneic intestines lacking lymphoid organs was dramatically impaired in splenectomized, lymph node-deficient recipients compared to lymph node bearing, wild-type allogeneic intestines. This demonstrates the important role of donor lymphoid organs in the rejection process. Furthermore, recipient T cells proliferated more extensively and produced more IFNgamma in donor lymphoid organs than in recipient lymphoid organs, indicating that donor lymphoid organs play a dominant role in initiating the recipient anti-donor immune response following intestinal transplantation.

Cloning and molecular characterization of a gene coding D-xylulokinase (CmXYL3) from Candida maltosa

AIMS

To clone and identify a gene (CmXYL3) coding D-xylulokinase from Candida maltosa Xu316 and understand its physiological function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the conserved regions of the known D-xylulokinase-encoding genes, a pair of degenerate primers was designed to clone the CmXYL3 gene from C. maltosa Xu316. The coding region and sequences flanking the CmXYL3 gene were obtained by PCR-based DNA walking method. Southern blotting analysis suggested that there is a single copy of the CmXYL3 gene in the genome. The open reading frame starting from ATG and ending with TAG stop codon encoded 616 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 68889.743 Da. The CmXYL3 gene under the control of the GPD1 promoter was heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in D-xylulokinase (deltaScXKS1::LEU2) activity, and restored growth on D-xylulose. The specific activity of D-xylulokinase varied during xylose fermentation and was correlated with aeration level. After growth on different pentoses and pentitols as sole carbon sources, the highest specific activity of D-xylulokinase was observed on D-xylose.

CONCLUSIONS

The CmXYL3 gene isolated from C. maltosa Xu316 encodes a novel D-xylulokinase that plays a pivotal role in xylulose metabolism.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report that describes the isolation and cloning of D-xylulokinase gene (CmXYL3) from C. maltosa Xu316. D-xylulokinase is pivotal for growth and product formation during xylose metabolism. Better understanding of the biochemical properties and the physiological function of D-xylulokinase will contribute to optimizing fermentation conditions and determining the strategies for metabolic engineering of C. maltosa Xu316 for further improvement of xylitol yield and productivity.

Enhanced immunogenicity and antitumour effects with heterologous prime-boost regime using vaccines based on MG7-Ag mimotope of gastric cancer

MG7-Ag, gastric cancer-associated antigen, has been shown to be immunogenic and has been used as marker molecule for prognosis. In a previous study, we developed an oral DNA vaccine based on MG7-Ag mimotope. However, we failed to detect cellular immune response using the oral MG7-Ag mimotope DNA vaccine. To induce significant T cell response, we developed a recombinant adenovirus vaccine based on MG7-Ag mimotope and evaluated the efficacy and protective effects of heterologous prime-boost immunization protocol with an oral DNA vaccine previously developed. We found that both vaccines were able to elicit a significant humoral response against MG7-Ag, while the highest serum titre MG7 antibody was detected in mice immunized with the heterologous prime-boost immunization protocol. Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay demonstrated that the heterologous prime-boost immunization strategy was more efficient in inducing T cell response than the homologous prime-boost strategy. In the tumour challenge assay, 2 of 5 mice immunized with the heterologous prime-boost protocol were tumour free, while none of the mice in homologous prime-boost groups or control groups was tumour free. Those tumour-bearing mice in the heterologous prime-boost regime had smaller tumour masses than their counterparts in the homologous prime-boost groups or control groups. Therefore, our study suggests that vaccines against MG7-Ag induce significant immune response against gastric cancer, and that the heterologous prime-boost protocol using different types of vaccines could achieve better protective effect than the homologous prime-boost protocol.

Prognostic value of hemoglobin in natural killer cell lymphoma

17557

Background: Natural Killer (NK) cell lymphoma is a group of increasingly recognized but poorly defined disease entities. This study investigated its clinical features and prognostic factors for southern China population. Methods: Patients with pathologically confirmed NK cell lymphoma in one center since 1999 to 2004 were included. Central histological and immunohistochemical review was undertaken to every case. The major study endpoint was overall survival. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Detailed clinical, pathological and laboratory data were included in univariate analysis and statistically significant factors in univariate analysis were then included in multivariate analysis. Results: Totally 64 eligible patients were identified. Of these, 59 patients were extranodal NK cell lymphoma nasal type, 3 patients were aggressive NK cell lymphoma and 2 patients were blastic NK cell lymphoma. From the basic analysis, 47% of the patients had stage I disease, 42% were stage II, 11% were stage III or IV. B-symptoms were present in 39%. 73% of these patients had International Prognostic Index (IPI) 0 or 1. Before treatment, 25% complicated with anemia. As to the therapy, 38% received chemotherapy alone, 3% received radiotherapy alone and 59% received a multidisciplinary therapy. After initial therapy, 59% achieved CR, 22% achieved PR and 19% were refractory disease. With a median follow-up duration of 20 months, the median overall survival was 28 months (95% CI: 10, 45). Hb lower than 110 g/l before treatment was statistically significant in multivariate analysis (p = 0.031). Presenting B-symptoms and ECOG PS score higher than 1 were also independent prognostic factors (P = 0.001 and 0.006 respectively). Conclusions: The outcome of patients with NK cell lymphoma was poor even for Stage I or II cases. Our data suggested Hemoglobin < 110 g/l had more prognostic value than IPI and Ann Arbor staging system for NK cell lymphoma in southern China, but it needs further confirmation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Autologous stem cell transplantation followed by consolidation chemotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma

Although high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is superior to conventional chemotherapy for treatment of myeloma, most patients relapse and the time to relapse depends upon the initial prognostic factors. The administration of non-cross-resistant chemotherapies during the post-transplant period may delay or prevent relapse. We prospectively studied the role of consolidation chemotherapy (CC) after single autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (auto-PBSCT) in 103 mostly newly diagnosed myeloma patients (67 patients were < or =6 months from the initial treatment). Patients received conditioning with BCNU, melphalan+/-gemcitabine and auto-PBSCT followed by two cycles of the DCEP+/-G regimen (dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin+/-gemcitabine) at 3 and 9 months post-transplant and alternating with two cycles of DPP regimen (dexamethasone, cisplatin, paclitaxel) at 6 and 12 months post-transplant. With a median follow-up of 61.2 months, the median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) are 26 and 54.1 months, respectively. The 5-year EFS and OS are 23.1 and 42.5%, respectively. Overall, 51 (49.5%) patients finished all CC, suggesting that a major limitation of this approach is an inability to deliver all planned treatments. In order to improve results following autotransplantation, novel agents or immunologic approaches should be studied in the post-transplant setting.