Efficacy and safety of bicyclol for treating patients with antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND: Bicyclol was used for treating idiosyncratic acute drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in a phase II trial. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of bicyclol 25 and 50 mg thrice a day (TID) for treating acute DILI caused by anti-TB drugs in the light of the trial results.METHODS: We analysed clinical data of patients with TB drug-induced DILI in the trial database. The primary endpoint was reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after 4 weeks of treatment compared to baseline.RESULTS: Overall, 148 patients were included, with respectively 48, 52 and 48 patients included in the control (456 mg polyene phosphatidylcholine TID), high-dose (50 mg bicyclol TID) and low-dose (25 mg bicyclol TID) groups. ALT levels decreased by respectively â-"149.0 (IQR â-"299.3 to â-"98.3 (), â-"225.5 (IQR â-"309.3 to â-"181.8 ) and â-"242.5 (IQR â-"364.8 to â-"153.8) U/L in the control, high-dose and low-dose groups (P < 0.001). The ALT normalisation rates at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 were higher in the high- and low-dose groups, while adverse events and serious adverse events were similar across groups.CONCLUSIONS: Bicyclol (25 and 50 mg TID) is effective and safe in treating anti-TB DILI, and bicyclol 50 mg TID showed higher efficacy.

Big data from small animals: integrating multi-level environmental data into the Dog Aging Project

Environmental exposures can have large impacts on health outcomes. While many resources have been dedicated to understanding how humans are influenced by the environment, few efforts have been made to study the role of built and natural environmental features on animal health. The Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a longitudinal community science study of aging in companion dogs. Using a combination of owner-reported surveys and secondary sources linked through geocoded coordinates, DAP has captured home, yard and neighbourhood variables for over 40,000 dogs. The DAP environmental data set spans four domains: the physical and built environment; chemical environment and exposures; diet and exercise; and social environment and interactions. By combining biometric data, measures of cognitive function and behaviour, and medical records, DAP is attempting to use a big-data approach to transform the understanding of how the surrounding world affects the health of companion dogs. In this paper, the authors describe the data infrastructure developed to integrate and analyse multi-level environmental data that can be used to improve the understanding of canine co-morbidity and aging.

[Relationship between preoperative inflammatory indexes and prognosis of patients with rectal cancer and establishment of prognostic nomogram prediction model]

Objective: To compare the prognostic evaluation value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in rectal cancer patients. Nomogram survival prediction model based on inflammatory markers was constructed. Methods: The clinical and survival data of 585 patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao tong University from January 2013 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off values of NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The relationship between different NLR, PLR, LMR and SII levels and the clinic pathological characteristics of the rectal cancer patients were compared. Cox proportional risk model was used for univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Nomogram prediction models of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with rectal cancer were established by the R Language software. The internal validation and accuracy of the nomograms were determined by the calculation of concordance index (C-index). Calibration curve was used to evaluate nomograms' efficiency. Results: The optimal cut-off values of preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR and SII of OS for rectal cancer patients were 2.44, 134.88, 4.70 and 354.18, respectively. There was statistically significant difference in tumor differentiation degree between the low NLR group and the high NLR group (P<0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in T stage, N stage, TNM stage, tumor differentiation degree and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level between the low PLR group and the high PLR group (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in tumor differentiation degree between the low LMR group and the high LMR group (P<0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in T stage, N stage, TNM stage, tumor differentiation degree and preoperative CEA level between the low SII group and the high SII group (P<0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the age (HR=2.221, 95%CI: 1.526-3.231), TNM stage (Ⅲ grade: HR=4.425, 95%CI: 1.848-10.596), grade of differentiation (HR=1.630, 95%CI: 1.074-2.474), SII level (HR=2.949, 95%CI: 1.799-4.835), and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (HR=2.123, 95%CI: 1.506-2.992) were independent risk factors for the OS of patients with rectal cancer. The age (HR=2.107, 95%CI: 1.535-2.893), TNM stage (Ⅲ grade, HR=2.850, 95%CI: 1.430-5.680), grade of differentiation (HR=1.681, 95%CI: 1.150-2.457), SII level (HR=2.309, 95%CI: 1.546-3.447), and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (HR=1.837, 95%CI: 1.369-2.464) were independent risk factors of the DFS of patients with rectal cancer. According to the OS and DFS nomograms predict models of rectal cancer patients established by multivariate COX regression analysis, the C-index were 0.786 and 0.746, respectively. The calibration curve of the nomograms showed high consistence of predict and actual curves. Conclusions: Preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR and SII levels are all correlated with the prognosis of rectal cancer patients, and the SII level is an independent prognostic risk factor for patients with rectal cancer. Preoperative SII level can complement with the age, TNM stage, differentiation degree and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy to accurately predict the prognosis of rectal cancer patients, which can provide reference and help for clinical decision.

The protective effect of mangiferin on osteoarthritis: An in vitro and in vivo study

Mangiferin is a kind of polyphenol chemical compound separated from these herbal medicines of Mangifera indica L., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. and Belamcanda chinensis L., which has anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, and other physiological activities without toxic effects. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that is also a kind of arthritis disease in which articular cartilage or bones under the joint is damaged. In addition, artificial replacements are required in severe cases. At present, there are not too much researches on the potential biological activities of mangiferin that plays a protective role in the treatment of OA. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of mangiferin on osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro and in vivo. First, the effect of different concentrations of mangiferin on rat chondrocytes was determined by MTT assay. Second, the effects of mangiferin on the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, TNF alpha, Collagen II, Caspase-3, and cystatin-C in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced rat chondrocytes were examined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction in vitro, meanwhile the effects of mangiferin on the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway were also investigated by Western Blot. Finally, the anti-osteoarthritic protective effect of mangiferin was evaluated in the rat model by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) combined with bilateral ovariectomy-induced OA in vivo. The results showed that the mangiferin was found to inhibit the expression of MMP-13, TNF-alpha, and Caspase-3 which also increased the expression of Collagen II and cystatin-C in IL 1beta induced rat chondrocytes. In addition, IL-1beta-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) and the degradation of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB)-alpha were suppressed by mangiferin. For the in vivo study in a rat model of OA, 100 microl of mangiferin was administered by intra-articular injections for rats, the results showed that the cartilage degradation was suppressed by mangiferin through Micro CT and Histological Examination. According to both in vitro and in vivo results, mangiferin has a protective effect in the treatment of OA which may be a promising therapeutic agent for OA.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Hydroxylation Reaction of Aryl Halide for the Synthesis of Phenols

Phenols are important components of pharmaceuticals, biologically active natural products, and materials. Here, we briefly discuss recent advances in catalytic hydroxylation reactions for the synthesis of phenols, with particular attention to our recent work. H2O is proved to be an efficient hydroxide reagent in converting (hetero)aryl halides into the corresponding phenols under synergistic organophotoredox and nickel catalysis. Aryl bromides as well as less reactive aryl chlorides show high reactivity in this catalytic system. This methodology can be applied to the efficient synthesis of diverse phenols and allows the hydroxylation of multifunctional pharmaceutically relevant aryl halides.

1 Introduction

2 Representative Methods for Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Hydroxylation of (Hetero)Aryl Halides

3 Organophotoredox/Ni Dual Catalytic Hydroxylation of Aryl Halides with Water

4 Summary and Outlook

LINC00641 induces the malignant progression of colorectal carcinoma through the miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 feedback loop

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the role of LINC00641 in inducing the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 feedback loop.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LINC00641 levels in paired CRC and non-tumoral tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Its prognostic potential in CRC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Changes in proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells transfected with si-LINC00641 were evaluated by 5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay. The feedback loop LINC00641/miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 was identified through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and its involvement in CRC progression was finally explored by rescue experiments.

RESULTS

LINC00641 was upregulated in CRC tissues, which was an unfavorable factor to the overall survival of CRC. Proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells were inhibited by knockdown of LINC00641. LINC00641 could competitively bind miRNA-424-5p, thereby abolishing its inhibitory effect on PLSCR4 expression. Knockdown of PLSCR4 could inhibit proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00641 stimulates proliferative and migratory abilities of CRC through the miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 feedback loop.

Correlation between microRNA-766 expression in patients with advanced gastric cancer and the efficacy of platinum-containing chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at observing the correlation between microRNA-766 expression and the efficacy of platinum-containing chemotherapy in patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GCa).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tissue specimens were obtained from 100 patients with stage IV GCa who received platinum-based chemotherapy, and microRNA-766 expression in these samples was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Survival analysis was carried out through Kaplan-Meier test. The influencing factors of survival were assessed through COX univariate and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

GCa tissues contained significant lower expression of microRNA-766 than adjacent tissues. The degree of tumor differentiation and peritoneal metastasis were confirmed to have great relevance to microRNA-766 level. Patients with high microRNA-766 expression have better chemotherapy efficacy and longer progression-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows for the first time that the highly expressed microRNA-766 in tumor tissues of patients with stage Ⅳ GCa predicts better platinum-containing chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis.

Early L-T4 intervention improves fetal heart development in pregnant rats with subclinical hypothyroidism rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether the offspring of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) pregnant rats still have abnormal cardiac development, and whether early intervention with L-T4 can improve the abnormality of these offspring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early L-T4 intervention on the heart development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats and its possible molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Eighty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham group (placebo control), SCH group, LT4-E10 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 10th day of gestation), and LT4-E13 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 13th day of gestation). Each group was further divided into E16 (16th day of gestation), E18 (18th day of gestation), P5 (5th day postnatal day), and P10 (10th day postnatal day) subgroups. The levels of serum TT4 and TSH, the ratio of heart weight to body weight of offspring rats, the expression of metabolic enzymes, and the histopathology of cardiomyocytes were determined. To elucidate the effects of L-T4 on cardiac development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats, the expression levels of GATA4, Nkx2-5 and proteins involved in BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to elucidate the molecular mechanism of L-T4 regulating the heart development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats.

RESULTS

Compared with Sham group, serum TSH was significantly increased in SCH pregnant rats. Moreover, early L-T4 intervention significantly reduced the levels of serum TSH. Compared with the offspring in the SCH group, early L-T4 intervention significantly increased the heart weight, heart weight to body weight ratio, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase, but reduced myocardial cell shrinkage and nuclear staining, hyperemia/congestion and vacuolar degeneration. In addition, early L-T4 intervention not only significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5, but also increased the protein expression involved in BMP4/Smad4 signal pathway in myocardium of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Early L-T4 intervention can regulate the cardiac development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway and increasing the expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5 proteins.

[Comprehensive analysis of unplanned abdominal - pelvic reoperations in Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute from 2008 to 2018]

Objective: To summarize the characteristics of abdominal-pelvic unplanned reoperation (URO) in a cancer hospital. Methods: Retrospectively descriptive cohort research was adopted. The classification of diseases was based on ICD-10, and surgical classification was based on ICD-9-CM-3. Medical record summary database from 2008 to 2018 in Beijing Cancer Hospital was collected, and all URO information of abdominal-pelvic surgery was retrieve. The time of URO, disease type, surgery type and cause were statistically analyzed. Distribution of main disease incidence and constituent ratio, and the application of major surgery and surgery type composition ratio were analyzed as well. Results: From 2008 to 2018, a total of 46854 cases underwent abdominal-pelvic surgery (including gastrointestinal, hepatic-biliary-pancreatic, gynecological, urological, or esophageal cancer surgery) and 713 patients received URO (1.52%), including 486 males and 227 females (2.14:1.00) with a mean age of (58.1±12.2) years. A total of 246 patients (34.50%) had comorbidity, and with comorbidity: without comorbidity was 1.13:1.00. The hospital stay was (44.5±43.0) days, and the total cost was (178000±112000) yuan. There were 22 deaths (3.09%). The median interval between URO and the first operation was 8 (0 to 131) days. The highest rate of URO was 2.45% (89/3629) in 2012, while the lowest was 0.95% (53/5596) in 2015. The top 3 major cancer types of URO included colorectal cancer (222 cases, 31.14%), gastric cancer (166 cases, 23.28%) and esophageal cancer (45 cases, 6.31%). The cancer types with the highest URO rate included pancreatic cancer (3.97%, 30/756), gastric cancer (1.81%, 166/9171) and colorectal cancer (1.80%, 222/12333). The top 3 surgical procedures resulting in URO were rectal resection (109 cases, 15.29%), total gastrectomy (79 cases, 11.08%), and total pancreatectomy (64 cases, 8.98%). Focusing on 497 URO cases from 2012 to 2018, 465 cases (93.56%) followed relatively difficult grade III and IV surgery, while only 32 cases (6.44%) followed grade I and II surgery. The top 5 main causes of URO were bleeding (225 cases, 31.56%), anastomotic leak (225 cases, 31.56%), infection (89 cases, 12.48%), intestinal obstruction (53 cases, 7.43%), and wound dehiscence (35 cases, 4.91%), adding up to a total of 87.94% of all URO. Conclusion: This study summarizes the epidemiology of abdominal - pelvic URO in our cancer institution, providing the solid baseline for future investigation of URO and the subsequent formulation of corresponding prevention and intervention measures.

[microRNA-146a reverses the inhibitory effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on osteogenesis of human periodontal ligament cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). Methods: hPDLC were cultured in vitro and induced to the phase of osteogenic differentiation. These cells were divided into five groups: non-osteogenic differentiation cells, osteogenic differentiation cells, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS and miR-146a mimic, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS and miR-146a negative control. Osteogenic markers and mineralization were detected via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and alizarin red staining, respectively. Meanwhile, non-radioactive transcription factor assay was applied to explore the nuclear activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in nuclear extracts of hPDLC. Results: Compared with cells of osteogenic differentiation in non-LPS-stimulated groups, Pg LPS could decrease the markers of osteogenic differentiation of hPDLC such as collagen Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) (P<0.05), inhibit mineralization, and stimulate NF-κB p65 nuclear activity expression (non-LPS stimulated group: 1.023±0.217, LPS stimulated group: 6.252±0.613, P=0.008). However, compared with cells in Pg LPS/miR-146a negative control group, miR-146a increased Col-Ⅰ (P=0.007) and OCN (P=0.049) mRNA expression, rather than ALP (P=0.167) and RUNX2 (P=0.580) at day 3; miR-146a also upregulated mRNA levels of Col-Ⅰ, ALP, RUNX2 and OCN (P<0.05) at day 7 and day 14, and enhance mineralization. Meanwhile, miR-146a mimic could decrease the nuclear activity of NF-κB p65 induced by Pg LPS in hPDLC (miR-146a: 2.427±0.354, negative control: 5.863±0.482, P=0.019). Conclusions: miR-146a could reverse the inhibitory effects of Pg LPS on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLC through enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers and decreasing inflammatory pathway in hPDLC.

A rare case of trisomy 11q23.3-11q25 and trisomy 22q11.1-22q11.21

Partial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 11 and the partial trisomy of 22q are uncommon karyotypic abnormalities. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who showed partial trisomy of 11q and 22q, as a result of a maternal balanced reciprocal translocation (11;22), and exhibited dysmorphic features, severe intellectual disability, brain malformations, and speech delay related to this unique chromosomal abnormality. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 11, spanning at least 18.22 Mb. Additionally, there was a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 22, spanning at least 3.46 Mb. FISH analysis using a chromosome 11 short arm telomere probe (11p14.2), a chromosome 11 long arm telomere probe (11q24.3), and a chromosome 22 long arm telomere probe (22q13.33) confirmed the origin of the marker chromosome. It has been confirmed by the State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China that this is the first reported instance of the karyotype 47,XX, +der(22)t(11;22)(q23.3;q11.1)mat in the world. Our study reports an additional case that can be used to further characterize and delineate the clinical ramifications of partial trisomy of 11q and 22q.

Evaluation of Immune-Related Response Criteria and RECIST v1.1 in Patients With Advanced Melanoma Treated With Pembrolizumab

PURPOSE

We evaluated atypical response patterns and the relationship between overall survival and best overall response measured per immune-related response criteria (irRC) and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) in patients with advanced melanoma treated with pembrolizumab in the phase Ib KEYNOTE-001 study (clinical trial information: NCT01295827).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received pembrolizumab 2 or 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks or every 3 weeks. Atypical responses were identified by using centrally assessed irRC data in patients with ≥ 28 weeks of imaging. Pseudoprogression was defined as ≥ 25% increase in tumor burden at week 12 (early) or any assessment after week 12 (delayed) that was not confirmed as progressive disease at next assessment. Response was assessed centrally per irRC and RECIST v1.1.

RESULTS

Of the 655 patients with melanoma enrolled, 327 had ≥ 28 weeks of imaging follow-up. Twenty-four (7%) of these 327 patients had atypical responses (15 [5%] with early pseudoprogression and nine [3%] with delayed pseudoprogression). Of the 592 patients who survived ≥ 12 weeks, 84 (14%) experienced progressive disease per RECIST v1.1 but nonprogressive disease per irRC. Two-year overall survival rates were 77.6% in patients with nonprogressive disease per both criteria (n = 331), 37.5% in patients with progressive disease per RECIST v1.1 but nonprogressive disease per irRC (n = 84), and 17.3% in patients with progressive disease per both criteria (n = 177).

CONCLUSION

Atypical responses were observed in patients with melanoma treated with pembrolizumab. Based on survival analysis, conventional RECIST might underestimate the benefit of pembrolizumab in approximately 15% of patients; modified criteria that permit treatment beyond initial progression per RECIST v1.1 might prevent premature cessation of treatment.

Development and optimization of a high-throughput micro-computed tomography imaging method incorporating a novel analysis technique to evaluate bone mineral density of arthritic joints in a rodent model of collagen induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting in joint inflammation, pain, and eventual bone loss. Bone loss and remodeling caused by symmetric polyarthritis, the hallmark of RA, is readily detectable by bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using micro-CT. Abnormalities in these measurements over time reflect the underlying pathophysiology of the bone. To evaluate the efficacy of anti-rheumatic agents in animal models of arthritis, we developed a high throughput knee and ankle joint imaging assay to measure BMD as a translational biomarker. A bone sample holder was custom designed for micro-CT scanning, which significantly increased assay throughput. Batch processing 3-dimensional image reconstruction, followed by automated image cropping, significantly reduced image processing time. In addition, we developed a novel, automated image analysis method to measure BMD and bone volume of knee and ankle joints. These improvements significantly increased the throughput of ex vivo bone sample analysis, reducing data turnaround from 5 days to 24 hours for a study with 200 rat hind limbs. Taken together, our data demonstrate that BMD, as quantified by micro-CT, is a robust efficacy biomarker with a high degree of sensitivity. Our innovative approach toward evaluation of BMD using optimized image acquisition and novel image processing techniques in preclinical models of RA enables high throughput assessment of anti-rheumatic agents offering a powerful tool for drug discovery.

Cloning and expression analysis of a stress-induced GmIMT1 gene in soybean (Glycine max)

Here, we aimed to clone and identify the GmIMT1 gene related to the salt stress response in soybean. The full-length cDNA sequence of the GmIMT1 gene was amplified in soybean using degenerate primers of Mesembrythmum crystallium. To understand the stress response, the GmIMT1 gene was cloned and sequenced. Then, the expression vectors of the gene were constructed, and introduced into the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana through Agrobacterium mediated transformation, and the salt tolerance was analyzed in the transgenic plants. In addition, the expression patterns of GmIMT1 gene in soybean were analyzed. The expression was examined in different organs (roots, leaves, flower seeds, and stem) and under different stress conditions (drought, high salt, low temperature, salicylic acid, ethane, abscisic acid, and methyl jasmonate) by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that the root, leaves, and stems exhibited high level of GmIMT1 gene expression, whereas there was no expression in the seeds. In addition, the GmIMT1 gene expression was upregulated under all stress conditions. Overall, the results clearly indicate that GmIMT1 might be involved in multiple plant response pathways to the different environmental conditions. Furthermore transgenic plants exhibited higher salt-tolerance compared to wild type plants.

Carotid arterial intima–media thickness and arterial stiffness in pre-eclampsia: analysis with a radiofrequency ultrasound technique

OBJECTIVE

Whether arterial elasticity is reduced in preeclampsia has been investigated only rarely. This study aimed to characterize in vivo the carotid arterial intima–media thickness (IMT) and mechanical properties in women with pre-eclampsia by employing a radiofrequency ultrasound technique.

METHODS

We included 22 late-onset pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 28 normotensive pregnant women who were matched for age (29 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 3, P=0.09) and gestational age (36.0 ± 3.2 vs. 35.8 ± 2.4 weeks, P=0.802). All women were nulliparous with singleton pregnancy. The pre-eclamptic women had a significantly higher arterial pressure than did the normotensive women (P<0.0001). All women underwent right common carotid arterial measurements with an ultrasound machine equipped with automatic Quality IMT (QIMT) and Quality Arterial Stiffness (QAS) capability. At follow-up examination 18 months after parturition, measurements were repeated in 10 of the pre-eclamptic women and 11 of the normotensive women.

RESULTS

In pre-eclamptic compared with normotensive pregnancy, carotid arterial IMT (459 ± 95 vs. 351 ± 85 μm, P=0.0001), internal diameter (7.8 ± 0.5 vs. 7.2 ± 0.4 mm, P<0.0001), pulse wave velocity (7.1 ± 1.7 vs. 6.0 ± 1.5 m/s, P=0.007), augmentation index (7.9 ± 9.2 vs. −5.0 ± 5.6%, P<0.0001) and arterial wall tension (55.0 ± 6.5 vs. 38.6 ± 4.9 mmHg/cm, P<0.0001) were significantly greater, and the distensibility coefficient (0.020 ± 0.009 vs. 0.029 ± 0.011 1/kPa, P=0.006) was significantly smaller, remaining so after adjusting for body mass index and carotid arterial pressure. Eighteen months after parturition, carotid arterial internal diameter, pressure and wall tension remained greater in the pre-eclamptic group.

CONCLUSION

Carotid arterial remodeling, including changes in arterial internal diameter and wall thickness, and arterial stiffening occur in pre-eclampsia but this may reverse, to some extent, postpartum. QIMT and QAS techniques together could provide a comprehensive assessment of carotid arterial remodeling.

Correlation between CD14+CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood and hypertriglyceridemia after allograft renal transplantation

BACKGROUND

Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases are key factors causing recipient the death after kidney transplantation (KT). Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), a complication commonly occurring among KT patients, is a major risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between peripheral CD14+CD16++ monocytes in KT patients and blood lipids as well as factors affecting hyperglycemia, seeking to understand mechanisms of inflammatory immune reactions.

METHODS

KT patients (n = 60) were divided into subjects with HTG (n = 35) versus without HTG (n = 25). A cohort of healthy participants (55 cases) was divided into the cases without (n = 30) versus with HTG (n = 25). The proportion of peripheral CD14+CD16 ++ monocytes was determined using flow cytometry and hematology, and biochemical indicators were measured by conventional methods. We correlated HTG with these indicators.

RESULTS

The proportion of peripheral blood CD14+CD16++ monocytes among the renal transplant group was significantly lower (P < .05) than that of normal controls. The expression of CD14+CD16++ monocytes among transplant recipients positively correlated with triglycerides (R = 0.449 and R = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

CD14+CD16++ mononcytes in peripheral blood may represent an independent risk factor for HTG after KT.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of fetal skeletal changes induced by all-trans-retinoic acid in rats and rabbits

BACKGROUND

Our laboratory has been conducting positive control studies to evaluate the utility of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for qualitative evaluation of fetal skeletal morphology. All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) was used to produce a different spectrum of defects compared to our previous studies with boric acid and hydroxyurea.

METHODS

Groups of five mated Crl:CD(SD) female rats each were administered vehicle or atRA (2.5-50 mg/kg) on GD 10, and groups of four mated Dutch Belted rabbits each were dosed with vehicle or atRA (6.25-25 mg/kg) on GD 9. Cesarean sections were performed on GD 21 and 28, respectively. Following external examination the viscera were removed and fetuses scanned in a micro-CT imaging system. Fetuses were subsequently stained with alizarin red. Skeletal morphology was evaluated by each method without the knowledge of treatment group. Total bone mineral content (BMC) of each fetus was quantitated using the micro-CT images.

RESULTS

In rats there were dose-related increases in the incidence of extra lumbar vertebra and non-dose-related increases in supernumerary ribs at all dose levels. There were decreases in mean number of ossified sacrocaudal vertebra at ≥ 5 mg/kg, and increases in skull bone malformations at ≥ 10 mg/kg. Rabbits were less sensitive on a mg/kg basis since skeletal malformations and a decrease in mean number of ossified sacrocaudal vertebra were observed only in the 25-mg/kg group. Micro-CT evaluation detected essentially the same incidence of skeletal abnormalities as seen in alizarin red-stained rat and rabbit fetuses. BMC analysis showed a trend toward slight decreases in atRA-treated rats, but no notable changes in rabbits.

CONCLUSIONS

These results add support to our previous work that demonstrates that micro-CT imaging can effectively assess rat and rabbit fetal skeletal morphology.

Survey on the function, structure and operation of hospital ethics committees in Shanghai

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study are to understand the current functions, structure and operation of hospital ethics committees (HECs) in Shanghai and to facilitate their improvement.

METHODS

(1) A questionnaire survey, (2) interviews with secretaries and (3) on-site document reviews of HECs in Shanghai were used in the study, which surveyed 33 hospitals.

RESULTS

In Shanghai, 57.56% of the surveyed hospitals established HECs from 1998 to 2005. Most HECs used bioethical review of research involving human subjects as well as bioethical review or consultation regarding medical care services and administrative decision- making. Of the surveyed HECs, 14.3% did not provide any formal bioethical training to the HECs' members and many HECs had no standard operating procedures. Some HECs had no clear definition of what was "conflict of interest" that should be considered by the HECs, while 44.4% of the HECs did not perform continuing review.

DISCUSSION

After the issues of related national regulations, more and more hospitals established HECs in Shanghai, but the functions of HECs need to be further developed and formal training on bioethics should be provided to HEC members. To assure the independence and good performance of HECs, the conflict of interest procedure, the standard operating procedures and bioethical review should be improved.

CONCLUSION

HECs in Shanghai had developed in the preceding 10 years and they played great roles in protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects and patients; some areas need improvement.

Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) inhibits tumor growth and vascularization and induces tumor apoptosis and hypoxia in RCC xenograft models

PURPOSE

New research findings have revealed a key role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the stimulation of angiogenesis in clear cell renal carcinoma (RCC) which is a highly vascularized and treatment-resistant tumor. Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006, Nexavar) is a multi-kinase inhibitor which targets receptor tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases involved in tumor progression and tumor angiogenesis. The effect of sorafenib on tumor growth and tumor histology was assessed in both ectopic and orthotopic mouse models of RCC.

METHODS

Sorafenib was administered orally to mice bearing subcutaneous (SC, ectopic) or sub-renal capsule (SRC, orthotopic) tumors of murine (Renca) or human (786-O) RCC. Treatment efficacy was determined by measurements of tumor volume and tumor growth delay. In mechanism of action studies, using the 786-O and Renca RCC tumor models, the effect of sorafenib was assessed after dosing for 3 or 5 days in the SC models and 21 days in the SRC models. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis was assessed by measuring level of CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) staining by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effect of sorafenib on MAPK signaling, cell cycle progression and cell proliferation was also assessed by IHC by measuring levels of phospho-ERK, phospho-histone H3 and Ki-67 staining, respectively. The extent of tumor apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Finally, the effects of sorafenib on tumor hypoxia was assessed in 786-O SC model by injecting mice intravenously with pimonidazole hydrochloride 1 h before tumor collection and tumor sections were stained with a FITC-conjugated Hypoxyprobe antibody.

RESULTS

Sorafenib produced significant tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and a reduction in tumor vasculature of both ectopic and orthotopic Renca and 786-O tumors, at a dose as low as 15 mg/kg when administered daily. Inhibition of tumor vasculature was observed as early as 3 days post-treatment, and this inhibition of angiogenesis correlated with increased level of tumor apoptosis (TUNEL-positive) and central necrosis. Consistent with these results, a significant increase in tumor hypoxia was also observed 3 days post-treatment in 786-O SC model. However, no significant effect of sorafenib on phospho-ERK, phospho-histone H3 or Ki-67 levels in either RCC tumor model was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results show the ability of sorafenib to potently inhibit the growth of both ectopically- and orthotopically-implanted Renca and 786-O tumors. The observed tumor growth inhibition and tumor stasis or stabilization correlated strongly with decreased tumor angiogenesis, which was due, at least in part, to inhibition of VEGF and PDGF-mediated endothelial cell and pericyte survival. Finally, sorafenib-mediated inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis occurred at concentrations equivalent to those achieved in patients in the clinic.

Enhanced effects of combined bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (TJ-41) and interleukin-18 on the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Co-stimulatory molecules play important roles in immune responses. We investigated the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (TJ-41) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), B7.1 and B7.2 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by interleukin-18 (IL-18) using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. TJ-41 increased IL-18-induced ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression, resulting in enhanced production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. These results suggest that TJ-41 enhances IL-18-induced cell-mediated immunity and may enhance host defence mechanisms against pathogens.

A lupus-like syndrome develops in mice lacking the Ro 60-kDa protein, a major lupus autoantigen

Antibodies against a conserved RNA-binding protein, the Ro 60-kDa autoantigen, occur in 24-60% of all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Anti-Ro antibodies are correlated with photosensitivity and cutaneous lesions in these patients and with neonatal lupus, a syndrome in which mothers with anti-Ro antibodies give birth to children with complete congenital heart block and photosensitive skin lesions. In higher eukaryotes, the Ro protein binds small RNAs of unknown function known as Y RNAs. Because the Ro protein also binds misfolded 5S rRNA precursors, it is proposed to function in a quality-control pathway for ribosome biogenesis. Consistent with a role in the recognition or repair of intracellular damage, an orthologue of Ro in the radiation-resistant eubacterium Deinococcus radiodurans contributes to survival of this bacterium after UV irradiation. Here, we show that mice lacking the Ro protein develop an autoimmune syndrome characterized by anti-ribosome antibodies, anti-chromatin antibodies, and glomerulonephritis. Moreover, in one strain background, Ro-/- mice display increased sensitivity to irradiation with UV light. Thus, one function of this major human autoantigen may be to protect against autoantibody development, possibly by sequestering defective ribonucleoproteins from immune surveillance. Furthermore, the finding that mice lacking the Ro protein are photosensitive suggests that loss of Ro function could contribute to the photosensitivity associated with anti-Ro antibodies in humans.

Preliminary study on the relationship between cAMP level and gsp expression in cultured human pituitary somatotrophinomas

In order to investigate the relationship between abnormal intracellular signal transduction and tumorgenesis of human pituitary somatotrophinomas, the effects of protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent growth hormone (GH) releasing hormone (GHRH) and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6) on cAMP production were observed by using cell culture and biochemical methods, and the expression of the gsp oncogene was detected by using PCR and direct sequence assay methods in 11 patients with human pituitary somatotrophinomas. It was found that GHRP-6 exerted significant stimulatory effect on cAMP production by 2 gsp-positive tumors and no effect on the gsp-negative tumors. GHRP-6 could enhance the stimulation of cAMP production induced by GHRH in tumor without gsp oncogenes. It was suggested that both GHRH and GHRP-6 exert identical effects on human pituitary soamtotrophinomas, which was contributed to the cross-talk between the two intracellular signal transduction pathways in pituitary cells.

Mitochondrial endonuclease G is important for apoptosis in C. elegans

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a tightly regulated process of cell disassembly in which dying cells and their nuclei shrink and fragment and the chromosomal DNA is degraded into internucleosomal repeats. Here we report the characterization of the cps-6 gene, which appears to function downstream of, or in parallel to, the cell-death protease CED-3 of Caenorhabditis elegans in the DNA degradation process during apoptosis. cps-6 encodes a homologue of human mitochondrial endonuclease G, and its protein product similarly localizes to mitochondria in C. elegans. Reduction of cps-6 activity caused by a genetic mutation or RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) affects normal DNA degradation, as revealed by increased staining in a TUNEL assay, and results in delayed appearance of cell corpses during development in C. elegans. This observation provides in vivo evidence that the DNA degradation process is important for proper progression of apoptosis. CPS-6 is the first mitochondrial protein identified to be involved in programmed cell death in C. elegans, underscoring the conserved and important role of mitochondria in the execution of apoptosis.

If phosphatidylserine is the death knell, a new phosphatidylserine-specific receptor is the bellringer

Recognition of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is essential for engulfment of apoptotic cells by mammalian phagocytes. Engagement of a new phosphatidylserine-specific receptor (PtdSerR) appears to be necessary for uptake of apoptotic cells. Many other mammalian receptors have been described to function in the clearance of apoptotic cells. The emerging picture is that many of these receptors may provide the strong adhesion needed to increase the likelihood of contact between the PtdSerR and its phospholipid ligand, which is required for uptake. Furthermore, stimulation of this receptor on different types of phagocytes by apoptotic cells, PtdSer-containing liposomes or an IgM monoclonal anti-PtdSer antibody initiates release of TGFbeta, known to be involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of apoptotic cells. Although highly homologous genes exist in C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, their role in engulfment of apoptotic cells remains to be determined.

Regional characteristics of sulfur and lead isotope ratios in the atmosphere at several Chinese urban sites

Sulfur and lead isotope ratios in the atmosphere were measured at several selected sites (Harbin, Changchun, Dalian, Waliguan, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guiyang) in China and Tsukuba (Japan), to reveal regional sources characteristics over Eastern Asia. Average S isotope ratios for SO2 and sulfate in the atmosphere in China were close to those of the coals used in each region, indicating a considerable contribution of coal combustion to the sulfur compounds in the atmosphere. Most northern cities had around 5% sulfur isotope ratio, while Guiyang, a southwestern city in China, showed a considerably lower sulfur isotope ratio (about -3%) because of the unusually light sulfur isotope ratio of coals in this region. These were considerably different from the value (-1.4%) for Tsukuba (Japan). Lead isotope ratios also suggested that coal combustion considerably contributed to atmospheric lead in some cases in China. At the same time, influences by the emission of Chinese lead ores were also observed in northern cities. Seasonal variations of both sulfur and lead isotope ratios indicated the existence of a certain amount of industrial sources other than coal combustion. In addition, fractionation effect between SO2 and sulfate showed a seasonal tendency (high in winter (0-6%) and low in summer (-1-3%)), suggesting the oxidation pathway of SO2 changed seasonally.

Analysis of programmed cell death in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been shown to be an excellent model organism with which to study the mechanisms of programmed cell death because of its powerful genetics and the ability to study cell death with single-cell resolution. In this chapter, we describe methods that are commonly used to examine various aspects of programmed cell death in C. elegans. These methods, in combination with genetic analyses, have helped identify and characterize many components of the C. elegans cell death pathway, illuminating the mechanisms by which these components affect programmed cell death.

Lanthanide ions induce hydrolysis of hemoglobin-bound 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), conformational changes of globin and bidirectional changes of 2,3-DPG-hemoglobin's oxygen affinity

The changes in structure and function of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate-hemoglobin (2,3-DPG-Hb) induced by Ln(3+) binding were studied by spectroscopic methods. The binding of lanthanide cations to 2,3-DPG is prior to that to Hb. Ln(3+) binding causes the hydrolysis of either one from the two phosphomonoester bonds in 2,3-DPG non-specifically. The results using the ultrafiltration method indicate that Ln(3+) binding sites for Hb can be classified into three categories: i.e. positive cooperative sites (N(I)), non-cooperative strong sites (N(S)) and non-cooperative weak sites (N(W)) with binding constants in decreasing order: K(I)>K(S)>K(W). The total number of binding sites amounts to about 65 per Hb tetramer. Information on reaction kinetics was obtained from the change of intrinsic fluorescence in Hb monitored by stopped-flow fluorometry. Fluctuation of fluorescence dependent on Ln(3+) concentration and temperature was observed and can be attributed to the successive conformational changes induced by Ln(3+) binding. The results also reveal the bidirectional changes of the oxygen affinity of Hb in the dependence on Ln(3+) concentration. At the range of [Ln(3+)]/[Hb]<2, the marked increase of oxygen affinity (P(50) decrease) with the Ln(3+) concentration can be attributed to the hydrolysis of 2,3-DPG, while the slight rebound of oxygen affinity in higher Ln(3+) concentration can be interpreted by the transition to the T-state of the Hb tetramer induced by Ln(3+) binding. This was indicated by the changes in secondary structure characterized by the decrease of alpha-helix content.

Long-term results of ammonia removal and transformation by biofiltration

In this paper, long-term (>8 month) results of ammonia removal in biofilters was studied. Compost was used as the biofilter medium and activated carbon as an added material. The ammonia removal was normally >95% at influent ammonia concentrations of 20-500ppmv. According to the test results, the influent ammonia concentration should be <200ppmv (0.1570g ammonia/kg media per day) so that the effluent concentration of ammonia is <1.0mg/m(3) (the emission standard of China), and the biofiltration system can achieve good long-term performance. In the biofiltration system utilized in this study, the shortest retention time that the system could attain was 0.532min. However, the retention time can be decreased further without decreasing the ammonia removal efficiency. Countercurrent flow is favorable, as it enhances the moisture retention ability of the media. In the bioreactors, ammonia can be converted into the nitrate. The bioreactors have a stratification phenomenon for ammonia removal over the biofiltration depth, which implies that different parts of the bioreactor play different roles in the ammonia removing process.

Demonstration of the in vivo interaction of key cell death regulators by structure-based design of second-site suppressors

Demonstrating in vivo interaction of two important biomolecules and the relevance of the interaction to a biological process have been difficult issues in biomedical research. Here, we report the use of a homology modeling approach to establish the significance of protein interactions in governing the activation of programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans. A protein interaction cascade has been postulated to mediate activation of cell death in nematodes, in which the BH3-domain-containing (Bcl-2 homology region 3) protein EGL-1 binds the cell-death inhibitor CED-9 and induces release of the death-activating protein CED-4 from inhibitory CED-4/CED-9 complexes. We show here that an unusual gain-of-function mutation in ced-9 (substitution of glycine 169 to glutamate) that results in potent inhibition of most nematode cell deaths impairs the binding of EGL-1 to CED-9 and EGL-1-induced release of CED-4 from CED-4/CED-9 complexes. Based on a modeled EGL-1/CED-9 complex structure, we generated second-site compensatory mutations in EGL-1 that partially restore the binding of EGL-1 to CED-9(G169E) and EGL-1-induced release of CED-4 from CED-4/CED-9(G169E) complexes. Importantly, these mutations also significantly suppress the death-protective activity of CED-9(G169E) in vivo. These results establish that direct physical interaction between EGL-1 and CED-9 is essential for the release of CED-4 and the activation of cell death. The structure-based design of second-site suppressors via homology modeling should be widely applicable for probing important molecular interactions that are implicated in fundamental biological processes.

U snRNP assembly in yeast involves the La protein

In all eukaryotic nuclei, the La autoantigen binds nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts, stabilizing these RNAs against exonucleases. Here we report that the La protein also functions in the assembly of certain RNA polymerase II-transcribed RNAs into RNPs. A mutation in a core protein of the spliceosomal snRNPs, Smd1p, causes yeast cells to require the La protein Lhp1p for growth at low temperatures. Precursors to U1, U2, U4 and U5 RNAs are bound by Lhp1p in both wild-type and mutant cells. At the permissive temperature, smd1-1 cells contain higher levels of stable U1 and U5 snRNPs when Lhp1p is present. At low temperatures, Lhp1p becomes essential for the accumulation of U4/U6 snRNPs and for cell viability. When U4 RNA is added to extracts, the pre-U4 RNA, but not the mature RNA, is bound by Smd1p. These results suggest that, by stabilizing a 3'-extended form of U4 RNA, Lhp1p facilitates efficient Sm protein binding, thus assisting formation of the U4/U6 snRNP.

The role of protein kinase C and its effect on GHRH in the regulation of hormone secretion by somatotrophinomas

Phorbol ester-induced release of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) from human somatotrophic tumors was examined in vitro. 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) strongly stimulated GH and PRL secretion and showed an additive effect on GH secretion if used in combination with GH releasing hormone (GHRH). In contrast, staurosporine exerted a variable inhibitory effect on GH release. There was no correlation between such effects and gsp mutations. The findings suggested that TPA doesn't act directly through cAMP signal transduction system.

The regulatory effects of protein kinase C on the proliferation of cultured human low-passage meningioma cells

The potential role of the protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signal transduction pathways in growth regulation was evaluated and the effects and the possible mechanism of PKC inhibitor on low-passage human meningioma cells in vitro investigated. Freshly resected meningiomas obtained from the operation were placed into cell cultures. Cells from early-passage were used for the following experiments. The numbers of the cultured meningioma cells were counted to evaluate the effect of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine on proliferation of meningioma cells. The basal phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover rate and the inhibitory rate of starosporine on the proliferation of the meningioma cells were detected. It was found that the proliferation of the low-passage human meningioma cells was inhibited by staurosporine in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory rate of staurosporine was positively correlated with the basal PI turnover rate (r = 0.58, P < 0.01). It was suggested that PKC-mediated signal pathway is involved in the proliferation of the low-passage human meningioma cells. The procedure that PKC regulated the proliferation of human meningioma cells is a complex procedure. It is necessary to make more research in order to explore a non-operation therapy or an adjuvant therapy.

Preoperative anaplastic glioma tumor volume effects on patient survival

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The relationship between preoperative tumor volume and patient survival has long been studied, but the results have been inconsistent. Since geometric measurement of tumor volume was used in these studies, the aim of this study was to ascertain whether the inconsistency of the study results is due to less accurate geometric measurement.

METHODS

Prognostic tumor volume effects were compared between the planimetry method and the geometric method using survival analysis, performed for 99 patients diagnosed with anaplastic glioma tumor.

RESULTS

A significant correlation was found between planimetry tumor volume and patient survival, but there was no correlation between geometric tumor volume and patient survival. The larger planimetry tumor volume was significantly associated with shorter survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated that in brain tumor research the preoperative tumor volume measured by the geometric method may not be prognostically important. The more accurate measurement, i.e., the planimetry method (based on either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), is needed in brain tumor clinical research and prognostic diagnosis.