[The relationship between the expression of amplified in breast cancer 1、androgen receptor and tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer]

Objective: To discuss the value of amplified in breast cancer 1(AIB1) and androgen receptor (AR) for the resistance of adjuvant tamoxifen in estradiol receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Methods: A total of 188 cases with breast cancer after receiving tamoxifen treatment in the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2008 to July 2013 were enrolled in this study.Using immunohistochemical SP method to detect AIB1and AR expression in breast cancer tissue, analyzing the relationship of AIB1 and AR expression and the effect of tamoxifen.And verify the results of the experiment through the GEPIA database. Results: The response of tamoxifen was 80.3%. The response rate in AR positive group and AR negative group was 79.6% and 82.4%, with no significant difference (P=0.669). The response rate in AIB1 High expression group and AIB1 Low expression group was 68.4% and 93.3%, respectively, with a significant difference (P<0.001).The response rate in AR negative and AIB1 Low expression group, AR negative and AIB1 High expression group, AR positive and AIB1 Low expression group, AR positive and AIB1High expression group was 89.7%, 71.4%, 96.7%, 66.2%respectively, with a significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusions: The expression level of AIB1 is correlated with the therapeutic effect of tamoxifen in breast cancer. Its high expression can cause tamoxifen resistance, while AR positive and High expression of AIB1 are more likely to cause tamoxifen resistance, and AIB1 can be used as an independent influencing factor for breast cancer tamoxifentreatment.

[Effect of jejunal feeding tube placement on complications after laparoscopic radical surgery in patients with incomplete pyloric obstruction by gastric antrum cancer]

Objective: To assess the effect of jejunal feeding tube placement on early complications of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in patients with incomplete pyloric obstruction by gastric cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Perioperative clinical data of 151 patients with gastric antrum cancer complicated by incomplete pyloric obstruction who had undergone laparoscopic distal radical gastrectomy from May 2020 to May 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were collected. Intraoperative jejunal feeding tubes had been inserted in 69 patients (nutrition tube group) and not in the remaining 82 patients (conventional group). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The operating time, intraoperative bleeding, time to first intake of solid food, time to passing first flatus, time to drainage tube removal, and postoperative hospital stay, and early postoperative complications (occurded within 30 days after surgery) were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients in both groups completed the surgery successfully and there were no deaths in the perioperative period. The operative time was longer in the nutritional tube group than in the conventional group [(209.2±4.7) minutes vs. (188.5±5.7) minutes, t=2.737, P=0.007], whereas the time to first postoperative intake of food [(2.7±0.1) days vs. (4.1±0.4) days, t=3.535, P<0.001], time to passing first flatus [(2.3±0.1) days vs. (2.8±0.1) days, t=3.999, P<0.001], time to drainage tube removal [(6.3±0.2) days vs. (6.9±0.2) days, t=2.123, P=0.035], and postoperative hospital stay [(7.8±0.2) days vs. (9.7±0.5) days, t=3.282, P=0.001] were shorter in the nutritional tube group than in the conventional group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative bleeding [(101.1±9.0) mL vs. (111.4±8.7) mL, t=0.826, P=0.410]. The overall incidence of short-term postoperative complications was 16.6% (25/151). Postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe and feasible to insert a jejunal feeding tube in patients with incomplete outlet obstruction by gastric antrum cancer during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Such tubes confer some advantages in postoperative recovery.

[Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City.

METHODS

Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children's hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants' demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ² = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City.

CONCLUSIONS

B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.

The Lysosome in Malignant Melanoma: Biology, Function and Therapeutic Applications

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that play roles in the degradation and recycling of cellular waste and homeostasis maintenance within cells. False alterations of lysosomal functions can lead to broad detrimental effects and cause various diseases, including cancers. Cancer cells that are rapidly proliferative and invasive are highly dependent on effective lysosomal function. Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, with high metastasis characteristics, drug resistance, and aggressiveness. It is critical to understand the role of lysosomes in melanoma pathogenesis in order to improve the outcomes of melanoma patients. In this mini-review, we compile our current knowledge of lysosomes' role in tumorigenesis, progression, therapy resistance, and the current treatment strategies related to lysosomes in melanoma.

Surfactin induces ER stress-mediated apoptosis via IRE1-ASK1-JNK signaling in human osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, one of primary bone tumor in children and young adults, has poor prognosis and drug resistances to chemotherapy. In order to reinforce the conventional therapies and antagonize the osteosarcoma in patients, a novel strategy is required for developing a new treatment. In this study, surfactin, a natural product from Bacillus subtilis, showed the efficiency of cell death in osteosarcoma, but not in normal cells. Surfactin triggers ER stress mechanism by promoting the aberrant Ca²⁺ release from ER lumen and ER-signaling to mitochondrial dysfunction following caspases activation mediating cell apoptosis. Surfactin-induced ER stress not only upregulated of glucose-regulated protein 78/94 and IRE1-ASK1-JNK pathway but also leading to calpains and Bcl-2 proteins family involving the release of cytochrome c. The releases into cytosol trigger the cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3 to induce cell apoptosis. In this study, surfactin demonstrated the potential functions to trigger the ER stress, ER stress-associated IRE1-ASK1-JNK signaling pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, and caspase activations leading to programmed cell apoptosis. Importantly, implicating the signaling pathway that regulates the connection between ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction causing apoptosis associated with surfactin. These results indicated a potential application of surfactin strengthen current conventional therapies.

Concurrence of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis with Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition in a Postacute Stroke Patient

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare synovial proliferative disease featuring hemosiderin deposits. Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) is a crystal-induced inflammatory arthritis common in the elderly. We reported the case of a 78-year-old male who was under stroke rehabilitation when acute inflammatory and hemorrhagic knee arthritis of his paretic lower limb occurred. CPPD was proven by synovial analysis. Ultrasonography showed widespread synovial nodular lesions in the affected knee and helped guiding difficult arthrocentesis. These led to a rapid diagnosis of PVNS with magnetic resonance imaging. In elderly stroke patients, knee pain, being a common complaint, warrants a careful diagnosis including adequate imaging. This case demonstrates that ultrasonography is an accessible and useful diagnostic tool.

[Treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome in the elderly: a multi-centered prospective randomized controlled clinical study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets (Combizym(®)) in the treatment of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in the elderly, compared with gastrointestinal motility drugs. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-16008185). The elderly patients with PDS were randomly divided into three groups, including Mosapride group with Mosapride citrate tablets 5 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; Combizym(®) group with Combizym tablets 244 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; combined treatment group with both drugs and same doses for 2 weeks. The modified Nepean dyspepsia index (NDSI) score, discomfort intensity score and PDS score were calculated on patients before treatment, at the end of first and second week of treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment finished, respectively. Adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 323 patients from 16 tertiary hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. Among them, 105 patients were in Mosapride group, 109 in Combizym(®) group and 109 in combined treatment group. There were 148 males (45.8%) and 175 females (54.2%) with median age 71.4±9.0 years (60-100 years). Baseline characteristics of three groups were comparable. After treatment, the NDSI scores in three groups all decreased significantly (P<0.001), while they were similar between groups (P>0.05). The discomfort intensity score and PDS score in three groups showed a significant reduction after treatment (P<0.001), especially in the combined treatment group. Compared with Mosapride group, the scores in Combizym(®) group decreased significantly after one or two weeks [discomfort intensity score: after one week, 4.0(2.5, 8.0) vs. 6.0(3.0, 10.0); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 6.0); all P<0.05. PDS score: after one week, 6.0(3.0, 9.0) vs. 7.0(3.5, 10.5); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 7.0); all P<0.05]. The efficacy rate in all patients after first week of treatment was over 15.0%. The efficacy rates after two weeks were 55.2%, 68.8% and 73.4% in Mosapride group, Combizym(®) group and combined treatment group, respectively. After two week treatment, the efficacy rates in Combizym(®) group (P=0.041) and combined group (P=0.006) were higher than that of Mosapride group. The recurrence rate of Mosapride group was 9.5%, which was significantly higher than that of Combizym(®) group (1.8%, P<0.05) and combined treatment group (1.8%, P<0.05). There were no serious adverse effects in the three groups. Conclusions: The efficacy of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets is comparable with that of Mosapride in elderly PDS patients, with fewer adverse effects and low recurrence rate. Combination regimen indicates better efficacy than that of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets or Mosapride alone.

ZnO Nanoparticles Induced Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma through Mitochondrial Dysfunction and p70S6K Signaling Pathway

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are increasingly used in sunscreens, food additives, pigments, rubber manufacture, and electronic materials. Several studies have shown that ZnO-NPs inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis by the production of oxidative stress in a variety of human cancer cells. However, the anti-cancer property and molecular mechanism of ZnO-NPs in human gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) are not fully understood. In this study, we found that ZnO-NPs induced growth inhibition of GSCC (Ca9-22 and OECM-1 cells), but no damage in human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells). ZnO-NPs caused apoptotic cell death of GSCC in a concentration-dependent manner by the quantitative assessment of oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle progression revealed that sub-G1 phase accumulation was dramatically induced by ZnO-NPs. In addition, ZnO-NPs increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species and specifically superoxide levels, and also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. ZnO-NPs further activated apoptotic cell death via the caspase cascades. Importantly, anti-oxidant and caspase inhibitor clearly prevented ZnO-NP-induced cell death, indicating the fact that superoxide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the ZnO-NP-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in human GSCC. Moreover, ZnO-NPs significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K kinase). In a corollary in vivo study, our results demonstrated that ZnO-NPs possessed an anti-cancer effect in a zebrafish xenograft model. Collectively, these results suggest that ZnO-NPs induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial oxidative damage and p70S6K signaling pathway in human GSCC. The present study may provide an experimental basis for ZnO-NPs to be considered as a promising novel anti-tumor agent for the treatment of gingival cancer.

A study of the differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on 3D silk fibroin scaffolds using static and dynamic culture paradigms

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are considered the best current source of human stem cells due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Dynamic co-culture systems can improve the culture environment, as they provide cells with signaling factors, extracellular matrixes, and cellular shear force, as well as enable the formation of heterotypic clusters. We seeded SHED in 3D silk fibroin porous scaffolds under static and dynamic cultures for 28 days, using the NIH3T3 cultivated medium as an induction agent. Many hepatospheres formed in these porous scaffolds, and cellular viability was shown to continually increase by MTT assays. Hepatic AFP and ALB gene expression, as well as glycogen storage, albumin secretion, and urea synthesis, were greater in cells in the 3D porous scaffold under a dynamic culture than in those cultured under 3D static culture and petri dish conditions. However, the 3D static culture is still superior to the traditional petri dish culture. The NIH3T3 cultivated medium can significantly induce hepatic differentiation of SHED, while the 3D dynamic culture system significantly enhances hepatic differentiation of SHED. This study provides alternative sources of hepatocytes for liver disease treatment.

[Preoperative restricted versus liberal fluid administration on perioperative safety for pancreatic surgery: a Meta-analysis]

Objective: To assess the perioperative safety of preoperative restricted fluid administration and liberal fluid administration for pancreatic surgery. Methods: The randomized controlled trials comparing restricted and liberal in pancreatic surgery were collected by searching the databases of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library.Two reviewers independently selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, then extracted the data and assessed the quality of included studies.Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 4 studies involving 785 patients were finally included, with 396 cases in restricted group and 389 cases in liberal group.Results of Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, mortality, reoperation in-hospital and length of stay(all P>0.05). Conclusion: With regard to pancreatic surgery, restricted fluid administration do not have outstanding advantages.

[Correlation between the changes of innate lymphoid cells in peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosus and its clinical significance]

Objective: To explore the function and role of innate lymphoid cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at different disease activity levels. Methods: From Nov 2017 to May 2018, 40 patients with SLE and 15 age-matched healthy non-immune-related diseases controls were enrolled from Anhui provincial hospital. According to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K, the patients were divided into active group (n=20) and remission group (n=20). The frequency of ILCs, B cells, CD4+T and CD8+T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected by flow cytometry. The subsets of ILCs in each group were compared with the subsets of B cells and T cell respectively. The levels of IL-4, IL-33 and IFN-γ in each group were tested by ELISA. Result: Compared with the control group, ILC1 percentage was significantly increased in SLE active group [(22.33%±2.52%) vs (14.56%±1.28%), P=0.018 1]; ILC2 percentage was decreased significantly in both remission group [(19.67%±1.83%) vs (42.48%±3.46%), P<0.000 1] and active group [(8.67%±0.83%) vs (19.67%±1.83%), P<0.000 1]; ILC3 percentage was decreased significantly in active group [(5.72%±1.08%) vs (14.35%±2.40%), P=0.001 3]. SLEDAI score was negatively correlated with the percentage of ILC2 (P=0.023 9) in all patients. The percentage of ILCs in the remission group (P=0.046 2) and activity group (P=0.003 7) were both increased significantly. Moreover, the percentage of ILC2 in active group was negatively correlated with CD4+T cells (P=0.030 8), and the serum IgG was negatively correlated with ILC2% in all patients (P=0.013 8). Compared with control group or remission group, the levels of IFN-γ (F=10.91, P=0.000 1) and IL-4 (F=6.046, P=0.004 7) in active group were remarkable higher. However, IL-33 was significantly reduced in active group (F=6.645, P=0.002 7). The percentage of ILC2 (r=0.154 3, P=0.028 8) and ILC3 (r=0.313 6, P=0.001 1) in all patients with SLE were positively correlated with the level of IL-4. Conclusion: The percentage of ILCs is related to disease activity, and ILCs play a "double-edged" role in the pathogenesis of SLE. Its function and mechanism are worth further exploration.

[Liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease: 11 cases report and literature review]

Objective: To explore the indications and safety of orthopedic liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease (PLD). Methods: Data of 11 patients with PLD who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between 2004 and 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical and follow-up data were collected for statistical analysis. The survival rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Over a period of 10 years, the patients received modified piggyback orthopedic liver transplantation (n=9) or combined liver-kidney transplantation (n=2) for PLD. The recipients' median age was 56 years. Seven patients were classified as Gigot type Ⅱ PLD, and four were classified as Gigot type Ⅲ PLD. Eight patients had severe decreased mobility (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, ECOG≥3). Only three cases were Child-Pguh Class C patients and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was>20. The mean hospitalization duration was (45.4±15.3) days, and the mean length of stay in intensive care unit was (4.1±1.9) days. The perioperative mortality was 18.2% and morbidity of complications was 63.6%. The median follow-up period was 111 months. Two patients died of severe complications after combined liver-kidney transplantation. One patient died of ischemia cholangitis during follow-up. The actuarial 1-, 5-and 10-year survival rate during the follow-up period was 82.2%, 81.8%, and 65.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Liver transplantation is the only curative and safe procedure for PLD, and it provides a good long-term prognosis and high quality of life for PLD patients. Liver transplantation could be a primary option in treating progressive or advanced PLD.

Capturing intracellular oncogenic microRNAs with self-assembled DNA nanostructures for microRNA-based cancer therapy

Aberrantly overexpressed oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are excellent targets for therapeutic interventions.

Aberrantly overexpressed oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are excellent targets for therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, thus far, little progress has been made in developing miRNA-based drugs and techniques for clinical applications, especially for overexpressed miRNAs. In this study, we demonstrate that self-assembled DNA nanostructures bearing multiple DNA sequences that are complementary to a target miRNA can effectively capture the overexpressed oncogenic miRNA and subsequently inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Specifically, a DNA nanotube structure that carries functional DNA segments (single-stranded, duplex and hairpin forms) was designed and synthesized to capture two well-known overexpressed miRNAs, miR-21 and miR-155. It was found that all three DNA nanotubes significantly reduced both miRNA levels and inhibited cancer cell growth. Moreover, the capture efficiency was highly concentration dependent and was associated with the structural design of the DNA nanotube. These results demonstrate that through careful design, programmable DNA nanostructures can hijack the natural cellular machinery and can serve as nucleic acid drugs themselves. The concept of using self-assembled DNA nanostructures to disrupt the intracellular machinery for therapeutic purposes opens a new paradigm for exploiting self-assembled DNA nanostructures for miRNA-based anticancer therapy.

Senescence Induces Dysfunctions in Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Osteoblasts by Interfering Translational Machinery and Bioenergetic Homeostasis

Age-related bone diseases are partly caused by impaired bone integrity, which are closely related to osteoblasts’ activity and angiogenesis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are the initiators of angiogenesis and found to have senescent-induced dysfunctions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of senescence in EPCs on osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Human primary EPCs and a murine osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1) are utilized in this study. The senescence of EPCs are induced by serial passages. When co-cultured with senescent EPCs, the osteoblasts demonstrate weakened alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineral deposition. On the other hand, osteoblast-induced migration decreases in senescent EPCs. As for the intracellular alterations of senescent EPCs, the activation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, MnSOD and catalase are diminished. In contrast, the level of reactive oxygen species are significantly higher in senescent EPCs. Furthermore, senescent EPCs has decreased level intracellular ATP level and coupling efficiency for oxidative phosphorylation while the non-mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis are elevated. The senescence of EPCs impairs the functions of both osteoblasts and EPCs, suggesting EPCs’ role in the pathophysiology of age-related bone diseases. Targeting the alterations found in this study could be potential treatments.

Evolution of Elevated-Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance during Multi-Step Heat Treatments in Al-Mn-Mg Alloy

The present work has systematically investigated the evolution of dispersoids and elevated-temperature properties including strength and creep resistance during various multi-step heat treatments in Al-Mn-Mg 3004 alloys. Results show that only the α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoid is observed in the studied temperature range (up to 625 °C), and that it coarsens with increasing temperature to 500 °C, but dissolves at 625 °C. The evolution of elevated-temperature strength and creep resistance is greatly related to the temperature of each step during the multi-step heat treatments. Generally, lower temperature at the first-step heat treatment leads to higher properties, while the properties decrease with increasing temperature of last-step heat treatment. Suitable models have been introduced to explain the evolution of strength and the creep threshold stress at elevated-temperatures during the various heat treatments.

BMP-2 induces angiogenesis by provoking integrin α6 expression in human endothelial progenitor cells

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a multifunctional cytokine, capable of governing several cellular functions, including proliferation, motility, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to facilitate tissue repair, postnatal neovascularization, and tumor associated angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the impact of BMP-2 on angiogenesis of human EPCs has largely remained a mystery. In this study, we found that BMP-2 promoted cell migration and tube formation of EPCs in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating BMP-2 induced in vitro angiogenesis in human EPCs. Furthermore, BMP-2 significantly increased microvessel formation in Matrigel plug assay, and BMP-2 antagonist noggin prevented BMP-2-induced in vivo angiogenesis. Mechanistic investigations showed BMP-2 profoundly induced the expression of Id-1 and integrin α6 as well as EPCs angiogenesis by activating PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. Moreover, knockdown of Id-1 and integrin α6 by siRNA transfection obviously attenuated BMP-2-indueced tube formation of EPCs. These results suggest that BMP-2 promotes angiogenesis in human EPCs through the activation of PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK, and Id-1/integrin α6 signaling cascades. This is the first demonstration that BMP-2 exhibits the angiogenesis property on human EPCs. BMP-2 might serve as the potential therapeutic target for treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases.

[A comparative study of using Brix meter versus ultrasonic monitoring of gastric residual volume in patients with enteral nutrition]

To investigate the accuracy and feasibility of Brix value on monitoring gastric residual volume (GRV) in patients with enteral nutrition. Fifty patients with enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube were enrolled. The GRV was measured by both ultrasonography and Brix value. The results were compared according to the methods. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed that GRV measured by these two ways was positively correlated (r=0.986, P<0.05). Moreover paired sample t-test showed that the discrepancy was not statistically significant (P>0.05) between different measurements. The consistency was analyzed by Bland-Altman graph, showing that the two measurements were consistent. Brix value is recommended to measure GRV due to its convenience and easy operation.

[Feasibility and value of index of microcirculatory resistance in patients with acute myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of detecting index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and the relationship between IMR and left ventricular (LV) systolic function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The patients with first AMI received primary PCI in Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled from January 2014 to March 2016. IMR were measured immediately after PCI by using pressure/temperature wire. The relationship between IMR and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessed by echocardiography at first day and 6 months after admission was evaluated. Results: Twenty-eight patients with anterior wall AMI were enrolled, with an average age (56±13) years. The success rate of IMR detection was 100%. The mean IMR was (33±18 )mmHg·s. There was no complication related to intravenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (140 μg· kg(-1)· min(-1)). The IMR was negatively correlated with TIMI blood flow grade after primary PCI (r=-0.386, P=0.043), and positively correlated with female gender, CK peak value and TnT peak value (r=0.430, P=0.022; r=0.431, P=0.025; r=0.434, P=0.024). After 6 months of follow-up, no adverse cardiovascular events (including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, malignant arrhythmia, unplanned revascularization, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris and severe heart failure requiring hospitalization) occurred. LVEF increased significantly compared with the first day after PCI (0.54±0.08 vs 0.47±0.06, P=0.001), and IMR was negatively correlated with LVEF after 6 months (r=-0.477, P=0.014). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that CK peak and IMR were predictors of LVEF after six months ( β=-0.595, t=-3.814, P=0.01; β=-0.352, t=-2.26, P=0.036). Conclusions: Immediate detection of IMR in patients with anterior wall AMI after PCI is safe and feasible. The immediate IMR after PCI reflects the extent of myocardial necrosis and myocardial perfusion, and is a predictor of LVEF at 6 months after PCI.

[The effect of long-term low dose prednisone on bone mineral density in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

Objective: To investigate the effect of long-term low dose prednisone administration on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: A total of 118 inactive female SLE patients with long-term administration of low dose prednisone were recruited from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at An hui Provincial Hospital.All patients were given low dose prednisone for long-term (≤10 mg/d, more than half a year). According to prednisone doses, subjects were divided into two groups, namely group A (≤7.5 mg/d) and group B (7.5-10 mg/d). In addition, patients were also divided into four groups based on the duration of administration, including groupⅠ≤3 years, Ⅱfrom 4-5 years, Ⅲ 6-10 years and Ⅳ>10 years.Twenty-nine healthy people were recruitedas normal controls.The BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.The association of BMD with prednisone dose and duration was compared between different groups. Results: The incidence of osteopenia in all patients with SLE was 42.4%(50/118), and the incidence of osteoporosis was 14.4%(17/118). BMD of all bone sites in both group A and B were significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.05). Similarly, the BMD of all bone sites in groupⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly decreased (P<0.05). What needed to be stressed was the BMD in group Ⅳ was lower than those in other three groups (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the cumulative prednisone dose was the risk factor for osteopenia, while taking calcium and alfacalcidol were protective factors. Conclusion: Long-term use of low dose prednisone result in the decrease of BMD in patients with inactive SLE.The lumbar spine and femoral neck had more severe osteopenia. Long-term administration of prednisone, even less than 7.5 mg/d, can also cause osteopenia.Calcium and alfacalcidol were protective factors of BMD.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Severe Toxicological Exposures: Review of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC)

Although there have been many developments related to specific strategies for treating patients after poisoning exposures, the mainstay of therapy remains symptomatic and supportive care. One of the most aggressive supportive modalities is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Our goal was to describe the use of ECMO for toxicological exposures reported to the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC). We performed a retrospective review of the ACMT ToxIC Registry from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2013. Inclusion criteria included patients aged 0 to 89 years, evaluated between January 2010 through December 2013, and received ECMO for toxicological exposure. There were 26,271 exposures (60 % female) reported to the ToxIC Registry, 10 (0.0004 %) received ECMO: 4 pediatric (< 12 years), 2 adolescent (12-18 years), and 4 adults (>18 years). Time of initiation of ECMO ranged from 4 h to 4 days, with duration from 15 h to 12 days. Exposures included carbon monoxide/smoke inhalation (2), bitter almonds, methanol, and several medications including antihistamines (2), antipsychotic/antidepressant (2), cardiovascular drugs (2), analgesics (2), sedative/hypnotics (2), and antidiabetics (2). Four ECMO patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during their hospital course, and the overall survival rate was 80 %. ECMO was rarely used for poisoning exposures in the ACMT ToxIC Registry. ECMO was utilized for a variety of ages and for pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical exposures. In most cases, ECMO was administered prior to cardiovascular failure, and survival rate was high. If available, ECMO may be a valid treatment modality.

Muscle pain, fever, cough, and progressive dyspnea in a woman with eosinophilic pneumonia

The diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is rare and challenging. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, lymphoma, schistosomiasis, Wegener's granuloma, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or severe community-acquired pneumonia. Herein, we report a case in which computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was used to diagnose EP without alveolar eosinophilia or peripheral eosinophilia. A roundworm identified in the patient's stool confirmed the precise diagnosis to be parasitic EP. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of EP confirmed by CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy may represent a new tool for the diagnosis of EP in patients without typical alveolar eosinophilia or peripheral eosinophilia.

[Myocardial protection of remote ischemic postconditioning during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cardioprotection of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Forty-six STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI at Peking University Third Hospital from January to April 2014 were randomized to RIPostC group (n=23) and control group (n=23).The RIPostC protocol was started within 1 min after reflow by thrombus aspiration or balloon inflation and consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min/5 min ischemia/reperfusion by cuff inflation/deflation of the lower left limb. The enzymatic infarct size, rate of complete ST segment resolution, corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) in infarct-related artery (IRA) and plasma levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), endothelin-1(ET-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in enzymatic infarct size between the two groups (P>0.05). The rate of complete ST-segment resolution was significantly higher in RIPostC group than in control group (60.9%vs. 30.4%,P=0.04). There was a trend toward lower CTFC in RIPostC group than that in control group, but the difference was not statistically significant(28 ± 11 vs. 33 ± 11, P = 0.10). However, in the subgroup of anterior wall myocardial infarction CTFC in RIPostC group was significantly lower, compared with control group (25±9 vs. 39±10, P=0.01).There were lower plasma levels of MDA,ET-1,TNFα in RIPostC group than in control group at different time points after primary PCI (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, RIPostC may improve myocardial perfusion and attenuate ischemia reperfusion injury with the underlying mechanisms involving reduction of oxidative stress, protection of endothelial function and inhibition of inflammatory response.

Separation, purification, and identification of flagellin, and preparation of its antisera

The aim of this study was to separate, purify, and identify Salmonella paratyphi A flagellin, and to prepare its antisera. Primary flagellin was isolated from S. paratyphi A using the acid lysis method. The flagellin was purified with weak anion exchange chromatography and the protein was identified with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blot, and negative staining with phosphotungstic acid with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The production of the obtained flagellin was then quantified. New Zealand white rabbits were then immunized with the isolated flagellin, the presence of serum anti-flagellin antibodies was assessed with the immunoblot test, and its potency was determined with the double immunodiffusion test. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular weight (m.w.) of the purified flagellin was 52 x 10(3). The immunoblot test also showed a band at 52 x 10(3) m.w. The SEM results showed that the flagellin was filamentous. These three results showed that the protein was homogeneous. The protein quantification analysis found that 4.8 ± 0.5 mg flagellin could be extracted per 1 g wet weight bacteria. The titer of the anti-flagellin antiserum was 1:64. Through this method, we obtained high productions of flagellin, which could be easily purified, identified, and prepared into high titer antiserum.

Occurrence and assessment of treatment efficiency of nonylphenol, octylphenol and bisphenol-A in drinking water in Taiwan

Occurrence and methods for the removal of nonylphenolic compounds in drinking water have been gaining increased attention due to their widespread presence in natural water and the potential health risks from the consumptions of drinking water. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and bisphenol-A (BPA) in water sources and treated water in Taiwan, to evaluate the treatment efficiencies of these compounds in both the conventional (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorination) and advanced treatment processes. The treatment efficiencies of these chemicals were assessed based on their concentrations in water sources, and the results were verified with laboratory simulated treatment processes. A survey of NP, OP, and BPA in 11 Taiwanese water sources showed that all of them could be identified in most of the sampled sources, and that higher concentrations of NP were found when the raw water was contaminated by domestic wastewater. However, higher treatment efficiency could be observed when the NP concentration in water source is high. Laboratory simulation studies of conventional treatment processes showed that chlorination played an important role in the degradation of NP in raw water. Treatment efficiencies of 60%-90% were achieved for NP removal when sufficient chlorine dosages were applied to satisfy chlorine demands. However, results also showed that conventional coagulation and rapid filtration processes were less effective in the reduction of phenolic compounds in water.

Correlations between surrogate nitrogenous organic precursors and C-, N-DBP formation

Nitrosamines have been emerging as disinfection byproducts in drinking water using source water impacted with domestic wastewaters. Nitrogenous organic compounds are suggested as precursors of nitrosamines, but many of them have not been identified. This study investigated the correlations between nine selected nitrogenous organic compounds with different characteristics and corresponding disinfection by-product formation potentials (nitrosamines, trihalomethanes (THMs), and haloacetic acids (HAAs)) from their reactions with free chlorine, chlorine dioxide and monochloramine. Besides dimethylamine, the well-known precursor of nitrosamines, 3-(N,N-dimethyloctylammonio)propanesulfonate (3-N,N-DAPSIS) inner salt and benzyldimethyltetradecylamine (benzalkonium chloride, BKC) were suggested as important nitrosamine precursors. 3-N,N-DAPSIS could form about 1,000 ng/L of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and more than 1,000 μg/L of THMs. More than 150,000 ng/L of NDMA were observed when BKC was treated with monochloramine, and high levels of THMs (up to 2,700 μg/L) were also yielded. As expected, free chlorine produced higher levels of THMs and HAAs, and chlorine dioxide generated minor levels of traditional DBPs. Nitrosamines were mainly formed when the precursors were treated with monochloramine.

Occurrence of haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water of Taiwan

In this study, water samples were collected from 86 water treatment plants for analysis of haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) from February to March, 2007 and from July to August, 2007. Both seasonal and geographical variations of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water of Taiwan were presented. The results showed that the five HAA concentrations (HAA5) were 1.0-38.9 microg/L in the winter and 0.2-46.7 microg/L in the summer; and the total THMs were ND-99.4 microg/L in the winter and ND-133.2 microg/L in the summer. For samples taken from the main Taiwan island, dichloroacetic acid (29.4-31.7%) and trichloroacetic acid (25.3-27.6%) were the two major HAA species, and trichloromethane was the major THM species (49.9-62.2%) in finished water. For water treatment plants located on the offshore islands outside of Taiwan, high bromide concentration was found in raw water, and higher percentage of brominated THMs and HAAs were formed in the overall formation. A statistically significant (P < 0.005) logarithmic linear regression model was found to be useful to describe the correlations between TTHM and HAA5 or nine HAAs (HAA5 = 1.219 x TTHM (0.754), R(2) = 0.658; HAA9 = 1.824 x TTHM (0.735), R(2) = 0.678). No apparent difference was observed for DBPs concentrations between finished water and distribution samples in this study.

Ultraviolet B exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus inhibits DNA methylation

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, in which sunlight (especially ultraviolet B (UVB) 290-320 nm) is known to induce exacerbation of disease. DNA methylation regulates gene expression, and hypomethylation is associated with abnormal cell function in SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of UVB on DNA methylation in SLE and its significance in the pathogenesis of SLE. Forty-five patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study, which involved the investigation of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with UVB irradiation. Our results demonstrate the following: The level of DNA methylation in patients with SLE was lower than that in the control group. DNA methylation was decreased after UVB irradiation at different dosages especially in patients with marlar rashes and leucopenia, but no significant difference was observed in the DNMT1 mRNA expression. DNA methylation levels in patients with active SLE were more sensitive to UVB. In conclusion, UVB exposure is able to inhibit DNA methylation, which subsequently takes part in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust enzymatic saccharification of hardwoods

This study demonstrates sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust bioconversion of hardwoods. With only about 4% sodium bisulfite charge on aspen and 30-min pretreatment at temperature 180 degrees C, SPORL can achieve near-complete cellulose conversion to glucose in a wide range of pretreatment liquor of pH 2.0-4.5 in only about 10 h enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzyme loading was about 20 FPU cellulase plus 30 CBU beta-glucosidase per gram of cellulose. The production of fermentation inhibitor furfural was less than 20 mg/g of aspen wood at pH 4.5. With pH 4.5, SPORL avoided reactor corrosion problem and eliminated the need for substrate neutralization prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. Similar results were obtained from maple and eucalyptus.

Sulfite pretreatment (SPORL) for robust enzymatic saccharification of spruce and red pine

This study established a novel process using sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust and efficient bioconversion of softwoods. The process consists of sulfite treatment of wood chips under acidic conditions followed by mechanical size reduction using disk refining. The results indicated that after the SPORL pretreatment of spruce chips with 8-10% bisulfite and 1.8-3.7% sulfuric acid on oven dry (od) wood at 180 degrees C for 30 min, more than 90% cellulose conversion of substrate was achieved with enzyme loading of about 14.6 FPU cellulase plus 22.5 CBU beta-glucosidase per gram of od substrate after 48 h hydrolysis. Glucose yield from enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrate per 100 g of untreated od spruce wood (glucan content 43%) was about 37 g (excluding the dissolved glucose during pretreatment). Hemicellulose removal was found to be as critical as lignin sulfonation for cellulose conversion in the SPORL process. Pretreatment altered the wood chips, which reduced electric energy consumption for size reduction to about 19 Wh/kg od untreated wood, or about 19 g glucose/Wh electricity. Furthermore, the SPORL produced low amounts of fermentation inhibitors, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) and furfural, of about 5 and 1 mg/g of untreated od wood, respectively. In addition, similar results were achieved when the SPORL was applied to red pine. By building on the mature sulfite pulping and disk refining technologies already practiced in the pulp and paper industry, the SPORL has very few technological barriers and risks for commercialization.

Alleviation of ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat liver transplantation by induction of small interference RNA targeting Fas

BACKGROUND

Cellular apoptosis plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury during organ transplantation. Synthetic small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting apoptotic receptor Fas has proven effective to protect mice against hepatitis and renal I/R injury. The objective of this study is to investigate the silencing impact of Fas siRNA to alleviate I/R injury in rat liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat hepatocytes (BRL cells) were transfected with three pairs of synthesized Fas siRNA; cells untreated and treated with GFP siRNA were taken as blank and siRNA control. The most effective Fas siRNA was chosen for in vivo experiments. Syngeneic orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in Fas siRNA group, siRNA control group, and blank control group of Sprague-Dawley rats. There were 25 pairs of rats in each group. siRNA transfection of donor rats was done with hydrodynamic injection method 48 h before liver procurement. Blood and liver samples were collected for evaluation of serum ALT levels, Fas protein and mRNA expression, and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after liver transplantation.

RESULTS

Fas siRNA2, which inhibited Fas gene expression much more than other siRNAs, was chosen for in vivo experiment. The serum ALT levels of Fas siRNA group were much less than those of blank and siRNA control groups 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after blood reperfusion, indicating diminishing ischemia-reperfusion injury. Donor livers in Fas siRNA group had substantially less cell apoptosis. The expression of Fas mRNA and protein was reduced dramatically in the Fas siRNA group compared with the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

Fas-mediated apoptosis play an important role in I/R injury of rat liver transplantation. Silencing Fas by hydrodynamic injection of siRNA holds therapeutic promise to limit I/R injury.

Characteristics of natural organic matter degradation in water by UV/H2O2 treatment

This study evaluated the UV/H2O2 system for degradation of natural organic matter in water. The photolysis experiments were conducted in a 10-l batch reactor using a 450-watt high-pressure mercury vapor lamp as the light source. The addition of H2O2 in water greatly improved the rate of humic acid degradation by UV light and 90% of the humic acid was removed within 30 min of photolysis. Kinetic data showed that the first-order reaction could be used to describe the kinetics of both humic acid oxidation and H2O2 decomposition, and the optimum H2O2 dose was 0.01%-0.05% for humic acid oxidation. It was also observed that the absorption of UVC (UV with wavelength between 200 and 280 nm) is responsible for the dissociation of H2O2 to generate the reactive hydroxyl radicals. Depending on the initial dosages, the H2O2 added to the system can be completely decomposed by UV within 50 to 90 minutes. Upon UV irradiation, the humic intermediates with smaller molecular sizes increase as a result of the degradation of larger humic substances. Photolysis of surface water also shows that the UV/H2O2 was effective in reducing trihalomethanes (THMs) formation in treating surface water with high contents of organic precursors. The distribution of THMs shifted from chlorine-THMs to bromine-THMs after UV/H2O2 treatments when bromide was present in water. However, higher H2O2 dosages would be necessary for the photolysis of surface water containing high concentrations of organic THM precursors. As observed from the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, the functional groups of treated humic acids were destructed significantly, including -OH (from -COOH and -COH), aromatic -C=C, and -C=O conjugated with aromatic rings.

Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases the glucose utilization in cognitive brain structures of rats

The effects of vitamin B(6) deficiency on metabolic activities of brain structures were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats received one of the following diets: (1) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (control group); (2) 0 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (vitamin B(6)-deficient group); or (3) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg with food intake restricted in quantity to that consumed by the deficient group (pair-fed control group). After 8 weeks of dietary treatment, rats in all three groups received an intravenous injection of 2-deoxy-[(14)C] glucose (100 microCi/kg). Vitamin B(6) status was evaluated by plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations. The vitamin B(6)-deficient group had significantly lower levels of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate than did the control and pair-fed groups. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in structures of the limbic system, basal ganglia, sensory motor system, and hypothalamic system were determined. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in each of the four brain regions in the deficient animals were approximately 50% lower (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Results of the present study suggest that serious cognitive deficit may occur in vitamin B(6)-deficient animals.

Altered islet homeostasis before classic insulitis in BB rats

Young diabetes-prone BioBreeding (BBdp) rats fed a diabetes-promoting, cereal-based, NIH-07 (NIH) diet have decreased islet area compared with rats fed a diabetes-retardant diet at a time when classic insulitis is minimal. This finding raised the possibility that islet homeostasis in BBdp rats may be abnormal. To investigate this possibility further, comparisons were made between BBdp and BB control (BBc) rats fed a diabetes-promoting NIH diet for 22 days after weaning. Pancreatic sections were fixed in Bouin's solution and evaluated using immunohistochemistry and image analysis by staining with antibodies for islet hormones: insulin, glucagon; cell proliferation markers: PCNA, BrdU; markers of islet neogenesis: PDX-1, cytokeratin 20; apoptosis was assessed by morphological changes and TUNEL staining. Body weight of BBdp rats was significantly smaller than BBc rats. Although the total number of islets was higher in BBdp compared with BBc, both islet and beta-cell fraction were similar. BBdp rats had a lower beta-cell mass than BBc rats, although this was not statistically significant. Alpha-cell fraction and beta-cell size were similar. Apoptotic bodies were rare in beta-cells but more frequent in acinar tissue of BBdp rats. When the day-night cycle was reversed to synchronize the apoptotic process, the number of apoptotic bodies in islets and in acinar cells was increased. Apoptotic bodies and BrdU+ or PCNA+ beta-cells were more frequently encountered in islets of BBdp rats. Although the frequency of CK20+ islets in BBdp rats was not different, CK20+ area fraction was smaller in BBdp. The number of extra-islet insulin+ and glucagon+ clusters (<4 cells) was significantly greater in BBdp rats. These data are consistent with an enhanced compensatory or "repair" process in the pancreas of BBdp rats that attempts to maintain islet cell mass by altering homeostasis through increased islet neogenesis.

Life-threatening hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by docetaxel (taxotere)

4 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with docetaxel developed life-threatening pneumonitis requiring mechanical ventilation. Docetaxel (30-60 mg x m(-2), according to a different protocol) was infused within one hour with standard premedications. One patient's pneumonitis occurred 5 days after the first dose of docetaxel, and that of the other 3 between the 2nd and 6th cycles. Based on the clinical course, radiological findings of an interstitial pneumonitis, and exclusion of other possible resultant causes, including metastatic cancer, radiation pulmonary injury, infection, or connective tissue disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed. The patients were treated with hydrocortisone at 1200 mg per day or methylprednisolone at 240 mg per day. Although 3 of the 4 had a partial improvement in lung oxygenation, all patients' conditions of hypersensitivity pneumonitis persisted and were complicated by other events, such as hospital-acquired infection and tension pneumothorax. The presence of this unusual hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which was so severe as to be life-threatening and refractory to high-dose corticosteroid therapy, should be taken into account during docetaxel treatment.

Catalyzed UV oxidation of organic pollutants in biologically treated wastewater effluents

A batch reactor was used to evaluate the efficiency of advanced oxidation process of the organic pollutants in biologically treated wastewater effluents with UV/H2O2. A 450-W high-pressure mercury vapor lamp was used as the light source. During the degradation process, the concentration of the dissolved organic compounds could be increased by more than twofold due to the decomposition of microorganisms. This increase of the dissolved organic compounds was eliminated if the water was filtered before the photodegradation experiments. It is observed that the UV alone could play a role for the oxidation of the organic pollutants; however, the addition of a small amount of hydrogen peroxide promotes the degradation efficiency of organic compounds in wastewater. The best oxidation efficiency was obtained when the water samples were under acidic conditions (pH 5), and the rate of degradation was not enhanced with the increasing H2O2 dosages. The optimum H2O2 dose was between 0.01% and 0.1% for the oxidation processes in this study. The presence of the carbonate/bicarbonate ions in water inhibits the degradation of the organic compounds.

Monitoring natural organic matter in water with scanning spectrophotometer

This study uses scanning ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer to monitor natural organic matter (NOM) in water. The results showed that the area under the UV-Vis spectra is a good surrogate to monitor the concentration of the aqueous NOM. No apparent difference was found between the spectra of the three commercially available humic acids used in this study. The use of the scanning spectra compensates the potential random error in the absorbance determined at single wavelength due to the heterogeneous NOM compositions. The major interference of the proposed method comes from the formazine turbidity and nitrate nitrogen (NO3- -N). Although filtration with a 0.45-microm filter can remove most of the interference from formazine, some interference is still present at a wavelength less than 250 nm. Also it is found that the presence of the NO3- -N greatly affect the spectra of the NOM. In order to monitor the NOM in water with minimized interference, it is recommended that the area under the spectra between 250 and 350 nm should be used as a surrogate for concentration of NOM in water.

Photodegradation of humic acids in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

A batch photoreactor was used to evaluate the UV/H2O2 oxidation process for the removal of humic acids in water. A 450-W UV lamp with high-pressure mercury vapor was employed as the light source. The residues of humic acids and hydrogen peroxide were measured for assessment of process performance and understanding of process reaction behavior. The UV photolysis alone can play an important role in the degradation of humic acids. The presence of hydrogen peroxide was found to promote the degradation efficiency. However, excessive dosage of H2O2 does not further improve the degradation of humic acids. On the contrary, the lower the H2O2 dosage the higher the amount of humic acids which can be removed. Aeration with air does not favor the removal efficiency of humic acids as the oxidation lasts for a sufficiently long time. The presence of carbonate species deteriorates the humic acids' removal, whereas it results in a larger amount of H2O2 decomposition.

Biliary dysplasia, cell proliferation and nuclear DNA-fragmentation in primary sclerosing cholangitis with and without cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To study the extent of biliary dysplasia, and the degree of cell proliferation and apoptosis in bile duct cells (BDC) from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), with and without cholangiocarcinoma (CC).

METHODS

Specimens of liver tissue from 16 patients suffering from PSC and CC, and 16 patients with end-stage PSC without cancer, were investigated. Histological evaluation of presence of biliary dysplasia and bile duct proliferation was made. Immunohistochemistry, applying antibodies against Ki-67, p53 and bcl-2, was used. Nuclear DNA fragmentation was assessed by in situ DNA labelling (ApopTag). The numbers of positive cells expressed as a percentage of the total number of BDCs constituted the labelling index (LI).

RESULTS

Bile duct dysplasia was significantly more frequent in nontumorous liver tissue from patients with PSC and CC than from patients having end-stage PSC without cancer (P < 0.05). Patients with biliary dysplasia had a higher frequency of marked bile duct proliferation (P < 0.01) than patients without dysplasia. In tumour tissue, the LI for Ki-67 positive nuclei was more than four times the LI of nuclear DNA fragmentation (P < 0.01). Ki-67, bcl-2, p53 or DNA fragmentation were not significantly different in nontumorous liver tissue from patients with and without CC. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was positive in 75% of the tumours, whilst in nontumorous tissue no such overexpression was found.

CONCLUSION

PSC patients with CC more often display biliary dysplasia than those with end-stage PSC, indicating that biliary dysplasia may be a precancerous stage in PSC. Additionally, p53 mutation seems to be a late event in tumour development, since no p53 expression was found in the premalignant areas with nontumorous BDC.

Hydrolysed casein diet protects BB rats from developing diabetes by promoting islet neogenesis

Feeding diabetes-prone BioBreeding (BBdp) rats a hydrolysed-casein (HC)-based semi-purified diet results in two-to-three-fold fewer diabetes cases compared with feeding cereal-based diets such as NIH-07 (NIH). We showed previously that young NIH-fed BBdp rats had decreased islet area at a time when classic insulitis was minimal. Rats fed an HC diet maintained near normal islet area followed 3-4 weeks later by a deviation of the pancreas cytokine pattern from Th1 to Th2/Th3. This finding raised the possibility that BBdp rats were more susceptible to diet-induced changes in islet homeostasis. To investigate this possibility further, BBdp rats were fed an NIH or HC diet from days 23 to 45. Bouin's fixed sections of pancreas were stained with H & E or antibodies for insulin and glucagon. Cell proliferation nuclear antigen (PCNA) was used as a marker of cell proliferation and cells were stained for putative markers of islet neogenesis, cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and Bcl-2. Apoptotic bodies were recognized by morphological features and by TUNEL-positive staining. BBdp rats fed an HC diet had a significantly higher beta-cell fraction than rats fed NIH, whereas alpha-cell fraction and beta-cell size were not affected by diet or rat type. Apoptotic bodies of beta-cells were rare and unaffected by diet. The number of PCNA(+)beta-cells was not affected by diet. CK20 expression was localized in the ductular system and at the periphery of islets in rats aged 7 and 45 days. There were more CK20(+)islets in BBdp rats fed NIH than in those fed HC but the CK20 area fraction was unaffected by diet. Bcl-2 expression was scattered among ducts and central acinar cells. The number of extra-islet insulin(+)and glucagon(+)clusters (<four cells) was significantly higher in animals fed the HC diet compared with those fed NIH. Most of the insulin(+)clusters were also homeodomain-containing transcription factor pancreas duodenum homeobox gene-1 (PDX-1) positive. Glucagon(+)/PDX-1(+)clusters were rarely found. These data are consistent with a shift in pancreas homeostasis that maintains islet cell mass by increased islet neogenesis, a process that was enhanced in animals fed a diabetes-retardant diet.

[Fluorescent mRNA differential display technique]

AIM

To apply fluorescent mRNA differential display technique.

METHODS

Total RNA samples were extracted from human monocyte line U937 treated/untreated with IFN and LPS, and were used as templates in differential display PCR. The anchored primers used were labeled with the fluorescent tag. After running on 5.6% denaturing PAGE gel, differentially expressed bands were excised and recovered, and finally reamplified.

RESULTS

Three tested samples all showed amplified bands differed from 300 bp to 2.0 kb, the bands were bright and clear, the background was low. Both yes/no changes and upregulated/downregulated happenings were shown simultaneously. The reamplification bands were sharp and pure.

CONCLUSION

We have successfully practiced fluorescent differential display technique in our lab. It is a fast, safe and cost-effective method used to sereen unknown expressed genes.

Diet restriction increases ubiquinone contents and inhibits progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in the rat

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a moderate diet restriction on the progression of preneoplastic foci into hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and whether such an effect was related to altered cell proliferation, apoptosis, and/or tumour contents of lipid-soluble antioxidants.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were exposed to diethylnitrosamine as initiator and 2-acetylaminofluorene plus partial hepatectomy as promoter. Six weeks after initiation the animals were given a diet restricted to 75%-80% of that given to controls until being killed 45 weeks later. Macroscopic liver tumours were histologically classified. In hepatocellular carcinomas the numbers of S-phase (labelling index) and DNA-fragmented (apoptotic index) nuclei were calculated immunohistochemically, and the tumour contents of alpha-tocopherol and ubiquinone were determined.

RESULTS

The number of animals with HCC and the number of HCCs per animal were significantly reduced in restricted-diet animals compared with controls. In HCCs the contents of ubiquinone-9 and -10 were significantly increased, labelling indices were enhanced 3-fold, and apoptotic indices 12-fold as a response to food restriction. Neither the size nor the differentiation of HCCs was altered by food restriction. The numbers and areas of preneoplastic foci were similar in restricted-diet animals compared with those of controls.

CONCLUSION

Moderate, long-term food restriction inhibits the progression of preneoplastic liver foci into HCC. Possible mechanisms of this inhibition are a shift in the balance between apoptosis and cell division towards cell death and an adaptive response to oxidative stress by increased tumour contents of ubiquinones.

Effects of dietary iron overload on progression in chemical hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM

The present study was undertaken to investigate possible effects of dietary iron during the progression step in hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS

Two experiments were performed, in which preneoplastic foci were produced in rat liver using the Solt & Farber protocol, with diethylnitrosamine as initiator and partial hepatectomy + 2-acetylaminofluorene as promoter. Two weeks after promotion, animals were fed 1.25-2.5% dietary carbonyl iron or a control diet until sacrifice. In the first experiment, animals were killed at different time points when they developed an abdominal mass in combination with weight loss. In the second experiment, animals were sacrificed 45 weeks post-promotion. Liver tumours were counted and histologically graded. Tumour levels of ubiquinone-9 and alpha-tocopherol were determined with HPLC, and labelling and apoptotic indices calculated using immunohistochemistry. The number and area of glutathione S-transferase 7,7 (GST-7,7)-positive foci were determined.

RESULTS

In experiment number 1, survival and tumour differentiation were similar in iron-treated animals and controls. In the second experiment, iron-treated rats had an increased number of GST-7,7-positive foci compared to controls. Number and size of carcinomas were similar between the groups, whereas tumour differentiation was higher in rats exposed to iron. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in tumours were not altered by iron. The ratio of reduced/oxidized ubiquinone-9 was decreased in tumours from iron-treated animals.

CONCLUSION

In this model, dietary iron overload resulted in an increased number of preneoplastic foci but did not enhance the progression of these into hepatocellular carcinomas. Iron decreased the ratio of reduced/oxidized ubiquinone-9 in tumours, indicating that neoplastic liver cells utilize intracellular ubiquinones as a defense mechanism against iron-induced oxidative stress.

Long-term outcome in mixed connective tissue disease: longitudinal clinical and serologic findings

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term clinical and immunologic outcomes in a well-characterized cohort of 47 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), including reactivity with U small nuclear RNP (snRNP) polypeptides.

METHODS

Patients were followed up over a period of 3-29 years with immunogenetic and systematic clinical and serologic analysis. Sera were analyzed for reactivity with snRNP polypeptides U1-70 kd, A, C, B/B', and D, for anti-U1 RNA, and for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL).

RESULTS

The typical core clinical features of MCTD tended to develop over time; features of inflammation as well as Raynaud's phenomenon and esophageal hypomotility diminished, while pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary dysfunction, and central nervous system disease persisted, following treatment. A favorable outcome was observed in 62% of patients; 38% had continued active disease or had died, with death associated with pulmonary hypertension and aCL. All patients had autoantibodies to the U1-70 kd polypeptide of snRNP, and most were positive for anti-U1 RNA. An orderly progression of intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, as was the novel finding of "epitope contraction" followed by disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged remission.

CONCLUSION

These patients demonstrated the typical immunogenetic, clinical, and serologic findings of MCTD, and the condition rarely evolved into systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis. The majority of patients had favorable outcomes, with pulmonary hypertension being the most frequent disease-associated cause of death. Intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, followed by "epitope contraction" and ultimate disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged disease remission.

Long-term outcome in mixed connective tissue disease: longitudinal clinical and serologic findings

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term clinical and immunologic outcomes in a well-characterized cohort of 47 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), including reactivity with U small nuclear RNP (snRNP) polypeptides.

METHODS

Patients were followed up over a period of 3-29 years with immunogenetic and systematic clinical and serologic analysis. Sera were analyzed for reactivity with snRNP polypeptides U1-70 kd, A, C, B/B', and D, for anti-U1 RNA, and for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL).

RESULTS

The typical core clinical features of MCTD tended to develop over time; features of inflammation as well as Raynaud's phenomenon and esophageal hypomotility diminished, while pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary dysfunction, and central nervous system disease persisted, following treatment. A favorable outcome was observed in 62% of patients; 38% had continued active disease or had died, with death associated with pulmonary hypertension and aCL. All patients had autoantibodies to the U1-70 kd polypeptide of snRNP, and most were positive for anti-U1 RNA. An orderly progression of intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, as was the novel finding of "epitope contraction" followed by disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged remission.

CONCLUSION

These patients demonstrated the typical immunogenetic, clinical, and serologic findings of MCTD, and the condition rarely evolved into systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis. The majority of patients had favorable outcomes, with pulmonary hypertension being the most frequent disease-associated cause of death. Intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, followed by "epitope contraction" and ultimate disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged disease remission.

Long-term outcome in mixed connective tissue disease: longitudinal clinical and serologic findings

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term clinical and immunologic outcomes in a well-characterized cohort of 47 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), including reactivity with U small nuclear RNP (snRNP) polypeptides.

METHODS

Patients were followed up over a period of 3-29 years with immunogenetic and systematic clinical and serologic analysis. Sera were analyzed for reactivity with snRNP polypeptides U1-70 kd, A, C, B/B', and D, for anti-U1 RNA, and for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL).

RESULTS

The typical core clinical features of MCTD tended to develop over time; features of inflammation as well as Raynaud's phenomenon and esophageal hypomotility diminished, while pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary dysfunction, and central nervous system disease persisted, following treatment. A favorable outcome was observed in 62% of patients; 38% had continued active disease or had died, with death associated with pulmonary hypertension and aCL. All patients had autoantibodies to the U1-70 kd polypeptide of snRNP, and most were positive for anti-U1 RNA. An orderly progression of intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, as was the novel finding of "epitope contraction" followed by disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged remission.

CONCLUSION

These patients demonstrated the typical immunogenetic, clinical, and serologic findings of MCTD, and the condition rarely evolved into systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis. The majority of patients had favorable outcomes, with pulmonary hypertension being the most frequent disease-associated cause of death. Intramolecular spreading of autoantibody reactivity against snRNP polypeptides was observed, followed by "epitope contraction" and ultimate disappearance of anti-snRNP autoantibodies during prolonged disease remission.

Dietary iron overload inhibits carbon tetrachloride-induced promotion in chemical hepatocarcinogenesis: effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and antioxidation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate if feeding with carbonyl iron would facilitate the development of preneoplastic lesions initiated by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and promoted by CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed a diet with 1.25%-2.5% carbonyl iron for 23 weeks and received intragastric injections of CCl4 (1.0 or 2.0 ml/kg per week) for 13 weeks, followed by one i.p. injection of DEN (200 mg/kg), after which CCl4 was administered for 8 additional weeks. Animals were killed 48 h after the first CCl4 injection to evaluate liver necrosis, 8 weeks later to evaluate fibrosis, and 9 weeks after DEN to determine formation of glutathione S-transferase 7,7 (GST-7,7) positive foci.

RESULTS

Treatment with iron counteracted the increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels and liver necrosis following CCl4 administration. Hepatic levels of reduced Q9 and alpha-tocopherol were elevated in rats treated with CCl4 and decreased in rats treated with iron compared to the controls. Fibrogenesis was not altered by iron treatment. Nine weeks after DEN initiation, the number and volume density of GST-7,7-positive foci in rats treated with CCl4 were significantly increased as compared with controls, but co-treatment with iron inhibited this increase. Apoptotic index was increased in iron-loaded livers, and labelling index (the fraction of S-phase hepatocytes) was decreased by co-treatment with iron in livers exposed to CCl4.

CONCLUSION

Carbonyl iron depleted hepatic levels of antioxidants, it decreased CCl4-induced necrosis and cell proliferation, it enhanced apoptosis and did not facilitate fibrogenesis. These effects together may explain the suppression of CCl4-induced promotion after DEN initiation exerted by carbonyl iron in the present study.

[Isolation and structure elucidation of cirensenosides O and P from the leaves of Oplopanax elatus Nakai]

Two new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the leaves of Oplopanax elatus Nakai. By measuring physical and chemical constants and spectral data, their structures were elucidated as 3-epi-oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside; 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl betulinic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and named as cirensenosides O and P, respectively.

Effect of preadsorbed background organic matter on granular activated carbon adsorption of atrazine

This study examines the effect of preadsorbed background organic matter (measured as dissolved organic carbon, DOC) on the granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption of atrazine. Thirty-four experiments were conducted in batch contactors using organic-free laboratory water (< 0.1 mg/l DOC) and pilot-column GAC, preloaded with DOC for 3-20 weeks (equivalent to 4.3-32 mg DOC/g GAC). Freundlich isotherms were determined for adsorption of atrazine at initial concentrations from 10 to 1000 micrograms/l. The isotherm data indicate that GAC capacities for atrazine are only moderately reduced by preadsorbed DOC. At an initial concentration of 1000 micrograms/l atrazine, the GAC capacity for atrazine decreases by -1.0 mg atz/mg preadsorbed DOC. At an initial concentration of 10 micrograms/l atrazine, the GAC capacity for atrazine decreases by only -0.40 mg atz/mg preadsorbed DOC. For the pilot-column GAC preloaded with a maximum of 32 mg DOC/g GAC, the decrease in capacity for atrazine averages -33 +/- 13%.