Clonal hematopoiesis related TET2 loss-of-function impedes IL1β-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is defined as a single hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gaining selective advantage over a broader range of HSPCs. When linked to somatic mutations in myeloid malignancy-associated genes, such as TET2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential or CHIP, it represents increased risk for hematological malignancies and cardiovascular disease. IL1β is elevated in patients with CHIP, however, its effect is not well understood. Here we show that IL1β promotes expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes/macrophages, coinciding with a failure in the demethylation of lymphoid and erythroid lineage associated enhancers and transcription factor binding sites, in a mouse model of CHIP with hematopoietic-cell-specific deletion of Tet2. DNA-methylation is significantly lost in wild type HSPCs upon IL1β administration, which is resisted by Tet2-deficient HSPCs, and thus IL1β enhances the self-renewing ability of Tet2-deficient HSPCs by upregulating genes associated with self-renewal and by resisting demethylation of transcription factor binding sites related to terminal differentiation. Using aged mouse models and human progenitors, we demonstrate that targeting IL1 signaling could represent an early intervention strategy in preleukemic disorders. In summary, our results show that Tet2 is an important mediator of an IL1β-promoted epigenetic program to maintain the fine balance between self-renewal and lineage differentiation during hematopoiesis.

Novel chlorin e6-based conjugates of tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Synthesis and photobiological evaluation as potent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy

Since tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) could reverse ABCG2-mediated drug-resistance, novel chlorin e6-based conjugates of Dasatinib and Imatinib as photosensitizer (PS) were designed and synthesized. The results demonstrated that conjugate 10b showed strongest phototoxicity against HepG2 and B16-F10 cells, which was more phototoxic than chlorin e6 and Talaporfin. It could reduce efflux of intracellular PS by inhibiting ABCG2 in HepG2 cells, and localize in mitochondria, lysosomes, golgi and ER, resulting in higher cell apoptosis rate and ROS production than Talaporfin. Moreover, it could induce cell autophagy and block cell cycle in S phase, and significantly inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival time on BALB/c nude mice bearing HepG2 xenograft tumor to a greater extent than chlorin e6. Consequently, compound 10b could be applied as a promising candidate PS due to its good water-solubility and stability, low drug-resistance, high quantum yield of 1O2 and excellent antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Phosphorus limitation induced by nitrogen addition changed soil microbial community structure in a subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest

Soil microorganisms play an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. How-ever, it is still unclear how the amount and duration of nitrogen (N) addition affect soil microbial community structure and whether there is a correlation between the changes in microbial community structure and their nutrient limi-tation status. In this study, we conducted an N addition experiment in a subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest to simulate N deposition with three treatments: control (CK, 0 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), low N (LN, 40 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), and high N (HN, 80 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1). Basic soil physicochemical properties, phospholipid fatty acids content, and carbon (C), N and phosphorus (P) acquisition enzyme activities were measured after one and three years of N addition. The relative nutrient limitation status of soil microorganisms was analyzed using ecological enzyme stoichiometry. The results showed that one-year N addition did not affect soil microbial community structure. Three-year LN treatment significantly increased the contents of Gram-positive bacteria (G⁺), Gram-negative bacteria (G^-), actinomycetes (ACT), and total phospholipid fatty acids (TPLFA), whereas three-year HN treatment did not significantly affect soil microbial community, indicating that bacteria and ACT might be more sensitive to N addition. Nitrogen addition exacerbated soil C and P limitation. Phosphorus limitation was the optimal explanatory factor for the changes in soil microbial community structure. It suggested that P limitation induced by N addition might be more beneficial for the growth of certain oligotrophic bacteria (e.g. G⁺) and the microorganisms participating in the P cycling (e.g. ACT), with consequences on soil microbial community structure of subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest.

[Effects of different carbon addition modes on the soil priming effect of a subtropical Phyllostachys edulis forest under nitrogen deposition]

Priming effect (PE) plays an important role in regulating terrestrial soil carbon (C) cycling, but the impact of different C addition modes on the PE in subtropical forest ecosystems with increasing nitrogen (N) deposition is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of C addition patterns (single or repeated C addition) on soil PE by adding ¹³C-labeled glucose for 90 d in an incubation experiment with different levels of N application (0, 20, and 80 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1). The different patterns of glucose addition significantly increased soil organic C (SOC) mineralization and produced positive PE. Single glucose addition resulted in stronger PE than repeated addition. PE was significantly weakened with increasing N application levels, indicating that N deposition inhibited soil excitation in Phyllostachys edulis forests. The cumulative PE was significantly negatively correlated with β-N-acetylaminoglucosidase (NAG) and peroxidase (PEO) activities, and was significantly positively correlated with microbial biomass P (MBP) and potential of hydrogen (pH). Our findings indicated that, when acting together on soil, N application and C addition could strongly affect soil C stocks by stimulating the mineralization of native soil organic matter in subtropical forests. The findings further indicated that single C addition model might overestimate the effect of exogenous readily decomposable organic C on PE and ignore the effect of N deposition on PE, which in turn would overestimate the mineralization loss of forest SOC.

Immunogenicity and safety of two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination via different platforms in kidney transplantation recipients

After kidney transplantation, patients exhibit a poor response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. However, the efficacy and adverse effects of vaccines based on different platforms in these patients remain unclear. We prospectively analyzed both anti-spike protein antibody and cellular responses 1 month after the first and second doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in 171 kidney transplant patients. Four vaccines, including one viral vector (ChAdOx1 nCov-19, n = 30), two mRNA (mRNA1273, n = 81 and BNT162b2, n = 38), and one protein subunit (MVC-COV1901, n = 22) vaccines were administered. Among the four vaccines, mRNA1273 elicited the strongest humoral response and induced the highest interferon-γ levels in patients with a positive cellular response against the spike protein. Antiproliferative agents were negatively associated with both the antibody and cellular responses. A transient elevation in creatinine levels was noted in approximately half of the patients after the first dose of mRNA1273 or ChadOx1, and only one of them presented with borderline cellular rejection without definite causality to vaccination. In conclusion, mRNA1273 had better immunogenicity than the other vaccines. Further, renal function needs to be carefully monitored after vaccination, and vaccination strategies should be tailored according to the transplant status and vaccine characteristics.

[Effects of nitrogen addition on the kinetic parameters of soil acid phosphomonoesterase in a Moso bamboo forest]

Soil phosphatases are important in the mineralization of organophosphates and in the phosphorus (P) cycle. The kinetic mechanisms of phosphatases in response to nitrogen (N) deposition remain unclear. We carried out a field experiment with four different concentrations of N: 0 g N·hm^-2·a^-1(control), 20 g N·hm^-2·a^-1(low N), 40 g N·hm^-2·a^-1(medium N), and 80 g N·hm^-2·a^-1(high N) in a subtropical Moso bamboo forest. Soil samples were then collected from 0 to 15 cm depth, after 3, 5 and 7 years of N addition. We analyzed soil chemical properties and microbial biomass. Acid phosphatase (ACP) was investigated on the basis of maximum reaction velocity (V_m), Michaelis constant (K_m), and catalytic efficiency (K_a). Results showed that N addition significantly decreased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), available phosphorus, and organophosphate content, but significantly increased soil ammonium, nitrate-N content, and V_m. There was a significant relationship between V_m and the concentrations of available phosphorus, organophosphate, and soil DOC. In general, N addition substantially increased K_a, but did not affect K_m. The K_m value in the high N treatment group was higher than that in the control group after five years of N addition. K_m was significantly negatively associated with both available phosphorus and organophosphate. Medium and high N treatments had stronger effects on the kinetic parameters of ACP than low N treatment. Results of variation partition analysis showed that changes in soil chemical properties, rather than microbial biomass, dominated changes in V_m(47%) and K_m(33%). In summary, N addition significantly affected substrate availability in Moso bamboo forest soil and modulated soil P cycle by regulating ACP kinetic parameters (especially V_m). The study would improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying soil microorganisms-regulated soil P cycle under N enrichment. These mechanisms would identify the important parameters for improving soil P cycling models under global change scenarios.

[Soil enzyme stoichiometry revealed the changes of soil microbial carbon and phosphorus limitation along an elevational gradient in a Pinus taiwanensis forest of Wuyi Mountains, Southeast China]

Understanding changes in soil enzyme activities and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry is important for assessing soil nutrient availability and microbial nutrient limitation in mountain ecosystems. However, the variations of soil microbial nutrient limitation across elevational gradients and its driving factors in subtropical mountain forests are still unclear. In this study, we measured soil properties, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities related to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling in Pinus taiwanensis forests at different altitudes of Wuyi Mountains. By analyzing the enzyme stoichiometric ratio, vector length (VL), and vector angle (VA), the relative energy and nutrient limitation of soil microorganisms and its key regulatory factors were explored. The results showed that β-glucosaminidase (BG) activities increased along the elevational gradient, while the activities of β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and (NAG+LAP)/microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and AcP/MBC showed the opposite trend. Enzyme C/N, enzyme C/P, enzyme N/P, and VL were enhanced with increasing elevation, while VA decreased, indicating a higher degree of microbial P limitation at low elevation and higher C limitation at high elevation. In addition, our results suggested that dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass phosphorus are critical factors affecting the relative energy and nutrient limitation of soil microorganisms at different elevations. The results would provide a theoretical basis for the responses of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus availability as well as the relative limitation of microbial energy and nutrition to elevational gradients, and improve our understanding of soil biogeochemical cycle process in subtropical montane forest ecosystems.

Weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, cetuximab, and cetuximab, docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil, followed by local therapy in previously untreated, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The survival advantage of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by locoregional treatment is controversial in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). We previously showed feasibility and safety of cetuximab-based IC (paclitaxel/carboplatin/cetuximab-PCC, and docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil/cetuximab-C-TPF) followed by local therapy in LAHNSCC. The primary end point of this phase II clinical trial with randomization to PCC and C-TPF followed by combined local therapy in patients with LAHNSCC stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status and T-stage was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) compared with historical control.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were ≥18 years with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, oral cavity, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx with measurable stage IV (T0-4N2b-2c/3M0) and known HPV by p16 status. Stratification was by HPV and T-stage into one of the two risk groups: (i) low-risk: HPV-positive and T0-3 or HPV-negative and T0-2; (ii) intermediate/high-risk: HPV-positive and T4 or HPV-negative and T3-4. Patient reported outcomes were carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were randomized in the study, 68 to each arm. With a median follow up of 3.2 years, the 2-year PFS in the PCC arm was 89% in the overall, 96% in the low-risk and 67% in the intermediate/high-risk groups; in the C-TPF arm 2-year PFS was 88% in the overall, 88% in the low-risk and 89% in the intermediate/high-risk groups.

CONCLUSION

The observed 2-year PFS of PCC in the low-risk group and of C-TPF in the intermediate/high-risk group showed a 20% improvement compared with the historical control derived from RTOG-0129, therefore reaching the primary end point of the trial.

Hybridization of Particulate Methane Monooxygenase by Methanobactin-Modified AuNPs

Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a characteristic membrane-bound metalloenzyme of methane-oxidizing bacteria that can catalyze the bioconversion of methane to methanol. However, in order to achieve pMMO-based continuous methane-to-methanol bioconversion, the problems of reducing power in vitro regeneration and pMMO stability need to be overcome. Methanobactin (Mb) is a small copper-chelating molecule that functions not only as electron carrier for pMMO catalysis and pMMO protector against oxygen radicals, but also as an agent for copper acquisition and uptake. In order to improve the activity and stability of pMMO, methanobactin-Cu (Mb-Cu)-modified gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-pMMO nanobiohybrids were straightforwardly synthesized via in situ reduction of HAuCl4 to AuNPs in a membrane fraction before further association with Mb-Cu. Mb-Cu modification can greatly improve the activity and stability of pMMO in the AuNP-pMMO nanobiohybrids. It is shown that the Mb-Cu-modified AuNP-pMMO nanobiohybrids can persistently catalyze the conversion of methane to methanol with hydroquinone as electron donor. The artificial heterogeneous nanobiohybrids exhibited excellent reusability and reproducibility in three cycles of catalysis, and they provide a model for achieving hydroquinone-driven conversion of methane to methanol.

[Clinical evaluation of two transalveolar methods for sinus augmentation with placing 1 204 implants immediately]

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of posterior maxillary implant surgery when using the regular transalveolar approach or with the crestal approach-sinus (CAS-KIT), a device for maxillary sinus membrane elevation by the crestal approach using a special drilling system and hydraulic pressure. Methods: In this retrospective study 887 patients during Jan 2012 to July 2015 in Hangzhou Dental Hospital with underwent either regular transalveolar approach or CAS-KIT approach for maxillary augmentation; whereas 11 patients dropped out for the reason of serious membrane perforations. Totally, 876 patients with 1 204 plants, placed immediately after transalveolar maxillary augmentation, were included in this study. The data analysis was performed by radiological measures to assess the changes in height of maxillary sinus floor after the transalveolar augmentation at different time points. In addition, the complications after surgery, failure rates, osseointegration condition and the performance of rehabilitation were evaluated as well. Results: Five hundred and three patients were experienced with regular transalveolar approach, and 7 patients were drop out for the serious membrane perforations. Thus, 496 patients received 653 implants in this group; the average lifted range in maxillary sinus floor height changes was (4.08±3.45) mm. The complications were minor membrane perforations during procedure in 64 patients, postoperative maxillary sinus infection happening in 2 patients and 13 patients experienced rehabilitation failure. Three hundred and eighty-four patients had CAS-KIT approach with 4 patients dropped out. Three hundred and eighty patients get 551 implants with the mean lifted range of (8.36±4.07) mm in maxillary sinus floor height changes. Minor membrane perforations during procedure occurred in 31 people and 2 got postoperative maxillary sinus infection. The 4 year overall survival rate of 1 204 implants was 97.26%, with four implants fell off after 3 months of rehabilitation and one implant occurred after one year of rehabilitation. Conclusions: The regular transalveolar sinus lift technique is easier and time saving, but the compromised lifting range in maxillary sinus floor height and the comparatively high occurrence of intraoperative membrane perforations should be concerned. Using CAS-KIT could be an alternative method to perform maxillary sinus augmentation with a reduced incidence of complications. There was no statistically difference in implant failure rates and incidence of postoperative maxillary sinus infection between two groups.

A haplotype of the dopamine transporter gene modulates regional homogeneity, gray matter volume, and visual memory in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and visual memory deficits have been consistently reported to be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine whether a DAT1 haplotype affected functional and structural brain alterations in children with ADHD and whether those alterations were associated with visual memory.

METHOD

We recruited a total of 37 drug-naïve children with ADHD (17 with the DAT1 rs27048 (C)/rs429699 (T) haplotype and 20 without the CT haplotype) and 37 typically developing children (17 with the CT haplotype and 20 without the CT haplotype). Visual memory was assessed by the pattern recognition memory (PRM) and spatial recognition memory (SRM) tasks. We analyzed functional and structural brain architecture with regional homogeneity (ReHo) and gray matter volume (GMV).

RESULTS

The CT haplotype was associated with decreased ReHo in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus; and decreased GMV in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus, and in the right angular gyrus. Significant interactions of ADHD and the CT haplotype were found in the right postcentral gyrus for ReHo and in the right supplementary motor area for GMV. For the ADHD-CT group, we found negative correlations of total correct responses in PRM and SRM and positive correlations of mean latency of correct responses in PRM with the GMV in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the DAT1-related GMV alterations in the posterior cortical regions may contribute to visual memory performance in children with ADHD.

[Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on osseointegration and bone absorption of implants]

Implantation of the base bone in the implant after effective and rapid bone binding and prevention and treatment of bone resorption, to ensure the success of planting surgery is of great significance. This article reviews the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine promoting bone integration and the etiopathological mechanism of bone resorption, and expounds the influence of traditional Chinese medicine on osseointegration and bone resorption.

Investigation of the antiphase dynamics of the orthogonally polarized passively Q-switched Nd:YLF laser

The antiphase dynamics of Q-switched orthogonally polarized emissions have been thoroughly investigated. A Nd:YLF crystal with the anisotropic thermal lensing effect is used as the gain medium for achieving dual polarized laser. By using the Cr⁴⁺:YAG saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched output shows intriguing switching dynamics, where the number of pulses for both polarized components within one switching period is directly determined by the power ratio between the orthogonally polarized emissions. Experimental results reveal that the pulse energies of every single pulse for both orthogonally polarized states are equal with the maximum value of 223 μJ. The pulse durations for π- and σ-polarization are measured to be 15 ns and 11 ns and the corresponding peak power levels are up to 15.0 kW and 20.3 kW, respectively.

Obesity-associated cardiac pathogenesis in broiler breeder hens: Pathological adaption of cardiac hypertrophy

Broiler hens consuming feed to appetite (ad libitum; AL) show increased mortality. Feed restriction (R) typically improves reproductive performance and livability of hens. Rapidly growing broilers can exhibit increased mortality due to cardiac insufficiency but it is unknown whether the increased mortality of non-R broiler hens is also due to cardiac compromise. To assess cardiac growth and physiology in fully mature birds, 45-week-old hens were either continued on R rations or assigned to AL feeding for 7 or 21 days. AL hens exhibited increased bodyweight, adiposity, absolute and relative heart weight, ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac protein/DNA ratio by d 21 (P < 0.05). Increased heart weights due to hypertrophic growth was attributed to enhanced IGF-1-Akt-FoxO1 signaling and its downstream target, translation initiation factor 4E-BP1 in conjunction with down-regulation of ubiquitin ligase atrogin-1/MAFbx (P < 0.05). Reduced activation of cardiac AMPK and downstream activation of ACC-1 in parallel with increased cardiac nitric oxide levels, calcineurin activity, and MAPK activation in AL hens (P < 0.05) suggested that metabolic derangement develops along the cardiovascular remodeling. These indictors of cardiac maladaptive hypertrophic growth were further supported by uregulation of heart failure markers, BNP and MHC-β (P < 0.05). Hens allowed AL feeding for 70 d exhibited a higher incidence of mortality (40% vs. 10%) in association with ascites, pericardial effusion, and ventricle dilation. A higher incidence of irregular ECG patterns and rhythmicity consistent with persistently elevated systolic blood pressure and ventricle fibrosis were observed in AL hens (P < 0.05). These observations support the conclusion that AL feeding in broiler hens results in maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy that progresses to overt pathogenesis in contractility and thereby increases mortality. Feed restriction provides clear physiological benefit to heart function of adult broiler hens.

[Experts consensus on the management of the right heart function in critically ill patients]

To establish the experts consensus on the right heart function management in critically ill patients. The panel of consensus was composed of 30 experts in critical care medicine who are all members of Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaboration Group (CHTC Group). Each statement was assessed based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) principle. Then the Delphi method was adopted by 52 experts to reassess all the statements. (1) Right heart function is prone to be affected in critically illness, which will result in a auto-exaggerated vicious cycle. (2) Right heart function management is a key step of the hemodynamic therapy in critically ill patients. (3) Fluid resuscitation means the process of fluid therapy through rapid adjustment of intravascular volume aiming to improve tissue perfusion. Reversed fluid resuscitation means reducing volume. (4) The right ventricle afterload should be taken into consideration when using stroke volume variation (SVV) or pulse pressure variation (PPV) to assess fluid responsiveness.(5)Volume overload alone could lead to septal displacement and damage the diastolic function of the left ventricle. (6) The Starling curve of the right ventricle is not the same as the one applied to the left ventricle,the judgement of the different states for the right ventricle is the key of volume management. (7) The alteration of right heart function has its own characteristics, volume assessment and adjustment is an important part of the treatment of right ventricular dysfunction (8) Right ventricular enlargement is the prerequisite for increased cardiac output during reversed fluid resuscitation; Nonetheless, right heart enlargement does not mandate reversed fluid resuscitation.(9)Increased pulmonary vascular resistance induced by a variety of factors could affect right heart function by obstructing the blood flow. (10) When pulmonary hypertension was detected in clinical scenario, the differentiation of critical care-related pulmonary hypertension should be a priority. (11) Attention should be paid to the change of right heart function before and after implementation of mechanical ventilation and adjustment of ventilator parameter. (12) The pulmonary arterial pressure should be monitored timingly when dealing with critical care-related pulmonary hypertension accompanied with circulatory failure.(13) The elevation of pulmonary aterial pressure should be taken into account in critical patients with acute right heart dysfunction. (14) Prone position ventilation is an important measure to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance when treating acute respiratory distress syndrome patients accompanied with acute cor pulmonale. (15) Attention should be paid to right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling during the management of right heart function. (16) Right ventricular diastolic function is more prone to be affected in critically ill patients, the application of critical ultrasound is more conducive to quantitative assessment of right ventricular diastolic function. (17) As one of the parameters to assess the filling pressure of right heart, central venous pressure can be used to assess right heart diastolic function. (18). The early and prominent manifestation of non-focal cardiac tamponade is right ventricular diastolic involvement, the elevated right atrial pressure should be noticed. (19) The effect of increased intrathoracic pressure on right heart diastolic function should be valued. (20) Ttricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an important parameter that reflects right ventricular systolic function, and it is recommended as a general indicator of critically ill patient. (21) Circulation management with right heart protection as the core strategy is the key point of the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. (22) Right heart function involvement after cardiac surgery is very common and should be highly valued. (23) Right ventricular dysfunction should not be considered as a routine excuse for maintaining higher central venous pressure. (24) When left ventricular dilation, attention should be paid to the effect of left ventricle on right ventricular diastolic function. (25) The impact of left ventricular function should be excluded when the contractility of the right ventricle is decreased. (26) When the right heart load increases acutely, the shunt between the left and right heart should be monitored. (27) Attention should be paid to the increase of central venous pressure caused by right ventricular dysfunction and its influence on microcirculation blood flow. (28) When the vasoactive drugs was used to reduce the pressure of pulmonary circulation, different effects on pulmonary and systemic circulation should be evaluated. (29) Right atrial pressure is an important factor affecting venous return. Attention should be paid to the influence of the pressure composition of the right atrium on the venous return. (30) Attention should be paid to the role of the right ventricle in the acute pulmonary edema. (31) Monitoring the difference between the mean systemic filling pressure and the right atrial pressure is helpful to determine whether the infusion increases the venous return. (32) Venous return resistance is often considered to be a insignificant factor that affects venous return, but attention should be paid to the effect of the specific pathophysiological status, such as intrathoracic hypertension, intra-abdominal hypertension and so on. Consensus can promote right heart function management in critically ill patients, optimize hemodynamic therapy, and even affect prognosis.

Differential effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on intrinsic brain activity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are commonly prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, their therapeutic neural mechanisms remain unclear.

METHOD

After baseline evaluation including cognitive testing of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), drug-naive children with ADHD (n = 46), aged 7-17 years, were randomly assigned to a 12-week treatment with methylphenidate (n = 22) or atomoxetine (n = 24). Intrinsic brain activity, including the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), was quantified via resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and week 12.

RESULTS

Reductions in inattentive symptoms were related to increased fALFF in the left superior temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule for ADHD children treated with methylphenidate, and in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus for ADHD children treated with atomoxetine. Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom reductions were differentially related to increased fALFF in the methylphenidate group and to decreased fALFF in the atomoxetine group in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri. Prediction analyses in the atomoxetine group revealed negative correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple reaction time and fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus, and positive correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple movement time and fALFF change in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri and left precuneus, with a negative correlation between movement time and the fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and the inferior occipital gyrus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest differential neurophysiological mechanisms for the treatment effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in children with ADHD.

Evaluation of salivary function by sialoscintigraphy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer patients after intensity modulated radiotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the salivary gland function changes by sialoscintigraphy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Salivary function was assessed by sialoscintigraphy. Quantitative sialoscintigraphy was performed in 24 NPC patients prior to and after IMRT. Results were categorized in four groups according to the duration of treatment. The sialoscintigraphy parameters were examined.

RESULTS

Sialoscintigraphy showed a significant difference in the secretion of each interval groups. The parameters of scintigraphy, except maximum accumulation (MA) of submandibular glands, decreased first after radiotherapy, and then recovered. However, the MA of submandibular glands was continuously downhill after radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The sialoscintigraphy parameters of each gland changed with the different radiation dose and follow-up intervals. The salivary function was influenced after radiotherapy in locally advanced NPC, especially, in the submandibular gland. Strategies to improve the salivary function should be assessed.

Sentinel node biopsy in papillary thyroid cancer--what is the potential?

PURPOSE

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) may identify lymph node metastases in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), enabling selective application of central node dissection (CND). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing SNB in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for a cytologically indeterminate/suspicious/malignant thyroid nodule and to determine the potential improvement in clinical outcomes and the costs associated with the SNB technique.

METHODS

The treatment strategies and clinical and pathological outcomes of two retrospective cohorts of patients who underwent preoperative thyroid FNA over a 5-year period in two different centres were studied. The potential for implementing the SNB technique and the benefits and costs associated with implementation were estimated.

RESULTS

In centre 1, in 819 adult patients who had thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology, the final cytology was indeterminate, suspicious and diagnostic of malignancy in 113, 29 and 28 patients, respectively. One hundred eight patients were 'suitable' for SNB. Twenty-three of these patients had PTC, six of whom underwent CND. Of these six patients, node metastasis was absent in five--the cohort in whom prophylactic CND may have been avoided consequent to a negative 'sentinel node' biopsy. Morbidity attributable to CND may have been avoided in up to four patients over a 5-year period. Costs associated with implementation of SNB outweighed any potential savings. Analysis of 491 patients in centre 2 confirmed that the benefit of SNB in PTC was similarly limited; morbidity attributable to CND may have been avoided in up to seven patients over a 5-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Even under ideal conditions (assuming 100 % node identification rate and 0 % false negative rate), the potential short- to medium-term benefit of sentinel node biopsy in patients with thyroid cancer in centres implementing a policy of selective or routine prophylactic CND is low.

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on cutaneous lupus erythematosus in (NZB × NZW) F1 mice

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the effects and precise molecular mechanism of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of human cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Our findings shed light on the therapeutic effects of MMF in a UVB-induced NZB × NZW (NZBW) F1 CLE mouse model.

METHODS

Continuous MMF treatment (60 mg/kg/day) was administered up to Day 50 from the beginning of UVB induction (Day 0; 20 weeks old), as the pathologic features of CLE are present after 50 days. The therapeutic effects of MMF treatment in NZBW lupus mice were examined by comparing histopathological changes, lupus band test (deposition of immune complexes at the dermal-epidermal junction) and colocalization of autoantibodies with a dermal autoantigen Dsg3, and by evaluating the associations of local matrix metalloprotease activities.

RESULTS

MMF improved survival in the NZBW lupus mice from 35.7% to 81.8%. The proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and interleukin 6 levels were significantly reduced after MMF treatment. The dermal lymphocytic infiltration, deposition of immune complexes at the dermal-epidermal junction, colocalized autoantibodies with Dsg3, and epidermal matrix metalloprotease activity were also attenuated in MMF-treated NZBW F1 mice.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that MMF could substantially attenuate skin damage due to CLE in the NZBW F1 mouse model.

Effective NET formation in neutrophils from individuals with G6PD Taiwan-Hakka is associated with enhanced NADP(+) biosynthesis

In response to infection, neutrophils employ various strategies to defend against the invading microbes. One of such defense mechanisms is the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Recent studies suggest that reactive oxygen species is a signal critical to NET formation. This prompts us to examine whether neutrophils from individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) Taiwan-Hakka variant, which are prone to oxidative stress generation, have altered ability to form NET. We adopted an image-based method to study the NET formation potential in neutrophils from G6PD-deficient patients. Neutrophils from either normal or G6PD-deficient individuals underwent NETosis in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The extent of NETosis in the former did not significantly differ from that of the latter. Diphenyleneiodonium sulfate (DPI) and 3-methyladenine (MA) inhibited PMA-stimulated NET formation in these cells, suggesting the involvement of NADPH oxidase and autophagy in the process. Glucose oxidase (GO) and xanthine oxidase/xanthine (XO/X) could induce a similar extent of NET formation in normal and G6PD-deficient neutrophils. GO- or XO-induced NETosis was not inhibitable by MA, implying that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can act as an independent signal for activation of NETosis. Mechanistically, enhanced superoxide production in neutrophils was associated with increases in levels of NAD(+) and NADP(+), as well as activation of NAD(+) kinase. Taken together, these findings suggest that G6PD-deficient neutrophils are as equally efficient as normal cells in NET formation, and their deficiency in G6PD-associated NADPH regeneration capacity is largely compensated for by nicotinamide nucleotide biosynthesis.

Is premature ovarian ageing a cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage is often unexplained. In our study, we test the hypothesis that unexplained recurrent miscarriage is associated with premature ovarian ageing by comparing the basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level between women with recurrent miscarriage and a control group of subjects in two different ethnic centres: one in Guangzhou, China and the other in Sheffield, UK. The subjects were stratified into three different age groups, and all of them were under the age of 40 years. We found no significant difference in basal FSH level between the subjects and the control groups, and the proportion of women with high FSH (>10 IU/l) was higher in the Guangzhou cohort but not in the Sheffield cohort. Our observation suggests that premature ovarian ageing is not a significant contributory factor of recurrent miscarriage, but a study on the ethnic variation in the aetiology of recurrent miscarriage is needed.

Identification of direct forkhead box O1 targets involved in palmitate-induced apoptosis in clonal insulin-secreting cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to DNA selection and ligation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The transcription factor, forkhead box (FOX)O1, is involved in fatty acid-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells, but the precise mechanism is poorly understood. We aimed to identify which direct downstream targets of FOXO1 are involved in palmitate-induced apoptosis in the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6.

METHODS

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled to a DNA selection and ligation technique (ChIP-DSL) was used to identify the direct targets of FOXO1. The mRNA level was examined by real-time PCR assay. The ChIP-DSL results were verified using ChIP-PCR and luciferase assay, respectively. The cell apoptosis rate was determined by TUNEL assay and by scoring cells with pycnotic nuclei.

RESULTS

We identified 189 target genes and selected 106 targets for expression analysis in MIN6 cells treated with palmitate. The results showed that six genes were significantly upregulated and four were downregulated. Binding of FOXO1 to the promoters was determined by ChIP-PCR and confirmed by luciferase assay. Among the ten up- and downregulated genes, mRNA expression of A930038C07Rik was significantly decreased and that of Ppa1 was increased in 8-week-old db/db mice. The apoptosis assay showed that overproduction of the protein 'RIKEN cDNA A930038C07' (A930038C07Rik) drastically enhanced palmitate-induced apoptosis, while pyrophosphatase (inorganic) 1 (PPA1) partially protected the cells from apoptosis. Knockdown of PPA1, moreover, significantly increased apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We identified for the first time FOXO1 targets in MIN6 cells treated with palmitate, thus revealing the important roles of A930038C07Rik and PPA1 in palmitate-induced cell apoptosis. These results shed light on the mechanisms of palmitate-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells.

Pyoderma gangrenosum of the eyelid: report of two cases and review of the literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) of the eyelid is extremely rare, and its proper management is essential for the preservation of visual function. Here, we report 2 cases of PG of the eyelid with intraorbital involvement. In both cases, the skin and intraorbital lesions improved after systemic immunosuppressive therapies; however, corneal perforation occurred in 1 case. In order to assess the clinical features of PG of the eyelid and to obtain clues for optimal treatment, we reviewed 15 well-documented cases in the literature, including the present cases. Corneal perforation occurred in 4 cases and defective ocular motility in 1 case. Three patients eventually underwent enucleation of the affected eye. Our cases and the literature review clearly indicate that MRI is a powerful tool for evaluating the extent of extracutaneous PG lesions around the eye and that early diagnosis and immediate immunosuppressive therapy are crucial for the preservation of visual acuity.

Analysis of the factors influencing living kidney donation: the experience in National Taiwan University Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Kidney transplantation provides a choice of active treatment for patients with chronic renal failure. However, the sources of organs are limited; therefore, living kidney donation is an alternative source. The regulation of organ donation in Taiwan stipulates that living organ donation is restricted to living related recipients. We sought to investigate factors that influenced or prevented individuals from living kidney donation in our center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2008, there were 266 potential candidates who underwent evaluation for living kidney donation in our center.

RESULTS

Among the potential candidates, most were spouses (n=85, 31.9%), followed by parents (n=67, 25.1%), siblings (n=62, 23.3%), and children (n=40, 15%). Eventually, 124 candidates (47%) completed organ donation, most of whom were siblings (n=39, 31.5%), then parents (n=38, 30.6%), spouses (n=26), and children (n=18). Most donors were females, including mothers and sisters. The most frequent reason to not donate was unwillingness, due to potential influences on their health, economic stress due to suspension of their job, and objection of family members. In 34 candidates (23.9%), adverse health factors of potential candidates prohibited them from donating, including age, chronic medical illness, hepatitis carrier status, severe depression, or mental retardation. Among 59 potential donor-recipient pairs with incompatible ABO blood types or highly sensitized to potential donors, 22 candidates completed living kidney donation.

CONCLUSION

Although laparoscopic nephrectomy for living kidney donation decreases the discomfort and hospital stay after donation, we can only promote living kidney donation if we can deal with the possible factors that prohibit candidates from living kidney donation, such as morbidity after organ donation, anxiety, or other factors. After analyzing those factors, we must also develop a protocol to closely follow the living kidney donors to ensure their health status and relieve their anxiety.

Small ubiquitin-like modifier-4 Met55Val polymorphism is associated with glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan

AIM

The development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been recognized to be associated with a combination of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been recognized as one central mediator in the reaction of inflammation and proapoptotic event in beta-cells. A functional polymorphism at the codon 55 (methionine to valine; A163G) of the small ubiquitin- like modifier-4 (SUMO4) gene may result in higher NF-kappaB activity. This study investigates whether this SUMO4 Met55Val polymorphism also contributes to the development of T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed using genomic DNA samples from 574 Type 2 diabetic patients and 323 healthy controls. The SUMO4 Met55Val polymorphism was genotyped using allele-specific real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The frequency of the G allele (encoding Val55) was significantly higher in Type 2 diabetic patients and Type 2 diabetic patients with the GG genotype had higher hemoglobin A1c level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the genotype of GG and GA was an independent risk factor contributing to the development of T2DM.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that in Taiwan the SUMO4 Met 55Val polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to T2DM and Type 2 diabetic patients with GG genotype have worse glycemic control.

Small ubiquitin-like modifier-4 Met55Val polymorphism is associated with glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan

AIM

The development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been recognized to be associated with a combination of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been recognized as one central mediator in the reaction of inflammation and proapoptotic event in beta-cells. A functional polymorphism at the codon 55 (methionine to valine; A163G) of the small ubiquitin- like modifier-4 (SUMO4) gene may result in higher NF-kappaB activity. This study investigates whether this SUMO4 Met55Val polymorphism also contributes to the development of T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed using genomic DNA samples from 574 Type 2 diabetic patients and 323 healthy controls. The SUMO4 Met55Val polymorphism was genotyped using allele-specific real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The frequency of the G allele (encoding Val55) was significantly higher in Type 2 diabetic patients and Type 2 diabetic patients with the GG genotype had higher hemoglobin A1c level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the genotype of GG and GA was an independent risk factor contributing to the development of T2DM.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that in Taiwan the SUMO4 Met 55Val polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to T2DM and Type 2 diabetic patients with GG genotype have worse glycemic control.

Tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) and nanoparticulate tetrac arrest growth of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

CONTEXT

Tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) blocks angiogenic and tumor cell proliferation actions of thyroid hormone initiated at the cell surface hormone receptor on integrin alphavbeta3. Tetrac also inhibits angiogenesis initiated by vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor.

OBJECTIVE

We tested antiangiogenic and antiproliferative efficacy of tetrac and tetrac nanoparticles (tetrac NP) against human medullary thyroid carcinoma (h-MTC) implants in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and h-MTC xenografts in the nude mouse.

DESIGN

h-MTC cells were implanted in the CAM model (n = 8 per group); effects of tetrac and tetrac NP at 1 microg/CAM were determined on tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth after 8 d. h-MTC cells were also implanted sc in nude mice (n = 6 animals per group), and actions on established tumor growth of unmodified tetrac and tetrac NP ip were determined.

RESULTS

In the CAM, tetrac and tetrac NP inhibited tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis. In the nude mouse xenograft model, established 450-500 mm(3) h-MTC tumors were reduced in size over 21 d by both tetrac formulations to less than the initial cell mass (100 mm(3)). Tumor tissue hemoglobin content of xenografts decreased by 66% over the course of administration of each drug. RNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR of tumor cell mRNAs revealed that both tetrac formulations significantly induced antiangiogenic thrombospondin 1 and apoptosis activator gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Acting via a cell surface receptor, tetrac and tetrac NP inhibit growth of h-MTC cells and associated angiogenesis in CAM and mouse xenograft models.

Enhancement of random lasing based on the composite consisting of nanospheres embedded in nanorods template

A simple and general approach has been developed for the enhancement of random lasing based on the composite consisting of nanospheres and nanorods array. Due to the inherent nature of high refractive index, the selected nanorods act efficiently as scattering feedback centers, which can promote the formation of closed loop paths of the emission arising from nanospheres. To illustrate our working principle, the composite consisting of Tb(OH)(3)/SiO(2) nanospheres and ZnO nanorods was chosen as an example. Quite interestingly, it is found that the random lasing behavior can be easily achieved for the composite system, while it is absent in pure Tb(OH)(3)/SiO(2) nanospheres. The strategy demonstrated here should be very useful for the future development of coherent light emission sources and many other optoelectronic devices.

Phase contribution of image potential on empty quantum well States in pb islands on the cu(111) surface

We use scanning tunneling spectroscopy to explore the quantum well states in the Pb islands grown on a Cu(111) surface. Our observation demonstrates that the empty quantum well states, whose energy levels lie beyond 1.2 eV above the Fermi level, are significantly affected by the image potential. As the quantum number increases, the energy separation between adjacent states is shrinking rather than widening, contrary to the prediction for a square potential well. By simply introducing a phase factor to reckon the effect of the image potential, the shrinking behavior of the energy separation can be reasonably explained with the phase accumulation model. The model also reveals that there exists a quantum regime above the Pb surface in which the image potential is vanished. Moreover, the quasi-image-potential state in the tunneling gap is quenched because of the existence of the quantum well states.

Laser action in Tb(OH)3/SiO2 photonic crystals

Photonic crystals of Tb(OH)(3)/SiO(2) core/shell nanospheres with different periodicities were used as a resonant cavity to explore laser action. By changing the particle size, the optical stop band of the photonic crystals can be tuned to coincide with the multiple emission bands of terbium ions. An overlap of the stop band on the multiple emissions of the active materials embedded inside the photonic crystals offered a good chance for resonance. Lasing emissions arising from terbium ions occurred near the band edge of the PCs were demonstrated.

Melanoma in organ transplant recipients: clinicopathological features and outcome in 100 cases

Organ transplant recipients have a higher incidence of melanoma compared to the general population but the prognosis of this potentially fatal skin cancer in this group of patients has not yet been established. To address this, we undertook a multicenter retrospective analysis to assess outcome for 100 melanomas (91 posttransplant and 9 pretransplant) in 95 individuals. Data were collected in 14 specialist transplant dermatology clinics across Europe belonging to the Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients, Europe (SCOPE) Network, and compared with age, sex, tumor thickness and ulceration status-matched controls from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) melanoma database. Outcome for posttransplant melanoma was similar to that of the general population for T1 and T2 tumors (< or = 2 mm thickness); but was significantly worse for T3 and T4 tumors (> 2 mm thickness); all nine individuals with a pretransplant melanoma survived without disease recurrence following organ transplantation. These data have implications for both cutaneous surveillance in organ transplant recipients and management of transplant-associated melanoma.

Giant enhancement of band edge emission based on ZnO/TiO(2) nanocomposites

Enhancement of band edge emission of ZnO nanorods up to a factor of 120 times has been observed in the composite consisting of ZnO nanorods and TiO(2) nanoparticles, while the defect emission of ZnO nanorods is quenched to noise level. Through a detailed investigation, it is found that the large enhancement mainly arises from fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the band edge transition of ZnO nanorods and TiO(2) nanoparticles. Our finding opens up new possibilities for the creation of highly efficient solid state emitters.

3D simulations of hydrodynamic drag forces on two porous spheres moving along their centerline

This paper numerically evaluates the hydrodynamic drag force exerted on two highly porous spheres moving steadily along their centerline through a quiescent Newtonian fluid over a Reynolds number ranging from 0.1 to 40. At creeping-flow limit, the drag forces exerted on both spheres were approximately identical. At higher Reynolds numbers the drag force on the leading sphere (sphere #1) was higher than the following sphere (sphere #2), revealing the shading effects produced by sphere #1 on sphere #2. At dimensionless diameter beta<2 (beta=d(f)/2k(0.5), d(f) and k are sphere diameter and interior permeability, respectively), the spheres can be regarded as "no-spheres" limit. At increasing beta for both spheres, the drag force on sphere #2 was increased because of the more difficult advective flow through its interior, and at the same time the drag was reduced owing to the stronger wake flow produced by the denser sphere #1. The competition between these two effects leads to complicated dependence of drag force on sphere #2 on beta value. These effects were minimal when beta became low.

Weber–Christian disease presenting with intractable fever and periorbital swelling mimicking angioedema

A 22-year-old male patient with Weber-Christian disease (WCD) presenting with periorbital swelling is a very rare occurrence. Lobular panniculitis in the periorbital and anterior tibial skin was diagnosed in this patient, based on the histological findings from biopsy specimens. The differential diagnosis was done before administering systemic corticosteroid. A dramatic response was achieved several days later, but relapse with intractable fever occurred 1 month later. The use of other immunosuppressive agents failed, and he died of septic shock 2 months later. The preceding infection may have been the immunopathologic factor in the development of WCD. Other effective treatments for WCD may be described in the future.

Enhancement of band gap emission stimulated by defect loss

Defect radiation has been always considered as the most important loss for an emitter based on band gap emission. Here, we propose a novel approach which goes against this conventional wisdom. Based on the resonance effect between the surface plasmon of metal nanoparticles and defect emission, it is possible to convert the useless defect radiation to the useful excitonic emission with a giant enhancement factor. Through the transfer of the energetic electrons excited by surface plasmon from metal nanoparticles to the conduction band of the emitter, the band gap emission can be greatly enhanced, while the defect emission can be suppressed to noise level.

Self-organized growth of nanopucks on Pb quantum islands

Electronic Moirè patterns found on lead (Pb) quantum islands can serve as a template to grow self-organized cluster (nanopucks) arrays of various materials. These patterns can be divided into fcc- and hcp-stacked areas, which exhibit different binding strengths to the deposited adatoms. For Ag adatoms, the binding energy can differ substantially and the confined nucleation thus occurs in the fcc sites. Both the size distribution and spatial arrangement of the Ag nanopucks are analyzed and found to be commensurate with the characteristics of the template island, which exhibits a bilayer oscillatory behavior.

Expressions and regulation of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases in mouse uterus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in many cellular processes. We examined the temporal and spatial expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mouse uteri during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, as well as the regulation of eNOS and iNOS by estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in ovariectomized mouse uteri using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that positive eNOS and iNOS signals were localized in the uterine luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium during the estrous cycle. In ovariectomized mice, both E2 and P4 regulated the expression of eNOS and iNOS. During early pregnancy, eNOS and iNOS were detected not only in epithelium, but also in the primary decidual zone surrounding implanting embryos on day 6 of pregnancy, and in the whole decidualized stroma on day 7 of pregnancy. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that two NOS isoforms were localized in mouse uteri in specific temporal and spatial patterns during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and ovarian hormones can regulate their expression. Furthermore, the data suggest that the expression of NOS during the peri-implantation period might lead to enhance NO production, which could promote embryo implantation.

Influence of UNOS status on chance of heart transplantation and posttransplant survival

This study was designed to compare the chance of heart transplantation (HTx) and survival among patients in different UNOS statuses in Taiwan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 1996 to 2002, among 203 patients on the heart transplant waiting list, 127 patients had undergone HTx up to December 2002 with 71 dead while waiting, and 5 still alive without transplantation. This study included those 198 patients who had either undergone HTx or who died. At the time of registry, 40 patients were at status IA, 57 at IB, and 101 at II. Nineteen (47.5%) of 40 status IA patients underwent HTx with a mean waiting time of 92 +/- 116 days and median waiting time of 35 days. The 1-month survival was 84%, and 1-year survival was 58%. Seven (64.9%) of 57 status IB patients underwent HTx with a mean waiting time of 85 +/- 100 days and a median waiting time of 40 days. Both 1-month and 1-year survivals were 92%. Seventy-one (70.3%) patients among 101 status II patients underwent HTx. Their mean waiting time was 134 +/- 135 days and median waiting time was 86 days. Their 1-month survival was 95%, and 1-year survival was 85%.

CONCLUSION

Although UNOS status IA patients had a shorter waiting time, their chance to undergo HTx was lower than those in either status IB or status II. The UNOS status IA heart-waiting patients showed lower posttransplant 1-month and 1-year survival rates.

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS) and their inhibitors (TIMPS) during mouse peri-implantation: role of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to play pivotal roles in embryo implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NO on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), as well as the mechanism of NO during mouse implantation. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME was administered with or without sodium nitroprusside (SNP), NO donor, into one uterine horn on day 3 of pregnancy, and the contralateral uterine horn served as the control. We collected the uteri on days 5, 6, and 7 of pregnancy and examined the mRNA expression of MMP-2, -9, and TIMP-1, -2, -3, as well as the activities of MMP-2 and -9 by using in situ hybridization and gelatin zymography, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control, the expression of MMP-2 and -9 mRNAs was decreased in L-NAME-treated uteri during peri-implantation. Treatment of mice with L-NAME had slight effect on the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA on day 5 of pregnancy, and no effect on TIMP-2 mRNA expression during peri-implantation. However, the expression of TIMP-3 mRNA was increased. The gelatin zymography results indicated that the activity of MMP-9 was decreased during peri-implantation, but the activity of MMP-2 did not change significantly in these time points examined. The L-NAME-mediated effect on MMPs and TIMPs were significantly reversed when SNP was co-administered with L-NAME. These data suggest that inhibition of NO production regulates the gene expression of MMP-2, -9, and TIMP-3, together with the activity of MMP-9 during peri-implantation, which may have serious consequence on embryo implantation.

Do patients with acute liver failure have a better chance to receive liver grafting?

OBJECTIVE

Patients with acute hepatic failure (AHF) were always given first priority on the transplant waiting list. We investigated whether AHF patients will deprive other patients on the waiting list of the chance of liver transplantation (LTx).

METHODS AND RESULTS

From January 1999 to March 2003, a total of 423 patients were on the transplant waiting list at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Sixty-five of the patients had AHF caused by hepatitis-B-related disease (HBV, n = 52, 80%), Wilson disease (n = 3, 4.6%), drug-induced AHF (n = 3, 4.6%), and other causes (n = 7, 10.8%).Thirty-three patients died and 16 survived by medical treatment. Two received LTx abroad and 14 underwent LTx at our hospital (7 living-related; 7 cadaver). A total of 140 patients died while waiting for a transplant during the period studied. Of them, 107 were among 358 non-AHF patients (30%), and time-to-death interval was 133 +/- 175 days (median: 62); 33 were among 65 AHF patients (51%); time to death was 19 +/- 28 days (median: 8). There were 35 cadaver donor livers available during the period; 28 of 358 non-AHF patients (7.8%), and 7 of 65 AHF patients (10.7%) received cadaveric LTx. Their waiting time totaled 342 +/- 316 and 12 +/- 9 days, respectively (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Most AHF patients died unless they received liver grafts. Even with a higher priority assigned to them, AHF patients still have little chance to get a cadaver donor liver in Taiwan, and non-AHF patients have an even slimmer chance. Therefore, we need to encourage liver donation from living-related donors.

Analysis of polyglutamine-coding repeats in the TATA-binding protein in different neurodegenerative diseases

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion in the gene for TATA binding protein (TBP) has recently been described as causal for spinocerebellar ataxia type 17. The normal number of repeats has been considered to be 42 or less. An intermediate range with reduced penetrance has been assumed to be 43-47 CAA/CAG repeats. We examined this gene in 30 patients with autosomal-dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA), 35 patients with sporadic ataxia, 11 patients with Huntington's disease (HD), 351 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), 105 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 291 controls with no history of neurodegenerative disease. Three patients (one with sporadic PD and two with AD) carrying more than 42 TNRs in the TBP gene were identified. This reveals that the phenotype associated with CAG/CAA expansion in the TBP gene may be heterogeneous.

Multiple oxidative stress-response members of the Adapt78 family

Adapt78 is an oxidative and calcium stress-response gene. Its protein product is a potent natural inhibitor of the intracellular calcium signaling protein calcineurin. Much of what is known about Adapt78 protein is based on cell-transfection studies. Toward understanding natural endogenous Adapt78, we used an antibody raised against cellular Adapt78 and recently determined that endogenous Adapt78 protein, like its mRNA, is oxidative and calcium stress responsive. Here we report the identification of a second endogenous form of this protein family of 41 kDa. Subcellular fractionation of human HeLa cells revealed that in contrast to results of previous transfection studies, most endogenous Adapt78, characterized as 29 and 41 kDa electrophoretic doublets, resides in the cellular cytosol. The 41 kDa form of Adapt78 was abundant and found to exhibit many characteristics in common with the previously reported oxidative stress-responsive 29 kDa form, including hypo- and hyperphosphorylation variants, rapid loss of the hypophosphorylated form following oxidative stress, response to various kinase and phosphatase inhibitors, and localization. However, it also exhibited some unique characteristics, most notably the lack of calcium inducibility. Finally, the 29 kDa form exhibited a much shorter half-life and strong stabilization following oxidant exposure compared with the 41 kDa Adapt78 form. These data reveal the presence of a novel oxidative stress-responsive 41 kDa Adapt78 species, lend further insight into the Adapt78 family of proteins and their distribution, and challenge previous conclusions obtained using transfection protocols.