Caffeic acid attenuates tissue damage and inflammatory response in Klebsiella pneumonia by modulating AhR-Src-STAT3-IL-10 signaling pathway

CA is a plant derivative with antibacterial and antiviral pharmacological effects, however, the therapeutic effect of CA on Klebsiella pneumonia and its mechanism study is still unclear. A rat KP model was established in vitro, a pneumonia cell model was established in vivo, the histopathological changes in the lungs were observed by HE staining after CA treatment, the expression of relevant inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA, the changes in the expression of proteins related to the AhR-Src-STAT3-IL-10 signaling pathway were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence in the lungs, and the interactions between the proteins were verified by COIP relationship. The results showed that CA was able to attenuate the injury and inflammatory response of lung tissues, and molecular docking showed that there were binding sites between CA and AhR, and COIP demonstrated that AhR interacted with both STAT3 and Ser. In addition, CA was able to up-regulate the expression levels of pathway-related proteins of AhR, IL-10, p-Src, and p-STAT3, and AhR knockdown was able to reduce LPS-induced inflammatory responses and up-regulate pathway-related proteins, whereas CA treatment of AhR-knockdown-treated A549 cells did not show any statistically significant difference compared with the AhR knockdown group, demonstrating that CA exerts its pharmacological effects. These findings elucidated the mechanism of CA in the treatment of KP and demonstrated that CA is a potential therapeutic agent for KP.

Serum fibroblast growth factor-2 levels complement vital biomarkers for diagnosing heart failure

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is important as it is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure due to its ability to promote cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy; however, the relationship between FGF2 concentration and heart failure is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether FGF2 could aid in distinguishing patients with heart failure from healthy controls and those with dyspnea without heart failure. Additionally, to evaluate the possible correlation between serum FGF2 levels and its diagnostic parameters in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

Plasma FGF2 concentration was measured in 114 patients with a complaint of dyspnea (enrolled in the study between January 2022 and August 2022). Based on heart failure diagnosis, the patients were assigned to three groups, as follows: heart failure (n = 80), non-heart-failure dyspnea (n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 36), following physical examination. Possible correlations between serum FGF2 levels and other prognostic parameters in patients with heart failure were analyzed.

RESULTS

Serum FGF2 levels were higher in patients with heart failure (125.60 [88.95, 183.40] pg/mL) than in those with non-heart-failure dyspnea (65.30 [28.85, 78.95] pg/mL) and healthy controls (78.90 [60.80, 87.20] pg/mL) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified FGF2 concentration as a significant predictor in heart failure diagnosis, with an area under the curve of 0.8693 (p < 0.0001). Importantly, in the heart failure group, serum FGF2 concentrations correlated with key prognostic parameters for heart failure, such as reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and elevated serum levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum FGF2 level is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart failure and could serve as a useful biomarker to complement vital diagnostic parameters for heart failure.

[Annual progress in pulmonary rehabilitation 2023]

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a key component of long-term management strategies for chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). This comprehensive intervention, carefully tailored to individual patients based on thorough assessments, has undergone significant expansion and refinement toward personalization and precision in recent years. This review consolidates findings from studies published between October 2022 and September 2023, covering advances in CRD rehabilitation, assessment criteria, mechanisms, and innovative equipments. The primary objective is to enhance the knowledge base of healthcare professionals and pave the way for future research efforts in this important area.

Effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention on primiparas and neonates during the second stage of vaginal delivery

A prolonged second stage of vaginal delivery increases the risk of shoulder dystocia, unnecessary episiotomies and cesarean sections. However, no standardized method has been proposed to tackle this issue. The effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor in primiparas and its prognostic value in neonatal postpartum outcomes remain unknown. In the present study, a total of 60 primiparas who were expecting a vaginal delivery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College (Haikou, China) between October 2021 and January 2022 were selected. These women were randomly assigned to a control group (standard intrapartum care) or an experimental group (pelvic floor myofascial manipulation for 15-20 min during the second stage of labor along with standard intrapartum care) using a random number table, with 28 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gestational time or body mass index between the two groups before delivery, indicating that the baseline data were comparable. The second stage of labor duration, forced breath-holding time and postpartum hemorrhage volume in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The pain visual analog scale scores, fatigue scores and neonatal Apgar scores in the experimental group were also significantly lower than those in the control group. The rate of episiotomy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor for primiparas with vaginal delivery can reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, the amount of bleeding during labor and the pain during labor. Meanwhile, it has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes.

[Application of electrical impedance tomography in pulmonary rehabilitation]

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive and individualized intervention for patients suffering from respiratory dysfunction due to various diseases. This approach has been highly valued and implemented by clinical medical professionals. However, the lack of equipment and real-time monitoring of ventilatory lung function during pulmonary rehabilitation treatment is a challenge. In addition, there is a need for improved methods that can directly guide physiotherapists to provide precise treatment. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a novel medical imaging technology that allows real-time monitoring of lung ventilation status. It is currently being translated from basic research into clinical applications and is widely used in respiratory disease, particularly in critical care respiratory management. However, there is a lack of reports on pulmonary rehabilitation guidance and outcome evaluation. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of this field, with the aim of generating more ideas for clinical research and further improving individualized treatment in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for perianal fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative impact on quality of life and a tremendous burden to the healthcare system. Treatment of anal fistulas usually consists of anal surgery; however, results of closure rates are not satisfactory especially with complex perianal fistulas, after which many patients may suffer from anal incontinence. Recently, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown promising efficacy. Herein, we aim to explore whether MSCs are effective for complex perianal fistulas and if they have either short-term, medium-term, long-term or over-long-term efficacy. Additionally, we want to elucidate whether factors such as drug dosage, MSC source, cell type, and disease aetiology influence treatment efficacy. We searched four online databases and analysed data based on information within the clinical trials registry. The outcomes of eligible trials were analysed with Review Manager 5.4.1. Relative risk and related 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the effect between the MSCs and control groups. In addition, the Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the bias risk of eligible studies. Meta-analyses showed that therapy with MSCs was superior to conventional treatment for complex perianal fistulas in short-, long- and over-long-term follow-up phases. However, there was no statistical difference in treatment efficacy in the medium term between the two methods. Subgroup meta-analyses showed factors including cell type, cell source and cell dosage were superior compared to the control, but there was no significant difference between different experimental groups of those factors. Besides, local MSCs therapy has shown more promising results for fistulas as a result of Crohn's Disease (CD). Although we tend to maintain that MSCs therapy is effective for cryptoglandular fistulas equally, more studies are needed to confirm this conclusion in the future.

SHORT CONCLUSION

MSCs Transplantation could be a new therapeutic method for complex perianal fistulas of both cryptoglandular and CD origin showing high efficacy in the short-term to over-long-term phases, as well as high efficacy in sustained healing. The difference in cell types, cell sources and cell dosages did not influence MSCs' efficacy.

[Annual progress in pulmonary rehabilitation 2022]

Pulmonary rehabilitation can relieve dyspnea in patients, improve their healthy status and exercise tolerance. It is the most cost-effective comprehensive intervention. Although the role of pulmonary rehabilitation has been recognized and recommended in clinical guidelines, it is still underutilized worldwide. Therefore, how to improve the knowledge and awareness of pulmonary rehabilitation and to increase accessibility, thus promoting its application and completion, is the key point of clinical research. Related research has also made a series of important progress. This review summarized the latest research findings from September 2021 to October 2022, with the goal of increasing healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness in order to improve patient referral to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel exercise and mecobalamin in the treatment of atypical diabetic neurogenic bladder: a case report

Background

Diabetic neurogenic bladder (DNB) is one of the autonomic neuropathies of diabetes mellitus (DM), with an incidence rate reaching 40-60%. This study combined bladder function rehabilitation training and mecobalamin to treat a patient with DNB to provide reference for clinical work.

Case Description

A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital on 5 December 2018, with a 3-year history of dysuria that had progressively worsened for 15 days. The patient was treated with pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel training and mecobalamin for 6 months. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic floor surface electromyography (EMG), psychological status, and quality of life were evaluated before, during, and after treatment, and the changes in urodynamics were observed. After comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient's POP, pelvic floor muscle strength, mental state, and quality of life were significantly improved. The results of the urodynamic examination showed that the patient's safe bladder capacity reached 500 mL after treatment, in contrast to the first safe bladder capacity measurement of 90 mL. The symptoms of ureteral reflux disappeared, the detrusor compliance increased from 2 to 20 mL/cmH₂O, which roughly indicated a return to healthy function. However, there was no detrusor contraction in the bladder during urination.

Conclusions

This patient achieved good curative effect after the treatment of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation combined with mecobalamin. However, the safe capacity of the patient reported in this case showed a small bladder safe capacity, and the patient's detrusor muscle did not contract during urination. Thus, urination in this patient may be accomplished by increasing abdominal pressure. When treating patients with atypical neurogenic bladder, the adverse effects caused by excessive abdominal pressure and abdominal wall relaxation need to be considered.

[Introduction and implications of WHO position paper: vaccines against influenza, May 2022]

On May 13, 2022, World Health Organization(WHO) Position Paper on Influenza Vaccine (2022 edition) was published. This position paper updates information on influenza epidemiology, high risk population, the impact of immunization on disease, influenza vaccines and effectiveness and safety, and propose WHO's position and recommendation that all countries should consider implementing seasonal influenza vaccine immunization programmes to prepare for an influenza pandemic. In addition, it proposes that the influenza surveillance platform can be integrated with the surveillance of other respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This position paper has some implications for the prevention and control of influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases in China: (1) Optimize influenza vaccine policies to facilitate the implementation of immunization services; (2) Influenza prevention and control should from the perspective of Population Medicine focus on the individual and community to integrate with "Promotion, Prevention, Diagnosis, Control, Treatment, Rehabilitation"; (3) Incorporate prevention and control of other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus, and intelligently monitor by integrating multi-channel data to achieve the goal of co-prevention and control of multiple diseases.

[A survey on clinical practice of tracheostomy decannulation in medical institutions at all levels across the country]

Objective: A questionnaire survey was conducted on the clinical practice of tracheostomy decannulation among medical staff in medical institutions at all levels across the country. Methods: The questionnaire was determined by literature review and expert consultation to investigate the clinical practice of tracheostomy decannulation among medical staff in comprehensive and rehabilitation hospitals of different levels across the country and the factors considered when deciding to decannulate. Statistical methods used χ² test and one-way ANOVA. Results: A total of 570 questionnaires were collected from all over the country, with 463 valid questionnaires. The survey results showed that the most important factors in clinical practice to determine the decannulation of the tracheostomy tube were upper airway patency, cough effectiveness, level of consciousness and oxygenation. Before decannulation, 220 (47.50%) would choose to change to metal cannula, and 384 (82.90%) would routinely occlude the tube. 294 (63.50%) thought that re-intubation within 24 hours after decannulation of the tracheostomy tube was failure of decannulation. The decannulation failure rate was mostly 2%-5%. Conclusions: Upper airway patency, cough effectiveness, level of consciousness and oxygenation were important factors when considering decannulation. Reintubation within 24 hours of decannulation was defined as failure by the majority of respondents.

Characterization of nitrilases from Variovorax boronicumulans that functions in insecticide flonicamid degradation and β-cyano-L-alanine detoxification

AIMS

To characterize the functions of nitrilases of Variovorax boronicumulans CGMCC 4969 and evaluate flonicamid (FLO) degradation and β-cyano-L-alanine (Ala(CN)) detoxification by this bacterium.

METHODS AND RESULTS

V. boronicumulans CGMCC 4969 nitrilases (NitA and NitB) were purified and substrate specificity assay indicated that both of them degraded insecticide FLO to N-(4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl)glycinamide (TFNG-AM) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinol glycine (TFNG). Ala(CN), a plant detoxification intermediate, was hydrolyzed by NitB. Escherichia coli overexpressing NitA and NitB degraded 41.2 and 93.8% of FLO (0.87 mmol·L^-1 ) within 1 h, with half-lives of 1.30 and 0.25 h, respectively. NitB exhibited the highest nitrilase activity toward FLO. FLO was used as a substrate to compare their enzymatic properties. NitB was more tolerant to acidic conditions and organic solvents than NitA. Conversely, NitA was more tolerant to metal ions than NitB. CGMCC 4969 facilitated FLO degradation in soil and surface water and utilized Ala(CN) as a sole nitrogen source for growth.

CONCLUSIONS

CGMCC 4969 efficiently degraded FLO mediated by NitA and NitB; NitB was involved in Ala(CN) detoxification.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study promotes our understanding of versatile functions of nitrilases from CGMCC 4969 that is promising for environmental remediation.

Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcription analysis in tongue and biceps femoris muscles of cloned pigs with macroglossia

Cloned animals are prone to abnormal phenotypes such as enlarged tongue, fetal oversize, and progeria. In the present study, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and mRNA sequencing were performed on tongue and biceps femoris muscles of cloned piglets with and without macroglossia, in an attempt to elucidate the epigenetic causes of the macroglossia phenotype. We identified 14 958 and 18 752 differentially methylated regions in the tongue and biceps femoris muscles, respectively, of macroglossia piglets and these correspond to 4574 and 4772 differentially methylated genes compared with the control group (piglets without macroglossia). Larger methylation difference was found in tongue muscle than in biceps femoris muscle. In total, 114 genes in tongue and 72 genes in biceps femoris muscles were found to be differentially expressed between the two groups. Of these differentially expressed genes in tongue muscle, 31 were also differentially methylated genes, among which DIO3 and ZIC1 were imprinting or predicted imprinting genes. These two and another six overlapping genes (ALDH1A2, MKX, MAB21L2, CA3, RANBP3L, and MYL10) are crucial factors involved in embryonic development or tissue and organ development. GO enrichment analysis suggested possible alteration of these processes. Our study provides novel molecular insights into the formation of macroglossia in cloned pigs.

[Preliminary study of the changes in blood system in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-related liver damage]

Objective: To preliminary explore the changes in blood system in pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)-related liver damage. Methods: General situation, liver function, biochemical blood test, routine blood test, coagulation function markers, etc., of 77 cases with drug-induced liver damage admitted to the Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from 2012 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' were divided into PA group, other traditional Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group according to their medication history. Simultaneously, the changes in liver function were observed in the established mice model of monocrotaline-induced liver damage. Liver tissues HE staining and blood routine indexes were observed. Results: 24 cases received PA, 24 cases received other traditional Chinese medicine, and 29 cases received western medicine. Alanine aminotransferase was lower in PA group than the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were significantly lower than the other traditional Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05). The peripheral platelet count of the PA group was (84.11 ± 26.91) ×10(9)/L, which was significantly lower than the lower limit of normal, and had statistically significant difference with other traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine group (P < 0.01). Thrombocytocrit, mean platelet volume and platelet indices of PA group were statistically different from the other two groups (P < 0.05). The D-dimer level in patients with PA group was (2.62 ± 1.93) mg/L, which was higher than the upper limit of normal, and significantly higher than the D-dimer level of the other two groups of patients (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, prothrombin time was longer in PA group than that of the other two groups (P < 0.01), and platelets count were decreased significantly in the mouse model of monocrotaline-induced liver damage after alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase elevation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: PA-related liver damage has lower peripheral platelet counts, and the peripheral platelet counts of these patients are lower than other types of drug-induced liver damage. In addition, increased D-dimer in patients with PA-related liver damage indicate a potential risk of thrombosis.

[Correlation between systemic inflammation level and emphysema degree and bone mineral density in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and its mechanism]

Objective: To study the correlation between systemic inflammation level and emphysema degree and bone mineral density in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its possible mechanism. Methods: 90 patients with stable COPD who met the inclusion criteria and 50 controls in the physical examination center during the same period were recruited. All the enrolled objects have collected general clinical data, analyzed peripheral blood samples, measuring the Low-attenuation area of lung and CT value of lumbar 1 vertebra (L1-CT) by chest spiral CT. According to LAA%, COPD patients were divided into 36 cases of the non-emphysema group, 32cases of mild to moderate emphysema group, and 22 cases of severe emphysema group. The correlation between L1-CT value, LAA%, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and pulmonary function indices in each group was analyzed and compared. Results: The HU value of L1-CT (107±32) in the COPD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (153±30), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The higher the LAA% in COPD patients was, the lower the value of L1-CT was, and the difference between groups was statistically significant. Compared with COPD patients in the non-emphysema group, peripheral blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were all increased in the emphysema group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). L1-CT was negatively correlated with LAA, PLR, NLR, and CRP while uncorrelated with serum concentration of calcium and phosphorus. Conclusion: The decrease in bone density in COPD patients is closely related to the degree of emphysema. It is associated with increased levels of systemic inflammation caused by COPD itself. Early and timely broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory treatment may have certain clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of comorbidity with osteoporosis.

[An analysis of insomnia and its influencing factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the current situation of insomnia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and analyze the influencing factors of insomnia in the ACS patients, so as to provide information on the development of new strategies for the treatment of insomnia in ACS patients. Methods: This is a multicenter and prospective observational study. A total of 771 ACS patients who met the criteria were selected from March 2013 to June 2015. The baseline social demographic information, sleep quality questionnaire, general anxiety disorder scale-7(GAD-7),patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), short-form 12 health survey questionnaire(SF-12), and enhancing recovery in coronary heart disease patients social inventory(ESSI) were completed within 7 days after admission. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the influencing factors of insomnia in ACS patients. Results: A total of 741 subjects with valid questionnaires were collected, including 510 males (68.8%) and 231 females (31.2%). Among them, 487 (65.7%) subjects had at least one insomnia symptom: 308 (41.6%) subjects had difficulty in falling asleep, 369 (49.8%) subjects were easy to wake at night, 116 (15.7%) subjects woke up earlier than they expected, 74 (10.0%) subjects experienced both woke up earlier and difficulty in falling asleep, and 53 (7.2%) subjects woke up earlier, woke up at night and had difficulty in falling asleep at the same time. Logistic regression analyses showed that before admission physical activity (OR =0.636, 95%CI 0.411-0.984), depression (OR=1.908, 95%CI 1.101-3.305) and low social support (OR=0.278, 95%CI 1.198-3.301) were independent factors of insomnia in ACS patients. Conclusions: Nearly 2/3 ACS patients have symptoms of insomnia. Difficulty in falling asleep and easy to wake up at night are the most common manifestations. Physical activity, depression and social support independently are associated with insomnia.

Biotransformation of insecticide flonicamid by Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 via nitrile hydratase catalysed hydration pathway

AIMS

This study evaluates flonicamid biotransformation ability of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 and the enzyme catalytic mechanism involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flonicamid transformed by resting cells of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was carried out. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 converts flonicamid into N-(4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl) glycinamide (TFNG-AM). Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms 31·1% of the flonicamid in a 200 mg l^-1 conversion solution in 96 h. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was inoculated in soil, and 72·1% of flonicamid with a concentration of 0·21 μmol g^-1 was transformed in 9 days. The recombinant Escherichia coli expressing Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 nitrile hydratase (NHase) and purified NHase were tested for the flonicamid transformation ability, both of them acquired the ability to transform flonicamid into TFNG-AM.

CONCLUSIONS

Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms flonicamid into TFNG-AM via hydration pathway mediated by cobalt-containing NHase.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report that bacteria of genus Aminobacter has flonicamid-transforming ability. This study enhances our understanding of flonicamid-degrading mechanism. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 has the potential for bioremediation of flonicamid pollution.

[Preliminary results of Chinese magnetic sphincter augmentation in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To examine the preliminary clinical efficacy of Chinese magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: According to the enrollment criteria for the MSA developed by ShengJieKang Co. and Shanghai Chest Hospital (SS-MSA) clinical trial, a total of 19 GERD patients were treated with SS-MSA from August 2018 to January 2020 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The majority of registered cases were male patients with age of (32.2±7.3) years (range: 22 to 50 years), height of (170.7±6.2) cm (range: 160 to 179 cm) and weight of (65.2±10.3) kg (range: 47.5 to 90.0 kg). SS-MSA was implanted via laparoscopy. The major evaluation indexs of postoperative efficacy were the total time of acid exposure within 24 hours and the total number of reflux. Secondary efficacy indicators included: (1) evaluation of the average daily dose of proton pump inhibitor medications; (2) the score of GERD health related quality of life questionnaire (GERD-Q) before and after MSA implantation. Paired design t-test was used to evaluate the efficacy of the SS-MSA. Results: A total of 19 patients underwent SS-MSA surgery successfully. The history of the GERD were 19 (54) months (M(Q(R))). The operation time was 63 (22) minutes and the in-hospital stay was 3 (2) days. No obvious surgical complications occurred. Postoperative adverse events included 14 cases with mild to moderate dysphagia exited after surgery, gradually eased within 1 to 3 months, 1 case with the removal of the device after 1 month of severe swallowing difficulties, 1 case of diarrhea. No corrosion, perforation, displacement occurred. The GERD-Q score (11.0(4.5) vs. 6(1.0), t=4.274, P=0.013), 24-hour acid exposure time (6.2(4.8)% vs. 0.1(0.9)%, t=5.814, P=0.004), and Demeester score (23.72(16.20) vs. 0.96(3.10), t=6.678, P=0.003) were significantly decreased 1 year after surgery(n=5). Proton pump inhibitor reuse rates were 6/18, 5/15, 3/10, and 1/5 in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation, respectively. Conclusions: SS-MSA implantation is feasible and safe with short hospital stay and rare perioperative complications. The preliminary results is good after 1 year follow-up. It could be expected to be an ideal substitutive for future GERD treatment.

[Clinical study of apatinib combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with negative driving genes]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with negative driving genes. Methods: From January 2016 to March 2018, 62 advanced NSCLC patients with negative driving genes diagnosed at Xuzhou Cancer Hospital were randomly divided into study group (30 cases) and control group (32 cases), respectively. The patients in the study group were treated with standard first-line chemotherapy combined with apatinib, while those in control group were treated with chemotherapy alone. Results: The disease control rate (DCR) and objective remission rate (ORR) in the study group were 60.0% and 16.7%, respectively, higher than 46.9% and 9.3% in the control group, but without statistical difference (P>0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) of study group and control group were 6.4 months and 4.9 months, respectively (P=0.004), and the median overall survival (OS) were 11.3 months and 9.2 months, respectively (P=0.006). Multivariate survival analysis indicated that treatment regimen (P=0.001) was the independent prognostic factor of PFS, and PS score (P=0.002), clinical stage (P=0.02) and treatment regimen (P<0.001) were the independent prognostic factors of OS. After treatment, the incidence of hypertension and hand-foot syndrome in the study group were 46.7% and 53.3%, respectively, significantly higher than 3.3% and 0 in the control group, respectively (P<0.05). The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the study group was 26.7% (8/30), mainly including hypertension, hand-foot syndrome and bone marrow suppression. The incidence of grade 3-4 ADRs in the control group was 15.6% (5/32), all of which were bone marrow suppression, without significant difference (P=0.286). There was no difference in serum levels of VEGF and CEA between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the serum level of VEGF in the study group was (169.3±10.1) pg/ml, lower than (211.8±16.7) pg/ml of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Apatinib combined with first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients with negative driving genes is safe and beneficial for survival. This therapeutic strategy can significantly prolong the PFS and OS, and further improvement and application can be considered as a choice in the clinical treatment.

Development of Al-TiCN nanocomposites via ultrasonic assisted casting route

This work provides a promising approach to achieve the uniform distribution of TiCN nanoparticles (NPs) in aluminum matrix via a combination of ultrasonic dispersion and fast cooling processing. Microstructure analysis demonstrates that as the cooling rate is increased, the NP distribution in the matrix varies from intergranular to intragranular at micro scale and the NP-matrix interface from incoherent to coherent at nano scale. An analytical model is proposed to unveil the effects of cooling rates on the behavior of NPs at the solidification front. The theoretical analysis reveals that the NP size and cooling rate are the two prominent factors determining the NP distribution during solidification of nanocomposites. The experimental results yield an insight into the understanding of NP-induced microstructural evolution and shed new light on the development of high-performance nanocomposites.

[High mobility group box1 contributes to hypoxia-induced barrier dysfunction of nasal epithelial cells]

Objective:To investigated the promotion of high mobility group box1 (HMGB1) under hypoxia, and determined the regulatory role of HMGB1 on the barrier function of nasal epithelial cells.Method:Primary nasal epithelial cells (NECs) collected from patients with septal deviation were cultured at air-liquid interface. The release of HMGB1 under hypoxia was detected by ELISA. The effect of HMGB1 on fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran 4 kDa (FD4) permeability of NECs was measured. Western blot analysis was utilized to examine the level of major junction proteins, namely E-cadherin, ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1.Result:The release of HMGB1 was significantly upregulated in NECs under hypoxia. Recombinant human HMGB1 increased FD4 permeability in a dose and time-dependent manner, indicating the impaired epithelial barrier function. HMGB1-mediated barrier hyperpermeability was accompanied by the selective downregulation of ZO-1, occludin and Claudin-1, but not E-cadherin.Conclusion:HMGB1 mediates hypoxia-induce barrier dysfunction of nasal epithelium, which may be a potential target for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

[Analyzing the mental health status and its impact factors among female nurses in China]

Objective: To analyze the mental health status and its impact factors among nurses, finding ways to improve the mental health of nurses. Methods: A total of 13 425 female healthcare workers aged from 18 to 65 were selected as study objects. The survey was conducted with unified design questionnaire. The survey included the basic situation of the individuals and SCL-90 questionnaire. Comparing the female doctors, the mental health status and its impact factors of nurses were analyzed. Results: The income, age, education and occupation, which include shift work, heavy work load and overtime work are different between nurses and doctors. The main mental health problems of nurses were obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive symptoms and somatization. The results of univariate analysis indicated that shift work, overtime work, and heavy work load affected the positive rate of each factor. The results of multivariate analysis showed that occupation, shift work, overtime work, and heavy work load have significant adverse effects on the positive rate of the total score in female healthcare workers (P<0.01) . The positive rate of each dimension of SCL-90 in nurses is significantly higher than that of doctors. Conclusion: The mental health problems of nurses are significantly higher than doctors. The main reasons are low occupational level and adverse workstyles which include shift work, heavy workload and so on. Health administration and hospital management departments should pay much more attention to the mental health of nurses, improving their mental health through a variety of ways.

[Verification of skin paste electrodes used in wireless polysomnography]

OBJECTIVE

To explore an electrode suitable for wireless portable sleep monitoring equipment and analyze the result of the signals of electrooculogram (EOG) and electroencephalography (EEG) collected by this kind of flexible electrodes.

METHODS

The flexible electrodes were prepared by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. This kind of electrodes consisted parylene, chromium, and gold. Parylene, the flexible substrate of this kind of flexible electrodes, was of biocompatibility. Between parylene and gold there was an adhesion layer of chromium, which connected parylene and gold tightly. Then the flexible electrodes were stuck to medical adhesive tape. The electrodes were designed and made into a grid to make sure that the medical adhesive tape could tape on the skin tightly, so that the contact impedance between the electrodes and the skin would be reduced. Then the alternating current impedance of the electrode were tested by the CHI660E electrochemical workstation after the electrode was achieved. To make sure that this kind of electrodes could be used in EOG monitoring, the electrodes were connected to a wireless signal acquisition suite containing special biological signal acquisition and digital processing chip to gather different sites around the eyes and the electrical signals of different directions of the eye movements, then analyzed the signal-to-noise ratio of the EOG. At the end, the Philips A6 polysomnography was used to compare the noise amplitude of the EEG signals collected by the flexible electrode and the gold cup electrode.

RESULTS

The electrodes stuck to the skin tightly, and these electrodes could collect signals that we wanted while the experiment was performed. The alternating current impedance of the flexible electrode was between 4 kΩ and 13 kΩ while with the frequency of alternating current under 100 Hz, most EEG signal frequencies were at this range. The EOG signals collected by the flexible electrodes were in line with the clinical requirements. The noise amplitude of EEG signals collected by the flexible electrodes was lower than that of the electrical signals collected by the gold cup electrodes.

CONCLUSION

The flexible electrode could be taken into consideration as an alternative electrode for monitoring EOG and EEG signals, and the wireless portable sleep monitoring devices are to be further developed in the future.

[Ovarian tumor associated with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a report of 15 cases]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features of patients with ovarian tumor and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR) encephalitis, and to explore the influence of operation patterns on the prognosis. Methods: The clinical information of patients with ovarian tumor and anti-NMDAR encephalitis in The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University and The Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University were collected and analyzed. Results: There were 15 patients were enrolled in this study, with the average age of 24.5±5.0 years old. The most frequent first symptom was psychosis. The main clinical features were psychosis, seizures, conscious disturbance, autonomic dysfunction, dyskinesia, central hypoventilation and impaired memory. Most patients' symptoms were relieved after immunotherapy and surgery. The number of favorable prognosis of patients (mRS score 0-2) with ovariectomy was higher than that of the patients with ovarian cystectomy (5 vs 3). But the difference had no statistical significance (P=0.529). Conclusions: For young female patients with psychosis, we should be alert to the possibility of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and screen for tumor. Treated with immunotherapy and operation, most patients can get a favorable prognosis.

[Effects of voice therapy and psychological intervention on anxious and depressive in patients with voice disorders]

Objective:To investigate the expression of miR 34a in epithelial cells of nasal polyps (NPs) and to determine its effects on hypoxia induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).method:Nasal epithelial cells (NECs) were collected from NPs and normal inferior turbinates. miR-34a expression was detected by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In addition, normal NECs were cultured under normoxia/hypoxia conditons. The effects of miR-34a mimics on hypoxia induced EMT were investigated.result:miR-34a was specifically down-regulated in NECs of NP. Hypoxia decreased miR-34a expression in vitro. Furthermore, E-cadherin and α-SMA were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively. miR-34a mimics transfection can reverse this process.Conclusion:miR-34a suppress hypoxia-induced EMT in NECs. The down-regulation of miR-34a may contribute to nasal polypogenesis.

Effect of temperature on endogenous hormone levels and opposite phyllotaxy in maize leaf primordial

Newly identified maize (Zea mays) mutants with opposite leaf phyllotaxy are important in the study of the maize crop. Previous studies have revealed the developmental mechanism of opposite phyllotaxy on the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels. However, there have been few reports regarding the effects of changes in endogenous hormone levels in maize leaf primordia under different conditions. We conducted field studies to examine the influence of different environmental factors on leaf primordia differentiation. Our results indicated that compared with other major environmental factors, temperature was significantly positively correlated with the ratio of maize plants with opposite phyllotaxy. We examined endogenous hormone levels in maize at different temperatures using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the ratio of maize plants with opposite phyllotaxy was mainly influenced by the cytokinin/auxin ratio. In addition, at the same temperature, the ratio of cytokinin/auxin in maize with opposite phyllotaxy was significantly higher than that near isogenic lines with alternate phyllotaxy.

Microwave photonic comb filter with ultra-fast tunability

A microwave comb filter with ultra-fast tunability is proposed based on the fundamental delay-line microwave photonic filter. The central frequency of the passband or stopband in such a filter can be rapidly adjusted, along with the independent tunability of the free spectral range (FSR). Experimental results show that the central frequency of the transfer function is electronically tuned with a frequency difference of half of the FSR at a speed of <100  ps. Such high-speed tunability is vital for high-speed microwave switching, frequency hopping, cognitive radio, and next-generation radar systems.

Rapid development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) using next-generation sequencing technology

Anthropogenic activities have seriously impacted wild resources of the Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii, and more information on local and regional population genetic structure is required to aid the conservation of this species. In this study, we report the development of 12 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci using next-generation sequencing technology, and the genotyping of 24 individuals collected from a sturgeon farm. The results show that the mean number of ob-served alleles per locus is 6.6 (ranging from 2 to 17). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0 to 0.958 and from 0.508 to 0.940, respectively. Not a single locus showed significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no linkage disequilibrium was observed among any pairwise loci. These highly informative microsatellite markers will be useful for genetic diversity and population structure analyses of A. schrenckii and other species of this genus.

Screening relevant genes of tolerance to low phosphorus in maize using cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism

Soil contains a large amount of phosphorus, but plants cannot absorb most of this phosphorus effectively. Low inorganic phosphorus has been singled out as a major constraint that leads to a perpetually low Zea mays (maize) grain yield. The fundamental approach to solving this problem is to screen new genes of low phosphorous (LP) tolerance. Consequently, the exploration and utilization of LP-tolerant genes are of great significance in plants. The maize inbred line 178 is an inbred LP-tolerant line. In the current study, the expression of this inbred line was induced under the stress of LP conditions. We applied cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism to screen LP-tolerant genes and obtained and sequenced 78 differentially expressed gene fragments. Their functions were predicted via bioinformatic analysis. There were no function annotations for 8 differentially expressed fragments. Nine genes exhibited high homology to Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa genes involved in phosphorus metabolism. This study lays a good foundation for further cloning and verification of the genes involved in phosphorus metabolism in maize.

A genome-wide analysis of the ERF gene family in sorghum

The ethylene response factor (ERF) family are members of the APETALA2 (AP2)/ERF transcription factor superfamily; they are known to play an important role in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress. ERF genes have been studied in Arabidopsis, rice, grape, and maize; however, there are few reports of ERF genes in sorghum. We identified 105 sorghum ERF (SbERF) genes, which were categorized into 12 groups (A-1 to A-6 and B-1 to B-6) based on their sequence similarity, and this new method of classification for ERF genes was then further characterized. A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of SbERF genes was performed using a sorghum genomic database, to analyze the phylogeny of SbERF genes, identify other conserved motifs apart from the AP2/ERF domain, map SbERF genes to the 10 sorghum chromosomes, and determine the tissue-specific expression patterns of SbERF genes. Gene clustering indicates that SbERF genes were generated by tandem duplications. Comparison of SbERF genes with maize ERF homologs suggests lateral gene transfer between monocot species. These results can contribute to our understanting of the evolution of the ERF gene family.

In Vivo and In Vitro Silica Induces Nuclear Factor Egr-1 Activation Mediated by ERK 1/2 in RAW264.7 Cell Line

The transcription factor early growth response gene (Egr-1) is a stress response gene activated by various forms of stress. The effect of silica on transcription and expression of Egr-1 was investigated in rat lung and in RAW264.7 cells. Silica induced the expression of Egr-1 in vivo and was mainly located in alveolar macrophage cells and lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, silica induced Egr-1 mRNA and protein expression in cultured RAW264.7 cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed translocation of Egr-1 to the nucleus in response to silica. The contribution of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway to the activation of Egr-1 in response to silica was examined. Exposure to silica resulted in a rapid phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 kinases in RAW264.7 cells. MAP Kinase Kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 prevented Egr-1 induction by silica. The results suggest that silica could induce Egr-1 activation in macrophages in vivo and in vitro and that phosphorylated ERK 1/2 may be involved in this action.

Silica Induces Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression through a MAPKs/AP-1-Dependent Mechanism in Human Lung Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plays an important role in the silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The effect of silica on the expression of PAI-1 was investigated in human lung epithelial cells (A549). Silica induced PAI-1 expression in a concentration-(50-200 mug/mL) and time-(4-24 h) dependent manner in A549 cells. Furthermore, the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways in silica-induced PAI-1 expression were examined. We found that silica (200 mug/mL) treatment for 4 to 24 h resulted in AP-1 activation in A549 cells. Cells were pretreated with the AP-1 inhibitor curcumin (10, 25, 50 muM), and silica-induced PAI-1 expression was reduced by 20%, 63%, and 65%, respectively. In addition, dominant-negative mutant c-Jun (TAM67) down-regulated silica-induced PAI-1 expression by 59%. P38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 (20 muM) and Erk inhibitor PD98059 (50 muM) suppressed silica-induced PAI-1 expression by 35% and 51%, respectively. Additionally, PD98059 but not SB203580 inhibited the AP-1 DNA binding activity induced by silica. The results suggest that the PAI-1 expression induced by silica may be involved in the activation of MAPKs/AP-1 signaling pathways in human lung epithelial cells.

Acute treatment with candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, improves insulin sensitivity in high-fructose-diet-fed rats

We aimed to determine whether acute treatment with candesartan cilexetil (CV-11974), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) can improve insulin sensitivity in high-fructose-diet (HFD)-fed rats. In vivo glucose utilization was measured by applying the euglycemic clamp technique and the expression levels of insulin-signaling molecules in skeletal muscles were examined by western blotting. A bolus injection of CV-11974 improved the glucose infusion rate (GIR) of HFD-fed rats to the level of the control rats. Furthermore, restoration of impaired tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) β, Akt phosphorylation at Ser⁴⁷³ and Thr³⁰⁸, and phosphorylation of the 160-kDa Akt substrate (AS160) in the skeletal muscles of HFD-fed rats were achieved by this treatment. These results suggest that acute administration of candesartan cilexetil can increase insulin sensitivity of HFD-fed rats, which is associated with improved insulin signaling in skeletal muscles.

Molecular mapping of genes for opposite leafing in maize using simple-sequence repeat markers

Maize with opposite phyllotaxy (OP) and also initiating ears in opposite pairs is an aberrant mutant and also precious material for maize breeding and plant evolution studies. Mapping and identifying the markers closely linked to genes for the OP trait are essential for cloning the gene and marker-assisted selection in breeding. We established H14D, a near-isogenic line of the OP trait with H53 genetic background. We found that the OP trait is regulated by two independent dominant genes with mutually complementary relations, named Opp-1 and Opp-2. Screening of seven simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers among the 105 pairs of SSR primers showed polymorphism between the inbred lines H14D and H53. The polymorphic SSR markers were then used to determine linkage with the trait in an F(2) population with 441 progeny, suggesting that SSR marker umc2094 in the Bin2.01 region is linked with Opp-1 at 6.7 cM, and bnlg1831 in Bin2.06 is linked with Opp-2 at 6.1 cM. Further investigation showed that bnlg1092 and umc1028 are linked to Opp-1 and Opp-2 genes, with genetic distances of 12.2 and 1.9 cM. It was also found that the four SSR markers flank the two OP genes, respectively. These results will be useful for marker-assisted selection breeding of OP maize and will also strengthen the basis for cloning of the opposite leafing gene.

Molecular and functional analysis of the poly-β-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis operon of Pseudomonas sp BJ-1

The operon comprising the genes for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis in Pseudomonas sp BJ-1 was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 8991 bp revealed that the regions contain two related operons. The first operon contains the three genes phbA, phbB and phbC, and the other contains the two genes flp1 and flp2. The deduced amino acid sequences of PHBA and PHBB showed high identity with other bacterial PHB genes. Transcription of the three genes of the first operon is controlled by a single hypothetical promoter region, whereas the other two flp genes are controlled by two hypothetical promoter regions. Analysis of expressed protein at different times showed that PHBA protein levels increased from 0 to 4 h; PHBB and PHBC showed similar kinetics. Detection of enzyme activity showed three proteins with bioactivity and biological function in the synthesis of PHB intermediates.

Combined effects of short-term calorie restriction and exercise on insulin action in normal rats

The present study examined the effect of combination of short-term calorie restriction (CR) and moderate exercise on insulin action in normal rats. Rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: ad libitum, sedentary (A-Sed); calorie restriction, sedentary (CR-Sed); ad libitum, exercise (A-Ex); and calorie restriction, exercise (CR-Ex). Rats in the exercise groups were run on a rodent treadmill. Rats in the CR groups were fed every alternate day. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed improvements in both CR-Sed and A-Ex groups compared with the A-Sed group; no further improvement in glucose tolerance was observed in the CR-Ex group. In contrast, glucose infusion rates (GIRs) determined by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp method indicated that the GIR of the CR and exercise combination was significantly better than that of the sole intervention of CR or exercise. There was no difference in the levels of fasting glucose, insulin, or high-molecular weight forms of adiponectin among the 4 groups. Protein expression of GLUT-4 in the skeletal muscle increased by exercise, but not by CR. Our findings indicate that the combination of exercise and CR may be effective in enhancing insulin sensitivity at the skeletal muscle in normal subjects.

Molecular marker-assisted selection of the ae alleles in maize

The ae (amylose extender) recessive mutant alleles in maize are an important genetic resource for the development of high-amylose cultivars. On the basis of ae allele sequences (from the National Center for Biotechnology Information), the ae mutant alleles were cloned from high-amylose maize and the allelic Ae gene from common maize luyuan92 inbred lines. Five pairs of primers were designed to screen for a molecular marker of ae alleles, yielding a dominant molecular marker, ae474. We used 53 types of high-amylose maize and common maize inbred lines and their hybrid and backcross offspring for verification and analysis. The ae dominant molecular marker was effective in selecting for the ae alleles and for biological materials with a high-amylose genotype. Presence and absence of the marker in the offspring conformed to the expected Mendelian ratios. Using this marker, we were able to detect the ae alleles in a backcross and its second generation more efficiently (53.3 and 73.3%, respectively) than was possible without marker selection. These data indicate that the marker can be used as a tool to improve selection efficiency and accelerate the cultivation of new varieties of high-amylose maize.

Effect of non-oil-seed pulses on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled experimental trials in people with and without diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Dietary non-oil-seed pulses (chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils, etc.) are a good source of slowly digestible carbohydrate, fibre and vegetable protein and a valuable means of lowering the glycaemic-index (GI) of the diet. To assess the evidence that dietary pulses may benefit glycaemic control, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled experimental trials investigating the effect of pulses, alone or as part of low-GI or high-fibre diets, on markers of glycaemic control in people with and without diabetes.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for relevant controlled trials of >or=7 days. Two independent reviewers (A. Esfahani and J. M. W. Wong) extracted information on study design, participants, treatments and outcomes. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by chi (2) and quantified by I (2). Meta-regression models identified independent predictors of effects.

RESULTS

A total of 41 trials (39 reports) were included. Pulses alone (11 trials) lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) (-0.82, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.27) and insulin (-0.49, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.04). Pulses in low-GI diets (19 trials) lowered glycosylated blood proteins (GP), measured as HbA(1c) or fructosamine (-0.28, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.14). Finally, pulses in high-fibre diets (11 trials) lowered FBG (-0.32, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.15) and GP (-0.27, 95% CI -0.45 to -0.09). Inter-study heterogeneity was high and unexplained for most outcomes, with benefits modified or predicted by diabetes status, pulse type, dose, physical form, duration of follow-up, study quality, macronutrient profile of background diets, feeding control and design.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Pooled analyses demonstrated that pulses, alone or in low-GI or high-fibre diets, improve markers of longer term glycaemic control in humans, with the extent of the improvements subject to significant inter-study heterogeneity. There is a need for further large, well-designed trials.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome in healthy piglets

A study on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in piglets was conducted after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administrations of 2.0 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Plasma concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography assay with UV detector at 268-nm wavelength. Plasma concentration-time data after i.v. administration were best fit by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic values were distribution half-life 0.27 +/- 0.21 h, elimination half-life 1.85 +/- 1.11 h, total body clearance 0.26 +/- 0.08 L/kg.h, area under curve 8.07 +/- 1.91 microg x h/mL and volume of distribution at steady state 0.46 +/- 0.10 L/kg. Plasma concentration-time data after i.m. administration were also best fit by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were distribution half-life 0.88 +/- 0.42 h, elimination half-life 4.36 +/- 2.35 h, peak concentration 4.01 +/- 0.57 microg/mL and bioavailability 95.13 +/- 9.93%.

Embryos sired by males without accessory sex glands induce failure of uterine support: a study of VEGF, MMP and TGF expression in the golden hamster

To account for reproductive failure induced by surgical deletion of paternal accessory sex glands in the golden hamster in vivo, we studied expression of vegf, FLT-1 (VEGF-R1), FLK-1 (VEGF-R2), MMP and TGF-beta in endometrium of the dam and sired embryos during 5-7 days post coitum by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, semiquantitative RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spatiotemporal pattern of vegf expression in the control animals was similar to that reported for intact animals by our group. Removal of paternal ampullary glands did not disturb the normal expression pattern. Removal of ventral prostate glands alone or all accessory sex glands was associated with reduction of vegf transcripts and protein levels in both the embryo and endometrium. FLT-1, FLK-1 and MMP-2 were also reduced. MMP-1 was not changed whereas TGF-beta1 expression was enhanced. There was no expression in endometrium in between implantation sites. Thus the implanted embryos had a trophic effect on growth factor production by the endometrium, and the levels of expression were determined by viability and structural integrity of the conceptus. Based on these findings we concluded that incompetent embryos sired by males without the ventral prostate gland or all accessory sex glands reduced the potential of the uterus to support pregnancy. A negative cycle of events was thus set up and eventually led to premature termination of pregnancies.

RelB-p50 NF-kappa B complexes are selectively induced by cytomegalovirus immediate-early protein 1: differential regulation of Bcl-x(L) promoter activity by NF-kappa B family members

The NF-kappa B/Rel family has been implicated in control of transcription of the Bcl-x(L) gene, a target which mediates cell survival signals. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early protein 1 (IE1) was previously shown to induce NF-kappa B activity. Here, we report that in both vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and NIH 3T3 cells, surprisingly, IE1 failed to induce Bcl-x(L) promoter activity, although it induced activity of E8-CAT, a reporter construct driven by two copies of the NF-kappa B element upstream of the c-myc promoter (upstream regulatory element [URE]). Thus, the subunit nature of the NF-kappa B/Rel factors induced by IE1 was examined using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. IE1 was found to selectively induce nuclear RelB and p50 in SMCs and NIH 3T3 cells. An increase in RelB protein mediated by IE1 could, in part, be related to an increase in steady-state relB mRNA levels. Consistent with this subunit identification, IE1 was unable to induce E8-CAT activity in relB(-/-) murine embryonic fibroblast cells. In cotransfection analysis of SMCs and NIH 3T3 cells, RelB and p50 proteins failed to induce Bcl-x(L) promoter activity while inducing E8-CAT. Furthermore, the NF-kappa B element of the Bcl-x(L) promoter only weakly bound RelB-p50 complexes compared to the URE NF-kappa B element. Overall, these findings demonstrate in SMCs and NIH 3T3 cells that the CMV IE1 protein selectively induces RelB and p50, which fail to activate the Bcl-x(L) promoter, indicating a strong specificity of binding and activity for the RelB member of the NF-kappa B family. Furthermore, our results implicate RelB in CMV infection of cells such as vascular SMCs.

The growth arrest specific gene (gas6) protein is expressed in abnormal embryos sired by male golden hamsters with accessory sex glands removed

Expression of growth arrest specific gene (gas6) and its receptors in embryonic and uterine tissues in normal pregnancy and pregnancy that produces abnormal embryos sired by hamsters with partial or total deletion of male accessory sex glands was studied by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerization reaction and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay. At oestrus, very strong gas6 mRNA and Gas6 expression were seen only in the uterine epithelium and endometrial glands. Upon implantation, both of them could be demonstrated in the decidualizing stroma. From day 4 to day 7 p.c, gas6 mRNA was present in the embryo, but Gas6 immunoreactivity was only found in those showing features of degeneration. The gas6:beta-actin mRNA ratio was low in oestrus and at day 4 of pregnancy but rose as the embryo grew. As for the receptors, Rse was detected in embryonic cells during days 5-7 p.c., and decidual cell from days 4 to 7 p.c., but Mer could be found in decidual cells and trophoblasts. It was concluded that gas6 had a role in endometrial transformation during decidualization and trophoblastic invasion. In the embryo, gas6 was transcribed, but the protein was only produced in response to need, such as when normal progression of development was threatened.

Ablation of paternal accessory sex glands is detrimental to embryo development during implantation

The accessory sex glands are present in most mammals, but their function(s) have not yet been clearly defined. In the golden hamster, removal of all the glands or the ventral prostate alone have been shown to considerably reduce fertility, while the effect is milder if the ampullary glands only are removed. In this study, embryo development from the 5th to the 7th day after mating are examined. Structural and morphometric criteria such as cell number, cell density, embryo volume, volume fraction of proamniotic cavity further revealed that abnormalities can be demonstrated as early as day 5 in the embryos sired by males with the ventral prostate gland alone or all glands ablated. Twin implantation and deviation from normal implanted axis are also observed. This is likely to be attributed to attenuated cell proliferation, as indicated by proliferating cell antigen labelling and more necrotic cell death. Taken together, exposure of sperm to secretions of the male accessory sex glands in particular, the ventral prostate, is important for differentiation and multiplication of cells after the embryo has implanted.

[Effects of Stat3 phosphorylation and expression of c-fos and c-jun proteins on hepatocarcinogenesis]

Expression of phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3), c-fos and c-jun proteins was detected by immunohistochemical technique in 55 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and their surrounding liver tissues. The results showed that the positive rates and signal intensity of p-Stat3, c-fos and c-jun protein in HCCs were significantly higher than those in pericarcinomatous tissues. The expressive intensity of c-fos and c-jun proteins was positively related to p-Stat3 expression in HCCs, whereas the positive correlation of expressive intensity was only observed between c-jun protein and p-Stat3 in pericarcinomatous tissues. The data suggest that the phosphorylation of Stat3 may be an early event in hepatocarcinogenesis; the overexpression of p-Stat3 protein, which activates c-fos and c-jun genes, may contribute to malignant transformation of hepatocytes; hepatocytes which expressed p-Stat3, c-fos or c-jun proteins may be potentially malignant pre-cancer cells in pericarcinomatous liver tissues.

Ara-C affects formation of cancer cell DNA synthesome replication intermediates

PURPOSE

An intact and fully functional multiprotein DNA replication complex (DNA synthesome) from human as well as from murine mammary carcinoma cells was first isolated and characterized in our laboratory. The human cell synthesome supports the in vitro origin-specific simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication reaction in the presence of the viral large T-antigen using a semiconservative mechanism and has been shown to contain all the proteins and enzymes required to support DNA synthesis. We are currently using the DNA synthesome as a unique model for analyzing the mechanism of action of anticancer drugs affecting DNA replication. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of action of ara-C using the DNA synthesome isolated from the human breast cancer cell line MDA MB-468.

METHODS

Synthesome-mediated SV40 DNA replication was performed in the presence of various concentrations of ara-CTP (the active metabolite of ara-C) and the types of daughter DNA molecules produced were analyzed lusing neutral and alkaline gel electrophoresis. We also examined the effect of ara-C on intact MDA MB-468 cell DNA synthesis and on cell proliferation. In addition, we studied the effect of ara-CTP on the activity of some of the synthesome target proteins (the DNA polymerases alpha and delta).

RESULTS

Full-length daughter DNA molecules were obtained in the presence of low concentrations of ara-CTP while at higher concentrations, there was an inhibition of full-length daughter DNA synthesis. The findings suggest that specifically the initiation phase of DNA synthesis was inhibited by ara-CTP since the production of the short Okazaki fragments was suppressed at all concentrations of the drug above 10 microM. In addition, it was found that the IC50 of ara-CTP for inhibition of synthesome-mediated in vitro DNA replication was comparable to that required to inhibit intact cell DNA synthesis. Further experimentation has shown that ara-CTP preferentially inhibits the activity of the synthesome-associated DNA polymerase alpha enzyme while the DNA polymerase delta seems to be resistant to the inhibitory effect of that drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ara-C's action on DNA replication is mediated primarily through DNA polymerase alpha and suggest that this enzyme plays a key role in DNA synthetic initiation events. The results also provide definitive support for the use of the DNA synthesome as a unique and powerful model for analyzing the mechanism of action of anticancer drugs which directly affect DNA replication.

Effects of gemcitabine and araC on in vitro DNA synthesis mediated by the human breast cell DNA synthesome

PURPOSE

Gemcitabine (dFdC) and cytarabine (araC) are both analogs of deoxycytidine. Gemcitabine is a relatively new drug that has been shown in both clinical trials and in vitro systems to have more potent antitumor activity than araC. We have previously isolated a fully functional multiprotein DNA replication complex from human cells and termed it the DNA synthesome. Using the DNA synthesome, we have successfully examined the mechanism of action of several anticancer drugs that directly affect DNA synthesis. In this study, we compared the effects of dFdC and araC on in vitro DNA synthesis mediated by the DNA synthesome with the effects of these drugs on intact MCF7 cell DNA synthesis.

METHODS

We examined the effects of dFdC and araC on intact MCF7 cell DNA synthesis and clonogenicity. We also performed in vitro SV40 replication assays mediated by the MCF7 cell-derived DNA synthesome in presence of dFdCTP and araCTP. The types of daughter molecules produced in the assay were analyzed by neutral and alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. Finally, we examined the effects ofdFdCTP and araCTP on the synthesome-associated DNA polymerase alpha and delta activities.

RESULTS

Our results showed that dFdC was more potent than araC at inhibiting intact MCF7 cell DNA synthesis and clonogenicity. [3H]Thymidine incorporation was inhibited by 50% at a dFdC concentration of 10 microM, which was about tenfold lower than the concentration of araC required to inhibit intact cell DNA synthesis by the same amount. As examined by clonogenicity assay, dFdC was also significantly more cytotoxic than araC after a 24-h incubation. In vitro SV40 replication assays using the DNA synthesome derived from MCF7 cells demonstrated that the formation of full-length DNA along with replication intermediates were inhibited by dFdCTP in a concentration-dependent manner. Full-length DNA was produced in the in vitro DNA replication assay even when the dFdCTP was incubated in the assay at concentrations of up to 1 mM. We observed that in the presence of 10 microM dCTP, 3 microM dFdCTP and 60 microM araCTP were required to inhibit in vitro SV40 DNA synthesis by 50%. Although dFdCTP is more potent than araCTP at inhibiting in vitro SV40 DNA synthesis, there was no significant difference between the inhibitory effect of these two drugs on the activity of the MCF7 synthesome-associated DNA polymerases alpha and delta. It was found that the drug concentrations required to inhibit 50% of the synthesome-associated DNA polymerase delta activity were much higher than those required to inhibit 50% of DNA polymerase alpha activity for both dFdCTP and araCTP.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results demonstrated that: (1) dFdC is a more potent inhibitor of intact cell DNA synthesis and in vitro SV40 DNA replication than araC; (2) the decrease in the synthetic activity of synthesome-mediated in vitro SV40 origin-dependent DNA synthesis by dFdCTP and araCTP correlates with the inhibition of DNA polymerase alpha activity; and (3) the MCF7 cell DNA synthesome can serve as a unique and relevant model to study the mechanism of action of anticancer drugs that directly affect DNA synthesis.

[The expression of transforming growth factor alpha and its receptor in nasal polyps]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the possible role of expression of TGF alpha and EGFR in nasal polyps and its relationship with PCNA labeling index.

METHOD

Specimens from 20 patients of nasal polyps were studied with immunohistochemical technique.

RESULT

The expression of TGF alpha, EGFR and PCNA were increased in the epithelium, gland cells and inflammatory cells of nasal polyps. There was a close correlation between the intensities of TGF alpha, EGFR and PCNA.

CONCLUSION

TGF alpha may play a key role in epithelial cell proliferation in nasal polyps.

The A5.1 allele of the major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A is associated with psoriasis vulgaris in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated an association of a polymorphic (GCT)n triplet repeat in the transmembrane (TM) region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA), one of the MHC class I chain-related (MIC) family members, with some autoimmune diseases, including Behçet's disease, acute anterior uveitis, Takayasu's arteritis and others.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine whether the MICA gene is associated with psoriasis vulgaris (PS) in Chinese.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The (GCT)n polymorphism of the MICA gene was investigated in 200 healthy Chinese of Han origin and 300 patients with PS by polymerase chain reaction amplification and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Five alleles, namely A4, A5, A6, A9 and A5.1 were found in both groups. Comparison of the data from both groups revealed that the A5.1 allele was present at a significantly higher frequency in the patient group (41.5%) than in the control group (23.0%) (Pc < 0.0001, Pc means the probability of a comparison with the control group). The frequency of A5.1-positive cases was also significantly increased in the patient group (68.0%) as compared with the controls (38.0%) (Pc < 0.0001). Furthermore, the carrier frequency of A5.1-positive was significantly increased in psoriatic patients with a positive family history and with early onset as compared with sporadic cases (Pc = 0.0005) and with late onset PS (Pc = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the MICA gene may be associated with the development of PS in Chinese.

[The expression of p42/p44MAPK and cyclin D1 protein and their relationship in Hodgkin's disease]

The expressions of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p42/p44MAPK) and cyclin D1 protein were detected by SP immunohistochemical technique in 40 cases of Hodgkin's disease(HD) and 13 cases of reactive hyperplasia(RH). The results showed that p42/p44MAPK and cyclin D1 protein were both overexpressed in RS/H cells of HD(positive rates were 72.5% and 70% respectively), and their positive rates were positively correlated(P < 0.01). The data suggest that MAPK cascades signal transduction may play an important role in genesis of HD. MAPK may induce overexpression of cyclin D1 protein and result in persistent proliferation and progression of RS/H cells.