Folate deficiency promotes cervical squamous carcinoma SiHa cells progression by targeting miR-375/FZD4/β-catenin signaling

Epidemiological studies suggest an association between folate deficiency (FD) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) progression. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our study showed that FD-driven downregulation of miR-375 promoted proliferation of SCC SiHa cells and progression of xenograft tumors developed from SiHa; however, the exact mechanism of this process remained unclear. The current study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which FD promotes the progression of SiHa cells by downregulating miR-375 expression. The results showed that miR-375 acted as a suppressor of SCC and inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SiHa cells. The FZD4 gene was identified as a target gene of miR-375, which can reverse the anti-onco effect of miR-375 and promote the proliferation and migration of SiHa cells. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of miR-375 and FZD4 on SiHa cells may be achieved by activating the β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, FD may regulate the expression of miR-375 by regulating its DNA methylation level in the promoter region. In conclusion, our study reveals that FD regulates the miR-375/FZD4 axis by increasing the methylation of the miR-375 promoter, thereby activating β-catenin signaling to promote SiHa cells progression. This study may provide new insights into the role of folic acid in the prevention and treatment of SCC.

[SWOT analysis and strategy research for the training of doctoral candidate in general practice in China]

General practice has entered a stage of rapid development, but the doctoral postgraduate as the reserve strength of discipline development, its cultivation is still at the exploration stage. Through analyzing the internal strengths (S), internal weakness (W), external opportunities (O), and external threats (T) faced by the Ph.D. student in general practice in training, this paper discusses feasible strategies and plans for the cultivation of general practice to help the cultivation of high-level talents.

Modeling long-term persistence after 8 years of hepatitis B booster vaccination in 5- to 15-year-old children

Vaccination remains the most effective and cost-saving measure to protect against hepatitis B, a global health problem. It is crucial to characterize the persistence of the immune response after booster vaccination. This study aimed to quantify the persistence through mathematical modeling. Booster vaccination against hepatitis B was conducted in children 5-15 years in 2009-10 in Zhejiang Province. There were four dosage formulations of hepatitis B vaccines [Shenzhenkangtai Biotechnology Co. Ltd. Dalianhanxin Biotechnology Co. Ltd. NCPC GeneTech Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Sinovac Biotech Co. LTD. China]: 5, 10, and 20 μg hepatitis B vaccines or 5 μg hepatitis A and B (HAB) combination vaccine with a 0-1-6-month schedule. These were randomly administered to children negative for all hepatitis B markers, named as the schedule 2 group. Anti-HBs positive subjects were given one dose of booster, named as the schedule 1 group. Anti-HBs antibody was measured 1, 7, 18, 66, and 102 months after the first booster dose. A linear mixed-effects model was proposed to predict long-term persistence. One hundred two months after the booster dose, the mean anti-HBs levels were 33.8 mIU/mL, with 73.7 mIU/mL for the schedule 1 group and 20.2 mIU/mL for the schedule 2 group. The model predicted that 99.5% of subjects would remain seropositive (≥10mIU/mL) at year 20 post booster vaccination, with 100.0% and 98.8% for the schedule 1 group and the schedule 2 group, respectively, whereas at year 30, the seropositivity rates would decrease to 76.8%, with 99.4% for the schedule 1 group and 62.5% for the schedule 2 group. The immunogenicity of the booster vaccination could persist for at least 8 years. Mathematical modeling may predict even longer, up to 30 years of protection.

An Arabidopsis Retention and Splicing complex regulates root and embryo development through pre-mRNA splicing

Pre-mRNA splicing is an important step in the posttranscriptional processing of transcripts and a key regulator of development. The heterotrimeric retention and splicing (RES) complex plays vital roles in the growth and development of yeast, zebrafish, and humans by mediating pre-mRNA splicing of multiple genes. However, whether the RES complex is conserved in plants and what specific functions it has remain unknown. In this study, we identified Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) BUD13 (AtBUD13), GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND SPLICING 1 (GDS1), and DAWDLE (DDL) as the counterparts of the yeast RES complex subunits Bud site selection protein 13 (Bud13), U2 snRNP component Snu17 (Snu17), and Pre-mRNA leakage protein 1, respectively. Moreover, we showed that RES is an ancient complex evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes. GDS1 directly interacts with both AtBUD13 and DDL in nuclear speckles. The BUD13 domain of AtBUD13 and the RNA recognition motif domain of GDS1 are necessary and sufficient for AtBUD13-GDS1 interaction. Mutants of AtBUD13, GDS1, and DDL failed to properly splice multiple genes involved in cell proliferation and showed defects in early embryogenesis and root development. In addition, we found that GDS1 and DDL interact, respectively, with the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins auxiliary factor AtU2AF65B and the NineTeen Complex-related splicing factor SKIP, which are essential for early steps of spliceosome assembly and recognition of splice sites. Altogether, our work reveals that the Arabidopsis RES complex is important for root and early embryo development by modulating pre-mRNA splicing.

Deletion of microRNA-183-96-182 Cluster in Lymphocytes Suppresses Anti-DsDNA Autoantibody Production and IgG Deposition in the Kidneys in C57BL/6-Faslpr/lpr Mice

Dysregulated miRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our previous study reported a substantial increase in three miRNAs located at the miR-183-96-182 cluster (miR-183C) in several autoimmune lupus-prone mice, including MRL/lpr and C57BL/6-lpr (B6/lpr). This study reports that in vitro inhibition of miR-182 alone or miR-183C by specific antagomirs in activated splenocytes from autoimmune-prone MRL/lpr and control MRL mice significantly reduced lupus-related inflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and IL-6 production. To further characterize the role of miR-182 and miR-183C cluster in vivo in lupus-like disease and lymphocyte phenotypes, we used hCD2-iCre to generate B6/lpr mice with conditional deletion of miR-182 or miR-183C in CD2+ lymphocytes (miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr). The miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice had significantly reduced deposition of IgG immunocomplexes in the kidney when compared to their respective littermate controls, although there appeared to be no remarkable changes in renal pathology. Importantly, we observed a significant reduction of serum anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice after reaching 24 weeks-of age compared to age-matched miR-183Cfl/flB6/lpr controls. In vitro activated splenocytes from miR-182-/-B6/lpr mice and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice showed reduced ability to produce lupus-associated IFNγ. Forkhead box O1(Foxo1), a previously validated miR-183C miRNAs target, was increased in the splenic CD4+ cells of miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice. Furthermore, in vitro inhibition of Foxo1 with siRNA in splenocytes from miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice significantly increased IFNγ expression following anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation, suggesting that miR-182 and miR-183C miRNAs regulate the inflammatory IFNγ in splenocytes via targeting Foxo1. The deletion of either miR-182 alone or the whole miR-183C cluster, however, had no marked effect on the composition of T and B cell subsets in the spleens of B6/lpr mice. There were similar percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, as well as Tregs, follicular helper T (TFH), germinal center B (GCB), and plasma cells in the miR-183C-/-B6/lpr and miR-182-/-B6/lpr mice and their respective littermate controls, miR-183Cfl/flB6/lpr and miR-182fl/flB6/lpr mice. Together, our data demonstrate a role of miR-183C in the regulation of anti-dsDNA autoantibody production in vivo in B6/lpr mice and the induction of IFNγ in in vitro activated splenocytes from B6/lpr mice.

Plant-Specific AtS40.4 Acts as a Negative Regulator in Abscisic Acid Signaling During Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Arabidopsis

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone regulating plant growth, development and stress responses. A multitude of key factors implicated in ABA signaling have been identified; however, the regulation network of these factors needs for further information. AtS40.4, a plant-specific DUF584 domain-containing protein, was identified previously as a senescence regulator in Arabidopsis. In this study, our finding showed that AtS40.4 was negatively involved in ABA signaling during seed germination and early seedling growth. AtS40.4 was highly expressed in seeds and seedlings, and the expression level was promoted by ABA. AtS40.4 was localized both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Moreover, the subcellular localization pattern of AtS40.4 was affected by ABA. The knockdown mutants of AtS40.4 exhibited an increased sensitivity to ABA, whereas the overexpression of AtS40.4 decreased the ABA response during seed germination and seedling growth of Arabidopsis. Furthermore, AtS40.4 was involved in ABRE-dependent ABA signaling and influenced the expression levels of ABA INSENTIVE (ABI)1-5 and SnRK2.6. Further genetic evidence demonstrated that AtS40.4 functioned upstream of ABI4. These findings support the notion that AtS40.4 is a novel negative regulator of the ABA response network during seed germination and early seedling growth.

Screening of the Repellent Activity of 12 Essential Oils Against Adult German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae): Preparation of a Sustained Release Repellent Agent of Binary Oil-γ-CD and its Repellency in a Small Container

Cockroaches are important sanitary pests and very difficult to control worldwide. With public concern about traditional insecticides, cockroach control agents should be environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and economical. In this article, 12 essential oils were screened to test their repellent effect against Blattella germanica. To develop essential oils as repellent agents, the oils were further examined in binary synergistic combinations. Ilex chinensis Sims (Sapindales: Aquifoliaceae) oil, Lavandula spp (Tubiflorae: Labiatae) oil, and Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyland (Tubiflorae: Labiatae) oil showed excellent repellent activities with lower RD50 (repellency dose for 50% of treated adults) values of 218.634, 154.590, and 223.989 µg/cm2, respectively, compared to those of other oils and the positive control. The I. chinensis oil and E. ciliata oil (weight ratio of 1:1.41) combination also displayed a remarkable synergistic effect against B. germanica. Their cotoxicity coefficient was 214.4. The major chemical constituents in E. ciliata and I. chinensis oils were respectively 3,7-dimethyl-1, 6-octadien-3-ol and methyl salicylate. The binary oil mixtures were formulated as a sustained release agent with γ-CD. The optimal preparation should be an 8:1 ratio of γ-CD to oils, with a 1 h stirring time, 50°C stirring temperature, and 1:12 ratio of γ-CD to ddH2O. The results of this study suggest that sustained release of binary oil-γ-CD exhibited a prolonged repellent activity (10 h) against B. germanica. This sustained-release agent could be further investigated and developed as a novel repellent preparation.

Effects of Horseradish Oil and Eight Isothiocyanates Vapour Treatment on Postharvest Disease Control and Their Efficacy as Preservatives of Mature Green Tomato

This study evaluated the potential of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) oil (ARO) and eight isothiocyanates (propyl ITC [ProITC], isopropyl ITC [IsoproITC], n-butyl ITC [n-BuITC], 3-butenyl ITC [3-BeITC], phenyl ITC [PhITC], benzyl ITC [BzITC], 2-phenylethyl ITC [PhEITC], and allyl ITC [AITC]) as preservatives and antifungal agents for postharvest tomato disease control. Results showed that ARO and eight ITCs demonstrated antifungal activities against Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Geotrichum candidum, which can cause the decay of mature green tomato during storage. Allyl-ITC (AITC) had the lowest EC₅₀ values of mycelia growth suppression, with 0.18, 0.44, 0.29, and 0.43 μg/ml air for B. cinerea, A. alternata, R. stolonifer, and G. candidum, respectively. ARO, 2-PhEITC, BzITC, and AITC exhibited better efficacy as preservatives of mature green tomato than other ITCs on the basis of some parameters, such as low decay rate, slow reduction in weight loss, slight change in hardness, slow decrease in acidity, and total soluble solid content of treated tomatoes. GC-MS revealed that 2-PhEITC (77.78%) and AITC (15.87%) were the major components of ARO. These results can be used as a basis to develop preservative products composed of ITCs.

Strategies for hepatitis B booster vaccination among children: an 8-year prospective cohort study

Debate continues regarding the need for a booster vaccination in children who received a universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. The aim was to explore the need and the strategies for the booster HBV vaccination. 8-year prospective cohort study was conducted among children aged 5-15 years in 2009-2010 in Zhejiang Province. The participants were divided into groups A (<0.1 mIU/mL), B (0.1 to < 1 mIU/mL) and C (1 to <10 mIU/mL) according to the pre-booster anti-HBs antibody levels. 5 μg (group I), 10 μg (group II), 20 μg hepatitis B vaccines (group III) or 5 μg hepatitis A and B (HAB) vaccines (group IV) with 0-1-6-month schedule were randomly administered to children negative for all markers. Blood samples were collected at baseline HBV marker testing, 1 month after the first dose, 1 month, 1 year, 5 years and 8 years after the third dose. Among 4170 children, 2326 (55.8%) were negative for all HBV markers. Group II showed the highest seropositive rates of 92.8%, 99.7%, 97.6%, 90.3% and 83.4% with GMTs of 4194.5 mIU/ml, 4163.9 mIU/ml, 466.9 mIU/ml, 190.6 mIU/ml, 122.6 mIU/ml from 1 month after dose 1 to 8 years after dose 3, respectively (P < .01). Participants in group C showed seropositive rates of 98.9%, 99.9%, 99.5%, 95.5%, 92.8% after the revaccination with GMTs of 6519.6 mIU/ml, 5267.4 mIU/ml, 547.1 mIU/ml, 249.5 mIU/ml, 155.3 mIU/ml, respectively, higher than group A and B (P < .001), except 1 month after the third dose. The 10 μg of HBV vaccine with a 0-1-6-month booster regimen may elicit robust responses and persist for 8 years or longer. Additionally, 1-dose revaccination maybe suitable for children with 1 to < 10 mIU/ml anti-HBs titers.

The Cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 Reduces Delayed Neurologic Sequelae After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Promoting Microglial M2 Polarization Through ST2 Signaling

Delayed neurologic sequelae (DNS) are among the most serious complications of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused partly by elevated neuroinflammation. WIN 55,212-2, a non-selective agonist of cannabinoid receptors, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties in various brain disorders. The anti-inflammatory action of WIN 55,212-2 is potentially associated with driving microglial M2 polarization. ST2 signaling is important in regulating inflammatory responses and microglial polarization. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of WIN 55,212-2 on DNS after CO poisoning and elucidate its relationship with ST2-mediated microglial M2 polarization. The behavioral tests showed that treatment with WIN 55,212-2 significantly ameliorates the cognitive impairment induced by CO poisoning. This behavioral improvement was accompanied by reduced neuron loss, decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a limited number of microglia in the hippocampus. Moreover, WIN 55,212-2 elevated the protein expression of IL-33 (the ligand of ST2) and ST2, increased the ratio of CD206-positive (M2 phenotype) and ST2-positive microglia, and augmented production of M2 microglia-associated cytokines in the hippocampus of CO-exposed rats. Furthermore, we observed that the WIN 55,212-2-mediated increases in ST2 protein expression, CD206-positive and ST2-positive microglia, and microglia-associated cytokines were blocked by the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) antagonist AM630 but not by the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist AM251. In contrast, the WIN 55,212-2-induced upregulation of the IL-33 protein expression was inhibited by AM251 but not by AM630. Altogether, these findings reveal cannabinoid receptors as promising therapeutic agents for CO poisoning and identify ST2 signaling-related microglial M2 polarization as a new mechanism of cannabinoid-induced neuroprotection.

AtU2AF65b functions in abscisic acid mediated flowering via regulating the precursor messenger RNA splicing of ABI5 and FLC in Arabidopsis

In mammalians and yeast, the splicing factor U2AF65/Mud2p functions in precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) processing. Arabidopsis AtU2AF65b encodes a putative U2AF65 but its specific functions in plants are unknown. This paper examines the function of AtU2AF65b as a negative regulator of flowering time in Arabidopsis. We investigated the expression and function of AtU2AF65b in abscisic acid (ABA)-regulated flowering as well as the transcript abundance and pre-mRNA splicing of flowering-related genes in the knock-out mutants of AtU2AF65b. The atu2af65b mutants show early-flowering phenotype under both long-day and short-day conditions. The transcript accumulation of the flowering repressor gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is reduced in the shoot apex of atu2af65b, due to both increased intron retention and reduced transcription activation. Reduced transcription of FLC results, at least partially, from the abnormal splicing and reduced transcript abundance of ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), which encodes an activator of FLC in ABA-regulated flowering signaling. Additionally, the expression of AtU2AF65b is promoted by ABA. Transition to flowering and splicing of FLC and ABI5 in the atu2af65b mutants are compromised during ABA-induced flowering. ABA-responsive AtU2AF65b functions in the pre-mRNA splicing of FLC and ABI5 in shoot apex, whereby AtU2AF65b is involved in ABA-mediated flowering transition in Arabidopsis.

Trichoderma harzianum Improves Defense Against Fusarium oxysporum by Regulating ROS and RNS Metabolism, Redox Balance, and Energy Flow in Cucumber Roots

Plant survival in the terrestrial ecosystem is influenced by both beneficial and harmful microbes. Trichoderma spp. are a group of filamentous fungi that promote plant growth and resistance to harmful microbes. Previously, we showed that the genus Trichoderma could effectively suppress Fusarium wilt in cucumber. However, the mechanisms that underlie the effects of the genus Trichoderma on plant defense have not been fully substantiated. Two essential metabolic pathways, such as the ascorbate (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP), have been shown to participate in plant tolerance to biotic stressors; nevertheless, the involvement of these pathways in Trichoderma-induced enhanced defense remains elusive. Here, we show that Trichoderma harzianum could alleviate oxidative and nitrostative stress by minimizing reactive oxygen species (ROS; hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) and reactive nitrogen species (nitric oxide [NO]) accumulation, respectively, under Fusarium oxysporum infection in cucumber roots. The genus Trichoderma enhanced antioxidant potential to counterbalance the overproduced ROS and attenuated the transcript and activity of NO synthase and nitrate reductase. The genus Trichoderma also stimulated S-nitrosylated glutathione reductase activity and reduced S-nitrosothiol and S-nitrosylated glutathione content. Furthermore, the genus Trichoderma enhanced AsA and GSH concentrations and activated their biosynthetic enzymes, γ-GCS and l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase. Interestingly, the genus Trichoderma alleviated Fusarium-inhibited activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, enzymes involved in the OPPP. Such positive regulation of the key enzymes indicates the adequate maintenance of the AsA-GSH pathway and the OPPP, which potentially contributed to improve redox balance, energy flow, and defense response. Our study advances the current knowledge of Trichoderma-induced enhanced defense against F. oxysporum in cucumber.

AtBUD13 affects pre-mRNA splicing and is essential for embryo development in Arabidopsis

Pre-mRNA splicing is an important step for gene expression regulation. Yeast Bud13p (bud-site selection protein 13) regulates the budding pattern and pre-mRNA splicing in yeast cells; however, no Bud13p homologs have been identified in plants. Here, we isolated two mutants that carry T-DNA insertions at the At1g31870 locus and shows early embryo lethality and seed abortion. At1g31870 encodes an Arabidopsis homolog of yeast Bud13p, AtBUD13. Although AtBUD13 homologs are widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms, phylogenetic analysis revealed that their protein domain organization is more complex in multicellular species. AtBUD13 is expressed throughout plant development including embryogenesis and AtBUD13 proteins is localized in the nucleus in Arabidopsis. RNA-seq analysis revealed that AtBUD13 mutation predominantly results in the intron retention, especially for shorter introns (≤100 bases). Within this group of genes, we identified 52 genes involved in embryogenesis, out of which 22 are involved in nucleic acid metabolism. Our results demonstrate that AtBUD13 plays critical roles in early embryo development by effecting pre-mRNA splicing.

[A comparative study of therapy effects between esomeprazole plus mosapride citrate and botulinum toxin injection on vocal process granuloma]

Objective:Anti-reflux medications or botulinum toxin A injections are the main current therapies for the definite vocal process granuloma. This studies is focusing on comparing the effects of proton pump inhibitors plus prokinetic agents with botulinum toxin A injections on vocal process granuloma. Method:Adult patients in our outpatient department (from December 2014 to June 2016) complaining of trachyphonia and/or abnormal pharyngeal sensations who were found to have contact granulomas (38 cases) were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment selected by themselves: esomeprazole with mosapride citrate (n=28) or botulinum toxin A injection (n=20). The reflux symptom index and reflux finding score determined by electronic fibrolaryngoscopy were utilized to assess efficacy. Result:There was no statistical difference on age, sex and reflux symptom index and reflux finding score before treatment between the two groups. Total effective rate in the esomeprazole with mosapride citrate group and the botulinum toxin A group were 96.43% and 45.00%, separately. The recorded symptoms after therapy resolved with a statistically significant improvement in the esomeprazole with mosapride citrate group. Conclusion:Combined proton pump inhibitor plus prokinetic drug therapy plays a significant role in the treatment of vocal process granulomas.

miR-183-96-182 clusters alleviated ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro by targeting FOXO1

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of FOXO1 and miR-183-96-182 clusters in ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

METHODS

FOXO1 overexpression (OE) and knockdown (KD) as well as AKT1 OE in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were achieved by lentiviral transduction. Upregulation of miR-183-5p, miR-182-5p or miR-96-5p was mimicked by agomir treatment. FOXO1 gene transcription was monitored by FOXO1 promotor reporter assay. Cell apoptosis in culture was monitored by TiterTACS in situ detection. Regulation of FOXO1 gene expression by an miRNA targeting mechanism was monitored by AGO2-RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

FOXO1 mRNA and protein expression levels in ox-LDL treated HUVECs or HAECs were significantly upregulated due to transcriptional and miRNA targeting mechanisms. MiR-183-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-96-5p expression levels in HUVECs or HAECs were significantly reduced by ox-LDL treatment, the overexpression of which by agomir treatment partially reduced the FOXO1 mRNA/protein expression levels and cell apoptosis which was upregulated by ox-LDL treatment. FOXO1 overexpression antagonized the effect of the agomir treatment indicated above. MiR-183-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-96-5p agomir treatment partially rescued the FOXO1 pSer256/total FOXO1 protein ratio and the AKT1 pSer473 level that were reduced by ox-LDL treatment in the HUVECs or HAECs. AKT1 overexpression significantly reduced FOXO1 protein expression, increased miR-182-5p and miR-183-5p expression, and partially alleviated ox-LDL induced HUVEC or HAEC apoptosis in an miR-183-5p and miR-182-5p-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

miR-183-96-182 clusters could partially alleviate ox-LDL-induced apoptosis in HUVECs or HAECs by targeting FOXO1.

Actin filaments regulate the adhesion between the plasma membrane and the cell wall of tobacco guard cells

During the opening and closing of stomata, guard cells undergo rapid and reversible changes in their volume and shape, which affects the adhesion of the plasma membrane (PM) to the cell wall (CW). The dynamics of actin filaments in guard cells are involved in stomatal movement by regulating structural changes and intracellular signaling. However, it is unclear whether actin dynamics regulate the adhesion of the PM to the CW. In this study, we investigated the relationship between actin dynamics and PM-CW adhesion by the hyperosmotic-induced plasmolysis of tobacco guard cells. We found that actin filaments in guard cells were depolymerized during mannitol-induced plasmolysis. The inhibition of actin dynamics by treatment with latrunculin B or jasplakinolide and the disruption of the adhesion between the PM and the CW by treatment with RGDS peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) enhanced guard cell plasmolysis. However, treatment with latrunculin B alleviated the RGDS peptide-induced plasmolysis and endocytosis. Our results reveal that the actin depolymerization is involved in the regulation of the PW-CW adhesion during hyperosmotic-induced plasmolysis in tobacco guard cells.

Associations between serum HBX quasispecies and their integration in hepatocellular carcinoma

HBV quasispecies are closely related to the course and outcome of liver disease. However, whether the complexity and diversity of HBX quasispecies affects its integration in the liver cell and thereby enhances the resultant carcinogenesis is still not clear. 15 HCC patients were recruited; genomic DNA and HBV DNA were extracted from liver cancer tissue and serum respectively. The integrated HBX fragment in liver cancer tissue was amplified by Alu repeat sequence-polymerase chain reaction (Alu-PCR) and sequenced. The serum HBX gene was amplified by nested PCR and sequenced. Quasispecies complexity and diversity, phylogenetic characteristics, lymphocyte count and survival time between HBX-integrated and HBX-unintegrated patients were evaluated. Results showed that the integrated HBX fragment was detected in the tumor tissue of nine patients, and the integration rate was 60.00% (9/15). Compared with the HBX-unintegrated patients, the HBX-integrated patients had a higher quasispecies complexity (P=0.028 and 0.004, at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively). The HBX-integrated patients had a tendency of higher quasispecies diversity, lower lymphocyte count and the survival time. A total of 12 mutation sites were revealed in the HBX-integrated fragment after alignment with the reference sequence. In these, the HBX-integrated groups had significantly higher mutation frequencies at C1497T, A1630G, G1721A, A1762T/G1764A and A1774G. This study revealed influence factors of HBX integration both in virus and the host. The increased complexity and diversity of HBX quasispecies might destroy the host immune balance, and lead to HBX integration ultimately.

[The advances of probiotics treatment of allergic rhinitis]

In recent years, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis faces an explosion. People's understanding about the pathogenesis of this disease goes profound. Probiotics is competent to regulate the balance of immune system, and also can reduce susceptibility towards allergens. Now it is right a hot topic that applying probiotics to remedy allergic rhinitis. Since the data of many researches in this field is at hand, further discuss is needed from experimental methods to molecular mechanisms.

Motivations and Training Needs of General Practitioner Preceptors

Background:

General practitioner (GP) preceptors play an important role in the cultivation of GPs. Many problems exist in the training of GP preceptors. This study aimed to explore the willingness and training needs of GP preceptors and compare the differences between preceptors from general practice and other specialties.

Methods:

A total of 375 questionnaire forms were sent to 375 GP preceptors from 11 different provinces, and 344 completed forms were returned. The main outcome included general information, teaching motivations, and training needs of GP preceptors.

Results:

The study showed that about 89.2% of GP preceptors were willing to be teachers. The majority of respondents strongly agreed that the motivation for becoming a GP supervisor was to learn from teaching. The most important capability they should master was clinical teaching (92.2%), followed by lecture (83.1%) and doctor–patient communication (83.1%). The top three preferred methods of GP preceptors training were case discussion (78.8%), workshop (57.6%), and classroom teaching (56.4%). The domains in which most GP preceptors wanted to acquire knowledge and skill were mental health (59.3%), rehabilitation (47.1%), pediatrics (41.0%), and obstetrics (37.5%). No significant differences were found in the willingness to train GPs (χ² = 3.34, P > 0.05) and whether they would become or continue to become a GP supervisor after the training (χ² = 1.106, P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Although most preceptors were under on-the-job training, they were glad to train GPs. To be qualified, preceptors should be trained according to the actual needs of GP preceptors.

[Clinical observation of flupentixol and melitracen combined with specific immunotherapy for treatment of allergic rhinitis patients with anxiety and depression]

Objective:To explore the clinical effects of Flupentixol/Melitracencombined with specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients with anxiety and depression. Method:Totally ninetynine moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis patients with anxiety and depression from October 2014 to Sepetember 2015 were randomly divided into two groups: 45 patients in experimental group (Flupentixol/Melitracen 10.5 mg，QD,treatment last 4 months)and 44 patients in control group.All patients were treated with specific immunotherapy for 1 years. The nasal symptoms score, mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of life questionnaire(MiniRQLQ), Medication score, SAS and SDS score and the clinical curative effect were observed before treatment, after 4 months or one year treatment. The drug reactions were also recorded. Result:The VAS scores, MiniRQLQ scores, medication scores, SAS and SDS scores of patients in two groups who were treated after 4 months and 1 year were significantly reduced than that of patients before treatment.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the control group, nasal symptom scores, MiniRQLQ scores, medication scores, SAS and SDS scores in experimental group were decreased after 4 month or 1 year treatment(P<0.05).After 4 months of treatment, the total effective rate of the experimental group was 84.4%, while the control group was 56.8%.After 1 years of treatment, the experimental group excellence rate was 57.8%, while the control group was 22.7%.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). During the course of treatment, there were thirteen cases of mild adverse reactionsin experimental group (17.7%) and control group(11.4%). There was no significant differences(P>0.05). Conclusion:Flupentixol and melitracen combined with specific immunotherapy could sifnificantlly relieve clinical symptom, quality of life and mental depression.is a safe and reliable therapeutic regimen for further improving clinical symptoms,quality of life,mental statusand the clinical efficacy in moderate to severe persistent with anxiety anddepression.

Suitable hepatitis B vaccine for adult immunization in China

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in adults, the immunogenicity of six hepatitis B vaccines with different doses or different manufacturers in the Chinese market and to provide evidence to support adult hepatitis B vaccination. Participants were randomly divided into six groups (I–VI). Six vaccines (4 at 10 μg/dose and 2 at 20 μg/dose) were administered intramuscularly to healthy adults at 0, 1 and 6 month intervals. All participants (16–50 years) who were negative for any hepatitis B virus serological markers were vaccinated. Anti-HBs levels were assessed 1 month and 1 year after the third vaccination. The anti-HBs seroconversion rate (anti-HBs >10mIU/ml) was 99.4 % (99.9 % for 10 μg dose groups and 97.9 % for 20 μg dose groups) 1 month after the third vaccination, and the anti-HBs seroreversion rate was 77.0 % (75.3 and 82.6 %) 1 year after the third vaccination (n = 1036). One month after completing the vaccinations, the seroconversion rates were not significantly different (100.0, 100.0, 99.6, 100.0 %) for the four 10 μg dose and two 20 μg dose groups (99.1, 96.9 %). One year after the third vaccination, the group II positive rate was significantly higher than the other three 10 μg dose groups, and the group VI positive rate was significantly higher than the other 20 μg dose group. Groups II and VI showed a significantly higher positive rate and anti-HBs geometric mean titer (GMT) than the other groups. The anti-HBs level declined with increasing age, and the seroreversion rate and GMT decreased over time. All six vaccines had high anti-HBs seroconversion rates and good immunization effects. The 10 μg dose vaccine (Dalian High-Tech) and the 20 μg dose vaccine (GlaxoSmithKline) are recommended for adults.

A Shared Decision-Making System for Diabetes Medication Choice Utilizing Electronic Health Record Data

The use of a shared decision-making (SDM) process in antihyperglycemic medication strategy decisions is necessary due to the complexity of the conditions of diabetes patients. Knowledge of guidelines is used as decision aids in clinical situations, and during this process, no patient health conditions are considered. In this paper, we propose an SDM system framework for type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients that not only contains knowledge abstracted from guidelines but also employs a multilabel classification model that uses class-imbalanced electronic health record (EHR) data and that aims to provide a recommended list of available antihyperglycemic medications to help physicians and patients have an SDM conversation. The use of EHR data to serve as a decision-support component in decision aids helps physicians and patients to reach a more intuitive understanding of current health conditions and allows the tailoring of the available knowledge to each patient, leading to a more effective SDM. Real-world data from 2542 T2DM inpatient EHRs were substituted by 77 features and eight output labels, i.e., eight antihyperglycemic medications, and these data were utilized to build and validate the recommendation model. The multilabel recommendation model exhibited stable performance in every single-label classification and showed the ability to predict minority positive cases in which the average recall value of the eight classes was 0.9898. As a whole multilabel classifier, the recommendation model demonstrated outstanding performance, with scores of 0.0941 for Hamming Loss, 0.7611 for Accuracy_exam, 0.9664 for Recall_exam, and 0.8269 for F_exam.

[Facial nerve Schwannoma misdiagnosed as middle ear cholesteatoma: a case report]

Facial nerve Schwannomas (FNS) are uncommon tumors of the temporal bone, which arise from the Schwann cells and may involve any area of the facial nerve. The clinical manifestation of FNS vary based on tumor size and location, mainly presenting hearing loss and FN paralysis. MRI and computed tomography are the main diagnostic test for FNS. Thin-sectioned MRI with gadolinium can positively identify a enhancing lesion along the FN. Because of its lower morbidity, we always misdiagnose it as other middle ear related deseases, such as middle ear cholesteatoma mentioned in this paper.

[Mechanisms of sorafenib induced NB4 cell apoptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of sorafenib on human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell NB4 and its mechanism.

METHODS

The human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell NB4 was treated with different concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 µmol/L) of sorafenib, the proliferation inhibitory rate of NB4 cells was assayed by MTT, the apoptosis of NB4 was determined with flow-cytomatry after treatment; after extraction of total protein, the Western blot was performed to determine the expressions of apoptosis-relatived molecules Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and MCL-1. The mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and MCL-1 were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

As compared with the control group, the proliferation of NB4 significantly decreased after treatment with different concentrations of sorafenib. The sorafenib significantly induced the apopotosis of NB4 cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, sorafenib treatment resulted in the obvious increase of the Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 protein and mRNA expressions, and down-regulated the MCL-1 protein and mRNA expressions in NB4 cells.

CONCLUSION

Sorafenib can inhibit proliferation and induce apopotosis of human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell NB4 through the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8, and down-regulation of the expression of MCL-1.

Role of general practitioners in prevention and treatment of hepatitis B in China

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may impose an economic burden to patients or their families. The prevention and control of HBV could effectively reduce the burden. However, the management of HBV-related patients has not been well controlled in China. With the development of general practitioner (GP) system in this country, GPs may greatly improve the management of the patients with HBV infection. However, the role of GPs in controlling HBV infection has been rarely studied.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP was performed with the following key words: "general practitioner", "family physician", "community management", "community health care workers", "family practice", "hepatitis B virus", "HBV", "HBV vaccination", "HBV prevention", "HBV management", "HBV treatment", "antiviral therapy" and "chronic hepatitis B (CHB)". The information about the GPs-involved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CHB was reviewed.

RESULTS

The reports on the role of GPs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection are few. But the experiences from Western countries demonstrated that GPs could play a significant role in the management of patients with CHB. The importance of GPs is obvious although there are some difficulties in China. GPs and health officials at different levels should work together in the management of patients with CHB.

CONCLUSIONS

The involvement of GPs in the management of patients with HBV infection is effective in China. But GPs' knowledge and skills for the control of HBV infection have to be improved currently. GPs' involvement will enforce the management of CHB in China in the near future.

Association of homocysteine with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis implementing Mendelian randomization approach

BACKGROUND

We tested the hypothesis that elevated homocysteine (Hcy) level is causally associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis were performed among 4011 cases and 4303 controls. The absolute pooled mean Hcy concentration in subjects with MTHFR 677TT was 5.55 μmol/L (95% CI, 1.33 to 9.77) greater than that in subjects with MTHFR 677CC in T2DM. Overall, the T allele of the MTHFR 677 C > T conferred a greater risk for T2DM [Random effect (RE) OR = 1.31(1.17-1.64), I² = 41.0%, p = 0.055]. The random effect (RE) pooled OR associated with T2DM for MTHFR 677TT relative to the 677CC was [RE OR = 1.38(1.18-1.62)]. The fixed-effect pooled OR of the association for the MTHFR 677 TT vs CT was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09-1.51). MTHFR 677 TT showed a significantly higher risk for T2DM compared with MTHFR 677 CC + CT [Fixed effect (FE) OR = 1.32(1.14-1.54), I² = 0.0%, p = 0.686]. The absolute pooled mean Hcy concentration in individuals with T2DM was 0.94 μmol/L (95% CI, 0.40-1.48) greater than that in control subjects. The estimated causal OR associated with T2DM was 1.29 for 5 μmol/L increment in Hcy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided strong evidence on the causal association of Hcy level with the development of T2DM.

[Caspase-independent apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide in human multiple myeloma cell RPMI8226]

This study was purposed to explore the caspase-independent apoptosis pathway in human multiple myeloma cell RPMI8226 induced by arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)). MTT method was used to analyze the proliferation inhibition rate; flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate; Western blot was used to determine the expressions of BCL-2 and Caspase-3 in RPMI8226 cells. The results showed that As(2)O(3) (0.1 - 20 µmol/L) significantly inhibited the proliferation of RPMI8226 (P < 0.05) in concentration- and time-dependent manner. Compared with the group treated with As(2)O(3) (10 µmol/L) alone, the apoptosis rate of zVAD-fmk (20 µmol/L) and As(2)O(3) combined treated group did not change. Compared with the group treated with As(2)O(3) (10 µmol/L) alone, zVAD-fmk (20 µmol/L) combined with As(2)O(3) (10 µmol/L) treatment group showed significant increase of expressions of Caspase-3 and BCL-2. It is concluded that As(2)O(3) can inhibit the proliferation of RPMI8226 cells. As(2)O(3) can induce apoptosis of RPMI8226 cells, and a caspase-independent process probably exist in As2O3-inducing RPMI8266 cells apoptosis.

[Synergic effect of Na(+)-K(+) ATPaseB1 and adriamycin on inhibition of cell proliferation and reversal of drug resistance in breast cancer MCF-7 cells]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Na(+)-K(+)ATPase (Na(+)-K(+) pump) is an important cell energy conversion system which is probably associated with tumor metastasis. Expression of its B1 subunit gene-ATP1B1 is high in well differentiated and low in poorly differentiated tumor cells. This study was to investigate the synergic effect of Na(+)-K(+) ATPaseB1 and adriamycin (ADM) on inhibition of cell proliferation and reversal of drug resistance in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADM cells.

METHODS

Growth of MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADM cells transfected with PEGFP-ATP1B1 and shATP1B1 were measured by MTT. Intracellular fluorescence intensity of ADM was analyzed by inverted fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. ATP enzyme activity was measured by ultramicro-ATP enzyme, and mRNA expression of multi-drug resistance gene MDR1 was detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADM cells transfected with pEGFP-ATP1B1 to ADM was higher in comparing to the negative control ADM-C3 (transfected with vector pEGFP-C3) and the control ADM-RPMI-1640 (cultured with RPMI-1640), and the differences between ADM-ATP1B1 and ADM-RPMI-1640 groups were statistically significant at different concentrations of adriamycin (P<0.05). After the B1 subunit was silenced, the sensitivity of cells to ADM in the ADM-shNC group was higher than that in the shATP and ADM-RPMI-1640 groups. The mean fluorescence intensity of ADM in the ADM-ATP1B1 group was higher than that in the ADM-C3 and ADM-RPMI-1640 groups (P<0.05). ATP enzyme activity was significantly higher in ADM-ATP1B1 group comparing to the ADM-RPMI-1640 group (P<0.05). mRNA expression of MDR1 gene and protein expression of P-gp were not significantly different among the ADM-ATP1B1 group and two control groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Na(+)-K(+) ATPase B1 can synergize with ADM and reverse drug resistance to ADM in the MCF-7/ADM cell line. This may be related to ATP enzyme activity, but not to influencing the expression of MDR1 gene.

A novel zinc finger protein Zfp637 behaves as a repressive regulator in myogenic cellular differentiation

Zinc finger proteins have been implicated as transcription factors in the differentiation and development of cells and tissues in higher organisms. The classical C2H2 zinc finger motif is one main type of motif of zinc finger proteins. Our previous studies have shown that Zfp637, which comprises six consecutively typical and one atypical C2H2 zinc finger motifs, is highly expressed in undifferentiated or poorly differentiated cell lines, but is moderately or slightly expressed in normal tissues. We have also demonstrated that Zfp637 can promote cell proliferation. However, its role in the regulation of cell differentiation remains unknown. We report here that endogenous Zfp637 as well as mTERT is expressed in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts and that their expression is downregulated during myogenic differentiation. Constitutive expression of Zfp637 in C2C12 myoblasts increased mTERT expression and telomerase activity, and promoted the progression of the cell cycle and cell proliferation. By contrast, endogenous repression of Zfp637 expression by RNA interference downregulated the mTERT gene and the activity of telomerase, and markedly reduced cell proliferation. Overexpression of Zfp637 also inhibited the expression of myogenic differentiation-specific genes such as MyoD and myogenin, and prevented C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Our results suggest that Zfp637 inhibits muscle differentiation through a defect in the cell cycle exit by potentially regulating mTERT expression in C2C12 myoblasts. This may provide a new research line for studying muscle differentiation.

[Construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid for a novel zinc finger protein gene Zfp637 and its effect on breast carcinoma cell EMT6]

OBJECTIVE

To construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid and establish stably transfected cell line, which contained the code gene of zinc finger protein637 (Zfp637), and to observe the effect of Zfp637 gene to the proliferation of tumor cells.

METHODS

The Zfp637 DNA was amplified from the template of normal spleen tissue cDNA and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C3. The recombinant plasmid, named as pEGFP-Zfp637, was determined by restriction enzyme and sequencing analyses. Next the pEGFP-Zfp637 recombinant plasmid was transferred into mouse breast carcinoma EMT6 cells with lipofectamine 2000, and the stably transfected cells were selected by G418 (named Zfp637-EMT6). The growth condition of cells was observed, and subcellular localization of Zfp637 gene was located by fluorescence microscope at the same time. The Zfp637 mRNA expression in the transfected cells was detected by RT-PCR, and the proliferation of such cells was measured by MTT.

RESULTS

The analysis confirmed that the recombinant pEGFP-Zfp637 contained the Zfp637 full-length cDNA. The Zfp637 mRNA was over-expressed stably in Zfp637-EMT6. The growth of Zfp637-EMT6 was increased obviously when compared with the negative control group and blank group.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant pEGFP-Zfp637 has been constructed successfully, and the expression of the Zfp637 gene can promote the proliferation of cells. This recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid can be used in advanced studies in the biological effects of Zfp637 and anti-tumor gene therapy.

[Interference of human Na/K-ATPase B1 subunit on proliferation and migration of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Na+/K+ ATPase B1 (ATP1B1) subunit gene is highly expressed in well-differentiated tumor cells, while it is hypoexpressed in poorly differentiated tumor cells. The expression of ATP1B1 is closely related to cell tight junction and polarity of epithelial cells. This study was to investigate the effect of specific interference of human Na+/K+ ATP1B1 using shRNA on cell proliferation and migration of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901.

METHODS

Four shRNA plasmids specifically targeting different fragments of ATP1B1, sh150, sh295, sh562, sh765, were constructed and transiently transfected into SGC-7901 cells. Stable positive clones, shATP1B1-7901 cells, were sorted out by G418. The expression of ATP1B1 mRNA was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT, cell cycle distribution was assessed by flow cytometry, and clone forming was analyzed by the colony formation assay. Cellular migration was observed using the Transwell experiment.

RESULTS

At 24 h after transfection, the inhibition ratios of sh150, sh295, sh562, sh765 on ATP1B1 mRNA were (60.87+/-4.38)%, (44.93+/-2.24)%, (52.17+/-2.60)% and (52.17+/-2.60)% respectively in SGC-7901 cells, which were significantly higher than that of shNC control (3.00+/-0.15)%(p<0.05). Among the four ATP1B1 shRNAs, sh150 exerted the strongest effect (p<0.05) and was used in the following study. Assessed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR, the expression of ATP1B1 mRNA was inhibited by (85.72+/-5.22)% and (87.53+/-3.23)% in the shATP1B1-7901 group, in comparison with (3.3+/-0.22)% and (4.17+/-0.33)% in the shNC-7901 group (p<0.05). The proliferation ratio was higher in the shATP1B1-7901 group than in the shNC-7901 and SGC-7901 groups 3 days after transfection (p<0.05). Cells at S and G2/M phases in the shATP1B1-7901 group were significantly increased compared with those in the shNC-7901 and SGC-7901 groups (p<0.05). The clone formation rate of the shATP1B1-7901 group (68.50+/-2.65)% was higher than that of the shNC-7901 group (50.00+/-2.53)% and of the SGC-7901 group (52.50+/-2.11)% (p<0.05). Moreover, the migration ratio of the shATP1B1-7901 group(2.80+/-0.02)% was significantly enhanced comparing to the shNC-7901 (1.15+/-0.05)% and the shNC-7901 groups (1.25+/-0.02)% (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Silencing of ATP1B1 gene can enhance the proliferation and migration capability of SGC-7901 cells.

[Construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-ATP1B1 and its effect on gastric adenocarcinoma cell SGC-7901]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the code gene of Na+, K+-ATPase beta1-subunit (ATP1B1) and the basis of ATP1B1 applied to antitumor gene therapy.

METHODS

The ATP1B1 cDNA was amplified from leukocyte gene library and then cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C3. The recombinant plasmid, named as pEGFP-ATP1B1, was determined with restriction enzyme and sequencing analyses. Next pEGFP-ATP1B1 was transferred into gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cells by lipofectamine, then ATP1B1 mRNA expression in transfected cells was detected by real-time PCR, and also ATPase was detected after cell transfection, as well as the proliferation of such cells was measured by MTT.

RESULTS

The analysis confirmed that the recombinant pEGFP-ATP1B1 contained the ATP1B1 cDNA. After cell transfection, the expression of ATP1B1 mRNA(129.2%) and the activity of ATPase [(2.95+/-0.210)%] were higher, and the growth of the SGC-7901 cells transfected with ATP1B1 was inhibited obviously when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant pEGFP-ATP1B1 is constructed successfully, and this recombinant eukaryotic expression vector could be used in additional studies on the biological effect of ATP1B1 and its use in anti-tumor gene therapy.

Proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of conjugated trienoic fatty acids in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of conjugated trienoic fatty acids on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and to elucidate the mechanism of their activity.

METHODS: Normal liver, hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 and hepa1-6 cells were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity, colony formation inhibition, BrdU incorporation, Hoechst 33342 apoptotic cell staining, and cell cycle distribution, through flow cytometry (FCM) after treatment with conjugated trienoic fatty acids.

RESULTS: After conjugated trienoic fatty acid treatment, proliferation, colony formation and BrdU labeling indices of cancer cells decreased (proliferation: SMMC-7721, 1.5 ± 2.6 vs 1.9 ± 12.3, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 1.0 ± 1.5 vs 1.2 ± 9.7, P < 0.05; colony formation: SMMC-7721, 149.3 ± 3.1 vs 191.7 ± 5.8, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 32.7 ± 3.1 vs 61.3 ± 4.2, P < 0.05; BrdU labeling indices: SMMC-7721, 42.3% ± 1.5% vs 63.6% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 59.5% ± 0.7% vs 79.6% ± 1.6%, P < 0.05); and Hoechst 33342 stained apoptotic cells increased (SMMC-7721, 48.9% ± 0.7% vs 9.9% ± 0.4%, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 65.1% ± 1.1% vs 15.9% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05). By FCM, the apoptotic indices increased (SMMC-7721, 16.3% ± 0.7% vs 3.3% ± 0.4%, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 21.7% ± 1.1% vs 5.3% ± 0.4%, P < 0.05), the number of cells in G₀/G₁ phase increased (SMMC-7721, 48.4% ± 1.8% vs 38.0% ± 2.1%, P < 0.01; Hepa1-6, 53.4% ± 2.1% vs 41.1% ± 0.7%, P < 0.01) and the number in S phase decreased (SMMC-7721, 32.2% ± 2.9% vs 37.2% ± 1.9%, P < 0.05; Hepa1-6, 28.3% ± 0.9% vs 39.9% ± 0.9%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that conjugated trienoic fatty acids induce cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and that the mechanism of their activity might be associated with the inhibition of DNA synthesis, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.

A study on effectiveness of screening mammograms

BACKGROUND

So far, no randomized controlled trials with a mean mammographic screening interval of > or = 2 years has demonstrated statistically significant mortality reduction for women younger than age 50. The issue of screening frequency is vital in detection of primary breast cancer.

METHODS

The study group consisted of cancers diagnosed in women who participated in a serial screening programme with a mean screening interval of 2 years. To study the effectiveness of the screening, a comparison is made between the distribution of age at which the tumour could be detected when biennial mammographic screening is the only detection method, and the distribution of age at which the tumour would be detected by either biennial mammographic screening or the development of symptoms. Some recently developed statistic methods, such as bootstrap, the maximum likelihood distribution estimator for doubly censored data and the EM algorithm, are used in estimation of these distributions.

RESULTS

The hypothesis tests and confidence intervals show that the difference between the two distributions was statistically significant for women younger than 50 and 50-70 years old, but not for women over 70 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The statistical analysis indicates that for women younger than 50, and 50-70 years of age, a screening mammogram every other year is not frequent enough to detect primary breast cancer, but for women over 70 years, it might be sufficient.

[Studies on a new type of all-solid-state atropine ion-selective electrode]

Using urea-formaldehyde resin as frame material and KCl powder as active component, a Ag/AgCl solid state electrode was prepared. Then, using the prepared Ag/AgCl solid state electrode as substrate and atropine tetraphenylborate ion-pair complex as active component, a new type of all-solid-state atropine ion-selective electrode was constructed. The properties of this electrode were studied in detail. The results indicate that the electrode showed good stability and can be used for potentiometric determination of atropine in pharmaceutical preparations.

Inhaled benzene increases the frequency and length of lacI deletion mutations in lung tissues of mice

This study investigated the frequency and pattern of mutations that arose in lacI transgenes in lung tissues of mice exposed to 300 p.p.m. of benzene for 6 h/day x 5 days/week for 12 weeks. The nucleotide sequence changes in 86 lacI- transgenes from lung tissues of eight benzene-exposed mice (BEM) and 78 spontaneous lacI- transgenes from lung tissues of eight unexposed control mice (UCM) were identified and compared. A total of 31% (27/86) of the lacI mutations in BEM are deletions compared with 9% (7/78) deletions in UCM. In BEM, 44% (12/27) of the deletions were longer than 10 bp, whereas only 14% (1/7) of the deletions in UCM exceeded 10 bp in length. Statistical tests supported the hypothesis that benzene exposure resulted in significant increases in both the frequency and length of deletions. Based on the lacI mutant frequency and fraction of unique mutations, lung tissues of BEM were estimated to have a 1.8-fold increase in lacI mutation frequency compared with lung tissues of UCM. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that inhaled benzene is a gene mutagen in lung tissues of mice.