Fermented rape pollen powder can alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by reducing hormone content and changing gut microbiota

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause urethral compression, bladder stone formation, and renal function damage, which may endanger the life of patients. Therefore, we aimed to develop plant-based preparations for BPH treatment with no side effects. In this study, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 322Hp, Lactobacillus acidophilus 322Ha, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 322Hr were used to ferment rape pollen. The fermented rape pollen was subsequently converted into fermented rape pollen powder (FRPP) through vacuum freeze-drying technology. After fermenting and drying, the bioactive substances and antioxidant capacity of FRPP were significantly higher than those of unfermented rapeseed pollen, and FRPP had a longer storage duration, which can be stored for over one year. To investigate the therapeutic effect of FRPP on BPH, a BPH rat model was established by hypodermic injection of testosterone propionate. The BPH rats were treated differently, with the model group receiving normal saline, the positive control group receiving finasteride, and the low, medium, and high dose FRPP group receiving FRPP at doses of 0.14 g/kg/d, 0.28 g/kg/d, and 0.56 g/kg/d, respectively. The results indicate that medium dose FRPP reduced the levels of hormone such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestradiol in rats with BPH by about 32%, thus bringing the prostate tissue of BPH rats closer to normal. More importantly, medium dose FRPP treatment had a significant effect on the composition of gut microbiota in rats with BPH, increasing the levels of beneficial genera (such as Coprococcus and Jeotgalicoccus), and decreasing the levels of harmful pathogens (such as Turicibacter and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium) in the gut. This study showed that medium dose FRPP reduced the hormone level and regulated the unbalanced gut microbiota in BPH rats, thereby alleviating BPH.

[Disseminated nocardiosis caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an immunocompetent host: a case report]

Nocardiosis can be caused by various Nocardia spp., including Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. As compared with the other Nocardia spp., Nocardia otitidiscaviarum appears to be rare which can spread through the bloodstream and affect multiple organs. The disease is usually seen in immunocompromised patients' but may also occur in immunocompetent patients. The clinical symptoms and laboratory and imaging examinations of the disease are nonspecific.Here, we reported a case of disseminated nocardiosis caused by infection with Nocardiosis otitidiscaviarum in an immunocompetent host to improve the knowledge and diagnosis of nocardiosis.

[Outcomes of the second pregnancy after Triple-P procedure in women complicated with placenta accreta spectrum disorders]

Objective: To investigate the safety of the Triple-P procedure in women complicated with severe placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) and its influence on second pregnancy. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2017, the outcomes of the second pregnancy after the Triple-P procedure in 11 pregnant women complicated with PAS in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. Results: By December 2021, a total of 11 pregnant women who underwent the Triple-P procedure for PAS had a second pregnancy, with a median interval of 3 years (2-3 years). Of the 11 pregnant women, 7 delivered after 36 weeks of gestation. The median gestational age was 38 weeks, and 4 terminated within the first trimester. PAS recurred in 1 of 7 pregnant women (1/7) and was associated with placenta previa. All of the 7 pregnant women were delivered by cesarean section, with a median postpartum blood loss of 300 ml (200-450 ml), and only one pregnant woman required blood transfusion. None of the pregnant women were transferred to the intensive care unit, and there were no uterine rupture, bladder injury, puerperal infection, and neonatal adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Pregnant women who underwent the Triple-P procedure for severe PAS could be considered for second pregnancy with strictly management by an experienced multidisciplinary team, which may result in a good outcome.

[The study of relationship between occupational stress and sleep quality of video display terminals]

Objective: To investigate the sleep quality of video operators in Shenzhen, and explore the relationship between sleep quality and occupational stress and different work and life habits. Methods: In December 2020, a cluster sampling method was used to investigate 791 video operators in Shenzhen from June to December 2020 who were engaged in printing, design, IT and other industries. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale was used to investigate the sleep quality of video operators, and the Job Content Questionnaire was used to investigate the occupational stress of video operators, The Pay Return Imbalance Questionnaire was used to investigate the pay return imbalance of video operators. The measurement data conforming to the normal distribution shall be expressed by mean±standard deviation, and t-test, analysis of variance and linear correlation analysis shall be adopted according to the type of independent variable. Those that do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median M (Q(1), Q(3)), and two sample Wilcoxon test is used according to the binary data of independent variable type. Kruskal Wallis test was used for multi classification data, and Spearman rank correlation was used for single factor analysis for ordinal classification data. The counting data were analyzed by chi square test or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: the pittsburgh sleep quality index was 4.76±2.86. 499 of them had high sleep quality. 292 people had low sleep quality, accounting for 36.91% (292/791). Compared with the low sleep quality group, the high sleep quality group had lower work requirement scores (13.48±1.77), higher autonomy scores (24.08±3.33), higher social support scores (23.95±3.08), lower pay scores (16.11±2.63), higher return scores (31.11±3.65), and lower internal input scores (14.98±2.55). There were statistically significant differences between the two scales in each dimension index group (P<0.05). Multi factor unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that high education level (OR=1.57, 95%CI=1.26~1.98, P<0.05), occupational stress (OR=1.69, 95%CI=1.21~2.36, P<0.05), and high pay and low return (OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.01~1.96, P<0.05) were the main influencing factors of sleep quality. Conclusion: The occurrence of occupational stress in video operators is a risk factor for low sleep quality, which should be paid enough attention.

[Investigation on occupational injury of sanitation workers in Shenzhen City]

Objective: To understand the occurrence of occupational injuries among sanitation workers in Shenzhen, and provide a scientific basis for the prevention of occupational injuries among sanitation workers. Methods: From May to November 2020, a cluster sampling method was used to select some street sanitation workers in Shenzhen to conduct a questionnaire survey. A total of 2200 questionnaires were recovered, of which 2167 were valid (98.5% effective recovery rate) . The socio-demographic data, length of service, type of work and occurrence of occupational injuries of sanitation workers were collected, and the distribution characteristics of occupational injuries and their relationship with factors such as type of work were analyzed. Results: Among the 2167 sanitation workers, 240 (11.1%) had experienced occupational injuries. The most common occupational injuries among sanitation workers were sharp injury, heat stroke and motor vehicle traffic accident, with the incidence rates of 6.1% (133/2167) , 2.4% (53/2167) and 1.7% (36/2167) respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of occupational injuries among sanitation workers with different lengths of work and types of work (P<0.05) . The incidence of occupational injury among sanitation workers with more than 5 years of service was significantly higher than that of workers with less than 5 years of service (P<0.05) . The incidence of sharp injury among garbage sorting and transportation personnel was higher (7.9%, 21/265) , the incidence of heat stroke among manual cleaners was higher (3.1%, 42/1366) , and the incidence of motor vehicle traffic accident among mechanized cleaners was higher (5.4%, 10/184) . Conclusion: There are many cases of occupational injuries among sanitation workers in Shenzhen. Targeted measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of different types of work and different types of occupational injuries, and to improve the occupational health level of sanitation workers.

[A preliminary comparison on ophthalmic examination indices of workers with different occupations in Shenzhen]

Objective: To compare the ophthalmic examination indices of different occupational groups in Shenzhen and analyze the possible health problems, so as to provide research basis for further health intervention. Methods: In March 2021, 5426 professionals with ophthalmic examination index data were selected from the basic health database of "Shenzhen occupational population protection action". Among them, radiation workers (694), port operators (1756), sanitation workers (946), teachers (224), video workers (154), police (927) and firefighters (100) were selected as the investigated occupational population. They were exposed to noise 625 workers with traditional occupational hazards such as noise, chemical poisons and dust were used as the control population.Ophthalmic examination indices included right eye vision, left eye vision, outer eye, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and fundus oculi. The differences of each index in different occupational groups were compared. Results: Compared with the control group, the port operator group showed lower abnormal rates of binocular vision and fundus oculi (P<0.05), but higher abnormal rates of conjunctiva (P=0.029), the environmental sanitation worker group showed higher abnormal rates of binocular vision and conjunctiva (all P<0.01), the teacher group had higher abnormal rates of binocular vision, but only the difference of left eye vision was statistically significant (P=0.021), and the video worker group had higher abnormal rates of right and left eyes vision (P=0.029、0.006) . Conclusion: There were some degrees of ophthalmic problems in different occupational population, therefore targeted intervention measures should be taken according to the characteristics of each group.

[Research progress of osteoarthritis model]

The mechanism of osteoarthritis is still not completely clear,the current treatment can not effectively prevent the disease from progressing.In order to study osteoarthritis,researchers have developed various models,including in vitro models (two-dimension and three-dimension cell culture models and bioreactor culture models) and in vivo models (spontaneous,genetically modified,invasive and non-invasive models).These models are important tools for studying the mechanism of disease occurrence and development,which can simulate the whole process or a certain stage of pathological changes,as well as evaluating the effect of treatment.This paper reviews the osteoarthritis models and their characteristics in order to provide reference for osteoarthritis research.

[Clinical application of the gasless unilateral axillary approach in endoscopic thyroid surgery]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety and advantages of gasless unilateral axillary approach (GUAA) in endoscopic thyroid surgery. Methods: A total of 334 patients who underwent the GUAA endoscopic thyroid surgery (GUAA group) or conventional open thyroid surgery (OS group) in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 45 males and 289 females, aged from 12 to 72 years old, of whom 139 patients were assigned to GUAA group and 195 patients to OS group. Pathological results included papillary thyroid carcinoma (282 cases), nodular goiter (41 cases) and thyroid adenoma (11 cases). Surgical exploration development curve of GUAA group was drawn and was divided into two parts: the technical exploration stage and the technical stable stage. Surgical efficiency, incidences of complications, and incision satisfaction were compared between GUAA group in technical stable stage and OS group. SPSS 25.0 software was adopted for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age in GUAA group was younger than that in OS group, with a significant difference [(35.3±9.5) years vs. (48.1±10.6) years, t=11.31, P<0.01]. The cases in the endoscope group were divided into technical exploration stage for 51 cases and technical stable stage for 88 cases according to the exploration and development curve. In unilateral radical thyroidectomy and unilateral thyroid lobectomy, the mean operation time [(90.6±18.6) min and (93.5±22.0) min] and postoperative drainage volumes [(121.5±87.6) ml and (155.5±69.1) ml] of GUAA group in the stable stage were more than those of OS group [(61.6±15.6) min and (46.5±8.4) min] and [(93.2±42.3) ml and (78.9±48.7) ml]. The difference was statistically significant (t=12.28, 7.23, 3.35 and 3.05 respectively, all P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in surgical bleeding volumes between two groups [(12.7±6.8) ml vs. (13.5±7.7) ml, t=0.74, P>0.05 and (16.3±14.1) ml vs. (11.9±5.1) ml, t=1.05, P>0.05]. Compared with OS group, GUAA group had the lower incidence of anterior cervical discomfort during swallowing (2.3% vs. 29.2%, P<0.01) and the higher incision satisfaction score (1.1±0.5 vs. 2.8±0.7, t=21.12, P<0.01), however, GUAA group had the higher incidence of supraclavicular (or infraclavicular) numbness after surgery (5.7% vs. 0, P<0.01). And there was no significant difference in the incidences of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, bleeding, hematoma, infection, lymphatic leakage or chylous leakage after surgery between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: GUAA endoscopic thyroid surgery is a safe method with high cosmetic satisfaction.

[Analysis of mental state of allergic rhinitis patients in Chengdu city by symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) scale]

Objective: To analyse the mental state of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Chengdu. Methods: One thousand five hundred and thirty-six AR patients from Sichuan Provincial Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan People's Hospital, Sichuan Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected from July 2013 to January 2018. Eight hundred and twenty-seven patients were screened into study group by inclusion and exclusion standards. The symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) was used to group and score the mental state of these patients according to nine classification criteria: gender, BMI, age, marital status, monthly salary, disease duration, living environment, education level and working environment. Then, the scores were compared within groups. Inter-group comparison was made between the study group and the Chinese norm, and the positive factors for psychological disorders were extracted. Four symptoms in the study group, i.e. nasal itching, sneezing, clear discharge and nasal congestion, were scored on the visual analogue scale (VAS). SPSS 19.0 software was used to carry out statistical analysis. Partial correlation analysis was performed between the positive factors and the symptom scores by multiple regression statistical method. Results: The total score of SCL-90 in the study group was 2.64±0.25, which was accorded with mild to moderate mental health impairment. There were 124 (15.0%) without mental health damage, 176 (21.3%) with mild damage, 474 (57.3%) with mild to moderate damage, 41 (5.0%) with moderate to severe damage and 12 (1.4%) with severe damage. The in-group comparison showed that the top three categories of different items were the living environment, gender and working environment. The scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, psychosis, other (sleep, diet) and total average score of urban residents were higher than that of country residents (3.29±0.61 vs 2.65±0.50, 2.81±0.77 vs 2.05±0.38, 3.10±0.19 vs 2.49±0.67, 3.40±0.84 vs 2.49±0.70, 3.04±0.64 vs 2.33±0.51, 3.02±0.55 vs 2.40±0.77, 3.40±0.41 vs 2.52±0.77, 2.91±0.11 vs 2.29±0.40, Z value was 4.88, 5.25, 4.57, 5.91, 5.09, 4.63, 5.55, -4.55, respectively, all P<0.05). Women scored higher than man for somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression and others (2.66±0.51 vs 2.00±0.45, 3.37±0.47 vs 2.63±0.51, 3.44±0.57 vs 2.85±0.52, 3.47±0.36 vs 2.76±0.45, Z value was -5.10, -5.51, -4.86, -5.28, respectively, all P<0.05). The scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) were higher in the indoor group than those in the outdoor group (3.49±0.64 vs 2.78±0.46, 3.33±0.30 vs 2.56±0.68, 3.28±0.60 vs 2.67±0.31, 3.50±0.85 vs 2.85±0.37, Z value was 5.31, 5.79, 4.89, 5.00, respectively, all P<0.05). The outdoor group scored higher on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety and hostility (3.44±0.40 vs 2.83±0.35, 3.40±0.50 vs 2.57±0.93, 3.34±0.88 vs 2.69±0.56, Z value was 4.96, 6.22, 5.08, respectively, all P<0.05). The inter-group comparison found that depression, anxiety, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) could be partially correlated with VAS scores as 4 positive factors. The results of partial correlation analysis showed that depression was positively correlated with sneezing and nasal runny discharge, anxiety was positively correlated with nasal itching and nasal obstruction, psychosis was positively correlated with nasal itching and sneezing, and other (sleep, diet) was positively correlated with nasal runny discharge and nasal obstruction. Conclusion: AR patients have mild to moderate mental health impairments, which are correlated with AR symptoms.

Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissue Increases the Risk of Recurrence After Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

High hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in chronic HBV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intrahepatic HBV DNA titer and post-liver transplantation (LT) prognosis for HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC) patients.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with HBV-HCC who underwent LT were retrospectively studied. Using quantitative TaqMan fluorescent real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, HBV total DNA (tDNA) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were both quantified in tumor tissue (TT) and adjacent non-tumor tissue (ANTT) from the explanted liver.

RESULTS

The loads of tDNA and cccDNA in ANTT were associated with serum HBV DNA levels. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of vascular invasion and cccDNA in TT were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. The group of patients with cccDNA titers ≥31og_l0 copies/μg in TT had significantly higher cumulative recurrence rates than those with <31og_l0 copies/μg group. The cccDNA titers predicted the tumor recurrence with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.664.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings would assist the clinical implementation of a more personalized therapy for tumor recurrence control and improve the prognosis of HBV-HCC patients.

[Effects of sIL-13Rα2 on the nasal mucosa goblet cell apoptosis of allergic rhinitis of rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects of sIL-13Rα2 on the apoptosis of goblet cell in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats. Methods: Forty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats per group): control group (group A), AR group (group B), sIL-13Rα2 group (group C) and triamcinolone acetonide group (group D). Ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide were used to establish the AR rat model. After the establishment of AR rat models, 50 μl PBS, 100 μg/50 μl IL-13Rα2 and 3.5 μg/50 μl triamcinolone acetonide were respectively dropped into each nasal cavity of every rat two times a week from 4 to 10 week in group B, group C and group D. Group A was operated with saline instead of OVA. The nasal mucosa tissues were collected at 24 h after the final administration. AB-PAS staining method was used to detect the quantity and secretion of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa tissue of all groups. Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression of Bax proteins.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method.ANOVA analysis was used to compare multiple groups, and LSD-t test was used to compare the two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the Bax positive cell rate of goblet cells and the rate of apoptotic cells. The difference was statistically significant with P<0.05. Results: Compared with group A, there were more goblet cells and hypersecretion of mucus in the nasal mucosa tissue of rats in group B while fewer in group C. The goblet cells in group C and group D were significantly fewer than that in group B (0.639 00±0.831 vs 0.956 7±0.980, 0.661 90±0.657 vs 0.956 7±0.980, t value was 2.748, 2.767, respectively, all P<0.05). The immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive expression rates of Bax protein in goblet cells of group C and group D were significantly higher than that in group B (0.880 2±0.125 vs 0.568 7±0.953, 0.938 4±0.200 vs 0.568 7±0.953, t value was -2.292, -2.685, respectively, all P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of goblet cell in nasal mucosa of group C and group D were also significantly higher than that in group B (0.516 0±0.079 vs 0.274 0±0.056, 0.535 4±0.829 vs 0.274 0±0.056, t value was -17.671, -2.225, respectively, all P<0.05). The expression of Bax protein and apoptosis of goblet cells were positively correlated (r=0.859, P<0.01). Conclusion: sIL-13Rα2 can induce apoptosis of the goblet cells in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats, by inhibiting IL-13 and up regulating Bax.

CHD1 loss sensitizes prostate cancer to DNA damaging therapy by promoting error-prone double-strand break repair

Background

Deletion of the chromatin remodeler chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (CHD1) is a common genomic alteration found in human prostate cancers (PCas). CHD1 loss represents a distinct PCa subtype characterized by SPOP mutation and higher genomic instability. However, the role of CHD1 in PCa development in vivo and its clinical utility remain unclear.

Patients and methods

To study the role of CHD1 in PCa development and its loss in clinical management, we generated a genetically engineered mouse model with prostate-specific deletion of murine Chd1 as well as isogenic CHD1 wild-type and homozygous deleted human benign and PCa lines. We also developed patient-derived organoid cultures and screened patients with metastatic PCa for CHD1 loss.

Results

We demonstrate that CHD1 loss sensitizes cells to DNA damage and causes a synthetic lethal response to DNA damaging therapy in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in patient-derived organoid cultures and in a patient with metastatic PCa. Mechanistically, CHD1 regulates 53BP1 stability and CHD1 loss leads to decreased error-free homologous recombination (HR) repair, which is compensated by increased error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first in vivo and in patient evidence supporting the role of CHD1 in DSB repair and in response to DNA damaging therapy. We uncover mechanistic insights that CHD1 modulates the choice between HR and NHEJ DSB repair and suggest that CHD1 loss may contribute to the genomic instability seen in this subset of PCas.

[Study on the relationship between laparoscopic operation and pseudo vascular invasion in stage Ⅰa endometrial carcinoma]

Objective: To explore relations between pseudo vascular invasion (PVI) and laparoscopic operation in patients with stage Ⅰa endometrial carcinoma. Methods: Details of stage Ⅰa endometrial carcinoma patients' clinical information and pathological sections who received operation treatment between January 2008 and October 2015 were obtained from the Dalian Maternal and Child Health Hospital. There were 515 cases entrolled into this study, including 332 (64.5%) cases performed surgery by laparoscopy and 183 (35.5%) cases undergone abdominal surgery. The vascular invasion rate and the microscopic manifestations of PVI in two groups were retrospectively compared and analyzed. The follow-up period ended February 2017, the adjuvant treatment and prognosis of patients with lympho-vascular space invasion (LVSI) and PVI were analysed. Results: (1) Seventy-five of 515 cases with stage Ⅰa endometrial carcinoma, there were seven-five cases found with tumor cells in lympho-vascular space, including 52 cases of LVSI and 25 cases of PVI (2 cases of both). The incidence of cancer emboli in lympho-vascular space and LVSI in laparoscopic group and laparotomy group were respectively 15.4% (51/332) vs 13.1% (24/183) and 9.6% (32/332) vs 10.9% (20/183), there were no significant differences (all P>0.05). But the rate of PVI between the two group was significantly different [6.3% (21/332) vs 2.2% (4/183), P=0.036], laparoscopic group was higher than that in laparotomy group. (2) Of 332 cases in laparoscopic group, 21 cases was found PVI, containing 8 cases showed tumor tissue with mesenchyme or papillary structures located in large thick wall vessels of the outer lateral myometrium, 13 cases showed the tumor tissue was away from the vessel wall. Among 183 cases in laparotomy group, 3 cases with PVI which the tumor tissue was away from the vessel wall, and 1 with interstitial tissue. (3) During the follow-up period, 7 of 75 cases (both LVSI and PVI) were lost, and 66 cases were relapse-free survival, 2 cases recurred at fifth months and died respectively at 7, 20 months after the operation. This 2 cases were both PVI of laparoscopic group, and the pathological type was endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 3, and adjuvant treatment was not accepted after the operation. The relapse-free survival with LVSI was 49 months and 46 months for cases with PVI. Conclusion: s Laparoscopic operation could increase PVI in patients with stage Ⅰa endometrial carcinoma, while does not increase LVSI. It is not yet possible to demonstrate that PVI affects the prognosis of patients.

Intrinsic Two-Dimensional Organic Topological Insulators in Metal-Dicyanoanthracene Lattices

We predict theoretical existence of intrinsic two-dimensional organic topological insulator (OTI) states in Cu-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) lattice, a system that has also been grown experimentally on Cu substrate, based on first-principle density functional theory calculations. The pz-orbital Kagome bands having a Dirac point lying exactly at the Fermi level are found in the freestanding Cu-DCA lattice. The tight-binding model analysis, the calculated Chern numbers, and the semi-infinite Dirac edge states within the spin-orbit coupling gaps all confirm its intrinsic topological properties. The intrinsic TI states are found to originate from a proper number of electrons filling of the hybridized bands from Cu atomic and DCA molecular orbitals based on which similar lattices containing noble metal atoms (Au and Cu) and those molecules with two CN groups (DCA and cyanogens) are all predicted to be intrinsic OTIs.

RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma and its influence on radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma TE-1 cells

AIM

To determinate the RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma and the paired tumor-adjacent tissue, and to explore the influence of RPA1 on radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma TE-1 cells.

METHODS

Firstly, the RPA1 expression of 40 cases esophageal carcinoma and their adjacent tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Secondly, The esophageal carcinoma cell subline-radiation resistance model (TE-1R) was constructed by radiation-induction, the RPA1 expression and proliferation activity of TE-1 and TE-1R cells were detected by Western blot and MTT assay respectively. After radiation, the expression of RPA1 and cell apoptosis were detected by Western blot and FACS respectively. Cell clone formation and survival rate were detected by clonogenic assay. Thirdly, Inhibiting RPA1 expression by siRNA in TE-1 cells, the expression of RPA1 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, Cell proliferation inhibition ratio and cell apoptosis after radiation were detected by MTT assay and FACS respectively.

RESULTS

The RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in the tumor-adjacent tissues, which was associated with tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. The RPA1 expression in TE-1R cells was higher than that in TE-1 cells, while the proliferation activity of TE-1R cells was lower than that of TE-1 cells, and the apoptosis rate of TE-1R cells after radiation was less than that of TE-1 cells. In addtion, the clone formation and survival rate of TE-1R cells were higher than that of TE-1 cells. Moreover, inhibiting RPA1 expression by siRNA-RPA1 could promoted proliferation inhibition ratio and apoptosis rate of TE-1 cells after radiation.

CONCLUSION

The over-expression of RPA1 in esophageal carcinoma was related with progression and metastasis. Moreover, radiation induced the excessive expression RPA1 in TE-1 cells, and the radiosensitivity of TE-1R cells was less than that of TE-1 cells. Furthermore, inhibiting RPA1 expression could increase radiosensitivity of TE-1 cells. Overall, RPA1 could influence radiosensitivity and might be one important mechanism of radiation resistance in TE-1 cells.

Highly Anisotropic Dirac Fermions in Square Graphynes

We predict a family of 2D carbon (C) allotropes, square graphynes (S-graphynes) that exhibit highly anisotropic Dirac fermions, using first-principle calculations within density functional theory. They have a square unit-cell containing two sizes of square C rings. The equal-energy contour of their 3D band structure shows a crescent shape, and the Dirac crescent has varying Fermi velocities from 0.6 × 10(5) to 7.2 × 10(5) m/s along different k directions. Near the Fermi level, the Dirac crescent can be nicely expressed by an extended 2D Dirac model Hamiltonian. Furthermore, tight-binding band fitting reveals that the Dirac crescent originates from the next-nearest-neighbor interactions between C atoms. S-graphynes may be used to build new 2D electronic devices taking advantages of their highly directional charge transport.

Analysis of postoperative PSA changes after ultrasound-guided permanent [125I] seed implantation for the treatment of prostate cancer

The aim of this study was to explore postoperative changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and risk factors that influence the clinical effects of ultrasound-guided permanent [(125)I] seed implantation in the treatment of prostate cancer. From July 2009 to December 2012, 41 prostate cancer patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided [(125)I] seed implantation were followed up for 3-56 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their results: group A, benign rebound group, 31 cases; and group B, biochemical relapse group, 10 cases. A blood analysis of group A showed that the initial PSA rise after a nadir occurred postoperatively at 16.8 ± 1.2 months, and in 65.8% (27/41) patients the rise occurred during 15-27 weeks. For group B, the initial PSA rise after a nadir occurred postoperatively at 30.2 ± 2.1 months, and the difference in the time parameter of the initial PSA rise after the nadir was statistically significant between the 2 groups (P < 0.01). During treatment, age was shown to be a risk factor for group A (P = 0.0027, P < 0.01). Postoperative changes in PSA levels after ultrasound-guided permanent [(125)I] seed implantation contributed to the assessment of the clinical treatment effects.

Antagonism of endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ inhibits infarction-associated ventricular arrhythmias via PKC-dependent mechanism in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evidence indicates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) may participate in the pathology of cardiac arrhythmias associated with myocardial infarction. But the role of N/OFQ in the arrhythmogenesis in acute myocardial infarction is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of endogenous N/OFQ on infarction-associated arrhythmias.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The expression of N/OFQ, PKC activity and ventricular arrhythmias in presence and absence of UFP-101, a specific antagonist of N/OFQ receptor, were examined following permanent coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized rats. The effect of N/OFQ on action potential duration was examined in isolated rat cardiomyocytes.

KEY RESULTS

It was observed that N/OFQ was increased by 41% in the myocardium after coronary artery occlusion (P < 0.01 vs. control). Pretreatment with UFP-101 (10(-7)  mol·kg(-1) , i.v.) reduced the incidence of ventricular ectopic beats by 70% and ventricular tachycardia by 51% respectively (all P < 0.05 vs. control). Meanwhile, PKC activity was elevated in the rats treated with UFP-101 (by 35%, P < 0.05 vs. control). A selective PKC inhibitor, calphostin C, completely abolished the anti-arrhythmic effects of UFP-101 (P < 0.01). N/OFQ (at 10(-11) , 10(-9) and 1 × 10(-7)  mol·L(-1) ) shortened the action potential duration by 3% (P > 0.05), 10% (P < 0.05) and 22% (P < 0.01), respectively, via N/OFQ receptor.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Antagonism of endogenous N/OFQ produces anti-arrhythmic effects on ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction, possibly via modulating PKC activity and action potential of myocytes.

Acute hepatitis C infection with unclear route of transmission

A 43-year old man acquired acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with unclear route of transmission. There were no known sexual or other risk factors for HCV acquisition. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the case was infected with identical genotype 1b strain. After symptomatic treatment for three weeks, the HCV was spontaneously cleared and liver function recovered.

[Novel 35-bp insertion in visfatin gene in Chinese cattle]

Visfatin is a protein that is preferentially produced in visceral adipose tissue. Both its tissue expression and secreted plasma levels increase in parallel with obesity. Therefore, the present study is focused on detecting insertion in bovine visfatin gene and analyzing its effect on growth traits in four Chinese cattle breeds (Nangyang, Qinchuan, Jiaxian, and Chinese Holstein) using PCR-SSCP, DNA sequencing and agarose electrophoresis methods. For the first time, a 35-bp insertion was described in the gene and two alleles were revealed: Wand I. The chi2-test analysis demonstrated that all breeds were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The associations of the novel 35bp-insertion of visfatin gene with growth traits of Nanyang cattle at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months old were analyzed: 6-month-old cows with genotype WW had greater birth weight than cows with genotype II and WI (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). These results suggest that the presence of 35bp-insertion in visfatin gene may influence the birth weight and bodyweight in 6-month-old cows.

A coding SNP of LHX4 gene is associated with body weight and body length in bovine

Heterozygous mutations in LHX4 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency. In this study, the polymorphism of LHX4-HaeIII locus was revealed in 822 individuals from four Chinese cattle breeds. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed that there were three genotypes: GG, GA, AA. The frequencies of genotype GG ranged from 0.6620 to 0.9789 in analyzed populations. The genotypic frequencies of LHX4 locus in the four populations all agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Distributions of genotypic frequencies of different breeds (QC, NY, JX, CH) at this locus were found to be significantly different based on a chi(2) test (P < 0.001). The genetic diversity analysis revealed the JX cattle possessed intermediate genetic diversity, and the other three Chinese cattle breeds belonged to poor genetic diversity. Correlation analysis with growth traits in the NY breed indicated that: the animals with genotype GA had greater body weight than those with genotype GG (P < 0.05); the animals with GA genotype owned significantly longer body length than the ones with GG genotype (P < 0.05) at 18 and 24 months.

aPCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing detecting two silent SNPs at KAP8.1 gene in the cashmere goat

Keratin-associated proteins 8.1 gene (KAP8.1) is a structural gene responsible for the cashmere. KAP8.1 protein contains high glycine and tyrosine, which concerns regulation and function of the matrix structure fiber. In this study, the polymorphism of KAP8.1 gene was detected by methods of aPCR-SSCP (asymmetric polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism) and DNA sequencing in 791 individuals from two breeds. The results showed that there were two mutations in this gene. The mutations were described as c.63 T>G and c.66 C>G, which would result in two synonymous mutations in KAP8.1 protein. The findings go against previous research, in which there was not polymorphism at KAP8.1 gene. The reasons might be that different cashmere breeds were detected in two studies. Further analysis of results leads us to believe that the polymorphism of KAP8.1 gene might be relevant to fiber diameter.

Analysis of caprine pituitary specific transcription factor-1 gene polymorphism in indigenous Chinese goats

Since mutations on POU1F1 gene possibly resulted in deficiency of GH, PRL, TSH and POU1F1, this study revealed the polymorphism of goat POU1F1-AluI locus and analyzed the distribution of alleles on 13 indigenous Chinese goat breeds. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed the predominance of TT genotype and the frequencies of allele T varied from 0.757 to 0.976 in the analyzed populations (SBWC, Bo, XH and HM). Further study, distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies at this locus were found to be significantly different among populations based on a chi(2)-test (P < 0.001), suggesting that the breed factor significantly affected the molecular genetic character of POU1F1 gene. The genetic diversity analysis revealed that Chinese indigenous populations had a wide spectrum of genetic diversity in goat POU1F1-AluI locus. However, the ANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences for gene homozygosty, gene heterozygosty, effective allele numbers and PIC (polymorphism information content) among meat, dairy and cashmere utility types (P > 0.05), suggesting that goat utility types had no significant effect on the spectrum of genetic diversity.

Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found at coding region of hypocretin receptor1 (<i>HCRTR1</i>) gene in cattle (Brief report)

Abstract. The hypocretin receptor1 (HCRTR1) gene encodes a Orexin A receptor (SAKURAI et al., 1998). It belongs to the class Ι subfamily within the superfamily of G-coupled receptors and is coupled to Ca2+ mobilization. Via HCRTR1, Orexin A is involved in the control of feeding, sleep-wakefulness, neuroendocrine homeostasis and autonomic regulation (VOISIN et al., 2003; TAKESHI SAKURAI, 1999). These characters are important in animal production. In human, a 408 isoleucine to valine mutation in HCRTR1 showed significant association with polydipsic–hyponatremic schizophrenia (MEERABUX et al., 2005). By now, no polymorphisms of the bovine HCRTR1 gene were reported.

[Inductive effect of hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system on lambda prophage]

Hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase (HX-XO) system is a classical system that can generate superoxide anions. The inductive effect of the HX-XO system for lambda prophage has been investigated in this study. The results showed that the system can induce lambda prophage from lysogenic state to lytic growth. The inductive effect was directly proportional to the concentration of HX and XO and inversely related to the time of preliminary incubation of HX with XO. The cell density of the lysogenic bacteria also greatly affected the inductive effect. The maximal PFU number of 2.9 x 10(4) PFU/ml was recorded at 0.86 mM HX, 1.6 x 10(-2) U/ml XO, and a cell density of 10(8) cells/ml. The inductive effect of the HX-XO system was inhibited in the suspensions by glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The results provide evidence that free radicals are the primary factors in the induction of lambda prophage in lysogenic bacteria.

Bis(N-octylsalicylideniminato-N,O)copper(II)

In the title compound, [Cu(C(15)H(22)NO)(2)], the Cu(II) cation lies on a centre of symmetry. The coordination geometry about the Cu(II) ion is a parallelogram, formed by the N(2)O(2) donor set of the two bidentate long alkane chain Schiff base imine-phenol ligands. The Cu-N and Cu-O distances are 2.009 (3) and 1.888 (3) A, respectively.

[Isolation and identification of a noval polyphenolic compound from Phyllanthus urinaria L]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria.

METHOD

Various chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification. The structures were elucidated by spectral analyses.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

A novel polyphenolic compound was isolated and named phyllanthusin F.

[Studies on chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria L]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus urinaria.

METHOD

Various chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification of the constituents. The structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral analyses.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Fourteen compounds were isolated and seven of them were identified as corilagin(I), rutin(II), brevifolincarboxylic acid(VI), isostrictiniin(IX), geraniin (X), gallic acid(XI) and ellagic acid (XII). Compound VI was found from P. urinaria for the first time and compound IX was found from genus Phyllanthus for the first time.

Behavior of lanthanides in countercurrent chromatography using dihexyl-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl methylene phosphonate as stationary phase

Counter-current chromatography is a real liquid-liquid chromatography. The retention volume of the solute can be calculated from the batch distribution ratio in organic separations. In the separations of metal ion, there are several complex and dissociation reactions involved in the two phases, and the retention volume cannot be always predicted from the batch distribution ratio. A mass transfer model is proposed in this paper and an expression of V(R) is derived. The retention volume of metal ion is determined not only by the batch distribution ratio but also by the mechanism of the extraction reaction. When 25% dihexyl-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl methylenephosphonate in cyclohexane is used as stationary phase and 2.91 mol/l HNO3 as mobile phase, the dynamic distribution ratios obtained from the chromatogram are not equal to but proportional to the batch distribution coefficients. These results are in agreement with the theoretical expression.

[Studies on DNA damage in human blood lymphocytes using the single cell microgel electrophoresis technique]

In this paper, the single cell microgel electrophoresis (SCG) technique was described in detail, and effects of DNA damage of human blood lymphocytes induced by gamma-rays radiation, H2O2 and CdCl2 were studied using this technique. It was shown that gamma-rays, H2O2 and CdCl2 all caused the increase of DNA migration length in the lymphocytes in the dose-dependent manner. The principle of the SCG technique, cause of DNA migration in the untreated control cells, and noticeable details in the SCG technique were also discussed.

The need for long-term treatment in the mouse lymphoma assay

The L5178Y tk +/- mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) has been widely used as a genotoxicity test for the detection of mutagens and clastogens. The standard MLA, as well as other mammalian cell gene mutation assays, usually employs a short treatment period (3-6 h). Our previous report, however, suggested that such short treatments may be insufficient for detecting some clastogens and spindle poisons. For the present study, we introduced and evaluated a longer treatment (24 h) in the MLA. We examined 15 chemicals which were evaluated as negative or inconclusive in the short-term study. Cells were exposed to the chemical for 24 h without S9 mix, cultured for 2 days and then thymidine kinase-deficient mutants were selected in 96-well microtiter plates under trifluorothymidine. Eleven chemicals yielded positive responses in the 24 h treatment MLA. They included nucleoside analogs (2'-deoxycoformycin and dideoxycytidine), a base analog (1,3-dimethylxanthine) and spindle poisons (colchicine and vinblastine sulfate), all of which do not directly affect DNA, but bring about mutations and chromosome alterations through nucleoside metabolism and chromosome segregation. Because the mutagenicities of these non-DNA targeting chemicals appear to be cell cycle dependent, treatment extending over more than one cell cycle may be required for their effect. Combining results from the present and previous studies, 31 of 34 (91%) chromosome aberration-positive chemicals exhibited positive responses in the MLA, suggesting that the sensitivity of the MLA with 24 h treatment periods approaches that of the chromosome aberration test.

[Discussion on the elimination of measles based on the 45-year-incidence data in Inner Mongolia]

Measles incidence data collected since 1950 in Inner Mongolia is analyzed in this paper. The following characteristics have been noticed after measles vaccine was widely used: (1) the incidence and the mortality of measles kept decreasing, (2) The epidemic still occasionally appeared at low incidence level; (3) the proportion of cases in older children increased; (4) the peak month of the disease occurrence postponed; (5) the differences of incidence among districts depending on the implementation of vaccine and immunization. Since the goal of poliomyolitis eradication is given priority to and should be achieved, measles eradication program should not be overemphasized.