Artemyriantholides A-K, guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers from Artemisia myriantha var. pleiocephala and their antihepatoma activity

Artemyriantholides A-K (1-11) as well as 14 known compounds (12-25) were isolated from Artemisia myriantha var. pleiocephala (Asteraceae). The structures and absolute configuration of compounds 2 and 8-9 were confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and the others were elucidated by MS, NMR spectral data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. All compounds were chemically characterized as guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers (GSDs). Compound 1 was the first example of the GSD fused via C-3/C-11' and C-5/C-13' linkages, and compounds 2 and 5 were rare GSDs containing chlorine atoms. Eleven compounds showed obvious inhibitory activity in HepG2, Huh7 and SK-Hep-1 cell lines by antihepatoma assay to provide the IC50 values ranging from 7.9 to 67.1 μM. Importantly, compounds 5 and 8 exhibited the best inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 14.2 and 18.8 (HepG2), 9.0 and 11.5 (Huh7), and 8.8 and 11.3 μM (SK-Hep-1), respectively. The target of compound 5 was predicted to be MAP2K2 by a computational prediction model. The interaction between compound 5 and MAP2K2 was conducted to give docking score of -9.0 kcal/mol by molecular docking and provide KD value of 43.7 μM by Surface Plasmon Resonance assay.

[Comparative study on the degradation rate and regulatory effects of two resorbable collagen membranes during the in vivo implantation]

Objective: To explore the differences in the performance and tissue repair promotion effects of small intestinal submucosa membrane (SIS membrane) and Bio-Gide resorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gide membrane) by performing the subcutaneous implantation models in mice. Methods: For in vivo studies, we stablished membrane implantation models using 6-8 week-old male C57BL/6 mice. The degradation rates were explored through HE staining analysis at different time points (1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 d, 3 mice/group/time point). The influences of the two membranes on local macrophages and neovasculum were evaluated by immunofluorescence detection of F4/80 and CD31, and the mobilization effects of the two membranes on local stem cells were evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of Ki67 and CD146. For in vitro studies, mice periodontal ligament stem cells (mPDLSCs) were co-cultured with these two membrane materials, and the cell morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the gene expressions of Ki67, Cxcl1, Ccl1, Tnfa were investigated by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results: The results of in vivo studies showed that by day 28, there was no significant difference in degradation rate between these two membrane materials [SIS degradation rate: (16.84±4.00) %, Bio-Gide degradation rate: (24.07±3.97) %, P=0.090], illustrating that both of them could maintain the barrier effects for more than one month. In addition, there was no significant difference in the infiltration number of local F4/80 positive macrophages between these two groups by the day 3 after implantation [SIS: (20.67±5.69) cells/visual field, Bio-Gide: (25.33±2.52) cells/visual field, P=0.292]. However, compared with the Bio-Gide membrane, SIS membrane significantly promoted local CD31+vascular regeneration [SIS: (4.67±1.15) cells/visual field, Bio-Gide: (1.00±1.00) cells/visual field, P=0.015] and CD146+stem cell recruitment [SIS: (22.33±4.16) cells/visual field, Bio-Gide: (11.33±2.52) cells/visual field, P=0.025]. The RT-qPCR results also showed that SIS membrane promoted the gene expression of Cxcl1 (SIS vs Bio-Gide P<0.001) in mPDLSCs, but had no effect on the gene expression of Tnfa (SIS vs Bio-Gide P=0.885). Conclusions: SIS membrane showed a similar degradation rate compared with Bio-Gide membrane, and there was no significant difference in the effects of these two membranes on local inflammation or macrophages. Therefore, both of these membranes could meet the barrier effects required by guided tissue regeneration.

Impacts of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Acute Coronary Syndrome: Evidence and Controversies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two clinically common disease entities that share numerous risk factors. This review aimed to discuss the impacts of NAFLD on ACS.

RECENT FINDINGS

In an era of improved control of traditional risk factors, the substantial burden of cardiometabolic abnormalities has caused widespread concern. NAFLD is considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome, which can exert an impact on human health beyond the liver. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that NAFLD is closely related to cardiovascular disease, especially coronary artery disease. Interestingly, although recent data have suggested an association between NAFLD and the incidence and outcomes of ACS, the results are not consistent. In this review, we comprehensively summarized evidence and controversies regarding whether NAFLD is a contributor to either the development of ACS or worse outcomes in patients with ACS. The potential pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the impacts of NAFLD on ACS were also elucidated.

Artemeriosides A-F, the first examples of natural sesquiterpenoids substituted by a 6'-O-crontonyl β-glucopyranoside from Artemisia annua

Artemeriosides A-F (1-6), six novel sesquiterpenoids containing a 6'-O-crontonyl β-glucopyranoside, were isolated from Artemisia annua L. Their structures were determined by spectral data including HRESIMS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculations. Compounds 1-6 represented the first examples of natural sesquiterpenoid substituted by 6'-O-crontonyl β-glucopyranoside. By antihepatoma assay, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated inhibitory effect against both HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells with inhibitory ratios of 77.0%, 88.8%, and 86.8%, 83.9% at 200.0 μM, and compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against Huh7 cells with inhibitory ratio of 56.8%.

Artemannuols A-C, novel sesquiterpenoid-flavonol hybrids with antihepatoma activity from Artemisia annua

Artemisia annua, also known as "Qinghao" in Chinese, is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for the treatment of malaria and various tumors. In this study, three novel sesquiterpenoid-flavonol hybrids, artemannuols A-C (1-3), were isolated and elucidated by extensive spectral data and ECD calculations. Structurally, artemannuols A-C (1-3) are the first examples of sesquiterpenoid-flavonol hybrids fused by an ether bond, among which artemannuols A and B (1 and 2) are composed of bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid and flavonol moieties, and artemannuol C (3) is composed of humulane-type sesquiterpenoid and flavonol moieties. The antihepatoma assay suggested that compounds 1-3 showed inhibitory effects against HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1 cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 32.7 to 70.4 μM.

Fe-Catalyzed Difunctionalization of Aryl Titanates Enabled by Fe/Ti Synergism

Fe-catalyzed difunctionalization of aryl titanates via double C-H activation has been developed, where aryl titanates were arylated via ortho C-H activation, followed by ipso electrophilic trapping of the C-Ti bond. The ortho C-H arylation should be promoted by a 1,2-Fe/Ti synergistic heterobimetallic arylene intermediate and represents an ortho C-H ferration directed by a readily transformable C-Ti group. Common benzamides, esters, and nitriles function as arylating reagents, which involves another ortho C-H activation directed by these functionalities.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of young patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms]

Objectives: To investigate the clinical and genetic features of young Chinese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to patients with MPN patients nationwide. The respondents were divided into 3 groups based on their age at diagnosis: young (≤40 years) , middle-aged (41-60 years) , and elderly (>60 years) . We compared the clinical and genetic characteristics of three groups of MPN patients. Results: 1727 assessable questionnaires were collected. There were 453 (26.2%) young respondents with MPNs, including 274 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 80 with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 99 with myelofibrosis. Among the young group, 178 (39.3%) were male, and the median age was 31 (18-40) years. In comparison to middle-aged and elderly respondents, young respondents with MPN were more likely to present with a higher proportion of unmarried status (all P<0.001) , a higher education level (all P<0.001) , less comorbidity (ies) , fewer medications (all P<0.001) , and low-risk stratification (all P<0.001) . Younger respondents experienced headache (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.007; MF, P=0.001) at diagnosis, had splenomegaly at diagnosis (PV, P<0.001) , and survey (ET, P=0.052; PV, P=0.063) . Younger respondents had fewer thrombotic events at diagnosis (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.011) and during the survey (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.003) . JAK2 mutations were found in fewer young people (ET, P<0.001; PV, P<0.001; MF, P=0.013) ; however, CALR mutations were found in more young people (ET, P<0.001; MF, P=0.015) . Furthermore, mutations in non-driver genes (ET, P=0.042; PV, P=0.043; MF, P=0.004) and high-molecular risk mutations (ET, P=0.024; PV, P=0.023; MF, P=0.001) were found in fewer young respondents. Conclusion: Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, young patients with MPN had unique clinical and genetic characteristics.

Synergism of Fe/Ti Enabled Regioselective Arene Difunctionalization

Regioselective difunctionalization of arenes remains a long-standing challenge in organic chemistry. We report a novel and general Fe/Ti synergistic methodology for regioselective synthesis of various polysubstituted arenes through either E/E' or Nu/E ortho difunctionalizations of arenes. Preliminary results showed that an unprecedented 1,2-Fe/Ti heterobimetallic arylene intermediate bearing two distinct C-M bonds is essential to the regioselective difunctionalization.

[Pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance among lower respiratory tract infections in patients with hematological malignancies]

Objective: To investigate the pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance among lower respiratory tract infections in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods: Sputum samples were collected from 967 patients with hematological malignancies and lower respiratory tract infections in Department of Hematology,the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2017 to July 2020. The pathogens and drug sensitivity reports were carried out by automatic bacterial identification instruments. WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 20.0 softwares were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 961 strains of pathogens were isolated, 516 (53.7%) pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria, mainly 118 strains of Klebsiella pneumonia (12.3%), 68 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.1%), 67 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii (7.0%),52 strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (5.4%), 43 strains of Escherichia coli (4.5%), and 42 strains of Enterbacter cloacae (4.4%). There were 171 (17.8%) strains of Gram-positive bacteria and 274 (28.5%) fungi. The drug resistance rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenem were 22.1%-31.3%. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was sensitive to levofloxacin, compound sulfamethoxazole and minocycline. The antimicrobial resistance rates of these three enterobacteria to carbapenems, cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam were low (<10%). The resistant Gram-positive bacteria to ticoplanin, vancomycin and linazolamide were not detected. Conclusion: The major pathogens related to lower respiratory tract infections in patients with hematological malignancies are gram-negative bacteria in our centre. Different pathogens appear different characteristics of antimicrobial resistance.

Melanoxylonin A-G, neoflavonoids from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon and their cardioprotective effects

Seven undescribed neoflavonoids, named melanoxylonins A-G, were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon, and all the non-toxic isolates were evaluated for their cardioprotective effect against ischemia/reoxygenation (I/R) injury in H9c2 cells. Of these, melanoxylonin A-D containing the 8-OH group showed better potent cardioprotective effects than the other four congeners. Molecular docking studies confirmed the capacity of melanoxylonin D to interact with the myeloperoxidase (MPO) protein. These results indicated that the potential cardioprotective effects of melanoxylonin D in H9c2 cells with I/R injury may be imparted through suppression of MPO. These results may provide a new medicinal usage of D. melanoxylon.

Analysis of the spatial association of geographical detector-based landslides and environmental factors in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, China

Steep canyons surrounded by high mountains resulting from large-scale landslides characterize the study area located in the southeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. A total of 1766 large landslides were identified based on integrated remote sensing interpretations utilizing multisource satellite images and topographic data that were dominated by 3 major regional categories, namely, rockslides, rock falls, and flow-like landslides. The geographical detector method was applied to quantitatively unveil the spatial association between the landslides and 12 environmental factors through computation of the q values based on spatially stratified heterogeneity. Meanwhile, a certainty factor (CF) model was used for comparison. The results indicate that the q values of the 12 influencing factors vary obviously, and the dominant factors are also different for the 3 types of landslides, with annual mean precipitation (AMP) being the dominant factor for rockslide distribution, elevation being the dominant factor for rock fall distribution and lithology being the dominant factor for flow-like distribution. Integrating the results of the factor detector and ecological detector, the AMP, annual mean temperature (AMT), elevation, river density, fault distance and lithology have a stronger influence on the spatial distribution of landslides than other factors. Furthermore, the factor interactions can significantly enhance their interpretability of landslides, and the top 3 dominant interactions were revealed. Based on statistics of landslide discrepancies with respect to diverse stratification of each factor, the high-risk zones were identified for 3 types of landslides, and the results were contrasted with the CF model. In conclusion, our method provides an objective framework for landslide prevention and mitigation through quantitative, spatial and statistical analyses in regions with complex terrain.

Identification of Interleukin-9 Producing Immune Cells in Endometrial Carcinoma and Establishment of a Prognostic Nomogram

Background

Interleukin-9 (IL9) plays a critical role in immunity and the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC), especially endometrioid EC (EEC). This study aimed to identify the IL9+ immune cell subsets and their pleiotropic functions and establish an optimized prognostic nomogram towards the promotion of personalized treatment of EEC.

Methods

1,417 EC patients were involved in the present study. 143 patients from the tertiary gynecology centers in Shanghai between 2013 and 2019 were recruited, and the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. The genomic data of the other 1,274 patients were extracted from the TCGA and the MSKCC datasets, respectively. Immune and stromal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE R tool, and the tumor infiltration of immune cells was analyzed using the TIMER platform. Metascape and GEPIA datasets were used for bioinformatic analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism and R studio.

Results

552 genes that were correlated with leukocyte infiltration, lymphocyte activation, and regulation of innate immune response were up-regulated in the high immune score group. More IL9+ cell infiltration was detected in the highly and moderately differentiated EC (p = 0.04). High IL9+ lymphocyte infiltration was related to a better overall survival (p = 0.0027). IL9 positive cell clusters included ILC2s, Vδ2 γδT cells, mast cells, macrophages, and Th9 cells. Parameters such as FIGO stage, IL9 score, Vδ2 + γδT cell infiltration, classification of differentiation, and diabetes mellitus were assigned a weighted number of points in the nomogram for a specific predicted 3-, 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS). IL9–IL9R axis played a vital role in EEC, IL9R positive cell subgroups were also identified, and the related function was analyzed in the present study. Additionally, PR (Progesterone Receptor, or PGR) expression was relevant to a higher density of IL9+ lymphocyte infiltration. However, PGRMC1 (Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1) was negatively relevant to IL9R (p = 4.26e-8).

Conclusion

We observed a significant infiltration of IL9+ cells and the overrepresentation of IL-9R in tissue specimens of patients in EC cases. The nomogram incorporating the IL9 could accurately predict individualized survival probability in EEC. Additionally, this study not only established a prognostic nomogram but also assist in the firmer understanding of the relevance of the IL9-IL9R axis and IL9-producing cells in EC immunity.

[Clinical analysis of 12 cases of acute myeloid leukemia complicated with synchronous primary solid tumor]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated with simultaneous multiple primary cancer (SMPC). Methods: The data of 12 AML patients with SMPC hospitalized in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College, the Xinhua District Hospital of Pingdingshan City and the First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan City from March 2014 to July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, and their clinical features, treatment and prognosis were summarized. Results: Among the 12 patients, there were 6 males and 6 females, with a median age of 58 years (39-70 years). AML classification: according to French-American-British (FAB) classification, the 12 AML patients were classified as M₀ 1, M₁ 1, M_2a 5, M_2b 1, M₃ 2, M₅ 2; according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) prognosis stratified, low risk group 1 case, medium risk group 4 cases, high risk group 7 cases; classification of solid tumors: 3 cases of lung cancer, 1 case of breast cancer, 2 cases of gastric cancer, 3 cases of esophageal cancer, 1 case of rectal neuroendocrine tumor, 1 case of invasive hydatidiform mole and 1 case of sigmoid colon cancer. The median time interval for the diagnosis of two primary malignant tumors was 4 (from 2.6 to 5.6) months. Results of gene mutation detection: AML prognostic gene detection results: a total of 12 kinds of gene abnormalities including ASXL1, JAK2, TET2, U2AF1, ABCB1, FLT3-ITD, RUNX1, SETBPIT, TET2 (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP), p53, IKZF1 and IDH2 were detected, and solid tumor related genes were detected: a total of 4 kinds of gene abnormalities including Her-2, EGFR, K-RAS and MSI were detected. Survival: among the 12 patients, 1 case was lost during follow-up, 2 cases were still in treatment, 3 cases ended treatment and the condition was stable, 6 cases died. The median overall survival of 12 patients was 12.5 (from 3.8 to 48.0) months. Conclusions: It is not clear whether there is a certain correlation between the simultaneous occurrence of AML and solid tumors. Patients with AML and synchronous solid tumors are not unusual. Both tumors should be treated aggressively at the same time.

Neoflavonoids from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon

Three new neoflavonoids, named (1S,8R,9S)-1,5-dihydroxy-4,12-dimethoxy-8-vinyl-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^2,7]trideca-2,4,6,11-tetraen-10-one (1), 2,5,2',5'-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (2) and 2,5,3'-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (3), were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HRMS, 1 D and 2 D-NMR. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for inhibitory activity against three fungal strains Candida albicans, Mucor ramosissimus, Saccharomycopsis fermentans and seven bacterial strains Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella enteri, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus sphaericus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli using the broth dilution method. However, none of compounds 1-3 showed potential antimicrobial activities in vitro.

Effects of sDR5-Fc fusion protein on infant mice with ulcerative colitis via the TRAIL-DR5 pathway

To explore effects of the sDR5-Fc fusion protein on ulcerative colitis of infant mice via the TRAIL-DR5 pathway, 50 female mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., control group (group A), dextran sulfate sodium group (group B), hIgG group (group C), 10 mg/kg sDR5-Fc group (group D), and 20 mg/ kg sDR5-Fc group (group E). The acute ulcerative colitis models were established. The weights and disease activity index (DAI) of each group were monitored daily. In addition, the pathological changes of colon tissues were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The number of macrophages in colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Changes in the expression of inflammatory factors in colon tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of different concentrations was utilized alone or in combination with TRAIL to stimulate the NCM460 cells. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes was detected by Western blot. The apoptosis of NCM460 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that in groups B and C, the body weights decreased, the DAI increased, the colon epithelial cells were injured, the inflammatory cells were infiltrated, and the macrophages in colon tissues increased significantly. In groups D and E, the body weights increased, the DAI decreased, the inflammation was significantly improved, the macrophages decreased significantly, and the gene expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β decreased significantly. Thus, sDR5-Fc could inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by TRAIL, thereby decreasing the apoptosis of NCM460 cells. In conclusion, the sDR5-Fc fusion protein could block the TRAIL-DR5 pathway to reduce the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes, thereby improving ulcerative colitis.

Current advances and outlooks in immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an incurable cancer resistant to traditional treatments, although a limited number of early-stage patients can undergo radical resection. Immunotherapies for the treatment of haematological malignancies as well as solid tumours have been substantially improved over the past decades, and impressive results have been obtained in recent preclinical and clinical trials. However, PDAC is likely the exception because of its unique tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the PDAC TME and focus on the network of various tumour-infiltrating immune cells, outlining the current advances in PDAC immunotherapy and addressing the effect of the PDAC TME on immunotherapy. This review further explores the combinations of different therapies used to enhance antitumour efficacy or reverse immunodeficiencies and describes optimizable immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC. The concordant combination of various treatments, such as targeting cancer cells and the stroma, reversing suppressive immune reactions and enhancing antitumour reactivity, may be the most promising approach for the treatment of PDAC. Traditional treatments, especially chemotherapy, may also be optimized for individual patients to remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment for enhanced therapy.

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermented Soymilk on Isoflavone Metabolites and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Excretion and Their Modulating Effects on Gut Microbiota

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain ASCC 1520 with high soy isoflavone transformation ability was used to ferment soymilk and added to the diet of mice. The impact of L. rhamnosus fermentation on soy isoflavone metabolites and intestinal bacterial community, in conjunction with fecal enzyme activity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) excretion was evaluated. Antibiotics intervention resulted in a decrease in fecal enzyme activities and SCFA. Although long-term intake of soymilk or L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk did not affect the fecal β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase activities, it improved the β-glucosidase activity when antibiotics were concomitantly administered. Soymilk or fermented soymilk administration increased the isoflavone metabolites (O-DMA and equol) excreted in urine. Antibiotics decreased the daidzein excretion and its metabolites but showed little effect on glycitein and genistein excretion. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of the 16s rRNA gene sequencing data found a remarkable shift in gut microbiota after soymilk administration and antibiotics treatment. Matastats test of the relative abundance of bacterial taxa revealed Odoribacter (Bacteroidales family), Lactobacillus (Lactobacillales order), and Alistipes (Rikenellaceae family) were enriched in soymilk while bacterial taxa from Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were enriched in L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk. Furthermore, there was less decrease in bacterial taxa with fermented soymilk group even when antibiotics were concomitantly administered. Overall, this study revealed that the gut microbiota of a healthy host is enough for the whole isoflavone metabolism under normal conditions. Feeding mice with L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk improved fecal enzyme activity and kept the balance of the gut mirobiota when antibiotics were used. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Feeding mice with L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk improved fecal enzyme activity and kept the balance of the gut mirobiota when antibiotics were used.

[Correlation between interleukin-6 single nucleotide polymorphism and the occurrence and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the occurrence and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). Methods: Patients with chronic hepatic diseases diagnosed as HBV infection in the Hepatology Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from July 2012 to March 2018 were divided into HBV-ACLF and non-ACLF group. SNP genotyping of eight loci in IL-6 gene (rs1524107, rs1800795, rs1800797, rs2069827, rs2069830, rs2069837, rs2069840 and rs2069845) was determined by the improved multi-temperature ligase detection reaction (imLDRTM) technique. Simultaneously, case data were reviewed with the 3-months followed up survival condition of the ACLF group. Normally distributed data were expressed as arithmetic means and SDs, and t-test was adopted. Data with skewed distribution were expressed as medians with interquartile range, and were measured by non-parametric test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relative risk of genetic polymorphism and HBV-ACLF as well as the relationship between IL-6 SNPs with the occurrence and prognosis of HBV-ACLF. Results: Four hundred patients were included in the study, with 122 (30.5%) in the HBV-ACLF and 278 (69.5%) in the non-ACLF group. There were significant differences in total bilirubin, albumin, and white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, platelet count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin time and international standardized ratio, creatinine and the model for end-stage liver disease score between the two groups (P < 0.001). The genotype of IL-6 genes (rs1800795, rs1800797, rs2069827, and rs2069830) of all subjects showed no mutation or the mutation rate under 1%. There was no significant difference in the genotype of IL-6 (rs1524107, rs2069837, rs2069840 and rs2069845) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the SNPs in the above four loci of IL-6 gene was not associated with HBV-ACLF risk, nor had significant correlation with the 3-months prognosis. Conclusion: The SNP genotyping of eight loci in IL-6 gene (rs1524107, rs1800795, rs1800797, rs2069827, rs2069830, rs2069837, rs2069840 and rs2069845) is unrelated to the occurrence and short-term prognosis of HBV-ACLF.

[Therapeutic effect of combined use of interferon alpha-1b, interleukin-2 and thalidomide on reversing minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

探讨干扰素α-1b、白细胞介素2联合沙利度胺（“干白沙”方案）对急性髓系白血病（AML）患者微小残留病（MRD）的影响。

方法

对2016年7月至2018年6月收治的18例（17例来自郑州大学附属肿瘤医院，1例来自平顶山市第一人民医院）处于血液学完全缓解但MRD阳性的AML患者应用不同剂量的“干白沙”方案，监测其MRD水平变化。

结果

18例患者接受常规剂量“干白沙”方案1~2个月，7例患者MRD转阴，3例患者MRD水平明显下降，3例MRD水平升高，5例复发。MRD水平升高的3例患者接受加量的“干白沙”方案，2例MRD转阴，1例MRD水平下降。“干白沙”方案干预治疗MRD阳性AML总有效率为72.2%。根据治疗前MRD水平分组，MRD≥1.0%的患者有效率为57.1%（4/7），MRD<1.0%的患者有效率为81.8%（9/11）。

结论

“干白沙”方案可使血液学完全缓解但MRD阳性的AML患者MRD转阴或下降，增加方案药物剂量后疗效增加，疗效与治疗前MRD水平可能呈负相关。

Host-selection behavior and physiological mechanisms of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, in response to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels can markedly affect the growth, development, reproduction and behavior of herbivorous insects, mainly by changing the primary and secondary metabolites of their host plants. However, little is known about the host-selection behavior and the respective intrinsic mechanism of sap-sucking insects in response to elevated CO₂. In this experiment, the host-selection behavior, as well as the physiological mechanism based on the analysis of growth, development and energy substances, and the expression of the olfactory-related genes of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, were studied under ambient (407.0 ± 4.3 μl/L) and elevated (810.5 ± 7.2 μl/L) CO₂. The results indicated that the aphids reared under ambient and elevated CO₂ did not differ in their level of preference for cotton seedlings, whatever the CO₂ conditions in which the plants developed. However, aphids reared under elevated CO₂ showed a greater ability to respond to the plant volatiles compared to aphids that developed under ambient CO₂ (+23.3%). This suggests that rising atmospheric CO₂ enhances the activity of host selection in this aphid. Compared with ambient CO₂, elevated CO₂ significantly increased aphid body weight (+36.7%) and the contents of glycogen (+18.9%), body fat (+14.6%), and amino acids (+16.8%) and increased the expression of odor-binding protein genes, OBP2 (+299.6%) and OBP7 (+47.4%), and chemosensory protein genes, CSP4 (+265.3%) and CSP6 (+50.9%), potentially enhancing the overall life activities and upregulating the olfactory ability of A. gossypii. We speculated that the rising atmospheric CO₂ level would likely aggravate the damage caused by A. gossypii due to the higher potential host selection and increased general activity under future climate change.

[A phase Ⅲ multi-center clinical trial on safety and efficacy of a domestic plasma derived factor Ⅸ for the treatment of patients with hemophilia B]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestic human plasma derived coagulation Factor Ⅸ concentrate (pd-FⅨ) in patients with hemophilia B. Methods: The study was a multicenter, open-label and single-arm study. The efficacy of pd-F Ⅸ was evaluated by objective performance criteria. The doses of pd-FⅨ were calculated according to the bleeding symptom and disease severity. The infusion efficiency of pd-FⅨ and improvement of bleeding symptoms were measured at 30 minutes and (24±4) h after the first infusion, respectively. Adverse events were recorded. Viral infection and FⅨ inhibitor were detected 90 d after the first infusion. Results: All 36 subjects with hemophilia B were enrolled in the study. The median age of these patients was 31 years old and the median injection doses were 4 (1-17) times. The hemostatic effect of 27/36 (75.00%) and 9/36 (25.00%) acute bleeding events were rated as "excellent" and "better" , respectively. The recovery rate was 111.92% (65.55%-194.28%) at 30 minutes after infusion of FⅨ. There was no adverse event related to FⅨ. No reactivation of HBV, HCV or HIV and FⅨ inhibitor was detected at 90-104 d after the first FⅨ infusion. Conclusion: This domestically made human plasma derived FⅨ concentrate is safe and effective in the treatment of acute bleeding in patients with hemophilia B. Clinical trial registration: China food and Durg Administration, 2016L08027.

[Construction of the pIRES2-ZsGreen1 eukaryotic expression vector of Factor Ⅸ gene and expression in HEK-293 cells]

目的

以含有凝血因子Ⅸ（FⅨ）cDNA的pcDNA/FⅨ质粒为模板构建真核表达载体pIRES2-ZsGreen1/FⅨ并检测其在HEK-293细胞中的表达。

方法

以pcDNA/FⅨ质粒为模板，扩增出目的基因FⅨ的开放阅读框（ORF）区，使用Infusion酶对线性pIRES2-ZsGreen1双酶切产物及FⅨORF扩增产物进行连接，连接产物进行转化后筛选阳性克隆，对阳性克隆进行DNA测序及凝胶电泳鉴定。野生型pIRES2-ZsGreen1/FⅨ转染HEK-293细胞后，分别采用实时定量PCR、细胞免疫荧光法、一期法检测野生型FⅨ基因mRNA表达水平、蛋白的表达量及细胞裂解液、细胞培养液的FⅨ活性。

结果

成功构建pIRES2-ZsGreen1/FⅨ并转染HEK-293细胞，实时定量PCR证实HEK-293细胞表达FⅨ mRNA，激光共聚焦显微镜下观察到FⅨ蛋白在细胞质中合成，野生型质粒pIRES2-ZsGreen1/FⅨ转染HEK-293细胞裂解液和细胞培养液的FⅨ活性分别为（92.03±0.29）%、（86.89±8.78）%，无转染的HEK-293细胞裂解液和培养液中FⅨ活性均为0。

结论

成功构建FⅨ野生型pIRES2-ZsGreen1真核表达载体。

Pharmacokinetics of doxycycline after a single intravenous, oral or intramuscular dose in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)

1. The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in ducks were investigated after a single intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) or oral (PO) dose at 20 mg/kg body weight. 2. The concentrations of doxycycline in plasma samples were assayed using a high performance liquid chromatography method, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental model. 3. After IV administration, doxycycline had a mean (±SD) distribution volume (Vz) of 1761.9 ± 328.5 ml/kg and was slowly eliminated with a terminal half-life (t₁/₂λz) of 21.21±1.47 h and a total body clearance (Cl) of 57.51 ± 9.50 ml/h/kg. Following PO and IM administration, doxycycline was relatively slowly absorbed - the peak concentrations (Cmax) were 17.57 ± 4.66 μg/ml at 2 h and 25.01 ± 4.18 μg/ml at 1.5 h, respectively. The absolute bioavailabilities (F) of doxycycline after PO and IM administration were 39.13% and 70.71%, respectively. 4. The plasma profile of doxycycline exhibited favourable pharmacokinetics characteristics in Muscovy ducks, such as wide distribution, relatively slow absorption and slow elimination, though oral bioavailability was low.

[A method of hyperspectral quantificational identification of minerals based on infrared spectral artificial immune calculation]

Rapid identification of minerals based on near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectra is vital to remote sensing mine exploration, remote sensing minerals mapping and field geological documentation of drill core, and have leaded to many identification methods including spectral angle mapping (SAM), spectral distance mapping (SDM), spectral feature fitting(SFF), linear spectral mixture model (LSMM), mathematical combination feature spectral linear inversion model(CFSLIM) etc. However, limitations of these methods affect their actual applications. The present paper firstly gives a unified minerals components spectral inversion (MCSI) model based on target sample spectrum and standard endmember spectral library evaluated by spectral similarity indexes. Then taking LSMM and SAM evaluation index for example, a specific formulation of unified MCSI model is presented in the form of a kind of combinatorial optimization. And then, an artificial immune colonial selection algorithm is used for solving minerals feature spectral linear inversion model optimization problem, which is named ICSFSLIM. Finally, an experiment was performed to use ICSFSLIM and CFSLIM to identify the contained minerals of 22 rock samples selected in Baogutu in Xinjiang China. The mean value of correctness and validness identification of ICSFSLIM are 34.22% and 54.08% respectively, which is better than that of CFSLIM 31.97% and 37.38%; the correctness and validness variance of ICSFSLIM are 0.11 and 0.13 smaller than that of CFSLIM, 0.15 and 0.25, indicating better identification stability.

[Hyperspectral remote sensing image classification based on SVM optimized by clonal selection]

Model selection for support vector machine (SVM) involving kernel and the margin parameter values selection is usually time-consuming, impacts training efficiency of SVM model and final classification accuracies of SVM hyperspectral remote sensing image classifier greatly. Firstly, based on combinatorial optimization theory and cross-validation method, artificial immune clonal selection algorithm is introduced to the optimal selection of SVM (CSSVM) kernel parameter a and margin parameter C to improve the training efficiency of SVM model. Then an experiment of classifying AVIRIS in India Pine site of USA was performed for testing the novel CSSVM, as well as a traditional SVM classifier with general Grid Searching cross-validation method (GSSVM) for comparison. And then, evaluation indexes including SVM model training time, classification overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa index of both CSSVM and GSSVM were all analyzed quantitatively. It is demonstrated that OA of CSSVM on test samples and whole image are 85.1% and 81.58, the differences from that of GSSVM are both within 0.08% respectively; And Kappa indexes reach 0.8213 and 0.7728, the differences from that of GSSVM are both within 0.001; While the ratio of model training time of CSSVM and GSSVM is between 1/6 and 1/10. Therefore, CSSVM is fast and accurate algorithm for hyperspectral image classification and is superior to GSSVM.

[A rapid quantificational identification model of minerals and its applications]

Rapid identification of minerals is the key point for enhancing the efficiency of mineral exploration by remote sensing, mineral mapping by remote sensing and many geological investigations. Because of the limitation of technology and other aspects, the amount of models and software concerning rapid identification of minerals is very small. Since 1990s the development in spectrometers and computers has made it possible to apply near infrared spectrum technology to identify minerals. Two models have emerged. Model I is based on analyzing the position of absorption bands, while Model II is founded on waveform matching. In the present paper, characteristic spectrum linear inversion modeling was built. Validated by the data gained from end-members of USGS mineral spectrum library by mixing randomly, this model with the accuracy being approximately 100% is much better than Model I and II. Used to analyze the 23 samples selected in Baogutu area in Xinjiang, the model we built with the accuracy of 64.6% is superior to Model I (the accuracy is 33.8%) and Model II (the accuracy is 8.1%). Though the accuracy of our model is not as high as that of identification by microscope at present, using our model is much more effective and convenient, and there also will be less artificial error and smaller workload. The good performance of our model in the mineral exploration work by remote sensing in Baogutu area in Xinjiang shows wide popularizing prospects.

Systemic administration of a water-soluble hexasulfonated C(60) (FC(4)S) reduces cerebral ischemia-induced infarct volume in gerbils

Buckminsterfullerence and its derivatives have recently been shown to exhibit considerable in vivo biological activities. A water-soluble hexasulfonated C(60) (FC(4)S) has been shown to protect against oxidative stress. Neuroprotective effects of FC(4)S were investigated in the present study. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by a permanent occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery in gerbils. Infarct volumes were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride transcardiac perfusion 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Chronic pretreatment of FC(4)S (0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally for 2 weeks) significantly reduced the infarct volume (by 42% and 68%, respectively) when compared to that of the control group. Results revealed that chronic pretreatment of FC(4)S may protect the brain against focal cerebral ischemia.

Soy protein hydrolyzate with bound phospholipids reduces serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic adult male volunteers

This study was done to evaluate the effects of soy protein hydrolyzate with bound phospholipids (c-SPHP), on the serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects over a three-month period. Subjects were Taiwanese adult male volunteers whose serum total cholesterol levels were above 220 mg/dl. Twenty-one subjects were divided into three groups randomly, and each group was given c-SPHP zero, 3, or 6 g per day. Test diets were orally administered in a powdered drink form that contained c-SPHP or casein hydrolyzate (placebo). The subjects were given the test diet four times daily. The study consisted of a two-week pre-feeding period, a three-month feeding period, followed by a two-week post-feeding period. After 3 months of c-SPHP administration, 3 g per day, serum total cholesterol decreased significantly from the initial level (15.0%, p<0.01) and compared with the placebo group (p<0.05). Furthermore, LDL-cholesterol decreased significantly (27.7%, p<0.01) and the LDL/HDL ratio also decreased significantly (47.4%, p<0.01) from the initial levels. These effects of c-SPHP were dose-dependent. This study suggests that c-SPHP has remarkable improving effects on the serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

A nucleoside-nucleotide mixture may reduce memory deterioration in old senescence-accelerated mice

We investigated the effects of a mixture of dietary nucleosides and nucleotides (NS + NT) on memory in 1- and 7-mo-old senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). Memory retention was studied with passive avoidance (step-through) and active avoidance (shuttle) tests. For 14 wk, mice in the control groups were fed a 20 g of casein/100 g diet, whereas the NS + NT groups were fed this diet supplemented with a 0.5 g of NS + NT mixture/100 g. All mice were killed at wk 14, and we studied the brain histopathology. Lipofuscin, monovacuoles and multiple vacuoles of various brain regions were measured. Body weight, food intake and ambulatory activity did not differ between the control and NS + NT groups. In old mice, the time of passive avoidance was significantly higher in the NS + NT group than in the control group at d 1 and 7 (P: < 0.05). However, such an effect of NS + NT was not observed in young mice. In the active avoidance test, the incidence of successful avoidance in old mice was higher in the NS + NT group than in the control group at d 1 and 2 (P: < 0.05). The percentages of specific brain cells containing lipofuscin were lower in NS + NT groups than in the control groups in both young and old mice (P: < 0.05). The number of monovacuoles and multiple vacuoles in specific brain regions tended to be lower (P: = 0.1-0.25) in NS + NT than in control groups, with significant differences in the microvacuoles of the middle cortex of young mice and in the multiple vacuoles in the hind cortex of old mice (P: < 0. 05). These results suggest that increased dietary NS + NT may be associated with decreases in the age-induced deterioration of brain morphology and certain memory tasks.

Beta-carbonyl substituted glutathione conjugates as inhibitors Of O. volvulus GST2

A series of beta-carbonyl substituted glutathione conjugates were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of OvGST2. Their specificity for the parasite derived protein was assessed through comparison with their inhibition of human piGST. Inhibition of OvGST2 has been demonstrated at low micromolar concentrations for these conjugates and selectivity for OvGST2 over human pi-GST of greater than 10-fold has been achieved.

Alcohol metabolism and cardiovascular response in an alcoholic patient homozygous for the ALDH2*2 variant gene allele

BACKGROUND

Alcohol metabolism is one of the biological determinants that can influence drinking behavior. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are the principal enzymes involved in ethanol metabolism. Allelic variation of the ADH and ALDH genes can significantly affect vulnerability for the development of alcoholism. Homozygosity of the variant ALDH2*2 allele previously was believed to fully protect East Asian populations against the development of alcoholism.

METHODS

Eighty Han Chinese alcoholics who met DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence and 144 nonalcohol-dependent subjects were recruited and their data combined with data from 340 alcohol-dependent and 545 nonalcohol-dependent subjects described in an earlier report (Chen et al., 1999) to assess risk for alcoholism by logistic regression analysis. Genotypes of ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The ALDH2 genotype was confirmed by direct nucleotide sequencing. Blood ethanol concentration was determined by headspace gas chromatography and acetaldehyde concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of the derivatized product. Cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters were measured by two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and sphygmomanometry. Extracranial arterial blood flow was measured by Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

An alcohol-dependent patient was identified to be ALDH2*2/*2, ADH2*2/*2, and ADH3*1/*2. Following challenge with a moderate oral dose of ethanol (0.5 g/kg of body weight), the patient exhibited peak concentrations for ethanol (55.7 mg/dl) and acetaldehyde (125 microM). During 130 min postingestion, the patient generally displayed similar or even less intense cardiovascular hemodynamic alterations when compared to a previously published study of nonalcoholic individuals with ALDH2*2/*2 who had received a lower dose of ethanol (0.2 g/kg). Logistic regression analysis of the combinatorial genotypes of ADH2 and ALDH2 in 420 alcohol-dependent and 689 nonalcohol-dependent subjects indicated that risk for alcoholism was 100-fold lower for the ADH2*2/*2-ALDH2*2/*2 individuals than the ADH2*1/*1-ALDH2*1/*1 individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The gene status of ALDH2*2/*2 alone can tremendously but not completely (as thought previously) protect against development of alcohol dependence. Individuals carrying the combinatorial genotype of ADH2*2/*2-ALDH2*2/*2 are at the least risk for the disease in East Asians. Physiological tolerance or innate insensitivity to the accumulation of blood acetaldehyde following alcohol ingestion may be crucial for the development of alcoholism in individuals homozygous for ALDH2*2.

Interaction between the functional polymorphisms of the alcohol-metabolism genes in protection against alcoholism

The genes that encode the major enzymes of alcohol metabolism, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), exhibit functional polymorphism. The variant alleles ADH2*2 and ADH3*1, which encode high-activity ADH isoforms, and the ALDH2*2 allele, which encodes the low-activity form of ALDH2, protect against alcoholism in East Asians. To investigate possible interactions among these protective genes, we genotyped 340 alcoholic and 545 control Han Chinese living in Taiwan at the ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 loci. After the influence of ALDH2*2 was controlled for, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that allelic variation at ADH3 exerts no significant effect on the risk of alcoholism. This can be accounted for by linkage disequlibrium between ADH3*1 and ADH2*2 ALDH2*2 homozygosity, regardless of the ADH2 genotypes, was fully protective against alcoholism; no individual showing such homozygosity was found among the alcoholics. Logistic regression analyses of the remaining six combinatorial genotypes of the polymorphic ADH2 and ALDH2 loci indicated that individuals carrying one or two copies of ADH2*2 and a single copy of ALDH2*2 had the lowest risk (ORs 0.04-0.05) for alcoholism, as compared with the ADH2*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. The disease risk associated with the ADH2*2/*2-ALDH2*1/*1 genotype appeared to be about half of that associated with the ADH2*1/*2-ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. The results suggest that protection afforded by the ADH2*2 allele may be independent of that afforded by ALDH2*2.

Involvement of acetaldehyde for full protection against alcoholism by homozygosity of the variant allele of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase gene in Asians

There is a functional polymorphism of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene with the variant allele (ALDH2*2) encoding a protein subunit that confers low activity to the tetrameric enzyme. Genetic epidemiologic studies have strongly suggested that homozygosity for the allele ALDH2*2 is sufficient in completely inhibiting the development of alcoholism in Asians. To study the pathophysiology of this unique pharmacogenetic effect, we recruited a total of eighteen adult Han Chinese men, matched by age, body-mass index, nutritional state and homozygosity at the alcohol dehydrogenase gene loci from a population base of 273 men. Six individuals were chosen for each of the three ALDH2 allelotypes: homozygous ALDH2*2/*2, heterozygous ALDH2*1/*2, and homozygous ALDH2*1/*1. Following a low dose of ethanol (0.2 g/kg body weight), blood ethanol/acetaldehyde concentrations, cardiac and extracranial/intracranial arterial hemodynamic parameters, as well as self-rated subjective sensations, were measured for 130 min. Homozygous ALDH2*2 individuals were found to be strikingly responsive to the small amount of alcohol, as evidenced by the pronounced cardiovascular hemodynamic effects as well as subjective perception of general discomfort for as long as 2 h following ingestion. This low-dose alcohol hypersensitivity, accompanied by a prolonged and large accumulation of acetaldehyde in blood, provides an explanation for the strong protection against heavy drinking and alcoholism in individuals homozygous for the ALDH2*2 gene allele.

Weight satisfaction and dieting practices among college males in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

To obtain baseline data regarding body mass index (BMI), weight satisfaction and weight perception in male college students. Approaches used to lose weight and characteristics of dieters were also investigated.

METHODS

Written questionnaires and height and weight measurements were used to collect data. Nine-hundred thirty male college students selected by multiple stage sampling among colleges in Taiwan participated in this study. Simple frequency and ANOVA were used to analyze data. Post hoc analyses were performed with the LSD test when the F ratio for the ANOVA was significant at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The mean BMI for all subjects was 21.7. Males with a BMI < or =22.5 are considered thin by Taiwanese and world standards. Yet 34% of these males were attempting to lose weight and 14% percent perceived themselves as either overweight or obese. Exercise was the main approach to losing weight for subjects in all weight categories. Subjects in the dissatisfied/dieting group tended to measure body weight more frequently (p<0.05), spent more time exercising and reading nutrition information (p<0.05) and skipped breakfast and lunch more frequently (p<0.05) than non-dieters. Male dieters ate fewer vegetables and less meat than non-dieters.

CONCLUSIONS

Male college students had frequent misconceptions and dissatisfaction with their body weight. Behavioral characteristics among those dissatisfied with their weight indicate they are at risk for developing eating disorders.

Discriminability in length of lines in the Müller-Lyer figure

Receiver-operating characteristics for the discriminability in the length of the lines of the Müller-Lyer figure were obtained by the rating method of detection theory. Six observers judged the shaft length of the lines of the figure with reference to the same standard line. Maximum-likelihood estimates of the index of discriminability, d', were linear function of the difference in the length of the lines, but the functions did not pass through the origin because of a constant error of judgment. Because discriminability was determined by ROC analysis, the constant error could not be attributed solely to changes in criterion placement; instead, it showed that the Müller-Lyer figure induced a change in the discriminability of the lines.

Role of nucleosides and nucleotides in the immune system, gut reparation after injury, and brain function

Emerging evidence indicates the importance of nucleosides and nucleotides in the maintenance of functions of the bone marrow hematopoietic cells, intestinal mucosa, and the brain, which have limited de novo synthesis of purine and pyrimidine bases. We have found that nucleosides and nucleotides stimulate hemopoieses and increase peripheral neutrophil counts in mice treated with cyclophosphoamide. Intraperitoneal administration of nucleosides and nucleotides decreased bacterial translocation, the number of colony-forming units, and increased survival against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro immune studies in mice showed that nucleosides and nucleotides increase the delayed-type cutaneous hypersensitivity and the popliteal lymph node blastogenic response to antigens, allogens, and mitogens. Both intraperitoneal and oral administration of nucleosides and nucleotides reduced endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation and improved injury to the gut in protein-deficient mice. However, oral administration of nucleosides and nucleotides in experimental colitis resulted in a worsening of colitic conditions and increased interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations in inflamed colonic portions, indicating the pro-inflammatory activities of nucleosides and nucleotides. Memory-deficient senescence-accelerated mice and mice with dementia showed improved memory with dietary nucleosides and nucleotides supplementation. These results indicate that supplementation with nucleosides and nucleotides is beneficial to the functions of the system and the brain. However, beneficial effects to the gut appear to depend on the type of damage sustained by the gut.

Hypercapnic respiratory acidosis precipitated by hypercaloric carbohydrate infusion in resolving septic acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

Complications may occur when nutritional support is administered either parenterally or enterally. Inappropriate nutritional formulas with high carbohydrate loads can precipitate respiratory failure in patients with compromised lung function, induce respiratory distress which manifests as dyspnea and tachypnea in an originally normal lung condition, produce hypercapnic acidosis in mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as patients recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) without chronic lung disease, or result in difficult weaning. Hypercaloric mixed substrates administered either parenterally or enterally can also have profound impacts on gas exchange and energy expenditure. This report describes a patient who experienced exacerbation of respiratory distress and hypercapnic acidosis during recovery from septic ARDS as the result of a nutritionally-related increase in CO2 production. As carbohydrate calories were decreased, CO2 production diminished and the hypercapnia was resolved. The importance of indirect calorimetry cannot be overemphasized during tailoring of nutritional support for the critically ill patients.

Effects of dietary nucleoside-nucleotide mixture on memory in aged and young memory deficient mice

Intestinal mucosa, bone marrow hematopoietic cells and brain have limited capacity for the de novo synthesis of nucleosides (NSs) and nucleotides (NTs). Whereas the role of dietary NS and NT in the former two tissues is known, it is not known in the brain. Therefore we studied the effect of dietary NS and NT mixture on memory in aged mice (Experiment 1) and young memory deficient mice (Experiment 2). Memory retention was studied by step-through type passive avoidance performance (maximum 180 seconds). In Experiment 1 aged (7 month old) senescence accelerated mice (SAM) were fed 20% casein diet (control) or this diet supplemented with 0.5% NS/NT mixture for 12 weeks. Memory was studied 1, 2 and 3 days after the electric shock (punishment). In Experiment 2, young (1 month old) memory deficient mice (Dull mice) and normal mice (ddY mice) were fed the same diets as those in Experiment 1 for 12 weeks. Memory retention was studied 1 and 3 days after the punishment. In the aged SAM the average time of avoidance and also the percentages of successful memory 2 and 3 days after the punishment were significantly higher in the NS/NT diet group than the control diet group (P < 0.05). In the Dull mice percentage of successful memory was higher in the NS/NT diet group than in the control group 3 days after the punishment, however, such an effect was not observed in the normal mice. These results suggest that insufficient endogenous supply of NSs and NTs may be responsible for the factor of memory deficiency with aging or of genetical memory deficiency, which can be improved by the dietary administration of NSs and NTs.

Effect of egg white on serum cholesterol concentration in young women

In a previous study we observed favorable effects of egg white on serum lipids in rats and mice. The present study was designed to elucidate these effects in 24 female university students with moderate hypercholesterolemia. About 30% of total protein was supplied with egg white, tofu or cheese. The experiment was conducted for a complete menstruation cycle of each subject. Lipid intake was about 30% of total energy intake. The energy intake of each subject was constant throughout the experiment. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight and daily activity were maintained in all the groups throughout the experiment. The egg white group showed a similar decrease in the total cholesterol (Total-C) concentration but a greater increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration as compared to the tofu group and a greater decrease in Total-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and a greater increase in the HDL-C concentration as compared to the cheese group (p < 0.05). The results indicate the favorable effects of egg white in the control of hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of vitamin E deficiency and dietary linoleate on serum thromboxane synthesis in male sprague-dawley rats

The aim of the present study was to examine whether vitamin E deficiency and dietary linoleate had additive or synergistic effects on serum thromboxane (TX) status and therefore on thrombogenesis. Eight groups of five male weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semipurified diets containing 3.5 or 18.4% of energy from linoleate (en% linoleate) and 0, 100, 5000, 15,000 ppm vitamin E for 8 weeks. Rats fed no vitamin E had the lowest serum vitamin E while rats fed 15,000 ppm vitamin E had the highest serum vitamin E (p < 0.05). Serum 18:2, n-6 (linoleic acid; LA) and 20:4, n-6 (arachidonic acid; AA) were significantly greater in the 18.4 en% linoleate group than in the 3.5 en% linoleate group (p < 0.05). Serum TXA2, measured as its stable metabolite TXB2, was significantly greater in the vitamin E-deficient rats than in the vitamin E-adequate and vitamin E-supplemented rats (p < 0.05). Serum lipid peroxidation, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was significantly greater in the 0 and 100 ppm vitamin E groups than in the 5000 and 15,000 ppm vitamin E groups (p < 0.05). No interaction between dietary linoleate and vitamin E deficiency on serum TX status was found. However, it seemed that vitamin E deficiency had a more potent effect on TX synthesis than dietary linoleate. The result suggested that vitamin E deficiency may be prothrombogenic via its effect on TX synthesis.

Ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism in chinese with different aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genotypes

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are the major enzymes responsible for ethanol metabolism in humans. Both enzymes exhibit genetic polymorphisms among racial populations. About half of the Chinese population lack mitochondrial ALDH2 activity and such a deficiency has been believed to be a negative risk factor for the development of alcoholism. To assess ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism in Chinese with different ALDH2 genotypes, we genotyped 273 male adults at the ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 loci by using polymerase chain reaction-directed mutagenesis and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Of the 143 individuals homozygous for both the ADH2*2 and the ADH3*1 alleles, 80, 55, and 8 were identified as ALDH2*1/*1, ALDH2*1/*2, and ALDH2*/*2, respectively. Five each from the above three ALDH2 genotypic subjects underwent alcohol elimination testing. Blood ethanol and acetaldehyde levels were determined at various times up to 130 min after intaking a low dose of ethanol (0.2 g/kg body weight) by using head-space gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, respectively. The mutant homozygotes of ALDH2*2/*2 and the heterozygotes exhibited significantly higher peak acetaldehyde concentrations and also greater areas under the blood concentrations-time curve (AUC) than did the normal homozygotes of ALDH2*1/*1, with the mutant homozygotes both being the largest. The mutant homozygotes displayed significantly higher peak ethanol levels and AUC compared to the normal homozygotes. Of the 17 subjective feeling items tested, palpitation, facial warming, effects of alcohol, and dizziness were found to be most pronounced among the mutant homozygotes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antihypercholesterolemic effect of undigested fraction of soybean protein in young female volunteers

The significant antihypercholesterolemic effect of the undigested high molecular fraction (HMF) of soybean protein is known in rats, but such an effect has not been shown in humans. The present two experiments were designed to elucidate it in humans. Subjects were female university students who had relatively high serum cholesterol levels for their age. In Experiment 1, subjects took 8% of their total energy from casein, soybean protein isolate (SPI), or HMF daily for 14 days. Five basic menus and snacks were cycled. Energy intakes and daily activities were kept constant and body weight was maintained. The HMF group showed decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as compared to other groups. In Experiment 2, subjects took 4% of total energy from casein or HMF daily for a menstruation period. Five basic menus and snacks which contained two egg yolks (about 500 mg cholesterol) were cycled. Energy intakes and daily activities were kept constant and body weight was maintained. A decrease in LDL-C and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed in the HMF group as compared to the casein group. Fecal acidic steroid excretion was greater in the HMF group than in the casein group (p < 0.05). The results confirmed that HMF increases fecal steroid excretion and reduces serum cholesterol levels in humans.

Genotyping of alcohol dehydrogenase at the ADH2 and ADH3 loci by using a polymerase chain reaction and restriction-fragment-length polymorphism in Chinese alcoholic cirrhotics and non-alcoholics

We investigated the genotype of ADH2 and ADH3 in Chinese alcoholic cirrhotics and non-alcoholics by using a polymerase chain reaction and restriction-fragment-length polymorphism. This method is non-radioactive, easy to implement with good reproducibility. In the Chinese population, the frequencies of the ADH2*1 and ADH3*2 alleles were significantly higher in the alcoholic cirrhotic patients (53%; 23%) than in the viral hepatitis cirrhotics (32%; 8%) and the gastric and/or duodenal ulcer control patients (25%; 6%). On the other hand, the gastric and/or duodenal ulcer control patients and the viral hepatitis cirrhotic patients showed similar allele frequencies for the polymorphic ADH2 and ADH3 genes. These findings suggest that the alleles ADH2*2 and ADH3*1, coding for the high-Vmax beta 2-ADH and gamma 1-ADH, respectively, may play a protective role against alcoholism in Chinese patients.