Treponema pallidum protein Tp47 induced prostaglandin E2 to inhibit the phagocytosis in human macrophages

BACKGROUND

During Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) infection, the host's immune system actively engages in pursuit and elimination of T. pallidum, while T. pallidum skillfully employs various mechanisms to evade immune recognition. Macrophages exhibit incomplete clearance of T. pallidum in vitro and the underlying mechanism of how T. pallidum resists the attack of macrophage remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of T. pallidum membrane protein Tp47 on the phagocytosis of macrophages.

METHODS

THP-1-derived macrophages were used to investigate the role of Tp47 in the secretion of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in macrophages and the mechanism by which Tp47 induced the production of PGE2, as well as the impact of PGE2 on the macrophage's phagocytosis.

RESULTS

Tp47 (1-10 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the phagocytosis of latex beads and T. pallidum in macrophages (p ≤ 0.05). PGE2 production by macrophages could be induced by Tp47, and the phagocytic function of macrophages could be restored using PGE2 antibody. Tp47 produced PGE2 by activating the PERK/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway in macrophages. Inhibitors targeting PERK, NF-κB and COX-2, respectively, reduced the level of PGE2 and restored the phagocytic function of macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Tp47-induced PGE2 production via the PERK/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway contributed to macrophage phagocytosis inhibition, which potentially contributes to immune evasion during the T. pallidum infection.

[Research advances on allergen component-resolved diagnosis in respiratory allergic diseases]

Allergen component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) is an emerging molecular diagnostic technology, which can further clarify the protein profile of allergen components in allergic patients, achieve accurate detection of allergens, and have great significance and value for the precise prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. In this article, the CRD technology and its research progress in respiratory allergic diseases are introduced, and the importance of CRD in the evaluation, prevention and treatment of respiratory allergic diseases are discussed.

[The mediating role of worker-occupation fit between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms in medical staff]

Objective: To analyze the mediating effect of work-occupation fit between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms in medical staff. Methods: Convenience sampling method was adopted to select participants of one general hospital and three specialized hospitals as respondents for a questionnaire survey in Henan Province from October 2020 to January 2021. A total of 2050 medical staff were investigated, and 1988 valid questionnaires were collected, and the effective rate of the questionnaire was 97.0% (1988/2050) . The "Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale" and "Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory" were used to evaluate the occupational stress, anxiety symptoms and worker-occupation fit level of medical staff, and the mediation effect of work-occupation fit on the relationship between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms was analyzed using a mediating effect model. Results: The average age of the 1988 medical staff was (32.7±7.8) years old, the positive detection rates of occupational stress and anxiety symptoms were 42.5% (845/1988) and 56.7% (1127/1988) , respectively. Anxiety symptoms of medical staff were positively correlated with occupational stress, negatively correlated with worker-occupation fit (r=0.831, -0.364, P<0.001) , work-occupation fit was negatively correlated with occupational stress (r=-0.259, P<0.001) . The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that occupational stress had a direct effect on anxiety symptoms (β=0.677, BCa 95%CI: 0.648-0.707) , and worker-occupation fit (β=0.047, BCa 95%CI: 0.039-0.056) , characteristic fit (β=0.089, BCa 95%CI: 0.074-0.104) , need-supply fit (β=0.075, BCa 95%CI: 0.062-0.089) , and ability-demand fit (β=0.035, BCa 95%CI: 0.026-0.044) mediated the association between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms in medical staff, with the mediating effect as a percentage of 6.5%, 12.3%, 10.3%, and 4.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Worker-occupation fit has a mediating effect between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms in medical staff, but mainly direct effect.

[Literature analysis of hot topics on occupational noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To analyze the literature of related research reports on occupational hearing loss (ONIHL) , study the characteristics of the subject and determine the research hotspots. Methods: In December 2020, PubMed database was searched by bibliometrics for ONIHL published in PubMed database from January 1971 to December 2020. Bicomb 2.03 software was used to extract the subject. The publication year, publication country, source magazine and subject words were summarized and analyzed. Results: A total of 1 473 papers were included in this study, and the number of papers was 66 from 1971 to 1980, and 628 from 2011 to 2020, an increase of nearly 10 times. The top three countries were the United States, China and Germany, with 31.5% (464/1473) , 11.5% (171/1473) and 6.2% (91/1473) ; The cross-sectional study was the most applied type; The top five words for 2011-2020: Mental Illness, polymorphism, cardiovascular disease, high frequency hearing impairment and standards and regulations. Conclusion: Susceptibility Genes, Psychological Disorders, Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Assessment are hot areas in ONIHL at present. Researchers should focus on major fields and grasp future trends as a whole.

[The influence of subjective comfort of working environment on occupational stress of railway station workers]

Objective: To explore the influential factors of job stress suffered by workers in railway stations, the level of job stress of were measured and subjective comfort of employees targeting to working environment were reported. Methods: In March 2019, a cluster sampling study was designed to collect the personal characteristics, job characteristics and subjective comfort degree of working environment of 432 employees in Chongqing railway stations. Meanwhile, job stress was assessed using the effort-reward imbalance scale. Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of occupational stress detection rate among different stratified factors such as occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influential factors of occupational stress. Results: The detection rate of job stress of workers in the railway stations was 31.02% (134/432) . The detection rate of job stress was higher among the divorced workers in railway stations, those earning less than 5, 000 yuan per month, those with 10-20 years' length of service, those who worked as a conductor and other workers including baggageman, station master on duty and assistant engineer (χ(2)=9.61, 14.76, 23.28, 11.06, P=0.008, 0.002, 0.000, 0.011) . The detection rate of job stress was higher among those whose working environment subjective feelings were uncomfortable, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001) . The results showed that the occupational stress of the staff in the railway stations was influenced by their subjective feeling of air quality, noise and Space Layout (P<0.05) . The risk factors of occupational stress were air quality, noise and uncomfortable space layout (OR=0.571, 0.068, 0.441, P=0.051, 0.054, 0.007) . Conductor, other (Bellboy, Duty Station Master, assistant engineer) were the risk factors of occupational stress (OR=1.884, 2.703, P=0.065, 0.019) . The employees of station A and station B were the risk factors of occupational stress (OR=4.681, 1.811, P=0.002, 0.067) . Conclusion: The higher detection rate of job stress of workers in the railway stations is correlated with the subjective comfort degree of the working environment of the workers.

[Clinical phenotype and gene mutation analysis of 12 patients with hereditary protein C deficiency in different families]

Objective: To investigate the molecular pathogenesis and clinical features of unrelated 12 patients with inherited coagulation protein C (PC) deficiency in Chinese population. Methods: The PC activity (PC:A) and PC antigen (PC:Ag) were detected by chromogenic substrate and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The nine exons and flanking sequences of the protein C (PROC) gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction with direct sequencing, and the suspected mutations were validated by reverse sequencing (clone sequencing for deletion mutations) . Results: The PC:A of the 12 probands decreased significantly, ranging from 18% to 55%, and the PC:Ag of the 10 probands decreased significantly. Eleven mutations were found, out of which four mutations [c.383G>A (p.Gly128Asp) , c.997G>A (p.Ala291Thr) , c.1318C>T (p.Arg398Cys) , and c.532G>C (p.Leu278Pro) ] were discovered for the first time. Six mutations were in the serine protease domain, four mutations were located in epidermal growth factor (EGF) -like domains, and one mutation was located in activation peptide. There were two deletion mutations (p.Met364Trp fsX15 and p.Lys192del) , and the rest were missense mutations. Mutations p.Phe181Val and p.Arg189Trp were identified in three unrelated families. All mutations may be inherited, and consanguineous marriages were reported in two families. Among the probands, nine cases had venous thrombosis, two cases had poor pregnancy manifestations, and one case had purpura. Conclusion: Patients with PC deficiency caused by PROC gene defects are prone to venous thrombosis, especially when there are other thrombotic factors present at the same time.

Ecdysis triggering hormone is essential for larva-pupa-adult transformation in Leptinotarsa decemlineata

In Drosophila melanogaster, ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH) is the key factor triggering ecdysis behaviour and promoting trachea clearance. However, whether ETH plays the dual roles in non-dipteran insects is unknown. In this survey, we found that Ldeth mRNA levels were positively correlated with circulating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titers in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Ingestion of an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide or 20E stimulated the transcription of Ldeth, whereas RNA interference (RNAi) of ecdysteroidogenesis (LdPTTH or LdSHD) or 20E signalling (LdEcR, LdUSP or LdFTZ-F1) genes inhibited the expression, indicating ETH acts downstream of 20E. RNAi of Ldeth at the final instar stage impaired pupation. More than 80% of the Ldeth-depleted beetles remained as prepupae, completely wrapped in the old larval cuticles. These prepupae became withered, dried and darkened gradually, and finally died in soil. The remaining Ldeth hypomorphs pupated and emerged as abnormal adults, bearing smaller and wrinkle elytrum and hindwing. Moreover, the tracheae in the Ldeth hypomorphs were full of liquid. We accordingly proposed that the failure of trachea clearance disenabled air-swallowing after pupa-adult ecdysis and impacted wing expansion. Our results suggest that ETH plays the dual roles, initiation of ecdysis and motivation of trachea clearance, in a coleopteran.

Application of Chlorophyte ChlB Gene and Cyanophyte NIES Gene in the Detection of Drowning-Related Plankton

Abstract

Objective To construct a polymerase chain reaction-capillary electrophoresis （PCR-CE） detection method using ChlB gene and NIES gene, investigate the method's specificity and sensitivity, and to evaluate its application value in drowning diagnosis. Methods The specific primers ChlB and NIES were designed for the conserved sequence of chlorophyte ChlB gene and cyanophyte NIES gene in GenBank to construct PCR-CE detection method; 50 species of standard DNA samples were amplified; the sensitivity was determined by gradient concentration detection of positive standard samples; 25 actual cadaver lung tissue samples （drowned： 20, natural death： 5） were detected, and the simultaneous detection results of microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy （MD-VF-Auto SEM） were simultaneously compared. Results The minimum DNA detection concentration of primers ChlB and NIES was 0.161 ng and 0.109 ng, respectively, which could specifically amplify chlorophyte （Chlorella pyrenoidosa） and cyanophyte ［Microcystis aeruginosa （producing and not producing toxin）］ widespread in water. The product fragments were 156 bp and 182 bp, respectively. The results of non-drowning tissues were negative. Conclusion This method has high sensitivity and specificity. It can be applied to the detection of plankton related to drowning and combined with MD-VF-Auto SEM method, can increase the detection range of plankton related to drowning and improve the evidence power of drowning diagnosis.

Effect of circ MTHFD2 on resistance to pemetrexed in gastric cancer through regulating expression of miR-124

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of circ MTHFD2 on resistance to pemetrexed (MTA) in gastric cancer by regulating the expression of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-124.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells were induced by MTA at an increasing concentration. MGC-803/MTA resistant cell model was successfully established after 5 months. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of MTA on the two kinds of cells was detected via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) were screened using circRNA microarray analysis. Meanwhile, the target miRNAs of circRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics tool and verified via luciferase reporter assay, respectively. In MGC-803 cells, the effects of overexpression and knockdown of circ MTHFD2 on the expression of miR-124 were detected via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, the effects of circ MTHFD2 on the protein expressions of FDZ5 and multidrug resistance gene-1 (MDR-1) were detected via Western blotting.

RESULTS

MGC-803/MTA resistant cell lines were successfully constructed via persistent drug exposure to MTA at an increasing concentration for 5 months. Compared with parental cells, MGC-803/MTA resistant cells showed significantly enhanced drug resistance. Subsequently, differentially expressed circRNAs were screened using circRNA microarray analysis. A total of 673 circRNAs were screened out based on Fold Change >3 and adjusted p-value. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of all differentially expressed circRNAs were significantly changed when compared with MGC-803/MTA resistant cells. Compared with MGC-803/MTA resistant cells, the drug resistance of cells increased significantly in circ MTHFD2 overexpression group. However, it markedly decreased in circ MTHFD2 knockdown group. According to the results of bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay, circ MTHFD2 could target bind to miR-124. In MGC-803/MTA cells, miR-124 could remarkably increase the resistance of MGC-803/MTA cells to MTA. Western blotting results revealed that overexpression of circ MTHFD2 significantly increased the protein expressions of FDZ5 and MDR-1. However, miR-124 mimics reversed the inhibitory effect of circ MTHFD2 on FDZ5 and MDR-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ MTHFD2 directly binds to miR-124 through the molecular sponge effect. This may induce increased protein expression of MDR-1, ultimately enhancing the drug resistance of MGC-803/MTA cells.

[Effect of complement C5a on the expression of MCP-1 and NGAL in immune kidney injury of trichloroethylene sensitized mice]

Objective: To explore the possible role of C5a in the pathogenesis of renal injury in TCE- sensitized mice, to analyze the impact of expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the presence or absence of C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRA) pretreatment. Methods: A total of 50 female specific pathogens free(SPF) BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank control group (n=5) , solvent control group (n=5) , TCE group (n=20) , and TCE+C5aRA group (n= 20) . After one week for adaptive feeding, a mouse model of TCE-induced skin sensitization was established by treating with 50% TCE and 30% TCE in turn. The mice in solvent control group accept same reagents without TCE and the mice in blank control group underwent nothing. In TCE +C5aRA group, except for the TCE solution treatment, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mg/kg C5aRA solution at the time of challenge. And the skin erythema and edema reaction were scored 24 h after the last challenge. The mice were divided into sensitization positive group and sensitization negative group according to the scoring result. The mice were aseptically sacrificed 72 h after the last challenge to obtain the kidneys. The structural damage of kidney was observed after histopathological staining. The levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA and proteins were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) , respectively. Results: The sensitization rate of mice in TCE group and TCE+C5aRA group was 45.0% (9/20) and 40.0% (8/20) , respectively. No skin lesions was found in the mice of blank control group and solvent control group. The results of histopathological staining showed that the TCE sensitization positive mice showed renal tubular dilatation, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, and infiltration of interstitial cells. The pathological damage of the kidney in TCE sensitization positive group was mild, and no inflammatory cell infiltration was seen. The data of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA in the TCE sensitization positive group were significantly increased than in solvent control group and TCE sensitization negative group (P<0.05) , while the levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA in TCE+C5aRA sensitization positive group were decreased than TCE sensitization positive group (P <0.05) . The results of IHC showed that the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 in TCE protein sensitization positive group were significantly higher than those in solvent control group and TCE sensitization negative group (P<0.05) . After C5aRA pretreatment, the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 protein were decreased than the mice in TCE sensitization positive group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The regulation of C5a on the expression of MCP-1 and NGAL may participate in TCE- induced mice kidney damage, and pharmacological inhibition of C5a seems to be an effective way to protect the kidney injury in TCE-sensitized mice.

Mechanism of decorin protein inhibiting invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To detect the protein level of Decorin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and to study the mechanism of Decorin inhibiting invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer from the perspective of in vitro cells, and provide some theoretical support for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of Decorin protein in 332 cases of stage I-IIIA clinical NSCLC and 70 cases of adjacent tissues. Then, in vitro cell experiments (cell scratch assay and transwell assay) were used to further study the effects of Decorin on migration and invasion of human lung cancer cell line A549; the effect of transforming growth factor-β on the expression of Decorin and Ets-1 protein was verified by Western blotting. The binding sites of Ets-1 and Decorin promoter were analyzed by bioinformatics.

RESULTS

Exogenous Decorin inhibited invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Decorin was lowly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer and Decorin had a certain effect on lung fibroblast activation. Western blotting results showed that TGF-β affects the expression of Decorin and Ets-1. Bioinformatics results showed that Ets-1 and Decorin gene DNA promoter regions have 18 binding sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Decorin inhibits invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer through the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Application of Quantitative Analysis of Diatoms in Lung Tissue for the Diagnosis of Drowning of Experimental Animals

Abstract

Objective To discuss the application value of diatom examination in lung tissue for the forensic diagnosis of drowning. Methods The experimental animals were divided randomly into drowning, postmortem submergence and dying on land group. Diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid were analyzed quantitatively by microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy diatom examination method. The ratios of content of diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid （C_L/C_D ratio） were recorded. Results The C_L/C_D ratios of experimental rabbits in the drowning group （5.82±3.50） were much higher than that of postmortem submergence group （0.47±0.35）; the C_L/C_D ratios of different parts of the lung lobes of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）; in seawater, brackish water, river fresh water and lake fresh water, the C_L/C_D ratios of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）. In animal experiments, all the cases with C_L/C_D ratio >1.6 were from drowning group. Conclusion C_L/C_D ratio is an indicator with good application prospects in the diagnosis of drowning.

Functional characterization of ultraspiracle in Leptinotarsa decemlineata using RNA interference assay

A heterodimer of ultraspiracle (USP) and ecdysone receptor (EcR) mediates 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signalling cascade to regulate insect moulting and metamorphosis. However, at least two questions remain to be addressed in terms of the molecular importance of USP in insect species. First, is USP involved in both regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis and mediation of 20E signalling in non-drosophilid insects, as in Drosophila melanogaster? Second, does USP play any role in larval metamorphosis except as the partner of heterodimeric receptor to activate the downstream 20E signalling genes? In this paper, we found that RNA interference (RNAi) of LdUSP in the final (fourth) instar larvae reduced the messenger RNA levels of four ecdysteroidogenesis genes (Ldspo, Ldphm, Lddib and Ldsad) and 20E titre, and repressed the expression of five 20E signal genes (EcRA, HR3, HR4, E74 and E75) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The LdUSP RNAi larvae remained as prepupae, with developing antennae, legs and discs of forewings and hindwings. Dietary supplement with 20E restored the expression of the five 20E signal genes, but only partially alleviated the decreased pupation rate in LdUSP RNAi beetles. Knockdown of LdUSP at the penultimate (third) instar larvae did not affect third-fourth instar moulting. However, silencing LdUSP caused similar but less severe impairments on pupation. Accordingly, we propose that USP is undoubtedly necessary for ecdysteroidogenesis, for mediation of 20E signalling and for initiation of metamorphosis in L. decemlineata.

Impairment of pupation by RNA interference-aided knockdown of Broad-Complex gene in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Dietary delivery of bacterially expressed double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has a great potential for management of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. An important first step is to discover possible RNA-interference (RNAi)-target genes effective against larvae, especially the old larvae. In the present paper, five putative Broad-Complex (BrC) cDNAs (Z1-Z4, and Z6) were identified in L. decemlineata. The expression of the five LdBrC isoforms was suppressed by juvenile hormone signaling, whereas the transcription was upregulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling at the fourth (final) instar larval stage. Feeding of bacterially expressed dsBrC (derived from a common fragment of the five LdBrC variants) in the third- and fourth-instar larvae successfully knocked down the target mRNAs. For the fourth-instar LdBrC RNAi hypomorphs, they had a higher larval mortality compared with the controls. Moreover, most dsBrC-fed beetles did not pupate normally. After removal of the apolysed larval cuticle, a miniature adult was found. The adult head, compound eyes, prothorax, mesothorax, metathorax were found on the dorsal view. Distinct adult cuticle pigmentation was seen on the prothorax. The mouthparts, forelegs, midlegs, and hindlegs could be observed on the ventral view of the miniature adults. For the third-instar LdBrC RNAi specimens, around 20% moribund beetles remained as prepupae and finally died. Therefore, LdBrC is among the most attractive candidate genes for RNAi to control the fourth-instar larvae in L. decemlineata.

Isoform specific roles of Broad-Complex in larval development in Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Broad-Complex (BrC) is a downstream target of both 20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone signalling. BrC regulates morphogenetic changes between nymphal instars in hemimetabolans, whereas it controls pupal commitment, pupal morphogenesis and inhibits adult differentiation in holometabolans. Among five BrC cDNAs (Z1-Z4 and Z6) identified in the Colorado potato beetle, we found in this work that Z1, Z2 and Z6 were mainly expressed at the last (fourth) instar and prepupal stages, whereas the levels of Z3 and Z4 increased during the penultimate (third) instar stage, peaked at the last instar larval phase and gradually decreased at the prepupal and pupal periods. When knocking down all BrC isoforms by RNA interference (RNAi) at the penultimate instar stage, around 20% of the resultant larvae remained as moribund beetles. These moribund BrC RNAi larvae were completely or partially wrapped in old cuticle. Likewise, a portion of larvae treated for a single double-stranded RNA of Z3, Z4 or Z6 displayed a degree of similar aberrancies, increasing in the order of isoforms Z6 < Z3 < Z4. When silencing all BrC isoforms at the last instar period, most of the RNAi larvae did not normally pupate or emerge as adults. Separately silencing each of the five zinc finger domains revealed that approximately 70% of the Z1 RNAi larvae remained as prepupae, around 60% of the Z6 RNAi specimens formed aberrant prepupae or pupae and about 60% of the Z2 RNAi beetles became deformed pupae. After removal of the old exuviae, these deformed larvae in which either Z1, Z2 or Z6 was depleted possessed adult prothorax and mesothorax, developing antenna, mouthparts and wing discs. Moreover, less than 50% of the resultant pupae finally emerged as adults when either of Z1, Z2 or Z6 was knocked down. Therefore, our findings reveal, for the first time, that the two roles of BrC in insect groups (ie directing morphogenetic changes during juvenile development and regulating larval-pupal-adult metamorphosis) are played by different BrC isoforms in Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

Requirement of Leptinotarsa decemlineata gene within the 74EF puff for larval-pupal metamorphosis and appendage growth

Two Drosophila melanogaster E-twenty-six domain transcription factor isoforms (E74A and E74B) act differentially at the start of the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signalling cascade to regulate larval-pupal metamorphosis. In the present paper, we identified the two isoforms (LdE74A and LdE74B) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. During the larval development stage, the mRNA transcript levels of the two LdE74 isoforms were correlated with circulating 20E titres. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo dietary supplementation with 20E revealed that the presence of 20E induced expression peaks of both LdE74A and LdE74B, with similar patterns observed for the two isoforms. Moreover, the mRNA transcript levels of both LdE74A and LdE74B isoforms were significantly downregulated in the L. decemlineata ecdysone receptor RNA interference (RNAi) specimens, but not in the LdE75 RNAi beetles. Ingestion of 20E reduced the larval fresh weights and shortened the larval development period, irrespective of knockdown of LdE74 or not. RNAi of LdE74 did not affect 20E-induced expression of the Ecdysone induced protein 75-hormone receptor 3-fushi tarazu factor 1 (E75-HR3-FTZ-F1) transcriptional cascade. Thus, it seems that LdE74 mediates 20E signalling independent of the E75-HR3-FTZ-F1 transcriptional cascade. Furthermore, silencing of both LdE74 isoforms caused failure of ecdysis. Most of the LdE74 RNAi beetles remained as prepupae. The LdE74 RNAi prepupae exhibited adult character-like forms underneath after removal of the apolysed larval cuticle. Their appendages such as antennae, legs and wings were shorter than those of control larvae. Only a few LdE74 RNAi larvae finally became deformed pupae, with shortened antennae and legs. Therefore, LdE74 is required for larval-pupal metamorphosis and appendage growth in L. decemlineata.

[Research Progress on Determination of Drowning Site]

The bodies found in water are one of the most common types in forensic practice. The discovery site of the body is often not the drowning site. However, the determination of drowning site is vital for the identification of victim. Inorganic particles and planktons, such as granular impurities, diatoms and bacteria, are valuable markers for the diagnosis of drowning. By comparing the granular impurities and planktons in tissues and suspicious drowning mediums, the drowning site can be concluded based on their similarity of types and distribution, which has practical applied value. In this paper, the research progress on determination of drowning site is summarized to provide reference for the peers.

A minicircuitry comprised of microRNA-9 and SIRT1 contributes to leukemogenesis in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVE

The AML1-ETO fusion protein (AE) resulting from the t(8;21) translocation is highly related to the pathogenesis and development of leukemia. microRNA-9 (miR-9) acts as a tumor suppressor gene in AE-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) is overexpressed in most cancer cells by increasing proliferation as a tumorigenic gene. The present study was performed to investigate the underlying interaction between miR-9 and SIRT1 in AE-positive AML.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression of miR-9 and SIRT1 in AE-positive AML patients, healthy donors and AML cell lines were detected by qPCR. Relevance between miR-9 and SIRT1 was assessed by plasmid transfection, Western blot and correlation analysis. Luciferase assay was used to confirm the target gene of miR-9. Knockdown of SIRT1 in different cell lines was achieved by shRNA transfection and CCK-8 assay was used to investigate the effects on cell proliferation.

RESULTS

The miR-9 expression was lower in AE-positive cell lines compared to that in other AE-negative AML cell lines, while expression of SIRT1 was higher in AE-positive cell lines. Expression of miR-9 was also downregulated in adult primary t(8;21) AML patients compared to healthy donors. The over-expression of miR-9 decreased luciferase activity of wild-type SIRT1, which was recovered after transfection with mutant SIRT1. The miR-9 directly targets SIRT1 by binding to its 3'-untranslated region and reducing its protein levels. Importantly, miR-9 and SIRT1 mRNA levels were inversely correlated in AE-positive AML cell lines and t(8;21) AML primary leukemia cells. Knockdown of SIRT1 levels using shSIRT1 inhibited cell proliferation in AE-positive AML cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRT1 is the target gene of miR-9 and the signaling pathway connecting miR-9 and SIRT1 is a therapeutic target for t(8;21) AML.

Emergence of a Novel Bluetongue Virus Serotype, China 2014

One hundred and twenty-six blood samples were collected from healthy sheep and goats in Xinjiang, China, during July 2014. Seventy-three samples (57.93%) were bluetongue virus (BTV) serology-positive, and 39 samples (30.95%) were BTV NS1 gene-positive. BTV strain XJ1407 was isolated from the blood of BTV NS1 gene-positive animals and sequenced. Analysis of its genome sequence suggests that XJ1407 is a novel BTV serotype.

Association between interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in a Chinese population

In this study, we investigated the association between the interleukin (IL)-10 -592C/A, -819C/T, and -1082G/A genetic variations and susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in a Chinese population. The IL-10 -592C/A, -819C/T, and -1082G/A polymorphisms were genotyped in diabetic nephropathy patient and control samples by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results were then statistically analyzed using SPSS 17.0. The results of the χ(2) test revealed a significant difference in the frequencies of the GG, GA, and AA genotypes of IL-10 -1082G/A between patients with diabetic nephropathy and control subjects (χ(2) = 10.03, P = 0.007). Unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that the AA genotype of IL-10 -1082G/A significantly increased the susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-4.82] compared to the wild-type genotype. Moreover, the A allele of this polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy compared to the G allele (adjusted OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.15-1.99). However, the IL-10 -819T/C and -592A/C genetic polymorphisms did not increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, the IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism was found to be correlated with the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Perceptions of public attitudes towards persons with mental illness in Beijing, China: results from a representative survey

OBJECTIVES

Many studies have examined the general public's attitudes towards people with mental illness, but such studies are scarce in China. This study examined the perceptions of the Beijing population regarding their society's prevalent attitudes towards people with mental illness.

METHODS

A total of 5000 individuals aged 18 or above living in Beijing were selected using a multistage, stratified, cluster and random sampling method. This was followed by a face-to-face interview which used a standardized questionnaire asking about societal attitudes towards individuals with mental illness.

RESULTS

4602 out of 5000 eligible individuals met the inclusion criteria and participated in the interview. 4596 questionnaires were deemed valid and included in the analyses. A large proportion of respondents believed that most individuals within their society held negative attitudes and had a strong desire to distance themselves from people with mental illness. Respondents aged 60 or older, who lived farther to downtown Beijing, or with higher education tended to believe that most individuals have relatively positive and tolerant attitudes towards people with mental illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Many people in Beijing perceive that most members of their society have negative beliefs towards people with mental illness. Further efforts are needed to determine if these perceptions are accurate and to reduce the stigma that is reinforced by these perceptions.

Effects of Replacement of Fish Meal by Soy Protein Isolate on the Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity and Serum Biochemical Parameters for Juvenile Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)

An 8-wk experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing fish meal (FM) with soy protein isolate (SPI) on the growth, digestive enzyme activity and serum biochemical parameters of juvenile Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii). SPI was used to replace 0, 25, 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5, 100% of dietary FM and 100% replacement supplemented crystalline amino acid. Healthy sturgeon with an average initial weight of 26.38±0.24 g were randomly assigned to 24 aquaria (8 treatments with triplicates each) at an initial stocking density of 11 fish per aquarium and cultured for 8 wks. The results showed that 75.00% or more substitution resulted in a poor weight gain rate, feed conversion ratio and survival rate compared to that of fish fed the control diet (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between diets of 25.00% to 62.50% substitution. Protease, lipase and amylase activity in foregut, mid-gut and hindgut were significantly (p<0.05) decreased by diets where SPI replacement levels were 62.50% or more. Levels of serum total protein (TP) and globulin decreased significantly from 21.03, 10.34 to 14.05, 5.63 g/L with the increasing dietary SPI (p<0.05), but alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased (p<0.05). In addition, supplemental crystalline amino acid in the FM absence diet did not improve growth performance, intestine digestive enzyme activities and serum biochemical parameters. In conclusion, the results from this study showed adverse effects of inclusion of SPI in diets on growth performance, feed utilization and serum biochemical parameters in juvenile Amur sturgeon. Based on WGR and replacement ratio presented in this report, a 57.64% replacement level was recommended.

Fluoroscopically guided nose tube drainage of mediastinal abscesses in post-operative gastro-oesophageal anastomotic leakage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the technical success rates and clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided nose tube drainage of mediastinal abscesses and a nasojejunum feeding tube in post-operative gastro-oesophageal anastomotic leakage (GEAL).

METHODS

From January 2006 to June 2011, 18 cases of post-operative GEAL with mediastinal abscesses after oesophagectomy with intrathoracic oesophagogastric anastomotic procedures for oesophageal and cardiac carcinoma were treated by insertion of a nose drainage tube and nasojejunum feeding tube under fluoroscopic guidance. We evaluated the feasibility of two-tube insertion to facilitate leakage site closure and complete resolution of the abscess, and the patients' nutritional benefit was also evaluated by checking the serum albumin level between pre- and post-enteral feeding via the feeding tube.

RESULTS

The two tubes were placed successfully under fluoroscopic guidance in 18 patients (100%). The procedure time for two-tube insertion ranged from 20 to 40 min (mean 30 min). 17 patients (94%) achieved leakage site closure after two-tube insertion and had a good tolerance of two tubes in the nasal cavity. The serum albumin level was significant, increased from pre-enteral feeding (2.49 ± 0.42 g dl(-1)) to the post-enteral feeding (3.58 ± 0.47 g dl(-1)) via the feeding tube (p<0.001). The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 49 months (mean 19 months).

CONCLUSION

The insertion of nose tube drainage and a nasojejunum feeding tube under fluoroscopic guidance is safe, and it provides effective relief from mediastinal abscesses in GEAL after oesophagectomy. Moreover, our findings indicate that two-tube insertion may be used as a selective procedure to treat mediastinal abscesses in post-operative GEAL. Advances in knowledge Directive drainage of mediastinal abscesses in post-operative GEAL may be an effective treatment.

Atomic force and confocal microscopy for the study of cortical cells cultured on silicon wafers

The primary cortical cells were selected as a model to study the adherence and neural network development on chemically roughened silicon substrates without any coatings using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The silicon substrates have a nano-range roughness (RMS) achieved by chemical etching using hydrofluoric (HF) acid. After 7 days of culturing, the neurons were observed to connect together and form dense neural networks. Furthermore, AFM results revealed that some porous structures at a few micrometer range existed between the neuron cells and the silicon substrates. It is suggested that the porous structures are made of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and play an important role in the neuronal adhesion and neurite outgrowth on the inert silicon wafers.

Hyaluronic acid hydrogel immobilized with RGD peptides for brain tissue engineering

In this paper, hyaluronic acid hydrogels with open porous structure have been developed for scaffold of brain tissue engineering. A short peptide sequence of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) was immobilized on the backbone of the hydrogels. Both unmodified hydrogels and those modified with RGD were implanted into the defects of cortex in rats and evaluated for their ability to improve tissue reconstruction. After 6 and 12 weeks, sections of brains were processed for DAB and Glees staining. They were also labeled with GFAP and ED1 antibodies, and observed under the SEM for ultrastructral examination. After implanting into the lesion of cortex, the porous hydrogels functioned as a scaffold to support cells infiltration and angiogenesis, simultaneously inhibiting the formation of glial scar. In addition, HA hydrogels modified with RGD were able to promote neurites extension. Our experiments showed that the hyaluronic acid-RGD hydrogel provided a structural, three-dimensional continuity across the defect and favoured reorganization of local wound-repair cells, angiogenesis and axonal growth into the hydrogel scaffold, while there was little evidence of axons regeneration in unmodified hydrogel.

Regulation of charged groups and laminin patterns for selective neuronal adhesion

Primary neuronal cultures on substrates patterned with extracellular matrix proteins such as laminin have yielded much information regarding the physiological characteristics of neuronal cells in vitro. Surface charge also influences neuronal adherence, and a positive charge can have stimulatory effects. The attraction between laminin patterns and polycation films are of interest in the study of neuronal adhesion. We cultured primary hippocampal neurons on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) films with laminin grids and evaluated their viability and morphology by means of fluorescent microscopy after 5-7 days. The results showed that the neurons did not form networks on the laminin grids. It is inferred that the PEI films were more favourable for neuronal adhesion than the laminin grid.

Hyaluronic acid-poly-D-lysine-based three-dimensional hydrogel for traumatic brain injury

Brain tissue engineering in the postinjury brain represents a promising option for cellular replacement and rescue, providing a cell scaffold for either transplanted or resident cells. In this article, a hyaluronic acid (HA)-poly-D-lysine (PDL) copolymer hydrogel with an open porous structure and viscoelastic properties similar to neural tissue has been developed for brain tissue engineering. The chemicophysical properties of the hydrogel with HA:PDL ratios of 10:1, 5:1, and 4:1 were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. Neural cells cultured in the hydrogel were studied by phase-contrast microscope and SEM. The incorporation of PDL peptides into the HA-PDL hydrogel allowed for the modulation of neuronal cell adhesion and neural network formation. Macrophages and multinucleated foreign body giant cells found at the site of implantation of the hydrogel in the rat brain within the first weeks postimplantation decreased in numbers after 6 weeks, consistent with the host response to inert implants in numerous tissues. Of importance was the infiltration of the hydrogel by glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells-reactive astrocytes-by immunohistochemistry and the contiguity between the hydrogel and the surrounding tissue demonstrated by SEM. These findings indicated the compatibility of this hydrogel with brain tissue. Collectively, the results demonstrate the promise of an HA-PDL hydrogel as a scaffold material for the repair of defects in the brain.

AFM study of hippocampal cells cultured on silicon wafers with nano-scale surface topograph

The rat hippocampal cells were selected as model to study the interaction between the neural cells and silicon substrates using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hippocampal cells show tight adherence on silicon wafers with nano-scale surface topograph. The lateral friction force investigated by AFM shows significant increase on the boundary around the cellular body. It is considered to relate to the cytoskeleton and cellular secretions. After ultrasonic wash in ethanol and acetone step by step, the surface of silicon wafers was observed by AFM sequentially. We have found that the culture leftovers form tight porous networks and a monolayer on the silicon wafers. It is concluded that the leftovers overspreading on the silicon substrates are the base of cell adherence on such smooth inert surfaces.

Hyaluronic acid hydrogel as Nogo-66 receptor antibody delivery system for the repairing of injured rat brain: in vitro

Nogo-66 and NgR are important receptors inhibiting neuronal regeneration and therefore are targets for treating CNS injury. Antagonists of this receptor including blocking antibodies are potential therapeutic agents for CNS axonal injuries such as spinal cord and brain trauma. A new antibody (IgG) releasing system has been developed by covalently attaching IgG to the biodegradable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel via the hydrolytically unstable hydrazone linkage, aiming to deliver the antibody of CNS regeneration inhibitors to the injured brain. In this paper we describe the synthesis, physico-chemical characteristics and test results of biological activity of antibody released from hyluronic acid hydrogel. To form the conjugates the antibody is attached to the polymer backbone using a condensation reaction between aldehyde group of the antibody and hydrazide group of the HA hydrogel. Furthermore, pH sensitive linkage-hydrozone has been formed between hydrogel and antibody. The amount of conjugated antibodies can reach 135 microg antibody/mg hydrogel in the dry state. At low pH, the antibodies released quite fast. However, the antibodies released much slower in neutral and alkaline environment. The bioactivity of antibody released from hydrogel was retained as demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence technique.

Electron holography study on the microstructure of magnetic tunnelling junctions

Electron holography was applied to study the microstructure evolution of magnetic tunnelling junctions (MTJs) CoFe/AlO(x)/Co annealed at different temperatures. A mean inner potential barrier was observed in the as-deposited MTJ sample, while it was changed to a potential well after a 200 degrees C or a 400 degrees C annealing. It is suggested that the oxygen atoms were redistributed during the annealing, which left metallic atoms acting as acceptors to confine the electrons, leading to the decrease of the potential of the AlO(x) barrier layer. The results suggest that the electron holography may be a useful tool for the study of the microstructure of amorphous materials.

Culture of neural cells on silicon wafers with nano-scale surface topograph

The adherence and viability of central neural cells (substantia nigra) on a thin layer of SiO(2) on Si wafers with different surface roughness were investigated. Variable roughness of the Si wafer surface was achieved by etching. The nano-scale surface topography was evaluated by atomic force microscopy. The adherence and subsequent viability of the cells on the wafer were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence immunostaining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). It is found that the surface roughness significantly affected cell adhesion and viability. Cells survived for over 5 days with normal morphology and expressed neuronal TH when grown on surfaces with an average roughness (Ra) ranging from 20 to 50 nm. However, cell adherence was adversely affected when surfaces with Ra less than 10 nm and rough surfaces with Ra above 70 nm were used as the substrate. Such a simple preparation procedure may provide a suitable interface surface for silicon-based devices and neurones or other living tissues.

Aggregates and gel network structure of globin hydrolysates

A gel with excellent functional properties was prepared successfully using the hydrolysates of globin. In the present study, the structures of intermediate aggregates and gel network were observed directly with an electronic microscope. It was shown clearly that the intermediate aggregates were in a thin rod shape with a length of 130--140 nm, which was in good accordance with the results of the light scattering obtained in a previous study. The diameter of intermediate aggregates was 4--5 nm. Each unit of the intermediate aggregate was composed of beta-chain and peptide beta-1 in a ratio of 1:1. Its molecular weight was 26922 Da, and it had a diameter of 4.1 nm. The thin rod-shaped aggregates were formed with units through the hydrophobic interaction. The length of intermediate aggregate was >30--33 times the diameter. Furthermore, the cross-linked structure formed by peptide alpha-1 and the thin rod-shaped aggregates was also confirmed by the photography of the electronic microscope. These results supported the model proposed in previous papers as proper to depict exactly the formation and structure of the gel network of globin hydrolysates.

[Effects of tea polyphenols on microcirculation and antioxidation in aircrew]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on bulbi conjunctiva microcirculation (BCM) and antioxidation in aircrew and find out the proper antioxidant for the health protection of aircrew.

METHOD

Fourty healthy aircrew were divided into TP group (TP 600 mg/d.po) and control group (placebo) randomly. The effects of TP on microcirculation and antioxidation in aircrew were tested after 20 days.

RESULT

Red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and GSH-PX (Whole blood glutathione peroxidase)/MDA (serum malondialdehyde) ratio in TP group were significantly higher than those in control (P<0.01), and serum MDA level was significantly decreased after TP administration (P<0.05). The numbers of capillaries and blood flow in micrangium were significantly increased, RBC aggregation, ischemia area and A (arteriole)/V (venule) ratio were remarkably decreased in TP group (P<0.01). The total integral value of microcirculation in TP group was significantly reduced in comparison with that in the control group.

CONCLUSION

TP can significantly increase the antioxidative ability of aircrew, decrease the BCM disturbance and improve the microcirculatory function.

The influence of aging on renal response to cadmium in Syrian hamsters

To determine the renal effects of cadmium (Cd) in older animals, we administered subcutaneously a single dose of cadmium, 3.0 mg/kg/BW, to Syrian hamsters aged 16 wk ("young") and 60 wk ("old"). Marked morphologic changes in the kidney and renal dysfunction were observed, especially in the older animals. The concentration of MDA in the renal cortex was significantly increased only in young hamsters treated with cadmium. Concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in the renal cortex were increased in the old hamsters on d 6. Increased levels of renal MDA after cadmium treatment may induce the production of GSH in the kidney thus preventing renal damage. Aging can increase the susceptibility to the renal effects of cadmium.

Effect of triethylenepentaminehexaacetic acid on the renal damage in cadmium-treated Syrian hamsters

Cadmium (Cd)-induced nephropathy was treated by triethylenepentaminehexaacetic acid (TTHA) in male Syrian hamsters. Hamsters injected three times a week with 3 mg/kg body wt CdCl2 showed proteinuria, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-inglucosaminidase (NAG), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) when compared to saline-injected control. Cd-treated hamsters injected ip with TTHA 10 mg/kg body wt five times a week showed reduction of renal damage, including reductions in urinary protein (from 6.7 +/- 2.2 to 4.3 +/- 0.5 mg/d) and NAG (0.17 +/- 0.06 to 0.04 +/- 0.02 U/d). Urinary excretion of Cd was significantly increased (from 87 +/- 51.3 to 3052 +/- 1485 mg/L) by TTHA administration. Cd concentration in renal cortical tissue was slightly reduced (26.4 +/- 3.0 to 21.8 +/- 2.7 mg/g. protein). Excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased only in Cd-injected hamsters (to 2.1 +/- 1.6 nM/L), and elevated MDA in renal cortical tissue was not reduced by the administration of TTHA (1041 +/- 105 vs 1104 +/- 358 nM/g protein). Glutathione (GSH) concentration in the renal cortex was significantly elevated after Cd administration and further increased after TTHA administration (5.5 +/- 2.1 to 9.8 +/- 2.0 micrograms/50 mg protein). There were no marked effects on creatinine clearance (Ccr) and hematocrit. Moreover, renal morphological changes were improved significantly by treatment with TTHA. We demonstrated the efficacy of TTHA in the treatment of Cd-induced nephropathy in hamsters. Although the precise mechanism of the TTHA effects on Cd-induced nephropathy has not been elucidated, it might involve GSH reducing the elevated MDA concentration in renal tissue.

[Effects of neutral oil of Ligusticum sinense Oliv. on anoxia]

The neutral oil at 2.5 and 5.0g/kg P.O. can significantly decrease the oxygen consumption and prolong survival time for mice, increase the ability of tissues to tolerate anoxia and extend survival time under cerebral ischemic anoxia in mice. It can also inhibit the pituitrin-induced depression of S point in rats.

Aggregation of IGF-I receptors or insulin receptors and activation of their kinase activity are simultaneously caused by the presence of polycations or K-ras basic peptides

Several groups including us reported that basic proteins and polycations activate the insulin receptor tyrosine-specific protein kinase (TPK) in vitro. However, some inconsistency has become obvious in the observations. The most intriguing was the brief description by Morrison et al. [(1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 9994-10001] that polylysine had no effect on the IGF-I receptor TPK despite its 84% identity to the insulin receptor TPK. In the present study, we used highly purified IGF-I and insulin receptor TPKs in an effort to solve the discrepancies noted in the recent publications and to reveal the mechanism by which polycations stimulate the receptor TPKs. We report that the IGF-I receptor TPK is stimulated by polycations and basic proteins in a manner similar to their effects on the insulin receptor TPK. When effects of polylysine and polyarginine on both receptor TPKs were closely compared, subtle qualitative differences were found: Polylysine stimulated autophosphorylation and exogenous substrate phosphorylation activities of both insulin receptor TPK and IGF-I receptor TPK similarly. In contrast, another polycation, polyarginine, affected both TPKs in a manner quite different from polylysine: Polyarginine stimulated insulin receptor autophosphorylation to a greater extent than polylysine did while it had a very small effect on the IGF-I receptor autophosphorylation as well as the exogenous substrate phosphorylation activities of the two receptor TPKs. We have further extended the studies to include the domains of natural proteins which contain a polylysine-like sequence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Preparation, characterization, and antitumor activity of water-soluble aminoalkanol platinum(II) complexes

A new series of highly water-soluble aminoalkanol platinum(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance, IR, and 195Pt NMR. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo screening tests for antitumor activities of these complexes against L1210 murine leukemia were performed. In general, these compounds were far less cytotoxic than cisplatin and possessed only a moderate degree of antitumor activity.