[The clinical characteristics of neutrophil extracellular trap in patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and its prognostic value in acute and subacute patients]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) in patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and to study their prognostic value in the acute and subacute phases. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Clinical and pathological data of 52 patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis who underwent endovascular treatment in the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 32 females, with an age of (40.1±13.6) years(range:18 to 66 years). Forty-five healthy physical examinees were included in the control group. High-resolution MRI was used to stage the thrombus, with 11 cases in the acute group, 28 cases in the subacute group, and 13 cases in the chronic group. Thrombus specimens were obtained through endovascular treatment, and the fluorescence intensity of NET in peripheral blood at different time points was analyzed by immunofluorescence contrast,including the double-stranded DNA structure and adhesion protein components (citrolinated histone H3 (CitH3), myeloperoxidase-DNA complex(MPO-DNA), neutrophil elastase (NE)). The NET markers were determined by ELISA. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the NET markers in peripheral blood of patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the acute and subacute phases and the volume of venous sinus thrombus, the degree of venous sinus recanalization after treatment, and the discharge modified Rankin scale(mRS)score. The accuracy of NET markers in predicting the prognosis of patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was analyzed by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Results: The results of immunofluorescence staining and ELISA showed that no NET structure was formed in the peripheral blood of the control group, while CitH3, MPO-DNA and NE levels in the peripheral blood of CVST patients were increased, among which the acute stage group was the highest, followed by the subacute group, and the chronic group was the lowest. Spearman correlation analysis showed that CitH3, MPO-DNA and NE levels in peripheral blood of patients in acute group and subacute group were positively correlated with thrombus volume and mRS score at discharge (P<0.05). The levels of CitH3 and MPO-DNA in peripheral blood of patients with complete venous sinus recanalization were lower than those of patients with partial venous sinus recanalization (P<0.01). ROC curve analysis results showed that MPO-DNA and NE had no predictive ability for the prognosis of CVST patients (P values were 0.614 and 0.324, respectively), and the AUC of CitH3 was 0.800 (95%CI: 0.638~0.962, P=0.032), the best cut-off value was 13.5 μg/L, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 58.8%. Conclusions: A large number of NET are formed in patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in acute stage. Patients with severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in acute stage and subacute stage with high peripheral blood NET content has a low rate of complete sinus revascularization and poor neurological function recovery after treatment.

[Clinical study of the efficacies of ruxolitinib plus low-dose PTCY for acute GVHD prevention after haploidentical transplantation in malignant hematological diseases]

Objective: To investigate and verify a novel acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) prevention protocol in the context of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) . Methods: Patients who underwent haplo-HSCT in our center between January 2022 and December 2022 were included. All patients received reduced doses of cyclophosphamide, Rabbit anti-human tymoglobulin, ruxolitinib, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and MMF to prevent aGVHD. The transplantation outcomes, complications, and survival rate of all patients were investigated. Results: A total of 52 patients with haplo-HSCT were enrolled, 29 (55.8%) male and 23 (44.2%) female, with a median age of 28 (5-59) years. There were 25 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 17 cases of acute lymphocyte leukemia, 6 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome, 2 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia and 2 cases of myeloproliferative neoplasms. 98.1% of patients had successful engraftment. The incidence of Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD and Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD was 19.2% (95% CI 8.2% -30.3% ) and 7.7% (95% CI 0.2% -15.2% ), respectively. No patients experienced severe gastrointestinal mucositis. The Epstein-Barr virus and CMV reactivation rates were 40.4% and 21.3%, respectively. 9.6% of patients relapsed during followup, with 1-year overall survival, progression-free survival, and non-relapse mortality rates of 86.5% (95% CI 76.9% -96.1% ), 78.8% (95% CI 67.4% -90.3% ) and 11.5% (95% CI 2.6% -20.5% ), respectively. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib combined with a low dose of PTCY is a safe and effective first-line aGVHD prevention strategy.

[Safety and efficacy of donor-derived chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To investigated the safety and efficacy of donor-derived CD19+ or sequential CD19+ CD22+ chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: The data of 22 patients with B-ALL who relapsed after allo-HSCT and who underwent donor-derived CAR-T therapy at the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army of China from September 2015 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were event-free survival (EFS), complete remission (CR) rate, and Grade 3-4 adverse events. Results: A total of 81.82% (n=18) of the 22 patients achieved minimal residual disease-negative CR after CAR-T infusion. The median follow-up time was 1037 (95% CI 546-1509) days, and the median OS and EFS were 287 (95% CI 132-441) days and 212 (95% CI 120-303) days, respectively. The 6-month OS and EFS rates were 67.90% (95% CI 48.30%-84.50%) and 58.70% (95% CI 37.92%-79.48%), respectively, and the 1-year OS and EFS rates were 41.10% (95% CI 19.15%-63.05%) and 34.30% (95% CI 13.92%-54.68%), respectively. Grade 1-2 cytokine release syndrome occurred in 36.36% (n=8) of the patients, and grade 3-4 occurred in 13.64% of the patients (n=3). Grade 2 and 4 graft-versus-host disease occurred in two patients. Conclusion: Donor-derived CAR-T therapy is safe and effective in patients with relapsed B-ALL after allo-HSCT.

Prognostic and Predictive Significance of Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aims to identify the role of different subtypes of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in predicting risk of recurrence and benefit of whole breast irradiation (WBI).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Immunohistochemical stain for CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3 and CD20 were carried in a well characterized DCIS cohort who received breast-conserving surgery (BCS) from Jan 2009 to Dec 2018. All the TILs subtypes were evaluated by the average numbers of touching-TILs which defined as TILs touching or within one lymphocyte cell thickness from the malignant ducts' basement membrane. The optimal cut-off values of TILs subtypes were selected by the X-tile.

RESULTS

In total, 167 patients were enrolled in this analysis with 114 patients received WBI. After a median follow-up of 67 months, 15 IBTR events occurred with 6 invasive-IBTRs. Nine out of 15 IBTRs occurred outside of the original quadrant (elsewhere failure event, EFE). CD3+ lymphocytes were the predominant cell subtype while Treg showed the lowest levels. High abundance of TILs subtypes was associated with high tumor grade, presence of microinvasion, high Ki67 index, ER negativity and HER2 positivity. For various TILs subtypes, the multivariate analyses showed that dense CD4+ TILs (HR = 9.84, 95% CI 2.43-39.91, p<0.01) and dense Treg (HR = 4.22, 95% CI 1.24-14.36, p = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors for higher IBTR. As the infiltration of TIL subsets was correlated with one another, we also analyzed the relationship between IBTR and the ratios of different TILs subtypes. By adjusted by clinicopathological parameters, high ratios of CD4+/CD8+, Treg/CD4+ and Treg/CD8+ were found to be independent prognostic factors for higher IBTR (HR = 11.31, 95% CI 3.14-40.76, p<0.01; HR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.05-9.11, p = 0.04; HR = 7.14, 95% CI 1.98-25.73, p<0.01). Consistent with the results of IBTR, the 5-y rate of invasive-IBTR and EFE was both significantly associated with the high CD4+/CD8+, Treg/CD4+ and Treg/CD8+ TILs ratios (all p<0.01). WBI reduced the rate of 5y-IBTR risk from 8.4% to 1.3% (p = 0.02) in the low Treg/CD8+ group, but there was no benefit of WBI in the high group. With respect to EFE, WBI significantly reduced the rate from 2.8% to 0.0% (p = 0.03) in the low Treg/CD8+ group while not in the high group. The benefits of WBI in reducing IBTR and EFE were not significant difference between different CD4+/CD8+ and Treg/CD4+ groups.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of overall TILs provides a tool for comprehensive evaluation of the DCIS immune microenvironment. Patients with pro-tumoral immune infiltrate (high Treg, high ratios of CD4+/CD8+, Treg/CD4+ and Treg/CD8+) in tumor microenvironment show an increased risk of IBTR and less benefit from breast radiotherapy.

Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in cN0 Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is prone to occult lymph node metastasis, and preoperative evaluation of cervical nodes is critical for determining treatment strategies. There is scarce report of detecting occult lymph node metastasis in TSCC by using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), spectral computed tomography (spectral CT) or other diagnostic functional imaging. In this study, we aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of occult lymph node metastasis in cN0 TSCC by comparing preoperative imaging with postoperative pathology results.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This study prospectively enrolled newly-diagnosed cN0 TSCC patients admitted to the Hunan Cancer Hospital between May, 2022 and December, 2022. All patients underwent primary resection and selective dissection of cervical lymph nodes. MpMRI and spectral CT scan of oral cavity and neck were performed prior to surgery. Preoperative evaluation of lymph node metastasis was conducted by two senior radiologists independently. The location of cervical lymph nodes was assigned based on the 2013 consensus guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 26 cN0 TSCC patients (6 cT1 stage, 13 cT2 stage, and 7 cT3 stage) were enrolled. The median age was 53 (range, 36-64), and there were 25 males. Among all patients, 13 patients underwent unilateral cervical lymph node dissection, while 13 patients underwent bilateral cervical lymph node dissection. A total of 208 lymphatic drainage areas were resected, and 1003 lymph nodes were removed. There were 7 of pT1, 12 of pT2, 7 of pT3 based on postoperative pathological stages. Besides, there are 21 cases staged pN0, 2 cases staged pN1, 2 cases staged pN2, and 1 case staged pN3. Among the 26 patients, 5 (19.23%) cases had occult lymph node metastasis. A total of 8 metastatic lymph nodes (4 in ipsilateral Ib level, 1 in contralateral Ib level, 3 in IIa level ipsilateral side) were detected in the whole group. No lymph node metastasis was detected in level IIb, III and IV. The median maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes was 12 mm (range 5 to 15 mm), and 1 extra-nodal extension was observed. Moreover, all occult lymph node metastases occurred in patients with a primary invasion depth of ≥ 5 mm (29.41%, 5/17).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of occult lymph node metastasis in cN0 TSCC remains high under functional imaging diagnostic technology. Preventive neck dissection is necessary for patients with cN0 disease, especially those with primary tumor invasion depth exceeding 5 mm.

Quality Assurance of Protocol Compliance in a Multicenter Randomized Trial Investigating the Role of Hypofractionated Comprehensive Reginal Nodal Irradiation in Node-Positive Breast Cancer (HARVEST)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The HARVEST trial (NCT03829553) is a phase III, multicenter, randomized clinical trial to explore efficacy and safety of hypofractionated irradiation (HFI) involving regional nodal irradiation (RNI, including internal mammary nodes, IMN) in N+ breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy or breast conserving surgery (BCS). Current study aims to analyze the dosimetric quality assurance so as to evaluate the compliance to the trial protocol.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive conventional fractionated irradiation (CFI: 50 Gy/25Fx) or HFI (40.05 Gy/15Fx), which is delivered to ipsilateral chest wall or whole breast (CW/WB) with tumor bed boost (HFI: 10.68 Gy/4Fx; CFI: 10 Gy/5Fx) and comprehensive RNI (supra/infraclavicular nodes and IMN in each patient, lower axilla if indicated) by using IMRT technique. The plan quality was evaluated based on dose distribution, dose volume histogram (DVH) and field parameters. The target coverage, including planning target volume of CW/WB (PTV1) and tumor bed (PTV2) and doses of the organs at risk (OARs) were evaluated. The LQ model was used to convert doses of OARs in HFI group using α/β = 3 Gy (EQD23) for comparison.

RESULTS

Between Feb 21, 2019 and Feb 14, 2022, 801 patients were enrolled at 8 centers with 401 and 400 in CFI and HFI group, respectively. There were 182 patients received BCS and 387 patients were with more than three positive lymph nodes. In the CFI group, the D90 and V45 of PTV1 reached the prescribed dose in 70.6% and 96.0% of the patients, respectively. In the HFI group, the D90 and V36 of PTV1 reached the prescribed dose in 87.8% and 95.5% of the patients, respectively. When the tumor bed was irradiated, the D90 of PTV2 reached the prescribed dose in 95.6% in the CFI group and 100% in the HFI group, respectively. The mean D90 of PTV1 and PTV2 were 50.09±0.65 Gy and 60.63±0.91 Gy in CFI group while 40.11±0.56 Gy and 50.79±2.03 Gy in HFI group. For OARs constraints, protocol compliance was all above 95% (heart: 95.3%; ipsilateral lung: 95.5%; contralateral lung: 97.1%; humeral head: 98.2% and spinal cord: 100%) with no significant difference between CFI and HFI groups. For patients with left-sided breast cancer, the Dmean of the heart was 5.10±1.75 Gy vs. 4.59±1.86 Gy (EQD23) in CFI and HFI groups (p = 0.51), respectively. No significant differences in Dmean of the heart (1.45±0.71 Gy vs. 1.33±0.77 Gy (EQD23), p = 0.40) was found either between two groups in right-sided patients. The differences were significant in the Dmean of the ipsilateral lung (13.37±1.99 Gy vs. 11.17±3.50 Gy (EQD23), p<0.01), contralateral lung (0.88±0.73 Gy vs. 0.74±0.61 Gy (EQD23), p<0.01) and the ipsilateral humeral head (15.27±7.62 Gy vs. 13.05±6.19 Gy (EQD23), p<0.01) and the Dmax of spinal cord (21.40±8.82 Gy vs. 19.47±7.99 Gy (EQD23), p = 0.05) between CFI and HFI groups.

CONCLUSION

A high degree of compliance with protocol dose constraints was found for treatment plans in the HARVEST trial and doses to the most of OARs decreased in HFI group.

[Efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in the treatment of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS). Methods: The clinical data on surgical treatment and follow-up in 16 patients with PA-IVS who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University from October 2018 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The right ventricular systolic pressure and percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were compared before and after operation. In addition, the SpO₂ and echocardiographic data at preoperative and the last follow-up were compared. Comparisons between groups were performed using paired-samples t test. Results: Among the 16 patients (10 males and 6 females) with the age at operation of 19 (14, 26) days, 12 cases underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation successfully, 2 cases were transferred to surgery department for open-heart pulmonary valvulotomy, and the remaining 2 cases were transmitted to surgery department for transthoracic pulmonary valve perforation. The age at operation of the 12 patients who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation was 18 (14, 27) days, and the weight was (3.6±0.4) kg. The immediate postoperative right ventricular systolic pressure decreased significantly ((57±16) vs. (95±19) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), t=7.49, P<0.001), and the postoperative SpO₂ was improved effectively (0.90±0.48 vs.0.75±0.09, t=-5.61, P<0.001). The follow-up time was 22 (7, 33) months for 12 patients who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation successfully. At the last follow-up, the ratio of right to left ventricular transverse diameter was significantly higher than that before operative (0.55±0.05 vs. 0.45±0.05, t=-3.27,P=0.007). Furthermore, the Z-scores of pulmonary valvular diameter (-0.78±0.23 vs. -1.73±0.56, t=-8.52, P<0.001) and the tricuspid valvular diameter (-0.52±0.12 vs. -1.46±0.38, t=-10.40, P<0.001) were all significantly higher than preoperative data. At last, all the patients achieved biventricular circulation without death or major complications. Conclusion: Transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation is a safe and effective therapy for neonatal PA-IVS, and its curative effect has been confirmed by the medium follow-up data.

A minimized and efficient low temperature loading device for indentation

A minimized and efficient low temperature loading device cooling with Peltier coolers for indentation test is developed. Both specimen and indentation tip are immersed in 50% methanol-water solution, totally eliminating the contact thermal drift problem. Low temperature indentation tests down to 253.8 K can be realized within 10 min. The size of the device is miniaturized within 50 × 40 × 30 mm³, and no vacuum environment is required. Monocrystalline copper is tested to perform the feasibility of the device. Based on the simple structure and stable experimental effect, the developed device can be integrated into various types of current indentation devices to attach low temperature testing ability.

[Progress in screening and follow-up studies of pulmonary ground glass nodules]

With the wide application of high-resolution chest CT in health check-up, the ground glass nodule(GGN) has been increasingly detected. GGNs have a complex etiology and image features, which can develop fast or very slowly. Therefore, whether to follow up or to resect it is usually very difficult to be determined. Overdiagnosis or overtreatment frequently happens. According to the development of GGNs, the process can be clinically divided into four stages: biological onset stage (pre-detection stage), observational stage, clinical treatment stage and postoperative follow-up stage. This review summarizes the progress on the natural development process, imaging monitoring and differentiation, the optimal time of surgical treatment for GGNs based on the decision of multidisciplinary team. This revie wmay be helpful for clinicians to understand the rule of GGN development in the follow-up, and find an optimal time to give surgical intervention for improving the prognosis of and life quality of the GGN patients.

[Evaluation of papilledema and visual improvement in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension after venous sinus stenting]

Objective: To evaluate the improvement of papilledema and visual acuities in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) after venous sinus stenting. Methods: The clinical data of 8 IIH patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent venous sinus stenting between January 2013 and December 2016 at Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. There were 6 females and 3 males,aged (32.9±14.4)years (range:19 to 57 years).The thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was measured by optical coherence tomography. Fundus,visual acuity and visual field examination were performed before and after operation. If pressure gradient ≥10 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) across the venous stenosis was indicated by intraoperative pressure measurement,the patient would be treated with venous sinus stenting. Intracranial pressure was measured by lumbar puncture 3 to 7 days after operation. RNFL thickness and eye examination were detected 6 months after surgery. CT venogram was used to observe the sinus venous conditions. Paired t test was used to compare the data before and after surgery. Results: All the 8 patients underwent venous sinus stenting successfully. The mean pressure gradient across the venous stenosis was reduced from (24±9.2) mmHg to (2.6±2.0) mmHg (t=8.02,P<0.01). Intracranial pressure decreased from preoperative (41.4±12.7) cmH₂O(1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa) to postoperative (12.9±3.3) cmH₂O (t=7.08, P<0.01). The RNFL thickness decreased from (275.3±68.3)μm to (131.4±31.8)μm(t=5.80,P<0.05) 6 months after surgery and the baseline visual acuity was improved from(M(Q_R))0.24 (0.25) to 0.65 (0.23)(Z=-2.52,P<0.05).Papilledema was significantly improved in 6 patients,and no significant change in 2 patients. CT venogram indicated adjacent stent restenosis in 1 patient. Conclusion: Venous sinus stenting can effectively improve papilledema and visual acuity caused by IIH.

Effects of dietary Enteromorpha powder supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and antioxidant performance during the late laying period in Zi geese

This study investigated the effects of dietary Enteromorpha powder supplementation on the productive performance, egg quality, and antioxidant performance of Zi geese during the late laying period. Three hundred twelve Zi geese (1 yr old) were randomly allocated into 2 cohorts to form a control group and an experimental group (with each cohort including 6 replicates and 21 female geese and 5 male geese in each replicate). The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group was fed a diet containing 3% Enteromorpha powder. The data showed that Enteromorpha powder supplementation significantly improved egg production, laying rate, average daily egg weight (P < 0.01), and egg yolk color (P < 0.05). Supplementation decreased the ADFI and feed conversion rate (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was significantly higher in serum and ovary tissue (P < 0.05), but GSH-Px activity was lower in liver tissue (P < 0.01). Malondialdehyde was reduced in liver and ovary tissue (P < 0.05) in the Enteromorpha powder supplementation group. Meanwhile, the expression of the CAT gene was significantly upregulated in the liver (P < 0.01) in the Enteromorpha group. These results indicate that dietary Enteromorpha powder supplementation improved productive performance and reduced the level of lipid peroxidation in Zi geese during the late laying period.

MiR-130b/TNF-α/NF-κB/VEGFA loop inhibits prostate cancer angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is a critical biological process essential for solid cancer growth and metastasis. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in a variety of biological processes in cancers. However, whether miR-130b is involved in prostate cancer angiogenesis remains ill-defined.

METHODS

We performed the miRNA microarray to analyze miRNA expression in human prostate cancer specimens. In vitro gain-of-function assays and loss-of-function assays were conducted to explore the potential functions of miR-130b in human prostate cancer cells. Correlation analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to validate whether tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was a direct target of miR-130b. The Matrigel plug and tumor vascular imaging assays were performed to confirm the anti-angiogenic activity of miR-130b in nude mice.

RESULTS

We found that miR-130b was one of the miRNAs being most significantly downregulated. Subsequently, we found that miR-130b expression was markedly downregulated in human prostate cancer cell lines. Down-regulation of miR-130b in prostate cancer cells significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion and tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while ectopic expression of miR-130b blocked prostate cancer angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic analyses indicated that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was regulated by miR-130b directly. MiR-130b attenuated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and its downstream gene vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) by directly inhibiting TNF-α expression. Additionally, subsequent investigations identified that the ectopic level of VEGFA markedly abrogated the anti-angiogenic effect induced by miR-130b. Interestingly, VEGFA could in turn decrease the expression of miR-130b, thus forming a negative feedback loop that drives the angiogenesis of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that miR-130b/TNF-α/NF-κB/VEGFA feedback loop is significantly correlated with angiogenesis in prostate cancer and miR-130b could be regarded as potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer anti-angiogenesis treatment.

[MicroRNA-26a-5p targets Wnt5a to regulate osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cell from inflammatory microenvironment]

Objective: To investigate the effect of microRNA-26a-5p on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC) and its related mechanisms. Methods: hPDLSC in periodontal tissues from healthy adults and hPDLSC from periodontitis patients (PPDLSC) were isolated and cultured in vitro, respectively. The PPDLSC were divided into Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ groups. Group Ⅰ is control group, and the other four groups were transiently transfected with miR-NC, miR-26a-5p, antimiR-NC and antimiR-26a-5p lentiviral vectors, respectively. The osteogenic differentiation abilities of the cells in vitro were determined by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Totally 40 male mice (6-weeks) were equally divided into five groups with 8 mice in each group. The PPDLSCs cells (1×10(7)/ml) in Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ groups, which adhered to hydroxyapatine-tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP), were implanted into the nude mice subcutaneously and the animal models were constructed to analyze the effect of miR-26a-5p on the osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSCs in vivo. PPDLSCs were divided into A, B, C, D groups, and transfected with miR-26a-5p+Wnt5a-Wt, miR-NC+Wnt5a-Wt, miR-26a-5p+Wnt5a-Mut and miR-NC+Wnt5a-Mut in each of the above mentioned 5 groups, respectively. The luciferase activity assay was used to detect the relative luciferase in A, B, C and D groups to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-26a-5p and Wnt5a. Osteogenic differentiation related proteins expression were analyzed by western blotting. Results: hPDLSC and PPDLSC were observed consistent with the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and had osteogenic differentiation ability in vitro. Compared with hPDLSC [(89.87±8.12)%], the osteogenic capacity of PPDLSC [(31.46±6.56)%] was significantly lower (P<0.05). The ALP activity (1.88±0.59), calcified nodules (79.88±5.92), the expression of the osteogenic differentiation markers Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) (2.40±0.70), ALP (2.10±0.60) and osteocalcin (3.00±0.90) mRNA in the PPDLSC from Group Ⅲ were significantly higher in comparison with the control group [(0.88±0.34), (29.69±2.65), (1.30±0.30), (0.09±0.25), (1.71±0.50)], while those from Group Ⅴ[(0.44±0.07), (14.83±3.05), (0.50±0.11), (0.30±0.08) and (0.80±0.17)] were significantly lower (P<0.05). In vivo studies in nude mice showed that the proportion of the osteogenic region [(34.96±5.65)%] in the miR-26a-5p group was significantly increased in comparison with the control group [(23.28±3.03)%], while in the antimiR-26a-5p group [(8.02±2.27)%] was significantly lower (P<0.05). The luciferase activity of the Group A (0.46±0.06) was significantly lower than Group B (3.46±0.45) (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Wnt5a protein, calmodulin kinase Ⅱ and protein kinase C proteins in the Group Ⅲ were significantly decreased, while those in the GroupⅤ were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions: MicroRNA-26a-5p could promote osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSC in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism might be inhibiting the activation of Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling pathway by targeting Wnt5a.

[Effects of different doses of dopamine on organ function of rats at early stage of severe scald]

Objective: To explore the effects of different doses of dopamine on organ function of rats at early stage of severe scald. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats aged 8 to 12 weeks were divided into sham injury (SI) group, simple resuscitation (SR) group, small dose (SD) group, and moderate dose (MD) group according to the random number table, with 8 rats in each group. After rats in the 4 groups were performed cardiac catheterization, rats in group SI were sham injured on the back by immersing in 37 ℃ warm water for 18 s, and rats in the other 3 groups were inflicted with 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness scald on the back by immersing in 97 ℃ hot water for 18 s. Rats in group SI were not treated after the injury, while rats in the other 3 groups were performed fluid resuscitation for 24 h through jugular vein catheter with micro syringe pump according to the Parkland formula. They were given 4.0 mL·kg(-1)·% TBSA(-1) normal saline during the first 24 h, of which they were given half of the total amount for the first 8 h, and they were given half of the total amount for the second and third 8 h. Rats in group SR were infused normal saline only, while rats in group SD and group MD were infused normal saline+ 1.25 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1)dopamine and normal saline+ 6.00 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) dopamine respectively. Volume of 0.5 mL venous blood of all rats were taken through the cardiac catheter with serum separated at post injury hour (PIH) 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24. Serum content of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; serum content of diamine oxidase (DAO) was detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometer; serum content of β(2)-microglobulin (β(2)-MG) was determined by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay; serum content of total bile acid (TBA) was determined by enzyme colorimetry; serum content of lactic acid, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At PIH 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24, serum content of cTnI of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD [(2.69±0.19), (3.04±0.19), (4.96±0.25), (6.88±0.28), (4.75±0.31) μg/L, (2.70±0.14), (3.08±0.13), (5.06±0.19), (7.11±0.21), (4.89±0.16) μg/L, (2.18±0.14), (2.54±0.09), (3.97±0.14), (5.46±0.34), (3.32±0.33) μg/L] were higher than that in group SI [(1.70±0.08), (1.70±0.08), (1.69±0.11), (1.69±0.08), (1.70±0.08) μg/L, P<0.05], serum content of cTnI of rats in group SR and group SD was similar (P>0.05), and serum content of cTnI of rats in group MD was lower than that in group SR and group SD (P<0.05). (2) At PIH 1 to 24, serum content of DAO of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD was higher than that in group SI (P<0.05), serum content of DAO of rats in group SR and group MD was similar (P>0.05), and serum content of DAO of rats in group SD was lower than that in group SR and group MD (P<0.05). (3) At PIH 1 to 24, serum content of β(2)-MG of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD was higher than that in group SI (P<0.05), serum content of β(2)-MG of rats in group SR and group MD was similar (P>0.05), and serum content of β(2)-MG of rats in group SD was lower than that in group SR and group MD (P<0.05). (4) At PIH 1 to 24, serum content of TBA of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD was similar (P>0.05) and higher than that in group SI (P<0.05). (5) At PIH 1 to 24, serum content of lactic acid of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD was higher than that in group SI (P<0.05), serum content of lactic acid of rats in group SR and group MD was similar (P>0.05), and serum content of lactic acid of rats in group SD was lower than that in group SR and group MD (P<0.05). (6) At PIH 1 to 24, serum content of malondialdehyde and MPO of rats in group SR, group SD, and group MD was higher than that in group SI (P<0.05), serum content of malondialdehyde and MPO of rats in group SR and group MD was similar (P>0.05), and serum content of malondialdehyde and MPO of rats in group SD was significantly lower than that in group SR and group MD (P<0.05). Conclusions: With effective liquid recovery, dopamine of MD can improve early cardiac function of rats with severe scald, while dopamine of SD can alleviate tissue ischemia and hypoxia, reduce oxygen free radical damage in internal organs, and improve functions of intestine and kidney.

[Midterm clinical outcomes and radiological results of surgical treatment for Hirayama disease]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of internal fixation and fusion for the treatment of Hirayama disease and to evaluate the clinical significance and value of this procedure.

METHODS

In the study, 36 patients were treated with anterior cervical internal fixation and fusion. The clinical outcomes including muscle strength and atrophy were recorded. The radiological outcomes including range of motion of cervical spine and the cross-sectional area of spinal cord at each level on MRI scan were measured before and at 3 month, 1 year and 2 years follow-up time points after surgery.

RESULTS

(1) Clinical outcomes: all the patients showed no further progression of symptoms except one patient with mild progression of muscular weakness and atrophy. As the time passed by, the ratio of the patients with muscle strength and atrophy improvement increased. There were 26.5% of patients in 3 months, 36.0% in 1 year and 85.7% in 2 years who experienced muscle strength improvement. 8.8% of patients in 3 months, 24.0% in 1 year and 35.8% in 2 years felt muscle atrophy improvement. And 12 of the 14 patients showed improved muscle strength and atrophy at the end of 2 years period follow-up. (2) Radiological outcomes: the range of motion (ROM) of C2-C7 was significantly decreased after the operation. The ROM of preoperation was 62.25°±2.10° and that of 2 years postoperation was 13.67°±7.51°(P<0.01). The spinal cord was of no compression on flexion MRI. The cross-section area of spinal cord on MRI was significantly increased only at C6 level (P<0.05) at the end of three months follow-up. The level of increased cross-section area rose to C4-C5-C6 levels (P<0.01) in 1 year and to C4-C5-C6-C7 levels at the end of 2 years follow-up (P<0.05). The cross-section area increased 15.60% at C4, 19.08% at C5, 21.60% at C6 and 23.91% at C7 with significant difference (P<0.05) 2 years after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Anterior cervical internal fixation and fusion is an effective surgical treatment for Hirayama disease and may provide preferable midterm clinical and radiological outcomes. This procedure has clinical significance and value in terms of control of the progression and outcome of this disease.

[The clinical characteristics of 17 cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia]

Objective: To review the clinical data of cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), and to explore the clinical characteristics for the understanding of PCD. Methods: We retrospectively summarized 17 patients with PCD diagnosed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan 2009 to Dec 2014. There were 7 male and 10 female patients, with the age from 6 to 57 years at the time of diagnosis. The mean onset age of the disease was 11.7±2.1 years, and the mean age at diagnosis was 29.5±3.5 years. We analyzed their clinical symtoms, radiologic images, pulmonary function test and the electron microscopic findings for the clinical characteristics of PCD. Results: The most common onset symptoms were cough (15/17) or sputum (13/17) among our 17 patients with PCD. Only 5 patients had situs inversus in our group. Sixteen patients had bronchiectasis on chest CT scan. Nasal sinusitis was confirmed by nasal CT scan in 15 patients. The most common pathogens from sputum cultures included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzea, Aspergillus fumigates and Candida (3/14 respectively). None of the patients had evidence of mycobacterial infection. Twelve patients underwent spirometry and obstructive pattern was the most common disorder (8/12). Diffusion impairment (5/10) and restrictive pattern dysfunction (3/10) were also present in our patients. Two patients had normal pulmonary function test results. Thirteen patients underwent bronchial mucosal ciliary electron microscopy and the most abnormalities were outer or inner dynein arms deficiency (8/13), and other abnormalities included microtubule arrangement disorder (3/13), reduction of the number of microtubules (3/13) and reduction of the number of dynein arms (2/13). Four of our patients had multiple dysfunctions on their ciliaries. Conclusions: PCD should be considered in bronchiectasis patients with disease onset at childhood even without situs inverse, especially those accompanied with nasal sinusitis or otitis media. Chest or paranasal sinus CT scan, and male sperm examination were helpful for the diagnosis. Mucosal ciliary electron microscopy was an efficient diagnostic method for PCD.

Fabrication of nanopore and nanoparticle arrays with high aspect ratio AAO masks

How to use high aspect ratio anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as an etching and evaporation mask is one of the unsolved problems in the application of nanostructured arrays. Here we describe the versatile utilizations of the highly ordered AAO membranes with a high aspect ratio of more than 20 used as universal masks for the formation of various nanostructure arrays on various substrates. The result shows that the fabricated nanopore and nanoparticle arrays of substrates inherit the regularity of the AAO membranes completely. The flat AAO substrates and uneven AAO frontages were attached to the Si substrates respectively as an etching mask, which demonstrates that the two kinds of replication, positive and negative, represent the replication of the mirroring of Si substrates relative to the flat AAO substrates and uneven AAO frontages. Our work is a breakthrough for the broad research field of surface nano-masking.

[The indications for glucocorticoids in treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults: a meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common pulmonary infectious disease. Glucocorticoids (GCS) as one of the most powerful anti-inflammation drugs, are still the most controversial adjuvant therapy in treating CAP. Which sub-groups of CAP patients would benefit from GCS is a debating topic. Our aim of this study is to find the indications for GCS in treating adult CAP patients by using meta-analysis.

METHOD

"Steroids, glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, hydrocortisone, prednisone, cortisol, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone"and"community-acquired pneumonia"were used as key words both in Chinese and English to search all published literature in Pubmed, EMBASE MEDLINE, Cochrane, CNKI and Wanfang Database until March 2015.

RESULTS

All 840 articles were reviewed, and 11 high quality randomized clinical trials involving 1942 adult CAP patients were included in this meta-analysis. Using GCS did not significantly reduce mortality in all CAP patients (OR=0.68, 95%CI 0.46-0.99, P=0.04). But in the subgroup analysis, patients with severe CAP benefited from GCS treatment (OR=0.35, 95%CI 0.17-0.75, P=0.007). GCS also increased the risk of hyperglycemia (OR=1.99, 95%CI 1.50-2.65, P<0.000 01).

CONCLUSION

RESULTS from this meta-analysis suggested that GCS should only be rigorously used in severe CAP patients.

[The characteristics of a mouse model with nasal polyp established by lipopolysaccharide]

Objective:To explore the effect of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) on the formation of nasal polyps in mice and its mechanism.Method:Five or ten μg of LPS were dropped into the nasal cavities of six to eight-week C57BL/6J mice in order to establish animal models with nasal polyps.Buried food pellets experiment was used to assess olfactory function of mice.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,olfactory marker protein(OMP),and myeloperoxidase(MPO) for neutrophil immunohistochemistry were used to observe histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa.The expression levels of cytokines,such as interferon(IFN)-γ,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,IL-6 in the nasal lavage fluid,were detected by ELISA.Result:Compared to the control group,mice in the LPS groups showed significant nasal polyp formation,olfactory dysfunction,more MPO⁺ cells while less OMP⁺ cells in the nasal mucosa,as well as increased significantly levels of IFN-γ,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the nasal lavage fluids(all P<0.05).Conclusion:LPS from Gram negative bacteria alone can induce the formation of nasal polyps in mice,characterized by more neutrophils,olfactory dysfunction,and increasing Th1 cytokine.Therefore,this model is commensurate with the characteristics of primary nasal polyps found in China and other major Asian.The current study suggests that LPS may be one of the important pathogenesis of gram negative bacteria in the nasal polyps.

[Reoperation for cervical myelopathy duo to progressing ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments in patients with expansive laminoplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of the patients with reoperation for cervical myelopathy due to progressing ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments, with previous open-door expansive laminoplasty, and to evaluate the outcomes.

METHODS

From May 2006 to July 2012, a retrospective study was performed on a consecutive series of 17 patients with previous open-door expansive laminoplasty, who had received the reoperation for cervical myelopathy due to progressing ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments. The reoperation was performed based on the clinical manifestations and segments of responsibility. The anterior approaches were performed in 12 cases, and the posterior approaches in 5 cases. The correlation between the clinical factors and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores or the JOA recovery rate was evaluated by Pearson or Spearman correlation test. The pre- and post-operative JOA scores were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and the JOA recovery rates were compared with paired t test.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 137.5 months (range 60-348 months). There were no serious complications after surgical procedures. There was one case that had C5 palsy in the first operation and had recovery after one week. Another case had C5 palsy in the reoperation with posterior approach, which had recovery at the end of 6 months postoperation. Three cases had the cerebrospinal fluid leakage of the reoperation, with two cases in the anterior approaches and one case in the posterior approach. There was no significant correlation between the clinical variables and JOA scores or JOA recovery rates. The JOA scores of the patients in the first operation were improved from 9.4±4.1 to 12.8±2.8 (P<0.01), and the JOA recovery rate was 45.6%. The JOA scores of the reoperation were improved from 10.2±2.8 to 12.7±2.4 (P<0.05) at the end of 6 months and 14.3±1.9 (P<0.01) by the last follow-up. There were significant differences between the JOA recovery rates by the last follow-up (63.2%) and at the end of 6 months (39.3%) of the reoperation or 45.6% of the first operation (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The reoperation for cervical myelopathy duo to progressing ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments can significantly promote the recovery of the spinal cord, based on the clinical manifestations combined with segments of responsibility of the imaging.

Temporal and spatial expression profiles of Frizzled 3 in the ovary during the estrous cycle

Frizzled 3 is an important receptor in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a conserved signaling pathway that regulates gene expression and controls diverse developmental processes. However, the role of this protein during follicular development in the adult ovary is not known. The present study was designed to investigate the expression and localization of Frizzled 3 mRNA and protein during the estrous cycle in the mouse ovary through in situ hybridization (ISH), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot. ISH results showed that in proestrus, high expression of Frizzled 3 was found in the granulosa and stroma with weak levels in the corpus luteum. In estrus and diestrus, the stroma had high Frizzled 3 expression, but levels were low in granulosa cells and corpus luteum. In the metestrus, moderate expression of Frizzled 3 was found in the stroma but low to no expression was found in luteal cells and follicles. The mRNA and protein levels of Frizzled 3 were found to be the highest in proestrus and diestrus compared to estrus and metestrus (P < 0.05), confirming the ISH results. During estrus and diestrus, high Frizzled 3 expression was observed in the stroma and moderate levels in granulosa cells, and during estrus and proestrus, low expression was seen in the oocyte cell membrane. The western blot results further confirmed this change during the estrous cycle. Together, these results indicate that Frizzled 3 is involved in regulating follicular development and oocyte maturation during the estrous cycle.

Exploring Northwest China's agricultural water-saving strategy: analysis of water use efficiency based on an SE-DEA model conducted in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Worldwide, water scarcity threatens delivery of water to urban centers. Increasing water use efficiency (WUE) is often recommended to reduce water demand, especially in water-scarce areas. In this paper, agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) is examined using the super-efficient data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach in Xi'an in Northwest China at a temporal and spatial level. The grey systems analysis technique was then adopted to identify the factors that influenced the efficiency differentials under the shortage of water resources. From the perspective of temporal scales, the AWUE increased year by year during 2004-2012, and the highest (2.05) was obtained in 2009. Additionally, the AWUE was the best in the urban area at the spatial scale. Moreover, the key influencing factors of the AWUE are the financial situations and agricultural water-saving technology. Finally, we identified several knowledge gaps and proposed water-saving strategies for increasing AWUE and reducing its water demand by: (1) improving irrigation practices (timing and amounts) based on compatible water-saving techniques; (2) maximizing regional WUE by managing water resources and allocation at regional scales as well as enhancing coordination among Chinese water governance institutes.

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in northeastern China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Information on multimorbidity in the general populations of developing countries is lacking. We examine the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in northeastern China.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult residents in Jilin Province, northeastern China from June 2012 to August 2012.

METHODS

Data were collected from a large cross-sectional study (n = 21,435) of adult community residents in Jilin Province in northeastern China. Multimorbidity, or co-morbidity, was defined as having two or more of 18 specified prevalent chronic diseases. A range of demographics, socio-economic factors, other risk factors and general mental health were used in describing the distribution of multimorbidity and in exploring the associations between them.

RESULTS

Almost a quarter (24.7%) of the adults were found to be multimorbid for chronic diseases. Multimorbidity was more common among older adults, women, rural residents and those with low income. Smoking, increasing BMI and psychological distress were independently associated with multimorbidity. Multimorbid patients were frequent users of primary care. Most dyads of chronic diseases co-occurred more frequently than would be expected on the basis of chance.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers, clinicians and policy makers need to pay special attention to the health care challenges of multimorbidity and develop effective intervention strategies and programs to reduce the burden of multimorbidity.

Development of EST-SSR and TRAP markers from transcriptome sequencing data of the mango

Mango is one of the most commercially important fruit crops in tropical and subtropical regions. To increase the efficiency of breeding strategies, two EST-derived marker systems were developed in the present study using information from the mango fruit transcriptome. Using simple sequence repeats, 218 of 230 primer pairs showed stable amplification for 7 mango genotypes with amplicons ranging from 84 to 160 bp; 93 of the primer pairs yielded polymorphic products. The proportion of polymorphic bands ranged from 16.67 to 100%, with a mean of 55.64%. In contrast, 86 primer pairs exhibited good amplification with clear bands for target region amplification polymorphism analysis, and a total of 66 primer combinations were polymorphic. These two novel sets of EST-derived markers will be of use in future studies of genetic diversity, genetic map construction, and marker-assisted selection in mango.

Decorin-induced proliferation of avian myoblasts involves the myostatin/Smad signaling pathway

Decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan as a component of the extracellular matrix, plays an important role in the skeletal muscle development. It has been reported that decorin promoted proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells by restraining myostatin activity in rodents. However, the effects and mechanisms of decorin on avian myoblast proliferation are not understood clearly. Thus, in our research, decorin overexpressing and knocking-down quail myoblast-7 (QM7) myoblasts were established to explore the effects of decorin on avian myoblast proliferation by flow cytometry. The results showed that overexpression of decorin enhanced the proliferation of QM7 myoblasts, which was accompanied by the upregulation of follistatin and primary muscle regulatory factors (i.e., myogenic factor 5, myogenic factor 1, myogenin), and downregulation of myostatin expression, as well as the decreased phosphorylation level of SMAD family member 3 (Smad3). In line with expectations, decorin RNAi displayed an opposite effect on the proliferation and gene expression pattern of QM7 cells. In conclusion, our in vitro studies suggested the decorin-mediated myostatin/Smad signaling pathway might be involved in the regulation of avian myoblast proliferation.

Lactoferrin administration into the nostril alleviates murine allergic rhinitis and its mechanisms

Lactoferrin (LF) can downregulate allergic airway inflammation in asthma. However, the in vivo effect of exogenous LF on allergic rhinitis (AR), a disease attributed to airway inflammation, has yet to be determined. We investigated the effect of intranasal administration recombinant human (rh) LF and its underlying mechanisms on AR in BALB/c mice. Multiple parameters of allergic responses were evaluated to determine the effect of rhLF. We found that the number of eosinophils and goblet cells, as well as mRNA and protein expression of type 2 helper T (Th2), Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in the nasal cavity, was significantly upregulated in AR mice compared with the controls, Conversely, administration of rhLF prior to or after intranasal ovalbumin challenge markedly downregulated these same parameters. Th1-specific mRNA and protein expression in the nasal cavity of the controls was not different from that in AR mice, but expression significantly increased with rhLF treatment. The mRNA and protein expression of endogenous LF in the nasal cavity was significantly downregulated in AR mice compared with the controls. However, after rhLF treatment, endogenous LF mRNA and protein expression was significantly upregulated. Exogenous rhLF inhibited allergic inflammation in AR mice, most likely by promoting the endogenous LF expression and skewing T cells to a Th1, but not a Th2 and Th17 phenotype in the nasal mucosa. Our findings suggest that rhLF treatment may be a novel therapeutic approach for prevention and treatment AR.

Measurement of enhanced radiation force on a parallel metallic-plate system in the microwave regime

We measure the force exerted by microwave radiation on a centimeter-sized parallel-plate metallic resonant unit. By varying the ambient environment, we distinguish carefully between the direct radiation force and the indirect photothermal component. At the microwave resonance, the former is measured quantitatively to be 100 times larger than the conventional radiation force. Furthermore, the enhanced radiation force tends to increase the separation of the plates. Both the direction and the magnitude of the measured force agree well with numerical calculations.

Performance of hybrid vertical up- and downflow subsurface flow constructed wetlands in treating synthetic high-strength wastewater

The performance and temporal variation of hybrid vertical-subsurface flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) in response to two-stage combinations of vertical upflow (VUF) and vertical downflow (VDF) were analyzed in this research. The results of high carbon (C) treatment and high nitrogen (N) treatment were similar. The Lythrum salicaria treatment showed higher removal efficiency than CWs planted with Acorus calamus. Under high C- and N-loading treatments, the optimum two-stage combination was VDF-VUF VFCWs planted with A. calamus. Furthermore, the highest nutrient removal efficiencies were achieved in late summer (July and August) and early autumn (September). The chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen removal efficiencies were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by season, system, and wetland plant.

Active immunization of fatty acid translocase specifically decreased visceral fat deposition in male broilers

Lipid accumulation of avian adipocytes is mainly dependent upon the fatty acid transmembrane uptake process mediated by membrane proteins, such as fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), fatty acid transport protein 1, and caveolin-2. To examine the effects of FAT/CD36 on spatial-specific fat deposition, 60 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 2 groups by sex. Each male or female group contained 2 subgroups (n = 14-15) inoculated by intramuscular injection with chicken FAT/CD36 or BSA (control) immunogens at 34, 49, and 63 d. The subcutaneous and visceral fat deposits were measured, as were levels of plasma triglyceride and free fatty acid. Serum antibody titer was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of fatty acid transport-related genes in the adipose tissue of the male broilers were investigated to reveal the relationships among various fatty acid transporters. The results showed that active immunization with FAT/CD36 could significantly decrease the visceral fat of the male broilers by up to 40%, but it had no effect on subcutaneous fat stores of male broilers or on either site of fat deposition in female broilers. The concentration of plasma free fatty acids increased in the experimental groups for both male and female broilers. After the FAT/CD36 immunization, very low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA expression was upregulated in both the subcutaneous and visceral fat of male broilers, whereas peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, FAT/CD36, and acyl-CoA binding protein mRNA expression levels were upregulated only in the visceral fat of male broilers. These results indicated a novel role of chicken FAT/CD36 in fat deposition, with sex- and spatial-specific effects.

The link between fibroblast growth factor 21 and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c during lipogenesis in hepatocytes

Recently fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a potent regulator in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Here, we firstly investigated the metabolic role of FGF21 in human liver-derived HepG2 cells, and suggested that overexpression of FGF21 suppressed triglyceride accumulation by inhibiting the transcription of the gene necessary for de novo lipogenesis. The potential mechanism of FGF21 regulating lipogenesis was also explored, which revealed that FGF21 repressed the transcription of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), an essential transcription factor promoting expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Overexpression of FGF21 ameliorated the up-regulation of SREBP1c and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in HepG2 cells elicited by FFAs treatment. Moreover, FGF21 could inhibit the transcriptional levels of the key genes involved in processing and nuclear translocation of SREBP1c, and decrease the protein amount of mature SREBP1c. Unexpectedly, overexpression of SREBP1c in HepG2 cells could also inhibit the endogenous FGF21 transcription. Further experiments demonstrated that SREBP1c could significantly attenuate the promoter activity of FGF21. In conclusion, our data identifies a clear link between FGF21 and SREBP1c during lipogenesis in hepatocyte in culture.

Strong light-induced negative optical pressure arising from kinetic energy of conduction electrons in plasmon-type cavities

We found that very strong negative optical pressure can be induced in plasmonic cavities by LC resonance. This interesting effect could be described qualitatively by a Lagrangian model which shows that the negative optical pressure is driven by the internal inductance and the kinetic energy of the conduction electrons. If the metal is replaced by perfect conductors, the optical pressure becomes much smaller and positive.

Quaternary ZnCdSeTe nanowires

We report the growth of needle-like high density quaternary ZnCdSeTe nanowires on oxidized Si(100) substrate using vapor-liquid-solid mechanism by molecular beam epitaxy with an Au-based nanocatalyst. It was found that average length and average diameter of the nanowires were 1.3 microm and 91 nm, respectively. It was also found that the as-grown ZnCdSeTe nanowires exhibit mixture of cubic zinc-blende and hexagonal wurtzite structures. Energy depersive results indicate that composition ratio of our nanowire should be Zn0.87Cd0.13Se0.98Te0.02, which agrees excellently with the designated composition ratio of Zn0.87Cd0.13Se0.98Te0.02.

Expression of Frizzled 2 in the mouse ovary during oestrous cycle

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a conserved signalling pathway that regulates gene expression and controls diverse developmental processes such as cell fate specification, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. To our knowledge, the potential role of this pathway in the adult ovary has been poorly addressed. To this end, we investigated the expression pattern of Frizzled 2 in the mouse ovary during oestrous cycle by real-time Q-PCR, in situ hybridization, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In this study, we used uterine wet weight and H3.2 mRNA level as two markers for classification of mouse oestrous cycle. We found that both uterine wet weight and H3.2 mRNA are the highest in the proestrus and decrease from oestrus to diestrus. During oestrous cycle, Frizzled 2 mRNA and protein exhibited the highest level in the proestrus stage and rapidly reduced from oestrus to diestrus. In situ hybridization results showed that the positive signals for Frizzled 2 are highly detected in the oocyte and stroma in proestrus stage, while moderate or weak Frizzled 2 mRNAs are localized in the oocyte, granulosa cells, stroma and corpus luteum from oestrus to diestrus. The localization pattern of Frizzled 2 protein is mostly consistent with its mRNA, but stronger Frizzled 2 proteins are present in the granulosa cells and membrane of oocyte in oestrous cycle. Our data suggest that Frizzled 2 may be involved in regulating follicle growth, oocyte maturation and luteinization during oestrous cycle.

Asymmetric tandem Michael addition-ylide olefination reaction for the synthesis of optically active cyclohexa-1,3-diene derivatives

The reaction of a crotonate-derived chiral phosphonium salt with alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of Cs(2)CO(3) affords optically active cyclohexa-1,3-diene derivatives with up to 90% ee in good yields.

The structure of the bacterial and archaeal community in a biogas digester as revealed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis

AIMS

To identify the bacterial and archaeal composition in a mesophilic biogas digester treating pig manure and to compare the consistency of two 16S rDNA-based methods to investigate the microbial structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty-nine bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTU) and 25 archaeal OTU were identified by sequencing two 16S rDNA clone libraries. Most bacterial OTU were identified as phyla of Firmicutes (47.2% of total clones), Bacteroides (35.4%) and Spirochaetes (13.2%). Methanoculleus bourgensis (29.0%), Methanosarcina barkeri (27.4%) and Methanospirillum hungatei (10.8%) were the dominant methanogens. Only 9% of bacterial and 20% of archaeal OTU matched cultured isolates at a similarity index of >or=97%. About 78% of the dominant bacterial (with abundance >3%) and 83% of archaeal OTU were recovered from the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) bands of V3 regions in 16S rDNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the digester, most bacterial and archaeal species were uncultured; bacteria belonging to Firmicutes, Bacteroides and Spirochaetes seem to take charge of cellulolysis, proteolysis, acidogenesis, sulfur-reducing and homoacetogenesis; the most methanogens were typical hydrogenotrophic or hydrogenotrophic/aceticlastic; DGGE profiles reflected the dominant microbiota.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study gave a first insight of the overall microbial structure in a rural biogas digester and also indicated DGGE was useful in displaying its dominant microbiota.

Clinicopathological features, post-surgical survival and prognostic indicators of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

Comprehensive data regarding elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were limited. The present study aims to widen the knowledge based on patients in China.

METHODS

Fifty-four elderly (> or =65 years) and 125 non-elderly HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinicopathological features and post-surgical survival were compared between two groups. Prognostic indicators of elderly patients were defined by uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Contrast to non-elderly patients, the elderly presented significantly lower rates of HBsAg positivity, Child-Pugh grade A, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) marked elevation, portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT), satellite nodule, and intrahepatic recurrence, smaller tumour sizes, earlier TNM staging and better histological differentiation. No significant differences were found in perioperative mortality rate and post-surgical survival between two groups. PVTT and Edmondson-Steiner grading were identified as independent prognostic indicators of both overall and disease-free survival by multivariate analysis, whereas Child-Pugh grading independently affected the overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

HCC in the elderly seemed to be less HBV-associated, less progressive and less aggressive than that in the non-elderly. Hepatectomy for the elderly could make a satisfactory prognosis and be well tolerated. Some tumour-related factors independently predict the prognosis of elderly HCC patients, and their liver function status should be further valued.

Insights into Hydrogen Atom Adsorption on and the Electrochemical Properties of Nitrogen-Substituted Carbon Materials

The nitrogen substitution in carbon materials is investigated theoretically using the density functional theory method. Our calculations show that nitrogen substitution decreases the hydrogen adsorption energy if hydrogen atoms are adsorbed on both nitrogen atoms and the neighboring carbon atoms. On the contrary, the hydrogen adsorption energy can be increased if hydrogen atoms are adsorbed only on the neighboring carbon atoms. The reason can be explained by the electronic structures analysis of N-substituted graphene sheets. Nitrogen substitution reduces the pi electron conjugation and increases the HOMO energy of a graphene sheet, and the nitrogen atom is not stable due to its 3-valent character. This raises an interesting research topic on the optimization of the N-substitution degree, and is important to many applications such as hydrogen storage and the tokamaks device. The electronic structure studies also explain well why nitrogen substitution increases the capacitance but decreases the electron conductivity of carbon electrodes as was experimentally observed in our experiments on the supercapacitor.

[Genetic studies of 13 loci in Guangdong Han population by two multiplex PCR systems and its forensic application]

OBJECTIVE

The genetic studies of 13 short tandem repeats(STRs) loci in two multiplex amplification systems were carried out on Chinese Han population in Guangdong.

METHODS

DNA samples from 328 unrelated individuals were screened. The 13 loci were D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, TH01, TPOX and CSF1PO. The PCR products were analyzed and genotyped by ABI 377-96 Sequencer.

RESULTS

The combined power of discrimination (DP) was 0.999999999999993 and the combined paternity of exclusion(PE) was 99.999%. These 13 loci met the Hardy-Weinberg expectations.

CONCLUSION

The two multiplex amplification systems were very useful in forensic case investigation.

A transient increase in CCK mRNA levels in hippocampus following audiogenic convulsions in audiogenic seizure-prone rats

AIM

To examine the effects of a single convulsion and multiple convulsions on cholecystokinin (CCK) mRNA expression in hippocampus of audiogenic seizure-prone rats (P77PMC).

METHODS

Ringing (electric bell, 100 dB, 60 s) was used to induce convulsions, hippocampal CCK mRNA expression was exhibited by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

1) The number of CCK mRNA-positive neurons in principal hippocampus of normal rats was 34 +/- 5, which elevated markedly after a single (155 +/- 7, P < 0.01) or multiple convulsions (95 +/- 8, P < 0.01). 2) CCK mRNA levels in multiple consecutive convulsion rats were lower than that in a single convulsion rats (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The increased number of CCK mRNA-positive neurons in hippocampus may have important functional consequences in convulsion-associated processes.

[Polymorphism and haplotype study of Y-chromosomal multi-STRs loci in Han population in Guangzhou]

Using polymerase chain reaction and silver stain, polymorphism and haplotype study of Y-chromosomal multi-STRs loci: DYS19, DYS389I/II, DYS390 were studied. 111 samples of male were collected from Guangzhou area. 5 alleles were determined in DYS19 locus, 4 alleles in DYS389I locus, 5 alleles in DYS389II locus and 5 alleles in DYS390 locus. Compared with other racial populations, differences of distribution of allele frequencies existed significantly. 72 haplotype were present in this study.

[Polymorphism analysis of D19S253 locus in Guangzhou area population]

Frequency data for STR system D19S253 were obtained from 105 unrelated individuals of Guangzhong population. PCR products were detected by horizontal native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a total of 9 alleles were identified by side-by-side comparison with a sequenced allelic ladder prepared by ourselves. The observed genotype distribution conformed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The high information content found in this system(heterozygosity rate was 0.8353, the mean exclusion chance was 0.7499, the discrimination power was 0.9211, the polymorphism information content was 0.8203) indicated it is a useful means in forensic routine casework both in criminal and paternity cases.

[Rational evaluation of different lymph node dissection]

To evaluate the effect and indication of different lymph node dissection (D1+, D2, D3), we performed radical operations for 371 cases of gastric cancer. The results showed that D1+ or D1 lymph node dissection was enough for gastric cancer of Ia stage, D2 was suitable for Ib stage. For localized or massive type gastric cancer of II + III stage, D3, D2 dissection was better than D1+ dissection. For the gastric cancer of the same type in IV stage, the 5-year survival rate after D3 + D2 dissection was 42.9%, but for the gastric cancer of infiltrative type or diffused growth pattern in II + III stage, the effect was not significantly increased even after the D3, D2 dissection. For the gastric cancer of this type in IV stage, the effect was not improved after the extended lymph node dissection. Extended dissection needn't be performed if there was no lymph node metastasis. D3, D2 dissection was better if there was little lymph node metastasis or the metastasis was limited to 1st group. For those metastasized to 2nd group or the quantity was more, D3 was better than D2, D1+. The effect of D3, D2 dissection was not significantly improved in the extensive metastasis case (more than 10 or to the 3rd group).

[Effects of different lymph node clearances on long-term survival in patients with gastric carcinoma]

From 1980 to 1987, radical gastrectomy plus R2 or R3 lymph node clearance was performed in 309 cases of gastric carcinoma of which 179 were with R2 and 130 with R3. The 1, 3, 5 years survival rate of R3 was statistically higher than that of R2. The 5 years survival rate of R2 was nearly the same as R3 in patients at stage I (I a, I b) and borrmann type I and II, While R3 yields better results than R2 at stage II and III a, it was even 25.5% higher by R3 than by R2 at II b and IV. R3 still benefits patients at stage II with serosa infiltration, R3 should also be performed in advanced cases with poorly biologic behavior, such as diffuse growth pattern; undifferentiated cancer and lymphatic cancerous embosis. The recovery time, complications and mortalities of patients with R2 or R3 were mainly related to the model of gastrectomy not to the extent of lymph node clearance.

[DNA content and cell cycle in irradiated HeLa S3 cells]

DNA content and cell cycle of irradiated HeLa S3 cells in the exponential phase was measured by image analysis and flow cytometric analysis. The HeLa S3 cell phases had undergone remarkable changes after irradiation. There was a dose dependent radiation effect. As the radiation dose increased, the number of G0 + G1 and S phase cells were reduced and G2 + M phase delay occurred. The number of G2 + M phase in HeLa S3 cells after 6-8 Gy was increased from 22% to 52%-61%. Meanwhile, the DNA content of HeLa S3 cells was increased from 6.72 to 9.08-10.0 Au, the results of these two assays were compatible. Most of the delay of G2 + M phase appeared 24 hours after irradiation. The concentration of HeLa S3 cells used varied from 32 x 10(4)/ml to 147 x 10(4)/ml in the experiments. No relationship was observed in the changes of phase and cell concentrations.

Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory function by an organic solvent extractable component from an extract of burn eschar

Saline extracts of burn eschar (CEBE) and normal skin (CENS) caused inhibition to mitochondrial respiration and inner membrane function. Ethyl acetate extracts from CEBE (D1) and CENS (D'1) caused depression of the Respiratory Control Ratio, (RCR), an inhibition of respiration rate in state 3 and stimulation to state 4 respiration. Excellent linear correlations exist between the degree of inhibition to state 3, rate of stimulation to state 4 respiration and the logarithm of doses of D1 and D'1. The effective dose ranges (0.75-0.25 mg/ml for D1 and 4-1 mg/ml for D'1) differ by one order of magnitude. The activity of NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase of mitochondria after incubation with the highest toxic dose of D1 or D'1 remained normal. Dinitrophenol (DNP)-stimulated respiration was moderately inhibited by D1 and D'1. No change of oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity was demonstrated. Exogenous malondialdehyde (MDA) did not show any inhibitory effect. Preliminary studies show that D1 contains a family of free fatty acids (FFA). Incubation of normal mitochondria with D1 increased the content of saturated FFA and a decrease of unsaturated FFA. The role of other peroxidative products is under investigation.

[Thermotolerance of tumors MA737 and LA795 of mice]

The effects of splitted heating of tumor, alone or in combination with local radiation, were studied on mouse mammary cancer MA737 in JB 2 mice and lung cancer LA795 in 739 mice. Hyperthermia was done by immersing the tumor-bearing foot into a water bath at 44 +/- 0.2 degrees C. When combined with radiation, 8 Mev beta irradiation from a linear accelerator was given. The response was assessed by tumor growth retardation calculated according to a special computer program. A priming dose of 5 to 6-minute exposure to 44 degrees C was followed, after various time intervals (1, 4, 5, 24 hr), by a longer exposure. Thermotolerance was induced in these two animal tumor models. Tolerance to heat, however, did not affect the combined effect of hyperthermia and radiation. Electron microscopic examination of the treated tumors confirmed the synergistic killing effect of the combined treatment.