UGT1A1 genotype-guided irinotecan dosing during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A prospective analysis of SN-38 concentration

Irinotecan plays a crucial role in the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) of rectal cancer, but its optimal dosing is still unclear. In this study, we included 101 eligible patients with the UGT1A1*28 genotype of UGT1A1*1*1 (74.3%) and UGT1A1*1*28 (25.7%) and UGT1A1*6 genotypes of GG (63.4%), GA (32.7%), and AA (3.9%). All patients received preoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy/25 fractions) with concurrent irinotecan (UGT1A1*1*1: 80 mg/m2 ; UGT1A1*1*28: 65 mg/m2 ) and capecitabine (CapIri). SN-38 concentrations were measured at 1.5, 24, and 49 h post-administration. Patients were divided into four groups (Q1-Q4) based on the SN-38 concentration. The complete-response (CR) rate was the primary endpoint. The analysis demonstrated that the 49 h SN-38 concentration was relatively optimal for predicting efficacy and toxicity. The Q4 group had a significantly higher CR rate than the Q1 group (p = .019), but also higher rates of adverse events (p = .009). We screened the recommended 49 h SN-38, with a 0.5-1.0 ng/mL concentration range. We also validated the correlation between UGT1A1*6 polymorphism and SN-38 concentration, along with the clinical efficacy of irinotecan. In conclusion, our study identified the relatively optimal timepoint and concentration range for monitoring SN38 concentrations and revealed the clinical significance of UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 polymorphisms in guiding irinotecan administration, offering meaningful insights for personalised irinotecan dosing.

[Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China, 2018-2021]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in China. Methods: The incidence data of SFTS in China from 2018 to 2021 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System for a statistical and descriptive epidemiological analysis by using software such as Excel 2016, Joinpoint 5.0.2, SPSS 26.0, and GraphPad Prism 8.0, especially, the SFTS cases reported monthly by key provinces were analyzed. Results: From 2018 to 2021, a total of 8 835 SFTS cases were reported in 25 provinces and the annual incidence showed an upward trend. The distribution of SFTS cases showed clustering, but the cases were mainly sporadic ones. The cases began to increase in March, mainly occurred during April to October (96.79%,8 551/8 835), and peaked during May to July. The cases were mainly distributed in middle-aged and old farmers, and slight more cases were women. The average case fatality rate was 5.38%, which varied greatly with areas. The case fatality rate tended to increase with age. Conclusion: From 2018 to 2021, the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS in China remained stable, but the number of reported cases gradually increased and the distribution showed an expanding trend, to which close attention should be paid.

Expression of water-soluble nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 and analysis of its immunogenicity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to be a major public health concern. Nucleocapsid (N) protein is the most abundant structural protein on SARS-CoV-2 virions and induces the production of antibodies at the early stage of infection. Large-scale preparation of N protein is essential for the development of immunoassays to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and the control of virus transmission. In this study, expression of water-soluble N protein was achieved through inducing protein expression at 25°C with 0.5 mM IPTG for 12 h. Western blot and ELISA showed that recombinant N protein could be recognized by sera collected from subjects immunized with Sinovac inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Four monoclonal antibodies namely 2B1B1, 4D3A3, 5G1F8, and 7C6F5 were produced using hybridoma technology. Titers of all four monoclonal antibodies in ELISA reached more than 1.28×10 6.0. Moreover, all monoclonal antibodies could react specifically with N protein expressed by transfection of pcDNA3.1-N into BHK-21 cells in IPMA and IFA. These results indicated that water-soluble N protein retained high immunogenicity and possessed the same epitopes as that of native N protein on virions. In addition, the preparation of water-soluble N protein and its monoclonal antibodies laid the basis for the development of immunoassays for COVID-19 detection.

[Effect of diurnal temperature range on the number of elderly inpatients with ischemic stroke in Hunan Province]

Objective: To study the effect of diurnal temperature range on the number of elderly inpatients with ischemic stroke in Hunan Province. Method: Demographic and disease data, meteorological data, air quality data, population, economic and health resource data of elderly inpatients with ischemic stroke were collected in 122 districts/counties of Hunan Province from January to December 2019. The relationships between the diurnal temperature range and the number of elderly inpatients with ischemic stroke were analyzed by using the distributed lag non-linear model, including the cumulative lag effect of the diurnal temperature range in different seasons, extremely high diurnal temperature range and extremely low diurnal temperature range. Results: In 2019, 152 875 person-times were admitted to the hospital for ischemic stroke in the elderly in Hunan Province. There was a non-linear relationship between the diurnal temperature range and the number of elderly patients with ischemic stroke, with different lag periods. In spring and winter, with the decrease in diurnal temperature range, the risk of admission of elderly patients with ischemic stroke increased (P_trend<0.001, P_trend=0.002);in summer, with the increase in diurnal temperature range, the risk of admission of elderly patients with ischemic stroke increased (P_trend=0.024);in autumn, the change in the diurnal temperature range would not cause a change in admission risk (P_trend=0.089). Except that the lag effect of the extremely low diurnal temperature range in autumn was not obvious, the lag effect occurred in other seasons under extremely low and extremely high diurnal temperature ranges. Conclusion: The high diurnal temperature range in summer and the low diurnal temperature range in spring and winter will increase the risk of admission of elderly patients with ischemic stroke, and the risk of admission of elderly patients with ischemic stroke will lag under the extremely low and extremely high diurnal temperature ranges in the above three seasons.

[Minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic modified Morrow procedure: a series of 60 cases]

Objective: To examine the short-term curative effect with minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic modified Morrow procedure. Methods: The clinical data of 60 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic transaortic modified Morrow procedure from August 2021 to August 2022 at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 29 females, with the age (M (IQR)) of 54.0(22.3) years (range: 15 to 71 years). The echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of moderate mitral regurgitation in 30 patients, and severe mitral regurgitation in 13 patients. Systolic anterior motion (SAM) was present preoperatively in 54 patients. All 60 patients underwent transaortic modified Morrow procedure through a right infra-axillary thoracotomy using femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass. Surgical procedures mainly included transverse aortic incision, exposure of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), septal myectomy, and correction of the abnormal mitral valve and subvalvular structures. Results: All 60 patients underwent the programmatic procedures successfully without conversion to full sternotomy. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (142.0±32.1) minutes (range: 89 to 240 minutes), while the cross-clamp time was (95.0±23.5) minutes (range: 50 to 162 minutes). The patients had a postoperative peak LVOT gradient of 7.0 (5.0) mmHg (range: 0 to 38 mmHg) (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). A total of 57 patients were extubated on the operating table. The drainage volume in the first 24 h was (175.9±57.0) ml (range: 60 to 327 ml). The length of intensive care unit stay was 21.0 (5.8)h (range: 8 to 120 h) and postoperative hospital stay was 8 (5) days (range: 5 to 19 days). The postoperative septal thickness was 11 (2) mm (range: 8 to 14 mm). All patients had no iatrogenic ventricular septal perforation or postoperative residual SAM. The patients were followed up for 4 (9) months (range: 1 to 15 months), and none of them needed cardiac surgery again due to valve dysfunction or increased peak LVOT gradient during follow-up. Conclusion: Using a video-assisted thoracoscopic transaortic modified Morrow procedure through a right infra-axillary minithoracotomy can provide good visualization of the LVOT and hypertrophic ventricular septum, ensure optimal exposure of the mitral valve in the presence of complex mitral subvalvular structures, so that allows satisfactory short-term surgical results.

Prediction of response and adverse drug reaction of pemetrexed plus platinum-based chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma by serum metabolomic profiling

•

Oncologists need effective tools to predict and improve their treatment outcome.

•

We assessed the performance of a metabolomics approach to predict the response and toxicity to pemetrexed plus platinum-based chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.

•

We established effective and convenient models that can predict the efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients before treatment delivery.

Background

Pemetrexed plus platinum doublet chemotherapy regimen remains to be the standard first-line treatment for lung adenocarcinoma patients. However, few biomarkers can be used to identify potential beneficiaries with maximal efficacy and minimal toxicity. This study aimed to explore potential biomarker models predictive of efficacy and toxicity after pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy based on metabolomics profiling.

Methods

A total of 144 patients who received at least two cycles of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy were enroled in the study. Serum samples were collected before initial treatment to perform metabolomics profiling analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish prediction models.

Results

157 metabolites were found to be differentially expressed between the response group and the nonresponse group. A panel of Phosphatidylserine 20:4/20:1, Sphingomyelin d18:1/18:0, and Phosphatidic Acid 18:1/20:0 could predict pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy response with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.7968. 76 metabolites were associated with hematological toxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy. A panel incorporating triglyceride 14:0/22:3/22:5, 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl) Propionate Acid, and Carnitine C18:0 was the best predictive ability of hematological toxicity with an AUROC of 0.7954. 54 differential expressed metabolites were found to be associated with hepatotoxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy. A model incorporating stearidonic acid, Thromboxane B3, l-Homocitrulline, and phosphoinositide 20:3/18:0 showed the best predictive ability of hepatotoxicity with an AUROC of 0.8186.

Conclusions

This study established effective and convenient models that can predict the efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients before treatment delivery.

[Infection and distribution characteristics of HPV of middle-aged and elderly women from a certain hospital in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2018 to 2020]

Objectives: To analyze the type and distribution characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection along with cervical cytology in middle-aged and elderly women in Guangxi and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in elderly women. Methods: 21 subtypes of HPV and cervical cytology of women over 45-year-old visiting the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2019 to December 2020 were collected. They were divided into two groups by age, 45-64 years group and over 65 years group. The HPV, HR-HPV, and multiple HPV infection prevalence were analyzed, as well as HPV genotypes, the age distribution of HPV infection rate, and cervical cytology. Results: A total of 6 657 eligible women were included. 6 238 women were in the 45-64 years group, with a HPV prevalence about 20.86% (1 301), while 419 women were in the over 65 years group, with a HPV prevalence about 32.94% (138). The age-associated HPV and HR-HPV prevalence increased with the age, peaking at the age group of 70-74 years (P<0.001). The most prevalent genotype was HPV52, and the infection rate was 5.3% (353), followed by HPV16 and HPV 58, about 4.63% (308) and 3.08% (205) respectively. The majority cytology of HPV-positive middle-aged and elderly women was normal. 8.70% (88) of them were ASC-US, 6.52% (66) for HSIL, 4.55% (46) for LSIL, and 2.96% (30) for ASC-H, and 0.10% (1) for SCC. Compared to middle-aged women, elderly women had a lower negative cytology rate, 69.79% (67) vs. 77.95% (714), but a higher HSIL rate, 13.54% (13) vs. 5.79% (53) (P<0.05). Conclusions: HPV and HR-HPV prevalence of elderly women in a medical center of Guangxi are higher than those of middle-aged women. The most prevalent genotype is HPV16 in elderly women, followed by HPV52 and HPV58.

[Application and research progress of digital virtual simulated design in dental esthetic rehabilitation]

In dental esthetic rehabilitation, patients pay great attention to the rehabilitative esthetic effect before teeth preparation, and this is also an important content of doctor-patient communication. Along with the development and combined application of intraoral scan, three-dimensional (3D) face scan, digital design, numerical control machining and 3D printing technology, digital technology is gradually applied to the virtual simulated design before irreversible operation in dental esthetic rehabilitation. Digital technology can be used in dentistry to simulate the esthetic outcome in advance, to assist communication among the dentists, patients and dental technicians, and to realize satisfactory outcome in the final restorations precisely, which, as a result, increases the clinical satisfaction. This review focuses on the application of digital virtual simulated design technology in dental esthetic rehabilitation, analyzes the current research development, deficiency and future prospects, so as to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Identification and Therapeutic Outcome Prediction of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on the Functional Connectivity From Resting-State Functional MRI Data: A Preliminary Machine Learning Study

Currently, strategies to diagnose patients and predict neurological recovery in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using MR images of the cervical spine are urgently required. In light of this, this study aimed at exploring potential preoperative brain biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and predict neurological recovery in CSM patients using functional connectivity (FC) analysis of a resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data. Two independent datasets, including total of 53 patients with CSM and 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), underwent the preoperative rs-fMRI procedure. The FC was calculated from the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) template and used as features for machine learning analysis. After that, three analyses were used, namely, the classification of CSM patients from healthy adults using the support vector machine (SVM) within and across datasets, the prediction of preoperative neurological function in CSM patients via support vector regression (SVR) within and across datasets, and the prediction of neurological recovery in CSM patients via SVR within and across datasets. The results showed that CSM patients could be successfully identified from HCs with high classification accuracies (84.2% for dataset 1, 95.2% for dataset 2, and 73.0% for cross-site validation). Furthermore, the rs-FC combined with SVR could successfully predict the neurological recovery in CSM patients. Additionally, our results from cross-site validation analyses exhibited good reproducibility and generalization across the two datasets. Therefore, our findings provide preliminary evidence toward the development of novel strategies to predict neurological recovery in CSM patients using rs-fMRI and machine learning technique.

Radical 1,4-Aryl Migration Enabled Remote Cross-Electrophile Coupling of α-Amino-β-Bromo Acid Esters with Aryl Bromides

We report an unprecedented, efficient nickel-catalysed radical relay for the remote cross-electrophile coupling of β-bromo-α-benzylamino acid esters with aryl bromides via 1,4-aryl migration/arylation cascades. β-Bromo-α-benzylamino acid esters are considered as unique molecular scaffolds allowing for aryl migration reactions, which are conceptually novel variants for the radical Truce-Smiles rearrangement. This reaction enables the formation of two new C(sp³ )-C(sp² ) bonds using a bench-stable Ni/bipyridine/Zn system featuring a broad substrate scope and excellent diastereoselectivity, which provides an effective platform for the remote aryl group migration and arylation of amino acid esters via redox-neutral C(sp³ )-C(sp² ) bond cleavage. Mechanistically, this cascade reaction is accomplished by combining two powerful catalytic cycles consisting of a cross-electrophile coupling and radical 1,4-aryl migration through the generation of C(sp³ )-centred radical intermediates from the homolysis of C(sp³ )-Br bonds and the switching of the transient alkyl radical into a robust α-aminoalkyl radical.

Hybrid ZIF-8-90 for Selective Solid-Phase Microextraction of Exhaled Breath from Gastric Cancer Patients

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new kind of microporous materials whose unique properties make them promising as coatings for solid phase microextraction (SPME). However, previous MOF coatings for SPME exclusively focus on single-linker MOFs, and the selective enrichment of polar or nonpolar targets depends on the polarity of linker on the surface of MOFs, which greatly limits the application of MOF coating for SPME in real samples. Here, we report a hybrid MOF-coated stainless steel fiber for SPME of biomarkers in exhaled breath from gastric cancer patients. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8-90 (ZIF-8-90) possesses the aldehyde groups and methyl groups in the framework as a model MOF, and eight biomarkers (ethanol, acetone, hexanal, hexanol, nonane, isoprene, heptane, and decane) were used as the target analytes. The ZIF-8-90-coated fiber shows high enrichment efficiency for hydrophilic targets and hydrophobic targets, wide linearity (three orders of magnitude), and low detection limits (0.82-2.64 μg L^-1). The ZIF-8-90-coated fiber exhibited higher enrichment performance for all the investigated analytes as a result of the synergy of methyl and aldehyde groups, the porous structure, and the suitable pore size of ZIF-8-90 (4-5 Å). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of six repetitions for extractions using the same ZIF-8-90-coated fiber ranged from 2.5 to 7.3%. The reproducibility between the three fibers prepared in parallel varied in the range of 4.8-12% (RSD). The fabricated ZIF-8-90-coated fiber lasted for at least 120 cycles of extraction/desorption/conditioning without an obvious reduction in extraction efficiency and precision. Finally, the developed ZIF-8-90-coated SPME fiber has been successfully used for the analysis of exhaled breath samples from gastric patients with satisfied recoveries (88-106%).

[The effect of episiotomy on pelvic floor muscle function within six months after first childbirth through electromyography and questionnaires assessment]

Objective: To compare the impact of mediolateral episiotomy on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function through surface electromyography (sEMG) and quality of life questionnaire assessment. Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 1 250 eligible primiparous women were enrolled in Beijing Hospital and the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. Participants were divided into episiotomy group (n=676)and non-episiotomy group (n=574). Both groups underwent clinical pelvic examination, sEMG assessment, and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire assessment at two fixed time points: 6-8 weeks, 6 months after vaginal delivery. Follow-up of sEMG amplitudes and their correlation with QOL questionnaire scores were evaluated. Results: Among the women delivered with episiotomy, the peak amplitude of phasic contraction (PPC) was (17.7±5.3) μV at 6-8 weeks after childbirth and (29.6±8.7) μV at 6 months after childbirth. The mean amplitude of tonic contraction (MTC) was (14.8±7.4) μV and (22.2±8.9) μV, respectively. In the non-episiotomy group, PPC was (20.0±7.9) μV and (35.4±10.7) μV at 6-8 weeks and 6 months, and MTC was (17.8±9.0) μV and (27.5±8.9) μV, respectively. Compared with EMG amplitudes at 6-8 weeks, both PPC and MTC significantly improved at 6 months in both groups (all P<0.01). Moreover, episiotomy was related with significantly lower PPC and MTC at both fixed checkups. Besides, both IIQ-7 and PFIQ-7 questionnaire scores improved at 6 months compared with those at 6-8 weeks in both groups (all P<0.001). There was consistently significant difference in QOL scores between episiotomy and non-episiotomy group at two checkups (all P<0.05). A negative correlation was observed between PFM contractile amplitudes and QOL scores at both time points after childbirth (all P<0.05), and the correlation weakened with time. Conclusion: Episiotomy has a negative impact on the postpartum PFM contractile function within 6 months after childbirth. The negative correlation between the sEMG and QOL scores indicates that sEMG is a candidate assessment for PFM function follow-up after childbirth.

Boettcherisca peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A flesh fly species of medical and forensic importance

Boettcherisca peregrine, as a fly with the necrophagous habits found on human corpses and a vector of disease or parasitic, myiasis-producing agent, is a significant flesh fly species in forensic entomology and medical context. This study reviewed the various aspects of this fly species, including morphology, bionomics, molecular analysis, medical and forensic entomology involvement, such as morphological characteristics of larva, puparia and adult, developmental rate of larvae, the effects of heavy metal (such as Cd and Cu) on the growth and developmentin of larvae, and the impact of some specific stimulis on the labellar chemosensory hair of B. peregrina. Species identification, gene and functions, myiasis and forensic case of this species were also outlined. Therefore, the paper has an important implication for improving the role of B. peregrina in medicine and forensic science.

Copper-catalyzed radical cascades of para-quinone methides with AIBN and H2O via α-cyanoalkylation by C–C bond cleavage: new access to benzofuran-2(3H)-ones

An elusive and efficient entry to cyano-containing benzofuran-2(3H)-ones.

[Influence of EDC ethanol solution on dentin shear bond strength with a self-etch adhesive system]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the bonding ability of one representative self-etch adhesive system by applying the micro-shear bond strength test method with different concentrations of carbodiimide [1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, EDC] ethanol solution pretreatment.

METHODS

Extracted sound human third molars were collected from patients ranging 18 to 40 years. In the study, 80 molars were first sectioned to prepare a flat middle coronal dentin surface and then were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=16) according to without/with different surface treatments [blank control; 80% (volume fraction) ethanol control; EDC ethanol solution of three concentrations (0.01 mol/L, 0.3 mol/L and 0.5 mol/L)]. Each specimen underwent a micro-shear bond strength test and failure mode observation. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test to analyze the difference of the micro-shear bond strength, and chi-square test/Fisher's exact test for the failure mode frequency of the micro-shear bond strength test specimens at a significance level of P=0.05.

RESULTS

The micro-shear bond strength of the three concentration EDC treatments were (35.29±8.97) MPa (0.01 mol/L EDC treatment group), (40.24±9.68) MPa (0.3 mol/L EDC treatment group), (37.38±9.66) MPa (0.5 mol/L EDC treatment group) separately; and that of the 80% ethanol group was (37.49±7.76) MPa. All micro-shear bond strength value of the above four groups was statistically higher than that of the blank control group [(33.81±7.98) MPa]. The immediate micro-shear bond strength and failure mode was of no statistically significant difference among all the groups. It was noticed that the immediate micro-shear bond strength of 0.3 mol/L was higher than that of all the other groups, especially higher than that of the 80% ethanol pretreatment group despite that there was no significant difference among all the groups. And the test of failure mode indicated that the cohesive failure was more common, while the frequency of adhesive failure was rare in each experimental group.

CONCLUSION

EDC pretreatment had no adverse effect on the immediate micro-shear bond strengths of Clearfil SE Bond. Meanwhile, EDC treatment did not cause more adhesive failure in immediate micro-shear test, which had further denoted what was said above. However, it needs more research to illustrate the anti-enzymatic role of EDC in dentin bonding.

[A method for rapid extracting three-dimensional root model of vivo tooth from cone beam computed tomography data based on the anatomical characteristics of periodontal ligament]

OBJECTIVE

To explore a new method for rapid extracting and rebuilding three-dimensional (3D) digital root model of vivo tooth from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data based on the anatomical characteristics of periodontal ligament, and to evaluate the extraction accuracy of the method.

METHODS

In the study, 15 extracted teeth (11 with single root, 4 with double roots) were collected from oral clinic and 3D digital root models of each tooth were obtained by 3D dental scanner with a high accuracy 0.02 mm in STL format. CBCT data for each patient were acquired before tooth extraction, DICOM data with a voxel size 0.3 mm were input to Mimics 18.0 software. Segmentation, Morphology operations, Boolean operations and Smart expanded function in Mimics software were used to edit teeth, bone and periodontal ligament threshold mask, and root threshold mask were automatically acquired after a series of mask operations. 3D digital root models were extracted in STL format finally. 3D morphology deviation between the extracted root models and corresponding vivo root models were compared in Geomagic Studio 2012 software. The 3D size errors in long axis, bucco-lingual direction and mesio-distal direction were also calculated.

RESULTS

The average value of the 3D morphology deviation for 15 roots by calculating Root Mean Square (RMS) value was 0.22 mm, the average size errors in the mesio-distal direction, the bucco-lingual direction and the long axis were 0.46 mm, 0.36 mm and -0.68 mm separately. The average time of this new method for extracting single root was about 2-3 min. It could meet the accuracy requirement of the root 3D reconstruction fororal clinical use.

CONCLUSION

This study established a new method for rapid extracting 3D root model of vivo tooth from CBCT data. It could simplify the traditional manual operation and improve the efficiency and automation of single root extraction. The strategy of this method for complete dentition extraction needs further research.

Comparison of chemical profiles and effectiveness between Erxian decoction and mixtures of decoctions of its individual herbs: a novel approach for identification of the standard chemicals

Background

Identification of bioactive standard chemicals is a major challenge in the study of the Chinese medicinal formula. In particular, the chemical components may interact differently depending on the preparative methods, therefore affecting the amounts of bioactive components and their pharmacological properties in the medicinal formula. With the use of Erxian decoction (EXD) as a study model—a  well-known Chinese medicinal formula for treating menopausal symptoms, a novel and rapid approach in seeking standard chemicals has been established by differentially comparing the HPLC profiles and the menopause-related biochemical parameters of combined decoction of EXD (EXD-C) and mixtures of the decoctions of its individual herbs (EXD-S).

Methods

The levels of six chemicals, which exerted actions on the HPO axis, have been measured in EXD-C and EXD-S by HPLC. Twelve-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were employed and treated with EXD-C and EXD-S. Their endocrine functions after treatment were evaluated by determining the ovarian mRNA levels of aromatase, a key enzyme for estradiol biosynthesis. The effect of the antioxidant regimen was determined by the hepatic superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) mRNA levels.

Results

The amounts of mangiferine, ferulic acid, jatrorrhizine and palmatine in EXD-S were twofold higher than those in EXD-C. EXD-S was more effective in stimulating ovarian aromatase and the expression of the antioxidant enzymes compared with EXD-C.

Conclusion

Mangiferine, ferulic acid, jatrorrhizine and palmatine are suitable for use as standard chemicals for quality evaluation of EXD according to our approach. EXD-S could be more effective than EXD-C.

Defective expression of polarity protein Par3 promotes cervical tumorigenesis and metastasis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the partition-defective 3 protein (Par3) regulates cervical carcinoma growth and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to analyze the expression of Par3 protein in samples from 89 cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) patients among Uyghur women. The specific short hairpin (shRNA) vector as well as eu- karyotic expression vector of PARD3 was transfected into SiHa cell lines. The variation of migration and invasion after transfection was determined using Transwell assays, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assayed by flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of CSCC was associated with reduced expression of Par3. Downregulation of Par3 was significantly associated with more advanced tumors (i.e., higher histological grade, lymph node involvement, and higher tumor stages) (p < 0.05 for all). Lost expression of Par3 promotes prolif- eration, inhibits apoptosis, and enhances migration and invasion. Loss of Par3 induces MMP9 expression and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes (N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin) expression changed in SiHa cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced Par3 expression in cervical cancer indicates tumor-suppressive properties of Par3 that may be a marker of poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients, and the molecular determinants of epithelial polarity which have tumorigenesis enhancing impact, might through EMT.

Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharide induces differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharide (RGO) on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into cardiomyocyte-like cells . Rat MSCs were isolated, treated, and grouped as follows: RGO treatment group, 5-azacytidine (5-aza) treatment group, RGO + 5-aza treatment group, and control group. Following a four-week induction period, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels in MSCs were quantified by chemiluminescence, and the levels of myocardial enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were measured using a dry chemistry analyzer. The cTnI- and connexin 43 (Cx43)-positive MSC population was identified by immunofluorescence, and expression levels of cTnI and Cx43 were analyzed by western blots. Following induction, cTnI, CK, and CK-MB levels were significantly higher in the RGO + 5-aza group as compared with the RGO and 5-aza groups (P < 0.05). In addition, fluorescence intensity of cTnI and Cx43 was higher in the RGO + 5-aza group as compared with the RGO and 5-aza groups. No cTnI- or Cx43-positive cells were detected in the control group. Western blot analysis further confirmed that cTnI and Cx43 were not expressed in the control group, while cTnI and Cx43 was higher in the RGO + 5-aza group than in the RGO and 5-aza groups. These results suggest that MSCs can be induced by RGO to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro, and that RGO in combination with 5-aza enhance differentiation of MSCs.

[An investigation of mental health in migrant workers in an enterprise]

Objective: To investigate the mental health status in migrant workers in a labor-intensive enterprise and related influencing factors. Methods: Typical sampling was used to perform an investigation in 910 migrant workers in a large foreign-funded labor-intensive enterprise in Shenzhen, China. All the respondents gave informed consent and completed the questionnaire independently and anonymously. The self-reported mental health status was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and General Health Questionnaire. Results: Of all the migrant workers in this enterprise, 7.2% had a positive self-reported anxiety symptom, 25.4% had a moderate or severe self-reported depression symptom, and 76.4% had a poor self-reported general health status. Age had significant influence on the self-reported depression symptom (χ²=21.968, P<0.05) ; age did not have significant influence on the self-reported anxiety and general health status (χ²=6.616、12.498, both P>0.05) . The knowledge of occupational hazards had significant influence on mental health status (χ²_Depression=47.289, χ²_{General health}=21.087, both P<0.05) . The feeling of work had significant influence on self-reported depression and general health status (χ²_Depression=52.406, χ²_{General health}=17.327, both P<0.05) . Attention to self mental health had significant influence on self-reported depression (χ²=17.714, P<0.05) , and whether the person wanted to learn the knowledge of mental health had significant influence on self-reported anxiety (χ²= 6.145, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The self-reported mental health status in migrant workers is poor and is associated with age, worry about exposure to occupational hazard factors, emphasis on mental health knowledge, and a focus on personal mental health. Therefore, targeted occupational health education and occupational mental health education should be strengthened.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with refractory hemolytic anemia effectively treated with cyclosporin A: a case report

A 51 year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) serially developed thrombocytopenia, arthritis, lupus nephritis, pleuritis, mesenteric vasculitis and refractory hemolytic anemia during the past 19 years prior to presentation. The woman had been managed with high doses of prednisolone, splenectomy, methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cytotoxic drugs, including oral cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mexotrexate and monthly parenteral cyclophosphamide for hemolytic anemia. After two months of therapeutic trial with Cyclosporin A (CsA) (3 mg/kg), the follow-up hemoglobin (Hb) level was increased to 12.0 gm% and the dose of prednislone was reduced to 5 mg every other day without occurring rebound during the subsequent three months. There were no obvious side effects from the medication.

[Relationship between the thyroid autoimmunity and the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women: a meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and the risk of preterm birth.

METHODS

Literature search was done among PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Medical Database, China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database and China Biology Medicine disc from Jan. 1(st) 1980 to July 31(st), 2015. (1) Literature were extracted according to inclusion and exclusion standards, and the quality of the extracted literature were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). (2) Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5 software formulated by using the Cochrane library databases. Various heterogeneity of the research was inspected firstly. According to the results of the inspection a certain effect model was selected (including fixed effects model, the random effects model) to be utilized in merger analysis. In this study pregnant women with both thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin (TG-Ab) positive were defined as thyroid antibody positive pregnant women. Pregnant women with only TPO-Ab positive were defined as TPO-Ab positive pregnant women. Then the relationship of antibody positive and the risk of a preterm birth was analyzed respectively.

RESULTS

(1) Ten cohort studies were enrolled, of which NOS scale score were 7 or higher. All the studies are of medium quality and above. A total of 1 322 cases of preterm birth occurred among 19 910 pregnant women. (2) Positive thyroid autoantibodies did not increase the risk of preterm birth in euthyroid pregnant women (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 0.83-2.40, P=0.200) or in pregnant women with hypothyroidism (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.32-1.44, P=0.310) . Positive TPO-Ab in euthyroid pregnant women increase the risk of preterm birth significantly (OR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.09-3.97, P=0.030), but positive TPO-Ab in pregnant women with hypothyroidism did not increase the risk of preterm birth significantly (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 0.65-2.24, P=0.550).

CONCLUSION

Positive TPO-Ab is an independent risk factor of preterm birth in euthyroid pregnant women.

[Evaluation of three methods for constructing craniofacial mid-sagittal plane based on the cone beam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracyof interactive closet point (ICP) algorithm, Procrustes analysis (PA) algorithm,and a landmark-independent method to construct the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) of the cone beam computed tomography.To provide theoretical basis for establishing coordinate systemof CBCT images and symmetric analysis.

METHODS

Ten patients were selected and scanned by CBCT before orthodontic treatment.The scan data was imported into Mimics 10.0 to reconstructthree dimensional skulls.And the MSP of each skull was generated by ICP algorithm, PA algorithm and landmark-independent method. MSP extracted by ICP algorithm or PA algorithm involvedthree steps. First, the 3D skull processing was performed by reverse engineering software geomagic studio 2012 to obtain the mirror skull. Then, the original and its mirror skull was registered separately by ICP algorithm in geomagic studio 2012 and PA algorithm in NX Imageware 11.0. Finally, the registered data were united into new data to calculate the MSP of the originaldata in geomagic studio 2012. The mid-sagittal plane was determined by SELLA (S), nasion (N), basion (Ba) as traditional landmark-dependent methodconducted in software InVivoDental 5.0. The distance from 9 pairs of symmetric anatomical marked points to three sagittal plane were measured and calculated to compare the differences of the absolute value. The one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the variable differences among the 3 MSPs. The pairwise comparison was performed with LSD method.

RESULTS

MSPs calculated by the three methods were available for clinic analysis, which could be concluded from the front view.However, there was significant differences among the distances from the 9 pairs of symmetric anatomical marked points to the MSPs (F=10.932,P=0.001).LSD test showed there was no significant difference between the ICP algorithm and landmark-independent method (P=0.11), while there was significant difference between the PA algorithm and landmark-independent methods (P=0.01) .

CONCLUSION

Mid-sagittal plane of 3D skulls could be generated base on ICP algorithm or PA algorithm. There was no significant difference between the ICP algorithm and landmark-independent method. For the subjects with no evident asymmetry, ICP algorithm is feasible in clinical analysis.

Meta-analysis of TAFI polymorphisms and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) are common and have high rates of morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is also known as carboxypeptidase B2 and is encoded by the CPB2 gene; CPB2 polymorphisms have been explored in a variety of studies, but their correlation to the risk of CCVDs remains ambiguous. We examined the hypothesized associations between CPB2 mutations and CCVDs in a general population. We searched, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Science Citation Index, and several Chinese databases without applying any language restrictions. Nine case-control studies were analyzed in the current meta-analysis, and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The pooled ORs indicated that the CPB2 rs3742264 G>A polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of CCVDs in the allele model (all P values < 0.05). A similar result for the CPB2 rs1926447 C>T polymorphism and CCVDs risk was detected in the allele model (P < 0.05). Ethnicity subgroup analysis implied that the rs3742264 G>A polymorphism was more likely to lead to the development of cerebrovascular disease in Asians (all P values < 0.05), whereas rs1926447 C>T was associated with cardiovascular disease among Africans (all P values < 0.05). These data suggest that the polymorphisms investigated, especially rs3742264 G>A and rs1926447 C>T, have a modest effect on susceptibility to CCVDs.

EFFECT OF NAC ON MOUSE GV OOCYTE SURVIVAL AND SUBSEQUENT EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWING VITRFICATION

BACKGROUND

Oocytes that survive cryopreservation may accumulate ROS which are known to bring harmful effects on embryonic development. NAC is an antioxidant which can be a supplement to reduce oxidative stress. However, whether NAC can improve the developmental competence of vitrified GV-oocytes remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The study was to investigate the effect of NAC on subsequent embryonic developmental competence of mice vitrified GV-oocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compared the effects of different concentration of NAC on the cleavage and blastocyst rates of mice vitrified GV-oocytes. Then the effects of NAC on mitochondria distribution, ROS level and embryonic development of vitrified oocytes were tested.

RESULTS

ROS activity of vitrified oocytes was significantly annihilated and mitochondrial distribution pattern was improved by 1.5 mM NAC (P<0.05). NAC supplementation throughout vitrification/warming and IVM media significantly improved the developmental competence of vitrified oocytes.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of NAC could partially overcome the damages by vitrification and improve the development ability of mice vitrified GV-oocytes.

CCL3 serves as a potential plasma biomarker in knee degeneration (osteoarthritis)

OBJECTIVE

To explore the ability of chemokines in plasma to detect the presence of pre-X-rays defined knee degeneration and the extent (burden).

METHODS

A total of 181 subjects (75 control subjects, 47 pre-X-KD patients and 50 X-KOA patients) were included and subdivided into three subgroups. Articular cartilage loss in pre-X-KD patients were scored on the basis of the ICRS classification during the arthroscopy or documented on MRI with chondral WORMS. The severity of X-KOA was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification through the posterior-anterior knee X-rays. The concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in plasma were quantified using Luminex microbead-based suspension array (SA) and were cross-validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

CCL3 in plasma showed the highest ability to discriminate pre-X-KD patients from the controls with an AUC of 0.799. At a cutoff value of 0.168 pg/ml, the sensitivity was 70.21%, the specificity was 96.00%, the positive predictive value was 91.67% and the negative predictive value was 83.72%. As to define disease burden, the plasma levels of resistin, IL6, IL8, CCL3 and CCL4 showed significant association with the severity of X-rays defined knee OA, with regard to the KL classification. Moreover, significant elevation of IL6, IL8, CCL3 and CCL4 levels in plasma were observed in severe knee OA patients (KL grade IV) compared with those with pre-X-KD (KL grade 0-I).

CONCLUSION

We firstly showed that the plasma CCL3 could be potential serum biomarker for knee OA with the capacity to detect pre-X-rays defined changes and stage the severity of damage in knee.

Fifteen-year global time series of satellite-derived fine particulate matter

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a leading environmental risk factor for premature mortality. We use aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from two satellite instruments, MISR and SeaWiFS, to produce a unified 15-year global time series (1998-2012) of ground-level PM2.5 concentration at a resolution of 1° x 1°. The GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM) is used to relate each individual AOD retrieval to ground-level PM2.5. Four broad areas showing significant, spatially coherent, annual trends are examined in detail: the Eastern U.S. (-0.39 ± 0.10 μg m(-3) yr(-1)), the Arabian Peninsula (0.81 ± 0.21 μg m(-3) yr(-1)), South Asia (0.93 ± 0.22 μg m(-3) yr(-1)) and East Asia (0.79 ± 0.27 μg m(-3) yr(-1)). Over the period of dense in situ observation (1999-2012), the linear tendency for the Eastern U.S. (-0.37 ± 0.13 μg m(-3) yr(-1)) agrees well with that from in situ measurements (-0.38 ± 0.06 μg m(-3) yr(-1)). A GEOS-Chem simulation reveals that secondary inorganic aerosols largely explain the observed PM2.5 trend over the Eastern U.S., South Asia, and East Asia, while mineral dust largely explains the observed trend over the Arabian Peninsula.

Arecoline inhibits interleukin-2 secretion in Jurkat cells by decreasing the expression of alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and prostaglandin E2

The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of arecoline on phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion, the expression of alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs), prostaglandin E2(PGE2) protein, and IL-2 mRNA in human lymphocyte cells (Jurkat cell line). The IL-2 and PGE2 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and α7-nAChRs were determined by Western blotting. The level of IL-2 mRNA was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Arecoline, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly decreased IL-2 and PGE2 secretion by Jurkat cells incubated with 0 or 5 μg/ml 5 μg/ml PHA. PGE2 also significantly inhibited IL-2 secretion by Jurkat cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, reduced expression of PHA-induced ERK phosphorylation was observed in Jurkat cells treated with arecoline. PHA-enhanced IL-2 mRNA expression was also inhibited by arecoline. These results imply that arecoline inhibits the release of PGE2 and PHA-induced IL-2 secretion by Jurkat cells and that these effects seem to occur, at least in part, either through the attenuation of ERK in conjunction with a decrease of PHA-induced IL-2 mRNA expression. These results imply that arecoline inhibits the protein expression of α7-nAChRs , the release of PGE2 and PHA-induced IL-2 secretion by Jurkat cells.

QTL analysis of percentage of grains with chalkiness in Japonica rice (Oryza sativa)

Appearance quality of rice grains is a major problem for rice production in many areas of the world. We conducted a molecular marker-based genetic analysis of percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGWC), which is a determining factor for appearance quality; it strongly affects milling, eating and cooking quality. An F(8) recombinant inbred line population, which consists of 261 lines derived from a cross between Koshihikari (Japonica) and C602 (Japonica), was used for QTL mapping. Three QTLs related to PGWC were detected on chromosomes 5, 8 and 10, together explaining 50.8% of the genetic variation. The 'Koshihikari' alleles qJPGC-5, qJPGC-8 and the 'C602' alleles at qJPGC-10 were associated with reduced PGWC. The QTL contributions to phenotypic variance were 18.2, 9.6 and 25%, respectively. These QTL markers for PGWC could be used for developing improved varieties.

Lack of an association between -308G>A polymorphism of the TNF-α gene and liver cirrhosis risk based on a meta-analysis

TNF-α is a potential proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. We investigated a possible association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and liver cirrhosis risk by conducting a meta-analysis. Publications addressing the association between TNF-α -308G>A and liver cirrhosis risk were selected from the Pubmed and Embase databases. Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers; odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from these data. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager Version 5.0.24 and STATA Version 9.2. Eleven studies were retrieved, reporting a total of 1796 liver cirrhosis cases and 2113 healthy controls. A meta-analysis of these 11 studies identified no significant association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and liver cirrhosis risk in all comparisons of G vs A allele; GG vs GA + AA; GG + GA vs AA; GG vs AA; GG vs GA (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.85-1.55, P = 0.38; OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 0.87- 1.77, P = 0.24; OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.62-1.30, P = 0.57; OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.56-1.89, P = 0.92; OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 0.90-1.88, P = 0.17; respectively). In conclusion, we found no association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and liver cirrhosis risk, both in Caucasian and Asian populations.

Development of solvent exposure index for construction painters

This article describes methodological approaches for reconstructing long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents among construction painters. A detailed exposure questionnaire was administered to 125 painters to develop a job exposure matrix (JEM). The questionnaire inquired about painting activities with solvent-based paints and use of protection equipment for the previous 25 years in 5-year intervals. Current and historical distributions of solvent air concentrations were assessed for the same time period based on the following information: industrial hygiene measurements, paint composition changes, and VOC emission rate changes from architectural and industrial maintenance coatings. Changes in protection factors of respirators were also assessed. A cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated for each painter through Monte Carlo simulations by combining appropriate input distributions of solvent air concentrations and protection factors of respirators with JEM. Sensitivity simulations revealed that the historical variations in solvent air concentrations had a higher impact on the cumulative solvent exposure index than changes in protection factors for respirators. Fifty-eight percent of painters were classified with a different exposure quartile when the solvent exposure index was used vs. an exposure based only on years using solvent-based paints, suggesting the need for more detailed exposure analysis than just years working when conducting epidemiologic studies for this worker population.

First report of human infection by Rhodoplanes sp., Alphaproteobacteria in China

We isolated a novel strain of Alphaproteobacteria from a patient, who had medical history of chronic rhinitis for more than twenty years and recently experienced local skin abscess and ulcer. He eventually died of multiple organ failure due to multi-antibiotics resistance. We identified the microorganism by 16SrRNA sequencing and found that it belonged to the genus Rhodoplanes. It was named as Rhodoplanes sp. strain ZLJ-0. It is resumed that Rhodoplanes sp. strain ZLJ-0 might be an emerging human pathogen involving in unknown febrile conditions and could cause local infection of any tissues or organs. Differential diagnosis of febrile patients should be conducted in clinical practice and research on emerging pathogens of Alphaproteobacteria should be performed to determine the epidemiology, clinical symptoms and pathogenic features of these pathogens.

Treadmill exercise improves cognitive function and facilitates nerve growth factor signaling by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat hippocampus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular treadmill exercise on nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, the improvement of cognitive function in the hippocampus of diabetic rats, and to understand the molecular mechanisms through which the relevant signaling factors act. We investigated the effects of regular treadmill exercise for 6 weeks on NGF, tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA), p75 receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and caspase-3 protein levels; we also assessed cell survival and cognitive function. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) normal control group (NCG: n=10); (2) normal exercise group (NEG: n=10); (3) diabetes control group (DCG: n=10), and (4) diabetes exercise group (DEG: n=10). Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg dissolved in 0.05 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5, i.p.) into rats. Rats were subjected to treadmill exercise for 5 days a week over 6 weeks, and the speed of the treadmill was gradually increased. In a passive avoidance test, the retention latency in the DCG was significantly shorter than that in the DEG (P<0.05). Increased 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-mono-phosphate (BrdU)-labeled cells (P<0.001) and significant increases in NGF and TrkA protein levels were observed in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in the NEG and DEG (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The p75 receptor protein level significantly increased in the NEG but decreased in the DCG (P<0.001). The p-PI3-K and t-CREB protein levels significantly increased in the NEG (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively), whereas t-Erk1/2 significantly decreased in the DCG (P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). p-Erk1/2 and p-CREB protein levels significantly increased in the NEG and DEG (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.01, respectively). Caspase-3 protein levels significantly increased in the DCG (P<0.001). These results show that treadmill exercise improves cognitive function, increases the number of BrdU-labeled cells, and increases NGF levels, by the activation of the MAPK/Erk1/2 signaling pathway in the hippocampus of diabetic rats.

Pharmacological studies of the large-scaled purified genistein from Huaijiao (Sophora japonica-Leguminosae) on anti-osteoporosis

In this report, we used genistein that was extracted from a Chinese herbal medicine Huaijiao (Sophora japonica-Leguminosae) to evaluate its pharmacological function on anti-osteoporosis. This genistein is purified in a large-scale production from Huaijiao by a state-of-art method as described by Tian et al. [2004. The preparation of genistein and LC-MS/MS on-line analysis. Drug Devel. Res. 61, 6-12]. Chemical structure of the isolated genistein was examined by using various techniques including nuclear magnetic resonant spectrum, infrared absorption spectrum, ultraviolet absorption spectrum and mass spectrum, and was proved to be identical to those purified from soybean in a small scale as previously reported. We randomly divided female SD rats into 6 groups, including control, ovariectomized model, Nilestriol-treated, and three level of dosages of genistein-treated. We evaluated the pharmacological effects of genistein against osteoporosis by measuring the bone density of femur and bone mineral group including calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. The consequences of genistein treatment on bone histology and morphology were also determined by measuring the trabcular area, thickness and number. Our results indicated that treatment with a 4.5 or 9 mg/kg dosage of genistein could also prevent osteoporosis significantly at the 4th week after treatment. In comparison with the anti-osteoporosis effects of soybean genistein, the genistein extracted from Huaijiao has the same beneficial effect on anti-osteoporosis.

Phosphorylation of Bad is not essential for PKB-mediated survival signaling in hemopoietic cells

This study was designed to investigate Bad phosphorylation at several of its key regulatory Ser residues in cytokine-dependent hemopoietic cells. These studies were initiated in light of numerous studies that have reported a key role for phosphorylated Bad in preventing apoptosis. One key question is whether the survival signaling effect of the PI 3-kinase pathway is mediated by PKB phosphorylation of Bad. We confirm previous reports that if Bad is overexpressed or if active PKB is overexpressed, then the increased phosphorylation of Bad at Ser136 is apparent. However, we were unable to detect phosphorylation of endogenous Bad at Ser136 in the MC/9 mast cell line or in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. On the other hand, phosphorylation of Bad at Ser112 and Ser155 was observed in response to IL-3 or GM-CSF, which activate the MEK/erk pathway, but not with IL-4, which activates the PI 3-kinase, but not the MEK/erk pathway, and also promotes cell survival. In contrast to previous reports, we found that ceramide had no effect on the phosphorylation status of Bad. In summary, our results suggest that Bad phosphorylation at any of the three major sites is not a required event for cytokine-dependent cell survival, and in particular, the activation of PI 3-kinase/PKB pathway can be dissociated from phosphorylation of Bad at Ser136.

Simulating bioremediation of uranium-contaminated aquifers; uncertainty assessment of model parameters

Bioremediation of trace metals and radionuclides in groundwater may require the manipulation of redox conditions via the injection of a carbon source. For example, after nitrate has been reduced, soluble U(VI) can be reduced simultaneously with other electron acceptors such as Fe(III) or sulfate to U(IV), which may precipitate as a solid (uraninite). To simulate the numerous biogeochemical processes that will occur during the bioremediation of trace-metal-contaminated aquifers, a time-dependent one-dimensional reactive transport model has been developed. The model consists of a set of coupled mass balance equations, accounting for advection, hydrodynamic dispersion, and a kinetic formulation of the biological or chemical transformations affecting an organic substrate, electron acceptors, corresponding reduced species, and trace metal contaminants of interest, uranium in this study. This set of equations is solved numerically, using a finite difference approximation. The redox conditions of the domain are characterized by estimating the pE, based on the concentration of the dominant terminal electron acceptor and its corresponding reduced species. This pE and the concentrations of relevant species are then used by a modified version of MINTEQA2, which calculates the speciation/sorption and precipitation/dissolution of the species of interest under equilibrium conditions. Kinetics of precipitation/dissolution processes are described as being proportional to the difference between the actual and calculated equilibrium concentration. A global uncertainty assessment, determined by Random Sampling High Dimensional Model Representation (RS-HDMR), was performed to attain a phenomenological understanding of the origins of output variability and to suggest input parameter refinements as well as to provide guidance for field experiments to improve the quality of the model predictions. By decomposing the model output variance into its different input contributions, RS-HDMR can identify the model inputs with the most influence on various model outputs, as well as their behavior pattern on the model output. Simulations are performed to illustrate the effect of biostimulation on the fate of uranium in a saturated aquifer, and to identify the key processes that need to be characterized with the highest accuracy prior to designing a uranium bioremediation scheme.

Recruiting and managing of foreign workers in Taiwan

"The first part of this article reviews the reasons for a labor migration policy in Taiwan and the characteristics of foreign workers currently employed in the country. The second part examines the procedures and practices for recruiting and managing labor migrants and explores the reasons for the biggest issue in... Taiwanese labor migration policy: the runaway foreign workers. Admitting that illegal migration cannot be controlled, the paper recommends to limit employment of migrants only where it is absolutely necessary."

Measurement and three-dimensional modeling of airflow and pollutant dispersion in an undersea traffic tunnel

Airflow and pollutant dispersion in a cross-harbor traffic tunnel were experimentally and numerically studied. Concentrations of the gaseous pollutants CO, NOx, and total hydrocarbons (THC) at three axial locations in the tunnel, together with traffic flow rate, traffic speed, and types of vehicle were measured. Three-dimensional (3D) turbulent flow and dispersion of air pollutants in the tunnel were modeled and solved numerically using the finite volume method. Traffic emissions were modeled accordingly as banded line sources along the tunnel floor. The results reveal that cross-sectional concentrations are nonuniformly distributed and that concentrations rise with downstream distance. The piston effect of vehicles alone can provide 9-23% dilution of air pollutants in the tunnel, compounded to a 23-74% dilution effect according to the ventilation condition.

Gene expression in the developing mouse retina by EST sequencing and microarray analysis

Retinal development occurs in mice between embryonic day E11.5 and post-natal day P8 as uncommitted neuroblasts assume retinal cell fates. The genetic pathways regulating retinal development are being identified but little is understood about the global networks that link these pathways together or the complexity of the expressed gene set required to form the retina. At E14.5, the retina contains mostly uncommitted neuroblasts and newly differentiated neurons. Here we report a sequence analysis of an E14.5 retinal cDNA library. To date, we have archived 15 268 ESTs and have annotated 9035, which represent 5288 genes. The fraction of singly occurring ESTs as a function of total EST accrual suggests that the total number of expressed genes in the library could approach 27 000. The 9035 ESTs were categorized by their known or putative functions. Representation of the genes involved in eye development was significantly higher in the retinal clone set compared with the NIA mouse 15K cDNA clone set. Screening with a microarray containing 864 cDNA clones using wild-type and brn-3b (-/-) retinal cDNA probes revealed a potential regulatory linkage between the transcription factor Brn-3b and expression of GAP-43, a protein associated with axon growth. The retinal EST database will be a valuable platform for gene expression profiling and a new source for gene discovery.

Isolation and characterization of the major form of human MUC18 cDNA gene and correlation of MUC18 over-expression in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues with malignant progression

Ectopical expression of huMUC18, a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, causes a non-metastatic human melanoma cell line to become metastatic in a nude mouse system. To determine if MUC18 expression correlates with the development and malignant progression of prostate cancer, we investigated differential expression of human MUC18 (huMUC18) in normal prostate epithelial cells, prostate cancer cell lines, and prostatic normal and cancer tissues. We cloned and characterized the human MUC18 (huMUC18) cDNA gene from three human prostate cancer cell lines and three human melanoma cell lines. The cDNA sequences from the six human cancer cell lines were identical except differences in one to five nucleotides. The deduced amino acid sequences of the longest ORF were 646 amino acids that were identical in these cDNAs except for one to three amino acid residues. The amino acid sequences of all our huMUC18 cDNA genes are similar to that cloned by other group (GenBank access #M28882) except differences in the same seven amino acids. We conclude that huMUC18 cDNA gene reported here represents the gene product from a major allele. The MUC18 mRNA and protein was expressed in three metastatic prostate cancer cell lines (TSU-PR1, DU145, and PC-3), but not in one non-metastatic prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP.FGC). The expression of huMUC18 in these four cell lines is positively related to their extent of in vitro motility and invasiveness and in vivo metastasis in nude mice. HuMUC18 protein was also expressed at high levels in extracts prepared from tissue sample sections containing high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), but weakly expressed in extracts prepared from cultured primary normal prostatic epithelial cells and the normal prostate gland. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that huMUC18 was expressed at higher levels in the epithelial cells of high-grade PIN and prostatic carcinomas, and in cells of a perineural invasion, a lymph node, and a lung metastases compared to that in normal or benign hyperplastic epithelium (BPH). We therefore conclude that MUC18 expression is increased during prostate cancer initiation (high grade PIN) and progression to carcinoma, and in metastatic cell lines and metastatic carcinoma. Increased expression of MUC18 is implicated to play an important role in developing and malignant progression of human prostate cancer. Furthermore, the lacking of predominant cytoplasmic membrane expression of MUC18 appeared to correlate with malignant progression of prostate cancer.

[The development of an electrosurgical apparatus with pulse width control]

This paper introduces an electrosurgical apparatus with pulse width modulating control technique. It mainly consists of pulse width modulation controller, RF power amplifier and coagulation modulator. It makes the RF output power relatively constant.

[The changes of density of platelet glycoprotein (GP) II b/III a receptor in the perioperative period of gastrectomy in aged rats]

AIM

To investigate changes of density of platelet glycoprotein (GP) II b/III a receptor in the perioperative period of gastrectomy in aged rats.

METHODS

The subtotal gastrectomy operation was performed in 16 adult rats and 16 aged rats respectively. Platelet surface density of GP II b/III receptors were determined by flow cytometric analysis before and 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours after operation.

RESULTS

6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after operation, the density of GP II b/III a in aged group increased continuously compared with preoperative period (6h, 12, 72: P < 0.05; 24, 48: P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Gastrectomy can lead to an increase of density of platelet GP II b/III a receptor in aged rats.

Expression of a human cell adhesion molecule, MUC18, in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues

BACKGROUND

Over expression of huMUC18, a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, causes a non-metastatic human melanoma cell line to become metastatic in a nude mouse system. To determine if MUC18 expression correlates with the malignant progression of prostate cancer, we investigated differential expression of human MUC18 (huMUC18) in normal prostate epithelial cells, prostate cancer cell lines, and prostatic normal and cancer tissues.

METHODS

RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to analyze the expression of MUC18 mRNA and protein in four human prostate cancer cell lines, cultured primary normal prostate epithelial cells, normal prostate and malignant prostate tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of MUC18 antigen in prostatic tissues at different stages of malignancy.

RESULTS

Human MUC18 mRNA and protein was expressed in three different prostate cancer cell lines (TSU-PR1, DU145, and PC-3), but not in one prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP.FGC). HuMUC18 protein was also expressed at high levels in extracts prepared from tissue sample sections containing high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), but weakly expressed in extracts prepared from either cultured primary normal prostatic epithelial cells or the normal prostate gland. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that huMUC18 was expressed at higher levels in the epithelial cells of high-grade PIN and prostatic carcinomas and in cells of a lymph node metastasis compared to that in normal or benign hyperplastic epithelium (BPH).

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore conclude that MUC18 is expressed at higher levels in pre-malignant and malignant prostatic epithelium, including metastasis. We suggest that over-expression of MUC18 may be a new marker of human prostate cancer and also implicates its possible role in development and progression of prostate cancer.

Comparison of prevalence, cost, and outcomes of a combination of salmeterol and fluticasone therapy to common asthma treatments

OBJECTIVES

To compare a combination of salmeterol and fluticasone with common asthma pharmacologic regimens used in real-world clinical practice, and to evaluate the associated costs and outcomes of care.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional examination of medical and pharmacy claims.

METHODS

The study population included 33,939 adult asthmatics (at least 12 years of age) continuously enrolled in 1 of 4 participating health plans for the 6-month study period. Every subject was in 1 of 10 different pharmacotherapy treatment groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the rates and costs of pharmaceutical prescriptions and medical care services between patients on salmeterol plus fluticasone and patients with other pharmacologic therapies.

RESULTS

About 60.4% of the patients were on single controllers; the balance was on short-acting beta 2-agonists alone (23%) or double controllers (16.8%). The average overall cost of asthma care was approximately $228 per patient over the 6 months of the study. Pharmaceutical cost was the major cost driver, which was significantly lower for single-controller (mean = $134) than for double-controller therapies (mean = $325). However, total costs were $50-$200 lower (P < .029) for patients on salmeterol plus fluticasone and inhaled steroids plus mast cell stabilizing agents than for those on other double controllers.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-controller regimens and short-acting beta-agonists were less costly than double-controller regimens. Within the double-controller groups, salmeterol plus fluticasone appeared to be less costly than other double controllers, except inhaled steroids plus mast cell stabilizing agents.

[Studies on the mechanism of arterial in vitro calcification]

AIM

To investigate the stimulation to in vitro calcification of aorta by 25-hydroxycholesterol or beta-glycerophosphate, and the relationship of the calcification with the secretion of osteocalcin and expression of type X collagen mRNA.

METHODS

Aortic medial cells were obtained by explantation. Von Kossa staining was performed to show the in vitro calcification. Insoluble calcium of cellular layer was determined by biochemical method. And osteocalcin in the media was analyzed with radioimmunoassay. RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of type X collagen mRNA.

RESULTS

Passaged cells showed negative von Kossa after 28 days. While cells treated with 25-hydroxycholesterol or beta-glycerophosphate appeared many cell nodules with positive von Kossa staining, in witch much more insoluble calcium and supernatant osteocalcin were detected. Type X collagen mRNA was detected in cells treated with 25-hydroxycholesterol or beta-glycerophosphate but not in untreated cells.

CONCLUSION

25-hydroxycholesterol and beta-glycerophosphate can accelerate the in vitro calcification of aortic media. Aortic medial cells secrete more osteocalcin and express type X collagen mRNA during calcification, which is similar to osteoblast, suggesting arterial calcification may share part of the same mechanism with the calcification of the bone.

Involvement of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Srs2 in cellular responses to DNA damage

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae the Srs2/RadH DNA helicase promotes survival after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and has been implicated in DNA repair, recombination and checkpoint signalling following DNA damage. A second helicase, Sgs1, is the S.cerevisiae homologue of the human BLM and WRN proteins, which are defective in cancer predisposition and/or premature ageing syndromes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking both Srs2 and Sgs1 exhibit a severe growth defect. We have identified an Srs2 orthologue in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and have investigated its role in responses to UV irradiation and inhibition of DNA replication. Deletion of fission yeast srs2 caused spontaneous hyper-recombination and UV sensitivity, and simultaneous deletion of the SGS1 homologue rqh1 caused a severe growth defect reminiscent of that seen in the equivalent S.cerevisiae mutant. However, unlike in budding yeast, inactivation of the homologous recombination pathway did not suppress this growth defect. Indeed, the homologous recombination pathway was required for maintenance of normal fission yeast viability in the absence of Srs2, and loss of homologous recombination and loss of Srs2 contributed additively to UV sensitivity. We conclude that Srs2 plays related, but not identical, roles in the two yeast species.

[Effect of aloe-emodin on c-myc gene expression of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells of injured artery]

OBJECTIVE

To study the molecular mechanism of aloe-emodin (AE) in inhibiting smooth muscle cells' (SMC) proliferation.

METHODS

Deendothelialization was performed in abdominal aorta of Japanese white ear rabbits by using 3F Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter. The media of abdominal aorta was isolated 48 hrs later for performing primary SMC culture. Cells were synchronized with G0/G1 phase by serum starvation, the AE was then added to the culture medium of experimental group, at a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml, and to the control group, equal volume of culture solution was added instead. The c-myc mRNA and protein expressions were examined 3 hrs later by using techniques of Northern blotting, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry respectively.

RESULTS

In comparing with the control group, neither the expression of c-myc mRNA nor the expression of c-myc protein was changed after addition of AE.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of AE on SMC might not be due to influencing c-myc expression, but via other pathway.