Treponema pallidum-induced prostaglandin E2 secretion in skin fibroblasts leads to neuronal hyperpolarization: A cause of painless ulcers

BACKGROUND

Primary syphilis is characterized by painless ulcerative lesions in the genitalia, the aetiology of painless remains elusive.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of Treponema pallidum in painless ulcer of primary syphilis, and the mechanisms underlying painless ulcers caused by T. pallidum.

METHODS

An experimental rabbit model of primary syphilis was established to investigate its effects on peripheral nerve tissues. Human skin fibroblasts were used to examine the role of T. pallidum in modulating neurotransmitters associated with pain and to explore the signalling pathways related to neurotransmitter secretion by T. pallidum in vitro.

RESULTS

Treponema pallidum infection did not directly lead to neuronal damage or interfere with the neuronal resting potential. Instead, it facilitated the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through endoplasmic reticulum stress in both rabbit and human skin fibroblasts, and upregulation of PGE2 induced the hyperpolarization of neurones. Moreover, the IRE1α/COX-2 signalling pathway was identified as the underlying mechanism by which T. pallidum induced the production of PGE2 in human skin fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Treponema pallidum promotes PGE2 secretion in skin fibroblasts, leading to the excitation of neuronal hyperpolarization and potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of painless ulcers in syphilis.

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

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Impact of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective consecutive cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study explored the potential connection between adenomyosis and pregnancy outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A study included data from a total of 1,208 pregnancies. The adenomyosis group included 334 pregnant women with adenomyosis, and women in the control group (n=874) had uncomplicated pregnancies. Data on pregnancy complications and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa was higher in the adenomyosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Adenomyosis was linked to a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage (1,000-1,500 ml) but a lower risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p<0.05). Diagnosis of adenomyosis correlated with increased incidence of low fetal weight (20.3% vs. 21.3%, p<0.05) and a low APGAR score at 1 min (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenomyosis correlated with a higher incidence of gestational hypertension, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes. At the same time, adenomyosis correlated with a significantly lower incidence of PROM compared to uncomplicated pregnancy. There was a significant increase in the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and a higher risk of low fetal weight and lower APGAR score at 1 min in pregnancies with adenomyosis.

[Correlation between dyslipidemia and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between dyslipidemia and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A case-control study was conducted. PTC patients diagnosed by pathology in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from April 2014 to August 2019 were enrolled as the experimental group, and healthy controls in the physical examination center at the same time were also enrolled as the control group. The demographic data and blood lipid parameters of the subjects were collected. Multivariate logistic analyses were used to assess the correlation between dyslipidemia and the risk of PTC. Results: A total of 2 000 cases of PTC were enrolled, with a mean age of (42±12) years, including 1 419 females (71.0%) and 581 males (29.0%). There were 4 524 cases in the control group, with a mean age of (42±9) years, including 3 311 females (73.2%) and 1 213 males (26.8%). There was no statistically difference in age and gender between the two groups (both P>0.05). Compared with the control group, triglyceride (TG) [(1.7±1.1) vs (1.4±1.0) mmol/L, P<0.001] and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) [(2.9±0.8) vs (2.8±0.7) mmol/L, P=0.015] increased in peripheral blood of PTC patients, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) [(1.3±0.4) vs (1.4±0.3) mmol/L, P<0.001] decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant in total cholesterol (TC) [(4.9±1.0) vs (4.9±0.8) mmol/L, P=0.172]. After adjusting for age and gender, increase of TC (OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.06-1.34, P=0.003), TG (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.55-1.94, P<0.001), LDL (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.08-1.36, P=0.001), LDL/HDL (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.56-2.02, P<0.001) and decrease of HDL (OR=3.15, 95%CI: 2.78-3.58, P<0.001) were the related factors of PTC. Conclusions: Compared with the control group, patients with PTC have higher level of TG and LDL and lower level of HDL. Dyslipidemia is an important factor related to the risk of PTC.

[Risk factors of recurrence or metastasis in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of recurrence or metastasis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and the influencing factors of disease-free survival (DFS). Methods: The clinicopathological data of MTC patients who visited Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and underwent surgery from August 2014 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into recurrence or metastasis group and no recurrence or metastasis group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for recurrence or metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors of DFS. Results: A total of 158 MTC patients were enrolled in final analysis, including 83 females and 75 males, with a median age of 52 (19-74) years. There were 146 cases of sporadic MTC (92.4%) and 12 cases of familial MTC (7.6%), respectively. Bilateral thyroid lesions presented in 33 cases (20.9%) and multiple lesions presented in 57 cases (36.1%), respectively. The median follow-up time was 59.7 (10.0-93.0) months and the median DFS was 55.5 (0-92.9) months. Presence of multifocality, the largest tumor size>2 cm, T3/4, N1b, clinical stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ, lymph node metastasis ratio (LNR)>0.3, preoperative calcitonin>2 000 ng/L, postoperative calcitonin>40 ng/L and no biochemical cure were significantly correlated with the recurrence or metastasis and DFS of MTC (all P<0.05). Clinical stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ (OR=36.57, 95%CI: 1.33-1 006.98, P=0.033), the largest tumor size>2 cm (OR=5.81, 95%CI: 1.01-33.33, P=0.049), multifocality (OR=3.64, 95%CI: 1.03-12.88, P=0.045) and postoperative calcitonin>40 ng/L (OR=15.03, 95%CI: 1.39-162.61, P=0.026) were independent risk factors of recurrence or metastasis. Clinical stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ (HR=19.39, 95%CI:1.40-268.19, P=0.027), the largest tumor size>2 cm (HR=3.64, 95%CI: 1.02-13.02, P=0.047) and postoperative calcitonin>40 ng/L (HR=10.68, 95%CI: 1.34-84.95, P=0.025) were influencing factors for DFS (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The larger tumor size, advanced clinical stage and higher postoperative calcitonin at the initial treatment of MTC are risk factors for recurrence or metastasis and influencing factors for DFS.

[Correlations of serum TgAb and TPOAb and clinicopathological features of PTC in children and adolescents]

Objective: To analyze the correlations between serum thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and clinicopathological features in children and adolescents with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conduced on the clinicopathological data of children and adolescents (age≤21 years old) with PTC admitted to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2019, and then, we used χ² test or Fisher's exact probability test to compare the differences in clinicopathological characteristics between groups with different TgAb and TPOAb status and multivariate logistic regression model analysis to evaluate independent predictors of cervical lymph node metastasis. Results: A total of 304 patients, including 89 males and 215 females, aged 5-21 years (median age 19 years), were enrolled in this study. The comparison between groups with different TgAb and TPOAb status showed that there were significant differences in gender, preoperative thyroglobulin (Tg) level, primary tumor location, number of primary tumors and maximum tumor diameter (all P<0.05), which suggested that TgAb⁺group (n=81) and TPOAb⁺group (n=84) had relatively better primary tumor characteristics. Patitents with TgAb⁺and TPOAb⁺were more common in females and their preoperative Tg level was mostly within the normal range, and there were significant differences in primary tumor location, number of primary tumors and maximum tumor diameter between TgAb⁺and TgAb^-(223 cases) groups (all P<0.05). There was significant difference in the maximum tumor diameter between TPOAb⁺and TPOAb^-(220 cases) groups (P<0.05). Analysis of risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis showed that independent risk factors for central lymph node metastasis were maximum tumor diameter>2 cm (OR=2.84, 95%CI: 1.59-5.07, P<0.001) and extra-thyroid extension (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.17-0.60, P<0.001), and independent risk factors for lateral neck lymph node metastasis included age≤14 years old (OR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.18-0.67, P=0.002), preoperative Tg⁺(OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.10-4.24, P=0.026) and maximum tumor diameter>2 cm (OR=3.99, 95%CI: 2.33-6.82, P<0.001). Conclusion: It is recommended to test routinely serum TgAb and TPOAb before surgery in children and adolescents with PTC. Preoperative Tg⁺, age≤14 years, maximum tumor diameter>2 cm, and extra-thyroid extension are risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis.

[Characteristics and risk factors of spinal epidural hematoma after unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion]

Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of spinal epidural hematoma after unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) lumbar spine surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 105 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery under UBE in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from February 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the patients, 48(45.7%) were male and 57(54.3%) were female, the mean age was (60.1±11.4) years (ranged 26 to 85 years). The MRI images at the third day post-surgery were observed, and the occurrence of hematoma was counted. Patients were assigned to normal group and hematoma group based on the presence of hematoma or not. The related clinical indicators of each patients were collected and used for comparison between two different groups. Logistic stepwise regression model was used to analyze whether each index was a risk factor for hematoma after the UBE lumbar fusion. Results: The total hematoma incidence rate was 28.6%(30/105), the symptomatic hematoma rate was 6.7%(7/105), and the hematoma reoperation rate was 0.9%(1/105). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (OR=3.368, 95%CI: 1.389-8.171), diabetes (OR=3.589, 95%CI: 1.230-10.476), admission systolic blood pressure>140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa,OR=3.687, 95%CI: 1.493-9.017), platelets<200×10⁹/L (OR=0.300, 95%CI: 0.119-0.785), preoperative blood calcium<2.25 mmol/L (OR=0.340, 95%CI: 0.142-0.818), spinal stenosis grade D (OR=4.462, 95%CI: 1.810-10.996) were possible risk factors for spinal hematoma after UBE lumbar fusion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that admission blood pressure systolic blood pressure>140 mmHg (OR=3.788, 95%CI:1.055-13.606), preoperative blood calcium<2.25 mmol/L (OR=78.544, 95%CI:3.895-1 584.058) and spinal stenosis grade D (OR=3.698, 95%CI:1.110-12.325) were risk factors for spinal hematoma after UBE lumbar fusion (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The types of spinal canal hematoma after UBE lumbar fusion include localized and extended type. The risk factors for hematoma include high systolic blood pressure on admission, low preoperative blood calcium and severe spinal stenosis.

Clinical correlation between volume of placental lakes and non-reassuring fetal status: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the correlation between placental lakes and non-reassuring fetal status.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from pregnant women who underwent fetal echocardiography at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital. Women with singleton pregnancies at a gestational age of 20-24 weeks were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Pregnant women with (case group) and without (control group) placental lakes were screened, and their placental Doppler ultrasound data and pregnancy outcome were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were done to evaluate the correlation between the volume of placental lakes and the non-reassuring fetal status.

RESULTS

A total of 1,728 pregnant women (156 with placental lakes) were included in this study. There were no significant differences in age of delivery and BMI between the pregnant women with placental lakes and the control group. The non-reassuring fetal status rate in the case group was higher than that in the control population, without statistical significance (5.8% vs. 3.5%, p=0.226). Subgroup analysis showed that a higher volume of placental lakes was positively associated with non-reassuring fetal status risk, with an odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of 1.90 (1.29-2.66) (p for trend < 0.001). This positive correlation persisted even after adjustment for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our analyses demonstrated a graded increase in the non-reassuring fetal status rate with increased volume of placental lakes. Thus, robust clinical monitoring of placental lakes would help in timely detection of non-reassuring fetal status.

Microbiology rapid on-site evaluation: a better method for Mucoid Pseudomonas Aeruginosa diagnosis in bronchiectasic patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to find an accurate and fast method to diagnose the pathogen of bronchiectasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten bronchiectasic patients diagnosed with Mucoid Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (MPA) in the past two years were analyzed. Accuracy and time were compared between microbiology rapid on-site evaluation (M-ROSE) and sputum bacterial culture.

RESULTS

The accuracy rate of M-ROSE in the patients is 100% consistent with bacterial culture results. The average time of M-ROSE is about 4.3 min, which is over 1000 times shorter than that of sputum bacterial culture.

CONCLUSIONS

M-ROSE may be a better method for etiological diagnosis of MPA.

[Effects and safety of quadratus lumborum block in analgesia after hip arthroplasty]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Methods: From January to June 2017, sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status Ⅰ to Ⅲ patients, aged 55-75 yr, scheduled for total hip arthroplasty, were randomly divided into control group(group N) and quadratus lumborum block (group R). Ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block was implemented on the affected side at the end of operation.Then 30 ml 0.33% ropivacaine were administrated in group R, while the control group did not receive the same block. A sufentanil patient-controlled analgesia pump was connected to the patient. The rest visual analogue score (VAS) were recorded at 0 h(T(0)), 3 h(T(1)), 6 h (T(2)), 12 h(T(3)), 24 h (T(4)), 36 h (T(5)) and 48 h(T(6)) after sugery, the VAS scores on movement were evaluated at T(4), T(5) and T(6) time points.The consumption of sufentanil within each period time were recorded.The maximal flexion and abduction degrees of the hip joint were evaluated at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after operation. The number of patients for rescue pain relief by intravenous analgesia pump during 24 h and 48 h after surgery were counted in both groups. The postoperative adverse effects and overall satisfaction in the two groups were recorded. Results: The VAS at rest in group R were 0.8±0.4, 1.0±0.3, 1.2±0.5, 2.0±0.5, 1.7±0.4 , 1.6±0.5 at T(1), T(2), T(3), T(4), T(5), T(6) respectively, and those in group N were 3.0±0.7, 3.5±0.9, 3.8±0.9, 3.3±1.1, 3.3±0.7, 3.0±0.7 at the same time points. The VAS at rest were lower in group R than those in control group at all time points (F=203.090, 216.354, 203.956, 35.548, 96.332, 80.577, all P<0.01). The VAS on movement in group R were 2.7±0.9, 2.9±0.7 , 2.0±0.6 at T(4), T(5), T(6) respectively , and those in group N were 6.0±1.5, 5.8±1.1, 4.5±1.0. The VAS on movement were also lower in group R than those in control group(F=154.561, 143.224, 141.479, all P<0.01). The maximum flexion degrees in group R were (61±12)degrees, (64±10)degrees, (69±15)degrees and(78±19)degrees at 12, 24, 36, 48 h after operation, and those were (45±11) degrees, (49±10)degrees, (52±12)degrees and(60±14)degrees at the same time points. The maximum flexion degrees in group R were increased more than control group at 12, 24, 36, 48 h after operation(F=34.981, 35.575, 52.106, 41.681, all P<0.01). The abduction degrees in group R were(22±6)degrees, (26±6)degrees, (27±8)degrees and(28±7)degrees at 12, 24, 36, 48 h after surgery, and those in group N were (14±5) degrees, (17±6)degrees, (20±6)degrees and(20±5)degrees. The abduction degrees in group R were increased more than those in group N(F=58.974, 33.402, 19.151, 20.575, all P<0.01). The rates of rescue analgesia for pain relief were 10% and 16.7% at 24 h and 48 h after operation respectively in group R, and those were 100% and 100% in group N. Compared to group N, the rates of rescue analgesia for pain relief in group R were significantly decreased (χ(2)=49.091, 42.857, all P<0.01). The incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus in group R were 3.3% and 3.3% respectively, and those in group N were 23.3% and 20.0%. The incidences of nausea and vomiting, pruritus in group R were lower than those in group N (χ(2)=5.192, 4.875, all P<0.01). The overall satisfaction scores in group R (3.7 ± 1.0 ) were higher than those (1.9±0.7) in the group N(t=7.841, P<0.01). Conclusion: The quadratus lumborum block combined with parecoxib sodium for multimodal analgesia after total hip arthroplasty is effective and provides satisfactory analgesia.

Sirtuin 6 promotes cell aging of myeloma cell line KM-HM_(31) by via Hippo signal pathway

OBJECTIVE

Myeloma poses a serious risk for people's health and life quality. Molecular targeted treatment of myeloma emerges as a promising therapy. This study aimed to determine the effect of Sirtuin 6 on myeloma KM-HM_(31) cell aging and provide evidence for clinical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Myeloma KM-HM_(31) cell aging model induced by Carbamide peroxide (CP) was generated. Cells were transfected with Sirtuin 6 over-expression plasmid and specific siRNA. Western blot was used to study Sirtuin 6 expression, P53, P16, and Hippo in KM-HM_(31) cells. β-galactosidase assay was applied to measure cell aging. Verteporfin inhibited Hippo signal pathway and measured aging of KM-HM_(31) cells.

RESULTS

The levels of Sirtuin 6, aging protein P53, and P16 were remarkably elevated while Hippo expression was significantly inhibited in CP-induced KM-HM_(31) cells. Transfection of Sirtuin 6 over-expression plasmid enhanced Sirtuin 6 expression in KM-HM_(31) cells and potentiated cell aging with downregulation of Hippo protein. In contrast, a block of Sirtuin 6 resulted in the opposite effect. Moreover, Verteporfin inhibited Hippo signal pathway and enhanced CP-induced KM-HM_(31) cell aging, which contributed similar effect as Sirtuin 6 did.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that sirtuin 6 facilitates CP-induced myeloma cell KM-HM_(31) aging via suppressing Hippo.

[Effects of infant feeding practice on eczema during early childhood in Shanghai, Hohhot, and Fuzhou]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of eczema in early childhood and effect of infant feeding practice on eczema by different regions of China with diverse climate and dietary patterns. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted from June 2012 to October 2012 in Shanghai, Hohhot, and Fuzhou. The parent or guardian of the children aged between 2.5 to 3.5 years attending routine health visit in the chosen communities were invited to complete a modified questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). Logistic regression model was used to analyze of the family history of allergy, duration of breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods and other potential confounders. Result: A total of 2 242 children were interviewed, 750 from Shanghai, 716 from Hohhot, and 776 from Fuzhou. The prevalence of eczema in early childhood was significantly different among Shanghai (16.9%, 95%CI 16.87-16.93), Hohhot (34.5%, 95%CI 34.46-34.54)and Fuzhou (44.3%, 95%CI 44.26-44.34). The difference was statistically significant between 3 groups (χ²=72.05, P<0.05). Introducing complementary food after the age of 6 months was associated with a decreased risk for eczema when compared to introduction between 4 to 6 months(odds ratio (OR) 0.58, 95%CI 0.41-0.81) in Fuzhou, while there was no significant association between timing of introduction of complementary foods and eczema in Shanghai and Hohhot. Conclusion: The prevalence of eczema during early childhood is various among three cities. The relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and eczema in Fuzhou is different from that in Shanghai and Hohhot. The role of climate and dietary patterns on prevalence of eczema needs further studies.

[A large-scale, multicenter, retrospective study on efficacy of bivalirudin use during peri-percutaneous coronary intervention period for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin use in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) during the peri-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) period.

METHODS

A total of 3 271 patients who underwent PCI and received periprocedural bivalirudin treatment between July 2013 and October 2015 from 88 centers of China were involved in this study. The primary outcome was 30-day net adverse clinical events (NACE a composite of major adverse cardiac or cerebral events (MACE, all-cause death, reinfarction, urgent target vessel revascularization, or stroke) or bleeding), the secondary outcome was stent thrombosis at 30 days.

RESULTS

The mean age of enrolled patients was (65.12±12.44) years old, 27.4%(889/3 244) of them were female. Percent of stable coronary disease (SCD), non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was 5.0%(162/3 248), 44.6%(1 450/3 248) and 50.4%(1 636/3 248) respectively. Radial access was performed in 89.5% (2 879/3 271) patients, and 9.7% (316/3 271) and 34.1% (1 115/3 271) patients also received ticagrelor and tirofiban medication. 69.3% (2 266/3 271) patients received post-procedural bivalirudin infusion, in which 46.3% (1 050/2 266) was treated at PCI-does, with a median duration of 2.5(1.0, 4.0) h. During the 30-day follow-up, NACE occurred in 3.45% (103/2 988) patients, the incidence of MACE, death was 2.17% (65/2 994) and 1.03% (31/3 017), respectively and bleeding events were recorded in 1.37% (41/2 996) patients. Four cases (0.13%) of stent thrombosis (3 acute stent thrombosis) were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Peri-PCI Bivalirudin use is safe and related with low bleeding risk in Chinese CHD patients.

Aurora-A is a determinant of tamoxifen sensitivity through phosphorylation of ERα in breast cancer

Despite the clinical success of tamoxifen, its resistance remains a major challenge in breast cancer. Here we show that Aurora-A determines tamoxifen sensitivity by regulation of oestrogen receptor (ER)α. Ectopic expression of Aurora-A decreases and depletion of Aurora-A enhances tamoxifen sensitivity in ERα-positive breast cancer. Elevated Aurora-A was significantly associated with the recurrence of ERα-positive tumours. Notably, Aurora-A inhibitor MLN8237, which is currently in clinical trial, synergizes with tamoxifen and overcomes tamoxifen resistance. Furthermore, Aurora-A interacts with and phosphorylates ERα on serine-167 and -305, leading to increase in ERα DNA-binding and transcriptional activity. Elevated levels of Aurora-A are significantly associated with disease-free survival in ERα-positive but not ERα-negative breast cancers. These data suggest that Aurora-A has a pivotal role in tamoxifen resistance and ERα is a bona fide substrate of Aurora-A. Thus, Aurora-A represents a prognostic marker in ERα-positive tumour and a critical therapeutic target in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, and Aurora-A inhibitor could be used as either an independent or concurrent agent in tamoxifen-resistant tumour.

Disorder trapping during crystallization of the B2-ordered NiAl compound

Using molecular dynamics simulations, disorder trapping associated with solidification is studied for the (100), (110), and (111) growth directions in the B2 NiAl ordered alloy compound. At the high interface velocities studied we observe pronounced disorder and defect trapping, i.e., the formation of antisite defects and vacancies in the crystal at higher than equilibrium concentrations upon rapid solidification. The vacancies are located primarily on the Ni sublattice and the majority of antisite defects are Ni atoms on the Al sublattice, while the concentration of Al on the Ni sublattice is negligibly small. The defect concentration is found to increase in an approximately linear relationship with increasing the interface velocity. Further there is no significant anisotropy in the defect concentrations for different interface orientations. Our results suggest that the currently available models of disorder trapping should be extended to include both antisite defects and vacancies.

The HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism is a putative susceptible factor for active human cytomegalovirus infection in children

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) expression is a potential factor for the pathogenesis of virus infection. A 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs16375) in the 3'-untranslated region of the HLA-G gene is involved in the stability of HLA-G mRNA and HLA-G protein expression. Therefore, the HLA-G 14 bp polymorphism might be involved in human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection. To test a possible association between the HLA-G 14 bp deletion/insertion polymorphism and the active hCMV infection, in this study, a total of 54 patients with active hCMV infection and 165 age- and sex-matched, unrelated, normal Chinese Han population were genotyped for the 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism. Association of 14 bp polymorphism with hCMV urine DNA copies and the odds ratio (OR) of the polymorphism as a risk factor for active hCMV infection were analyzed. Our results showed that the prevalence of -14 bp/ -14 bp genotype in active hCMV patients was markedly increased [P(c) = 0.00034, OR = 3.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.77-6.18], and similar significance was also observed for the frequency of -14 bp allele (P c = 0.0023, OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.38-3.64) when compared with that of healthy controls. Furthermore, urine hCMV DNA copies in patients with the -14 bp/ -14 bp genotype were significantly higher than those in patients with the +14 bp/ +14 bp genotype (P = 0.041). Our findings support a potential role of HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism as a susceptible factor for the active hCMV infection.

Using tea stalk lignocellulose as an adsorbent for separating decaffeinated tea catechins

Lignocelluloses prepared from woody tea stalk, pine sawdust and sugarcane bagasse were used as adsorbents to isolate decaffeinated catechins from tea extracts and compared with synthetic macroporous resin HPD 600. HPD 600 had the highest adsorption capacity to catechins, followed by tea stalk lignocellulose while lignocelluloses of pine sawdust and bagasse the least. Tea stalk lignocellulose absorbed preferentially tea catechins and showed a good selectivity. HPD 600 absorbed caffeine and tea catechins simultaneously. The kinetics data of tea stalk lignocellulose showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model. It is considered that tea stalk lignocellulose is an alternative low-cost adsorbent for preparing decaffeinated tea catechins.

Identification of molecular genetic markers tightly linked to downy mildew resistant genes in grape

Bulk segregant analysis (BSA), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) methods were used to tag the downy mildew-resistant genes of grape with molecular markers. Parents and their 60 individuals of an F1 progeny resulting from a cross 88-110 between 83-4-96 (Vitis quinquangularis, downy mildew-resistant) and Muscat Rose (V. vinifera, downy mildew-susceptible), three F2 progenies resulting from three crosses of self-cross and inter-cross of 88-110 F1 seedlings, as well as another interspecific F1 hybrids of 88-84 cross [Xun-3 (V. quinquangularis, downy mildew-resistant) x Ugni Blanc (V. vinifera, downy mildew-susceptible)] and the wild grapes native to China were used for the study. Among 280 Operon primers, 160 gave distinct band patterns. One RAPD marker OPO06-1500 was tightly linked to a major gene resistant to Plasmopara viticola (RPv-1). Based on Mapmaker software analysis, the map distance between RPv-1 and OPO06-1500 was 1.7 cM. Marker OPO06-1500 was cloned and sequenced. According to the sequence, two specific primers were designed to amplify all plant materials. RAPD marker was converted into SCAR marker (SCO06-1500). One distinct single band only in resistant plants was amplified, whose size was the same as that of the RAPD marker. The SCAR marker's popularity was confirmed, and it could be used for the identification of hybrid resistant to P. viticola and will be potentially useful in the development of new resistant grape cultivars.

[Dynamic study on blood lead levels of pregnant women and infants in a district of Beijing]

Under strict quality control, the authors investigated the levels of PbB among 270 women from early pregnancy to delivery and their infants. The mean PbB levels of the first three months of pregnancy and delivery is 45.0 microg/L and 64.8 microg/L respectively. Analysis shows an increase of mean PbB level in the period of gestation, and a significant increase in the last three months. The mean PbB level of umbilical cord is 51.9 microg/L (10.4% umbilical cord PbB > 100 microg/L). The mean PbB level of infants increases with the months, it increases significantly after six months. Regression analysis confirmed the positive correlation between the PbB levels of first three and second three months of gestation, the PbB of delivery and umbilical cord, the PbB of umbilical coral and infants. The correlation coefficient of the PbB level of delivery and umbilical cord, the PbB level of infants at six months and at twelve months is 0.80 and 0.47 respectively.

Impaired clonogenic potential of CD25 positive T cells in lymph nodes involved by B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

In vivo activated T cells (CD25+) present in lymph nodes involved by B-non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL) were investigated here for their ability to proliferate in vitro. CD25-/CD25+ T cells were isolated using a rosette method with magnetic beads, then the frequency of proliferating T lymphocyte-precursors (PTL-P) in both populations was assessed by limiting dilution experiments, in the presence of IL2, PHA and allogeneic spleen cells as feeders. In a total of 16 cases studied, growing microcultures were observed in all cases for CD25- T cells (mean value of PTL-P frequency: 1/32; range 1/10 - 1/2899) but in 6 cases only for CD25+ T cells (mean value of PTL-P frequency: 1/441; range 1/119 - 1/3736); the absence of any proliferative cultures in the 10 other cases indicated that the number of PTL-P was inferior to 1/12480. These results suggest that the proliferative potential of CD25+ T cells infiltrating lymph nodes involved by B-NHL is paradoxically decreased.

Assessment of lead contamination of the general environment through blood lead levels

More than 2000 blood samples were collected at random from full-time middle school teachers in 9 cities of China and analyzed for lead concentration with strict quality assurance procedures. Questionnaries about the smoking habits, alcohol consumption, residence condition, and fuel used at home were filled out by each person, and information about traffic, and lead concentration in different areas of the environment was also collected as far as possible. The result showed that the geometric mean of blood lead levels of teachers in different cities was ranging between 59-82 μg l(-1) among them the lowest levels were found in Nanjing and the highest in Shanghai. The difference between the lowest and the highest value was only 23 μg l(-1). Comparing with the results of WHO/UNEP and CEC projects. The overall geometric average blood level in China is lower than in all the other countries except Japan. It indicates that the lead pollution in the general environment of China was not as severe as in the participating countries of WHO/UNEP and CEC projects. This may be attributed by the following factors: The less automobile triffic, the larger proportion of non-leaded gasoline used and the less canned food consumption. Factors influencing the lead levels in blood were also analyzed and the 'normal value' (95% upper limit) of blood lead was assessed to be 160 μg l(-1).

[Histochemical changes in endometrial fibrolytic activity with different IUDs]

The histochemical changes of endometrial fibrinolytic activity were observed in rabbits. 1 horn of the uterus was put in IUDs made of different materials (steel, copper, magnet, and EACA-copper). It was found that the endometrial fibrinolytic activity in the experimental horns was significantly higher than the controls, and the effect was the highest with the copper IUD. In the contrasted groups (copper versus steel, copper versus magnet, steel versus magnet), the endometrial fibrinolytic activity induced by the copper IUD was the highest (P0.05), while there was no significant diffeence between that of steel and magnet (P0.05). In the EACA-copper IUD groups, the results were also observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after insertion of the devices. There was no difference in fibrinolytic activity between the experimental horns and the controls in 7 and 14 days groups, but it was significantly higher than the controls in 28 days group. In the contrasted groups of the EACA-copper IUD and copper IUD the endometrial fibrinolytic activity of the former was lower than that of the latter in 7 days group (0.05 P 0.1). This suggests that fibrinolytic activity may be inhibited by EACA, which, however, may be released from IUD at such a rapid rate that it loses its effect in 28 days.