[Incidence and trend of severe postpartum hemorrhage between 2016 and 2019 in China]

Objective: To investigate the incidence and trend of severe postpartum hemorrhage (sPPH) in China, and to provide basic data for the development and evaluation of sPPH prevention and control strategy. Methods: Obstetric data was extracted from annual national representative sampling surveys based on the National Clinical Improvement System. From 2016 to 2019, 2 978, 3 400, 4 576 and 4 594 maternity hospitals with sPPH cases were included for statistics. The annual incidence of sPPH was calculated according to province and type of medical institutions and generalized linear model was emplyed to identify the determinants affecting sPPH incidence. Results: In China, sPPH incidence increased from 0.62% in 2016 to 0.93% in 2018, and was 0.92% in 2019. Eighteen provinces had an inverted U-shaped trend of sPPH over time and most of them had the highest incidence in 2018; ten provinces had an upward trend of sPPH and 3 provinces had a U-shaped trend. In 2019, the top five provinces with the highest sPPH incidence were Yunnan (1.88%), Beijing (1.45%), Jiangsu (1.31%), Guizhou (1.26%), and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (1.22%); the top five provinces with the lowest incidence were Henan (0.55%), Jiangxi (0.60%), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (0.64%), Liaoning (0.64%) and Gansu (0.69%). In 2019, the sPPH incidence in different types of medical institutions were as follows: tertiary public general hospital (1.15%), tertiary public specialized hospital (1.02%), secondary public general hospital (0.81%), private hospital (0.61%) and secondary public specialized hospital (0.58%). sPPH incidence was positively associated with proportion of twin pregnancies, macrosomia, primipara, and puerpera aged ≥35 years in maternity hospitals (P<0.05). Conclusions: sPPH incidence generally showes an increasing trend from 2016 and is stable at a high level in recent two years in China. It is warranted to further strengthen the monitoring of postpartum hemorrhage, and improve the capability of hierarchical management and treatment in maternity institutions and regions, in order to reduce sPPH incidence and maternal mortality.

Therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on mastitis experimentally induced by lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats

Escherichia coli is a cause of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle and goats, and sometimes causes severe clinical disease that may result in death of the animal. Previous investigation showed that ginsenoside Rg1 extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the sepsis induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide via competitive binding to toll-like receptor 4. We hypothesized that intravenous injection of Rg1 had therapeutic effect on mastitis experimentally induced by intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats. In this study, 9 lactating goats were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: (1) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + saline intravenous injection, (2) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + Rg1 intravenous injection, and (3) saline intramammary administration + saline intravenous injection. Because no adverse clinical signs were observed after intramammary infusion of saline and intravenous injection of Rg1 in a preliminary experiment, and available qualified goats were limited in this study, this treatment was not included in this study. One udder half of each goat received intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg of body weight; groups 1 and 2) or saline solution (group 3), and the other half was infused with 2 mL of saline solution at h 0. Afterward, intravenous injections of saline solution (groups 1 and 3) or Rg1 (2.5 mg/kg of body weight; group 2) were administered at h 2 and 4 post-lipopolysaccharide challenge. Blood and milk samples were collected 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 48, and 72 h post-lipopolysaccharide challenge, and clinical signs were monitored hourly after lipopolysaccharide challenge within the first 10 h and at the same time points as blood samples. The results showed that Rg1 treatment downregulated rectal temperature, udder skin temperature, udder girth, milk somatic cell count, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and upregulated milk production, lactose, and recovered blood components, such as white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, total proteins, albumin, and globulin. Considering the positive therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in goats presented in this study as well as the anti-inflammatory activity found previously, the botanical Rg1 deserves further study as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of E. coli mastitis in dairy animals.

Modified human uterus transplantation using ovarian veins for venous drainage: the first report of surgically successful robotic-assisted uterus procurement and follow-up for 12 months

OBJECTIVE

To report the 12-month results of the first human uterus transplantation case using robot-assisted uterine retrieval. This type of transplantation may become a treatment for permanent uterine factor infertility.

DESIGN

Case study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 22-year-old woman with complete müllerian agenesis who underwent a previous surgery for vaginal reconstruction. The live uterine donor was her mother.

INTERVENTION(S)

The uterus transplantation procedure consisted of robot-assisted uterine procurement, orthotopic replacement and fixation of the retrieved uterus, revascularization, and end-to-side anastomoses of bilateral hypogastric arteries and ovarian-uterine vein to the bilateral external iliac arteries and veins.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Data from preoperative investigations, surgery, and follow-up (12 months).

RESULT(S)

The duration of the donor and recipient surgeries were 6 and 8 hours, 50 minutes, respectively. No immediate perioperative complications occurred in the recipient or donor. The recipient experienced menarche 40 days after transplant surgery, and she has had 12 menstrual cycles since the surgery. No rejection episodes occurred in the recipient.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results demonstrate the feasibility of live-donor uterine transplantation with a low-dose immunosuppressive protocol and the role of DaVinci robotic assistance during human uterine procurement.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

XJZT12Z06.

Serum Proteomics Analysis in Rats of Immunosuppression Induced by Chronic Stress

The immune system can be damaged by chronic stress. However, for this process, the involved molecular alterations and their regulatory roles played in immunosuppression still remain unclear. This study was aimed to identify the differences in serum protein expressions that are closely associated with the effect of chronic stress on immune function. Serum protein levels of rats in control group and chronic stress group were measured by iTRAQ analysis. Subsequently, among the 121 differentially expressed proteins screened between the two groups, 46 proteins were upregulated (>1.5-fold, P < 0.05), while 75 proteins were downregulated (<0.67-fold, P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were in relation with the metabolic, cellular, response stimulus and immune system processes. The significantly differential expression of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, catalase and peroxiredoxin-1 were picked out for reconfirmation by ELISA analysis. The results were consistent with those obtained by iTRAQ. What is more, the roles of above-mentioned four proteins, apolipoprotein B-100 and heat-shock protein 90 in immunosuppression induced by chronic stress were discussed. Taken together, these findings may provide a new insight into better understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression induced by chronic stress.

Electron cyclotron emission radiometer upgrade on the J-TEXT tokamak

To meet experimental requirements, the J-TEXT electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic is being upgraded. The front end antenna and transmission line have been modified and a new 8-channel W-band detecting unit has been developed. The improved ECE system will extend the frequency range from 94.5-124.5 GHz to 80.5-124.5 GHz. This will enable the system to cover the most plasma in the radius direction for B_T = 1.8-2.2 T, and it even can cover almost the whole plasma range ρ = - 0.8-0.9 (minus means the high field side) at B_T = 1.8 T. A new auxiliary channel bank with 8 narrow band, tunable yttrium iron garnet filters is planned to add to the ECE system. Due to observations along a major radius, perpendicular to B_T, and relatively low electron temperature, Doppler and relativistic broadening are minimal and thus high spatial resolution measurements can be made at variable locations with these tunable channels.

Design of the 2D electron cyclotron emission imaging instrument for the J-TEXT tokamak

A new 2D Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) diagnostic is being developed for the J-TEXT tokamak. It will provide the 2D electron temperature information with high spatial, temporal, and temperature resolution. The new ECEI instrument is being designed to support fundamental physics investigations on J-TEXT including MHD, disruption prediction, and energy transport. The diagnostic contains two dual dipole antenna arrays corresponding to F band (90-140 GHz) and W band (75-110 GHz), respectively, and comprises a total of 256 channels. The system can observe the same magnetic surface at both the high field side and low field side simultaneously. An advanced optical system has been designed which permits the two arrays to focus on a wide continuous region or two radially separate regions with high imaging spatial resolution. It also incorporates excellent field curvature correction with field curvature adjustment lenses. An overview of the diagnostic and the technical progress including the new remote control technique are presented.

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corncobs with genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterization of their microstructure during hydrolysis

Cellulose is an abundant natural polysaccharide that is universally distributed. It can be extracted from corncobs, which are inexpensive, easily accessible, renewable, and environmentally friendly. A common strategy for effectively utilizing cellulose is efficient heterogeneous expression of cellulase genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the improvement of cellulose utilization is a relevant issue. Based on our previous findings, we constructed an integrated secretion expression vector, pHBM368-pgk, containing a constitutive promoter sequence. Three genetically modified S. cerevisiae strains containing heterologous β-glucosidase, exoglucanase, and endoglucanase genes were constructed. The results of a 1-L bioreactor fermentation process revealed that the mixed recombinant S. cerevisiae could efficiently carry out simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) by using corncobs as the sole carbon source. The ethanol concentration reached 6.37 g/L after 96 hours of fermentation, which was about 3 times higher than that produced by genetically modified S. cerevisiae with the inducible promoter sequence. To investigate the microstructure characteristics of hydrolyzed corncobs during the fermentation process, corncob residues were detected by using a scanning electron microscope. This study provides a feasible method to improve the effect of SSF using corncobs as the sole carbon source.

The design of a correlation electron cyclotron emission system on J-TEXT

To study the anomalous transport, a correlation electron cyclotron emission (CECE) was planned to be developed on J-TEXT for electron temperature fluctuation measurement. The spectral decorrelation method was employed for the CECE system. It was developed based on the previous 16-channel electron cyclotron emission system. They shared the optical transmission line and mixer. The CECE part consists of 4 channels. Two fixed frequency narrow band filters were used for two channels and two yttrium iron garnet (YIG) filters for the other two channels. To meet the measuring requirement, some tests have been taken for the YIG filters. The results show good performance of the filters. Gaussian optics is used to produce a good poloidal resolution. Wavenumbers resolved by the CECE diagnostic are k(θ) ≤ 1.5 rad/cm and k(r) ≤ 12 rad/cm. Some preliminary experiment results are also presented in this paper.

Modified uterine allotransplantation and immunosuppression procedure in the sheep model

Objective

To develop an orthotopic, allogeneic, uterine transplantation technique and an effective immunosuppressive protocol in the sheep model.

Methods

In this pilot study, 10 sexually mature ewes were subjected to laparotomy and total abdominal hysterectomy with oophorectomy to procure uterus allografts. The cold ischemic time was 60 min. End-to-end vascular anastomosis was performed using continuous, non-interlocking sutures. Complete tissue reperfusion was achieved in all animals within 30 s after the vascular re-anastomosis, without any evidence of arterial or venous thrombosis. The immunosuppressive protocol consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone tablets. Graft viability was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography and second-look laparotomy at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively.

Results

Viable uterine tissue and vascular patency were observed on transrectal ultrasonography and second-look laparotomy. Histological analysis of the graft tissue (performed in one ewe) revealed normal tissue architecture with a very subtle inflammatory reaction but no edema or stasis.

Conclusion

We have developed a modified procedure that allowed us to successfully perform orthotopic, allogeneic, uterine transplantation in sheep, whose uterine and vascular anatomy (apart from the bicornuate uterus) is similar to the human anatomy, making the ovine model excellent for human uterine transplant research.

First evidence for the contribution of the genetic variations of BRCA1-interacting protein 1 (BRIP1) to the genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer

BRIP1 (BRCA1-interacting protein 1), a DNA-dependent ATPase and a DNA helicase, is critical for BRCA-associated DNA damage repair functions, and may be involved in the development of cervical cancer. Genetic markers in different regions of the BRIP1 gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of cervical cancer. In this study, we evaluate the association between the BRIP1 variations and the risk of cervix cancer. We examined the potential association between cervical cancer and eighteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs2048718, rs16945692, rs4968451, rs6504074, rs4988344, rs8077088, rs10515211, rs9897121, rs9906313, rs2159450, rs4986764, rs11871785, rs4986763, rs11079454, rs7213430, rs34289250, rs4988345 and rs12937080) of the BRIP1 gene using the MassARRAY system. The participants enrolled in this study included 298 patients with cervical cancer and 286 healthy women as the healthy controls from a Chinese Han population. The results showed that rs16945692 (intron 1), rs4968451 (intron 4), rs4986764 (exon 18) and rs7213430 (3'UTR) were significantly associated with cervical cancer (P<0.05). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed in three blocks (D'>0.9), and significantly more T-A-C-A haplotypes (block 1) (P=0.001) were found in the patients with cervical cancer. Significantly higher frequencies of C-A-T haplotypes (block 2) (P=0.018) and A-A haplotypes (block 3) (P=0.009) were detected in the healthy controls than in the patients with cervical cancer, suggesting that they may show protective effects against cervical cancer. These findings point to a role for the BRIP1 gene polymorphisms in cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population, and may be informative for future genetic or biological studies on cervical cancer.

Preparation of liver-targeted galactose-carboxyl chitosan-myristic acid nanoparticles

AIM: To prepare galactose-carboxyl chitosan-myristic acid (GCCMA) nanoparticles and to obverse their targeting of hepatoma carcinoma cells (HCCs).

METHODS: GCCMA nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembled technology, and their stability and biocompatibility were assessed. After fluorescent labeling, GCCMA nanoparticles of different concentrations were transfected into HCCs and HT22 hippocampal neurons. Non-transfected HCCs and HT22 hippocampal neurons were used as controls. Based on the concentrations of GCCMA nanoparticles, HCCs transfected with GCCMA nanoparticles were divided into low-, medium- and high-concentration groups. The cellular uptake of nanoparticles was determined at 1, 2 and 4 h after transfection.

RESULTS: The cellular uptake of nanoparticles in the HCC group was much higher than that in the HT22 hippocampal neuron group. The uptake of nanoparticles in the HCC group was dose-dependent. The highest uptake of nanoparticles in the HCC group was observed at 4 hours after transfection.

CONCLUSION: GCCMA nanoparticles show hepatic targeting and are therefore a potential drug-carrier or administration route for chemotherapy drugs or targeted gene therapy for hepatic tumors.

Rapid anti-tumor effects of gelatin sponge/nano-β-TCP construct on SKOV-3 human ovarian cancer cells in vitro

Nanosized β-tricalcium phosphate (nano-β-TCP) particles were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A surface coating was used to fabricate a medical absorbable gelatin sponge (GS) with nano-β-TCP biocomposite (GSN). The nano-β-TCP particles were ~150 nm in diameter and GSN was highly porous with pore diameter of ~200 μm. Modification via nano-β-TCP coating endowed the biocomposite with actual inhibitory effects on human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. The systematic in vitro evaluations including ultrastructural observation, MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection, and assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression data confirm that rapid internalization of nano-β-TCP, cell growth inhibition, G1/S phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and suppression of PCNA expression play important roles in the rapid anti-tumor effects of GNS on SKOV-3 cells. Currently, in vitro and in vivo research work are in progress, including special anti-neoplastic drug delivery and synergistic effects of GSN and chemotherapeutic agents.

Oscillatory magnetic anisotropy originating from quantum well states in Fe films

The magnetic anisotropy of Fe film grown on vicinal Ag(1,1,10) surfaces was studied with the in situ magneto-optic Kerr effect. Below 200 K, strong oscillations of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy as a function of Fe thickness with a period of 5.7 monolayers are found, which can even cause the easy magnetization axis to oscillate between perpendicular and parallel to the steps. Such novel oscillation of the anisotropy is attributed to the quantum well states of d-band electrons at the Fermi level in the Fe film. This is unlike the previously observed oscillatory behaviors of ferromagnetic films caused by the quantum well states in nonmagnetic interfacing layers.

Transfer of Ephedra genomic DNA to yeasts by ion implantation

The genomic DNA from Ephedra glauca was randomly transferred to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula anomala by argon and nitrogen ion implantation. Through repeated subculturing and using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to quantify the concentrations of the secondary metabolites, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine, 12 recombinant strains of genetically stable yeast were obtained, each using glucose as a carbon source, NaNO3 as a nitrogen source and producing l-ephedrine and/or d-pseudoephedrine. After culturing in liquid medium for 72 h, extracellular l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine concentrations of 18.85 and 4.11 mg/L, respectively, were detected. Using l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine as the target products, the transformation efficiencies of the genomic DNA from E. glauca transferred to S. cerevisiae and H. anomala were 1.15% (1/87) and 2.13% (8/376), respectively. The addition of the amino acid, L-Phe, to culture media substantially changed the amount of l-ephedrine and/or d-pseudoephedrine produced by the recombined yeasts. However, the change in metabolite production was not consistent among strains, rising in some, while dropping to nondetectable levels in others. After random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, four RAPD primers were obtained from the initial 100 RAPD primers, each amplifying different fragments with the recombined yeast Ar_Han0458 genome. Using one primer as polymerase chain reaction primer, the result showed that the recombined yeast Ar_Han0458 genome matched E. glauca genomic DNA at 150 bp, indicating a successful transfer of genetic information, facilitated by ion implantation.

Radiobiological investigations of soft X-rays near carbon, nitrogen, oxygen K-shell edges on Aspergillus oryzae spores

Soft X-rays at carbon, nitrogen, oxygen K-shell edges have special radiobiological effects. Using Aspergillus oryzae spores as sample, the radiation effects of soft X-rays near the K-shell edges of C, N and O elements from synchrotron radiation were investigated. Also the dose depositions of different X-ray energies in spore were discussed. At the same time, the spores were irradiated by gamma rays from 60Co and relative biological effects were compared with those produced by soft X-rays. The results showed that soft X-rays near K-shell edges of O element had higher ability of radiation damage than that of X-rays near K-shell edges of C and N elements as compared with one another. But they all had higher killing abilities per unit dose than that of gamma rays from 60Co. The relative biological effects (RBEs), the comparison of dose to gamma rays at 10% survival level, of the three soft X-rays were 1.65, 1.73 and 1.91, respectively.

[A new plate method for screening of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and their producing microorganisms]

A plate assay based on the formation of haloes on Petri dishes, containing the trypan blue dye and polysaccharides as substrates, provides a specific, reliable and rapid detection of corresponding polysaccharide degrading enzymes and their producing microorganisms. A blue complex was formed by mixing trypan blue and polysaccharides as substrates. It has been proved by testing three strains that the trypan blue was neither harmful to microorganisms nor enzymes and could stand the normal sterilization. It's optimum concentration was from 0.005% to 0.01% (W/V). It do not need to prepare dye-labelled polysaccharides, so is a money and time-consuming method. The sensitivity of trypan blue method was the same as traditional method and it has potential for increasing the efficacy of screening of microorganisms, utilizing different polysaccharides, especially for large-scale searching programs, such as screening of large numbers of natural samples and engineering bacteria. Using this method, polysaccharide-degrading enzyme genes also has potential of as a new kind of marker gene in gene engineering techniques. According to the result, this method is suitable for detecting cellulase, amylase, pullulanase and mannase, but not suitable for detecting xylanase and inulinase.

[Production of l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine in recombined yeasts obtained by argon ion implantation mediated Ephedra genome DNA transformation]

The genome DNA from Ephedra glauca was randomly transferred into Hansenula anomala, respectively, by argon ion bombardment. Then, after screening by the motheds of bromothymol blue indicator selection, slant cultivation, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine copper chromic salt qualitative test and RP-HPLC determination, 3 strains, producing recombined yeasts were obtained, which can use glucose as a carbon source, NaNO3 as nitrogen source and be genetically stable. After cultivated in liquid medium for 72 hours and analyzed by the RP-HPLC, the recombined strains can produce l-ephedrine 11.87 mg/L and d-pseudoephedrine 4.11 mg/L excellular, d-pseudoephedrine 294.86 mg/g dry cell incellular, but l-ephedrine not detected incellular. The transformation efficiency of Ephedra genome DNA transferred into yeasts via argon ion bombardment was 0.65%. The effects of Ephedra genome DNA macromolecule integrity on yeast transformation system were discussed. The results shown that DNA macromolecule with integrated structure used as exogenous donor can obtain higher transformation efficiency than DNA macromolecule random fragments by ion implantation mediated DNA transformation. It was inferred that biosynthesis of l-ephedrine and the d-pseudoephedrin were controlled by linked together genes or gene clusters.

A mutant α-amylase with only part of the catalytic domain and its structural implication

A truncated mutant alpha-amylase, Xa-S2, was obtained from Xanthomonas campestris wild type alpha-amylases (Xa-WT) through random mutagenesis that contained 167 amino acid residues (approx 65% shorter than that of Xa-WT). Secondary structure prediction implied that Xa-S2, would be unable to form the whole (beta/alpha)(8)-barrel catalytic domain and did not have the three conserved catalytic residues of wild type alpha-amylase, but it still displays the starch-hydrolyzing activity. Xa-S2 was prepared, characterized and compared to the recombinant wild-type enzymes. The K (m) for starch was 32 mg/ml; activity was optimal at pH 6.2 and 30 degrees C. In contrast, the K (m) for starch of Xa-WT was 8 mg/ml and optimal enzyme activity was at pH 6.0-6.2 and 45-50 degrees C. Our results suggested that Xa-S2 is a new amylase with a minimal catalytic domain for hydrolyzing substrates with of alpha-1,4-glucosidic bonds.

Aberrant patterns of cellular communication in diabetes-induced embryopathy in rats: II, apoptotic pathways

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to test the hypothesis that hyperglycemia-induced injury of yolk sac cell membranes is associated with disruption of cellular apoptotic signaling pathways.

STUDY DESIGN

Pregnant rats were induced to become diabetic by injection of streptozotocin. Fourteen normal control and 24 diabetic rats were killed on day 12 of gestation. Yolk sac membranes in 3 conceptus groups (nondiabetic, diabetic with normal, or diabetic with malformed conceptus) were collected for study. DNA was extracted from yolk sac cells and assayed for fragmentation by using gel electrophoresis, which indicates apoptosis. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot assays. Statistical analyses were performed with the Student t -test.

RESULTS

The level of phosphorylated Akt was significantly decreased, whereas that of the proapoptotic protein Bax was increased. These changes were correlated with the presence of DNA fragmentation in yolk sac cells of the diabetic malformed conceptuses.

CONCLUSION

Hyperglycemia-induced embryopathy involves apoptosis, during which the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax is upregulated and the activity of the cell-survival factor, Akt kinase, is decreased in yolk sac cells. These observations suggest that hyperglycemia of maternal diabetes triggers apoptotic signaling pathways and inhibits cell survival pathways, leading to embryonic malformations.

In vitro mutagenesis of Xanthomonas campestris alpha-amylase gene by partially replacing deoxythymidine triphosphate with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate using a PCR technique

Three mutants of the wild type alpha-amylase gene from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 were obtained using a PCR technique in which deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) was partially replaced by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate (BrdUTP), at an optimal dTTP:BrdUTP ratio of 1000:1. Of thre three mutants that were obtained and which were sequenced, one mutant with 40 times higher activity than the wild type alpha-amylase gene product was obtained by using primary PCR products as a template for a second PCR reaction.

[MAP kinase signal pathway in hyperglycemia-induced congenital neural tube defects]

The aim of the present study was to determine molecular mechanism in hyperglycemia-induced congenital neural tube defects and the its potential pharmacologic rescuing agents. In order to explore these questions, six study groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were employed: Group 1 was normal control rats with normal diet; group 2 represented streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rats with congenital neural tube defects in offspring; group 3 included STZ-induced diabetic rats with normal offspring; groups 4,5 and 6 included rats exposed to the same STZ-induced diabetic condition, but receiving daily oral supplementation of 80 microg/mL of the sodium salt of arachidonic acid (AA), 400mg of vitamin E and a cocktail of a polyunsaturated fatty acid (safflower oil) plus an antioxidant ( vitamin E) respectively. Yolk sac cells were harvested at gestational day 12 from each rat group. Changes in MAPK signaling pathways were detected by western blot analysis using special antibodies directed against phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK). Furthermore, activity of RAF-1, an upstream kinase in ERK1/2 signaling cascade, was evaluated by immunoprecipitation assay. The results showed that in yolk sac cells in embryopathic offspring from experimentally-induced diabetic rats, activities of ERK1/2 were dramatically decreased (group 2). Consisted with these observation, reduction in RAF-1 kinase activity could be discerned in these diabetic yolk sac cells. In contrast, activities of JNK1/2 were significantly increased in yolk sac cells of group 2. Under rescuing circumstance,activations of ERK1/2 and RAF-1 were increased, and JNK1/2 were decreased. MAP kinase signal pathway plays a very important role in hyperglycemia induced neural tube defects. The supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid, and antioxidant vitamin E rescued conceptuses from diabetic embryopathy by triggering a restoration of normal membrane signaling pathways.

Signal transduction of gap junctional genes, connexin32, connexin43 in human hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM

To investigate gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, and signal transduction mechanism of gap junction genes connexin32(cx32),connexin43(cx43) in human hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS

Scarped loading and dye transfer (SLDT) was employed with Lucifer Yellow (LY) to detect GJIC function in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HHCC, SMMC-7721 and normal control liver cell line QZG. After Fluo-3AM loading, laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to measure concentrations of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+))i in the cells. The phosphorylation on tyrosine of connexin proteins was examined by immunoblot.

RESULTS

SLDT showed that ability of GJIC function was higher in QZG cell than that in HHCC and SMMC-7721 cell lines. By laser scanning confocal microscopy, concentrations of intracellular free calcium (Ca(2+))i was much higher in QZG cell line (108.37 nmol/L) than those in HHCC (35.13 nmol/L) and SMMC-7721 (47.08 nmol/L) cells. Western blot suggested that only QZG cells had unphosphorylated tyrosine in Cx32 protein of 32 ku and Cx43 protein of 43 ku; SMMC-7721 cells showed phosphorylated tyrosine Cx43 protein.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that carcinogenesis and development of human hepatocellular carcinoma related with the abnormal expression of cx genes and disorder of its signal transduction pathway, such as decrease of (Ca(2+))i, post-translation phosphorylation on tyrosine of Cx proteins which led to a dramatic disruption of GJIC.

Aberrant patterns of cellular communication in diabetes-induced embryopathy. I. Membrane signalling

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate the role of membrane signalling in the mechanism of diabetes-induced embryopathy.

METHODS

Three groups of 70-90-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were employed in our study: group 1 was normal control rats receiving a normal diet; group 2 represented experimentally induced diabetic rats with malformed offspring (intravenous injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin on pregnancy day 6) and group 3 included streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with normal offspring. Embryos were examined on day 12 under light microscopy, categorized as morphologically normal or defective, and yolk sac cells were harvested from each group. Activities of ERK1 and 2, Raf-1, JNK1 and 2 in yolk sac cells were analyzed by Western blot with primary antibodies specific to the phosphorylated kinases, respectively.

RESULTS

A strong link between hyperglycemia and congenital malformations was confirmed. Key mitogen-activated protein kinases serve as syllabic intermediates: increased activities of Jun-amino-terminal kinase (JNK1 and 2) and decreased activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1 and 2) were observed during hyperglycemia-induced embryopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Poorly controlled maternal diabetes results in embryopathy which is mediated via a pattern of aberrant cellular communication manifested by both macroscopic and microscopic membrane injury.

Expression of gap junction genes connexin32 and connexin43 mRNAs and proteins, and their role in hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM

To investigate the relationship between hepatocarcinogenesis and the expression of connexin32 (cx32), connexin43 (cx43) mRNAs and proteins in vitro.

METHODS

Gap junction genes cx32 and cx43 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HHCC, SMMC-7721 and normal liver cell line QZG were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) with digoxin-labeled cx32, and cx43 cDNA probes. Expression of Cx32 and Cx43 proteins in the cell lines was revealed by indirect immuno-fluorescence and flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS

Blue positive hybridization signals of cx32 and cx43 mRNAs detected by ISH with cx32 and cx43 cDNA probes respectively were located in cytoplasm of cells of HHCC, SMMC-7721 and QZG. No significant difference of either cx32 mRNA or cx43 mRNA was tested among HHCC, SMMC-7721 and QZG (P=2.673, HHCC vs QZG; P=1.375, SMMC-7721 vs QZG). FCM assay showed that the positive rates of Cx32 protein in HHCC, SMMC-7721 and QZG were 0.7%, 1.7% and 99.0%, and the positive rates of Cx43 protein in HHCC, SMMC-7721 and QZG were 7.3%, 26.5% and 99.1% respectively. Significant differences of both Cx32 and Cx43 protein expression existed between hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and normal liver cell line (P=0.0069, HHCC vs QZG; P=0.0087, SMMC-7721 vs QZG). Moreover, the fluorescent intensities of Cx32 and Cx43 proteins in HHCC, SMMC-7721 were lower than that in QZG.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HHCC and SMMC-7721 exhibited lower positive rates and fluorescent intensities of Cx32, Cx43 proteins compared with that of normal liver cell line QZG. It is suggested that lower expression of both Cx32 and Cx43 proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma cells could play pivotal roles in the hepatocarcinogenesis. Besides, genetic defects of cx32 and cx43 in post-translational processing should be considered.

Simvastatin inhibits noradrenaline-induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

1. Oxidative mechanisms have been implicated in neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We and others have shown that a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor preserves endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibits cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. We therefore have examined whether noradrenaline (NA) induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during its induction of neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and whether simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, attenuates ROS production and thus NA-induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. 2. NA increased the intracellular ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase of ROS was significantly inhibited by simvastatin and catalase. Prazosin partially suppressed NA-induced increase of ROS and beating, while preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol completely abolished NA-evoked increase of ROS and beating. Simvastatin did not affect NA-induced increase of beating. 3. The NA-induced increase of protein content was partially suppressed by prazosin and completely abolished by preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol. Simvastatin inhibited the increase of NA-induced increase of RNA content and [(3)H]-leucine incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner. Mevalonic acid (MVA) reversed the inhibition of NA-induced RNA and protein increase by simvastatin. Catalase also inhibited the NA-induced increase of RNA and protein. 4. We conclude that the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on myocyte hypertrophy were associated with its antioxidant effects and inhibition of MVA-metabolism pathway in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. NA-induced increases of intracellular ROS and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy requires both alpha and beta adrenoceptors activation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The increases of ROS induced by NA is required for hypertrophy.

Expression of gap junction genes connexin 32, connexin 43 and their proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma and normal liver tissues

AIM: To investigate the significance and mechanism of cx-32 mRNA, cx-43 mRNA and their proteins in hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS: Sixty-one cases of HCC and 14 cases of normal liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods.

RESULTS: In HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues, the positive rates of Cx32 protein were 55.6%, 42.1%, 18.2% and 92.9%, respectively. The detection rates of Cx43 protein were 44%, 26.3%, 12.1% and 78.6%, respectively. There was significant difference in Cx32 and Cx43 protein between HCC and normal liver tissues (P < 0.01). ISH the positive rates of cx 32 mRNA shown by ISH in HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues were 88.9%, 84.2%, 87.9% and 92.9%, respectively. Those of cx43 mRNA were 77.8%, 78.6%, 78. 8% and 85.7%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the positive rates of cx32 mRNA and cx43 mRNA between HCC and normal liver tissue (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The aberrant location of Cx32 and Cx43 proteins could be responsible for progression of hepatocarcinogenesis, and the defect of cx genes in post-translational processing might be the possible mechanism.

Expression of gap junction genes connexin 32, connexin 43 and their proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma and normal liver tissues

AIM:To investigate the significance and mechanism of cx32 mRNA,cx43 mRNA and their proteins in hepatocarcinogenesis.METHODS:Sixty-one cases of HCC and 14 cases of normal liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods.RESULTS:In HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues, the positive rates of cx32 protein were 55.6%, 42.1%, 18.2% and 92.9%, respectively. The detection rates of cx43 protein were 44.4%, 26.3%, 12.1% and 78.6%,respectively. There was significant difference in cx32 and cx43 protein between HCC and normal liver tissues (P < 0.01). ISH the positive rates of cx 32 mRNA shown by ISH in HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues were 88.9%, 84.2%, 87.9% and 92.9%, respectively.Those of cx43 mRNA were 77.8%, 78.6%, 78.8% and 85.7%,respectively.There was no statistical difference in the positive rates of cx32 mRNA and cx43 mRNA between HCC and normal liver tissue (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:The aberrant location of cx32 and cx43 proteins could be responsible for progression of hepatocar-cinogenesis, and the defect of cx genes in post-translational processing might be the possible mechanism.

Effects of morphine on cerebral blood flow autoregulation CO2-reactivity in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

Previous reports show that naloxone improves ischemic deficits and clinical conditions in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). These observations have raised concern about the routine use of morphine in the treatment of severe headache after SAH. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of morphine on cerebral vasoreactivity after experimental SAH. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation was studied in two groups of eight rats each with experimental SAH. A bolus intravenous injection of morphine, 1 mg/kg, was administered in one group and the other was used as a control group. During eucapnia, CBF was measured by the intracarotid 133Xenon method during decreasing mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). CO2-reactivity was investigated in two corresponding groups where CBF was measured at decreasing PaCO2 levels during constant MABP. Morphine decreased mean baseline CBF by 34% and 26% in the study of autoregulation and CO2-reactivity, respectively. Cerebral blood flow autoregulation was found impaired in both controls and the morphine group. However, the mean slope of the linear regression lines of CBF/MABP was 0.49 +/- 0.32 ml/100g/min/mm Hg in the morphine group, which was significantly lower than 1.24 +/- 0.59 ml/100g/min/mm Hg in the controls (p < 0.05). Also the mean CO2-reactivity was significantly lower, 0.64 +/- 0.53 %/0.1kPa, in the morphine group, compared to 2.36 +/- 0.87 %/0.1kPa in the controls (p < 0.001). The results show that in rats with SAH, morphine partially restores CBF autoregulation but attenuates CO2-reactivity.

Development of a fluorescent focus identification assay using serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies for detection and quantitation of rotaviruses in a tetravalent rotavirus vaccine

A fluorescent focus identification assay (FFIDA) was developed for use in experimental studies and for quantitation of the components in a tetravalent live oral rotavirus vaccine. The assay utilizes four serotype-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to detect and quantify individual rotaviruses by immunofluorescence staining of fixed virus-infected monkey kidney cells. In mixed virus infections, all four MAb, W1 (serotype 1), 1C10 (serotype 2), R1 (serotype 3), and S4 (serotype 4), specifically stain the relevant homologous serotype without exhibiting any cross-reactivity against the other serotypes. Furthermore, the test is sensitive enough to differentiate at least twofold (0.3 log) differences in virus titer. The results of testing four individual experimental vaccine lots three or more consecutive times showed that all four lots contained similar proportions of the four vaccine strains as detected by the classical plaque neutralization identification test. The rapidity and efficiency of the FFIDA are desirable attributes that make it suitable for use in studies requiring identification and quantitation of one or more of the four major rotavirus serotypes.

Anti-CD11b antibody prevents immunopathologic changes in viable moth-eaten bone marrow chimeric mice

The effect of in vivo treatment with anti-CD11b (MAC-1) antibody (Ab) was examined in an inflammatory disease model, the viable moth-eaten (mev) mutant mouse. The autosomal recessive mev gene occurred spontaneously as a point mutation of the hematopoietic cell protein tyrosine phosphatase in C57BL/6 mice. Homozygotes (mev/mev) develop a chronic myelomonocytic inflammation, involving accumulation of myelomonocytic cells in lungs and skin, resulting in interstitial pneumonitis and severe edema in the paws. These mice also exhibit abnormalities in lymphoid development, thymic atrophy, with T cell and NK cell dysfunction. These inflammatory changes are transferrable by bone marrow cells of mev/mev mice, indicating that mev mutation is due to a stem cell defect in the myelomonocytic pathway. An anti-CD-11b (5C6) Ab inhibited the immunopathologic changes in the bone marrow chimeras, when the Ab treatment was initiated on day -1 or day 0 of the bone marrow transplant. The lungs, paws, and thymus all remained normal after treatment. Furthermore, the Ab also delayed the onset of the mev syndromes when the Ab was given 10 days after the bone marrow transfer. Therefore anti-CD11b Ab inhibited inflammation both prophylactically and therapeutically, and restored normal function of T and NK cells in this disease model. These results support the contention that CD11b molecules expressed in the myelomonocytic cells play a critical role in this naturally occurring inflammatory disease.

Anti-CD11b antibody prevents immunopathologic changes in viable moth-eaten bone marrow chimeric mice

The effect of in vivo treatment with anti-CD11b (MAC-1) antibody (Ab) was examined in an inflammatory disease model, the viable moth-eaten (mev) mutant mouse. The autosomal recessive mev gene occurred spontaneously as a point mutation of the hematopoietic cell protein tyrosine phosphatase in C57BL/6 mice. Homozygotes (mev/mev) develop a chronic myelomonocytic inflammation, involving accumulation of myelomonocytic cells in lungs and skin, resulting in interstitial pneumonitis and severe edema in the paws. These mice also exhibit abnormalities in lymphoid development, thymic atrophy, with T cell and NK cell dysfunction. These inflammatory changes are transferrable by bone marrow cells of mev/mev mice, indicating that mev mutation is due to a stem cell defect in the myelomonocytic pathway. An anti-CD-11b (5C6) Ab inhibited the immunopathologic changes in the bone marrow chimeras, when the Ab treatment was initiated on day -1 or day 0 of the bone marrow transplant. The lungs, paws, and thymus all remained normal after treatment. Furthermore, the Ab also delayed the onset of the mev syndromes when the Ab was given 10 days after the bone marrow transfer. Therefore anti-CD11b Ab inhibited inflammation both prophylactically and therapeutically, and restored normal function of T and NK cells in this disease model. These results support the contention that CD11b molecules expressed in the myelomonocytic cells play a critical role in this naturally occurring inflammatory disease.