Recombinant erythropoietin protective and related effects on brain injury in premature infants

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of recombinant erythropoietin at different doses on brain injury in premature infants and the related effects on blood routine, liver function, intellectual development, mental development index (MDI), psychomotor development index (PDI), etc. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 premature infants were divided into four groups, including experimental group A (n=30), experimental group B (n=30), experimental group C (n=30) and control group (n=30). The experimental group was treated with different doses of recombinant erythropoietin for brain injury protection of premature infants, while the control group with conventional methods.

RESULTS

There was no statistical significance in all test indicators of the four groups of patients before the intervention. After the intervention experiment, the S-100B index was p<0.05, and the erythropoietin (EPO) index was p<0.05. In the comparison of IL-6 indicators, the indicators of the experimental group were reduced after the comparison experiment, and there were significant differences, p<0.05. In neonatal behavior evaluation, there was a statistical difference between groups A and B and the control group (p<0.05), and no statistical significance was shown between group C and the control group (p>0.05). In the intelligence test comparison, the F value of the experimental group was 3.113 three months after treatment. After six months, the F value was 3.654. After nine months, the F value was 3.392 with p<0.05. In the comparison of blood routine indicators, the p-values of four indicators between groups were more than 0.05. In the comparison of liver function indexes, the indexes of groups A, B, and C were significantly changed before and after treatment, and the data after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment, p<0.05. In the comparison of development, there were no significant differences observed in the p-values of the two indicators of vigorous exercise and language in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant erythropoietin has a protective effect on infants with brain injury and can improve the intellectual development of premature infants, but has no significant effect on blood routine indicators. It can effectively improve the MDI, PDI, and related cytokines of premature infants, and has certain significance for the treatment of brain injury.

Analysis of Delta(9) fatty acid desaturase gene family and their role in oleic acid accumulation in Carya cathayensis kernel

Carya cathayensis, commonly referred to as Chinese hickory, produces nuts that contain high-quality edible oils, particularly oleic acid (18:1). It is known that stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD) is the first key step converting stearic acid (C18:0, SA) to oleic acid (C18:1, OA) in the aminolevulinic acid (ALA) biosynthetic pathway and play an important role in OA accumulation. Thus far, there is little information about SAD gene family in C. cathayensis and the role of individual members in OA accumulation. This study searched the Chinese Hickory Genome Database and identified five members of SAD genes, designated as CcSADs, at the whole genome level through the comparison with the homologous genes from Arabidopsis. RNA-Seq analysis showed that CcSSI2-1, CcSSI2-2, and CcSAD6 were highly expressed in kernels. The expression pattern of CcSADs was significantly correlated with fatty acid accumulation during the kernel development. In addition, five full-length cDNAs encoding SADs were isolated from the developing kernel of C. cathayensis. CcSADs-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion construct was infiltrated into tobacco epidermal cells, and results indicated their chloroplast localization. The catalytic function of these CcSADs was further analyzed by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Nicotiana benthamiana, and walnut. Functional analysis demonstrated that all CcSADs had fatty acid desaturase activity to catalyze oleic acid biosynthesis. Some members of CcSADs also have strong substrate specificity for 16:0-ACP to synthesize palmitoleic acid (C16:1, PA). Our study documented SAD gene family in C. cathayensis and the role of CcSSI2-1, CcSSI2-2, and CcSAD6 in OA accumulation, which could be important for future improvement of OA content in this species via genetic manipulation.

WRINKLED1 Positively Regulates Oil Biosynthesis in Carya cathayensis

Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) is a kind of important woody oil tree species, and its nut has high nutritional value. Previous gene coexpression analysis showed that WRINKLED1 (WRI1) may be a core regulator during embryo oil accumulation in hickory. However, its specific regulatory mechanism on hickory oil biosynthesis has not been investigated. Herein, two hickory orthologs of WRI1 (CcWRI1A and CcWRI1B) containing two AP2 domains with AW-box binding sites and three intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) but lacking the PEST motif in the C-terminus were characterized. They are nucleus-located and have self-activated ability. The expression of these two genes was tissue-specific and relatively high in the developing embryo. Notably, CcWRI1A and CcWRI1B can restore the low oil content, shrinkage phenotype, composition of fatty acid, and expression of oil biosynthesis pathway genes of Arabidopsis wri1-1 mutant seeds. Additionally, CcWRI1A/B were shown to modulate the expression of some fatty acid biosynthesis genes in the transient expression system of nonseed tissues. Transcriptional activation analysis further indicated that CcWRI1s directly activated the expression of SUCROSE SYNTHASE2 (SUS2), PYRUVATE KINASE β SUBUNIT 1 (PKP-β1), and BIOTIN CARBOXYL CARRIER PROTEIN2 (BCCP2) involved in oil biosynthesis. These results suggest that CcWRI1s can promote oil synthesis by upregulating some late glycolysis- and fatty acid biosynthesis-related genes. This work reveals the positive function of CcWRI1s in oil accumulation and provides a potential target for improving plant oil by bioengineering technology.

[Current status and challenges of anticoagulation management in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]

The anticoagulant management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) is facing great challenges. Complications related to the coagulation system such as bleeding or embolism are one of the main factors affecting the mortality of patients. How to control the dynamic balance between thrombosis and bleeding complications has become the top priority of ECMO management. This article reviews the coagulation changes during ECMO support, how to choose appropriate anticoagulant drugs and anticoagulation monitoring methods, aiming to explore the best anticoagulation strategy for ECMO patients.

POS1558-HPR INFLUENCING FACTORS ON WORK BURNOUT OF PRE-EXAMINATION AND TRIAGE NURSES UNDER THE NORMAL EPIDEMIC PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Background

Nurse is a high-risk groups work fatigue feeling, which seriously affects the quality of conventional work efficiency and bureden pressures for contradiction between nurses and patients especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Normalized epidemic prevention and control during the preview triage nurse need to all patients to the hospital and the accompanying personnel carries on the preliminary screening.COVID-19 fixed point hospital preview triage nurse with an infected person contact, more prone to anxiety,depression, results in the decrease of efficiency, to treat the service object formulation work sense of fatigue performance, etc.

Objectives

To explore the influencing factors of work burnout of pre-test and triage nurses under normal epidemic prevention and control.

Methods

A total of 110 pre-test and triage nurses from 4 Grade-A hospitals in Shanxi Province were enrolled in this study. The general data questionnaire, Nurse Job Burnout Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were investigated towork burnout of pre-examination and triage nurses. Comparison between groups using two Independent sample t-test and single factor variance analysis. Multiple regression were applied to analysis factors affecting nurse fatigue feeling dimensions by SPSS22.0. P values<0.05 were considered significant.

Results

As shown in Table 1, different professional title, department, and the sleep quality of preview triage nurses emotional exhaustion dimension comparison(P<0.001), different department nurses to personalized level dimension comparison(P<0.05), nurse personal accomplishment dimension comparison of different cultural levels(P<0.05). Professional title, working department, sleep quality and educational level were the influencing factors of job burnout of pre-test and triage nurses.

Table 1.

Univariate analysis of job burnout of pre-examination triage nurses from different dimensions.

ItemNumberJob BurnoutEmotional exhaustionDepersonalizationPersonal accomplishmentscoreF(t)PscoreF(t)PscoreF(t)Pgender0.0200.8880.1620.6890.3190.575 female10020.10±13.676.98±6.1528.40±13.41 male1021.00±12.088.20±9.5225.98±8.70age(year)5.5110.0074.1430.0210.7500.477 18~253020.33±12.408.40±7.3328.07±6.97 26~304013.60±11.624.00±3.5526.65±10.70 31~404027.00±13.489.20±6.9924.35±8.79marriage-0.9390.352-1.1550.2530.6150.541 unmarried5218.38±13.306.04±6.4027.00±9.99 married5821.79±13.578.03±6.4025.48±8.29job title5.7390.0062.3200.1080.6110.547 junior nurse5216.12±12.945.96±5.9827.26±8.33 senior nurse3819.68±12.536.63±6.1426.50±10.62 supervisor nurse2031.70±10.3810.90±7.2223.40±5.60work experience(year)1.2770.2920.9380.4290.6590.581 ＜12024.80±15.877.60±6.9827.90±5.67 1 ~32418.42±12.056.33±6.5124.25±13.00 4 ~93416.00±10.535.47±6.0324.69±9.16 10 ~203223.06±15.109.06±6.4328.00±7.46department-3.8750.000-2.3370.0230.4010.690 out-patient5413.81±10.505.11±4.3826.70±10.65 emergency5626.32±13.239.00±7.5025.71±7.42average working time per day(hour)0.7910.4591.1250.3322.1730.124 6~6.91815.33±7.925.11±5.2830.56±8.35 7~7.94420.26±13.616.43±7.2827.09±9.33 ≥84822.00±14.888.52±5.8123.61±8.62education degree-0.6430.523-1.0000.3222.4650.017 junior college1816.00±14.764.00±5.4836.50±8.43 college9220.51±13.427.33±6.4725.39±8.70SAS(score)2.0800.0421.6370.1080.4980.621 ≤503417.74±12.716.16±5.3327.12±8.74 >507625.65±13.759.18±8.1625.79±9.31SDS(score)0.2400.8110.8250.4130.4280.671 ≤507219.58±12.946.11±3.9626.58±9.66 >503820.50±13.857.61±7.4025.47±8.05PSQI(score)2.3790.0212.0290.047-0.5210.604 ≤74017.06±12.175.80±4.9826.69±9.33 >77025.65±14.089.35±8.0225.35±8.79

Conclusion

In the COVID-19 epidemic, managers should pay more attention to the main factors that affect the sense of exhaustion of pre-test and triage nurses, and take targeted intervention measures to alleviate the sense of exhaustion of nurses, so as to ensure the safety of nursing.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82001740).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis of developing embryo reveals the mechanisms underlying the high levels of oil accumulation in Carya cathayensis Sarg

Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) is an extraordinary nut-bearing deciduous arbor with high content of oil in its embryo. However, the molecular mechanism underlying high oil accumulation is mostly unknown. Here, we reported that the lipid droplets and oil accumulation gradually increased with the embryo development and the oil content was up to ~76% at maturity. Furthermore, transcriptome and proteome analysis of developing hickory embryo identified 32,907 genes and 9857 proteins. Time-series analysis of gene expressions showed that these genes were divided into 12 clusters and lipid metabolism-related genes were enriched in Cluster 3, with the highest expression levels at 95 days after pollination (S2). Differentially expressed genes and proteins indicated high correlation, and both were enriched in the lipid metabolism. Notably, the genes involved in biosynthesis, transport of fatty acid/lipid and lipid droplets formation had high expression levels at S2, while the expression levels of other genes required for suberin/wax/cutin biosynthesis and lipid degradation were very low at all the sampling time points, ultimately promoting the accumulation of oil. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis also verified the results of RNA-seq. The co-regulatory networks of lipid metabolism were further constructed and WRINKLED1 (WRI1) was a core transcriptional factor located in the nucleus. Of note, CcWRI1A/B could directly activate the expression of some genes (CcBCCP2A, CcBCCP2B, CcFATA and CcFAD3) required for fatty acid synthesis. These results provided in-depth evidence for revealing the molecular mechanism of high oil accumulation in hickory embryo.

Global Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Molecular Regulation Mechanism of Pigment and Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism During the Stigma Development of Carya cathayensis

Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) is a monoecious plant of the genus Carya of the Juglandaceae family. Its nuts contain a number of nutritional compounds and are deeply loved by consumers. Interestingly, it was observed that the color of hickory stigma changed obviously from blooming to mature. However, the molecular mechanism underlying color formation during stigma development and the biological significance of this phenomenon was mostly unknown. In this work, pigment content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal capacity, and transcriptome analysis of developing stigma of hickory at 4 differential sampling time points (S1, S2, S3, and S4) were performed to reveal the dynamic changes of related pigment, antioxidant capacity, and its internal molecular regulatory mechanism. It was found that total chlorophyll content was decreased slightly from S1 to S4, while total carotenoids content was increased from S1 to S3 but decreased gradually from S3 to S4. Total anthocyanin content continued to increase during the four periods of stigma development, reaching the highest level at the S4. Similarly, the antioxidant capacity of stigma was also gradually improved from S1 to S4. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of developing hickory stigma identified 31,027 genes. Time-series analysis of gene expressions showed that these genes were divided into 12 clusters. Cluster 5 was enriched with some genes responsible for porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, carotenoid metabolism, and photosynthesis. Meanwhile, cluster 10 was enriched with genes related to flavonoid metabolism, including anthocyanin involved in ROS scavenging, and its related genes were mainly distributed in cluster 12. Based on the selected threshold values, a total of 10432 differentially expressed genes were screened out and enriched in the chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin, and ROS metabolism. The expression trends of these genes provided plausible explanations for the dynamic change of color and ROS level of hickory stigma with development. qRT-PCR analyses were basically consistent with the results of RNA-seq. The gene co-regulatory networks of pigment and ROS metabolism were further constructed and MYB113 (CCA0887S0030) and WRKY75 (CCA0573S0068) were predicted to be two core transcriptional regulators. These results provided in-depth evidence for revealing the molecular mechanism of color formation in hickory stigma and its biological significance.

Comparison analysis of widely-targeted metabolomics revealed the variation of potential astringent ingredients and their dynamic accumulation in the seed coats of both Carya cathayensis and Carya illinoinensis

Pecan and hickory nuts are two of consumers' favorite ones. Pecan seeds can be eaten fresh, while hickory ones must remove astringency before eating. Here, we reported that total phenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins of hickory seeds were reduced after de-astringent treatments. They gradually increased with development, showing higher levels in hickory seed coat at mid-late periods than that in pecan's. Widely-targeted metabonomics analysis of developing testa identified 424 kinds of components, including 101, 38, 58, 27 classes of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, organic acids and others, showing 16 different changing trends. Notably, most kinds of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and phenolic acids at maturity were more than that of pecan's, while oligomeric condensed tannins were opposite. Gene expression analysis provided further explanations for their dynamic accumulation. These results unraveled potential astringent components in hickory testa and preliminary molecular mechanisms of their dynamic changes, offering theoretical basis for the targeted de-astringency.

Analysis of lipidomics profile of Carya cathayensis nuts and lipid dynamic changes during embryonic development

Hickory (Carya cathayensis) nuts contain higher amount of lipids, and possess high nutritional value and substantial health benefits. However, their lipid composition and dynamic changes during embryogenesis have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, lipidomics profile and lipid dynamic changes during embryonic development were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Totally, 544 kinds of lipids were identified in mature hickory nuts with higher proportions of glycerolipids (59.94%) and glycerophospholipids (38.66%). Notably, diacylglycerols showed gradual uptrends, which corresponded with total glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid at middle and late stage of embryogenesis, suggesting the pivotal role of diacylglycerols in the accumulation of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. Moreover, triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines had high relative content with abundance of unsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, localized mainly at sn-2 lipid position. Together, our study provides innovative perspectives for studying the nutritional benefits of hickory nut lipids.

Genome-Wide Identification of Tannase Genes and Their Function of Wound Response and Astringent Substances Accumulation in Juglandaceae

Tannins are important polyphenol compounds with different component proportions in different plant species. The plants in the Juglandaceae are rich in tannins, including condensed tannins and hydrolyzable tannins. In this study, we identified seven tannase genes (TAs) responsible for the tannin metabolism from walnut, pecan, and Chinese hickory, and three nut tree species in the Juglandaceae, which were divided into two groups. The phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that TA genes and neighboring clade genes (TA-like genes) had similar sequences compared with other carboxylesterase genes, which may be the origin of TA genes produced by tandem repeat. TA genes also indicated higher expressions in leaf than other tissues and were quickly up-regulated at 3 h after leaf injury. During the development of the seed coat, the expression of the synthesis-related gene GGTs and the hydrolase gene TAs was continuously decreased, resulting in the decrease of tannin content in the dry sample of the seed coat of Chinese hickory. However, due to the reduction in water content during the ripening process, the tannin content in fresh sample increased, so the astringent taste was obvious at the mature stage. In addition, the CcGGTs' expression was higher than CiGGTs in the initiation of development, but CcTAs continued to be down-regulated while CiTA2a and CiTA2b were up-regulated, which may bring about the significant differences in tannin content and astringent taste between Chinese hickory and pecan. These results suggested the crucial role of TAs in wound stress of leaves and astringent ingredient accumulation in seed coats of two nut tree species in the Juglandaceae.

[Validity and reliability of physical activity questionnaires in children and adolescents: a Meta-analysis]

Objective: This review is to systematically summarize the studies examining physical activity questionnaires in children and adolescents and assess the overall validity and reliability, providing evidence on epidemiology research of physical activity in youth. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. PubMed/Medline and EMBASE databases using the following terms:'Physical Activity'AND (' Questionnaire'OR'Self-report'OR'Recall') AND'Valid*'AND (' Reliab*'OR'Reproducib*'OR'Sensitiv*'OR'Responsiv*') AND (' Child*' OR'Adolescen*'OR'Youth') were searched from January 2008 to December 2018. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were screened and adopting 'COnsensusbased Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments' to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Results: This review yielded 17 articles on 20 different physical activity questionnaires, the total number of 2 778 participants for validity study and 2 137 participants for reliability study. The combined values of correlation coefficients in validity study were 0.27 (95%CI: 0.23-0.31) for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, 0.24 (95%CI: 0.18-0.30) for moderate intensity physical activity, 0.33 (95%CI: 0.24-0.42) for vigorous intensity physical activity. The combined values of intraclass correlation coefficients in reliability study were 0.75 (95%CI: 0.68-0.83) for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, 0.56 (95%CI: 0.46-0.65) for moderate intensity physical activity, 0.68 (95%CI: 0.61-0.75) for vigorous intensity physical activity. Conclusion: Until now, no questionnaires were identified for good validity and reliability to assess the physical activity level in young population.

[Assessment on the capacity for prevention and control programs for chronic non-communicable diseases in China, in 2014]

Objective: To assess the capacity of prevention and control on chronic non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in China. Methods: On-line questionnaire survey was adopted by 3 395 CDCs at provincial, municipal and county (district) levels and 3 000 primary health care units, and assess on capacity of policy, infrastructure, capacity of training and guidance, cooperation, surveillance, intervention and management, assessment and scientific research from September 2014 to March 2015. Results: (1) Capacity of policy: 23 (71.9%) provincial, 139 (40.6%) municipal and 919 (31.2%) county (district) governments or health administrative departments had existing plans for prevention and control of NCDs. (2) Capacity of infrastructure: 25 (78.1%) provincial, 136 (39.8%) municipal and 529 (18.0%) county (district) CDCs had set up departments dedicated to the prevention and control of NCDs, with 9 787 staff members, accounting for 5.0% of the total CDC personnel, working on NCDs prevention and control programs. 68.1% of the CDCs had special funding set for NCDs prevention and control. (3) Capacity of training and guidance: 2 485 CDCs (74.9%) held all kinds of training on prevention and control of NCDs. 2 571 (87.3%) CDCs at the county (district) level provided technical guidance for primary health care units. (4) Capacity of cooperation: 42.0% of the CDCs had experiences collaborating with the mass media. (5) Capacity of surveillance: 73.8% of the CDCs had set up programs for death registration while less than 50.0% of the CDCs had implemented surveillance programs on major NCDs and related risk factors. In terms of primary health care units, 32.4% of them had set up reporting system for newly developed stroke case and 29.9% of them having programs on myocardial infarction case reporting. (6) Capacity of intervention and management: 69.1% and 68.2% of the CDCs conducted individualized intervention programs on hypertension and diabetes, while less than 40.0% CDCs conducting intervention programs on other NCDs and risk factors. More than 90.0% of the primary health care units carried out follow-up surveys on hypertension and diabetes. However, only 17.4% and 13.7% of the CDCs working on hypertension and diabetes patient management programs while 83.7% and 80.4%, of them following the standardized guidelines for management, with successful rates of control as 59.2% and 55.2%, respectively. (7) Capacity of assessment: 32.4% of the CDCs or health administrations carried out evaluation programs related to the responses on NCDs. (8) Capacity of scientific research: the capacity on scientific research among provincial CDCs was apparently higher than that at the municipal or county (district) CDCs. Conclusions: Compared with the results of previous two surveys, the capacity on policies set for the prevention and control programs improved continuously, at all level NCDs, but remained relatively weak, especially at both county (district) and primary health care units.

[Technical specification for clinical application of critical ultrasonography]

Critical ultrasonography(CUS) is different from the traditional diagnostic ultrasound, the examiner and interpreter of the image are critical care medicine physicians. The core content of CUS is to evaluate the pathophysiological changes of organs and systems and etiology changes. With the idea of critical care medicine as the soul, it can integrate the above information and clinical information, bedside real-time diagnosis and titration treatment, and evaluate the therapeutic effect so as to improve the outcome. CUS is a traditional technique which is applied as a new application method. The consensus of experts on critical ultrasonography in China released in 2016 put forward consensus suggestions on the concept, implementation and application of CUS. It should be further emphasized that the accurate and objective assessment and implementation of CUS requires the standardization of ultrasound image acquisition and the need to establish a CUS procedure. At the same time, the standardized training for CUS accepted by critical care medicine physicians requires the application of technical specifications, and the establishment of technical specifications is the basis for the quality control and continuous improvement of CUS. Chinese Critical Ultrasound Study Group and Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collabration Group, based on the rich experience of clinical practice in critical care and research, combined with the essence of CUS, to learn the traditional ultrasonic essence, established the clinical application technical specifications of CUS, including in five parts: basic view and relevant indicators to obtain in CUS; basic norms for viscera organ assessment and special assessment; standardized processes and systematic inspection programs; examples of CUS applications; CUS training and the application of qualification certification. The establishment of applied technology standard is helpful for standardized training and clinical correct implementation. It is helpful for clinical evaluation and correct guidance treatment, and is also helpful for quality control and continuous improvement of CUS application.

Abstract P3-03-14: ERα propelled drug-resistance-facilitating global DNA hypermethylation by promoting the DNMT1 gene expression

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Gemcitabine in combination with intraperitoneal cisplatin in advanced hepatobiliary cancers

e15666

Background: Standard chemotherapy for advanced hepatobiliary cancers remains undefined. This study was to observe the therapeutic effect of gemcitabine combined with intraperitoneal cisplatin for the treatment of advanced hepatobiliary cancers and analyze their toxicities. Methods: Patients with measurable hepatobiliary cancers were unrandomized into gemcitabine (GEM) + cisplatin (DDP) (GEM group) and epirubicin (EPI) + DDP (EPI group). GEM was used intravenously by infusion for 30 min with the dose to 1,000 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8; cisplatin was infused intraperitoneal with a dose of 25mg/m2 on day1, 3 and 5. Twenty-one days counted as one cycle. After 2 cycles, treatment efficacy and adverse events were evaluated according to WHO criteria. Results: A total of 76 patients were enrolled from May 2004 to May 2006, with 30 patients for EPI group and 46 patients for GEM group, and all the patients were eligible for effectiveness analysis. Among GEM group patients, there was no complete response. The partial response rate was 32.61% and clinical benefit response (CR+ PR +SD) was 67.39%. All those data mentioned above were significantly higher than that of EPI group. The main adverse re-ction was hematologic toxicity, while nonhematologic toxicity was mild. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that combination gemcitabine with intraperitoneal infusion of cisplatin was an effective and safety treatment for the patients with advanced hepatobiliary cancers.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The impact of CVB3 infection on host cell biology

CVB3 myocarditis can lead to dilated cardiomyopath (DCM). DCM is one of the leading causes of the need for heart transplantation, so it is important to understand the life cycle of CVB3 and its interactions with the host cell. Infection causes rapid death of host cardiomyocytes by altering normal cellular homeostasis for the efficient release of progeny virion. In this chapter, we will examine the impact that CVB3 replication has on host cell biology, from events that take place at receptor ligation to progeny virus release. The primary focus will be on the myriad of signalling pathways that are activated at all stages of virus replication and their downstream effects. We will also discuss some of the extracellular effects of infection as well as immune and matrixmetalloprotease activation. Interactions of host cell proteins with the 5' untranslated region (UTR) are required for translation and replication of CVB3. These interactions do not always benefit the virus since the interactions of a 28-kDa host protein with the 5' UTR are thought to be responsible for inhibitory activity against CVB3. Finally, we will discuss how the elucidation of the different stages of replication has provided the opportunity to develop novel strategies for combating CVB3 infection.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta suppresses coxsackievirus-induced cytopathic effect and apoptosis via stabilization of beta-catenin

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a common human pathogen for viral myocarditis, induces a direct cytopathic effect (CPE) and apoptosis on infected cells. To elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to these processes, we studied the role of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). GSK3beta activity was significantly increased after CVB3 infection and addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors blocked CVB3-triggered GSK3beta activation. Inhibition of caspase activity had no inhibitory effect on CVB3-induced CPE; however, blockage of GSK3beta activation attenuated both CVB3-induced CPE and apoptosis. We further showed that CVB3 infection resulted in reduced beta-catenin protein expression, and GSK3beta inhibition led to the accumulation and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin. Finally, we found that CVB3-induced CPE and apoptosis were significantly reduced in cells stably overexpressing beta-catenin. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CVB3 infection stimulates GSK3beta activity via a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism, which contributes to CVB3-induced CPE and apoptosis through dysregulation of beta-catenin.

Interaction of farnesylated PRL-2, a protein-tyrosine phosphatase, with the beta-subunit of geranylgeranyltransferase II

Protein of regenerating liver (PRL)-1, -2, and -3 comprise a subgroup of closely related protein-tyrosine phosphatases featuring a C-terminal prenylation motif conforming to either the consensus sequence for farnesylation, CAAX, or geranylgeranylation, CCXX. Yeast two-hybrid screening for PRL-2-interacting proteins identified the beta-subunit of Rab geranylgeranyltransferase II (betaGGT II). The specific interaction of betaGGT II with PRL-2 but not with PRL-1 or -3 occurred in yeast and HeLa cells. Chimeric PRL-1/-2 molecules were tested for their interaction with betaGGT II, and revealed that the C-terminal region of PRL-2 is required for interaction, possibly the PRL variable region immediately preceeding the CAAX box. Additionally, PRL-2 prenylation is prequisite for betaGGT II binding. As prenylated PRL-2 is localized to the early endosome, we propose that this is where the interaction occurs. PRL-2 is not a substrate for betaGGT II, as isoprenoid analysis showed that PRL-2 was solely farnesylated in vivo. Co-expression of the alpha-subunit (alpha) of GGT II, betaGGT II, and PRL-2 resulted in alpha/betaGGT II heterodimer formation and prevented PRL-2 binding. Expression of PRL-2 alone inhibited the endogenous alpha/betaGGT II activity in HeLa cells. Together, these results indicate that the binding of alphaGGT II and PRL-2 to betaGGT II is mutually exclusive, and suggest that PRL-2 may function as a regulator of GGT II activity.

Expression and significance of cell cycle-related proteins Cyclin Dl, CDK4, p27, E2F-l and Ets-1 in chondrosarcoma of the jaws

To elucidate the expression and significance of cell cycle-associated proteins in chondrosarcoma of the jaws, Cyclin Dl, CDK4, p27, E2F-l and Ets-l expressions were examined in chondrosarcoma and osteochondroma of the jaws by immunohistochemical ABC method. The results demonstrated that Cyclin Dl, CDK4, p27, E2F-1 and Ets-1 were positive 75% (15 of 20), 60% (12 of 20), 25% (5 of 20), 65% (13 of 20) and 60% (12 of 20) in chondrosarcoma of the jaws, respectively. There was no remarkable difference in the expression of these proteins among histological grades of the chondrosarcoma (P>0.05). In osteochondroma of the jaws, CDK4 and E2F with an equal positivity of 12.5% (1 of 8), whereas p27 was positive 75% (6 of 8). None of the osteochondroma cases was immunohistochemically positive for Cycin Dl and Ets-1. In addition, the positive rate of Cyclin Dl, CDK4, E2F-l and Ets-1 proteins was significantly higher, whereas p27 was lower in chondrosarcoma than in osteochondroma of the jaws (P<0.05). These data show that the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins is altered in chondrosarcoma of the jaws: cyclin Dl, CDK4, E2F-1 and Ets-1 are over-expressed and p27 is low-expressed.

[The ultrastructure of bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene transfected human periodontal ligament fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the ultrastructure of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) gene transfected human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs).

METHODS

An expression vector for BMP-2 was transfected into HPDLFs by using Lipofect AMINE. The stable expression of BMP-2 was determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The ultrastructure of the transfected cells was examined by transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

The results showed that the BMP-2 gene transfected cells showed expansive endoplasmic reticulum, incremental myelin sheath-like figures and matrix vesicles. The collagenous fibrillae was distributed widely intercellular.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggests that BMP-2 gene transfection tends to accelerate HPDLFs into osteoblast-like cells.

[The biological effects of transforming growth factor-beta on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the biological effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs).

METHODS

HPDLFs were primary cultured and examined for the effects of TGF-beta on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules.

RESULTS

TGF-beta(0.0050-0.1000 mg/L) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was elevated evidently by 0.0050 mg/L TGF-beta. TGF-beta (0.0005-0.1000 mg/L) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of TGF-beta on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-beta can stimulate HPDLFs to express some of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the abilility to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype.

Prenylation-dependent association of protein-tyrosine phosphatases PRL-1, -2, and -3 with the plasma membrane and the early endosome

PRL-1, -2, and -3 represent a novel class of protein-tyrosine phosphatase with a C-terminal prenylation motif. Although PRL-1 has been suggested to be associated with the nucleus, the presence of three highly homologous members and the existence of a prenylation motif call for a more detailed examination of their subcellular localization. In the present study, we first demonstrate that mouse PRL-1, -2, and -3 are indeed prenylated. Examination of N-terminal epitope-tagged PRL-1, -2, and -3 expressed in transiently transfected cells suggests that PRL-1, -2, and -3 are present on the plasma membrane and intracellular punctate structures. Stable Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing PRL-1 and -3 in an inducible manner were established. When cells were treated with brefeldin A, PRL-1 and -3 accumulated in a collapsed compact structure around the microtubule-organizing center. Furthermore, PRL-1 and -3 redistributed into swollen vacuole-like structures when cells were treated with wortmannin. These characteristics of PRL-1 and -3 are typical for endosomal proteins. Electron microscope immunogold labeling reveals that PRL-1 and -3 are indeed associated with the plasma membrane and the early endosomal compartment. Expression of PRL-3 is detected in the epithelial cells of the small intestine, where PRL-3 is present in punctate structures in the cytoplasm. When cells are treated with FTI-277, a selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor, PRL-1, -2, and -3 shifted into the nucleus. Furthermore, a mutant form of PRL-2 lacking the C-terminal prenylation signal is associated with the nucleus. These results establish that the primary association of PRL-1, -2, and -3 with the membrane of the cell surface and the early endosome is dependent on their prenylation and that nuclear localization of these proteins may be triggered by a regulatory event that inhibits their prenylation.

[Effects of TGF beta on BMP-2 gene transfection cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism of bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) and transforming growth factor beta(TGF beta) on cell differentiation.

METHODS

A phagemid expression vector for human BMP-2 (pBK-B2) was constructed and transfected into the NIH3T3 cells by using lipofectamine. Positive cell clones were selected with G418. The stable transfection and expression of BMP-2 were determined by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry methods. The proliferativity of the transfected cells treated with TGF beta were assayed by MTT method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) production were also measured.

RESULTS

The proliferation of the transfected cells was stimulated after being treated with TGF beta (50 ng/ml). But the ALP activity and OC production were inhibited.

CONCLUSION

The effects of TGF beta are closely related to many factors, and BMP and TGF beta may be synergistic in cell proliferation and differentiation.

Bezafibrate, an anti-hypertriglyceridemic drug, attenuates vascular hyperresponsiveness and elevated blood pressure in fructose-induced hypertensive rats

A high fructose diet induces hypertension, hyperinsulinemia - insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia (syndrome X). In this study, we investigated the role of an abnormal lipid profile in mediating fructose-induced hypertension. We hypothesized that bezafibrate, a lipid-lowering drug, would reduce elevated blood pressure and inhibit increased vascular reactivity in fructose-fed rats. Male rats were placed on four different diets: group 1 was fed standard chow (n = 6); group 2 was fed 60% fructose (n = 5); group 3 was fed fructose plus bezafibrate (30 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1); drinking water; n = 5); and group 4 was fed standard chow plus bezafibrate (n = 6). In addition, the direct effects of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) on vascular reactivity were examined. Bezafibrate treatment lowered blood pressure, free fatty acids, and triglycerides in the fructose-fed group, suggesting that lipid abnormalities play a role in the elevation of blood pressure in the fructose-induced hypertensive rat. Aortae from fructose-fed rats were hyperresponsive to the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644, which was normalized with bezafibrate treatment. Incubation of aortae in a VLDL medium resulted in increased responsiveness to Bay K 8644, lending further support to lipid abnormalities altering vascular reactivity. An altered lipid profile evidenced by elevated triglycerides and free fatty acids is causally related to the development of high blood pressure and increased vascular reactivity in the fructose-induced hypertensive rat.

Effect of amiloride analogs on DOCA-salt-induced hypertension in rats

Intracerebroventricular infusions of an amiloride analog, benzamil, reduce blood pressure in several rat models of hypertension. This effect has been attributed to an inhibition of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels in the brain. This study examines whether intracerebroventricular benzamil would prevent the onset of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertension in rats and whether this effect correlates with an inhibition of ion transport through the known amiloride-sensitive cation channels at the blood-brain barrier. We also examine whether the effects of benzamil on blood pressure are mediated by a Na+ channel by comparing the effects of different amiloride analogs. Benzamil (0.15 and 0.5 microgram/h icv) did significantly attenuate the increase in blood pressure induced by DOCA treatment. This antihypertensive effect, however, was not associated with an alteration in a blood-brain barrier ion transport as assessed by measurements of blood-to-brain 22Na transport and cerebral spinal fluid Na+ and K+ concentrations. Indeed, intracerebroventricular infusion of dimethyl amiloride, an amiloride analog with low affinity for Na+ channels, also attenuated the increase in blood pressure induced by DOCA-salt treatment. Comparisons of the effects of benzamil, dimethyl amiloride, and 3,4-dichlorobenzamil, another amiloride analog, suggest that these antihypertensive effects are mediated by an inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the brain.

Endothelium dependent and independent relaxations induced by ceramide in vascular smooth muscles

The second messenger of sphingomyelin signaling, ceramide, acts as an intracellular signal via phosphatase activation and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition. We tested the hypothesis that ceramide may have an regulatory role in determining vascular tone. Natural ceramide was applied to phenylephrine precontracted aortic rings from Sprague-Dawley rats in an organ bath. In endothelium-intact aortic rings, concentrations of ceramide at 10(-6) and 10(-5) mole/L induced 24 +/- 6 and 52 +/- 7% relaxation, respectively. Removal of the endothelium significantly inhibited ceramide-induced relaxation to 13 +/- 5% (10(-6) mole/L) and 29 +/- 5% (10(-5) mole/L). Similar inhibition was observed in endothelium-intact aortic rings pretreated with N omega-nitro-L-arginine (10(-4) mole/L) or methylene blue (10(-5) mole/L), suggesting that endothelium-derived nitric oxide is involved in ceramide-induced relaxation. N-acetylsphingosine (C2-ceramide), N-hexanoylsphingosine (C6-ceramide), N-palmitoylsphingosine (C16-ceramide) and D-sphingosine all demonstrated dose-dependent relaxation responses in endothelium-intact vessels. Sphingomyelin signaling through the nitric oxide-dependent mechanism may have an important role in regulating vascular tone.

[Effects of human BMP2 gene transfection on NIH3T3 cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on cell differentiation and to provide basis for BMP gene therapy.

METHODS

A phagemid expression vector for human BMP2 (pBK-B2) was constructed and transfected into the NIH3T3 cells by using Lipofect AMINE. Positive cell clones were selected with G-418. The stable transfection, expression and secretion of hBMP2 were determined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and sandwich-in ELISA methods. The proliferativity of the transfected cells were assayed by methabenzthiazuron (MTT) method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) production were also measured in the transfected cells.

RESULTS

The results showed that cell proliferation was inhibited after the transfection with hBMP2 gene. But the transfected cells showed increased ALP activity and OC production.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that BMP2 is expressed stably and efficiently in the NIH3T3 cells and is involved in inducing differentiation of NIH3T3 cells into osteoblast-like cells.

Induction of new bone by ceramic bovine bone with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and transforming growth factor beta

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) has the ability to induce ectopic bone, while the action of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is to stimulate proliferation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes as well as the production of extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to study their synergistic actions in bone formation. Three kinds of complexes, recombinant human BMP2 (rhBMP2), TGF beta and rhBMP2/TGF beta in ceramic bovine bone (CBB), were made and then implanted into the thigh muscle pouches of mice. The histological reactions of the implanted areas were studied at intervals of 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 days. The results showed that, except for the implants with TGF beta alone, both rhBMP2 and rhBMP2/TGF beta implants exhibited new ectopic bone formation. The morphometric study revealed that the quantity of newly formed bone induced by rhBMP2/TGF beta was obviously greater than by rhBMP2 alone. These results indicate that TGF beta in combination with BMP may enhance formation of ectopic bone.

Fructose perfusion in rat mesenteric arteries impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation

We demonstrated that the fructose-induced hypertensive rat, representative of the principal metabolic abnormalities found in a majority of hypertensive patients, i.e. hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance (Syndrome X), is associated with an impaired response to endothelium-dependent vasodilators and that fructose may directly contribute to this impairment. Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, one given 10% fructose (n=6); the other no fructose (n=6) for 40 days in the drinking water. Systolic blood pressure was measured via the tail cuff method. Perfusion pressure responses to acetylcholine, were measured in the isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed. Constrictor or dilator responses were measured as increases or decreases, respectively, of the perfusion pressure at a constant flow (4 ml/min). Fructose-fed rats had significantly higher blood pressure, insulin and triglyceride levels than control animals. In phenylephrine constricted beds, the endothelium-dependent dilatation to acetylcholine (0.001 to 1 micromol) was attenuated in the fructose-fed group compared to control animals. Whether this abnormality results from the syndromes (hyperinsulinemia, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia) associated with the fructose-fed animal model is unknown. We therefore hypothesized that fructose can impair the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response. This was evaluated by perfusing mesenteric arteries from normal rats with control mannitol (40 mM) or fructose (40 mM). Endothelium-dependent dilation to acetylcholine was impaired in fructose-perfused mesenteric arteries. Indomethacin restored the vasodilator response to acetylcholine, suggesting that a cyclooxygenase derivative mediates the impaired response. Thus, we conclude that fructose can contribute to the impaired endothelium-dependent response in the fructose-induced hypertensive rat model.

[Expression of P21 and P185 in benign and malignant epithelia of cheek mucosa]

To analyze the expression of P21 and P185 in normal epithelia, chronic non-specific inflammatory epithelia, squamous cell carcinoma and epithelia immediately adjacent to carcinoma of cheek mucosa, immunohistochemistry technique and image analysis technique were used. The results showed: there was excellently higher expression of P21 and P185 in squamous cell carcinoma and epithelia immediately adjacent to carcinoma than in normal and inflammatory epithelia of cheek mucosa, which were compactly correlative.

Response properties of pigeon otolith afferents to linear acceleration

In the present study, the sensitivity to sinusoidal linear accelerations in the plane of the utricular macula was tested in afferents. The head orientation relative to the translation axis was varied in order to determine the head position that elicited the maximal and minimal responses for each afferent. The response gain and phase values obtained to 0.5-Hz and 2-Hz linear acceleration stimuli were then plotted as a function of head orientation and a modified cosine function was fit to the data. From the best-fit cosine function, the predicted head orientations that would produce the maximal and minimal response gains were estimated. The estimated maximum response gains to linear acceleration in the utricular plane for the afferents varied between 75 and 1420 spikes s-1 g-1. The mean maximal gains for all afferents to 0.5-Hz and 2-Hz sinusoidal linear acceleration stimuli were 282 and 367 spikes s-1 g-1, respectively. The minimal response gains were essentially zero for most units. The response phases always led linear acceleration and remained constant for each afferent, regardless of head orientation. These response characteristics indicate that otolith afferents are cosine tuned and behave as one-dimensional linear accelerometers. The directions of maximal sensitivity to linear acceleration for the afferents varied throughout the plane of the utricle; however, most vectors were directed out of the opposite ear near the interaural axis. The response dynamics of the afferents were tested using stimulus frequencies ranging between 0.25 Hz and 10 Hz (0.1 g peak acceleration). Across stimulus frequencies, most afferents had increasing gains and constant phase values. These dynamic properties for individual afferents were fit with a simple transfer function that included three parameters: a mechanical time constant, a gain constant, and a fractional order distributed adaptation operator.

Family with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease/X-linked spastic paraplegia and a nonsense mutation in exon 6 of the proteolipid protein gene

We report on a C-to-T transition in exon 6 of the PLP gene in a male with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease/X-linked spastic paraplegia. The transition changes a glutamine at amino acid residue 233 to a termination codon. This premature stop codon probably results in a truncated protein that is not functional. Six other relatives were analyzed for the mutation and two female carriers were identified. Autopsy data on one male are presented.

Expression of BMP-2 and TGF-beta 1 mRNA during healing of the rabbit mandible

To identify the cell types which produce BMP and TGF-beta during fracture healing and to elucidate the interactions between BMP and TGF-beta in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation at various stages, an experimental model of fracture healing in the rabbit mandible was established and the expression of BMP-2 and TGF-beta 1 mRNA was studied at different healing stages by in situ hybridization. The results showed that undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, differentiating osteoblasts and chondroblasts, had higher levels of BMP-2 mRNA at the stage of intramembranous bone formation and early chondrogenesis, while the level of TGF-beta 1 mRNA was higher in chondrocytes and active differentiated osteoblasts during chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification, respectively. We conclude that BMP-2 expression was correlated with the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression was closely associated with the active synthetic stage of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. These observations suggest that both BMP and TGF-beta are involved in the regulation of fracture healing. BMP may play an important role in bone induction and early chondrogenesis, while TGF-beta regulates the proliferation and active synthetic ability of chondrocytes and osteoblasts.

[Chemical constituents in the leaves of Mangifera persiciformis C.Y. Wu et Y.L. Ming]

Eleven crystalline constituents have been isolated from the leaves of Mangifera persiciformis, of which five were identified as taraxerol, friedelin, beta-sitosterol, mangiferin and quercetin by comparing their physicochemical and spectroscopic data. They were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Study on the coated carbon PVC membrane selective electrode of aconitine]

Coated carbon PVC membrane selective electrode of aconitine was prepared with the Aconitine-tetraphenylborate ion-associate complex as the electroactive material. The electrode showed a linear response to aconitine within the concentration range 1.0 x 10(-2) - 5.0 x 10(-5) mol/L. The limit of detection was 6.3 x 10(-6) mol/L and the slope of the electrode was 57.6 mV/decade. The authors established a basis and a method for the control of content limit of aconitine in Shen Fu Injection with this electrode.

[Chemical constituents in the stem of Premna crassa Hand. -Mazz]

In this paper four compounds isolated from the stem of Premna crassa are described. Their structures have been identified as friedelin, epifriedelanol, stearic acid and beta-sitosterol respectively by comparing their chemical and spectroscopic data with those of the authentic samples.