[Comparison of efficacy between personalized vestibular rehabilitation and otolith reposition for the treatment of atypical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of personalized vestibular rehabilitation and otolith reposition in treating atypical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Fifty patients diagnosed with atypical BPPV in the Vertigo Clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from October 2022 to September 2023 were recruited and randomly divided into manual reduction group (25 cases) and vestibular rehabilitation group (25 cases) according to the random number table. All patients were given flunarizine. Patients in the manual reduction group were treated by Epley maneuver and (or) Barbecue maneuver, while the vestibular rehabilitation group was given personalized vestibular rehabilitation therapy. After two weeks' treatment, the clinical symptoms (positional vertigo/nystagmus) and total dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score, DHI physical (DHI-P), DHI emotional (DHI-E), and DHI functional (DHI-F) of the two groups were evaluated and compared. Results: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with atypical BPPV were included, including 23 males and 27 females, with an average age of (48.8±14.5) years. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, disease severity, Romberg, position test abnormality ratio (Dix-hallpike/Roll test), temperature test, and video head impulse test baseline test results (all P>0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the effective rates of the treatment in the manual reduction and vestibular rehabilitation groups were 56.0% (14/25) and 88.0% (22/25), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.025). The total DHI score, DHI-P, DHI-E, and DHI-F scores in both groups were significantly decreased after treatment (all P<0.001). Compared with the manual reduction group, the total DHI score (23.2±2.7 vs 36.4±15.7, P=0.002), DHI-P (10.2±4.6 vs 13.7±5.3, P=0.016) and DHI-F (6.5±6.4 vs 13.0±7.2, P=0.002) in the vestibular group were lower, however, there was no significant difference in DHI-E score between the two groups (6.6±4.8 vs 9.6±7.3, P=0.087). Conclusion: Compared with otolith reposition, personalized vestibular rehabilitation therapy plays a better role in improving the symptoms and decreasing DHI score for patients with atypical BPPV.

Prevalence and risk factors of otitis media with effusion in children with obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in Chinese children and identify risk factors for OME to support the development of standardized diagnostic and treatment methods.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data of 1,021 children with OSA admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were collected. The prevalence of OME was assessed based on age groups and different grades of adenoid hypertrophy (AH). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for OME in this population.

RESULTS

Among the patients, only 73 (6.15%) reported hearing loss as the main complaint, while 178 (17.43%) were diagnosed with OME after the examination. Acoustic immittance showed higher detection rates for OME compared to those of otoscopy and pure tone audiometry. In addition, the incidence of OME did not increase with AH grade but was higher in children with OSA with AH grade IV. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the younger age group (2-5 years), AH grade IV, nasal inflammatory disease, and passive smoking were significant risk factors for OSA and OME. However, sex, age of 6-12 years, and presence of chronic tonsillitis/tonsillar hypertrophy had no significant impact on the prevalence of OME.

CONCLUSIONS

OME is highly prevalent in children with OSA. Clinicians should be vigilant in diagnosing OME, should conduct routine audiological examinations, and actively screen for middle ear fluid in all children with OSA, especially in younger children (2-5 years) with nasal mucosa inflammation and a history of passive smoking. This will help improve the detection rate of OME, as early intervention is paramount for preventing complications.

[Analysis on the status quo of the awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment and its influencing factors among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021]

Objective: To analyze the status quo of the knowledge and related factors of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021. Methods: From August to November 2021, through network sampling method, 17 474 permanent residents aged 15-69 years in Liaoning Province were surveyed. The WeChat public account was used to collect information such as demographic characteristics and core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment. The Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of the level of the cancer prevention and treatment knowledge among different groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors. Results: Among the 17 474 subjects, 43.1% (7 528) were male and 58.7% (10 262) were urban residents. The overall awareness rate was 72.3%, and the awareness rate of cancer cognition, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, cancer management and rehabilitation were 71.4%, 67.6%, 72.7%, 83.4% and 63.5%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the residents who were man (OR: 0.850, 95%CI: 0.781-0.925), in rural areas (OR: 0.753, 95%CI: 0.694-0.817), 55-59 years old (OR: 0.851, 95%CI: 0.751-0.963), quitters (OR: 0.721, 95%CI: 0.640-0.813) and smoker (OR: 0.724, 95%CI: 0.654-0.801) had lower awareness rates, while the residents who were 35-54 years old (OR: 1.312, 95%CI: 1.202-1.432), with an educational level of junior high school/senior high school/college degree or above (OR: 1.834-5.130, 95%CI: 1.575-6.047), technical personnel (OR: 1.592, 95%CI: 1.367-1.854), civil servant/institution staff (OR: 1.282, 95%CI: 1.094-1.503), enterprise/business/service staff (OR: 1.218, 95%CI: 1.071-1.385), retired (OR: 1.324, 95%CI: 1.114-1.573) and with family history of cancer (OR: 1.369, 95%CI: 1.266-1.481) had higher awareness rates. Conclusion: The level of the awareness of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province has met the requirements of the Healthy China Action. Region, gender, education level, age, family history of cancer and smoking are relevant factors.

Preoperative prediction of mediastinal lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer based on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics

AIM

To establish and verify a 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram to predict mediastinal lymph node metastasis (LNM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients preoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 155 NSCLC patients (primary cohort, n=93; validation cohort, n=62). For each patient, 2,704 radiomic features were extracted from the primary lung cancer regions. Four procedures including the Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's correlation analysis, minimum redundancy-maximum relevance (mRMR), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) binary logistic regression were utilised for determining essential features and establishing a radiomics signature. After that, a nomogram was established. The nomogram's potential was assessed based on its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. The radiomics signature and nomogram predictive performances were evaluated with respect to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity.

RESULTS

The radiomics signature composed of eight selected features had good discriminatory performance of LNM versus non-LNM groups an AUC of 0.851 and 0.826 in primary and validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram also indicated good discrimination with an AUC of 0.869 and 0.847 in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, good calibration was demonstrated utilising the nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

An ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics nomogram that integrates the radiomics signature and age was promoted to predict mediastinal LNM within NSCLC patients, which could potentially facilitate individualised therapy for mediastinal LNM before treatment. The nomogram was beneficial in clinical practice, as illustrated by decision curve analysis.

[Minimally invasive enucleation for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors: an analysis of 60 cases]

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 60 patients with minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation admitted to the Department of Pancreatic Surgery of Fudan University Cancer Center from November 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 43 females,with age of (50.0±13.2)years(range: 23 to 73 years). Tumors were located in the head of pancreas in 40 cases(66.7%),neck and tail of pancreas in 20 cases(33.3%). Patients were divided into robotic group(n=25) and laparoscopic group(n=35) according to surgical methods. The measurement data were compared by t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the categorical data were compared by χ² test or Fisher exact probability method. The influencing factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression. Results: All patients successfully completed tumor enucleation without conversion to laparotomy. The operation time was (183.5±67.3)minutes(range:90 to 410 minutes). Twelve patients(20.0%) underwent stent placement and pancreatic duct repair during operation. The removal time of abdominal drainage tube after operation was (24.7±22.9)days(range:2 to 113 days). The tumor diameter in the robotic group was larger than that in the laparoscopic group((3.5±0.9)cm vs. (2.9±0.7)cm,t=-2.825,P=0.006). The incidences of postoperative biochemical fistula and grade B pancreatic fistula were 20.0%,22.9% and 36.0%,51.4%,respectively(χ²=2.289,P=0.318). There were no grade C pancreatic fistula,lymphatic fistula,biliary fistula,delayed gastric emptying,secondary operation and perioperative death in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the occurrence of clinically related pancreatic fistula(above grade B). The results showed that the increase of body mass index(OR=1.285,95%CI:1.053 to 1.569,P=0.014),the larger diameter of the tumor(OR=3.703,95%CI:1.465 to 9.360,P=0.006) and intraoperative pancreatic duct repair(OR=7.889,95%CI:1.471 to 42.296,P=0.016) were independent risk factors,whereas robotic surgery(OR=0.168,95%CI:0.036 to 0.796,P=0.025) was a protective factor. No case of pancreatin dependent dyspepsia and new onset diabetes mellitus was observed. Conclusions: Minimally invasive tumor enucleation is feasible in the treatment of benign and low-grade pancreatic tumors. The incidence of pancreatic fistula is high in the short term after operation,but serious complications are rare. The robot assisted system can reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula and has more advantages in dealing with larger diameter tumors because of clearer surgical vision and more accurate operation.

[Annual review of bronchiectasis in 2021]

Bronchiectasis, a common chronic respiratory disease, is characterized by irreversible and abnormal bronchial dilatation due to multiple causes. In 2021, a series of significant research progress have been made in bronchiectasis, focusing on the mechanism, diagnosis, clinical phenotypes, treatment, comorbidities, etc. Several studies have shown that many mediators are involved in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis, such as lipids, platelets, and respiratory microorganisms, providing new insights into the development of prevention and therapy targets of bronchiectasis. At the same time, an international expert consensus proposed radiological and clinical diagnosis criteria for inclusion of bronchiectasis patients in clinical trials. Moreover, the proposal of new phenotype, measurement tools and predictors on bronchiectasis, promote the process of individualized therapy for patients. Regarding the clinical trials on bronchiectasis, several important studies have been published, including tobramycin inhalation powder, airway clearance techniques, tiotropium bromide and so forth. In addition, researches on bronchiectasis comorbidities also have new findings. This review summarized the recent published literatures in order to help clinicians better understand bronchiectasis.

[Application of epidemiological methods in health impact assessment]

Health impact assessment (HIA) system has been listed in the Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan and the Law of Basic Health Care and Health Promotion of the People's Republic of China, however, the technique guideline of HIA needs to be established and improved. This paper summarizes the applications of different epidemiological methods in HIA and focus on the introduction of the application of ecology model of health social determinants as theory basis in the establishment of HIA system along with the introduction of HIA cases in the world. The applications of epidemiological methods in domestic HIA research are limited. Therefore, appropriate applications of epidemiological methods should be strengthened in HIA guideline and system development, especially the applications of big health data, mobile health techniques, systems epidemiology and implementation science, to facilitate data collection and potential health hazard evaluation and surveillance for HIA, establishment and improvement of HIA system and the implementation of Healthy China Strategy.

[Effect of laparoscopic surgery for pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 8 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 5 males and 3 females,aged from 47 to 72 years old. All patients underwent abdominal enhanced CT and PET-CT before operation to accurately evaluate the tumor stage and exclude distant metastasis. Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with AG regimen(gemcitabine 1 000 mg/m² and albumin bound paclitaxel 125 mg/m²) was received for 2 to 6 cycles before surgery. All 8 patients successfully completed the operation,including 5 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy,2 cases of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy(RAMPS),and 1 case of total pancreatectomy. No conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopic assisted surgery. The operation time was 240 to 450 minutes,the blood loss was 100 to 500 ml,the postoperative length of stay was 10 to 16 days. During the follow-up period up to December 31, 2020, there was 1 case suffered grade B pancreatic leakage and abdominal infection. The numbers of resected lymph nodes were 9 to 31. All patients received R0 resection. The follow-up times were 4.5 to 9.5 months. One patient underwent RAMPS was diagnosed as liver metastasis after 2 months of the operation,and the other 7 patients still survived without tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is safe and feasible in experienced pancreatic minimally invasive centers.

[The accuracy and influencing factors of sleep staging based on single-channel EEG via a deep neural network]

Objective: To investigate theaccuracy of artificial intelligence sleep staging model in patients with habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) based on single-channel EEG collected from different locations of the head. Methods: The clinical data of 114 adults with habitual snoring and OSAHS who visited to the Sleep Medicine Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital from September 2020 to March of 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, including 93 males and 21 females, aging from 20 to 64 years old. Eighty-five adults with OSAHS and 29 subjects with habitual snoring were included. Sleep staging analysis was performed on the single lead EEG signals of different locations (FP2-M1, C4-M1, F3-M2, ROG-M1, O1-M2) using the deep learning segmentation model trained by previous data. Manual scoring results were used as the gold standard to analyze the consistency rate of results and the influence of different categories of disease. Results: EEG data in 124 747 30-second epochs were taken as the testing dataset. The model accuracy of distinguishing wake/sleep was 92.3%,92.6%,93.5%,89.2% and 83.0% respectively,based on EEG channel Fp2-M1, C4-M1, F3-M2, REOG-M1 or O1-M2. The mode accuracy of distinguishing wake/REM/NREM and wake/REM/N1-2/SWS , was 84.7% and 80.1% respectively based on channel Fp2-M1, which located in forehead skin. The AHI calculated based on total sleep time derived from the model and gold standard were 13.6[4.30,42.5] and 14.2[4.8,42.7], respectively (Z=-2.477, P=0.013), and the kappa coefficient was 0.977. Conclusions: The autonomic sleep staging via a deep neural network model based on forehead single-channel EEG (Fp2-M1) has a good consistency in the identification sleep stage in a population with habitual snoring and OSAHS with different categories. The AHI calculated based on this model has high consistency with manual scoring.

[Schistosomiasis control effect in Mianyang City in ten years after Wenchuan earthquake]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of schistosomiasis control in Mianyang City in ten years after Wenchuan earth-quake, so as to provide the experiences for schistosomiasis control post-disaster.

METHODS

The data of implementation of schistosomiasis control work in ten years after the Wenchuan earthquake were collected and analyzed for the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis in Mianyang City. Meanwhile, the awareness situation on schistosomiasis control of villagers and students was investigated by questionnaires in 2008 and 2015.

RESULTS

All of the 6 counties (cities, districts) with schistosomiasis endemic in Mianyang City were hit by the earthquake disaster. After the disaster, the measurements including the conventional schistosomiasis control measures, the control of exogenous infection sources, the control of Oncomelania hupensis snails, and health education were carried out. The relevant departments of schistosomiasis control were cooperated to implement the prevention and control measures. The schistosomiasis prevalence of population and the snail condition rose in the year of the earthquake, but then declined year by year. In 2015, the awareness rates of schistosomiasis control of both villagers and the students were significantly improved compared with those in 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

The measures of schistosomiasis control after the earthquake disaster are effective in Mianyang City, and the goal to prevent major plague after the earthquake is achieved.

[Research progress of extracellular vesicles in hepatic fibrosis]

Liver fibrosis is a pathophysiological process characterized by abnormal accumulation of connective tissues in the liver caused by chronic liver injuries, in which the activation and migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a class of nanoscale, bilayer lipid enveloped vesicles secreted by almost all cells. EVs are of great interest in liver pathology because they have been found to mediate the communication between cells and regulate cellular microenvironment via horizontal transfer of their cargoes. EVs carry bioactive cargoes including proteins, lipids and RNA molecules, and are involved in the activation of HSCs during liver fibrogenesis.

[Effect of hyperandrogenism on obstetric complications of singleton pregnancy from in vitro fertilization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Objective: To compare the difference in risks of obstetric complications of singleton pregnancy between women with hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with normoandrogenic PCOS. Methods: Prospective cohort study. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected during a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial. Women who got clinical singleton pregnancy were grouped according to whether they were diagnosed with hyperandrogenism at baseline. There were 118 women with hyperandrogenism and 366 women without hyperandrogenism. The incidences of obstetric complications and birth weight were compared between the two groups. Results: Women with hyperandrogenic PCOS had a significantly higher risk of preterm delivery than women with normoandrogenic PCOS [12.7% (15/118) versus 3.6% (13/366); OR=3.94, 95%CI: 1.82-8.56]. After adjustment of age, duration of infertility, body mass index, and fresh or frozen embryo transfer group, hyperandrogenism was still associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (OR=3.67, 95%CI: 1.67-8.07). Compared with women with normoandrogenic PCOS, women with hyperandrogenic PCOS had similar risks of pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and postpartum hemorrhage (all P>0.05). Birth weight as well as the risks of being small for gestational age and large for gestational age were also comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: In women with PCOS and singleton pregnancy, those with preconceptional hyperandrogenism have a higher risk of preterm delivery than those without hyperandrogenism.

InP-based pseudomorphic InAs/InGaAs triangular quantum well lasers with bismuth surfactant

An InP-based 2.1 μm InAs/In_0.53Ga_0.47As triangular quantum well laser grown with Bi surfactant has shown improved performance in comparison to the device with the same structure but grown without Bi surfactant. Under continuous-wave driving operation, the output light power is increased from 32.6 to 37.5 mW at the same injecting current of 850 mA at 200 K. The external differential and internal quantum efficiencies for the laser with Bi surfactant are 18.4% and 41%, respectively, which are correspondingly higher than 13.1% and 31% for the reference device. Furthermore, a decreased internal loss from 20.9 to 17.6  cm^-1 for the Bi surfactant laser is also observed. These results suggest that Bi surfactant is promising for further enhancing performances of strained quantum well laser diodes.

[HIV transmission in newly reported HIV infected couples before diagnoses in five provinces, China, 2011-2014]

Objective: To understand the HIV transmission and associated factors in newly reported HIV infected couples before diagnosis. Methods: The information about newly reported HIV infected couples in Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Henan and Xinjiang provinces (autonomous region) were collected from National HIV/AIDS Information System from 2011 to 2014. The infection order of the sero-concordant couples were determined. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the HIV transmission between couples and identify the associated factors. Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was conducted to understand the annual sero-concordant couple proportion. Results: A total of 48 931 HIV cases in couples were included in this study, among whom 12 051(24.6%) were sero-concordant couples, indicating HIV transmissions occurred between them. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those who were females (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.89-2.08), aged >45 years (45-59 yrs: OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.23-1.42; >60 yrs: OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.58-1.86), had educational level of middle school education or below (illiteracy and primary school: OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.23-1.44; middle school: OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.28), were farmers or migrate workers (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.17-1.30), were infected through injecting drug use or heterosexual intercourse (injecting drug use: OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.72; heterosexual intercourse: OR=3.65, 95% CI: 2.89-4.61), had CD₄⁺T cells of <500 cells/μl (<200 cells/μl: OR=5.05, 95%CI: 4.62-5.52; 200-349 cells/μl: OR=3.58, 95%CI: 3.26-3.93; 350-500 cells/μl: OR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.94-2.36), reported unprotected sexual behaviors (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.49-1.64), were more likely to infect their couples before diagnosis. The HIV transmission proportion between couples before diagnosis decreased significantly from 28.9% (2 631/9 102) in 2011 to 25.5% (3 009/11 787) in 2014 among those infected through heterosexual intercourse. Conclusion: The proportion of HIV transmission between couples before diagnosis varied among different populations. Behavior intervention and early HIV test promoting are needed to prevent HIV transmission between couples before diagnosis in populations at high risk for HIV infection. HIV infection cases should be included in the HIV care system after diagnosis as early as possible.

Evaluation of deformable image registration for contour propagation between CT and cone-beam CT images in adaptive head and neck radiotherapy

Deformable image registration (DIR) is a critical technic in adaptive radiotherapy (ART) to propagate contours between planning computerized tomography (CT) images and treatment CT/Cone-beam CT (CBCT) image to account for organ deformation for treatment re-planning. To validate the ability and accuracy of DIR algorithms in organ at risk (OAR) contours mapping, seven intensity-based DIR strategies are tested on the planning CT and weekly CBCT images from six Head & Neck cancer patients who underwent a 6 ∼ 7 weeks intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Three similarity metrics, i.e. the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), the percentage error (PE) and the Hausdorff distance (HD), are employed to measure the agreement between the propagated contours and the physician delineated ground truths. It is found that the performance of all the evaluated DIR algorithms declines as the treatment proceeds. No statistically significant performance difference is observed between different DIR algorithms (p> 0.05), except for the double force demons (DFD) which yields the worst result in terms of DSC and PE. For the metric HD, all the DIR algorithms behaved unsatisfactorily with no statistically significant performance difference (p= 0.273). These findings suggested that special care should be taken when utilizing the intensity-based DIR algorithms involved in this study to deform OAR contours between CT and CBCT, especially for those organs with low contrast.

[Analysis on clinical features and functional MRI of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes]

Objective: To explore the clinical and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) characteristics of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) in order to improve the early diagnosis rate. Methods: Clinical and imaging data of 46 patients with final diagnosis of MELAS treated in Henan Province People's Hospital from January 2012 to June 2016 were collected. Results: Patients presented with symptoms of epilepsy, hemiplegia, language disorders, and decreased visual acuity and so on. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the lesion area showed a high signal, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) chart with the course of disease development can be a high signal, low signal, high and low signal. Vascular stenosis was not seen in all the patients by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). PWI perfusion increased in acute phase and was normal or decreased in the chronic phase. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of MELAS patients are complex and various, and lack of specificity. Routine MRI examination is of great significance for the screening of the lesion, which has a characteristic performance and is helpful to improve the early diagnosis rate of the disease.

Effects of carbomer eye drops in combination with orthokeratology lens in treating adolescent myopia

To investigate the effects of carbomer eye drops (CED) during long-time wearing of overnight orthokeratology lens of adolescents with myopia, 260 teenagers with myopia treated in the Henan Provincial People’s Hospital from June 2012 to August 2014 and followed-up for more than 2 years were enrolled. All the patients underwent regular fitting of orthokeratology lens. They were divided into a CED (Vidisic) group (130 cases, 260 eyes treated with CED) and rewetting drops (RD) (Baushe and Lomb) group (130 cases, 260 eyes treated with RD). The effects in the two groups were observed. The incidence of corneal epithelial defects one day, one week and one month after treatment of the CED group was lower than that of the RD group, and the difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05); the tear break up time (TBUT) of the CED group was higher than that of the RD group at different time points, and the difference had statistical significance (P less than 0.05); the difference of the value of Schirmer I test between the two groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). It is concluded that carbomer eye drops can stabilize tear film and protect and repair corneal epithelium during the wearing of orthokeratology lens.

Upregulation of miR-522 is associated with poor outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to explore the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of miR-522 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of miR-522 in 161 HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was examined using quantitative real-time-PCR. The association of miR-522 expression with clinicopathological features and the prognosis of HCC patients were also analyzed. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed by log-rank test. Cox regression models were fitted to analyze the effect of prognostic factors on OS.

RESULTS

The relative level of miR-522 was significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent normal liver tissues. In addition, miR-522 upregulation more frequently occurred in HCC specimens with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.000), and tumor grade (p = 0.002). Moreover, the level of miR-522 expression was markedly correlated with the HCC patients' overall survival (p < 0.000). In the Cox proportional hazard model, the results showed that miR-522 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for OS CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of miR-522 functions as an unfavorable prognostic biomarker in HCC patients.

Deciphering the spectrum of somatic mutations in the entire mitochondrial DNA genome

The mitochondrion is a crucial intracellular organelle responsible for regulating cellular energy metabolism, producing free radicals, initiating and executing the apoptotic pathways. Previous studies have shown that somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA are associated with various tumors, which may be involved during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. To examine the mutation pattern in cancer, 625 reported somatic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA genome were analyzed. We found that, except for deletions and insertions, most somatic mutations were point mutations, accounting for 89.44% of somatic mutations. Transition was the predominant form of somatic mutation in the entire mitochondrial DNA genome, accounting for 87.12% of point mutations, most of which were homoplastic. Frequency statistics analysis of point mutations indicated that, except for 3 tRNA genes, the mutations were distributed on all resting genes and in the D-loop region, with the latter showing the highest frequency of somatic mutation (19.34%), followed by the tRNA leucine 2 gene and non-coding regions between base pairs 5892 and 5903, while 13 coding-region genes and 2 rRNA genes showed a relatively lower frequency of somatic point mutations. Nonsynonymous mutations and terminal amino acid changes were the primary point somatic mutations detected from 13 coding-region genes, which may cause mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. We found that the somatic mutations may affect the mitochondrial DNA genome; the non-coding region should be examined to identify somatic mutations as potential diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of cancer.

4-1BB ligand-mediated imbalance of helper 17 T cells and regulatory T cells in patients with allergic asthma

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the presence of 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) in the peripheral blood of patients with allergic asthma and evaluate its role in controlling the balance between helper 17 T (T(h)17) and regulatory T (T(reg)) cells.

METHODS

Soluble 4-1BBL (s4-1BBL) was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma from patients with asthma (n = 45) and from healthy control subjects (n = 35). The proportion of monocytes positive for membrane-bound 4-1BBL (m4-1BBL) was determined by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with asthma were incubated with anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody in vitro. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β(1) in the culture supernatant were analysed.

RESULTS

Plasma s4-1BBL concentrations and the proportion of m4-1BBL-positive monocytes were significantly lower in patients with asthma than in control subjects. The culture supernatant concentration of TGF-β(1) was increased and that of IL-17 was decreased by incubation with anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

Both soluble and membrane-bound 4-1BBL were reduced in patients with allergic asthma compared with control subjects. 4-1BBL/4-1BB signalling may play an important role in allergic asthma by regulating the T(h)17/T(reg) balance.

Octreotide is the favorable alternative for cisplatin resistance reversal of ovarian cancer in vitro and in nude mice in vivo

This study aimed to observe the effects of octreotide (OCT) on cisplatin resistance reversal of cancer cells in vitro and in nude mice in vivo. MTT method and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effect of cisplatin, OCT or the combination of these two compounds on the proliferation and apoptosis of SKOV3-DDP cells. The size and weight of xenograft tumors from the nude mice model were measured. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of SSTR2, MDR1, MRP2, GST-pi and EGFR in SKOV3/DDP cells following the different treatment. At the concentration of 2.5-20 g/ml, OCT significantly reduced IC50 (p < 0.05) and promoted apoptosis (p < 0.05) of SKOV3-DDP cells' response to cisplatin. Unchanged expression was found in SSTR2 on the SKOV3/DDP cell in vitro after OCT treatment, but increased expression in vivo (p < 0.05). OCT increased GST-pi expression (p < 0.05) and reduced MRP2 and EGFR expression (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The similar results were obtained in mice in vivo experiment, except the reduced expression of GST-pi. It is suggested that OCT could inhibit ovarian cancer proliferation and promote apoptosis, via the cell surface SSTR2, and reverse cisplatin resistance through inhibition of MRP2, EGFR, and even GST-pi expressions.

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the spotted babylon, Babylonia areolata (Buccinidae)

The spotted babylon, Babylonia areolata, is one of the most extensively cultured marine mollusks in southeast Asia. Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for this species, from a microsatellite-enriched library. These markers, characterized in 32 individuals from a hatchery population, were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from 6 to 18 per locus, expected and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.68 to 0.94 and 0.56 to 0.81, respectively. One locus (HUBA09) showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, probably due to the presence of null alleles. These microsatellite loci should be useful for future population genetic studies and marker-assisted breeding in this species.

Prokaryotic expression, purification, and refolding of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 and its effect on gene expression of head kidney-derived macrophages of a teleost fish, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis)

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is reported to be an immunorelevant protein in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis). In this study, ayu LECT2 mature peptide (aLECT2m) was expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The denatured recombinant aLECT2m (raLECT2m) was refolded by a size-exclusion chromatography refolding process achieved by using arginine-containing mobile phase and a decreasing urea gradient. The in vitro chemotactic activity assay showed that the refolded raLECT2m had the bioactivity. By using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method, we further identified up-regulated genes in ayu macrophages treated with refolded raLECT2m. These genes were tightly involved in endocytosis, hydrolysis, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and so on. Moreover, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results confirmed that selected 10 genes expression was significantly up-regulated in refolded raLECT2m-treated ayu macrophages. This study provides a basis for further studies of the mechanism of cytokine LECT2 in fish immune responses.

Identification and characterization of a novel cathelicidin from ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis

Cathelicidins, one family of antimicrobial peptides, play important roles against infections in animals. In this study, a cDNA sequence coding for cathelicidin was cloned from constructed liver cDNA library of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis. The deduced ayu cathelicidin (aCATH) has a 20 amino acid residue signal peptide, a conserved cathelin domain of 110 amino acid residues and a mature antimicrobial peptide of 61 amino acid residues. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed aCATH as a distinct member of fish cathelicidins. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that the aCATH transcripts dramatically increased in various tissues after bacterial infection. Subsequently, aCATH was prokaryotic expressed and purified. Western blot and mass spectrometry revealed that aCATH was cleaved at residue Ile130-Arg131 by human neutrophil elastase to release the mature antimicrobial peptide. The mature peptide of aCATH was chemically synthesized and exhibited potent antimicrobial activity. Thus, aCATH may play an important role in the innate immunity of ayu, and this work enriches our knowledge in fish antimicrobial peptides.

Development and characterization of 60 microsatellite markers in the abalone Haliotis diversicolor

The abalone, Haliotis diversicolor, is one of the most important mariculture species in southern China. We developed 60 new polymorphic microsatellite markers for H. diversicolor and characterized them in 30 individuals from a cultured population in Sanya, China. All 60 markers were found to be polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged from two to nine per locus, with an average of 4.12/locus. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.10 to 0.88 and from 0.07 to 0.87, respectively. Forty-four loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These 44 microsatellite markers should be useful for genome mapping and population genetic studies.

The establishment of a library screening method based on yeast two-hybrid system and its use to determine the potential interactions of liver proteins in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis

Knowledge of specific protein-protein interaction (PPI) is an important component in understanding biological processes and regulatory mechanisms. A library to library screening method (LLS) was established based on yeast two-hybrid (YTH) system in this research, and applied to study the PPIs in ayu liver. In total, 23 out of 55 interaction pairs were found positive through phenotypic identification, with a positive rate of 41.8%. Of the 11 unique PPIs, 9 interactions including FGB/FGG, CaM/Spna2, C9/Apo-AI-1, α₂M/Ft, RPL10/RPL5, C8α/C9, FGG/Apo-AI-1, LECT2/Tf, and Apo-AI-2/C9 were previously reported. The other two PPIs including FGG/CLR and Wap65/C3 are novel, and in vitro co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments further confirmed these interactions. FGG/CLR interaction might play a role in regulating the inflammatory response. The interaction between Wap65 and C3 hints that Wap65 might function through the complement activation pathways when microbial infection occurs.

Rapid and sensitive detection of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) allows rapid amplification of nucleic acids under isothermal conditions. In this report, a 20-min LAMP amplification of the DPOL gene of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) using a biotin-labeled primer was combined with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) chromatography for rapid and simple visual detection of ISKNV-specific amplicons. The LFD process involves a 5-min specific hybridization with an FITC-labeled DNA probe to confirm the presence of complement ISKNV amplicons that were biotinated in LAMP. The resulting DNA duplexes, consisting of labeled probes and amplicons, migrate along the LFD strip by chromatography for 5 min and are trapped at the test line and visualized by biotin labeling. The detection limit of ISKNV by LAMP-LFD was 10 copies. The results show that the LAMP-LFD method has the advantages of better sensitivity and speed and less dependence on equipment than the standard PCR for specifically detecting low levels of ISKNV DNA, and this can be useful in the field as a routine diagnostic tool.

Lactobacilli prevent hydroxy radical production and inhibit Escherichia coli and Enterococcus growth in system mimicking colon fermentation

AIMS

To explore the effect of Lactobacillus on redox state of colon chyme.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine Lactobacillus strains were studied for the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation in Fe(2+)/ascorbate system and for their ability to chelate 'free' ferrous ion. The result shows both properties were strain specific and no relationship between them was found. Both properties of Lactobacillus paracasei Fn032, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus sp. Fn001 were successively decreasing. LGG and Fn032 significantly decreased hydroxyl radicals (P < 0.01) in colonic fermentation model, in which considerable hydroxyl radicals occurred spontaneously. Addition of ferrous ion induced the production of hydroxyl radicals, which could be significantly inhibited by LGG, Fn032 (P < 0.01) and Fn001 (P < 0.05). Ferrous ion significantly induced the growth of Enterococcus and Escherichia coli, which could be inhibited by all three Lactobacillus strains. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus show significantly positive correlation with hydroxyl radicals with R of 0.96 (P = 0.0002) and 0.91 (P = 0.0017), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Antioxidative Lactobacillus could modulate redox state in colonic fermentation system, which is related to their free radical-scavenging ability or antibacterial effect.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study proves that Lactobacillus strain could influence the redox state of gut chyme. Evaluation of antioxidative ability might be a powerful method for screening probiotic Lactobacillus strains.

Dietary nucleotides protect thymocyte DNA from damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

The effects of dietary nucleotides on thymocyte DNA damages induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice were examined. First, phase I experiment was conducted to determine the optimal timing of detecting thymocyte DNA damages induced by CP (150 mg/kg body weight) in mice. Thymocyte DNA damages was determined at 6, 12, 18, 24 h by single-cell gel electrophosphoresis assay (comet assay) after intraperitoneal injection of CP. The levels of DNA damage at 6, 12, 18, 24 h were all significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The highest level of DNA damage appeared at 18 h and then decreased at 24 h. Therefore, 18 h was selected to determine DNA damages induced by CP in subsequent experiments. In phase II experiment, 30 male KunMing mice were divided into three treatments: negative control (NC), positive control (PC) and nucleotides group (NG). Mice in NC and PC were fed nucleotide-free diet, and mice in NG were fed nucleotide-supplemented diet (supplemented with 0.25% nucleotides, a mixture containing equal amounts of AMP, CMP, GMP and UMP). Mice in PC and NG groups were injected with CP (150 mg/kg body weight) at 21 days. DNA damage in thymocytes was evaluated at 18 h after CP treatment. The results indicate that dietary nucleotides do not affect the weights of the thymus and the spleen, or their organ indices (p > 0.05), but significantly decrease the percentage of comet cells and comet tail sizes (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that dietary nucleotides could reduce the level of thymocyte DNA damage induced by CP in mice.

The '6K1' protein of a strain of Soybean mosaic virus localizes to the cell periphery

The '6K1' protein of the Pinellia isolate of Soybean mosaic virus was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector and a polyclonal antiserum raised to the expressed fusion protein. In immunogold labeling of thin sections of infected leaves of Pinellia ternata, specific labeling occurred at the cell periphery. This might suggest that the potyvirus '6K1' protein plays some role in viral cell-to-cell movement but the lack of transmembrane domains suggests that it does not conform to currently-recognized patterns of viral movement proteins.

Factors involved in binding of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp6 to rat small intestinal mucus

AIM

To investigate the adhesion determinants of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp6, a dairy isolate.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Small intestinal mucus extracted from rats was used as a substrate for adhesion. Adhesion determinants were studied by physical, chemical and enzymatic pretreatments of the bacteria, and adhesion inhibition assay. The mannose-specific adhesins were explored by studying the effect of d-mannose on adhesion and the yeast-agglutinating ability of the bacteria. It was found that adhesion decreased after bacteria were treated with sodium metaperiodate, protease K, trypsin, lithium chloride and trichloroacetic acid. However, adhesion did not decrease after trypsin-treated bacteria were incubated with cell surface protein extract. Cell surface bound exopolysaccharides were found to inhibit the adhesion. D-mannose inhibited the adhesion in a dose-dependent manner. The bacteria could significantly agglutinate yeast and lost this ability after protease K treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adhesion was mainly mediated by the mannose specific adhesins, which might be proteins that reversibly bind to the cell surface components. Cell surface-bound exopolysaccharides were also involved in adhesion.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The mannose-specific adhesion of Lact. plantarum Lp6 to rat mucus might be important for competing with pathogens-binding sites in gut, which may be used to resist the colonization of the pathogens.

Characterisation of an isolate of Narcissus degeneration virus from Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis)

A potyvirus from Chinese narcissus was transmitted mechanically to three species of Narcissus and to Lycoris radiata but not to 22 other test species. In western blot, the coat protein reacted strongly with Narcissus degeneration virus (UK isolate) antiserum. Antiserum raised to the Chinese virus did not react with eighteen other potyviruses. The complete nucleotide sequence (9816 nt) had the typical genome organisation for a member of the genus Potyvirus. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Chinese virus was different from all previously sequenced potyviruses but distantly related to onion yellow dwarf and shallot yellow stripe viruses.

Narcissus symptomless virus: a new carlavirus of daffodils

A filamentous virus, with particles 600-650 nm long, was purified from Narcissus pseudonarcissus (daffodil) in Hangzhou and an antiserum prepared. After mechanical inoculation, the virus could be detected serologically in Narcissus species but not in some commonly used virus indicators. Infection was symptomless. The complete sequence of the genomic RNA (8281 nt) showed six predicted ORFs typical of carlaviruses. Pairwise comparisons of gene sequences and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the new virus should be classified as a carlavirus but that it was not closely related to members of any current species. We propose the name Narcissus symptomless virus (NSV).

Continuous Transcatheter Arterial Thrombolysis for Early Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation

Early hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after orthotopic liver transplantation remains a significant cause of graft loss and patient death. The most effective treatment approach is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of continuous transcatheter arterial thrombolysis in the treatment of early HAT. Routine posttransplant color Doppler imaging (CDI) was performed to monitor hepatic artery blood flow. HAT was confirmed by arterial angiography in suspected cases. HAT was identified in 8 patients (8/287, 2.8%) which occurred on days 2 to 19 (mean, 5.2 days) after liver transplantation. Patients with HAT were treated with continuous transcatheter arterial thrombolysis using urokinase. Successful revascularization through thrombolysis was obtained in all eight cases. One patient died of a pulmonary infection at 2 months after liver transplantation. Another patient underwent retransplantation because of resistant allograft rejection and recurrence of HAT 6 months after the first operation, but died from multiple system organ failure 2 months later. The other six patients remained in good health during the follow-up period of 3 to 27 months. Our results demonstrate that CDI is an effective method to monitor the occurrence of early HAT after liver transplantation. Furthermore, continuous transcatheter arterial thrombolysis with urokinase could be a rational therapeutic approach to rescue the allograft following early HAT diagnosis confirmed by arterial angiography.

Detection and characterisation of a second potyvirus from Thunberg fritillary in China

Plants of Thunberg fritillary (Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.) from Zhejiang Province, were found to be co-infected with two distinct potyviruses. One was an isolate of the recently reported Thunberg fritillary mosaic virus (TFMV; Wei et al., (2005) Arch Virol 150: 1271-1280), while the other was a distinct virus that did not react with TFMV antiserum nor with antisera to 17 other potyviruses, except for a weak reaction with antibodies produced to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) Pinellia strain. Both viruses could be transmitted mechanically to their original host but not to any of a range of commonly used indicator plants. No local lesion host was identified that would enable the viruses to be propagated independently. The complete sequences of both viruses were determined; that of the new virus (9656 nt) had the typical genome organisation and recognised sequence motifs of a potyvirus, encoding a putative polyprotein of 351 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis, sequence comparisons, and the pattern of polyprotein cleavage sites all indicated that it was a member of the Bean common mosaic virus subgroup. The most closely related species are Soybean mosaic virus and Wisteria vein mosaic virus, with 68-69% amino acid identity between their polyproteins. This is sufficiently different for the new virus to be regarded as a distinct species, which we have tentatively named Fritillary virus Y.

Characterisation of the welsh onion isolate of Shallot yellow stripe virus from China

The host range and nucleotide sequence of shallot yellow stripe virus (SYSV) from welsh onion in Shandong province, China is described. Of the plants tested, only shallot and welsh onion became infected but most shallot plants were symptomless. The complete sequence of one isolate (10429 nt) and the 3'-terminal 3540 nts of a second isolate were determined. They had c. 90% nt identity to one another and to published (partial) sequences of SYSV. SYSV was most closely related to onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) and resembled it in having a much larger P3 protein than other species in the genus.

A new potyvirus from Thunberg fritillary (Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.) in Zhejiang, China

A potyvirus causing mosaic symptoms in Thunberg fritillary (Fritillaria thunbergii) was found at two sites in Zhejiang province, China. The virus was readily mechanically transmitted to its original host but not to any of 17 other widely used plant virus indicators. A polyclonal antiserum raised to purified virus particles reacted with its homologous virus but not with a range of other viruses (including 16 potyvirus species). In electron microscopy, virus particles and inclusion bodies typical of a potyvirus were seen. The complete nucleotide sequence of an isolate from Ningbo was determined. It was 9723 nt long and sequence analyses predicted the standard potyvirus organisation. The partial sequence (1664 nts at the 3'-terminus) of an isolate from Panan was also determined; the two sequences had 96.9% nt identity. In sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses with completely sequenced potyviruses, the new virus was most closely related to Lily mottle virus (53.0% aa identity) and Leek yellow stripe virus. The most closely related incomplete sequence in the international databases was for Lycoris mild mottle virus (72.8% nt identity in their coat proteins). These results suggest that the virus studied is a new species in the genus Potyvirus, which we have tentatively named Thunberg fritillary mosaic virus.

The complete sequence of the genomic RNA of an isolate of Lily virus X (genus Potexvirus)

The complete sequence of the genomic RNA of an isolate of Lily virus X (LVX) has been determined for the first time. The isolate from the Netherlands was 5823 nucleotide (nt) long excluding the 3'-poly(A) tail, making it the shortest reported potexvirus sequence. The 5'-non-coding region begins with GGAAAA like that of Scallion virus X (ScaVX) and some isolates of Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), whereas those of other sequenced potexviruses probably all begin with GAAAA. The genome organisation was similar to that of other members of the genus except that a TGBp3-like region lacked a normal AUG start codon. A phylogenetic analysis based on the entire coding sequence showed that LVX was most closely related to Strawberry mild yellow edge virus and belonged in a subgroup of the genus that also contains CymMV, Narcissus mosaic virus, ScaVX, Pepino mosaic virus, Potato aucuba mosaic virus and White clover mosaic virus.

Further molecular characterisation of potyviruses infecting aroid plants for medicinal use in China

Degenerate primers were used to detect and amplify 3'-terminal genome fragments of potyviruses from medicinal aroid plants growing at 16 sites in China. Virus was detected in 7 samples of which six, all of Pinellia ternata, contained a strain of soybean mosaic virus (SMV) similar to that previously reported from this host in China. The complete sequence of one isolate and the P1 protein coding region of the other isolates were also sequenced. In all cases, the P1 proteins resembled isolates of Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) more closely than SMV, confirming earlier suggestions of recombination in this region. In a phylogenetic analysis of SMV, DsMV and related sequences, the aroid sequences of SMV formed a distinct group which also included a sequence published as Zantedeschia symptomless virus (AF469171). One of the P. ternata samples was also infected with a second potyvirus, the 3'-terminal sequence of which was similar to DsMV and to some sequences published as Vanilla mosaic virus. The seventh infected sample was Typhonium flagelliforme and the virus from it was identified from its sequence as zantedeschia mosaic virus (ZaMV), providing the first report of this virus from mainland China.

Effect of aging on penile ultrastructure

AIM

To clarify whether there are anatomical changes in tunica albuginea and corpora cavemosa in aged rats.

METHODS

Seventeen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups based on age. Group A consisted of young rats (9 weeks), Group B, middle aged rats (14 weeks) and Group C, old rats (62 weeks). The penile samples were obtained and observed under a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

The thickness (mean +/- SD) of the tunica albuginea was 0.14 +/- 0.02, 0.16 +/- 0.03 and 0.06 +/- 0.02 mm in Groups A, B and C, respectively. The tunica albuginea of group C was significantly thinner than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05) and the elastic fibers were diminished in the old rats. In the corpora cavernosa of old rats, the intracavernous pillars were irregular, in which many large collagen fibers could be observed, and the smooth muscle and elastic fibers were reduced.

CONCLUSION

In old rats, the tunica albuginea became thinner with diminished elastic fibers; the collagen fibers of corpora cavernosa were increased while the smooth muscle and elastic fibers were reduced.

[Effects of nutrition condition on pcDNA3-HBS plasmid DNA production]

To investigate the effects of nutrition condition on plasmid DNA production, Escherichia coli JM109 containing plasmid pcDNA3S-HBA was grown in different culture media. Results show that carbon source, nitrogen source affected plasmid DNA yield significantly. Glucose and peptone was selected, since they were preferable to other investigated carbon source and nitrogen source. In M9P medium, the appropriate concentration of(NH4)2SO4 was important for plasmid DNA production, Gly, Asp, Gln were formulated into the M9G medium because they served as the nitrogen donors for nucleotides synthesis. With addition of 1.2 g/L Asp, 1.0 g/L Gln and 0.4 g/L Gly into M9G medium, plasmid DNA yield was 25 mg/L after 20 h culture. Foreign nucleotides distinctively affected plasmid DNA production. With addition of 0.4 g/L nucleosides mixture of thymidine and cytidine(moles fraction of thymidine:cytidine = 1:1) into M9P medium, plasmid DNA yield was 35 mg/L.

[Separation and determination of effective components in silymarin and preparations of silymarin by MECC]

AIM

To develop a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic (MECC) method for the separation and determination of silybin, isosilybin, silydianin and silycristin in Legalon capsules, Yiganling tablets and silymarin.

METHODS

A buffer solution containing 30 mmol.L-1 disodium tetraborate, 50 mmol.L-1 taurodeoxycholic acid sodium salt and 20 mmol.L-1 beta-cyclodextrin (pH 9.2) was found to be the most suitable electrolyte for this separation. The applied voltage was 20 kV and UV detection wavelength was 288 nm. Rutin was used as internal standard.

RESULTS

The average recoveries of 99.9% for silycristin, 98.3% for silydianin, 99.0% for silybin and 98.2% for isosilybin were obtained.

CONCLUSION

The method is sensitive and accurate for the analysis of diasteroisomers of silybin and isosilybin.

[Studies on response characteristics of Cl, Br, I of microwave plasma torch atomic emission detector for gas chromatography]

The present paper deals with a microwave plasma torch atomic emission detector for gas chromatography. Argon is used as support gas, carrier gas and make-up gas. The effect of oxygen scavenger gas on the detection performance for chlorine, bromine and iodine is discussed. Detection limits, dynamic ranges, relative standard deviations and response characteristics of GC-MPT-AED for chlorine, bromine and iodine in organic compounds were studied. The results are favorable in comparing with GC-ICP-AED.

Maspin is an angiogenesis inhibitor

Maspin, a unique member of the serpin family, is a secreted protein encoded by a class II tumor suppressor gene whose downregulation is associated with the development of breast and prostate cancers. Overexpression of maspin in breast tumor cells limits their growth and metastases in vivo. In this report we demonstrate that maspin is an effective inhibitor of angiogenesis. In vitro, it acted directly on cultured endothelial cells to stop their migration towards basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor and to limit mitogenesis and tube formation. In vivo, it blocked neovascularization in the rat cornea pocket model. Maspin derivatives mutated in the serpin reactive site lost their ability to inhibit the migration of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and breast cancer cells but were still able to block angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. When maspin was delivered locally to human prostate tumor cells in a xenograft mouse model, it blocked tumor growth and dramatically reduced the density of tumor-associated microvessels. These data suggest that the tumor suppressor activity of maspin may depend in large part on its ability to inhibit angiogenesis and raise the possibility that maspin and similar serpins may be excellent leads for the development of drugs that modulate angiogenesis.