[Translocation, Accumulation, and Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil-Crop Systems in an Old Industrial City, Shizuishan, Ningxia, Northwest China]

In order to explore the environmental geochemistry characteristics of heavy metals (HMs) in soil-crop systems in an old industrial city, the concentration and fraction of HMs in the paddy, wheat, and maize root soil and their seeds were detected and analyzed. Subsequently, statistical methods, risk assessment coding (RAC), the bio-enrichment coefficient factor (BCF), influence index of comprehensive quality (IICQ), and ArcGIS spatial interpolation were used to conduct the translocation, accumulation, and comprehensive risk assessment of HMs in soil-crop systems. The results showed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in root soil were ranked respectively as follows:12.56, 0.19, 63.48, 23.52, 0.038, 28.86, 21.68, and 69.47 mg·kg-1. HMs in root soil were accumulated to some extent in comparison with the soil background value in Ningxia, especially Cd and Hg, but did not exceed the soil environmental pollution screening value (GB 14618-2018). The average concentrations of the eight aforementioned elements in supporting crop seeds were 0.0149, 0.0112, 0.075, 6.7, 0.0015, 0.67, 0.0427, and 20.48 mg·kg-1 in turn. The over-limit ratio of As, Pb, and Cr in crop seeds was 4%, 3%, and 1%, respectively, relative to the national food safety standards (GB 2762-2017), whereas the other five elements were within the allowable range. In comparison to those in paddy and wheat, HMs hardly tended to translocate to maize seeds from root soil. According to the results of IICQ in soil-crop systems, the cultivated soil was in the state of slight sub-contamination regionally, and only 10% of sampling points showed slight (sub-)contamination-submoderate contamination, where we could replant maize to reduce HMs contamination risk.

Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate improves antioxidant capacity of calf intestinal epithelial cells exposed to heat stress in vitro

Dairy calves are highly susceptible to the negative effects of heat stress, which can cause organ hypoxia after blood redistribution, damage the intestinal barrier, and trigger intestinal oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate (MAG) on calf small intestinal epithelial cells under heat stress in vitro. Small intestinal epithelial cells were isolated from a 1-day-old healthy calf and purified by differential enzymatic detachment. The purified cells were divided into seven groups. The control group was cultured with DMEM/F-12 at 37℃ for 6 h, and the treatment groups were cultured with 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 5 μg/mL MAG at 42℃ for 6 h. Heat stress causes oxidative damage to cells. Adding MAG in the medium can significantly improve cell activity and reduce cellular oxidative stress. Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity caused by heat stress, and significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The MAG treatment also reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decreased apoptosis under heat stress. MAG also upregulated the expression of the antioxidant-related genes, Nrf2 and GSTT1, in heat-stressed intestinal epithelial cells and significantly downregulated the expression of the heat shock response-related proteins, MAPK, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP27. From the above results, we conclude that 0.25 μg/mL MAG improves the capability of the antioxidant system in small intestinal epithelial cells to eliminate reactive oxygen species by activating antioxidant pathways, improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance, lowering excessive heat shock responses, and reducing intestinal oxidative stress.

[Threshold of Se-rich Soil Based on Available-Se and Influencing Factors of Available-Se]

Available selenium (Se) in soil was the predominant factor affecting the content of Se in crops. In order to reasonably delineate the Se-rich soil range and propose theoretical guidance for the cultivation of natural Se-rich crops in a region where the surface soils had a high level of available-Se and a low level of total-Se, 8814 samples in surface soil and 195 root-crop matching samples were collected in Shizuishan in northern Ningxia. On the basis of the main line of analysis of available-Se, the following research was conducted: by synthetically studying the total-Se and available-Se in surface soil and root soil, the morphology of Se in surface soil, as well as Se in crops, deep and coordinated analyses of content among total-Se, available-Se, and Se in root-crop matching samples were carried out, and the suitable threshold for Shizuishan was confirmed. A multiple regression model of available-Se was established to determine the main physical and chemical indexes affecting available-Se, which were expected to improve the Se enrichment rate of crops through the enhancement of available-Se. The results demonstrated that ω(Se) and ω(Se_available)in the surface soil in Shizuishan were 0.26 mg·kg^-1 and 12.85 μg·kg^-1, respectively, and the characteristics of Se and available-Se in root-crop matching samples could represent those in surface soil. Thus, it was recommended to use 0.24 mg·kg^-1 as the suitable threshold of Se-rich soil. The multiple regression model of available-Se showed that the increase in total-Se and soil elements affecting soil fertility could promote the enrichment of available-Se.

[Retrospective analysis of short-term curative effect of total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal after radical resection of rectal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the safety, feasibility and short-term efficacy of total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal in patients after resection of rectal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 20 patients who underwent total laparoscopic loop ileoscopic loop ileostomy after radical resection of rectal cancer at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, or Beijing Chaoyang District Sanhuan Cancer Hospital from October 2019 to June 2020 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients had successfully underwent total laparoscopic ileostomy reversal without conversion to open surgery or discontinued operation. No perioperative related death cases were found. In the whole group, the median operation time was 97 (60-145) minutes and the median intraoperative blood loss was 20 (10-100) milliliters. The median Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was 1.9 (1-5) one day after the operation. Nobody needed to use additional analgesic drugs. The median time to grand activities was 25 (16-42) hours, the median time to flatus was 44 (19-51) hours, and the median hospitalization after operation was 6.9 (5-9) days. No patients underwent operation related complications such as operative incision infection, abdominal and pelvic infection, intestinal obstruction, anastomotic leakage, bleeding and so on. Conclusions: Total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal appears to be safe, feasible and with promising efficacy for selected patients.

Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide in diet on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers. A total of 600, one-day-old AA broilers randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds per cage received dietary supplementation with GCP (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg) for 42 d. The supplementation of GCP linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate on day 22 to 42. Dietary supplementation with GCP reduced (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol on day 21 and 42 and linearly improved (P < 0.05) albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on day 21 and 42 and reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content on 21 d. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly improved (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressions in liver on day 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment, we randomly selected 20 broilers from 3 treatment groups (0, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg), respectively, to perform an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute stress experiment. The 60 broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups with 10 birds per cage. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with GCP (0, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1 mg/kg body weight) levels as treatments. When the grouping was finished, the broilers were immediately intraperitoneally injected with LPS or normal saline. Six hours after challenged, serum antioxidant and liver immunity were analyzed. The results showed that dietary GCP prevented LPS-induced reductions in T-SOD activity and increases in malonaldehyde content (P < 0.05). Also, dietary GCP supplementation mitigated the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β and IFN-γ in the liver. Supplementation with 1,500 mg/kg GCP showed the most optimal effect in broilers. GCP has the potential to be used as feed additive in broilers.

GNG5 is an unfavourable independent prognostic indicator of gliomas

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumours, and glioblastomas (GBMs) are subgrouped into four distinct molecular subtypes. This study aimed to identify the potential gene related to glioma progression. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to explore the related gene. Correlation, ROC, survival and Cox regression analyses were performed. Blue module was strongly associated with WHO grade (r = .65, P = 1e‐19). GNG5 in gliomas was overexpressed compared with normal samples and associated with clinicopathologic characteristics. GNG5 was frequent in Mesenchymal subtype and lowly expressed in Proneural subtype of GBMs. Survival and Cox regression analyses showed that glioma patients with GNG5 overexpression had shorter survival time, and GNG5 was an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival. Overall, GNG5 expression is closely associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and is an independent prognostic indicator for glioma patients, as well as a promising subtype‐associated biomarker in molecular classification of gliomas.

Integrated Transcriptome Analyses and Experimental Verifications of Mesenchymal-Associated TNFRSF1A as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Gliomas

Gliomas are the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumors with poor outcome, and four different molecular subtypes (Mesenchymal, Proneural, Neural, and Classical) are popularly applied in scientific researches and clinics of gliomas. Public databases contain an abundant genome-wide resource to explore the potential biomarker and molecular mechanisms using the informatics analysis. The aim of this study was to discover the potential biomarker and investigate its effect in gliomas. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct the co-expression modules and explore the biomarker among the dataset CGGA mRNAseq_693 carrying 693 glioma samples. Functional annotations, ROC, correlation, survival, univariate, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were implemented to investigate the functional effect in gliomas, and molecular experiments in vitro were performed to study the biological effect on glioma pathogenesis. The brown module was found to be strongly related to WHO grade of gliomas, and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that TNFRSF1A was enriched in MAPK signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Overexpressed TNFRSF1A was strongly related to clinical features such as WHO grade, and functioned as an independent poor prognostic predictor of glioma patients. Notably, TNFRSF1A was preferentially upregulated in the Mesenchymal subtype gliomas (Mesenchymal-associated). Knockdown of TNFRSF1A inhibited proliferation and migration of glioma cell lines in vitro. Our findings provide a further understanding of the progression of gliomas, and Mesenchymal-associated TNFRSF1A might be a promising target of diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of gliomas.

Identification of biomarkers and construction of a microRNA-mRNA regulatory network for ependymoma using integrated bioinformatics analysis

Ependymomas (EPNs) are one of the most common types of malignant neuroepithelial tumors. In an effort to identify potential biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of EPN, the mRNA expression profiles of the GSE25604, GSE50161, GSE66354, GSE74195 and GSE86574 datasets, in addition to the microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression profiles of GSE42657 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between EPN and normal brain tissue samples were identified using the Limma package in R and GEO2R, respectively. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, which was visualized using Cytoscape. The targeted genes of DEMs were predicted using miRWalk2.0 and a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Following analysis, a total of 948 DEGs and 129 DEMs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that 609 upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’, while 339 downregulated DEGs were primarily involved in ‘cell junction’ and ‘retrograde endocannabinoid signaling’. In addition, 6 hub genes [cyclin dependent kinase 1, CD44 molecule (Indian blood group) (CD44), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MYC, synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) and kinesin family member 4A] and 6 crucial miRNAs [homo sapiens (hsa)-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-449a, hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-128-3p and hsa-miR-330-3p] were identified as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for EPN. Furthermore, a microRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed to highlight the interactions between DEMs and their target DEGs; this included the hsa-miR-449a-SYT1, hsa-miR-34a-5p-SYT1, hsa-miR-330-3p-CD44 and hsa-miR-124-3p-PCNA pairs, whose expression levels were confirmed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, the present study may provide important data for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of EPN pathogenesis.

BMX activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer has become a dangerous killer for the female, which seriously threatened women's life, leading to huge pressures to society. The present study assessed the mechanism underlying the involvement of bone marrow tyrosine kinase on chromosome X (BMX) in breast cancer development.

METHODS

The expression of BMX was examined by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The effect of BMX on cell proliferation and migration was detected by Clone formation assay and Transwell assay. In vitro study, the correlation of BMX with Wnt/β-catenin pathway was explored by western blot and TOP/FOP flash assay.

RESULTS

In the present study, we found that BMX was up-regulated in breast cancer, which was associated with the tumor differentiation and TNM stage. Oncogenic BMX enhanced the ability of breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, BMX could up-regulate the protein expression levels of p-β-catenin (Y142), p-β-catenin(Y654) and inhibit the expression level of p-β-catenin (S33/37), thus activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, we revealed that BMX promoted GSK3β phosphorylation, which suppressed the degradation of β-catenin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified that BMX-activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, playing an oncogenic role in breast cancer, suggesting that BMX could become a potential treatment target of breast cancer.

Front-face fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to detect high proteinaceous matter in milk and whey ultrafiltration permeate

Proteinaceous matter can leak into the permeate stream during ultrafiltration (UF) of milk and whey and lead to financial losses. Although manufacturers can measure protein content in the finished permeate powders, there is currently no rapid monitoring tool during UF to identify protein leak. This study applied front-face fluorescence spectroscopy (FFFS) and chemometrics to identify the fluorophore of interest associated with the protein leak, develop predictive models to quantify true protein content, and classify the types of protein leak in permeate streams. Crude protein (CP), nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), true protein (TP), tryptone-equivalent peptide (TEP), α-lactalbumin (α-LA), and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) contents were measured for 37 lots of whey permeate and 29 lots of milk permeate from commercial manufacturers. Whey permeate contained more TEP than did milk permeate, whereas milk permeate contained more α-LA and β-LG than did whey permeate. The types of protein leak were thus identified for predictive model development. Based on excitation-emission matrix (EEM) of high- and low-TP permeates, tryptophan excitation spectra were collected for predictive model development, measuring TP content in permeate. With external validation, a useful model for quality control purposes was developed, with a root mean square error of prediction of 0.22% (dry basis) and a residual prediction deviation of 2.8. Moreover, classification models were developed using partial least square discriminant analysis. These classification methods can detect high TP level, high TEP level, and presence of α-LA or β-LG with 83.3%, 84.8%, and 98.5% cross-validated accuracy, respectively. This method showed that FFFS and chemometrics can rapidly detect protein leaks and identify the types of protein leak in UF permeate. Implementation of this method in UF processing plants can reduce financial loss from protein leaks and maintain high-quality permeate production.

Examining the biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of medulloblastoma based on bioinformatics analysis

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The aim of the present study was to predict biomarkers and reveal their potential molecular mechanisms in MB. The gene expression profiles of GSE35493, GSE50161, GSE74195 and GSE86574 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using the Limma package in R, a total of 1,006 overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the cut-off criteria of P<0.05 and |log₂fold-change (FC)|>1 were identified between MB and normal samples, including 540 upregulated and 466 downregulated genes. Furthermore, the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were also performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool to analyze functional and pathway enrichment. The Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes database was subsequently used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the network was visualized in Cytoscape. The top 11 hub genes, including CDK1, CCNB1, CCNB2, PLK1, CDC20, MAD2L1, AURKB, CENPE, TOP2A, KIF2C and PCNA, were identified from the PPI network. The survival curves for hub genes in the dataset GSE85217 predicted the association between the genes and survival of patients with MB. The top 3 modules were identified by the Molecular Complex Detection plugin. The results indicated that the pathways of DEGs in module 1 were primarily enriched in cell cycle, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and oocyte meiosis; and the most significant functional pathways in modules 2 and 3 were primarily enriched in mismatch repair and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, respectively. These results may help elucidate the pathogenesis and design novel treatments for MB.

Silencing SATB1 overcomes temozolomide resistance by downregulating MGMT expression and upregulating SLC22A18 expression in human glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system and has a very poor prognosis. Currently, patients were treated by resection followed by radiotherapy plus concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. However, many patients are resistant to TMZ-induced DNA damage because of upregulated expression of the DNA repair enzyme O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). In this study, upregulation of SATB1 and MGMT, and downregulation of SLC22A18 resulted in acquisition of TMZ resistance in GBM U87 cells. Inactivation of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) downregulated MGMT expression and upregulated solute carrier family 22 member 18 (SLC22A18) expression in GBM cells. This suggested SATB1-mediated posttranscriptional regulation of the MGMT and SLC22A18 protein levels. Immunohistochemical analysis of malignant glioma specimens demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the levels of MGMT and SATB1, and a negative correlation between the levels of SLC22A18 and SATB1. Importantly, in recurrent, compared with the primary, lesions in 15 paired identical tumors, the SATB1 and MGMT protein levels were increased and the SLC22A18 levels were decreased. Finally, in TMZ-resistant GBM, SATB1 knockdown enhanced TMZ efficacy. Consequently, SATB1 inhibition might be a promising strategy combined with TMZ chemotherapy to treat TMZ-resistant GBM.

Upregulated IQUB promotes cell proliferation and migration via activating Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer was the highest incidence of tumor in women, which seriously threaten women's health. Our previous study found that the expression of IQUB (IQ motif and ubiquitin domain containing) was significantly increased in the development of breast cancer by transcriptome sequencing. However, there were no studies on the mechanism of IQUB in tumorigenesis. Further study showed that IQUB expression was significantly increased in breast cancer, which had a significantly positive correlation with pathological differentiation of breast cancer by tissue microarray analysis. Furthermore, we also discovered that IQUB overexpression could obviously promote the proliferation and migration of MCF‐7 cells and increase the proportion of MCF‐7 cells in S and G2/M phase in vitro study, while knockdown of IQUB caused inhibition of cell proliferation and migration in MDA‐MB‐231 cells and increased the proportion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells in G1 phase. Furthermore, IQUB overexpression or knockdown combined with treatment of Licl or MG‐132 showed that IQUB activated Akt to promote GSK3β phosphorylation, which in turn activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results indicated that upregulated IQUB promoted breast cancer cell proliferation and migration via activating Akt/GSK3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which played an important part in the tumorigenesis and development of breast cancer.

[Association between fatty liver and type 2 diabetes in the baseline population of Jinchang Cohort]

Objective: To explore the association between fatty liver and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the baseline-population of Jinchang cohort study. Methods: Data from all the participants involved in the baseline-population of Jinchang cohort study was used, to compare the risks of T2DM in fatty liver and non fatty liver groups and to explore the interaction between family history or fatty liver of diabetes and the prevalence of T2DM. Results: Among all the 46 861 participants, 10 574 were diagnosed as having fatty liver (22.56%), with the standardized rate as 20.66%. Another 3 818 participants were diagnosed as having T2DM (8.15%) with standardized rate as 6.90%. The prevalence of T2DM increased in parallel with the increase of age (trend χ(2)=2 833.671, trend P<0.001). The prevalence of T2DM in the fatty liver group was significantly higher than that in the non-fatty liver group, both in men or women and in the overall population. Compared with the group of non-fatty liver, the risks of T2DM in fatty liver group were seen 1.78 times higher in males, 2.33 times in women and 2.10 times in the overall population, after adjustment for factors as age, levels of education, smoking, drinking, physical exercise, BMI, family history of diabetes and some metabolic indicators (pressure, TC, TG, uric acid, ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyl transferase). Date from the interaction model showed that fatty liver and family history of diabetes present a positive additive interaction on T2DM (RERI=1.18, 95%CI: 0.59-1.78; AP=0.24, 95%CI: 0.14-0.34; S=1.43, 95%CI: 1.21-1.69). Conclusions: Fatty liver could significantly increase the risk of T2DM and a positive additive interaction was also observed between fatty liver and family history of diabetes on T2DM. It was important to strengthen the prevention program on T2DM, in order to effectively control the development of fatty liver.

Large-scale screening and characterisation of Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza strains for starch production

Duckweed is considered a promising feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high biomass and starch production. Selection of duckweed strains with high starch accumulation is essential for application of duckweeds to bioethanol production. Geographic differentiation had a large influence on genetic diversity of duckweeds. Biomass production, starch content and starch amount in geographically isolated strains of 20 Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza were calculated to evaluate their potential for bioethanol production. The influence of different collection time, culture medium and NaCl concentration on starch accumulation of the best strains were analysed. The results showed that biomass production, starch content and starch production of duckweeds demonstrated clonal dependency. The best strain was L. aequinoctialis 6000, with biomass production of 15.38 ± 1.47 g m^-2 , starch content of 28.68 ± 1.10% and starch production of 4.39 ± 0.25 g m^-2 . Furthermore, starch content of L. aequinoctialis 6000 was highest after 8 h of light, tap water was the best medium for starch induction, and NaCl did not induce starch accumulation. This study suggests duckweed biomass production and starch production demonstrate clonal dependency, indicating that extensive clonal comparisons will be required to identify the most suitable isolates for duckweed selective breeding for bioethanol.

Betulinic acid induces apoptosis and ultrastructural changes in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of betulinic acid (BA) on triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and observe the ultrastructural changes. The concentration of BA required to induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells has been previously reported. In this study, a cell counting kit-8 proliferation assay was used to measure cell viability and the apoptosis rate. Western blotting was performed to observe the protein expression levels of Bcl-2. Cell morphology and changes in cell density were observed by microscopy. Electron microscopy revealed pyknotic nuclei as well as vacuoles. Collectively, our results showed the morphological mechanisms by which BA impairs the ultrastructure of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Large animal models of traumatic brain injury

Purpose/Aim: Animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) provide powerful tools to study TBI in a controlled, rigorous and cost-efficient manner. The mostly used animals in TBI studies so far are rodents. However, compared with rodents, large animals (e.g. swine, rabbit, sheep, ferret, etc.) show great advantages in modeling TBI due to the similarity of their brains to human brain. The aim of our review was to summarize the development and progress of common large animal TBI models in past 30 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mixed published articles and books associated with large animal models of TBI were researched and summarized.

RESULTS

We majorly sumed up current common large animal models of TBI, including discussion on the available research methodologies in previous studies, several potential therapies in large animal trials of TBI as well as advantages and disadvantages of these models.

CONCLUSIONS

Large animal models of TBI play crucial role in determining the underlying mechanisms and screening putative therapeutic targets of TBI.

[The Value of SMI in the Evaluation of interventional therapy of liver cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the value of super microvascular imaging(SMI) for evaluating the effect of interventional therapy of liver cancer. Methods: A total of 30 patients with 40 leisions were enrolled in this study, from the tumor intervention department in the third affiliated hospital of suzhou university.This patients were underwent TACE, after the treatment 1 month, CDFI, SMI, and CT were study respectively. Using the continuity correction McNemar matching chi-square test, with P < 0.05 for the standard , CDFI and SMI shows the difference in monitoring the microvascular imaging in and around the tumors leisions. Results: A total of 30 patients, 12 cases were primary liver cancer (7 cases combined with liver cirrhosis), 18cases were metastatic liver cancer; 30 cases including 25 single and 5 multiple. Significant difference were found between CT and SMI in detecting blood flows inside the lesion (χ² = 8.642 9, P < 0.05), and were also found between CT and CDFI in detecting blood flows inside the lesion (χ² = 16.961 5, P < 0.05). The AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of CDFI were 0.647, 29.4%、100%、29.4%、100%、20.0%, while in SMI were 0.809, 61.8%、100%、61.7%、100%、31.5%, respectively. Conclusions: SMI SMI can detect the microvascular inside the lesions. This new method was superior to CDFI, achieving the same effect as CT.

Sodium butyrate-induced apoptosis and ultrastructural changes in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

This study investigated the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells and analyzed the relevant mechanism. Here, we demonstrated that a certain concentration of NaB effectively induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability and the apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to detect changes in the Bcl-2 expression level. We observed cell shape changes with microscopy. Immunofluorescence revealed some apoptotic nuclei. Electron microscopy revealed thick nucleoli, chromatin margination, reduced mitochondria, and dramatic vacuoles. Collectively, our findings elucidated the morphological mechanism by which NaB changed the ultrastructure of MCF-7 cells.

Correlation of miR-494 expression with tumor progression and patient survival in pancreatic cancer

MicroRNA-494 (miR-494) expression is aberrant in various types of human cancer. However, the prognostic value of miR-494 in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. The level of miR-494 expression was determined in 99 pairs of primary pancreatic cancer and their corresponding, adjacent non-tumor tissues by using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We also analyzed the associations between miR-494 expression and clinicopathological features. The survival correlations were analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. The level of miR-494 expression was significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues (mean relative expression level ± SD, 0.48 ± 0.11) as compared to matched adjacent normal tissues (1.80 ± 0.28, P < 0.05). We found significant correlations between the miR-494 expression levels and TNM stage (P = 0.009), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.036), vascular invasion (P = 0.011), distant metastasis (P = 0.007), and tumor grade (P = 0.031). Pancreatic cancer patients with a low miR-494 expression level had a shorter overall survival than those with a high miR-494 expression level (P < 0.05). Reduced miR-494 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues is correlated with tumor progression and might be an independent, poor prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Nucleotide mismatches of foot-and-mouth disease virus during replication

As there is a lack of error correction mechanisms during RNA replication, foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has a very high mismatch rate, which leads to a high mutation rate, in the range of 10(-3) to 10(-5) per nucleotide site per genome replication. We examined the nucleotide mismatch of FMDV during replication, based on the whole genomes of the 7 serotypes retrieved from NCBI. With the Mega bio-software, SPSS, and Microsoft Excel, we studied the nucleotide differences compared to the sequence in the RefSeq database, and developed two probable mutation models, i.e., once mutation model and complication mutation model. Further analysis on the nucleotide mismatch during replication was made. We found that FMDV share similar difference rates between nucleotide and reverse differences, for example the mutation U→C and C→U. We also found that each nucleotide has its domain mismatch, and the virus kept a constant nucleotide composition during mutations.

In vitro and in vivo radiosensitization induced by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Previous study showed that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAPs) inhibited glioma growth in vitro and in vivo; and in a drug combination, they could reduce adverse reactions. We investigated the possible enhancement of radiosensitivity induced by nano-HAPs.

METHODS

In vitro radiosensitization of nano-HAPs was measured using a clonogenic survival assay in human glioblastoma U251 and breast tumor brain metastatic tumor MDA-MB-231BR cells. DNA damage and repair were measured using γH2AX foci, and mitotic catastrophe was determined by immunostaining. The effect of nano-HAPs on in vivo tumor radiosensitivity was investigated in a subcutaneous and an orthotopic model.

RESULTS

Nano-HAPs enhanced each cell line's radiosensitivity when the exposure was 1 h before irradiation, and they had no significant effect on irradiation-induced apoptosis or on the activation of the G2 cell cycle checkpoint. The number of γH2AX foci per cell was significantly large at 24 h after the combination modality of nano-HAPs + irradiation compared with single treatments. Mitotic catastrophe was also significantly increased at an interval of 72 h in tumor cells receiving the combined modality compared with the individual treatments. In a subcutaneous model, nano-HAPs caused a larger than additive increase in tumor growth delay. In an orthotopic model, nano-HAPs significantly reduced tumor growth and extended the prolongation of survival induced by irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that nano-HAPs can enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of DNA repair, resulting in an increase in mitotic catastrophe.

Predictive value of the SLC22A18 protein expression in glioblastoma patients receiving temozolomide therapy

Background

Our previous study showed that SLC22A18 downregulation and promoter methylation were associated with the development and progression of glioma and the elevated expression of SLC22A18 was found to increase the sensitivity of glioma U251 cells to the anticancer drug 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). In this study, we investigated the predictive value of SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients receiving temozolomide (TMZ) therapy.

Patients and methods

SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression were examined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and Western blotting respectively, then we compared SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression in tumor cell explants in regard to prediction of TMZ response and survival time of 86 GBM patients.

Results

SLC22A18 promoter methylation was detected in 61 of 86 (71%) samples, whereas 36 of 86 (42%) cases were scored positive for SLC22A18 protein expression. Overall SLC22A18 promoter methylation was significantly related to SLC22A18 protein expression, but a subgroup of cases did not follow this association. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that SLC22A18 protein expression, but not promoter methylation, was significantly correlated with TMZ therapy. SLC22A18 protein expression predicted a significantly shorter overall survival in 51 patients receiving TMZ therapy, whereas no differences in overall survival were observed in 35 patients without TMZ therapy.

Conclusions

These results show that lack of SLC22A18 protein expression is superior to promoter methylation as a predictive tumor biomarker in GBM patients receiving temozolomide therapy.

Relationship between SATB1 expression and prognosis in astrocytoma

Special AT-rich-sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1), a new type of gene regulator, has been reported to be expressed in various human cancers and may be associated with malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of SATB1 in astrocytoma and to determine its prognostic value for the overall survival of patients with astrocytoma. The expression of SATB1 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) in human astrocytoma specimens was examined using immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The relationship between SATB1 expression and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status was also investigated. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to describe the association between SATB1 expression and the clinical parameters of astrocytoma patients. SATB1 protein and mRNA were expressed at significant levels in astrocytoma specimens. SATB1 expression was positively correlated with astrocytoma pathological grade but negatively correlated with the life span of astrocytoma patients. SATB1 expression was also significantly lower in astrocytoma specimens with MGMT promoter methylation than in those without MGMT promoter methylation. Our findings suggest that SATB1 may have an important role as a positive regulator of astrocytoma development and progression and that SATB1 might be a useful molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with astrocytoma and could be a novel target for treating astrocytoma.

A cross-sectional study of sputum handling by and supervision of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated at home in China

Disposal of sputum from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) who are treated at home is an important aspect of preventing the spread of TB. However, few studies have examined disposal of sputum by patients with TB who are treated at home. Patients with pulmonary TB who are treated at home were surveyed regarding sputum handling and supervision. A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of patients with pulmonary TB who are treated at home was conducted in Shandong Province. Participants were individuals with TB who had been registered with a local agency responsible for TB control. Participants completed a questionnaire with both qualitative and quantitative questions. How sputum was handled was determined and factors associated with sputum disposal were analyzed using a non-parametric test, logistic regression, and content analysis. Responses were received from 720 participants. Patients expectorated sputum 4.56 ± 10.367 times a day, and 68.6% of patients responded that they correctly disposed of their sputum. Supervision as part of TB control focused on the efforts of health agencies and paid little attention to waste management by patients. A non-parametric test showed that sputum disposal was significantly associated with gender, age, education, sputum smear results, attitudes toward waste management, and attitudes toward supervision (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR = 0.482, 95% CI: 0.329-0.704), sputum smear results (OR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.037-1.629), and level of education (OR = 0.685, 95% CI: 0.528-0.889) were associated with receipt of TB health education (all p < 0.05). Sputum handling by and supervision of patients with pulmonary TB who are treated at home is severely wanting. From a policy perspective, special attention should be given to the definition, details, and methods of supervision of waste management by patients with TB to give them relevant health education and enhance their willingness to be supervised. A financial incentive should be provided to health workers supervising management of TB-related waste.

Upregulation of SATB1 is associated with the development and progression of glioma

Background

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1 (SATB1) has been reported to be expressed in several human cancers and may have malignant potential. This study was aimed at investigating the expression and potential role of SATB1 in human glioma.

Method

The relationship between SATB1 expression, clinicopathological parameters, Ki67 expression and MGMT promoter methylation status was evaluated, and the prognostic value of SATB1 expression in patients with gliomas was analyzed. SATB1-specific shRNA sequences were synthesized, and U251 cells were transfected with SATB1 RNAi plasmids. Expression of SATB1 mRNA and protein was investigated by RT-PCR and immunofluoresence staining and western blotting. The expression of c-Met, SLC22A18, caspase-3 and bcl-2 protein was determined by western blotting. U251 cell growth and adherence was detected by methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. The apoptosis of U251 cells was examined with a flow cytometer. The adherence, invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis assays of U251 cells were done. The growth and angiogenesis of SATB1 low expressing U251 cells was measured in an in vivo xenograft model.

Results

Of 70 tumors, 44 (62.9%) were positive for SATB1 expression. SATB1 expression was significantly associated with a high histological grade and with poor survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. SATB1 expression was also positively correlated with Ki67 expression but negatively with MGMT promoter methylation in glioma tissues. SATB1 shRNA expression vectors could efficiently induce the expression of SLC22A18 protein, increase the caspase-3 protein, inhibit the expression of SATB1, c-Met and bcl-2 protein, the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of U251 cells, and induce apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, the tumor growth of U251 cells expressing SATB1 shRNA were inhibited in vivo, and immunohistochemical analyses of tumor sections revealed a decreased vessel density in the animals where shRNA against SATB1 were expressed.

Conclusions

SATB1 may have an important role as a positive regulator of glioma development and progression, and that SATB1 might be a useful molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of glioma.

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles inhibit the growth of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAPs) have been reported to exhibit antitumor effects on various human cancers, but the effects of nano-HAPs on human glioma cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of nano-HAPs on the growth of human glioma U251 and SHG44 cells in vitro and in vivo. Nano-HAPs could inhibit the growth of U251 and SHG44 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, according to methyl thiazoletetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Treated with 120 mg/L and 240 mg/L nano-HAPs for 48 hours, typical apoptotic morphological changes were noted under Hoechst staining and transmission electron microscopy. The tumor growth of cells was inhibited after the injection in vivo, and the related side effects significantly decreased in the nano-HAP-and-drug combination group. Because of the function of nano-HAPs, the expression of c-Met, SATB1, Ki-67, and bcl-2 protein decreased, and the expression of SLC22A18 and caspase-3 protein decreased noticeably. The findings indicate that nano-HAPs have an evident inhibitory action and induce apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. In a drug combination, they can significantly reduce the adverse reaction related to the chemotherapeutic drug 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU).

A randomized study of urgent computed tomography-based hematoma puncture and aspiration in the emergency department and subsequent evacuation using craniectomy versus craniectomy only

OBJECT

When treating patients with a spontaneous supratentorial massive (≥ 70 ml) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the results of surgery are gloomy. A worsening pupil response has been observed in patients preoperatively, despite blood pressure control and diuretic administration. Because open surgery needs time for decompression to occur, the authors conducted a prospective randomized study to determine whether patients who have suffered a massive ICH can benefit from a more urgently performed decompressive procedure.

METHODS

Overall, 36 eligible patients admitted 6 or fewer hours post-ictus were enrolled in the study. In Group A, 12 patients underwent CT-based hematoma puncture and partial aspiration in the emergency department (ED) and subsequent evacuation via a craniectomy; in Group B, 24 patients underwent hematoma evacuation via a craniectomy only. Pupil responses were categorized into 5 grades (Grade 0, bilaterally fixed; Grade 1, unilaterally fixed with the fixed pupil > 7 mm; Grade 2, unilaterally fixed with the fixed pupil ≤ 7 mm; Grade 3, a unilaterally sluggish response; and Grade 4, a bilaterally brisk response). Grades were obtained on admission, at surgical decompression (defined as the point at which liquid hematoma began to flow out in Group A and at dural opening in Group B), and at completion of craniectomy. The Barthel Scale was used to assess survivors' functional outcome at 12 months. Comparisons were made between Groups A and B. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the positive likelihood ratio of all variables for survival and function (Barthel Scale score of ≥ 35 at 12 months).

RESULTS

Decompressive surgery was undertaken approximately 60 minutes earlier in Group A than B. A worsening pupil reflex before decompression was observed in no Group A patient and in 9 Group B patients. At the time of decompression pupil response was better in Group A than B (p < 0.05). Although only approximately one-third of the hematoma volume documented on initial CT scanning had been drained before the craniectomy in Group A, when partial aspiration was followed by craniectomy, better pupil-response results were obtained in Group A at the completion of craniectomy, and survival rate and 12-month Barthel Scale score were better as well (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that one variable, a minimum pupil grade of 3 at the time of decompression, had the highest predictive value for survival at 12 months (8.0, 95% CI 2.0-32.0), and a pupil grade of 4 at the same time was the most valuable predictor of a Barthel Scale score of 35 or greater at 12 months (15.0, 95% CI 1.9-120.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with massive spontaneous supratentorial ICHs may benefit from more urgent surgical decompression. The results of logistic regression analysis implied that, to improve long-term functional outcome, decompression should be performed in patients before herniation occurs. Due to the fact that most of these patients have signs of herniation when presenting to the ED and because conventional surgical decompression requires time to take effect, this combination of surgical treatment provides a feasible and effective surgical option.

Safety and efficacy of symptom-driven CT decision rule in fully conscious paediatric patients with symptoms after mild closed head trauma

OBJECTS

The aim of the authors is to derive a safe, effective and feasible symptom-driven CT rule in fully conscious children ≥3 years with symptoms after head trauma, based on time-framed clinical course, radiological findings, outcome measures and prognosis of patients.

METHODS

Fully conscious but symptomatic children ≥3 years after head injury (1997-2010) with CT performance ≤2 h since injury were included in the study. Additional exclusion criteria were set for patient selection. Evolution of clinical symptoms of patients in 24 h since injury was the focus in current study. Clinical data were extracted from standardised medical records on admission and observation charts.

RESULTS

Data of 1897 eligible cases were retrospectively reviewed. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was revealed radiologically in 73 cases (3.8%). Eight cases underwent surgery. Recursive partitioning analysis identified the following factors in the CT rule: any delayed headache commenced between 4 and 10 h since injury; significantly worsening headaches present between 2 and 12 h since injury; vomiting between 6 and 12 h since injury; and headache without significant changes persisted ≥12 h since injury. It has a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 95.0% to 100.0%) and specificity of 72.1% (95% CI 70.0% to 74.1%) to predict cases with TBI.

CONCLUSIONS

A symptom-driven CT rule has been derived to identify cases at high risk of having TBI in fully conscious, but symptomatic children with mild closed head injury. To be practical, an additional observation rule is added.

Caspase work model during pathogen infection

Caspases are an evolutionarily conserved family of aspartate-specific cystein-dependent proteases with essential functions in apoptosis and normally exist in cells as inactive proenzymes. In addition to the inflammatory caspases, the initiator and effector caspases have been shown to have an important role in regulating the immune response, but are involved in different ways. We give a brief introduction on the benefit of apoptosis on the clearance of invasive pathogens, and the caspase functions involved in the immune response. Then we construct a working model of caspases during pathogen invasion. A detailed description of the three modes is given in the discussion. These three modes are regulated by different inhibitors, and there may be a novel way to treat intracellular pathogen and autoimmune diseases based on the specific inhibitors.

Correlation of low SLC22A18 expression with poor prognosis in patients with glioma

We investigated the expression of the putative tumor suppressor SLC22A18 to evaluate it as a prognostic marker in glioma patients. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses of clinical tissue samples obtained from 120 patients with glioma were performed. Low expression of SLC22A18 was observed in 71.7% of patients. Loss of SLC22A18 expression in glioma was significantly related to pathological grade (p = 0.003). High pathological grade (World Health Organization III-IV) was correlated with negative (low or absent) expression of SLC22A18, which was correlated with a significantly shorter overall patient survival than in those with positive (high) expression (p = 0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that SLC22A18 expression level is an independent survival prognostic factor for patients with glioma (p = 0.011). Western blotting analysis confirmed decreased expression of SLC22A18 in glioma tissues compared with adjacent brain tissues. This study suggests that SLC22A18 functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma and represents a candidate biomarker for long-term survival in this disease.

Effect of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on SLC22A18 in glioma U251 cells

SLC22A18 [solute carrier family 22 (organic cation transporter) member 18] is located within the 11p15.5 cluster, and may be a new tumor suppressor gene; evidence of SLC22A18 hypermethylation is documented in several types of human cancers. In order to determine whether SLC22A18 hypermethylation is involved in glioma, we determined the SLC22A18 gene protein expression, mRNA expression and methylation status in glioma U251 cells before and after treatment with 5-Aza-2'‑deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), and observed the change in growth. Glioma U251 cells treated with 5-Aza-CdR were analyzed by flow cytometry to identify any change in their cell cycle profiles. Tumors induced via the injection of untreated U251 cells were measured. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and PCR-based methylation assay were carried out to determine SLC22A18 gene protein expression, mRNA expression and methylation status in glioma U251 cells before and after treatment with 5-Aza‑CdR. The treated cells showed an increase in their proportion in G1, from 79.2 to 83.5%, and a decrease in S phase, from 12.4 to 5.8%. The apoptotic rate increased from 6.4 to 15.8%. Tumors induced via the injection of untreated U251 cells were approximately 1.46 cm³ in size, whereas the tumors induced by U251 cells treated with 5-Aza-CdR averaged 0.88 cm³ in size. The expression levels of SLC22A18 protein and mRNA in U251 cells were increased following treatment with 5x10⁻⁷ M 5-Aza‑CdR. Prior to 5-Aza-CdR treatment, the SLC22A18 gene demonstrated hypermethylation and therefore could not be cleaved by HpaII and MspI. It is known that only the DNA digested with HpaII or MspI can be amplified. Following treatment with 5-Aza‑CdR, the SLC22A18 gene became demethylated, and could then be cleaved by both of the enzymes, and this failed to be amplified. 5-Aza-cdR may induce glioma U251 cell division and apoptosis and enhance demethylation and protein and mRNA expression of SLC22A18. The hypermethylation of SLC22A18 may be related to the transcriptional silencing of this gene. The growth inhibitory effects of 5-Aza-CdR treatment in vivo remain recognizable.

Promoter methylation and downregulation of SLC22A18 are associated with the development and progression of human glioma

Background

Downregulation of the putative tumor suppressor gene SLC22A18 has been reported in a number of human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SLC22A18 downregulation, promoter methylation and the development and progression of human glioma.

Method

SLC22A18 expression and promoter methylation was examined in human gliomas and the adjacent normal tissues. U251 glioma cells stably overexpressing SLC22A18 were generated to investigate the effect of SLC22A18 on cell growth and adherence in vitro using the methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry and the growth of SLC22A18 overexpressing U251 cells was measured in an in vivo xenograft model.

Results

SLC22A18 protein expression is significantly decreased in human gliomas compared to the adjacent normal brain tissues. SLC22A18 protein expression is significantly lower in gliomas which recurred within six months after surgery than gliomas which did not recur within six months. SLC22A18 promoter methylation was detected in 50% of the gliomas, but not in the adjacent normal tissues of any patient. SLC22A18 expression was significantly decreased in gliomas with SLC22A18 promoter methylation, compared to gliomas without methylation. The SLC22A18 promoter is methylated in U251 cells and treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine increased SLC22A18 expression and reduced cell proliferation. Stable overexpression of SLC22A18 inhibited growth and adherence, induced apoptosis in vitro and reduced in vivo tumor growth of U251 cells.

Conclusion

SLC22A18 downregulation via promoter methylation is associated with the development and progression of glioma, suggesting that SLC22A18 is an important tumor suppressor in glioma.

Elevated expression of solute carrier family 22 member 18 increases the sensitivity of U251 glioma cells to BCNU

Previous studies showed that solute carrier family 22 member 18 (SLC22A18) is involved in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of SLC22A18 in glioma cells. Glioma U251 cells were transfected with the human SLC22A18 gene. Transfection of the empty vector pcDNA3.1 was used as a negative control. Sensitivity to BCNU was measured by Annexin V staining. The expression of caspase-3 and bcl-2 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The transfection was confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Augmented apoptotic cell death was observed in the SLC22A18-transfected cells, compared to the non-transfected cells or cells with the empty vector. Caspase-3 expression increased in U251-SLC22A18 cells, whereas the bcl-2 expression decreased. These results indicated that SLC22A18 has a pro-apoptotic function in glioma cells.

Expression of HGF and VEGF in the cerebral tissue of adult rats with chronic hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important cytokines with modulatory actions in the nervous system. The present study aimed to investigate the role and expression of HGF and VEGF in the cerebral tissue of adult rats with chronic hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (n=20) and 3 experimental subgroups (n=60). Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced by the injection of 0.4 ml of non-heparinized autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna of experimental animals on day 0 with a second injection 2 days later. The rats were sacrificed within 24 h of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination at 2, 4, or 6 weeks. The excised brains were studied by RT-PCR, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses as we examined HGF and VEGF mRNA and protein expression. Chronic hydrocephalus was induced in 21 rats after subarachnoid hemorrhage. After 2 weeks, the expression of HGF and VEGF in the cerebral tissue was significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the controls, especially in periventricular white matter. Our results indicate that HGF and VEGF participate in the pathological injury and repair of cerebral tissue in rats with chronic hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

c-Met antisense oligodeoxynucleotides increase sensitivity of human glioma cells to paclitaxel

Cell culture, tissue chemistry and flow cytometry were used to determine whether antisense c-Met oligodeoxynucleotides enhanced the sensitivity of human glioma cells to paclitaxel. A combination of paclitaxel with antisense c-Met oligodeoxynucleotides inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis and induced c-Met protein expression in U251 and SHG44 human glioma cells more significantly than either paclitaxel or the oligodeoxynucleotides on their own (P<0.01). Thus, c-Met antisense oligodeoxynucleotides increase the sensitivity of human glioma cells to paclitaxel. Combined use of the two agents could be a novel and attractive strategy in human glioma treatment.

Experimental models of traumatic axonal injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death in people under 45 years of age worldwide. Such injury is characterized by a wide spectrum of mechanisms of injury and pathologies. Traumatic axonal injury (TAI), originally described as diffuse axonal injury, is one of the most common pathological features of TBI and is thought to be responsible for the long-lasting neurological impairments following TBI. Since the late 1980s a series of in vivo and in vitro experimental models of TAI have been developed to better understand the complex mechanisms of axonal injury and to define the relationship between mechanical forces and the structural and functional changes of injured axons. These models are designed to mimic as closely as possible the clinical condition of human TAI and have greatly improved our understanding of different aspects of TAI. The present review summarizes the most widely used experimental models of TAI. Focusing in particular on in vivo models, this survey aims to provide a broad overview of current knowledge and controversies in the development and use of the experimental models of TAI.

Sinus pericranii in the right frontal region and thrombosis

Sinus pericranii is a rare vascular anomaly in which an abnormal communication exists between the extracranial venous system and the underlying dural venous sinus via the diploe of the skull. We describe a case of a spontaneous thrombosis of the sinus pericranii which was located in the right frontal region and presented as a focal, leathery, and noncompressible mass distinguished in character from the typical manifestation of sinus pericranii. In this case, CT, DSA, MRI, MR venography (MRV), and pathologic examination were performed. The CT showed the bone depression in the skull and the MRI demonstrated the mass, but they were not sufficiently sensitive to detect the thrombus. Pathologic examination and MRV were helpful in depicting the thrombus. She underwent a surgical resection, and at the 5-month follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence.

[Effect of beta-catenin on the activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of beta-catenin on the activation of hepatic fibrosis by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFbeta1).

METHODS

The recombinant expression plasmids pcDNA3.1(+)-beta-catenin and pEGFP-N1 were cotransfected into cultured HSC-T6 cells. The expression of smad3, beta-catenin and alpha-SMA, beta-catenin protein in TGFbeta1 treated HSC-T6 cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot.

RESULTS

The expression of smad3 and beta-catenin in the co-transfected cells was higher than that in the untransfected cells (smad3 mRNA were 0.642 +/- 0.011, 0.501 +/- 0.021, 0.511 +/- 0.019, 0.356 +/- 0.017, respectively, F = 135.304, P < than 0.05. beta-catenin mRNA were 0.783 +/- 0.021, 0.543 +/- 0.033, 0.538 +/- 0.024, 0.212 +/- 0.019, respectively, F = 267.340, P < than 0.05. smad3 protein were 0.892 +/- 0.012, 0.124 +/- 0.011, 0.130 +/- 0.021, 0.003 +/- 0.001, F = 2823.813, P < l than 0.05. beta-catenin protein were 0.921 +/- 0.020, 0.210 +/- 0.010, 0.208 +/- 0.008, 0.002 +/- 0.001, respectively, F = 3440.982, P < than 0.05). The expression of beta-catenin and smad3 protein had a positive correlation with the level of alpha-SMA protein in cells (r = 0.901, P < than 0.01; r = 0.939, P < than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of smad3/alpha-SMA/beta-catenin is increased in the cultured HSC-T6 cells transfected by beta-catenin gene, especially when the transfected cells are stimulated by TGFbeta1. Our data suggest that beta-catenin could aggravate hepatic fibrosis induced by TGFbeta1.

c-Met-targeted RNA interference inhibits growth and metastasis of glioma U251 cells in vitro

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumor growth and metastasis and is a promising target for cancer therapy. c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are critical in cellular proliferation, motility, invasion, and angiogenesis. The present study was designed to determine the role of c-Met in growth and metastasis of glioma U251 cells using RNA interference (RNAi) technology in vitro. We constructed three kinds of shRNA expression vectors aiming at the c-Met gene, then transfected them into glioma U251 cells by lipofectamine(TM) 2000. The level of c-Met mRNA was investigated by real-time polymerse chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein expression of c-Met was observed by immunofluoresence staining and western blotting. U251 cell growth and adherence was detected by methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. The apoptosis of U251 cells was examined with a flow cytometer. The adherence, invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis assays of U251 cells were done. We got three kinds of c-Met specific shRNA expression vectors which could efficiently inhibit the growth and metastasis of U251 cells and the expression of c-Met in U251 cells. RT-PCR, immunofluoresence staining and western blotting showed that inhibition rate for c-Met expression was up to 90%, 79% and 85%, respectively. The expression of c-Met can be inhibited by RNA interference in U251 cells, which can inhibit the growth and metastasis of U251 cell and induce cell apoptosis. These results indicate that RNAi of c-Met can be an effective antiangiogenic strategy for glioma.

[A multi-gene DNA vaccine encoding non-fusion membrane-anchoring antigen against Schistosoma japonicum]

OBJECTIVE

To construct DNA vaccine (pIRES-Sj97-Sj14-Sj26) and study its immunogenicity and protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum.

METHODS

The plasmid pIRES-Sj97-Sj14-Sj26 containing fatty binding protein (Sj14), GST (Sj26) and paramyosin (Sj97) was constructed and expressed on the membrane. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Sj14 mRNA, Sj26 mRNA and Sj97 mRNA in the Hela cells, and IFA for detecting the expression of trans-membrane Sj14, Sj26 and Sj97. Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. Mice in each group respectively received normal saline, pIRES blank vector and pIRES-Sj97-Sj14-Sj26 by intramuscular injection. Two weeks after the 3rd immunization, 10 mice from each group were sacrificed and total IgG in serum and the level of IFN-y were detected by ELISA and lymphocyte stimulating index (SI) by MTt. FCM was used to analyze the subgroups of splenocytes. The level of NO secreted by peritoneal macrophages was determined by nitrate reductase approaches. The left 10 mice in each group were challenged with (40 +/- 1) cercariae of S. japonicum by abdominal skin penetration. Forty-five days after challenge, mice were sacrificed, and numbers of recovered worms and hepatic eggs were counted.

RESULTS

RT-PCR showed the expression of Sj14 mRNA, Sj26 mRNA and Sj97 mRNA. IFA proved the expression of Sj26, Sj14 and Sj97 protein. Level of total IgG in the vaccination group, saline group and pIRES blank vector group was (5.62 +/- 0.64), (1.22 +/- 0.20) and (1.48 +/- 0.36) mg/ml respectively, showing a statistical significance (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The NO level in macrophages was (321.19 +/- 18.03), (184.12 +/- 11.05) and (213.51 +/- 15.93) nmol/ml in the 3 groups respectively (P < 0.05), and the lymphocyte stimulating index in the 3 groups was (2.25 +/- 0.29), (1.18 +/- 0.07) and(1.22 +/- 0.09) respectively (P < 0.01). The INF-gamma level was higher in the vaccination group than others (P < 0.01). The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells increased considerably (P < 0.01). The vaccination group showed a worm reduction rate of 39.9% (P < 0.01) and an egg reduction rate of 43.9% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The vaccine candidate pIRES-Sj97-Sj14-Sj26 induces an immune protection in BALB/c mice against Schistosoma japonicum.

Stabilization of hepatocyte growth factor mRNA by hypoxia-inducible factor 1

Hypoxia regulates expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by increasing its transcription and by stabilizing its mRNA. Despite the pivotal role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in transcriptional activation of hypoxia-responsive genes, it is not known whether HIF-1 mediates hypoxia-induced stabilization of HGF mRNA. We constructed adenoviral vectors expressing either the wild-type HIF-1alpha (Ad2/HIF-1alpha/FL), a constitutively stable hybrid form of HIF-1alpha (Ad2/HIF-1alpha/VP16), or no transgene (Ad2/CMVEV). In rat glioma (C6) cells, human glioma (U251) cells human cardiac, vascular smooth muscle, and endothelial cells, infection with Ad2/HIF-1alpha/VP16 or Ad2/HIF-1alpha/FL increased HGF expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Under normoxic conditions, the half-life of HGF mRNA was 43 min in C6 and U251 cells. Hypoxia and Ad2/HIF-1alpha/VP16 increased the half-life of HGF mRNA to 3.2 and 2.8 h, respectively, while Ad2/CMVEV had no effect. These studies are the first to demonstrate that overexpression of HIF-1alpha increases HGF mRNA stability. Our results also suggest that stabilization of HGF mRNA by hypoxia is mediated, at least in part, by HIF-1.

c-Met antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as a novel therapeutic agent for glioma: in vitro and in vivo studies of uptake, effects, and toxicity

BACKGROUND

c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, are critical in cellular proliferation, motility, and invasion and are known to be overexpressed in gliomas. The aim of our study was to investigate the uptake and effects of c-Met antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODNs) on rat and human glioma cells in vitro and the uptake and toxicity of these nucleotides in rat carcinomatosis and brain tumor models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The three human cell lines (U87, BT325, SHG44) and the C6 rat glioma cell line were cultured. To study the uptake of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) by glioma cells in vitro, cultured glioma cells readily incorporated caroboxyfluorescein-5-succimidyl ester (FAM) labeled phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. To study the effect of ASODNs treatment on c-Met expression in vitro, Expression of c-Met was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. For animal studies of ODNs toxicity and uptake, eight rats underwent placement of cisternal catheters, under general anesthesia. Four rats were given 24 mug FAM-labeled ASODNs while the others were given a saline control injection. After a 24 h observation period, rats were sacrificed by barbiturate overdose, and their brains were studied.

RESULTS

For all cell lines, fluorescence was seen to increase with increasing ASODNs concentration. Cells treated in similar fashion were also analyzed by flow cytometry to graphically illustrate the differing fluorescence. Multiple glioma cell lines were tested, with similar results. c-Met ASODNs was found to be successfully incorporated from the media into cultured human glioma cells, even at concentrations as low as 2 muM. In addition, maintenance of the pH-dependent green fluorescence color, as seen by immunofluorescence microscopy and by using flow cytometry, indicated that the FAM was not contained within lysosomes. Immunofluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR analysis showed decreases in c-Met expression with oligodeoxynucleotides treatment. Uptake into tumor cells was also demonstrated in vivo, with no detectable toxicity at concentrations exceeding expected therapeutic levels.

CONCLUSION

These data are encouraging for further study of c-Met antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as a therapeutic modality for glioma.

The effect of grain size of rock phosphate amendment on metal immobilization in contaminated soils

When rock phosphates (RP) are used to remediate Pb-contaminated soils, their effectiveness is likely affected by their grain size. In this study, the effect of grain size of rock phosphate on the effectiveness of heavy metal immobilization in two contaminated soils was measured in pot experiment. Rock phosphate was used with four different grain sizes: <35, 35-72, 72-133 and 133-266microm. The application rate of rock phosphate in two soils was determined based on P/metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd) molar ratio of 5.0 in the soils. The results showed that rock phosphate of the smallest grain size (<35microm) was superior to all of other grain sizes more than 35microm for reducing uptake in plant (Brassica oleracea L.) shoots for Cd (19.6-50.0%), Pb (21.9-51.4%) and Zn (22.4-34.6%), respectively, as compared with the soil without application of rock phosphate. Sequential extraction analysis indicated that rock phosphate was most effective for soil Pb to induced transformation from non-residual fractions to a residual fraction than that for Zn and Cd. Such transformation was probably through dissolution of Pb associated with exchangeable (EX), organic fraction (OC), acidic fraction (AC) and amorphous Fe and Al oxides-bound (OX) fraction and precipitation of pyromorphite-like minerals. Results suggested that the rock phosphate with small grain size was superior to that with large grain size for in situ remediation technology.

[Propagation of hepatitis E virus in several cell lines including human embryo lung diploid cell KMB17]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hepatitis E virus (HEV) sensitive cells and its tissue culture conditions.

METHODS

The HEV from dejecta supernatant of patients with acute hepatitis E was amplified and activated by passaged in Rhesus. Then, the positive dejecta samples of infected monkeys were dealt with super-centrifugation and virus for culture was obtained. Various human-derived (including KMB17, A549, BEL7402, and Hela) and non-human primates derived cells (Vero) were inoculated with HEV. Sensitivity of cells to HEV was measured by CPE (cytopathic effect), RT-PCR and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

CPE in KMB17, A549 and BEL7402 cells appeared during 7-9 days, meanwhile, cells shelled during 11-13 days on the first filial generation. The existence of HEV genome +RNA and replicated -RNA was still detectable by RT-PCR after the tenth filial generation. Neither CPE nor amplification of HEV genome RNA could be detected in Hela and Vero cells after the second to fourth filial generation. HEV could also be detected from inoculated KMB17 cells by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

It indicates that KMB17, A549 and BEL7402 cells are sensitive to HEV under the experimental culture conditions, while Hela and Vero cells are insensitive. Tissue culture system of HEV in certain filial generation is established.

[Construction and expression of huGM-CSF (9-127)-IL-6(29-184) fusion protein gene]

OBJECTIVE

To construct and express huGM-CSF(9-127)-IL-6(29-184) fusion protein with high purity and both huGM-CSF and huIL-6 biologic activities.

METHODS

The novel gene coding for the fusion protein of huGM-CSF(9-127)-IL-6(29-184) was constructed by strategy of step by step cloning in pBV220 expression vector. The amino acids 1-8 of huGM-CSF and the amino acids 1-28 of huIL-6 were deleted by PCR technique. The mutant huGM-CSF (9-127) and huIL-6 (29-184) cDNAs were linked via a linker sequence coding 15 amino acid residues (G-G-S-G-S)3. Fusion protein was expressed in E.coli host strain DH5 alpha. To obtain the fusion protein, Q Sepharose H.P. ion exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration were performed. The biologic activities were detected by MTT method.

RESULTS

Fusion protein was expressed in E.coli host strain DH5 alpha in the form of inclusion body. The expression level was more than 25% of the total cell lysate. Through Q Sepharose H.P. ion exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration, huGM-CSF(9-127)-IL-6(29-184) fusion protein with high purity was obtained. The protein showed both huGM-CSF and huIL-6 biologic activities. The specific activity of huGM-CSF was 1.08 x 10(8) U/mg, and for huIL-6, it reached 1.95 x 10(7) U/mg.

CONCLUSION

huGM-CSF(9-127)-IL-6(29-184) fusion protein with high purity and both huGM-CSF and huIL-6 biologic activities was obtained.

[Purification and immunological characterization of hepatitis E virus recombinant chimeric antigen encoded by ORF2 fragments and ORF3]

OBJECTIVE

To study immunological characteristics of recombinant chimeric HEV antigen.

METHODS

Constructed recombinant plasmids pThioHisORF(2.1 + 2.2 + 3), which contains three HEV antigen gene fragments (ORF2.1:6287-6403nt, ORF2.2:6743-7126nt, ORF3), was transformed into E. coli and induced with IPTG. Expressed product P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3) existed in inclusion bodies, was purified by denature SP Sepharose FF cation exchange chromatography. Rabbits and rats were immunized with renatured P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3). The level of IgG in sera from experimental animals and clinical patients were examined with P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3) by ELISA. The characteristics of IgG of immunized animals interacted with recombinant antigen expressed by baculovirus system as well as recombinant chimeric antigen interacted with clinical patients sera were evaluated by Western-blotting.

RESULTS

High titer of IgG antibodies, 1:25,600 in rabbits and 1:12,800 in rats, were detected after immunized with P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3). Furthermore, recombinant antigen expressed by baculovirus system was specifically recognized by IgG of experimental animal immunized with P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3), and the purified recombinant chimeric antigen P(2.1 + 2.2 + 3) was specifically reacted with the IgG of clinical patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant chimeric antigen appears a promising strategy for detection of and prevention from HEV infection.

[Expression of hepatitis E virus ORF3 gene fragment in baculovirus system and its immunological character]

OBJECTIVE

To express hepatitis E virus (HEV) ORF3 protein by baculovirus system and provide basis for immunological character research.

METHODS

Hepatitis E Virus ORF3 gene fragment was obtained by RT-PCR, ligated with vector pThioHisA for sequencing and then inserted into transfected vector pVL1393 to construct recombinant plasmid. Mediated by Lipofectin Reagent, the recombinant vector and baculovirus linearized DNA (BaculoGold) co-transfected insect cell Sf9 to make recombinant baculovirus. Expressed ORF3 was analyzed for its immunological character by Western blotting, and immunized Kunming Mice.

RESULTS

Recombinant ORF3 protein could be recognized by the known positive serum and promoted organism to produce HEV-specific antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant baculovirus can express effectively HEV ORF3, which has HEV specific immunogenic character.