Effects of depression on cognitive function in patients with diabetes in different age groups

AIMS

To investigate the effects of depression on cognitive function in patients of different ages with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

6,549 patients with DM who were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) in 2016 were selected from the 2016 Kailuan Group staff physical examinations. Generalized linear regression models were used to analyze the effects of SDS index score on MMSE score in DM patients in different age groups. We also analyzed the effects of SDS index score on MMSE score in DM patients with different risk factors.

RESULTS

Generalized linear regression analysis showed that higher SDS index score was associated with lower MMSE score (β = -0.06; P < 0.01). In addition, there was an interaction effect between SDS index score and age groups on cognitive function. Meanwhile, SDS index score also has an interaction effect with level of education.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative association between the degree of depression and cognitive function level increases with age in DM patients.

[The clinical value of using a distant-image screen for reading and learning]

Objective: To investigate the effect and comfort of using a distant-image screen for reading and learning. Methods: It was a prospective cross-over study. Thirty-nine volunteers, including 13 males and 26 females, aged (26.4±4.5) years (20 to 37 years), were recruited from Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in July 2021. The volunteers read the digital correction table printed on paper and displayed on a distant-image screen in a random order and rest in an interval of 2 hours. Reading speed, efficiency and accuracy of using the two devices were recorded, and the changes of logMAR vision, diopter, flicker fusion frequency and visual fatigue score after reading were calculated. Comparison of the quantitative data was performed using the paired t-test. Results: The speed, accuracy and efficiency were (41.2±11.6) digit groups/min, 80.7%±13.3% and (32.4±7.4) digit groups/min in reading on paper, (41.7±11.1) digit groups/min, 76.4%±12.6% and (31.1±6.4) digit groups/min in reading from screen, respectively. There was no significant difference in reading speed (t=-0.462, P=0.648) and reading efficiency (t=1.954, P=0.058), but there was significant difference in reading accuracy (t= 2.226, P=0.032). The logMAR visual acuity of right eye and left eye decreased by 0.014±0.032 and 0.013±0.050 after reading on paper, but increased by 0.007±0.033 and 0.007±0.036 after reading from screen, respectively. The difference was significant (right eye, t=2.592, P=0.013; left eye, t =2.154, P=0.038). The myopia degree of right eye and left eye increased by (0.07±0.29) D and (0.06±0.24) D after reading on paper, and increased by (0.01±0.29) D and (0.02±0.28) D after reading from screen, respectively. The flicker fusion frequency decreased by (0.1±1.0) Hz after reading on paper, but increased by (0.3±1.2) Hz after reading from screen. There was no significant difference (P>0.05). The subjective scale score of visual fatigue increased in both groups, with no statistically significant difference (t=1.165, P=0.251). Conclusion: The use of a distant-image screen for reading and learning does not affect the reading efficiency or increase the visual fatigue, and can avoid the decline of visual acuity caused by near viewing compared with using the printed matter.

Forsythoside B ameliorates diabetic cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting hippocampal neuroinflammation and reducing synaptic dysfunction in ovariectomized mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetes-associated cognitive impairment (DACI) is a common complication of diabetes, and studies have shown that DACI is more severe in postmenopausal patients with diabetes. Forsythoside B (FTS⋅B) can inhibit inflammation and reduce synaptic dysfunction, which can improve cognitive function. However, it has not been confirmed whether FTS⋅B has a reversing or retarding effect on postmenopausal diabetic encephalopathy.

METHODS

Seven days after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery, adult female C57 mice (n = 15/group) received intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg/day/L) and citrate buffer for 5 consecutive days to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). Fourteen days later, ovariectomized diabetic mice were given intraperitoneal injection of FTS⋅B (100, 150 mg/kg/day/L) and subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol (1 mg/kg) for 8 weeks [OVX + DM + low-FTS⋅B group (L-F), OVX + DM + high-FTS⋅B group (H-F), and OVX + DM + 17β-estradiol (ER)]. In addition, the following control groups were defined: Sham, OVX, DM, and OVX + DM (O + D). Fasting plasma glucose, body weight and blood insulin levels were determined in each group of mice. Next, their cognitive function was tested through behavioral experiments. Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Nissl staining were used to detect the morphological changes in the hippocampus. The aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the hyperaggregation of p-tau were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), post-synaptic density-95 (PSD-95), synaptophysin, and synapsin-1 expression in the hippocampus was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

FTS⋅B can decrease fasting glucose and blood insulin level. Behavioral results showed that cognitive decline was the most severe in the O + D group, and the ER, L-F, and H-F groups revised the cognitive decline. Compared to the O + D group, more normal morphology, which has obvious nucleoli and clear nuclear membrane, was observed by H&E and Nissl staining in the ER, L-F, and H-F groups. FTS⋅B alleviated DACI by reducing the aggregation of Aβ and the hyperaggregation of p-tau in the hippocampus. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression showed that FTS⋅B not only inhibited inflammation by decreasing IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α but also modulated synaptic plasticity by increasing BDNF, PSD-95, synaptophysin, and synapsin-1.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FTS⋅B may be a novel therapeutic target for postmenopausal diabetic encephalopathy treatment.

Yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and its active metabolites affect the cecal microbiome of broilers

Yeast cultures (YCs) are defined as promising feed additives that maintain the health of birds and improve growth performance by modulating gut microbiota. YCs contain effective metabolites such as glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose. This study investigated the effects of YCs and their effective metabolites on carcass traits and cecal microflora in broilers. A total of 280 one-day-old mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to seven groups. The basal diet (control DZ) was supplemented with various proportions of glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose (Groups A, B, and C), 24-hour grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures (Group D) (YC), and a commercial yeast culture product (SZ) at concentrations of 0.1% and 1% (Groups E and F). Bodyweight of broilers was correlated positively with proportions of Proteobacteria in Group C and Lactobacillus and Roseburia in Group B (P <0.05). Broilers fed diets supplemented with YC or its active metabolites had the highest proportions of bacteria involved in nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. These results suggested that the dietary addition of YC could alter the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in broilers.

[The comparison of animal drug illustrations between Ben Cao Tu Jing (illustrated classic of materia medica) and Sman Thang of Tibetan medicine]

Animal drugs and their paintings were recorded in both Ben Cao Tu Jing(Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) and Sman Thang of Tibetan medicine. By analyzing the species,techniques of expression, and facticity in the book and the paintings, different characteristics of animal drugs and their paintings were manifested, reflecting a colorful scene of diverse cultures.

[A perfect pair for the brilliant masterpiece, History of Chinese Medicine-in commemoration of the 130(th) and 140(th) anniversary of the birthday of distinguished modern medical historians, K. Chimin Wong and Wu Lien-teh respectively]

It happens that 2019 is the commemoration date for the 130(th) and 140(th) birthday of K. Chimin Wong and Wu Lien-teh respectively, both famous modern Chinese medical historians, the authors of the book History of Chinese Medicine. Originally, they were inhabitants separated thousand miles away, the former in Eastern China, and the other in Penang, Malaysia. Both were busying in their own business works, Wong was specialized in establishing Museum of Medical History, then the first of its kind in China and the world, with splendid results. Whereas, Wu was fighting at the frontier of the overwhelming pneumonic plague in Manchuria, having successfully terminated this virulent infectious disease in a short period of about a quarter, achieving a global reputation in medical world and thus presided the International Plague Conference held in Mukden, China, attended by invited experts from 11 countries. The latter was also active in the creation of hospitals and medical schools, plague prevention and quarantine services in China. Incidentally, when one of them read the book History of Medicine written by the famous American medical historian Fielding Hudson Garrison, to find that this 700+ -page work only includes the contents for Chinese medicine next to nothing and even with wrong descriptions, both were very frustrated and wrote a letter to its author for clarification. They were even more irritated to receive a reply, complaining that the mistakes were not his own, but simply due to shortage of sources, and even that bit of content was from western sources! To wipe up these wrong "foreign descriptions" , they made up their mind to write a similar book of its own in English language, so as to fill up the gaps in this field, hence, the completion of History of Chinese Medicine in a long course of almost 16 years, formally published in 1932, and an enlarged and revised 2nd edition in 1936. This work is divided into 2 books. Book One is devoted to traditional Chines medicine written by K. Chimin Wong; the other Book Two, written by Wu Lien-teh, is devoted to modern and contemporary Chinese medical history, dealing with western medicine to China from its introduction and after experiencing tortuous course and eventually constituting an integral system on biomedicine in China. At the end of the work, there are appendices, including chronological table, geographical names, person names and subject indices. Evaluation of History of Chinese Medicine after 1949 experienced a huge difference. During the first decades, people deemed it to contain lots of mistakes and to have been influenced by national nihilism and western missionary medicine. As a result, the whole work has been roughly translated into a Chinese version, marked by "for criticism" on its cover. After the country carries out a reform and opening to outside world policy, improper appraisal for this work has been changed and is crowned with "brilliant masterpiece" which virtually fills the gaps of the lack of Chinese medical history in western language. It is known that a Chinese version for this work is ongoing and will be officially published soon.

Abstract P1-06-09: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Yu Y, Zhen Y, Zhang Y. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-06-09.

[A new interpretation on scattered Tibetan manuscripts collected from Xixia site and preserved in Guazhou museum]

Tibetan Manuscripts No.01272 preserved in Guazhou county museum were excavated from a Xixia site. It contains three pieces of medical manuscripts which belonged to two different documents, containing medical prescriptions and external treatments. The medical prescriptions include purgative, cold and wound medicines, which are presented in the form of ingredients, manufacture and instructions. The external treatments include acupuncture and bloodletting. The study of the three pieces will be helpful to the study of the medical history during Xixia dynasty and the history of Tibetan medicine communication.

Association between 1p13 polymorphisms and peripheral arterial disease in a Chinese population with diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Variants on chromosome 1p13 have been associated with coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction risk in different ethnic groups. The present study aimed to investigate the association between 1p13 polymorphisms and the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1p13 polymorphisms, rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374, were assessed in a cohort of 882 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients including 440 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with PAD (DM + PAD group) and 442 patients without PAD (DM group). Genotyping was carried out using TaqMan assay.

RESULTS

Compared with the DM group, the frequencies of the minor G allele of both rs599839 and rs646776 and the minor T allele of rs12740374 decreased (P = 0.013, P = 0.019 and P = 0.005, respectively), and the frequencies of rs599839 AG + GG, rs646776 AG + GG and rs12740374 CT+TT genotypes were statistically significantly decreased as well (P = 0.017, P = 0.011 and P = 0.007, respectively) in the dominant model in the DM + PAD group than in the DM group. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes duration, coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction showed that the genotypic distribution of rs599839 AG + GG, rs646776 AG + GG and rs12740374 CT + TT remained statistically different between the DM and DM + PAD group (P = 0.014, P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively). The frequencies of haplotype GGT were statistically significantly different between groups (P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study strongly supports that genotypes of rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374 on 1p13 are protective factors for diabetic PAD in a Chinese population. Haplotype GGT generated by rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374 might also decrease the risk of the disease.

[Comparison on the function of rose as interpreted by traditional Chinese medicine and medicine of Uighur ethnic group]

As a kind of edible herbal plant, rose is recorded both in the literature of Han medicine and medicine of Uighur ethnic group, yet with different understanding on its function and different clinical application as well. Both Han and Uighur medicine maintain that rose possesses the functions of improving one's look and moisturizing the skin, aromatic deodorant and invigorating spleen to treat inflammation and damage, hematemesis, pain and diarrhea etc. In addition, rose is also used to treat wind bi(impediment or migratory arthralgia), acute mastitis, breast lump and depression in Han medicine, while in Uighur medicine, it is also used to treat constipation, palpitation, flat wart and dry throat.

Liraglutide improves cognitive impairment via the AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in type 2 diabetic rats

Liraglutide is a type of glucagon‑like‑peptide 1 receptor agonist, which has been reported as a novel type of antidiabetic agent with numerous benefits, including cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects. To the best of our knowledge, few studies to date have reported the potential mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of liraglutide on rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective actions of liraglutide in diabetic rats and to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects. A total of 30 male T2DM Goto‑Kakizaki (GK) rats (age, 32 weeks; weight, 300‑350 g) and 10 male Wistar rats (age, 32 weeks; weight, 300‑350 g) were used in the present study. Wistar rats received vehicle treatment, and GK rats randomly received treatment with vehicle, low dose of liraglutide (75 µg/kg) or high dose of liraglutide (200 µg/kg) for 28 days. Cognitive deficits were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. The expression levels of phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated (p)‑Akt, AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Beclin‑1, microtubule‑associated protein light chain 3 (LC)‑3 II, caspase‑3, B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and Bcl‑2 were assessed by western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that diabetic GK rats exhibited cognitive dysfunction, whereas treatment with liraglutide alleviated the learning and memory deficits, particularly in the high‑dose liraglutide group. The expression levels of Beclin‑1 and LC‑3 II were decreased in GK rats; however, this decrease was alleviated in the presence of liraglutide. Liraglutide also reversed T2DM model‑induced increases in mTOR, and decreases in p‑AMPK, PI3K and p‑Akt expression, and modulated the expression of apoptosis‑associated proteins. Furthermore, the administration of liraglutide inhibited apoptosis and exerted a protective effect against cognitive deficits via the activation of autophagy. In conclusion, the protective effects of liraglutide may be associated with increased mTOR expression via activation of the AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Genomic signatures reveal selection of characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations

The Chinese Meishan pig breed is well known for its high prolificacy. Moreover, this breed can be divided into three types based on their body size: big Meishan, middle Meishan (MMS) and small Meishan (SMS) pigs. Few studies have reported on the genetic signatures of Meishan pigs, particularly on a genome-wide scale. Exploring for genetic signatures could be quite valuable for revealing the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation. Thus, we performed research in two parts based on the genome reducing and sequencing data of 143 Meishan pigs (74 MMS pigs, 69 SMS pigs). First, we detected the selection signatures among all Meishan pigs studied using the relative extended haplotype homozygosity test. Second, we detected the selection signatures between MMS and SMS pigs using the cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity and F_ST methods. A total of 111 398 SNPs were identified from the sequenced genomes. In the population analysis, the most significant genes were associated with the mental development (RGMA), reproduction (HDAC4, FOXL2) and lipid metabolism (ACACB). From the cross-population analysis, we detected genes related to body weight (SPDEF, PACSIN1) in both methods. We suggest that rs341373351, located within the PACSIN1 gene, might be the causal variant. This study may have achieved consistency between selection signatures and characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations. These findings can provide insight into investigating the molecular background of high prolificacy and body size in pig.

Break-through bleeding in relation to pharmacokinetics of Factor VIII in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

As the pharmacokinetics (PK) of factor VIII (FVIII) is individualized in children with haemophilia A (HA), PK parameters may be indicators of patients' bleeding phenotype and instruction for their personalized replacement program.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between PK/FVIII level and bleeding frequency in Chinese paediatric patients with severe (HA).

METHODS

A total of 24 patients were enrolled in Beijing Children's Hospital from February to October 2015, all of whom were given 50 IU/kg of FVIII concentrates after a 72-hours washout period. Samples' activities (FVIII:C) were tested at 5 time points, using WinNonlin software for PK testing, and then the individual half-life(t_1/2 ) and the time (h) of FVIII concentrations <1 IU/dL within a week during prophylaxis were calculated. Baseline and the annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean t_1/2 of FVIII was 10.20 ± 2.72 hours and the mean time of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week was 44.7 hours (-38.56 to 102.33 hours). A significant relationship between t_1/2 of FVIII and ABR₀ /AJBR₀ (baseline bleeding) was found (R²  = 0.75 and 0.62, P < .001). Besides, baseline and the annual bleeding rate during prophylactic treatment of haemophilia had a positive correlation with the time (hours) of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week (R²  = 0.67 and 0.52, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

t_1/2 was an important indicator to prevent bleeding in severe HA; the frequency of bleeding will be reduced with the increased of t_1/2 of FVIII. The data also demonstrates that increasing the time with a FVIII<1 IU/dL is associated with an increased rate of bleeding during prophylaxis.

Bioinformatic analysis of pivotal genes associated with septic shock

We aimed to identify important genes associated with septic shock and then explore the possibly significant mechanisms of this disease. We downloaded GSE26440 expression data of samples from 98 children with septic shock and 32 normal controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in samples from patients with septic shock were analyzed in comparison with those in samples from normal controls using a limma package. Functional enrichment analysis for DEGs was performed using DAVID, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Upstream transcription factors for DEGs were predicted using the CHIPBase database, and a transcriptional regulation network was constructed. A total of 383 significantly DEGs, including 141 downregulated and 242 upregulated genes, were obtained in the sepsis shock group compared with the normal group. The top five nodes in the PPI network were lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), V-Myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC), heat-shock protein 90 kDa alpha (cytosolic), class B member 1 (HSP90AB1), and poly (A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1). Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) was the transcription factor targeted by most genes, and it regulated the expression of KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1. In conclusion, KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1 may play important roles in the development of septic shock. Furthermore, NFκB may be involved in septic shock by regulating the expression of KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1.

Genetic variation and genetic structure of five Chinese indigenous pig populations in Jiangsu Province revealed by sequencing data

In this study, we investigated the genetic variants, including SNPs and indels (short insertions or deletions, less than 50 bp in length), in the genomes and genetic structures of five pig populations (in the northern Taihu Lake region, Jiangsu Province) using the genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing (GGRS) approach. A total of 581 million good reads with an average depth of 11× and an average coverage of 2.16% were used to call variants. In general, 202 106 SNPs and 34 415 indels were obtained, of which 2690 SNPs and 224 indels were capable of inducing protein‐coding changes. The genes containing these variants were extracted for functional annotation. The results of gene enrichment analysis revealed that the SNPs under investigation may be associated with reproduction, disease resistance, meat quality and adipose tissue traits, whereas the indels were associated mainly with adipose tissue and disease. Analysis of the genetic structure showed that each population displayed comparable, large differentiations from the others, indicating their uniqueness. In conclusion, the results of our study provide the first genomic overview of the genetic variants and population structures of five Chinese indigenous pig populations.

Analyzing the Usage of Standards in Radiation Therapy Clinical Studies

Standards for scoring adverse effects after radiation therapy (RT) is crucial for integrated, consistent, and accurate analysis of toxicity results at large scale and across multiple studies. This project aims to investigate the usage of the three most commonly used standards in published RT clinical studies by developing a text-mining based analysis method. We develop and compare two text-mining methods, one based on regular expressions and one based on Naïve Bayes Classifier, to analyze published full articles in terms of their adoption of standards in RT. The full dataset includes published articles identified in MEDLINE between January 2010 and August 2015. A radiation oncology physician reviewed all the articles in the training/validation subset and produced the usage trending data manually as gold standard for validation. The regular-expression based method reported classifications and overall usage trends that are comparable to those of the domain expert. The CTCAE standard is becoming the overall most commonly used standards over time, but the pace of adoption seems very slow. Further examination of the results indicates that the usage vary by disease type. It suggests that further efforts are needed to improve and harmonize the standards for adverse effects scoring in RT research community.

[Brief history of education of Mongolian medicine 1947-1977]

From 1947 to 1977, the education of Mongolian medicine was developed to a certain degree, in different levels and different forms with attribute of modern education. Through opening training school and class, the traditional Mongolian practitioners and its education are standardized and its levels elevated. In addition, by means of medical colleges and health schools, Mongolian medical talents of different types at different levels were cultivated. All of them were at the forefront of the development of Mongolian medicine later. In 1958, the first undergraduate education, a Department of Sino-Mongolian Medicine was set up in Inner Mongolia Medical College, marking the development of beginning of the higher education of Mongolian medicine. Therefore, Mongolian medicine was the forerunner of higher education of Chinese minority medicine.

Sulforaphane Prevents Neuronal Apoptosis and Memory Impairment in Diabetic Rats

Background/Aims: To explore the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus and memory impairment in diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly divided into normal control, diabetic model and SFN treatment groups (N = 10 in each group). Streptozotocin (STZ) was applied to establish diabetic model. Water Morris maze task was applied to test learning and memory. Tunel assaying was used to detect apoptosis in hippocampus. The expressions of Caspase-3 and myeloid cell leukemia 1(MCL-1) were detected by western blotting. Neurotrophic factor levels and AKT/GSK3β pathway were also detected. Results: Compared with normal control, learning and memory were apparently impaired, with up-regulation of Caspase-3 and down-regulation of MCL-1 in diabetic rats. Apoptotic neurons were also found in CA1 region after diabetic modeling. By contrast, SFN treatment prevented the memory impairment, decreased the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. SFN also attenuated the abnormal expression of Caspase-3 and MCL-1 in diabetic model. Mechanically, SFN treatment reversed diabetic modeling-induced decrease of p-Akt, p-GSK3β, NGF and BDNF expressions. Conclusion: SFN could prevent the memory impairment and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in diabetic rat. The possible mechanism was related to the regulation of neurotropic factors and Akt/GSK3β pathway.

[Decipherment and annotation of a manuscript of Tibetan medicine in Dunhuang scroll (Part I)-on pulse-taking]

A manuscript of Tibetan medicine, P. t.1054 is recorded in the Volume 10 of Dunhuang Tibetan Manuscripts Preserved in France, which is written in 4 pattra-leaf-like rectangular papers connected together. The content in the front side is the pulse-taking of Tibetan medicine, and the back, on prescription. For the pulse-taking, it deals with the manifestations, time and position for pulse-taking, paradoxical and death pulse. There is no information about the title, author, editor, translator, copyist or collector.

[Decipherment and annotation of a manuscript of Tibetan medicine in Dunhuang scroll (Part II)-on prescription]

A manuscript of Tibetan medicine, P. t.1054, written on 4 pattra-leaf-like rectangular papers connected together, is collected in the Volume 10 of Dunhuang Tibetan Manuscripts Preserved in France Scroll. The contents on the front pages of the whole set is on pulse-taking of Tibetan medicine, and the back pages, on prescriptions containing 5 recipes of cathartics and medicinal oils, are included in 16 lines on the remained Scroll dealing with its ingredients, processing method, function and indications which can be differentiated into 5 units. There are altogether 30 drugs applied, including plants, animals and mineral. Among them, almost half are transliterated from foreign languages, and some of them are titled with India, Han region, etc. for distinguishing its producing area and breeds. It is preliminarily probative that this whole Scroll is translated-edited from certain part of an Indian formulary.

miR-374a-CCND1-pPI3K/AKT-c-JUN feedback loop modulated by PDCD4 suppresses cell growth, metastasis, and sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma to cisplatin

miR-374a has been reported to function as an oncogene during tumor pathogenesis. In this study, miR-374a is observed to reduce nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and cisplatin (DDP) resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic analyses indicate that miR-374a directly targets CCND1 to inactivate pPI3K/pAKT/c-JUN forming a negative feedback loop, as well as suppressing downstream signals related to cell cycle progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, we also observed that miR-374a direct targeting of CCND1 is modulated by tumor suppressor PDCD4 via suppressing pPI3K/pAKT/c-JUN signaling. In clinical specimens, miR-374a was positively and negatively correlated with expression of PDCD4 and CCND1, respectively. Our studies are the first to demonstrate that the miR-374a-CCND1-pPI3K/AKT-c-JUN feedback loop induced by PDCD4 supresses NPC cell growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance.

Long noncoding RNA are aberrantly expressed in human papillary thyroid carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulatory molecules at almost every level of gene expression regulation. The altered expression of lncRNAs is a characteristic of numerous types of cancer, and lncRNAs have been demonstrated to promote the development, invasion and metastasis of tumors through various mechanisms. However, the role of lncRNAs in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain unclear. In the present study, differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were detected by human lncRNA microarray in three pairs of PTC and adjacent noncancerous samples. The microarray results revealed that 675 lncRNAs and 751 mRNAs were abnormally expressed in the three PTC samples compared with adjacent noncancerous samples (fold change ≥2.0; P<0.05). To validate the microarray results, 8 differentially expressed lncRNAs were randomly selected for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results of qPCR were consistent with the microarray data; the 8 lncRNAs had an aberrant expression in the PTC samples compared with the adjacent noncancerous samples. Gene ontology and pathway analysis indicated that there were 7 downregulated pathways and 29 upregulated pathways in PTC. LncRNA classification and subgroup analysis revealed 7 pairs of enhancer-like lncRNA-mRNA, 9 pairs of antisense lncRNA-mRNA and 45 pairs of lncRNA-mRNA were differentially expressed between PTC and their paired noncancerous samples. In conclusion, the present study identified a series of novel PTC-associated lncRNAs. Further study with these lncRNAs is instrumental for the identification of novel target molecules that could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for PTC.

Knockdown of EGFR inhibits growth and invasion of gastric cancer cells

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an oncogenic trans-membranous receptor, which is overexpressed in multiple human cancers. However, the role of EGFR in gastric cancer (GC) is still elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and molecular mechanisms of EGFR in GC cells. Forty cases of GC and the corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) were collected, and the expression of EGFR was assessed using immunohistochemistry in biopsy samples. Furthermore, EGFR signaling was blocked by constructed recombinant small hairpin RNA lentiviral vector (Lv-shRAGE) used to transfect into human GC SGC-7901 cells. The expression of AKT, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) was detected by real-time PCR and western blotting assays. Cell proliferative activities and invasive capability were, respectively, determined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and Transwell assays. Cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. EGFR was found highly expressed in cancer tissues compared with the ANCT and correlated with lymph node metastases. Knockdown of EGFR reduced cell proliferation and invasion of GC with decreased expression of AKT, PCNA and MMP-9 and induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest. Upregulation of EGFR expression is associated with lymph node metastases of GC, and blockade of EGFR signaling suppresses growth and invasion of GC cells through AKT pathway, suggesting that EGFR may represent a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive malignancy.

A robust data treatment approach for fuel cells system analysis

This paper describes the implementation of a practical approach for fuel cells system data analysis. A number of data treatment techniques such as data management and treatment, data synchronization, and data reconciliation are introduced and discussed in order to solve the issues raised in the practical case. These techniques are integrated in a software environment which provides user a fast, efficient, and rational electrochemical investigation. The performance of the approach is illustrated using an industrial fuel cell stack test system.

In vivo assessment of chitosan/β-glycerophosphate as a new liquid embolic agent

We sought to assess the feasibility of using thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate forembolotherapy. The renal arteries in nine rabbits were embolized with chitosan/β-glycero-phosphate. The animals were studied angiographically and sacrificed at one week (n = 3), four weeks (n = 3), and eight weeks (n = 3) after embolotherapy. Histology was obtained at these three time points. Delivery of chitosan/β-glycerophosphate was successful in all cases. Complete occlusion was achieved in all cases. No recanalization was observed in the follow-up angiograms. No untoward inflammatory reactions were observed in the target renal arteries and infarcted kidneys during the histological examinations. Our preliminary feasibility evaluation in rabbit renal arteries indicates that C/GP is a satisfactory embolization agent.

C10ORF97 is a novel tumor-suppressor gene of non-small-cell lung cancer and a functional variant of this gene increases the risk of non-small-cell lung cancer

In an earlier study we showed that C10ORF97 (chromosome-10, open reading frame-97) was expressed in almost all of the tissues and cell lines tested, and that it inhibited the growth of seven tumor cell lines, including two lung carcinoma cell lines (A549 and PG). Here, we show that C10ORF97 is downregulated in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue compared with normal lung tissue. Overexpression of C10ORF97 significantly suppressed human lung carcinoma A549 cell growth (proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar) and motility (migration and adhesion). This tumor-suppressive function of C10ORF97 was also verified in vivo. We further found that C10ORF97 caused G(1) arrest of A549 cells and modulated the expression level of several cell-cycle regulators (such as CDK2, cyclin-E and p27). These effects of C10ORF97 were mediated by physical association between C10ORF97 and Jun-activating domain-binding protein-1 (JAB1), and blocking of JAB1-mediated translocation of p27 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Together, these results indicated that C10ORF97 functions as a novel tumor suppressor by modulating several key G(1)/S-regulatory proteins by interacting with JAB1. These findings led us to hypothesize that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the C10ORF97 gene that affects its expression might be associated with susceptibility to NSCLC. SNP216 C>T (rs2297882) in the C10ORF97 Kozak sequence was identified, and allele T of SNP216 suppressed C10ORF97 expression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the TT genotype of SNP216 was associated with an increased risk of NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio=1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.33-2.25), P=4.6 × 10(-5)). These data indicated that C10ORF97 is a tumor suppressor of NSCLC progression and C10ORF97-SNP216 may serve as a predictor of NSCLC.

Different scales of Ty1/copia-like retrotransposon proliferation in the genomes of three diploid hybrid sunflower species

Activation of transposable elements in species' genomes represents an important mechanism of new mutation and of potential rapid change in genome size. Thus, it is increasingly recognized that transposable elements likely have played a significant role in shaping species' evolution. In an earlier report, we showed that the genomes of three sunflower species of ancient hybrid origin have experienced large-scale proliferation events of sequences within the Ty3/gypsy-like superfamily of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. In this report, we investigate whether another superfamily of LTR retrotransposon (Ty1/copia-like elements) have experienced similar derepression and proliferation events in the genomes of these sunflower hybrid taxa. We show that Ty1/copia-like elements also have undergone copy number increases following or associated with the origins of these species, although the scale of proliferation is less than that for Ty3/gypsy-like elements. Surveys of sequence heterogeneity of Ty1/copia-like elements in the genomes of the three hybrid and two parental species' genomes reveal that a single sub-lineage of these elements exhibits characteristics of recent amplification, and likely served as the proliferative source lineage. These findings indicate that the genomic and/or environmental conditions associated with the origins of these sunflower hybrid taxa were conducive to derepression of at least two major groups of transposable elements.

Genetic diversity of the natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana in China

Although extensive studies have been conducted on the genetic structure of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) populations worldwide, the populations from China have never been studied. In this study, we collected 560 individuals from 19 natural populations of A. thaliana distributed in East China along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and two populations from northwest China (Xinjiang Province). We adopted two kinds of molecular marker, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) to investigate the genetic diversity within and among populations, and the correlation between the genetic and geographic distances. Thirteen ISSR primers produced 165 polymorphic bands (PPB) (96%) and 11 RAPD primers produced 162 polymorphic bands (98%) in about 560 individuals. The two marker systems generated similar patterns of genetic diversity in these natural populations. The AMOVA analysis indicated about 42-45% of the total genetic variation existed within populations, and found possible geographic structure. The Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between the geographic distance and the genetic distance of these populations in general. A close genetic relationship was found among four populations in the Jiangxi Province, and these always appeared clustered together as a monophyletic group in unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages dendrograms based on both ISSR and RAPD data sets. Based on the observation of recolonization and extinction of naturally distributed populations of A. thaliana, and the pattern of their genetic differentiation, the distribution of this species in China might be a result of natural dispersal under the strong influence of human activity.

Indirubin-3'-monoxime inhibits autophosphorylation of FGFR1 and stimulates ERK1/2 activity via p38 MAPK

Indirubin-3'-monoxime is a derivative of the bis-indole alkaloid indirubin, an active ingredient of a traditional Chinese medical preparation that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-leukemic activities. Indirubin-3'-monoxime is mainly recognized as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3. It inhibits proliferation of cultured cells, mainly through arresting the cells in the G1/S or G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Here, we report that indirubin-3'-monoxime is able to inhibit proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells by specifically inhibiting autophosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), blocking in this way the receptor-mediated cell signaling. Indirubin-3'-monoxime inhibits the activity of FGFR1 at a concentration lower than that required for inhibition of phosphorylation of CDK2 and retinoblastoma protein and cell proliferation stimulated by fetal calf serum. The ability of indirubin-3'-monoxime to inhibit FGFR1 signaling was similar to that of the FGFR1 inhibitor SU5402. In addition, we found that indirubin-3'-monoxime activates long-term p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, which stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in a way unrelated to the activity of FGFR1. Furthermore, we show that indirubin-3'-monoxime can inhibit proliferation of the myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a through inhibition of the activity of the FGFR1 tyrosine kinase. The data presented here demonstrate previously unknown activities of indirubin-3'-monoxime that may have clinical implications.

Polymorphisms of ACE2 gene are associated with essential hypertension and antihypertensive effects of Captopril in women

ACE2 appears to counterbalance the vasopressor effect of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in the reninangiotensin system. We hypothesized that ACE2 polymorphisms could confer a high risk of hypertension and have an impact on the antihypertensive response to ACE inhibitors. The hypothesis was tested in two casecontrol studies and a clinical trial of 3,408 untreated hypertensive patients randomized to Atenolol, Hydrochlorothiazide, Captopril, or Nifedipine treatments for 4 weeks. ACE2 rs2106809 T allele was found to confer a 1.6-fold risk for hypertension in women (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.132.06), whereas when combined with the effect of the ACE DD genotype, the risk was 2.34-fold (95% CI, 1.754.85) in two independent samples. The adjusted diastolic blood pressure response to Captopril was 3.3 mm Hg lower in ACE2 T allele carriers than in CC genotype carriers (P=0.019) in women. We conclude that the ACE2 T allele confers a high risk for hypertension and reduced antihypertensive response to ACE inhibitors.

VEGF gene therapy for the survival of transplanted fat tissue in nude mice

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adenovirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (Ad-VEGF) on the angiogenesis and survival of free-fat tissue transplantation in nude mice. Thirty 6-week-old CD-1 nude male mice were injected with 1ml fat tissue (harvested by suction-assisted lipectomy from the breast of humans) in the subcutaneous of scalp and were randomised into three groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 was the study group, in which Ad-VEGF was mixed with transplanted fat tissue and injected into mice. In group 2, adenovirus-mediated green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) gene was mixed with transplanted fat tissue and injected into the mice. In group 3, normal saline alone was used. Both group 2 and group 3 are control groups. The animals were euthanised 15 weeks after the procedure. The fat survival weight and volume of the study group were significantly greater than those of two control groups (p<0.05). Light microscopical examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the dissected fat 15 weeks after injection was performed in group 1 and group 2. Less cyst formation and fibrosis, indicating improved quality of the injected fat, can be obtained by the addition of Ad-VEGF. Vascular density was evaluated at the microvascular level through the use of light microscopic sections of the central part of the fat tissue at 15 weeks after injection by von Willebrand factor staining. Histological evaluation showed that capillary density increased markedly in the study group mice. Mice of the study group disclosed significantly higher VEGF protein levels detected by ELISA assay of plasma samples obtained from the mice after the fat injection (day 1, 4, 7 and 28; p<0.01) at each time point than the mice of the two control groups. The findings reported in this study indicate that the VEGF gene therapy can enhance the survival and the quality of grafted fat tissue, which may be due to induction of angiogenesis.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of a macromolecular antitumour antibiotic, C1027

C1027 is a macromolecular antitumour antibiotic produced by Streptomyces globispourus C1027 and consists of an apoprotein and a non-protein labile chromophore. Little is known about how the thermally unstable chromophore is stabilized by the apoprotein. The purified C1027 was monodisperse according to dynamic light-scattering measurements and crystallized in two different crystal forms from two different starting conditions using the vapour-diffusion method. Condition I yielded hexagonal prism crystals having space group P3(1)/P3(2) and unit-cell parameters a = b = 66.8, c = 55.4 A. Diffraction data were collected to 2.1 A resolution using an in-house Rigaku rotating Cu anode X-ray generator. Another condition produced rod-like crystals with space group P3(1)21/P3(2)21 and unit-cell parameters a = b = 55.15, c = 55.87 A. A data set to 1.8 A resolution was collected from a rod-like crystal using a MAR CCD detector at the SRS synchrotron source.

[The influence of palatoplasty and tympanotomy on middle ear function in cleft palate patients]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the influence of palatoplasty and tympanotomy on middle ear function or hearing condition in cleft palate patients.

METHODS

A total of 22 ears with otitis media with effusion in cleft palate patients were inserted with PE tubes, and Pre- and post-operative hearing level and middle ear function in these patients were tested and compared respectively, in order to demonstrate the action of tympanotomy and PE insertion on hearing and middle ear function. Another 38 patients with cleft palate were operated in their early age with the proper operation method, and pre- and post-operative middle ear function were examined and compared to show the influence of the operation on the middle ear function.

RESULTS

PE Tube insertion and tympanotomy changed the pressure condition of middle ear cavity and raised the hearing level about 17 dB in the middle-ear-diseased cleft palate patients, and patients with palatoplasty did not show obvious changes in middle ear function in the short-term trail.

CONCLUSION

Early and active tympanotomy do help in improving the function of the middle ear, and it is suggested to improve patients' hearing and middle ear function as early as possible. Palatoplasty did not affect the function of middle ear.

Formation of the "peroxy" intermediate in cytochrome c oxidase is associated with internal proton/hydrogen transfer

When dioxygen is reduced to water by cytochrome c oxidase a sequence of oxygen intermediates are formed at the reaction site. One of these intermediates is called the "peroxy" (P) intermediate. It can be formed by reacting the two-electron reduced (mixed-valence) cytochrome c oxidase with dioxygen (called P(m)), but it is also formed transiently during the reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with oxygen (called P(r)). In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that the O-O bond is cleaved in the P intermediate and that the heme a(3) iron is in the oxo-ferryl state. In this study, we have investigated the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for formation of P(m) and P(r), respectively, in the Rhodobacter sphaeroides enzyme. The rate constants and activation energies for the formation of the P(r) and P(m) intermediates were 1.4 x 10(4) s(-1) ( approximately 20 kJ/mol) and 3 x 10(3) s(-1) ( approximately 24 kJ/mol), respectively. The formation rates of both P intermediates were independent of pH in the range 6.5-9, and there was no proton uptake from solution during P formation. Nevertheless, formation of both P(m) and P(r) were slowed by a factor of 1.4-1.9 in D(2)O, which suggests that transfer of an internal proton or hydrogen atom is involved in the rate-limiting step of P formation. We discuss the origin of the difference in the formation rates of the P(m) and P(r) intermediates, the formation mechanisms of P(m)/P(r), and the involvement of these intermediates in proton pumping.

[On the differences and similarities of pulse - taking between TCM and Tibetan medicine]

There is a basis for the comparison of pulse - taking between TCM and Tibetan Medicine. There are connections and differences as well. The history of TCM pulsology is time - honored. There were contacts between TCM and Tibetan Medicine before the founding of Tubo dynasty. Many TCM classics from inland China were brought into Tibet by Princess Whencheng. Clear influence of Chinese pulsology can be seen in Tibetan pulsology. However, Tibetan pulsology has its own uniqueness. By combining imported knowledge with the experience of Tibetan people themselves, Tibetan pulsology is thus well developed.

Antineoplastic effect of intracellular expression of a single-chain antibody directed against type IV collagenase

It has been shown that the type IV collagenase with its two subtypes, 72 kDa/ MMP-2 and 92 kDa/MMP-9, plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis formation that occur through a mechanism of proteolytic degradation of collagen IV in the basement membrane. One possible method to specifically inhibit the function of the targeted protein of a cell is to express intracellular antibody combining site that can block the function or prevent the expression of the targeted molecule. Accordingly, intracellular antibodies against type IV collagenase may have a therapeutic use against tumor invasion and metastasis. As described in our previous reports, an anti-type IV collagenase monoclonal antibody (3D6) was obtained using the hybridoma approach, and its functional single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) named M97 was constructed based on recombinant phage display techniques. In this study, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-retained scFv antibody fragment was used to inhibit the function of type IV collagenase. For expression in mammalian cells, the assembled scFv M97 gene with ER retention signal encoding 6 additional amino acid (SEKDEL) was reamplified by PCR. The amplified fragments were cloned into the pcDNA3.1 vector containing the CMV early-intermediate promoter/enhancer. The resulting plasmid was sequenced and then introduced by the lipofectamine method into PG cells, a highly metastatic human lung cancer cell line and G418-resistant cells were obtained by G418 selection. After transfection, the M97 mRNA expression was observed and the type IV collagenase expression was downregulated significantly as measured by ELISA. The biological behavior of PG cells, such as the ability of in vitro invasion of colony formation on soft agar through Matrigel, were also inhibited by scFv M97 transfection. The results indicate that intracellular antibody technology represents a novel and efficient way to selectively abrogate the activity of type IV collagenase, at least in vitro. We are presently exploring the efficacy of this approach in a xenograft model of human lung cancer.

[Detection of IgG antibody to hepatitis G virus by ELISA]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relation of HGV IgG antibody (anti- HGV IgG) to various viral infections, ALT and HGV RNA.

METHODS

To detect anti-HGV IgG from 315 persons infected with various viruses hepatitis (A - E) and 117 healthy blood donors by ELISA. The detection of ALT of these peoples, and detect HGV RNA of the samples of positive anti-HGV IgG by RT-PCR were also carried out.

RESULTS

The positive rate of anti-HGV IgG of 117 blood donors was 3.42% (4/117), and that of the people infected by non A- E, HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV, HBV and HCV, HBV and HDV, HBV and HEV were 5.95%(5/84), 0(0/3), 3.75% (3/80), 17. 28%(14/81), 0(0/15), 33.33%(5/15), 3.33%(1/30), 16.66%(1/6), respectively. The relativity of anti-HGV IgG and HGV RNA was 30.30% (10/33), and 33.33% of ALT level in the antibody positive samples were elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

HGV may infect people alone, or coinfect with HBV or /and HCV, but is highly relative to HCV, and the coinfection of HGV with HCV may increase the degree of liver damage.

[Advances in research on monoclonal antibody agents for cancer therapy]

Research and development of antitumor monoclonal antibody agents have shown substantial progress. Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) or their immunoconjugates can be used as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. As reported, McAb agents display specific binding to tumor-related targets, exhibit selective cytotoxicity to target cancer cells, and show highly therapeutic effects in animal experiments. Currently, some of the McAb agents have been applied in clinical therapy. Major trends in the study of McAb agents are searching for new relevant molecular targets, humanizing of the antibody, and downsizing of the immunoconjugate molecule. Because McAb is highly specific to related molecular target, there is a great potential to develop highly effective antitumor agents. McAb agents may play an important role in cancer therapy.

Cinnamamide, an antitumor agent with low cytotoxicity acting on matrix metalloproteinase

The antitumor activity of cinnamamide (CNM), an agent acting on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), was investigated in the present study. CNM displayed low cytotoxicity. By the MTT assay the IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values of CNM on cell proliferation ranged from 1.29 to 1.94 mM in human oral epidermoid carcinoma KB cells, human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells and human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. Moreover, the IC50 for human fetal lung 2BS cells reached 4.33 mM. The administration of CNM in the range of 50-150 mg/kg (i.p. or p.o.) showed moderate antitumor effects in mice. When administered i.p. or p.o., CNM (150 mg/kg) inhibited the growth of transplanted hepatoma 22 by 48.8 or 40.5%, respectively. At the dose of 100 mg/kg, CNM inhibited the growth of colon 26 carcinoma by 39.0% and that of Lewis lung carcinoma by 53.9%. In the Lewis lung carcinoma model, CNM at the dose of 100 mg/kg (i.p.) also reduced the lung metastasis by 59.1%. Gelatine zymography revealed that CNM was able to decrease the level of MMP-2 in conditioned medium of HT-1080 tumor cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that CNM is an antitumor agent with low cytotoxicity acting on MMP and may serve as a lead compound in the development of antitumor drugs.

Definition of the interaction domain for cytochrome c on cytochrome c oxidase. I. Biochemical, spectral, and kinetic characterization of surface mutants in subunit ii of Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome aa(3)

To determine the interaction site for cytochrome c (Cc) on cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), a number of conserved carboxyl residues in subunit II of Rhodobacter sphaeroides CcO were mutated to neutral forms. A highly conserved tryptophan, Trp(143), was also mutated to phenylalanine and alanine. Spectroscopic and metal analyses of the surface carboxyl mutants revealed no overall structural changes. The double mutants D188Q/E189N and D151Q/E152N exhibit similar steady-state kinetic behavior as wild-type oxidase with horse Cc and R. sphaeroides Cc(2), showing that these residues are not involved in Cc binding. The single mutants E148Q, E157Q, D195N, and D214N have decreased activities and increased K(m) values, indicating they contribute to the Cc:CcO interface. However, their reactions with horse and R. sphaeroides Cc are different, as expected from the different distribution of surface lysines on these cytochromes c. Mutations at Trp(143) severely inhibit activity without changing the K(m) for Cc or disturbing the adjacent Cu(A) center. From these data, we identify a Cc binding area on CcO with Trp(143) and Asp(214) close to the site of electron transfer and Glu(148), Glu(157), and Asp(195) providing electrostatic guidance. The results are completely consistent with time-resolved kinetic measurements (Wang, K., Zhen, Y., Sadoski, R., Grinnell, S., Geren, L., Ferguson-Miller, S., Durham, B., and Millett, F. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38042-38050) and computational docking analysis (Roberts, V. A., and Pique, M. E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38051-38060).

Definition of the interaction domain for cytochrome c on cytochrome c oxidase. Ii. Rapid kinetic analysis of electron transfer from cytochrome c to Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome oxidase surface mutants

The reaction between cytochrome c (Cc) and Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) was studied using a cytochrome c derivative labeled with ruthenium trisbipyridine at lysine 55 (Ru-55-Cc). Flash photolysis of a 1:1 complex between Ru-55-Cc and CcO at low ionic strength results in electron transfer from photoreduced heme c to Cu(A) with an intracomplex rate constant of k(a) = 4 x 10(4) s(-1), followed by electron transfer from Cu(A) to heme a with a rate constant of k(b) = 9 x 10(4) s(-1). The effects of CcO surface mutations on the kinetics follow the order D214N > E157Q > E148Q > D195N > D151N/E152Q approximately D188N/E189Q approximately wild type, indicating that the acidic residues Asp(214), Glu(157), Glu(148), and Asp(195) on subunit II interact electrostatically with the lysines surrounding the heme crevice of Cc. Mutating the highly conserved tryptophan residue, Trp(143), to Phe or Ala decreased the intracomplex electron transfer rate constant k(a) by 450- and 1200-fold, respectively, without affecting the dissociation constant K(D). It therefore appears that the indole ring of Trp(143) mediates electron transfer from the heme group of Cc to Cu(A). These results are consistent with steady-state kinetic results (Zhen, Y., Hoganson, C. W., Babcock, G. T., and Ferguson-Miller, S. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38032-38041) and a computational docking analysis (Roberts, V. A., and Pique, M. E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38051-38060).

[Effects of places and stages on the contents of ganoderic acid B from Ganoderma lucidum]

The paper reports the assay of ganoderic acid B from Ganoderma lucidum in different places and stages by means of HPLC. The results show that contents of ganoderic acid B from different cultured places have differnces, different stages have effect on the amount too.

[Value of thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusion]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusion.

METHOD

By thoracoscopy, 114 cases of unknown origin pleural effusion were examined. Abnormal pleurae were biopsied in sight of thoracoscopy and compared with blind needle biopsy for pleurae.

RESULTS

Positive rate was 91.2% (104/114) by thoracoscopy and 28.1% (32/114) by blind needle biopsy for pleurae. Significant difference between the groups was found (P < 0.005). In sight of thoracoscopy the morphology of pleural mesothelioma, metastatic carcinoma and tuberculous pleurisy was different. The rate of malignancy of sanguineous pleural effusion was 77.1% and yellow pleural effusion was 53.0%. PPD test showed that intense positive reaction was 42% in the benign cases, but negative response was 48% in the malignant cases. No serious complication occured in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopy is an safe and effective measure in diagnosing patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion.

Proton uptake controls electron transfer in cytochrome c oxidase

In cytochrome c oxidase, a requirement for proton pumping is a tight coupling between electron and proton transfer, which could be accomplished if internal electron-transfer rates were controlled by uptake of protons. During reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with oxygen, concomitant with the "peroxy" to "oxoferryl" transition, internal transfer of the fourth electron from CuA to heme a has the same rate as proton uptake from the bulk solution (8,000 s-1). The question was therefore raised whether the proton uptake controls electron transfer or vice versa. To resolve this question, we have studied a site-specific mutant of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides enzyme in which methionine 263 (SU II), a CuA ligand, was replaced by leucine, which resulted in an increased redox potential of CuA. During reaction of the reduced mutant enzyme with O2, a proton was taken up at the same rate as in the wild-type enzyme (8,000 s-1), whereas electron transfer from CuA to heme a was impaired. Together with results from studies of the EQ(I-286) mutant enzyme, in which both proton uptake and electron transfer from CuA to heme a were blocked, the results from this study show that the CuA --> heme a electron transfer is controlled by the proton uptake and not vice versa. This mechanism prevents further electron transfer to heme a3-CuB before a proton is taken up, which assures a tight coupling of electron transfer to proton pumping.

[Experimental study of long-term result from reconstruction of vertebral artery]

Occlusive disease of first segment of vertebral artery is the common cause for insufficient supply of vertebro-basilar artery. The good result following reconstruction of vertebral artery was confirmed, but the long-term result was not certain. In order to investigate the long-term result, 23 dogs with established model of VA occlusion were studied. The occlusion was reconstructed by a by-pass operation between the common carotid artery and VA, then the quantitative methods were used to monitor the results for 3 months following operation. The results showed that 1. according to DSA, the anastomosis remained potent and the collateral circulations were established; 2. the hemodynamics of blood flow in VA kept well and the blood supply was stable by color ultrasonic Doppler; 3. the blood supply of cerebellum was increased 15.86% compared with that observed just after operation by hydrogen clearance method; and 4. no infarction focus was founded from MRI. The conclusion was that the result suggested that the long term result demonstrated was satisfactory after VA reconstruction for occlusive disease and the blood supply of the cerebellum was also better than that just following operation.

[The pharmacologic research on "shen yang formulae"]

Trough pharmacologic test on seral cholesterol and teral triglycerin in normal mouse fed by high fat food and by hperlipidemia mouse, it is found that "Sen Yang Formulae" has a very good effect on lowering cholesterol and triglycerin, and it also has good effect on promoting quantity of HDL-C, ratio of HDL-C/TC, lowering quantity of LDL-C and improving condition of blood viscosity and fluidity. The results indicate that it is effective on prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and benefits at prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Overexpression and purification of cytochrome c oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The aa3-type cytochrome c oxidase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been overexpressed up to seven fold over that in wild-type strains by engineering a multicopy plasmid with all the required oxidase genes and by establishing optimum growth conditions. The two operons containing the three structural genes and two assembly genes for cytochrome c oxidase were ligated into a pUC19 vector and reintroduced into several oxidase-deleted R. sphaeroides strains. Under conditions of relatively high pH and maximal aeration, high levels of expression were observed. A smaller expression vector, pBBR1MCS, and a fructose promoter (fruP)5 were found not to enhance cytochrome c oxidase expression in R. sphaeroides. An improved cytochrome c oxidase purification protocol is reported, which combines histidine elution from a nickel affinity column and anion-exchange chromatography, and results in a higher yield and purity than previously obtained.

[Construction and secretory expression of single-chain Fv fragment M97 with therapeutic potential against tumor invasion and metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To manufacture single chain Fv antibody fragment for cancer targeting therapy.

METHODS

Based on recombinant phage display techniques, the construction, screening and expression of functional single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) from murine hybridoma C2H5 which secretes antibody specifically binding to (92 kD) type IV collagenase were performed. By RT-PCR for VH and VL genes, assembly of scFv genes and cloning into phagemid pCANTAB5E, transformation of TG1 cells and M13KO7 helper phage rescue, a recombinant phage scFv library with titre of 5 x 10(9) pfu/ml was established. Panning against immobilized type IV collagenase (92 kD) was performed by one round. Finally, 30 antigen-positive recombinant phage clones were isolated and identified by ELISA.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing result showed that the entire gene of scFv against type IV collagenase (92 kD) designated as scFv-M97 is 732 bp, consisting of the 351 bp VH gene encoding 117 amino acids, the 336 bp VL gene encoding 112 amino acids and a 45 bp linker encoding (Gly4Ser)3. The antigen-positive phage with titre of 10(10) pfu/ml was used to infect HB2151 cells in which soluble scFv was expressed. After induction of Lac promotor by 1 mM IPTG for 20 h, the scFv-M97 yield of HB2151 in SBA medium is about 2 micrograms/ml. Immuno-blot indicated that the 27 kD scFv-M97 retained the affinity and specificity of the original intact antibody to type IV collagenase (92 kD).

CONCLUSIONS

Single chain antibody scFv-M97 expressed by secretion was successfuly produced. As type IV collagenase plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis by the mechanism of proteolytic degradation of type IV collagen in the basement membrane, scFv-M97 may have therapeutic potential against tumor invasion and metastasis.

[Inhibition of angiogenesis by antitumor antibiotic C1027 and its effect on tumor metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of C1027, an enediyne antitumor antibiotic, on angiogenesis and its anti-metastatic activity.

METHODS

Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay was used for anti-angiogenesis activity and bFGF receptor binding assay was used for the elucidation of the possible mechanism. Spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of Lewis carcinoma in mice was employed to evaluate the anti-metastatic effect.

RESULTS

C1027 was highly potent in suppressing angiogenesis with a minimum effective dose of 0.01 microgram/egg. Enediyne chromophore moiety of the C1027 molecule was essential to anti-angiogenesis activity. Receptor binding assay showed that C1027 blocked bFGF binding to its receptor with an IC50 value of 2.3 x 10(-6) micrograms/ml. C1027 markedly inhibited pulmonary metastasis of Lewis carcinoma in mice. Compared at equitoxic dosage level (1/4 LD50), C1027 (0.01 mg/kg, i.v., x 2) was more effective than mitomycin (1.25 mg/kg, i.v., x 2) and the percent inhibition of metastatic foci in the lung was 98% and 78%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

C1027 is a new potent anti-angiogenesis agent with markedly anti-metastatic activity. The mechanism of C1027 suppressing angiogenesis may be related to its blocking effect on bFGF binding to its receptor.