[Impact of COVID-19 on primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on treatment of patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI). Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study. STEMI patients undergoing PPCI from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were selected, based on the data of Xinnaolvsetongdao App. Clinical data and treatment time indicators, including symptom to first medical contact (S-FMC), symptom to door (StoD), first medical contact to ECG (FMC-ECG), first medical contact to guide wire (FMC-W), door to balloon (DtoB) and total ischemic time in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were compared. STEMI patients aged<60 years were sub-grouped as the young and middle-aged group, and STEMI patients aged≥60 years were sub-grouped as the elderly group. Results: A total of 7 435 (3 305 in 2019, 1 796 in 2020 and 2 334 in 2021) STEMI patients aged (59.6±12.6) years undergoing PPCI were included in this analysis. There were 5 990 males. For STEMI patients with PPCI in 2019, 2020 and 2021, FMC-ECG was 3 (1, 5) min, 3(1, 7) min and 4 (1, 7) min. FMC-W was 73 (56, 87) min, 78 (62, 95) min and 77 (62, 87) min. DtoB was 73 (56, 85) min, 78 (62, 95) min and 77 (62, 86) min. Total ischemic time was 189 (130, 273) min, 196 (138, 295) min and 209 (143, 276) min. FMC-ECG, FMC-W, DtoB and total ischemic time were longer in 2020 and 2021 than in 2019 (all P<0.05). The proportions of patients with FMC-ECG≤10 min (88.4% (1 588/1 796) vs. 92.7% (3 064/3 305), P<0.05), FMC-W≤120 min (87.9% (1 579/1796) vs. 91.7% (3 030/3 305), P<0.05) and DtoB≤90 min (72.3% (1 298/1 796) vs. 80.8% (2 672/3 305), P<0.05) were lower in 2020 than in 2019, whereas no differences were observed in the proportions of patients with FMC-ECG≤10 min (91.3% (2 131/2 334) vs. 92.7% (3 064/3 305), P=0.054), FMC-W≤120 min (92.0% (2 148/2 334) vs. 91.7% (3 030/3 305), P=0.635) and DtoB≤90 min (80.0% (1 867/2 334) vs. 80.8% (2 672/3 305), P=0.424) in 2021 compared with 2019. In the subgroup analysis, the proportions of patients with FMC-ECG≤10 min, FMC-W≤120 min and DtoB≤90 min were lower in the elderly group than in young and middle-aged group in 2019 (all P<0.05). The proportions of patients with FMC-W≤120 min and DtoB≤90 min were lower in the elderly group than in young and middle-aged group in 2021(all P<0.05). No differences were observed in the proportions of patients with FMC-ECG≤10 min, FMC-W≤120 min and DtoB≤90 min between the two group in 2020 (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Affected by the COVID-19, there is a reduction in the number of PPCI cases and treatment delays in STEMI patients, especially in the elderly. After adjusting the treatment strategy and widely applying the Xinnaolvsetongdao APP, the above indicators are significantly improved in 2021 as compared with 2020.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Frailty in Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence and risk factors of frailty in stroke patients.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis and systematic review.

PARTICIPANTS

Stroke patients in hospitals or communities.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis using articles available in 8 databases, including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database (VIP) from January 1990 to April 2022. Studies were quality rated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies involving 30,423 participants were identified. The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in stroke patients was 27% (95%CI: 0.23-0.31) and 47.9% (95%CI: 0.43-0.53). Female gender (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.63-1.91), advanced age (MD = 6.73, 95%CI: 3.55-9.91), diabetes (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.06-1.69), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.04-2.04), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.01-1.82), National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) admission scores (MD = 2.27, 95%CI: 1.72-2.81) were risk factors of frailty in stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty was more prevalent in stroke patients. Female gender, advanced age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) admission scores were identified as risk factors for frailty in stroke patients. In the future, medical staff should pay attention to the early screening of frailty in high-risk groups and provide information on its prevention.

Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA interference of CENPK inhibits growth of colorectal cancer cells with overexpression of Cullin 4A

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. The identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC is a key research imperative. Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed high expression of centromere protein K (CENPK) in CRC. However, the role of CENPK in the progression of CRC is not well characterized.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of Cullin 4A (CUL4A) in RKO and HCT116 cells.

METHODS

Human colon cancer samples were collected and tested using a human gene expression chip. We identified CENPK as a potential oncogene for CRC based on bioinformatics analysis. In vitro experiments verified the function of this gene. We investigated the expression of CENPK in RKO and HCT116 cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, and flow cytometry. The effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) virus-infected RKO cells on tumor growth was evaluated in vivo using quantitative analysis of fluorescence imaging. To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of CUL4A in RKO and HCT116 cells, we performed a series of in vitro experiments, using qPCR, western blot, MTT assay, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We demonstrated overexpression of CENPK in human colon cancer samples. CENPK was an independent risk factor in patients with CRC. The downstream genes FBX32, CUL4A, and Yes-associated protein isoform 1 were examined to evaluate the regulatory action of CENPK in RKO cells. Significantly delayed xenograft tumor emergence, slower growth rate, and lower final tumor weight and volume were observed in the CENPK short hairpin RNA virus infected group compared with the CENPK negative control group. The CENPK gene interference inhibited the proliferation of RKO cells in vitro and in vivo. The lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference of CENPK inhibited the proliferation of RKO and HCT116 colon cancer cells, with overexpression of the CUL4A.

CONCLUSION

We indicated a potential role of CENPK in promoting tumor proliferation, and it may be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC.

Trends in general and abdominal obesity in US adults: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2018)

Aim

This study investigates the trend in general obesity and abdominal obesity in US adults from 2001 to 2018.

Methods

We included 44,184 adults from the nine cycles of the continuous NHANES (2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018). The age-adjusted mean body mass index and waist circumference were calculated, and the sex-specific annual change was estimated by the survey cycle. We used the weighted sex-specific logistic regression models to analyze the prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity from 2001 to 2018. The weighted adjusted odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated.

Results

Our study showed that general obesity and abdominal obesity account for about 35.48 and 53.13% of the US population. From 2001-2002 to 2017-2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of general obesity increased from 33.09 to 41.36% in females and from 26.88 to 42.43% in males. During 2001-2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of abdominal obesity increased from 57.58 to 67.33% in females and from 39.07 to 49.73% in males. A significant time-dependent increase was observed in the prevalence of general obesity (adjusted OR, 1.007; 95% CI 1.005-1.009, P < 0.001) and abdominal obesity (adjusted OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.004-1.008; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

General obesity and abdominal obesity are a heavy health burden among US adults, and the increasing trend remains in both males and females from 2001 to 2018.

[Predictive value of impedance of leadless pacemaker during implantation on trend changes of pacing threshold]

Objective: To explore the predictive value of the impedance measured during leadless pacemaker Micra implantation on the trend of changes of pacing threshold post implantation. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients who received implantation of leadless pacemaker Micra at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from December 2019 to August 2020 were enrolled. The clinical data and the intraoperative electrical parameters during leadless pacemaker implantation were collected. The impedance and pacing threshold data were analyzed at three time points: immediate release, 5-10 min after release, and after traction test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the value of the impedance at immediate release on predicting the trend of changes of pacing threshold post implantation. Results: A total of 21 patients (mean age: (72.2±12.5) years, 12 males) were included. The impedance of 21 patients was (798.1±35.3) Ω immediately after implantation, (800.9±35.6) Ω after 5-10 minutes of release, and (883.6±31.7) Ω after traction test. Impedance was similar between the three time points (P>0.05). The threshold was (0.97±0.11) V/0.24 ms immediately after implantation, (0.95±0.12) V/0.24 ms at 5-10 min after the release, and (0.59±0.06) V/0.24 ms after the traction test. The threshold was significantly lower after the traction test than that immediately after release (P=0.003) and than that at 5-10 minutes after release (P=0.008), suggesting a decreased tendency of the threshold over time. According to the analysis of the ROC curve, the immediate impedance after the release ≥680 Ω could predict the ideal pacing threshold after the traction test (AUC=0.989, 95%CI 0.702-0.964, P<0.001), the prediction sensitivity was 87%, and the specificity was 100%. The pacing threshold would be not ideal with the immediate impedance ≤ 520 Ω (95%CI 0.893-1.000, P<0.001), the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 80%. Conclusions: The impedance immediately after the release has predictive value for the changing trend of threshold post leadless pacemaker Micra implantation. Impedance ≥680 Ω immediately after release is often related with ideal pacing threshold after the traction test. In contrast, the impedance ≤ 520 Ω pacing is often related with unsatisfactory threshold after the traction test, therefore, it is recommended to find a new pacing site to achieve the impedance ≥680 Ω immediately after release during leadless pacemaker Micra implantation.

[Characteristics of clinical and laboratory indexes in patients with liver disease with positive anti-liver cytosol antibody]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of clinical and laboratory indexes in patients with liver disease with positive anti-liver cytosol antibody type 1 (anti-LC1), in order to provide references for clinical and differential diagnosis. Methods: The clinical data of 23 832 inpatients and outpatients with positive anti-LC1 autoantibodies detected in routine autoantibody test from January 2010 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical and laboratory indexes were compared. Western blotting was used to detect anti-LC1, anti-soluble liver antigen antibody (anti-SLA), anti-glycoprotein 210 antibodies and anti-nucleosome 100 antibodies. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-mitochondrial antibody, anti-Smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-liver and kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM) and other autoantibodies. Normally distributed measurement data between the two groups were compared by independent-sample t-test, and the multiple groups comparison were compared by one-way analysis of variance. Non-normally distributed measurement data were compared by non-parametric rank sum test. Results: 38 anti-LC1 positive patients were detected in 23832 autoantibody tests. The age of initial diagnosis ranged from 11.0 to 84.0 (50.6 ± 16.0) years. There were 8 males (21.1%) and 30 females (78.9%). A total of 31 cases (81.6%) were positive for anti-LC1 and ANA, and the dominant karyotype was speckled pattern, accounting for 54.8%. Five cases (13.2%) were positive for ASMA, and no simultaneous positive with anti-LKM or anti-SLA. Among the 38 anti-LC1 positive patients, 9 were diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 6 with possible AIH, 6 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), 8 with hepatitis B, 2 with hepatitis C, 1 with alcoholic liver disease, 2 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 1 with drug-induced liver injury, 1 with hepatolenticular degeneration, and 2 with tumor. Confirmed and probable AIH cases accounted for 39.5% (15/38) of anti-LC1 positive cases. Among anti-LC1 positive patients, 47.4% (18/38) had entered the stage of liver cirrhosis. AIH group globulin level was higher than HBV group (P = 0.006) and other disease groups (P = 0.001). AIH group IgG level was higher than PBC group (P = 0.027), HBV group (P = 0.009) and other disease groups (P = 0.004). the of the PBC group IgM level was higher than AIH group (P = 0.003), HBV group (P = 0.003) and other disease groups (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Anti-LC1 is not only detected in AIH, but also observed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, hepatitis B and C, alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, hereditary metabolic liver disease and tumor. In addition, it is mainly female gender dominance and nearly half of ANA-positive young, middle-aged and elderly patients develop liver cirrhosis. For the diagnosis of type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, whether anti-LC1 is a specific antibody needs further research, but if AIH is highly suspected, this antibody can be used as a substitute.

Applications of Cryogenic Electron Microscopy in Biomineralization Research

Biological mineralization is a natural process manifested by living organisms in which inorganic minerals crystallize under the scrupulous control of biomolecules, producing hierarchical organic-inorganic composite structures with physical properties and design that galvanize even the most ardent structural engineer and architect. Understanding the mechanisms that control the formation of biominerals is challenging in the biomimetic engineering of hard tissues. In this regard, the contribution of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has been nothing short of phenomenal. By preserving materials in their native hydrated status and reducing damage caused by ion beam radiation, cryo-EM outperforms conventional transmission electron microscopy in its ability to directly observe the morphologic evolution of mineral precursor phases at different stages of biomineralization with nanoscale spatial resolution and subsecond temporal resolution in 2 or 3 dimensions. In the present review, the development and applications of cryo-EM are discussed to support the use of this powerful technique in dental research. Because of the rapid development of cryogenic sample preparation techniques, direct electron detection, and image-processing algorithms, the last decade has witnessed an exponential increase in the use of cryo-EM in structural biology and materials research. By amalgamating with other analytic techniques, cryo-EM may be used for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the kinetics and thermodynamic mechanisms in which organic macromolecules participate in the transformation of mineral precursors from their original liquid state to amorphous and ultimately crystalline phases. The present review concentrates on the biomineralization of calcium phosphate mineral phases, while that of calcium carbonate, silica, and magnetite is only briefly mentioned. Bioinspired organic matrix-mediated inorganic crystallization strategies are discussed from the perspective of tissue regeneration engineering.

[Twelve-week of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir therapeutic regimen for chronic hepatitis C patients in northwest region of China: a real-world multicenter clinical study]

Objective: To study the real-world outcome of China FDA-approved Sofosbuvir (SOF)/Velpatasvir (VEL) in Northwest China. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, real-world cohort study, we recruited patients from 10 sites from Northwest China, who were chronically infected with HCV GTs 1-6 from 06/2018 to 09/2019. Patients received SOF (400mg)/VEL (100mg) for 12 weeks, and with ribavirin 900-1200 mg for GT3 cirrhosis and for any genotype decompensated cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12-weeks post-treatment (SVR12) and safety. The secondary endpoint was the change of liver function after the achievement of SVR12. Results: Totally, 143 patients were enrolled in the study, four patients were lost to follow-up and one died during the follow-up, 138 patients were included in per-protocol analysis. Of the 138 patients, the mean age 53 years, 53.6% male, 94.2% Han nationality, 53.6% liver cirrhosis, 10.1% HBsAg(+), 6.5% renal dysfunction, 5.1% treatment-experienced, and 16.7% patients received ribavirin treatment. The genotype distribution was as follows: 35.5% GT1, 42.8% GT2, 15.9% GT3, and 5.8% un-typed. The SVR12 rate was 96.5% (138/143, 95%CI: 93.5%-99.6%) for intention-to-treat analysis, and in per-protocol analysis, all 138 patients obtained SVR12 (100%). Compared with baseline, the serum total bilirubin, ALT and AFP levels decreased (all P < 0.05), as well as increased ALB and platelet count (all P < 0.001) at post-treatment 12-weeks. Overall adverse events (AEs) rate is 29.0%, and the most common AEs were anemia (14.5%) and fatigue (8.0%). Severe side effects (edema and fatigue) occurred in 2 patients, one of whom needed a short-term interruption of treatment due to fatigue. Conclusion: In this real-world cohort study, 12-week SOF/VEL regimen with or without ribavirin achieved high SVR12 rates (96.5%-100% overall) with excellent safety profile among patients with HCV GT1/2/3 infection including patients with GT3 and cirrhosis, and led to improvement of liver function.

Expression of apolipoprotein C1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: An oncogenic gene and a prognostic marker

This study aimed to explore whether APOC1 expression has a function in the biological behavior of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells and its possible mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis of data TCGA and OnComine was conducted to explore the expression pattern and prognostic value of APOC1, as well as the relationship between APOC1 expression and clinical indicators. Loss- and gain- of APOC1 function assays were carried out to assess the biological functions of APOC1. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression. We revealed that APOC1 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues. APOC1 expression was related to gender, grade, pathologic-T, pathologic-stage, and pathologic-M in patients with ccRCC. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis evidenced that the high APOC1 expression indicated unfavorable outcomes of ccRCC. Functional experiments in vitro revealed that upregulation of APOC1 in UT33A cells promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while downregulation of APOC1 in 786-O cells had the opposite effect. Furthermore, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was activated in cells with upregulated APOC1 but inhibited in cells with down-regulated APOC1. Collectively, our data suggested that APOC1 was overexpressed in ccRCC cells and promoted the malignant biological behaviors and EMT of ccRCC cells.

[Observation and analysis of lens turbidity lesion induced by low intensity 635 nm laser radiation]

Objective: To study the characteristics of the lens turbidity after long-term exposure to low intensity 635nm laser. Methods: Cluster sampling method was adopted to select 812 employees in a laser leveler workshop in a city of Guangdong Province from January 2014 to December 2018. They were divided into the control group, diffuse reflection (DR) group and direct vision (DV) group for retrospective observation and analysis of lens turbidity. The laser irradiation intensity of each group was investigated, the position and shape of lens opacity were analyzed, and the influencing factors were statistically analyzed with the repeated measurement data of dichotomy. Results: The laser irradiance and radiant exposure of DV group were between 0.72×10(-4) and 9.92×10(-4) mW/cm(2) and between 2.61×10(-2) and 1.53 J/cm(2), respectively. The subjects were mainly diagnosed with lens turbidity lesion, especially for the DV group. Most of lesions occurred in the pole and periphery of the anterior cortex. The lesions exhibited multipoint patterns with greyish white color. The turbidity rates in DV group (before work and work for 1, 2, 3 years) were 0%, 1.99% (8/402) , 4.98% (20/402) and 6.72% (27/402) , respectively, in the order of observation points. The statistical analysis of single factor effect showed that the turbidity rate was higher in DV group and higher in the second year in the DV group (P<0.01) . Multi-factor analysis of the laser effect on the lens showed that the main effect between groups, between the observation point were statistically significant (P<0.05) , but no statistical significance in the interaction between group×observation points (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Lens turbidity lesion can be caused by long-term exposure to low intensity 635 nm laser, so the product safety classification should be strictly strengthened. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of laser photochemical damage in the production process.

Available energy content, nutrients digestibility of chili meal and effects on performance of growing pigs

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Chili meal is classified as a roughage due to its high dietary fiber content.

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Chili meal has moderate DE, ME and nutrients digestibility for growing pigs.

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Addition of chili meal have adverse effect on ADG and ATTD of nutrients.

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The combination of 50 g/kg chili meal and proper soybean has no significant negative effects for growing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) content, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in chili meal (CM), and to determine the effects of CM on the performance of growing pigs. In Exp. 1, 12 barrows (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 50.9 ± 1.8 kg were allocated to one of two treatments, corn-soybean meal basal diet or diet containing 194.2 g/kg CM, which replaced corn and soybean meal in the basal diet. Pigs were placed in metabolism crates for a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine to detect DE, ME and ATTD of nutrients in CM. Exp. 2 was conducted for 4 wk. to evaluate the effect of CM on performance of growing pigs. 150 growing pigs (58.4 ± 1.2 kg BW) were allocated to 1 of 5 treatments. Treatment 1 was a corn-soybean meal basal diet met the DE requirement for growing pigs recommended by NRC (2012). Treatment 2 or 3 were diets containing 50 g/kg or 100 g/kg CM respectively. Treatment: 4 or 5 were based on treatment 2 or 3, while soybean oil (SBO) was added to improve the DE content to that in treatment 1. In Exp. 1, the DE and ME content of CM were 9.08 and 8.48 MJ/kg. The ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were 0.60, 0.54, 0.66 and 0.38, respectively. In Exp. 2, addition of CM linearly decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and the ATTD of DM, GE and OM while ATTD of crude protein (CP) had a quadratic (P < 0.05) change. When SBO was supplemented in diets containing CM, greater values (P < 0.05) of ATTD of most nutrients were observed. With the dietary inclusion of CM, the albumin/globulin ratio in serum had a quadratic change (P < 0.05), and the level of low-density cholesterol linearly (P < 0.05) increased. In treatments with 50 g/kg CM, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of total antioxidant capacity was found in diet formulated with SBO. In treatments with 100 g/kg CM, the level of total cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in the diet with SBO. In conclusion, CM had moderate energy density and nutrients digestibility in pig diets. 50 g/kg CM with SBO in diets could be fed to growing pigs with no significant negative effects.

[Features of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy in oral and maxillofacial region and MRI analysis of facial muscles]

Objective: To investigate the manifestation of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in oral and maxillofacial region. Methods: A total of 12 patients diagnosed as FSHD and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Their medical history was collected from these patients. The decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT), calculus index-simplified (CI-S), occlusal relationship, maximal opening of mouth and maximum bite force were recorded. The impressions were taken to measure the maximal hight of palate and the width of palate. The lateral cephalometric radiographs were also taken to measure the mandibular plane-frankfurt horizontal plane angle (MP-FH). They finally received oral and maxillofacial region MRI examination to observe the masseter muscle, medial pterygoid muscle and lateral pterygoid muscle. The data were analyzed by t-test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: There was no significant gender difference in FSHD group. The average age of treatment was (27.5 ± 8.1) years and the average age of onset was (15.7±7.5) years. Nine patients liked to eat soft foods, 4 patients had difficulties of closing eyes, 8 patients had difficulties of cheek-bulging, 10 patients showed pouty lips and 9 patients had mesio-malocclusion. DMFT (4.0±2.3), CI-S (5.8±2.1), male maximal hight of palate (20.5±2.1) mm , female maximal hight of palate (17.9±1.6) mm, MP-FH (31.8°±2.2°) of FSHD group were greater than those of the control group. Male width of palate (34.8±1.4) mm, female width of palate (33.7±1.5) mm, male maximum bite force (451.7 ± 39.0) N, female maximum bite force (326.7 ± 21.6) N, maximal opening of mouth (3.5 ± 0.4) cm of FSHD group were less than those of the control group (P <0.05). Maxillofacial MRI showed muscle asymmetr in 11 cases of masseter and 6 cases of medial pterygoid muscle, 5 cases of lateral pterygoid, and these muscle showed mild fatty infiltration mainly concentrating in the grade 0, grade 1 and grade 2. Conclusions: The FSHD patients have poor oral hygiene, low masticatory function, limited mouth opening, high palate and narrow arch and different degree of malocclusion. The patients' masseter muscle, medial pterygoid muscles and lateral pterygoid muscles exhibit asymmetrical atrophy and fatty infiltration.

[Extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate for maxillary sinus and adjacent lesions]

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility and results of surgical removal of maxillary sinus and adjacent lesions via extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate.Method:Among these 28 cases,there were 9 cases of maxillary cysts(4 of which with oroantral fistula),2 cases of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis(1 of which with oroantral fistula),3 cases of maxillary sinus cysts,2 cases of antrochoanal polyps,5 cases of maxillary sinus inverted papilloma,1 case of maxillary sinus inverted papilloma with infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma(moderately differentiated),4 cases of inferior orbital fracture,1 case of anterior maxillary sinus wall fracture,and 1 case of infratemporal fossa cysts with fungal maxillary sinusitis.All operations were conducted via extended inferior meatal approach.Result:All patients did not have intraoperative complications,and were free of recurrence after the 3 to 36 months postoperative follow-up.Conclusion:The extended inferior meatal approach by reversing inferior turbinate can deal with all aspects of the maxillary sinus and retromaxillary lesions.This procedure has a clear vision and high successful rate.

[The evaluation of hearing aid effect in presbycusis]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hearing aid in presbycusis. Method:Using the method of international outcome inventory for hearing aids(IOI-HA)and medium acoustic intensity(65 dBSPL) word recognition score(WRS), to evaluate the effect of hearing aid in moderate and severe presbycusis. Result:After the hearing aid of moderate presbycusis, The improved value of monosyllabic words and recognition rate in quite and noise statement(SNR=5) were 31.15%, 23.21%, 44.11%.However, improved values in severe presbycusis were 37.51%, 48.47%，50.17%, before and after hearing aid, the difference of the improved average value was statistically significant(P <0.05); Both the moderate and severe presbycusis were satisfacted with hearing aid.The IO-HA scores of moderate and severe presbycusis ranged from 15 to 34.The difference of IOIHA score of moderate and severe presbycusis had no statistical significance(P >0.05); moderate and severe presbycusis with high satisfaction with HA of quiet statement,and low satisfaction of monosyllabic words listening, and the degree of satisfaction was higher in patients with moderate to severe hearing loss in noise statement.Conclusion:Speech audiometry is an important method to assess the effect of hearing aid; IOI-HA is a timeconsuming short, subjective method.The combine of multiple evaluations have guiding significance to debugging of hearing aid expected effect and hearing aid device.

Semen quality in adult male survivors 5 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

The influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on semen quality of adult male survivors is unclear. We investigated the semen quality included 673 male survivors from the worse-affected counties in the earthquake between Aug 2008 and July 2013. Semen parameters including pH, volume, concentration, motility and morphology were measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences between years, and a logistic regression was used to analyse the impacts caused by earthquake on the changes of semen quality. We found the medians (5th and 95th) were 2.5 ml (0.6-5.5) for semen volume, 59.0 × 10⁶  ml^-1 [(13.0-133.0)] × 10⁶  ml^-1 for semen concentration, 46% (13-64%) for sperm progressive motility and 3.0% (0-17.5%) for normal morphology for adult male survivors. Semen concentration, the percentage of sperm progressive motility, total motility and sperm normal morphology were all decreased in the first 3 years, and the differences among years 1, 2 and 3 were significant except the percentage of sperm progressive motility (P < 0.05). The casualties and heavy housing damage caused by earthquake had a negative effect on semen quality. The main findings will provide further diagnosis and therapy basis of male fertility by data, for affected populations in the earthquake.

Effects of exogenous phytase and xylanase, individually or in combination, and pelleting on nutrient digestibility, available energy content of wheat and performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets

OBJECTIVE

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding exogenous phytase and xylanase, individually or in combination, as well as pelleting on nutrient digestibility, available energy content of wheat and the performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets.

METHODS

In Experiment 1, forty-eight barrows with an initial body weight of 35.9±0.6 kg were randomly assigned to a 2×4 factorial experiment with the main effects being feed form (pellet vs meal) and enzyme supplementation (none, 10,000 U/kg phytase, 4,000 U/kg xylanase or 10,000 U/kg phytase plus 4,000 U/kg xylanase). The basal diet contained 97.8% wheat. Pigs were placed in metabolic cages for a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. Nutrient digestibility and available energy content were determined. Experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the effects of pelleting and enzymes on performance of wheat for growing pigs. In this experiment, 180 growing pigs (35.2±9.0 kg BW) were allocated to 1 of 6 treatments according to a 2×3 factorial treatment arrangement with the main effects being feed form (meal vs pellet) and enzyme supplementation (0, 2,500 or 5,000 U/kg xylanase).

RESULTS

In Experiment 1, there were no interactions between feed form and enzyme supplementation. Pelleting reduced the digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF) by 6.4 percentage units (p<0.01), increased the digestibility of energy by 0.6 percentage units (p<0.05), and tended to improve the digestibility of crude protein by 0.5 percentage units (p = 0.07) compared with diets in mash form. The addition of phytase improved the digestibility of phosphorus (p<0.01) and calcium (p<0.01) by 6.9 and 7.6 percentage units respectively compared with control group. Adding xylanase tended to increase the digestibility of crude protein by 1.0 percentage units (p = 0.09) and increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p<0.01) compared with control group. Supplementation of the xylanase-phytase combination improved the digestibility of phosphorus (p<0.01) but impaired NDF digestibility (p<0.05) compared with adding xylanase alone. In Experiment 2, adding xylanase increased average daily gain (p<0.01) and linearly improved the feed:gain ratio (p<0.01) compared with control group.

CONCLUSION

Pelleting improved energy digestibility but decreased ADF digestibility. Adding xylanase increased crude protein digestibility and pig performance. Phytase increased the apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus and calcium. The combination of phytase-xylanase supplementation impaired the effects of xylanase on NDF digestibility.

Effects of Post-harvest Storage Duration and Variety on Nutrient Digestibility and Energy Content Wheat in Finishing Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of post-harvest storage duration and wheat variety on the digestibility and energy content of new season wheat fed to finishing pigs. Two wheat varieties (Shi and Zhong) were harvested in 2013 and stored in the warehouse of the Fengning Pig Experimental Base at China Agricultural University for 3, 6, 9, or 12 mo. For each storage period, 12 barrows were placed in metabolism crates and allotted to diets containing 1 of the 2 wheat varieties in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets contained 97.34% wheat and 2.66% of a vitamin and trace mineral premix. With an extension of storage duration from 3 mo to 12 mo, the gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) of the wheat decreased by 2.0% and 12.01%, respectively, while the concentration of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch content increased by 30.26%, 19.08%, and 2.46%, respectively. Total non-starch polysaccharide, total arabinose, total xylose and total mannose contents decreased by 46.27%, 45.80%, 41.71%, and 75.66%, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the chemical composition between the two wheat varieties with the exception of ADF which was approximately 13.37% lower in Shi. With an extension of storage duration from 3 mo to 12 mo, the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) content and the apparent total tract digestibility of GE, CP, dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, ADF and metabolizability of energy in wheat decreased linearly (p<0.01) by 5.74%, 7.60%, 3.75%, 3.88%, 3.50%, 2.47%, 26.22%, 27.62%, and 3.94%, respectively. But the digestibility of NDF changed quadratically (p<0.01). There was an interaction between wheat variety and storage time for CP digestibility (p<0.05), such that the CP digestibility of variety Zhong was stable during 9 mo of storage, while the CP digestibility of variety Shi decreased (p<0.05). In conclusion, the GE, DE, and ME of wheat was stable during the first 3 to 6 mo of post-harvest storage, and decreased during the following 6 to 12 mo of storage under the conditions of this study.

First Report of Cherry mottle leaf virus Infecting Cherry in China

Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) is a member of the genus Trichovirus (family Betaflexiviridae). CMLV infects several species of the genus Prunus including cherry (Prunus avium) and peach (P. persica) (2,3). It is spread via budding and grafting with infected wood and can be transmitted from infected bitter cherry (P. emarginata), or infected but symptomless peach trees to healthy sweet cherry trees by the bud mite (Eriophyes inaequalis) (1). On susceptible sweet cherry cultivars, CMLV causes symptoms such as chlorotic mottle-leaf pattern, distortion, puckering of younger leaves, and small fruits that ripen late (1), which may lead to severe economic losses in some cultivars. Cherry is one of the most important fruit tree species in North China, and Shandong Province is one of the major cherry production areas. In June 2013, a survey of possible CMLV presence was conducted in a cherry orchard planted in 1996 in Zoucheng city, Shandong. The sweet cherry cultivars in this orchard included Black Tartarian, Bing, Hongdeng (a hybrid between cvs. Napoleon and Huangyu), and others; the rootstock cultivar utilized to graft these cultivars was mountain cherry (P. tomentosa). During the survey, characteristic symptoms on leaves such as leaf mottling, distortion, and puckering similar to those caused by CMLV were observed on some trees of the cv. Hongdeng, and the symptomatic trees accounted for ~10% of the total trees of this cultivar. Five symptomatic cherry leaf samples and three healthy-looking cherry leaf samples of cv. Hongdeng were collected. Total RNA extracted from the leaf samples using RNeasy plant mini kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA) was subjected to first strand cDNA synthesis with the reverse primer CMLV-3R (5'-CTCGAGAACACAGAGATTTGTCGAGAC-3', sequence in italics indicates restriction site XhoI) and M-MLV reverse transcriptase (Promega, Madison, WI) according to the manufacturer's instruction. The cDNA was then used as template in the PCR assay using primers CMLV-5F (5'-GGATCCATGTCGGCGCGATTGAATC-3', sequence in italics indicates restriction site BamHI) and CMLV-3R, which amplify the genome fragment including the capsid protein gene of CMLV. The expected PCR product ~590 bp was amplified from all five symptomatic samples, while no such PCR product was amplified from the symptomless samples. The PCR products were cloned into pMD18-T vector (TaKaRa, Dalian, China). Three positive clones for each of the five amplicons were sequenced in both directions. Sequence alignment and nucleotide BLAST analysis of the sequences revealed that they were 99% to 100% identical to the corresponding capsid protein gene sequence of a cherry isolate of CMLV (GenBank Accession No. AF170028) and 85% identical with that of the peach wart strain of CMLV (KC207480). Our results confirm the infection of cherry trees by CMLV in Shandong. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMLV on cherry in China. As the spread of CMLV by mite vector in the field is rare (1), and no bud mite outbreak had occurred in this orchard in the past years, so it is possible that virus-infected propagation materials are largely responsible for the spread of this virus. Considering the importance of cherry cultivation in China, this report prompts the need to survey the occurrence of this virus in Shandong and other provinces, and the need to develop more effective management strategies such as the use of certified virus-free nursery stocks to reduce the impact of CMLV. References: (1) J. E. Adaskaveg et al. Diseases. Page 61 in: UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cherry. University of California ANR Publication 3444, 2014. (2) D. James et al. Arch. Virol. 145:995, 2000. (3) T. A. Mekuria et al. Arch. Virol. 158:2201, 2013.

Identification of a novel human testicular interstitial gene, RNF148, and its expression regulated by histone deacetylases

Multiple genes are restrictively expressed in mammalian testicular tissues, and they play important roles in the complex process of spermatogenesis. Investigation of these genes and their expression regulation mechanisms is valuable to elucidate the molecular process of spermatogenesis. In this study, we identified a novel human gene, ring finger protein 148 (RNF148) that is abundantly expressed in testes and slightly expressed in pancreas. In situ hybridization analysis showed that RNF148 messenger RNA was mainly present in the interstitial cells of human testicular tissues, and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed protein levels in that location. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A activated the expression of RNF148 messenger RNA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in HEK293T and HeLa cells, neither of which normally express RNF148. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that trichostatin A treatment increased the binding of acetylated histone H3 to the RNF148 gene promoter. We identified a novel human testicular interstitial gene and observed that histone deacetylases regulate RNF148 expression.

Long-term follow-up of a phase III study comparing radiotherapy with or without weekly oxaliplatin for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Previous results from our trial showed that adding oxaliplatin to radiotherapy (RT) increased survival in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at 2 years. Here, we present the data of long-term efficacy and late toxic effects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and January 2003, 115 Patients with nonkeratinizing/undifferentiated locoregionally advanced NPC were randomly to receive either RT alone (n = 56) or plus concurrent oxaliplatin 70 mg/m(2) weekly for six cycles (n = 59).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 114 months (range 18-139 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) rates in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) group were significantly higher than those observed in the RT-alone group (OS, 73.2% versus 60.2%, P = 0.028; MFS, 74.7% versus 63.0%, P = 0.027). However, CCRT did not improve locoregional failure-free survival significantly. Subgroup analyses showed that the superiorities of CCRT mainly existed in the T3-4N0-1 stage subgroup (OS: HR = 0.394, P = 0.034). The grade 3/4 late toxic effects were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

The long-term follow-up data confirms the role of CCRT as a treatment of locoregionally advanced NPC. Oxaliplatin can be considered as an alternative optional therapeutic regimen for these patients due to its high efficiency and low toxic effect.

Phase II study of sorafenib in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil to treat recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a Simon two-stage designed trial. Chemotherapy-naive patients with recurrent or metastatic disease were enrolled. The regimen was sorafenib 400 mg orally b.i.d., cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1, and 5-FU 1000 mg/m(2)/day CIV for 4 days, repeated every 21 days. After a maximum of six cycles of chemotherapy, patients received maintenance of sorafenib.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients were enrolled. The objective response rate reached 77.8%, including 1 complete response and 41 partial responses. The median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (95% CI 6.8-8.4 months), and the median overall survival was 11.8 months (95% CI 10.6-18.7 months). Major toxic effects included hand-foot skin reaction, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal (GI) reaction. The incidence of hemorrhage was 22.2%, and one patient with liver metastases died of GI bleeding. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was carried out in a subset of patients with liver metastases.

CONCLUSION

Combination of sorafenib, cisplatin (80 mg/m(2)) and 5-FU (3000 mg/m(2)) was tolerable and feasible in recurrent or metastatic NPC. Further randomized trials to compare sorafenib plus cisplatin and 5-FU with standard dose of cisplatin plus 5-FU in NPC are warranted.

Identification of messenger RNA substrates for mouse T-STAR

Using the method of isolation of specific nucleic acids associated with proteins (SNAAP), we have identified 10 candidate target mRNA substrates bound by mT-STAR (mouse T-STAR protein) from testis extract. Among them, our study focused on Fabp9, a gene that is essential for male gametogenesis, and showed that mT-STAR could directly bind to Fabp9 mRNAs. The binding sites are in a short sequence of the coding region and 3' untranslated region of Fabp9 mRNA. These suggest that mT-STAR can regulate the metabolism and expression of Fabp9. In conclusion, identification of mT-STAR-bound mRNA substrates might help to illustrate the potential spectrum of the process and provide valuable insight into the biological function of this RNA-binding protein in spermatogenesis.

Synthesis and biochemical studies of dithioate DNA

Dithioate DNA was synthesized and used for various biochemical studies. Results from these studies indicate that dithioate DNA is a potent inhibitor of HIV Reverse Transcriptase, activates endogenous RNase H in HeLa cell nuclear extracts, and is a useful probe for studying protein-DNA interactions.

Effect of stachyose supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation characteristics in broilers

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the oligosaccharide stachyose enhances gastrointestinal tract health by fermentation and proliferation of desirable bacteria species and thus affects growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers. 2. A total of 432 1-d-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated to one of 6 treatments, with 12 replicate pens per treatment and 6 birds per pen. Chicks were fed a maize-hamlet protein 300 (HP300) basal diet with 0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0 or 16.0 g/kg stachyose. A sixth diet contained no HP300 but soybean meal (SBM) and provided 8.7 g/kg stachyose and 3.1 g/kg raffinose. The duration of the study was 42 d. 3. Stachyose contents above 12.0 g/kg depressed group body weights, average daily gain and feed/gain but not feed intake during the whole experimental period. Broiler growth decreased linearly and quadratically with increasing stachyose content. No differences were detected between diets supplemented with 12.0 g/kg stachyose and SBM. 4. Nutrient digestibility tended to decrease but not significantly with increasing stachyose. 5. Stachyose content had no significant positive effects on caecal pH, microflora population and the resulting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites during the 42 d experiment, with only butyrate differing significantly in the initial period.

Effects of Feed Particle Size and Feed Form on Survival of Salmonella typhimurium in the Alimentary Tract and Cecal S. typhimurium Reduction in Growing Broilers

An in vitro experiment and an in vivo experiment were conducted to investigate the effects of feed particle size (coarse and fine) and feed form (mash and pellet) on the survival of Salmonella typhimurium (ST) in the alimentary tract, and the reduction of cecal ST in growing broilers in a 2 x 2 factorial design. All diets in the 2 trials were corn and soybean meal-based diets that differed only in physical characteristics. Diets were provided for birds from d 1 to 22 of age. In the in vitro trial, the relative gizzard weight was lower in birds that were fed the pellet diet (P < 0.01), whereas the relative weight of the cecum was higher in these birds (P < 0.01). Broilers receiving the pellet diet had enhanced concentrations of volatile fatty acids in contents from both the gizzards and the ceca. In addition, there was an increase in gizzard pH (P < 0.01) with the pellet diet, but a reduction in cecal pH (P < 0.05). Pellet-fed birds showed a significantly decreased and increased in vitro death rate of ST in the contents from gizzards (P < 0.01) and ceca (P < 0.05), respectively. A higher in vitro ST death rate in the gizzard was observed in birds given the coarse mash diet compared with those given the fine mash diet. In the in vivo experiment, cecal volatile fatty acid concentrations were increased, whereas cecal pH was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when birds were fed the pellet diet compared with the mash diet. Furthermore, cecal ST concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in broilers fed the pellet diet than in those fed the mash diet. Results indicated that the pellet diet increases the incidence of ST in gizzards and ceca in growing broilers and provide evidence demonstrating that the gizzard may play a critical role in reducing ST contamination in growing broilers.

Pd-catalyzed carbonyl insertion coupling reactions of a hypervalent iodoheterocycle with alcohols and amines

The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling carbonyl insertion reaction between 3,7-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-10H-dibenz[b,e]iodinium iodide (1) and alcohols or amines 2 is described. Some new amides and esters 3 containing an active iodo functional group have been prepared in 65-91% yields.

CMV enhancer/human PDGF-beta promoter for neuron-specific transgene expression

Using cell-type-specific promoters to restrict expression of therapeutic genes to particular cells is an attractive approach for gene therapy, but often hindered by inefficient transcriptional activities of the promoters. Knowing the enhancer for the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early gene improves activities of several cell-type- or tissue-type-specific promoters, we set out to investigate whether it improves neuronal transgene expression driven by a neuron-specific promoter, the platelet-derived growth factor B-chain (PDGF-beta) promoter. A hybrid promoter was constructed by appending a 380-bp fragment of the CMV enhancer 5' to the PDGF-beta promoter. The plasmid containing the promoter was complexed with polyethylenimine for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer. In cultured cells, the plasmid with the hybrid promoter significantly augmented expression of a luciferase reporter gene, providing expression levels 8- to 90-fold and 7- to 178-fold higher than those from two baseline constructs containing the PDGF-beta promoter alone and the CMV enhancer alone, respectively. In particular, the activities of the hybrid promoter in two neural cell lines were close to or higher than that of the CMV immediate-early gene enhancer/promoter, a transcriptional control element that has been considered to be the most robust one identified thus far. After stereotaxic injection into the hippocampus and striatum in rats, the hybrid promoter displayed a neuronal specificity, driving gene expression almost exclusively in neurons. Transgene expression in the brain driven by the hybrid promoter was detectable 24 h after injection, being 10-fold higher than that driven by the PDGF-beta promoter alone. The expression peaked around 5 days at 1.5 x 10(5) relative light units per brain and lasted for at least 4 weeks. This differed strikingly from the expression driven by the PDGF-beta promoter, which was no longer detectable on day 3. The new gene regulatory construct reported in this study will be useful to improve neuronal transgene expression required for gene therapy of neurological disorders and functional studies of the nervous system.

CNS gene transfer mediated by a novel controlled release system based on DNA complexes of degradable polycation PPE-EA: a comparison with polyethylenimine/DNA complexes

Nonviral gene delivery systems based upon polycation/plasmid DNA complexes are quickly gaining recognition as an alternative to viral gene vectors for their potential in avoiding immunogenicity and toxicity problems inherent in viral systems. We investigated in this study the feasibility of using a controlled release system based on DNA complexed with a recently developed polymeric gene carrier, polyaminoethyl propylene phosphate (PPE-EA), to achieve gene transfer in the brain. A unique feature of this gene delivery system is the biodegradability of PPE-EA, which can provide a sustained release of DNA at different rates depending on the charge ratio of the polymer to DNA. PPE-EA/DNA complexes, naked DNA, and DNA complexed with polyethylenimine (PEI), a nondegradable cationic polymer known to be an effective gene carrier, were injected intracisternally into the mouse cerebrospinal fluid. Transgene expression mediated by naked DNA was mainly detected in the brain stem, a region close to the injection site. With either PPE-EA or PEI as a carrier, higher levels of gene expression could be detected in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and diencephalons. Transgene expression in the brain mediated by PPE-EA/DNA complexes at an N/P ratio of 2 persisted for at least 4 weeks, with a significant higher level than that produced by either naked plasmid DNA or PEI/DNA at the 4-week time point. Furthermore, PPE-EA displayed much lower toxicity in cultured neural cells as compared to PEI and did not cause detectable pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS). The results established the potential of PPE-EA as a new and biocompatible gene carrier to achieve sustained gene expression in the CNS.

Repeated intrathecal administration of plasmid DNA complexed with polyethylene glycol-grafted polyethylenimine led to prolonged transgene expression in the spinal cord

Gene delivery into the spinal cord provides a potential approach to the treatment of spinal cord traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. These disorders progress over long periods of time, necessitating a stable expression of functional genes at therapeutic levels for months or years. We investigated in this study the feasibility of achieving prolonged transgene expression in the rat spinal cord through repeated intrathecal administration of plasmid DNA complexed with 25 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) into the lumbar subarachnoid space. With a single injection, DNA/PEI complexes could provide transgene expression in the spinal cord 40-fold higher than naked plasmid DNA. The transgene expression at the initial level persisted for about 5 days, with a low-level expression being detectable for at least 8 weeks. When repeated dosing was tested, a 70% attenuation of gene expression was observed following reinjection at a 2-week interval. This attenuation was associated with apoptotic cell death and detected even using complexes containing a noncoding DNA that did not mediate any gene expression. When each component of the complexes, PEI polymer or naked DNA alone, were tested in the first dosing, no reduction was found. Using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted PEI for DNA complexes, no attenuation of gene expression was detected after repeated intrathecal injections, even in those rats receiving three doses, administered 2 weeks apart. Lumbar puncture is a routine and relatively nontraumatic clinical procedure. Repeated administration of DNA complexed with PEG-grafted PEI through this less invasive route may prolong the time span of transgene expression when needed, providing a viable strategy for the gene therapy of spinal cord disorders.

Polyethylene glycol modified polyethylenimine for improved CNS gene transfer: effects of PEGylation extent

Poor solubility of polycation complexes with DNA is one drawback for their in vivo use as gene delivery systems. PEGylation often can improve the solubility of the complexes, minimize their aggregation and reduce their interaction with proteins in the physiological fluid. We investigated in vivo application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified polyethylenimine (PEI) for gene expression in the central nervous system. Varied numbers of linear PEG (2 kDa) were grafted to branched PEI (25 kDa) from the average number of PEG per one PEI macromolecule at 1-14.5. While higher degrees of PEG grafting did not improve gene expression, a PEI conjugate with one segment of PEG was able to mediate transgene expression in the spinal cord up to 11-fold higher than PEI homopolymer after intrathecal administration of its DNA complexes into the lumbar spinal cord subarachnoid space. Improved gene expression with this conjugate was observed as well in the brain after the lumbar injection. As assessed in in vitro studies, the PEI conjugate with a low degree of PEG grafting was able to reduce the size of polymer DNA complexes, prevent the aggregation of complexes, decrease the interactions of the complexes with serum proteins, counter the inhibition of serum to gene transfer, and enhance transfection efficiency, although not significant in affecting complex formation and reducing in vitro cell toxicity of PEI. The study provides the in vivo evidence that an appropriate degree of PEG modification is decisive in improving gene transfer mediated by PEGylated polymers.

Mutant BRCA1 genes antagonize phenotype of wild-type BRCA1

Unregulated expression of wild-type BRCA1 (wtBRCA1) confers an altered phenotype in cultured human prostate cancer cells, characterized by chemosensitivity, susceptibility to apoptosis, decreased DNA repair activity, and alterations of key cell regulatory proteins. We now report that the expression of truncated or mutant full-length BRCA1 genes can abrogate certain phenotypic characteristics and/or confer the opposite phenotype to the wild-type BRCA1 gene. In particular, several carboxyl-terminal truncated BRCA1 proteins conferred chemoresistance, decreased susceptibility to apoptosis, and decreased ability to suppress in vivo tumor growth. These truncated BRCA1 proteins also blocked the ability of ectopically expressed wtBRCA1 to induce chemosensitivity and to inhibit estrogen receptor transcriptional activity. Studies using epitope-tagged truncated proteins confirmed their expression, nuclear localization, and functionality. On the other hand, in cells with no endogenous wild-type BRCA1 (HCC1937 human breast cancer cells), the wtBRCA1 gene enhanced cellular DNA repair activity and rendered the cells resistant to DNA damage; while truncated BRCA1 proteins blocked the wtBRCA1-induced chemoresistance. Our findings suggest that truncated BRCA1 proteins can inhibit the function of wild-type BRCA1. They raise the possibility that some inherited BRCA1 mutations may actively promote oncogenesis by blocking the function of the remaining wild-type BRCA1 allele, although this hypothesis remains to be proved.

Experimental studies on physiological and morphological aspects of Cysticercus cellulosae in pigs

Three Small-Ear-Miniature, 3 Landrace-Small-Ear-Miniature, and one Douc-Yorkshire-Landrace pigs were inoculated orally with 100 000 eggs of Zhengzhou strain or 10 000 eggs of Harbin strain of Taenia solium. A total of 3739 cysticerci were recovered from 3 Small-Ear-Miniature and 3 Landrace-Small-Ear-Miniature pigs, giving an infection rate of 85.7% and a cysticercus recovery rate of 1.1%. The predilection sites of Cysticercus cellulosae in descending order were leg muscles, abdominal muscles, thoracic muscles, liver, head muscles, diaphragm, tongue, heart, trachea, and omentum/testes. Except 2 calcified cysticerci in the tongue, 2 in the heart, and 176 in the liver, the remaining cysticerci were all alive. The greatest number of cysticerci per 100 g of muscles or viscera was found in the head muscles, followed by the leg, diaphragm, heart, tongue, thoracic, abdominal, omentum, testes, and trachea. All cysticerci were evaginated in pig's bile after fluid was drawn out from cysticerci, whereas evagination occurred in only 83.2% of those without fluid drawing. In 364 evaginated cysticerci, the mean length and width of scolex, proglottid, and bladder, and diameter of rostellum and sucker were 826 x 747 microm, 5,370 x 1,734 microm, 2,885 x 3,002 microm, 155 microm, and 253 microm, respectively. In the protoscolex, the mean number of segments was 33. Each cysticercus had 2 rows of rostellar hooks on the scolex, and the mean length and width of inner and outer hooks were 151 x 18 microm and 117 x 14 microm, respectively. The number of paired hooks ranged from 10 to 18.

[Down regulatory effects of platelet factor four (PF4) on total adherence and respiratory burst of human neutrophil]

OBJECTIVE

The effect of platelet factor four (PF4) on human neutrophil function was studied.

METHODS

Crystal violet dye staining, immunofluorescence labeling, PKC kit assay, NBT and HVA fluoro-spectrophotometry were applied to study the effect of PF4 on total adherence, integrin CD11b level, PKC level and respiratory burst level of resting human neutrophils and FMLP/or PMA-stimulated human neutrophils.

RESULTS

It was found that PF4 slightly increased the total adherence of resting human neutrophils. There was no change on integrin CD11b level and respiratory burst level of resting human neutrophils after interaction with PF4. However, PF4 significantly down-regulated the total adherence, integrin CD11b level and respiratory burst level of human neutrophils stimulated by FMLP/or PMA. In addition, PF4 did not influence PKC level on resting and activated human neutrophil.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that PF4 plays a down regulation of the function of human neutrophils. Differing from other members of classical CXC-chemokine family, the signaling of PF4 is not through PLC-PKC signal pathway.

The structure dependent electrochemical-response of novel 1-(4-mercaptobutyl)-4-(2-ferrocenylvinyl)pyridinium bromide SAMs on an au electrode

The 1-(4-mercaptobutyl)-4-(2-ferrocenylvinyl)pyridinium bromide (1-HS(CH2)(4)-4-[(E)-FcCH=CH]C5H4N)+Br- and its hydrogenated product [1-HS(CH2)(4)-4-(-FcCH2CH2)C5H4N]+Br- were synthesized and assembled on an Au electrode to form self-assembled monolayers which showed a structure-dependent electrochemical-response in phosphate buffer aqueous solutions (pH = 7).

Disruption of BRCA1 LXCXE motif alters BRCA1 functional activity and regulation of RB family but not RB protein binding

The tumor suppressor activity of the BRCA1 gene product is due, in part, to functional interactions with other tumor suppressors, including p53 and the retinoblastoma (RB) protein. RB binding sites on BRCA1 were identified in the C-terminal BRCT domain (Yarden and Brody, 1999) and in the N-terminus (aa 304-394) (Aprelikova et al., 1999). The N-terminal site contains a consensus RB binding motif, LXCXE (aa 358-362), but the role of this motif in RB binding and BRCA1 functional activity is unclear. In both in vitro and in vivo assays, we found that the BRCA1:RB interaction does not require the BRCA1 LXCXE motif, nor does it require an intact A/B binding pocket of RB. In addition, nuclear co-localization of the endogenous BRCA1 and RB proteins was observed. Over-expression of wild-type BRCA1 (wtBRCA1) did not cause cell cycle arrest but did cause down-regulation of expression of RB, p107, p130, and other proteins (e.g., p300), associated with increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. In contrast, expression of a full-length BRCA1 with an LXCXE inactivating mutation (LXCXE-->RXRXH) failed to down-regulate RB, blocked the down-regulation of RB by wtBRCA1, induced chemoresistance, and abrogated the ability of BRCA1 to mediate tumor growth suppression of DU-145 prostate cancer cells. wtBRCA1-induced chemosensitivity was partially reversed by expression of either Rb or p300 and fully reversed by co-expression of Rb plus p300. Our findings suggest that: (1) disruption of the LXCXE motif within the N-terminal RB binding region alters the biologic function of BRCA1; and (2) over-expression of BRCA1 inhibits the expression of RB and RB family (p107 and p130) proteins.

The multisubstrate adapter Gab1 regulates hepatocyte growth factor (scatter factor)-c-Met signaling for cell survival and DNA repair

Hepatocyte growth factor (scatter factor) (HGF/SF) is a pleiotrophic mediator of epithelial cell motility, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis. HGF/SF protects cells against DNA damage by a pathway from its receptor c-Met to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) to c-Akt, resulting in enhanced DNA repair and decreased apoptosis. We now show that protection against the DNA-damaging agent adriamycin (ADR; topoisomerase IIalpha inhibitor) requires the Grb2-binding site of c-Met, and overexpression of the Grb2-associated binder Gab1 (a multisubstrate adapter required for epithelial morphogenesis) inhibits the ability of HGF/SF to protect MDCK epithelial cells against ADR. In contrast to Gab1 and its homolog Gab2, overexpression of c-Cb1, another multisubstrate adapter that associates with c-Met, did not affect protection. Gab1 blocked the ability of HGF/SF to cause the sustained activation of c-Akt and c-Akt signaling (FKHR phosphorylation). The Gab1 inhibition of sustained c-Akt activation and of cell protection did not require the Gab1 pleckstrin homology or SHP2 phosphatase-binding domain but did require the PI3K-binding domain. HGF/SF protection of parental MDCK cells was blocked by wortmannin, expression of PTEN, and dominant negative mutants of p85 (regulatory subunit of PI3K), Akt, and Pak1; the protection of cells overexpressing Gab1 was restored by wild-type or activated mutants of p85, Akt, and Pak1. These findings suggest that the adapter Gab1 may redirect c-Met signaling through PI3K away from a c-Akt/Pak1 cell survival pathway.

Role of direct interaction in BRCA1 inhibition of estrogen receptor activity

The BRCA1 gene was previously found to inhibit the transcriptional activity of the estrogen receptor [ER-alpha] in human breast and prostate cancer cell lines. In this study, we found that breast cancer-associated mutations of BRCA1 abolish or reduce its ability to inhibit ER-alpha activity and that domains within the amino- and carboxyl-termini of the BRCA1 protein are required for the inhibition. BRCA1 inhibition of ER-alpha activity was demonstrated under conditions in which a BRCA1 transgene was transiently or stably over-expressed in cell lines with endogenous wild-type BRCA1 and in a breast cancer cell line that lacks endogenous functional BRCA1 (HCC1937). In addition, BRCA1 blocked the expression of two endogenous estrogen-regulated gene products in human breast cancer cells: pS2 and cathepsin D. The BRCA1 protein was found to associate with ER-alpha in vivo and to bind to ER-alpha in vitro, by an estrogen-independent interaction that mapped to the amino-terminal region of BRCA1 (ca. amino acid 1-300) and the conserved carboxyl-terminal activation function [AF-2] domain of ER-alpha. Furthermore, several truncated BRCA1 proteins containing the amino-terminal ER-alpha binding region blocked the ability of the full-length BRCA1 protein to inhibit ER-alpha activity. Our findings suggest that the amino-terminus of BRCA1 interacts with ER-alpha, while the carboxyl-terminus of BRCA1 may function as a transcriptional repression domain. Oncogene (2001) 20, 77 - 87.