Bergenin Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis By Decreasing Gut Commensal Bacteroides vulgatus-Mediated Elevated Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with the dysregulation of gut microbiota. There is growing evidence that natural products may improve ulcerative colitis by regulating the gut microbiota. In this research, we demonstrated that bergenin, a naturally occurring isocoumarin, significantly ameliorates colitis symptoms in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice. Transcriptomic analysis and Caco-2 cell assays revealed that bergenin could ameliorate ulcerative colitis by inhibiting TLR4 and regulating NF-κB and mTOR phosphorylation. 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses revealed that bergenin could improve gut microbiota dysbiosis by decreasing branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels. BCAA intervention mediated the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway to exacerbate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in mice. Notably, bergenin greatly decreased the symbiotic bacteria Bacteroides vulgatus (B. vulgatus), and the gavage of B. vulgatus increased BCAA concentrations and aggravated the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in mice. Our findings suggest that gut microbiota-mediated BCAA metabolism plays a vital role in the protective effect of bergenin on ulcerative colitis, providing novel insights for ulcerative colitis prevention through manipulation of the gut microbiota.

Cryptanshinone extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulates pediatric acute myeloid leukemia stem cell apoptosis and the anti-inflammatory mechanism via accelerating microRNA-211-5p to supress Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway activation

This study was designed to explore cryptanshinone (CPT) extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulating pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cell (LSC) apoptosis and anti-inflammatory mechanism via accelerating microRNA (miR)-211-5p to restrain Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway activation. Obtaining blood samples from pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients and healthy volunteers and detecting miR-211-5p and JAK2 were performed. Purchase of the human AML cell line KG1a was conducted, and sorting of KG1a cells was to gain LSC. Test of miR-211-5p and JAK2, the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was implemented. Pretreatment of LSCs was with CPT. Variation of miR-211-5p and JAK2 in LSCs was via plasmid transfection to explore their actions in cell advancement with apoptosis and inflammation. Identification of the targeting of miR-211-5p with JAK2 was implemented. In results: MiR-211-5p was declined in endometrial cancer, while JAK2 was elevated; CPT was available to boost LSC apoptosis and restrain the inflammation; elevated miR-211-5p or repressive JAK2 was available to strengthen the acceleration of CPT on LSCs apoptosis and the repression of inflammation; MiR-211-5p targeted JAK2; augmented JAK2 was available to turn around the action of elevated miR-211-5p. We conclude that CPT extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza stimulated pediatric LSC apoptosis and restrained the inflammation via accelerating microRNA (miR)-211-5p to suppress JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.

Sinomenine ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating tryptophan metabolism and activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor via gut microbiota regulation

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sinomenine (SIN) is an effective immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drug used for treating RA, but how SIN regulates gut microbiota to alleviate RA remains underexplored. To identify the critical gut microbial species and microbial metabolites associated with the RA-protective effects of SIN, the microbiota-dependent anti-RA effects of SIN were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, antibiotic treatment, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Metabolomics analysis, transcriptional analysis, and targeted bacteria/metabolites gavage were conducted to explore how SIN regulates gut microbiota to reduce the severity of RA. SIN could restore intestinal microbial balance by mainly modulating the abundance of Lactobacillus, and significantly relieve collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) symptoms in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. SIN significantly elevated microbial tryptophan metabolites indole-3-acrylic acid (IA), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Tryptophan metabolites supplementation could activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and regulate Th17/Treg balance in CIA rats. Intriguingly, SIN relieved the arthritis symptoms involving the enrichment of two beneficial anti-CIA Lactobacillus species, L. paracasei and L. casei by mono-colonization. The promising therapeutic function of SIN was mostly attributed to the activation of AhR by explicitly targeting the Lactobacillus and microbial tryptophan metabolites. The intestinal bacterium L. paracasei and L. casei may be used to reduce the severity of CIA.

[Feasibility study of using bridging temporary permanent pacemaker in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block after TAVR]

Objective: To determine the feasibility of using temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM) in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as bridging strategy to reduce avoidable permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2021 to February 2022 were screened. Patients with high-degree AVB and TPPM were included. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks with pacemaker interrogation at every week. The endpoint was the success rate of TPPM removal and free from permanent pacemaker at 1 month after TPPM. The criteria of removing TPPM was no indication of permanent pacing and no pacing signal in 12 lead electrocardiogram (EGG) and 24 hours dynamic EGG, meanwhile the last pacemaker interrogation indicated that ventricular pacing rate was 0. Routinely follow-up ECG was extended to 6 months after removal of TPPM. Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria for TPPM, aged (77.0±11.1) years, wirh 7 females. There were 7 patients with third-degree AVB, 1 patient with second-degree AVB, 2 patients with first degree AVB with PR interval>240 ms and LBBB with QRS duration>150 ms. TPPM were applied on the 10 patients for (35±7) days. Among 8 patients with high-degree AVB, 3 recovered to sinus rhythm, and 3 recovered to sinus rhythm with bundle branch block. The other 2 patients with persistent third-degree AVB received permanent pacemaker implantation. For the 2 patients with first-degree AVB and LBBB, PR interval shortened to within 200 ms. TPPM was successfully removed in 8 patients (8/10) at 1 month without permanent pacemaker implantation, of which 2 patients recovered within 24 hours after TAVR and 6 patients recovered 24 hours later after TAVR. No aggravation of conduction block or permanent pacemaker indication were observed in 8 patients during follow-up at 6 months. No procedure-related adverse events occurred in all patients. Conclusion: TPPM is reliable and safe to provide certain buffer time to distinguish whether a permanent pacemaker is necessary in patients with high-degree conduction block after TAVR.

Nobiletin Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Myristoleic Acid Metabolism

Disturbance of the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Increasing evidence supports that natural products may serve as prebiotics to regulate the gut microbiota in the treatment of NAFLD. In the present study, the effect of nobiletin, a naturally occurring polymethoxyflavone, on NAFLD was evaluated, and metabolomics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and transcriptomics analysis were performed to determine the underlying mechanism of nobiletin, and the key bacteria and metabolites screened were confirmed by in vivo experiment. Nobiletin treatment could significantly reduce lipid accumulation in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-fed mice. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that nobiletin could reverse the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in NAFLD mice and nobiletin could regulate myristoleic acid metabolism, as revealed by untargeted metabolomics analysis. Treatment with the bacteria Allobaculum stercoricanis, Lactobacillus casei, or the metabolite myristoleic acid displayed a protective effect on liver lipid accumulation under metabolic stress. These results indicated that nobiletin might target gut microbiota and myristoleic acid metabolism to ameliorate NAFLD.

Evolving interplay between natural products and gut microbiota

Growing evidence suggests gut microbiota status affects human health, and microbiota imbalance will induce multiple disorders. Natural products are gaining increasing attention for their therapeutical effects and less side effects. The emerging studies support that the activities of many natural products are dependent on gut microbiota, meanwhile gut microbiota is modulated by natural products. In this review, we summarized the interplay between the gut microbiota and host disease, and the emerging molecular mechanisms of the interaction between natural products and gut microbiota. Focusing on gut microbiota metabolite of various natural products, and the effects of natural products on gut microbiota, we summarized the biotransformation pathways of natural products, and discussed the effect of natural products on the composition modulation of gut microbiota, protection of gut mucosal barrier and modulation of the gut microbiota metabolites. Dissecting the interplay between gut microbiota and natural products will help elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of natural products.

[Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological, histological and molecular features and the differential diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma (FM). Methods: Four cases of FM diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2020 to 2022 were analyzed. Related literature was also reviewed. Results: Case 1 was a 10-year-old girl with bone destruction in the sacrum and L5 articular processes revealed by CT scan. Case 2 was a 7-year-old girl with an aggressive lesion in her right distal ulna. Case 3 was an 11-year-old boy with a lesion in the metaphysis of his left proximal tibia. Case 4 was an 11-year-old boy with bone destruction in the distal portion of a radius. Microscopically, the four tumors all consisted of numerous spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules, and bone trabeculae. The hypocellular to moderately cellular spindle cell component contained elongated cells with slightly hyperchromatic, mildly atypical nuclei arranged in bundles or intersecting fascicles. Benign-appearing cartilaginous nodules of various sizes and shapes were scattered throughout the tumors. There were areas mimicking epiphyseal growth-plate characterized by chondrocytes arranged in parallel columns and areas of enchondral ossification. The stroma was rich in mucus in case 1. Mutation of GNAS and IDH1/IDH2 and amplification of MDM2 gene were not found in any of the three tested cases. Conclusions: FM is very rare and tends to affect young patients. It most frequently occurs in the metaphysis of long tubular bones, followed by the iliac-pubic bones and vertebrae. FM is characterized by a mixed population of spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules and trabeculae of bone, without specific immunophenotypes and molecular alternations. As a borderline, locally aggressive neoplasm, surgical removal with a wide margin is generally the treatment of choice for FM.

[Sarcoma arising in fibrous dysplasia: a clinicopathological analysis]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic characteristics and risk factors of sarcoma arising in fibrous dysplasia. Methods: A total of 18 cases were collected from January 2008 to July 2018 in Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital. The characteristics and the histologic type were retrospectively reviewed. IBM SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The male to female ratio of patients with fibrodysplastic sarcomatosis was 1.57∶1.00. The age of onset ranged from 24 to 87 years (mean 49 years). The long bones, especially the femur, were most frequently involved. Nine cases were osteosarcomas, three cases were high grade sarcoma and six cases were low grade sarcoma. Logistic regression analysis showed that age was an independent risk factor for sarcomatous change, compared with polyostotic or recurrent cases. Value of Wals was 13.61 (P<0.05), and odds ratio was 12.82,95% confidence interval was 3.31-49.70. Conclusions: Fibrodysplasia sarcomatosis is clinically nonspecific and the risk of sarcomatous changes increases approximately 12-fold when age of onset of fibrous dysplasia is over 40 years.

[Preliminary evaluation on the efficacy of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a multicenter study]

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: Data of patients who underwent emergency TAVR in eight centers, namely Fuwai Hospital, Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between May 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The use of mechanical circulatory support system (MCS) and the results of laboratory tests (N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)) and echocardiography (mean aortic valve cross valve pressure difference and left ventricular ejection fraction) before and after operation were collected. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, and the secondary endpoints were stroke, major bleeding, major vascular complications, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, and acute renal injury. Device success was caculated, which refered to absence of procedural mortality and correct positioning of a single prosthetic heart valve into the proper anatomical location and intended performance of the prosthetic heart valve (mean aortic valve gradient<20 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) or peak velocity<3 m/s, with no moderate or severe prosthetic valve regurgitation). Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival rate of patients during follow-up. Results: This study included 48 patients. The age was (72.5±8.1) years, and 34 patients were males (70.8%). Device success rate was 91.7% (44/48). The mean aortic valve transvalvular pressure was significantly decreased after operation ((12.3±6.4)mmHg vs. (60.2±23.8)mmHg, P<0.000 1). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased ((41.5±11.7)% vs. (31.0±11.3)%, P<0.000 1). NT-proBNP significantly decreased (3 492.0 (1 638.8, 7 165.5) ng/L vs. 12 418.5 (6 693.8, 35 000.0) ng/L, P<0.000 1). In-hospital all-cause mortality was 8.3% (4/48). During hospitalization, the rate of stroke was 2.1% (1/48), major bleeding was 6.3% (3/48), major vascular complications was 10.4% (5/48), myocardial infarction was 4.2% (2/48), permanent pacemaker implantation was 6.3% (3/48), and the rate of acute renal injury was 12.5% (6/48). MCS was used in 20 patients (41.7%). The median follow-up time was 196 days. During the follow-up, one patient died (due to systemic metastasis of pancreatic cancer), two cases suffered new myocardial infarction and one case received permanent pacemaker implantation. The survival rate of 30 days, 1 year and 2 years after the operation were 91.7% (44/48), 89.6% (43/48), 89.6% (43/48), respectively. Conclusion: Emergency TAVR may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe decompensated aortic valve stenosis.

Identification of antidiabetic components in Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis based on phytochemical isolation and spectrum-effect relationship analysis

OBJECTIVES

Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used herbal medicine to treat diabetes. This work is aimed to discover and identify the antidiabetic components from URCU extract.

METHODS

Column chromatography and recrystallisation were used to separate individual compounds from URCU extract, and the obtained individual compounds were used for determination of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking was applied to predict the molecular interactions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for fingerprint analysis of 12 batches of URCU. HPLC fingerprints were assessed by the similarity analysis (SA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The spectrum-effect relationship analysis of URCU was assessed by orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) and bivariate correlation analysis (BCA).

RESULTS

A total of 10 potential bioactive compounds were isolated and six of them showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀  = 4.21-166.10 μM). The molecular docking results revealed that the binding energy was consistent with the results of α-glucosidase inhibition activity analysis (-8.55 to -4.84 kcal/mol). The ethanol extracts of the 12 batches of URCU showed inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase in a dose-dependent manner, and the IC₅₀ values ranged from 0.94 μg/mL to 12.57 μg/mL. The spectrum-effect relationship analysis results indicated that 13 peaks might be potential antidiabetic compounds in URCU, including 18 (hyperoside) and 19 (rutin).

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive connection between URCU chemical components and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was established for the first time by using a spectrum-effect relationship model, which might be applicable to the quality control of URCU.

Baicalin attenuate diet-induced metabolic syndrome by improving abnormal metabolism and gut microbiota

In this work, we examined whether baicalin (BC), a bioactive flavonoid in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, can reduce high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in mice. The UPLC-QTOF/MS was used for metabolome profiles analysis, and an analysis of bacterial 16S rDNA in feces was used to examine the effects of BC on gut microbiota composition. Our results showed that BC (400 mg/kg) could reduce the body weight gain, decrease hepatic fat accumulation and abnormal blood lipids, and increase insulin sensitivity after 8 weeks of treatment. BC could reverse the alteration of 7 metabolites induced by HFD and the metabolic pathways responsive to BC intervention including citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated that BC altered the composition and function of gut microbiota in MetS mice. Notably, we found that the change in succinic acid was negatively associated with the changes in Bacteroides and Sutterella, and positively associated with the change in Mucispirillum. Moreover, we confirmed that succinic acid displayed a metabolic protective effect on MetS mice. The antibiotic treatment verified that BC exerts metabolic protection through gut microbiota. Our findings suggested BC may be a potential therapeutic drug to ameliorate diet induced MetS and gut microbiome may be a novel mechanistic target of BC for treatment of MetS.

[Clinicopathological features of notochordal tumors: a study of 48 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of notochordal tumors. Methods: The clinical, radiologic and pathologic data of 48 notochordal tumors were collected from 2008 to 2019 at Shanghai Jiaotong University Sixth People's Hospital. Expression of cytokertin, S-100 protein, vimentin, brachyury and INI1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The pathologic differential diagnoses and biologic behavior of various types of notochordal tumors were analyzed using the new standard in the 5th edition of WHO tumor classification. Results: Four cases of benign notochordal cell tumor were confined to vertebral body. Histopathologically, they lacked lobular architecture and extracellular myxoid matrix. The tumor cells were vacuolated and had centrally or peripherally located round to oval nuclei, with small nucleoli, without atypia, mimicking mature adipocytes. No mitotic figures were seen. Two cases of poorly differentiated chordoma, from patients aged 12 years and 21 years respectively, were located in cervical vertebra, and were composed of cohesive sheets or nests of epithelioid cells, with focal rhabdoid morphology. There was relatively abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and scattered cytoplasmic vacuoles. The moderately pleomorphic nuclei were round to ovoid with vesicular chromatin and mitotic figures could be seen. Extracellular myxoid stroma was observed focally. Forty cases of conventional chordoma and two cases of extra-axis chordoma had similar histologic features. All 48 cases expressed cytokeretin, 45 cases expressed brachyury, and two poorly differentiated tumors showed loss of INI1/SMARCB1. Conclusions: There are four subtypes of chordomas: conventional, dedifferentiated, poorly differentiated and extra-axis. Chondroid chordoma is no longer thought to be a distinct entity. Each type has its unique clinicopathological characteristics. Brachyury is highly specific and sensitive for the diagnosis of various notochordal tumors. Poorly differentiated chordoma shows distinct clinicopathological features, including young age and loss of immunohistochemical expression of INI1/SMARCB1, and its diagnosis requires the combined detection of brachyury and INI1/SMARCB1.

Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of sea buckthorn flavonoids on hyperlipidemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sea buckthorn is popularly used as a herbal medicine and food additive in the world. Sea buckthorn flavonoids (SF) is reported to have an ameliorative effect on obesity and hyperlipidemia (HLP).

AIM

To identify the major bioactive compounds and the lipid-lowering mechanism of SF.

METHODS

We used network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiments to identify the major bioactive compounds and the lipid-lowering mechanism of SF.

RESULTS

A total of 12 bioactive compounds, 60 targets related to SF and HLP were identified, and a component-target-disease network was constructed. The KEGG analysis revealed that SF regulated cholesterol metabolism, fat digestion and absorption, and PPAR signaling pathways in HLP. The experimental validation indicated that sea buckthorn flavonoids extract (SFE) and 4 bioactive compounds reduced lipid droplet accumulation, up-regulated the mRNA expression of PPAR-γ, PPAR-α, ABCA1 and CPT1A, etc, down-regulated SREBP-2 and its target gene LDLR, which are closely related to cholesterol conversion into bile acids, de novo synthesis and fatty acids oxidation. The major bioactive flavonoid isorhamnetin (ISOR) also increased the protein expression of PPAR-γ, LXRα and CYP7A1.

CONCLUSION

SF might promote cholesterol transformation into bile acids and cholesterol efflux, inhibit cholesterol de novo synthesis and accelerate fatty acids oxidation for ameliorating HLP.

Network pharmacology approach to elucidate possible action mechanisms of Sinomenii Caulis for treating osteoporosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sinomenii Caulis (SC) is a well-konwn traditional Chinese medicine used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dermatophytosis and paralysis. Patients with RA are usually secondary to osteoporosis, but the potential protective effect of SC on osteoporosis (OP) is seldom reported and its possible action mechanism is little known.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the anti-osteoporosis effects of SC extract and alkaloids in prednisolone (Pre)-induced OP of zebrafish, and then to explore the potential mechanism of SC on system level by network pharmacology.

METHODS

Firstly, zebrafish OP model was established to investigate the anti-osteoporosis effect of SC. Secondly, the targets of SC and OP from multiple databases were collected, and Compound-Target-Pathway network based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) was constructed. Moreover, gene enrichment and annotation were performed via the DAVID server. Finally, the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction results in Pre-induced OP of zebrafish was verified by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The results indicated that SC extract and alkaloids have remarkable ability to promote bone formation of cranial bones and reduce TRAP contents in Pre-induced OP of zebrafish. 32 OP-related ingredients in SC and 77 OP-related targets were screened from multiple databases, and 15 OP-related pathways were enriched by the KEGG database. Further experimental validation indicated that SC extract and alkaloids could regulate the expression of MAPK14, CASP3, CXCL8, IL-1β, IL6, PTGS2, TNF-α, ESR1, and MMP9 for treatment of OP.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we conducted an integrative analysis to provide convincing evidence that SC may partially alleviate OP by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating of RANK/RANKL/OPG system.

Integration of Zebrafish Model and Network Pharmacology to Explore Possible Action Mechanisms of Morinda officinalis for Treating Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease affecting nearly 200 million individuals globally. Morinda officinalis F.C.How (MOH) has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of bone fractures and joint diseases in China. However, it still remains unclear how the compounds in MOH work synergistically for treating OP. In this study, we used prednisolone (PNSL)-induced zebrafish OP model to screen the antiosteoporosis components in MOH. A network pharmacology approach was further proposed to explore the underlying mechanism of MOH on OP. The PNSL-induced zebrafish model validated that two anthraquinones, one iridoid glycoside, and two saccharides exerted antiosteoporotic effect. We constructed the components-targets network and obtained the enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. A total of 26 candidate compounds of MOH and 257 related targets could probably treat OP through regulating osteoclast differentiation and MAPK signaling pathway. Our work developed a strategy to screen the antiosteoporosis components and explore the underlying mechanism of MOH for treating OP at a network pharmacology level.

Investigating Size-Dependent Conductive Properties on Individual Si Nanowires

Periodically ordered arrays of vertically aligned Si nanowires (Si NWs) are successfully fabricated by nanosphere lithography combined with metal-assisted chemical etching. By adjusting the etching time, both the nanowires' diameter and length can be well controlled. The conductive properties of such Si NWs and particularly their size dependence are investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) on individual nanowires. The results indicate that the conductance of Si NWs is greatly relevant to their diameter and length. Si NWs with smaller diameters and shorter lengths exhibit better conductive properties. Together with the I-V curve characterization, a possible mechanism is supposed with the viewpoint of size-dependent Schottky barrier height, which is further verified by the electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) measurements. This study also suggests that CAFM can act as an effective means to explore the size (or other parameters) dependence of conductive properties on individual nanostructures, which should be essential for both fabrication optimization and potential applications of nanostructures.

[The development of malnutrition assessment criteria and the analysis of current problems]

It is well known that parenteral and enteral nutrition support is helpful to improve clinical outcomes in patients with malnutrition or nutritional risk, and surgical nutrition has been used in China for 40 years. However, there is still insufficient awareness of malnutrition among clinical workers. There were different opinions from many experts after the publications of the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) consensus of malnutrition assessment 2015 and ESPEN guidelines on definitions and terminology of clinical nutrition 2017. Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition has also been published in 2018. Though it is lack of clinical validation, it is a big step forward. In order to achieve better prevention and treatment of malnutrition in clinical work, this present paper analyzes and compares the core contents of malnutrition assessment (diagnosis) in recent years, proposes current practical strategy for Chinese clinical workers, emphasizes that GLIM criteria cannot replace the three steps named "screening-assessment-intervention" .

Ganoderic acid A potentiates the antioxidant effect and protection of mitochondrial membranes and reduces the apoptosis rate in primary hippocampal neurons in magnesium free medium

Ganoderma lucidum extracts have shown antiepileptic effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. In this work, primary hippocampal neurons cultured in magnesium-free medium were used to study the neuroprotective effects of ganoderic acid A and B (GA-A and GA-B) on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mitochondrial membrane potential, to improve our understanding of their antiepileptic effect. The activity of SOD was determined by the xanthine oxidase assay, the variations of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis were measured by JC-1 fluorescent staining and flow cytometry. It was found that the SOD activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (118.84 U/mg protein and 244.08 Δψm) of the epileptic hippocampal neurons were significantly lower than control values (135.95 U/mg protein and 409.81 Δψm), associated with an increase of cell apoptosis (31.88% vs. 8.84%). These circumstances can be improved by treatment of GA-A/GA-B (for SOD, 127.15±3.82 / 120.52±4.30 U/mg protein; for membrane potential (Δψm), 372.35 / 347.28; and for cell apoptosis (%), 14.93 / 20.52). Results indicated that GA-A significantly improved SOD activity, while both GA-A/GA-B tranquillized the mitochondrial membrane potential of hippocampal neurons, and thereby protected these neurons by inhibiting apoptosis.

[Hypoxia inducible factor-1α deSUMOylation reduces the stemness maintenance ability of endometrial cancer stem cell and increases its chemosensitivity]

Objective: To reduce the stemness maintenance ability of endometrial cancer stem cell and increase its sensitivity to chemotherapy by inducing hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein deSUMOylation. Methods: Lentiviral plasmid mediated ubiquitin carrier protein 9 (Ubc9) gene silencing was transgened into KLE endometrial carcinoma cells. The expression of Ubc9, small ubiquitin-related modifier 1(SUMO1) and HIF-1α protein was detected by Western blotting. Then tumor stem cells clones were cultured in 96 well plates, and these clone balls diameter were calculated. Cell cycles were determined by flow cytometry. MTT cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometry method were used to test sensitivity of cisplatin to endometrial cancer stem cell. Results: The results of Western blotting showed that Ubc9 gene was silenced well, and the covalent binding state of SUMO-1 and HIF-1α protein levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Ubc9 gene silencing in endometrial cancer cells reduced clone formation rate by (31.61±5.29)% down to (11.42±3.07)%, while the cell cycle shift from G1 to G2. IC50 of cisplatin decreased from 44.37 mg/L to 7.39 mg/L, and the rate of cell apoptosis by (41.59±5.37)% down to (26.22±4.03)%. Conclusion: The stemness maintenance ability of endometrial cancer stem cell can be reduced through deSUMOylation of HIF-1α protein by silencing Ubc9 gene expression, and their sensitivity to chemotherapy be enhanced, which provides a new reference for future gene therapy of endometrial carcinoma.

[DeSUMOylation of protein kinase B1 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effect of AKT1 deSUMOylation induced by Ubc9 silencing on the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods: The Ubc9 gene was silenced using RNA interference, and the expression levels of Ubc9, SUMO1 and AKT1 protein were detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation and cell cycle was analyzed by MTT and flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration ability. Furthermore, the xenograft model was established, and tumor growth curves were drawn. The in situ apoptotic rates was measured using TUNEL Apoptosis Assay. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Knockdown of Ubc9 gene significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Ubc9, conjugated SUMO1, free SUMO1 and AKT1 in HCC cells (P<0.05 for all). In control, siR-neg and siR-Ubc9 groups, the cell proliferation indexes were 53.19%, 54.25% and 39.17%, respectively. Moreover, cell migration distance and migrating cells per low power field for all these three groups were (59.47±4.66) μm and 89.44±8.36, (56.56±5.37) μm and 93.84±8.79, as well as (34.57±6.61) μm and 41.67±5.39, respectively. In the xenograft model, the weights of subcutaneous tumors for these three groups were (3.78±0.69) g, (3.72±0.72) g and (2.09±0.61) g, respectively. The corresponding apoptotic cell rates were (7.79±2.21)%, (6.45±2.48)% and (33.59±5.44)%, respectively. The expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein were significantly decreased in siR-Ubc9 group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Ubc9 silencing in HCC cells induces AKT1 deSUMOylation, and then inhibits the proliferation and metastasis. These results provide a new therapeutic strategy for liver cancer in the future.

Bevacizumab and gefitinib enhanced whole-brain radiation therapy for brain metastases due to non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who experience brain metastases are usually associated with poor prognostic outcomes. This retrospective study proposed to assess whether bevacizumab or gefitinib can be used to improve the effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in managing patients with brain metastases. A total of 218 NSCLC patients with multiple brain metastases were retrospectively included in this study and were randomly allocated to bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT group (n=76), gefitinib-WBRT group (n=77) and WBRT group (n=75). Then, tumor responses were evaluated every 2 months based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. Karnofsky performance status and neurologic examination were documented every 6 months after the treatment. Compared to the standard WBRT, bevacizumab and gefitinib could significantly enhance response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) of WBRT (P<0.001). At the same time, RR and DCR of patients who received bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT were higher than those who received gefitinib-WBRT. The overall survival (OS) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) rates also differed significantly among the bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT (48.6 and 29.8%), gefitinib-WBRT (36.7 and 29.6%) and WBRT (9.8 and 14.6%) groups (P<0.05). Although bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT was slightly more toxic than gefitinib-WBRT, the toxicity was tolerable. As suggested by prolonged PFS and OS status, bevacizumab substantially improved the overall efficacy of WBRT in the management of patients with NSCLC.

WITHDRAWN: Expression and clinicopathological significance of Mel-18 and Bmi-1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

This article has been withdrawn at the request authors.

[Value of MDM2, CDK4 and SATB2 immunohistochemistry in histologic diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of combined application of MDM2, CDK4 and SATB2 immunohistochemistry in pathological diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Forty-seven cases of low grade osteosarcoma, including low grade central osteosarcoma (n=20) and parosteal osteosarcoma (n=27), were selected from Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated the Sixth People's Hospital. The clinical, radiography and histopathology were reviewed. The sensitivity and specificity of MDM2, CDK4 and SATB2 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma were assessed along with an evaluation of their expressions in fibrous dysplasia, desmoplastic fibroma, low-grade fibrosarcoma and other fibrous tumors.

RESULTS

Low-grade osteosarcoma had protracted clinical course, occurring mostly in elder adults and mainly involving long bones. Radiographic studies showed that low-grade central osteosarcoma had a mainly malignant lytic presentation, however about 5/18 of tumors overlapping with intermediate and benign bone diseases, while parosteal osteosarcoma was characterized by a densely sclerotic malignant appearance. Histologically, low-grade osteosarcomas were characterized by well-differentiated spindle tumor cells, various mature tumor bones and an aggressive growth pattern. The positive expression rates of MDM2 and CDK4 in low-grade osteosarcoma were 74.5% and 55.3%, respectively. Eighty-three percent of low-grade osteosarcoma expressed one or both markers. Low-grade osteosarcoma and fibrous dysplasia were both positive for SATB2, while desmoplastic fibroma, low-grade fibrosacoma and other fibrous tumors were negative for SATB2.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma should be based on combination of clinical presentation, imaging and histopathology, with immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic adjunct. Positive immunostaining for CDK4 and/or MDM2 supports the diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma, but the negative one does not rule out such lesion. The negative expression of SATB2 is helpful to exclude fibrous tumors originating from bone with the exception of fibrous dysplasia.

Studies on Chromatographic Fingerprint and Fingerprinting Profile-Efficacy Relationship of Saxifraga stolonifera Meerb

This work investigated the spectrum-effect relationships between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints and the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia activities of aqueous extracts from Saxifraga stolonifera. The fingerprints of S. stolonifera from various sources were established by HPLC and evaluated by similarity analysis (SA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Nine samples were obtained from these 24 batches of different origins, according to the results of SA, HCA and the common chromatographic peaks area. A testosterone-induced mouse model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was used to establish the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia activities of these nine S. stolonifera samples. The model was evaluated by analyzing prostatic index (PI), serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, concentrations of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostatic acid phosphatase (PACP) and type II 5α-reductase (SRD5A2). The spectrum-effect relationships between HPLC fingerprints and anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia activities were investigated using Grey Correlation Analysis (GRA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that a close correlation existed between the fingerprints and anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia activities, and peak 14 (chlorogenic acid), peak 17 (quercetin 5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) and peak 18 (quercetin 3-O-β-l-rhamno-pyranoside) in the HPLC fingerprints might be the main active components against anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia. This work provides a general model for the study of spectrum-effect relationships of S. stolonifera by combing HPLC fingerprints with a testosterone-induced mouse model of BPH, which can be employed to discover the principle components of anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia bioactivity.

Investigating the Composition and Conductance Distributions on Highly GeSi Mixed Quantum Dots and Inside Oxidation Problem

With the help of a nanoscale trench, the composition and conductance distributions of single GeSi quantum dots (QDs) are obtained by conductive atomic force microscopy combined with selective chemical etching. However, the obtained composition and current distributions are unwonted and inconsistent on the QDs grown at 680 °C. With a series of confirmatory experiments, it is suggested that a thick oxide layer is formed and remains on the QDs' surface after etching. Though this selective chemical etching has already been widely applied to investigate the composition distribution of GeSi nanostructures, the oxidation problem has not been concerned yet. Our results indicate that the oxidation problem could not be ignored on highly GeSi mixed QDs. After removing the oxide layer, the composition and conductance distributions as well as their correlation are obtained. The results suggest that QDs' current distribution is mainly determined by the topographic shape, while the absolute current values are influenced by the Ge/Si contents.

[Clinical significance of high expression with UTX in renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and significance of ubiquitously transcribed TPR gene on the X chromosome (UTX) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, then to explore the relationship between UTX expression and renal cancer pathologic characteristics.

METHODS

In the study, 45 patients with dignosed renal cell carcinoma clinical samples were collected in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. Total RNA and protein were extracted from the cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. UTX expression of cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected on both mRNA and protein levels using real time-PCR and IHC, respectively. And the relationship between UTX expression and the 45 patients' clinical characteristics was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mRNA level of UTX in cancer tissues(C) was 4.4 folds, higher than that of the adjacent normal tissues(N) [ 0.883 2±0.703 8 vs. 0.199 7±0.140 0, P<0.05]. The protein expression of UTX in cancer tissues was up-regulated, and the protein score of cancer tissues was 4 folds, change compared with adjacent normal tissues[12±4 vs. 3±3, P<0.05].The expression of UTX was associated with pathological grade(P=0.004)but without gender, age, tumor size and TNM stage.

CONCLUSION

UTX is up-regulated in RCC tissues and the expression of UTX is associated with pathological grade, illustrating that UTX may play an important role in renal cancer progression.

Composition and conductance distributions of single GeSi quantum rings studied by conductive atomic force microscopy combined with selective chemical etching

Atomic force microscopy imaging combined with selective chemical etching is employed to quantitatively investigate three-dimensional (3D) composition distributions of single GeSi quantum rings (QRs). In addition, the 3D quantitative composition distributions and the corresponding conductance distributions are simultaneously obtained on the same single GeSi QRs by conductive atomic force microscopy combined with selective chemical etching, allowing us to investigate the correlations between the conductance and composition distributions of single QRs. The results show that the QRs' central holes have higher Ge content, but exhibit lower conductance, indicating that the QRs' conductance distribution is not consistent with their composition distribution. By comparing the topography, composition and conductance profiles of the same single QRs before and after different etching processes, it is found that the conductance distributions of GeSi QRs do not vary with the change of composition distribution. Instead, the QRs' conductance distributions are found to be consistent with their topographic shapes, which can be supposed to be due to the shape determined electronic structures.

Down-regulation of TCF21 is associated with poor survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) has been identified as a candidate tumor suppressor at 6q23-q24 that is epigenetically inactivated in many types of human cancers. We recently found that TCF21 methylation level was significantly increased in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of TCF21 expression in ccRCC and analyze the relationship between TCF21 expression and methylation level. We used real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of TCF21, and used methylation specific-PCR (MS-PCR) to determine the methylation status of TCF21 in ccRCC samples and cell line 786-O. The results showed that TCF21 expression level in ccRCC samples was significantly lower than in normal adjacent tissue samples (NAT samples). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that TCF21 was a significant prognosticator of cancer-specific survival (p=0.001). Furthermore, the DNA demethylating agent 5'-azacytidine restored part of TCF21 expression by suppressing TCF21 methylation in 786-O. The methylation level of TCF21 in ccRCC samples was much higher than in NAT samples. These results suggest that the expression of TCF21 was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in patients with ccRCC. Aberrant methylation was an important reason for the down-regulation the expression of TCF21, and may be associated with tumorigenesis in ccRCC.

Factors influencing epitaxial growth of three-dimensional Ge quantum dot crystals on pit-patterned Si substrate

We investigated the molecular beam epitaxy growth of three-dimensional (3D) Ge quantum dot crystals (QDCs) on periodically pit-patterned Si substrates. A series of factors influencing the growth of QDCs were investigated in detail and the optimized growth conditions were found. The growth of the Si buffer layer and the first quantum dot (QD) layer play a key role in the growth of QDCs. The pit facet inclination angle decreased with increasing buffer layer thickness, and its optimized value was found to be around 21°, ensuring that all the QDs in the first layer nucleate within the pits. A large Ge deposition amount in the first QD layer favors strain build-up by QDs, size uniformity of QDs and hence periodicity of the strain distribution; a thin Si spacer layer favors strain correlation along the growth direction; both effects contribute to the vertical ordering of the QDCs. Results obtained by atomic force microscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy showed that 3D ordering was achieved in the Ge QDCs with the highest ever areal dot density of 1.2 × 10(10) cm(-2), and that the lateral and the vertical interdot spacing were ~10 and ~2.5 nm, respectively.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of gynecologic origin: a clinicopathological study of three cases

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas), occasionally associated with the tuberous sclerosis complex, are characterized by varying amounts of spindle and epithelioid cells with clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm that display immunoreactivity for melanocytic markers, most frequently HMB-45. Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of gynecologic origin is very rare, and there have been only a few reported cases. This study describes the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features and prognoses of three cases of gynecologic origin. Two of the three tumors were confined to the uterus and one to the vagina. None of the patients had tuberous sclerosis complex. Immunohistochemistry indicated that all three cases expressed at least one melanocytic marker, and HMB45 was a positive marker for all of them. These markers can be found in both epithelial cells and spindle cells. Except for MiTF, which was located in the nucleus, all the other antibodies were located in the cytoplasm. The three cases have been followed up for 26, 22, and three months, respectively, with disease-free survival in all cases. We conclude that PEComas of gynecologic origin have morphological and immunohistochemical features of the PEComa family, which are rare and should be included in the differential diagnosis with other tumors. Until more cases of this rare tumor are evaluated with longer follow-up, firm criteria for malignancy remain uncertain.

Influencing factors on the size uniformity of self-assembled SiGe quantum rings grown by molecular beam epitaxy

The size uniformity of self-assembled SiGe quantum rings, which are formed by capping SiGe quantum dots with a thin Si layer, is found to be greatly influenced by the growth temperature and the areal density of SiGe quantum dots. Higher growth temperature benefits the size uniformity of quantum dots, but results in low Ge concentration as well as asymmetric Ge distribution in the dots, which induces the subsequently formed quantum rings to be asymmetric in shape or even broken somewhere in the ridge of rings. Low growth temperature degrades the size uniformity of quantum dots, and thus that of quantum rings. A high areal density results in the expansion and coalescence of neighboring quantum dots to form a chain, rather than quantum rings. Uniform quantum rings with a size dispersion of 4.6% and an areal density of 7.8×10(8) cm(-2) are obtained at the optimized growth temperature of 640°C.

Bias-dependent conductive characteristics of individual GeSi quantum dots studied by conductive atomic force microscopy

The bias-dependent electrical characteristics of individual self-assembled GeSi quantum dots (QDs) are investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy. The results reveal that the conductive characteristics of QDs are strongly influenced by the applied bias. At low (-0.5 to - 2.0 V) and high (-2.5 to - 4.0 V) biases, the current distributions of individual GeSi QDs exhibit ring-like and disc-like characteristics respectively. The current of the QD's central part increases more quickly than that of the other parts as the bias magnitude increases. Histograms of the magnitude of the current on a number of QDs exhibit the same single-peak feature at low biases, and double- or three-peak features at high biases, where additional peaks appear at large-current locations. On the other hand, histograms of the magnitude of the current on the wetting layers exhibit the same single-peak feature for all biases. This indicates the conductive mechanism is significantly different for QDs and wetting layers. While the small-current peak of QDs can be attributed to the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling model at low biases and the Schottky emission model at high biases respectively, the large-current peak(s) may be attributed to the discrete energy levels of QDs. The results suggest the conductive mechanisms of GeSi QDs can be regulated by the applied bias.

Randomized clinical trial of intravenous soybean oil alone versus soybean oil plus fish oil emulsion after gastrointestinal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Specific immunonutrients may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and shorten recovery time. This randomized trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of a fish oil emulsion on outcome and immune function after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

METHODS

A total of 206 patients with gastrointestinal or colonic cancer were randomized to receive isocaloric and isonitrogenous intravenous infusions of either soybean oil alone (1.2 g per kg bodyweight per day; control group, 103 analysed) or soybean plus fish oil emulsion (1.0 and 0.2 g per kg per day respectively; treatment group, 100 analysed) over 20-24 h daily for 7 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Baseline data were comparable in the two groups. There were fewer infectious complications (four versus 12 on day 8; P = 0.066), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was significantly less common (four versus 13; P = 0.039) and hospital stay was significantly shorter (mean(s.d.) 15(5) versus 17(8) days; P = 0.041) in the treatment group. Total postoperative medical costs were comparable in the two groups (mean(s.d.) US $ 1269(254) and 1302(324) in treatment and control groups respectively; P = 0.424). The median (interquartile range) difference in CD4/CD8 between days 1 and 8 after surgery was + 0.30 (0.06 to 0.79) in patients receiving fish oil and + 0.20 (-0.19 to 0.55) in controls (P = 0.021). No severe adverse events occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Fish oil emulsion-supplemented parenteral nutrition significantly reduced SIRS and length of hospital stay. These clinical benefits may be related to normalization of cellular immune functions and modulation of the inflammatory response.

Composition and strain measurements of Ge(Si)/Si(001) islands by HRTEM

The distributions of the composition and the strain in the Ge(Si)/Si(001) coherent islands grown by molecular-beam epitaxy are investigated by digital analysis of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs. Local composition and strain are obtained from the measurement of the lattice displacement based on the Poisson's formula and Vegard's law. The analysis suggests that the islands have high Ge content at the island's central region. The island is partially relaxed by the substrate deformation and strain concentrated around the edge of islands. The alloying of the islands was found due to the Si surface diffusion.

Conductive atomic force microscopy studies on the transformation of GeSi quantum dots to quantum rings

Conductive atomic force microscopy has been employed to study the topography and conductance distribution of individual GeSi quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rings (QRs) during the transformation from QDs to QRs by depositing an Si capping layer on QDs. The current distribution changes significantly with the topographic transformation during the Si capping process. Without the capping layer, the QDs are dome-shaped and the conductance is higher at the ring region between the center and boundary than that at the center. After capping with 0.32 nm Si, the shape of the QDs changes to pyramidal and the current is higher at both the center and the arris. When the Si capping layer increases to 2 nm, QRs are formed and the current of individual QRs is higher at the rim than that at the central hole. By comparing the composition distributions obtained by scanning Auger microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with selective chemical etching, the origin of the current distribution change is discussed.

Inhibition of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by trichostatin A via suppression of HIF-1a activity in human osteosarcoma

The purpose of this study is to determine whether trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC specific inhibitor, inhibited the induction and functional activity of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 a(HIF-1a) and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in vitro in human osteosarcoma. The relationship between expression of HIF-1a proteion and angiogenesis in tumor specimens was also studied. Hypoxic regulation of VEGF was studied by RT-PCR, western blotting analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of HIF-la and VEGF in human osteosarcoma specimens was studied by immunohistochemical analysis. Under hypoxia, no regulation of HIF-1a mRNA expression was found. However, HIF-1a protein levels increased dramatically in response to hypoxia. Hypoxia increased VEGF mRNA level, but it was significantly inhibited by trichostatin A in a time- and dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Strongly positive immunostaining for HIF-1a and VEGF were detectable in the nuclear and cytoplasm of osteosarcoma cells. HIF-1a expressing cells were prominent in areas with high MVD. Significant correlation were found between HIF-1a expression and MVD (p = 0.005, r = 0.767), as well as between VEGF and MVD (p < 0.002, r = 0.701) by Spearman's rank coefficient analysis. These results indicated that HIF-1a is a key factor responsible for angiogenesis by the induction of VEGF. TSA downregulates hypoxia-response genes and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by the suppression of HIF-1a activity.

Osteoblastic proliferative activity of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim

The effect of the extracts of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. was investigated on proliferative activity in vitro. The osteoblast-like UMR106 cells was employed as an osteoblast model. The EtOH extract and the n-butanol fraction from the crude extract were found to show proliferation stimulating activity. Three flavonoid compounds (icariin, epimedin B and epimedin C) were isolated from this fraction by activity-guided assay, and the effects on cell proliferation were studied. Icariin produced the most significant promoting effect on the proliferation in osteoblast-like UMR106 cells. The results suggested that E. brevicornum Maxim. extracts might have potential activity against osteoporosis, and flavonoids such as icariin might be the active constituents stimulating osteoblasts.

Fabrication and performance of a medium-dependent SiO2/Si photonic heterostructure device

An optical device based on a photonic bandgap heterostructure is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The sample contains two sets of Si/SiO2 photonic crystals with different periods. When the device is working in air, it reflects omnidirectionally both TE and TM mode lights at the wavelength near 1.3 microm. The reflectivity measured in the bandgap is higher than 98% in an incident angle range 0 degrees-70 degrees. When the device is surrounded with silica (n > 1.33), it permits the total transmission for the TM mode but prevents the TE mode from propagating, thus behaving as a polarization splitter. The experimental extinction ratio of the reflected TE/TM is approximately 31 dB. The uniformity of the device performance over a large sample area is demonstrated.

[The role of immune enhanced enteral nutrition on plasma amino acid, gut permeability and clinical outcome (a randomized, double blind, controlled, multi-center clinical trail with 120 cases)]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of arginine, RNA and omega 3 fatty acid enriched enteral nutrition.

METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, double blind, multi-central trial. It was an isocaloric and isonitrogenous intake in both groups. The protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee and, written informed consents were obtained.

RESULTS

There were 120 patients enrolled in this protocol. After data were input to computer, open the code. 118 out of 120 patients completed the study and, 2 of them were dropped out. One is because the nasal jejunum tubes dropped and not willing to be replaced. Second patient had fistula of anastomosis on 4th days after operation. There were finally 60 patients in the study group and 58 in the control group. There were no liver or renal functions damage and, obvious adverse in both groups. Plasma amino acid profile: There was significant difference (delta) of plasma arginine levels pre- and after study [(33.7 +/- 58.5) mumol/L vs (-2.4 +/- 30.7) mumol/L] (P = 0.004). Intestinal Permeability (lactulose/mannitol ratio): The differences (delta) of lactulose/mannitol ratio pre- and after the study were 0.017 +/- 0.012 in study group and, 0.027 +/- 0.016 in control group. (P = 0.047). Immunological markers: Humoral immunity: The differences of IgM levels pre- and after the study were (0.6 +/- 0.4) g/L in study group and, (0.2 +/- 0.4) g/L in control group(P = 0.006). Cellular immunity: The differences (delta) of CD3 levels pre- and after the study were (3.8 +/- 5.2)% in study group and (0.3 +/- 6.5)% in control group (P = 0.01). In CD4, (3.4 +/- 5.3)% in study group and, (-0.3 +/- 5.7)% in control group (P = 0.032). Clinical Outcomes: There was no infection-related in study group and, 2 abdominal infection patients in control group. No significant difference was found between groups (P = 0.46). The hospital stays were (13 +/- 2.5) days in study group and, (14.5 +/- 3.0) days in control group (P = 0.004). The cost for full hospitalization was (15,122 +/- 6,279) Yuan in study group and, (17,403 +/- 7,091) Yuan in control group. There was 2,281 Yuan lower in study group (P = 0.07). The costs for nutritional drugs were (1,383 +/- 242) Yuan in study group and, (707 +/- 111) Yuan in control group. The difference was 676 Yuan higher in study (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Immune enhanced enteral nutrition had better plasma arginine level, intestinal permeability marker, IgM, CD3 and CD4. Also had less hospital stay and, less totaled hospital cost in study group.

Defective photonic crystals with greatly enhanced second-harmonic generation

A one-dimensional defective photonic crystal structure is proposed with the aim of studying its nonlinear optical properties. In such a structure, extremely enhanced second-harmonic generation with an efficiency ~5 orders of magnitude higher than that of ordinary films is demonstrated in a numerical simulation. Extraordinary phase conditions of the process in such a structure were explored, and efficient forward and backward second-harmonic generation could be achieved simultaneously. The mechanism of the enhancement is the high field intensity and efficient wave coupling introduced by light localization in defect states, from which many other nonlinear processes can also benefit.

Growth factors in clinical practice

Growth factors enhance protein synthesis and thus reduce the catabolic response to injury. As a result of bioengineering and new manufacturing techniques several anabolic agents have become available for clinical use and have been evaluated in surgical patients with catabolic illness. Data support the anabolic effects of growth home in such patients, but its expense and possible deleterious effects during the acute phase of illness limit its use to selected patient groups. Insulin-like growth factor-1 has also been studied, but specific indications for its use have not been identified in catabolic patients. Testosterone and derivatives of this hormone exert anabolic effects, but few randomized trials include catabolic surgical patients, and higher doses of some derivative compounds are associated with hepatic dysfunction. Nonetheless, as we move into the future, studies will determine the specific doses for administration of these and other anabolic factors in specific patient groups. Anabolic therapy will shorten the length of therapy and improve the outcome in the future.

Effect of dietary fiber on intestinal barrier function of 5-Fu stressed rats

Chemotherapy might damage intestinal barrier function (IBF). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber on IBF of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) stressed rats. Thirty Wistar rats after gastrostomy were assigned randomly to one of three groups (10 of each group), Chow, enteral nutrition (EN), or EN+Fiber (2 g/100 ml solution). They kept their diets respectively for 8 days. 5-Fu (75 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally on day 4. Urinary recovery ratios of lactulose and mannitol (L%/M%) were measured on day 3 and day 7. The mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for bacterial translocation (BT). On day 8, small intestine and colon were taken for wet weight, mucosal thickness of both small intestine and colon and villus height of small intestine. The BT rates of Chow and EN+Fiber groups (20% for both) were lower than that of EN group (70%) (P<0.05). The L%/M% of both EN+Fiber (from 0.0265+/-0.0073 to 0.0274+/-0.0068) and Chow groups (from 0.0268+/-0.0039 to 0.0281+/-0. 0044) were unchanged after stress (P>0.05 for both), whereas that of EN group significantly increased (from 0.0289+/-0.0070 to 0.0331+/-0. 0084) (P<0.01). Chow group gained body weight (4.9+/-4.3 g). EN+Fiber group lost less body weight (-3.1+/-3.4 g) than EN group (-6.6+/-5.2 g) (P<0.05). The intestinal structure of Chow and EN+Fiber groups was superior to that of EN group. In conclusion, dietary fiber could protect the IBF of 5-Fu stressed rats.

Effects of alanyl-glutamine on intestinal adaptation and bacterial translocation in rats after 60% intestinal resection

The effects of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gln)-enriched parenteral nutrition on intestinal mucosa and gut barrier function were investigated. Wistar rats were studied. After moderate surgical stress was induced by 60% resection of the small intestine, the rats were randomized to three groups: the chow group was given standard rat chow; the PN group received standard parenteral nutrition (PN); and the Ala-Gln group received glutamine dipeptide-enriched parenteral nutrition (3% Ala-Gln). Rats were maintained on their respective diets for 8 days. The chow and Ala-Gln groups maintained serum glutamine concentrations, intestinal mucosal thickness and villus height. Bacterial translocation rates in the chow and Ala-Gln groups were 20%, which was significantly less than that in the PN group (70%, P < 0.05). The results indicated that Ala-Gln-enriched parenteral nutrition maintains intestinal adaptation and gut barrier function after massive intestinal resection and parenteral nutrition.

Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on the intestinal structure of rats receiving bowel resection and parenteral nutrition

Recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) can improve nitrogen balance and promotecell proliferation. Little is known about the relationship between rHGH and gastrointestinal mucosal structure and function after bowel resection and parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rHGH on bowel mucosal structure and barrier function in rats receiving 50% small intestinal resection and PN. Thirty Wistar rats with central vein catheterization plus 50% small bowel resection were divided into three groups: chow (chow), standard (STD) and rHGH (rHGH). The chow group received chow food; the STD group was given standard PN; the rHGH group received standard PN plus rHGH (4.8 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously). The groups were maintained on their respective diets for 8 days and then killed. Body weight, small intestinal mucosal thickness, villus height and Goblet cells in the villus were measured. Body weight loss in the STD group was significantly greater than that in the chow and rHGH groups (P< 0.01). The mucosal thickness and villus height of rHGH group were significantly greater than the STD and chow groups (mucosal thickness: 806 +/- 5.5 vs. 533 +/- 6.0 and 593 +/- 6.0 microm; Villus height: 506 +/- 6.0 vs. 295 +/- 5.5 gm and 400 +/- 6.7 lam, respectively) (P< 0.05). The number of Goblet cells in the STD group was significantly greater than the rHGH and chow groups (9.06 +/- 1.07 vs. 5.35 +/- 1.48 and 6.10 +/- 1.51/per villus) (P < 0.01). rHGH can maintain body weight and promote bowel mucosal cell growth and might improve the barrier function of the bowel in rats after 50% small intestinal resection and PN.

Effects of alanyl-glutamine on gut barrier function

Traditional parenteral nutrition (PN) and chemotherapy may lead to changes of mucosal morphology and gut barrier function. This study investigated the effect of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) on intestinal morphology and gut barrier function in PN-fed rats challenged with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Male Wistar rats were centrally catheterized and then randomized to receive PN devoid of glutamine (control group; n = 10) or 3% Ala-Gln-supplemented PN (study group; n = 10) for 7 d. Intestinal permeability to lactulose and mannitol was measured before and 72 h post 5-FU administration on day 4. Serum glutamine concentration and jejunal mucosal structure were maintained in the study group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The bacterial translocation rates of mesenteric lymph nodes in the study group were significantly lower than the control (30% versus 90%; P < 0.05). No significant differences was found between the control and study groups with respect to ratio of lactulose and mannitol excreted in urine (L/M) (0.026 +/- 0.005575 versus 0.022 +/- 0.03079; P > 0.05) on day 3. On day 7, L/M was unaltered in the study group, whereas it increased in the control (0.042 +/- 0.004634 versus 0.029 +/- 0.002020; P < 0.05). We concluded that glutamine dipeptide maintained intestinal mucosal morphology and barrier function in PN-fed rats challenged with 5-FU.