Principles of genome activation in the early embryo

A major hurdle in an embryo's life is the initiation of its own transcriptional program, a process termed Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA). In many species, ZGA is intricately timed, with bulk transcription initiating at the end of a series of reductive cell divisions when cell cycle duration increases. At the same time, major changes in genome architecture give rise to chromatin states that are permissive to RNA polymerase II activity. Yet, we still do not understand the series of events that trigger gene expression at the right time and in the correct sequence. Here we discuss new discoveries that deepen our understanding of how zygotic genes are primed for transcription, and how these events are regulated by the cell cycle and nuclear import. Finally, we speculate on the evolutionary basis of ZGA timing as an exciting future direction for the field.

[One case of myocardial damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning]

The data of a patient with carbamate pesticide poisoning were analyzed. Cardiac arrest, oliguria, acute renal injury and pulmonary infection occurred during treatment. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, tracheal intubation, CRRT, anti-infection and other symptomatic support treatment, the patient recovered and discharged. The myocardial damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning is easy to be ignored, and it often causes cardiac manifestations such as arrhythmia and cardiac insufficiency, and the related markers of cardiac injury, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are also changed. Therefore, the awareness of cardiac damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning should be improved.

Effects of dietary niacinamide and CP concentrations on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of pigs

Reducing the dietary CP concentration in the formulation of low-protein diets without adverse effects on animal growth performance and meat quality remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs fed low-protein diets. To measure the nitrogen balance, we conducted two trials: in nitrogen balance trial 1, four crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and periods. The diets consisted of a basal diet + 30 mg/kg NAM (a control dose), basal diet + 90 mg/kg NAM, basal diet + 210 mg/kg NAM, and basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. In nitrogen balance trial 2, another four barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The diets consisted of a basal diet + including 30 mg/kg NAM (control), basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM, low-protein diet + 30 mg/kg NAM, and low-protein diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. To measure growth performance, two trials were conducted. In growth performance trial 1, 40 barrows (37.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10 per group), whereas in growth performance trial 2, 300 barrows (41.4 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, with each dietary treatment conducted in five repetitions with 15 pigs each. The four diets in the two growth performance trials were similar to those in nitrogen balance trial 2. Supplementing the diet with 210 or 360 mg/kg NAM reduced urinary nitrogen excretion and total nitrogen excretion and increased nitrogen retention comparted with the control diet (P < 0.05). Compared with the control diet, the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM reduced faecal, urinary, and total nitrogen excretion (P < 0.05) without affecting nitrogen retention and average daily gain (P > 0.05). Pigs fed the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM showed a decreased intramuscular fat content in the longissimus thoracis muscle when compared with pigs fed the control diet (P > 0.05). Our results suggest NAM as a suitable dietary additive to reduce dietary CP concentration, maximise nitrogen retention and growth performance, and decrease fat deposition in pigs.

Mitotic chromosomes scale to nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and cell size in Xenopus

During the rapid and reductive cleavage divisions of early embryogenesis, subcellular structures such as the nucleus and mitotic spindle scale to decreasing cell size. Mitotic chromosomes also decrease in size during development, presumably to scale coordinately with mitotic spindles, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we combine in vivo and in vitro approaches using eggs and embryos from the frog Xenopus laevis to show that mitotic chromosome scaling is mechanistically distinct from other forms of subcellular scaling. We found that mitotic chromosomes scale continuously with cell, spindle and nuclear size in vivo. However, unlike for spindles and nuclei, mitotic chromosome size cannot be re-set by cytoplasmic factors from earlier developmental stages. In vitro, increasing nuclear-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio is sufficient to recapitulate mitotic chromosome scaling, but not nuclear or spindle scaling, through differential loading of maternal factors during interphase. An additional pathway involving importin a scales mitotic chromosomes to cell surface area/volume ratio (SA/V) during metaphase. Finally, single-chromosome immunofluorescence and Hi-C data suggest that mitotic chromosomes shrink during embryogenesis through decreased recruitment of condensin I, resulting in major rearrangements of DNA loop architecture to accommodate the same amount of DNA on a shorter axis. Together, our findings demonstrate how mitotic chromosome size is set by spatially and temporally distinct developmental cues in the early embryo.

[Research progress on the treatment of presbyopia]

Presbyopia is a physiological aging situation that the plasticity and elasticity of the lens and the function of the ciliary muscle become weaker, resulting in a decreased accommodation and inability to focus on near objects. Nowadays, there are many clinical strategies to correct presbyopia, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, however, there is no true sense of way to restore accommodation function. This article reviews both worldwide and domestic research on presbyopia, and analyzes and summaries the status quo as well as research progress of presbyopia correction modalities, surgical approaches, and drug therapies, hoping to provide a reference for clinical works.

[Preliminary experience of surgical treatment for torus tubarius hypertrophy in children]

Objective: To assess the incidence of symptomatic torus tubarius hypertrophy (TTH) in recurred OSA in children, and to explore the preliminary experience of partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation. Methods: From January 2004 to February 2020, 4 922 children, who diagnosed as OSA and received adenotonsillectomy at the Department of Otolaryngology, The 4th Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. There were 3 266 males and 1 656 females, the age ranged from 1 to 14 years old(median age of 5.0 years). Twenty-two cases were identified with recurrence of OSA syndrome, and the clinical data, including sex, age of primary operation, age of recurrence and presentation, and opertation methods were analyzed. Follow-up was carried out by outpatient visit or telephone. Graphpad prism 5.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two cases were identified as recurred OSA and received revised surgery in 4 922 cases. Among these 22 cases, 11 cases were diagnosed as TTH resulting in an incidence of 2.23‰(11/4 922), 1 case was cicatricial adhesion on tubal torus (0.20‰, 1/4 922), 10 cases were residual adenoid combined with tubal tonsil hypertrophy (2.03‰, 10/4 922). Median age of primary operation was 3.0 years (range:2.4 to 6.0 years) in 11 TTH cases. Recurrent interval varied from 2 months to 5.5 years (2.4±1.9 years) after first operation. Age of revised partial resection of TTH was 7.0±2.7 years (range: 4.0 to 12.0 years). Average time interval between primary operation and revised operation was 3.5±2.1 years (range: 0.5 to 6.0 years). Individualized treatments were carried out based on partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation. All of 11 cases received satisfied therapeutic results without nasopharyngeal stenosis occured. Twenty-two cases were followed up for 1.6 to 13 years (median follow-up time was 6.2 years). Conclusions: TTH contributed to recurred OSA in child. TTH might be misdiagnosed as tubal tonsil hypertrophy. Partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation was a safty and effective treatment.

[Establishment of morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear, as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear]

Objective: To establish the morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear. Methods: From April 2012 to June 2020, 4 221 healthy donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital were selected. The median age was 36 (3-72) years old, including 2 520 males and 1 701 females. They were divided into four groups according to age: children group, with age≤14 years old [n=334, 11 (3-14) years old], youth group, with age >14 years old and <45 years old [n=2 855, 33 (15-44) years old], middle-aged adult group, with age ≥45 years old and < 60 years old [n=929, 49 (45-59) years old], and older adult group, with age ≥60 years old [n=103, 62 (60-72) years old]. Gender subgroups were established in each age group. According to different hematopoietic characteristics, the children group were divided into two subgroups: children group 1 [n=48, 6 (3-7) years old] and children group 2 [n=286, 11 (8-14) years old]. According to the clinical routine, 100 white blood cells in peripheral blood, 200 nucleated cells in bone marrow, and cell numbers/4.5 cm² for megakaryocytes were classified and counted. The results of cell count in different age and gender groups were compared, and the reference values of morphological classification were established for different groups with statistical or clinical significance. Results: Due to the existence of statistically significant differences between children and adult groups and different gender subgroups in adults (all P<0.05), the reference values were established for children group and adult gender subgroups. The counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were 46.65(43.97-49.32)% and 44.00(10.60-65.10)% in children group 1, 50.73(49.50-51.96)% and 39.55 (38.36-40.74)% in children group 2, and 57.00 (39.00-75.23) % and 33.00 (17.00-52.00) % in adult group, respectively. Bone marrow segmented neutrophils, orthochromatic erythroblasts, and mature lymphocytes were 11.54 (10.68-12.41)%, 14.20 (13.19-15.21)%, and 23.99 (22.06-25.92)% in children group 1, 12.50 (7.00-21.50)%, 15.00(9.50-25.50)%, and 21.02 (20.24-21.81)% in children group 2, 13.50 (7.50-21.00)%, 16.50 (10.50-26.00)%, and 15.50 (7.50-26.00)% in adult male group, and 14.50 (8.00-24.50)%, 14.50 (9.00-23.00)%, and 17.50 (8.50-29.00)% in adult female group, respectively. The myelopoiesis/erythropoiesis ratio in children group, adult male group and adult female group was 1.86∶1 (1.14∶1-3.23∶1), 1.96∶1 (1.12∶1-3.19∶1), 2.22∶1 (1.30∶1-3.69∶1), respectively. The numbers of granular megakaryocytes and thromocytogenic megakaryocytes were 138 (25-567) cells/4.5cm² and 86 (13-328) cells/4.5 cm² in children group, and 92 (13-338) cells/4.5 cm² and 38 (3-162) cells/4.5 cm² in adult group, respectively. Conclusion: The morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear are successfully established, which is helpful to improve the application of morphological examination in disease screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

[Transcranial sonographic characteristics of Parkinson's disease with symptoms of restless legs syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the transcranial sonographic characteristics in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Patients with diagnosis of definite PD from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and 3 other participating hospitals between September 2018 and December 2019 were consecutively enrolled. Concurrent RLS symptoms were determined using Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire. Transcranial sonography (TCS) and clinical assessments were performed during the same time and the related variables were compared between the two groups using t-test, non-parametric test, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis, respectively. Results: Among 349 patients with PD, the prevalence of RLS symptoms was 22.6%. Compared to patients without RLS symptoms, those with RLS had longer disease duration (43.0 (24.0, 91.0) months vs 37.0 (20.0, 60.0) months, P<0.05) and higher Hoehn-Yahr stage (2.5 (2.0, 3.0) vs 2.0 (1.5, 2.5), P<0.01).TCS revealed that patients with RLS symptoms were more likely to have abnormality in the raphe nucleus (21.50% vs 7.78%, χ²=15.9, P<0.001) and increased third ventricle width ((6.22±1.97) mm vs (5.16±1.90) mm, P<0.001). No significant differences were found regarding parameters of substantia nigra. Conclusions: Concurrent RLS symptoms are common in PD patients. Abnormal echogenicity of raphe nucleus and increased third ventricle width could be characteristics of TCS in PD patients with RLS symptoms.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

A rapid sap-direct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method for detection of dendrobium viroid in Dendrobium plants

Dendrobium viroid (DVd) was first reported in China in 2020, and it is the only viroid known to infect Orchidaceae family plants. In this study, we developed a simple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for the rapid detection of DVd in Dendrobium plants. When extracting the sap template from the leaves, they are first clamped between two layers of plastic film, and the sap is pressed out and collected with a pipette. Using this sap, DVd was detected by dot-blot and RT-PCR methods and, the expected amplicons were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The batch analysis of field samples revealed that this method can be used to detect DVd rapidly. The detection method also reduces cross-contamination between different samples and minimizes false positives. Thus, this sap-direct RT-PCR method allows effective and rapid DVd detection in the study of Orchidaceae plants.

[Cell morphological analysis of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma gamma-delta type]

Objective: To analyze the cell morphological features of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) gamma-delta (γδ) type, differentiate from acute leukaemia (AL). Methods: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of four cases of HSTCL γδ type who were treated in Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital from 2009 to 2014 were collected. Their initial morphology diagnoses in other hospitals were all acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Morphological analysis and cytochemical stains to their bone marrow (BM) aspiration and peripheral blood (PB) smears were completed when they had no response to previous chemotherapies, and the morphological reports were compared with results of immunophenotyping, chromosome, and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement. Results: The percentages of malignant cells in four patients' BM aspirations were 7.6%-40.0%, and in two patients' PB was 9% and 10%, respectively. The morphology of four cases had a very high similarity in Wright's stain. Predominantly medium-sized cells were seen, with rich cytoplasm and frequently one big conspicuous nucleolus. The malignant cells resembled blasts, especially monoblasts, but with coarse granular chromatin, more compact than that in monoblasts. When comparing to malignant myeloblast and lymphoblasts, HSTCL cells were larger and more irregular in cell shape, with more abundant cytoplasm and prominent nuclear irregularity. The cytochemistric stain played an important role in differential diagnosis. HSTCL malignant cells showed non-specific esterase (NSE) negative or focal punctate activity which couldn't be inhibited by sodium fluoride. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was negative or positive with a form of coarse granules. The myeloperioxdase (MPO) stain was negative. Conclusion: Malignant cells of HSTCL γδ type have very distinct morphological features of mature lymphocytic neoplasm. The quality of Wright's stain, being short of complete cytochemical stains, lacking of awareness of this disease, and acute leukemia or MDS like appearance in some cases, result in the possibility of diagnostic error as malignant blast, and probably are main causes of misdiagnosis of HSTCL γδ type.

Emergent properties of mitotic chromosomes

As a cell prepares to divide, its genetic material changes dramatically in both form and function. During interphase, a dynamic interplay between DNA compartmentalization and transcription functions to program cell identity. During mitosis, this purpose is put on hold and instead chromosomes function to facilitate their accurate segregation to daughter cells. Chromatin loops are rearranged, stacked, and compressed to form X-shaped chromosomes that are neatly aligned at the center of the mitotic spindle and ready to withstand the forces of anaphase. Many factors that contribute to mitotic chromosome assembly have now been identified, but how the plethora of molecular mechanisms operate in concert to give rise to the distinct form and physical properties of mitotic chromosomes at the cellular scale remains under active investigation. In this review, we discuss recent work that addresses a major challenge for the field: How to connect the molecular-level activities to large-scale changes in whole-chromosome architecture that determine mitotic chromosome size, shape, and function.

Gene expression and cell identity controlled by anaphase-promoting complex

Metazoan development requires robust proliferation of progenitor cells, whose identities are established by tightly controlled transcriptional networks ¹. As gene expression is globally inhibited during mitosis, the transcriptional programs defining cell identity must be restarted in each cell cycle ^2-5, yet how this is accomplished is poorly understood. Here, we identified a ubiquitin-dependent mechanism that integrates gene expression with cell division to preserve cell identity. We found that WDR5 and TBP, which bind active interphase promoters ^6,7, recruit the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) to specific transcription start sites (TSS) during mitosis. This allows APC/C to decorate histones with K11/K48-branched ubiquitin chains that recruit p97/VCP and the proteasome and ensure rapid expression of pluripotency genes in the next cell cycle. Mitotic exit and transcription re-initiation are thus controlled by the same regulator, APC/C, which provides a robust mechanism to maintain cell identity through cell division.

Optimal acquisition time to discriminate between breast cancer subtypes with contrast-enhanced cone-beam CT

PURPOSE

To identify the optimal acquisition time to best discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions on contrast-enhanced cone beam CT (CE-CBCT) and evaluate the potential of CE-CBCT to differentiate between breast cancer subtypes.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 98 women with a mean age of 49±10 (SD) years (range: 29-77 years) with 100 BI-RADS 4 or 5 breast lesions were prospectively included. CE-CBCT images were obtained at 1- and 2-min after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast material. Contrast enhancement of breast lesions on CE-CBCT were evaluated and compared between different subtypes. Cut-off values for best discriminating between benign and malignant breast lesions with CE-CBCT were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Malignant breast lesions showed greater enhancement than benign ones at 1-min (67.28±39.79 [SD] HU vs. 42.27±40.31 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.007) and 2-min (70.93±38.05 [SD] HU vs. 48.94±41.83 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.016) after intravenous administration of contrast material. At 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material, an optimal cut-off value of 54.43 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.681; 95%CI: 0.558-0.805; P=0.006) yielding 69.0% sensitivity (95%CI: 56.9-79.5%) and 69.2% specificity (95% CI: 48.2-85.7%). At 2-min, an optimal cut-off value of 72.65 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.654; 95%CI: 0.535-0.774; P=0.020) yielding 50.7% sensitivity (95%CI: 38.6-62.8%) and 80.8% specificity (95%CI: 60.6-93.4%). CE-CBCT helped differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes of breast lesions with lowest enhancement for triple negative lesions. No differences in enhancement were found among histopathological subtypes lesions at 1-min (P=0.478) and 2-min (P=0.625).

CONCLUSION

CE-CBCT helps discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions, with best capabilities obtained at 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material. For malignant lesions, quantitative analysis of enhancement on CE-CBCT helps differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes.

miR-483 is down-regulated in gastric cancer and suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and protein O-GlcNAcylation by targeting OGT

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the gastric carcinogenesis and progression. Here, we confirmed that miR-483 was frequently decreased in gastric cancer patients. The expression levels of miR-483 were negatively correlated with tumor stage, node metastasis and stromal invasion. Log-rank tests demonstrated that low expression of miR-483 was strongly correlated with poor overall survival in patients with gastric cancer. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-483 remarkably suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited the invasion of gastric cancer cells, while low expression of miR-483 exhibited the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that OGT was a potential target of miR-483, and miR-483 inhibited the expression level of OGT mRNA by direct binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). Expression of miR-483 was negatively correlated with OGT in gastric cancer tissues. In addition, modulation of miR-483 expression could affect the global cellular protein O-GlcNAcylation in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, silencing of OGT counteracted the effects of miR-483 repression, while its overexpression reversed tumor inhibitory effects of miR-483. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR-483 functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, invasion and protein O-GlcNAcylation of gastric cancer via targeting OGT, and that miR-483 may serve as prognostic or therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

The Yeast INO80 Complex Operates as a Tunable DNA Length-Sensitive Switch to Regulate Nucleosome Sliding

The yeast INO80 chromatin remodeling complex plays essential roles in regulating DNA damage repair, replication, and promoter architecture. INO80's role in these processes is likely related to its ability to slide nucleosomes, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here we use ensemble and single-molecule enzymology to study INO80-catalyzed nucleosome sliding. We find that the rate of nucleosome sliding by INO80 increases ∼100-fold when the flanking DNA length is increased from 40 to 60 bp. Furthermore, once sliding is initiated, INO80 moves the nucleosome rapidly at least 20 bp without pausing to re-assess flanking DNA length, and it can change the direction of nucleosome sliding without dissociation. Finally, we show that the Nhp10 module of INO80 plays an auto-inhibitory role, tuning INO80's switch-like response to flanking DNA. Our results indicate that INO80 is a highly processive remodeling motor that is tightly regulated by both substrate cues and non-catalytic subunits.

Identification of Dialeurodes citri as a Vector of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in China

In 2009, a new citrus viral disease caused by Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was first discovered in China and now CYVCV is widely distributed in the field. CYVCV is transmissible by grafting and is spread by aphids from lemon to bean, and from bean to bean. However, until now, no vector has been shown to transmit CYVCV from citrus to citrus. In this study, after a 24-h acquisition access period (AAP), CYVCV was tested for in Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), Panonychus citri McGregor, and Aphis citricidus (Kirkaldy) by quantitative RT-PCR. After an AAP of 48 h, groups of adults of D. citri, P. citri, and A. citricidus were given a 48 h inoculation access period on cultivar Daidai sour orange seedlings. Three, 6, and 12 months post-transmission by D. citri, CYVCV was detected in the receptor plants, and the mean incidence of infected trees was 31.9, 39.1, and 39.1%, respectively. CYVCV was not transmitted to citrus by P. citri or A. citricidus. This is the first report of the ability of D. citri to transmit CYVCV from infected to healthy citrus under laboratory conditions.

Regulation of Rvb1/Rvb2 by a Domain within the INO80 Chromatin Remodeling Complex Implicates the Yeast Rvbs as Protein Assembly Chaperones

The hexameric AAA+ ATPases Rvb1 and Rvb2 (Rvbs) are essential for diverse processes ranging from metabolic signaling to chromatin remodeling, but their functions are unknown. While originally thought to act as helicases, recent proposals suggest that Rvbs act as protein assembly chaperones. However, experimental evidence for chaperone-like behavior is lacking. Here, we identify a potent protein activator of the Rvbs, a domain in the Ino80 ATPase subunit of the INO80 chromatin-remodeling complex, termed Ino80INS. Ino80INS stimulates Rvbs' ATPase activity by 16-fold while concomitantly promoting their dodecamerization. Using mass spectrometry, cryo-EM, and integrative modeling, we find that Ino80INS binds asymmetrically along the dodecamerization interface, resulting in a conformationally flexible dodecamer that collapses into hexamers upon ATP addition. Our results demonstrate the chaperone-like potential of Rvb1/Rvb2 and suggest a model where binding of multiple clients such as Ino80 stimulates ATP-driven cycling between hexamers and dodecamers, providing iterative opportunities for correct subunit assembly.

[Analysis of curative effect of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery on glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement at the early stage]

Objective: To explore the key technique and outcome of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery for early stage of glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement (ACI). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients, who were diagnosed as early stage glottic carcinoma during January 2010 to March 2016 in ENT Department. According to whether the anterior commissure was involved or not, two groups were divided. There were eleven cases with ACI (stages T1a, T1b, and T2). Twenty cases without ACI (stages Tis, T1a, and T2). All the patients received transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery and followed up closely.Only one case received radiotheraphy after surgery. SPSS19.0 software was used to analyze data. Results: The follow-up time was 12-67 months, and the median follow-up time was 30 months. Nine among 11 cases with ACI obtained good oncologic outcomes, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/11 cases, including 2 cases of T2. Two cases ultimately required salvage total laryngectomy. Meanwhile, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/20 cases without ACI, including 1 case of T1a and 1 case of T2. One case underwent elective neck dissection, and another one received salvage total laryngectomy.Compared to the patients without ACI, it seemed that the cases with ACI always accomponied with a little higher initial local recurrence and lower overall laryngealpreservation, but the difference had no significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery is an effective treatment for glottic carcinoma with ACI. Its advantages, such as more flexibility and deformability, make it more feasible to operate at the narrow space of anterior commissure assisted with laryngeal endoscopy.Good oncologic outcomes can be obtained by this technique with lower initial local recurrence as well as higher overall laryngeal preservation rate.

[Complications analysis of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children]

Objective:To analyze the complications of adenotonsilectomy assisted with coblation in children. Method:Complications of 2 089 cases of children with adenoid and tonsil surgery assisted with coblation, in our hospital nearly 10 years, were analyzed by epidemiological methods through the method of retrospective analysis. Result:①the sex ratio of male to female was 2.08：1, average age (5.87±3.12) years old, and most of 2 089 cases 76.35% (1 595/2 089) were 3-7 years old; ②all cases underwent adenoidectomy. Different surgery methods of tonsil consisted of three groups as partial resection associated with ablation was 69.17% (1 445/2 089), ablation (channeling) alone was 22.26% (465/2 089) and total resection was 8.57% (179/208). The amount of bleeding in operation was (8.52±3.18)ml, average operation time was (30.15±8.26) minutes, the postoperative pain score was (3.77±1.61); ③The incidence of postoperative complications: postoperative bleeding (all were secondary bleeding cases) rate was 0.24% (5/2 089), recurrence rate was 0.14% (3/2 089), prevertebral lymphadenitis was 0.96% (20/2 089), the other was 0.29% (torus hyperplasia in 2 cases, dyspnea in 2 cases, 1 cases of angle of mouth burned, nasopharyngeal adhesion in 1 cases). Postoperative fever rate was 9.81% (205/2 089). Conclusion:coblation technique is a good method for the treatment of children's adenoids and tonsil diseases with high efficiency and low complications. But improving the operation procedure proficiency level and skills of operation is an important link to reduce complications.

[Pregnancy outcomes and symptom improvement of patients with adenomyosis treated with high intensity focused ultrasound ablation]

Objective: To investigate the symptom improvement and pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis after treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Methods: From October 2010 to October 2015, 68 patients with adenomyosis who wish to get pregnancies were treated with HIFU ablation in Suining Central Hospital. Among these patients, 56 presented with dysmenorrhea, 11 presented with menorrhagia, and 1 patient complained both; 41 of them had histories of abnormal pregnancy. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-four patients got pregnancy at the median of 10 months(range:1 to 31 months) after HIFU ablation, and 21 of them had delivered healthy babies. No uterine rupture occurred during gestation or delivery, and the newborn babies were healthy. Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia in the patients who had pregnancies after HIFU ablation treatment were significantly relieved. The average menstruation volume score before and 1, 3, 6-month post-HIFU were 2.6±1.7, 1.7±0.8, 1.4±0.6, 1.3±0.6, respectively (P<0.05). The menstruation pain score before and 1, 3, 6-month after HIFU were 1.4±0.9, 0.9±0.7, 0.6±0.5, and 0.9±0.7, respectively (P<0.05). The volume of the adenomyotic lesions before and after HIFU at 1, 3, 6 month were (34±23), (23±15), (20±17), (20±12) cm³ (P<0.05). Although the spontaneous abortion rate was decreased after HIFU ablation treatment, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative [43% (23/54) versus 37% (20/54), P>0.05]. However, 20 of the 54 patients had spontaneous abortion, compared with 21 patients who had delivered babies, there were no significant statistical difference in terms of age, duration of disease, lesion size, non-perfused volume ratio, as well as the symptom scores before and after HIFU ablation treatment. Conclusions: HIFU ablation treatment is effective in improving symptoms of patients with adenomyosis. Based on our results, HIFU ablation treatment maybe also help to improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis, but further studies are needed.

[Metformin's effect on 5-fluorouracil,cisplatin,paclitaxel in laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells]

Objective:To investigate metformin's effect on chemosensitivity of chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil in laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells. Investigate the variation trend of protein expression of AMPK pathway in the combined effect.Method:Laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of 5-fluorouracil in vitro together with or without metformin for 72 h. Use MTT assay to investigate the influence on the inhibition rate to Hep-2 cells. Hep-2 cells were treated with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil or paclitaxel with or without metformin. Use Western blot assay to investigate the expression level of AMPKα, P21 or Cyclin D1 protein. Result:5-fluorouracil and metformin could inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. 5-fluorouracil in low concentration combined with metformin could increase the proliferation inhibition rate of Hep-2 cells. In the circumstances of using 5-fluorouracil in high concentration with metformin , the cell proliferation inhibition rate of combining group makes no differences with the single-drug group. The combination of metformin and 5-fluorouracil produced an antagonism action in Hep-2 cells.Western blot assay showed that metformin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil could have caused the increase of expression level of AMPK-α, P21 and Cyclin D1 in Hep-2 cells while Paclitaxel could have cause the decrease of expression level of Cyclin D1. Using combined drug could cause the change of protein expression. Conclusion:5-fluorouracil has been found to inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. Metformin has an antagonism on the anticancer effect to 5-fluorouracil in Hep-2 cells, and this antagonistic effect occurred partially through molecular signal pathways of AMPK-α, P21 and Cyclin D1 and it's significantly related to the cell cycle arrest.

Occurrence, Distribution, and Molecular Characterization of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in China

In 2009, a new citrus viral disease caused by Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was discovered in China. To more effectively monitor the presence of CYVCV, a survey was conducted in 166 citrus orchards from 11 major citrus-growing provinces in China from May 2014 to April 2016. In all, 458 of a total of 2,350 citrus samples tested positive for CYVCV, demonstrating that the virus is widely distributed in China. In this study, the complete genome sequences of 19 CYVCV isolates from different provinces and hosts were sequenced and characterized. Comparisons of the whole-genome sequences of these 19 CYVCV isolates as well as 4 isolates previously reported from around the world revealed that the sequence identity ranged from 97.1 to 99.8%, indicating that there is a very low level of sequence heterogeneity among CYVCV isolates of different geographic origins and hosts. Phylogenetic analysis of these 23 genomic sequences suggested that all of the isolates from China were clustered into the same clade, clearly apart from the CYVCV isolates from Turkey and Pakistan. To our knowledge, this is the first extensive survey conducted in China for CYVCV incidence.

[Photodynamic therapy by topical drup for the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis]

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy(PDT) on the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis. Method:Twenty-eight cases of children with laryngeal papilloma were treated,only 2 cases for the first time, and the rest were repeatedly treated outside our hospital, the average hospital surgery were more than 4 times. Under self retaining laryngoscope and microscope and endoscope assisted by semiconductor laser and plasma and cold instrument method，visible tumor resection and local affixed deposited 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid(photosensitizer) 3 hours later, with 635 nm semiconductor laser photodynamic,200-280 mW and can volume density of 80 to 120 J/cm², 20 min irradiation. PDT should be repeated after 25 days until no visible tumor.Then,2 times PDT must be done. Result:In 28 cases, 24 cases were followed up for more than 1 years(12 cases were followed up for 3 years),19 had no recurrence, the cure rate was 79.2%(19/24)；5 cases recurrence, and the recurrence rate was 20.8%(5/24)，among them,2 cases were abandoned because of the relapse，the other 3 cases were cure after 3 times of PDT.The main complications were adhesion of larynx. Conclusion:The preliminary effect of PDT by topical drug for the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis is encouraging. The principle of PDT and the principle of the recurrence of laryngeal papilloma in children were also introduced in this paper.

Association between interleukin-17A polymorphism and coronary artery disease susceptibility in the Chinese Han population

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global health problem. In China, the incidence of CAD and the rate of mortality arising from it have increased every year. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated T cells, and it may be involved in the development of CAD. Genetic polymorphisms in functional regions of the IL17A gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To evaluate the role of IL17A polymorphisms as a risk factor for CAD, we performed a detailed analysis of possible functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in regulatory regions of IL17A. This study examined the potential association between CAD and five SNPs (rs8193037, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913, and rs3748067) of the IL17A gene. The allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs8193037 (promoter region) and rs8193036 (promoter region) polymorphisms in CAD were significantly different from those in healthy controls. The CAD subjects had a significantly lower frequency of the A allele of rs8193037 (P = 0.009, OR = 1.772, 95%CI = 1.146- 2.742) and the T allele of rs8193036 (P = 0.010, OR = 1.754, 95%CI = 1.139-2.701). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Significantly fewer T-G-G-A haplotypes (P = 0.045) were found in CAD subjects in block 1. These data suggest that IL17A gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD, and support the notion that dysfunction of IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

Association of NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in a Han Chinese population

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor that controls cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. Activated NF-κB1 is associated with the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and genetic polymorphisms in NF-κB1 have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To identify markers that contribute to the genetic susceptibility to CAD, we examined the potential association between CAD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs28362491, rs230531, rs230528, rs1005819, rs4648055, rs3774964, and rs3774968) in the NF-κB1 gene using SNaPshot SNP genotyping assay. Participants included 361 patients with CAD and 385 healthy controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs28362491 (promoter region) polymorphism in the CAD patients were significantly different from those in the healthy controls. The frequency of the D allele was significantly higher in CAD patients than in the healthy controls (P = 0.005 after Bonferroni correction). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Haplotype analysis revealed that haplotypes in block 1 of the NF-κB1 gene did not display a risk or protective effect (P > 0.05). These data suggest that NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD and also support the notion that dysfunction of NF-κB1 is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

Mechanisms of ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Motors

Chromatin remodeling motors play essential roles in all DNA-based processes. These motors catalyze diverse outcomes ranging from sliding the smallest units of chromatin, known as nucleosomes, to completely disassembling chromatin. The broad range of actions carried out by these motors on the complex template presented by chromatin raises many stimulating mechanistic questions. Other well-studied nucleic acid motors provide examples of the depth of mechanistic understanding that is achievable from detailed biophysical studies. We use these studies as a guiding framework to discuss the current state of knowledge of chromatin remodeling mechanisms and highlight exciting open questions that would continue to benefit from biophysical analyses.

[Clinical effect analysis of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children]

Objective:This study aims to explore the clinical effect of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children.Method:The investigation took the form of retrospective review of 2 089 cases of children applied with adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation in our hospital in recent 10 years. We obtained data of these children with epidemiological methods based on analyzing the status of general information and operation selections, and then analyzing the scores of snoring and breath preoperation and postoperation.Result:①General information of 2 089 cases followed with: the ratio of male and female was 2.08∶1，the average onset age was（5.87±3.12）years old, mostly ranged from 3 to 7 years old, which consists of 76.35%（1595/2089）of the group.②Different surgery methods of tonsil consisted of three groups as: partial resection associate with ablation was 69.17%(1445/2089), ablation alone was 22.26%(465/2089) and partial resection alone was 8.57%(179/2089) of the group.③A high level scores of snoring and breath more frequently found in preoperative cases than in postoperative cases(P <0.01).There are no differentiation among the scores of above three groups(P >0.05).The postoperative effect evaluation were related to allergic rhinitis, recurrent of tonsillitis, obesity, circular occipital hyperplasia and nasopharyngeal adhesion.Conclusion:The results suggested that surgery assisted with ablation has its advantage in adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Individual therapy for different children will improve the curative effect and relieve the pain of operation, thus is worth a wide application.

Analysis of Nucleosome Sliding by ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes carry out diverse transformations of chromatin. Understanding their mechanisms requires assays that can monitor the kinetics or chromatin remodeling. In this chapter, we describe complimentary native gel-based and FRET-based methods for assaying the kinetics of ATP-driven nucleosome sliding. These methods can be readily adapted to investigate other types of nucleosomal transformations carried out by chromatin remodeling ATPases.

Bioinformatic analysis of potential candidates for therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) increased the risk for developing colorectal cancer. However, there is no effective therapy for IBDs. The aim of this study was to identify potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and explore the possible mechanism underlying this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression profile GSE6731 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included 9 UC samples and 19 CD samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between affected colon tissues and non-affected tissues were identified in UC and CD group. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis of DEGs were performed. Modules in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were identified, and significant node genes were selected.

RESULTS

Total 619 DEGs including 285 up-regulated genes and 334 down-regulated genes were identified in UC group and total 1159 DEGs of CD including 585 up-regulated genes and 574 down-regulated genes were selected. Module was selected from PPI network. From the PPI network and module, DEGs of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) and major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR alpha (HLA-DRA) have high degree.

CONCLUSIONS

MAPK3, NDRG1 and HLA-DRA may play key roles in the progression and development of IBD. They may be used as specific therapeutic targets in the treatment of IBD. However, further experiments are still needed to confirm our results.

Comparison of high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy under nasal endoscopy guidance versus first-line drug treatment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis

The aim of this study was to determine whether high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy under nasal endoscopy guidance could provide better efficacy and safety in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) than the first-line drugs recommended by the World Health Organization. A total of 120 adult patients with PAR were randomly divided into 2 groups (N = 60 each). One group underwent HIFU therapy under nasal endoscopy guidance using an ultrasound rhinitis therapeutic machine. The other group served as the control group and was treated with corticosteroid nasal spray and oral cetirizine hydrochloride. All patients underwent follow-up treatment for 1 year, after which the efficacy and safety were evaluated. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in the total effective rate. Moreover, no complications such as nasal adhesion, septal perforation, mucosal atrophy, and hyposmia were observed, indicating that HIFU was as effective as the first-line drug treatments recommended by the World Health Organization for symptom relief in PAR patients. The treatment efficacy, repeatability, safety, economical aspects, ease of performance, and few complications of HIFU therapy strongly suggest that HIFU should be routinely incorporated into clinical practice.

Ultrastructural Changes and Putative Phage Particles Observed in Sweet Orange Leaves Infected with 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is currently the most destructive citrus disease. Anatomical analyses of HLB-affected sweet orange were carried out by light and electron microscopy. As compared with healthy citrus, the phloem plasmodesmata were plugged with callose, and in some samples the phloem was collapsed. Chloroplast structures were deformed. Prophage sequences occupy a significant portion of the genome of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' and have been used to distinguish strains from Yunnan and Guangdong provinces in China and Florida. Interestingly, a large number of possible putative phage particles were observed attached on the surface of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' cells in plants inoculated with strain FJ3 from Fujian Province, China. Phage particles have been observed previously only in periwinkle plants artificially inoculated in Florida with 'Ca. L. asiaticus' that carried the SC1-type prophage. PCR assays verified the presence of the SC1-type prophage sequences previously described from this bacterium in Florida in the FJ3 isolate. This is the first time that suspected phage particles have been observed in sweet orange trees infected with 'Ca. L. asiaticus.'

First Report of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus on Lemon in Yunnan, China

Eureka lemon (Citrus limon) is an economically important crop in China. In 2009, a new disease was observed on Eureka lemon in an orchard of Ruili city in Yunnan Province. Nearly 10% of the plants were symptomatic with yellow vein clearing on lateral veins, combined with leaf crinkling and warping of young leaves. Water-soaked appearances were also seen on the adaxial leaf veins. The symptoms were present on mature leaves, resulting in almost 20% yield reduction. The symptoms on leaves were more severe in spring and autumn than in summer. This disease was transmitted by grafting from infected Eureka lemon to six lemon (C. limon) varieties (Femminello, Fino, Villafranca, Verna, Kutdiken, and Monachello) and two sour orange (C. aurantium) varieties (Daidai, Morocco), with inoculated plants showing similar symptoms. Variable symptoms were observed on other hosts, including severe yellowing and vein clearing on Dweet tangor (C. reticulata × C. sinensis), slight vein clearing on Tongshui 72-1 sweet orange (C. sinensis) and Marsh grapefruit (C. paradisi), but no symptoms were observed on Etrog citron (C. medica), Mexican lime (C. aurantifolia), or Ponkan (C. reticulata). When infected branches from Etrog citron, Mexican lime, and Ponkan were grafted onto healthy Morocco sour orange, typical yellowing and vein clearing symptoms were observed. In the mechanical transmission trials using eight herbaceous plant species, leaf rolling, shrinking, and pointed necrosis were observed on Vigna unguiculata, slight leaf rolling symptoms were observed on Capsicum frutescens, whereas Lycopersicum esculenum, Nicotiana benthamiana, Momordica charantia, Solanum melongena, Cucumis sativus, and Sesamum indicum remained symptomless. Symptom expression was influenced by temperature, being visible between 18 and 24°C but disappearing over 32°C. Crude extracts from young symptomatic lemon leaves were negatively stained for transmission electron microscopy observation (1) and showed filamentous virus particles of 13 to 15 × 400 to 1,000 nm. The described combination of symptoms in citrus species and herbaceous indicators, and virus morphology revealed by electron microscopy, suggested presence of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV). RNA extractions were made from 52 samples of Eureka lemon with yellow vein clearing symptoms. A one-step RT-PCR using primer pair (sense: 5'-TACCGCAGCTATCCATTTCC-3' and antisense: 5'-GCAGAAATCCCGAACCACTA-3'), designed from coat protein gene of CYVCV genome (GenBank Accession No. JX040635) (1), was performed. All of the symptomatic samples yielded the expected cDNA fragment and no amplicon was obtained from healthy plants. Three PCR amplicons were selected for cloning and sequencing. BLAST analysis showed that these nucleotide sequences (KJ859679 to 81) had greater than 97% nucleotide identity with the corresponding region of CYVCV reference genome (2), and therefore, this disease was associated with CYVCV. Symptoms resembling CYVCV infection were observed in China before (3); however, to our knowledge, this is the first proven report of CYVCV present in China. The identification of the pathogen now allows for appropriate field management and control measures. References: (1) V. Grimaldi et al. 13th IOCV Conference, 343-345, 1996. (2) G. Loconsole et al. Phytopathology 102:1168, 2012. (3) C. Zhou et al. 18th IOCV Conference, 44, 2010.

Analysis of interaction between Bmhrp28 and BmPSI in sex-specific splicing of Bombyx mori Bmdsx gene

Bombyx mori BmHRP28 and BmPSI, which belong to the family of RNA-binding proteins, have been identified binding to the female-specific exon 4 of the sex-determining gene Bmdsx pre-mRNA. However, the relationships between BmHRP28 and BmPSI still remain unclear. In this study, we carried out yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses to address them. Y2H analysis showed that there was little or no direct binding between the BmHRP28 and BmPSI proteins. Also, the Co-IP experiments revealed that BmHRP28 and BmPSI coexisted in a multiprotein complex. Our results suggested that BmHRP28 and BmPSI form a muliprotein complex to regulate the splicing of Bmdsx pre-mRNA, but are not directly bound to each other. In an effort to find other regulatory factors in the multiprotein complex, we constructed a silkworm Y2H cDNA library of male early embryo. By Y2H screening, we identified an RNA-binding protein BmSPX, a putative component of the spliceosome, binding to BmPSI. These results indicated that BmHRP28 and BmPSI make up a spliceosome complex to regulate Bmdsx splicing and that BmSPX is another potential protein involved in this process. Our study provides some clues to better understand the mechanism of sex determination in the silkworm.

Effects of partial tonsillectomy on the immune functions of children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome at early stage

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the humoral and cellular immunity of children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and hypertrophy of tonsils before and after plasma-mediated temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation treatment. Fifty-seven children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and with hypertrophy of tonsils were enrolled in this study. Thirty-seven children were grouped in the partial tonsillectomy group and 20, in the tonsillectomy group. The levels of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD4(+)/CD8(+) were measured for cellular immunity, and the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured for humoral immunity. Blood samples were collected before and 1 and 3 months after the operation. The IgG, IgA, and IgM levels in the tonsillectomy group were significantly decreased 1 month after the operation, and recovered to the normal levels within 3 months of the operation (P < 0.05). However, the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM in the partial tonsillectomy group decreased slightly, without a significant difference (P > 0.05). The cellular immunity of the 2 groups was not statistically different pre- and post-operation (P > 0.05). The results from the present study indicate that partial tonsillectomy by plasma-mediated temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation did not impact on the humoral and cellular immunity of children.

Percutaneous manual aspiration thrombectomy followed by stenting for iliac vein compression syndrome with secondary acute isolated iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: a prospective study of single-session endovascular protocol

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of single-session endovascular treatment with manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) as the first-line method of thrombus removal for iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) with secondary acute isolated iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

METHODS

This was a prospective clinical study. Twenty-six patients (19 women, 7 men, mean age 54 years) with left-sided acute iliac-common femoral DVT secondary to IVCS were enrolled. All patients presented with leg swelling or pains. Endovascular treatment, consisting of MAT, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement, was performed in the same setting. Overnight antegrade thrombolysis was performed in patients with residual thrombus after MAT. Patients were followed up by ultrasonography. The mean follow-up period was 17.8 months (12-25 months).

RESULTS

Single-session endovascular procedures were performed successfully in all patients. The mean procedure time was 67 minutes (ranging from 45 to 90 minutes). Complete thrombus removal, including almost 100% of removal in 24 patients and little residual thrombus (<5%) in two, was achieved after repeated MAT. Thrombolysis was used in these two patients. Complete symptomatic relief was achieved in 25 patients (96%) and partial relief in one. The hospital stay ranged from 2 to 4 days (mean 2.7 days). Recurrent thrombosis within the stent was observed in one case and recanalized with thrombolysis. The 1-year primary and secondary patency rate was 96% and 100%, respectively. No symptomatic pulmonary embolization, bleeding, and venous reflux were observed. Five patients complained about transitory low back pains during balloon angioplasty.

CONCLUSION

Single-session endovascular treatment with MAT as the first-line thrombus removal method is feasible, safe, and effective for IVCS with secondary acute isolated iliofemoral DVT. Although limited, our experience suggests that patients thought to be at high risk of bleeding may be candidates for the present single-session endovascular protocol.

Coexistent gestational choriocarcinoma and mixed adenocarcinoma of the uterus

OBJECTIVE

To report the first case of a uterine gestational choriocarcinoma coexisting with an endometrial carcinoma (EC) and to discuss its possible pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All tissues were examined histologically and monoclonal antibodies were used to evaluate the expression of HCG, HPL, P53, PTEN, and ER. Genotyping was performed on DNA extracted from the freshly dissected choriocarcinoma and the paraffin-embedded endometrial carcinoma along with parental blood DNA using multiplex STR-PCR at 16 loci.

RESULTS

Histology identified two distinct tumors: a uterine tumor containing cytotrophoblastic and syncytiotrophoblastic cells and a second distinct neoplasm composed of adenocarcinoma resembling endometrioid and mucinous adenocarcinoma. Genotyping of the choriocarcinoma revealed alleles from both the patient and her husband and was classified as biparental in origin. The endometrial adenocarcinoma contained only maternal alleles and was thus classified as maternal in origin.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of the simultaneous diagnosis of a uterine gestational choriocarcinoma and an EC within the same patient. DNA genotyping and immunohistochemistry are valuable tools in distinguishing the different origins of coexisting tumors.

First Report of Citrus bark cracking viroid and Citrus viroid V Infecting Citrus in China

Citrus is the most cultivated and highest value crop in the 15 southern provinces and municipalities in South China. Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) is the main rootstock for citrus cultivars and is known to be susceptible to citrus viroids. Surveys conducted from 1995 to 2007 revealed 42 symptomatic samples from 33 cultivars (21 from sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis), 6 from mandarins (C. reticulata), 2 from satauma mandarins (C. unshiu), 6 from lemons (C. jambhiri), and 7 from mandarin hybrids). Symptoms included stunting, bark scaling, and cracking on the Trifoliate orange rootstock collected from citrus orchards in the Chongqing municipality, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Yunnan provinces. Of the 42 samples, 27 were cultivars imported from abroad and 15 were local cultivars. Budwood from infected trees were grafted onto Arizona 861-S1 'Etrog citron' (C. medica) on rough lemon (C. jambhiri) rootstock. After more than 12 months, 39 of 42 samples revealed typical viroid symptoms of stunting, epinasty. and leaf rolling on the Etrog indicator plants. In September 2009, total RNA was extracted with TRIZOL Reagent and a one-step multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay (3) was used to detect simultaneously Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), and Citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd). Also, a one-step RT-PCR protocol using two primer pairs targeting the complete genome sequences was used to detect Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) (1) and Citrus viroid V (CVd-V) (2). Of the 42 samples, 37 and 35 were positive for HSVd and CDVd, respectively. CEVd and CBLVd were found, respectively, in 14 and 13 of 42 samples. CBCVd was detected in cv. Meishan No. 9 (C. sinensis) from Sichuan Province and cvs. Akemi (C. reticulata) and Nishirokaori (C. reticulata) from Zhejiang Province. CVd-V was detected in cvs. Nishirokaori, Haruka (C. tamuranua), and Kiyomi (C. unshiu × C. sinensis) from Zhejiang, Hunan, and Chongqing Province, respectively. Only Meishan No. 9 is a local cultivar, whereas Akemi, Nishirokaori, Haruka, and Kiyomi are cultivars imported from Japan. Of 42 samples, 3 without typical symptoms on Etrog citrons were infected with HSVd only. Of 42 infected citrus plants, 36 harbored more than one viroid species. RT-PCR products of CBCVd and CVd-V were cloned by standard methods. Eight clones for CBCVd (one from Meishan No. 9 [Accession No. HM042742, 284 bp], three from Akemi [Accession Nos. HM042743-HM042745, 283 to 284 bp], and four from Nishirokaori [Accession Nos. HM042746-HM042749, 286 bp]) and six clones for CVd-V (four from Nishirokaori [Accession Nos. HM042750-HM042753, 294 bp], one from Kiyomi [Accession No. HM042754, 294 bp], and one from Haruka [Accession No. HM042755, 294 bp]) were sequenced and deposited in GenBank. BLAST analysis of the CBCVd (Accession No. HM042742) and CVd-V (Accession No. HM042751) sequences revealed highest nucleotide sequence identity (100 and 96%) to a CBCVd isolate from Cuba (Accession No. AJ630360) and a CVd-V isolate from Spain (Accession No. EF617306), respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CBCVd and CVd-V in China. Our finding emphasizes the need for CBCVd and CVd-V indexing in production and distribution of pathogen-free citrus plants in China. References: (1) L. Bernard and N. Duran-Vila. Mol. Cell. Probes 20:105, 2006. (2) P. Serra et al. Phytopathology 98:1199, 2008. (3) X. F. Wang et al. Eur. J. Plant. Pathol. 124:175, 2009.

First Report of Tobacco curly shoot virus Infecting Pepper in China

In recent years, whitefly-transmitted begomovirues (family Geminiviridae) have caused severe leaf curl disease on tobacco and tomato in southern China, but have not been found on pepper. In August 2009, pepper plants (Capsicum frutescens) grown in the field in Panzhihua City of Sichuan Province (southwestern China), from where the occurrence of begomoviruses has not been reported previously, showed stunting, leaf yellowing, and mild curling symptoms. To identify possible begomoviruses, total DNA was extracted from three infected pepper plants (SC117, SC118, and SC119) with typical symptoms. Using degenerate primer pair PA/PB specific for members of the genus Begomovirus (2), a 500-bp DNA fragment covering parts of the intergenic region and V2 gene of the genome of begomoviruses was amplified from all samples. No amplification was observed from healthy plant extracts. The PCR product from SC118 was cloned and two clones were chosen to be sequenced. Alignment of the partial DNA sequences revealed that the cloned products from isolate SC118 were nearly identical (98.5%) and most closely related to Tobacco curly shoot virus isolate Y35 (TbCSV-[China:Yunnan 35:2001]; Accession No. AJ420318) (96.9 and 97.3% identity, respectively). Therefore, the entire genome of isolate SC118 was sequenced. Overlap primers TbCSV-F(5'-CCGCCGTCTCAACTTCGACAG-3') and TbCSV-R(5'-ATCTGCTGGTCGCTTCGACAT-3') were designed to amplify the full-length genome of SC118. The complete genome sequence of SC118 was determined to be 2,746 nucleotides (Accession No. GU001879) long, with two open reading frames (ORFs) in the virion-sense strand and four ORFs in the complementary-sense strand, typical of the Old World begomoviruses. A comparison with other reported sequences of begomoviruses shows that the genome of SC118 shares the highest nucleotide sequence identity (99.7%) with TbCSV-[China:Yunnan 35:2001]. When PCR was used to detect TbCSV from the other two isolates (SC117 and SC119) with TbCSV specific primer pair Y35F1 and Y35+10R (4), which amplified the fragment covering the whole C2 and C3 genes and the partial C1 and V1 genes of the genome of TbCSV, an amplicon of approximately 1.0 kb was obtained from all samples. To determine whether a satellite molecule was associated with the three virus isolates, a universal betasatellite abutting primer pair (beta01 and beta02) was used (1). No amplification product was detected. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that only 11 isolates were associated with betasatellites among 39 TbCSV-infected, field-collected samples (3), and betasatellites could be associated with noncognate begomoviruses (4). Therefore, the three isolates examined in this study are too few to come to a conclusion that betasatellites are not associated with TbCSV infection of pepper plants. A detailed search for the presence of betasatellites needs to be conducted to draw a definitive conclusion. The above results confirmed that samples SC117, SC118, and SC119 were infected by TbCSV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TbCSV on pepper in China. References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol. Biotechnol. 20:317, 2002. (2) D. Deng et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 125:327, 1994. (3) Z. Li et al. Phytopathology 95:902, 2005. (4) L. Qing et al. Phytopathology 99:716, 2009.

Characterization of the GHR gene genetic variation in Chinese indigenous goat breeds

The aim of the present work was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene exon 10, characterize the genetic variation in three Chinese indigenous goat breeds, and search for its potential association with cashmere traits. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) protocol has been developed for rapid genotyping of the GHR gene in goats. One hundred seventy-eight goats from Liaoning Cashmere (96), Inner Mongolia White Cashmere (40), and Chengdu Grey (42) breeds in China were genotyped at GHR locus using the protocol developed. In all goat breeds investigated, a SNP in exon 10 of GHR gene has been identified by analyzing genomic DNA. The polymorphism consists of a single nucleotide substitution A → G, resulting in two alleles named, respectively, A and G based on the nucleotide at the position. The allele A was found to be more common in the animals investigated, and seems to be more consistent with cattle and zebu at this polymorphic site found in goats. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of genotype distributions of GHR locus was verified in Liaoning Cashmere, and Inner Mongolia White Cashmere breeds. According to the classification of polymorphism information content (PIC), Chengdu Grey was less polymorphic than Liaoning Cashmere and Inner Mongolia White Cashmere breeds at this locus. The phylogenetic tree of different species based on the nucleotide sequences of GHR gene exon 10 is generally in agreement with the known species relationship. No significant association was found between the polymorphism revealed and the cashmere traits analyzed in present work.

First Report of Alternaria Brown Spot of Citrus Caused by Alternaria alternata in Yunnan Province, China

Brown spot of citrus is considered a major problem on the fruit of many citrus cultivars grown for fresh markets including tangerines (Citrus reticulata) and their hybrids. It causes lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit and reduces yield and fruit quality (2). In 2003 in southern Wenshan Municipality, Yunnan Province in China, sporadic occurrence of Alternaria brown spot was observed on Tangfang mandarin, a local citrus cultivar identified preliminarily as a kind of mandarin hybrid. From 2006 to 2008, nearly 80% of local orchards were infected with the disease. Fruit symptoms typical of Alternaria brown spot ranging from light brown, slightly depressed spots to circular and dark brown areas were observed. Leaves showed small, brown, circular spots and irregular blighted areas with characteristic yellow halos. Tissues from the margin of fruit spots or infected leaf parts of eight different trees were surface sterilized in 1.5% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and then incubated at 27°C in the dark for 1 week. Dark brown mycelia and pigmented septate conidia with lengths of 10 to 35 μm and widths of 5 to 13 μm were produced. On the basis of conidial morphological characteristics, the pathogen was identified as Alternaria alternata (Fr.:Fr.) Keissl (1). Detached young healthy leaves of 'Minneola' tangelo (C. reticulata × C. paradisi) were sprayed with a conidial suspension of 10⁵ conidia per ml and incubated in a moist chamber at 27°C. A control treatment with an equal number of leaves was sprayed with distilled water only. After 48 h, seven of these isolates caused necrotic lesions on detached leaves, characteristic of the disease, whereas there were no symptoms on leaves of the water control. Pure cultures were recovered on PDA from symptomatic tissues and the morphological characteristics of the conidia closely fit the description of A. alternata, confirming Koch's postulates. Currently, the distribution of Alternaria brown spot of citrus is confined to southern Wenshan Municipality in Yunnan Province where it is a serious disease problem on the most important commercial cultivar in this region. The identification of the pathogen now allows for appropriate field management and control measures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Alternaria brown spot of citrus in China. References: (1) Z. Solel. Plant Pathol. 40:145, 1991. (2) J. O. Whiteside. Plant Dis. Rep. 60:326, 1976.

First Report of Citrus bent leaf viroid and Citrus dwarfing viroid from Citrus in Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistan is among the top 10 citrus-producing countries of the world and the leader in Kinnow mandarin production with production concentrated in the province of Punjab, which produces more than 96% of the total citrus crop. To evaluate the presence and distribution of citrus viroids in this area, 34 samples were collected in September 2008 from citrus orchards in the Sargodha, Bhalwal, and Faisalabad areas of Punjab, including 15 'Mosambi' and two 'Bloodred' sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis), eight 'Kinnow' and four 'Feutrell Early' mandarins (C. reticulata), three 'Jatti Khatti' rough lemon (C. jambhiri), and two grapefruit (C. paradisi), which showed stunting, bark scaling, and cracking symptoms on the rootstock which was either citrange (Poncirus trifoliata × C. sinensis) or sweet lime (C. limetta). Infected budwood from these trees was grafted onto indicator plants of Arizona 861-S-1 'Etrog citron' (C. medica) budded on rough lemon rootstock, and after 3 months, the citron showed typical viroid symptoms of mild epinasty and leaf roll with 23 of the 34 samples. A one-step multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay (3) was used to detect simultaneously Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), Citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd), and Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd). On the basis of amplification of the appropriately sized DNA, CEVd, CBLVd, HSVd, and CDVd were detected in 12, 8, 31, and 17 samples, respectively, whereas CBCVd was not detected. Twenty-three of 34 infected samples harbored more than one viroid species and one had four viroids. Budwood from 11 trees did not induce viroid symptoms on Etrog citron. Two of these trees were infected with CBLVd only and nine with HSVd only. Four primer pairs were used to amplify the full sequences of CEVd, CBLVd, HSVd, and CDVd by RT-PCR (2), which were cloned by standard methods. Sequences of three cDNA clones each of CEVd (Nos. FJ773253, FJ773254, and FJ773255), CBLVd (Nos. FJ773262, FJ773263, and FJ773267), HSVd (Nos. FJ773268, FJ773269, and FJ773271), and CDVd (Nos. FJ773274, FJ773275, and FJ773276) were deposited in GenBank. BLAST analysis showed that these nucleotide sequences had greater than 97% nucleotide identity to the most similar genome sequences in GenBank. One of the HSVd sequences, FJ773271, presented the cachexia determinants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CBLVd and CDVd in Pakistan (1). These results indicate the need for proper indexing of mother trees and a virus-free propagation scheme to create healthy budwood sources in Pakistan. References: (1) M. Arif et al. Pak. J. Bot. 37:407, 2005. (2) L. Bernard and N. Duran-Vila. Mol. Cell. Probes 20:105, 2006. (3) X. F. Wang et al. Eur. J. Plant. Pathol, 124:175, 2009.

Occurrence of Four Citrus Viroids in Chongqing, China

Chongqing Municipality, located in the superior citrus belt of the upper-middle Yangtze River, is one of the most important citrus-producing areas in China. A survey was performed to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of citrus viroids in this area, where Poncirus trifoliata is the main rootstock. From 2002 to 2006, 72 samples of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis), lemons (C. jambhiri), mandarins (C. reticulata), and mandarin hybrids, which showed stunting, bark scaling, and cracking symptoms on the rootstock, were collected and graft inoculated into Arizona 861-S1 Etrog citron (C. medica) on rough lemon rootstock and maintained in a greenhouse at 28 to 32°C. Fifty-one of the seventy-two samples were cultivars imported from abroad, and the remaining samples were all local cultivars. Sixty samples induced symptoms typical of citrus viroids on the Etrog indicator plants. To identify the causal agent(s), a one-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR protocol, using five primer pairs (1) targeting the complete genome sequences, was used to detect Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), Citrus viroid III (CVd-III), and Citrus viroid IV (CVd-IV) (2). All 72 samples were infected by citrus viroids. Sixty-five and thirty-five of the seventy-two samples were positive for HSVd and CVd-III, respectively. CEVd and CBLVd were found, respectively, in 20 and 11 of 72 samples, whereas CVd-IV was not detected. Of 72 samples, 12 without typical symptoms on Etrog citrons were infected by HSVd and CBLVd. Nearly all (70 of 72) infected citrus plants harbored more than one viroid species, and two plants were both infected by CEVd, CBLVd, HSVd, and CVd-III. RT-PCR products were purified and ligated into pGEM T-Easy Vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and three clones for each of the four viroid species were sequenced and deposited in GenBank: CEVd (Accession Nos. EU382202, U382203, and EU382204); CBLVd (Accession Nos. EU382211, EU382212, and EU382213); HSVd (Accession Nos. EU382208, EU382209, and EU382210); and CVd-III (Accession Nos. EU382205, EU382206, and EU382207). BLAST analysis showed that these nucleotide sequences had greater than 94% nucleotide identity to the most similar genome sequences in GenBank. Sweet orange was more frequently infected by viroids than the other citrus cultivars. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CBLVd, HSVd, and CVd-III in Chongqing and the first report of CBLVd in China. The high incidence of citrus viroids in Chongqing necessitates rapid development of a system of propagation and testing to reduce the incidence of viroids and the associated loss of citrus production. References: (1) L. Bernard and N. Duran-Vila. Mol. Cell. Probes 20:105, 2006. (2) K. Z. Tang et al. Acta Hortic. Sin. 32:408, 2005.

Activation of the STAT1 signalling pathway in lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice

Interferons (IFNs), type I (alpha/beta) and type II (gamma), comprise a family of multifunctional cytokines with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulating properties. Both type I and type II IFNs have been heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The biological effects of IFNs are mediated through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in which both IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma activate the transcription factor STAT1. However, little is known about the pathogenic significance of STAT1 in SLE. At this point, we examined the expression and activation of STAT1 in the kidney of MRL/lpr mice with lupus nephritis (LN) by immunohistochemistry, Western botting and real time quantitative RT-PCR. Increased levels of total STAT1 protein and its activated/phosphorylated form were detected in kidney samples from MRL/lpr mice with LN as compared to those from control mice. Phosphorylated STAT1 was predominantly detected in glomeruli cells. Gene expression of the STAT induced feedback inhibitors suppressor of cytokine signalling-1 (SOCS-1) and SOCS-3 was also enhanced in MRL/lpr mice. In MRL/lpr mesangial cells, both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma rapidly induced the phosphorylation of STAT in vitro. Our results demonstrate that expression and activation of STAT1 are significantly increased in murine lupus nephritis, and indicate that STAT1 signalling pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney inflammation.

Runx2 overexpression enhances osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in adipose--derived stem cells in vitro and in vivo

Like bone marrow stromal cells, adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) possess multilineage potential, a capacity for self-renewal and long-term viability. To confirm whether ADSCs represent a promising source of cells for gene-enhanced bone tissue-engineering, the osteogenic potential of ADSCs under the control of certain osteoinductive genes has been evaluated. Runx2, a transcription factor at the downstream end of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways, is essential for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. In this study we used adenovirus vector to deliver Runx2 to ADSCs and then examined the enhancement of osteogenic activity. Overexpression of Runx2 inhibited adipogenesis, as demonstrated by suppression of LPL and PPARgamma expression at the mRNA level and reduced lipid droplet formation. Moreover, ADSCs transduced with Ad-Runx2 underwent rapid and marked osteoblast differentiation as determined by osteoblastic gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition. Additionally, histological examination revealed that implantation of Runx2 modified ADSCs could induce mineral deposition and bone-like tissue formation in vivo. These results confirmed, firstly, the ability of Runx2 to promote osteogenesis and cell differentiation and, secondly, the competence of ADSCs as target cells for bone tissue engineering. Our work demonstrates a potential new approach for bone repair using Runx2-modified ADSCs for bone tissue engineering.

In vitro and in vivo induction of bone formation based on ex vivo gene therapy using rat adipose-derived adult stem cells expressing BMP-7

BACKGROUND

Adipose-derived adult stem (ADAS) cells are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to determine whether BMP-7-expressing ADAS cells would elicit bone formation invitro and in vivo.

METHODS

ADAS cells were harvested from Lewis rats and transduced with adenovirus carrying the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (Ad-BMP-7) gene. Untransduced cells and cells transduced with adenovirus carrying the enhanced green fluorescence protein (Ad-EGFP) gene served as controls. BMP-7 expression was assessed by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence on day 1, and Western blot on days 4, 8 and 12. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assayed on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Osteocalcin production and bone nodule formation were detected by immunohistochemistry and von Kossa stain on day 12. A total of 1 x 10(6) cells mixed with type I collagen were implanted into the subcutaneous pocket in Lewis rat and subjected to histologic analysis 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-implantation.

RESULTS

The Ad-BMP-7-transduced ADAS cells expressed BMP-7 at both mRNA and protein levels. ALP activity was detected in Ad-BMP-7-transduced cells from day 2 to day 12, peaking on day 8. Osteocalcin production and matrix mineralization further confirmed that these cells differentiated into osteoblasts and induced bone formation in vitro. Histologic examination revealed that implantation of BMP-7-expressing ADAS cells could induce new bone formation in vivo.

DISCUSSION

ADAS cells would be a promising source of adult autologous stem cells for BMP gene therapy and tissue engineering.

[Effects of modified SD therapy on Bell's palsy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a modified SD therapy (intravenous high dose hydrocortisone and low molecular dextran) on Bell's palsy(BP), and to avoid the severe side-effects such as hepatic and renal disorders during the treatment.

METHOD

Seventy-one BP patients were treated with modified SD method (modified group), thirty-two BP patients took prednisone (control group), and the curative rates of two therapies were compared, in the meanwhile recorded the side effects in detail.

RESULT

Curative rate in modified group was 95.8% (House-Brakmsnn I-II) and in control group was 81.2% (P < 0.05). In modified group, the curative rate (I grade) in the patients were treated within 24 hours following onset was 75.0%, and the curative rate in other three subgroups were treated within 24-48 hours, 2-3 day and 3-5 day following onset was 43.8%, 26.7%, 18.8% respectively. Modified group had not shown hepatic and renal disorders or gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Modified SD method may increase recoverable rate and can avoid significant side effects for BP, and emphasizes the importance of the administration of SD therapy in the early stage of the disease.

Secretion of ferritin by rat hepatoma cells and its regulation by inflammatory cytokines and iron

The possibility that serum ferritin is a secreted protein and an acute phase reactant regulated by inflammatory hormones and iron was examined in a hepatic cell line that secretes plasma proteins. Differentiated rat hepatoma cells released albumin and ferritin into the medium, as determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and isolation of ferritin by standard procedures plus immunoaffinity chromatography, following labeling with radioactive amino acid. Administration of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) doubled the amounts of ferritin released into the medium over 24 and 48 hours. Together, the cytokines had more than an additive effect. Albumin secretion was diminished by IL-1, but not TNF. Iron, administered as an iron dextran complex or as a 1:1 chelate with nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA), also enhanced ferritin release, but had no effect on albumin. Intracellular ferritin concentrations did not change significantly with cytokine treatment, but increased in response to iron. With or without treatments, release of ferritin and albumin from cells into the medium was inhibited by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of Golgi function. The effect of each of the cytokines and of iron on ferritin and albumin was also blocked by dichlorofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB), an inhibitor of transcription. The stimulatory effect of Fe-NTA on ferritin secretion was diminished by TNF, and this was partially counteracted by IL-1, indicating additional regulatory complexity. These results show for the first time that hepatic cells secrete ferritin, that this ferritin secretion is regulated by iron and inflammatory cytokines, and that the mechanisms of regulation differ from those for intracellular ferritin. The results would explain why serum ferritin increases in inflammation or when iron flux is enhanced.