Aging and comprehensive molecular profiling in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aging-related and heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy. In this study, a total of 1,474 newly diagnosed AML patients with RNA sequencing data were enrolled, and targeted or whole exome sequencing data were obtained in 94% cases. The correlation of aging-related factors including age and clonal hematopoiesis (CH), gender, and genomic/transcriptomic profiles (gene fusions, genetic mutations, and gene expression networks or pathways) was systematically analyzed. Overall, AML patients aged 60 y and older showed an apparently dismal prognosis. Alongside age, the frequency of gene fusions defined in the World Health Organization classification decreased, while the positive rate of gene mutations, especially CH-related ones, increased. Additionally, the number of genetic mutations was higher in gene fusion-negative (GF-) patients than those with GF. Based on the status of CH- and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)-related mutations, three mutant subgroups were identified among the GF- AML cohort, namely, CH-AML, CH-MDS-AML, and other GF- AML. Notably, CH-MDS-AML demonstrated a predominance of elderly and male cases, cytopenia, and significantly adverse clinical outcomes. Besides, gene expression networks including HOXA/B, platelet factors, and inflammatory responses were most striking features associated with aging and poor prognosis in AML. Our work has thus unraveled the intricate regulatory circuitry of interactions among different age, gender, and molecular groups of AML.

Insights into Advanced Neurological Dysfunction Mechanisms Following DBS Surgery in Parkinson's Patients: Neuroinflammation and Pyroptosis

Parkinson's disease is a severe neurodegenerative disorder. Currently, deep brain electrical stimulation (DBS) is the first line of surgical treatment. However, serious neurological impairments such as speech disorders, disturbances of consciousness, and depression after surgery limit the efficacy of treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent experimental and clinical studies that have explored the possible causes of neurological deficits after DBS. Furthermore, we tried to identify clues from oxidative stress and pathological changes in patients that could lead to the activation of microglia and astrocytes in DBS surgical injury. Notably, reliable evidence supports the idea that neuroinflammation is caused by microglia and astrocytes, which may contribute to caspase-1 pathway-mediated neuronal pyroptosis. Finally, existing drugs and treatments may partially ameliorate the loss of neurological function in patients following DBS surgery by exerting neuroprotective effects.

Pediatric hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with liver damage, portal vein, splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein thromboses: a case report

BACKGROUND

The hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a group of rare blood disorders characterized by persistent eosinophilia and damage to multiple organs. HES can be either primary, secondary or idiopathic. Secondary HES are commonly caused by parasitic infections, allergic reactions or cancer. We described a pediatric case of HES associated with liver damage and multiple thrombi. A 12-year-old boy with eosinophilia was complicated with severe thrombocytopenia, liver damage, portal vein, splenic vein, and superior mesenteric vein thromboses. The thrombi recanalized after treatment with methylprednisolone succinate and low molecular weight heparin. No side effects appeared after 1-month.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids should be used at an early stage of HES to prevent further damage to vital organs. Anticoagulants should be recommended only in cases with thrombosis which should be actively screened as a part of evaluation of end organ damage.

[Preliminary study on the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on neurobehavior and gut microbiota of offspring rats exposed to arsenic]

Objective: To explore the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on neurobehavior and gut microbiota of arsenic-exposed offspring rats. Methods: In April 2021, Thirty-six SPF SD rats aged 8 weeks were seleted, rats were ranked by weight and divided into four groups according to randomized block design, namely control group, arsenic exposure group (As group) , arsenic+normal saline group (As+NaCl group) and As+FMT group, 6 females and 3 males in each group. Fecal microbiota fluid were provided by feces of rats in control group. Rats drank tap water containing 75 mg/L sodium arsenite for one week and then were caged together. The arsenic exposure was terminated until the pups were born. Female rats with vaginal plug were treated with fecal microbiota fluid via gavage during neurodevelopmental teratogenic window period. The volume of gavage was 1 ml/100 g with once every two days, for a total of three times. Weight alterations of offspring rats were recorded every week after weaning, and when offspring rats grew up for 6 weeks, Morris test and open field experiment was used to observe learning and memory abilities, as well as neurobehavioral performance of autonomous exploration and tension, respectively. 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to detect microbiota diversities in fecal samples of rats in As group and As+FMT group. Results: Compared with the control group, the ratio of swimming distance and staying time in the target quadrant and the times of crossing the platform of rats in As group decreased significantly, and the motor distance, times entering central zone and the number of grid crossing of rats decreased significantly (P<0.05) . Compared with As group, the ratio of swimming distance in target quadrant, the motor distance in central zone and times entering central zone of rats in As+FMT group were evidently increased (P<0.05) . The analysis of fecal microbiota diversities showed that, at the phyla level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in feces of rats in As+FMT group was higher than that in As group (68.34% vs 60.55%) , while the relative abundance of Firmicutes was lower than that in As group (28.02% vs 33.48%) . At the genus level, the relative abundance of Prevotella in As+FMT group was significantly higher than that in As group, becoming the dominant genus (42.08% vs 21.78%) . Additionally, compared with As group, a total of 22 genus were increased with 21 decreased genus in As+FMT group (P<0.05) . LEfSe analysis showed that dominant genuses in As+FMT group were Prevotella and UCG_005, and their relative abundance was significantly higher than that of As group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: FMT may alleviate the impaired learning and memory ability and anxiety like behavior of the offspring rats exposed to arsenic, and improve the disrupted gut microbiota.

What is responsible for acute myocardial infarction in combination with aplastic anemia? A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Aplastic anemia (AA) complicated with myocardial infarction (MI) is rare and associated with poor prognosis. Here, we present a case of AA with recurrent acute MI (AMI) in a patient treated with cyclosporine A (CsA) and stanozolol. In this patient, we suspect the long-term use of medication linked to platelets hyperfunction.

CASE SUMMARY

In 2017, a 45-year-old man was rushed to the emergency department of China-Japan Union Hospital due to precordial pain for 5 h. Based on his symptoms, medical history, blood tests, and findings from coronary angiography (CAG), the patient was diagnosed with acute anterior wall, ST-segment elevated MI, Killip II grade, AA, and dyslipidemia. In 2021, the patient was readmitted to the hospital for 2 h due to chest pain. Because the patient’s platelet count was 30 × 10⁹/L and he had severe thrombocytopenia, we performed CAG following platelet transfusion. Optical coherence tomography revealed lipid plaque and thrombus mass in his right coronary artery. The antithrombotic approach was adjusted to employ only anticoagulants (factor Xa inhibitors) and adenosine diphosphate inhibitors (clopidogrel) after assessing the risk of bleeding/thrombotic events. Long-term follow-up revealed that the patient had made a good recovery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AA should be closely monitored for the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events, particularly when taking stanozolol or CsA for an extended period of time.

Species diversity, phylogeny, endemism and geography of the truffle genus Tuber in China based on morphological and molecular data

The genus Tuber (Tuberaceae, Pezizales) is an important fungal group of Ascomycota both economically and ecologically. However, the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and geographic distribution of Tuber species in China remains poorly understood, primarily because descriptions of many new species relied heavily on morphological features with molecular data either not sought or ignored. The misapplication of European and North American names further added to confusion regarding the taxonomy of Chinese Tuber species. In this study, we examined more than 1 000 specimens from China, and performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for Chinese Tuber species using ITS sequences and multilocus sequence data. To infer the phylogeny of Chinese Tuber spp., 11 molecular datasets were assembled, including a concatenated internal transcribed spacers of the nuc rDNA (ITS), nuc rDNA 28S subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) dataset as well as 10 ITS datasets (totally including 1 435 sequences from 828 collections with 597 newly generated sequences, and 168 sequences from the types of 63 species). Our phylogenetic tree based on a concatenated multilocus dataset revealed that all Chinese Tuber species nested in nine phylogenetic clades (phylogroups), including Aestivum, Excavatum, Latisporum, Macrosporum, Maculatum, Melanosporum, Puberulum, Rufum and Turmericum. Of these, five phylogroups (Macrosporum, Maculatum, Melanosporum, Puberulum and Rufum) are shared across the continents of Asia, Europe and North America; two phylogroups (Aestivum and Excavatum) are shared by Europe and Asia; and the phylogroups Turmericum and Latisporum are endemic only to Asia. Phylogenetic trees based on 10 ITS datasets confirmed the presence of at least 82 phylogenetic species in China. Of these, 53 are identified as known species, including three new records for China, and 25 species are identified as new to science. Of the new species, nine are described and illustrated in this paper, and the others remain unnamed due to the paucity or absence of ascomatal materials. Accordingly, the confirmed, excluded and doubtful Tuber species in China are discussed. Tuber species showed high endemism. Of the 82 phylogenetic species found in China, 68 species occur only in China, six species are also found in other regions in Asia, and only eight species (T. anniae, T. excelsum-reticulatum, T. formosanum, T. maculatum, T. wenchuanense, Tuber sp. CHN-3, Tuber sp. CHN-10 and Tuber sp. CHN-11) are shared with other continents. Most Tuber species have a small and limited distribution in China, but a few, such as T. formosanum and T. parvomurphium, are widely distributed across China. Some phylogenetically closely related species, such as T. liaotongense and T. subglobosum, as well as T. xuanhuaense and T. lijiangense, show a pattern of allopatric distribution.

[Multicenter retrospective study of 38 cases with fumarate hydratase deficiency uterine leiomyoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of fumarate hydratase (FH) deficiency uterine leiomyoma. Methods: The data of 38 patients with FH deficiency uterine leiomyoma were screened and analyzed. The expressions of FH, S-(2-succino)-cysteine (2SC), desmin, p16, p53, CD₁₀ and cell proliferation associated nuclear antigen (Ki-67) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry, and their clinicopathological features were analyzed retrospectively. Results: (1) Clinical features: the median age of the patients was (42.5±7.4) years old. Twenty-one cases (55%) of them were myomas found in physical examination, and the median maximum diameter of the tumor was 6.0 cm (range: 5.0-7.5 cm); myomectomy was performed in 23 cases (61%), total hysterectomy with or without bilateral appendages in 15 cases (39%); laparoscopic surgery in 27 cases (71%), open surgery in 11 cases (29%); none of the patients had renal cell carcinoma. (2) Histological features: atypical nuclear cells were distributed locally or diffusely, eosinophilic nucleoli and intranuclear inclusion bodies could be seen, glass like globules could be seen in the cytoplasm, nuclear division was 0-4/10 high power field (HPF), and antler like blood vessels and pulmonary edema-like changes could be seen in the stroma. Among 38 patients with FH deficiency uterine leiomyoma, FH was negative in 37 cases (97%), and positive in 1 case (3%); 2SC, desmin, p16, p53, CD₁₀ and Ki-67 showed focal positive expression in 38 cases (100%), including 35 cases (92%) with Ki-67 index<10% and 3 cases (8%) with Ki-67 index ≥10%. (3) Follow-up: 4 cases (11%) recurred, and there was no death. There were significant differences in age, family history, distribution of atypical nuclei and mitosis number between recurrent group and non-recurrent group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: FH deficiency uterine leiomyoma is a rare tumor, which needs pathological examination,immunohistochemical examination and clinical history. Patients younger than 43 years old, with family history, histologically atypical diffuse nuclear distribution and mitotic number ≥3/10 HPF should be alert to the risk of recurrence.

[Personalized therapy for Helicobacter pylori on initial treatment: the initial treatment is the decisive battle]

As widespread eradication treatment continues, the rate of (Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is increasing. Together with host CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms, H. pylori coccoid transformation, patient compliance, irregular treatment regimens or empirical repeated eradication therapy by physician, H. pylori eradication rates have gradually decreased. Personalized treatment is an effective measure to achieve successful eradication of H. pylori in the initial treatment. With the first approval of molecular diagnostic kit for H. pylori clarithromycin resistance in China and the updated definition of refractory H. pylori infection by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the personalized treatment of H. pylori guided by antibiotic resistance genotype detection in initial treatment, that follows the latest international consensus and guidelines, conforms to the national situation and surpasses the international standards, has come to the forefront.

Peplau’s interpersonal relationship theory combined with bladder function training on patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a major disease impacting men’s health worldwide. Peplau, who is known as “the mother of psychiatric society,” developed an interpersonal relationship theory for nursing. Implementation of this theory in practice has been shown to positively impact patients’ quality of life and reduce adverse symptoms after surgery.

AIM

To investigate the effects of a nursing model based on Peplau’s interpersonal relationship theory combined with bladder function training on patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with prostate cancer who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) participated in this study. These patients were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University or Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University between January 2020 and April 2021. Patients were randomized into either the Peplau nursing group (n = 44) or a routine nursing group (n = 45). The routine nursing group received routine care and bladder function training, while the Peplau care group received care that integrated concepts from the Peplau interpersonal relationship theory as well as bladder function training. The urinary incontinence symptoms of the two groups were recorded, and the respective International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) scores, and quality of life (QOL) scores for each group were compared before and after three months of nursing intervention.

RESULTS

During the intervention period, the duration of urinary incontinence, frequency, number and amount of urinary incontinence were significantly greater in the routine nursing group compared to the Peplau care group (P < 0.05). The indicators of the routine nursing group were 7.13 ± 2.42 days, 8.23 ± 2.75 times, and 1.24 ± 0.42 L, while those of the Peplau care group were 4.74 ± 1.85 d, 4.21 ± 1.26 times, and 0.56 ± 0.11 L, respectively. After three months of intervention, the mean IPSS score of the routine nursing group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the mean FACIT-Sp and QOL scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The mean IPSS score in the Peplau nursing group was significantly lower compared to the routine nursing group, while the FACIT-Sp and QOL scores were higher (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A nursing model based on Peplau’s interpersonal relationship theory combined with bladder function training can significantly improve prostate function and urinary symptoms, resulting in the restoration of physiological function and improvement in the QOL of patients with prostate cancer following TURP.

The rice germin-like protein OsGLP1 participates in acclimation to UV-B radiation

Exposure to ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) stress can have serious effects on the growth and development of plants. Germin-like proteins (GLPs) may be involved in different abiotic and biotic stress responses in different plants, but little is known about the role of GLPs in UV-B stress response and acclimation in plants. In the present study, knockout of GLP 8-14 (OsGLP1) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system resulted in mutant rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants (herein called glp1) that exhibited UV-B-dependent formation of lesion mimic in leaves. Moreover, glp1 grown under solar radiation (including UV-B) showed decreased plant height and increased leaf angle, but we observed no significant differences in phenotypes between wild-type (WT) plants and glp1 grown under artificial light lacking UV-B. Fv/Fm, Y (II) and the expression of many genes, based on RNA-seq analysis, related to photosynthesis were also only reduced in glp1, but not in WT, after transfer from a growth cabinet illuminated with artificial white light lacking UV-B to growth under natural sunlight. The genes-associated with flavonoid metabolism as well as UV resistance locus 8 (OsUVR8), phytochrome interacting factor-like 15-like (OsPIF3), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate synthase subunit PDX1.2 (OsPDX1.2), deoxyribodipyrimidine photolyase (OsPHR), and deoxyribodipyrimidine photolyase family protein-like (OsPHRL) exhibited lower expression levels, while higher expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase 5-like (OsMPK3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 13-like (OsMPK13), and transcription factor MYB4-like (OsMYB4) were observed in glp1 than in WT after transfer from a growth cabinet illuminated with artificial white light to growth under natural sunlight. Therefore, mutations in OsGLP1 resulted in rice plants more sensitive to UV-B and reduced expression of some genes for UV-B protection, suggesting that OsGLP1 is involved in acclimation to UV-B radiation.

Insight into the role of p62 in the cisplatin resistant mechanisms of ovarian cancer

Cisplatin is a platinum-based first-line drug for treating ovarian cancer. However, chemotherapy tolerance has limited the efficacy of cisplatin for ovarian cancer patients. Research has demonstrated that cisplatin causes changes in cell survival and death signaling pathways through its interaction with macromolecules and organelles, which indicates that investigation into the DNA off-target effects of cisplatin may provide critical insights into the mechanisms underlying drug resistance. The multifunctional protein p62 works as a signaling hub in the regulation of pro-survival transcriptional factors NF-κB and Nrf2 and connects autophagy and apoptotic signals, which play important roles in maintaining cell homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the role of p62 in cisplatin resistance by exploring p62-associated signaling pathways based on current studies and our work. Insights into these resistance mechanisms may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer by targeting p62.

[Research progress on current situation and preventive measures for the narcotic and psychotropic drugs abuse in the elderly]

Both narcotic and psychotropic drugs are more often used to alleviate related multiple physical or mental health problems, but these drugs are very easily addicted to. With the aging of population, abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs among the elderly are called for more attention. In this paper, harms caused by the abuse of anesthetic and psychotropic drugs, current situation and causes related to the abuse of anesthetic and psychotropic drugs as well as risk factors and preventive measures regarding the abuse of anesthetic and psychotropic drugs, among the elderly, are reviewed.

The LINC00365/SCGB2A1 (Mammaglobin B) Axis Down-Regulates NF-κB Signaling and Is Associated with the Progression of Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE

A lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets has led to poor prognosis for gastric cancer patients. However, the analysis of cancer-associated genomic data has been shown to be effective in identifying potential markers. Recently, the long non-coding RNA LINC00365 and SCGB2A1 gene (as known as mammaglobin B) were predicted to be co-expressed in gastric cancer based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database. However, their precise role in gastric cancer tumors is still not clear.

METHODS

The expressions of LINC00365 and SCGB2A1 in gastric cancer tissues were investigated using qPCR and their expressions were detected in a gastric cancer tissue microarray by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining. The functions of LINC00365 in BGC-823 and MGC-803 gastric cancer cells were tested using the MTT assay, flow cytometry, colony formation assay, EDU staining, immunofluorescence and luciferase assay.

RESULTS

We found that LINC00365 and SCGB2A1 mRNA were both expressed at low levels in 30 cases of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer tissue microarray analysis indicated that LINC00365 and SCGB2A1 were expressed at low levels in tumor tissue, and low expression of both factors correlated with shorter survival time. Functional studies showed that LINC00365 overexpression significantly inhibited gastric cancer cell viability through the impairment of proliferation rather than the promotion of apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpressed LINC00365 upregulated SCGB2A1 in gastric cancer cell lines. Immuno-fluorescence and luciferase assay analysis indicated that LINC00365 overexpression inhibited the NF-κB pro-survival signaling pathway. Consistent with the effects of LINC00365, SCGB2A1 upregulation also reduced cell survival and inactivated NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings revealed that SCGB2A1 may be the target coding protein regulated by LINC00365 in gastric cancer. LINC00365 and SCGB2A1 may function as tumor suppressors and may serve as potential prognostic and therapeutic markers in gastric cancer treatment.

p62 Suppressed VK3-induced Oxidative Damage Through Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway In Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Imbalance of redox homeostasis may be responsible for the resistance of cancer to chemotherapy. Currently, increasing studies demonstrated that vitamin K3 (VK3), which promoted the production of ROS, had potential to be developed as an anti-tumor agent. We found SKOV3/DDP cells with high levels of p62 were insensitive to VK3 compared with SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, Nrf2 downstream antioxidant genes such as HO-1(heme oxygenase 1) and NQO1 (NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase 1) were upregulated in SKOV3/DDP cells with VK3 treatment, which indicated VK3 activated Nrf2 signaling in SKOV3/DDP cells. Moreover, co-localization of p62 and Keap1 was also observed. Suppression of p62 expression increased the apoptosis induced by VK3, and the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were all downregulated in SKOV3/DDP cells. Our results suggested that overexpressed p62 may protect cells from oxidative damage caused by VK3 through activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in ovarian cancer.

[The prevalence of snoring and its related family factors of children from 3 to 14 years old in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the snoring status and related family factors of children from 3 to 14 years old in Beijing. Methods: From May to July, 2015, data of children from 3 to 14 years old were obtained from a status survey from 7 districts(Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou) in Beijing. A total of 11 420 children from 25 primary and middle schools were randomly selected. Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and a self-administered questionnaire were carried out for the adopted children. Self-administered questionnaire included the snoring related family factors. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odd ratio(OR) with 95% confidence intervals for variables. Results: A total of 9 198 children meet the inclusion criteria and are analyzed in the study, of whom 901 (9.80%) were found with snoring behavior. The incidence of boys is higher than girls. Obese children take higher risk of snoring. Compared with younger children (≤6 years old), older children (≥12 years old) have a significantly lower risk of snoring (OR=0.464, 95%CI 0.368-0.585). There is no statistical association between full-term infants, infant feeding pattern, parental cigarette smoking and child snoring.The children with family history of snoring have a significantly higher risk of snoring occurrence. The educational background of mother is statistically related to children snoring (OR=1.241, 95%CI 1.058-1.457). Conclusions: The incidence of children snoring in Beijing is 9.80%, male gender, obesity, and young age are all risk factors for children snoring. There is a significantly statistical relationship between snoring and related family factors, such as family snoring history and education experience.

P573Effects of mobile text messaging on glycemic control in patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Mobile health interventions hold the prospect to support risk factor and lifestyle modification and are readily scalable in healthcare systems.

Purpose

We aim to assess whether text messaging program can improve glycemic control in high-risk patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

The study was a multi-centre randomised clinical trial conducted at 34 clinics in China. 502 individuals with both CHD and DM were recruited and randomly assigned to either the text messaging intervention (n=251) or control group (n=251). The control group received 2 thank-you messages per month in addition to usual care. The intervention group received 6 messages per week for 6 months. Messages provided educational and motivational information related to glucose monitoring, BP control, physical activity and lifestyle recommendations. The primary outcome was change in glycemic hemoglobin (HbA1C) from baseline to 6 months.

Results

Follow-up rate was 99%. At 6 months, HbA1C was significantly lower in intervention group compared to control group (mean HbA1C 6.7% vs. 7.2%, P<0.001), with a mean change of −0.2% and 0.1% from baseline, respectively (mean absolute change −0.3% [95% CI −0.5 to 0.1]; P=0.003). Significantly more participants in intervention group achieved a HbA1c<7% (69.3% vs. 52.6%; P=0.004), and change in FBG was larger in intervention group (−0.5 vs. 0.1 mmol/L; P=0.011). No differences in SBP, LDL-C, BMI and physical activity were observed. Almost all patients reported messages to be easy to understand (97.1%) and useful (94.1%).

Table 1. Primary and Secondary Outcomes Analyses at 6 Month Follow-up Parameter Intervention (N=251) Control (N=251) Mean Difference in Change P value for Baseline 6 Months Mean Change Baseline 6 Months Mean Change (95% CI) Difference in Change Primary Outcome HbA1C level, %, mean (SD) 6.9 (1.4) 6.7 (1.3) −0.2 (1.0) 7.1 (1.4) 7.2 (1.5) 0.1 (1.1) −0.3 (−0.5, −0.1) 0.003 Secondary Outcomes HbA1C level<7%, No. (%) 155 (62.0%) 174 (69.3%) – 139 (56.1%) 132 (52.6%) – 1.2 (1.1, 1.3)a 0.004   FBG, mmol/L, mean (SD) 8.1 (2.7) 7.5 (2.7) −0.5 (2.5) 8.5 (3.0) 8.6 (3.3) 0.1 (3.1) −0.6 (−1.1, −0.2) 0.011   SBP, mmHg, mean (SD) 135.9 (18.4) 134.7 (18.7) −1.4 (17.1) 135.9 (18.1) 132.2 (17.7) −3.5 (17.8) 2.4 (−0.8,5.5) 0.144   LDL-C, mmol/L, mean (SD) 2.6 (0.8) 2.5 (0.7) −0.1 (0.7) 2.6 (0.8) 2.5 (0.8) −0.1 (0.7) 0 (−0.1, 0.1) 0.828   BMI, mean (SD) 26.4 (3.2) 26.3 (3.5) −0.1 (2.1) 26.3 (3.2) 26.0 (3.4) −0.4 (2.5) 0.3 (−0.1, 0.7) 0.213   Physical activity (MET min/wk), 1386 1386 177 1386 1386 322 −70.7 0.784     median (IQR) (693–3066) (918–3612) (2840) (693–3066) (693–3002) (2635) (−574.9, 433.5)

Conclusion

Use of a simple, culturally sensitive mobile text-messaging program could be an effective and scalable way to improve disease self-management among patients with CHD and DM.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Research Special Fund for Public Welfare Industry of Health (201502009) from the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China

[Analysis of sleep quality and related factors among children in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the sleep quality of children in Beijing and to analyze the related factors. Methods: The data were collected from the survey of 3-14 years old children in 7 urban districts of Beijing in 2015. By using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 26 kindergartens and primary and secondary schools in 7 districts and counties, including Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou, were randomly selected, with a total of 11 420 children. Children's sleep status was investigated with Children's Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and the proportion of children with sleep quality problems when the PSQ score was greater than 7. Various sleep related factors were investigated with self-made questionnaire. A multilevel model was used to analyze the relationship between PSQ score and related factors. Results: The average PSQ score of the children was 3.60±2.69. The proportion of children with sleep quality problems was 8.87%(816/9 198). Multilevel model analysis showed that the younger the children, the higher the PSQ score (<6 years old vs. 6~12 years old vs. >12 years old: 3.94±2.58 vs. 3.58±2.66 vs. 3.30±2.84, F=33.015, P<0.001); male PSQ score higher than female (3.89±2.75 vs. 3.30±2.60, t=10.560, P<0.001); and snoring, obesity, father/mother snoring, playing games before bed, surfing the internet, eating and other factors were statistically related to PSQ. Conclusions: Sleep quality of children in Beijing should not be neglected, especially preschool children with high PSQ scores. Parents should pay attention to children's snoring problems and try to reduce some pre-sleep behaviors that may affect sleep quality.

[Analysis of food water sources of college students from Hebei Province in spring]

Objective: To investigate the food source of water of college students from Hebei Province in spring. Methods: In March 2017, the subjects were recruited in a college in Baoding, Hebei Province. 156 students completed the investigation. All foods were collected for 3 consecutive days using duplicate portion study combined with weighing method to test the water content of various foods. To analyze the water content of the food and calculate the proportion to the total amount of food water intake, the edible parts of each meal were divided into staple food, dishes, porridge, soup and snacks. Body mass index (BMI) was grouped according to quartiles, and the differences in food intake and food water sources among subjects of different genders and BMI were compared. Results: The age of subjects was (19.8±1.1) years old, including 80 male students. The median intake of staple food, dishes, porridge, soup and snacks per day was 562 g, 743 g, 111 g, 102 g and 0 g, respectively. The median intake of water from staple food, dishes, porridge, soup and snacks per day was 301 ml/d, 620 ml/d, 97 ml/d, 93 ml/d and 0 ml/d, respectively. The median ratio of water intake to total food water intake of staple food, dishes, porridge, soup and snacks was 27%, 53%, 8%, 8% and 0%, respectively. The median intake of water from staple food and dishes in male students was significantly higher than that of female students (P<0.05). The amount of water intake from porridge of female students was significantly higher than that of male students (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the water intake from soup and snacks between different genders. There was no significant difference in food intake and food water sources among college students with different BMI (P>0.05). Conclusion: The food source of water of college students from Hebei Province in spring is mainly based on dishes and staple foods. The food source of water for boys and girls is different.

Zinc cooperates with p53 to inhibit the activity of mitochondrial aconitase through reactive oxygen species accumulation

Metabolic reprogramming is a central hallmark of cancer. Therefore, targeting metabolism may provide an effective strategy for identifying promising drug targets for cancer treatment. In prostate cancer, cells undergo metabolic transformation from zinc‐accumulating, citrate‐producing cells to citrate‐oxidizing malignant cells with lower zinc levels and higher mitochondrial aconitase (ACO2) activity. ACO2 is a Krebs cycle enzyme that converts citrate to isocitrate and is sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated damage. In this study, we found that the expression of ACO2 is positively correlated with the malignancy of prostate cancer. Both zinc and p53 can lead to an increase in ROS. ACO2 can be a target for remodeling metabolism by sensing changes in the ROS levels of prostate cancer. Our results indicate that targeting ACO2 through zinc and p53 can change prostate cancer metabolism, and thus provides a potential new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

[The total fluids intake among young adults from Hebei Province in spring]

Objectives: To investigate the total fluids intake among college students in spring from Hebei. Methods: In March 2017, the subjects were recruited in a college in Baoding, Hebei Province. 156 students completed the investigation. Total drinking fluids was assessed by 7-day 24-hour fluid intake questionnaire, with a quantitative tool. The water from food was assessed by duplicate portion method. The sources of total fluids intake among subjects were analysed. Results: The age of subjects was (19.8±1.1) years old, including 80 male students. The median amounts of total fluids intake, total drinking fluids and water from food were 2 324, 1 135 and 1 174 ml, respectively. The proportions of total drinking fluids and water from food in total fluids intake were 51%±9% and 49%±10%. Only 19.9% (n=31) and 18.6% (n=29) of college students had adequate total fluids intake and total drinking fluids, according to the recommendation of China. The median amounts of total fluids intake, total drinking fluids and water from food were 3 210, 1 860 and 1 093 ml/d, respectively. The proportion of total drinking fluids in total fluids intake was 61%±7%, which were all higher than those who did not reach the recommended intake (2 158, 1 000, 1 149 ml/d; drinking fluids accounting for 46%±8% of total fluids intake) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The amounts of total fluids intake and total drinking fluids of college students in Hebei Province are lower than the recommended intake in China. The contributions of total drinking fluids and water from food to total fluids intake were nearly same.

p62 aggregates mediated Caspase 8 activation is responsible for progression of ovarian cancer

Increasing evidence suggests that p62/SQSTM1 functions as a signalling centre in cancer. However, the role of p62 in tumour development depends on the interacting factors it recruits and its precise regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the pro‐death signalling recruitment of p62 with the goal of improving anti‐tumour drug effects in ovarian cancer treatment. We found that p62 with Caspase 8 high expression is correlated with longer survival time compared with cases of low Caspase 8 expression in ovarian cancer. In vivo experiments suggested that insoluble p62 and ubiquitinated protein accumulation induced by autophagy impairment promoted the activation of Caspase 8 and increased cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Furthermore, p62 functional domain UBA and LIR mutants regulated autophagic flux and attenuated Caspase 8 activation, which indicates that autophagic degradation is involved in p62‐mediated activation of Caspase 8 in ovarian cancer cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates that p62 promotes Caspase 8 activation through autophagy flux blockage with cisplatin treatment. We have provided evidence that autophagy induction followed by its blockade increases cell sensitivity to chemotherapy which is dependent on p62‐Caspase 8 mediated apoptosis signalling. p62 exhibits pro‐death functions through its interaction with Caspase 8. p62 and Caspase 8 may become novel prognostic biomarkers and oncotargets for ovarian cancer treatment.

[The prevalence of snoring and its association with academic performance among school-aged children in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the snoring status of school-aged children in Beijing and explore the association of snoring and academic performance. Methods: A total of 7 925 children aged from 6 to 14 were selected from 15 primary and middle schools at 7 districts (Xicheng, Chaoyang, Changping, Shunyi, Fangshan, Huairou and Mentougou) in Beijing in 2015, using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. The recruited children were asked to complete the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and a questionnaire related to sleep behavior. The multiplelogistic regression was used to analyze the association of snoring and academic performance. Results: A total of 794 (12.44%) children showed a decline in academic performance among 6 383 eligible respondentsfor data analysis. 580 (9.08%) children with snoring was identified, of which 333 and 247 were in frequency of 1-2 times per week and frequency of ≥3 times per week, respectively; 357, 170 and 53 were in snoring grade Ⅰ, grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ, respectively. Compared with the children without snoring, the OR (95%CI) for children with 1-2 times per week and ≥3 times per week was 1.363 (1.000-1.857) and 1.605 (1.135-2.269), respectively; and the OR (95%CI) for children with grade Ⅰ, grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ of snoring was 1.226 (0.893-1.683), 1.595 (1.062-2.397) and 2.31 (1.17-4.565), respectively. Conclusion: There is a statistical relationship between snoring and the decline of academic performance. The decline of academic performance positively associated with increased frequency and grade of snoring.

Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Dual-Plating Fixation for Femoral Shaft Fractures in Patients with Multiple Injuries: A Retrospective Comparative Study

PURPOSE

Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a popular method in the management of femoral shaft fractures (FSFs). However, whether the association of IMN with pulmonary fat emboli can compromise the pulmonary and nervous systems is debatable. The purpose of this study is to compare IMN with the locked dual plating (LDP) method by assessing the clinical outcomes of FSF patients with head or chest injury.

METHOD

A total of 126 FSF patients were included in this study between January 2010 and July 2016 and divided into LDP and IMN groups. Patient demographic characteristics, operative time, blood loss, Harris Hip Score, Lysholm Knee Score, radiological outcomes, and systemic complications were collected and compared between the two treatment groups. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months.

RESULTS

The LDP group performed better than IMN in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss amount, and malunion rate. Differences in function scores, fracture union rate, overall pulmonary complication rate, and in-hospital mortality between the two groups were not significant. Average radiographic union time was significantly longer in the LDP group (36.3 weeks) than in the IMN group (32.5 weeks). One case of fixation failure occurred postoperatively in the LDP group, whereas one case of fracture nonunion took place in the IMN group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that dual-plating fixation is a promising method for FSFs with multiple injuries. However, the retrospective nature of this study necessitates high-quality trials to be performed to assess the clinical efficiency of dual plating.

p62/SQSTM1 as an oncotarget mediates cisplatin resistance through activating RIP1-NF-κB pathway in human ovarian cancer cells

Platinum‐based therapeutic strategies have been widely used in ovarian cancer treatment. However, drug resistance has greatly limited therapeutic efficacy. Recently, tolerance to cisplatin has been attributed to other factors unrelated to DNA. p62 (also known as SQSTM1) functions as a multifunctional hub participating in tumorigenesis and may be a therapeutic target. Our previous study showed that p62 was overexpressed in drug‐resistant ovarian epithelial carcinoma and its inhibition increased the sensitivity to cisplatin. In this study, we demonstrate that the activity of the NF‐κB signaling pathway and K63‐linked ubiquitination of RIP1 was higher in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian (SKOV3/DDP) cells compared with parental cells. In addition, cisplatin resistance could be reversed by inhibiting the expression of p62 using siRNA. Furthermore, deletion of the ZZ domain of p62 that interacts with RIP1 in SKOV3 cells markedly decreased K63‐linked ubiquitination of RIP1 and inhibited the activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Moreover, loss of the ZZ domain from p62 led to poor proliferative capacity and high levels of apoptosis in SKOV3 cells and made them more sensitive to cisplatin treatment. Collectively, we provide evidence that p62 is implicated in the activation of NF‐κB signaling that is partly dependent on RIP1. p62 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis thus mediating drug resistance in ovarian cancer cells.

SIRT3 participates in glucose metabolism interruption and apoptosis induced by BH3 mimetic S1 in ovarian cancer cells

The Bcl-2 antiapoptotic proteins are important cancer therapy targets; however, their role in cancer cell metabolism remains unclear. We found that the BH3-only protein mimetic S1, a novel pan Bcl-2 inhibitor, simultaneously interrupted glucose metabolism and induced apoptosis in human SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, which was related to the activation of SIRT3, a stress-responsive deacetylase. S1 interrupted the cellular glucose metabolism mainly through causing damage to mitochondrial respiration and inhibiting glycolysis. Moreover, S1 upregulated the gene and protein expression of SIRT3, and induced the translocation of SIRT3 from the nucleus to mitochondria. SIRT3 silencing reversed the effects of S1 on glucose metabolism and apoptosis through increasing the level of HK-II localized to the mitochondria, while a combination of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG and S1 intensified the cytotoxicity through further upregulation of SIRT3 expression. This study underscores an essential role of SIRT3 in the antitumor effect of Bcl-2 inhibitors in human ovarian cancer through regulating both metabolism and apoptosis. The manipulation of Bcl-2 inhibitors combined with the use of classic glycolysis inhibitors may be rational strategies to improve ovarian cancer therapy.

Reactivity of patients with maintenance hemodialysis to erythropoietin in the treatment of renal anemia

To explore the reactivity of patients with renal anemia (MHD) to erythropoietin (EPO) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD), 31 patients were enrolled in this study. According to the level of serum ferritin (SF), they were divided into two groups; one group received treatment using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and the other group was given iron sucrose. Taking terminal EPO dosage, terminal erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and rate of change of ERI (ΔERII) as target indexes, the influence of SF level on dosage of EPO was evaluated after usage conditions of relevant substances in a 3-month period. The results revealed that differences of dialysis age, albumin (ALB), blood calcium, initial and terminal SF, variable quantity of hemoglobin (Hb), terminal EPO and ERI between two groups had statistical significance. Furthermore, SF level and terminal EPO (r = -0.37, P < 0. 05) as well as SF level and terminal ERI (r = - 0.39, P <0.05) were negatively correlated. Difference of terminal ERI between the two groups had statistical significance. It can therefore be summarized that supplementing an iron agent intravenously to maintain SF level between 500 ng/ml and 1200 ng/ml may improve reactivity of patients with MHD to EPO. In addition, rHuEPO therapy in treating anemia of patients with MHD has the same effect with intravenous drug delivery, less side effects and is easy to administer.

Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells is dependent on reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Sanguinarine (SAN), an alkaloid isolated from plants of the Papaveraceae family, is a compound with multiple biological activities. In the present study, we explored the anticancer properties of SAN in lung cancer using the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line SPC-A1. Our results revealed that SAN inhibited SPC-A1 cell growth and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. We found that SAN triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while elimination of ROS by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reversed the growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by SAN. SAN-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress resulted in the upregulation of many genes and proteins involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), p-protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), p-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Blocking ER stress with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) markedly reduced SAN-induced inhibition of growth and apoptosis. Furthermore, TUDCA decreased SAN-induced ROS production, and NAC attenuated SAN-induced GRP78 and CHOP expression. Overall, our data indicate that the anticancer effects of SAN in lung cancer cells depend on ROS production and ER stress and that SAN may be a potential agent against lung cancer.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Cyclemys dentata and phylogenetic analysis of the major family Geoemydidae

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Cyclemys dentata was determined using PCR reactions. The structural organization and gene order of C. dentata were equivalent to those of most other vertebrates. The mt genome was 16,489 bp in length, has rich A+T content, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). All protein-coding genes started with ATG, many genes have complete stop codons, except ND2, COX3, ND3, and cyt-b genes had incomplete stop codons of T. The light-strand replication origin (OL) of C. dentata might fold into a stable stem-loop secondary structure, and its loop had 2 nt less than that of the Cyclemys atripons OL sequence. The D-Loop of C. dentata contained a central domain (CD), 2 extended termination associated sequences (ETAS1, ETAS2) and 3 conserved sequence blocks (CSB1, CSB2, CSB3). The average length of 20 turtles' mt genomes was 16,692.5 bp, including 34.1% A, 27.0% T, 26.0% C and 12.9% G. The C. dentata mitochondrial genome could provide useful data for further studies on phylogenetics and conservation genetics of this species. The phylogenetic relationships of the family Geoemydidae were analyzed by maximum-likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) based on concatenated sequences of 13 protein-coding genes from 20 turtle species. The ML and NJ trees had homologous topologies. The results support the existing classification of the genera of Geoemydidae, that C. dentata was a sister species of C. atripons, Pyxidea nested in Cuora, and Chinemys was synonymous with Mauremys.

Simultaneous quantification of three iridoids in rat plasma after oral administration of Zhi-zi-chi decoction using LC-MS

A sensitive and efficient liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of geniposide, 6α-hydroxygeniposide, and genipin gentiobioside in rat plasma. After the addition of internal standard (I.S.) salidroside and acidification (formic acid, 0.1%), plasma samples were carried out by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated on a Kromasil C(18) column (200 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) within a runtime of 15.0 min. The linear ranges were 2-250 ng/mL for both 6α-hydroxygeniposide and genipin gentiobioside and 2-2000 ng/mL for geniposide, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 2 ng/mL for all the analytes. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics study of geniposide, 6α-hydroxygeniposide, and genipin gentiobioside in rats after oral administration of Zhi-zi-chi decoction.

Influence on intestinal mucous permeation of paclitaxel of absorption enhancers and dosage forms based on electron spin resonance spectroscopy

The aim of this paper is to investigate the permeation mechanism of the hydrophobic drug, paclitaxel in intestinal membranes of mice in relation to enhancers and preparation factors. The alteration fluidity of lipid and protein in mucous membrane were determined using electron spin resonance (ESR) when the membrane was treated with several enhancers including Pluronic F68, polyethylene glycol (PEG), Brij78 and lecithin. At the same time, the enhanced permeation of paclitaxel across the intestinal intercellular membrane of stratum corneum was studied for three formulations: inclusion complex, microemulsion and injection. The results showed that use of paclitaxel-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexation and of paclitaxel microemulsion as vehicle and PEG 1500 as enhancer could significantly increase the permeation kinetics of paclitaxel in a fluid diffusion study. The effect on absorption characteristics of enhancing permeation of this hydrophobic drug in the intestinal mucosa was considered in the light of the change in membrane fluid.

[Cloning and prokaryotic expression of Anopheles sinensis defensin gene and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of the recombinant product]

OBJECTIVE

To clone the defensin gene of Anopheles sinensis for its prokaryotic expression and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of the recombinant protein.

METHODS

Two pairs of primer were designed and synthesized based on the published defensin sequences, and PCR amplification was performed using the cDNA of An.sinensis as the template. The PCR products were cloned and sequenced. A truncated defensin fragment was cloned into pET-32(a) plasmid and expressed with the induction by IPTG. The expressed product was purified and its bioactivity evaluated with agarose diffusion assay.

RESULTS

The PCR product 270 bp in size was identified as the coding sequence for defensin after sequence analysis, which had 85%; homology with the defensin sequence from An.gambiae. The truncated defensin (162 bp) cloned was subcloned into the expression plasmid pET-32(a) and the molecular weight of the target fusion protein was 26 000 after IPTG induction. Preliminary experiment, however, failed to demonstrate bacteriostatic effect of the purified recombinant protein.

CONCLUSION

The coding sequence for defensin gene of An.sinensis has been successfully cloned and the truncated fraction can be highly expressed as a soluble fusion protein, which, however, does not possess bacteriostatic activity.

[Construction of SW480 cell model identifying Shigella virulent genes]

Signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) is a novel technology with high throughput screening ability to identify virulent genes of pathogen in vivo. An appropriate animal or cell line model is one of prerequisites by exploiting this technique. In order to apply STM to Shigella flexneri, RC426 was constructed as an attenuated mutant with chloramphenicol resistance and aroA and virG genes inactivated by homologous recombination; another attenuated strain T32 was used as an oral S. flexneri 2a vaccine due to a spontaneous deletion in three loci (ipaBCDA, invA and virG) on the virulence plasmid. The wild type strain 2457T had the invasion ability into host cells. The three strains, RC426, T32 and 2457T, were mixed together to invade colon cancer cell line SW480, and the distinct strains were recovered and counted from cell lysates of invaded SW480 in different time. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the amounts of two attenuated strains recovered and that of virulent strain within 12h invasion, indicating SW480 was a suitable cell model for applying STM to screen virulent genes of Shigella flexneri.

[Identification of a protein interacting with Shigella flexneri IpaC invasin by yeast two-hybrid system]

Two-hybrid system was applied to screen proteins interacting with IpaC in the host cell. By using two-hybrid system, the bait plasmid containing ipaC gene was constructed and designated pGBKT-IpaC. A human HeLa cDNA library was screened to isolate protein factors that might interact with IpaC. Among the 2 x 10(6) clones screened, 22 positive clones were picked out. Sequence analysis revealed that two of them contained cDNA fragments from collagenase. Subsequently the domain of IpaC interacting with collagenase fragment was identified. These results suggest that IpaC might play a role in some biological processes where collagenase is involved.

Identification of RanBMP interacting with Shigella flexneri IpaC invasin by two-hybrid system of yeast

AIM: Bacillary dysentery caused by Shigella flexneri is still a threat to human health. Of four invasion plasmid antigen proteins (IpaA, B, C and D), IpaC plays an important role in the pathogenicity of this pathogen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the proteins interacting with IpaC in the host cell during the pathogenic process of this disease.

METHODS: By applying two-hybrid system, the bait plasmid containing ipaC gene was constructed and designated pGBKT-ipaC. The bait plasmid was transformed AH109, and proved to express IpaC and then HeLa cDNA library plasmids were introduced into the above transformed AH109. The transformation mixture was plated on medium lacking Trp, Leu, and His in the initial screen, then restreaked on medium lacking Trp, Leu, His and Ade. Colonies growing on the selection medium were further assayed for β-galactosidase activity. BLAST was carried out in the database after sequencing the inserted cDNA of the positive library plasmid.

RESULTS: Among the 2 × 10⁶ transformants, 64 positive clones were obtained as determined by activation of His, Ade and LacZ reporter genes. Sequence analysis revealed that cDNA inserts of two colonies were highly homologous to a known human protein, RanBPM.

CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that IpaC may be involved in the invasion process of S. flexneri by interacting with RanBPM, and RanBPM is most likely to be the downstream target of IpaC in the cascade events of S. flexneri infection.

Human catalytic antibodies with glutathione peroxidase activity

In order to generate catalytic antibodies with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, we prepared GSH-S-DNP butyl ester and GSH-S-DNP benzyl ester as the haptens. Two ScFvs that bound specifically to the haptens were selected from the human phage-displayed antibody library. The two ScFv genes were highly homologous, consisting of 786 bps and belonging to the same VH family-DP25. In the premise of maintaining the amino acid sequence, mutated plasmids were constructed by use of the mutated primers in PCR, and they were over-expressed in E. coli. After the active site serine was converted into selenocysteine with the chemical modifying method, we obtained two human catalytic antibodies with GPx activity of 72.2U/micromol and 28.8U/micromol, respectively. With the aid of computer mimicking, it can be assumed that the antibodies can form dimers and the mutated selenocysteine residue is located in the binding site. Furthermore, the same Ping-Pong mechanism as the natural GPx was observed when the kinetic behavior of the antibody with the higher activity was studied.

[A three-domain antibody fragment VH/L specific to tumor blood vessels]

AA98 is a specificaally anti-angiogenic antibody generated in our lab. The heavy chain variable region (VH) attached with mutagenized 36 nucleotides sequence derived from the heavy chain constant region1 (CH1) was amplified VH and light chain (L) were inserted into high-level expression vector pET21a successively, thus pET21a-VH/L was constructed. VH/L was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) after induction with IPTG. The expression of VH/L was 20% of the total bacterial proteins. The refolding of VH/L was conducted by dilution and gel filtration chromatography. The refolded VH/L could bind to HUVEC specifically. Its affinity to the antigen is similar to that of recombinant AA98Fab, but lower than that of the parent antibody AA98.

Thrombopoietin and chemokine mRNA expression in patient post-chemotherapy and in vitro cytokine-treated marrow stromal cell layers

CD34(+) cells and megakaryocyte progenitors were lower in marrow from patients after hematological recovery from the first cycle of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide (FLAC) chemotherapy plus PIXY321 (GM-CSF/interleukin 3; IL-3 hybrid) than in FLAC + GM-CSF or pre-FLAC marrows. Marrow stromal layers, an in vitro model of the marrow microenvironment, express a combination of stimulatory and inhibitory factors that modulate hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. The TaqMan assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to measure monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), melanoma stimulatory growth activity, and monokine inducible by interferon-gamma (Mig) (inhibitory chemokines for primitive or megakaryocyte progenitors) mRNA levels in in vitro PIXY and GM-CSF-treated and patient post-FLAC marrow stromal layers. Chemokine mRNA was increased after in vitro GM-CSF and to a lesser extent after PIXY treatment. MCP-1 mRNA levels were fivefold higher in FLAC + PIXY than in FLAC + GM-CSF layers, and Mig mRNA was elevated in FLAC + GM-CSF layers. Thrombopoietin (TPO), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and IGF-II (stimulatory factors for primitive and megakaryocyte progenitors) mRNA were also measured. TPO mRNA levels were 30% lower in GM-CSF and PIXY-pretreated than in control layers with no decrease in IGF mRNA. TPO mRNA in stromal layers of patients who developed grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets < 20 x 10(9)/l) during the third cycle of FLAC was only 24% of levels in stromal layers of marrow from other post-FLAC patients. Results demonstrate that patient and in vitro treatment had modulatory effects on TPO and chemokine mRNA expression in marrow stromal layers.

[High-level expression of human vascular endothelial growth factor in Pichia pastoris]

The gene of VEGF165 was subcloned into the P. pastoris secretive expression vector pHIL-S1 and the recombinant expression plasmid pHIL-S1-VEGF165 was constructed. After transformation into yeast GS115, the positive transformants were obtained through phenotype selection and DNA Dot blotting. After induction by methanol, soluble dimer VEGF165 were expressed and secreted into the culture supernatant with its expression occupying 47% of the total protein in the supernatant. Dot blot analysis showed that the expressed human VEGF165 could bind to its receptors flt-1 and KDR.

[Study on Chinese herb incense to disinfect wards' air]

The purpose of this study was to find out a proper way to do the air sterilization in the wards. In this study, Chinese herb-burn-incense was used to different wards. Its effect was compared with routine air sterilization methods such as ultraviolet radiator, formaldehyde, and lactiacid method. The bacterial culture of the air was done. The result indicated that Chinese herb-burn-incense not only had the same effect as routine methods in air sterilization but also had no irritation to the patients.