Is histological healing more clinically valuable than endoscopic healing in Crohn's disease?

OBJECTIVES

Small bowel (SB) endoscopic healing has not been well explored in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of SB endoscopic mucosal and histological healing in patients with CD.

METHODS

In total, 99 patients with CD in clinical-serological remission were retrospectively followed after they underwent colonoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy. Time until clinical relapse (CD activity index of >150 with an increase of >70 points) and serological relapse (abnormal elevation of C-reactive protein levels) constituted the primary endpoints.

RESULTS

Of the 99 patients, 75 (74.7%) exhibited colonoscopic healing and 43 (43.4%) exhibited SB endoscopic healing. Clinical relapse, serological relapse, hospitalization, and surgery occurred in 8 (18.6%), 11 (25.6%), 11 (25.6%), and 2 (4.6%) patients, respectively. Of the 43 patients who exhibited SB endoscopic healing, 21 (48.8%) achieved histological healing. Clinical relapse, serological relapse, hospitalization, and surgery occurred in 4 (19.0%), 7 (33.3%), 7 (33.3%), and 1 (4.8%) patient, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who relapsed, were hospitalized, or underwent surgery between those who exhibited histological healing and those who did not.

CONCLUSION

A substantial number of patients who were in clinical-serological remission did not undergo SB endoscopic healing, and the lesions increased their risk of clinical relapse. Thus, endoscopic healing may be of greater clinical value than histological healing when evaluating the remission of patients with CD.

[Drug resistance and molecular typing of diarrheagenic escherichia coli from the diarrhea clinics in Qingpu District, Shanghai City from 2015 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the drug resistance and multilocus sequence typing of five types of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) isolated from diarrhea outpatients of diarrhea comprehensive monitoring designated hospital in Qingpu District, Shanghai City from 2015 to 2019. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, five types of DEC, isolated and identified from diarrhea outpatient cases' anal swabs of the Qingpu branch of Zhongshan Hospital were collected to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration by using the micro broth dilution susceptibility test. The strains, resistant to the third-generation cephalosporins or carbapenems, or producing ESBLs, were selected based on the results of sensitivity tests and determined by WGS. The MLST typing of DEC was analyzed based on the WGS technology and the minimum spanning tree was constructed by BioNumerics 7.6 software to analyze the local dominant flora. Results: A total of 513 strains of DEC were detected and isolated from 4 494 anal swabs, with a detection rate of 11.42%. About 500 strains were tested for drug sensitivity to nine antibiotics in four classes, including 330 strains of enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC), 72 strains of enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), 95 strains of enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC), 1 strain of enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC), and 2 strains of enteroinvasive E.coli (EIEC). From 2015 to 2019, the resistance rate of cefotaxime-clavulanic acid was significantly different (P<0.05). The resistance rate of virulence types of DEC to nalixic acid was significantly different (P<0.05). About 71 strains of DEC were determined by WGS, and 77 drug-resistant genes were detected. Strains were classified into 32 ST subtypes, with the dominant genotypes being ST-1491 (29.6%, 21/71) and ST-10 Complex (23.9%, 17/71). All ST-1491 produced ESBLs, which were blaCTX-M gene mutant strains. The dominant type of ST-10 complex was ST-218 (35.3%, 6/17). In addition, 8 strains of EAEC, 14 strains of EPEC and 49 strains of ETEC were classified into 7, 14 and 18 ST subtypes, respectively. Conclusion: The drug resistance of DEC strains from the diarrhea outpatient case of Qingpu District is serious. The ST types of EAEC and EPEC are highly polymorphic. The dominant ST types of DEC are basically consistent with the common genotypes in southeast China.

Treatment of pyogenic granuloma in children with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser: A retrospective study of 212 patients

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common vascular neoplasm in children. Data on 595 nm pulsed dye lasers for the treatment of PG in children remain scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical characteristics and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the 595 nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of PG in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 212 patients treated for PG with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser. SPSS version 19.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among all 212 patients treated, 208 showed complete resolution of the lesion, and 4 dropped out after one treatment due to bleeding. A single treatment was sufficient in 139 (66.8%) patients, while two or three treatments were sufficient in 69 (33.2%) patients. Male patients responded better than female patients (χ²  = 7.603, p =0.006). Lesions in the nonorbital region responded better than those in the orbital region (χ²  = 7.445, p =0.006). The size of the lesion affected the effectiveness, and lesions with smaller diameters (t = -5.776, p <0.01) and heights (t = -10.368, p <0.01) showed better results.

COMPLICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Twelve patients (5.8%) were reported to have local complications and side effects, including edematous erythema, slight bleeding, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. The edematous erythema and slight bleeding disappeared gradually after several days. The localized pigment changes usually resolved spontaneously and disappeared completely after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience confirmed the efficacy and safety of the 595 nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of PG in children.

A PI3Kγ mimetic peptide triggers CFTR gating, bronchodilation, and reduced inflammation in obstructive airway diseases

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-elevating agents, such as β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂-AR) agonists and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, remain a mainstay in the treatment of obstructive respiratory diseases, conditions characterized by airway constriction, inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion. However, their clinical use is limited by unwanted side effects because of unrestricted cAMP elevation in the airways and in distant organs. Here, we identified the A-kinase anchoring protein phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) as a critical regulator of a discrete cAMP signaling microdomain activated by β₂-ARs in airway structural and inflammatory cells. Displacement of the PI3Kγ-anchored pool of protein kinase A (PKA) by an inhaled, cell-permeable, PI3Kγ mimetic peptide (PI3Kγ MP) inhibited a pool of subcortical PDE4B and PDE4D and safely increased cAMP in the lungs, leading to airway smooth muscle relaxation and reduced neutrophil infiltration in a murine model of asthma. In human bronchial epithelial cells, PI3Kγ MP induced unexpected cAMP and PKA elevations restricted to the vicinity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the ion channel controlling mucus hydration that is mutated in cystic fibrosis (CF). PI3Kγ MP promoted the phosphorylation of wild-type CFTR on serine-737, triggering channel gating, and rescued the function of F508del-CFTR, the most prevalent CF mutant, by enhancing the effects of existing CFTR modulators. These results unveil PI3Kγ as the regulator of a β₂-AR/cAMP microdomain central to smooth muscle contraction, immune cell activation, and epithelial fluid secretion in the airways, suggesting the use of a PI3Kγ MP for compartment-restricted, therapeutic cAMP elevation in chronic obstructive respiratory diseases.

[Analysis on vaccination willingness and related factors of influenza, pneumonia, and herpes zoster vaccine among people over 50 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai]

Objective: To determine the knowledge of influenza, pneumonia, herpes zoster and related vaccines, willingness to vaccinate under multiple payment scenarios, and corresponding risk factors among people over 50 years old in Minhang District of Shanghai. Methods: A total of 1 672 respondents aged 50-69 from 13 communities/towns in Minhang district of Shanghai were included in this study using a stratified random sampling strategy on December 2020. The knowledge of influenza, pneumonia, herpes zoster and vaccines was investigated using a questionnaire, and the differences in the willingness under multiple payment scenarios were determined using chi-square test. The consistency in the willingness under multiple payment scenarios was compared using Cohen's Kappa and the risk factors of the willingness was determined using ordinal logistic regression. Results: The average age of 1 672 respondents was (60.48±5.96) years old, including 777 (46.47%) males and 895 (53.53%) females. A total of 1 350 subjects (80.74%) had local household registration in Shanghai. The proportion of the willingness to vaccinate for themselves, spouses, and parents under any payment scenario was determined to be 80.6% (influenza vaccine), 81.5% (pneumonia vaccine), and 74.0% (herpes zoster vaccine). The willingness to vaccinate against influenza and pneumonia under multiple payment scenarios remained stable (Kappa value ≥0.6), while that against herpes zoster infection was inconsistent (Kappa value ≤0.35). Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who had higher knowledge of influenza and influenza vaccine [OR (95%CI): 1.111 (1.054-1.170), 1.182 (1.126-1.240), respectively], aged 50-59 [1.305 (1.085-1.531)] and local household registration in Shanghai [1.372 (1.079-1.721)] had higher willingness to vaccinate against influenza, while males had lower willingness [0.733 (0.551-0.910)]. Respondents who had higher knowledge of pneumonia and pneumonia vaccine [OR (95%CI): 1.837 (1.152-2.517), 2.217 (1.541-2.893), respectively] had higher willingness to receive pneumonia vaccine. Respondents aged 50-59 [1.327 (1.059-1.537)] and with local household registration in Shanghai [2.497 (1.417-4.400)] were more likely to be vaccinated against herpes zoster, while those with middle school degree or below [0.664 (0.396-0.992)] and high school degree [0.559 (0.324-0.964)] were less likely to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Among people aged over 50 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai, the willingness to vaccinate for themselves, spouses, and parents against influenza, pneumonia and herpes zoster infection is quite different under multiple payment scenarios, especially for herpes zoster vaccine.

An Individual Driving Behavior Portrait Approach for Professional Driver of HDVs with Naturalistic Driving Data

More than 50% major road accidents are caused by risk driving behaviors from professional drivers of Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs). The quantitative estimation of driving performance and driving behaviors portrait for professional drivers is helpful to measure the driver's driving risk and inherent driving style. Previous studies have attempted to evaluate risk driving behavior, but most of them rely on high-demand vehicle and driving data. However, few studies can dig into the causes and correlations behind individual driving behavior and quantify the driving behaviors portrait for professional driver based on long-term naturalistic driving. In this study, the data is from On-Board Unit (OBU) devices mounted in the HDVs in China. Based on the driving behavior pattern diagram and the frequency and ranking of drivers' typical driving patterns, a driving behavior portrait approach is proposed by comprehensively considering the vehicle safety, driving comfort, and fuel economy indicators. The similarities and differences of different drivers' driving behaviors are quantitatively analyzed. The high precision and sampling frequency data from vehicles are used to verify the proposed approach. The results demonstrated that the driving behavior portrait approach can digitally describe the individual driving behaviors styles and identify the potential driving behaviors with long-term naturalistic driving data. The development of this approach can help quantitatively evaluate the individual characteristic of risk driving behaviors to prevent road accidents.

[Association between the Controlling Nutritional Status score and long-term outcome in patients with acute heart failure]

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and its association with the long-term prognosis in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: This prospective monocentric study consecutively enrolled patients admitted to our hospital for AHF from April 2012 to May 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the CONUT score at admission: normal (0-1), mild malnutrition (2-4) and moderate-severe malnutrition (5-12) groups. Baseline information was obtained and recorded within 24 hours after admission. All patients were followed up every 3 months by outpatient visit or telephone call until March 2019. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used to compare all-cause mortality between groups. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Cox regression model to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause mortality after discharge. Results: A total of 396 patients were enrolled in this study, including 114 patients with normal nutritional status, 200 patients with mild malnutrition and 82 patients with moderate-severe malnutrition. One hundred and fifty-eight patients died during a median follow-up of 34 (18, 46) months. The mortality was 32.4% (37/114), 39% (78/200) and 52.4% (43/82) in normal, mild malnutrition and moderate-severe malnutrition groups, respectively. The mortality was significantly higher in the moderate-severe malnutrition group than in normal nutrition group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mortality between normal and mild malnutrition group as well as between mild and moderate-severe malnutrition group (both P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that patients with high CONUT score group was at higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with those with low CONUT score (P=0.002). Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the risk of all-cause mortality of moderate-severe malnutrition group was significantly higher than that of normal nutrition group (HR =1.648, 95%CI 1.021-2.660, P=0.041). Conclusions: The CONUT score of patients with AHF at admission is associated with the long-term prognosis. High CONUT score is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in AHF patients after discharge.

[Multicenter clinical study on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood renal tumor]

Objective: To summarize the effect of Chinese Children's Cancer Group (CCCG) Wilms tumor (WT)-2015 protocol. Methods: This was a prospective study. CCCG-WT-2015 protocol was revised on the basis of the CCCG-WT-2009 protocol. Clinical data of 288 children diagnosed with newly diagnosed kidney neoplasms in fourteen pediatric centers between September 2015 to December 2018 were summarized. The age of onset, distribution of pathological subtypes, staging, curative effect and prognostic factors of these children were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival curve and Log-Rank method was used for univariate analysis. Results: Among 288 cases with kidney neoplasms, there were 261 cases of WT, including 254 cases (97.3%) with favorable histology (FH) WT and 7 cases (2.7%) with unfavorable histology WT (UFHWT). The 3 year events free survival (EFS) rate for FHWT and UFHWT were (88.9±2.1)% and (80.0±17.9)%, which were better than that in WT-2009 (81.2% and 71.7%). In the 96 cases of stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ FHWT with indications for radiotherapy, 76 cases received radiation, another 20 cases received M protocol chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, etoposide, gentamycin, vincristine and adriamycin) instead of radiation. The 3 year EFS rate for these two groups were (84.7±4.3)% and (84.7±8.1)%(χ²=0.015, P=0.902). There were 22 renal clear cell sarcoma and 5 malignant rhabdoid tumor, 3 year EFS rate of them was (94.4±5.4)% and (20.0±17.9)%. Univariate analysis was performed for age, gender, pathological type, stage, whether rupture occurred during operation, whether complete remission (CR) occurred at the end of treatment and radiotherapy. Pathological types (χ²=44.329,P<0.01) and failure to achieve CR at the end of the treatment (χ²=49.459,P<0.01) were independent factor for predicting survival. Conclusion: Compared with CCCG-WT-2009, treatment of renal tumors in CCCG-WT-2015 study yielded good survival outcome, which can be further applied.

[Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma concurrent with lung squamous cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To explore the clinical manifestations, imaging features, pathological features, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma concurrent with lung squamous cell carcinoma, and to improve the understanding of this disease. Methods: Using "Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, squamous cell carcinoma" as the search term, from January 1, 1983 to August 31, 2020, a total of 3 cases were retrieved in the PubMed database. In the Wanfang database, using "Lung mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, lung squamous cell carcinoma" as the search term, from January 1, 1990 to August 31, 2020, a total of 1 related document was retrieved. In the CNKI database, "(lung) mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, (lung) squamous cell carcinoma" was used as the search term, and no relevant case reports were retrieved. Results: A 64-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of chest tightness and shortness of breath for 10 days, cough and fever for one day. Enhanced CT of the chest showed a soft tissue mass shadow in the right lower hilar area, with obstruction of the adjacent bronchus, and local mild enhancement, suggesting of right lower lung cancer. In addition, the CT scan also showed consolidated shadows in the lower lobes of both lungs, scattered nodules, multiple lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum, and a small amount of pleural effusion on the right. Under bronchoscopy, a cauliflower-like neoplasm was seen at the opening of the lower right basal section, about 7 mm×8 mm, and biopsy showed that part of the mucosal structure was destroyed, with disappearance of the squamous epithelial layer, and the nuclei were large and deeply stained, and some were distributed in nests, with poor keratinization and a small amount of necrosis, and fibrous tissue reaction. Immunostaining revealed that the tumor was positive for p40, CK5/6 and EGFR and negative forTTF-1, NapsinA, PD-L1, p53, with about 30% Ki-67 positive cells. A puncture biopsy of the right lower lobe showed that the alveolar cavity was filled with nested lymphoid cells, consisting of small lymphocytes, central cell-like cells and monocyte-like cells, with occasionally large cells. Immunostaining revealed CD₂₀⁺, CD_79a⁺, scattered CD₃+, Bcl2+, SMA vascular+, Bcl6-, CK-, CD10-, CyclinD1-, with about 3% Ki-67 positive cells. The histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue extranodal marginal zone lymphoma(MALT lymphoma),and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma complicated with lung squamous cell carcinoma is rare and easy to be missed and misdiagnosed. Chest CT imaging shows single or multiple nodules, mass shadows or consolidation, often accompanied by air-bronchial signs in the lesion, bronchiectasis, ground glass density around the lesion, hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Occasionally, pleural effusion can be seen. Lung biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Iso-damping fractional-order control for robust automated car-following

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Novel control design method for fractional-order controllers for more demanding design requirements.

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A more graphical approach to tune fractional-order controllers, easing the control system deployment on any type of vehicles.

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Application of such design approach to real world problems and real vehicles platforms.

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A method to guarantee iso-damping properties, which is essential for automated car-following.

This work deals with the control design and development of an automated car-following strategy that further increases robustness to vehicle dynamics uncertainties. The control algorithm is applied on a hierarchical architecture where high and low level control layers are designed for gap-control and desired acceleration tracking, respectively. A fractional-order controller is proposed due to its flexible frequency shape, fulfilling more demanding design requirements. The iso-damping loop property is sought, which yields a desired closed-loop stability that results invariant despite changes on the controlled plant gain. In addition, the graphical nature of the proposed design approach demonstrates its portability and applicability to any type of vehicle dynamics without complex reconfiguration. The algorithm benefits are validated in frequency and time domains, as well as through experiments on a real vehicle platform performing adaptive cruise control.

Development of a TEM-cell-integrated CO2 incubator for cell-based transient electromagnetic field bioeffect study

To facilitate the cell-based experiment for pulsed electromagnetic field biological effect study, a novel TEM-cell-integrated CO₂ incubator was developed. The integrated experimental system could simultaneously meet the requirement of standard cell culture condition and the various Transient Electromagnetic Field (TEF) exposure, which made it possible to study the relationship between different electromagnetic pulse exposure and the cellular responses in a reliable way. During the research, a comparison experiment was carried out to evaluate the necessity of the integrated incubator system: firstly, two different types of cell lines, which are the human prostate cancer cell line (PC3) and the pancreatic β cell line (MIN6) were chosen and exposed in the TEM-cell which located in the open area and the integrated system, respectively, with the same EFT radiation conditions; then, the cells' viability, the cellular ROS level and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected, respectively. The results showed that in the same parameter of the EFT radiation, the processes of the cells had a significant difference and even opposite in the incubator and open area, and all the results could be reproducible. The phenomenon indicated the stability of the TEM-cell-integrated CO₂ incubator, and also demonstrated the necessity to strictly control the cell culture condition when carrying out the precise mechanism study of the TEF bioresponse at the cellular levels.

[Short-term outcomes and prognosis of palliative surgery for malignant bowel obstruction caused by peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer]

Objective: To explore the short-term efficacy and prognosis of palliative surgical treatment for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) caused by peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The inclusion criteria for patients were as follows: (1) primary colorectal cancer; (2) massive peritoneal metastasis; (3)obstructive site located below Treitz ligament by imaging; (4) obstruction refractory to conservative treatment; (5) estimated rese survival time more than 2 months; (6) patients and their families had strong willingness for operation; (7) surgical treatment included stoma/bypass and debulking surgery. In accordance with the above criteria, clinicopathological data of 46 patients undergoing palliative surgery at Peking University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Unit III from January 2016 to October 2018 were retrospectively collected. Postoperative symptomatic relief rate, morbidity of complication within 30 days, complication classification (Clavien-Dindo classification), mortality and survival after operation were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival and Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. Results: Among 46 patients, 30 were male and 16 were female with median age of 63 (19-87) years; 23 patients received stoma/bypass surgery (stoma/bypass group), and 23 cases received tumor debulking surgery (debulking group). The overall symptom relief rate was 76.1% (35/46), while symptom relief rate in the debulking group was 91.3% (21/23), which was significantly higher than 60.9% (14/23) in the stoma/bypass group (χ(2)=4.301, P=0.038). Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients. The complication rate was 52.2% (12/23) in the debulking group and 56.5% (13/23) in the stoma/bypass group, without statistically significant difference (χ(2)=0.088, P=0.767). Morbidity of complication beyond grade III was 8.7% (2/23) and 13.0% (3/23) in the debulking group and stoma/bypass group respectively, without statistically significant difference (χ(2)=0.224, P=0.636). Four patients died within 30 days after operation, 2 (8.7%) in each group. Twenty-four patients underwent 1-8 cycles of chemotherapy ± targeting therapy (regimens: CapeOX ± Bevacizumab, FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± Bevacizumab/Cetuximab), including 10 cases in the stoma/bypass group and 14 cases in the debulking group. Two patients of debulking group received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy (50.6 Gy/22 f, with concurrent oral capecitabine). Till the last follow up of April 2019, 34 patients died (34/46, 73.9%) with a median overall survival time of 6.4 months, and the 6-month and 1-year survival rate was 54.5% and 29.2% respectively. The median survival time in the debulking group was significantly longer than that in the stoma/bypass group (11.5 months vs. 5.2 months, χ(2)=5.117, P=0.024). The median survival time of the 35 patients with symptomatic relief after operation was significant longer than that of 11 patients without relief (7.1 months vs 5.1 months, χ(2)=3.844, P=0.050). Multivariate analysis showed stoma/bypass surgery (HR=2.917, 95%CI:1.357-6.269, P=0.006) and greater omental metastasis (HR=4.060, 95%CI:1.419-11.617, P=0.009) were independent risk factors associated with prognosis of patients with MBO caused by peritoneal mCRC. Conclusions: For patients of MBO caused by peritoneal mCRC, tumor debulking surgery may achieve higher symptom relief rate and prolong survival. Greater omental metastasis indicates poor prognosis.

Highly efficient biocatalytic synthesis of L-DOPA using in situ immobilized Verrucomicrobium spinosum tyrosinase on polyhydroxyalkanoate nano-granules

L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine) is a preferred drug for Parkinson's disease, and is currently in great demand every year worldwide. Biocatalytic conversion of L-tyrosine by tyrosinases is the most promising method for the low-cost production of L-DOPA in both research and industry. Yet, it has been hampered by low productivity, low conversion rate, and low stability of the biocatalyst, tyrosinase. An alternative tyrosinase TyrVs from Verrucomicrobium spinosum with more efficient expression in heterologous host and better stability than the commercially available Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase was identified in this study. Additionally, it was prepared as a novel nano-biocatalyst based on the distinct one-step in situ immobilization on the surface of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nano-granules. The resulting PHA-TyrVs nano-granules demonstrated improved L-DOPA-forming monophenolase activity of 9155.88 U/g (Tyr protein), which was 3.19-fold higher than that of free TyrVs. The nano-granules also exhibited remarkable thermo-stability, with an optimal temperature of 50 °C, and maintained more than 70% of the initial activity after incubation at 55 °C for 24 h. And an enhanced affinity of copper ion was observed in the PHA-TyrVs nano-granules, making them even better biocatalysts for L-DOPA production. Therefore, a considerable productivity of L-DOPA, amounting to 148.70 mg/L h, with a conversion rate of L-tyrosine of 90.62% can be achieved by the PHA-TyrVs nano-granules after 3 h of biocatalysis under optimized conditions, without significant loss of enzyme activity or L-DOPA yield after 8 cycles of repeated use. Our study provides an excellent and robust nano-biocatalyst for the cost-effective production of L-DOPA.

Identification of compound D2923 as a novel anti-tumor agent targeting CSF1R

Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) plays a critical role in promoting tumor progression in various types of tumors. Here, we identified D2923 as a novel and selective inhibitor of CSF1R and explored its antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. D2923 potently inhibited CSF1R in vitro kinase activity with an IC50 value of 0.3 nM. It exhibited 10- to 300-fold less potency against a panel of kinases tested. D2923 markedly blocked CSF-1-induced activation of CSF1R and its downstream signaling transduction in THP-1 and RAW264.7 macrophages and thus inhibited the in vitro growth of macrophages. Moreover, D2923 dose-dependently attenuated the proliferation of a small panel of myeloid leukemia cells, mainly by arresting the cells at G1 phase as well as inducing apoptosis in the cells. The results of the in vivo experiments further demonstrated that D2923 displayed potent antitumor activity against M-NFS-60 xenografts, with tumor growth inhibition rates of 50% and 88% at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, D2923 was well tolerated with no significant body-weight loss observed in the treatment groups compared with the control. Furthermore, a western blot analysis and the immunohistochemistry results confirmed that the phosphorylation of CSF1R in tumor tissue was dramatically reduced after D2923 treatment, and this was accompanied by the depletion of macrophages in the tumor. Meanwhile, the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 was also markedly decreased in the D2923 treatment group compared with the control group. Taken together, we identified D2923 as a novel and effective CSF1R inhibitor, which deserves further investigation.

Enhanced 1,3-propanediol production in Klebsiella pneumoniae by a combined strategy of strengthening the TCA cycle and weakening the glucose effect

AIMS

This study aimed to strengthen the reducing equivalent generation in Klebsiella pneumoniae for improving 1,3-propanediol (PDO) production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Disruption of the arcA gene activated the transcription levels of the TCA cycle genes and thus increased the NADH/NAD⁺ ratio by 54·2%, leading to the improved PDO titre and yield per cell from 16·1 g l^-1 and 4·0 g gDCW^-1 to 18·8 g l^-1 and 6·4 g gDCW^-1 respectively. Further ldhA gene deletion eliminated lactate accumulation and promoted the PDO titre to 19·9 g l^-1 . Finally, the glucose effect was weakened by deleting the crr gene to enhance the co-utilization of glucose and glycerol, resulting in the increased PDO production to 23·8 g l^-1 with the glycerol conversion rate of 59·5%. The PDO titre in bioreactor was promoted from 61·2 to 78·1 g l^-1 .

CONCLUSIONS

Deletions of the arcA and the crr genes showed positive effects on the TCA cycle activity and the co-utilization of glucose and glycerol, leading to the strengthened reducing equivalent generation and the improved PDO titre by 47·8% in shaker. The PDO titre in the bioreactor was enhanced to 78·1 g l^-1 .

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provided novel information on generating reducing equivalent for the PDO biosynthesis by strengthening the TCA cycle and weakening the glucose effect in K. pneumoniae.

Association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 gene polymorphism and risk of childhood asthma: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 (ADAM33) gene polymorphisms and the risk of childhood asthma. The relevant studies about the relationship between ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and childhood asthma were searched from electronic databases and the deadline of retrieval was May 2016. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAM33 (rs511898, rs2280092, rs3918396, rs528557, rs2853209, rs44707, rs2280091 and rs2280089) were analyzed based on several models including the allele, codominant, recessive and dominant models. The results showed that the ADAM33 rs2280091 polymorphism in all four genetic models was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. Positive associations were also found between the polymorphisms rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 and childhood asthma in some genetic models. This meta-analysis suggested that ADAM33 polymorphisms rs2280091, rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 were significantly associated with a high risk of childhood asthma.

Respiratory training during rehabilitation of acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

This paper aimed to analyze the effects of respiratory training on pulmonary function during the rehabilitation period for acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Sixty-two acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients admitted to the Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang City, China, from May 2012 to March 2016 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 31 cases in each. Both groups received NIPPV. The patients in the control group exercised daily, while the patients in the observation group received contracting lips-abdominal breathing training. The therapeutic effects, pulmonary ventilation function, serum levels of α-antitrypsin1 (α-AT1), surfactant protein D (SP-D), neutrophil elastase (NE), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and quality of life were analyzed and compared between the two groups both before and after the administration of treatment. The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.55%, which was significantly higher when compared with the control group (74.19%) (P less than 0.05). The levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, vital capacity (VC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLco), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) of the observation group were better when compared with the control group and had statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Before treatment, the serum levels of α-AT1, SP-D, NE, and TGF-β1, and quality of life had no statistical significance in either group (P>0.05); after treatment, these indexes and the quality of life for the observation group were significantly higher when compared with the control group, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). The respiratory training in acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by NIPPV can improve the serum indexes, dilute toxicity, and recover pulmonary function, which play key roles in improving the therapeutic effects and quality of life of patients, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Characterization and Expression Analysis of Attacins, Antimicrobial Peptide-Encoding Genes, from the Desert Beetle Microdera punctipennis in Response to Low Temperatures

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute the insect innate immune defense system. AMP production is usually induced by microbes. However, mounting evidence links insect immune reaction to cold hardiness.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at characterizing two attacins, MpAtt1 and MpAtt2, from the desert beetle Microdera punctipennis in Coleoptera and investigating the expression profiles of the two genes in response to cold stress.

RESULTS

Full lengths MpAtt1 and MpAtt2 cDNAs were obtained from low temperature transcriptomic data. The newly identified attacins show characteristics different from those previously reported in other insects. MpAtt1 and MpAtt2 encode precursor proteins of 151 and 166 amino acid residues, respectively. These two attacins show 28.1% identity at amino acid level, and 38.3% identity at nucleotide level. Phylogenetic tree shows that the Mp attacins and the other Coleoptera attacins diverge earlier than Diptera and Lepidoptera attacins in evolution. The results of real-time quantitative PCR showed that MpAtt1 and MpAtt2 are highly expressed in hindgut plus Malpighian tube, and MpAtt1 also highly expressed in fat body. The mRNA levels of MpAtt1 and MpAtt2 were increased when the insects were treated at 4 degree C and a4 degree C, but the responsiveness to -4 degree C was lower than to 4 degree C.

CONCLUSION

The cold inducible expression of attacin genes from the desert beetle M. punctipennis from the aspect of antimicrobial peptide synthesis supports the hypothesis that the insect immune system is stimulated during cold exposure.

[Effects of dihydroartemisinin on the apoptosis of Fadu cells]

Objective:To investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the apoptosis of Fadu cells.Method:Fadu cells were treated with DMSO or different doses of DHA for 24 or 48 h.After that, IC50 values of DHA were calculated based on the cell viability tested via MTT assay, the cell morphology was observed,the percentage of apoptotic cells was analyzed with the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit, and some important regulators of apoptosis, such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Mcl-1, Bax, and C-PARP were determined by Western blotting.Result:Certain doses of DHA significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of Fadu cells in a dose and time dependent manners. DHA also downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Mcl-1) and upregulated the expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bax and C-PARP).Conclusion:DHA remarkably inhibited proliferation and induction of apoptosis in Fadu cells via affecting proteins of Bcl-2 family. DHA may be a promising drug to treat hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Association between sense of coherence and occupational stress of workers in modern service industry in Shanghai, China]

Objective: To investigate understand the current status of the sense of coherence and occupational stress in modern service workers, and to analyze the association between occupational stress and the sense of coherence. Methods: From March to April, 2016, 834 modern service workers from 3 companies in Shanghai, China (in air transportation industry, marketing industry, and travel industry) were surveyed by non-ran-dom sampling. The self-completion questionnaires were filled out anonymously given the informed consent of the workers. The occupational stress questionnaire was used to evaluate occupational stress, and the Chinese version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13) was used to assess the mental health. Results: The mean score for the sense of coherence of the respondents was 61.54±10.46, and 50.1% of them were self-rated as having occupational stress. There were significant differences in SOC score between groups with different ages, marital status, positions, lengths of service, family per capita monthly income, and weekly work hours (P<0.05). The occupational stress score differed significantly across groups with different marital status, lengths of service, and weekly work hours (P<0.05). The scores for working autonomy, social support, and occupational stress differed significantly between groups with different SOC levels (P<0.05). There were significant differences in SOC score and the distribution of low-SOC respondents between groups with different levels of working autonomy, social support, and occupational stress. High SOC is a protective factor for occupational stress (OR=0.39, 95%CI 0.26~ 0.59). Conclusion: Modern service workers in Shanghai have high SOC and moderate occupational stress. Therefore, improving SOC may reduce occupational stress.

Medium density fibreboard production by hot pressing without adhesive using Triarrhena sacchariflora residue bio-pretreated by white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor

AIMS

To produce fibreboard with Triarrhena sacchariflora residue (TSR) without adhesive and understand the relationship between bio-pretreatment and mechanical property of fibreboard.

METHODS AND RESULTS

White-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor was used to pretreat TSR, and biochemical and physical analysis were investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy method.

CONCLUSIONS

TSR was suitable to produce fibreboard without adhesive by bio-pretreatment with C. versicolor. The property of fibreboard became stronger by optimization of bio-pretreatment parameters, and the moduli of rupture and elasticity of fibreboard were increased to 18·12 MPa and 4·3 GPa, respectively, which were close to national standard of medium-density fibreboard with adhesive. Bio-pretreated TSR increased the mechanical properties of fibreboard because of 1·4-fold content of polysaccharide and 1·15 U g(-1) laccase, more hydroxyl group and more porous surface structure than that of untreated TSR.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

TSR-based fibreboard production without adhesive eliminated potential formaldehyde gas emission.

Dietary fibre and the risk of colorectal cancer: a case- control study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in China. Dietary fibre has been thought to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in Western countries. However, studies investigating the association between dietary fibre (particularly soluble and insoluble fibres) and colorectal cancer have hitherto been lacking in China.

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study examined the effect of dietary fibre intake on the risk of colorectal cancer, stratified by tumour site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 265 cases (colon cancer, 105; rectal cancer, 144; colon and rectal cancer, 16) and 252 controls residing in Qingdao. A food frequency questionnaire that included 121 food items was used to collect dietary information. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

For food groups, controls in the study consumed more vegetables, soy food and total fibre than did colorectal cancer patients (p<0.05). The intakes of fruit, meat and sea-food did not differ significantly between cases and controls. However, we did not find any association between soy food intake and colon cancer. We observed inverse associations between total fibre intake and colorectal, colon and rectal cancer (Q4 vs Q1: OR=0.44, 95%CI, 0.27- 0.73; OR=0.40, 95%CI, 0.21-0.76; OR=0.52, 95%CI, 0.29-0.91). Vegetable fibre intake showed similar inverse associations (Q4 vs Q1: OR=0.51, 95%CI, 0.31-0.85; OR=0.48, 95%CI, 0.25-0.91; OR=0.53, 95%CI, 0.29-0.97). In addition, inverse associations were observed between soluble fibre and insoluble fibre and both colorectal cancer and colon cancer. No relationship was found between colorectal cancer and fruit, soy or grain fibre intakewhen the results were stratified by tumour site.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that vegetable fibre and total fibre play very important roles in protecting against colorectal cancer. Soluble and insoluble fibres were inversely associated with only colorectal cancer and colon cancer.

Bacterial β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III (FabH) as a target for novel antibacterial agents design

In bacterial type II fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II), β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III (FabH) initiates the first condensation of acyl-CoA and malonyl-ACP to form acetoacetyl-ACP. Its key role for organism survival and specificity to bacteria make it as an essential target for the discovery of novel antibacterial agents. Over the last decade, several structures of FabH from diverse microorganisms have been solved, giving detailed information about the three-dimensional features of the catalytic pocket. This has facilitated the rational design of FabH inhibitors, which provides a framework for future development of antibiotics against multi-drug resistant strains. This review covers recent advances in the biochemical and structural research of FabH and updates the main families of related inhibitors.

Identification of differently expressed genes in leukemia using multiple microarray datasets

The purpose of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes and analyze biological processes related to leukemia. A meta-analysis was performed using the Rank Product package of Gene Expression Omnibus datasets for leukemia. Next, Gene Ontology-enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed using the Gene Ontology website and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Cytoscape software. Using the Rank Product package for leukemia, we identified a total of 1294 differentially expressed genes, 357 of which were not involved in individual differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology-enrichment analyses showed that these 357 genes were enriched in biological processes such as mRNA metabolism, RNA splicing, and mRNA processing. Pathway-enrichment analysis showed that the genes were involved in the intestinal immune network for IgA production, endocytosis, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network indicated that HRAS, CD44, STAT1, SMAD2, and COPS5 were important in many interactions. Our study revealed genes that were consistently differentially expressed in leukemia, as well as the biological pathways and protein-protein interaction network associated with these genes.

Efficacy and safety of 1 % terbinafine film-forming solution in Chinese patients with tinea pedis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study

Background and objectives

Superficial fungal skin infections are treated using topical antifungals. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a single application of 1 % terbinafine film-forming solution (FFS) versus placebo for the treatment of tinea pedis in the Chinese population.

Methods

Six centers in China randomized 290 patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 1 % terbinafine FFS or FFS vehicle (placebo) once on the affected foot/feet. Efficacy assessments included microscopy and mycologic culture, and assessing clinical signs and symptoms at baseline, and at weeks 1 and 6 after the topical treatment. All adverse events were recorded.

Results

At week 6, 1 % terbinafine FFS was superior to placebo for effective treatment rate (63 vs. 8 %); clinical cure (30 vs. 6 %); mycological cure (86 vs. 12 %); negative microscopy (90 vs. 24 %); and negative mycological culture (90 vs. 27 %): all p ≤ 0.001 and clinically relevant. At week 6, 1 % terbinafine FFS was clinically superior to placebo for the absence of: erythema (69 vs. 29 %); desquamation (33 vs. 8 %); and pruritus (70 vs. 30 %): all p ≤ 0.001 and clinically relevant. At week 6, differences in the average total signs and symptoms scores were significantly lower for 1 % terbinafine FFS versus placebo (p ≤ 0.001). Both 1 % terbinafine FFS and placebo were safe and well tolerated based on adverse events and investigator and patient assessments.

Conclusions

This double-blind, randomized, multicenter study demonstrated one single topical application of 1 % terbinafine FFS was safe and effective in the treatment of tinea pedis in the Chinese population.

The evidence for the contribution of the autism susceptibility candidate 2 (AUTS2) gene in heroin dependence susceptibility

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs6943555 in autism susceptibility candidate 2 (AUTS2) has been reported to be significantly associated with alcohol consumption in Europeans. In this study, we identified the SNP in AUTS2 contributing to the genetic susceptibility to heroin dependence. The potential association between heroin dependence and 21 SNPs (rs2270162, rs2851510, rs513150, rs595681, rs210606, rs10237984, rs13228123, rs10235781, rs6969375, rs6943555, rs10251416, rs17141963, rs12669427, rs723340, rs2293507, rs2293508, rs6960426, rs9886351, rs2293501, rs10277450, rs1918425) of AUTS2 was examined in a Chinese Han population using the MassARRAY system. The participants included 426 patients with heroin dependence and 416 healthy controls. Single SNP association, haplotype association, and clinical phenotype association were analyzed. Single SNP association revealed that AA homozygotes of rs6943555 were significantly over-represented in the patients with heroin dependence compared with the control subjects (P=0.0019). The patients with heroin dependence had a significantly higher frequency of the A allele (P=0.0003, odd ratio (OR)=1.429, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.175-1.738). Strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed in five blocks (D'>0.9). In block 2, significantly more A-A haplotypes (P=0.006 after Bonferroni corrections) and significantly fewer T-A haplotypes (P=0.040) were found in the patients with heroin dependence. The genotype and clinical phenotype correlation study of the rs6943555 carriers showed that the amount of heroin self-injection was lower in the patients with the AA genotype relative to AT+TT genotypes (P<0.01). Our results confirmed that, in addition to heroin consumption, the SNP rs6943555 of AUTS2 may also play an important role in the etiology of heroin dependence.

Stromal cells attenuate the cytotoxicity of imatinib on Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia cells by up-regulating the VE-cadherin/β-catenin signal

β-Catenin is a key regulator of leukemia stem cell maintenance and drug resistance. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of the stromal cell-mediated VE-cadherin-β-catenin signal on Ph+ leukemia cells during imatinib treatment. We found stromal cells could desensitize imatinib and up-regulate VE-cadherin expression on Ph+ leukemia cells (K562 and SUP-B15 cells), which further stabilized and activated β-catenin. Knockdown of VE-cadherin with shRNA diminished the β-catenin protein and partly resensitized Ph+ leukemia cells to imatinib despite the presence of stromal cells, suggesting VE-cadherin is a potential target in the treatment of Ph+ leukemia.

Characterization and expression analysis of six chitinase genes from the desert beetle Microdera punctipennis in response to low temperature

BACKGROUND

Chitinase is responsible for chitin metabolism in a wide range of organisms. However, current knowledge on insect chitinase and their possible functions in relation to low temperature stress is very limited.

OBJECTIVE

Six chitinase genes from cold treated desert beetle Microdera punctipennis obtained by RNA-seq technology were characterized, and their expression patterns in different tissues and in response to cold were investigated.

METHODS

Multiple sequence alignment was carried out using ClustalW1.81 and Phylogenetic trees were generated by MEGA5. The expression patterns were studied by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

These genes were belong to three different chitinase groups. Almost all of them were highly expressed in midgut, and some are expressed in fat body or hindgut. Subzero-4 degree C had stronger effect than 4 degree C in inducing chitinase expression.

CONCLUSION

The tissue specific and cold inducible expressions suggest that the chitinases may have diverse functions and play roles in insect cold adaptation.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

Development and selection of an ideal scaffold is of importance for tissue engineering. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is a biocompatible bioresorbable copolymer that belongs to the polyhydroxyalkanoate family. Because of its good biocompatibility, PHBHHx has been widely used as a cell scaffold for tissue engineering. This review focuses on the utilization of PHBHHx-based scaffolds in tissue engineering. Advances in the preparation, modification, and application of PHBHHx scaffolds are discussed.

Microbial synthesized biodegradable PHBHHxPEG hybrid copolymer as an efficient intracellular delivery nanocarrier for kinase inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Protein Kinases are key regulators of cell function and play essential roles in the occurrence and development of many human diseases. Many kinase inhibitors have been used for molecular targeted treatment of those diseases such as cancer and inflammation. However, those highly hydrophobic kinase inhibitors shared the common features of poor bioavailability and limited in vivo half-life, which strongly impeded their practical applications. Our previous study demonstrated that microbial synthesized biodegradable polyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx), a member of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) family, could serve as a promising delivery nanocarrier for those hydrophobic kinase inhibitors. Recently, a novel natural synthesized hybrid copolymer, PEG200 end-capped PHBHHx (PHBHHxPEG) was produced by Aeromonas hydrophila fermentation. In this study, the novel PHBHHxPEG NPs were prepared and investigated to serve as intracellular delivery nanocarriers for sustained release of hydrophobic kinase inhibitors.

RESULTS

PHBHHxPEG nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by an emulsification-solvent evaporation method were spherical with a diameter around 200 nm. The entrapment efficiency on rapamycin in PHBHHxPEG NPs was 91.9% and the sustained release of rapamycin from PHBHHxPEG NPs could be achieved for almost 10 days. The cellular uptake of PHBHHxPEG NPs was significant higher than that of PHBHHx NPs. The anti-proliferation effect and mTOR inhibition ability of rapamycin-loaded PHBHHxPEG NPs was stronger than that of drug-loaded PHBHHx NPs and free rapamycin.

CONCLUSIONS

PHBHHxPEG NPs could achieve the efficient entrapment and sustained release of rapamycin. The novel biodegradable PHBHHxPEG appeared a promising nanocarrier for sustained delivery of hydrophobic kinase inhibitors with improved cellular uptake and kinase inhibition efficiency.

Evaluation of a new method for placing nasojejunal feeding tubes

AIM: To compare fluoroscopic, endoscopic and guide wire assistance with ultraslim gastroscopy for placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes.

METHODS: The information regarding nasojejunal tube placement procedures was retrieved using the gastrointestinal tract database at Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College. Records from 81 patients who underwent nasojejunal tubes placement by different techniques between 2004 and 2011 were reviewed for procedure success and tube-related outcomes.

RESULTS: Nasojejunal feeding tubes were successfully placed in 78 (96.3%) of 81 patients. The success rate by fluoroscopy was 92% (23 of 25), by endoscopic technique 96.3% (26 of 27), and by guide wire assistance (whether via transnasal or transoral insertion) 100% (23/23, 6/6). The average time for successful placement was 14.9 ± 2.9 min for fluoroscopic placement, 14.8 ± 4.9 min for endoscopic placement, 11.1 ± 2.2 min for guide wire assistance with transnasal gastroscopic placement, and 14.7 ± 1.2 min for transoral gastroscopic placement. Statistically, the duration for the third method was significantly different (P < 0.05) compared with the other three methods. Transnasal placement over a guidewire was significantly faster (P < 0.05) than any of the other approaches.

CONCLUSION: Guide wire assistance with transnasal insertion of nasojejunal feeding tubes represents a safe, quick and effective method for providing enteral nutrition.

[Propagation of prdm1 gene knockout mouse and its genotype identification]

This study was aimed to propagate and identify the prdm1 gene-knockout mice, so as to lay the foundation for studying Blimp-1 protein. Two kinds of transgenic homozygous mice with B6.prdm1(flox/flox) and B6.Lck-Cre were feed and propagated; after successful propagating, the first passage mice were obtained; after the first passage mice were copulated once again, the genotypes were obtained as follows: B6. prdm1(wild/wild). Lck-Cre, B6. prdm1(wild/wild), B6.prdm1(flox/flox). Lck-Cre, B6.prdm1(flox/wild). Lck-Cre, B6.prdm1(flox/flox), B6. prdm1(flox/wild). The genomic DNA of second passage mice was extracted, the Cre and loxp gene fragments were amplified by PCR, then the size of Cre and loxp genomic DNA were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The mice with B6.prdm1(flow/flox). Lek-Cre were used as conditionally prdm1-knockout mice, B6.prdm1(flox/wild). Lck-Cre mice, B6.prdm1(flox/flox) and B6 mice were used as controls. The spleen T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes were sorted by using magnetic beads, the blimp-1 target protein was identified by Western blot. The results showed that the two transgenic homozygous mice had the ability to reproduce, and the separation ratio of second passage mice generated from propagation of their offspring cach other meet Mendelian laws, and the prdm1 gene-knockout mice also could successfully obtained. It is concluded that the application of Cre-loxp system may successfully obtain plentiful prdm1 gene-knockout mice.

Heterologous expression of human costimulatory molecule B7-2 and construction of B7-2 immobilized polyhydroxyalkanoate nanoparticles for use as an immune activation agent

Background

Costimulation of T cells via costimulatory molecules such as B7 is important for eliciting cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Presenting costimulation molecules by immobilizing recombinant B7 on the surface of nanovectors is a novel strategy for complementary therapy. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable, non-toxic, biocompatible polyesters, which can be used as a nonspecific immobilizing matrix for protein presentation. Recombinant protein fusion with PHA granule binding protein phasin (PhaP) can be easily immobilized on the surface of PHA nanoparticles through hydrophobic interactions between PhaP and PHA, and therefore provides a low-cost protein presenting strategy.

Results

In this study, the extracellular domain of the B7-2 molecule (also named as CD86) was fused with PhaP at its N-terminal and heterogeneously expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The purified B7-2-PhaP protein was immobilized on the surface of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)-based nanoparticles. Loading of 240 μg (3.2 pMol) of B7-2-PhaP protein per mg nanoparticles was achieved. Immobilized B7-2-PhaP on PHBHHx nanoparticles induced T cell activation and proliferation in vitro.

Conclusions

A PHA nanoparticle-based B7-2 costimulation molecule-presenting system was constructed. The PHA-based B7 presenting nanosystem provided costimulation signals to induce T cell activation and expansion in vitro. The B7-2-PhaP immobilized PHA nanosystem is a novel strategy for costimulation molecule presentation and may be used for costimulatory molecule complementary therapy.

Acute pancreatitis secondary to primary liver cancer with hemobilia: A case report and literature review

Primary liver cancer (PLC) may lead to many complications. The formation of bile tumor thrombi in the bile duct of patients with PLC is not a rare clinical condition; however, hemobilia and acute pancreatitis caused by bile duct thrombus formation in PLC patients are very rare. Here we report such a case in a 48-year-old female and perform a review of the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disorder. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are very important for the early diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Estrogen regulates the expression and activity of epithelial sodium channel in mouse osteoblasts

Estrogen plays an important role in bone metabolism and only high dose can stimulate osteoblast bone formation. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key pathway for sodium transport in epithelia, vascular endothelium, and other tissues; although the expressions of α and γ ENaC mRNA were found in osteoblasts, the regulation of ENaC by estrogen in osteoblasts has not been studied. Our recent data confirmed the ENaC expression in mouse primary osteoblasts by immunocytofluorescence, RT-PCR, western blot, and patch clamp. Furthermore, we found estrogen (10(-5)M) increased the expression of α and γ ENaC subunits at both the mRNA and protein levels in osteoblasts. On the other hand, 17β estradiol (20 nM) increased inward Na+ currents which were inhibited by amiloride. The estrogen dose used in patch clamp is much lower than those of mRNA and protein analysis, which means single cell ENaC electrophoretic mobility is much more sensitive to estrogen than the mRNA and protein production by estrogen stimulation. Our results suggest that estrogen regulates expression and function of ENaC in osteoblasts may provide a new clue that the mechanism of high dose of estrogen influence osteoblast bone formation via ENaC activity.

Recent progress in the identification and development of InhA direct inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The InhA-related enoyl-ACP reductase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis, is one of the best validated targets for the development of anti-tubercular agents. However, the majority of isoniazid (INH)-resistant clinical strains are observed mainly due to the emergence of KatG mutants that do not form an INH-NAD adduct. Thus compounds that directly inhibit InhA avoiding activation by KatG would be promising candidates for combating MDR-TB. Herein, some predominant examples of InhA direct inhibitors recently developed are reviewed and special attention is paid to 3D-structures of InhA in drug design process.

Intrathecal cytokine and chemokine profiling in neuropsychiatric lupus or lupus complicated with central nervous system infection

The aims of this study are to investigate the cytokine, chemokine and adhesion molecule profiles in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system infection. Experimental sets were established which included 108 patients and 132 cerebrospinal fluid samples. The patients were grouped as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 54), systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system infection (n = 16), systemic lupus erythematosus controls (n=20), and non-inflammatory neurological disease (n=18). The dynamic changes of 21 patients in the neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus group before and after induction therapy were further analyzed. IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNFα, IFNγ, IP-10, MCP-1, RANTES, VCAM-1, and P-selectin were measured in cerebrospinal fluid samples by using a fluorescent bead-based assay. Cerebrospinal fluid levels of IL-8, MCP-1, P-selectin and VCAM-1 were significantly increased in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus compared with systemic lupus erythematosus controls. IL-6, IL-17, IL-8 and VCAM-1 were higher in systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system infection than in systemic lupus erythematosus controls. Among systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system infection, the IL-6, IL-17, IL-8 and IP-10 levels were higher than those in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. After sufficient induction therapy, IL-8, MCP-1, P-selectin, VCAM-1 and IL-6 in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus decreased significantly. Levels of all molecules tested in non-inflammatory central nervous system disease were not different from those of systemic lupus erythematosus controls. From our data, the intrathecal cytokine/chemokine profile is different among patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with central nervous system infection and systemic lupus erythematosus controls. IL-8, MCP-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin and IL-6 in cerebrospinal fluid are effective parameters to monitor neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity and response to treatment. Significantly elevated IL-17, IL-6, and to a lesser extent, IL-8, favors central nervous system infection in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus (2010) 19, 689—695.

3D-QSAR studies of arylcarboxamides with inhibitory activity on InhA using pharmacophore-based alignment

Enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) is a promising target for the development of antituberculosis drugs. The InhA-bound conformation of an indole-5-amide inhibitor (Genz 10850) (PDB code: IP44) was used to build a pharmacophore model by LigandScout. This model was then successfully used to identify the bioactive conformation and align 40 structurally diverse arylcarboxamide derivatives. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were performed on arylcarboxamides-based InhA inhibitors based on pharmacophore alignment. The best prediction was obtained with CoMSIA model combining steric and electrostatic fields (, r(2) = 0.972). The model was validated by an external test set, which gave a good predictive value (). Graphical interpretation of the results revealed important structural features of the zarylcarboxamides related to the active site of InhA. The results may be exploited for further design and virtual screening for some novel InhA inhibitors.

Discovery of potential new InhA direct inhibitors based on pharmacophore and 3D-QSAR analysis followed by in silico screening

This study develops an efficient approach for discovering new InhA direct inhibitors in theory. The InhA-bound conformation of a pyrrolidine carboxamide inhibitor was used to build a pharmacophore model. This model with feature-shape query was successfully used to identify and align the bioactive conformations of pyrrolidine carboxamide analogues and screen SPECS database. A statistically valid 3D-QSAR with good results (r(2)(cv)=0.660 and r(2)=0.962) was obtained. From database screening, 30 hits were selected and identified as potential leads, which exhibit good estimated activities by 3D-QSAR model. Docking studies were carried out on two representative hits to analyze their interactions with InhA. Also, the interactions between existing pyrazole inhibitors and InhA were explored based on the pharmacophore model.

[SiRNA inhibition of E6AP expression in cervical cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting E6AP on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells.

METHODS

HeLa cells were cultured and divided into 3 groups: blank control group, cells transfected with nonsense siRNA (small interference RNA), and cells transfected with specific E6AP siRNA. The expressions of E6AP mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot before and after the transfection respectively. Cell proliferation was determined by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The cell apoptosis index was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Upon treatment with E6AP siRNA for 24, 48 and 72 h, the expression level of E6AP mRNA decreased 33%, 72% and 70% than siRNA treated group. The protein expression levels in 48 h and 72 h E6AP siRNA groups decreased 38%, 59% comparing with those of the nonsense siRNA treated group (P < 0.05). The proliferative capacity of cells transfectd with E6AP siRNA was significantly lower than blank control group (F = 101.38, P < 0.05) and siRNA treated group (F = 38.64, P < 0.05). The apoptosis index of HeLa cells treated with E6AP siRNA was significantly higher than that of the nonsense siRNA (F = 41.48, P < 0.05) and the blank control group (F = 86.36, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SiRNA targeting can effectively suppress the expression levels of E6AP mRNA, corresponding with a proliferation inhibition and an enhanced apoptosis of HeLa cells.

[Effects of the lung protective ventilatory strategy on proinflammatory cytokine release during one-lung ventilation]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

A prolonged period of one-lung ventilation(OLV) is required during thoracic surgery and this may activate cytokine release and cause lung inflammatory response. The lung protective ventilatory strategy has reduced lung and systemic cytokine release and achieved remarkable curative effect in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was to investigate the effect of the lung protective ventilatory strategy on proinflammatory cytokine release during OLV in patients underwent thoracic surgery.

METHODS

Forty patients underwent esophagectomy were randomly divided into conventional ventilation (CV) group (n=20) and protective ventilation (PV) group (n=20). In CV group, all patients received two-lung ventilation (TLV) and OLV with a tidal volume (VT) of 10 mL/kg and an inspiration/expiration ratio (I/E) of 1:1.5. In PV group, all patients received TLV with a VT of 10 mL/kg and an I/E ratio of 1:1.5, and received OLV with a VT of 5-6 mL/kg and an I/E ratio of 1:1, along with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) preset at 3-5 cm H2O. Blood samples of 3 mL were extracted at three time courses, which were after tracheal intubation (T1), 120 min after OLV (T2) and 24 h after operation (T3), to analyze concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the two groups. Values of airway peak pressure (Ppeak), airway plateau pressure (Pplat), and airway resistance(Raw)were also recorded using side stream spirometry.

RESULTS

In CV group, concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 at T2 [(269.4+/-57.2) ng/L, (180.8+/-35.0) ng/L] and T3[(335.8+/-98.7) ng/L,(178.5+/-18.3) ng/L] were significantly increased as compared with those at T1 [(17.0+/-5.4) ng/L,(18.2+/-2.8) ng/L](P<0.05). In PV group, concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 at T2 [(209.3+/-55.7) ng/L], (115.3+/-71.5) ng/L] and T3 [(278.2+/-100.8) ng/L,(124.2+/-40.1) ng/L] were significantly increased as compared with those at T1[(20.0+/-7.1) ng/L,(15.3+/-3.6) ng/L] (P<0.05). Concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 at T2 and T3 were significantly higher in CV group than in PV group (P<0.05). Ppeak, Pplat and Raw at T2 were significantly higher in CV group [(33.6+/-4.6 cmH2O,(21.5+/-3.1) cmH2O, (26.3+/-2.1) cmH2O.L(-1).S(-1)] than in PV group [(26.7+/-3.5) cmH2O, (12.4+/-2.1) cmH2O, (18.3+/-2.3) cmH2O.L(-1).S(-1)](P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 are increased during and after OLV in thoracic surgery. The lung protective ventilatory strategy can reduce the airway pressure and airway resistance during OLV, decrease the release of IL-6 and IL-8, and inhibit lung inflammatory responses during OLV and postoperatively.

Catalytic wet air oxidation of coke-plant wastewater on ruthenium-based eggshell catalysts in a bubbling bed reactor

Catalytic wet air of coke-plant wastewater was studied in a bubbling bed reactor. Two types of supported Ru-based catalysts, eggshell and uniform catalysts, were employed. Compared with the results in the wet air oxidation of coke-plant wastewater, supported Ru uniform catalysts showed high activity for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia/ammonium compounds (NH3-N) removal at temperature of 250 degrees C and pressure of 4.8 MPa, and it has been demonstrated that the catalytic activity of uniform catalyst depended strongly on the distribution of active sites of Ru on catalyst. Compared to the corresponding uniform catalysts with the same Ru loading (0.25 wt.% and 0.1 wt.%, respectively), the eggshell catalysts showed higher activities for CODcr removal and much higher activities for NH3-N degradation. The high activity of eggshell catalyst for treatment of coke-plant wastewater can be attributed to the higher density of active Ru sites in the shell layer than that of the corresponding uniform catalyst with the same Ru loading. It has been also evidenced that the active Ru sites in the internal core of uniform catalyst have very little or no contribution to CODcr and NH3-N removal in the total oxidation of coke-plant wastewater.

[Effect of ulinastatin on inflammatory responses induced by oesophagectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) on the inflammatory responses induced by oesophagectomy.

METHODS

Forty patients with esophageal cancer (without serious hypertension, heart disease, or respiratory function impairment, including 34 men and 6 women aged 46 to 70 years) scheduled for oesophagectomy via left thoracotomy were randomly divided into control group (n=20) and UTI group (n=20). Anesthesia induction and perioperative management followed the same protocols in the two groups, and in UTI group, patients received 5000 U/kg UTI while those in the control group were given the same volume of saline. Before operation (T(1)), 10 min after recovery of two-lung ventilation (T(2)), and 24 h (T(3)) and 48 h (T(4)) after operation, the venous blood sample was taken from the internal jugular vein and the plasma was separated and stored at -70 degrees C for later analysis of IL-6 and IL-8 with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bronchoalveoar lavage fluid (BAFL) was also collected at T(1) and T(2) for IL-6 and IL-8 detection.

RESULTS

IL-6, IL-8 levels in the plasma and BALF collected at T(2)-T(4) increased significantly as compared with those in samples collected at T(1), and their peak concentration inplasma and BALF samples were similar. IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the UTI group were significantly lower than those in the control group during the time points of T(2)-T(4).

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory responses occur during and after oesophagectomy, which can be inhibited with UTI.

Ultraviolet damages sperm mitochondrial function and membrane integrity in the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina

Effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) on mitochondrial function and membrane integrity of sea urchin sperm were investigated using flow cytometry and fluorescent probes. Both UVA and UVB impaired sperm mitochondrial function in a dose-dependent manner. Covariance analysis further showed that the slopes of change in mitochondrial function in relation to UVA and UVB were significantly different, suggesting that the modes of action were different. UVA did not affect membrane integrity, while membrane integrity showed a linear reduction with increasing UVB doses. Sperm mitochondria function showed significant positive correlations with sperm motility and subsequent fertilization success. Overall, our results showed that both UVA and UVB could decrease sperm motility and fertilization success through impairment of mitochondrial function, whereas UVB alone could cause additional damage through impairing the functional integrity of sperm membrane. Mitochondrial function of sperm may also offer a reliable ecotoxicological biomarker for predicting fertilization success in urchins.