[Association between occupational noise exposure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases]

Objective: To explore the association between occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a large Chinese population. Methods: In December 2019, the study included 21412 retired participants from the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study at baseline from September 2008 to June 2010, occupational noise exposure was evaluated through workplace noise level and/or the job titles. In a subsample of 8931 subjects, bilateral hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone mean of 25 dB or higher at 0.5, 1 , 2, and 4 kHz in both ears. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association of occupational noise exposure, bilateral hearing loss with 10-year CVD risk. Results: Compared with participants without occupational noise exposure, the 10-year CVD risk was significantly higher for noise exposure duration ≥20 years (OR=1.20, 95%CI:1.01-1.41 , P=0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. In the sex-specific analysis, the association was only statistically significant in males (OR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.18-4.66, P<0.001) , but not in females (OR=1.15, 95%CI:0.97-1.37, P=0.153). In the subsample analyses, bilateral hearing loss, which was an indicator for exposure to loud noise, was also associated with a higher risk of 10-year CVD (OR= 1.17, 95% CI:1.05-1.44, P <0.001) , especially for participants who were males (OR =1.24, 95% CI:1.07-2.30, P<0.001) , aged equal and over 60 years old (OR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.84-2.88, P<0.001) , and exposed to occupational noise (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.02-2.70, P=0.001). Conclusion: Occupational noise exposure may be a risk factor for CVD.

[Advances in the study of occult malignant tumor-related pyogenic liver abscesses in the digestive system]

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) accompanied by occult malignant tumors is a rare kind of life-threatening disease. Studies have shown that it can predict the occurrence of cancer, especially hepatobiliary and colorectal cancer. The risk of combined occult primary liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancer is high in PLA patients. Malignant tumor-related PLA lacks specific symptoms and signs. The iodine concentration ratio between the energy spectrum CT lesions and normal liver tissue is of certain value in the differentiation of liver cancer and liver abscess. Computed tomography colonography has a dual role. It can screen patients with PLA for occult colorectal cancer and determine the treatment response of abscess lesions. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli is the main microorganism of PLA related to colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. PLA treatment related to hepatobiliary malignant tumor has high complications and mortality, and poor prognosis. Most occult colorectal cancers are in the early stage, and their early detection and prognosis are better than those of PLA patients combined with hepatobiliary malignancies.

[Effects of ilioinguinal composite tissue flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects on hand or foot]

Objective: To explore the effects of ilioinguinal composite tissue flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects on hand or foot and reconstructing the flexion and extension functions of wrist, finger, ankle, and toe. Methods: From February 2012 to March 2018, 4, 5, and 3 patients (11 males and 1 female, 23-62 years old) with skin and soft tissue defects on hand or foot were admitted to Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Zhongmu County of Henan Province, Henan Armed Police Corps Hospital, and the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, respectively. Five patients had hand defects, and 7 patients had foot defects. The areas of skin and soft tissue defects after debridement were 10 cm×8 cm-15 cm×10 cm. The ilioinguinal composite tissue flaps were designed and resected according to the wound area and the length of tendon defects, and the areas of flaps were 10 cm×8 cm-15 cm×12 cm. According to the specific condition of the recipient area, the superficial iliac circumflex artery in the tissue flap was reconstructed by end-to-side anastomosis in 2 patients and end-to-end anastomosis in 1 patient with ulnar artery, end-to-side anastomosis in 4 patients with the dorsal foot artery, end-to-side anastomosis in 2 patients with the posterior tibial artery, and end-to-end anastomosis in 1 patient with the external tarsal foot artery in the recipient area, and the superficial epigastric artery in the tissue flap was reconstructed by end-to-side anastomosis in 1 patient with the radial artery and end-to-end anastomosis in 1 patient with the ulnar artery in the recipient area. The donor sites were sutured directly or repaired with medium split-thickness skin grafts. The survival of tissue flap after the operation and the appearance, texture, and the two-point discrimination distance of the tissue flaps during follow-up were observed. The hand function and foot function were evaluated by the total active movement standard of hand and the Maryland foot score standard, respectively. Results: All the tissue flaps in 12 patients survived. During follow-up of 6-36 months after operation, the tissue flaps were slightly bloated, with linear scars at the junction site in the recipient area, and the two-point discrimination distances of the tissue flaps were 15-22 mm. The hand function was excellent in 3 cases, good in 1 case, and fair in 1 case, and the foot function was excellent in 4 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case, and all the patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of hand or foot. Conclusions: The ilioinguinal composite tissue flaps can repair the hand and foot wounds and reconstruct the flexion and extension functions of wrist, finger, ankle, and toe at the same time, which is an effective method to repair this kind of defects.

Tumor suppressor RKIP inhibits prostate cancer cell metastasis and sensitizes prostate cancer cells to docetaxel treatment

Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) is a well-established metastasis suppressor that is frequently down-regulated in aggressive cancers. However, the impact of RKIP on cancer cell invasion and metastasis in prostate cancer is still elusive. To this end, we overexpressed RKIP in two prostate cancer cell lines. We found that overexpression of RKIP inhibited prostate cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we found that RKIP overexpression led to down-regula- tion of the NF-kB signaling pathway and inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which is important step for cancer metastasis. In addition, overexpression of RKIP can promote drug effects of docetaxel on prostate cancer cell lines. In conclusion, overexpression of RKIP significantly inhibits prostate cancer cell migration and metastasis, and overexpression of RKIP could aid prostate cancer treatment and therapy.

[The effects of Xuebijing injection on apoptosis and expression of regulatory factors TNF-α、NF-κB and Caspase-3 expression in the lung tissues of acute paraquat-induced rats]

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of acute paraquat poisoning by means of studying the expression of TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B, Caspase-3 and the changes of cell apoptosis rate detected by TUNEL in the lung tissue of acute paraquat-induced rats. Methods: On the base of random number table, 126 Wister rats weighing 220 g to 270 g were divided into 3 groups: (1) Control group: 42 rats, (2) Poisoned group: 42 rats, (3) Treatment group: 42 rats. On 1(st)、3(rd)、7(th)、14(th)、21(st)、28(th)、and 35(th) day, six rats from each group were anaesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of chloral hydrate. To cut the chest and take the lung tissue samples. The expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Nuclear Factor-kappa B and Caspase-3 protein in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining, as well as apoptotic cell rate was detected by TUNEL staining. Results: The expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Nuclear Factor-kappa B, Caspase-3 protein and TUNEL staining in the lung tissue of the poisoned group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Compared with the poisoned group, the expression of TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B, Caspase-3 and TUNEL in treatment group decreased significantly (P<0.05) , but they were still higher than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Apoptosis and TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B and Caspase-3 play an important role in lung injury of paraquat-induced rats. Xuebijing injection can inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B, Caspase-3 in lung tissue, reduce the apoptosis rate and alleviate the damage of lung tissue in paraquat-poisoning rats.

Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms and circulating levels with keloid scars in a Chinese Han population

The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of IL-6 gene polymorphisms on the development of keloid scar (KS) in the Chinese Han population. Genotyping of IL-6 was performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism assays (PCR-RFLP). Serum level of IL-6 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results indicated that when the IL-6 -572 CC homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the GG genotype was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of KS (GG vs CC: OR = 2.097, 95%CI  = 1.100-3.995, P  =  0.025). When the IL-6 -572 C allele was used as the reference group, the G allele was found to be associated with significantly increased risk of KS (G vs C: OR =  1.317, 95%CI  = 1.002-1.730, P = 0.048). Furthermore, we observed a marked increase in serum IL-6 levels in KS patients with GG genotypes when compared to KS patients harboring the CC genotype. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-6 gene polymorphism was associated with keloid scars in the southeastern Chinese Han population.

NtBRC1 suppresses axillary branching in tobacco after decapitation

Axillary branching is controlled by a very complex mechanism involving various endogenous and environmental factors. Previous studies have shown that Tb1/BRC1 is the point of integration in the network of molecular mechanisms regulating axillary branching in plants. In this study, we cloned the Tb1/BRC1 ortholog, NtBRC1, from Nicotiana tabacum and functionally analyzed its role in the control of axillary branching in tobacco. Overexpression of NtBRC1 resulted in significant retardation of axillary branching, and downregulation of this gene resulted in significant acceleration of axillary branching after decapitation. This indicates a negative role for this gene in the regulation of axillary branching. In-line with previous reports, NtBRC1 was found to be expressed predominantly in axillary buds. Additionally, as expected, expression was decreased 8 h following decapitation, which further confirms its role in the suppression of axillary branching. Furthermore, the expression of NtBRC1 was significantly downregulated by cytokinin, but was not affected by GR24, a synthetic strigolactone. Based on the data collected in the present study, we demonstrate that NtBRC1 negatively regulates axillary branching in tobacco after decapitation and functions downstream of the cytokinin signaling pathway inside axillary buds.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of dystrophinopathy that mimics adductor enthesopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To report thigh muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests of four Chinese patients with dystrophinopathy with edema changes in adductor longus muscles that mimics adductor enthesopathy.

METHODS

Four boys, who were from four unrelated families and aged from 5 to 11 years, were investigated because of the clinical manifestations including myalgia or muscle weakness or the incidental findings of elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and were diagnosed with dystrophinopathy by gene test of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Their creatine kinase levels were increased from 4 087 IU/L to 32 700 IU/L (Normal range: 75-175 IU/L). The muscle biopsy of three patients all demonstrated a dystrophic pattern including necrosis, regeneration, hypertrophy, atrophy and connective tissue proliferation, with different proportions of dystrophin-negative muscle fibers. The gene test of DMD showed an out-frame deletion of exons in three of the four patients, involving either exons 45 or exons 49-52 deletion or exon 62 duplication, and c.2665 C>T with nonsense mutation in the other one. Muscle MRI tests of the bilateral thighs were performed with T1 weighed sequence and slow tau inversion recovery sequence. The degree of fatty infiltration changes was scored.

RESULTS

MRI of the thigh muscles showed mild to severe fatty infiltration changes in T1 weighed sequence with the total scores from 2 to 13.The most severe fatty infiltration changes were in the long head of biceps femoris and adductor magnus. Obvious hyperintensities appeared mainly in the adductor longus muscles on slow tau inversion recovery (STIR) images in all the patients without any abnormal signals in the attachment of the ligament, indicating edema changes of the adductor longus muscles which mimiced adductor enthesopathy. Two of the four patients presented with edema changes in the bilateral adductor longus muscles, while the other two were with only unilateral changes. Furthermore, other thigh muscles, including adductor magnus, semitendinosus, sartorius and rectus femoris muscles, could also have mild edema changes in two of the four patients.

CONCLUSION

Dystrophinopathy can manifest as edema changes in the adductor longus muscles in thigh muscle MRI tests, which is a typical lesion in adductor enthesopathy. The adductor longus muscles in the dystrophinopathy patients may be easy to be impaired due to traction injury during sports.

[Clinical application of MRI histogram in evaluation of muscle fatty infiltration]

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method based on analysis of the histogram of intensity values produced from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for quantifying the degree of fatty infiltration.

METHODS

The study included 25 patients with dystrophinopathy. All the subjects underwent muscle MRI test at thigh level. The histogram M values of 250 muscles adjusted for subcutaneous fat, representing the degree of fatty infiltration, were compared with the expert visual reading using the modified Mercuri scale.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between the histogram M values and the scores of visual reading (r=0.854, P<0.001). The distinct pattern of muscle involvement detected in the patients with dystrophinopathy in our study of histogram M values was similar to that of visual reading and results in literature. The histogram M values had stronger correlations with the clinical data than the scores of visual reading as follows: the correlations with age (r=0.730, P<0.001) and (r=0.753, P<0.001); with strength of knee extensor (r=-0.468, P=0.024) and (r=-0.460, P=0.027) respectively. Meanwhile, the histogram M values analysis had better repeatability than visual reading with the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.997-0.998, P<0.001) and 0.958 (95% CI: 0.946-0.967, P<0.001) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Histogram M values analysis of MRI with the advantages of repeatability and objectivity can be used to evaluate the degree of muscle fatty infiltration.

[The phase Ⅱ clinical trial of Yanhouqing buccal tablets in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type]

Objective:The aim of this study is to preliminary evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yanhouqing buccal tablets in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type and explore the safe and effective dose. Method:Design of multi-center clinical trial with randomized, double-blind, single-analog, placebo-controlled, dose exploration. 288 patients were divided into three groups: low dose group, high dose group and placebo group. The effectiveness evaluation indexes was analysis of pharyngalgia or odynophagia, throat burning, TCM syndrome and pharyngeal signs, and the safety was evaluated by vital sign, lab examination indexes and adverse events. Result:The results showed that there was the statistically significant difference between high/low dose group and placebo group(P <0.01), and no significant difference between high and low dose groups(P >0.01) among the effectiveness evaluation indexes. There were no serious adverse events. The adverse events and adverse reactions in the three groups has no statistical significance(P >0.05). Conclusion:Yanhouqing buccal tablets is safe and effective in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type. We recommend 8 tablets per day and treat for 5 days in phase Ⅲ clinical trials.

Association of the interleukin-10 gene -1082A/G genetic polymorphism with risk of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population

We investigated the possible association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL10 (-1082A/G and -592C/A) and susceptibility to ischemic stroke. In total, 335 patients with proven ischemic stroke and 335 control subjects were recruited from Xinxiang Central Hospital between March 2013 and May 2015. The IL10 -1082A/G and -529C/A polymorphisms were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. When compared with the control subjects, patients with ischemic stroke were more likely to be male, have a habit of tobacco smoking, have higher BMI, have hypertension or diabetes mellitus, and have higher levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the AA genotype of IL10 -1082A/G was significantly associated with development of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population compared with the GG genotype (OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.15-3.25). In the dominant model, the association between GA+AA genotype of IL10 -1082A/G and risk of ischemic stroke was also significant compared with the GG genotype, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) for the GA+AA genotype was 1.41 (1.02-1.94). Thus, our study suggests that IL10 gene polymorphisms contribute to the development of ischemic stroke.

Protective effect of the n-butanol Toona sinensis seed extract on diabetic nephropathy rat kidneys

The objective of this study was to observe the protective effect of the n-butyl alcohol phase of Toona sinensis seed extract on the kidneys of diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats and its preliminary mechanism. Male wistar rats were administered a normal or high-fat diet for 1 month. DN rats were divided into a model group and a petroleum ether phase of T. sinensis seed extract intervention group. The intervention group was administered 5 mg·100 g-1·day-1 extract. After treatment for 10 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and the renal cortex were collected. Biochemical indicators in the serum and renal indices were assessed. Pathological changes of the renal tissues were also determined. Changes in the renal structure and protein levels were detected. Compared with the normal group, the blood glucose, urinary albumin, renal index, and oxidative stress index were sharply increased in the model group. The protein levels of TGF-b1, collagen IV, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were increased. Compared with the model group, the n-butyl alcohol phase of T. sinensis seed extract significantly reduced the blood glucose, urinary albumin, renal index, oxidative stress index, serum creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels. The renal pathology abnormality was improved in DN rats. The protein levels of TGF-b1, collagen IV, and CTGF were increased. The expression of TGF-b1, collagen IV, and CTGF decreased. In conclusion, the n-butyl alcohol phase of T. sinensis seed extract has protective effects on DN rats via the inhibition of oxidative stress and protein expression of TGF-b1, collagen IV, and CTGF.

Isolation, molecular cloning, and characterization of a novel porcine lymphotoxin beta receptor gene

The lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family of receptors (TNFR). It plays a role in regulating lymphoid organogenesis and homeostasis of the immune system. In the present study, the full coding region of a putative LTβR gene of Sus scrofa was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloned for the first time (accession Nos. JX457347 and AFU74012). In addition, analysis of the tissue expression profile was carried out via RT-PCR. The full-length coding region of porcine LTβR had 1266 nucleotides (molecular weight, 45.61 kDa; pI, 5.71) and encoded 421 amino acids. Bioinformatic prediction indicates that LTβR belongs to the TNFR superfamily and contains a TNFR domain. The sequence homology analysis revealed that the amino acid sequences of S. scrofa LTβR had 82.9, 82.4, 81.3, 80.5, 78.7, 74.6, and 73.0% identity with those of Equus caballus, Canis lupus, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Bos taurus, Mus musculus, and Homo sapiens, respectively. The phylogenetic tree based on the amino acid sequences of LTβR from 8 species revealed that S. scrofa was more closely related to E. caballus, C. lupus, and A. melanoleuca. RT-PCR analysis showed that the porcine LTβR gene was differentially expressed (e.g., high, moderate, low, or nonexistent) in various tissues (e.g., prostate, pituitary, brainstem, and esophagus, respectively). This may be related to differences in the regulation of LTβR in the different tissues.

Low-dose epidural dexmedetomidine improves thoracic epidural anaesthesia for nephrectomy

Thoracic epidural anaesthesia alone is an applied technique of anaesthesia for nephrectomy which has both advantages and limitations. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist which has both central and peripheral analgesic properties. Forty patients undergoing nephrectomy were enrolled in this clinical trial and allocated randomly to two groups, a control group (C group) and a dexmedetomidine group (D group). The C group received epidural 0.75% levobupivacaine 12 ml with 1 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution, while the D group received epidural 0.75% levobupivacaine 12 ml with 1 ml (0.5 µg/kg) of dexmedetomidine. Haemodynamic changes, onset time and duration of sensory and motor block, muscle relaxation score, verbal rating score for pain, sedation score and the total postoperative analgesic consumption were evaluated. Sensory blockade duration was longer in the D group than in the C group (P=0.01). The incidence of motor block and the muscle relaxation score were significantly higher in the D group compared with the C group (P=0.01). Compared with the C group, pain scores were significantly lower in the first four postoperative hours in the D group (two hours rest P=0.038; two hours activity P=0.009; four hours rest P=0.044; four hours activity P=0.003). The total amount of flurbiprofen analgesic was significantly lower in the D group compared with the C group (P=0.03). Epidural dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg appears to intensify thoracic epidural anaesthesia with levobupivacaine.

Comparison of anaesthetic and analgesic effects of emulsified isoflurane used alone or combined with lidocaine and fentanyl in dogs

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a combination of emulsified isoflurane, lidocaine, and fentanyl (EI-L-F) compared with the efficacy of emulsified isoflurane alone (EI), a combination of emulsified isoflurane and lidocaine (EI-L) or emulsified isoflurane and fentanyl (EI-F) for anaesthetising dogs.

METHODS

Eight mongrel dogs were anesthetised with EI (8 mL/kg/hour), EI-L (3 mg/kg/hour lidocaine and 6 mL/kg/hour of emulsified isoflurane), EI-F (1.5 μg/kg/hour fentanyl and 6 mL/kg/hour of emulsified isoflurane), and EI-L-F (5 mL/kg/hour of emulsified isoflurane, 1 μg/kg/hour of fentanyl and 2.4 mg/kg/hour of lidocaine). Each dog received all four treatments and there was a 15-day washout period between the treatments. The dogs' anaesthesia and analgesia scores and physiological parameters were determined before and 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 minutes after the administration of anaesthetic agents.

RESULTS

The dogs in each of the four groups became laterally recumbent within 1 minute. Respiration rate and heart rate increased (p<0.05) during the first 5 minutes of anaesthesia in all groups. Respiration rate in the EI-F-L group was higher (p=0.037) than other groups from 30 to 50 minutes. Heart rate was higher in the EI than EI-F-L group (p=0.018) from 10 to 20 minutes, then returned to near baseline. Arterial oxygen saturation decreased during the period of anaesthesia but was higher (p=0.032) from 10 to 50 minutes in EI-F-L group than in other groups. The total anaesthesia scores in the EI-L-F group were higher than the EI and EI-L groups (p<0.05). The mean time to body movement was 5 (SD 2), 5 (SD 2), 7 (SD 2) and 8 (SD 2) minutes for the EI, EI-L, EI-F and EI-F-L groups, respectively. The mean time to standing was 8 (SD 2), 9 (SD 2), 10 (SD 2) and 13 (SD 3) minutes for the EI, EI-L, EI-F and EI-F-L groups, respectively. No excitement was observed during recovery after anaesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

The EI-F-L combination that was used in this study provided an adequate anaesthesia effect in dogs, which was characterised by adequate analgesia and muscle relaxation without any complications.

Expression of lipogenic genes during porcine intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content plays an important role in meat quality. Triglyceride (TG) metabolism in intramuscular adipocytes is strongly associated with the intramuscular fat deposition. To better understand the mechanisms leading to IMF deposition we compared the expression levels of genes related to preadipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in the intramuscular preadipocytes isolated from the longissimus muscle of Wujin and Landrace pigs. The results showed that the intramuscular preadipocytes could differentiate into mature adipocytes in vitro. Triglyceride content in adipocytes isolated from Wujin pigs was higher than Landrace pigs during the middle and later phases of preadipocyte differentiation. The expression levels of genes related to preadipocyte differentiation such as PPARG and CEBPA showed differential expression between Wujin and Landrace porcine adipocytes during the early stage of differentiation. The expression levels of lipogenic genes such as FASN and SREBF1 were significantly higher in Wujin porcine intramuscular preadipocytes than in Landrace intramuscular preadipocytes at the middle and the later stages of differentiation. This suggests that preadipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis exhibited breed-related scheduling.

Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Se3 Nanostructures

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanostructures were synthesized via solvothermal method. The crystallinity of the as-synthesized sample has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, which shows the formation of rhombohedral Bi2Se3. Electron microscopy examination indicates that the Bi2Se3 nanoparticles have hexagonal flake-like shape. The effect of the synthesis temperature on the morphology of the Bi2Se3 nanostructures has also been investigated. It is found that the particle size increases with the synthesis temperature. Thermoelectric properties of the Bi2Se3 nanostructures were also measured, and the maximum value of dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 0.096 was obtained at 523 K.

Construction of recombinant lentivirus vector for tumor vasoinhibitory peptide alphastatin gene delivery

Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor progression and metastasis. Alphastatin, as an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, was recently used as an anticancer agent in several tumor models. We constructed recombinant self-inactivating lentivirus vectors expressing alphastatin and evaluated their ability to transfer genes into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as well as their antiangiogenic activities in vitro. Recombinant self-inactivating lentiviral vectors efficiently and stably transduced endothelial cells, and lentivirus-transduced HUVECs were capable of sustainedly secreting the antiangiogenesis peptide alphastatin. Long-term expression and secretion of alphastatin resulted in significant inhibition of endothelial cell angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor. This report presents the first use of lentivirus-based vectors to deliver the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor alphastatin, and suggests the potential utility of antiangiogenic gene therapy with lentiviral vectors for the treatment of cancer.