Linker length affects expression and bioactivity of the onconase fusion protein in Pichia pastoris

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of linker length on the expression and biological activity of recombinant protein onconase (ONC) in fusion with human serum albumin (HSA) in Pichia pastoris. Four flexible linkers with different lengths namely Linker L0, L1: (GGGGS)1, L2: (GGGGS)2, and L3:(GGGGS)3 were inserted into the fusion gene and referred to as HSA-n-ONC, where N = 0, 5, 10, or 15. The sequence of the fusion gene HSA-ONC was designed based on the GC content and codon bias in P. pastoris; the signal peptide of albumin was used as the secretion signal. Gene sequences coding for the fusion protein with different linkers were inserted into pPICZα-A to form recombinant plasmids pPICZα-A/HSA-n-ONC, which were then transformed into P. pastoris X-33 for protein expression. Ideal conditions for expression of the fusion proteins were optimized at a small scale, using shake flasks before proceeding to mass production in 10-L fermenters. The recombinant fusion proteins were purified by aqueous two-phase extraction coupled with DEAE anion exchange chromatography, and their cytotoxic effect on the tumor cell was evaluated by the sulforhodamine B assay. The results showed that the expressed amount of fusion proteins had no significant relationship with the length of different linkers and rHSA-0-ONC had no cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells. While rHSA-5-ONC and rHSA-10-ONC had a weak cytotoxic effect, rHSA-15-ONC could kill various tumor cells in vitro. In summary, the biological activity of the fusion protein gradually improved with increasing length of the linker.

Application of the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 in long-term in vivo experiments

The aim of this study was to explore methods by which the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 (PD) could be used in long-term in vivo experiments. Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control, model control, PD low-dose, PD high-dose, PD blank, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, DMSO blank, and positive control groups. The corresponding treatments were administered to each experimental group over the course of four weeks, after which, total ERK1/2 and ERK5 protein levels, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression were measured in myocardial tissues. Treatment of rabbits with Adriamycin (doxorubicin) resulted in the significant overall differences in ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK5 were lowest in the PD high-dose group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in total protein and mRNA levels of myocardial ERK1/2 and ERK5 were detected between the groups after four weeks (P > 0.05). Continuous intravenous injection of PD98059 significantly reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that of ERK5. In conclusion, Adriamycin-induced myocardiopathy and abnormal ERK signaling might constitute a valuable model foruse in long-term experiments. These methods may provide a theoretical basis for related in vivo studies of long duration.

Root-soil air gap and resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface of Robinia pseudoacacia

During periods of water deficit, growing roots may shrink, retaining only partial contact with the soil. In this study, known mathematical models were used to calculate the root-soil air gap and water flow resistance at the soil-root interface, respectively, of Robinia pseudoacacia L. under different water conditions. Using a digital camera, the root-soil air gap of R. pseudoacacia was investigated in a root growth chamber; this root-soil air gap and the model-inferred water flow resistance at the soil-root interface were compared with predictions based on a separate outdoor experiment. The results indicated progressively greater root shrinkage and loss of root-soil contact with decreasing soil water potential. The average widths of the root-soil air gap for R. pseudoacacia in open fields and in the root growth chamber were 0.24 and 0.39 mm, respectively. The resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface in both environments increased with decreasing soil water potential. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that soil water potential and soil temperature were the best predictors of variation in the root-soil air gap. A combination of soil water potential, soil temperature, root-air water potential difference and soil-root water potential difference best predicted the resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface.

High-dose glucocorticoids increases the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor in vascular endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of glucocorticoid new mechanism to observe the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone (Dex) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS "injured" endothelial cells with Dex for "treatment", and then detected the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the endothelial cells by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

With high dose (10-6 mol/L) of Dex to stimulate cell 3h, GRmRNA no significant changes in the expression, 6h began to decrease, 12h peak, 24h recovered nearly the level before stimulation. Using different concentrations of Dex and 100 ng/ml LPS stimulation, HUVEC MRmRNA expression was decreased, and high dose (10-6 mol/L) of Dex to stimulate cell 3h, MRmRNA no significant changes in expression, and GRmRNA The difference is that the expression began to increase 6h, 12h, peaked, 24h rebound near the level before stimulation. Immunohistochemistry results consistent with the RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Large dose of DEX (10-6 mol/l) up-regulated the expression of MR and GR in the reduction of the contrast exactly. GC induced the expression of GR and MR in different changes of stress injury of the body may be a regulatory mechanism, and indicate one new mechanism of glucocorticoid exist.

Improved performance in differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal tumors using diffusion-weighted combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Background:

Differentiating benign from malignant sinonsal lesions is essential for treatment planning as well as determining the patient's prognosis, but the differentiation is often difficult in clinical practice. The study aimed to determine whether the combination of diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can improve the performance in differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal tumors.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 197 consecutive patients with sinonasal tumors (116 malignant tumors and 81 benign tumors). All patients underwent both DW and DCE-MRI in a 3-T magnetic resonance scanner. Two different settings of b values (0,700 and 0,1000 s/mm²) and two different strategies of region of interest (ROI) including whole slice (WS) and partial slice (PS) were used to calculate apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). A DW parameter with WS ADCs_b0,1000 and two DCE-MRI parameters (time intensity curve [TIC] and time to peak enhancement [Tpeak]) were finally combined to use in differentiating the benign from the malignant tumors in this study.

Results:

The mean ADCs of malignant sinonasal tumors (WS ADCs_b0,1000 = 1.084 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) were significantly lower than those of benign tumors (WS ADCs_b0,1000 = 1.617 × 10⁻³ mm²/s, P < 0.001). The accuracy using WS ADCs_b0,1000 alone was 83.7% in differentiating the benign from the malignant tumors (85.3% sensitivity, 81.2% specificity, 86.4% positive predictive value [PPV], and 79.5% negative predictive value [NPV]). The accuracy using DCE with Tpeak and TIC alone was 72.1% (69.1% sensitivity, 74.1% specificity, 77.5% PPV, and 65.1% NPV). Using DW-MRI parameter was superior than using DCE parameters in differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors (P < 0.001). The accuracy was 87.3% (90.5% sensitivity, 82.7% specificity, 88.2% PPV, and 85.9% NPV) using DW-MRI combined with DCE-MRI, which was superior than that using DCE-MRI alone or using DW-MRI alone (both P < 0.001) in differentiating the benign from the malignant tumors.

Conclusions:

Diffusion-weighted combined with DCE-MRI can improve imaging performance in differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal tumors, which has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide added value in the management for these tumors.

Bispectral index for monitoring anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol

This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using the bispectral index (BIS) to monitor anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving intravenous target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil and propofol. We randomly assigned 80 patients undergoing elective escharectomy (<1 week) to BIS (A) and control (B) groups. All patients received remifentanil and propofol as intravenous TCI anesthesia. Clinical data were recorded at different time points. The time from drug withdrawal to eye opening upon the patient hearing his/her name called and upon reaching an Aldrete score of 9 points was also recorded. During anesthesia maintenance, the target concentrations of remifentanil and propofol in group A were significantly lower than that in group B (2.12 ± 0.35 vs 2.50 ± 0.21 ng/mL and 2.54 ± 0.22 vs 2.86 ± 0.31 μg/mL, respectively; P < 0.01). The time from drug withdrawal to eye opening upon the patient hearing his/her name called and reaching an Aldrete score of 9 points in group A was considerably shorter than that in group B (7.90 ± 0.58 vs 8.35 ± 0.66 min and 9.15 ± 0.69 vs 11.13 ± 0.96 min, respectively; P < 0.01). In both groups, mean arterial pressure and heart rate values at each time point after loss of consciousness were significantly lower than the baseline values (P < 0.05), with the exception of 2 min after intubation. The use of BIS to monitor anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving TCI of remifentanil and propofol during the perioperative period reduces propofol consumption and shortens the consciousness recovery time in patients.

Subtraction suppressive hybridisation analysis of differentially expressed genes associated with puberty in the goat hypothalamus

The cost of developing replacement nanny goats could be reduced by decreasing the age at puberty because this way nanny goats could be brought into production at an earlier age. The aim of the present study was to screen genes related to puberty to investigate the molecular mechanisms of puberty. Subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed for hypothalami from juvenile (Group A), pubertal (Group B) and age-matched control pubertal (Group E) Jining grey (JG) and Liaoning cashmere (LC) goats using suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH). Differentially expressed genes were analysed by bioinformatics methods. There were 203 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in the subtracted cDNA libraries that were differentially expressed between JG and LC goats at the juvenile stage, 226 that were differentially expressed at puberty and 183 that were differentially expressed in the age-matched control group. The differentially expressed ESTs in each subtracted cDNA library were classified as known gene, known EST and unknown EST according to sequence homology in the GenBank non-redundant (NR) and EST database. According to gene function analysis in the COG (Cluster of Orthologous Groups) database, the known genes were grouped into 10 subdivisions in Group A, into seven subdivisions in Group E and into nine subdivisions in Group B under three categories: cellular processes and signalling, information storage and processing, and metabolism. Pathway analysis in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway database of known genes revealed that the three pathways that most differentially expressed genes were involved in were metabolic pathways, Parkinson's disease and oxidative phosphorylation. Protein interaction analysis of the high homology genes revealed the most dominant network to be structure of ribosome/protein translation, oxidative phosphorylation and carbohydrate metabolism. The results reveal that the onset of puberty is a complex event involving multiple genes in multiple biological processes. The differentially expressed genes include genes related to both neuroendocrine and energy metabolism.

[Micro-CT observations of the adaptation at gingival wall in Class II restorations with different dental restorative materials]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the adaptation of different materials for gingival layer in Class II restorations using Micro-CT.

METHODS

Eighteen extracted human premolars were selected, and Class II cavities were prepared. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups and restored using layering technique. Six materials were used for gingival layer, including four injectable materials: Beautifil Flow Plus F00 (F00), Beautifil Flow F10 (F10), Filtek Z350 Flowable (Z350F), FujiII LC CAPSULE (Fuji), and two packable materials: BeautifilII (BF), Filtek Z350 (Z350). The restored teeth were scanned with micro-CT and the images were 3D reconstructed to evaluate the volumes and the distribution of the voids on the restoration-tooth interface of the gingival layer. The volume of the voids were statistically analyzed using nonparametric Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

RESULTS

The volumes (mm(3)) of the voids on the restoration-tooth interface were: Z350F (0.000 15), F10 (0.000 39), F00 (0.012), Fuji (0.070), Z350 (0.16) and BF (0.20). There were significant differences between Z350F/F10 and Fuji/Z350/BF (P < 0.05). Most of the voids were found on the point-line angles of the cavities.

CONCLUSION

The voids on the restoration-tooth interface were mainly on the point-line angles of the cavities. Injectable materials with high flowablility could reduce the restoration-tooth interface voids significantly when used for the gingival layer in Class II restorations.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT RESECTIONS ON NON-MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER AND ANALYSIS OF THE OPTIMAL SURGICAL METHOD

This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of different resections in treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including partial cystectomy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and holmium laser resection of bladder tumor. Two hundred and sixteen patients were recruited with NMIBC who were available for follow-up visits in hospital, including 62 cases treated with partial cystectomy, 90 cases treated with TURBT and 64 cases with holmium laser resection. Analysis was made on the cases with tumor relapse in the two years, on operation time, blood loss, time for indwelling urinary catheter, hospital stay and complications after operation. Results were compared to the clinical efficacy of these operation patterns. It was found that the two-year relapse rate for TURBT group, partial cystectomy group and Holmium laser resection group was 41%, 31%, and 33% respectively, and the difference had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Both the TURBT group and holmium laser resection group had shorter operation time, hospital stay and time for indwelling urinary catheter as well as much less blood loss when compared with the partial cystectomy group; the difference had statistical significance (p<0.001). In terms of complications, the TURBT group was likely to induce obturator nerve reflex and bladder perforation while the partial cystectomy group was likely to induce bladder spasm. Therefore, this study presumes that holmium laser resection and TURBT are much safer and quicker for recovery and obviously superior to the partial cystectomy.

Primary analysis and screening of microRNAs in gastric cancer side population cells

AIM: To explore the microRNA (miRNA) profiles and to determine the key miRNAs within the side population (SP) cells of the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45.

METHODS: We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting and Hoechst 33342 labeling to obtain SP cells from the human gastric carcinoma cell line MKN-45. The miRNA expression profiles of the SP and major population (MP) cells were examined using a miRNA gene chip, and key miRNAs were obtained according to aberrant expression and the miRNAs’ possible targets as predicted by bioinformatics.

RESULTS: Using a significance criterion of a 1.5-fold or greater difference in expression level, we observed an increase in the expression of 34 miRNAs and a decrease in the expression of 34 miRNAs when comparing SP to MP cells. Using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to test for differentially expressed miRNAs combined with bioinformatics results, we found that the downregulated miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-3175 and hsa-miR-203, and the upregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-130a, hsa-miR-324-5p, hsa-miR-34a, and hsa-miR-25-star, may be important in maintaining and regulating the characteristics of SP cells.

CONCLUSION: There are key miRNAs expressed within the SP cells of the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45, and include hsa-miR-3175, hsa-miR-203, hsa-miR-130a, hsa-miR-324-5p, hsa-miR-34a, and hsa-miR-25-star.

Non-surgical contraindication for acute appendicitis with secondary thrombocytopenia: A case report

A 26-year-old man presented with migrated right lower abdominal pain and without any history of hematological systemic diseases. Blood routine test showed a leukocyte count of 22.74 × 10⁹/L, with 91.4% neutrophils, and a platelet count of 4 × 10⁹/L before admission. The case question was whether the team should proceed with surgery. Obviously, a differential diagnosis is essential before making such a decision. Acute appendicitis was easily diagnosed based on clinical findings, including migrating abdominal pain, a leukocyte count of 22.74 × 10⁹/L and the result of abdominal computed tomography scan. However, it was not clear whether the severe thrombocytopenia was primary or secondary. So smear of peripheral blood and aspiration of bone marrow were ordered to exclude hematological diseases. Neither of the tests indicated obvious pathological hematological changes. There was no hepatosplenomegaly found by ultrasound examination of the liver and spleen. Therefore, operative intervention may be a unique clinical scenario in acute severe appendicitis patients with secondary thrombocytopenia.

Hydrogen sulfide improves cardiomyocytes electrical remodeling post ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced by cystanthionine-γ-lysase (CSE) in the cardiovascular system, is an endogenous gaseous mediator exerting pronounced physiological effects as the third gasotransmitter in addition to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Accumulating evidence indicated that H2S could mediate the cardioprotective effects in myocardial ischemia model. Ventricular arrhythmia is the most important risk factor for cardiac mortality and sudden death after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The potential impact of H2S on cardiomyocytes electrical remodeling post ischemic insult is not fully explored now. Present study investigated the role of H2S on cardiomyocytes electrical remodeling in rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury. H2S concentration was reduced and arrhythmia score was increased in this model. CSE mRNA level was also upregulated in the ischemic myocardium. Exposure to exogenous NaHS reduced the action potential duration (APD), inhibited L-type Ca(2+) channels and activated K(ATP) channels in cardiomyocytes isolated from ischemic myocardium Exogenous H2S application improves electrical remodeling in cardiomyocytes isolated from ischemic myocardium. These results indicated that reduced H2S level might be linked to ischemia/reperfusion induced arrhythmias.

Large-scale analysis of factors influencing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its relationship with liver enzymes

Serum liver enzyme levels are often used effectively for the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the associations between serum liver enzyme levels and risks for NAFLD in over 8000 cases in a large-scale analysis. A cross-sectional survey with multiple stages and random samplings was performed from May 2007 to May 2009 on 8102 workers at Tongji University. A questionnaire was given, assessments of physical measurements, plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes were made, and real-time liver ultrasounds conducted. The prevalence of NAFLD in Tongji University was 22.2%. It was higher in males than in females (P = 0.0023). The body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum total triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) values were all higher in the NAFLD group than in the control group. For moderate and severe NAFLD patients, the ALT, AST and GGT values were significantly increased, high density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased, and drinking much, heavy entertainment and less exercise were more prevalent (P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between serum liver enzyme levels and NAFLD (P < 0.001), with GGT being a more sensitive marker for NAFLD than ALT or AST. ALT and GGT were independent predictors for NAFLD, and GGT was a better predictor than ALT for NAFLD.

Association of Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Atherosclerotic Plaque with Periodontal Status

Studies have suggested an association between clinical/subclinical atherosclerosis and periodontal status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association among maximal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), atherosclerotic plaque, and periodontal status in Chinese elderly patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 847 participants (age, 70.64 ± 9.03 yr) with ≥10 teeth. A questionnaire survey, routine biochemical tests, a periodontal examination, and maximal cIMT measurement were performed for each. Traditional risk factors for atherogenesis were considered in the statistical analysis. Mean plaque index, which reflects oral hygiene, was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in the study sample overall (β = 0.068, p < .001; OR = 2.051, p < .001) and in euglycemic participants (β = 0.066, p = .008; odds ratio = 2.122, p = .009). In hyperglycemic participants, multiple linear regression analysis (p = .006) and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = .025) revealed a linear and dose-dependent association between mean clinical attachment loss and maximal cIMT after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss corresponded to a 0.018-mm increase in maximal cIMT. The risk of atherosclerotic plaque increased by 18.3% with each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss. Other indicators of periodontal exposure, including percentage of sites with attachment loss ≥ 3 to 5 mm (3%-5%), were also correlated with cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in hyperglycemic patients. In this elderly population, a linear and dose-dependent association among mean clinical attachment loss, attachment loss 3% to 5%, maximal cIMT, and atherosclerotic plaque was verified in those with hyperglycemia. Poor oral hygiene was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in all participants, including those with normal blood glucose.

Metformin vs insulin in the management of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of metformin compared with insulin in achieving glycemic control and investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We searched four electronic databases from inception through December 2012. Terms for Gestational diabetes/gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetes pregnancy AND/OR Metformin/hypoglycemic drugs/Hypoglycemic Agents/Antidiabetic Medications were used in the search. Two investigators independently reviewed titles and abstracts, performed data abstraction on full articles, and assessed study quality. Meanwhile, manual search of other resources and the search on Google Scholar were also carried out to identify more related articles .Rev Man 5.0 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Six randomized clinical trials involving 1420 subjects were included. The current limited data suggested that using metformin in gestational diabetes subjects did not significantly increase adverse maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes, also with less weight gain and neonatal hypoglycemia, but a higher incidence of premature birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin will not increase the incidence of adverse maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes.

AFP-producing hepatoid adenocarcinoma of appendix: a case report of 18F-FDG PET/CT

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare tumor. We described here a rare case of appendix HAC. A 59-year-old man underwent F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for gradually elevated alpha-Fetoprotein level. Multiple masses in the abdominal cavity with moderate FDG uptake were revealed, suggesting malignant tumor with peritoneal metastasis. The patient underwent radical resection, and the postoperative pathological result was HAC originated from the appendix. To our knowledge, it is the first report of HAC of the appendix. Our study suggests that FDG PET/CT may help in detecting the primary tumor and the metastases of HAC.

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on shelf life, visual quality and nutritional quality of netted melon

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on shelf life, fruit visual quality and nutritional quality were investigated. Netted melons were treated with air (control) and 0.6 µl l(-1) 1-MCP at 25 ℃ for 24 h, and then stored at 25 ℃ or 10 ℃ for 10 days. 1-MCP significantly extended the shelf life, inhibited weight loss and delayed firmness decline of melon fruits. Ethylene production was also inhibited and respiration rate was declined. 1-MCP retarded 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) increases and inhibited ACC synthase and ACC oxidase activity. Moreover, 1-MCP treatment reduced the decrease in total soluble solids and titratable acidity, as well as the decrease of the content of sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose). These results indicated that 1-MCP treatment is a good method to extend melon shelf life and maintain fruit quality, and the combination of 1-MCP and low temperature storage resulted in more acceptable fruit quality.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the value of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lumps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with breast lesions were observed. The enhancement form, intensity, and time-intensity curve were classified, and the characteristics of all the lesions were analyzed.

RESULTS

Inhomogeneous partial enhancement and entire enhancement were exhibited in most of the malignant lesions. High enhancements were observed in malignant lesions, whereas lower enhancement and no enhancement were exhibited in the benign tumors. The peak value and regression time were significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There's a significant difference regarding the results of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound between the benign tumor and malignant tumor which would help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast neoplasms.

Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis using real-time tissue elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM

To evaluate the utility of the elastic ratio calculated using real-time tissue elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six patients with CHB were enrolled between September 2012 and August 2013. The elastic ratio of the liver for the intrahepatic venous small vessel was calculated to measure liver stiffness. Diagnostic performance of the elastic ratio and aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were compared with histological fibrosis stage at liver biopsy. In addition, 45 healthy adult volunteers were participated in intra- and interobserver reliability studies.

RESULTS

There was no significant influence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status or hepatitis B virus DNA levels on the elastic ratio measurements in CHB patients. The elastic ratio was significantly correlated with histological fibrosis stage (r = 0.873, p < 0.001). Cut-off values were 2.62 for stage 2 and over (S ≥ 2), 3.20 for state 3 and over, and 3.86 for stage 4, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for elastic ratio and APRI diagnosis of significant fibrosis (S ≥ 2) was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84-0.98) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.57-0.86), and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.99) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.91) for cirrhosis (S = 4), respectively. The elastic ratio measurements had good reproducibility: 0.838 for intra-observer reliability and 0.805 for inter-observer reliability, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Elastic ratio determined using real-time tissue elastography was an accurate and reproducible method for evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with CHB.

First Report of Bipolaris papendorfii Causing Corn Leaf Spot in China

Corn is the most important cereal crop in China, with over 34.94 million ha being cultivated in the country annually. However, fungal diseases are a major limiting factor in corn production. In August 2012, 20 ha of corn fields in Anhui Province were found to be heavily infected by fungi. The margin of the lesion was achlorotic, and the middle was yellowish white or off-white, which was similar to the corn Curvalaria leaf spot. The oval lesions were approximately 5 to 7 mm. Lesion tissue was removed from the border between symptomatic and healthy tissue. The surface was sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 s and 0.1% HgCl₂ for 1 min, after which the sample was washed three times in sterile distilled water. The isolate was purified and subcultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25 ± 2°C. The initial color of the colony was light brown, turning dark brown after being cultured for 7 days. The conidia were boat-shaped or inverted pear-shaped and were clearly bent to one side. The cells of both ends were slightly lighter and respectively ranged from 34.5 to 44.0 μm and 12.0 to 21.0 μm away from the base, with the second cell as the widest. The majority conidia had three or four false septates; isolates produced light brown to medium brown conidiophore, scattered or clustered, often branching, and exhibited bending. These morphological characteristics matched with the description of Bipolaris papendorfii reported by Zhang (3). A pathogenicity test was conducted with the two isolates on each of the 36 corns by spraying 2 ml spore suspension (10⁶ conidia/ml). For the control treatment, 36 corns were inoculated with an equal volume of sterilized water. Inoculated plants were placed in a greenhouse from 29 to 33°C and 95% relative humidity. The typical 5 to 7 mm oval lesions were observed 7 days after inoculation, except on the control samples. Three replications of 36 corns were used for each treatment. The isolate was consistently 100% reisolated from the diseased tissue according to Koch's postulate. The isolate was found to be morphologically similar to B. papendorfii. Preliminary morphological identification of the fungus was confirmed by PCR assay using genomic DNA extracted from the mycelium of a 7-day-old culture on PDA at 25 ± 2°C. A 550-bp amplified region of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rDNA was generated using ITS1 (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3') universal primers (1). The ITS region (GenBank Accession No. KC592365) was then sequenced by Sangon Biotech (Shanghai, China), and displayed 99% nucleotide similarity with the rDNA-ITS of B. papendorfii (JQ753972.1) separately after BLASTn research in GenBank. Based on the symptoms, fungal morphology, ITS sequence, and pathogenicity testing, this fungus was identified as B. papendorfii. The pathogen could reportedly infect tobacco and cotton (2). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that B. papendorfii can infect corn in China. This report will establish a foundation for the further study of B. papendorfii to address the disease effectively. Further studies will be conducted to determine the incidence of the disease and the severity of damage caused by B. papendorfii as well as determine a possible mode for controlling the spread of the disease. References: (1) Y. J. Cao et al. Chin. J. Trop. Crops 31:1098, 2010. (2) H. Deng et al. Mycosystema 21:327, 2002. (3) T. Y. Zhang. Chin. Fungi Chi. 30:21, 2010.

Overexpression of microRna-200c in CD44+CD133+ CSCS inhibits the cellular migratory and invasion as well as tumorigenicity in mice

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be responsible for drug resistance, metastasis of tumors. To investigate the biological characteristics of CD44+CD133+CSCs with over- expressing microRNA-200c (miR-200c), and to provide evidences for miR-200c as a tumor suppressor to treat melanoma. CD44+CD133+CSCs were isolated from the mouse melanoma B16F10 cell line by using immune magnetic activated cell sorting. The lentivirus miR-200c was transduced into the cells, and the effect of miR-200c overexpression on the biological characteristics of B16F10 CD44+ CD133+CSCs was analyzed by a series assays. The stable overexpression of miR-200c in B16F10 CD44+CD133+CSCs obviously resulted in downregulation of zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 expression, reduction of the cell proliferation, colony forming, cell migratory and invasion ability in vitro as well as tumorigenicity in vivo compared with those of the B16F10 cells and B16F10 non-CD44+ CD133+CSCs. These findings suggest that the miR-200c overexpression as a novel strategy to target therapy of melanoma CSCs.

Alteration of the intestinal barrier and GLP2 secretion in Berberine-treated type 2 diabetic rats

For centuries, Berberine has been used in the treatment of enteritis in China, and it is also known to have anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetic patients. However, as Berberine is insoluble and rarely absorbed in gastrointestinal tract, the mechanism by which it works is unclear. We hypothesized that it may act locally by ameliorating intestinal barrier abnormalities and endotoxemia. A high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin was used to induce type 2 diabetes in male Sprague Dawley rats. Berberine (100 mg/kg) was administered by lavage to diabetic rats for 2 weeks and saline was given to controls. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance improved in the Berberine group, although there was no significant decrease in blood glucose. Berberine treatment also led to a notable restoration of intestinal villi/mucosa structure and less infiltration of inflammatory cells, along with a decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level. Tight junction protein zonula occludens 1 (ZO1) was also decreased in diabetic rats but was restored by Berberine treatment. Glutamine-induced glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP2) secretion from ileal tissue decreased dramatically in the diabetic group but was restored by Berberine treatment. Fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, plasma LPS level, and ZO1 expression were significantly correlated with GLP2 level. In type 2 diabetic rats, Berberine treatment not only augments GLP2 secretion and improves diabetes but is also effective in repairing the damaged intestinal mucosa, restoring intestinal permeability, and improving endotoxemia. Whether these effects are mechanistically related will require further studies, but they certainly support the hypothesis that Berberine acts via modulation of intestinal function.