[Advances in the research of effects of regulation of cell autophagy on wound healing]

As one of the self-protection mechanism, autophagy widely exists in eukaryotic cells. It plays an important role in maintaining cells survival, update, material recycling, and tissue homeostasis. A series of researches discovered that autophagy played dual function in fibrotic diseases. The induction of autophagy can promote the degradation of collagen on one hand, on the other hand, the regulation of autophagy through microRNA, transforming growth factor β, and other factors can promote the occurrence of fibrosis. In wound healing, autophagy may participate in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation, reepithlialization, and wound remodeling. The regulation of cell autophagy may become an effective way and the new target for treatment of wound and pathological scar.

[Advances in the research of effects of exosomes derived from stem cells on wound repair]

Exosomes are nano-vesicles released by many kinds of cells. Exosomes play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication and substance transportation through direct effect of signaling molecules on the cell membrane surface, intracellular regulation of cellular content during membrane fusion, or regulation of release of various bioactive molecules. Several studies have reported that culture supernatant of stem cells has some related exosomes to take part in wound repair. The secretion of exosomes is depended on the source and the physiological and pathological condition of deriving cells. How to stimulate the stem cells to produce exosomes maximally and their clinical application are worthy to explore. In this review, we summarize the biological function and application of exosomes derived from stem cells in wound repair.

[The correlation between optic nerve sheath diameter and volume status in patients after cardiac surgery]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and volume status of patients after cardiac surgery. Methods: A total of consecutive 56 patients who were treated in Critical Care Unit in Peking Union Medical College Hospital after open heart surgery from January to August 2015 were screened in this study. Central venous pressure (CVP) and 72 h net fluid balance were monitored. ONSD and diameter of inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured by ultrasound. Results: A total of 44 patients were finally included in the study. The postoperative baseline ONSD was (5.31±1.96)mm, compared to (5.07±1.77)mm after 72 h treatment, with ΔONSD(0.22±0.21)mm. Baseline and post-treatment at 72 h CVP were (11.98±4.09)mmHg and (8.95±4.02)mmHg respectively. IVC dropped from (19.75±4.12)mm to (17.11±4.68)mm. ΔONSD and ΔCVP were significantly correlated (r=0.422, P<0.05), ΔONSD and net fluid balance (NFB) at 72 h were significantly correlated (r=-0.388, P<0.05). While ΔONSD were significantly correlated with ΔIVC (r=0.423, P<0.05), ΔCVP and ΔIVC were also significantly correlated (r=0.391, P<0.05). Conclusion: The change of ONSD in patients after cardiac surgery is related to the change of volume status. Therefore ONSD is helpful to estimate brain edema, not only could be a potential index to evaluate volume status, but also be used to guide improving prognosis after cardiac surgery.

[The echocardiographic evaluation and its predicted prognosis of acute left cardiac systolic dysfunction in critically ill patients]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of echocardiography for the prognosis of acute left cardiac dysfunction in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with acute left cardiac dysfunction in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2013 to June 2014. Patients were divided into four groups according to the echocardiographic manifestation, including biventricular failure, left ventricular failure, coronary related segmental movement disorder, non-coronary related segmental movement disorder. All patients were treated with standard hemodynamic therapy. The duration of cardiotonic drug use, the period of mechanical ventilation, the length of ICU stay and 28-day mortality rate were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The incidence of coronary heart disease in the coronary related segmental movement disorder group (88.0%, 22/25) was higher than that in the other three groups (P<0.001), while other general clinical information between groups at baseline was comparable (P>0.05). Sepsis or septic shock was the main cause of acute left cardiac systolic dysfunction. The 28-day mortality rate in biventricular failure group was 21.05%, 19.05% in left ventricular failure group, 20.00% in coronary related segmental movement disorder group, and 1/10 in non-coronary related segmental movement disorder group (P<0.001). However, the duration of cardiotonic drug use, the period of mechanical ventilation, and the length of ICU stay were similar in all groups (P>0.05) .In biventricular failure group, previous history of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction significantly worsened the 28-day mortality rate (5/7, P<0.001). while diastolic dysfunction did not affect cardiotonic drug use, the period of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The different echocardiographic features of acute left cardiac systolic dysfunction in critically ill patients predict the different prognosis. We need to setup an evaluation system including left cardiac systolic/diastolic function and right cardiac function, which may improve the process of workflow.

Identification of the Lowest T=2, J^{π}=0^{+} Isobaric Analog State in ^{52}Co and Its Impact on the Understanding of β-Decay Properties of ^{52}Ni

Masses of ^{52g,52m}Co were measured for the first time with an accuracy of ∼10  keV, an unprecedented precision reached for short-lived nuclei in the isochronous mass spectrometry. Combining our results with the previous β-γ measurements of ^{52}Ni, the T=2, J^{π}=0^{+} isobaric analog state (IAS) in ^{52}Co was newly assigned, questioning the conventional identification of IASs from the β-delayed proton emissions. Using our energy of the IAS in ^{52}Co, the masses of the T=2 multiplet fit well into the isobaric multiplet mass equation. We find that the IAS in ^{52}Co decays predominantly via γ transitions while the proton emission is negligibly small. According to our large-scale shell model calculations, this phenomenon has been interpreted to be due to very low isospin mixing in the IAS.

Limits on Active to Sterile Neutrino Oscillations from Disappearance Searches in the MINOS, Daya Bay, and Bugey-3 Experiments

Searches for a light sterile neutrino have been performed independently by the MINOS and the Daya Bay experiments using the muon (anti)neutrino and electron antineutrino disappearance channels, respectively. In this Letter, results from both experiments are combined with those from the Bugey-3 reactor neutrino experiment to constrain oscillations into light sterile neutrinos. The three experiments are sensitive to complementary regions of parameter space, enabling the combined analysis to probe regions allowed by the Liquid Scintillator Neutrino Detector (LSND) and MiniBooNE experiments in a minimally extended four-neutrino flavor framework. Stringent limits on sin^{2}2θ_{μe} are set over 6 orders of magnitude in the sterile mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2}. The sterile-neutrino mixing phase space allowed by the LSND and MiniBooNE experiments is excluded for Δm_{41}^{2}<0.8  eV^{2} at 95%  CL_{s}.

Improved Search for a Light Sterile Neutrino with the Full Configuration of the Daya Bay Experiment

This Letter reports an improved search for light sterile neutrino mixing in the electron antineutrino disappearance channel with the full configuration of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment. With an additional 404 days of data collected in eight antineutrino detectors, this search benefits from 3.6 times the statistics available to the previous publication, as well as from improvements in energy calibration and background reduction. A relative comparison of the rate and energy spectrum of reactor antineutrinos in the three experimental halls yields no evidence of sterile neutrino mixing in the 2×10^{-4}≲|Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.3  eV^{2} mass range. The resulting limits on sin^{2}2θ_{14} are improved by approx imately a factor of 2 over previous results and constitute the most stringent constraints to date in the |Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.2  eV^{2} region.

[Application of a hydrosurgery system in debridement of various types of burn wounds]

Burn wound healing is closely associated with the depth of wound and early debridement. The traditional ways of debridement have certain limitations and often result in poor appearance and function of repaired area. At present, the hydrosurgery system has been applied clinically in burn field. This paper summarizes advantages and disadvantages of application of the hydrosurgery system in debridement of burn wound with different depths, different periods, extraordinary region, and uncommon agent.

In vitro Cytotoxicity of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Composites

Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials are being increasingly used as bone substitutes in dentistry and in reconstructive and orthopedic applications because of their good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and/or bone-bonding properties. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) filler, the copolymer matrix derived from the polymerization of a resin system and the corresponding ACP composite was analyzed utilizing cell culture techniques. The photo cured polymer was derived from an activated resin comprised of an ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The resin was admixed with a zirconia-ACP filler to prepare the composite. Specimens were extracted in media overnight and then MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were cultured in the extracts for 3 days. Cytoxicity was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy and an enzymatic assay for mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (Wst-1). Cellular response to the experimental ACP composite was compared to the cellular response of commercially available light-cure orthodontic adhesive. In addition to the cytotoxicity testing the ion release profiles of ACP composites was determined. Furthermore, a degree of vinyl conversion (DVC) attained in the experimental composite and in the commercial control was compared. No adverse response regarding cell morphology and/or viability was observed with ACP composites compared to the unfilled copolymers or to the commercial adhesives. Sustained release of potentially remineralizing calcium and phosphate ions and favorable DVC of these composites confirms their value in a variety of dental and possibly orthopedic applications where anti-demineralizing/remineralizing efficacy is the primary goal.

Wheat bran reduces concentrations of digestible, metabolizable, and net energy in diets fed to pigs, but energy values in wheat bran determined by the difference procedure are not different from values estimated from a linear regression procedure

An experiment was conducted to determine effects on DE, ME, and NE for growing pigs of adding 15 or 30% wheat bran to a corn-soybean meal diet and to compare values for DE, ME, and NE calculated using the difference procedure with values obtained using linear regression. Eighteen barrows (54.4 ± 4.3 kg initial BW) were individually housed in metabolism crates. The experiment had 3 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet. The control diet contained corn, soybean meal, and no wheat bran. Two additional diets were formulated by mixing 15 or 30% wheat bran with 85 or 70% of the control diet, respectively. The experimental period lasted 15 d. During the initial 7 d, pigs were adapted to their experimental diets and housed in metabolism crates and fed 573 kcal ME/kg BW per day. On d 8, metabolism crates with the pigs were moved into open-circuit respiration chambers for measurement of O consumption and CO and CH production. The feeding level was the same as in the adaptation period, and feces and urine were collected during this period. On d 13 and 14, pigs were fed 225 kcal ME/kg BW per day, and pigs were then fasted for 24 h to obtain fasting heat production. Results of the experiment indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, GE, crude fiber, ADF, and NDF linearly decreased ( ≤ 0.05) as wheat bran inclusion increased in the diets. The daily O consumption and CO and CH production by pigs fed increasing concentrations of wheat bran linearly decreased ( ≤ 0.05), resulting in a linear decrease ( ≤ 0.05) in heat production. The DE (3,454, 3,257, and 3,161 kcal/kg for diets containing 0, 15, and 30% wheat bran, respectively for diets containing 0, 15, and 30% wheat bran, respectively), ME (3,400, 3,209, and 3,091 kcal/kg for diets containing 0, 15, and 30% wheat bran, respectively), and NE (1,808, 1,575, and 1,458 kcal/kg for diets containing 0, 15, and 30% wheat bran, respectively) of diets decreased (linear, ≤ 0.05) as wheat bran inclusion increased. The DE, ME, and NE of wheat bran determined using the difference procedure were 2,168, 2,117, and 896 kcal/kg, respectively, and these values were within the 95% confidence interval of the DE (2,285 kcal/kg), ME (2,217 kcal/kg), and NE (961 kcal/kg) estimated by linear regression. In conclusion, increasing the inclusion of wheat bran in a corn-soybean meal based diet reduced energy and nutrient digestibility and heat production as well as DE, ME, and NE of diets, but values for DE, ME, and NE for wheat bran determined using the difference procedure were not different from values determined using linear regression.

Measurement of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

This Letter reports a measurement of the flux and energy spectrum of electron antineutrinos from six 2.9 GWth nuclear reactors with six detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls in the Daya Bay experiment. Using 217 days of data, 296 721 and 41 589 inverse β decay (IBD) candidates were detected in the near and far halls, respectively. The measured IBD yield is (1.55±0.04) ×10(-18)  cm(2) GW(-1) day(-1) or (5.92±0.14) ×10(-43)  cm(2) fission(-1). This flux measurement is consistent with previous short-baseline reactor antineutrino experiments and is 0.946±0.022 (0.991±0.023) relative to the flux predicted with the Huber-Mueller (ILL-Vogel) fissile antineutrino model. The measured IBD positron energy spectrum deviates from both spectral predictions by more than 2σ over the full energy range with a local significance of up to ∼4σ between 4-6 MeV. A reactor antineutrino spectrum of IBD reactions is extracted from the measured positron energy spectrum for model-independent predictions.

Tetrandrine induces microRNA differential expression in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts in vitro

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to play a role in normal wound healing process. miRNAs may be linked to pathologic wound healing and closely related to the formation of hypertrophic scars. This study aimed to explore the effects of tetrandrine on the miRNA expression profile in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) in vitro. HSFs were randomly divided into two groups: the tetrandrine treatment group and the control group. The experimental and control groups were collected and analyzed by miRNA array after a 48-h culture. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to confirm the array results. The targets of differentially expressed miRNA were functionally annotated using bioinformatic approaches. miRNA microarray analysis identified 193 differentially expressed miRNAs and the expression of 186 miRNAs in the experimental group decreased while that of 7 miRNAs increased compared to the control group. The most significantly downregulated miRNA was hsa-miR-1246, and hsa-miR-27b had the highest expression level. Significant differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to be related to several important signaling pathways related to scar wound healing. The differential miRNA expression identified in this study provides the experimental basis for further understanding the anti-fibrosis effect of tetrandrine.

New measurement of antineutrino oscillation with the full detector configuration at Daya Bay

We report a new measurement of electron antineutrino disappearance using the fully constructed Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment. The final two of eight antineutrino detectors were installed in the summer of 2012. Including the 404 days of data collected from October 2012 to November 2013 resulted in a total exposure of 6.9×10^{5} GW_{th}  ton days, a 3.6 times increase over our previous results. Improvements in energy calibration limited variations between detectors to 0.2%. Removal of six ^{241}Am-^{13}C radioactive calibration sources reduced the background by a factor of 2 for the detectors in the experimental hall furthest from the reactors. Direct prediction of the antineutrino signal in the far detectors based on the measurements in the near detectors explicitly minimized the dependence of the measurement on models of reactor antineutrino emission. The uncertainties in our estimates of sin^{2}2θ_{13} and |Δm_{ee}^{2}| were halved as a result of these improvements. An analysis of the relative antineutrino rates and energy spectra between detectors gave sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.084±0.005 and |Δm_{ee}^{2}|=(2.42±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} in the three-neutrino framework.

[EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma risk: evidfnce from a meta-analysis]

To clarify the association between microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene (EPHX1) Tyr113His polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, a meta-analysis was performed. Overall, EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism was associated with increased risk of HCC. Subgroup analyses by status of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls further confirmed this association. Through a literature search, 119 relevant records were identified, and 17 individual case-control studies from 13 publications were finally included, involving a total of 1,480 HCC cases and 2,564 controls. In subgroup analyses, increased associations were found in Asians, Caucasians, hepatitis B virus (HBV)- dominant areas, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-dominant areas, high-rate areas of HCC, and medium-rate areas of HCC, but not in Africans and low-rate areas of HCC, respectively. This meta-analysis suggests that EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism contributes to HCC risk.

Determination and prediction of the net energy content of seven feed ingredients fed to growing pigs based on chemical composition

Two experiments were conducted to determine the net energy (NE) content of various feed ingredients (Exp. 1) and to establish prediction equations for NE for these same ingredients (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 36 barrows (27.5 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to six diets (in a completely randomised design) to give six replicates per diet. The diets were a corn-soybean meal basal diet and five experimental diets containing either wheat, wheat bran, corn dried distillers grains with solubles (cDDGS), canola meal or cottonseed meal. The pigs were housed in six open-circuit chambers (six pigs at a time balanced for dietary treatment) for 16 days, the first 7 days were used for an adaptation to the diets, while for the next 5 days pigs were fed ad libitum (2400 kJ/kg BW0.6·day–1), then fed at 1 × metabolisable energy (ME) for maintenance for 3 days, followed by fasting for 24 h. The NE content of wheat, wheat bran, cDDGS, canola meal, and cottonseed meal were 11.44, 7.78, 10.21, 8.38, and 7.32 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Stepwise regression analysis performed between the chemical composition and the energy value of the ingredients, allowed for the NE to be accurately predicted from chemical characteristics. The best fit equation was: NE = 1.46 + (0.63 × gross energy) – (0.37 × acid detergent fibre), with a R2 of 0.94, a residual standard deviation (RSD) of 0.54 MJ/kg, and P < 0.01. In Exp. 2, 36 barrows (34.6 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly allotted to six diets containing various combinations of corn, soybean meal, wheat, wheat bran, cDDGS, canola meal, or cottonseed meal. The chemical composition of each diet was determined and the results were used to establish prediction equations for the NE in the six diets and 16 diets (including six diets from Exp. 1, six diets from Exp. 2 and four diets from our laboratory published data). The best fit equations were as follows: NE = –0.47 + (0.84 × ME) with an R2 of 0.94, a RSD of 0.20 MJ/kg, and P < 0.01; NE = –10.19 + (0.97 × digestible energy) + (0.08 × starch) + (0.05 × acid detergent fibre) with an R2 of 0.84, a RSD of 0.46 MJ/kg, and P < 0.01, respectively. In summary, the NE of the seven ingredients could be better measured by the respiration calorimetry estimated by substitution method. The NE prediction equation determined based on the chemical characteristics of the test ingredients was better than when determined using the chemical characteristics of the diets.

Protective effect of ultrafiltered XinMaiJia extract against H₂O₂-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through NHE1 downregulation

We examined the protective effects of ultrafiltered XinMaiJia (XMJ) extract in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced injury model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and determined the corresponding changes in the Na(+)-H(+) exchanger (NHE1) protein content and NHE1 gene expression. H2O2-induced HUVECs were treated with different concentrations of XMJ extract and the corresponding changes in morphology, activity, membrane permeability, biochemical indicators, cytokine concentration, NHE1 protein content, and NHE1 gene expression were determined. H2O2 significantly promoted HUVEC injury, whereas ultrafiltered XMJ extract significantly improved the morphological changes in injured HUVECs, increased their activity, and decreased NHE1 gene and protein expression, as well as limited the decrease in membrane permeability and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and nuclear factor-kB. Ultrafiltered XMJ extract inhibited H2O2-induced HUVEC injury by inhibiting NHE1 activity.

Search for a light sterile neutrino at Daya Bay

A search for light sterile neutrino mixing was performed with the first 217 days of data from the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Experiment. The experiment's unique configuration of multiple baselines from six 2.9 GW(th) nuclear reactors to six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 m and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls makes it possible to test for oscillations to a fourth (sterile) neutrino in the 10(-3) eV(2)<|Δm(41)(2) |< 0.3 eV(2) range. The relative spectral distortion due to the disappearance of electron antineutrinos was found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. The derived limits on sin(2) 2θ(14) cover the 10(-3) eV(2) ≲ |Δm(41)(2)| ≲ 0.1 eV(2) region, which was largely unexplored.

Determination and prediction of digestible and metabolizable energy from the chemical composition of chinese corn gluten feed fed to finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) contents of corn gluten feed (CGF) for finishing pigs and to develop equations predicting the DE and ME content from the chemical composition of the CGF samples, as well as validate the accuracy of the prediction equations. In Exp. 1, ten CGF samples from seven provinces of China were collected and fed to 66 finishing barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 51.9±5.5 kg. The pigs were assigned to 11 diets comprising one basal diet and 10 CGF test diets with six pigs fed each diet. The basal diet contained corn (76%), dehulled soybean meal (21%) and premix (3%). The ten test diets were formulated by substituting 25% of the corn and dehulled soybean meal with CGF and contained corn (57%), dehulled soybean meal (15.75%), CGF (24.25%) and premix (3%). In Exp. 2, two additional CGF sources were collected as validation samples to test the accuracy of the prediction equations. In this experiment, 18 barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an initial BW of 61.1±4.0 kg were randomly allotted to be fed either the basal diet or two CGF containing diets which had a similar composition as used in Exp. 1. The DE and ME of CGF ranged from 10.37 to 12.85 MJ/kg of dry matter (DM) and 9.53 to 12.49 MJ/kg of DM, respectively. Through stepwise regression analysis, several prediction equations of DE and ME were generated. The best fit equations were: DE, MJ/kg of DM = 18.30-0.13 neutral detergent fiber-0.22 ether extract, with R(2) = 0.95, residual standard deviation (RSD) = 0.21 and p<0.01; and ME, MJ/kg of DM = 12.82+0.11 Starch-0.26 acid detergent fiber, with R(2) = 0.94, RSD = 0.20 and p<0.01. These results indicate that the DE and ME content of CGF varied substantially but the DE and ME for finishing pigs can be accurately predicted from equations based on nutritional analysis.

Estimation of the net energy requirements for maintenance in growing and finishing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the net energy requirements for maintenance of growing and finishing pigs using regression models. Thirty-six growing (27.38 ± 2.24 kg) and 36 finishing (70.25 ± 2.61 kg) barrows were used and within each phase. Pigs received a corn-soybean meal diet fed at 6 levels of feed intake, which were calculated as 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% of the estimated ad libitum ME intake (2,400 kJ ME/kg BW(0.6)·d(-1)) of the pigs. Measurements were conducted on 6 pigs per feeding level and per stage of growth. After a 5-d adjustment period, barrows in the fasted treatment were kept in respiration chambers for 2 d to measure the fasting heat production. Barrows in the other treatments were kept individually in respiration chambers for a 5-d balance trial followed by a 2-d fasting period. Heat production (HP) in the fed state was measured and feces and urine were collected in the balance trial. The total HP increased (P < 0.01) with increasing feeding levels. Fasting HP increased (P < 0.01) as previous feeding level increased and was less (P = 0.012) in finishing pigs than growing pigs if calculated per kilogram BW(0.6) per day. When using an exponential regression analysis, ME requirements for maintenance were estimated at 973 and 921 kJ/kg BW(0.6)·d(-1) and NE requirements for maintenance were estimated at 758 and 732 kJ/kg BW(0.6)·d(-1) for growing and finishing pigs, respectively. The efficiencies of using ME for growth and for maintenance were estimated at 66 and 78.7% for growing and finishing pigs, respectively. It is concluded that exponential regression between HP and a wide range of ME intake may be used as a new method to determine the NE requirement for maintenance.

Spectral measurement of electron antineutrino oscillation amplitude and frequency at Daya Bay

A measurement of the energy dependence of antineutrino disappearance at the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is reported. Electron antineutrinos (ν¯(e)) from six 2.9  GW(th) reactors were detected with six detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls. Using 217 days of data, 41 589 (203 809 and 92 912) antineutrino candidates were detected in the far hall (near halls). An improved measurement of the oscillation amplitude sin(2)2θ(13)=0.090(-0.009)(+0.008) and the first direct measurement of the ν¯(e) mass-squared difference |Δm(ee)2|=(2.59(-0.20)(+0.19))×10(-3)  eV2 is obtained using the observed ν¯(e) rates and energy spectra in a three-neutrino framework. This value of |Δm(ee)2| is consistent with |Δm(μμ)2| measured by muon neutrino disappearance, supporting the three-flavor oscillation model.

impact of aluminum exposure on the immune system: a mini review

Aluminum (Al) is widely used in daily life and will lead to environmental release and exposure. The toxicity of Al had been documented, and which attracted a growing concern on human and animal health. The immune system appears to be sensitive to Al exposure. But few studies focused on the potential immunological responses induced by Al. It is imperative to study the effects of Al on the immune function and this review discusses the effects of Al on autoimmunity, oral tolerance, expression of the immune cells, hypersensitivity and erythrocyte immune function. It will provide evidence to study the association between Al and immune function.

Observation of electron-antineutrino disappearance at Daya Bay

The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment has measured a nonzero value for the neutrino mixing angle θ(13) with a significance of 5.2 standard deviations. Antineutrinos from six 2.9 GWth reactors were detected in six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (flux-weighted baseline 470 m and 576 m) and one far (1648 m) underground experimental halls. With a 43,000 ton-GWth-day live-time exposure in 55 days, 10,416 (80,376) electron-antineutrino candidates were detected at the far hall (near halls). The ratio of the observed to expected number of antineutrinos at the far hall is R=0.940±0.011(stat.)±0.004(syst.). A rate-only analysis finds sin(2)2θ(13)=0.092±0.016(stat.)±0.005(syst.) in a three-neutrino framework.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk: a meta-analysis

There were some studies on the associations between Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) polymorphisms and cervical cancer (CC) risk, but the results were inconsistent. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed. The electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, CBM, and CNKI were searched for possible studies. Finally, 16 studies (1,627 cases and 2,161 controls) were included. For the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, the unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) from each study were used to estimate summary OR. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity and histological type of CC were also performed. For the GSTM1 polymorphism, the null genotype of GSTM1 was associated with an increased CC risk in total population (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.06-1.66). Similar association was found in Asians (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.11-1.94), but not in Caucasians (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.73-1.27). For the GSTT1 polymorphism, the null genotype of GSTT1 was not statistically significantly associated with CC risk in total population (OR=1.36, 95% CI=0.97-1.90). This result was also found in Asians (OR=1.27, 95% CI=0.87-1.85) and Caucasians (OR=1.09, 95% CI= 0.66-1.79), but not in Latinos (OR=4.58, 95% CI= 2.04-10.28). For the GSTM1/GSTT1 interaction analysis, the dual null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 were significantly associated with increased CC risk in total population (OR=1.77, 95% CI= 1.14-2.75), and all the six studies were from Asia. For subgroup analyses by histological type of CC, the three aspects of the analyses above were all not significantly associated with CC risk in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively. The null genotype of GSTM1 and the dual null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 were risk factors in CC, and the null genotype of GSTT1 was not associated with CC risk.

Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring of acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures (AERRPS)

Diagnosis of ictal discharges during epileptic activity should be based on raw electroencephalography (EEG). The apparatus necessary for such a diagnosis would typically require time to properly set up and operate. The bispectral index (BIS), an EEG-derived parameter that is easy to establish and easy to use, has been shown to correlate with numerous EEG conditions and may represent a useful tool. Acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive, partial seizures (AERRPS) is an epileptic syndrome first described by Sakuma in Japan in 2001. We assessed the utility of using BIS monitoring as a diagnostic tool and as a monitor of anticonvulsive therapy in a 14-year-old patient admitted to the intensive care unit with AERRPS. After BIS monitor montage, BIS, electromyography (EMG) and raw EEG data were continuously recorded. Epileptic seizures lasting 1-2 min were repeated every 3-4 min. Using paired t-test analysis, mean +/- SD BIS and EMG peak values at the start of epileptic seizures (94.5+/-3.6, 55.8+/-2.5 dB) were significantly higher than values measured at the end of seizures (55.1+/-12.5, 34.5+/-2.8 dB), respectively. Real-time EEG revealed bursts of epileptiform discharges replaced by slow d and q waves with ictal remissions. During induced pharmacologic barbiturate/diazepam coma, BIS decreased to near isoelectricity (11.9+/-2.5) with a steady increase in suppression ratio (65.5+/-9.7). The characteristic BIS profile of repetitive 1-2 min high EEG/EMG activity could serve as an indicator of a global increase in cerebral activity with seizures. Our report suggests that BIS, an easy-to-use device, might be helpful in monitoring clinical trends after EEG confirmation of diagnosis as well as in successfully depicting the efficacy of therapy.

Terahertz characterization of semiconductor alloy AlInN: negative imaginary conductivity and its meaning

Through terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, negative imaginary conductivity is observed in In-rich AlInN film grown by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition for frequencies from 0.2 to 2.0 THz. This non-Drude behavior is explained based on the electron back-scattering theory of Smith [Phys. Rev. B65, 115206 (2002)]. Comparing with binary semiconductor InN, potential fluctuations produced by composition inhomogeneity and alloy scattering of carriers make In-rich AlInN alloy easier to be subjected to non-Drude behavior in electrical performance.

Discovery of HLA-DRB1*0331 in a Taiwanese marrow donor and the importance of sequence-based typing in a rare or previously unrecognized allele

We describe here a novel HLA-DRB1* allele, DRB1*0331, observed from a Taiwanese bone marrow donor using DNA sequence-based typing (SBT) method. The 'new' allele differs from DRB1*0306 and DRB1*0325 by one nucleotide at positions 196 and 227, respectively. Nucleotide mutations caused amino acid substitutions from N to Y at codon 37 and from F to Y at codon 47, as compared with amino acid sequence encoded by the DRB1*030101 allele. The donor was first typed as DRB1*0403/0406/0439/0441/0446/0451/0452 (NMDP code DRB1*04XX) and DRB1*0304/0323/0325 (NMDP code DRB1*03APDA) by sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing kit. Subsequent typing of the donor by high-resolution sequence-specific primer (SSP) protocol indicated DRB1*0403 and DRB1*0306. The anomalous result of DRB1*03 was resolved by SBT and recognized as DRB1*0331. We concluded that SSP or SSO alone may mistype a precedent unrecognized allele and that two different typing techniques or SBT may have to be employed to safe guard true HLA typing when rare alleles are encountered at the first time.

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Based Composites: Effect of Surfactants and Poly(ethylene oxide) on Filler and Composite Properties

The uncontrolled aggregation of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) particulate fillers and their uneven distribution within polymer matrices can have adverse effects on the properties of ACP composites. In this paper we assessed the influence of non-ionic and anionic surfactants and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) introduced during the preparation of ACP on the particle size distribution and compositional properties of ACP. In addition, the mechanical strength of polymeric composites utilizing such fillers with a photo-activated binary methacrylate resin was evaluated. Zirconia-hybridized ACP (Zr-ACP) filler and its corresponding composite served as controls for this study. Surfactant- and PEO-ACPs had an average water content of 16.8 % by mass. Introduction of the anionic surfactant reduced the median particle diameter about 45 % (4.1 μm vs. 7.4 μm for the Zr-ACP control). In the presence of PEO, however, the d(m) increased to 14.1 μm. There was no improvement in the biaxial flexure strength (BFS) in any of the dry composite specimens prepared with the surfactant- and/or PEO-ACPs compared to those formulated with Zr-ACP. The BFS of wet composite specimens decreased by 50 % or more after a month-long exposure to saline solutions. Other types of surfactants and/or polymers as well as alternative surface modification protocols need to be explored for their potential to provide better dispersion of ACP into the matrix resin and better mechanical performance ACP composites.

Measurement of atmospheric neutrino flux consistent with tau neutrino appearance

A search for the appearance of tau neutrinos from nu(mu) <--> nu(tau) oscillations in the atmospheric neutrinos has been performed using 1489.2 days of atmospheric neutrino data from the Super-Kamiokande-I experiment. A best fit tau neutrino appearance signal of 138+/-48(stat)-32(+15)(syst) events is obtained with an expectation of 78+/-26(syst). The hypothesis of no tau neutrino appearance is disfavored by 2.4 sigma.

Choice of endogenous control for gene expression in nonsmall cell lung cancer

This study attempts to identify a suitable endogenous control gene for real-time RT-PCR in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. Expression of seven common endogenous control genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), v-abl Abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 1, beta-2-microglobulin, hypoxanthin phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1), phosphoglycerate kinase 1, peptidylprolyl isomerase A, and ribosomal protein, large, P0) in 18 heterogenous NSCLC tumour specimens, 10 normal lung tissues and six NSCLC cell lines were analysed by quantitative RT-PCR. The variances and correlation coefficients of cycle threshold (Ct) value of each control gene in three tissue groups and subgroups were compared. The difference and correlation coefficients between the Ct value for each control gene and the mean Ct value of the remaining control genes were calculated. The GAPDH gene transcript showed the least variance and linear regression analysis demonstrated that GAPDH and HPRT had the strongest correlation in pooled tumour and normal lung tissues. Furthermore, GAPDH expression value showed stringent correlation and had the lowest difference with the mean expression value of the remaining endogenous control genes. Among the seven common endogenous control genes, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is the most suitable for quantitative RT-PCR reaction in nonsmall cell lung cancer tissue samples.

Effect of chemical structure and composition of the resin phase on mechanical strength and vinyl conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate-based composites

The mechanical properties of recently developed bioactive, antidemineralizing/remineralizing, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-based composites need improvement. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of structure and composition of resins on the biaxial flexure strength (BFS) and the degree of conversion (DC) of composites attained after photo-polymerization. Two series of 2,2-bis[p-(2'-hydroxy-3'-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)/X (X being a neutral or acidic comonomer) ternary resins were prepared and mixed with a mass fraction of 40% of zirconia-hybridized ACP. Both unfilled copolymers and their composites were evaluated for BFS (dry and wet specimens after 2 weeks of immersion in buffered saline) and for DC (after 24 h at 23 degrees C). It was found that for the neutral X monomers, no correlation existed between the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the X monomer and the BFS values of the immersed composites. A flexible monomethacrylate yielded copolymers and composites with the highest DC. For the resins utilizing the acidic comonomers, methacrylic acid and mono-4-(methacryloyloxy) ethyltrimellitate (4MET), dry composites with improved BFS values were obtained. 4MET composites exhibited the least loss of strength of all the ternary resin ACP materials. The effect of acidic X on DC was most pronounced for maleic acid copolymers.

Evidence for an oscillatory signature in atmospheric neutrino oscillations

Muon neutrino disappearance probability as a function of neutrino flight length L over neutrino energy E was studied. A dip in the L/E distribution was observed in the data, as predicted from the sinusoidal flavor transition probability of neutrino oscillation. The observed L/E distribution constrained nu(micro)<-->nu(tau) neutrino oscillation parameters; 1.9x10(-3)<Deltam(2)<3.0x10(-3) eV(2) and sin((2)2theta>0.90 at 90% confidence level.

Limits on the neutrino magnetic moment using 1496 days of Super-Kamiokande-I solar neutrino data

A search for a nonzero neutrino magnetic moment has been conducted using 1496 live days of solar neutrino data from Super-Kamiokande-I. Specifically, we searched for distortions to the energy spectrum of recoil electrons arising from magnetic scattering due to a nonzero neutrino magnetic moment. In the absence of a clear signal, we found micro(nu)</=(3.6x10(-10))micro(B) at 90% C.L. by fitting to the Super-Kamiokande day-night spectra. The fitting took into account the effect of neutrino oscillation on the shapes of energy spectra. With additional information from other solar neutrino and KamLAND experiments constraining the oscillation region, a limit of micro(nu)</=(1.1x10(-10))micro(B) at 90% C.L. was obtained.

[Detection of anti-Spirometra erinaceieuropaei antibody using ELISA]

OBJECTIVE

To study specific diagnosis of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei.

METHODS

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was studied using highly pure gene engineering antigen expressed by the recombination of the cloned cysteine proteinase gene of Spirametra erinaceieuropaei with expression vector pMAL-c2. Six sera from patient infected with Spirometra erinaceieuropaei were detected using this method.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results showed that the gene engineering antigen reacted strongly with the sera from Spirometra erinaceieuropaei-infected patients, but did not with the sera from Cysticercus cellulosae-infected patients.

Search for nu(e) from the sun at Super-Kamiokande-I

We present the results of a search for low energy nu(e) from the Sun using 1496 days of data from Super-Kamiokande-I. We observe no significant excess of events and set an upper limit for the conversion probability to nu(e) of the 8B solar neutrino. This conversion limit is 0.8% (90% C.L.) of the standard solar model's neutrino flux for total energy=8-20 MeV. We also set a flux limit for monochromatic nu(e) for E(nu(e))=10-17 MeV.

Search for supernova relic neutrinos at Super-Kamiokande

A search for the relic neutrinos from all past core-collapse supernovae was conducted using 1496 days of data from the Super-Kamiokande detector. This analysis looked for electron-type antineutrinos that had produced a positron with an energy greater than 18 MeV. In the absence of a signal, 90% C.L. upper limits on the total flux were set for several theoretical models; these limits ranged from 20 to 130 macro nu(e) cm(-2) s(-1). Additionally, an upper bound of 1.2 macro nu(e) cm(-2) s(-1) was set for the supernova relic neutrino flux in the energy region E(nu)>19.3 MeV.

Different risks of symptomatic brain necrosis in NPC patients treated with different altered fractionated radiotherapy techniques

PURPOSE

To report our observation of excessive temporal lobe necrosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with 160 cGy b.i.d. radiotherapy technique. During the same period, patients treated with 120 cGy b.i.d. have not shown a similar tendency. Our experience may be useful for designing unconventional radiotherapy regimens for NPC patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

During the period from October 1991 to January 1998, 81 M0, previously untreated NPC patients completed altered fractionated radiotherapy. Seventy patients were treated with the hyperfractionated technique, and 11 were treated using the accelerated-hyperfractionated scheme. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy was delivered using 120 cGy b.i.d. separated by 6-h intervals throughout the course. A minimum tumor dose of 8000 cGy was the standard dose over an 8-week period. With the accelerated-hyperfractionated scheme, 160 cGy was given twice daily, also with an interval of 6 h. The minimum tumor dose ranged between 6840 and 7640 cGy, with 7 of the 11 patients receiving 7000 cGy. The arrangement of portals was the same for both regimens. The follow-up period for patients alive was from 32 to 102 months with a median of 61 months for the hyperfractionated patients. For the accelerated-hyperfractionated group, it ranged from 67 to 82 months with a median of 72 months. No patient was lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

At the time of analysis, 49 of the 70 patients in the hyperfractionated group were alive. In the accelerated group, 8 of the 11 patients were alive. The estimated radiation dose to the temporal lobe for the hyperfractionated group was 6000-7440 cGy with a median of 7080 cGy. For the accelerated-hyperfractionated group, the dose range was 4480-6700 cGy with a median of 6400 cGy. Of the 70 patients treated with hyperfractionated radiotherapy, none developed symptomatic brain necrosis, despite the higher total dose to the temporal lobe in general. In contrast, 3 of the 11 (27%) patients irradiated using the accelerated-hyperfractionated regimen suffered from temporal lobe necrosis at 16, 19, and 40 months after completion of radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

An excessive incidence of temporal lobe necrosis was noted when an accelerated-hyperfractionated regimen with 160 cGy b.i.d. was used in NPC patients with a median brain dose of 6400 cGy. There has been no such event in patients treated using a hyperfractionated regimen with 120 cGy and a median brain dose of 7000 cGy. The real causes of this discrepancy are not known. However, a high sensitivity of the human brain to a change in fraction size may play a role.

Cognitive therapy, nutritional therapy and their combination in the treatment of bulimia nervosa

BACKGROUND

This study compared the effectiveness of cognitive therapy (CT), nutritional therapy (NT), the combination of cognitive and nutritional therapy (CNT), against a control condition of support group (SG) in the treatment of bulimia nervosa.

METHODS

One hundred female out-patients who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for bulimia nervosa were randomized to the four treatment groups. NT and CT were designed to cover different areas with minimal overlap, and CNT provided all of the features of both of these treatments. The control condition was conducted in a group self-help format. Each of the treatments lasted 14 weeks.

RESULTS

All three active treatments as well as SG produced significant decreases in binge/vomit episodes. Intent-to-treat analysis found CNT and CT to be significantly more effective than SG in retaining subjects in treatment and completion of study, as well as in producing greater improvements in dysfunctional attitudes and self-control. CNT was superior to SG in achieving abstinence from bulimic behaviour. NT was superior to SG only in increase of self-control. Logistic regression found that the cognitive component, whether given alone or in conjunction with NT, and higher pre-treatment self-control scores were significant predictors for both completion of study and abstinence.

CONCLUSION

CT (either alone, or in combination with nutritional therapy) remains the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa. A treatment escalation approach should be tested for the treatment of bulimia with the more intensive and less widely available CT (with or without nutritional counselling) offered after patients have failed the less intensive and more widely available support group treatment.

Constraints on neutrino oscillations using 1258 days of Super-Kamiokande solar neutrino data

We report the result of a search for neutrino oscillations using precise measurements of the recoil electron energy spectrum and zenith angle variations of the solar neutrino flux from 1258 days of neutrino-electron scattering data in Super-Kamiokande. The absence of significant zenith angle variation and spectrum distortion places strong constraints on neutrino mixing and mass difference in a flux-independent way. Using the Super-Kamiokande flux measurement in addition, two allowed regions at large mixing are found.

Solar 8B and hep neutrino measurements from 1258 days of Super-Kamiokande data

Solar neutrino measurements from 1258 days of data from the Super-Kamiokande detector are presented. The measurements are based on recoil electrons in the energy range 5.0-20.0 MeV. The measured solar neutrino flux is 2.32+/-0.03(stat)+0.08-0.07(syst)x10(6) cm(-2) x s(-1), which is 45.1+/-0.5(stat)+1.6-1.4(syst)% of that predicted by the BP2000 SSM. The day vs night flux asymmetry (Phi(n)-Phi(d))/Phi(average) is 0.033+/-0.022(stat)+0.013-0.012(syst). The recoil electron energy spectrum is consistent with no spectral distortion. For the hep neutrino flux, we set a 90% C.L. upper limit of 40x10(3) cm(-2) x s(-1), which is 4.3 times the BP2000 SSM prediction.

The expression of HPV-16 E5 protein in squamous neoplastic changes in the uterine cervix

To investigate the expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E5 protein in squamous neoplastic changes in the uterine cervix, the specific E5 antibody was generated and used to identify the expression of E5 protein in 40 cases of HPV-16-positive tissues and 5 previously identified HPV-negative normal cervical tissues. The results revealed that E5 protein was primarily expressed in the lower third of the epithelium in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and throughout the whole epithelium in high-grade SILs. In invasive squamous carcinoma, 60% of HPV-16-infected cancers which contained the episomal viral genome had the E5 gene, and could express E5 protein which was located throughout the whole epithelium. Previously, we documented the expression of type I growth factor receptors [ERBB1/EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), ERBB2, ERBB3 and ERBB4] in the full range of cervical neoplasias by immunohistochemistry assay. Hence, in this study, we extensively analyzed the correlation between the expression of E5 protein and the expression of type I growth factor receptors. Among 40 HPV-16- infected cervical neoplasias, we found that the expression of E5 protein was significantly correlated with either the expression of the ERBB1 or the ERBB4 receptor.

Induction of CD8 T cells by vaccination with recombinant adenovirus expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E5 gene reduces tumor growth

The potential of the E5 protein as a tumor vaccine candidate has not been explored yet. In this study, we evaluate the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E5 protein delivered by an adenovirus vector as a tumor vaccine for cervical lesions. The results demonstrate that a single intramuscular injection of a recombinant adenovirus carrying the HPV-16 E5 gene into syngeneic animals can reduce the growth of tumors which contain E5 gene expression. Moreover, the E5 vaccine-induced tumor protection occurs through CD8 T cells but not through CD4 T cells in in vitro assays. In addition, our studies using knockout mice with distinct T-cell deficiencies confirm that cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-induced tumor protection is CD8 dependent but CD4 independent. Hence, HPV-16 E5 can be regarded as a tumor rejection antigen.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide DNA fused with heat shock protein DNA as a potential vaccine for cervical cancer

In this study, we explore a potential vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced tumors, using heat shock protein as an adjuvant, a peptide vaccine for safety, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a gene delivery vector. The tumor vaccine was devised by constructing a chimeric gene which contained HPV type 16 E7 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope DNA (M. C. Feltkamp, H. L. Smits, M. P. Vierboom, R. P. Minnaar, B. M. de Jongh, J. W. Drijfhout, J. ter Schegget, C. J. Melief, and W. M. Kast, Eur. J. Immunol. 23:2242-2249, 1993) fused with the heat shock protein gene as a tumor vaccine delivered via AAV. Our results demonstrate that this vaccine can eliminate tumor cells in syngeneic animals and induce CD4- and CD8-dependent CTL activity in vitro. Moreover, studies with knockout mice with distinct T-cell deficiencies confirm that CTL-induced tumor protection is CD4 and CD8 dependent. Taken together, the evidence indicates that this chimeric gene delivered by AAV has potential as a cervical cancer vaccine.

Therapy and prevention of arthritis by recombinant adeno-associated virus vector with delivery of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the recombinant adeno-associated virus vector encoding interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rAAV-IL-1Ra) complementary DNA for its potential in the treatment and prevention of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced arthritis.

METHODS

The therapeutic effect of rAAV-IL-1Ra on arthritis was studied by injecting knees of Sprague-Dawley rats with LPS and rAAV-IL-1Ra and then evaluating the severity of arthritis by leukocyte counts in synovial fluid, histologic changes of synovium, and uptake of 67Ga citrate in joint tissue. To study the therapeutic effect on recurrent arthritis, we induced recurrent arthritis by a second injection of LPS 80 days after primary LPS and rAAV-IL-1Ra injections and then evaluated the severity of recurrent arthritis. To study the prevention of arthritis, rAAV-IL-1Ra was injected into normal joints. After 100 days, LPS was used to induce arthritis, and the severity of arthritis was evaluated.

RESULTS

The production of the rAAV-IL-1Ra transgene was up-regulated by LPS-induced joint inflammation and proved to be efficacious in the therapeutic and preventative protocols. Not only primary but also recurrent arthritis could be suppressed by a single injection of rAAV-IL-1Ra. We found that the transgene expression of IL-1Ra could be reactivated by a second challenge with LPS delayed for 80 days after rAAV administration. The therapeutic level of IL-1Ra protein reached a mean +/- SD of 5.8+/-0.5 ng/ml in synovial fluid. In addition, the rAAV transgene persisted within normal joints for at least 100 days and could still be induced to express, after LPS insult, a high level of IL-1Ra (mean +/- SD 5.2+/-0.8 ng/ml) that prevented the occurrence of arthritis.

CONCLUSION

This gene therapy, by combining highly efficient and stable rAAV gene delivery, disease-regulated gene expression, and the antiinflammatory effect of IL-1Ra, provides a valuable approach for long-term protection against, and prevention of, arthritis.

The expression of type I growth factor receptors in the squamous neoplastic changes of uterine cervix

AIM

The type I family of growth factor receptors includes ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 which are frequently overexpressed in various human cancer cells. In this study, we systematically investigated the frequency and distribution of these four receptors in relation to neoplastic changes and tumor behaviors in the uterine cervix.

MATERIALS

A total 84 of cases including 12 cases of normal cervical tissues, 6 cases of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 10 cases of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 56 cases of squamous cells carcinoma were examined.

RESULTS

Our results show significant difference with increasing grades of dysplasia in terms of these four receptor expressions. No association was found between these four receptors and cell keratinization/differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Of the four receptors studied, only the expression of erbB2/neu gene was significantly associated with lymph nodal metastasis. Moreover, we find that the coexpression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 was significant in cervical carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The coexpression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 in cervical carcinoma suggests that they may be involved in receptor heterodimerization leading to the activation of signaling pathway in the cervical carcinoma.