Anti-inflammatory effect of sinomenine by inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in PMA plus A23187-stimulated HMC-1 Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sinomenine is an alkaloid compound and a prominent anti-inflammatory agent found in the root of the climbing plant Sinomenium acutum. However, its effects on the mechanism of human mast cell line (HMC)-1-mediated inflammation remained unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To provide insight into the biological effects of sinomenine, we examined its influence on the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HMC-1 cells stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 by evaluating the stimulated cells in the presence or absence of sinomenine. In the present study, the pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured using ELISA, Reverse Transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway activation, as determined by Western blot analysis. Also, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression was measured through Western blot and RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Sinomenine inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by PMA plus A23187 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, sinomenine inhibited the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPKs as well as the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 through reduced IkappaBalpha degradation. In addition, sinomenine suppressed COX-2 protein and mRNA expression dose-dependently.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of sinomenine may occur via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and COX-2 production through the inhibition of MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathway activation by PMA plus A23187 stimulation in HMC-1 cells.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial embolisation in rabbit liver: investigation of the ablation zone according to the time interval between the two therapies

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the radiofrequency ablation zone in relation to the time interval between transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and, ultimately, to determine the optimal strategy of combining these two therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

15 rabbits were evenly divided into three groups: Group A was treated with RFA alone; Group B was treated with TAE immediately followed by RFA; and Group C was treated with TAE followed by RFA 5 days later. All animals underwent perfusion CT (PCT) scans immediately after RFA. Serum liver transaminases were measured to evaluate acute liver damage. Animals were euthanised for pathological analysis of ablated tissues 10 days after RFA. Non-parametric analyses were conducted to compare PCT indices, the RFA zone and liver transaminase levels among the three experimental groups.

RESULTS

Group B showed a significantly larger ablation zone than the other two groups. Arterial liver perfusion and hepatic perfusion index represented well the perfusion decrease after TAE on PCT. Although Group B showed the most elevated liver transaminase levels at 1 day post RFA, the enzymes decreased to levels that were not different from the other groups at 10 days post-RFA.

CONCLUSIONS

When combined TAE and RFA therapy is considered, TAE should be followed by RFA as quickly as possible, as it can be performed safely without serious hepatic deterioration, despite the short interval between the two procedures.

Mucosal protective effect of PGI2 on canine small bowel auto-transplantation

PURPOSE

We designed this experimental study to assess the mucosal protective effects of continuous prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) infusion after canine small bowel autotransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six Mongrel dogs were randomly divided two groups: PGI2 (n = 3) and control (n = 3). The small bowel from jejunum to ileum was obtained, including the mesenteric vascular pedicle. After cold flushing ex vivo, the harvested segment was preserved in an icebox for 3 hours. Thereafter we reimplanted the harvested intestinal segment. While completing the anastomosis, PGI2 (50 μg) was slowly infused through the mesenteric artery in the PGI2 group versus the same volume of saline in the control group. At 1, 3 and 6 days after autotransplantation, we obtained blood samples, and at 6 days, small bowel segments. Endotoxin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured and all histologic specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin H-E were reviewed by a pathologist to grade mucosal damage as: mild (1 point), moderate (2 points), or severe (3 points) change.

RESULTS

Mean basal serum endotoxin levels were similar in both groups the PGI2 groups versus control group were 0.216 ± 0.018 versus 0.223 ± 0.040 EU/mL, respectively. However, on day 3 after the operation, the PGI2 group showed much decreased levels of serum endotoxin compared to control levels: 0.349 ± 0.196 versus 0.842 ± 0.446 EU/mL. The mean concentration of serum IL-6 on day 1 after operation among the PGI2 versus control group were 32.13 ± 7.13 pg/mL versus 36.96 ± 3.65 pg/mL. The histologic scores at 6 days after the operation were PGI2 group versus control group: 1.33 versus 1.66 (P = NS).

CONCLUSION

Continuous infusions of PGI2 through the mesenteric artery after the canine small bowel autotransplantation may protect the small bowel mucosal barrier.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the STAT gene in Hyphantria cunea haemocytes

A new insect member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors, Hyphantria cunea STAT (HcSTAT), was cloned from the lepidopteran H. cunea. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain were well conserved. During all developmental stages, the gene was expressed at a low level in the haemocytes, fat body cells, midgut, epidermis and Malpighian tubules. The haemocytes and Malpighian tubules showed transcriptional activation of HcSTAT upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial challenges. These challenges increased the induction and nuclear translocation of the HcSTAT protein that recognizes a STAT target site in H. cunea haemocytes. In vivo treatment with sodium orthovanadate translocated HcSTAT to the haemocyte nucleus. This study shows the involvement of the haemocyte Janus kinase/STAT pathway after microbial infection in lepidopteran insects.

Unexplained Massive Pneumoperitoneum following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Pneumoperitoneum following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had been described as a rare complication. Pneumoperitoneum after CPR could be due to gastric perforation or intrathoracic air tracking into the abdominal cavity via the diaphragm as a result of bag-valve-mask ventilation, external chest compression or improper intubation. In most reported cases, the specific injuries could be identified. We reported an unusual case of pneumoperitoneum following CPR in which the specific cause was not definitely established. Emergency physicians should be aware of the mechanism and clinical signs suggesting of pneumoperitoneum during or after CPR.

Evidence for a new resonance and search for the Y(4140) in the gammagamma-->phiJ/psi process

The process gammagamma-->phiJ/psi is measured using a data sample of 825 fb{-1} collected with the Belle detector. A narrow peak of 8.8{-3.2}{+4.2} events, with a significance of 3.2 standard deviations including systematic uncertainty, is observed. The mass and natural width of the structure [named X(4350)] are measured to be [4350.6{-5.1}{+4.6}(stat)+/-0.7(syst)] MeV/c{2} and [13{-9}{+18}(stat)+/-4(syst)] MeV, respectively. The product of its two-photon decay width and branching fraction to phiJ/psi is [6.7{-2.4}{+3.2}(stat)+/-1.1(syst)] eV for J{P}=0{+}, or [1.5{-0.6}{+0.7}(stat)+/-0.3(syst)] eV for J{P}=2{+}. No signal for the Y(4140)-->phiJ/psi structure reported by the CDF Collaboration in B-->K{+}phiJ/psi decays is observed, and limits of Gamma_{gammagamma}(Y(4140))B(Y(4140)-->phiJ/psi)<41 eV for J{P}=0;{+} or <6.0 eV for J{P}=2{+} are determined at the 90% C.L. This disfavors the scenario in which the Y(4140) is a D{s}{*+}D{s}{*-} molecule.

Observation of a charmoniumlike enhancement in the gammagamma-->omega(J)/psi process

We report the results of a search for a charmoniumlike state produced in the process gammagamma-->omegaJ/psi in the 3.9-4.2 GeV/c{2} mass region. We observe a significant enhancement, which is well described by a resonant shape with mass M=(3915+/-3+/-2) MeV/c{2} and total width Gamma=(17+/-10+/-3) MeV. This enhancement may be related to one or more of the three charmoniumlike states so far reported in the 3.90-3.95 GeV/c{2} mass region.

Measurement of |V{ub}| from inclusive charmless semileptonic B decays

We present the partial branching fraction for inclusive charmless semileptonic B decays and the corresponding value of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V{ub}|, using a multivariate analysis method to access approximately 90% of the B-->X{u}lnu phase space. This approach dramatically reduces the theoretical uncertainties from the b-quark mass and nonperturbative QCD compared to all previous inclusive measurements. The results are based on a sample of 657x10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector. We find that DeltaB(B-->X{u}lnu;p(l){*B}>1.0 GeV/c)=1.963x(1+/-0.088{stat}+/-0.081{syst})x10{-3}. Corresponding values of |V{ub}| are extracted using several theoretical calculations.

A case of famotidine-induced anaphylaxis

Famotidine is considered to be safe, causing very few adverse events. We describe a case of famotidine-induced anaphylaxis in a 23-year-old man who presented with dyspnea, seizure-like activity, and comatose mental state immediately after an intravenous injection of cefazedone and famotidine for the preoperative preparation of left varicocele. He completely recovered with epinephrine, fluid replacement, and corticosteroids. Skin tests with cefazedone and other beta-lactam antibiotics were all negative but skin tests with famotidine showed a clear positive immediate reaction. Interestingly, we also observed clear positive skin reactions to other H2-receptor antagonists such as nizatidine and ranitidine, which have similar side chains to the ring structures. Our case suggests that famotidine may induce immunoglobulin E-mediated anaphylaxis and have cross-reactivity with nizatidine and ranitidine. Clinicians should therefore be aware of possible life-threatening adverse reactions to commonly used H2-receptor antagonists such as famotidine.

Measurement of inclusive radiative B-meson decays with a photon energy threshold of 1.7 GeV

Using 605 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance we present a measurement of the inclusive radiative B-meson decay channel, B-->X(s)gamma. For the lower photon energy thresholds of 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 GeV, as defined in the rest frame of the B meson, we measure the partial branching fraction and the mean and variance of the photon energy spectrum. At the 1.7 GeV threshold we obtain the partial branching fraction BF(B-->X(s)}gamma)=(3.45+/-0.15+/-0.40)x10(-4), where the errors are statistical and systematic.

Measurement of the differential branching fraction and forward-backward asymmetry for B --> K(*)l+l-

We study B --> K(*)l+l- decays (l = e, mu) based on a data sample of 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We report the differential branching fraction, isospin asymmetry, K* polarization, and the forward-backward asymmetry (A(FB)) as functions of q2 = M(ll)(2)c2. The fitted A(FB) spectrum exceeds the standard model expectation by 2.7 standard deviations. The measured branching fractions are B(B --> K*l+l-) = (10.7(-1.0)(+1.1) +/- 0.9) x 10(-7) and B(B --> Kl+l-) = (4.8(-0.4)(+0.5) +/- 0.3) x 10(-7), where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic, with the muon to electron ratios R(K*) = 0.83 +/- 0.17 +/- 0.08 and R(K) = 1.03 +/- 0.19 +/- 0.06.

A new reference line for the brain CT: the tuberculum sellae-occipital protuberance line is parallel to the anterior/posterior commissure line

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CT and MR imaging of the brain have diverged reference lines. Modified Talairach anterior/posterior commissure (ACPC) line is widely accepted as the standard for clinical brain MR imaging, while orbitomeatal line (OML) is used for CT. This study sought to determine an appropriate reference line for brain CT parallel to the ACPC line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured the angles between the ACPC line and the OML, the line connecting the tuberculum sellae and the internal occipital protuberance (TS-IOP line), and the line connecting the tuberculum sellae and the external occipital protuberance (TS-EOP line) on midsagittal brain MR images of 223 patients. In addition, with the hard palate as the basis, the angles to the ACPC line in the brain MR images and new reference line on the brain CT images from the same patient were measured, and the difference between the 2 angles was calculated in 30 patients. In the same method, the angles to the OML in the brain CT images and the ACPC line on the brain MR images were measured, and their difference was calculated in 30 patients. Then the 2 difference values were compared with verification of the new reference line.

RESULTS

The angles between the ACPC line and both the TS-IOP line (0.0 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees ) and the TS-EOP line (0.8 degrees +/- 3.2 degrees ) were significantly smaller than the angles between the ACPC line and the OML (-12.6 degrees +/- 4.2 degrees ; P < .05). In actual scanned images, the angle differences between the TS-OP (TS-IOP + TS-EOP) line and the ACPC line (0.3 degrees +/- 4.5 degrees ) were statistically smaller than the angles between the OML and the ACPC line (-6.6 degrees +/- 3.9 degrees ; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

TS-OP lines are nearly parallel to the ACPC line.

Observation of the doubly cabibbo-suppressed decay D_{s};{+}-->K;{+}K;{+}pi;{-}

We report the first observation of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D_{s};{+}-->K;{+}K;{+}pi;{-} using 605 fb;{-1} of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e;{+}e;{-} collider. The branching ratio with respect to its Cabibbo-favored counterpart B(D_{s};{+}-->K;{+}K;{+}pi;{-})/B(D_{s};{+}-->K;{+}K;{-}pi;{+}) is (0.229+/-0.028+/-0.012)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. We also report a significantly improved measurement of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D;{+}-->K;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-}, with a branching ratio B(D;{+}-->K;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})/B(D;{+}-->K;{-}pi;{+}pi;{+})=(0.569+/-0.018+/-0.014)%.

Molasses and microbial inoculants improve fermentability and silage quality of cotton waste-based spent mushroom substrate

A small-silo study was conducted to develop an effective ensiling storage method for the use of cotton waste-based spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as an animal feed. The SMS was ensiled with 5% molasses (DM basis), 0.5% (v/w) lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Lactobacillus plantarum) inoculant or 0.5% (v/w) yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inoculant. The treatments included 100% SMS (control), 95% SMS+5% molasses (T1), 95% SMS+5% molasses+0.5% LAB (T2) and 95% SMS+5% molasses+5% LAB+0.5% yeast (T3). The treatments were ensiled for 10. Change in chemical compositions was little (P>0.05) according to the ensiling process and treatments. Compared with those before ensiling, 100% SMS (control) after ensiling showed unstable fermentative properties with high pH (5.2) and little lactic acid production. Compared with the ensiled control, treatments (T1, T2 and T3) resulted in decreased pH, 18-20 times higher concentrations of lactic acid, and greater populations of total bacteria (P<0.07), LAB and yeast (P<0.07). The addition of 5% molasses, 0.5% LAB and 0.5% yeast (T3) to the SMS resulted in the lowest pH (4.25) and the greatest microbial populations. Treatment T3 was selected for a large scale silo study which was ensiled for 10, 20 and 30 d. As in the small-silo study, the T3 treatment showed favorable fermentative and microbial parameters, compared with the control, by decreasing pH and increasing lactic acid concentrations, LAB and yeast populations. The minimum ensiling period was 20 d, when pH was reasonably low and LAB and yeast populations were greatest. In conclusion, molasses and microbial inoculation improved silage quality of SMS.

Measurement of the Decay B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) and Evidence for B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) in e;(+)e;(-) Annihilation at sqrt[s] approximately 10.87 GeV

We have studied B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) and B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) decays using 23.6 fb;(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e;(+)e;(-) collider. This highly pure B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) sample is used to measure the branching fraction, B(B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+))=[3.67_(-0.33);(+0.35)(stat)-0.42+0.43(syst)+/-0.49(f_(s))]x10;(-3) (f_(s)=N_(B_(s);((*))B[over ]_(s);((*)))/N_(bb[over ])) and the fractions of B_(s);(0) event types at the Upsilon(5S) energy, in particular N_(B_(s);(*)B[over ]_(s);(*))/N_(B_(s);((*))B[over ]_(s);((*)))=(90.1_(-4.0);(+3.8)+/-0.2)%. We also determine the masses M(B_(s);(0))=(5364.4+/-1.3+/-0.7) MeV/c;(2) and M(B_(s);(*))=(5416.4+/-0.4+/-0.5) MeV/c;(2). In addition, we observe B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) decays with a significance of 3.5sigma and measure B(B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-))=[2.4_(-1.0);(+1.2)(stat)+/-0.3(syst)+/-0.3(f_(s))]x10;(-4).

Measurement of the time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0-->K(S)(0)rho(0)gamma decays

We report the first measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetry in B(0)-->K(S)(0)rho(0)gamma decays based on 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy collider. We measure the CP-violating parameter S_{K_{S};{0}rho;{0}gamma}=0.11+/-0.33(stat)-0.09+0.05(syst) from a signal of 212+/-17 events. We also obtain the effective direct CP-violating parameter A{eff}=0.05+/-0.18(stat)+/-0.06(syst) for mK(S)0pi+pi- <1.8 GeV/c(2) and 0.6 GeV/c(2)<m pi+pi- <0.9 GeV/c2.

Evidence for neutral B meson decays to omegaK*0

We present the results of a study of the charmless vector-vector decay B0-->omegaK*0 with 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure the branching fraction to be B(B0-->omegaK*0) = [1.8+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.3(syst)]x 10(-6) with 3.0sigma significance. We also perform a helicity analysis of the omega and K*0 vector mesons, and obtain the longitudinal polarization fraction fL(B0-->omegaK*0) = 0.56+/-0.29(stat) -0.08(+0.18)(syst). Finally, we measure a large nonresonant branching fraction B[B0-->omegaK+pi(-);M Kpi in(0.755,1.250) GeV/c2] = [5.1+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.7(syst)]x 10(-6) with a significance of 9.5sigma.

Observation of a near-threshold enhancement in the e+e- -->Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) cross section using initial-state radiation

We report a measurement of the exclusive e+ e- -->Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) cross section as a function of center-of-mass energy near the Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) threshold. A clear peak with a significance of 8.2sigma is observed in the Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) invariant mass distribution just above threshold. With an assumption of a resonance origin for the observed peak, a mass and width of M=[4634 (+8)_(-7)(stat)(+5)_(-8)(syst)] MeV/c(2) and Gamma_(tot)=[92 (+40)_(-24)(stat)(+10)_(-21)(syst)] MeV are determined. The analysis is based on a study of events with initial-state-radiation photons in a data sample collected with the Belle detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance and nearby continuum with an integrated luminosity of 695 fb(-1) at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider.

Measurement of branching fractions, isospin, and CP-violating asymmetries for exclusive b-->dgamma modes

We report new measurements of the decays B+-->rho+gamma, B0-->rho0gamma, and B0-->omegagamma using a data sample of 657x10(6) B meson pairs accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure branching fractions B(B+-->rho+gamma)=(8.7_-2.7-1.1;+2.9+0.9)x10(-7), B(B0-->rho0gamma)=(7.8_-1.6-1.0;+1.7+0.9)x10(-7), and B(B0-->omegagamma)=(4.0_-1.7;+1.9+/-1.3)x10(-7). We also report the isospin asymmetry Delta(rhogamma)=-0.48_-0.19-0.09;+0.21+0.08 and the first measurement of the direct CP-violating asymmetry ACP(B+-->rho+gamma)=-0.11+/-0.32+/-0.09, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Search for B+-->D*+pi0 decay

We report on a search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay B+-->D*+pi0, based on a data sample of 657x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find no significant signal and set an upper limit of B(B+-->D*+pi0)<3.6x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This limit can be used to constrain the ratio between suppressed and favored B-->D*pi decay amplitudes, r<0.051, at the 90% confidence level.