Retrospective analysis of factors affecting the efficacy of surgical treatment of the scar

AIM

The scar is a major problem in the medical profession. Its timely treatment is very important for the better outcome of the scar treatment and for the improvement of the life quality of the patients. The aim of this study was retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics affecting the efficacy of the scar surgical treatment of the people in the western part of China.

METHODS

Total 414 scar cases were retrospectively analyzed to clarify the epidemiological characteristics and the factors affecting the scar surgical treatment efficacy. The factors included were sex, age, area distribution, treatment seasons, injury sites, injury causes, and the time from scarring to the surgical treatment. All scar cases were surgically treated with the repairing technology including skin graft, flap and soft tissue dilation.

RESULTS

There were 206 males and 208 females with the average age 20.53±12.9 years (age range 1-68 years). The patient proportions in the age groups of 0-20, 21-40 and >40 years were 61.4% (254 cases), 29.2% (121 cases), and 9.4% (39 cases) respectively. The patient's attendance rate reached the highest during the summer and winter. Most patients were from the rural areas with an increasing tendency each year. The burn scars were the most abundant and the injury sites were mostly the head and face. Univariate analysis showed that the time from scarring to the surgical treatment and the injury sites were significantly influenced the scar surgical treatment efficacy. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the injured sites of the head and face significantly influenced the scar surgical treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSION

With the development of economy in China, more scar patients especially younger and children visit doctors predominantely from the rural areas. Usually, they get their scars in the exposed area of their bodies (head and face) which seriously affect the patient's appearance and function. Factors influencing the scar surgical treatment efficacy has important clinical significance of prevention and treatment.

An entomopathogenic strain of Beauveria bassiana against Frankliniella occidentalis with no detrimental effect on the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri: evidence from laboratory bioassay and scanning electron microscopic observation

Among 28 isolates of Beauveria bassiana tested for virulence against F. occidentalis in laboratory bioassays, we found strain SZ-26 as the most potent, causing 96% mortality in adults at 1×10(7) mL(-1)conidia after 4 days. The effect of the strain SZ-26 on survival, longevity and fecundity of the predatory mite Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) barkeri Hughes were studied under laboratory conditions. The bioassay results showed that the corrected mortalities were less than 4 and 8% at 10 days following inoculation of the adult and the larvae of the predator, respectively, with 1×10(7) conidia mL(-1) of SZ-26. Furthermore, no fungal hyphae were found in dead predators. The oviposition and postoviposition durations, longevity, and fecundity displayed no significant differences after inoculation with SZ-26 using first-instar larvae of F. occidentalis as prey in comparison with untreated predator. In contrast, the preoviposition durations were significantly longer. Observations with a scanning electron microscope, revealed that many conidia were attached to the cuticles of F. occidentalis at 2 h after treatment with germ tubes oriented toward cuticle at 24 h, penetration of the insect cuticle at 36 h, and finally, fungal colonization of the whole insect body at 60 h. In contrast, we never observed penetration of the predator's cuticle and conidia were shed gradually from the body, further demonstrating that B. bassiana strain SZ-26 show high toxicity against F. occidentalis but no pathogenicity to predatory mite.

The inhibitory role of miR-214 in cervical cancer cells through directly targeting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM)

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a high-mobility group (HMG) protein and acts as a key regulator in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, transcription, and inheritance. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that TFAM plays an important role in tumorigenesis; however, the regulatory mechanism of TFAM in cervical cancer has not been revealed. In the current study, the au- thors found that with malignancy of cervical cancer, the protein expression of TFAM was gradually increased, while the expression of miRNA-214 was gradually downregulated. They further identified that TFAM is a target of miR-214. Forced overexpression of miRNA-214 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, colony-formation, and migration of cervical cancer Hela and Caski cells; however, upregulation of TFAM notably promoted cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, colony-formation, and migration of Hela and Caski cells. The authors further showed that miR-214 enhanced the susceptibility of Hela and Caski cells to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. In conclusion, the current study provides a new sight for the regulatory pattern of miRNA-214 and TFAM in cervical cancer in vitro, indicating that miRNA-214 and MTFA may become important candidates for developing promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Neuroprotective effects of LBP on brain ischemic reperfusion neurodegeneration

AIM

The present study was conducted to investigate whether LBP had a protective effect on cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury and to determine the possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Kunming (KM) mice were used to make the model cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). The behavioral test was used to measure neurological deficit scores for evaluation of ischemic reperfusion damage of brain. The change of electroencephalograph (EEG) was monitored by Model SMUP-E Bio-electric Signals Processing System. The infarction area of brain was assessed in brain slices with 2% solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC). Spectrophotometric assay was used to determine the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of the brain.

RESULTS

The results showed that LBP at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg markedly decreased the neurological deficit scores and the infarction area in MCAO/R mice. At the same time, LBP significantly decreased MDA content, and increased SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, LDH activities in ischemic reperfusion brain.

CONCLUSIONS

These suggest that LBP might act as a potential neuroprotective agent against the cerebral reperfusion-induced injury in the brain through reducing lipid peroxides, scavenging free radicals, and improving the energy metabolism.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Liriomyza huidobrensis and comparison with L. trifolii and L. sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. trifolii and L. sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are serious horticultural pests. The three species are very similar and difficult to discriminate from each other. In this study, we report the mitochondrial genome of L. huidobrensis and compare with L. trifolii and L. sativae. The mitochondrial genome of L. huidobrensis is 16,239 bp long, and it contains 37 genes and one A + T-rich region as do the sequenced liriomyza species. The sequence and structure of H51-H100 region in srRNA is significantly different from that of L. trifolii and L. sativae. The greatest sequence differences among the three leafminers are located in the region including ND2, ND3, ND6, ATP6, ATP8, CYTb and A+T region, which can be considered as candidate regions for molecular identification or SNP markers.

Alterations in metabolic pathways and networks in Alzheimer's disease

The pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain largely unknown and clinical trials have not demonstrated significant benefit. Biochemical characterization of AD and its prodromal phase may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic insights. We used targeted metabolomics platform to profile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD (n=40), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=36) and control (n=38) subjects; univariate and multivariate analyses to define between-group differences; and partial least square-discriminant analysis models to classify diagnostic groups using CSF metabolomic profiles. A partial correlation network was built to link metabolic markers, protein markers and disease severity. AD subjects had elevated methionine (MET), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), vanillylmandelic acid, xanthosine and glutathione versus controls. MCI subjects had elevated 5-HIAA, MET, hypoxanthine and other metabolites versus controls. Metabolite ratios revealed changes within tryptophan, MET and purine pathways. Initial pathway analyses identified steps in several pathways that appear altered in AD and MCI. A partial correlation network showed total tau most directly related to norepinephrine and purine pathways; amyloid-β (Ab42) was related directly to an unidentified metabolite and indirectly to 5-HIAA and MET. These findings indicate that MCI and AD are associated with an overlapping pattern of perturbations in tryptophan, tyrosine, MET and purine pathways, and suggest that profound biochemical alterations are linked to abnormal Ab42 and tau metabolism. Metabolomics provides powerful tools to map interlinked biochemical pathway perturbations and study AD as a disease of network failure.

Western flower thrips resistance to insecticides: detection, mechanisms and management strategies

Insecticide resistance continues to be one of the most important issues facing agricultural production. The challenges in insecticide resistance and its management are exemplified by the situation with the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). This highly invasive pest has a great propensity for developing insecticide resistance because of its biological attributes, and cases of resistance to most classes of insecticides used for its management have been detected. To combat insecticide resistance in the western flower thrips, several insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs have been developed around the world, and these are discussed. Successful programs rely on non-insecticidal tactics, such as biological and cultural controls and host plant resistance, to reduce population pressures, rotations among insecticides of different mode of action classes to conserve insecticide efficacy, resistance monitoring, sampling to determine the need for insecticide applications and education to assure proper implementation. More judicious insecticide use is possible with the development of well-founded economic thresholds for more cropping systems. While growers will continue to rely on insecticides as part of western-flower-thrips- and thrips-transmitted virus management, more effective management of these pests will be achieved by considering their management in the context of overall integrated pest management, with IRM being a key component of those comprehensive programs.

Insecticide-mediated apparent displacement between two invasive species of leafminer fly

BACKGROUND

Closely related invasive species may often displace one another, but it is often difficult to determine mechanisms because of the historical nature of these events. The leafmining flies Liriomyza sativae and Liriomyza trifolii have become serious invasive agricultural pests throughout the world. Where both species have invaded the same region, one predominates over the other. Although L. sativae invaded Hainan Island of China first, it recently has been displaced by the newly invasive L. trifolii. We hypothesized that differential susceptibilities to insecticides could be causing this demographic shift.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Avermectin and cyromazine are the most commonly used insecticides to manage leafminers, with laboratory bioassays demonstrating that L. trifolii is significantly less susceptible to these key insecticides than is L. sativae. In trials where similar numbers of larvae of both species infested plants, which subsequently were treated with the insecticides, the eclosing adults were predominately L. trifolii, yet similar numbers of adults of both species eclosed from control plants. The species composition was then surveyed in two regions where L. trifolii has just begun to invade and both species are still common. In field trials, both species occurred in similar proportions before insecticide treatments began. Following applications of avermectin and cyromazine, almost all eclosing adults were L. trifolii in those treatment plots. In control plots, similar numbers of adults of the two species eclosed, lending further credence to the hypothesis that differential insecticide susceptibilities could be driving the ongoing displacement of L. sativae by L. trifolii.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results show that differential insecticide susceptibility can lead to rapid shifts in the demographics of pest complexes. Thus, successful pest management requires the identification of pest species to understand the outcome of insecticide applications. These results further demonstrate the importance of considering anthropogenic factors in the outcome of interspecific interactions.

Species displacements are common to two invasive species of leafminer fly in China, Japan, and the United States

Under field conditions, species displacements have occurred in different directions between the same invasive species of leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) was displaced by L. trifolii (Burgess) in the western United States, with evidence suggesting that lower insecticide susceptibility of L. trifolii is a factor. However, in Japan, the opposite has occurred, as L. trifolii was recently displaced by L. sativae. This displacement is probably because of the higher fecundity of L. sativae and differential effects of parasitoids on the two leafminer species. Here, we carried out long-term surveys of these same two invasive leafminer species during January through March in 1999, 2007, and 2011, as well as June through July in 2011, in eight locations (Sanya, Dongfang, Haikou, Leidong, Lingshui, Wuzhisan, Qionghai, and Danzhou) across Hainan Island of southern China. Our results indicate that, between 2007 and 2011, L. trifolii rapidly replaced L. sativae as the predominant leafminer of vegetables on Hainan Island, similar to the situation in the western United States. Further surveys of growers revealed that avermectins and cyromazine are the two most frequently used insecticides against leafminers on Hainan Island. Dose-mortality tests showed that L. trifolii populations from Hainan Island are less susceptible to avermectins and cyromazine compared with L. sativae populations. This lower insecticide susceptibility of L. trifolii may be associated with the displacement of L. sativae by L. trifolii, although additional ecological or environmental factors cannot be ruled out.

Increased toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa against Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata, Phaedon brassicae and Colaphellus bowringi by a Tenebrio molitor cadherin fragment

BACKGROUND

Biopesticides containing Cry insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective against many lepidopteran pests, but there is a lack of Bt-based pesticides for efficient control of important coleopteran pests. Based on the reported increase in Bt toxin oligomerization by a polypeptide from the Cry3Aa receptor cadherin in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), it was hypothesized that this cadherin peptide, rTmCad1p, would enhance Cry3Aa toxicity towards coleopteran larvae. To test this hypothesis, the relative toxicity of Cry3Aa, with or without rTmCad1p, against damaging chrysomelid vegetable pests of China was evaluated.

RESULTS

Cry3Aa toxicity was evaluated in the spotted asparagus beetle (Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata), cabbage leaf beetle (Colaphellus bowringi) and daikon leaf beetle (Phaedon brassicae). To assess the effect of rTmCad1p on Cry3Aa toxicity, neonate larvae were fed Cry3Aa toxin alone or in combination with increasing amounts of rTmCad1p. The data demonstrated that Cry3Aa toxicity was significantly increased in all three vegetable pests, resulting in as much as a 15.3-fold increase in larval mortality.

CONCLUSION

The application of rTmCad1p to enhance Cry3Aa insecticidal activity has potential for use in increasing range and activity levels against coleopteran pests displaying low susceptibility to Bt-based biopesticides.

Rapid cold hardening and expression of heat shock protein genes in the B-biotype Bemisia tabaci

This paper describes the rapid cold hardening processes of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). It was found that all developmental stages of B. tabaci have the capacity of rapid cold hardening and the length of time required to induce maximal cold hardiness at 0 °C varies with stage. There was only 18.3% survival when adult whiteflies were transferred directly from 26 °C to -8.5 °C for 2 h. However, exposure to 0 °C for 1 h before transfer to -8.5 °C increased the survival to 81.2%. The whiteflies show "prefreeze" mortality when they were exposed to temperatures above the supercooling point (SCP), although the range of SCP of whiteflies is -26 °C to -29 °C. The rapid cold hardening had no effect on SCP and reduced the lower lethal temperature of adults from -9 °C to -11 °C. Rapid cold-hardened adults had a similar lifespan as the control group but deposited fewer eggs than nonhardened individuals. The expression profiles during cold hardening and recovery from this process revealed that HSP90 did not respond to cold stress. However, HSP70 and HSP20 were significantly induced by cold with different temporal expression patterns. These results suggest that the rapid cold hardening response is possibly advantageous to whiteflies that are often exposed to drastic temperature fluctuations in spring or autumn in northern China, and the expression of HSP70 and HSP20 may be associated with the cold tolerance of B. tabaci.

Abstract P4-06-21: Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in Tumor Cell-Induced Platelet Aggregation: Regulation by Cryptotanshinone

Background: A correlation exists between the ability of tumor cells to aggregate platelets and their tendency to metastasize. Tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) facilitates the embolization of the vasculature with tumor cells and the formation of metastatic foci. It is well documentedthat matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an integral part in tumor spread and the metastatic cascade.

Material and Methods: Therefore, we have examined the role of MMPs during TCIPA and its regulation by Cryptotanshinone in vitro. Human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 induced TCIPA in a concentration dependent manner that was monitored by aggregometry. This aggregation resulted in the release of MMP-2 from platelets and cancer cells, as measured by RT-PCR.

Results:MCF-7 cells released significantly more MMP-2 than MDA-MB-231 cells and were more efficacious in inducing TCIPA. Inhibition of MMP-2 with phenanthroline (1-1000 mM), a synthetic inhibitor of MMPs, and by neutralizing anti-MMP-2 antibody (10 mg/ml) reduced TCIPA induced by MCF-7 cells. TCIPA was abolished by simultaneous inhibition of platelet function with acetylsalicylic acid (100 mM; thromboxane pathway inhibitor), apyrase (250 mg/ml; ADP pathway inhibitor), and phenanthroline. Cryptotanshinone inhibited TCIPA and MMP-2 release from platelets and tumor cells.

Discussion:We conclude that (a) human Human breast cancer cells aggregate platelets via mechanism (s) that are mediated, in part, by MMP-2; (b) Cryptotanshinone inhibits TCIPA, in part, by attenuating the release of MMP-2.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-21.

Downregulation of Kv4.2 channels mediated by NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons

Somatodendritic Kv4.2 channels mediate transient A-type potassium currents (I(A)), and play critical roles in controlling neuronal excitability and modulating synaptic plasticity. Our studies have shown an NMDA receptor-dependent downregulation of Kv4.2 and I(A). NMDA receptors are heteromeric complexes of NR1 combined with NR2A-NR2D, mainly NR2A and NR2B. Here, we investigate NR2B receptor-mediated modulation of Kv4.2 and I(A) in cultured hippocampal neurons. Application of glutamate caused a reduction in total Kv4.2 protein levels and Kv4.2 clusters, and produced a hyperpolarized shift in the inactivation curve of I(A). The effects of glutamate on Kv4.2 and I(A) were inhibited by pretreatment of NR2B-selective antagonists. NR2B-containing NMDA receptors are believed to be located predominantly extrasynaptically. Like application of glutamate, selective activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors caused a reduction in total Kv4.2 protein levels and Kv4.2 clusters, which was also blocked by NR2B-selective antagonists. In contrast, specific stimulation of synaptic NMDA receptors had no effect on Kv4.2. In addition, the influx of Ca(2+) was essential for extrasynaptic modulation of Kv4.2. Calpain inhibitors prevented the reduction of total Kv4.2 protein levels following activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. These results demonstrate that the glutamate-induced downregulation of Kv4.2 and I(A) is mediated by NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and is linked to proteolysis by calpain, which might contribute to the development of neuronal hyperexcitability and neurodegenerative diseases.

Clinical study of mini-nutritional assessment for older Chinese inpatients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a common problem in older patients. Early detection of malnutrition is an important task in clinical practice. The MNA has become an extensively used tool to evaluate nutritional status in European countries and the United States.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test and the short-form MNA (MNA-SF) test as screening tools for malnutrition in older Chinese inpatients and focused on finding an optimal cutoff point for MNA total score and MNA-SF score.

DESIGN

One hundred eighty-four older Chinese inpatients were enrolled in this study from July to August 2006. Nutritional assessment included MNA, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers.

RESULTS

According to the original cutoff point of the full MNA, 19.6% of those assessed were malnourished, 53.2% were at risk of malnutrition and 27.2% were well nourished. Correlations were found between MNA, MNA-SF and body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, serum albumin, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, lymphocyte ratio. With the most proper cutoff point lower than 19 indicating malnutrition, when using serum albumin (< 35.0 g/L) as the indicator, the sensitivity and specificity of the MNA total score were 0.6286 and 0.7466; when using BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) as the indicator, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.8636 and 0.7469. The incidence rate of malnutrition was 32.6%. The most proper cutoff point of MNA-SF was lower than 12.

CONCLUSION

The MNA and MNA-SF were useful tools to identify older Chinese inpatients with malnutrition. However, the cutoff point of the MNA should be modulated for this population.

Feeding, oviposition and survival of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Bt and non-Bt cottons

The effects of Bt transgenic cottons (Bt-I expressing cry1Ac and Bt-II expressing cry1Ab and cry2Ab or cry1Ab and cry1Fa) and non-Bt cottons on feeding, oviposition and longevity of adults, and development and survival of Liriomyza trifolii larvae were studied under laboratory conditions; and infestation on four Bt and two non-Bt cotton traits were investigated under field conditions. Laboratory choice and no-choice tests showed that L. trifolii adults were capable of distinguishing between Bt cottons and non-Bt cottons. In a choice test on younger plants (4-5 leaves), the adults were found more often and made more feeding punctures (FP) on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons. On older plants (8-9 leaves), adults made the most FP on non-Bt cotton followed by those on Bt-II cottons and the least on Bt-I cotton. The females oviposited more eggs (6.7 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (1.7 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (0.8 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and oviposited similar numbers of eggs (0.7-1.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. In a no-choice test, the females also fed more FP on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons on both younger and older plants. The females oviposited more eggs (15.6 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (8.2 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (6.5 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and similar numbers of eggs (2.5-3.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. Larval and puparial survivals were not different among Bt and non-Bt cottons. The occurrence and damage of leafminers on cottons in the field showed that L. trifolii infested more plants and leaves and had more mines on non-Bt cotton than on Bt cottons.

Enhancement of inhibitory synaptic transmission in large aspiny neurons after transient cerebral ischemia

Large aspiny neurons and most of the GABAergic interneurons survive transient cerebral ischemia while medium spiny neurons degenerate in 24 h. Expression of a long-term enhancement of excitatory transmission in medium spiny neurons but not in large aspiny neurons has been indicated to contribute to this selective vulnerability. Because neuronal excitability is determined by the counterbalance of excitation and inhibition, the present study examined inhibitory synaptic transmission in large aspiny neurons after ischemia in rats. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced for 22 min using the four-vessel occlusion method and whole-cell voltage-clamp recording was performed on striatal slices. The amplitudes of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in large aspiny neurons were significantly increased at 3 and 24 h after ischemia, which was mediated by the increase of presynaptic release. Postsynaptic responses were depressed at 24 h after ischemia. Inhibitory postsynaptic currents could be evoked in large aspiny neurons at 24 h after ischemia, suggesting that they receive GABAergic inputs from the survived GABAergic interneurons. Muscimol, a GABA(A) receptor agonist, presynaptically facilitated inhibitory synaptic transmission at 24 h after ischemia. Such facilitation was dependent on the extracellular calcium and voltage-gated sodium channels. The present study demonstrates an enhancement of inhibitory synaptic transmission in large aspiny neurons after ischemia, which might reduce excitotoxicity and contribute, at least in part, to the survival of large aspiny neurons. Our data also suggest that large aspiny neurons might receive inhibitory inputs from GABAergic interneurons.

Ensuring the safety of living kidney donors and recipients in China through ethics committee oversight: an early experience

In 2007, the Regulation on Human Organ Transplantation was enacted in China requiring the establishment of ethics committees to oversee living donor organ transplantation and establishing specific requirements that must be met. We established an Ethics Committee on Organ Transplantation at Peking University Third Hospital, and described its composition, its methods and operating procedures in the examination and approval of living-related donor kidney transplantation (LRDKT) and our initial experience. All 60 proposed cases of LRDKT were presented to the Ethics Committee for discussion, among which 53 cases were approved and seven cases were disapproved due to a variety of reasons that are discussed. The Ethics Committee on Organ Transplantation plays an important role in the ethical oversight of living-related donor organ transplantation in order to ensure to the greatest extent possible the safety, rights and interests of donors and recipients.

SCF and IL-31 rather than IL-17 and BAFF are potential indicators in patients with allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Although the prevalence of allergic asthma increased quickly in the past decade, the diagnostic criteria have not been well established. The aim of the present study was to explore whether stem cell factor (SCF), B cell-activating factor (BAFF), and cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-31 are usable parameters for the diagnosis of allergic asthmatics.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from patients with allergic asthma, control patients, and healthy control subjects. The serum concentrations of SCF, BAFF, IL-17, and IL-31 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The corresponding mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

A good correlation existed between protein levels of SCF and IL-31 and their mRNA levels (SCF: r = 0.6162; IL-31: r = 0.5463). The serum concentrations of SCF and IL-31 in allergic asthmatic patients, but not control patients, were significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (SCF: median 1.83 vs 0.85 ng/ml, P < 0.01; IL-31: 50.15 vs 10.01 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Consistently, the levels of SCF and IL-31 mRNAs in allergic asthmatic patients' PBMCs were also significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that allergic asthma is characterized by an elevation of cytokines SCF and IL-31 and the measurement of their expression at either protein level in serum or mRNA level in PBMCs will be a valuable parameter for the diagnosis of allergic asthma.

Effects of variations of extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products on activated sludge properties during anaerobic storage

Anaerobic storage always takes place in wastewater treatment plants or sludge handling processes. Although extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP) are well known to be the two important chemical parameters to influence sludge properties, few studies have demonstrated the coexisting effects of the two biopolymers on sludge characteristics during anaerobic storage of activated sludge. The experiments, conducted with acetate as the substrate at 35 degrees C and 25 degrees C and with glucose at 35 degrees C, indicated that EPS content decreased significantly in the first two or three days and later slightly increased in all runs, while SMP concentration varied gradually from 66-105mg l(-1) to 330-420mg 1(-1), increasing almost linearly with anaerobic storage time. All the components in EPS decreased after anaerobic storage, especially protein, which was the dominant organic compound in both EPS and SMP with more than 60% of the total amounts of the two biopolymers. Protein and DNA in SMP increased to a large extent and mainly contributed to the three-to five- fold increase in the total amount of SMP, while carbohydrates in SMP remained at a relatively low level. From statistical analysis, some major correlations could be obtained: a weak correlation existed between SMP and EPS; SMP were much more significantly correlated than EPS with sludge properties (biomass, specific resistance to filtration, sludge volume index and relative hydrophobicity of sludge surface). The results indicated that SMP, not EPS, significantly influence the sludge dewatering and settling properties, being deteriorated by more SMP production from cell lysis during anaerobic storage.

Effects of nutrient addition on phenol biodegradation rate in biofilm reactors for hypersaline wastewater treatment

Hypersaline wastewater, generated by many industrial activities, is difficult to treat through conventional biological processes. In this kind of hypersaline environment, complex nutrients are needed for the normal growth of many microorganisms. For this paper, the organisms were taken from a municipal wastewater treatment plant and acclimated to 15% salinity in a biofilm treatment process (Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor) during the treatment of phenol-containing synthetic wastewater. They are used to evaluate the effects of nutrient addition on the phenol biodegradation rate. Adding yeast extract, glucose, KCl and four mineral nutrients into the shaking flasks containing wastewater and cultivating organisms, revealed phosphate as the crucial nutrient stimulating phenol biodegradation at 15% salinity. The operation results of the sequencing batch biofilm reactor indicates that phosphate content increased up to five times the original level can increase the phenol removal rate by 150%. A 99% phenol removal efficiency could be achieved by shortening the reaction time in the biofilm reactor from 40 h to 16 h, compared with basic nutrients added. In this article we applied an applicable and effective shaking-culture method to determine nutrient requirements in biotreatment processes without stopping the running reactors.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus in early stage after heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of tacrolimus (Tac) within the first week after heart transplantation (HT) in adults. Our objective was to investigate the PK profiles of Tac in early after HT.

METHODS

Twenty-three adult HT patients received Tac as primary immunosuppression. Tac was administered orally at a starting dosage of 0.10 mg/kg/d. The Tac dosages were adjusted to a target range of 10 to 20 ng/mL during the first 1 month after HT. The PK profiles were analyzed immediately after the first dose (PK1; n = 14), at day 3 (PK2; n = 10), and at day 7 (PK3; n = 8) to assess the relationships between PK parameters and acute rejection rates.

RESULTS

The correlation between Tac trough levels and Tac-AUCs were r = .95 PK1; r = .82, PK2; and r = .88, PK3. When AUC(0-12h) was controlled in the range from 150 to 300 ng x h/mL (10 to 20 ng/mL trough levels), 17 of 18 patients (94.4%) did not show evidence of significant rejection (72.2% grade 0, 16.7% 1A, and 5.5% grade 1B). One patient displayed a grade 2 biopsy score (5.5%). Mean AUC(0-12h) values of Tac were significantly lower among patients who experienced acute rejection than those who remained rejection-free (89 vs 217 ng x h/mL, P = .023).

CONCLUSION

The initial trough levels are good indicators of systemic exposure. To reduce the risk of rejection and renal toxicity, the trough levels should be controlled in range from 10 to 20 ng/mL in early stage after HT.

[Influence of staphylococcal enterotoxin A on immunogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To transduce the gene of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) into a HCC cell line HHCC and to make the cells to express the molecules of SEA for the purpose of improving the immunogenicity and inducing immune rejection of HCC.

METHODS

Construct retroviral vector containing the gene of SEA and transduce it into HHCC cells. Then the integration, transcription and expression of recombinant were analyzed. At last cytotoxicity test of peripheral blood mixed lymphocytes was carried out.

RESULTS

We obtained the retroviral vector pLXSN-SEA, transduced into HHCC cells and obtained the HCC cell line that expressed SEA toxin protein. The content of SEA in supernatant was at the level of pg. The cytotoxicity of HHCC transduced with SEA by T lymphocytes was 45.6%, which was higher than that of HHCC (20.7%). The Km value of T lymphocytes against HHCC transduced with SEA and without SEA was 5.18 x 10(4) and 2.92 x 10(5), separately. The difference had statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

After transducing the SEA gene, although tiny quantity of expression is detected, the cytotoxicity assay proves that the expression of SEA lead to a robust immune response.

OxLDL upregulates growth-regulation oncogene alpha expression in human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of oxLDL on CXC chemokine growth-regulated oncogene alpha (GRO alpha) expression in human endothelial cells and the possible functional significance of the effect.

METHODS

LDL was isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation and oxidized to oxLDL. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with GAPDH as internal standard was applied and CXC chemokine GRO alpha mRNA in endothelial ECV304 cells was examined. ELISA was used to determine GRO alpha protein expression on ECV304 cells surface and in the medium. With static cell adhesion assays, the physiological significance of elevated GRO alpha expression was tested.

RESULTS

OxLDL, not LDL, treatment of ECV304 cells significantly induced the expression of GRO alpha mRNA that was not detectable in untreated cells. Induction of expression was first evident at 1 h, became maximal at 2 h, and was substantially decreased by 4 h. In a concentration- and time-dependent manner, oxLDL, and not LDL, induced a significant upregulation of GRO alpha surface expression in ECV304 cells that was at a barely detectable level in unstimulated ECV304 cells. GRO alpha protein in the medium did not change significantly. Exposure of ECV304 cells to 40 micrograms protein/ml oxLDL for 24 h resulted in a marked increase in the number of U937 cells bound to ECV304 cells and antibodies to GRO alpha inhibited adhesion.

CONCLUSION

OxLDL functionally upregulated GRO alpha expression in endothelial cells.

Genotypes and polymorphisms of mutant CCR5-delta 32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' a HIV-1 resistance alleles in indigenous Han Chinese

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequencies and polymorphisms of CCR5-delta 32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' A alleles conferring resistance to HIV-1 infection in Chinese population from Han ethnic origin.

METHODS

This cohort was comprised of 1251 subjects (915 men and 336 women) aged 15-80 years and none was HIV-1 positive. Genotyping of allelic CCR5-delta 32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' A variants was performed using PCR or PCR/RFLP assay, and further confirmed by direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Our finding shows that the delta 32 deletion mutation in the CCR5 gene does occur in this population and can be inherited in a Mendelian fashion in indigenous Han Chinese at a very low frequency of 0.00119 (n = 1254). The frequencies of mutant CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' A alleles were 0.20023 (n = 1251) and 0.2873 (n = 893), in this population, which are higher than those found in American Caucasians. Furthermore the polymorphisms of CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' A alleles in the Han Chinese population were different from those in American Caucasians. Statistical analysis showed that the genotype distribution of CCR5-delta 32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3' A alleles was in equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg equation.

CONCLUSION

The CCR5-delta 32 mutation may not be a major resistant factor against HIV-1 infection in indigenous Han Chinese. The significance of higher frequencies of CCR2-641 and SDF1-3' A alleles (0.20023 and 0.2791) in the Han population remains to be clarified in HIV-1-positive carriers and AIDS patients.

Reconstruction of SEA-B7.1 double signals on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and analysis of its immunological effect

Since transfection of established tumors with immunostimulatory genes, such as superantigens (SAg), a family of bacterial and viral proteins with strong immunostimulatory properties, can elicit antitumor immunity, direct transfection of tumors with genes of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) could probably set up a new way of immunological pathway. In our study, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines stably transduced with SEA and B7.1/SEA fused genes, HHCCSEA and HHCCBS, were obtained by using the method of retroviral mediated gene transduction. The results showed that human HCC cells could express SEA gene. Although a tiny quantity of expression was detected, a robust immune response was promoted. The cytotoxicity of CTL on HHCCBS was the same as that on HHCCSEA. But the K(m) value of the reaction of the former was lower than that of HHCCSEA. Furthermore, the activity assay of T cells by ELISPOT demonstrated that HHCCBS could elicit more CTL activity than HHCCSEA and HHCCB7.1. It suggested that the affinity of T cells to HHCCBS was higher and the maxim velocity of reaction could be attained at an early stage of the reaction. Transduced HCC cells were also analyzed for HLA expression, and it was found that a majority of the cells expressed HLA-I molecules but no HLA-DR molecules. After blocking the HLA-I molecules by HLA-I mAb, the cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes dropped remarkably. The results suggested that SEA were mainly presented by HLA-I molecules, and that B7.1 and SEA could have synergistic action at the early stage of the reaction, but the relationship between them in the consequent process needs to be clarified.

Capillary electrochromatography for separation of peptides driven with electrophoretic mobility on monolithic column

A mode of capillary electrochromatography for separation of ionic compounds driven by electrophoretic mobility on a neutrally hydrophobic monolithic column was developed. The monolithic column was prepared from the in situ copolymerization of lauryl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate to form a C12 hydrophobic stationary phase. It was found that EOF in this hydrophobic monolithic column was very poor, even the pH value of mobile phase at 8.0. The peptides at acidic buffer were separated on the basis of their differences in electrophoretic mobility and hydrophobic interaction with the stationary phase; therefore, different separation selectivity can be obtained in CEC from that in capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Separation of peptides has been realized with high column efficiency (up to 150,000 plates/meter) and good reproducibility (migration time with RSD <0.5%), and all of the peptides, including some basic peptides, showed good peak symmetry. Effects of the mobile phase compositions on the retention of peptides at low pH have been investigated in a hydrophobic capillary monolithic column. The significant difference in selectivity of peptides in CZE and CEC has been observed. Some peptide isomers that cannot be separated by CZE have been successfully separated on the capillary monolithic column in this mode with the same buffer used.

[Genotyping of HIV resistant alleles in indigenous Tibetan ethnic group of China: low frequency of CCR5triangle32 and high frequency of CCR2b-64I alleles]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the allelic polymorphism of CCR5triangle32, CCR5m303, CCR2b-64I and SDF1-3'A in Tibetan population in Lasa area of China.

METHODS

The genomic DNA samples from 330 Tibetan subjects' whole blood samples were purified by use of QIAgen Blood Kit and identified by PCR or PCR-RFLP analyses.

RESULTS

The mutation frequencies of CCR5triangle32 and CCR5m303 alleles were lower than 0.15%, and those of CCR2 b-64I and SDF1-3'A alleles were 29.42% and 19.24% respectively in the study samples. The allelic polymorphisms of the four alleles of Tibetan population were similar to those of Chinese Han population. Genotype distribution of the four alleles was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The above results suggest that Tibetan population may be relatively susceptive to HIV-1.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese Tibetan may have a lower frequency of CCR5triangle32 and a higher frequency of CCR2b-64I allele, compared with Caucasian.