Prognostic significance of SUV on PET/CT in patients with localised oesophagogastric junction cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiation:a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to comprehensively review the evidence for use of pre-treatment, post-treatment and changes in tumour glucose uptake that were assessed by 18-fludeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) early, during or immediately after neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiation to predict prognosis of localised oesophagogastric junction (AEG) cancer.

METHODS

We searched for articles published in English; limited to AEG; (18)F-FDG uptake on PET performed on a dedicated device; dealt with the impact of standard uptake value (SUV) on survival. We extracted an estimate of the log hazard ratios (HRs) and their variances and performed meta-analysis.

RESULTS

798 patients with AEG were included. And the scan time for (18)F-FDG-PET was as follows: prior to therapy (PET1, n=646), exactly 2 weeks after initiation of neoadjuvant therapy (PET2, n=245), and pre-operatively (PET3, n=278). In the two meta-analyses for overall survival, including the studies that dealt with reduction of tumour maximum SUV (SUV(max)) (from PET1 to PET2/PET3 and from PET1 to PET2), the results were similar, with the overall HR for non-responders being 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.41-2.36] and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.61-4.26), respectively; as for disease-free survival, the combined HR was 2.92 (95% CI, 2.08-4.10) and 2.39 (95% CI, 1.57-3.64), respectively. The meta-analyses did not attribute significant prognostic values to SUV(max) before and during therapy in localised AEG.

CONCLUSION

Relative changes in FDG-uptake of AEG are better prognosticators. Early metabolic changes from PET1 to PET2 may provide the same accuracy for prediction of treatment outcome as late changes from PET1 to PET3.

Measuring tumor hypoxia with ¹⁸F-FETNIM PET in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot clinical study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hypoxia in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with (18)F-fluoroerythronitroimidazole positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FETNIM PET/CT). We determined an imaging threshold for hypoxia, quantified the spatiotemporal variability of hypoxia in untreated tumor, and evaluated the ability of (18)F-FETNIM PET to predict clinical response following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Twenty-eight consecutive patients with inoperable SCC of the esophagus were consecutively accrued between April 2007 and June 2010. The first 10 patients received two pretreatment (18)F-FETNIM PET/CT scans on separate days. The remaining 18 patients only underwent (18)F-FETNIM PET/CT once before CCRT. The ratio of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max) ) of 336 normal tissue regions (i.e. heart, lung, brain, or muscle) to the mean standardized uptake value (SUV(mean)) of the respective patient's spleen was calculated, and the imaging threshold for hypoxia defined as the level of uptake demonstrated by less than 5% of tissue regions. Among the patients with two pretreatment scans, each pair of scans was compared with respect to location and intensity of uptake to assess for baseline spatiotemporal variability. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether pretreatment imaging characteristics are predictive of clinical response. The mean and median ratios of the SUV(max) of tissue : SUV(mean) of spleen were nearly identical, and 95% of the ratios fell below 1.3. The mean Dice similarity coefficient for the hypoxic volumes on pretreatment PET scans acquired in the same patient on different days was 0.12 (range, 0.05-0.21). Individuals' tumor SUV(max) and SUV(mean) did not vary significantly, but on average, the geometric centers of hypoxic regions shifted 15 mm (range, 8-20 mm) from the first pretreatment scan to the second. SUV(max) was the imaging characteristic most predictive of treatment response (P= 0.041), with high SUVmax associated with poor clinical response. (18)F-FETNIM PET/CT can depict hypoxia in esophageal SCC. Prior to CCRT, tumor hypoxia demonstrates spatial variability on different days, although overall (18)F-FETNIM uptake remains similar. Baseline SUV(max) may be predictive of treatment response.

Primary yolk sac tumor of the omentum: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is the second most common malignant ovarian germ cell tumor, while a YST arising in the omentum is an exceedingly rare malignancy.

CASE

A 44-year-old woman was admitted with a history of abdominal distension of a month's duration. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum level was elevated to 27,612 ng/ml, and CT scanning reported an obviously thickened omentum. Explorative findings revealed a large omental mass with a small implantation on the surface of the left ovary. Histological evaluation of the specimen after surgery exhibited typical patterns of YST, and the specimen was stained for AFP, cytokeratin, and placental alkaline phosphatase. The patient was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and infracolic omentectomy followed by four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin combination chemotherapy. She has remained free of the disease for seven months after completion of therapy. The subject of YST arising in the omentum is reviewed.

CONCLUSION

This is the fourth case of primary omental YST in females. The case of omental YST must be seriously considered once the tumor shows omentum thickening with elevated AFP serum levels.

Effect of siRNA targeting HIF-1alpha combined L-ascorbate on biological behavior of hypoxic MiaPaCa2 cells

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) combined L-ascorbate on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of hypoxic MiaPaCa2 human pancreatic cancer cells. A cassette encoding siRNA targeting HIF-1alpha mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) was constructed, giving rAAV-siHIF. rAAV-siHIF and L-ascorbate, which were used alone or in combination, were delivered to exponentially growing MiaPaCa2 cells under hypoxic conditions. Then, we observed the expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein, the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of MiaPaCa2 cells by real-time PCR, Western blot, MTT, TUNEL, and Transwell assay, respectively. Under hypoxic conditions, rAAV-siHIF inhibited the expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA in MiaPaCa2 cells but L-ascorbate did not. However, rAAV-siHIF and L-ascorbate both inhibited the expression of HIF-1alpha protein and the proliferation and migration of MiaPaCa2 cells and induced MiaPaCa2 cell apoptosis. The effect in the combined group was more efficient than that seen when rAAV-siHIF or L-ascorbate was used separately. rAAV-siHIF and L-ascorbate both affect biological behavior of hypoxic MiaPaCa2 cells through modulating HIF-1alpha protein expression and rAAV-siHIF and L-ascorbate have synergy under hypoxic conditions.

PhaseI/II clinical trial of dose escalation using daily on-line cone beam CT guided radiotherapy combined with active breath control after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

e15654

Background: The radiation dose is the key factor to improve survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The optimal way to increase radiation dose is to reduce uncertainties of target mainly due to respiratory motion and setup error in radiotherapy. Our previous study demonstrated that lipiodol can be a reliable surrogate of direct tumor targeting in Kv- cone beam CT(CBCT) for patients with good lipiodol embolization. Relying on lipiodol,the daily on-line CBCT guidance with ABC is feasible. By reducing geometric position uncertainty, as well as liver movement, the technique of ABC combined with on-line CBCT guidance can permit CTV(clinical target volume)-PTV(planning target volume) margin reduction and dose escalation. The purpose of the study is to apply the new technique for clinical application and investigate the dose escalation, toxicities and response of liver tumors with the technique combined with chemoembolization(TACE). Methods: 20 HCC patients with Child-Pugh A liver function score were treated by daily on-line CBCT guided radiotherapy relying on lipiodol combined with ABC after TACE. After current doses of 45Gy/ 9 fractions,3 fractions/weeks were delivered,the scheduled dose escalation ranged from 5 to 20Gy. Each mean liver dose not reached 23G y, V30 ( the percentage of normal liver volume with radiation dose≥30 Gy) less than 28%. Results: The planned dose escalation was finished in all subgroups. None of these patients developed Grade 2 or greater liver toxicity except two patients developed Grade 2 gastrointestinal complications and one had grade 1 acute liver toxicity.The overall immediate tumor response rate was 76.3%. 1-year overall survival rate was 80.5%. Conclusions: The technique of daily on-line CBCT guided radiotherapy combined with ABC after TACE is a safe and effective treatment which can reduce CTV-PTV margin significantly and increase target precision greatly. With the technique combined with TACE, the total irradiation dose above 65Gy is feasible in daily fraction of 5Gy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Field demonstration of simultaneous wind and temperature measurements from 5 to 50 km with a Na double-edge magneto-optic filter in a multi-frequency Doppler lidar

We report the first (to our knowledge) field demonstration of simultaneous wind and temperature measurements with a Na double-edge magneto-optic filter implemented in the receiver of a three-frequency Na Doppler lidar. Reliable winds and temperatures were obtained in the altitude range of 10-45 km with 1 km resolution and 60 min integration under the conditions of 0.4 W lidar power and 75 cm telescope aperture. This edge filter with a multi-frequency lidar concept can be applied to other direct-detection Doppler lidars for profiling both wind and temperature simultaneously from the lower to the upper atmosphere.

Continuous-wave sodium D2 resonance radiation generated in single-pass sum-frequency generation with periodically poled lithium niobate

With two cw single-mode Nd:YAG lasers at 1064 and 1319 nm and a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal, 11 mW of 2 kHz/100 ms bandwidth single-mode tunable 589 nm cw radiation has been detected using single-pass sum-frequency generation. The demonstrated conversion efficiency is approximately 3.2%[W(-1) cm(-1)]. This compact solid-state light source has been used in a solid-state-dye laser hybrid sodium fluorescence lidar transmitter to measure temperatures and winds in the upper atmosphere (80-105 km); it is being implemented into the transmitter of a mobile all-solid-state sodium temperature and wind lidar under construction.

CAG repeat lengths > or =335 attenuate the phenotype in the R6/2 Huntington's disease transgenic mouse

With spontaneous elongation of the CAG repeat in the R6/2 transgene to > or =335, resulting in a transgene protein too large for passive entry into nuclei via the nuclear pore, we observed an abrupt increase in lifespan to >20 weeks, compared to the 12 weeks common in R6/2 mice with 150 repeats. In the > or =335 CAG mice, large ubiquitinated aggregates of mutant protein were common in neuronal dendrites and perikaryal cytoplasm, but intranuclear aggregates were small and infrequent. Message and protein for the > or =335 CAG transgene were reduced to one-third that in 150 CAG R6/2 mice. Neurological and neurochemical abnormalities were delayed in onset and less severe than in 150 CAG R6/2 mice. These findings suggest that polyQ length and pathogenicity in Huntington's disease may not be linearly related, and pathogenicity may be less severe with extreme repeats. Both diminished mutant protein and reduced nuclear entry may contribute to phenotype attenuation.

Polymorphisms and drug resistance analysis of HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains circulating in Fujian Province, China

BACKGROUND

The database of genotypic drug resistance mutations in HIV-1 subtype B circulating in developed industrial countries has been well established; however, little is known regarding the prevalence of genotypic resistance patterns in patients harboring non-subtype-B HIV-1 variants in most Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the polymorphisms and emergence of drug-resistance mutations, resistance to antiretroviral drugs in naïve and pretreated patients infected with HIV-1 CRF01_AE isolates in Fujian province, China.

METHODS

HIV-1 pol amplicons from 52 pre- and 14 post-treatment samples were obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing. All of the 14 antiretroviral-treated patients were under a fixed regimen of stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP), and they had been on treatment for a mean of 6 months (SD, 4 months). The sequence data were analyzed using the Bioedit software, and the data regarding drug resistance mutations were obtained using the Stanford software ( http://hivdb.stanford.edu ).

RESULTS

In comparison with the consensus sequence of B strains, the most common protease polymorphisms in HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains prevailing in Fujian Province, China, were I13V (76.9%), E35D (76.9%), M36I (100%), R41K (98.1%), H69K (90.4%), and L89M (96.2%). Protease mutations between CRF01_AE strains and B' variants prevailing in China were observed. The proportion of substitutions L63P, A71T/V, V77I and I93L in subtype B' sequences was considerably higher than in CRF01_AE viruses, while the proportion of L10I, M36I and K20R/I substitutions in subtype B' sequences was relatively lower than in CRF01_AE strains. A high level of resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (28.6%, 4/14) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (35.7%, 5/14) was found in treatment-experienced patients. High-level resistance to nevirapine (NVP) and lamivudine (3TC) was found in the stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine (d4T/3TC/NVP) treatment regimen. The overall drug resistance rate was 42.9% (6/14), the resistance rates to two and to all three drugs under treatment were 14.3% (2/14) and 7.1% (1/14), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first report on polymorphisms and emergence of drug-resistance mutations in HIV-1 subtype CRF01_AE prevailing in China. These findings provide useful information on global HIV genetic variability and non-B drug resistance.

B-Raf and C-Raf are required for Ras-stimulated p42 MAP kinase activation in Xenopus egg extracts

During mitosis, a select pool of MEK1 and p42/p44 MAPK becomes activated at the kinetochores and spindle poles, without substantial activation of the bulk of the cytoplasmic p42/p44 MAPK. Recently, we set out to identify the MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) responsible for this mitotic activation, using cyclin-treated Xenopus egg extracts as a model system, and presented evidence that Mos was the relevant MAPKKK . However, a second MAPKKK distinct from Mos was readily detectable as well. Here, we partially purify this second MAPKKK and identify it as B-Raf. No changes in the activity of B-Raf were detectable during progesterone-induced oocyte maturation, after egg fertilization, or during the early embryonic cell cycle, arguing against a role for B-Raf in the mitotic activation of MEK1 and p42 MAPK. Ras proteins can bring about activation of MEK1 and p42 MAPK in extracts, and Ras may contribute to signaling from the classical progesterone receptor during oocyte maturation and from receptor tyrosine kinases during early embryogenesis. We found that both B-Raf and C-Raf, but not Mos, are required for Ras-induced MEK1 and p42 MAPK activation. These data indicate that two upstream stimuli, active Ras and active Cdc2, utilize different MAPKKKs to activate MEK1 and p42 MAPK.

In vitro activities of small peptides from snake venom against clinical isolates of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The recent re-emergence of tuberculosis, especially the multidrug-resistant cases, has highlighted the importance of screening effective novel drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, the in vitro activities of small peptides isolated from snake venom were investigated against multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the Bactec TB-460 radiometric method. A small peptide with the amino acid sequence ECYRKSDIVTCEPWQKFCYREVTFFPNHPVYLSGCASECTETNSKWCCTTDKCNRARGG (designated as vgf-1) from Naja atra (isolated from Yunnan province of China) venom had in vitro activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The MIC was 8.5 mg/l. The antimycobacterial domain of this 60aa peptide is under investigation.

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase results in a significant reduced respiratory burst in formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated human neutrophils

The effects of phenylarsine oxide and a monoclonal antibody directed against type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) on the N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated respiratory burst and the PI4K activity in neutrophils were investigated. Fluorescence microscopic imaging showed that the antibody labeled with IANBD amide (N,N'-dimethyl-N-(iodoacetyl)-N'-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)ethylenediamine) could enter into the cytosol possibly by endocytosis. It was found that the antibody inhibited the fMLP-stimulated respiratory burst but had little effect on the phorbol myristate acetate-activated respiratory burst in neutrophils, whereas phenylarsine oxide inhibited both. It was found that even at higher concentration, the antibody could not completely inhibit the cell response. Using cells preincubated with human immunoglobulin G of the same concentration as the control, the maximal inhibition of the fMLP-stimulated respiratory burst by the antibody against type II PI4K was found to be about 70%, whereas the PI4K activity was inhibited by only about 40%. The discrepancy in depressing the cell response and the enzyme activity may be the result of depletion of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate pools during the incubation of cells with the antibody. Both the 40% inhibition of PI4K activity and 70% depression of the respiratory burst by the type II PI4K antibody may imply that at least 40% of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate was synthesized promptly by all forms of PI4K and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase in the fMLP-activated cells. The results suggest that PI4K plays a central role in either phospholipase C or PI3K signaling and that PI3K, PI4K, and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase must be considered as an integrated family for the phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate initiated signaling.

[Relationship between Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and lactate-producing level and nursing bottle caries]

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. as well as the relationship between lactate-productive and aciduric organisms and nursing bottle caries.

METHODS

Totally, 30 children of 2- to 2.5-year-old were divided into two groups, including the group of nursing bottle caries and the group of caries-free. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from dental plaque of all the children. The amount of lactate produced was measured with a microlitre plate reader.

RESULTS

The isolation frequency of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were both 100 percent in the children with nursing bottle caries, and that the composition of these bacteria from nursing bottle caries lesions was higher than that of caries-free dental surface. Lactate-producing level was higher in the caries group than that of the caries-free group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. may be the major pathogenic bacteria leading to nursing bottle caries.

Anti-myelin associated glycoprotein antibodies: variability in patterns of IgM binding to peripheral nerve

We previously found that serums with anti-sulfatide antibodies have several different patterns of binding to neural tissue. In this study, we asked whether serums with anti-myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies also have similar variations in patterns of tissue binding. We examined binding to peripheral nerve in 49 serums with IgM anti-MAG antibodies and 13 serums with IgM anti-sulfoglucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG) antibodies but no MAG binding. We correlated patterns of binding with titers of IgM binding to MAG and SGPG measured by ELISA methods. Our results show that IgM in most anti-MAG serums stained areas of non-compact myelin, including the periaxonal and outer myelin membranes and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. However, other patterns included IgM binding to areas of compact myelin and to non-myelin structures including axons and endoneurial macrophages. IgM in anti-SGPG serums bound to axons or macrophages, but rarely to myelin-related structures. A total of 11/62 (18%) of serums had IgM binding to axons, six with anti-MAG antibodies and five with anti-SGPG antibodies. The majority of these serums (73%) had SGPG titers greater than MAG titers when measured by ELISA. We conclude that anti-MAG serums have several different binding patterns to neural tissue, including axonal binding, especially when anti-MAG antibodies cross-react with SGPG. These different binding patterns may relate to the ability of anti-MAG serum IgM to bind both MAG and SGPG or to other molecules with a sulfated glucuronic acid epitope that are present in peripheral nerve.

Transforming growth factor-beta signal transduction in epithelial cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a natural and potent growth inhibitor of a variety of cell types, including epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic cells. The ability of TGF-beta to potently inhibit the growth of many solid tumors of epithelial origin, including breast and colon carcinomas, is of particular interest. However, many solid tumor cells become refractory to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta due to defects in TGF-beta signaling pathways. In addition, TGF-beta may stimulate the invasiveness of tumor cells via the paracrine effects of TGF-beta. Accordingly, in order to develop more effective anticancer therapeutics, it is necessary to determine the TGF-beta signal transduction pathways underlying the growth inhibitory effects and other cellular effects of TGF-beta in normal epithelial cells. Thus far, two primary signaling cascades downstream of the TGF-beta receptors have been elucidated, the Sma and mothers against decapentaplegic homologues and the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. The major objective of this review is to summarize TGF-beta signaling in epithelial cells, focusing on recent advances involving the Sma and mothers against decapentaplegic homologues and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. This review is particularly timely in that it provides a comprehensive summary of both signal transduction mechanisms and the cell cycle effects of TGF-beta.

Requirement of Ras/MAPK pathway activation by transforming growth factor beta for transforming growth factor beta 1 production in a Smad-dependent pathway

Our previous results have shown that transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) rapidly activates Ras, as well as both ERKs and SAPKs. In order to address the biological significance of the activation of these pathways by TGFbeta, here we examined the role of the Ras/MAPK pathways and the Smads in TGFbeta(3) induction of TGFbeta(1) expression in untransformed lung and intestinal epithelial cells. Expression of either a dominant-negative mutant of Ras (RasN17) or a dominant-negative mutant of MKK4 (DN MKK4), or addition of the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059, inhibited the ability of TGFbeta(3) to induce AP-1 complex formation at the TGFbeta(1) promoter, and the subsequent induction of TGFbeta(1) mRNA. The primary components present in this TGFbeta(3)-inducible AP-1 complex at the TGFbeta(1) promoter were JunD and Fra-2, although c-Jun and FosB were also involved. Furthermore, deletion of the AP-1 site in the TGFbeta(1) promoter or addition of PD98059 inhibited the ability of TGFbeta(3) to stimulate TGFbeta(1) promoter activity. Collectively, our data demonstrate that TGFbeta(3) induction of TGFbeta(1) is mediated through a signaling cascade consisting of Ras, the MAPKKs MKK4 and MEK1, the MAPKs SAPKs and ERKs, and the specific AP-1 proteins Fra-2 and JunD. Although Smad3 and Smad4 were not detectable in TGFbeta(3)-inducible AP-1 complexes at the TGFbeta(1) promoter, stable expression of dominant-negative Smad3 could significantly inhibit the ability of TGFbeta(3) to stimulate TGFbeta(1) promoter activity. Transient expression of dominant-negative Smad4 also inhibited the ability of TGFbeta(3) to transactivate the TGFbeta(1) promoter. Thus, although the Ras/MAPK pathways are essential for TGFbeta(3) induction of TGFbeta(1), Smads may only contribute to this biological response in an indirect manner.

Silver Nanowires as Templates for Preparation of Amorphous Carbon Nanotubes

In this report, we describe a novel method for preparing amorphous carbon nanotubes (ACNT) from silver nanowires using a carbon replica technique. ACNT size and shape are determined by the template silver nanowire. Interspaces between carbon grains present in the ACNT wall cause the wall to act as a permeable membrane through which reactants pass freely. Simple chemical modifications can be used to modify the diameter of the silver filaments within. We anticipate that this method will prove useful in preparing a wide variety of nanometer-sized filaments, perhaps with the replica itself able to serve as a template in casting nanomaterials of assorted shapes. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Pharmacological characterization of phospholipid growth-factor receptors

The phospholipid growth-factor (PLGE) terminology is proposed to describe a group of endogenous glycerol- and sphingolipid mediators that regulate cell proliferation through plasma membrane receptors. In addition to LPA and SPP, multiple PLGFs are present in blood plasma and serum. PLGF activity is regulated by its stimulus-coupled production and by endogenous inhibitors. In addition to LPA and SPP, alkenyl-glycerophosphate, cyclic-phosphatidic acid, and sphingosylphosphorylcholine were detected in biological fluids using mass spectrometry. Heterologous desensitization studies indicate the expression of multiple LPA-activated receptors in a variety of cell types, which are differentially activated by the different PLGFs. Northern blot and RT-PCR results reinforce the coexpression of PSP24 alpha and different members of the EDG1-7 receptors in the same cell. Stable heterologous expression of the PSP24 alpha, EDG2, and EDG4 receptors in HEK293 cells show distinct PLGF specificities and dose-response properties for each receptor subtype. Thus, both the controlled availability of the different agonists/inhibitors and the regulated expression of their receptors regulate the biological effects of PLGFs.

[The curative effect of daphnlin spray on treating rhinitis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Daphnlin spray on decongesting rhinocleisis and to search effective drugs for treating rhinitis.

METHOD

105 patients collected from chronic simple rhinitis, chronic hypertrophic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis were treated with daphnlin spray (daphnlin group) or ephedrine spray (ephedrine group).

RESULT

The total efficiency of daphnlin group in treating rhinitis above is 90.9% and that of ephedrine group (69.3%) in 1 minute and for ephedrine group is mostly (68.7%) between 1 to 3 minutes. The keeping curative effect time for daphnlin spray is mostly (70.4%) above 5 hours and for ephedrine spray is mostly (71.8%) in 3 hours. After a week, the nasal resistances are difference between daphnlin group and ephedrine group.

CONCLUSION

Daphnlin spray is better than ephedrine spray in decongesting rhinocleisis, keeping curative effect and in safety, so daphnli is one kind of effective drugs in treating rhinitis.

Lysophosphatidic acid as a regulator of endothelial/leukocyte interaction

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is produced by a variety of activated cell types and acts as an intercellular mediator of processes associated with inflammation and repair including platelets aggregation, and smooth muscle and fibroblast proliferation. However no previous studies have examined the effects of LPA on endothelial cell leukocyte interactions. We have examined the ability of LPA to activate human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) to bind monocytes, neutrophils, and HL60 cells (a neutrophil surrogate). Treatment of HAEC for 4 hours with 10 microM LPA caused an increase in the binding of monocytes, neutrophils, and HL60. LPA but not phosphatidic acid dose-dependently increased E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) cell surface expression. We performed several studies to characterize the receptor mediating the LPA effect. We demonstrate that at least five potential LPA receptors are expressed by HAEC: Edg-1, -3, -4, and -5 as well as PSP24. Cyclic phosphate-containing phosphatidic acid analogue, an agonist for the type 3 low affinity LPA receptor, was not effective in activating HAEC to bind leukocytes, excluding a role for this receptor. The selective receptor antagonists N-palmitoyl-serine and N-palmitoyl-tyrosine (which inhibits PSP24) completely inhibited LPA-induced VCAM expression; however these antagonists inhibited E-selectin expression by only 30%, suggesting a role for at least one additional LPA receptor mediating E-selectin expression. We propose that Edg-1 might be the second receptor, because this receptor, when expressed in HEK293 cells, similarly to the PSP24 receptor, caused ERK activation to nanomolar concentration of LPA. Exposure of HAEC to sphingosine-1-phosphate, another Edg-1 receptor agonist, increased surface expression of E-selectin and to a much smaller extent VCAM-1. The effects of both LPA and sphingosine-1-phosphate on the induction of both VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression was abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin suggesting that both LPA receptors in HAEC couple to a Gi pathway. These findings reveal an important and novel role for LPA and its receptors in inflammatory processes.

Cross-talk between the Smad1 and Ras/MEK signaling pathways for TGFbeta

Our previous data demonstrated that Ras activation was necessary and sufficient for transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)-mediated Erk1 activation, and was required for TGFbeta up-regulation of the Cdk inhibitors (CKI's) p27(Kip1) and p21(Cip1) (KM Mulder and SL Morris, J. Biol. Chem., 267, 5029-5031, 1992; MT Hartsough and KM Mulder, J. Biol. Chem., 270, 7117-7124, 1995; MT Hartsough et al., J. Biol. Chem., 271, 22368-22375, 1996 and J Yue et al., Oncogene, 17, 47-55, 1998). Here we examined the role of Ras in TGFbeta-mediated effects on a rat homolog of Smad1 (termed RSmad1). We demonstrate that both TGFbeta and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) can induce endogenous Smad1 phosphorylation in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The combination of transient expression of RSmad1 and TGFbeta treatment had an additive effect on induction of the TGFbeta-responsive reporter 3TP-lux. Either inactivation of Ras by stable, inducible expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Ras (RasN17) or addition of MAP and ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 to cells significantly decreased the ability of both TGFbeta and BMP to induce phosphorylation of endogenous Smad1 in IECs. Moreover, either inactivation of Ras or addition of PD98059 to IEC 4-1 cells inhibited the ability of RSmad1 to regulate 3TP luciferase activity in both the presence and absence of TGFbeta. Collectively, our data indicate that TGFbeta can regulate RSmad1 function in epithelial cells, and that the Ras/MEK pathway is partially required for TGFbeta-mediated regulation of RSmad1.

Cloning and expression of a rat Smad1: regulation by TGFbeta and modulation by the Ras/MEK pathway

A new family of signaling intermediates for TGFbeta superfamily members and other growth factors has recently been identified and termed Smads. It has been suggested that the Smad1 subfamily is regulated primarily by the TGFbeta superfamily member bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Here we demonstrate that TGFbeta induced phosphorylation of endogenous Smad1 in untransformed IECs and that the RI and RII TGFbeta receptors were detectable in Smad1 immunocomplexes. Expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Ras inhibited the ability of TGFbeta to phosphorylate endogenous Smad1. In a separate series of experiments, we have cloned a rat homologue of the drosophila mad gene (termed RSmad1) by screening an intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) cDNA library. By using an in vitro kinase assay with RSmad1 as the substrate, we demonstrate that the TGFbeta receptor complex can directly phosphorylate RSmad1. We show, further, that a dominant-negative mutant of MEK1 inhibited the ability of RSmad1 to induce the TGFbeta-responsive reporter p3TP-Lux in a human breast cancer cell line. Collectively, our data demonstrate that TGFbeta can regulate Smadl and that the Ras and MEK signaling components are partially required for the ability of TGFbeta to regulate Smad1.

[Expression of ICAM-1/LFA-1 in the pocket area of adult periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of ICAM-1/LFA-1 in the pocket area of adult periodontitis.

METHODS

Expressions of ICAM-1/LFA-1 in adult gingival of periodontitis and healthy subjects were studied by alkaline phosphorylase-antialkaline phosphorylase technique.

RESULTS

Junctional epithelium and apical part of sulcus epithelium expressed ICAM-1 in both adult periodontitis and healthy gingiva, showing an ICAM-1 gradient change with maximal staining at tooth aspect and weaker staining in the basal layer of keratinocytes. Significantly more LFA-1 positive leukocytes were observed in connective tissues and within pocket epithelium in adult periodontitis than those in healthy gingiva.

CONCLUSION

ICAM-1/LFA-1 may provide important adhesion pathway for leukocytes migration into gingiva sulcus in adult periodontitis lesions.

[Identification of 16 kinds of mineral drugs with fluorescence spectra]

In this paper, 8 groups 16 kinds of mineral drugs were identified by fluorescence spectra. The results showed that the fluorescence spectra method in identifying mineral drugs is not only exact, sensitive, but also using little experimental materials and better repealability. This method can specially be used to identify the mineral drugs which have similar natrues and difficult to be distinguished from thim.

Transforming growth factor beta signaling through Smad1 in human breast cancer cells

Previous results have suggested that Smad1 transduces signals in response to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), but not in response to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Here we investigated the ability of TGF-beta to regulate Smad1 phosphorylation, hetero-oligomerization with Smad4, translocation to the nucleus, and transcriptional activation of 3TP-luciferase reporter activity in TGF-beta- and BMP-responsive Hs578T human breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that Smad1 was rapidly phosphorylated in vivo in response to both TGF-beta3 and BMP2 as determined using an antibody against the epitope-tagged Smad1 being expressed. In addition, both TGF-beta3 and BMP2 increased Smad1-Smad4 hetero-oligomerization in Hs578T cells. Visualization of Smad1 nuclear translocation with the aid of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in live cells demonstrated nuclear accumulation of GFP-Smad1 fluorescence in response to either TGF-beta or BMP2 stimulation. After ligand stimulation, approximately 60-70% of transfected cells displayed prominent nuclear fluorescence. Expression of Smad1 in Hs578T cells increased the activity of the TGF-beta-responsive reporter 3TP-Lux. Moreover, TGF-beta treatment further potentiated the effect of Smad1 on 3TP-luciferase activity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that TGF-beta as well as BMP can signal through Smad1.

Blockade of TGFbeta3 up-regulation of p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 by expression of RasN17 in epithelial cells

Our previous data demonstrated that Ras activation is necessary and sufficient for transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta)-mediated Erk1 activation, and is partially required for the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) activity, cyclin A expression and DNA synthesis by TGFbeta (KM Mulder and SL Morris, J. Biol. Chem., 267: 5029-5031, 1992; MT Hartsough and KM Mulder, J. Biol. Chem., 270: 7117-7124, 1995; and MT Hartsough et al., J. Biol. Chem., 271: 22368-22375, 1996). Here, we examined the kinetics and role of Ras in TGFbeta3-mediated effects on specific G1 cell cycle components in TGFbeta-sensitive (4-1) and TGFbeta-resistant (4-6) intestinal epithelial cells (IEC's). Our results indicate that inactivation of Ras by stable, inducible expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Ras (RasN17) completely abrogated the ability of TGFbeta3 to up-regulate both CKI's. In contrast, the ability of TGFbeta3 to up-regulate p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 was maintained in ZnCl2-treated control cells. Inactivation of Ras also completely blocked the rapid TGFbeta-mediated increase in new synthesis of p27Kip1 protein. Moreover, up-regulation of p21Cip1 protein levels and new synthesis of p27Kip1, as well as the association of these CKI's with Cdk2, preceded the decrease in Cdk2 activity by TGFbeta. Collectively, our results suggest that p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 are upstream effectors of the TGFbeta-mediated inhibition of Cdk2 activity in IEC 4-1 cells, and demonstrate that Ras activation is obligatory for TGFbeta-mediated up-regulation of these CKIs in untransformed epithelial cells.

[Quantitative evaluation of nasalance after vertical hemilaryngectomy]

It was important and requisite how to quantitatively evaluate nasalance after vertical hemilaryngectomy in patients with carcinoma of the larynx. The lately invented instrument nasometer, which can evaluate objectively vocal function, were used to determine separately in 30 healthy adults and 30 patient's with laryngeal carcinoma treated primarily by vertical hemilaryngectomy from 1984 to 1994. The results showed that the determined nasalance, have significant difference among surgical groups and normal group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). We also found that the determined values of nasalance have significant difference between postoperative two years and postoperative ten years groups (P < 0.01). It proved that the longer postoperative time, the better the patient's vocal function.

IgM anti-sulfatide autoantibodies: patterns of binding to cerebellum, dorsal root ganglion and peripheral nerve

Anti-sulfatide antibodies are associated with polyneuropathies having a prominent sensory component, but with variable degrees of motor and sensory loss, gait dysfunction and demyelination. In this study, we asked whether patterns of IgM binding to neural tissue in anti-sulfatide serums also demonstrated heterogeneity. We used immunocytochemical methods to examine IgM binding to peripheral nerve, dorsal root ganglion, and cerebellum in 41 serums with high titers of IgM anti-sulfatide antibodies. Our results showed that there were several different patterns of IgM binding to neural tissues in anti-sulfatide serums. In peripheral nerve the most common targets of IgM were axons, resident macrophages or Schwann cell cytoplasm. In the cerebellum, IgM bound to neuronal nuclei, white matter, or neuropil in molecular and granule cell layers. There was little binding of IgM to structures in the dorsal root ganglion. Patterns of IgM binding to peripheral nerve and cerebellum were related. Binding to neuronal nuclei in the cerebellum was usually found in serums that recognized peripheral nerve axons or macrophages. Serums with binding of IgM to cerebellar white matter usually recognized Schwann cell cytoplasm. We conclude that IgM anti-sulfatide antibodies may have several different tissue binding patterns in the peripheral and central nervous systems. These differences may be related to the variation in clinical neuropathy syndromes associated with apparently similar anti-sulfatide antibodies.

[Research on omni-directional ultrasonic imaging]

In this paper, an omni-direction M-mode ultrasonic imaging method is introduced, in which M-mode sample line can rotate and move freely. In this way the measurement of parameters such as amplitude and speed of movement of organs can be conducted in any position or direction. We analyzed the sources of errors of the method and the way to overcome them.

Selective staining of the cerebellar molecular layer by serum IgG in Miller-Fisher and related syndromes

During 1 year, we used immunocytochemical staining of human cerebellum to screen 1,488 serums for IgG autoantibodies to Hu and Yo antigens. Three serums had none of the classically described patterns of IgG binding but instead, selectively stained the cerebellar molecular layer. Evaluation of clinical data showed that the patients had either typical Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) or Guillain-Barré syndrome with ophthalmoplegia. Further analysis by ELISA, assay showed that all three serums had high titers of IgG anti-GQ1b autoantibodies. IgG autoantibody staining of human cerebellum, which is used for the diagnosis of paraneoplastic disorders, may have additional specificity for other, presumably autoimmune, syndromes such as MFS. The specificity of the serum IgG autoantibody binding to the cerebella molecular layer may be related to the ataxia that often occurs in these patients.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of recombinant staphylokinase

Staphylokinase, a fibrin-specific plasminogen activator, was highly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The purified recombinant staphylokinase was fully active and readily crystallized against 1.2 M sodium citrate in 100 mM Tris-HCl buffer at pH 8.0 using the hanging-drop method. Crystals of staphylokinase diffract to better than 2.2 A resolution. The crystal belongs to the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2 or its enantiomorph with unit-cell parameters a = b = 67.5, c = 150.1 A. There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In this paper, we described the first crystallization of a kind of plasminogen activator and present the results of preliminary X-ray diffraction data from the native protein.

Congenital muscular dystrophy syndromes distinguished by alkaline and acid phosphatase, merosin, and dystrophin staining

Congenital muscular dystrophy syndromes are characterized by congenital weakness, contractures, and dystrophic features on muscle biopsy. However, these syndromes are often difficult to diagnose precisely because their clinical and pathologic characteristics are not specific and resemble changes in other myopathies. We examined muscle biopsies from 20 children with a congenital muscular dystrophy syndrome. Disease controls with dystrophies or other myopathies (n=19) and normal individuals (n=15) were studied for comparison. In each biopsy we determined (1) numbers of muscle fibers with alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) staining, (2) numbers of acid phosphatase-(AcP) positive cells, (3) dystrophin levels by immunocytochemistry, and (4) the distribution of merosin and laminin-A staining. A ratio of AcP:AlkP staining was calculated for each biopsy. In nine patients with congenital muscular dystrophy (younger than 4 years of age) with normal dystrophin, the AcP:AlkP ratio was low (0.09 +/- 0.03). In contrast, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the AcP:AlkP ratio was 15 times higher (1.6 +/- 0.04, p=0.001). The three children with congetial muscular dystrophy syndromes and reduced dystrophin and one child with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy had AcP:AlkP ratios in the range of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients (2.4 +/- 1.4). Low Ac:AlkP ratios were related to relative absence of AcP-positive cells. Merosin staining was absent in 5 of the 17 congenital muscular dystrophy biopsies tested. None of the 5 children with merosin-negative but all 12 with merosin-positive stains walked (p=0.0002). We conclude that a pattern of few AcP-positive cells in the setting of numerous AlkP staining muscle fibers has specificity for congenital muscular dystrophy syndromes and provides histopathologic support for the diagnosis. Reduced merosin in muscle predicts more severe weakness and long-term disability.