[Comparison of intensified myeloablative conditioning regime without antithymocytic globulin (ATG) with myeloablative conditioning regime for single-unit unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation in hematological malignancies]

OBJECTIVE

To campare the effect and tolerance beween intensified myeloablative conditioning regime (IMCR) without antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and myeloablative conditioning regime (MCR) for single-unit unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (sUCBT) in hematological malignancies.

METHODS

The clinical data of 190 patients with hematological malignancies undergoing sUCBT between April 2000 and December 2013 at Department of Hematology, Anhui Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, of whom 156 received IMCR without ATG (IMCR group), including 79 patient receiving total body irradiation (TBI)/cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)/cyclophosphamide (CY) regime, 47 receiving fludarabine (Flu)/busulfan (Bu)/CY regime, and 30 receiving Ara-C/Bu/CY regime, and all of the 156 received a combination of cyclosporine A (CsA) and mycophelonate mofetil (MMF) for the prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); the remaining 34 patients received MCR (MCR group), 30 patients receiving Bu/CY regime, and 4 receiving TBI/CY regime, all using CsA/MMF±ATG or methotrexate (MTX) for the prophylaxis of GVHD. The two groups were compared in disease status at the time of transplantation, characteristics of graft, transplantation effect, and transplantation-related complications.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender, disease type, human leukocyte antigen match, ABO blood type match, and disease status at the time of transplantation (all P>0.05). The median age and body weight at transplantation in the IMCR group were significantly higher than those in the MCR group (13 years vs 9 years, P=0.003; 44 kg vs 26 kg, P=0.000). The median doses of infused total nucleated cells (×10(7)/kg) and CD34(+) cells (×10(5)/kg) in the IMCR group were significantly lower than in the MCR group (3.87 vs 4.99, P=0.002; 2.00 vs 3.17, P=0.000). The cumulative incidence of myeloid engraftment on the 42th day and platelet engraftment on the 120th day in the IMCR group were remarkably higher than in the MCR group [96.33%(95%CI: 96.27%-96.39%)vs 82.30%(95%CI: 80.67%-83.93%), P=0.000; 86.44%(95%CI: 86.28%-86.60%)vs 51.17%(95%CI: 49.02%-53.32%), P=0.002]. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of grade Ⅱ to Ⅳ acute GVHD, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ acute GVHD, and 2-year chronic GVHD(P=0.482, 0.928, 0.579). The incidence of pre-engraftment syndrome in the IMCR group was higher than in the MCR group(82.70% vs 47.06%, P=0.000). And 180-day transplantation-related mortality (TRM) in the IMCR group was lower than that in the MCR group [20.50%(95%CI: 20.28%-20.71%)vs 42.20% (95%CI: 41.32%-45.09%), P=0.004]. Up to October 2015, with a median follow-up of 44.2(22.7-188.9)months, the estimated 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival in the IMCR group were both significantly higher than those in the MCR group (62.90% vs 34.10%, P=0.000; 58.60% vs 34.10%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

IMCR without ATG may improve the engraftment without increasing complications, reduce early transplantation-related mortality, and improve survival.

[Prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with multiple system atrophy]

Objective: To explore the prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods: A total of 123 patients with clinically confirmed MSA admitted to Navy General Hospital and Dongfang Hospital affiliated to the Second Clinical Medical College of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from February 2013 to February 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and all records were collected and all subjects were followed up by a telephone call in February 2016. The second milestone of activities of daily living scale (ADL), defined as inability to walk independently, was taken as the primary outcome. Eight possible prognostic factors were investigated and the survival analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards model regression. Results: Of all the MSA patients, 74 subjects were men and 49 were women with a sex radio of 1.51∶1(M∶F). Seventy cases were diagnosed with MSA-cerebellar type (MSA-C) and 53 with MSA-Parkinson type (MSA-P) (C∶P=1.32∶1). Mean age at the onset of first symptom was (53±8) years old. All patients had severe autonomic nervous dysfunction. At the last follow-up, 56 cases (45.5%) were unable to walk independently. The median survival time from the onset of MSA to inability to walk independently was 73 months. The age of onset ≥ 55 years (HR=1.969, 95%CI 1.095-3.542, P=0.024) and the interval time from disease onset to combined motor and autonomic involvement≤3 years (HR=2.308, 95%CI 1.158-4.600, P=0.017) were independent prognostic factors for inability to walk independently, while gender, MSA clinical subtypes, initial symptoms, alcohol intake, smoking and toxic exposure were not indicators for independent walking (P>0.05). Conclusions: The prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with MSA are the age of onset ≥55 years and the interval time from disease onset to combined motor and autonomic involvement≤3 years. Although factors including gender, MSA clinical subtypes, initial symptoms, alcohol intake, smoking and toxic exposure are not the predictive factors for inability to walk independently in our MSA patients, their roles in the prognosis of MSA still need further investigation.

Transfer and expression of the rabbit defensin NP-1 gene in lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual plant of the daisy family, Asteraceae, with high food and medicinal value. However, the crop is susceptible to several viruses that are transmitted by aphids and is highly vulnerable to post-harvest diseases, as well as insect and mammal pests and fungal and bacterial diseases. Here, the rabbit defensin gene NP-1 was transferred into lettuce by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to obtain a broad-spectrum disease-resistant lettuce. Transgenic lettuce plants were selected and regenerated on selective media. The presence of the NP-1 gene in these plants was confirmed by western blot analyses. Resistance tests revealed native defensin NP-1 expression conferred partial resistance to Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which suggests new possibilities for lettuce disease resistance.

Alternative Splicing of EZH2 pre-mRNA by SF3B3 Contributes to the Tumorigenic Potential of Renal Cancer

Purpose: Deregulation or mutation of the EZH2 gene causes various tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Although several splice variants of EZH2 have been identified, little is known about how EZH2 splicing is regulated or the contribution of alternative splicing to its protumorigenic functions.Experimental Design: We conducted RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and IHC techniques to examine EZH2 and its alternative splicing transcript expression in renal cancer tissue and renal cancer cell lines. Proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and tumorigenicity of renal cancer cells either exhibiting knockdown of EZH2 or its splicing factor SF3B3 were assessed by CCK8, Transwell assay, and murine xenograft experiments.Results: We found that the inclusion of alternative EZH2 exon 14 was significantly increased in ccRCC samples and renal cancer cell lines. In ccRCC lines, enforced expression of EZH2Δ14 inhibited, and EZH2 promoted, cell growth, migration, proliferation, and tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EZH2Δ14 isoform functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of full-length EZH2. Coexpression of EZH2Δ14 variant with full-length EZH2 not only abrogated DAB2IP and HOXA9 suppression but also inhibited EZH2-driven tumorigenesis. Strikingly, the splicing factor SF3B3 stimulates inclusion of exon14 and has pro-proliferative activity. Importantly, the upregulation of SF3B3 expression observed in clinical ccRCC samples parallels the increased inclusion of EZH2 exon14, and the SF3B3 level is associated with higher tumor stage and poor overall survival.Conclusions: These results suggest SF3B3 as a key regulator of EZH2 pre-mRNA splicing and SF3B3 may represent a novel prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in ccRCC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3428-41. ©2016 AACR.

[The clinical analysis and surgical management of infant nasopharyngeal neoplasms]

Objective:To analysis the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment experience of nasopharyngeal neoplasm in infants.Method:Twenty infants cases of nasopharyngeal neoplasm, from June 2002 to March 2015, admitted in our department were retrospectively studied. Nasopharyngeal neoplasm in all cases were ablated with low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation after anesthesia downlink preoperative 70 degrees endoscope, and new biological routine pathologic examination were done.Result:The low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation has several advantages,such as simple and convenient operating, short operating time, intraoperative blood loss and clear vision.Five cases were diagnosed as postoperative pathological cyst,4 cases were teratoma, 4 cases were hairy polyps,3 cases were hamartoma, 2 cases were hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, 1 case was glioma, and 1 case was rhabdomyosarcoma. Postoperative follow-up for 6 months to 12 years, recurrence were found in 2 cases, including 1 death case.Conclusion:Infants nasopharyngeal neoplasm are almost benign, clinical rare congenital nasopharyngeal tumor more than the early detection of an infant. CT and MRI examination has important significance to the diagnosis. Low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation with Seventy degrees nasal endoscope is worth extending.

Reduced PDCD4 Expression Promotes Cell Growth Through PI3K/Akt Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

It is largely recognized that PDCD4 is frequently lost in tumors of various origins, including lung cancer, and its loss contributes to tumor progression. However, its role and molecular mechanism remain largely unexplored in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, downregulated PDCD4 mRNA expression was found in NSCLC tissues compared to their corresponding paracarcinoma tissues and distal paracarcinoma tissues. Induced expression of PDCD4 inhibited cell growth and proliferation and cell cycle transition in vitro. Conversely, knocking down PDCD4 expression promoted cell growth and proliferation. Mechanistically, PDCD4 inactivated PI3K/Akt signaling and its downstream cell cycle factors CCND1 and CDK4 to regulate cell growth in NSCLC. Additionally, PI3K-specific inhibitor Ly294002 suppressed the expression of pPI3K (Tyr458), pAkt (Ser473), CCND1, and CDK4 in PC9-shPDCD4 and A549-shPDCD4 cells. Furthermore, Akt-specific inhibitor MK2206 inhibited the expression of pAkt (Ser473), CCND1, and CDK4 in PC9-shPDCD4 and A549-shPDCD4 cells. Taken together, our study provides evidence that PDCD4 inhibits cell growth through PI3K/Akt signaling in NSCLC and may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Effects of arginine supplementation during early gestation (day 1 to 30) on litter size and plasma metabolites in gilts and sows

Two experiments were conducted, under typical commercial swine production conditions, to determine effects of dietary arginine supplementation during early gestation on the performance of gilts and sows. In Exp. 1, between d 1 and 30 of gestation, 62 Landrace gilts and 113 sows consumed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 1.3% -arginine HCl or 2.2% -alanine. Total numbers of piglets born ( < 0.05) and born alive ( < 0.01) per litter and litter birth weights of piglets born ( < 0.05) and born alive ( < 0.05) were increased in the arginine group compared with the control. In Exp. 2, 155 multiparous Landrace sows received 1.3% -arginine HCl supplementation between d 1 and 14 (T2; = 41), d 15 and 30 (T3; = 40), or d 1 and 30 (T4; = 37), whereas the control group received 2.2% -alanine supplementation between d 1 and 30 (T1; = 37). Blood samples were randomly obtained from 6 sows per group on d 1, 14, and 28 of gestation to determine plasma concentrations of AA and related metabolites. Total numbers of piglets born ( = 0.084) and born alive ( = 0.080) per litter tended to be higher for sows supplemented with arginine between d 1 and 14 of gestation (T2) than for control sows (T1). Concentrations of arginine and nitric oxide metabolites were greater ( < 0.05) in T4 compared with T1 and T3 on d 14 of gestation and were also greater in T4 compared with T1 and T2 on d 28 of gestation. Plasma concentrations of spermidine ( < 0.001) were increased in T3 and T4 compared with T1 and T2 on d 28. These results indicate that dietary arginine supplementation during early gestation improves the reproductive performance of gilts and sows, possibly via nitric oxide and polyamine-dependent mechanisms.

[Effect and mechanism of interleukin-8 expression induced by wood smoke particles in primary human airway epithelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of interleukin-8 expression induced by wood smoke particles (WSP) in primary human airway epithelial cells.

METHODS

Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were collected through fiberbronchoscopic brushing and incubated with different concentration of WSP (0, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0, 100.0 μg/ml). Levels of IL-8 protein in cell culture supernatant were measured using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The specific inhibitors for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p38 kinase signaling pathways were employed to pretreat HBEC, respectively, prior to incubation with 100 μg/ml WSP to investigate the mechanism of IL-8 expression induced by WSP.

RESULTS

The expression of IL-8 was significant increased in a dose-dependent manner after exposure HBEC to different concentration of WSP for 24h. The levels of IL-8 expression were (4546.67±1421.42) ρg/ml in (PD153035+WSP) group and (2803.33±865.00) ρg/ml in (SB203580+WSP) group respectively, which were significant decreased compared with the level of (12896.67±1373.11) ρg/ml in WSP group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

WSP could induce IL-8 expression by means of EGFR and p38 signaling pathways.

High-bandwidth uni-traveling carrier waveguide photodetector on an InP-membrane-on-silicon platform

A uni-traveling carrier photodetector (UTC-PD), heterogeneously integrated on silicon, is demonstrated. It is fabricated in an InP-based photonic membrane bonded on a silicon wafer, using a novel double-sided processing scheme. A very high 3 dB bandwidth of beyond 67 GHz is obtained, together with a responsivity of 0.7 A/W at 1.55 μm wavelength. In addition, open eye diagrams at 54 Gb/s are observed. These results promise high speed applications using a novel full-functionality photonic platform on silicon.

An apparatus for studying electrical breakdown in liquid helium at 0.4 K and testing electrode materials for the neutron electric dipole moment experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source

We have constructed an apparatus to study DC electrical breakdown in liquid helium at temperatures as low as 0.4 K and at pressures between the saturated vapor pressure and ∼600 Torr. The apparatus can house a set of electrodes that are 12 cm in diameter with a gap of 1-2 cm between them, and a potential up to ±50 kV can be applied to each electrode. Initial results demonstrated that it is possible to apply fields exceeding 100 kV/cm in a 1 cm gap between two electropolished stainless steel electrodes 12 cm in diameter for a wide range of pressures at 0.4 K. We also measured the current between two electrodes. Our initial results, I < 1 pA at 45 kV, correspond to a lower bound on the effective volume resistivity of liquid helium of ρV > 5 × 10(18) Ω cm. This lower bound is 5 times larger than the bound previously measured. We report the design, construction, and operational experience of the apparatus, as well as initial results.

Randomised clinical trial: prucalopride, a colonic pro-motility agent, reduces the duration of post-operative ileus after elective gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that recovery of colonic transit is a major determinant of post-operative ileus and clinical recovery after gastrointestinal surgery. Prucalopride is a highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-4 agonist with colonic pro-motility effects.

AIM

To evaluate the effect and safety of prucalopride on post-operative ileus and surgical outcomes after elective gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

In this phase II randomised clinical trial, 110 patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery were randomised to either oral prucalopride (2 mg/day) (n = 55) or placebo (n = 55). Intervention was started 24 h after surgery and stopped after defecation or maximally at 7 days. The primary outcome was time to defecation. Secondary outcomes included time to first passage of flatus, tolerance of solid food, nasogastric tube reinsertion, post-operative length of stay, hospital readmission, overall cost, time to walk independently, surgical complications and inflammatory parameters.

RESULTS

Patients who received prucalopride had a shorter time to defecation (65.0 vs. 94.5 h, P = 0.001), passage of flatus (53.0 vs. 73.0 h, P < 0.001), and post-operative length of stay (7.0 vs. 8.0 days, P = 0.001) than controls. The number of patients with prolonged ileus (>5 days) (16.4% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.026) and the C-reactive protein level on post-operative day 5 (35.67 vs. 59.07 mg/L, P = 0.040) were lower in the prucalopride group. There was no significant difference in post-operative Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV complications (P = 0.606) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Prucalopride is a safe and effective treatment to reduce post-operative ileus and systemic inflammation without affecting post-operative complications in patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02004652.

-1 V bias 67 GHz bandwidth Si-contacted germanium waveguide p-i-n photodetector for optical links at 56 Gbps and beyond

We demonstrate a 67 GHz bandwidth silicon-contacted germanium waveguide p-i-n photodetector operating at -1 V with 6.8 fF capacitance. The dark current is below 4 nA. The responsivity is 0.74 A/W at 1550 nm and 0.93 A/W at 1310 nm wavelength. 56 Gbps on-off-keying data reception is demonstrated with clear open eye diagrams in both the C-band and O-band.

Upper gastrointestinal safety and tolerability of oral alendronate: A meta-analysis

Osteoporosis (OP), which is a common bone disease associated with reduced bone mineral density and disordered bone microstructure, may result in an increased risk of bone fracture. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of alendronate (Aln)-associated upper gastrointestinal tract adverse events (GIAEs) in postmenopausal women with OP. The following databases were searched in order to identify relevant studies: Medline (using PubMed as the search engine), Embase, the Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to December 2014). Studies were selected for inclusion if they were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, which had investigated the safety of Aln versus a placebo for the treatment of postmenopausal women with OP. The primary outcomes of the included studies were total adverse events (AEs) and upper GIAEs, whereas individual upper GIAEs were considered as secondary outcomes. The general characteristics and outcomes of each study were abstracted by two independent researchers, and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for data syntheses and the meta-analysis. A total of nine studies, including 15,192 randomized patients, met the inclusion criteria and contributed to some or all of the meta-analysis outcomes. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate risk ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined using either the fixed or random effects model, depending on the level of heterogeneity. The relative risk (95% CI) of AEs associated with Aln treatment, as compared with the placebo group, was 1.01 (0.97-1.06), and the relative risk (95% CI) of discontinued Aln treatment due to AEs was 1.04 (0.91-1.19). In addition, the relative risk (95% CI) of upper GIAEs was 1.02 (0.99-1.06), and the relative risk (95% CI) of discontinued Aln treatment due to upper GIAEs was 1.23 (0.97-56). In addition, these results remained robust to sensitivity analyses. The results of the present study suggested that Aln has a good GI tract tolerability, and that daily treatment with 10 mg Aln sodium does not increase the risk of GIAEs in postmenopausal women with OP.

Regulation of glucose metabolism by p62/SQSTM1 through HIF1α

The signaling adaptor sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62 is frequently overexpressed in tumors and plays an important role in the regulation of tumorigenesis. Although great progress has been made, biological roles of p62 and relevant molecular mechanisms responsible for its pro-tumor activity remain largely unknown. Here, we show that p62 knockdown reduces cell growth and the expression of glycolytic genes in a manner that depends on HIF1α activity in renal cancer cells. Knockdown of p62 decreases HIF1α levels and transcriptional activity by regulating mTORC1 activity and NF-κB nuclear translocation. Furthermore, p62 interacts directly with the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase complex to modulate the stability of HIF1α. Mechanistically, p62 binds to the VHL complex and competes with HIF1α. Expression of p62 inhibits the interaction of DCNL1 (also known as DCUN1D1) with CUL2 and attenuates the neddylation of CUL2, and thus downregulates the VHL E3 ligase complex activity. Functionally, HIF1α expression is required for p62-induced glucose uptake, lactate production and soft agar colony growth. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that p62 is a crucial positive regulator of HIF1α, which is a facilitating factor in p62-enhanced tumorigenesis.

ZBRK1, a novel tumor suppressor, activates VHL gene transcription through formation of a complex with VHL and p300 in renal cancer

Inactivation or mutation of the VHL gene causes various tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In the present study, we identified ZBRK1 as a novel VHL interacting protein by yeast two-hybrid screening, and found a single ZBRK1-binding site located in the VHL promoter region. Ectopic expression of ZBRK1 increases transcriptional activity of the VHL, whereas the depletion of endogenous ZBRK1 by shRNA leads to reduction of VHL expression. We also demonstrate that the inhibition of VEGF transcription by ZBRK1 overexpression is dependent on VHL/HIF pathway. Moreover, VHL is confirmed to serve as a bridge component for the association of ZBRK1 and p300, which leads to an increase in ZBRK1 transcriptional activity in the VHL promoter. We further provide striking evidences that ZBRK1 acts as a tumor suppressor in renal carcinoma by a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays, and ZBRK1 may represent a molecular marker to distinguish patients with ccRCC at high risk from those with a better survival prognosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that ZBRK1 suppresses renal cancer progression perhaps by regulating VHL expression.

Sclerostin-antibody treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis maintained bone mass and strength

This study was to determine if antibody against sclerostin (Scl-Ab) could prevent glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis in mice. We found that Scl-Ab prevented GC-induced reduction in bone mass and bone strength and that the anabolic effects of Scl-Ab might be partially achieved through the preservation of osteoblast activity through autophagy.

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids (GCs) inhibit bone formation by altering osteoblast and osteocyte cell activity and lifespan. A monoclonal antibody against sclerostin, Scl-Ab, increased bone mass in both preclinical animal and clinical studies in subjects with low bone mass. The objectives of this study were to determine if treatment with the Scl-Ab could prevent loss of bone mass and strength in a mouse model of GC excess and to elucidate if Scl-Ab modulated bone cell activity through autophagy.

METHODS

We generated reporter mice that globally expressed dsRed fused to LC3, a protein marker for autophagosomes, and evaluated the dose-dependent effects of GCs (0, 0.8, 2.8, and 4 mg/kg/day) and Scl-Ab on autophagic osteoblasts, bone mass, and bone strength.

RESULTS

GC treatment at 2.8 and 4 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone significantly lowered trabecular bone volume (Tb-BV/TV) at the lumbar vertebrae and distal femurs, cortical bone mass at the mid-shaft femur (FS), and cortical bone strength compared to placebo (PL). In mice treated with GC and Scl-Ab, Tb-BV/TV increased by 60-125 %, apparent bone strength of the lumbar vertebrae by 30-70 %, FS-BV by 10-18 %, and FS-apparent strength by 13-15 %, as compared to GC vehicle-treated mice. GC treatment at 4 mg/kg/day reduced the number of autophagic osteoblasts by 70 % on the vertebral trabecular bone surface compared to the placebo group (PL, GC 0 mg), and GC + Scl-Ab treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with Scl-Ab prevented GC-induced reduction in both trabecular and cortical bone mass and strength and appeared to maintain osteoblast activity through autophagy.

Effects of potassium diformate on the gastric function of weaning piglets

Potassium diformate (KDF), as an acidifier, has been shown to improve growth performance in pigs, but it is not yet known whether KDF regulates gastric function. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary KDF on gastric function in weaning piglets. One hundred and eighty Landrace × Large White piglets (bodyweight = 5.80 ± 0.15 kg) were weaned at 28 days old and randomly allocated into two groups, with six pens in each group and 15 piglets in each pen. Piglets in the control group were fed the basal diet, whereas the KDF-treated group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg KDF. After 35 days of feeding, the KDF treatment improved the bodyweight (P = 0.034) and reduced the relative weight of stomach (P = 0.050), decreased the hydrochloric acid concentration (P = 0.016) in the gastric digesta and the pepsin activity in the gastric oxyntic mucosa (P = 0.001) and increased the lactic acid concentration (P = 0.001) in the gastric digesta. Furthermore, KDF treatment increased the level of somatostatin (SS) (P = 0.009), but did not change the concentration of gastrin (P = 0.497) and the activity of H+-K+-ATPase (P = 0.575) in the gastric oxyntic mucosa. However, KDF treatment downregulated the expression of SS mRNA in the gastric oxyntic mucosa (P = 0.031) and upregulated the mRNA expression of gastrin (P < 0.001) and H+-K+-ATPase (P < 0.001) in the gastric oxyntic mucosa. These results suggest that the effects of KDF on weaning piglets may be related to the regulation of gastric function gene expression.

miR-490-5p suppresses tumour growth in renal cell carcinoma through targeting PIK3CA

Background Information

Dysregulated micro‐RNAs have been reported in many human cancers, including renal cell carcinoma. Recent studies indicated that miR‐490 is involved in tumour development and progression. However, the expression profile and function in renal cell carcinoma remains unknown.

Results

Herein, we showed that miR‐490‐5p was down‐regulated in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cells compared with the adjacent normal tissues and normal cells. We also provided evidence that miR‐490‐5p acts as a tumour suppressor in renal carcinoma in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. Mechanistically, miR‐490‐5p was verified to directly bind to 3′ UTR of the PIK3CA mRNA and reduce the expression of PIK3CA at both mRNA and protein levels, which further inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signalling pathway. We further showed that knockdown of PIK3CA can block the growth inhibitory effect of miR‐490‐5p, and over‐expression of PIK3CA can reverse the inhibitory effect of miR‐490‐5p on renal cancer cell tumourigenicity.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results indicated for the first time that miR‐490‐5p functions as a tumour suppressor in renal carcinoma by targeting PIK3CA.

Significance

Our findings suggest that miR‐490‐5p may be a potential gene therapy target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

A myeloablative conditioning regimen with fludarabine demonstrates good results in UCBT for 30 pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of a myeloablative conditioning regimen with fludarabine (FLU) in unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) of 30 pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies. The conditioning regimen consisted of FLU, busulfan (BU) and cyclophosphamide (CY). All of the patients received Cyclosporine (CSA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. We achieved high engraftment rates (96.7%) and rapid hematopoietic reconstitution. Acute GVHD occurred in 12 cases of the 29 engraftment patients (41.4%), and 6 cases (20.7%) were of grade III-IV. Chronic GVHD only occurred in 1 of 28 evaluable patients (3.6%). Twenty-three patients (76.7%) became infected, and 3 cases (10.0%) died of severe infections. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurred in 70.0% of the patients, but no CMV diseases were observed, nor did any patients die of CMV infection. The cumulative incidence of relapse (6.7%) was significantly reduced, and none of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients relapsed. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 73.3% and 70.0%, respectively. The 3-year OS and EFS of the ALL patients was 75.0%. This conditioning regimen demonstrates good results and security in UCBT, especially in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

FBXO31 promotes cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion in lung cancer

FBXO31 is a member of F-box family which is involved in diverse biological functions and development of disease. Recent reports in breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and ovarian cancer demonstrated inhibitory effect of FBXO31 on proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the function of FBXO31 is not analyzed in lung cancer so far. In this study, we reported that expression of FBXO31 was higher in lung cancer tissues compared with non-cancerous lung tissues, and that higher expression of FBXO31 was significantly associated with tumor size, tumor infiltration, clinical stages and lymph node metastasis. In addition, exogenous expression of FBXO31 promoted cell growth, metastasis and invasion in A549 cells. Conversely, silencing FBXO31 by specific siRNA caused inhibitory effect on cell growth, metastasis and invasion. Moreover, tumorigenicity assays in nude mice showed FBXO31 promoted tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest FBXO31 promotes cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion in lung cancer.

Salvaged single-unit cord blood transplantation for 26 patients with hematologic malignancies not in remission

Treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies not in remission are limited, but a few clinical studies have investigated the effects of salvaged unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT). We retrospectively studied 19 patients with acute leukemia, 5 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS with refractory anemia with excess blasts [RAEB]), and 2 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who received 1 CBT unit ≤2 loci human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched after undergoing myeloablative conditioning regimens between July 2005 and July 2014. All of them were in non-remission before transplantation. The infused total nucleated cell (TNC) dose was 4.07 (range 2.76-6.02)×10⁷/kg and that of CD34⁺ stem cells was 2.08 (range 0.99-8.65)×10⁵/kg. All patients were engrafted with neutrophils that exceeded 0.5×10⁹/L on median day +17 (range 14-37 days) and had platelet counts of >20×10⁹/L on median day +35 (range 17-70 days). Sixteen patients (61.5%) experienced pre-engraftment syndrome (PES), and six (23.1%) patients progressed to acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The cumulative incidence rates of II-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD were 50% and 26.9%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 27 months (range 5-74), 14 patients survived and 3 relapsed. The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and non-relapse mortality (NRM) rates were 50.5%, 40.3%, and 35.2%, respectively. Salvaged CBT might be a promising modality for treating hematologic malignancies, even in patients with a high leukemia burden.

The association of neighborhood characteristics with obesity and metabolic conditions in older women

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies exploring the relationship of neighborhood characteristics with metabolic conditions have focused on middle-aged adults but none have comprehensively investigated associations in older adults, a potentially vulnerable population. The aim was to explore the relationship of neighborhood characteristics with metabolic conditions in older women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

We studied 384 women aged 70-79 years, representing the two-thirds least disabled women in the community, enrolled in the Women's Health and Aging Study II at baseline. Neighborhood scores were calculated from census-derived data on median household income, median house value, percent earning interest income, percent completing high school, percent completing college, and percent with managerial or executive occupation. Participants were categorized by quartile of neighborhood score with a higher quartile representing relative neighborhood advantage. Logistic regression models were created to assess the association of neighborhood quartiles to outcomes, adjusting for key covariates.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes included metabolic conditions: obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Secondary outcomes included BMI, HbA1c, blood pressure and lipids.

RESULTS

Higher neighborhood quartile score was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity (highest quartile=13.5% versus lowest quartile=36.5%; p<0.001 for trend). A lower prevalence of diabetes was also observed in highest (6.3%) versus lowest (14.4%) neighborhood quartiles, but was not significantly different (p= 0.24 for trend). Highest versus lowest neighborhood quartile was associated with lower HbA1c (-0.31%, p=0.02) in unadjusted models. Women in the highest versus lowest neighborhood quartile had lower BMI (-2.01 kg/m2, p=0.001) and higher HDL-cholesterol (+6.09 mg/dL, p=0.01) after accounting for age, race, inflammation, and smoking.

CONCLUSION

Worse neighborhood characteristics are associated with adiposity, hyperglycemia, and low HDL. Further longitudinal studies are needed and can inform future interventions to improve metabolic status in older adults.

MicroRNA-34a functions as an anti-metastatic microRNA and suppresses angiogenesis in bladder cancer by directly targeting CD44

BACKGROUND

Metastasis have considered as an important clinical obstacle in the treatment of human cancer including bladder cancer. Post-transcriptional regulation has emerged as robust effectors of metastasis. MiRNAs are involved in cancer development and progression, acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. In this study, we focus on it that microRNA-34a functions as an anti-metastatic microRNA and suppress angiogenesis in bladder cancer by directly targeting CD44.

METHODS

The expression of mir-34a was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Oligonucleotide and lentivirus were used to overexpress miR-34a. Tube formation assay and transwell assay were used to examine the effect on bladder cancer tube formation, migration and invasion in vitro. Animal models were used to examine the effect on metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. Luciferase assay was carried out to verify the precise target of miR-34a.

RESULTS

We not only proved that mir-34a was significantly downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines but also that circulating miR-34a levels are reduced in bladder cancer, and their levels were positively relevance. Gain-of-function experiments investigated that increased mir-34a expression suppressed tube formation and reduced cell migration and invasion. In vivo metastasis, assays also demonstrated that overexpression of mir34a markedly inhibited bladder cancer metastasis. CD31, an endothelial cell-specific marker which stained in T24 tumors to evaluate for blood vessel density, the immunohistochemistry results showed that blood vessel quantification reduced dramatically in the T24 tumors over-expressing mir-34a. Combining with our previous studies and bioinformatics analysis, we expected that CD44 gene was a direct target of mir-34a, siRNA-mediated knockdown of CD44 partially phenocopied mir-34a overexpression suggesting that the pro-apoptotic role of mir-34a may be mediated primarily through CD44 regulation, whereas restoring the expression of CD44 attenuated the function of mir-34a in bladder cancer cells. Additionally, we identified that EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) related proteins could be regulated by mir-34a which indicated that mir-34a could partially reserve EMT.

CONCLUSION

Our study defines a major metastasis and angiogenesis suppressive role for mir-34a, a microRNA functions as a tumor suppressor in bladder cancer by directly targeting CD44, which would be helpful as a therapeutic approach to block bladder cancer metastasis.

Separation, purification, and identification of flagellin, and preparation of its antisera

The aim of this study was to separate, purify, and identify Salmonella paratyphi A flagellin, and to prepare its antisera. Primary flagellin was isolated from S. paratyphi A using the acid lysis method. The flagellin was purified with weak anion exchange chromatography and the protein was identified with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blot, and negative staining with phosphotungstic acid with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The production of the obtained flagellin was then quantified. New Zealand white rabbits were then immunized with the isolated flagellin, the presence of serum anti-flagellin antibodies was assessed with the immunoblot test, and its potency was determined with the double immunodiffusion test. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular weight (m.w.) of the purified flagellin was 52 x 10(3). The immunoblot test also showed a band at 52 x 10(3) m.w. The SEM results showed that the flagellin was filamentous. These three results showed that the protein was homogeneous. The protein quantification analysis found that 4.8 ± 0.5 mg flagellin could be extracted per 1 g wet weight bacteria. The titer of the anti-flagellin antiserum was 1:64. Through this method, we obtained high productions of flagellin, which could be easily purified, identified, and prepared into high titer antiserum.

Successful early unmanipulated haploidentical transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning for primary graft failure after cord blood transplantation in hematologic malignancy patients

Primary graft failure (pGF) is a frequent complication following cord blood transplantation (CBT). For those patients who will not experience autologous recovery, salvage transplantation should be performed as early as possible. However, standardized treatment protocols for pGF, such as the optimal stem cell source, preparative regimen and the ideal time for salvage transplantation, have yet to be determined. Therefore, we analyzed 17 hematologic malignancy patients who received unmanipulated haploidentical peripheral blood (PB) and BM transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) as a salvage therapy for pGF after CBT. The median interval between the two transplantations was 38 days. The RIC regimen for salvage transplantation consisted of fludarabine, antithymocyte globulin, CY and low-dose TBI. The neutrophil and plt engraftments were achieved in 14 (82.4%) and 13 (76.4%) patients, respectively. The cumulative incidences of grades II-IV and grades III-IV aGVHD were 35.3% and 17.6%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 29.4%. After a median follow-up of 43 months, 10 of 17 patients remained alive in CR. The cumulative incidence of TRM at 180 days was 29.4%. The probability of 3-year OS and leukemia-free survival was 57.5%. Our results show that unmanipulated haploidentical PB and BM transplantation under a RIC regimen is an effective treatment for pGF after CBT.

Pseudogene PTENP1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to suppress clear-cell renal cell carcinoma progression

PTENP1 is a pseudogene of the PTEN tumor suppression gene (TSG). The functions of PTENP1 in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not yet been studied. We found that PTENP1 is downregulated in ccRCC tissues and cells due to methylation. PTENP1 and PTEN are direct targets of miRNA miR21 and their expression is suppressed by miR21 in ccRCC cell lines. miR21 expression promotes ccRCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Overexpression of PTENP1 in cells expressing miR21 reduces cell proliferation, invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis, recapitulating the phenotypes induced by PTEN expression. Overexpression of PTENP1 in ccRCC cells sensitizes these cells to cisplatin and gemcitabine treatments in vitro and in vivo. In clinical samples, the expression of PTENP1 and PTEN is correlated, and both expressions are inversely correlated with miR21 expression. Patients with ccRCC with no PTENP1 expression have a lower survival rate. These results suggest that PTENP1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in ccRCC to suppress cancer progression.

Fibulin-1 is epigenetically down-regulated and related with bladder cancer recurrence

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Fibulin-1, a multi-functional extracellular matrix protein, has been demonstrated to be involved in many kinds of cancers, while its function in bladder cancer remains unclear. So here we investigated the expression and function of fibulin-1 in Bladder cancer.

METHODS

We used real-time PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of fibulin-1 in Bladder cancer cells and patient tissues respectively. Methylation-specific PCR and quantitative sequencing were used to examine the methylation status of FBLN1 gene promoter. Eukaryotic expression plasmid and lentiviral vector were used to overexpress fibulin-1 in Bladder cancer cells 5637, HT-1376 to investigate its function in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

We identified that fibulin-1 was significantly down-regulated in bladder cancer, and its dysregulation was associated with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) grade and recurrence. The promoter region of FBLN1 was generally methylated in bladder cancer cell lines and tissues, further investigation in patient tissues showed that the methylation status was associated with the fibulin-1 expression. Overexpression of fibulin-1 significantly suppressed tumor growth, induced tumor cell apoptosis, decreased cell motility, and inhibited angiogenesis in cultured bladder cancer cells and xenograft tumor in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our results indicated that fibulin-1 expression is associated with NMIBC grade and recurrence, it is epigenetically down-regulated and functions as a tumor suppressor gene and angiogenesis inhibitor in bladder cancer.

Effects of sequential osteoporosis treatments on trabecular bone in adult rats with low bone mass

We used an osteopenic adult ovariectomized (OVX) rat model to evaluate various sequential treatments for osteoporosis, using FDA-approved agents with complementary tissue-level mechanisms of action. Sequential treatment for 3 months each with alendronate (Aln), followed by PTH, followed by resumption of Aln, created the highest trabecular bone mass, best microarchitecture, and highest bone strength.

INTRODUCTION

Individual agents used to treat human osteoporosis reduce fracture risk by ∼ 50-60%. As agents that act with complementary mechanisms are available, sequential therapies that mix antiresorptive and anabolic agents could improve fracture risk reduction, when compared with monotherapies.

METHODS

We evaluated bone mass, bone microarchitecture, and bone strength in adult OVX, osteopenic rats, during different sequences of vehicle (Veh), parathyroid hormone (PTH), Aln, or raloxifene (Ral) in three 90-day treatment periods, over 9 months. Differences among groups were evaluated. The interrelationships of bone mass and microarchitecture endpoints and their relationship to bone strength were studied.

RESULTS

Estrogen deficiency caused bone loss. OVX rats treated with Aln monotherapy had significantly better bone mass, microarchitecture, and bone strength than untreated OVX rats. Rats treated with an Aln drug holiday had bone mass and microarchitecture similar to the Aln monotherapy group but with significantly lower bone strength. PTH-treated rats had markedly higher bone endpoints, but all were lost after PTH withdrawal without follow-up treatment. Rats treated with PTH followed by Aln had better bone endpoints than those treated with Aln monotherapy, PTH monotherapy, or an Aln holiday. Rats treated initially with Aln or Ral, then switched to PTH, also had better bone endpoints, than monotherapy treatment. Rats treated with Aln, then PTH, and returned to Aln had the highest values for all endpoints.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that antiresorptive therapy can be coupled with an anabolic agent, to produce and maintain better bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength than can be achieved with any monotherapy.