Use of three-dimensional color power doppler in imaging of liver cancer

We aimed to assess the role of three-dimensional color power Doppler (3D-CPD) imaging in diagnosis of liver cancer. First of all, we performed 2D- and 3D-CPD imaging on 96 cases of liver tumors with a total of 106 lesions to examine the characteristics of the vascular distribution patterns of the tumors, and in turn, compare the sensitivity and specificity. Also, with the use of three-dimensional volumetric measurement, we calculated the volume of tumors, quantity of intra-tumor blood vessels, and the ratio of the quantity of intra-tumor blood vessels to tumor volumes (vascular index, VI). Finally, we statistically analyzed the vascular index between benign and malignant tumors. We found that the sensitivity/specificity were 21.3%/100% for 2D-CPD, and 81.3%/100% for 3D-CPD, based on the use of type-III of blood vessels for diagnosis of the malignant lesions. In 3D-CPD, the type-III of blood vessels along with VI of > 0.3/cm3 can be used as the criteria for the diagnosis of liver cancer since we found that average VI was 0.38/cm3 in 75 malignant tumors, but 0.18/cm3 in 31 benign tumors (p less than0.05). The sensitivity and specificity in determining malignancy in the liver based on VI > 0.3/cm3 were 78.7% and 87.1%, respectively.

Cardiac Specific Overexpression of hHole Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophic Remodeling through Inhibition of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERKs) Signalling

The human Hole gene (hHole) encodes a six-transmembrane protein with 319- amino acids. Our previous study showed that hHole was strongly expressed in adult heart and may act as a suppressor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), overactivation of which contributed to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, it was observed that Hole expression was up-regulated in murine hypertrophic hearts. In a cardiac specific transgenic mouse model, it was observed that overexpression of hHole specifically in heart attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by isoproterenol (ISO), with blunted transcriptions of ERK1/2, total ERK1/2 proteins and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) levels. Furthermore, overexpression of hHole in mice by hydrodynamic tail-vein injection with hHole plamids also inhibited cardiac hypertrophy induced by ISO. Our work identified hHole as a novel repressor of cardiac hypertrophy, and provided new insights into the possible target for the prevention or treatment of cardiac diseases.

Enhancing immune responses of EV71 VP1 DNA vaccine by co-inoculating plasmid IL-12 or GM-CSF expressing vector in mice

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative viral agent for large outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children and infants, yet there is no vaccine or effective antiviral treatment for severe EV71 infection. The immunogenicity of EV71 VP1 DNA vaccine and the immunoregulatory activity of interleukin-12 (IL-12) or granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were investigated. DNA vaccine plasmids, pcDNA-VP1, pcDNA-IL-12 and pcDNA-GM-CSF were constructed and inoculated into BALB/c mice with or without pcDNA-IL-12 or pcDNA-GM-CSF by intramuscular injection. Cellular and humoral immune responses were assessed by indirect ELISA, lymphocyte proliferation assays, cytokine release assay and FACS. The VP1 DNA vaccine had good immunogenicity and can induce specific humoral and cellular immunity in BALB/c mice, while IL-2 or GM-CSF plays an immunoadjuvant role and enhances specific immune responses. This study provides a frame of reference for the design of DNA vaccines against EV71.

Cardiomyocyte-specific TβR2 knockout mice are more susceptible to cardiac hypertrophy induced by adrenergic agonist stimulation

TGF-β signaling is shown to be involved in cardiac remodeling, but the detailed function and underlying mechanism are still incompletely understood. In this study, we generated cardiomyocyte-specific TGF-β type 2 receptor (TβR2) knockout mice to study the function of TGF-β signaling in cardiac hypertrophy. Although the mutant mice displayed no obvious physiological abnormality, they developed severer cardiac hypertrophy in response to isoproterenol (ISO) stimulation than control mice did. The expression of p-Smad2 was markedly reduced, while the concentration of p-ERK was increased in the hearts of mutant mice. In addition, we also found that cardiomyocyte-specific Smad2 knockout mice did not demonstrate cardiac phenotype as observed on TβR2 knockout mice, while inhibition of MEK-1-mediated activation of MAPK using PD98059 partially rescued the phenotype of TβR2-deleted cardiomyocytes, indicating that activation of TGF- noncanonical signaling might contribute to cardiac phenotype observed in TβR2 knockout mice. Thus, our data provided the first in vivo genetic evidence to show that TβR2 may function as an anti-hypertrophic factor of cardiac hypertrophy subjected to adrenergic stimulation, suggesting the complex role of TβR2 in cardiac hypertrophy under stimulation of different stresses.

Partial sialoadenectomy for the treatment of benign tumours in the submandibular gland

The conventional treatment for benign tumours arising in the submandibular gland (SMG) has always involved whole gland excision with the tumour. In light of developments in parotid gland functional surgery, this prospective study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of partial sialoadenectomy (PS) for benign tumours in comparison with conventional total sialoadenectomy (TS). Thirty-one consecutive patients with a preoperative diagnosis of benign tumour in the SMG were included in the study from December 2008 to December 2010. Eleven patients were treated with PS and 20 patients underwent conventional TS. Salivary gland function and surgery-related complications were assessed. No difference in resting saliva flow was found between the two groups before the operation, while this was significantly higher in the PS group than in the TS group at 1 year after surgery (P=0.009). With regard to complications, there was less deformity in facial appearance in the PS group. There was no recurrence in any of the 31 patients during the follow-up period (range 41-82 months). It is believed that this modification to SMG surgery is consistent with the idea of functional and minimal invasive salivary gland surgery. This technique represents a good choice for the management of benign tumours of the SMG for appropriately selected cases.

Ultrastructural and Cytochemical Properties of Peripheral Blood Cells of Piebald Naked Carp (Gymnocypris eckloni)

The ultrastructural and cytochemical properties of peripheral blood cells of Gymnocypris eckloni were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a range of cytochemical techniques to provide clear insight into the structure and function of blood cells from this fish. Ultrastructurally, erythrocytes, leucocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), thrombocytes and plasma cells were identified in the peripheral blood of G. eckloni. The most special ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in this fish were that neutrophils exhibited only one type of cytoplasmic granules containing an eccentric, spherical or oval electron-dense core, and eosinophils presented two types of granules with non-uniform electronic density and without crystalloids in their cytoplasm. Neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and thrombocytes were positive for periodic acid-Schiff and α-naphthyl acetate esterase staining. Intense peroxidase positive staining was observed in neutrophils and monocytes, but not in eosinophils, lymphocytes and thrombocytes. Neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes were stained positively for acid phosphatase, whereas lymphocytes and thrombocytes did not stain. Leucocytes and thrombocytes were negative for alkaline phosphatase and Sudan black B staining. Erythrocytes were negative for all cytochemical staining. The cytochemical and ultrastructural features of peripheral blood cells of G. eckloni were similar to those of other fish species. However, some important differences were identified in G. eckloni.

The Fusarium toxin zearalenone and deoxynivalenol affect murine splenic antioxidant functions, interferon levels, and T-cell subsets

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Fusarium toxin zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) on splenic antioxidant functions, IFN levels, and T-cell subsets in mice. Herein, 360 mice were assigned to nine groups for a 12-day study. Mice were administered an intraperitoneal injection for 4 consecutive days with different concentrations of ZEA alone, DON alone, or ZEA+DON. Spleen and blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 5, 8, and 12. Mice in each of the experimental groups showed dysreglated splenic antioxidant functions, IFN levels, and T-cell subset frequencies, suggesting that the immune system had been affected. The ZEA+DON-treated groups, especially the group that received a higher concentration of ZEA+DON (Group D2Z2), showed more obvious effects on the dysregulation of splenic antioxidant functions, IFN levels, and T-cell subsets. This finding suggested that DON and ZEA exerted synergistic effects.

Idiopathic massive fetomaternal hemorrhage in the third trimester of pregnancy causing neonatal death

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH), which can occur throughout pregnancy, is still a poorly understood clinical condition. It is very difficult to be timely diagnosed and often results in poor pregnancy outcomes. Here the authors reported two rare cases of silent massive FMH of unknown cause in the third trimester of pregnancy, which presented with non-reactive fetal heart rhythm or decreased fetal movement at the very beginning, and resulted in severe fetal anemia and neonatal deaths. A pregnant woman at late pregnancy with a com- plain of unspecific signs such as decreased fetal movement should arouse a high index of clinical suspicion of idiopathic FMH, and an urgent ultrasound or lab tests detecting FMH could be suggested. Considering emergent delivery versus expectantly management will de- pend upon acute or chronic FMH, gestational age, results of fetal testing, availability of experienced personnel, and procedural difficulty.

Molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus on the Tibetan Plateau using mitochondrial DNA markers

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important worldwide zoonotic disease that causes large economic losses and human suffering. Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of CE, exhibits different genotypes in different locations. In order to identify its genotypes and analyze its genetic structure on the Tibetan Plateau, we collected 72 hydatid cysts from different intermediate hosts and amplified and sequenced their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) genes. Seventy isolates were identified as the E. granulosus G1 genotype, while two isolates belonged to the G6 genotype. There were 18 haplotypes among the 70 E. granulosus isolates, which exhibited a star-like network pattern and shared a common haplotype (H1). There was little difference between geographical sub-populations. Our results suggest that a recent E. granulosus population expansion occurred on the Tibetan Plateau, suggesting that E. granulosus was introduced into China. This study increases the basic molecular data needed for the molecular diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention, and control of Echinococcus diseases.

A dead-zone free ⁴He atomic magnetometer with intensity-modulated linearly polarized light and a liquid crystal polarization rotator

We demonstrate an all-optical (4)He atomic magnetometer experimental scheme based on an original Bell-Bloom configuration. A single intensity-modulated linearly polarized laser beam is used both for generating spin polarization within a single (4)He vapor and probing the spin precessing under a static magnetic field. The transmitted light signal from the vapor is then phase-sensitively detected at the modulation frequency and its harmonics, which lead to the atomic magnetic resonance signals. Based on this structure, a liquid crystal is added in our magnetometer system and constitutes a polarization rotator. By controlling the voltage applied on the liquid crystal, the light linear polarization vector can be kept perpendicular with the ambient magnetic field direction, which in turn provides the maximum resonance signal amplitude. Moreover, the system exhibits a magnetic-field noise floor of about 2pT/√Hz, which is not degraded due to the presence of the liquid crystal and varying magnetic field direction. The experiment results prove that our method can eliminate the dead-zone effect, improve the system spatial isotropy, and thus be suitable in mobile applications.

MicroRNAs in avian influenza virus H9N2-infected and non-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts

There is limited information about microRNAs (miR-NAs) in H9N2 subtype influenza virus-infected chicken cells or tissues. In this study, 10,487,469 and 13,119,795 reads were obtained from in-fected and non-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts, respectively. Seven hundred and thirty-six and 1004 miRNAs, including mature miRNAs and precursors, were obtained from the infected and non-infected fibro-blasts, respectively. Of those miRNAs, 48 were expressed differently between the groups: 37 had a low expression level in the infected chick-en embryo fibroblast, and the remaining 11 had a higher expression level. Every miRNA was predicted to target immune response-related genes. It has been found that some of the miRNAs, such as gga-miR-146c, gga-miR-181a, gga-miR-181b, gga-miR-30b, gga-miR-30c, gga-miR-30e, and gga-miR-455, are expressed differently in other types of influenza-infected chicken cells or tissues.

Reirradiation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma focusing on volumetric modulated arcs with flattening filter-free beams

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the role of flattening filter-free (FFF) beams in volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC).

METHODS

13 patients with rNPC were replanned for FFF RapidArc(®) (RA-FFF) and conventional RapidArc (RA) (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Quantitative evaluation was performed for the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs). Phantom dose verifications, treatment delivery time and monitor units (MUs) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Each technique delivered similar doses to the PTV. RA-FFF had a better sparing effect on the brain stem and normal tissue when compared with RA, whereas RA provided lower mean doses to the skin. No significant difference between the two techniques could be established for other OAR parameters. Both techniques showed equally good gamma scores in dosimetric verification. RA-FFF required more MUs than RA, whereas the delivery time for RA-FFF was slightly shorter than for RA.

CONCLUSION

Both treatment plans met the planning objectives. Dose measurements also showed good agreement with computed doses. In addition to slightly faster delivery times, RA-FFF produced better sparing of brain stem and normal tissue with uncompromised target coverage compared with RA.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

FFF beams have recently been assembled for clinical use. Our findings show RA-FFF is useful in the salvage treatment of rNPC owing to better brain stem and normal tissue sparing with uncompromised target coverage compared with RA. This may be beneficial in the case of tumour invasion close to the brain stem.

Effects of sex and age on chicken TBC1D1 gene mRNA expression

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sex and slaughter age of chickens on fatty acid composition and TBC1D1 gene expression in 4 different tissues: breast muscle, thigh muscle, abdominal fat, and subcutaneous fat. Sixty Erlang mountainous chickens (hybrid SD02 x SD03) were raised under the same conditions and slaughtered at 8, 10, and 13 weeks of age. The results showed that the sex of the animal significantly affected the content of arachidic acid (C20:0), sinapic (C22:1), linoleic (C18:2n-6), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acids (C22:6n-3), whereas other fatty acid contents were not affected. Age had a significant effect on most monounsaturated fatty acids, except for octadecenoic acid (C18:1). TBC1D1 mRNA was abundant in all tissues at all 3 ages of slaughter. Cocks exhibited higher TBC1D1 mRNA levels than hens in the thigh muscle and abdominal fat at 10 and 13 weeks, respectively.

Detection of the long noncoding RNAs nuclear-enriched autosomal transcript 1 (NEAT1) and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 in the peripheral blood of HIV-1-infected patients

OBJECTIVES

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV-1 infection have not been extensively studied. Here we detected two lncRNAs, nuclear-enriched autosomal transcript 1 (NEAT1) and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma of HIV-1-infected patients.

METHODS

Fifty-nine HIV-1-infected patients and 21 healthy controls were recruited for the study, of whom 31 patients were highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naïve and 28 patients had been receiving HAART for more than 1 year with undetectable viral loads. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs and plasma, and levels of NEAT1 and MALAT1 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

We found that the levels of NEAT1 and MALAT1 in PBMCs were up-regulated in HAART-naïve patients and were reduced in patients receiving HAART. NEAT1 was down-regulated in the plasma of infected patients and expression was correlated with CD4 T-cell count.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that NEAT1 and MALAT1 may interact with HIV-1 in vivo and that the presence of NEAT1 in plasma is a potential biomarker of HIV-1 infection.

A point mutation of zebrafish c-cbl gene in the ring finger domain produces a phenotype mimicking human myeloproliferative disease

Controlled self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are critical for vertebrate development and survival. These processes are tightly regulated by the transcription factors, signaling molecules and epigenetic factors. Impaired regulations of their function could result in hematological malignancies. Using a large-scale zebrafish N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis screening, we identified a line named LDD731, which presented significantly increased HSPCs in hematopoietic organs. Further analysis revealed that the cells of erythroid/myeloid lineages in definitive hematopoiesis were increased while the primitive hematopoiesis was not affected. The homozygous mutation was lethal with a median survival time around 14-15 days post fertilization. The causal mutation was located by positional cloning in the c-cbl gene, the human ortholog of which, c-CBL, is found frequently mutated in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) or acute leukemia. Sequence analysis showed the mutation in LDD731 caused a histidine-to-tyrosine substitution of the amino acid codon 382 within the RING finger domain of c-Cbl. Moreover, the myeloproliferative phenotype in zebrafish seemed dependent on the Flt3 (fms-like tyrosine kinase 3) signaling, consistent with that observed in both mice and humans. Our study may shed new light on the pathogenesis of MPN and provide a useful in vivo vertebrate model of this syndrome for screening drugs.

Effect of arousing stimuli on circulating corticosterone and the circadian rhythms of luteinizing hormone (LH) surges and locomotor activity in estradiol-treated ovariectomized (ovx+EB) Syrian hamsters

In most proestrous hamsters, novel wheel exposure phase advances activity rhythms and blocks the preovulatory LH surge, which occurs 2h earlier the next day. Because wheel immobilization does not prevent these effects we hypothesized that arousal alone blocks and phase advances the LH surge. Ovariectomized (ovx) hamsters received a jugular vein cannula and estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle was injected sc. The next day (Day 1), at zeitgeber time (ZT) 4-5 (ZT 12 = lights off), after obtaining a blood sample, each hamster was exposed to constant darkness (DD), and either remained in her home cage or was transferred to a new cage and exposed to a running wheel or a 2-hour arousal paradigm. Blood samples were obtained in dim red light and activity was recorded hourly until ~ZT 10-11 on Days 1 and 2. For the next 1-2 weeks, activity was monitored in DD. Plasma LH and corticosterone were assessed by RIA. Novel wheel exposure or arousal at ZT 4 greatly attenuated the Day 1 LH surge in ovx+EB hamsters, and phase advanced the Day 2 LH surge by about 2h. In proestrous hamsters, novel wheel exposure led to a prolonged (>2h) increase in corticosterone levels only when LH surges were blocked. Phase advances in activity rhythms were enhanced by estradiol and arousal. The results suggest that estradiol modulates the effectiveness of non-photic stimuli. The role of the increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis associated with novel wheel-induced attenuation of LH surges in ovx+EB hamsters remains to be determined.

Comparison of valsartan and benazepril when combined with atorvastatin in protecting patients with early cardio-renal syndrome (CRS)

OBJECTIVE

The aims to investigate the different protective effects of valsartan and benazepril when combined with atorvastatin in the cardio-renal functions of cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 200 early CRS patients were enrolled in the present study, including 104 males and 96 females, with an average age of 62.2 ± 7.7 years. The same group of patients were set as the control group prior to treatment, and then randomly divided into two groups; the A group was treated with valsartan (80 mg/d) and atorvastatin (20 mg/d); the B group was treated with benazepril (10 mg/d) and atorvastatin (20 mg/d). The treatment period was 24 months.

RESULTS

The clinical efficacy and clinical events were observed and the following parameters of each patient were measured before and after treatment: 24h urine protein; creatinine clearance; serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); blood lipid level; liver function and ejection fraction (EF) value. Compared with the control group, the clinical symptoms of the treatment groups were improved with decreased blood lipid levels, significantly decreased serum BNP and hsCRP levels and significantly increased EF values and creatinine clearance rates (p < 0.01). The differences between the two treatment groups were not statistically significant. The number of patients that stopped treatment due to the development of a cough was significantly higher in the B group than the A group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

When combined with atorvastatin, both valsartan and benazepril effectively improved the cardio-renal functions of early CRS patients. There was no significant difference between the two treatments however, valsartan appeared to be better tolerated by patients.

Reconstruction of maxillary defects with free fibula flap assisted by computer techniques

OBJECTIVE

Free fibula flaps are widely used for maxillary reconstruction. The three-dimensional position of the fibula flap is very difficult to control in conventional operations based solely on the surgeon's experience. We aimed to improve this surgery by using computerized techniques.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with maxillary tumors underwent maxillectomy and free fibula flap reconstruction in our department between 2011 and 2013. Virtual planning and surgical navigation were used for eight patients, and conventional surgery was performed in 19 patients. The three-dimensional fibular positions were evaluated in the two groups. Differences between the postoperative position of the fibular segments and the virtual plans were evaluated in the computer-assisted surgery group.

RESULTS

The three-dimensional position of the fibula flap in the computer-assisted surgery group, including the vertical distance (p = 0.013), horizontal position (p = 0.019) and extension of the posterior end (p = 0.041), was significantly more accurate and nearer to the ideal position than that in the conventional surgery group. The average difference between the actual postoperative position of the fibular segments and the virtual plan in the computer-assisted surgery group was <5 mm.

CONCLUSION

Application of computer-assisted techniques such as virtual planning and surgical navigation significantly improve the clinical outcomes of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula flaps.

Assessment of re-aggregated human pancreatic islets for secondary drug screening

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets is a pivotal assay in developing novel insulin secretagogues, given its good correlation with in vivo efficacy. Because the supply of human islets is limited, this assay is typically run with rodent islets, which do not address species differences and are low-throughput, because of the size matching or volume normalization required. Here we have evaluated the suitability of human re-aggregated islets for this assay.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We generated re-aggregated human islets of a consistent size, using micromolds and compared their responses with those of native human and rat islets, to known secretagogues and inhibitors of insulin release.

KEY RESULTS

Insulin secretion from rat islets, human islets and human re-aggregated cell clusters was concentration-dependently increased by glucose. The calcium channel agonist, Bay K 8644, stimulated insulin secretion in native rat islets and human re-aggregated islets, but not native human islets. Glibenclamide and tolbutamide were more effective and potent in re-aggregated human clusters compared with the other two preparations. Rat islets outperformed both human preparations of islets in response to caffeine, carbachol and glucagon-like peptide-1. Re-aggregated human islet clusters were more sensitive to somatostatin, diazoxide and sodium azide, but rodent islets were more sensitive to nifedipine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Human re-aggregated clusters of islet cells, of a constant size were more responsive to all compounds tested than native human islets. Importantly, the assay variability was less in the re-aggregated cluster preparations, which suggests that such re-aggregated cells could be useful for drug development.

Effects of antibacterial peptide on cellular immunity in weaned piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antibacterial peptide (ABP) sufficiency on cellular immune functions by determining the spleen cell cycle and apoptosis, peripheral blood T cell subsets, and T cell proliferation function in weaned piglets. A total of 90 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) of both sexes were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates with 6 piglets per replicate. The dietary treatments consisted of the negative control (NC; basal diet), positive control (PC; basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharide), and ABP (basal diet mixed with 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg ABP). The experimental lasted for 28 d. Two piglets from each replicate were selected randomly for blood samples extraction from the jugular vein to obtain peripheral blood T cell subsets, and T cell proliferation function analysis was performed on d 32, 39, 46, and 53. Two piglets from each replicate were selected and euthanized to observe the spleen cell cycle and apoptosis on d 39 and 53. In ABP-sufficient piglets, the G0/G1 phase of the spleen cell cycle was much lower (P < 0.05) and the S and G2 + M phases and proliferation index (PI) were greater (P < 0.05) than in NC piglets. The percentage of apoptotic cells in the spleen significantly decreased under ABP sufficiency (P < 0.05). The proliferation function of peripheral blood T cells increased (P < 0.05) in ABP-sufficient piglets. Percentages of CD3 (+) and CD3 (+)CD4 (+) ratios (d 39, 46, and 53) and CD4 (+)CD8 (+) ratios (d 32, 39, 46, and 53) increased remarkably (P < 0.05) under ABP sufficiency compared with NC. These results suggest that ABP sufficiency could increase the T cell population and proliferation function of T cells and could induce decreased percentages of apoptotic cells. Overall, the cellular immune function was evidently improved in weaned piglets. We suggest optimal dosages of 500 mg/kg ABP for 4-wk addition and 1,000 mg/kg ABP for 2-wk addition.

Combination of high-intensity focused ultrasound irradiation and hydroxyapatite nanoparticle injection to injure normal goat liver tissue in vivo without costal bone incision

The aims of this study were to evaluate the in vivo safety of intravenous nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), to explore how nano-HA might influence the effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on normal liver tissue, and to investigate whether intravenous nano-HA could enhance HIFU for hepatocellular carcinoma ablation in a goat model. The present study, for the first time, indicated that the delivery of abundant nano-HA into the body over short periods of time could be assembled by the hepatic reticuloendothelial system, subsequently leading to a rapid rise of ultrasound-induced overheating, and ultimately resulting in enlargement of the coagulation necrotic area for ablated hepatocellular carcinoma in goats both in vivo and ex vivo. On the other hand, therapeutic doses of nano-HA were much lower than the lethal dose, and consequently presented transient and mild abnormalities of hepatic enzymes and renal function during the first 24 h after nano-HA injection. These results suggested that the combined application of nano-HA and HIFU is potentially a more effective alternative option compared to surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma local ablation in a safe and feasible manner.

Autophagy promotes paclitaxel resistance of cervical cancer cells: involvement of Warburg effect activated hypoxia-induced factor 1-α-mediated signaling

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs for advanced cervical cancer. However, acquired resistance of paclitaxel represents a major barrier to successful anticancer treatment. In this study, paclitaxel-resistant HeLa sublines (HeLa-R cell lines) were established by continuous exposure and increased autophagy level was observed in HeLa-R cells. 3-Methyladenine or ATG7 siRNA, autophagy inhibitors, could restore sensitivity of HeLa-R cells to paclitaxel compared with parental HeLa cells. To determine the underlying molecular mechanism, differentially expressed proteins between HeLa and HeLa-R cells were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight MS/MS. We found glycolysis-associated proteins were upregulated in HeLa-R cell lines. Inhibition of glycolysis by 2-deoxy-D-glucose or koningic acid could decrease autophagy and enhance sensitivity of HeLa-R cells to paclitaxel. Moreover, glycolysis could activate HIF1-α. Downregulation of HIF1-α by specific siRNA could decrease autophagy and resensitize HeLa-R cells to paclitaxel. Taken together, a possible Warburg effect activated HIF1-α-mediated signaling-induced autophagic pathway is proposed, which may provide new insight into paclitaxel chemoresistance.

Frequency stabilization of a 1083 nm fiber laser to ⁴He transition lines with optical heterodyne saturation spectroscopies

Two kinds of optical heterodyne saturation spectroscopies, namely, frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) and modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS), are demonstrated for locking a fiber laser to the transition lines of metastable (4)He atoms around 1083 nm. The servo-loop error signals of FMS and MTS for stabilizing laser frequency are optimized by studying the dependence of the peak-to-peak amplitude and slope on the optical power of pump and probe beams. A comparison of the stabilization performances of FMS/MTS and polarization spectroscopy (PS) is presented, which shows that MTS exhibits relatively superior performance with the least laser frequency fluctuation due to its flat-background dispersive signal, originated from the four-wave mixing process. The Allan deviation of the stabilized laser frequency is 5.4 × 10(-12)@100 s with MTS for data acquired in 1000 s, which is sufficiently applicable for fields like laser cooling, optical pumping, and optical magnetometry.

SKLB-163, a new benzothiazole-2-thiol derivative, exhibits potent anticancer activity by affecting RhoGDI/JNK-1 signaling pathway

Small-molecule inhibitors are an attractive therapeutic approach for most types of human cancers. SKLB-163, a novel benzothiazole-2-thiol derivative, was developed via computer-aided drug design and de novo synthesis. MTT assay showed it had potent anti-proliferative activity on various human cancer cells. Treatment of cancer cells with SKLB-163 induced obvious apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in vitro. SKLB-163 administered p.o. showed a marked antitumor activity in vivo. Proteomic techniques were employed to identify possible drug target proteins. The data showed molecular mechanism of action might be involved in downregulation of RhoGDI, which finally contributed to increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. These findings provided the potential value of SKLB-163 as a novel candidate antitumor drug.

The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period in women with and without polyps

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study was designed to determine whether the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the endometrial tissue obtained from the peri-implantation period of women with endometrial polyp (EP) differs from that of control subjects without a polyp.

METHODS

Endometrial samples were collected from 30 patients with EP and 30 control subjects without EP, in the mid-secretory phase. The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium was examined with the use of immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

COX-2 and VEGF were predominantly expressed in endometrial glands. The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium obtained from women with EP was lower than that of control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The reduced expression of COX-2 and VEGF in the endometrium of women with EP may account for the association between EP and infertility.

Retinal and choroidal thickness evaluation by SD-OCT in adults with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the macular retina and choroidal thickness change in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) with no significant symptoms and pathological changes in the fundus using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

This prospective, observational case-control study consisted of 53 eyes of 53 patients with OSAS and 12 eyes of 12 age-matched controls. Macular and choroidal thicknesses were measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The foveal and nasal macular thicknesses were significantly different between four groups (P=0.001, P=0.016). The foveal thickness of the control group was significantly thinner than that of the severe group (P=0.000). The nasal macular thickness of the control group was significantly thinner than that of the severe group (P=0.008). A significant correlation was found between oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and macular center thickness (r=0.357, R(2)=0.127, P=0.004), with an ODI coefficient of 0.457 (P=0.004). Similarly, a significant correlation was found between ODI and nasal macular thickness (r=0.265, R(2)=0.070, P=0.033), with an ODI coefficient of 0.233 (P=0.033). The subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly different among the groups (F=3.657, P=0.017). The subfoveal choroidal thickness of the severe group was significantly thinner than that of the control group, mild group, and moderate group (P=0.023, 0.006, and 0.036, respectively). The choroidal thickness 1 mm nasal to the fovea was significantly different between the groups after correcting for age and diopter (F=3.411, P=0.023). The choroidal thickness 1 mm nasal to the fovea was significantly thinner in the severe group compared with the control group and mild group (P=0.013 and 0.010, respectively). Choroidal thickness was significantly correlated with diopter (r=0.520, R(2)=0.270, P<0.001), with a coefficient of 0.327 (P<0.001), and with ODI (r=0.520, R(2)=0.165, P=0.001), with a coefficient of -0.370 (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

OSAS patients showed decreased foveal and nasal macular thickness, similar to the subfoveal and nasal choroidal thickness. These findings suggest that, because of intermittent hypoxia, OSAS might change the retinal and choroidal blood supply.

Real-world comparison of health care utilization between duloxetine and pregabalin initiators with fibromyalgia

Objectives

To compare health care utilization of duloxetine initiators and pregabalin initiators among fibromyalgia patients in a real-world setting.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on a US national commercial health claims database (2006–2009). Fibromyalgia patients who initiated duloxetine or pregabalin in 2008, aged 18–64 years, and who maintained continuous health insurance coverage 1 year before and 1 year after initiation were assigned to duloxetine or pregabalin cohorts on the basis of their initiated agent. Patients who had pill coverage of the agents over the course of 90 days preceding the initiation were excluded. The two comparative cohorts were constructed using propensity score greedy match methods. Descriptive analysis and paired t-test were performed to compare health care utilization rates in the postinitiation year and the changes of these rates from the preinitiation year to the postinitiation year.

Results

Both matched cohorts (n=1,265 pairs) had a similar mean initiation age (49–50 years), percentage of women (87%–88%), and prevalence of baseline comorbid conditions (neuropathic pain other than diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, low back pain, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, headache or migraine, and osteoarthritis). In the preinitiation year, both cohorts had similar inpatient, outpatient, and medication utilization rates (inpatient, 15.7%–16.1%; outpatient, 100.0%; medication, 97.9%–98.7%). The utilization rates diverged in the postinitiation year, with the pregabalin cohort using more fibromyalgia-related inpatient care (3.2% versus 2.2%; P<0.05), any inpatient care (19.3% versus 16.8%; P<0.05), and fibromyalgia-related outpatient care (62.1% versus 51.8%; P<0.05). From the preinitiation period to the postinitiation period, the duloxetine cohort experienced decreases in certain utilization rates, whereas the pregabalin cohort had increases (percentage of patients with a fibromyalgia-related admission, −1.2% versus 0.4% [P<0.01]; number of fibromyalgia-related outpatient claims, −1.7 versus 4.7 [P<0.01]).

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia patients initiating pregabalin tended to consume more fibromyalgia-related inpatient and outpatient care in the first postinitiation year, whereas fibromyalgia patients initiating duloxetine tended to have lower utilization rates of fibromyalgia-related inpatient care in the postinitiation year than in the preinitiation year.

Effects of liver diseases on drug-metabolizing enzymes: implications for drug fate alterations and nano-therapeutic openings

Metabolizing and eliminating toxic chemicals in the liver are key processes in the body's defense system. Drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in such processes. The activity and expression of several key DMEs are changed in various liver diseases and thus lead to significantly altered drug disposition. This phenomenon severely affects the pharmacotherapy of clinical medications in terms of the safety and efficacy of drug responses. This review highlights liver physiological functions, altered DMEs, and altered drug disposition in liver diseases. Moreover, the implications of changes in DMEs on the fate of clinically relevant drugs are also discussed. Pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor are two liver-enriched nuclear receptors originally defined as xenobiotic sensors that affect regulation of DMEs. Altered regulation of DMEs in liver diseases contributes to the development of powerful in vitro and in vivo tools to predict drug responses and options for improved drug delivery and development. Although a number of treatment drugs are available for liver diseases, they are limited by their low drug concentration in the target site, presence of side effects, and instability in the human body. The nanoparticle drug delivery system has recently attracted research attention because of its potential to offer solutions to current obstacles that involve the use of therapeutic drugs for liver diseases. Conclusively, this review aims to improve understanding on the regulation of DMEs in liver diseases and on corresponding implications in drug disposition, including novel therapeutic medications.

Predictive value of miR-9 as a potential biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis

Background:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a distinctive geographic distribution and is characterised by its strong tendency of metastasis. We aimed to examine the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in plasma samples of NPC patients to explore their clinical significance in disease development and progression.

Methods:

This study was divided into four steps: (1) confirmation of differentially expressed miRNAs using microarray analysis and quantitative PCR validation; (2) comparison of plasma miR-9 levels during NPC progression; (3) evaluation of the predictive performance of plasma miR-9 as a biomarker for NPC metastasis; and (4) comparison of plasma miR-9 levels between pre- and post-treatment samples.

Results:

Plasma microarray profiling identified 33 differentially expressed miRNAs between NPC patients and healthy volunteers. The significantly declined level of miR-9 in NPC patients was confirmed through two-stage validation. The low level of plasma miR-9 was significantly correlated with worse lymphatic invasion and advanced TNM stage. The plasma miR-9 could distinguish locoregional from metastatic NPC cases with a high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the plasma miR-9 level was significantly elevated in post-treatment plasma compared with those pre-treatment samples.

Conclusion:

Our study reports that plasma miR-9 may serve as a useful biomarker to predict NPC metastasis and to monitor tumour dynamics.

Silicified virus-like nanoparticles in an extreme thermal environment: implications for the preservation of viruses in the geological record

Biofilms that grow around Gumingquan hot spring (T = 71 °C, pH = 9.2) in the Rehai geothermal area, Tengchong, China, are formed of various cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Aquificae, Thermodesulfobacteria, Desulfurococcales, and Thermoproteales. Silicified virus-like nanoparticles, 40-200 nm in diameter, are common inside the microbial cells and the extracellular polymeric substances around the cells. These nanoparticles, which are formed of a core encased by a silica cortex, are morphologically akin to known viruses and directly comparable to silicified virus-like particles that were produced in biofilms cultured in the laboratory. The information obtained from examination of the natural and laboratory-produced samples suggests that viruses can be preserved by silicification, especially while they are still encased in their host cells. These results expand our views of virus-host mineral interaction in extreme thermal environments and imply that viruses can be potentially preserved and identified in the geological record.