Efficacy and safety of different chemotherapy regimens combined with thalidomide in the treatment of diagnosed HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Objective

To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of different chemotherapy regimens combined with thalidomide, in the treatment of low-income patients with newly diagnosed HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 42 patients with HIV-DLBCL who were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department of Yunnan Provincial Infectious Diseases Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. 14 cases (including 1 case in stage II and 13 cases in stage III/IV) were treated with R-CHOP, 24 cases (including 1 case in stage II and 23 cases in stage III/IV) were treated with R-DAEPOCH, and 4 cases (including 1 case in stage II and 3 cases in stage III/IV) were treated with EPOCH. All patients were treated with thalidomide. The ART regimen was adjusted. At least 1 and up to 6 intrathecal injections were given during chemotherapy, and cotrimoxazole was taken orally to prevent infection. The clinical efficacy was evaluated after 4 cycles of chemotherapy, and adverse events were evaluated at each cycle of chemotherapy.

Results

All patients received 1-8 cycles of chemotherapy. CR (64.2 %) was achieved in 9 patients in R-CHOP group, and 5 patients died. In the R-DAEPOCH group, 17 patients achieved CR (70.8 %) and 7 died. In the EPOCH group, 2 patients reached CR (50 %) and 2 died. The main adverse reactions were grade II and above myelosuppression.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with thalidomide can improve the prognosis of low-income patients with newly diagnosed HIV-DLBCL.

[Application of retroauricular sulcus incision in the operation of benign tumors in the deep lobe of parotid gland]

Objective: To investigate the application of retroauricular groove incision in the resection of benign tumors in the deep lobe of parotid. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2022, 19 patients (11 males and 8 females, age ranged from 17 to 69 years, with a median age of 48) with benign tumor in the deep lobe of parotid gland underwent parotidectomy through retroauricular sulcus incision in Linyi People's Hospital. Among them, 17 cases with tumor diameter≤4.0 cm underwent simple retroauricular groove incision, and 2 cases were dumbbell type with tumor diameter>4.0 cm on the medial side of mandible protruding into the parapharyngeal space, in which the deep lobe and tumor of parotid gland were resected through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision. Results: Tumors were completely removed through retroauricular sulcus incision in 17 cases, and dumbbell type tumors were removed through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision in 2 cases. Postoperative pathological examinations showed pleomorphic adenoma in 13 cases, basal cell adenoma in 4 cases and Warthin's tumor in 2 cases. Temporary mandibular marginal branch paralysis occurred in 2 patients and returned to normal 3 weeks after operation. All incisions healed in Phase I. By following-up of 1-5 years with a median follow-up time of 3.1 years, none of the patients had Frey syndrome, salivary fistula, other complications and tumor recurrence. The patients and their families were satisfied with the postoperative facial appearances. Conclusion: The retroauricular groove approach can not only preserve the function of parotid superficial lobe and facial nerve, but also has less trauma, less tissue defect and hidden scar. As the advantages of less complication, low recurrence rate and good cosmetic effect, the incision is worthy of clinical application.

[Role and mechanism of IL-6/STAT3/Th17 signaling pathway in the intervention of forsythia in acute lung injury of septic rats]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of interleukin-6 (IL-6) /signal transducers and activators of transcriptional 3 (STAT3) /helper T cell 17 (Th17) signaling pathway in lung injury of rats with sepsis intervened by forsythia, with a view to provide experimental basis for the role and mechanism of forsythia in the treatment of sepsis. Methods: In July 2021, 30 healthy Wistar male rats were selected and randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture. 2 h after recovery, the rats were given traditional Chinese medicine forsythia orally, twice a day at an interval of 12 h. The wet/dry mass ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was detected 24 h after surgery. The morphological changes of lung tissue were detected by HE staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect Th17 population in peripheral blood. The expression levels of IL-6 and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression levels of IL-17A and IL-6 in lung tissues were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue were determined by Western blotting. Results: Compared with model group, the W/D of lung tissue in treatment group was decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). HE staining of lung tissue showed that compared with the model group, the degree of lung lesion and injury was reduced in the treatment group. Compared with sham operation group, the proportion of Th17 cells in CD4 lymphocytes in peripheral blood of rats in model group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the proportion of Th17 cells in CD4 lymphocytes in peripheral blood of rats in treatment group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, peripheral blood serum IL-6 and IL-17 of rats in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, IL-6 and IL-17 in peripheral blood serum of rats in treatment group were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the expressions of IL-17A and IL-6 mRNA in lung tissue of model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the expressions of IL-17A and IL-6 mRNA in lung tissue of rats in treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the protein expressions of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the pritein expressions of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue in treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Forsythia plays a role in alleviating lung injury by down-regulating the expressions of the signaling pathway IL-6/STAT3/Th17, which providing a new target for the treatment of sepsis induced lung injury.

Dose-Volume Predictors for Radiation Esophagitis in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Hypofractionated Regional Nodal Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation esophagitis (RE) is often overlooked in breast cancer radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess the incidence and dose-volume predictors of RE in breast cancer patients undergoing hypofractionated regional nodal irradiation (RNI).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligible patients were included who received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (RT) at the chest wall, the supraclavicular/infraclavicular fossa, level II axilla, and/or the internal mammary chain after mastectomy. The prescribed dose was 43.5 Gy in 15 fractions. The dose constraint for the esophagus was maximum dose <48 Gy. RE was evaluated weekly during RT and at 1 and 2 weeks, followed by 3 and 6 months after RT, and was graded according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. The esophagus was contoured from the lower border level of the cricoid cartilage to the lower margin of the aortic arch. Esophageal total volume, mean dose (Dmean), maximum dose (Dmax), and the relative and absolute volumes receiving at least 5-45 Gy by 5 Gy increments (RV5-RV45 and AV5-AV45) were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistics regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for RE, and receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to identify the thresholds of esophageal dosimetric parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 298 patients were included between May 8, 2020 and January 5, 2022 (minimum post-RT follow-up: 6 months). A total of 153 (51.3%) patients had left-sided breast cancer and 145 (48.7%) patients received internal mammary nodal irradiation (IMNI). Grade 2 and 3 RE incidence was 40.9% (122/298) and 0.3% (1/298), respectively. No grade 4 or 5 RE was observed. All RE cases resolved within 1 month after RT, and the median duration of RE was 3 weeks (range, 1-5). Based on univariable analyses, tumor laterality (p < .001), IMNI (p = .056) and esophageal Dmean, Dmax, RV10-RV40, and AV10-AV40 were risk factors of ≥grade 2 RE. Esophageal RV10-RV40 and AV35-AV40 were significantly associated with the risk of ≥grade 2 RE after adjusting for tumor laterality and IMNI. Based on multivariable analyses, RV25 and AV35 were optimum dose-volume predictors for ≥grade 2 RE at thresholds 20% for RV25 (35.9% vs. 60.9%, p = .04) and 0.27 mL for AV35 (31.0% vs. 54.6%, p = .04).

CONCLUSION

RE is common in breast cancer patients undergoing hypofractionated RNI. With the same esophageal contouring standard, maintaining the upper esophageal V25 at <20% and V35 at <0.27 mL may decrease the risk of RE and improve the quality of life of patients.

Recurrence Risk Score Model for Evaluating the Impact of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Pathologic Nodal Negative after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Recurrence risk score model was established to distinguish the recurrent risk of patients with pathologic nodal negative (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and mastectomy and determine the impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study reviewed 766 patients who underwent mastectomy and NACT with ypN0 from 2000 to 2014. Recurrent risk score model was assigned proportionally to the relative contribution of independent prognostic factors in the multivariate Cox model of disease-free survival (DFS). Decision tree analysis was conducted to determine two optimal cutoff points for stratification.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 74 months. The 5-year locoregional control (LRC), DFS, and overall survival (OS) rates for the entire group were 96.5%, 89.1% and 95.3%, respectively. 353 (46.1%) patients received PMRT and 413 (53.9%) patients did not. Patients with PMRT have more high-risk factors, including age <40 years, clinical stage III, grade III, or ER and PR negative. Chest wall and regional nodal region were irradiated in 307 (87.0%) and chest wall only in 46 (13.0%). The median radiation dose was 50 Gy (range: 36-60 Gy) in 25 fractions (range: 15-30 fractions). There were no significant differences between the PMRT and No-PMRT groups in the LRC, DFS and OS rates. Recurrent risk score model consisted of five factors and used a range of zero to eleven scoring points: age <40 years and clinical N1 stage for one point; clinical N2, NACT ≥4 cycles, lymphovascular invasion and ypT1-2 for two points; ypT3-4 for four points. 456 (59.5%) patients scoring zero to four points, 188 (24.5%) scoring five points and 122 (15.9%) scoring six to eleven points were assigned to the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group. LRC, DFS and OS rates in three risk groups were significantly distinct from each other (5yr-LRC: 98.6% vs. 95.5% vs. 89.8%, p < .001; 5yr-DFS: 94.4% vs. 87.4% vs. 71.5%, p < .001; 5yr-OS: 97.6% vs. 93.2% vs. 90.0%, p < .001). PMRT had no impact on the LRC, DFS and OS rates in either low-, intermediate-, or high-risk group.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence risk score model can effectively distinguish patients with different recurrent risk stratification. PMRT in patients with ypN0 after NAC and mastectomy cannot improve LRC, DFS or OS. Table 1. Survival outcomes and comparison between PMRT and No-PMRT arms in different groups.

[A case of brucellosis complicated with capillary leak syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome]

Brucellosis can lead to pathological changes of multiple systems. Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a clinical syndrome caused by different reasons, mainly characterized by hypotension, hypoproteinemia and systemic edema. The condition is critical and the clinical manifestations are complex, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) may occur in severe cases. CLS caused by brucellosis is extremely rare. The diagnosis and treatment of a patient with brucellosis complicated with CLS and MODS was analyzed in this paper, in order to improve the knowledge of clinicians about brucellosis and its complications.

[Correlation between BRAFV600E mutation and aggressive biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

The current study analyzed the mutation rate of BRAF^V600E in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and the correlation between BRAF^V600E mutation and aggressive biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A total of 160 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively included. All patients underwent BRAF^V600E gene detection. There were 37 males and 123 females, with a mean age of (46.5±11.1) years. The mutation rate of BRAF^V600E was 86.3% (138/160). There was no significant correlation between the mutation of BRAF^V600E and aggressive factors such as age (P=0.917), single focal/multifocal tumor (P=0.673), tumor size (P=0.360), tumor invasion (P=0.150) and regional lymph node metastasis (P=0.406). Therefore, for papillary thyroid cancer, mutations in a single gene like BRAF^V600E fail to determine more active diagnosis and treatment.

[Exploring the treatment of sepsis-associated acute lung injury with Liangge Powder via ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways: based on network pharmacology and whole animal experimentation]

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) . Methods: From April to December 2021, the key components of Liangge Powder and its targets against sepsis-induced ALI were analyzed by network pharmacology, and to enrich for relevant signaling pathways. A total of 90 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated group, sepsis-induced ALI model group (model group), Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose group, ten rats in the sham-operated group and 20 rats in each of the remaining four groups. Sepsis-induced ALI model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. Sham-operated group: gavage with 2 ml saline and no surgical treatment. Model group: surgery was performed and 2 ml saline was gavaged. Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose groups: surgery and gavage of Liangge Powder 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 g/kg, respectively. To measure the wet/dry mass ratio of rats lung tissue and evaluate the permeability of alveolar capillary barrier. Lung tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphological analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative protein expression levels of p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-protein kinase B (AKT), and p-ertracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were detected via Western blot analysis. Results: Network pharmacology analysis indicated that 177 active compounds of Liangge Powder were selected. A total of 88 potential targets of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI were identified. 354 GO terms of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI and 108 pathways were identified using GO and KEGG analysis. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was recognized to play an important role for Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced ALI. Compared with the sham-operated group, the lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio of rats in the model group (6.35±0.95) was increased (P<0.001). HE staining showed the destruction of normal structure of lung tissue. The levels of IL-6 [ (392.36±66.83) pg/ml], IL-1β [ (137.11±26.83) pg/ml] and TNF-α [ (238.34±59.36) pg/ml] were increased in the BALF (P<0.001, =0.001, <0.001), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 proteins (1.04±0.15, 0.51±0.04, 2.31±0.41) were increased in lung tissue (P=0.002, 0.003, 0.005). The lung histopathological changes were reduced in each dose group of Liangge Powder compared with the model group. Compared with the model group, the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.29±1.26) was reduced in the Liangge Powder medium dose group (P=0.019). TNF-α level [ (147.85±39.05) pg/ml] was reduced (P=0.022), and the relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K (0.37±0.18) and p-ERK1/2 (1.36±0.07) were reduced (P=0.008, 0.017). The wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.16±0.66) was reduced in the high-dose group (P=0.003). Levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α[ (187.98±53.28) pg/ml, (92.45±25.39) pg/ml, (129.77±55.94) pg/ml] were reduced (P=0.001, 0.027, 0.018), and relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 (0.65±0.05, 0.31±0.08, 1.30±0.12) were reduced (P=0.013, 0.018, 0.015) . Conclusion: Liangge Powder has therapeutic effects in rats with sepsis-induced ALI, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathway activation in lung tissue.

Downregulated FGFR3 Expression Inhibits In Vitro Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Mice with TBXT Gene Mutation

We studied the effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) inhibitor BGJ-398 on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSC) into osteoblasts in wild type (wt) mice and in animals with mutation in TBXT gene (mt) and possible differences in the pluripotency of these cells. Cytology tests showed that the cultured BM MSC could differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. The effect of different BGJ-398 concentrations on the expression of FGFR3, RUNX2, SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7, and SMAD8 were studied by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The expression of RUNX2 protein was evaluated by Western blotting. BM MSC of mt and wt mice did not differ in pluripotency and expressed the same membrane marker antigens. BGJ-398 inhibitor reduced the expression of FGFR3 and RUNX2. In BM MSC from mt and wt mice have similar gene expression (and its changing) in FGFR3, RUNX2, SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7, and SMAD8 genes. Thus, our experiments confirmed the effect of decreased expression of FGFR3 on osteogenic differentiation of BM MSC from wt and mt mice. However, BM MSC from mt and wt mice did not differ in pluripotency and are an adequate model for laboratory research.

[hsa_circ_0000231 affects the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway]

Objective: To explore the action mechanism of hsa_circ_0000231 in the occurrence and development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: Tissue samples of 60 TSCC patients were examined. The patients, including 32 males and 28 females, aged from 36 to 84 years old, underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University from December 2014 to December 2017. Saliva samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (5 males and 5 females, aged from 40 to 75 years old) and 10 TSCC patients. The TSCC cell lines (CAL-27, Tca-8113 and HN-4) were used. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0000231 in 60 pairs of freshly matched TSCC and para-carcinoma tissue samples, 10 pairs of saliva samples and 3 TSCC cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). hsa_circ_0000231 gene interference and lentiviral transfection were constructed, hsa_circ_0000231 in TSCC cell lines CAL-27 and Tca-8113 was knocked down, and the expressions of hsa_circ_0000231 in hsa_circ_0000231 interference group (sh-circ) and no-load lentivirus group (negative control) were tested with qRT-PCR. Cells with the highest knock-down efficiency were selected for CCK-8 test, colony formation assay, transwell invasion assay and scratch assay. The expressions of EMT-related proteins including E-cadherin, snail protein, N-cadherin and vimentin and proteins related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway including β-catenin, C-myc, Bcl-2, MMP-9 and Cyclin D1 were measured by western blot. After TSCC cells in the interference group were co-cultured with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator LiCl, the expressions of above proteins were re-measured by western blot. TSCC cells in interference group and control group were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to compare the effect of hsa_circ_0000231 knockdown on the growths of the tumors grafted subcutaneously in the nude mice. Statistical analysis software 25.0 was used for data analysis, and t-test or chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Results: hsa_circ_0000231 was highly expressed in the tissue and saliva samples of TSCC patients and cell lines CAL-27, Tca-8113 and HN-4, but lowly expressed in paired para-carcinoma tissues, saliva samples of healthy people and normal human oral keratinocytes (all P<0.05). Log-rank univariate analysis showed that hsa_circ_0000231 expression level, tumor differentiation degree and T stage were related to the survival of TSCC patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox risk regression model analysis suggested that hsa_circ_0000231 expression level (χ²=5.77,P=0.016) and T stage (χ²=5.27,P=0.029) were independent factors for the poor prognosis of TSCC patients. Western blot showed the expressions of snail protein, N-cadherin and vimentin were down-regulated, but E-cadherin was up-regulated in interference group compared with control group. In interference group, the expressions of β-catenin, C-myc, Bcl-2, MMP-9 and CyclinD1 were down-regulated, which were reversed after TSCC cells were co-cultured with LiCl. The knockdown of hsa_circ_0000231 reduced the proliferation, invasion and metastasis abilities of CAL-27 and Tca-8113 cells, which were reversed after TSCC cells were co-cultured with LiCl. The growth rate and volume of the tumors grafted subcutaneously in interference group using LiCl were greater than those in negative control group. Conclusion: hsa_circ_0000231 is an independent prognostic factor of TSCC. Highly expressed hsa_circ_0000231 can promote the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of TSCC cells.

[T lymphocyte subsets combined with inflammatory indicators for auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis]

Objective: To explore the application value of T lymphocyte subsets combined with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood cell count (WBC) in the auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis. Methods: In a retrospective study, seventy-two patients with sepsis diagnosed and treated in Tianjin First Central Hospital from June 2018 to April 2021 were selected as the research objects, and included in the sepsis group were 46 males and 26 females, aged 68 (57.3, 80.3) years. In addition, 111 patients with local infection admitted to hospital during the same period were included in the local infection group, including 62 males and 49 females, aged 68 (51, 77) years. Sepsis patients were divided into survival group (43 cases) and death group (29 cases) according to the 28-day outcome. CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were detected by flow cytometry within 24 h after admission, PCT was detected by ELISA, CRP was detected by immunoturbidimetry, blood routine examination, blood lactic acid (Lac) and oxygen partial pressure (PO₂) were detected by instrumental method. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between each indicator and sepsis, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of each indicator for sepsis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of each index for patients with sepsis. Results: Peripheral blood CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and PLT in sepsis group were significantly lower than those in local infection group(Z=-8.184,P<0.001;Z=-7.210,P<0.001;Z=-5.936,P<0.001;Z=-2.700,P=0.007;Z=-6.381,P<0.001); PCT, CRP, NLR and Lac levels were significantly higher than those in local infection group(Z=-8.262,P<0.001;Z=-3.094,P=0.002;Z=-9.004,P<0.001;Z=-4.770,P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that PCT, NLR, CD3⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ were independent risk factors for sepsis. According to ROC curve analysis, AUC of sepsis patients diagnosed by each indicator were 0.862, 0.894, 0.858, 0.760 and 0.618, respectively. The cut-off values were 3.075 ng/ml, 10.715, 44.935×10⁹/L, 27.463×10⁹/L and 0.750, respectively. The NLR sensitivity was 80.6%, and the CD3⁺ specificity was 94.6%. The AUC of combined detection of PCT and NLR was 0.947, sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity was 91.9%. The combined detection AUC of PCT, NLR, CD3⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ was 0.958, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.3% and 91.0% respectively(P<0.001). PCT and Lac in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group(Z=-2.302,P=0.021;Z=-3.095,P=0.002);Peripheral blood CD4⁺/CD8⁺ levels were significantly lower than those in survival group(Z=-3.691,P<0.001),Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was an independent risk factor for 28 d mortality in patients with sepsis (P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the AUC was 0.758, and the Youden index reached the maximum when the cut-off value was 1.27, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.3% and 60.5%, respectively. Compared with patients with CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ≥1.27, 28-day mortality was significantly increased in patients with CD4⁺/CD8⁺<1.27 (P=0.032). Conclusion: The combined detection of PCT, NLR, CD3⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ can improve the auxiliary diagnostic efficiency of sepsis, and the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in peripheral blood may have certain predictive value for the prognosis of sepsis.

[Study on the hospitalization cost and its influencing factors of imported malaria patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the hospitalization cost and its influencing factors of imported malaria patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into the evaluation of the economic burden due to imported malaria, and the guiding of malaria control and the rational allocation of medical resources.

METHODS

The data pertaining to the hospitalization costs of imported malaria patients admitted to Shanglin County People's Hospital in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the period from January 1 through December 31, 2019, and Tengchong Municipal People's Hospital in Yunnan Province from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019, were collected, and the epidemiological data of these imported malaria patients were extracted from the Information Management System for Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention, China. The composition of the hospitalization expenses was analyzed using a descriptive method. In addition, the factors affecting the hospitalization expenses of imported malaria patients were identified using a univariate analysis and a recursive system model.

RESULTS

A total of 206 imported malaria patients were included in this study, including 194 men (94.17%) and 12 women (5.83%). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.00 days per patient and the median hospitalization expenses were 2 813.07 Yuan per time, in which the expenses for laboratory examinations were the highest (45.31%, 1 274.62/2 813.07). Univariate analysis showed that hospital (z = 5.43, P < 0.01), type of malaria (χ² = 34.86, P < 0.01) and type of payment (χ² = 7.72, P < 0.05) were factors affecting the hospitalization expenses of imported malaria patients. Recursion system modeling revealed that the total effects on hospitalization expenses of imported malaria patients included length of hospital stay (0.78), selection of hospital (0.34), basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents (0.19), new rural cooperative medical care (0.17), Plasmodium falciparum malaria (0.15), gender (0.11) and P. vivax malaria (0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

The hospitalization expenses of imported malaria patients are affected by multiple factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province, in which the length of hospital stay is the most predominant influencing factor. A reduction in the length of hospital stay is effective to decrease the hospitalization expenses of imported malaria patients.

[The value of muscle biopsy in rhabdomyolysis]

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic value of skeletal muscle biopsy in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 26 patients with rhabdomyolysis from January 2002 to December 2018 undergoing muscle biopsy were collected. Results: Eighteen males and 8 females were finally recruited with median age of 6-73 (37.3±19.6) years. The average time from onset to biopsy was 44 days (median course was 30 days). All patients had acute manifestations with muscle pain and/or weakness. Serum creatine kinase was between 1 648-92 660 U/L. Muscle biopsies showed nonspecific changes in 12 cases (a few with type 2 muscle fiber atrophy, slight deposition of lipid droplets), 10 cases with necrotizing myopathy (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration). Toxic neurogenic damages were seen in 2 cases (type 1 and type 2 angular atrophic muscle fibers with group change), lipid storage disease in 1 case (lipid droplets deposit significantly) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in 1 case (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, with lymphocyte infiltration). The etiology of non-specific pathological changes included short-term strenuous exercise in 6 patients, poisoning in two, chronic kidney disease in one, viral infection in one, hypothyroidism in one and unknown reason in one. As to patients with necrotizing myopathy, seven were poisoning or drug-related, one with hyperthyroidism, two with unknown reason. Conclusions: Among the numerous causes of rhabdomyolysis, exercise usually links nonspecific skeletal muscle changes and poisoning or drug-related disorders are commonly associated with necrotic myopathy. Rhabdomyolysis induced by primary myopathy is rare.

Vertical fast electron bremsstrahlung diagnostic on J-TEXT tokamak

Fast electron bremsstrahlung (FEB) emission during Ohmic discharge experiments on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) has been measured by a recently developed vertical multi-channel FEB diagnostic based on CdZnTe detectors. There are 5 sight lines to observe the vertical emission of fast electrons at the high-field side with a spatial resolution of 5 cm. The FEB emission in the energy range of 30-300 keV can be measured. The generation of fast electrons accelerated by loop voltage has been confirmed during the early phase of discharge by analyzing the signals of FEB emission. The runaway electron beam instabilities have been observed with the FEB diagnostic on J-TEXT.

[Effect of Liangge powder on expression of inflammatory mediators and hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of Liangge powder on the expression of inflammatory mediators and hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis via a preliminary analysis. Methods: A total of 195 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group (15 rats) , model group (90 rats) , and treatment group (90 rats) using a random number table, and according to the time point after modeling, the model group and the treatment group were further divided into 24, 48, and 72 hour subgroups, with 30 rats in each subgroup. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to establish a rat model of sepsis, and solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) , interleukin-1 (IL-1) , interleukin-4 (IL-4) , and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , blood urea nitrogen (BUN) , and creatinine (Cr) . Results: Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of IL-1, IL-4, IL-10, LPS, BUN, Cr, AST, and ALT at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significant reduction in the serum level of IL-1 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP, a significant increase in the serum level of IL-4 at 24 and 48 hours after CLP, and a significant increase in the serum level of IL-10 and a significant reduction in the serum level of LPS at 24 and 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significant reduction in ALT at 24 hours after CLP, significant reductions in BUN and Cr at 48 hours after CLP, and a significant reduction in AST at 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In the early stage of sepsis, imbalance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation and immunosuppression may cause hepatic and renal impairment in rats with sepsis. The traditional Chinese medicine Liangge powder can regulate inflammatory response, restore the balance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation, and improve hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis.

Double-layer-gate architecture for few-hole GaAs quantum dots

We report the fabrication of single and double hole quantum dots using a double-layer-gate design on an undoped accumulation mode [Formula: see text]/GaAs heterostructure. Electrical transport measurements of a single quantum dot show varying addition energies and clear excited states. In addition, the two-level-gate architecture can also be configured into a double quantum dot with tunable inter-dot coupling.

Effect of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 on tryptase release from human mast cells

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 on the secretion of tryptase from the human mast cell line HMC-1. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression levels of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) on the surface of HMC-1 cells. HMC-1 cells were treated with Der p 1, SLIGRL-NH2 (PAR2 agonist), LRGILS-NH2 (control peptide for PAR2), or Der p 1 + FSLLRY (PAR2 antagonist), and the tryptase levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The biological functions of PAR2 were determined using the calcium green indicator, and intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity in the different groups (Der p 1, SLIGRL-NH2, LRGILS- NH2, Der p 1 + FSLLRY, tryptase, tryptase + FSLLRY, or cell culture medium) was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The mast cells expressed PAR2 receptor on their surfaces. Der p 1 alone induced a significant release of intracellular calcium and tryptase in HMC-1 cells compared with the SLIGRL- NH2 treatment group and the control group. The combination of Der p 1 and FSLLRY partly inhibited intracellular calcium and tryptase release in HMC-1 cells compared with the Der p 1 treatment group. Moreover, tryptase induced a significant release of intracellular calcium in the HMC-1 cells. Der p 1 induced HMC-1 cell degranulation and the release of tryptase by activating the PAR2 receptor on the cell surfaces. Tryptase activated the PAR2 receptor and induced intracellular calcium release from the HMC-1 cells in a positive feedback loop.

[Effects of forsythia suspense on the liver gene expression levels of rats with sepsis model]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of forsythia extract on the liver gene expression levels of rats with sepsis model.

METHODS

The 90 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (n=30) , sepsis model group (n=30) and forsythia group (n=30). The survival rates at 48 h and 72 h were observed for all groups. The sepsis model and forsythia group rats were prepared by "CLP" method. 72 h later the rats were sacrificed by removed the vertebra. Under sterile conditions,cut the size of about 10 mm×10 mm×3 mm rat liver tissue and placed in liquid nitrogen for use. The same with the sham operation group. The gene expression levels of livers in all groups were detected by the Applications Rat Genome 230 2.0 microarray,and the relative strength of both the fluorescence signal ratio>2 or <-2 screening significantly different genes, by the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database query gene function and classify.

RESULTS

Forsythia group 48 h, 72 h rat mortality rates were 30% and 50%, the sepsis model group 48 h, 72 h rat mortality rates were 46.7% and 70%, two groups 48 h, 72 h mortality rates were compared, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). 72 hours after CLP, the genes with up-regulation in sepsis model group/sham operation group and with down-regulation in Forsythia group/sepsis model group were 14. The genes with down-regulation in sepsis model group/sham operation group and with up-regulation in Forsythia group/sepsis model group were 11. The genes involves immune-related genes 8, metabolism genes 5, material transport two related genes, cell adhesion two related genes, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis related genes 4, transcriptional regulation genes 2and other related gene.

CONCLUSION

Forsythia can reduce the 48, 72 h mortality of rats with sepsis and can regulate abnormal sepsis liver genes which associated with tissue immunity, inflammation, metabolism occur regression expression.

[Evolution of the Origin of Herba Schizonepetae]

Herba Schizonepetae was firstly recorded in the Sheng nong ben caojing (Shennong's Materia Medica) with the title Jiasu. It could be sure that the original plant of Jiasu is Ocimumbasilicum L. ofLabiatae based on the record of Jiasu's name, morphology, edible property before the Song Dynasty. Beginning from the Ben cao tu jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) in the Song Dynasty, the source of this drug evolved as SchizonepetatenuisfoliaBriq. ofLabiatae, and it has been in use until now. Hence, the sources of Jiasu should be both O. basilicum L. and the co-existence of S. tenuisfolia Briq in the Qing Dynasty. It is claimed that the hometowns of those herb writers who considered the source ofOcimumbasilicum L. to be the producing areas of cultivation of the edible Ocimumbasilicum L. It was found that the source of Jiasu recorded in the Sheng nong ben cao jing should be O. basilicum L. , hence, it is suggested the title Jiasu should be recorded for the source of O. basilicum L, and the original plant of Herba Schizonepetae was Schizonepetatenuisfolia Briq. of Labiatae, and this medicine should be separately recorded. In fact, Jiasu and Herba Schizonepetae were two different kinds of medicines.

Microsatellite markers reveal genetic divergence among wild and cultured populations of Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus

Studies of genetic diversity and genetic population structure are critical for the conservation and management of endangered species. The Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus is a vulnerable monotypic species in China, which is at a risk of decline owing to fluctuations in effective population size and other demographic and environmental factors. We screened 11 microsatellite loci in 214 individuals to assess genetic differentiation in both wild and cultured populations. The single extant wild population had a higher number of alleles (13) than the cultured populations (average 7.3). High levels of genetic diversity, expressed as observed and expected heterozygosity (HO = 0.771, HE = 0.748, respectively), were found in both wild and cultured populations. We also report significant differentiation among wild and cultured populations (global FST = 0.023, P < 0.001). Both STRUCTURE analysis and neighbor-joining tree revealed three moderately divergent primary genetic clusters: the wild Yangtze population and the Sichuan population were each identified as an individual cluster, with the remaining populations clustered together. Twenty-two samples collected from the Yangtze River were assigned to the cultured population, demonstrating the efficacy of artificial propagation to avoid drastic reduction in the population size of M. asiaticus. These genetic data support the endangered status of the M. asiaticus and have implications for conservation management planning.

Role of the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway in human chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer

The expression of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and its products STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and gastric cancer (GC) may provide insight into the diagnostic role of the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway in GC. Gastric mucosa specimens and serum samples were collected from 90 patients with CSG, CAG, and GC (30/group). The expression of IL-11, STAT3, and p-STAT3 was detected via immunohistochemistry and western blot. Additionally, serum levels of IL-11 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For IL-11, 60% stained positive in CAG and 83.3% stained positive in GC, which were both higher than the value observed for CSG (33.3%). Moreover, the percent positive for IL-11 in GC was higher than that in CAG (P < 0.05). The percent positive for STAT3 in CAG (80%) and GC (83.3%) was higher than that in CSG (53.3%) (P < 0.05). Compared with CSG (36.7%), the percent positive for p-STAT3 in CAG (63.3%) and GC (86.7%) was also significantly higher. STAT3 expression was similar in GC and CAG, which was significantly higher than that in CSG. Expectedly, p-STAT3 expression gradually increased from CSG to CAG to GC. Furthermore, p-STAT3 levels were higher in GC tissues than in CAG (P < 0.01). Intriguingly, serum IL-11 levels gradually increased from CSG to CAG to GC, which coincided with disease severity. Together, these results suggest that the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in human CAG, and may provide new targets to prevent and treat GC.

Transcriptome analysis of adiposity in domestic ducks by transcriptomic comparison with their wild counterparts

Excessive adiposity is a major problem in the duck industry, but its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Genetic comparisons between domestic and wild animals have contributed to the exploration of genetic mechanisms responsible for many phenotypic traits. Significant differences in body fat mass have been detected between domestic and wild ducks. In this study, we used the Peking duck and Anas platyrhynchos as the domestic breed and wild counterpart respectively and performed a transcriptomic comparison of abdominal fat between the two breeds to comprehensively analyze the transcriptome basis of adiposity in ducks. We obtained approximately 350 million clean reads; assembled 61 250 transcripts, including 23 699 novel ones; and identified alternative 5' splice sites, alternative 3' splice sites, skipped exons and retained intron as the main alternative splicing events. A differential expression analysis between the two breeds showed that 753 genes exhibited differential expression. In Peking ducks, some lipid metabolism-related genes (IGF2, FABP5, BMP7, etc.) and oncogenes (RRM2, AURKA, CYR61, etc.) were upregulated, whereas genes related to tumor suppression and immunity (TNFRSF19, TNFAIP6, IGSF21, NCF1, etc.) were downregulated, suggesting adiposity might closely associate with tumorigenesis in ducks. Furthermore, 280 576 single-nucleotide variations were found differentiated between the two breeds, including 8641 non-synonymous ones, and some of the non-synonymous ones were found enriched in genes involved in lipid-associated and immune-associated pathways, suggesting abdominal fat of the duck undertakes both a metabolic function and immune-related function. These datasets enlarge our genetic information of ducks and provide valuable resources for analyzing mechanisms underlying adiposity in ducks.

Effect of superposition and masking between red blood cell autoantibodies and alloantibodies

This study aimed to explore the law of superposition and masking between autoantibodies and alloantibodies, and to ensure the detection of alloantibodies and to improve the safety of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia patients. Eight kinds of commercial IgG red blood cell antibody reagents were serially diluted, and 3 kinds of antibodies at dilutions showing a continuous gradual decline in agglutination strength with the corresponding antigen red blood cells were treated as the target antibodies. Anti-D and anti-M were treated as simulated autoantibodies, and anti-Fya was treated as a simulated alloantibody. Four concentrations, 4+, 3+, 2+ and 1+, of autoantibodies and three concentrations, 3+, 2+ and 1+, of alloantibodies were combined, and 12 kinds of hybrid antibodies were detected and evaluated by the anti-human globulin micro-column gel assay. When the simulated strong autoantibody (4+) was used, the alloantibodies (3+, 2+, 1+) had no effect on the final agglutination strength; when the strength of agglutination produced by the simulated autoantibody was less than 4+, and at the same time there were alloantibodies (3+, 2+, 1+), the differences in agglutination strength with a panel of RBCs could be clearly observed. Strong autoantibodies (4+) can exert a masking effect, leading to alloantibodies being undetected; autoantibodies less than 4+, will produce the superimposed effect with alloantibodies, resulting in differences in agglutination strength.

Hepatic DNA methylation modifications in early development of rats resulting from perinatal BPA exposure contribute to insulin resistance in adulthood

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a widely distributed environmental endocrine disruptor, is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes in offspring. The underlying molecular mechanisms could involve epigenetics, as adverse effects induced by environmental exposure in early life are suggested through DNA methylation. In this study we sought to elucidate the relationship between perinatal BPA exposure and alteration of hepatic DNA methylation.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats were administered BPA (50 μg/kg/day) or corn oil by oral gavage throughout gestation and lactation. Variables associated with insulin resistance and hepatic DNA methylation were examined at postnatal week 3 and week 21 in male offspring.

RESULTS

In BPA-treated offspring, serum insulin and HOMA-insulin resistance were increased, and the insulin sensitivity index and hepatic glycogen storage were decreased compared with controls at week 21. At week 3, none of these variables were significantly changed. However, hepatic global DNA methylation was decreased, accompanied by overexpression of DNA methyltransferase 3B mRNA at week 3. Meanwhile, perinatal exposure to BPA induced promoter hypermethylation and a reduction in gene expression of hepatic glucokinase. Moreover, increased promoter hypermethylation of Gck became more pronounced in BPA-treated offspring at week 21.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Abnormal DNA methylation in hepatic tissue precedes development of insulin resistance induced by perinatal BPA exposure. These findings support the potential role of epigenetics in fetal reprogramming by BPA-induced metabolic disorders.

Construction and analysis of a subtractive cDNA library of early embryonic development in duck

Several studies have documented the process of early embryonic development in poultry; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its developmental regulation are poorly understood, particularly in ducks. In this study, we analyzed differential gene expression of embryos 6 and 25 h following oviposition to determine which genes regulate the early developmental stage in ducks. Among 216 randomly selected clones, 39 protein-encoding cDNAs that function in metabolism, transcription, transportation, proliferation/apoptosis, cell cycle, cell adhesion, and methylation were identified. Additionally, the full-length cDNA of the Nanog gene, encoding a 302-amino acid protein, was obtained. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed to detect expression levels of the selected genes during early and late embryonic stages, which revealed that these genes are expressed in a particular spatial and temporal pattern. These results indicate that these genes may play pivotal roles in the process of area pellucida formation through a complex and precise regulatory network during development in duck embryos.

Effects of perilla extract on productive performance, serum values and hepatic expression of lipid-related genes in Shaoxing ducks

1. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of perilla extract, a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, on lipid metabolism and expression of lipid-related genes in livers of Shaoxing ducks. 2. Two hundred and forty 28-week-old laying ducks received a commercial diet with perilla extract added at 0 (control) or 200 mg/kg of feed. 3. Ducks fed on a diet with perilla extract had increased laying rates compared with control ducks. 4. Serum concentrations of triglycerides were reduced by perilla extract, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total serum cholesterol increased. 5. The expression of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, acetyl CoA carboxylase, stearoyl CoA desaturase, fatty acid synthase, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein very low density lipoprotein, were decreased in the perilla group. 6. The mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase was enhanced following treatment with perilla extract, and a similar tendency was observed in the expression of liver fatty acid-binding protein. 7. The results show that a diet with 200 mg/kg perilla extract regulated fat metabolism of Shaoxing ducks by improving egg laying, altering serum lipid profiles, stimulating lipid catabolic gene expression and inhibiting lipogenic gene expression in the liver.

A new seed-train expansion method for recombinant mammalian cell lines

A new approach has been developed and used to minimize the timeand more carefully monitor and control the seed-train expansionprocess of recombinant mammalian cell lines. The process uses 50or 100 ml cryo-bags that contain frozen cells at high cell densities of 20 x 10(6) ml(-1) (100 ml bags) or 40 x 10(6) cells ml(-1) (50 ml bags). The frozen bag cell suspension is thawed and transferred directly into a bioreactorthat has been modified such that pH, DO and temperature can becontrolled at the initial volume of two liters (the working volume eventually increases to 12 l). The successful use of thesecryo-bags and the modified ;inoculation' bioreactor to initiate anew seed train expansion of rBHK or rCHO cells is described herein. The interval between cell thawing and the accumulation ofsufficient cell mass to inoculate a production reactor is reducedby at least 25 to 30 days compared to the conventional method that begins with the thaw of 1-2 ml cryo-vials. This ;one-step'technology leads to a much more consistent scale-up by reducingmanual operations and avoiding subjective decisions during the scale-up phase. The cell metabolic rates and product integritywere similar to the control experiments. Furthermore, it was found that it is not necessary to include a wash step to removeDMSO prior to the inoculation.

Effects of linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid on cell proliferation and lipid-metabolism gene expression in primary duck hepatocytes

Several studies have investigated that linoleic acid (LA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affect cell proliferation and lipid catabolic gene expression in mammals. To determine if LA and EPA increase duck cell proliferation and lipid catabolic gene expression, the authors exposed duck primary hepatocyte cultures to LA or EPA. The results showed that both LA and EPA increased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (100 μM). The effect on specific cell-cycle phases was also studied; LA and EPA (100 μM) deceased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase from 83 to 80.8 and 80.3%, respectively, concomitant with an increase in the proportion of S-phase cells (11.5 and 10.5 vs. 8%, respectively). The expression of PPAR-α and PPAR-α target genes, such as acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the expression of the PPAR-α, ACOX, and LPL genes increased significantly following LA and EPA exposure, but that the expression of L-FABP remained unchanged. This study provides the first characterization of LA- and EPA-induced cell proliferation and PPAR-α and PPAR-α target gene transcriptional responses in duck primary hepatocyte cultures.

Enhanced electroluminescence from SiN-based multilayer structure by laser crystallization of ultrathin amorphous Si-rich SiN layers

Luminescent SiN-based multilayers were prepared in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system followed by subsequently laser crystallization of ultrathin amorphous Si-rich SiN sublayers. The cross-sectional TEM analysis reveals that grain size of Si nanocrystals embedded in the Si-rich SiN sublayers is independent of the laser fluence, while the grain density can be well controlled by the laser fluence. The devices containing the laser crystallized multilayers show a low turn-on voltage of 5 V and exhibit strong green light emission under both optical and electrical excitations. Moreover, the device after laser-irradiated at 554 mJ/cm(2) shows a significantly enhanced EL intensity as well as external quantum efficiency compared with the device without laser irradiation. The EL mechanism is suggested from the bipolar recombination of electron-hole pairs at Si nanocrystals. The improved performance of the devices was discussed.

Adsorption and function of recombinant Factor VIII at the air-water interface in the presence of Tween 80

The air-water surface tension kinetic and steady state behavior exhibited by a recombinant Factor VIII were recorded in the presence of the surfactant Tween 80. The rate of surface tension decrease was determined to be greater for rFVIII-Tween mixtures than for Tween acting alone, at all Tween concentrations studied (8-108 ppm). In addition, steady state interfacial behavior was determined to be governed entirely by surfactant adsorption in mixtures with Tween concentrations greater than or equal to about 18 ppm. The formation of aggregates, tertiary structure change, and biological activity of rFVIII in agitated as well as unagitated samples were monitored using turbidity measurements, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, and the activated partial thromboplastin time, respectively. The results are consistent with two mechanisms characterizing the surfactant-mediated stabilization of rFVIII: the rapid, preferential adsorption of Tween molecules relative to rFVIII molecules at the air-water interface, and Tween association with rFVIII in solution to provide a steric barrier to aggregation. While both mechanisms are relevant in the presence of an interface, evidence recorded here suggests that the preferential adsorption of Tween at the interface is the major stabilization mechanism while the effectiveness of Tween association with rFVIII is compromised in agitated samples.

Dual effects of Tween 80 on protein stability

In this paper, we used IL-2 mutein as a model protein and evaluated the effect of Tween 80, a non-ionic surfactant. In summary, we found that the dual effects of Tween 80 on the stability of IL-2SA, such as that shaking-induced aggregation of IL-2 mutein was significantly inhibited in the presence of Tween 80. However, this surfactant adversely affected the stability of IL-2 mutein in solution during storage in terms of both oxidation and aggregation. These adverse effects are strongly temperature and formulation-dependent. Data particularly showed that IL-2 mutein in solution forms soluble aggregates to a different degree in different formulations during storage at 40 degrees C for 2 months. Aggregation was barely detectable during storage at 5 degrees C for 22 months. Addition of 0.1% Tween 80 significantly increased the rate of IL-2 mutein aggregation during storage. The IL-2 mutein aggregates are linked by both disulfide and non-disulfide bonds and their relative contribution is temperature-dependent. IL-2 mutein can be oxidized also to a different degree in different formulations during storage and the oxidation rate is strongly temperature-dependent with an activation energy between 21 and 25 kcal/mol. Addition of 0.1% Tween 80 not only increased the rate of oxidation in general but also altered the temperature-dependency of IL-2 mutein oxidation.

Characterization of diatomaceous silica by Raman spectroscopy

The network characteristic of a selection of diatomaceous silica derived from China has been investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Before any thermal treatment of the sample, two prominent bands of 607 and circa 493 cm(-1) are resolved in the Raman spectra of diatomaceous silica, corresponding to the (SiO)3-ring breathing mode of D2-line and the O3SiOH tetrahedral vibration mode of D1-line, respectively. This is more similar to the pyrogenic silica rather than the silica gel. For the latter, to obtain a (SiO)3-ring, the sample must be heated between 250 and 450 degrees C. Significant difference is also found between the diatomaceous silica and other natural silicas, e.g. in the Raman spectra of sedimentary and volcanic opals, neither D1 nor D2 band is detected in previous reports.

Investigation of freeze–drying sublimation rates using a freeze–drying microbalance technique

This study was to investigate the effects of different freeze-drying factors on the rate of sublimation. The experiments were carried out in a custom-built freeze-drying microbalance to accurately monitor the sample temperature and control the chamber pressure. Twenty-four experiments were conducted based on a full factorial design by changing four factors: freezing rate (fast freezing or slow freezing), chamber temperature (35, 0, or -35 degrees C), chamber pressure (30 or 1000 mTorr), and the presence or absence of an annealing process. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a tetrameric protein, was selected as a model protein for this study. The statistical analysis of the experimental results revealed that chamber temperature, analogous to the shelf temperature, in this experiment system, had the greatest impact on the sublimation rate. High chamber temperature resulted in high sublimation rate, regardless of the chamber pressure and thermal history of the sample. Chamber pressure was an important factor affecting the sublimation rate. In addition, both chamber temperature and chamber pressure had significant impact on sample temperature during freeze-drying. Annealing the samples was the most critical step to preserve good freeze-dried cake structure.

Effect of Collapse on the Stability of Freeze-Dried Recombinant Factor VIII and α-amylase

Recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII) and alpha-amylase were used as model proteins to examine the effect of freeze-drying process conditions on the long-term stability of these proteins as freeze-dried solids. The same sucrose/glycine formulation was used for all treatments. Three freeze-drying protocols were used-an "aggressive" and a "conservative" cycle that both produced pharmaceutically acceptable product, and a protocol that produced a collapsed matrix. For rFVIII, there was no difference in the biological activity versus the time profile for product freeze-dried under the three different conditions when stored at 5 or 25 degrees C. At 40 degrees C, however, the stability of the collapsed product appeared to be better than that of product freeze-dried with no collapse. Also, the level of residual moisture in the collapsed product was higher than that of the product with no collapse. For alpha-amylase, there was no significant difference in the stability profile at any of the temperatures over the time course of the study. The results support the conclusion that collapse is not necessarily detrimental to the long-term stability of freeze-dried proteins.

Sex chromosomes in the spiny eel (Mastacembelus aculeatus) revealed by mitotic and meiotic analysis

Lower vertebrates like fish exhibit tremendous diversity in sex determination. There are wide interplays between environment-dependent sex differentiation ranging from natural hermaphroditism to sex reversal and genetic sex determination. Diverse systems of male and female heterogamety coexist in fish and sex chromosomes are rarely distinguishable in morphology. Here we show that the spiny eel ((Mastacembelus aculeatus) of the Perciformes, has evolved highly heteromorphic X and Y chromosomes. The metacentric X and Y chromosomes are the largest among 24 homologous pairs, differ from each other in size and morphology, and become distinct after C-banding because of conspicuous heterochromatin blocks which exhibit alternate distribution around the centromeric region. Chromosome painting using probes from the microdissected X chromosome revealed sequence homology between X and Y. During the pachytene stage of meiosis the X and Y form a bivalent. However, their synapsis is delayed which is particularly evident in one terminus. Therefore, the X and Y have resulted from a pericentric inversion in the Y. We conclude that M. aculeatus represents an example of a highly advanced stage of sex chromosome evolution in fish.

Genetic factors at the enterocyte level account for variations in intestinal cholesterol absorption efficiency among inbred strains of mice

Interindividual and interstrain variations in cholesterol absorption efficiency occur in humans and animals. We investigated physiological biliary and small intestinal factors that might determine variations in cholesterol absorption efficiency among inbred mouse strains. We found that there were significant differences in cholesterol absorption efficiency measured by plasma, fecal, and lymphatic methods: <25% in AKR/J, C3H/J, and A/J strains; 25-30% in SJL/J, DBA/2J, BALB/cJ, SWR/J, and SM/J strains; and 31-40% in C57L/J, C57BL/6J, FVB/J, and 129/SvJ strains. In (AKRxC57L)F1 mice, the cholesterol absorption efficiency (31 +/- 6%) mimicked that of the C57L parent (37 +/- 5%) and was significantly higher than in AKR mice (24 +/- 4%). Although biliary bile salt compositions and small intestinal transit times were similar, C57L mice displayed significantly greater bile salt secretion rates and pool sizes than AKR mice. In examining lymphatic cholesterol transport in the setting of a chronic biliary fistula, C57L mice displayed significantly higher cholesterol absorption rates compared with AKR mice. Because biliary and intestinal transit factors were accounted for, we conclude that genetic variations at the enterocyte level determine differences in murine cholesterol absorption efficiency, with high cholesterol absorption likely to be a dominant trait. This study provides baseline information for identifying candidate genes that regulate intestinal cholesterol absorption at the cellular level.

Phenotypic characterization of Lith genes that determine susceptibility to cholesterol cholelithiasis in inbred mice: soluble pronucleating proteins in gallbladder and hepatic biles

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Gallstone susceptibility is high in C57L inbred mice (males > females) and low in AKR mice, related to variant lithogenic (Lith) genes. We examined the relationship between biliary crystallization-promoting proteins and gallstone susceptibility.

METHODS

Biliary protein and lipid concentrations were determined at 0, 7,14, 21, 28 and 56 days on a lithogenic diet.

RESULTS

Protein and soluble mucin concentrations in gallbladder biles increased markedly in males, but remained low in females of both strains and correlated with the cholesterol saturation index (CSI). In all groups, IgA and IgM concentrations decreased initially, but increased at later stages. There were no consistent changes in IgG concentrations, but aminopeptidase-N levels were higher in AKR than in C57L. During the lithogenic diet period, the CSI was > or = 2 in C57L males, approximately 1.5 in AKR males, and 1 in females of both strains. Taurodeoxycholate and taurochenodeoxycholate rose sharply in C57L, but remained low in AKR.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrophobic bile salts, cholesterol supersaturation, and possibly, high mucin concentrations are associated with gallstone formation. In vitro crystallization-promoting immunoglobulins and aminopeptidase-N do not appear to be major factors in murine gallstone pathogenesis, in line with the observation that genes encoding these proteins do not co-localize with any known Lith locus.

[Protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage using total flavonoids of Astragalus]

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanism of the protection by total flavonoids of Astragalus protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.

METHOD

Analysing paracetamol and its metabolites in mice urine by HPLC and studying the mechanism of anti-damage induced by paracetamol using experiment module of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

RESULT

Administration of large doses of paracetamol to C57BL/6J mice produced significant hepatic injury with marked elevation in serum ALT activity and severe hepatocellular necrosis. TFA showed a good protective capability against paracetamol-induced hepatic injury. TFA had no marked effect on paracetamol and its metabolites except for the mercapturate-conjugate. The concentration of mercapturate change decreased with increasing TFA dose. TFA had no effect on the pentobarbital metabolites (P > 0.05). However, paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) prolonged the sleeping time (by 110 min relative to the controls, P < 0.001). The TFA (P < 0.005) caused significant reduction in paracetamol-prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of TFA's protective effect against the paracetamol-induced damage may be related to the inhibition of some metabolism progress of paracetamol and the reduction of the toxicity metabolite such as mercapturate-conjugate.

[Studies on protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus on liver damage induced by paracetamol]

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) on the liver against large doses of paracetamol in mice.

METHOD

After oral administration of TFA or Vitamin C 1 h prior to giving large dose of paracetamol in mice, the changes of paracetamol-induced mortality rate, serum enzyme level and liver damage degree were observed.

RESULT

Paracetamol produced 80% mortality, within 24 hours of the administration of a dose of 1000 mg.kg-1 to the mice. Pre-treatment of the animals with TFA (100 mg.kg-1) or Vitamin C (1,000 mg.kg-1) reduced the death rate to 20% and 0% respectively. There was also a significant rise in the serum enzyme level of alanine transaminase (P < 0.001) and the area of liver necrosis (P < 0.001), 24 h after paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) treatment. With pre-treatment with either TFA or Vitamin C, there was an obvious dose-dependent decrease in ALT levels and the area of hepatocellular necrosis.

CONCLUSION

TFA has potential protecting effect against the paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.

Characterization of murine monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-MAb) formulation for freeze-drying cycle development

PURPOSE

This study was designed to characterize the formulation of protein pharmaceuticals for freeze-drying cycle development. Thermal properties of a protein formulation in a freezing temperature range are important in the development of freezing and primary drying phases. Moisture sorption properties and the relationship between moisture and stability are the bases for the design of the secondary drying phase.

METHODS

We have characterized the formulation of TNF-MAb for the purpose of freeze-drying cycle development. The methods include: DTA with ER probes, freeze-drying microscopy, isothermal water adsorption, and moisture optimization.

RESULTS

The DTA/ER work demonstrated the tendency to "noneutectic" freezing for the TNF-MAb formulation at cooling rates of -1 to -3 degrees C/min. The probability of glycine crystallization during freezing was quite low. A special treatment, either a high subzero temperature holding or annealing could promote the maximum crystallization of glycine, which could dramatically increase the Tg' of the remaining solution. The freeze-drying microscopy further indicated that, after the product was annealed, the cake structure was fully maintained at a Tp below -25 degrees C during primary drying. The moisture optimization study demonstrated that a drier TNF-MAb product had better stability.

CONCLUSIONS

An annealing treatment should be implemented in the freezing phase in order for TNF-MAb to be dried at a higher product temperature during primary drying. A secondary drying phase at an elevated temperature was necessary in order to achieve optimum moisture content in the final product.

Quantitative trait loci mapping for cholesterol gallstones in AKR/J and C57L/J strains of mice

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was used to locate genes that determine the difference in cholesterol gallstone disease between the gallstone-susceptible strain C57L/J and the gallstone-resistant strain AKR/J. Gallstone weight was determined in 231 male (AKR x C57L) F(1) x AKR backcross mice fed a lithogenic diet containing 1% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid, and 15% butterfat for 8 wk. Mice having no stones and mice having the largest stones were genotyped at approximately 20-cM intervals to find the loci determining cholesterol gallstone formation. The major locus, Lith1, mapped near D2Mit56 and was confirmed by constructing a congenic strain, AK. L-Lith1(s). Another locus, Lith2, mapped near D19Mit58 and was also confirmed by constructing a congenic strain AK.L-Lith2(s). Other suggestive, but not statistically significant, loci mapped to chromosomes 6, 7, 8, 10, and X. The identification of these Lith genes will elucidate the pathophysiology of cholesterol gallstone formation.

[Mitochondrial DNA length variation and heteroplasmy in Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis)]

The D-loop of mitochondrial DNA from Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) was amplified using PCR. The length variations among individuals and within individual (heteroplasmy) were detected. DNA sequence analysis revealed that interindivadual and intraindividual length variation occurred within D-loop near tRNA(pro), and caused by tandam repeat with 82 bp in length. Out of 47 individuals, 27(57.4%) individuals were heteroplasmy whereas 20 individual (42.6%) were homoplasmic. The length variation was also found among homoplasmic individuals. In homoplasmic individual four different size classes (number of tandem repeats) e.g. 2, 3, 4 or 5 repeats were noted. The frequencies of size classes from the highest to the lowest were 3-->2-->4-->5. In heteroplasmy two molecular size classes coexisted in an individual was most common (77.78%). The second type of heteroplasmy was three size classes coexisted (18.52%) and the lowest one was four size classes together in an individual (3.70%). No five different size classes coexisted in an individual was found. Through densitometry of DNA bands the frequencies of mtDNA size classes were determined for the sample of individuals, and the frequency distribution of repeats from the highest to the lowest was similar to that in homoplasmy (3-->2-->4-->5-->1). The diversity within each heteroplasmic individual was carried out and genetic diversity at hierarchical level was analyzed. 65.3% of genetic diversities were from among individuals in population and 34.7% of genetic diversities were from within individual. The mtDNA length variation within individual (heteroplasmy) is another genetic diversity resource for Chinese sturgeon.

[Experimental safety study using rats and mice irradiated with the complex field cure instrument]

The complex field cure instrument is a new medical instrument. The complex field is composed of several sorts of physical quantum fields. Mice and rats are continuously irradiated by the complex field for 20 days to 90 days. The result shows that WBC, Hb and PLT value of the animals irradiated with the instrument are more than the control group, and their biochemical index is normal. The internal organs of the experimental animals show no toxicity. The visceval coefficient (liver, spleen) of the experimental animals is more than the control group. The marrow micronucleas test is negative. The chromosome test show no distortion. All of the results have proved that the instrument produces no toxicity side effect. Application of the instrument is safe and reliable and it may increase immune function of the body.

Phenotypic characterization of lith genes that determine susceptibility to cholesterol cholelithiasis in inbred mice. Pathophysiology Of biliary lipid secretion

The inbred C57L strain but not the AKR strain of mice carry Lith genes that determine cholesterol gallstone susceptibility. When C57L mice are fed a lithogenic diet containing 15% fat, 1% cholesterol, and 0.5% cholic acid, gallbladder bile displays rapid cholesterol supersaturation, mucin gel accumulation, increases in hydrophobic bile salts, and rapid phase separation of solid and liquid crystals, all of which contribute to the high cholesterol gallstone prevalence rates (D. Q-H. Wang, B. Paigen, and M. C. Carey. J. Lipid Res. 1997. 38: 1395;-1411). We have now determined the hepatic secretion rates of biliary lipids in fasting male and female C57L and AKR mice and the intercross (C57L x AKR)F(1) before and at frequent intervals during feeding the lithogenic diet for 56 days. Bile flow and biliary lipid secretion rates were measured in the first hour of an acute bile fistula and circulating bile salt pool sizes were determined by the "washout" technique after cholecystectomy. Compared with AKR mice, we found that i) C57L and F(1) mice on chow displayed significantly higher secretion rates of all biliary lipids, and larger bile salt pool sizes, as well as higher bile salt-dependent and bile salt-independent flow rates; ii) the lithogenic diet further increased biliary cholesterol and lecithin outputs, but bile salt outputs remained constant. Biliary coupling of cholesterol to lecithin increased approximately 30%, setting the biophysical conditions necessary for cholesterol phase separation in the gallbladder; and iii) no gender differences in lipid secretion rates were noted but male mice exhibited significantly more hydrophobic bile salt pools than females. We conclude that in gallstone-susceptible mice, Lith genes determine increased outputs of all biliary lipids but promote cholesterol hypersecretion disproportionately to lecithin and bile salt outputs thereby inducing lithogenic bile formation.