[The expanding needs on lipid-lowering treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome by applying newly issued definition of extreme high-risk by Chinese Society of Cardiology]

Objective: To assess the expanding needs on lipid-lowering treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by applying newly issued definition of extreme high-risk, which is proposed by Chinese expert consensus on lipid management of extreme high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients of Chinese Society of Cardiology (CSC). Methods: Data of this study was derived from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China (CCC) project, which was a case-based nationwide registry study and launched as a collaborative initiative by the American Heart Association and the CSC. The project consecutively recruited ACS patients from158 tertiary hospitals and 82 second hospitals across China, and detailed clinical information of patients was collected. This study enrolled ACS inpatients in CCC project from November 2014 to July 2019. The proportion of extreme high-risk patients, their characteristics, mean LDL-C levels at admission, the gap between measured LDL-C level and the new target, and lipid-lowering therapy at discharge were assessed. Results: Among 104 516 ACS inpatients enrolled in this study, 75.1% (78 527/104 516) met the criteria of extreme high-risk and were expected to achieve the new LDL-C goal. Among patients at extreme high-risk, 21.2% (16 651/78 527) had multiple severe ASCVD events and 78.8% (61 876/78 527) had 1 severe ASCVD event and at least two high-risk factors. For the extreme high-risk patients, the mean level of LDL-C at admission was (2.8±1.0) mmol/L, prevalence of LDL-C ≥1.4 mmol/L was 93.4% (73 307/78 527) and the median gap between LDL-C level at admission and the target of 1.4 mmol/L was 1.3 (0.8, 2.0) mmol/L. If LDL-C could be further reduced to 50% of the admission level, we estimated that 55.6% (43 632/78 527) of the extreme high-risk patients would achieve the new LDL-C goal. Among 40 875 patients with information about discharge statin dosage, 93.5% (28 004/29 947) of the extreme high-risk patients were prescribed with statins at discharge, and among them 95.1% (26 632/28 004) received statin monotherapy and 91.1% (25 501/28 004) were at moderate doses of statins. Conclusion: About three fourth of inpatients with ACS were categorized as extreme high-risk based on the new definition of CSC expert consensuses, nine out of ten patients at extreme high-risk didn't achieve the new LDL-C target at admission, and the intensity of lipid-lowering therapy was insufficient in clinical practice. There are substantially expanding needs for implementing more intensive and effective lipid-lowering strategies.

[Association between smoking and the severity of coronary lesions among young and middle-aged female patients with acute coronary syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the association between smoking and the severity of coronary lesions among young and middle-aged female patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Data of this study were derived from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China (CCC)-ACS project, a collaborative study of the Chinese Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Since 2014, the CCC-ACS project consecutively enrolled inpatients with ACS, systematically collected their clinical data and evaluated medical quality of these patients from 158 tertiary hospitals and 82 secondary hospitals across China. This study enrolled female patients less than 60 years old with initial ACS, who received coronary angiography in CCC-ACS project. Patients were divided into two groups according to smoking status. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between smoking and the severity of coronary lesions among young and middle-aged female patients with ACS. Results: A total of 2 863 female patients younger than 60 years old with initial ACS, who received coronary angiography, were enrolled. Among them, 12% (340 cases) was smokers. Proportion of patients younger than 45 years old was higher (13.2% (45/340) vs. 8.5% (215/2 523), P<0.01) and prevalence of hypertension (59.4% (202/340) vs. 66.7% (1 683/2 523), P<0.01) and diabetes (39.4% (134/340) vs. 44.2% (1 116/2 523), P=0.09) was lower in smoker group than in non-smoker group. However, prevalence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (66.8% (227/340) vs. 53.7% (1 354/2 523), P<0.01), coronary multi-vessel lesions (39.1% (133/340) vs. 32.6% (822/2 523), P<0.01) and severe stenosis in either single-vessel (56.2% (109/194) vs. 46.1% (706/1 530), P<0.01) or multi-vessel (63.2% (84/133) vs. 58.2% (478/822), P=0.29) was significantly higher in smoker group than in non-smoker group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for age, hypertension, diabetes, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated triglyceride, renal insufficiency, family history of coronary heart disease and types of ACS, smokers faced a higher risk of coronary multi-vessel lesions, coronary multi-vessel severe lesions and coronary severe lesions with the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of 1.41 (1.11-1.79), 1.40 (1.10-1.78) and 1.78 (1.11-2.87), compared with non-smokers. Conclusions: Smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk of extensive and severe coronary lesions among young and middle-aged female patients with ACS. This study provides crucial evidence for further understanding the harms of smoking and the need to strengthen the tobacco control education and smoking cessation guidance for young and middle-aged women.

The sources and mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in coffee

Coffee bioactive components include caffeine, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), trigonelline, tryptophan alkaloids, diterpenes and other secondary metabolites. During roasting, coffee metabolites undergo complex Maillard reactions, producing melanoidins and other degradation products, the most controversial among which is acrylamide, an ingredient widely found in baked food and listed as a second class carcinogen. Green and roasted coffee ingredients have good biological activities for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and antibacterial, anti-diabetic, neuroprotection, and anti-cancer activities. To better understand the relationship between coffee ingredients and human health, and to effectively use the active ingredients, it is essential to understand the sources of coffee active ingredients and their mechanisms of action in the organism. This paper systematizes the available information and provides a critical overview of the sources of coffee active ingredients and the mechanisms of action in vivo or in vitro, and their combined effects on common human diseases.

[Transplantation of compound tissue flap of toe to reconstruct the thumb with necrosis caused by electric burns in four patients]

From January 2010 to December 2017, 4 patients of thumb with necrosis caused by electric burns (all male, aged from 31 to 58 years) were admitted to our hospital, with 1 patient of second degree injury of right thumb, 2 patients of third degree injury of right thumb, and 1 patient of third degree injury of left thumb. Routine debridement under general anesthesia was performed within 7 days after injury. The compound tissue flap of contralateral second toe was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with third degree defect, and compound tissue flap of ipsilateral distal hallex was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with second degree defect. Dorsalis pedics artery was anastomosed with radial artery, saphenous vein or dorsalis pedics vein was anastomosed with cephalic vein. The donor site was transplanted with split-thickness skin graft from autologous thigh. All the tissue flaps and skin grafts survived in 2 weeks after surgery. Within 1 year of follow-up, the reconstructed thumbs can achieve radial abduction and palmar abduction with good function. Reconstruction of thumb with free transplantation of compound tissue flap of toe is a good method to repair thumb with necrosis caused by electric burn.

Development of Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at Constant Temperatures

Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a forensically important species mainly found in Asia and is one of the first species to colonize a corpse in early spring and late autumn when the ambient temperature is slightly lower. In this study, A. grahami was collected from the Yangtze River Delta region and reared at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34°C to investigate the indices of development duration, accumulated degree hours, and larval body length. Using these results, we generated an isomorphen diagram, thermal summation model, and isomegalen diagram for A. grahami. Equations of the variation in larval body length with time after hatching and variation in time after hatching with body length were also obtained. A. grahami can complete its life cycle in 16-28°C, while its development was incomplete at 31 and 34°C, where puparia failed to transform into adults and eggs failed to hatch, respectively. The mean (±SD) developmental durations of A. grahami from egg to adult at 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28°C were 685.5 ± 18.8, 540.3 ± 15.9, 454.3 ± 19.4, 388.8 ± 19.0, and 335.5 ± 8.7 h, respectively. The mean (±SE) developmental threshold temperature D0 and the thermal summation constant K were determined as 4.33 ± 0.21°C and 7,985.9 ± 104.5 degree hours, respectively. The results of this study provide fundamental development data for the use of A. grahami in minimum postmortem interval estimations.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis effects of tectorigenin

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and dynamic disease of the joints, including the articular cartilage, underlying bones and synovium. In particular, OA is considered as the degeneration of the cartilage. Tectorigenin (Tec) is known to affect many biological processes; however, its effects on articular chondrocytes remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of Tec on articular cartilage. In vitro, Tec inhibited the expression levels of type X collagen, cyclooxigenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, but enhanced the expression of Runx1, type II collagen and aggrecan in the presence of IL-1β. Meanwhile, Tec inhibited apoptosis through the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway, upregulating p-Bad, downregulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activating caspase-3 compared with IL-1β treatment only. Moreover, this process was partially regulated by NF-κB P65. In vivo, the chondroprotective effects of Tec were assessed by establishing a model of surgically induced OA. Tec-treated joints exhibited fewer osteoarthritic changes than saline-treated joints. Meanwhile, 1.5 μg/kg Tec treatment produced a greater protective effect than 0.75 μg/kg Tec. The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system, employed to assess histopathological grading of the models, as well immunohistochemistry for Aggrecan Neoepitope and MMP-3, further confirmed the results. In conclusion, this study showed that Tec plays a chondroprotective role in the OA process by preventing articular cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte apoptosis via the NF-κB P65 pathway.

Summary: Tectorigenin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis effects by inhibiting apoptosis in chondrocytes via the NF-κB P65 pathway.

[Effects of apolipoprotein E deficiency on sphingosine-1-phosphate distribution in plasma and lipoproteins of mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of apolipoprotein E deficiency (Apo E(-/-)) on plasma and lipoprotein distribution of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in mice. Methods: Five male or female Apo E(-/-) or wild type (WT) mice were fed with chow diet and sacrificed at 32-week-age and plasma was collected. The constituents of lipoprotein(very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL)) were separated by ultracentrifuge. The protein concentration of constituents was detected by BCA protein quantitative kit, and the S1P concentration in plasma and various lipoprotein constituents was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Western blot was used to determine the plasma, liver, and kidney protein expression of apolipoprotein M(Apo M), which is considered as specific ligand of S1P.The S1P concentration in plasma and various constituents of lipoprotein in the Apo E(-/-) mice was compared to respective WT mice. Results: (1)Plasma S1P content was significantly higher in the Apo E(-/-) groups than that of WT groups (male: (535.7±78.5)nmol/L vs. (263.3±22.0)nmol/L; female: (601.1±64.0)nmol/L vs. (279.0±33.9)nmol/L; all P<0.01). (2) Compared with WT mice, S1P content in non-HDL(LDL+ VLDL) was significantly higher in Apo E(-/-) mice (male: (504.9±52.8)nmol/L vs. (28.7±9.0)nmol/L; female: (427.7±27.4) vs. (27.8±4.7)nmol/L; after standardization of protein concentration, male: (385.0±41.2)pmol/mg protein vs. (71.4±6.6)pmol/mg protein; female: (330.2±22.0)pmol/mg protein vs. (67.2±12.1)pmol/mg protein; all P<0.01). (3) The expression of Apo M in plasma, liver and kidney was significantly higher in Apo E(-/-) groups than that of WT groups(all P<0.05). Conclusion: The deficiency of Apo E could lead to upregulated S1P expression in the non-HDL, the underlying mechanism might be the increased transfer of HDL into the non-HDL by Apo M-S1P.

[Effect of vanadium exposure on neurobehavioral function in workers]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the comprehensive indicators for neurobehavioral function test, and to investigate the possible adverse effect of long-time vanadium exposure on neurobehavioral function and its features in workers.

METHODS

From July to November, 2012, The Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery(NCTB) recommended by WHO was used to conduct tests for 128 workers in vanadium exposure group and 128 workers in control group. The t-test and analysis of covariance were used to compare the differences in each indicator in NCTB between different populations, and the principal component analysis was used to establish the comprehensive neurobehavioral index(NBI) and investigate the effect of vanadium on workers' neurobehavioral function.

RESULTS

The vanadium exposure group had significantly lower visual retention score(6.9±1.9), digit span(order) score(8.9±2.9), lifting and turning dexterity(the non-handed hand) score (14.1±3.6), pursuit aiming test(the number of correct dots) score(65.7±24.8), and digit symbol score (31.1±15.0) than the control group (8.2±1.3, 9.4±2.7, 15.5±3.0, 76.5±23.8, and 33.7±9.5)(all P<0.05). The vanadium exposure group also had a significantly lower NBI than the control group(-0.167±0.602 vs 0.168±0.564, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Long-term vanadium exposure can influence the workers' neurobehavioral function, with the manifestations of decreased hearing and visual memory, movement velocity, accuracy, and coordination.

[Advances in the research of basic study and clinical application of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells]

Since the discovery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) in more than ten years, a great progress has been made from its basic research to clinical application. Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, ADSCs are more abundant in reserve, easier to obtain with fewer injuries and less complications. These cells have multiple differentiation potential and can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts with the influence of different inducing factors. Early studies of ADSCs mainly focused on the ability of multi-directional differentiation, espe-cially on the regeneration of bone defects and cartilage tissue. At present, the researches mainly focus on immunoregulation and paracrine function of ADSCs. Although ADSCs have made a great progress in clinical application, the cell preparation, use pattern, and mechanisms in clinical treatment are not clear. This paper elaborates on these issues.

Gremlin2 Suppression Increases the BMP-2-Induced Osteogenesis of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via the BMP-2/Smad/Runx2 Signaling Pathway

Osteoblasts are essential for maintaining skeletal architecture and modulating bone microenvironment homeostasis. From numerous associated investigations, the BMP-2 pathway has been well-defined as a vital positive modulator of bone homeostasis. Gremlin2 (Grem2) is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists. However, the effect of Grem2 on the BMP-2-induced osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) remains ambiguous. This study aimed to analyze the procedure in vitro and in vivo. The differentiation of hBMSCs was assessed by determining the expression levels of several osteoblastic genes, as well as the enzymatic activity and calcification of alkaline phosphatase. We found that Grem2 expression was upregulated by BMP-2 within the range of 0-1 μg/mL, and significant increases were evident at 48, 72, and 96 h after BMP-2 treatment. Si-Grem2 increased the BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, whereas overexpression of Grem2 had the opposite trend. The result was confirmed using a defective femur model. We also discovered that the BMP-2/Smad/Runx2 pathway played an important role in the process. This study showed that si-Grem2 increased the BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs via the BMP-2/Smad/Runx2 pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 286-297, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of common SNPs in VEGF gene on the susceptibility of osteosarcoma

We conducted a case-control study to assess the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -634G/C, +936C/T, and +1612G/A genetic variations in the development of osteosarcoma in a Chinese population. This hospital-based case-control study examined 130 patients with osteosarcoma and 130 age- and gender-matched healthy controls from March 2011 and March 2013. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to assess the VEGF -634G/C, +936C/T, and +1612G/A gene polymorphisms. Using conditional regression analysis, individuals carrying the TT genotype of VEGF +936C/T were found to be correlated with an elevated risk of osteosarcoma, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.70 (1.02-8.28). In conclusion, our study suggests that the TT genotype of VEGF +936C/T genetic variants is associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma.

Histologic analysis of Schwann cell migration and peripheral nerve regeneration in the autogenous venous nerve conduit (AVNC)

Over the last two decades, the autogenous venous nerve conduit (AVNC) has been established as an effective treatment modality for the repair of nerve gaps less than 3 cm. In this study, the spatial-temporal progression of Schwann-cell migration and peripheral-nerve regeneration across a 10-mm gap bridged by a venous conduit was examined, using immunoctyochemical techniques. Histologic analysis revealed that the process of nerve regeneration through an AVNC occurs in four phases: the hematoma phase, cellular migration phase, axonal advancement phase, and myelination and maturation phase. The authors found that: 1) the lumen of the vein conduit remains patent throughout the process of nerve regeneration; 2) Schwann cells migrate into the vital space of the vessel lumen from the proximal and distal nerve stumps; 3) axonal growth into the conduit lags behind Schwann-cell migration; 4) Schwann cells migrate to the regenerating axons to form mature nodes of Ranvier when the distal stump is present; and 5) mechanical injury alone is sufficient to induce axonal outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump.

ELF magnetic fields induce internalization of gap junction protein connexin 43 in Chinese hamster lung cells

We have previously demonstrated that exposure of Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (MFs) and/or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-3-acetate (TPA)-inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). To explore and compare the mechanisms of GJIC inhibition induced by extremely low frequency (ELF) MF and TPA, the number and localization of connexin 43 (C x 43) were studied. The localization of C x 43 was determined with indirect immunofluorescence histochemical analysis and detected by confocal microscopy after exposing CHL cells to 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at 0.8 mT for 24 h without or with TPA (5 ng/ml) for the last 1 h. The C x 43 levels in nuclei and in cytoplasm were examined by Western blotting analysis. The results showed that the cells exposed to MF and/or TPA displayed individual plaques at regions of intercellular contact, which were fewer than the normal cells in number, while the number of C x 43 in cytoplasm increased and congregated near the nuclei. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the quantity of changes in location of Cx43. These results suggest that reduction of C x 43 at regions of intercellular contact may be one of the mechanisms of GJIC inhibition induced by ELF MF.

Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA cytotoxin genes in Changsha, China

Cytotoxin-associated protein (cagA) and the vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) encoded by cagA and vacA genes are virulence determinants of Helicobacter pylori. In earlier studies among Chinese patients, all H. pylori strains were cagA-positive and vacAs1a/m2 type. Here, we determine the cagA, vacA and allele status of H. pylori strains isolated from patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Changsha, China. Forty strains of H. pylori isolated from patients with peptic ulcer disease between March 1997 and August 1999 were recovered from storage at -80 degrees C and studied by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cagA and vacA genotypes. cagA was positive in 75% of H. pylori isolates. Patients with peptic ulcer demonstrated cagA in 83% (15/18), compared with 68% (15/22) patients with superficial gastritis. vacAs1 allele was carried in 82.5% (33/40) isolates, of which 52.5% (21/40) were subtype vacAs1a/m2 and 17.5% (7/40) were subtype vacAs1b/m2.

ELF magnetic field inhibits gap junctional intercellular communication and induces hyperphosphorylation of connexin43 in NIH3T3 cells

The effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), protein levels, and phosphorylation of connexin43 (Cx43) were studied in NIH3T3 cells. The suppression of GJIC by 24 h, 50 Hz, 0.8 mT ELF magnetic field, 2 h, 3 ng/ml 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), or ELF combined with TPA treatment was confirmed by the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis with a confocal microscope. The results showed that ELF or TPA exposure induced 50-60% inhibition of GJIC (P < 0.01). ELF combined with TPA enhanced the inhibition of GJIC. Western blot analysis using Cx43 specific antibodies showed obviously decreasing non phosphorylated Cx43 (P(0)) induced by ELF and/or TPA exposure. On the other hand, cells treated with ELF and/or TPA displayed a hyperphosphorylated Cx43 band (P(3)). However, there was no obvious changes in the level of Cx43 protein. The results implied that the P(3) band appeared to result from phosphorylation of P(0). But it remains possible that upon the ELF exposure P(0) is converted to P(1), P(2) or both and that P(3) is formed from P(1) or P(2) resulting in the observed hyperphosphorylation pattern. From the present study, we conclude that ELF magnetic field inhibits GJIC and the main mechanism is the hyperphosphorylation of Cx43.

Polycolonization of Helicobacter pylori among Chinese subjects

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the situation among Chinese patients with regard to infection with multiple strains of Helicobacter pylori.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens for culture of H. pylori were obtained from gastric antrum, body and fundus of 20 patients during endoscopic investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. H. pylori was identified by culture from one site in 16 and two or more sites in 10 of the 16 patients. Five isolated colonies of six strains of H. pylori from gastric antrum were subcultured and used for further analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility to metronidazole and clarithromycin was determined by disk diffusion test. Protein profiles of isolates were compared by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). DNA diversity of the isolates was determined by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) fingerprinting.

RESULTS

Of the 10 patients with multiple isolates, 70% (7/10) exhibited variation in susceptibility to metronidazole and 20% (2/10) to clarithromycin between different sites. In 83% of (5/6) single colonies, no variability was seen in metronidazole and clarithromycin susceptibility; they were either susceptible or resistant. Protein profiles of all isolates by SDS-PAGE were similar. Isolates from different patients produced clearly different AP-PCR fingerprints. In 50% of H. pylori strains isolated from different sites of the stomach, genetic diversity was demonstrated by different AP-PCR fingerprints. In 67% (4/6) strains, five single-colony fingerprints were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variability has been found in H. pylori strains. Individual patients are infected with a single predominant genotype at a single site but can be colonized by multiple strains, and they may show different antibiotic susceptibilities. Individual colonies of the H. pylori population from a single site may not always yield identical DNA fingerprints and antibiotic sensitivities.

The effect of 50 Hz magnetic field on GCSmRNA expression in lymphoma B cell by mRNA differential display

Magnetic fields (MFs) of various characteristics can lead to plethora effects in biological system. From a molecular point of view, we hypothesized that there must be a fundamental difference in gene expression between the MF exposed and the unexposed cell. To identify the classes of genes that are regulated, 0.8 mT 50 Hz MF-induced changes in gene expression were examined in a Daudi cell culture using differential display and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. A candidate cDNA (signatured as MF-CB) that was observed in the sham-exposed but not in MF-exposed cultures was recovered and reamplified. After verification by Northern blot, the cDNA was cloned and sequenced. It was found that 254-base pair of 5'-end MF-CB cDNA clone was identical to gcs in open reading frame (ORF) range. Based on the preliminarily sequence, the prolonged length of 5'-end MF-CB cDNA was obtained by PCR amplification and its sequence analysis showed the same results as its original fragment. In order to further determine whether MF-CB cDNA is from gcs, two Northern blots were probed with gcs and MF-CB cDNA, respectively, and the data revealed signals of the same size and expression pattern on the two probe filters, which demonstrated that MF-CB is an EST (expression sequence tag) of gcs. gcs is a gene, identified recently (GenBank accession number D89866), encoding ceramide glucosyltransferase (GCS), which has been implicated as a causal element in human cell growth and differentiation. In an additional experiment, time-dependent changes in the transcription of gcs induced by 0.8 mT MF were observed by Northern blot with a sharp and reproducible inhibition effect after 20 min exposure and a reduction after 20-24 h exposure. The study demonstrates for the first time that 50 Hz MF can lead to changes in gcs transcription, which provides a new clue to elucidate the mechanism by which MF influence cell growth and differentiation.

[Determination of six ginsenosides in Panax species by high performance liquid chromatography]

A method for the determination of six major ginsenosides in panax species by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 203 nm is described. The six major ginsenosides, which were reported to account for more than 90% of the total ginsenosides content of the panax species' root, were successfully separated using gradient HPLC. The column to be used was a Cosmosil-C18 reversed-phase, 4.6 mm i.d. x 250 mm, 5 microns (Japan), connected with a C18 guard column and the mobile phase was acetonitrile and water. The calibration curves of the six ginsenosides were all linear over the range of 25 mg/L-300 mg/L with good correlation coefficients (> 0.99). The recoveries for the ginsenosides were all above 80%. For real samples and recovery study, the major ginsenosides were ultrasonically extracted by methanol. The extracts were evaporated to 1 mL, under vacuum, at about 50 degrees C and then diluted by methanol. Just prior to HPLC analysis, the sample solutions were filtered using a C18 cartridge. This method has been successfully applied to the analysis of four commercial panax samples.

Diversity of Helicobacter pylori among Chinese persons with H. pylori infection

To determine whether there is diversity among clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese patients with peptic ulcer disease, 40 strains of H. pylori were isolated from antral biopsy specimens obtained at the gastroenterology clinic of Xiangya Hospital from January 1996 to June 1998. Total protein profile by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and DNA diversity by polymerase chain reaction-random amplified polymorphic DNA (PCR-RAPD) fingerprinting were performed with these isolates. All the isolates from peptic ulcer disease were relatively homogeneous in protein profiles, but they showed a great DNA sequence diversity by PCR-RAPD fingerprinting. In Chinese patients H. pylori demonstrated an enormous diversity. The diversity among clinical isolates of H. pylori could be distinctly demonstrated and this observation will be helpful in the management of intrafamilial and recurrent H. pylori infection. PCR-RAPD fingerprinting is an efficient method of distinguishing between clinical isolates of H. pylori.

Effect of IL-12 on T-cell immune responses in patients with chronic HCV infection

As the host's immune responses may determine the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and interleukin (IL)-12 plays an essential role in host defense against infectious diseases, we studied the antigen-specific and non-specific cellular immune responses in patients with chronic HCV infection. A proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was found in all 20 patients. Of the 20, 8 (40%) displayed a lymphocyte proliferation in response to HCV antigen c22, 2 (10%) to c33, 6 (30%) to c100-3, and 1 (5%) to NS5. The addition of rhIL-12 to cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with PHA significantly enhanced the proliferative responses in normal controls as well as in HCV-infected subjects. The increased proliferation was also observed in HCV-infected patients when PBMC were co-cultured with HCV antigens c22 and c100-3 in the presence of rhIL-12. The production of interferon gamma (IFNgamma), IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 was observed in 7 (58.3%), 5 (41.7%), 3 (25.0%) and 5 (41.7%) HCV-infected individuals stimulated with c22, and in 4 (33.3%), 2 (16.7%), 2 (16.7%) and 2 (16.7%) with c100-3, respectively. All HCV-infected individuals had increased production of cytokines IFNgamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in supernatants of PBMC after stimulation with PHA. IL-12 significantly augmented Th1 cytokine production in HCV-infected individuals stimulated with PHA and with HCV antigens. In conclusion, deficient cellular immune responses are present in HCV-infected patients and IL-12 can enhance the immune responses in these patients.

Follow-up recommendations for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer Stages I-III malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for follow-up of melanoma patients are not established. In 1987, a follow-up protocol was instituted at the Yale Melanoma Unit to improve upon the detection of disease recurrence in patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage I-III cutaneous melanoma. The follow-up protocol consists of a patient education program and a surveillance schedule based on stage of disease.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 373 patients who were seen and followed according to the surveillance protocol in the Yale Melanoma Unit between January 1988 and December 1994 to determine 1) the time interval between the initial visit and recurrence; 2) the most common method of detecting recurrences; 3) whether the surveillance schedule or the patient detects more recurrences, i.e., asymptomatic recurrences versus symptomatic recurrences; 4) whether there is any survival difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic recurrences.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rates for Stage I, II, and III patients were 95%, 72%, and 52%, respectively. Of the 78 recurrences, 44 (56%) were detected by physician-directed surveillance examinations and 34 (44%) by patients. Most recurrences were found within the first (47%) or second (32%) year of follow-up. The estimated 6-month hazard rates for death or recurrence were 0.0044, 0.0088, and 0.0278 for Stage I, II, and III patients, respectively. The group of asymptomatic patients with recurrence had a survival advantage over the symptomatic recurrence group. In addition, patients with locoregional recurrence had better survival than those with distant recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although many recurrences arise rapidly and are recognized early by patients, in this study more than half were found by surveillance examinations before symptoms were manifest. Based on the hazard ratio for recurrences, the authors recommend the following surveillance schedules in addition to the patient education program for detection of recurrences: 1) Stage I, annually; 2) Stage II, every 6 months for Years 1-2 and annually thereafter; 3) Stage III, every 3 months for Year 1, every 4 months for Year 2, and every 6 months for Years 3-5; 4) at Year 6 and beyond, all patients should have surveillance annually, due to the risk of late recurrence and/or metachronous multiple primaries.

Assessment of cardiac and pulmonary function in adult patients with Hodgkin's disease treated with ABVD or MOPP/ABVD plus adjuvant low-dose mediastinal irradiation

We evaluated the long-term effects of combined modality therapy (CMT) with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) or mechlorethamine, vincristine, prednisone, procarbazine (MOPP)/ABVD plus adjuvant low-dose (< 30 Gy) involved-field radiation therapy (LDRT) on cardiac and pulmonary functions in adult patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). Adjuvant LDRT (mean dose, 2340 cGy) to the mediastinum was administered to 24 patients after chemotherapy with MOPP/ABVD (n = 10) and ABVD (n = 14). The mean doses of doxorubicin and bleomycin were 233 mg/m2 and 92 IU/m2, respectively. Cardiac and pulmonary function tests were performed in all patients and, when available, were compared with pretreatment studies. After a median follow-up of 6.3 years, none of the patients had cardiac or pulmonary symptoms. A 4.7% overall decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was observed (p = 0.03), but only one patient had a mildly decreased LVEF (47%). Diastolic function, LVEF, and left ventricular volume remained within the normal range in the other 23 patients. Mild pulmonary function study abnormalities occurred in 8 of 24 patients, 6 of whom were cigarette smokers. There were no significant changes in total lung capacity and forced vital capacity (FVC) values, but there was a 3% overall decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.05). In adult patients with HD, adjuvant LDRT after chemotherapy with ABVD or MOPP/ABVD did not result in a significant incidence of permanent pulmonary or cardiac toxicity after more than 6.3 years of median follow-up. Further studies are warranted to fully evaluate the impact of such therapy on cardiopulmonary function.

Neutropenic infections in 100 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease treated with high-dose BEAM chemotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant: out-patient treatment is a viable option

A retrospective analysis was performed on 100 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL, n = 75) or Hodgkin's disease (HD, n = 25) who underwent peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant (PBPCT) following high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (BEAM) between March 1994 and June 1997. Following PBPCT and until engraftment all patients received oral ciprofloxacin and fluconazole, patients with positive Herpes simplex virus serology received acyclovir and 91 patients received filgrastim. The median days of neutropenia and days to an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >500/mm3 were 6 and 9, respectively. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 68 patients. Gram-positive bacteremia occurred in 14 patients. No gram-negative infections, invasive fungal infections, intensive care visits or deaths occurred during the period of neutropenia or in the first 30 days following transplant. In multivariate logistic regression the risk of development of any infection was associated only with the duration of neutropenia (P = 0.02) and the risk of bacteremia was associated only with the number of CD34+ cells infused (P = 0.046). Among 49 patients treated in the outpatient setting, 14 (28%) were never admitted. High-dose chemotherapy with BEAM supported by PBPCT, prophylactic antibiotics and filgrastim resulted in a low incidence of infections and no acute mortality. WBC engraftment occurred rapidly allowing for a predictable course during which lengthy hospital stays and amphotericin therapy could be avoided.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with hepatitis B

Helicobacter pylori infection has been investigated extensively in immunocompromised hosts, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and organ transplant recipients. However, few reports on H. pylori prevalence in individuals with chronic HBV infection are available. The aim of this serological study is to investigate H. pylori prevalence in patients with hepatitis B. Ninety-six consecutive hospitalised patients with chronic hepatitis B were studied, together with 104 age-matched healthy individuals of similar socioeconomic status and with no evidence of hepatitis B virus infection or liver diseases. Serum samples from both groups were tested for specific IgG antibodies to H. pylori, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 96 patients with hepatitis B, 55 (57.3%) were positive for serum IgG anti-H. pylori, significantly greater than in the control group of 104, where 44 (42.3%) were positive (P < 0.05). In addition, the seroprevalence of H. pylori in the 45 patients who were positive for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) and/or HBV-DNA was 75.6% (34), compared to 41.2% (21) in the 51 patients who were negative (P < 0.005). An increase in H. pylori prevalence is present in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Further study is needed to determine whether eradication of H. pylori will benefit these patients.

Assessment of pulmonary and cardiac function after high dose chemotherapy with BEAM and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available regarding the cardiac and pulmonary effects of high dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation.

METHODS

The authors evaluated cardiac and pulmonary function after BEAM (BCNU 300 mg/m2, etoposide 400 mg/m2/day x 3 days, cytosine arabinoside 200 mg/m2/day x 4 days, and melphalan 140 mg/m2), HDCT, and PBPC transplantation in 26 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease. Therapy prior to BEAM included doxorubicin (25 patients), bleomycin (6 patients), and mediastinal irradiation (4 patients). All patients had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and equilibrium radionuclide angiography before and at a median of 57 weeks after transplantation.

RESULTS

Prior to high dose therapy, 8 patients had abnormal PFTs, including 6 with a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <70% of predicted value. At the time of reevaluation after HDCT, all patients included in the study were in complete remission, and none had received additional therapy after transplantation. At a median of 77 weeks after transplantation, none of the patients had cardiac or pulmonary symptoms. Moreover, there were no significant changes in total lung capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity, DLCO, or left ventricular ejection fraction values when compared with baseline studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors concluded that HDCT with BEAM and PBPC transplantation did not result in significant cardiac or pulmonary toxicity, even in patients with borderline pretransplantation PFT values. Further studies of patients undergoing HDCT and PBPC transplantation are needed.

Circulating Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

The imbalance of T-helper (Th) lymphocyte cytokine production may play an important role in immunopathogenesis of persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To know whether an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines is present in chronic HCV infection, serum levels of Th1 cytokines, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-2, and Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in this study. Eighteen individuals with chronic HCV infection, 11 healthy subjects as normal controls and 10 chronic HBV infected patients as disease controls were observed. The results showed that the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were significantly increased in chronic HCV infected patients compared with normal controls (IL-4: 30.49+/-17.55 vs. 14.94+/-13.73, pg/ml, P<0.025; IL-10: 50.30+/-19.59 vs. 17.87+/-9.49, pg/ml, P<0.001). Similarly, the levels of Th1 cytokine, IL-2, was also elevated in individuals with chronic HCV infection when compared with normal controls (IL-2: 118.53+/-95.23 vs. 61.57+/-28.70, pg/ml, P<0.05). However, Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma level was not significantly changed during HCV infection (IFN-gamma: 28.09+/-15.65 vs. 24.10+/-15.61, pg/ml, P>0.05). Furthermore, the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines are greater than Th1 cytokines in HCV infection. Thus, the study indicates that an enhanced Th2 responses are present during chronic HCV infection, which may partly be responsible for the persistence of HCV infection.

Molecular cloning, sequencing and expression of core and NS3 fragments of HCV from patients with HCV infection

Fragments of core and NS3 of hepatitis C virus-Hunan (HCV-Hun) were cloned by RT-PCR and gene recombinant techniques from blood samples collected in Hunan Province, China. In comparison with sequences of our samples with those of HCV-US and HCV-J, the homologies of nucleotides and amino acids were about 90%, indicating that fragments of core and NS3 of HCV-Hun were in a relative conserved region of HCV. Two fusion proteins containing the peptides coded by HCV core (MBP-HCV core) and HCV. NS3 (MBP-HCV. NS3-Gal) were expressed by Escherichia Coli with recombinant plasmids. The specific HCV antigenicity of the two fusion proteins were identified by western blotting. Therefore, MBP-HCV. core and MBP-HCV.NS3-Gal were found useful for anti-HCV assay.

[Detection of serum antibody against hepatitis C virus in patients with hepatitis and liver diseases]

Antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was tested in 658 cases of hepatitis and liver diseases with ELISA, ninety of these cases were positive, with a total infection rate of 13.68% (90/658). The positive rate of anti-HCV was highest in patients with chronic severe hepatitis (33.78%) and CAH accompanied by cirrhosis of liver(31.58%). The infection rate in other types of hepatic diseases in order of frequency was as follows: fulminant hepatitis (18.18%), CAH without cirrhosis (15.13%), subacute severe hepatitis (13.43%), CPH (5.88%), primary hepatocellular carcinoma (3.85%), and acute hepatitis (2.42%). Serological markers of HBV infection were detectable concomitantly in 77 of the 90 cases who were anti-HCV positive, but there was no evidence of mutual inhibition of viral replication. There was neither appreciable difference in the level of hyperbilirubinemia in cases of hepatitis with or without anti-HCV, nor significant diversity in the number of death between cases of severe hepatitis with and without anti-HCV.

Expression of the cDNA for mouse beta-nerve growth factor protein in Escherichia coli

The cDNA coding for the mature beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) has been cloned into a plasmid expression vector, pAS1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The cDNA fragment in pAS1 is under the control of strong phage transcriptional and translational initiation elements that provide for regulated expression of cloned genes in E. coli. The protein, produced in bacteria at a level of about 0.0005-0.1% of cell protein, was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion exchange chromatography. The recombinant NGF was biologically active in the PC12 neurite outgrowth assay, and formed a band at Mr of about 11,000 to 12,000, when electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel and Western-blotted.