[Construction and pathological characterization of 3 animal models of temporomandibular joint degenerative joint disease in mice]

Objective: To explore the pathological characteristics of three mice models of temporomandibular joint degenerative joint disease (TMJDJD), including osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis, and to provide references for animal experimental study regarding the pathological mechanism of osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis. Methods: A total of 54 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were selected to construct three TMJDJD animal models, including bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) injection model, bilateral TMJ monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection model, and right TMJ discectomy model. FCA injection model (15 mice) was divided into saline injection group, FCA injection group-1 week, FCA injection group-2 week, FCA injection group-4 week and FCA injection group-6 week, 3 mice were used at each time point, with a total of 6 TMJs on both sides. MIA injection model (15 mice) was separated into saline injection group, MIA injection group-1 week, MIA injection group-2 week, MIA injection group-4 week and MIA injection group-6 week, 3 mice were used at each time point, with a total of 6 TMJs on both sides. TMJ discectomy model (24 mice) was split into control group, discectomy group-2 week group, discectomy group-4 week and discectomy group-6 week, six mice were used at each time point, with a total of six right TMJs. General pictures of the bilateral joints area of mice were collected 1 day after drug injection, and stereoscopic images of condylar tissues were collected 4 weeks after microsurgery for discectomy. Mouse TMJ tissue sections from each time point were stained with HE and toluidine blue, respectively, synovial tissues were scored for synovial inflammation, and the percentage of proteoglycan in condylar cartilage was quantitatively analyzed. Results: One day after intra-articular FCA or MIA injection, the width of bilateral TMJ were significantly increased in FCA injection groups [(24.60±0.46) mm] compared with the saline injection group [(21.63±0.52) mm] (t=4.25, P<0.013), the width of bilateral TMJ in MIA injection groups [(24.50±0.62) mm] were also significantly higher than that in saline injection group [(21.40±0.52) mm] (t=3.82, P=0.019). The synovitis scores in FCA injection groups 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks after FCA injection were significantly higher than that of the saline injection group (F=18.09, P<0.001), with the proteoglycan of condylar cartilage increased firstly and then decreased compared with the saline injection group (F=21.59, P<0.001). Condylar cartilage proteoglycan loss in different degrees were observed 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after MIA injection (F=13.59, P<0.001), and synovitis scores were increased at different degrees compared with saline injection group (F=14.79, P<0.001). The morphology of condylar cartilage in discectomy groups mice were severely damaged, synovial tissues showed dense connective tissue lesions at 2, 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, condylar cartilage tissues showed a time-dependent loss of proteoglycan compared with the control group (F=40.62, P<0.001). Conclusions: Intra-articular FCA injection establishes a mouse model of TMJ osteoarthritis with severe synovial inflammation. Intra-articular MIA injection constructs a mouse model of typical TMJ osteoarthritis. Discectomy establishes a mouse TMJ osteoarthrosis model with severe condylar cartilage destruction.

[Exploration of the theoretical system of membrane anatomy in colorectal surgery]

Despite the concept of membrane anatomy has been widely used in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, the definition of membrane anatomy and the establishment of membrane plane remain controversial. Therefore, it is difficult to establish a unified theoretical system of membrane anatomy. Through embryological studies and anatomical findings on the integrity and continuity of membranes, we try to discuss the theoretical system of membrane anatomy in colorectal surgery from three aspects: membrane anatomical system, membrane anatomical elements and membrane anatomical mechanism. The establishment of a unified theoretical system of membrane anatomy will not only contribute to the standardization operative procedures, but also to the establishment of uniform surgical standards for colorectal cancer.

Physicochemical and functional properties of goat milk whey protein and casein obtained during different lactation stages

During lactation, goat milk contains colostrum, transitional milk, mature milk, and end milk. The protein present in goat milk during different lactation periods has different characteristics. This study aimed to characterize the protein profile of goat milk samples obtained at different lactation stages and to identify changes in the physicochemical and functional properties of whey protein and casein from goat milk collected at 1, 3, 15, 100, and 200 d after calving. The results demonstrated that the lactation period had a great influence on the physicochemical and functional properties of goat milk whey protein and casein, especially the protein properties of colostrum on the first day after delivery. The denaturation temperature, hydrophobicity, and turbidity of whey protein were significantly higher on the first day postpartum than at other lactation periods. Correspondingly, the colostrum whey protein also had better functional properties, such as emulsification, oil holding capacity, and foaming properties on the first day postpartum than at other lactation periods. For casein, the turbidity, particle size, water holding capacity, and foaming properties on the first day after delivery were significantly higher than those at other lactation periods, whereas the denaturation temperature, oil holding capacity, and emulsification followed the opposite trend. For both whey protein and casein, the 2 indicators of emulsifying properties, namely, emulsifying activity index and the emulsion stability, also followed an opposite trend relative to lactation stage, whereas the changes in foaming capacity with the lactation period were completely consistent with the change of foaming stability. These findings could provide useful information for the use of goat milk whey protein and casein obtained during different lactation stages in the dairy industry.

[Different treatment regimens for primary central nervous system lymphoma:based on SEER database]

Objectives: To explore the prognostic factors of primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) and to analyze the efficacy of different treatment methods. Methods: Clinical data of 4 812 patients with PCNSL in SEER database from January 1975 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them, 2 831 were male and 1 981 were female, the ratio of male to female was 1.4∶1.0.There were 2 236 cases(46.47%) under 60 years old, 1 718 cases(35.70%) aged 60 to 74 years old, and 858 cases(17.83%) aged 75 years old or above. Two thousand four hundred and seventeen cases(50.23%) had supratentorial tumors, 299 cases (6.21%) had infratentorial tumors, and 554 cases(11.51%) had multiple brain tumors, 1 542 cases (32.04%) were other or unspecified location.Three thousand five hundred and thirteen cases(73.00%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 234 cases(4.86%) had non DLBCL, 1 065 cases (22.13%) had other or unspecified types of tumor.The treatment included 2 011 cases (41.77%) of biopsy, 61 cases (1.27%) of subtotal resection(STR), 54 cases (1.12%) of gross total resection(GTR), 2 384 cases (49.54%) of biopsy and chemotherapy, 159 cases (3.30%) of STR and chemotherapy, 144 cases (3.00%) of GTR and chemotherapy.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of the patients.Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival.Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results: Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor site, pathological subtype, surgery, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were the independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of PCNSL patients.The results of Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor location, pathological subtype, surgical method, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were independent prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival, while gender and radiotherapy had no significant correlation with cancer-specific survival.Compared with biopsy, PCNSL patients may benefit from surgical resection (STR:HR=0.805, 95%CI:0.656‒0.989, P=0.04; GTR:HR=0.521, 95%CI:0.414‒0.656, P<0.01).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the median survival time of biopsy+chemotherapy group was 28 months (95%CI:24.497‒31.503), 2 months (95%CI:1.756‒2.244) in the biopsy group, 2 months (95%CI:1.410-2.590) in the STR group, 19 months (95%CI:0‒39.311) in the biopsy+chemotherapy group, 67 months (95%CI:46.187-87.813) in the STR+chemotherapy group, 84 months (95%CI:57.448‒110.552) in the GTR+chemotherapy group.The median survival time of patients with different treatment methods was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: Surgical resection may improve the prognosis of some PCNSL patients.Patients who have access to receive GTR or STR combined with chemotherapy may have prolonged Cancer-specific survival.

[Berberine protects myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction in a septic rat model]

Objectives: To investigated whether berberine could ameliorate septic cardiomyopathy in a rat model of sepsis and it's mechanisms. Methods: SD rats were divided into 3 groups: sepsis group (LPS group), rats were intraperitoneal injected of LPS (10 mg/kg); Berberine intervention group (Ber group), Ber (50 mg/kg, one time per day) was gavage fed 3 days before intraperitoneally injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS); control group (Con group), rats were gavage fed with double distilled water (2 ml/100 g, one time per day) 3 days before intraperitoneal injection of normal saline (1 ml/100 g). LPS group and the Ber group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n=6), and the follow-up experiments were conducted at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after LPS injection (of which 48 h subgroup rats were gavage fed with Ber/saline at 24 h). Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and the maximum rate of change of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were monitored, the level of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β was detected by ELISA method, HE staining of myocardial tissues was done to observe myocardial injury; Western blotting method was used to detect the expression of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) protein in rat myocardial tissue, the level of myocardial cell nucleus protein p65 was detected to reflects the degree of NF-κB activation. The correlation of factors was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Pre-treatment with berberine stabilized cardiac hemodynamics and improved the systolic function and diastolic function in the heart of LPS-induced rats, as evidenced by the partial recovery of the reduced±dp/dtmax and LVSP, as well as the decreased LVEDP. Compared with the LPS group, the Ber group showed improved myocardial injury, as demonstrated by decreased cTnT at each time point. HE staining results showed that berberine decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and LPS-induced cell swelling. These effects were observed early at 6 hours, severe at 24 hours, and become more serious at 48 hours after LPS injection. Further, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 subunits, which were the two key factors of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling, were upregulated in the LPS group and attenuated in the Ber group. Consistently, the expression levels of the downstream cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were lower in the Ber group than those in the LPS group (all P<0.05). Myocardial injury markers were positively correlated with the markers of TLR4/NF-κB signals and the downstream host inflammatory factors (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Berberine can improve myocardial injury and cardiac function in sepsis rats, the mechanism is considered to be related to that it can inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by LPS and further reducing the production of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Sildenafil might impair maternal-fetal immunotolerance by suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) as an important population of immune cells were found to restrain T cell function, polarize T-helper cells (Th) 1/Th2 toward Th2 response and induce regulatory T cells (Tregs), therefore enhancing the immunotolerance during pregnancy. Sildenafil has been applied for poor endometrial quality in implantation failure patients. Nevertheless, investigations have shown that sildenafil could reduce MDSCs-dependent immunosuppression. Whether sildenafil affects embryo implantation by suppressing MDSCs? To address this question, using the mice model, we investigated the amounts of immune cells in peripheral blood and endometrial cells from control group (CG), sildenafil low-dose group (LDG) and high-dose group (HDG). We found that both treatment groups displayed a marked deficiency in polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs and Th2 from mice blood and endometrium as compared to these from CG. The frequency of Tregs in endometrium from HDG was lower than those from CG. Th1/Th2 ratio in both periphery and uterus from study groups showed a significant increase as compared to those from CG. By relevance analysis, we found that the level of Tregs positively correlated with the level of PMN-MDSCs, whereas the Th1/Th2 ratio negatively correlated with the frequency of PMN-MDSCs in uterus. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between the amount of blood PMN-MDSCs and endometrial PMN-MDSCs. These results suggest that we should carefully weigh the pros and cons of using sildenafil when applied to patients with poor endometrial receptivity.

Cognitive, Noncognitive, and Home Environment Correlates of Reading Difficulties in Primary-Grade Students With Language Impairment

Purpose This article first aimed to examine the cognitive (rapid automatized naming, phonological awareness, working memory, nonverbal cognition, and language) correlates of reading difficulty in children with language impairment (LI). Second, we considered whether noncognitive (effortful control, social competence, and behavior problems) correlates offered any explanatory value above that of cognitive factors. Third, we examined whether home environment (specifically household organization and home learning environment) would offer an additional explanatory value. Method The sample included 165 children in kindergarten and Grade 1 who were receiving intervention for LI in public schools. Standardized measures along with parent interviews/questionnaires were administered at the end of the school year. Results Logistic regression models indicated the noncognitive factors added discriminatory value to that of cognitive factors in predicting reading difficulties, whereas household factors did not. In the final model using all 11 predictors, prediction accuracy was 88.7% for the typical reading group and 54.2% for the reading difficulty group, with an overall accuracy of 76.4%. Only phonological awareness and working memory significantly contributed to predicting reading group membership when measured in kindergarten and Grade 1. Conclusions For this sample of children with LI, the most important predictors of reading were cognitive. The child's behavior and social competence improved prediction to a limited but statistically significant degree, whereas home environment did not. Overall classification was low, as only half of the children with reading difficulties were correctly predicted. Important factors differentiating good and poor emergent readers with LI were not captured in this study. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12462428.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously. The current study assessed diameters at time of eIAA repair and ruptured IAA (rIAA) repair and compared clinical outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used the nationwide Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) registry that includes all patients who undergo aorto-iliac aneurysm repair in the Netherlands. All patients who underwent primary IAA repair between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018 were included. Diameters at time of eIAA and rIAA repair were compared in a descriptive fashion. The anatomical location of the IAA was not registered in the registry. Patient characteristics and outcomes of OSR and EVAR were compared with appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

The DSAA registry comprised 974 patients who underwent IAA repair. A total of 851 patients were included after exclusion of patients undergoing revision surgery and patients with missing essential variables. eIAA repair was carried out in 713 patients, rIAA repair in 102, and symptomatic IAA repair in 36. OSR was performed in 205, EVAR in 618, and hybrid repairs and conversions in 28. The median maximum IAA diameter at the time of eIAA and rIAA repair was 43 (IQR 38-50) mm and 68 (IQR 58-85) mm, respectively. Mortality was 1.3% (95% CI 0.7-2.4) after eIAA repair and 25.5% (95% CI 18.0-34.7) after rIAA repair. Mortality was not significantly different between the OSR and EVAR subgroups. Elective OSR was associated with significantly more complications than EVAR (intra-operative: 9.8% vs. 3.6%, post-operative: 34.0% vs. 13.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In the Netherlands, most eIAA repairs are performed at diameters larger than recommended by the ESVS guideline. These findings appear to support the recent increase in the threshold diameter for eIAA repair.

[The clinical study of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential on three eye positions]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential on three different eye positions and to explore the appropriate eye position for oVEMP. Methods: 15 patients (30 ears) with vertigo who underwent oVEMP test from December 2017 to May 2018 were selected as the patient group, including seven males and eight females, with an average age of (51±13) years. Another 22 (44 ears) healthy young people were recruited into the control group, including 10 males and 12 females, with an average age of (23±5) years. oVEMPs were measured on the following three eye positions respectively: 30 degrees straight up(upper median position),45 degrees upper right(upper right position), and 45 degrees upper left(upper left position). oVEMP elicitation rate, oVEMP latencies, amplitudes and interaural amplitude asymmetry ratio were analyzed by SPSS 23.0 statistical software. Results: There was no statistical significance (P>0.05) in the oVEMP elicitation rate, oVEMP latency, amplitude and asymmetry ratio on the three eye positions among the control group, the patient group and the overall subjects. Conclusions: The three eye positions can be used to detect oVEMP in clinic. There is no difference in the extraction rate and waveform characteristics. When one of the eye positions is difficult to gaze or not easy to obtain the coincidence curve, the other two can be used to obtain the ideal oVEMP curves as well.

[Anatomical relationship between fascia propria of the rectum and visceral pelvic fascia in the view of continuity of fasciae]

Objective: To perform an anatomical observation on the extension of the mesocolon to the mesorectum and the continuity of the fasciae lining the abdomen and pelvis, in order to clarify the appropriate surgical plane of total mesorectal excision. Methods: This is an descriptive study. The operation videos of 61 cases (28 males, 33 females, median age of 61) were collected. All the patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from January 2018 to December 2018 in Yangpu Hospital, including low anterior resection for rectal cancer in 25 cases, left hemicolectomy for descending colon cancer in 15 cases, and subtotal resection of the colon for intractable constipation in 21 cases. Among these 21 constipation patients, 8 received additional modified Duhamel surgeries. Gross anatomy was performed on 24 adult cadavers provided by Department of Anatomy, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, including 23 formalin-fixed and 1 fresh cadaver (12 males, 12 females). Sixty-one patients and 24 cadavers had no previous abdominal or pelvic surgical history. The anatomy and extension of fasciae related to descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum, especially the morphology of Toldt fascia, and the continuities of mesocolon and mesorectum were observed carefully. The distribution characteristics of the fasciae and anatomical landmarks during laparoscopic surgery were recorded and described. Results: The anatomical study on 24 cadavers showed that visceral fascia was the densest connective tissue in the pelvic, posterolateral to the rectum, and stretched as a hammock to lift all pelvic organs. Among 61 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, 36 (59.0%) needed to free the left colon during operation, and Toldt fascia in the descending colon segment presented as potential, avascular and extensible loose connective tissue plane between the mesocolon and posterior Gerota fascia; 33 (54.1%) needed to free the rectum during operation, and Toldt fascia extended downward to pelvis as loose connective tissue between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia; the fascia propria of the rectum exposed completely in 32 (32/33, 97.0%) cases, which ran downward and fused with visceral fascia at the level of the fourth sacral vertebra. The anatomy of 24 cadavers also showed that fascia propria of the rectum fused with visceral fascia at the level of Waldeyer fascia. The fusion line of these two fasciae was supposed to be the extension of Waldeyer fascia. There were two avascular planes behind the rectum: one between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia, and the other between the visceral fascia and parietal fascia. In 8 constipation cases undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colon resection plus modified Duhamel operation, both mesocolon and mesorectum needed to be mobilized. It was obvious that the mesocolon of descending colon extended and became the mesocolon of sigmoid colon, and ran further into the pelvic and became the mesorectum. The colon fascia of descending colon served as the natural boundary of mesocolon extended downward as the fascia of sigmoid colon and the fascia propria of the rectum, respectively. Toldt fascia locating between mesocolon of descending colon and Gerota fascia extended to pelvis as the 'presacral space' between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia. Gerota fascia in descending colon segment extended as urogenital fascia in sigmoid colon segment and visceral fascia in the pelvis, respectively. In the cadaver anatomy study, the visceral fascia served as a corridor carrying the hypogastric nerve, and ureter was observed in 23 (23/24, 95.8%) cases. The visceral fascia passed from posterior to anterior lateral of rectum, fusing with Denonvilliers fascia in a fan shape. The pelvic plexus located exactly external to the junction of visceral fascia and Denonvilliers fascia. Pelvic splanchnic nerves went through the parietal fascia toward to the inferolateral of the pelvic plexus. Conclusion: Fascia propria of the rectum and the visceral pelvic fascia are two independent layers of fascia, and the TME surgical plane is between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral pelvic fascia instead of between the visceral and the parietal pelvic fascia.

[Clinical prognostic factors of adult supratentorial glioblastoma]

Objective: To analyze the treatment effect of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and explore prognostic factors. Methods: The clinical data of 635 patients diagnosed as GBM at Neurosurgical Oncology Department Ⅳ of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2007 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 386 males and 249 females with an age of (48.7±11.8) years (range: 18-75 years). Patients were divided into three groups according to the time of admission: 2007-2010 group(n=174), 2011-2014 group (n=237) and 2015-2018 group (n=224). Kaplan-Meier plot was used to analyze the effects of different treatment periods, treatment schemes and clinical factors on the survival of patients with GBM. Cox proportion hazard regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors. Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients in 2007-2010 group, 2011-2014 group, 2015-2018 group was 9.0 months (95% CI: 7.5-10.5), 10.0 months (95% CI: 8.8-11.2), 12.0 months (95% CI: 10.7-13.3) and 17.0 months (95% CI: 13.2-20.8), 20.0 months (95% CI: 16.9-23.1), 23.0 months(95% CI: 17.5-28.5), respectively. The PFS and OS of patients improved significantly over the years (χ(2)=9.693, P=0.008 and χ(2)=8.616, P=0.013). Multivariate survival analysis showed that age, extent of resection, radiotherapy and tumor distant dissemination were independent prognostic factors (all P<0.05). Conclusions: With the continuous development of clinical treatment regimen, the therapeutic effect of Chinese GBM patients has improved remarkably. Age, extent of resection, radiotherapy and tumor distant dissemination are independent prognostic factors associated with survival time.

[Identification of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood for gliomas by detection of aneuploid cells]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of detecting circulating tumor cells based on capture of heteroploid chromosome cells in peripheral blood of glioma patients. Methods: A total of 88 patients who were considered to suffer from gliomas and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study during January 2016 to December 2016 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, from whom 6 ml preoperative blood was collected. Subtraction enrichment (SE)-immunostaining FISH (iFISH) was applied to capture the heteroploid chromosome 8 cells in those samples. Meanwhile, centromere probe 8(CEP-8)-FISH was used to identify aneuploid cells in 10 tumors and 10 brain tissues. Results: Numerous heteroploid chromosome 8 cells were observed in tumors whereas negative result was present in brain tissues (P<0.01). CTC was successfully detected in 90.9% glioma patients, in contrast, only one healthy volunteer was shown with a heteroploid chromosome 8 cell (P<0.01). Glial fibrillary acidic protein was not exhibited in the overwhelming majority of CTC (96.1%). High grade glioma (HGG) without IDH mutation possessed much more CTC than low grade (12.0 vs 2.2), P<0.01. Furthermore, multiploidy (≥5 copies) CTC accounted for a much significant percentage in HGG, either in tumors originating from oligodendrocyte or astrocyte (75.9% vs 56.0%), P<0.01; 62.7% vs 51.7%, P=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: CTC could be identified and enumerated in glioma by detecting aneuploidy cells in blood. The number and multiploidy proportion of CTC may be correlative with tumor grade and molecular characteristics.

Effect of magnetization boundary condition on cavity magnon polariton of YIG thin film

Motivated by recent studies of cavity magnon polariton (CMP), we extended a previous theoretical work to generalize microwave transmission calculation with various magnetization boundary condition of YIG thin film embedded in cavity. It is found that numerical implementation given in this paper can be easily applied to other magnetization boundary condition and extended to magnetic multilayers. Numerical results show that ferromagnetic resonance mode of microwave transmission spectrum, which is absent in previous calculation, can be recovered by altering the pinning condition of surface spins. The demonstrated reliability of our theory opens attractive perspectives for studying CMP of thin film with complicated surface magnetization distribution and magnetic multilayers.

[Prognostic significance of neoplastic central nervous system tumor classification for patients with low grade glioma]

Objective: To explore the prognostic impact of 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors on patients with low grade gliomas (LGG). Methods: A total of 482 patients diagnosed with LGG in Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2009 to May 2016 were pathologically reclassified and retrospectively reviewed. In the survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier Plot was used to univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards model was used to multivariate analysis. Results: According to the 2016 WHO CNS criterion, a total of 232 LGG were reclassified as O 1p/19q-deleted and IDH-mutant, 134 as A IDH-mutant and 116 as A IDH-wildtype. Univariate analysis showed that 2016 WHO CNS divided LGG into three subgroups with distinct survival (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that both 2007 WHO CNS and 2016 WHO CNS were independent prognostic factors, but the Hazard ratio (HR) of 2016 WHO CNS was significantly higher than that of 2007 WHO CNS (P<0.01). Conclusions: 2016 WHO CNS classification criteria can divide LGG into three subgroups with significantly distinct survival, which has further improved the clinical prognostic value of it and fully reflected its advantages in predicting prognosis.

[Foundation of preoperative prognosis estimation model for glioblastoma multiforme]

Objective: This study explored the preoperative prognostic factors of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in order to propose a preoperative prognosis estimation model. Methods: The clinical data of 416 patients diagnosed with GBM in Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from 2008 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.A total of nine factors: gender, age, duration of symptoms, preoperative epilepsy, preoperative muscle weakness, preoperative headache, preoperative KPS score, tumor location and tumor diameter were enrolled in the survival analysis.The significant factors identified by Kaplan-Meier plot were further collected in the multivariate Cox regression analysis.On the basis of multivariate analysis results, a preoperative prognosis estimation model was founded. Results: Univariate analysis showed that Age ≥50 years, without preoperative epilepsy, tumor located in non-frontotemporal lobe, tumor diameter ≥6 cm and preoperative KPS score <70 were prognostic risk factors (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that Age ≥50 years, without preoperative epilepsy, tumor located in non-frontotemporal lobe were independent risk factors (P<0.05). The prognostic estimation model based on the independent risk factors divided the whole cohort into three subgroups with different survival (P<0.001). Conclusions: The more risk factors, the higher score but poorer prognosis. Patients in the high-risk group had lower gross total resection degree but higher rate of postoperative complications, which suggested that aggressive resection was not suitable for high-risk patients.

[Expression and function of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA-regulator of reprogramming in high-grade ovarian serous cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA-regulator of reprogramming (Linc-ROR) in high-grade ovarian serous cancer, and explore the relationship between Linc-ROR expression and biological function of high-grade ovarian serous cancer. Methods: A total of 34 high-grade ovarian serous cancer tissue samples and 19 normal fallopian tube tissue samples were collected between June 2014 and February 2016. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to detect the Linc-ROR mRNA expression in different samples. The relationship between Linc-ROR expression level and ovarian cancer International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Constructed Linc-ROR small interference RNA (siRNA) and pIRES2-EGFP-Linc-ROR plasmid, then Linc-ROR siRNA and pIRES2-EGFP-Linc-ROR plasmid were respectively transfected into SKOV3 cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Results: (1) The expression level of Linc-ROR mRNA was significantly higher in high-grade ovarian serous cancer than normal fallopian tube tissues (4.31± 0.38 vs 1.03 ± 0.21; t=25.842, P<0.01). With the progression of FIGO stages, the expression of Linc-ROR was increased (F=95.702, P<0.01), and it was associated with lymph node metastasis (t=7.397, P<0.01). (2) The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression level of linc-ROR in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (0.30 ± 0.11 vs 1.02 ± 0.10; t=15.269, P<0.01). The expression level in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (8.90± 0.45 vs 1.03±0.17; t=21.934, P<0.01). The CCK-8 assay showed that when the cells were cultured for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days, the A value in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (P< 0.05). And the A value in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (P< 0.05). Wound healing assay showed that, after 48 hours incubation, migration rate of cells in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly less than that in the Linc-ROR-NC-i group [(52±4)% vs (67±5)%; t=5.720, P< 0.01]. The migration of cells in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly greater than that in the Linc-ROR-NC-p group [(84±4)% vs (66±4)%; t=7.330, P <0.01]. Cell transwell invasion assay showed that, after 48 hours of incubation, the number of invasive cells in Linc-ROR-i group was lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (74 ± 3 vs 104 ± 3; t=15.810, P<0.01). And the number of invasive cells in Linc-ROR-p group was higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (217 ± 4 vs 108 ± 5; t=38.060, P<0.01). Conclusion: Highly expressed Linc-ROR could enhance the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of high-grade ovarian serous cancer cells, which may be one of the important molecules in the occurrence and development, invasion and metastasis of high-grade ovarian serous cancer.

Factors associated with reaching or not reaching target HbA1c after initiation of basal or premixed insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To evaluate factors associated with reaching or not reaching target glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels by analysing the respective contributions of fasting hyperglycaemia (FHG), also referred to as basal hyperglycaemia, vs postprandial hyperglycaemia (PHG) before and after initiation of a basal or premixed insulin regimen in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This post-hoc analysis of insulin-naïve patients in the DURABLE study randomised to receive either insulin glargine or insulin lispro mix 25 evaluated the percentages of patients achieving a target HbA_1c of <7.0% (<53mmol/mol) per baseline HbA_1c quartiles, and the effect of each insulin regimen on the relative contributions of PHG and FHG to overall hyperglycaemia.

RESULTS

Patients had comparable demographic characteristics and similar HbA_1c and FHG values at baseline in each HbA_1c quartile regardless of whether they reached the target HbA_1c. The higher the HbA_1c quartile, the greater was the decrease in HbA_1c, but also the smaller the percentage of patients achieving the target HbA_1c. HbA_1c and FHG decreased more in patients reaching the target, resulting in significantly lower values at endpoint in all baseline HbA_1c quartiles with either insulin treatment. Patients not achieving the target HbA_1c had slightly higher insulin doses, but lower total hypoglycaemia rates.

CONCLUSION

Smaller decreases in FHG were associated with not reaching the target HbA_1c, suggesting a need to increase basal or premixed insulin doses to achieve targeted fasting plasma glucose and improve patient response before introducing more intensive prandial insulin regimens.

A 24-week study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly dulaglutide added on to glimepiride in type 2 diabetes (AWARD-8)

AIMS

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly dulaglutide 1.5 mg, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on glimepiride monotherapy.

METHODS

This phase III, randomized (4 : 1; dulaglutide:placebo), double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week study compared the safety and efficacy of once-weekly dulaglutide 1.5 mg with placebo in sulphonylurea-treated (≥half-maximal dose, stable ≥3 months) patients (N = 300) with T2D and inadequate glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.5 and ≤9.5% (≥58 mmol/mol and ≤80 mmol/mol)]. Analysis was carried out according to intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean participant age was 58 years; mean HbA1c was 8.4% (68 mmol/mol) and mean weight was 85.5 kg. Dulaglutide 1.5 mg was superior to placebo at 24 weeks for HbA1c reduction from baseline with a between-group HbA1c difference of -1.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.6, -1.0] or -14 mmol/mol (95% CI -17, -11); p < 0.001. A greater proportion of participants in the dulaglutide group reached an HbA1c level of <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) compared with placebo (55.3% vs 18.9%; p < 0.001). Dulaglutide significantly decreased fasting serum glucose from baseline compared with placebo (between-group difference -1.86 mmol/l (95% CI -2.58, -1.14) or -33.54 mg/dl (95% CI -46.55, -20.53); p < 0.001. Weight was decreased significantly from baseline in the dulaglutide group (p < 0.001); the between-group difference was not significant. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events for dulaglutide 1.5 mg were gastrointestinal: nausea (10.5%), diarrhoea (8.4%) and eructation (5.9%). Total hypoglycaemia was higher with dulaglutide 1.5 mg vs placebo (2.37 and 0.07 events/participant/year, respectively; p = 0.025). No severe hypoglycaemia was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-weekly dulaglutide 1.5 mg had a favourable benefit/risk profile when added to glimepiride monotherapy.

Effect of gene polymorphims on the warfarin treatment at initial stage

The adverse reactions of warfarin that were found mainly occurred in the first month. This study was carried out to observe the effect of gene polymorphisms on the warfarin therapy at the initial stage. Four-hundred and sixty Chinese patients began warfarin treatment with daily 2.5 mg after heart valve replacement operations were enrolled. The daily international normalized ratio (INR) for anticoagulation were recorded till the seventh day. Blood samples were collected and used to detect genotypes for VKORC1 rs7294, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP4F2 rs2108622 and ORM1 rs17650. INR and their changes were compared among genotypes. INR was partially correlated with the VKORC1 rs7294, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP4F2 rs2108622 and ORM1 rs17650 polymorphisms from the third, fourth and sixth day on, respectively. VKORC1 rs7294 and CYP4F2 rs2108622 carriers responded lower than the wild genotype, whereas CYP2C9 rs1057910 and ORM1 rs17650 carriers responded higher, respectively. Fifty percent of AA/*1*3/CC/*S*S patients and 16% of AA/*1*1/CC/*S*S patients were over anticoagulation treated with INR >4.0 at the third day. Ninety percent of VKORC1 rs7294 carrier patients have INR <1.63, a mark of the 25% of lower responders of the wild genotype. Our study provided another kind of evidence that VKORC1 rs7294, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP4F2 rs2108622 and ORM1 rs17650 affected the action of warfarin in different styles. Patients with AA/*1*1/CC/*S*S, AA/*1*3/CC/*S*S should use a less initial dosage to avoid over anticoagulation, and patients with VKORC1 rs7294 should use larger initial dose to proof an effective therapy.

Comparison of insulin lispro protamine suspension versus insulin glargine once daily added to oral antihyperglycaemic medications and exenatide in type 2 diabetes: a prospective randomized open-label trial

AIMS

To compare efficacy and safety of two, once-daily basal insulin formulations [insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) vs. insulin glargine (glargine)] added to oral antihyperglycaemic medications (OAMs) and exenatide BID in suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

METHODS

This 24-week, open-label, multicentre trial randomized patients to bedtime ILPS (n = 171) or glargine (n = 168). Non-inferiority of ILPS versus glargine was assessed by comparing the upper limit of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24 (adjusted for baseline HbA1c) with non-inferiority margin 0.4%.

RESULTS

Non-inferiority of ILPS versus glargine was demonstrated: least-squares mean between-treatment difference (ILPS minus glargine) (95% CI) was 0.22% (0.06, 0.38). Mean HbA1c reduction was less for ILPS- versus glargine-treated patients (-1.16 ± 0.84 vs. -1.40 ± 0.97%, p = 0.008). Endpoint HbA1c < 7.0% was achieved by 53.7% (ILPS) and 61.7% (glargine) (p = NS). Overall hypoglycaemia rates (p = NS) and severe hypoglycaemia incidence (p = NS) were similar. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate was higher in patients treated with ILPS versus glargine (p = 0.004). Weight gain was similar between groups (ILPS: 0.27 ± 3.38 kg; glargine: 0.66 ± 3.93 kg, p = NS). Endpoint total insulin doses were lower in patients treated with ILPS versus glargine (0.30 ± 0.17 vs. 0.37 ± 0.17 IU/kg/day, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ILPS was non-inferior to glargine for HbA1c change over 24 weeks, but was associated with less HbA1c reduction and more nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Treat-to-target basal insulin therapy improves glycaemic control and is associated with minimal weight gain when added to OAMs and exenatide BID for suboptimally controlled T2D.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii infection in bats in southern China

Toxoplasma gondii can infect a wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including bats. Limited information on T. gondii infection in bats is available in China. The objective of the present study was to determine prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii infection in bats in southern China. A total of 608 bats representing 12 species, including 120 Aselliscus stoliczkanus, 59 Myotis chinensis, 11 Miniopterus schreibersii, 53 Rhinolophus affinis, 32 Rhinolophus pusillus, 81 Hipposideros armiger, 28 Hipposideros fulvus, 32 Cynopterus brachyotis, 14 Cynopterus sphinx, 45 Eonycteris spelaea, 109 Hipposideros larvatus, and 24 Taphozous melanopogon, were collected from Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, southern China. They were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA by amplification of the B1 gene using a nested PCR, and the positive samples were genotyped at 11 genetic loci (SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) using multilocus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology. Fifty-nine (9.7%) of these bats were detected positive by PCR but only five of these positive DNA samples were completely typed at all loci; of which 4 samples, 2 from A. stoliczkanus, and 2 from H. larvatus, belonged to ToxoDB Genotype #10, and the other one from H. larvatus was identified as ToxoDB Genotype #9 (http://toxodb.org/toxo/). To our knowledge, this is the first report of molecular detection and genetic characterization of T. gondii infection in bats in China. The results show that these bats are potential reservoirs for T. gondii transmission, which may pose a threat to human health.

First Report of Pythium recalcitrans Causing Cavity Spot of Carrot in Michigan

During a survey of carrot (Daucus carota L.) cavity spot in Michigan in September 2010, carrot roots with typical cavity spot symptoms were collected from production fields in Fremont Co. The lesions were excised from infected roots, surface-disinfested with 0.62% NaClO for 3 min, rinsed in sterilized, distilled water three times, cut into 0.5 cm long pieces, and then plated on water agar (WA) amended with carbendazim (10 μg/ml), ampicillin (50 μg/ml), rifampicin (50 μg/ml), and pentachloronitrobenzene (10 μg/ml) (cumulatively referred to as CARP). Plates were incubated at 22 ± 1°C in the dark for 3 days. Pure cultures of the isolates were obtained by transferring a single hyphal tip of each colony to potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with CARP. Among the 33 isolates obtained, M2-05 was identified as a Pythium sp. that differed from the known cavity spot pathogens of carrot. The isolate has spherical hyphal swellings but no other distinguishing morphological characteristics. M2-05 was further classified by analyzing the partial sequences of four genes: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, beta-tubulin (β-tub), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox 2), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nadh 1) (1,3). A BLAST search of these sequences for M2-05 was conducted using the nucleotide database of GenBank, resulting in 100% similarity to all four sequenced genes of P. recalcitrans (2). The DNA sequences of M2-05 were deposited in GenBank (JQ734349, JQ734229, JQ734289, and JQ734409 for ITS, β-tub, cox 2, and nadh 1, respectively). Koch's postulates were conducted by inoculating mature carrot roots (cv. Nantindo) with mycelial plugs (4 mm in diameter) cut from the margin of actively growing colonies of M2-05 on PDA plates. Two mycelial plugs were placed on each carrot root at 3-cm intervals, with the mycelial side facing the root; and two non-colonized agar plugs were placed similarly for the non-inoculated control treatment. In comparison, carrot roots also were inoculated with an isolate of each of P. sulcatum and P. violae using the same method. There were four replicate carrot roots inoculated for each isolate and each of the control treatments. The inoculated roots were placed on a plastic grid (7 mm in height) in a closed plastic container, with moist paper towels underneath the grids. The container was incubated in the dark at 22 ± 1°C, and the roots were sprayed gently daily with sterilized, distilled water to maintain high humidity. Brown lesions were observed on all inoculated carrot roots 5 days after inoculation. The lesions measured 0.68 ± 0.48, 1.20 ± 0.71, and 0.56 ± 0.31 mm² averaged over all eight lesions for the isolates of P. recalcitrans, P. sulcatum, and P. violae, respectively. Symptomatic tissues from the inoculated roots were excised and incubated on WA-CARP plates, and the culture from each lesion confirmed as the isolates inoculated using the same molecular methods described above. The carrot tissue under the control agar plugs remained symptomless, and no Pythium was recovered from the control roots. P. recalcitrans was described in 2008 as infecting roots of Beta vulgaris and Vitis vinifera (2). To our knowledge, this is the first published report of P. recalcitrans naturally infecting carrot roots, not only in Michigan, but anywhere in the world. References: (1) L. Kroon et al. Fungal. Genet. Biol. 41:766, 2004. (2) E. Moralejo et al. Mycologia 100:310, 2008. (3) N. O. Villa et al. Mycologia 98:410, 2006.

Characterizing a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BAC03 for potential biological control application

AIMS

To identify and characterize a bacterial strain BAC03, evaluate its biological control activity against potato common scab (Streptomyces spp.) and characterize an antimicrobial substance produced by BAC03.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacterial strain BAC03, isolated from potato common scab suppressive soil, was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by analysing sequences of fragments of the recA, recN, cheA and gyrA genes. BAC03 displayed an antagonistic activity against Streptomyces spp. on agar plates using a co-culture method. In glasshouse assays, BAC03 applied in potting mix significantly reduced common scab severity (P < 0·05) and potentially increased the growth of potato plants (P < 0·05). An antimicrobial substance extracted from BAC03 by ammonium sulfate precipitation was identified as an LCI protein using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of either a BAC03 liquid culture or the ammonium sulfate precipitate fraction was stable under a wide range of temperatures, and pH levels, as well as following incubation with several chemicals, but was reduced by all proteinases tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BAC03 displayed a strong antimicrobial activity, that is, the suppression of potato common scab, and may potentially enhance the plant growth. LCI protein is associated with some of the antimicrobial activity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Bacterial strain BAC03 has the potential to be developed as a commercial biological control agent for potato common scab.

First Report of Streptomyces stelliscabiei Causing Potato Common Scab in Michigan

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) common scab can be caused by multiple Streptomyces spp., with S. scabies as a predominant species (2,3). However, according to our survey in August 2007, many symptomatic potato tubers did not have S. scabies in Michigan. To identify the pathogen, potato tubers with scab symptoms were collected from two fields in Michigan, and Streptomyces spp. were isolated using Streptomyces selective medium (STR) (2). Pure cultures of the isolates were obtained by transferring single colonies and incubation at 28°C on STR. Three isolates, designated HER21, HER24, and HER26, were identified as Streptomyces stelliscabiei based on morphological and physiological characterization (1). Bacterial cultures were prepared in liquid yeast malt extract at 28°C on an incubator shaker at 150 rpm. Genomic DNA was extracted from the cultures and used as a template for PCR with species-specific primers for Streptomyces spp. (4). The isolates gave a positive PCR reaction with primers Stel3 and T2st2 for S. stelliscabiei, but negative for any other Streptomyces spp. reported as pathogenic to potato. The 16S rRNA genes were amplified using primers previously reported (4) and amplicons were sequenced and submitted to GenBank (Accession Nos. HM018115, HM018116, and HM018117 for the three isolates, respectively). BLAST analysis of these sequences against the NCBI GenBank database determined these sequences to have 99 to 100% sequence identity with S. stelliscabiei sequences such as Accession No. FJ546728 (4). These isolates were all confirmed by PCR, using the same conditions described above, to have txtAB, nec1, and tomA genes (4), which are associated with pathogenicity of scab-causing Streptomyces spp. To complete Koch's postulates, cell suspensions of the isolates were mixed in vermiculate media (3) at a final concentration of 10⁶ colony-forming units/ml, which were used as inocula. Potato (cv Snowden) tubers were incubated in sterilized potting mix in a growth chamber at 25°C until the seed germinated. Each potato seedling was transferred to a new pot in the greenhouse. Two weeks later, the potting mix was infested with the bacterial spore suspensions of either HER21, HER24, or HER26, with five pots per isolate. Potting mix with only media or media with S. scabies isolate 49173 were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Three months later, potato tubers were harvested and evaluated for scab symptoms (3). The experiment was done twice. Potato tubers inoculated with either S. stelliscabiei or S. scabies exhibited superficial, raised, or pitted scabby symptoms, and no symptoms were observed on tubers grown in noninfested potting mix. Disease index values from the combined trials averaged 0, 37.8, 26.5, 11.1, and 30.5% for negative control and isolates HER21, HER24, HER26, and 49173, respectively. The pathogen was reisolated from the lesions and confirmed identical to the original isolate by DNA sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. stelliscabiei causing potato common scab in Michigan (4). References: (1) K. Bouchek-Mechiche et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 50:91, 2000. (2) Conn et al. Plant Dis. 82:631, 1998. (3) Hao et al. Plant Dis. 93:1329, 2009. (4) L. A. Wanner. Am. J. Potato Res. 86:247, 2009.

[Analyses of chromosomal karyotypes and cytogenetic variations of animal cell lines]

After the master cell stock(mcs) and working cell bank of more than 30 different strains of 7 animal kidney cell lines (F-81 or CRFK cell line, MDCK cell line, Vero or Vero-2 cell line, MA-104 cell line and BHK-21 cell line) were established in China, the chromosomal number variations and structural aberrations of the above lines, primary feline or canine kidney cell (FKC or CKC) and HeLa cell line were investigated and their karyotypes of routine or Giemsa chromosomal bands were analyzed. The carcinogenesis or tumorigenicity testing of these cells in about 700 nude mice and for colony formation in soft agar (SA) and for agglutination under different concentration of plant lectins was carried out. Both tumorigenicity-negative strains of F-81, CRFK, Vero or Vero-2 lines and very-low-tumorigenicity strains of MDCK line were successfully selected and evaluated for the production of canine or feline combination viral vaccines, which are free of infectious agents, and described with respect to cytogenetic characteristics and tumorigenicity. Rate of modal chromosome number represents the ratio of cell number having modal chromosome number to all the split cell number analyzed at random. Rate of difference represents the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs (master cell stock) + n and mcs passages. The chromosomal analysis results showed that the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs + n and mcs passages was not more than 5%-15% and the structure aberrations was generally 0%-3%, not more than 5%-10%, thus the hereditary character of cell lines is comparatively stable without significant difference between different passages. The genetic characteristics of chromosomal number of cell lines determines their tumorigenicity, but it is species specific. Experimental models were established for the researches on the prevention and prophylaxis of malignant tumors or cancers and their genetically biological characteristics. Tests showed that there was correlation among cell line chromosome number variations, anchorage independence in soft agar, agglutination under plant lectins and tumor-forming ability in nude mice. Since testing in vitro is more economic, simpler, faster, and is thought to be reliable, we recommend plant lectins followed by SA or analysis of karyotypes as the initial means for monitoring tumorigenicity of animal cell line in nude mice.

[Ischemic preconditioning decrease the release of cardiac troponin T during heart valve replacement]

Using cardiac troponin T(cTnT), a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial injury, we evaluated the effects of ischemic precondition on ischemic reperfusion myocardial injury. Thirty two patients were randomly divided into control group(n = 16) and ischemic preconditioning group(n = 16). The marker cTnT was measured in each group before operation, and 4 h, 24 h and 72 h after operation. The results showed that the peak value of cTnT was lower, and more quickly recovered in the preconditioning group than that in the control. It is suggested that ischemic preconditioning exert an evidently protective effect on ischemic reperfusion myocardial injury.

Resistance of interleukin-1beta-deficient mice to fatal Sindbis virus encephalitis

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) concentrations are frequently elevated in central nervous system (CNS) viral infections, but the pathophysiologic significance of such elevations is not known. To examine the role of IL-1beta in CNS viral pathogenesis, we compared the natural histories of IL-1beta-deficient and wild-type 129 SV(ev) mice infected with a neurovirulent viral strain, neuroadapted Sindbis virus (NSV). We found that the incidence of severe paralysis and death was markedly decreased in NSV-infected IL-1beta-/- mice compared to NSV-infected wild-type mice (4 versus 88%, P < 0.001). Despite this marked difference in clinical outcome, no differences in numbers of apoptotic cells or presence of histopathologic lesions in the brains of moribund wild-type mice and those of clinically healthy IL-1beta-/- mice could be detected. These results suggest that IL-1beta deficiency is protective against fatal Sindbis virus infection by a mechanism that does not involve resistance to CNS virus-induced apoptosis or histopathology.

Protection against fatal Sindbis virus encephalitis by beclin, a novel Bcl-2-interacting protein

bcl-2, the prototypic cellular antiapoptotic gene, decreases Sindbis virus replication and Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis in mouse brains, resulting in protection against lethal encephalitis. To investigate potential mechanisms by which Bcl-2 protects against central nervous system Sindbis virus infection, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify Bcl-2-interacting gene products in an adult mouse brain library. We identified a novel 60-kDa coiled-coil protein, Beclin, which we confirmed interacts with Bcl-2 in mammalian cells, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy. To examine the role of Beclin in Sindbis virus pathogenesis, we constructed recombinant Sindbis virus chimeras that express full-length human Beclin (SIN/beclin), Beclin lacking the putative Bcl-2-binding domain (SIN/beclinDeltaBcl-2BD), or Beclin containing a premature stop codon near the 5' terminus (SIN/beclinstop). The survival of mice infected with SIN/beclin was significantly higher (71%) than the survival of mice infected with SIN/beclinDeltaBcl-2BD (9%) or SIN/beclinstop (7%) (P < 0.001). The brains of mice infected with SIN/beclin had fewer Sindbis virus RNA-positive cells, fewer apoptotic cells, and lower viral titers than the brains of mice infected with SIN/beclinDeltaBcl-2BD or SIN/beclinstop. These findings demonstrate that Beclin is a novel Bcl-2-interacting cellular protein that may play a role in antiviral host defense.

Expression of a biologically active antiviral antibody using a sindbis virus vector system

Monoclonal antibodies to the Sindbis virus E2 envelope glycoprotein protect mice against lethal encephalitis and mediate viral clearance from neurons. To facilitate structure-function analyses of anti-E2 mAbs, we developed an expression system that can be used for the construction of genetically engineered anti-E2 mAbs. We constructed recombinant Sindbis/immunoglobulin gene chimeric viruses that express heavy and light chains of an anti-E2 monoclonal antibody, R6. We used a PCR-based strategy to clone the entire rearranged heavy and light chain genes from R6 hybridoma cell cDNA into a double subgenomic Sindbis virus vector. The recombinant viruses, SIN/R6L and SIN/R6H, were generated by transfecting BHK-21 cells with in vitro transcribed RNA from Sindbis virus/R6 light chain and Sindbis virus/R6 heavy chain cDNA clones, respectively. Twelve hours after co-infection of BHK cells with SIN/R6L and SIN/R6H, the tissue culture supernatant contained up to 1.4 mg/ml of recombinant R6 IgG. The heavy and light chains of recombinant R6 were associated as judged by co-purification on protein A/G sepharose and co-electrophoresis of non-reduced proteins. The ELISA reactivity to Sindbis virus antigen was similar for recombinant R6 and R6 purified from ascites fluid. Furthermore, the in vivo biologic activity of recombinant R6 was similar to that of R6 purified from ascites; recombinant R6 treatment completely protected Balb/cJ mice from paralysis and death due to infection with neuroadapted Sindbis virus and also resulted in the clearance of infectious virus from the brains of immunodeficient scid mice persistently infected with wild-type Sindbis virus. Thus, the co-infection of BHK cells with SIN/R6L and SIN/R6H leads to the expression, assembly, and secretion of a biologically active recombinant antiviral antibody. Our results suggest that the Sindbis virus vector system is a simple and powerful tool for the production of functional, genetically engineered antibodies.

Dominant inhibitory Ras delays Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells

Mature neurons are more resistant than dividing cells or differentiating neurons to Sindbis virus-induced apoptotic death. Therefore, we hypothesized that mitogenic signal transduction pathways may influence susceptibility to Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis. Since Ras, a 21-kDa GTP-binding protein, plays an important role in cellular proliferation and neuronal differentiation, we investigated the effect of an inducible dominant inhibitory Ras on Sindbis virus-induced death of a rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12 cells. Dexamethasone induction of dominant inhibitory Ras (Ha Ras(Asn17)) expression in transfected PC12 cell lines (MMTV-M17-21 and GSrasDN6 cells) resulted in a marked delay in Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis, compared with infected, uninduced cells. The delay in death after Sindbis virus infection in induced versus uninduced PC12 cells was not associated with differences in viral titers or viral infectivity. No delay in Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis was observed in Ha Ras(Asn17)-transfected PC12 cells if dexamethasone induction was initiated less than 12 h before Sindbis virus infection or in wild-type PC12 cells infected with a chimeric Sindbis virus construct that expresses Ha Ras(Asn17). The delay in Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis in induced Ha Ras(Asn17)-transfected PC12 cells was associated with a decrease in cellular DNA synthesis as measured by 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. Thus, in PC12 cells, inducible dominant inhibitory Ras inhibits cellular proliferation and delays Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that a Ras-dependent signaling pathway is a determinant of neuronal susceptibility to Sindbis virus-induced apoptosis.

Bc1-2 protects mice against fatal alphavirus encephalitis

Virus-induced apoptosis has been well characterized in vitro, but the role of apoptosis in viral pathogenesis is not well understood. The suicide of a cell in response to viral infection is postulated to be an important host defense for the organism, leading to a reduction in its total viral burden. However, virus-induced death of nonregenerating cells in the central nervous system may be detrimental to the host. Therefore, to investigate the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of fatal encephalitis, we constructed a recombinant alphavirus chimera that expresses the antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2, in virally infected neural cells. Infection of neonatal mice with the alphavirus chimera expressing human bcl-2 [Sindbis virus (SIN)/bcl-2] resulted in a significantly lower mortality rate (7.5%) as compared with infection with control chimeric viruses containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene (SIN/CAT) (78.1%) or bcl-2 containing a premature stop codon (SIN/bcl-2stop) (72.1%) (P < 0.001). Viral titers were reduced 5-fold 1 day after infection and 10-fold 6 days after infection in the brains of SIN/bcl-2-infected mice as compared to SIN/CAT or SIN/bcl-2stop-infected mice. In situ end labeling to detect apoptotic nuclei demonstrated a reduction in the number of foci of apoptotic cells in the brains of mice infected with SIN/bcl-2 as compared with SIN/bcl-2stop. The reduction in apoptosis was associated with a reduction in the number of foci of cells expressing alphavirus RNA. Thus, the antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2, suppresses viral replication and protects against a lethal viral disease, suggesting an interaction between cellular genetic control of viral replication and cell death.

Effect of E2 envelope glycoprotein cytoplasmic domain mutations on Sindbis virus pathogenesis

The cytoplasmic domain of the E2 envelope glycoprotein is important in Sindbis virus assembly, but little is known about its role in the pathogenesis of Sindbis virus encephalitis. To investigate its role in viral pathogenesis, we constructed six recombinant viruses containing site mutations in the E2 cytoplasmic domain, using the neurovirulent background strain, TE12. Our findings demonstrate that the E2 cytoplasmic domain is a determinant of Sindbis virus growth and neurovirulence in suckling mice as well as persistent infection in weanling scid mice. They also suggest that the tyrosine, serine, or threonine residues are not essential for replication in mouse brain or anti-E2 monoclonal antibody-mediated restriction of Sindbis virus replication.