[Gemcitabine long-term maintenance chemotherapy benefits patients with survival: a multicenter, real-world study of advanced breast cancer treatment in China]

Objective: This study collected a real-world data on survival and efficacy of gemcitabine-containing therapy in advanced breast cancer. Aimed to find the main reasons of affecting the duration of gemcitabine-base therapy in advanced breast cancer patients. Methods: Advanced breast cancer patients who received gemcitabine-base therapy from January 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled(10 hospitals). The clinicopathological data, the number of chemotherapy cycles and the reasons for treatment termination were collected and analyzed. To identify the reasons related with continuous treatment for advanced breast cancer and the factors which affect the survival and efficacy. Results: A total of 224 patients with advanced breast cancer were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 52 years (26-77 years), 55.4%(124/224) was postmenopausal. Luminal type were 83 cases, TNBC were 97 cases, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER's-2) overexpression were 44. At the analysis, 224 patients who received the gemcitabine-based regimens were evaluated, included 5 complete reponse (CR), 77 partial response (PR), 112 stable disease (SD) and 27 progressive disease (PD). The objective response rate (ORR) was 36.6%(82/224). Seventy patients had serious adverse diseases, including leukopenia (9), neutrophilia (49), thrombocytopenia (15), and elevated transaminase (2). The median follow-up time was 41 months (26~61 months), and the median PFS was 5.6 months. The reasons of termination treatment were listed: disease progression were 90 patients; personal reasons were 51 patients; adverse drug reactions were 18 patients; completed treatment were 65 patients. It was found that progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients receiving >6 cycles than that in patients with ≤6 cycles (8.2 months vs 5.4 months, HR=2.474, 95% CI: 1.730-3.538, P＜0.001). Conclusions: Gemcitabine-based regimen is generally well tolerated in the Chinese population and has relatively ideal clinical efficacy in the real world. The median PFS is significantly prolonged when the number of treatment cycles are appropriately increased.

Design and experiments of a compact electrostatic low energy beam transport with a double Einzel-lens for a transportable neutron source

A transportable, compact, accelerator-based neutron source is under development at Xian Jiaotong University. An electrostatic low energy beam transport (LEBT) structure with a double Einzel-lens setup was adopted due to its short length and low power consumption. It can transport a pulsed proton beam to the radio frequency quadrupole with a required beam current of 15 mA and an energy of 30 keV. We performed detailed structure optimization and beam tracking to achieve beam matching and small emittance growth. In addition, the fast chopper, beam steering, and diagnostic devices are integrated into the LEBT. The fabrication and assembly of the proton injector have been completed, and beam commissioning was carried out to measure the beam current and Twiss parameters. The design strategy, beam simulation, and experimental results are presented and discussed in this paper.

[Analysis on the secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors]

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q1, Q3) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q1, Q3) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increased the risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in China

Background and aims

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed to substitute NAFLD in 2020. This new term highlights the systematic metabolic disturbances that accompany fatty liver. We evaluated the correlations between MAFLD and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (SCA) based on a nationwide health examination population in China.

Methods

We performed a nationwide cross-sectional population and a Beijing retrospective cohort from 2009 to 2017. SCA was defined as elevated carotid intima-media thickness. The multivariable logistic and Cox models were used to analyze the association between MAFLD and SCA.

Results

153,482 participants were included in the cross-sectional study. MAFLD was significantly associated with SCA in fully adjusted models, with an odds ratio of 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-1.70. This association was consistent in the cohort, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.31. The association between baseline MAFLD and incident SCA increased with hepatic steatosis severity. Subgroup analysis showed an interaction between age and MAFLD, with a higher risk in younger groups (HR:1.67, 95% CI: 1.17-2.40).

Conclusion

In this large cross-section and cohort study, MAFLD was significantly associated with the presence and development of SCA. Further, the risk was higher among MAFLD individuals with high hepatic steatosis index and young adults.

TBC1D25 alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting abnormal lipid accumulation and inflammation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a strong stimulant of cardiovascular diseases, affecting one-quarter of the world's population. TBC1 domain family member 25 (TBC1D25) regulates the development of myocardial hypertrophy and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, its effect on NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrated that TBC1D25 expression is upregulated in NASH. TBC1D25 deficiency aggravated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH. In vitro tests revealed that TBC1D25 overexpression restrained NASH responses. Subsequent mechanistic validation experiments demonstrated that TBC1D25 interfered with NASH progression by inhibiting abnormal lipid accumulation and inflammation. TBC1D25 deficiency significantly promoted NASH occurrence and development. Therefore, TBC1D25 may potentially be used as a clinical therapeutic target for NASH treatment.

[Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of gastrointestinal mantle cell lymphoma]

Objective: To study the clinical and endoscopic features of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Methods: The clinical data and endoscopic characteristics of 20 patients with gastrointestinal MCL treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University and the Digestive Endoscopy Center of Guizhou Medical University from January 2011 to January 2021 were collected, and the histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor were observed. Meanwhile, 44 cases of non-gastrointestinal MCL in the above two hospitals in the same period were also enrolled. The clinical and endoscopic differences between the two groups were compared. Results: Among the 20 patients with gastrointestinal MCL, the male to female ratio was 4∶1 (16/4), the average age was (60.3±9.7) years, and 11 patients (55.0%, 11/20) were over 60 years old. The main clinical manifestations of 20 patients at the onset of the disease were bloody stool or black stool in 9 cases (45.0%), abdominal pain in 8 cases (40.0%). Moreover, 5.0% (1/20) had B symptoms (fever, night sweat and weight loss). The most frequently involved site was colorectum (50.0%). Endoscopic findings showed mucosal polypoid lesions in 13 cases (65.0%, 13/20), involving multiple intestinal segments, with polyp diameter of 0.2-3.5 cm. Two cases (10%) were in stage Ⅲ and 18 cases (90%) were in stage Ⅳ according to Ann Arbor staging. Seven cases (35.0%, 7/20) had the involvement of the peritoneal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, 9 cases (45.0%, 9/20) had the involvement of the superficial lymph nodes in 45.0% (9/20), and 4 cases (20%, 4/20) had other extranodal invasion. Splenomegaly accounted for 35.0% (7/20). CD20, Bcl-2 and CD5 were positive or strongly positive in all gastrointestinal MCL tumor cells in 20 cases. Cyclin D1 was positive or strongly positive, accounting for 90.0% (18/20). The sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 11 (SOX11) was positive or strongly positive, accounting for 65.0% (13/20). The positive index of Ki-67 was 5%-80%. Twenty cases (100%, 20/20) were followed up. The median follow-up was 41.2 months (1-74 months). There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival rate between the gastrointestinal MCL patients (70.0%) and non-gastrointestinal MCL patients (72.7%) (χ²=0.051, P=0.822). Conclusions: Abdominal discomfort is the main symptom of gastrointestinal MCL, which often occurs in the colorectum and often presents with multiple polypoid lesions. There are relatively few cases with B symptoms and extranodal invasion, and the prognosis is not different from that of patients with non-gastrointestinal MCL.

[Relationship between opacity of cytomegalovirus retinitis lesion borders and aqueous viral load among patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between lesion features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, including lesion size and degree of opacity of lesion borders, and aqueous CMV-DNA load in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Data of patients diagnosed as CMV retinitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 were reviewed. Lesion size was detected by ultra-wide-field fundus image and measured by ImageJ, an image processing and analysis software. Opacity of lesion borders was evaluated by a masked reader. The CMV retinitis lesions were divided into 3 types according to the opacity degree of the border of the lesions: suspected active lesion mildly to moderately opacified lesion and severely opacified lesion. All eyes were diagnosed as active cytomegalovirus retinitis. CMV-DNA in aqueous humor was detected at the first visit and at the end of the induction period of antiviral drugs. CMV-DNA load was quantitatively detected by polymerase chain reaction after 100 μl of aqueous humor was extracted, and were converted to common logarithmic representations. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lesion area, opacity degree of lesion border and aqueous humor CMV-DNA load. Results: A total of 71 eyes from 46 patients were included and 26 was male and 20 was female. The age of the patients was 27(13, 33)years. The active lesion size of CMV retinitis was 40(12, 65) disc areas. Eight eyes (11.3%) had a suspected active lesion, 51 eyes (71.8%) had a mildly to moderately opacified lesion border, and 12 eyes (16.9%) had a severely opacified border. At the first visit, 67 eyes (94.4%) were CMV-positive, and the CMV-DNA load was 2.04×10⁴ (6.24× 10², 1.48 ×10⁵) copies/ml. After 2 weeks of induction therapy, the viral load was 2.47×10² (1.08× 10, 6.87 ×10³) copies/ml. The correlation analysis showed that the CMV-DNA load in aqueous humor was significantly correlated with the lesion border opacity both at presentation and 2 weeks after intravitreal antiviral treatment (r=0.765, P<0.001; r=0.761, P<0.001), but was not related with the size of active fundus lesions (r=0.209, P=0.095; r=0.220, P=0.078). Conclusion: Degrees of lesion border opacity can reflect levels of aqueous viral load of CMV retinitis in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and can become a useful measurement for investigation of CMV retinitis activity.

[Potential application of improved hard tissue section technique in the clinical pathological diagnosis of bone and bone marrow]

Objective: To discuss the application value of hard tissue section in the clinicopathology diagnosis. Methods: From March 2021 to December 2021, bone slices of 19 patients (1 patient with osteochondroma, 2 patients with chondrosarcoma, 4 patients with osteosarcoma, 2 patients with fibrous dysplasia, 2 patients with bone metastasis from thyroid papillary carcinoma, 2 patients with osteomyelitis, 4 patients with giant cell tumor of bone, 2 patients with Ewing sarcoma) and 16 hemopathy patients were collected from the Department of Pathology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Of the osteopathy patients, there were 14 male and 5 female with a median age of 31 (10-66) years. Meanwhile, there were 7 male and 9 female with a median age of 28 (16-65) years among these hemopathy patients. Thirty-five cases were treated with modified hard tissue slicing technique and paraffin embedding technique, respectively. The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods for clinical diagnosis of bone disease were compared by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (H&E staining), immunohistochemical staining (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Sanger sequencing. Results: The improved resin-embedded method showed better histological morphology and cell structure. Besides, the expression of Ki67, SATB2, CD34, SMA, CD68,MPO,CD4 and CD33 in immunohistochemical staining in bone tissues which were embedded in resin were more clear in the accurate positive localization than those using paraffin-embedded. MDM2 of FISH exhibited a higher fluorescence intensity and more accurate location. Meanwhile, both methods treated with Sanger sequencing met the requirements of DNA purity and mutation detection. Conclusion: The improved hard tissue section method is simple and short time-consuming, which is suitable for optimizing the clinical bone and bone marrow pathological diagnosis process.

[Effect of high-fat diet on respiratory function and diaphragm fibers in mice and its mitochondrial mechanism]

Objective: To investigate the effect of high-fat diet (HFD) on respiratory function and its mitochondrial mechanism in mice. Methods: Twenty 4-week-old healthy male C57BL/6 mice were divided by simple random grouping into two groups, 10 mice for each group. Mice were raised with normal diet (NFD) and HFD for 16 weeks, respectively, and weighed once every two weeks. At the end of the intervention, respiratory parameters were measured by whole-body plethysomography, serum and diaphragm tissue lipid species were measured, diaphragm tissue was stained to observe diaphragmmatic morphology, muscle fiber phenotype and mitochondrial ultrastructure. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were used to detect myosin heavy chain(MHC) and mitochondrial dynamics-related genes and protein expression. Results: The baseline body weights of NFD and HFD mice were (19.17±0.59) and (19.12±0.64) g, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (P=0.857). After 16 weeks of feeding, the body weight of mice in the HFD group was (41.28±2.21) g, which was higher than NFD group [(27.14±0.53) g, P<0.001]. The peak inspiratory flow rate, tidal volume and minute ventilation of mice in the HFD group were (5.72±0.64) ml/s, (0.23±0.04) ml and (97.49±21.68) ml, respectively, which were lower than NFD group [(7.70±1.52) ml/s, (0.31±0.07) ml and (129.99±28.87) ml, respectively, all P values<0.05]. Penh value was 1.16±0.07, which was higher than NFD group (0.98±0.09, P<0.001). The diaphragmatic triglyceride content of mice in the HFD group was (20.43±6.36) mmol/mg, which was higher than NFD group [(11.62±1.78) mmol/mg] (P=0.003), and lipid droplets were deposited in the diaphragm fibers. The percentage of MHC-Ⅰ muscle fibers in the diaphragm of mice in the HFD group was 13.33%±2.95%, which was lower than NFD group (19.20%±1.23%, P=0.034). The mitochondria of the diaphragm in the NFD group were arranged in rows with clear structures, while in the HFD group showed swelling, cristae breakage and vacuoles. The relative expression level of mitochondrial fusion protein 2 in the diaphragm of the HFD group was 0.61±0.16, which was lower than NFD group (1.28±0.03, P<0.001); the relative expression of mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 were 1.18±0.06 and 0.91±0.11, respectively, both higher than NFD group (0.61±0.07 and 0.60±0.04, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusion: HFD impairs respiratory function in mice by the mechanism associated with the MHC-Ⅰ muscle fibers decrease and the mitochondrial dynamics imbalance of diaphragm.

[Transmission cluster and network of HIV-1 CRF01_AE strain in China, 1996-2014]

Objective: To understand the transmission patterns and risk factors of HIV-1 strain CRF01_AE subtypes in China, and to provide guidance for the implementation of precise intervention. Methods: A total of 2 094 CRF01_AE pol sequences were collected in 19 provinces in China between 1996 and 2014. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by PhyML 3.0 software to select the transmission clusters. Transmission network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.0, which was further used for exploring of the major risk factors. Results: Of the 2 094 sequences, 12.18% (255/2 094) were in clusters. A total of 82 transmission clusters were identified. The numbers of clusters and contained sequences in intra-provincial transmission (61, 173) were significantly more than those in inter-provincial transmission (21, 82). The ratio of transmission clustering in MSM increased over time from 2.41% (2/83) during 1996-2008 to 23.61% (72/305) during 2013-2014, showing a significant upward trend (χ(2)=27.800, df=1, P=0.000). The proportion of MSM with inter-provincial transmission clusters were higher than those with intra-provincial transmission clusters, which increased from 0.67% (2/297) during 1996-2008 to 6.36%(30/472) during 2013-2014, showing a significant upward trend (χ(2)=20.276, df=1, P=0.000). The transmission rate in homosexuals of the inter-transmission clusters (86.59%, 71/82) was higher than that of intra-provincial transmission clusters (56.65%, 98/173), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=22.792, P=0.000). The proportion of inter-provincial transmission clusters with more than 2 transmission routes (33.33%, 7/21) was higher than that of intra-provincial clusters (13.11%, 8/61), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.273, P=0.039). Results from the transmission network analysis indicated that the proportion of high risk population (degree≥4) with inter-provincial transmission clusters (51.22%, 42/82) was significantly higher than that with intra-provincial transmission clusters (26.59%, 46/173), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.932, P=0.000). Inter-provincial clusters were mainly detected in and and MSM. Conclusions: Complex transmission networks were found for HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains in the mainland of China. Inter-provincial transmission clusters increased rapidly, MSM played an important role in the wide spread of the strain. More researches in transmission networks are needed to guide the precision intervention.

[Effect of a novel cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment with different temperatures on resin-dentin bonding]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of different treatment temperatures of a novel cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment on the resin-dentin bonding.

METHODS

(1) Fifty-two freshly extracted, non-carious and intact third molars were collected. The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed by means of a water-cooled low-speed Isomet saw. One dentin disc [(900 ±100) μm] was prepared for each tooth. The fifty-two dentin discs were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups, of which four were in control group, and forty-eight were divided into four experimental groups according to the different treatment temperatures (4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C) of the novel radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (RF-APGD) plasma jet, twelve in each group. Each experimental group was divided into three subgroups according to different treatment time (10 s, 20 s and 30 s), with four in each subgroup. The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed by means of a water-cooled low-speed Isomet saw. The morphology of demineralized dentin surfaces was analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. (2) Twenty unerupted, non-carious and intact third molars were randomly divided into five groups, four in each group: control group, untreated; 4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C experimental groups, each group was treated with the RF-APGD plasma jet for 20 s. The micro-tensile resin dentin bond strength was tested after 20 s RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with different temperatures, using a universal mechanical machine.

RESULTS

(1) The field emission scanning electron microscopy results indicated that when compared with the control group, a 10 s RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with 30 °C and 20 °C collapsed the collagen scaffold. Collagen fibrils maintained an uncollapsed three-dimensional structure after the 4 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment for even 30 s treatment. (2) The microtensile resin dentin bond strength results of the 4 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment group (57.8±0.7) MPa were significantly higher than that of the control group [(47.4±0.5) MPa] and 10 s, 20 s and 30 s RF-APGD plasma treatment group [(51.9±0.7) MPa,(29.7±1.0) MPa and (22.2±1.5) MPa] with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the micro-tensile bond strength increased about 21.9% and 9.5% after 4 °C and 10 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared with other treatment temperatures, this novel RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with the temperature of 4 °C can preserve the three-dimensional morphology of demineralized dentin better, and can improve the resin-dentin bonding.

Insights Into the Evolution of Chemoreceptor Genes Superfamily in Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae)

All living organisms, including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, use the olfactory system to recognize chemicals or pheromone from their environment. Insects detect a volatile substance using odorant receptors (ORs) or gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs). The gene families of the olfactory system in Acari are still not clear. In this study, we identified seven ORs, one GR, and five IRs from the transcriptome of the storage mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank. No olfactory coreceptor was found in this transcriptome. Phylogenetic analysis of these gene families with other Arthropoda species revealed the conservation of carbon dioxide receptors in all tested flying insects and T. putrescentiae Most of these ORs and GRs were unique to three mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae Giles, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Aedes aegypti L.), Ixodes scapularis Say and Pediculus humanus L., indicating their involvement in specific aspects of both gustatory and olfactory perception. Some clades contained receptors obtained from all tested insect vector species, indicating a degree of conservation among some vector-dependent OR lineages. IRs family was a highly dynamic and independent original of the chemoreceptor genes subfamily. Our findings would make it possible for future research on the chemosensory recognition mechanism in Acari.

[Predictive and prognostic value of monitoring lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood before and after chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the proportion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of the advanced breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy with docetaxel and thiotepa, as well as the association between the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets with the response rate and prognosis.

METHODS

The proportions of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+ T cell, CD3+/CD4+ T cell, CD3+/CD8+ T cell, CD3-/CD16+56+ NK cell, CD3+/CD16+56+ T cell, CD19+ B cell, CD4+/CD25+ T cell, CD8+/CD28- T cell, CD8+/CD28+ T cell) in the peripheral blood of 86 patients were analyzed with flowcytometry before and after chemotherapy. The result was analyzed in combination with clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

The proportion of regulatory T cells (Treg) after chemotherapy in the disease control patients decreased significantly compared with that of the progressive patients (P=0.034). The difference of the proportions of Treg before and after chemotherapy affected significantly the overall survival (OS). The OS of the patients with decreased proportion of Treg was significantly longer than that of the patients with increased proportion of Treg, which was 23.5 and 9.4 months respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The patients with decreased proportion of Treg after chemotherapy had higher response rate and better survival benefit.

[Clinical significance of the preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in the evaluation of the prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the prognosis of patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

Clinical data of 202 patients with laryngeal carcinoma treated from January 2004 to October 2009 were retrospective analyzed to determine the optimal critical value of NLR. To study whether NLR is an independent factor affecting the recurrence and 5-year survival rate of patients with laryngeal cancer after surgery, single factor and multivariate analyses were performed. The factors included age, gender, T stage, pathological differentiation, lymph node metastasis, primary tumor site and NLR value. The relationship between NLR and cervical lymph node metastasis was analyzed.

RESULTS

The optimal critical value of NLR was 2.85, by which cases were divided into high NLR group (NLR≥2.85) and low NLR group (NLR<2.85). Single factor and multivariate analyses indicated that T staging, lymph node metastasis, primary tumor location, and NLR were the independent factors affecting the recurrence of laryngeal carcinoma. T stage and lymph node metastasis were the independent factors affecting 5-year survival rate of laryngeal carcinoma. The increase of NLR value increased the rate of cervical lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative NLR level influences the recurrence and cervical lymph node metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma and can be considered a prognosis factor of laryngeal cancer.

Non-invasive determination of the immune physiological state of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in the Greater Khingan Mountains, China

Immunoglobulin and cortisol levels are good indicators of well-being and living status in animals. In this study, the concentrations of fecal immunoglobulins A ([IgAF]), G ([IgGF]), and M ([IgMF]), and cortisol ([cortisolF]) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in reindeer of the Greater Khingan Mountains of Inner Mongolia, China. [IgAF] was significantly higher than [IgGF] and [IgMF], and [IgGF] was significantly higher than [IgMF] (P < 0.05). Both [IgAF] and [IgGF] were higher in the Adult group than in Aged or Infant groups, and higher in the Young than Infant group (P < 0.05). The four age group [IgMF]s were not significantly different (P > 0.05). [IgAF], [IgGF], and [IgMF] in each age group were higher in females than in males, with a significant difference in the Young group (P < 0.05). The Infant group had the highest [cortisolF], and the Adult group the lowest; [cortisolF] was significantly higher in the Infant group than in other age groups (P < 0.05). In each age group, [cortisolF] was higher in females than males, and there were significant differences among the Infant, Young, and Aged groups (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between [cortisolF] and [IgAF] and [IgGF] (P > 0.05). Overall physical condition was better in the Adult and Young groups than in the Aged and Infant groups as determined by the comprehensive analysis of fecal Ig levels in the four age groups, with the Infant group the worst.

Temperature-Dependent Development and Reproductive Traits of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) Reared on Different Edible Mushrooms

China is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of mushrooms in the world. The storage mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank, is one of the most important arthropod pests in mushroom cultivation. This study investigated the development and reproductive traits of this mite reared on four mushroom species: Agaricus bisporus Lange, Pleurotus ostreatus Kumm, Auricularia polytricha (Mont.) Sacc., and Flammulina velutipes (Fr.) Sing., at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34 °C at 80% relative humidity. Development time for the immature stages decreased with increasing temperature, and was also significantly affected by mushroom species. The shortest immature developmental period (7.0 ± 0.2 d) was observed at 31 °C when reared on F. velutipes, while the longest development was at 16 °C (36.0 ± 0.3 d) reared on P. ostreatus. The effects of temperature and mushroom hosts on the development, female longevity, and reproduction were also significant. The lower threshold temperatures from egg-to-adult for the four mushroom species were 11.97, 12.02, 10.80, and 11.57 °C, for A. bisporus, P. ostreatus, Au. polytricha, and F. velutipes, and the thermal constants were 133.3, 136.8, 165.2, and 135.9 degree days (°C d), for the same mushroom species, respectively. Life table parameters at 25 °C were estimated as follows: net reproductive rates (R0), 59.16, 28.94, 42.62, and 62.93, and intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), 0.24, 0.13, 0.17, and 0.24, respectively. These results suggest that these mushrooms are suitable hosts for T. putrescentiae, and the storage mite may be able to adapt to higher temperatures.

Lactoferrin mRNA expression in mouse mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by mucosal epithelial cells in mammals. Lf has non-immune natural defense functions and biological functions in addition to and distinct from its role in regulating inflammatory responses. Lf also improved some physiological and immunological parameters. Lf is a biomarker for monitoring medical treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases. Current LF research focuses on iron absorption, antimicrobial activity, and the modulation of iron metabolism during inflammation. No systematic research about Lf expression levels in mouse mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation exists. We investigated Lf mRNA expression levels in mouse mammary glands by collecting samples on days 1, 6, 12, and 18 of pregnancy and lactation (six mice per group). The expression levels of Lf mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using GAPDH as an internal control. Lf mRNA was not expressed in mammary glands on days 1, 6, and 12 of pregnancy, but it was expressed on day 18 (IOD: integrated optical density; Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.46). Lf expression levels were higher during lactation stages than during pregnancy stages, and it stabilized at 0.71-0.73 (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD)) from day 1 to 12 of lactation; however, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). At day 18 of lactation, Lf expression began to decline (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.61), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Based on these results, the variation in Lf expression levels during developmental stages may be related to its regulatory role in mouse mammary gland immunity.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide on the stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase mRNA level in bovine primary hepatic cells

This study aimed to compare the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene expression in mouse primary hepatic cells. To obtain sufficient total RNA, primary hepatic cells were plated on 6-cm diameter-type collagen 1-coated dishes (1 x 106 cells per dish). The test was divided into 6 groups with 6 replications per group. The 6 groups were treated with the following volumes of LPS (0.1 mg/mL): 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 8 μL. The cells were cultured for 24 h, and the total RNA was extracted from samples. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze SCD mRNA levels. With increasing LPS amounts, the SCD mRNA expression first decreased and then increased slightly; the expression was the lowest in the 2-μL LPS condition. The SCD mRNA levels from the 4- and 8-μL LPS conditions were slightly higher than that from the 2-μL LPS condition, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The SCD mRNA level from the 2-μL LPS condition was obviously lower than that from the 0-, 1-, and 1.5-μL LPS condition, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05), and the SCD mRNA levels from the 0-, 1-, and 1.5-μL LPS conditions were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The SCD mRNA levels from the 4- and 8-μL LPS conditions were obviously lower than those from the 0- and 1-μL LPS conditions, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05).

Toll-like receptor 3 polymorphism is not associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in the Chinese

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) variants in mainland northern Chinese patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) were investigated. The complete genes of TLR3, including all exons and the promoter region, were assessed using direct sequencing technology of 284 unrelated mainland northern Chinese individuals: 96 nAMD patients, 92 PCV patients, and 96 controls. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified: rs5743303, rs5743305, rs5743312, rs3775291, rs3775290, and rs6830345. The distribution of TLR3 genotypes for nAMD and PCV was not significantly different compared with normal controls. This study indicates that the TLR3 gene polymorphism is not associated with nAMD and PCV in northern Chinese patients.

Sorafenib combined with transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a large-scale multicenter study of 222 patients

BACKGROUND

Data on the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are lacking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter retrospective study, 222 consecutive HCC patients receiving combination therapy were enrolled between June 2008 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Chronic hepatitis B was the predominant cause of HCC (86%). Eighty percent patients were at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C, and 86% patients were in Child-Pugh (CP) A class. The overall median survival was 12 months (95% CI 10.1-13.9). The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) was 87%. In 177 BCLC-C patients, performance status, the number of HCC nodules, Child-Pugh score and macrovascular invasion were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and were included in the final risk scores (R), where R = 5 × (vascular invasion: 0 if no, 1 yes) + 6 × (CP: 0 if A, 1 if B) + 7 × (no. of lesions: 0 if 1-2, 1 ≥3) + 8 × ( Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, ECOG: 0 if 0, 1 ≥1).

CONCLUSIONS

Sorafenib in combination with TACE should be considered a safe and effective therapy for advanced HCC. Further validation of the new subgroup of BCLC-C stage is warranted in an independent patient cohort.

A novel multi-parameter scoring system for distinguishing sarcoidosis from sputum negative tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown cause, affecting multiple organs. Tuberculosis is the world's second most common cause of death from infectious diseases. Due to the similar clinical, radiological and histopathological pictures in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been considered as potential infectious factor. However, it remains difficult to distinguish sarcoidosis from tuberculosis, especially when sputum examinations for mycobacterium are negative.

METHODS

1. to establish a scoring system for differentiating sarcoidosis and tuberculosis: We collected the risk factors, laboratory data and the data of clinical, radiographic, pathological manifestations from the 117 of sarcoidosis patients and 181 of sputum negative tuberculosis patient. And we put them into the designed form. Based on the results of univariate analysis, clinical experience and the literature, we further selected 13 variables that were more supportive to distinguish the two diseases. Finally 9 variables were selected based on logistic regression to establish the scoring systems with significant differences between the two diseases. The beta-coefficient form the logistic regression were used to calculate the weight of each variable. Four types of comprehensive scoring models were established in the end (clinical-- radiographic; clinical--radiographic--radionuclide; clinical--radiographic--pathological and clinico-radiographic--radionuclide--pathological group). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine an optimal cutoff point for each scoring system. 2. to validate the accuracy of the established scoring system: 73 of new sarcoidosis patients and 57 of new tuberculosis patients were chosen to assess the diagnosis accuracy of the four scoring systems.

RESULTS

1. we established four types of comprehensive scoring models, included clinical--radiographic; clinical--radiographic--radionuclide; clinical--radiographic--pathological and clinico--radiographic--radionuclide--pathological scoring models, the optimal cutoff values respectively were 9, 17, 18 and 22, the sensitivity and specificity of the four scoring system to distinguish the two diseases respectively were: 93.16% (109/117) and 97.79% (177/181), 92.31% (108/117) and 98.90% (179/181); 93.16% (109/117) and 98.90% (179/181); 94.87% (111/117) and 98.90% (179/181). 2. Validation of the scoring systems with 130 new patients (73 of sarcoidosis and 57 of tuberculosis):, the sensitivity and specificity of CR, CRE, CRP, CREP were 91.78% (67/73) and 87.72% (50/57), 97.26% (69/73) and 98.25% (56/57), 94.52% (71/73) and 96.49% (55/57), 98.63% (72/73) and 98.25% (56/57) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The four scoring systems established by this study can be utilized to differentiate sarcoidosis and sputum negative tuberculosis effectively. Based on the availability of clinical-radiographical/histopathological data, any of the four diagnostic scoring systems were reliable tools for differential diagnosis, with increased information leading to better discrimination.

Isolation and characterization of nucleotide-binding site and C-terminal leucine-rich repeat-resistance gene candidates in bananas

Commercial banana varieties are highly susceptible to fungal pathogens, as well as bacterial pathogens, nematodes, viruses, and insect pests. The largest known family of plant resistance genes encodes proteins with nucleotide-binding site (NBS) and C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. Conserved motifs in such genes in diverse plant species offer a means for the isolation of candidate genes in banana that may be involved in plant defense. Six degenerate PCR primers were designed to target NBS and additional domains were tested on commercial banana species Musa acuminata subsp malaccensis and the Musa AAB Group propagated in vitro and plants maintained in a greenhouse. Total DNA was isolated by a modified CTAB extraction technique. Four resistance gene analogs were amplified and deposited in GenBank and assigned numbers HQ199833-HQ199836. The predicted amino acid sequences compared to the amino acid sequences of known resistance genes (MRGL1, MRGL2, MRGL3, and MRGL4) revealed significant sequence similarity. The presence of consensus domains, namely kinase-1a, kinase-2 and hydrophobic domain, provided evidence that the cloned sequences belong to the typical non-Toll/interleukin-1 receptor-like domain NBS-LRR gene family.

Resistance to Fusarium head blight and seedling blight in wheat is associated with activation of a cytochrome p450 gene

ABSTRACT One plant genotype displays a resistance phenotype at one development stage but a susceptible reaction to the same pathogen at another stage, which is referred to here as resistance inversion. In wheat, Fusarium head blight (FHB)-resistant cv. Sumai3 showed a Fusarium seedling blight (FSB)-susceptible reaction whereas FHB-susceptible cv. Annong8455 exhibited FSB resistance when challenged with a Fusarium asiaticum strain that produces deoxynivalenol (DON). The resistance to FHB and FSB in wheat was closely associated with expression of a plant cytochrome P450 gene in response to FHB pathogens and mycotoxins. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that expression of nine defense-related genes in spikes and seedlings was induced by the fungal infection, in which a massive accumulation of a plant cytochrome P450 gene, CYP709C1, was clearly associated with the resistance reaction in both seedling and spike. The FHB-resistant Sumai3 accumulated 7-fold more P450 transcripts than did the FHB-susceptible Annong8455, while 84-fold more P450 transcripts were accumulated in the FSB-resistant Annong8455 than the FSB-susceptible Sumai3. A Fusarium strain with a disrupted Tri5 gene, which is not able to produce the first enzyme essential for trichothecene mycotoxin biosynthesis, also induced more P450 transcripts in FHB- and FSB-resistant cultivars. The fungal activation of the P450 gene was more profound in the FSB-resistant reaction than the FHB-resistant reaction relative to their susceptible counterparts. DON triggered a differential expression of the P450 gene with comparable patterns in spikes and seedlings in a resistance-dependent manner. These results may provide a basis for dissecting mechanisms underlying FHB and FSB resistance reactions in wheat and revealing functions of the cytochrome P450 in plant detoxification and defense.

Molecular characterization of a distinct begomovirus infecting Allamanda cathartica in Guangdong, China

Virus isolate G10 was obtained from diseased allamanda plants showing leaf curl symptoms in Guangdong, China. The full-length nucleotide sequence of a DNA-A-like molecule of G10 was cloned and sequenced; it comprises 2755 nucleotides and has a typical begomovirus genome organization with six conserved open reading frames. When compared with the DNA-A sequences of other begomoviruses, the complete nucleotide sequence of DNA-A of G10 had the highest sequence identity (81.2%) to tomato leaf curl Guangdong virus (ToLCGuV) isolate G2. This is less than the 89% identity in the complete genome that has been defined as the threshold value for demarcation of species in the genus Begomovirus. The molecular data show that isolate G10 from allamanda in Guangdong, China is a distinct Begomovirus species, for which the name Allamanda leaf curl virus (AlLCV) is proposed.

Differentiation of sarcoidosis from tuberculosis using real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

The clinical and pathological features of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis may mimic each other, and when the caseous necrosis is not seen in tuberculosis tissue, differentiation is not easy.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the ability of real-time PCR quantification and sets the quantitive value to differentiate sarcoidosis from TB.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of biopsy samples, from 104 patients with sarcoidosis, 31 patients with tuberculosis, and 55 controls with other respiratory diseases (26 with nonspecific lymphadenitis and 29 with emphysema bullae), were collected to amplify insertion sequence IS986 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) genome by real-time quantitative PCR. The diagnostic performance of qualitative and quantitative analysis of real-time quantitative PCR was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

MTB DNA was detected in 20 of the 104 sarcoidosis samples and 7 of the 55 control samples, but was detected in all of the 31 tuberculosis samples. The numbers of MTB genomes were 0-4.71x10(3) copies per ml in sarcoidosis samples, 1.58x10(2)-5.43x10(7) copies per ml in tuberculosis samples and 0-1.02x10(3) copies per ml in controls with quantitative analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that MTB genome quantification had greater diagnostic performance than MTB genome qualitation in discriminating patients with sarcoidosis from those with tuberculosis (area under the ROC curves: 0.994 vs 0.904, P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of qualitative analysis were 100% and 80.8% respectively. At cutoff value of 1.14x10(3) copies per ml for MTB genome quantification, the sensitivity was 96.8% and specificity was 98.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

The real time PCR quantification is a valuable test for differentiation between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, and the MTB genome copies number of 1.14x10(3) copies per ml should be preferred as quantitative cutoff value for the differentiation.

Analyses of the floral organ morphogenesis and the differentially expressed genes of an apetalous flower mutant in Brassica napus

The floral organ morphogenesis of the apetalous flower mutant Apet33-10 in Brassica napus was investigated and the result showed that all the floral organ morphogenesis was normal except that petal primordium was not observed during flower development. Eighteen genes were found to be down regulated in early floral buds (less than 200 mum in length) of Apet33-10 at the stage of floral organ initiation by means of suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH) and RT-PCR. These genes were involved in petal identity, calcium iron signal transduction, mRNA processing, protein synthesis and degradation, construction of cytoskeleton, hydrogen transportation, nucleic acid binding, alkaloid biosynthesis and unknown function. Three overall coding region cDNAs of APETALA3 (AP3) gene, BnAP3-2, BnAP3-3 and BnAP3-4 were obtained by RT-PCR, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression ratio among BnAP3-2, BnAP3-3 and BnAP3-4 was 3.67:3.68:1 in early floral buds of wild type Pet33-10. The expression level of BnAP3-2, BnAP3-3 and BnAP3-4 in early floral buds of Apet33-10 was down-regulated to 36.6, 28.3 and 66.8% with the comparison of that of wild type, respectively, and the overall expression level of AP3 genes in apetalous mutant amounted to 45.0% of that in wild type. The difference in the expression level of each AP3 gene in stamen between apetalous and wild type lines was not significant. It is suggested that lower abundant expression of AP3 genes during the early flower development might be enough for stamen primordium initiation, but not enough for petal primordium initiation in the apetalous line Apet33-10.

The effect of long-term storage on nanoleakage

To evaluate the durability of dentin bonding over time, the nanoleakage of four dentin bonding systems (Single Bond, Stae, Clearfil SE Bond and PermaQuik) over 24 hours, three months, six months and 12 months, was investigated. Flat occlusal dentin surfaces from extracted human molars were finished with wet 600-grit silicon carbide paper and bonded with one of the dentin bonding systems following manufacturers' instructions. The bonded surface was covered with < 1 mm thick layer of Silux Plus resin composite and light cured for 40 seconds. The specimens in each dentin-bonding group were randomly assigned to four sub-groups and kept in phosphate buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) containing 0.01% sodium azide at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, three, six or 12 months. The margins of all specimens were finished and polished with Sof-Lex disks after initial 24-hour storage. At the end of each storage time, the surrounding tooth surfaces except for 1 mm adjacent to the restoration were coated with nail varnish. The samples were immersed in a 50% w/v solution of silver nitrate for 24 hours, placed in photodeveloping solution and exposed to fluorescent light for eight hours. The samples were cut longitudinally and buccoligually, polished, mounted on stubs, carbon coated and observed in a Field Emission-SEM using backscattered electron mode. The results showed that systems using phosphoric acid as the etchant had a line of silver deposition at the base of the hybrid layer. Silver deposition increased in all systems over 12-months storage, with PermaQuik changing the least. Nanoleakage of the dentin bonding systems increased slightly during the 12-month storage period, indicating that they may be subject to hydrolytic attack over time.

Food poisoning due to methamidophos-contaminated vegetables

BACKGROUND

Organophosphate poisoning is well known for its characteristic symptoms and signs, but food poisoning caused by pesticide-contaminated food is seldom reported.

CASE REPORT

We report three incidents of food poisoning that resulted from exposure to the organophosphate insecticide methamidophos in vegetables. These outbreaks caused a cholinergic syndrome in 4 patients. The cholinergic overactivity led as to suspect organophosphate food poisoning. All patients recovered well following appropriate therapy. The clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning was confirmed by reduced levels of erythrocytes and plasma cholinesterase and the presence of methamidophos in the vegetable leftovers. The implicated vegetables and levels of methamidophos were: Ipomoea batatas 255 ppm, Gynura bicolor 110 ppm, and red cabbage 26.3 ppm. Since methamidophos is normally applied to vegetables during planting, improper selection and/or overuse of pesticide or improper harvest times may explain the occurrence of these high residue levels of methamidophos.

Fatal poisoning by butachlor and chlornitrofen ingested from a bottle marked as nitrofen

Nitrofen has been banned in Taiwan since January 1, 1983 due to its tetrogenicity. A 78-y-o female consumed about 500 ml of herbicide, labeled as nitrofen, in a suicide attempt. Consciousness disturbance occurred immediately. After 9 h, bloody-tarry stool was noted. Hematemesis occurred 19 h later. Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity also developed. Twitching of head and both upper extremities lasting 20-30 sec and up to 5 min developed on day 3. Sometimes an upward gaze with the face turned to the right or a convulsion of the right upper extremity was observed. EEG showed alpha coma, generalized slow spike-and-wave complexes, and isolated generalized sharp waves mainly in the left occipital area. On day 7, endotracheal intubation was performed due to apnea; she expired on day 9. The pesticide was found to contain butachlor and chlornitrofen. The Agricultural Committee prohibited the marketing of chlornitrofen due to its generation of tumors in animals. The combination of butachlor and chlornitrofen can result in consciousness disturbance, leucocytosis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, rhabdomyolysis, hypocalcemia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated amylase, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, seizures and death. The cytotoxicity of butachlor may be related to the patient's death. Active components of pesticides should be checked if the clinical course of a poisoned patient is unusual to allow appropriate interventions.

Modification of the composition of polycystin-1 multiprotein complexes by calcium and tyrosine phosphorylation

Mutations in the PKD1 gene are responsible for >85% of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The protein product of PKD1, polycystin-1, is a large, modular membrane protein, with putative ligand-binding motifs in the extracelluar N-terminal portion, 9-11 transmembrane domains and an intracellular C-terminal portion with phosphorylation sites. A role for polycystin-1 as a cell surface receptor involved in cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions has been proposed. In this study, we have analyzed polycystin-1 and associated protein distribution in normal human epithelial cells and examined the role of cell-matrix versus cell-cell interactions in regulation of the assembly of polycystin-1 multiprotein complexes. Immunocytochemistry, sucrose density gradient sedimentation, co-immunoprecipitation analyses and in vitro binding assays have shown that polycystin-1 associates with the focal adhesion proteins talin, vinculin, p130Cas, FAK, alpha-actinin, paxillin and pp60c-src in subconfluent normal human fetal collecting tubule (HFCT) epithelia when cell-matrix interactions predominate. Polycystin-1 also forms higher S value complexes with the cell-cell adherens junction proteins E-cadherin, beta- and gamma-catenins in confluent cultures when cell-cell interactions are predominant. Polycystin-1 multiprotein complexes can be disrupted by cytochalasin D but not by colchicine, suggesting involvement of the actin cytoskeleton. Although inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation by tyrphostin inhibits polycystin-1-FAK interactions, E-cadherin interactions are enhanced. High calcium treatment also increases polycystin-1-E-cadherin interactions.

Population structure and history in East Asia

Archaeological, anatomical, linguistic, and genetic data have suggested that there is an old and significant boundary between the populations of north and south China. We use three human genetic marker systems and one human-carried virus to examine the north/south distinction. We find no support for a major north/south division in these markers; rather, the marker patterns suggest simple isolation by distance.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 regulates RNA synthesis of a cytoplasmic virus

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP A1) is involved in pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus and translational regulation in the cytoplasm. In the present study, we demonstrate that hnRNP A1 also participates in the transcription and replication of a cytoplasmic RNA virus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). Overexpression of hnRNP A1 accelerated the kinetics of viral RNA synthesis, whereas the expression in the cytoplasm of a dominant-negative hnRNP A1 mutant that lacks the nuclear transport domain significantly delayed it. The hnRNP A1 mutant caused a global inhibition of viral mRNA transcription and genomic replication, and also a preferential inhibition of the replication of defective-interfering RNAs. Similar to the wild-type hnRNP A1, the hnRNP A1 mutant complexed with an MHV polymerase gene product, the nucleocapsid protein and the viral RNA. However, in contrast to the wild-type hnRNP A1, the mutant protein failed to bind a 250 kDa cellular protein, suggesting that the recruitment of cellular proteins by hnRNP A1 is important for MHV RNA synthesis. Our findings establish the importance of cellular factors in viral RNA-dependent RNA synthesis.

Interlaboratory study of identification and quantitation of multiresidue pyrethroids in agricultural products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

This paper deals with the different GC-MS analytical conditions adopted by four laboratories in an attempt to confirm the accuracy of the GC-electron-capture detection (ECD) analytical results during the international collaborative study for the establishment of the AOAC Official Method 998. 01. What is especially noted is that two laboratories have conducted comparative analysis of the respective 12 blind samples with both methods of GC-ECD and GC-MS, and the analytical results of the two methods turn out to be basically identical. This fully demonstrates that GC-MS is not only an effective confirmation tool in the analysis of the pyrethroid residues but also of sufficient sensitivity regarding the maximum residue limit of determination prescribed by FAO/WHO. Moreover, its selectivity is better than GC-ECD.

Formation of a ribonucleoprotein complex of mouse hepatitis virus involving heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 and transcription-regulatory elements of viral RNA

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) specifically binds to two transcription-regulatory elements, i.e., the leader and intergenic sequence, of the negative-strand (template-strand) RNA of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and may play a role in viral RNA transcription. Previous studies based on the defective-interfering RNAs of MHV suggested that these two RNA elements may interact with each other during transcription, although they do not have complementary sequences. In this study, we showed by an in vitro reconstitution assay that hnRNP A1 could mediate the formation of an RNP complex involving these two RNA elements. Both the RNA-binding domains and protein-interacting domain of hnRNP A1 contributed to the efficient formation of the RNP complex; however, the presence of the two RNA-binding domains alone, without the protein-interacting domain, also resulted in some RNP formation. Omission of hnRNP A1 in the reconstitution reaction abolished the RNP formation, and mutations of the IG sequences significantly inhibited the RNP formation. These findings suggest that the two cis-acting transcription-regulatory sequences of MHV RNA can interact with each other through the formation of an RNP complex involving a cellular protein hnRNP A1. This RNP complex may participate in MHV RNA transcription.

Identification of phosphorylation sites in the PKD1-encoded protein C-terminal domain

The PKD1-encoded protein, "polycystin-1", has a large N-terminal extracellular portion, multiple transmembrane domains, and a short intracellular C-terminal tail with four tyrosine residues and two putative sites for serine phosphorylation. Its function in kidney development and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is still unknown. We have subcloned the cDNA encoding the polycystin-1 C-terminal domain (PKD1-CTD) into a prokaryotic expression vector, and site-directed mutagenesis was performed to target the four tyrosine residues and four serine residues in two putative phosphorylation sites. In vitro phosphorylation assays were conducted on both wild type and mutant PKD1-CTD fusion proteins. It was found that the wild type PKD1-CTD and all mutant fusion proteins, except S4251G/S4252G, could be phosphorylated by lysates from cultured normal human renal collecting tubule (NHCT) cells, as well as by commercially purified cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). The phosphorylation of the PKD1-CTD fusion protein by NHCT lysates was greatly enhanced by cAMP and its analog 8-Br-cAMP, and inhibited by the specific PKA inhibitors PKI(6-22) and H-89. Activators and inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) had no effects on the phosphorylation of the PKD1-CTD fusion protein. Using commercially purified pp60(c-src) (c-src) it was also shown that the PKD1-CTD fusion protein could be phosphorylated by c-src in vitro, and that this phosphorylation could be abolished by a mutation Y4237F. By comparing the amino acid sequence at 4249-4253 (RRSSR) with the consensus sequence for PKA phosphorylation (RRXSX), we suggest that the serine residue at 4252 is the target of phosphorylation by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase in NHCT cell lysates. In addition, we suggest that Y4237 might be phosphorylated by c-src in living cells.

Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein binds to the leader RNA of mouse hepatitis virus and serves as a regulator of viral transcription

A cellular protein, previously described as p55, binds specifically to the plus strand of the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) leader RNA. We have purified this protein and determined by partial peptide sequencing that it is polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB) (also known as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein [hnRNP] I), a nuclear protein which shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. PTB plays a role in the regulation of alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs in normal cells and translation of several viruses. By UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation studies using cellular extracts and a recombinant PTB, we have established that PTB binds to the MHV plus-strand leader RNA specifically. Deletion analyses of the leader RNA mapped the PTB-binding site to the UCUAA pentanucleotide repeats. Using a defective-interfering RNA reporter system, we have further shown that the PTB-binding site in the leader RNA is critical for MHV RNA synthesis. This and our previous study (H.-P. Li, X. Zhang, R. Duncan, L. Comai, and M. M. C. Lai, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:9544-9549, 1997) combined thus show that two cellular hnRNPs, PTB and hnRNP A1, bind to the transcription-regulatory sequences of MHV RNA and may participate in its transcription.

Cellular protein hnRNP-A1 interacts with the 3'-end and the intergenic sequence of mouse hepatitis virus negative-strand RNA to form a ribonucleoprotein complex

We previously showed that several cellular proteins specifically bind to the 3'-end and the intergenic sequences of the negative-strand RNA of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), and proposed that these distant RNA sequences can be brought together by cellular and viral proteins (Furuya and Lai, 1993; Zhang et al., 1994; Zhang and Lai, 1995). The cellular protein p35 has been identified as a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1. We have now expressed hnRNP-A1 as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein and demonstrated that the amino terminal two-thirds of hnRNP-A1 interacted with the two MHV regulatory RNA sequences (3'-end and intergenic sequences) through protein-RNA interaction while its carboxy-terminal glycine-rich domain mediated homomeric (protein-protein) interactions. In a partially reconstituted reaction, in which the two MHV RNA fragments and the purified GST-hnRNP-A1 fusion protein were mixed, an RNP complex was formed. Depletion of either hnRNP-A1 or one of the RNA components abolished the complex formation. These results indicate that hnRNP-A1 can mediate the formation of an MHV RNP complex, which includes both the negative-strand leader and intergenic sequences. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that mutations in the MHV intergenic sequences, which inhibited MHV RNA transcription, also inhibited the RNP complex formation. Deletion analysis showed that the amino terminal RNA-binding domains of hnRNP-A1 is essential for the RNP complex formation while the carboxy-terminal protein-binding domain enhanced the complex formation by 90-fold. These findings provide direct evidence demonstrating that the negative-strand leader RNA and intergenic sequences can form an RNP complex mediated by cellular protein hnRNP-A1.

Effect of chinonin on acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in Sprague-Dawley rats

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of chinonin on acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and investigate its mechanism. Sixty-five SD rats were divided into five groups at random: six in the control group; six in the hypoxia group; 13 in the group of hypoxia with chinonin; 20 in the group of endothelin-1 (ET-1) with chinonin and 20 in the group of platelet activating factor (PAF) with chinonin. Their mean pulmonary arterial pressures (mPAP) were measured and the concentration of molondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) of the lung tissues were detected. The PAF and ET-1 levels of plasma and lung homogenates were detected in the control and hypoxia groups. There was evidence of an increase in mPAP, MDA, PAF and ET-1 in the plasma, and activity of PLA2, PAF and ET-1 of the lung tissues when the rats inhaled a 10% mixture of oxygen in nitrogen. It appeared that chinonin may have been inhibiting the action of ET-1 and PAF. Chinonin could have prevented an increase in MPAP caused by hypoxia and inhibited the action of ET-1 and PAF. But chinonin had no influence on the increase in MDA in the plasma and the PLA2 activity of the lungs when hypoxia occurred. Chinonin can reduce HPV, but does not influence normal mPAP. It may do this by blocking the action of ET-1 and/or PAF or others. The definite mechanism needs to be studied further.

Midodrine for the treatment of intradialytic hypotension

Recurrent intradialytic hypotension is probably the most severely disabling feature in dialysis patients and the etiology is multifactorial. We assessed the efficacy and safety of midodrine, a selective alpha1-adrenergic pressor agent in 12 patients with recurrent intradialytic hypotension. Symptomatic intradialytic hypotension was defined as hypotensive symptoms occurring with a systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg or with 25% decrease in systolic blood pressure in those patients with a basal systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg. The patients who suffered from symptomatic intradialytic hypotension and failed to improve after cautious body weight adjustment were included into the study. The lowest intradialytic and postdialysis blood pressures were monitored for 18 consecutive dialysis sessions before and after midodrine treatment. Clinical signs and symptoms were also recorded during both periods. With midodrine, the mean (+/- SE) lowest systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly from 68.7 +/- 3.1 and 42.8 +/- 2.0 mm Hg to 84.7 +/- 3.9 and 52.7 +/- 2.7 mm Hg respectively during the study (p < 0.01). Midodrine treatment also significantly increased postdialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressures from baseline values of 90.8 +/- 3.8 and 58.3 +/- 3.0 mm Hg to 113.3 +/- 7.1 and 70.6 +/- 3.1 mm Hg (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01 respectively). In addition, oral administration of midodrine also significantly decreased the total volume of intravenous fluid administered during symptomatic hypotension. The clinical signs and symptoms during dialysis were improved in all patients. There were no differences in hemoglobin, serum albumin, urea, creatinine, fasting blood sugar or volume removed per dialysis between both periods of the study. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that midodrine is a safe and effective treatment for the prevention of recurrent intradialytic hypotension if routinely premedicated before each dialysis session.

[The relationship between the activity of phospholipase A2 and acute hypoxic pulmonary arterial pressure]

The action of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and related inflammatory mediators on the formation of hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension was studied. 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups at random: normal control group, hypoxic group and the group pretreated with dexamethasone plus hypoxia. The pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was measured by inserting a microcatheter into the pulmonary artery. After 30 min of hypoxia, the activity of PLA2, platelet activating factor (PAF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured in blood and lung tissue, and it was found that the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), the PLA2 activity, PGE2, TXB2 and PAF in blood and lung tissue were significantly increased; but pretreatment with dexamethasone relieved the changes mentioned above. In hypoxia, a positive correlations was found between the PLA2 activity and mPAP, PAF, PGE2, TXB2 respectively; positive correlations were also found between PAF, PGE2, TXB2 and mPAP. In conclusion, PLA2 induced the release of inflammation mediators, which may play roles in the formation of the acute hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Mouse hepatitis virus infection induces an early, transient calcium influx in mouse astrocytoma cells

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a murine coronavirus, utilizes murine carcinoembryonic antigens as receptors. The events that follow virus-receptor binding and eventually lead to virus entry are poorly understood. We studied the possible effects of MHV infection on intracellular calcium in a mouse astrocytoma cell line. Using the calcium-sensitive dye fluo-3 and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that MHV strain JHM induced an immediate (within 20 s) and transient (lasting no longer than 2 min) calcium increase in about 5% of the infected cells. The calcium increase was blocked by antibodies against the viral spike protein, suggesting that it was specifically triggered by the interaction of the viral spikes with cells. It was also inhibited by L-type calcium channel blockers and was not detected in calcium-free medium, suggesting that the calcium increase was caused by calcium influx from the extracellular medium. Studies of the kinetics of viral replication by immunofluorescence staining of the viral nucleocapsid protein revealed that at 3 h postinfection there was roughly the same percentage of cells (5%) that produced the viral protein as the percentage of cells that had responded with a calcium signal. This finding and the virus dilution studies together suggest that calcium responders may represent cells that had been infected with multiple viruses and undergone rapid viral replication. Furthermore, calcium channel blockers, including verapamil and cadmium chloride, and the calcium chelator EGTA inhibited virus infection. Therefore, the transient intracellular calcium increase reported here may be an early signaling event associated with virus infection.