[Development and validation of a persistent postural-perceptual dizziness screening questionnaire]

Objective: To develop a simple screening questionnaire for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and evaluate its screening ability. Methods: A convenience sample of 296 individuals who met the inclusion criteria between November 2021 and January 2023 were prospectively selected for three rounds of screening at the Vertigo Specialty Clinic of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. In conjunction with expert opinion and statistical analysis, the first and second rounds of screening were used to modify and finalize the questionnaire entries, and the third round of screening was used to evaluate the questionnaire's screening ability. Independent sample t-test was used for inter group comparison, reliability and validity indicators were employed to screen and evaluate questionnaire entries, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the optimal cut-off value and corresponding sensitivity and specificity. Results: The final PPPD screening questionnaire entries included 21 items. In evaluating the reliability of this questionnaire, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.831, the half folding coefficient was 0.742, the content validity was 0.86, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value in the structural validity was 0.811. Additionally, there were six factors with characteristic root>1 and a cumulative contribution rate of 62.62%. The area under the ROC curve of the screening questionnaire was 0.935 (95%CI: 0.877-0.992), and the optimal cut-off value was 8.5, with a sensitivity of 85.0%, a specificity of 85.5%, and a Kappa value of 0.653. Conclusion: The PPPD simple screening questionnaire designed in this study has a high sensitivity and specificity, making it a useful tool for identifying PPPD patients.

[The application of setting tube voltage and iodine delivery rate in weight-grouped for reducing the radiation and contrast medium dose in coronary CT angiography]

Objective: To evaluate the application value of reducing tube voltage and iodine delivery rate according to body weight in coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 297 subjects, 172 males and 125 females, aged [M (Q1, Q3)]60.0 (50.0, 68.0) years, who underwent CCTA examination in Peking University Third Hospital due to clinically suspected coronary heart disease from May to December 2022 were included. According to the odd or even visit dates, the subjects were randomly divided into test group (n=156) and control group (n=141). The subjects in both groups were divided into four sub-groups according to body weight: 50-59 group, 60-69 kg group, 70-79 kg group and 80-89 kg group, respectively. The CCTA images were reconstructed with hybrid iterative algorithm(KARL 3D) with levels of 6 and 8, respectively. 100 kVp and iodine flow rate 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 gI/s recommended by the domestic CCTA application guidelines were used in the control group, while the tube voltage and iodine flow rate were reduced in the test group based on the guidelines and body weight:70 kVp and 0.8 g I/s in 50~59 kg group, 80 kVp and 1.0 gI/s in 60~69 kg group, 80 kVp and 1.1 gI/s in70~79 kg group, and 100 kVp and 1.5 gI/s in 80~89 kg group, respectively. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) of aortic root, proximal left anterior descending branch (LAD) and distal right coronary artery (RCA) luminal CCTA, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of coronary artery CT images, subjective coronary scores and effective radiation dose (ED) were compared between the both groups. One-way ANOVA or Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the differences of above indicators between the groups to evaluate the application value of low voltage and low iodine flow rate based on weight in coronary CCTA. Results: CT values of aortic root, LAD proximal CT values and SD values of aortic root [411.4 (377.2, 439.8) HU, (366.3±42.9) HU, 26.5±2.3] in the test group were all higher than those in the control group [379.00 (335.2, 415.9) HU, (355.0±46.9) HU and 24.8±2.3]. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05), and the other parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The total subjective image quality score in test group were superior to those in the control group (all P<0.05). The total ED and contrast agent dosage [2.07 (1.52, 3.28) mSv and (38.28±9.68) ml] in CCTA examination in the test group were lower than those in the control group [3.30(2.32, 4.44) mSv and (45.31±5.63) ml], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The dosage of ED and contrast agent in the test group was decreased by 37.3% and 15.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Combined with KARL 3D,it is feasible to reduce contrast medium and ED by setting the tube voltage and iodine flow rate of CCTA according to the weight of the subject, which can further reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dosage of CCTA.

[Response characteristics of tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy in first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the response characteristics of patients with locally advanced/metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsq-NSCLC) treated with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy in the first line. Methods: Patients with nsq-NSCLC who achieved complete or partial remission after treatment with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone in the RATIONALE 304 study, as assessed by an independent review board, were selected to analyze the response characteristics and safety profile of the responders. Time to response (TTR) was defined as the time from randomization to the achievement of first objective response. Depth of response (DpR) was defined as the maximum percentage of tumor shrinkage compared with the sum of the baseline target lesion length diameters. Results: As of January 23, 2020, 128 patients treated with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy achieved objective tumor response (responders), representing 57.4%(128/223) of the intention-to-treat population, with a TTR of 5.1 to 33.3 weeks and a median TTR of 7.9 weeks. Of the responders (128), 50.8%(65) achieved first remission at the first efficacy assessment (week 6), 31.3%(40) at the second efficacy assessment (week 12), and 18.0%(23) at the third and subsequent tumor assessments. The percentages of responders who achieved a depth of tumor response of 30% to <50%, 50% to <70% and 70% to 100% were 45.3%(58/128), 28.1%(36/128) and 26.6%(34/128), respectively, with median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.0 months (95% CI: 7.7 to 9.9 months), 11.5 months (95% CI: 7.7 months to not reached) and not reached (95% CI: 11.8 months to not estimable), respectively. Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy were generally well tolerated in responders with similar safety profile to the overall safety population. Conclusion: Among responders to tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy for nsq-NSCLC, 82.0%(105/128) achieves response within the first two tumor assessments (12 weeks) and 18.0%(23/128) achieves response at later (18 to 33 weeks) assessments, and there is a trend toward prolonged PFS in responders with deeper tumor response.

Quzhi Formula Alleviates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Impairing Hepatocyte Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation via Bip/eIF2α Signaling

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Quzhi formula, a Chinese medicine compound prescription, relieves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) symptoms. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of the Quzhi formula against NASH.

METHODS

A choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet induced a NASH mouse model and a free fatty acid-induced mouse hepatocyte cell model were used to evaluate the function of Quzhi formula in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were performed to uncover the possible protective mechanisms of the Quzhi formula against NASH. Key factors in liver lipid metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway were evaluated to verify the mechanism.

RESULTS

The positive contribution of the Quzhi formula on NASH was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Abnormal accumulation of lipid in the liver and inflammatory responses were significantly decreased by the Quzhi formula. Network pharmacological analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the Quzhi formula protected against NASH by regulating ER stress and inflammatory responses, which was enhanced by further molecular docking analysis. In addition, mechanism exploration showed that Quzhi formula mainly reduced ER stress by downregulating Bip/eIF2α signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

The Quzhi formula protected against NASH by inhibiting lipid accumulation, ER stress, and inflammatory responses, which supports the potential use of Quzhi formula as an alternative treatment for NASH.

[A case of 2q37 deletion syndrome related ophthalmo facial malformation]

A child complained of bilateral congenital non-progressive ptosis for 18 months. According to the clinical characteristics, systemic development and chromosome microarray analysis, the child was diagnosed as 2q37 deletion syndrome related ophthalmo facial malformation. The patient underwent the frontalis aponeurosis flap suspension. After operation, the appearance of eyelids was significantly improved.

[Outcome of radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and determine the failure patterns after radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTCL). Methods: A total of 557 patients from 2000-2015 with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL who received radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) from China Lymphoma Collaborative Group were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 427 patients received combined modality therapy, whereas 130 patients received RT alone. Survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was compared with age and sex-matched general Chinese population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Cox stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87.2% and 77.2%. The SMR was 3.59 (P<0.001) at 1 year after treatment, whereas it was 1.50 at 4 years after treatment, without significant difference between ENKTCL group and country-matched general population (P=0.146). Compared with RT alone, CMT did not result in significantly superior 5-year OS (87.0% vs 87.4%, P=0.961) or PFS (76.1% vs 80.7%, P=0.129). Local failure (11.5%, 64/557) and distant failure (10.8%, 60/557) were the main failure modes, while regional failure was rare (2.9%, 16/557). The 5-year locoregional control rate (LRC) was 87.2% for the whole group, with 89.5% for ≥50 Gy versus 73.7% for <50 Gy (P<0.001). Radiotherapy dose was an independent factor affecting LRC(P<0.05). Conclusions: Radiotherapy achieves a favorable prognosis in patients with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL. The incidence of either locoregional or distant failure is low. Radiation dose still is an important prognostic factor for LRC.

Association of improved overall survival with decreased distant metastasis following asparaginase-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy for intermediate- and high-risk early-stage extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma: a CLCG study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the survival benefit of asparaginase (ASP)-based versus non-ASP-based chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy in a real-world cohort of patients with early-stage extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 376 patients who received combined radiotherapy with either ASP-based (ASP, platinum, and gemcitabine; n = 286) or non-ASP-based (platinum and gemcitabine; n = 90) regimens. The patients were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups using the early stage-adjusted nomogram-revised risk index. Overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis (DM)-free survival (DMFS) between the chemotherapy regimens were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

ASP-based (versus non-ASP-based) regimens significantly improved 5-year OS (84.5% versus 73.2%, P = 0.021) and DMFS (84.4% versus 74.5%, P = 0.014) for intermediate- and high-risk patients, but not for low-risk patients in the setting of radiotherapy. Moreover, ASP-based regimens decreased DM, with a 5-year cumulative DM rate of 14.9% for ASP-based regimens compared with 25.1% (P = 0.014) for non-ASP-based regimens. The survival benefit of ASP-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy remained consistent after adjusting the confounding variables using IPTW and multivariate analyses; additional sensitivity analyses confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provided support for ASP-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a first-line treatment strategy for intermediate- and high-risk early-stage ENKTCL.

Clonal evolution in liver cancer at single-cell and single-variant resolution

Genetic heterogeneity of tumor is closely related to its clonal evolution, phenotypic diversity and treatment resistance, and such heterogeneity has only been characterized at single-cell sub-chromosomal scale in liver cancer. Here we reconstructed the single-variant resolution clonal evolution in human liver cancer based on single-cell mutational profiles. The results indicated that key genetic events occurred early during tumorigenesis, and an early metastasis followed by independent evolution was observed in primary liver tumor and intrahepatic metastatic portal vein tumor thrombus. By parallel single-cell RNA-Seq, the transcriptomic phenotype of HCC was found to be related with genetic heterogeneity. For the first time we reconstructed the single-cell and single-variant clonal evolution in human liver cancer, and dissection of both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity will facilitate better understanding of their relationship.

LZP is required for hepatic triacylglycerol transportation through maintaining apolipoprotein B stability

The conserved zona pellucida (ZP) domain is found in hundreds of extracellular proteins that are expressed in various organs and play a variety of roles as structural components, receptors and tumor suppressors. A liver-specific zona pellucida domain-containing protein (LZP), also named OIT3, has been shown to be mainly expressed in human and mouse hepatocytes; however, the physiological function of LZP in the liver remains unclear. Here, we show that Lzp deletion inhibited very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, leading to hepatic TG accumulation and lower serum TG levels in mice. The apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels were significantly decreased in the liver, serum, and VLDL particles of LZP-deficient mice. In the presence of LZP, which is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of apoB was attenuated; in contrast, in the absence of LZP, apoB was ubiquitinated by AMFR, a known E3 ubiquitin ligase specific for apoB, and was subsequently degraded, leading to lower hepatic apoB levels and inhibited VLDL secretion. Interestingly, hepatic LZP levels were elevated in mice challenged with a high-fat diet and humans with simple hepatic steatosis, suggesting that LZP contributes to the physiological regulation of hepatic TG homeostasis. In general, our data establish an essential role for LZP in hepatic TG transportation and VLDL secretion by preventing the AMFR-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of apoB and therefore provide insight into the molecular function of LZP in hepatic lipid metabolism.

[Relationship between mutations of HBV basal core promoter region in HBsAg-positive mothers and intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between maternal mutations in basal core promoter region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C and intrauterine transmission. Methods: We collected information on general demographic characteristics and process of delivery among 399 pairs of consecutive HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates, from the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan in Shanxi province, China. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and Electro-chemiluminescence immuno-assay (ECLIA) kits were used to detect both maternal and neonatal HBV DNA and serological markers in the peripheral blood. From 113 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10(6) IU/ml, we selected 22 mothers whose neonates were with intrauterine transmission and randomly selected the same number of mothers whose neonates were without intrauterine transmission, as controls. The whole-length HBV DNA were extracted, amplified, cloned, sequenced and genotyped. Finally, a total of 39 mothers with genotype C of HBV were selected for mutation analysis. Results: Thirty-nine cases of genotype C (88.63%) were finally included in the study, with 19 cases in the intrauterine transmission group and 20 cases as controls. Rates of A1762T/G1764A double mutations were significantly different between the intrauterine transmission group and the control group (7.53% vs. 27.72%, P<0.001). Results from the multivariate analysis showed that the A1762T/G1764A double mutations had reduced the risk of intrauterine transmission (aOR=0.065, 95%CI: 0.006-0.746, P=0.028). Maternal A1762T/G1764A double mutations appeared to be possibly associated with neonatal HBeAg (P=0.050). Conclusion: A1762T/G1764A double mutations of HBV DNA from the genotype C of those HBsAg-positive mothers could reduced the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission during pregnancy.

Arid1a regulates insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism

Background

Although significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of steatosis and insulin resistance, the physiological functions of the epigenetic regulators in these processes remain largely elusive.

Methods

Hepatocyte-specific Arid1a knockout mice were administrated with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, then insulin sensitivity was assessed by glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). The metabolism-related indicators were determined by employing a variety of biological methods, including histology, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting assay, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA-seq and assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq).

Findings

Hepatocyte-specific Arid1a deletion significantly increases susceptibility to develop hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance and inflammation in mice fed a HFD. In vitro, Arid1a deletion in isolated hepatocytes directly leads to free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. Mechanically, Arid1a deficiency impairs fatty acid oxidation by downregulating PPARα and altering the epigenetic landscape of some metabolism genes.

Interpretation

These findings reveal that targeting Arid1a might be a promising therapeutic strategy for liver steatosis and insulin resistance.

Fund

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81672772 and 81472621), China National Science and Technology Major Project for Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (No.2017ZX 10203207) and National Program on Key Research Project of China (grant no. 2016YFC0902701).

Application of qPCR assays based on haloacids transporter gene dehp2 for discrimination of Burkholderia and Paraburkholderia

Background

A major facilitator superfamily transporter Dehp2 was recently shown to be playing an important role in transport and biodegradation of haloacids in Paraburkholderia caribensis MBA4, and Dehp2 is phylogenetically conserved in Burkholderia sensu lato.

Results

We designed both Burkholderia sensu stricto-specific and Paraburkholderia-specific qPCR assays based on dehp2 and 16S rRNA, and validated the qPCR assays in 12 bacterial strains. The qPCR assays could detect single species of Burkholderia sensu stricto or Paraburkholderia with high sensitivity and discriminate them in mixtures with high specificity over a wide dynamic range of relative concentrations. At relatively lower cost compared with sequencing-based approach, the qPCR assays will facilitate discrimination of Burkholderia sensu stricto and Paraburkholderia in a large number of samples.

Conclusions

For the first time, we report the utilization of a haloacids transporter gene for discriminative purpose in Burkholderia sensu lato. This enables not only quick decision on proper handling of putative pathogenic samples in Burkholderia sensu stricto group but also future exploitation of relevant species in Paraburkholderia group for haloacids biodegradation purposes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-019-1411-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[The expression and significance of CD(276) and CD(133) in colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions]

In order to study the significance of CD(276) and CD(133) in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), the expression of CD(276) and CD(133) was detected by immunohistochemistry in CRC and precancerous lesions. The results showed that the intensity of CD(276) and CD(133) in CRC samples was higher than that in adenoma group and non-adenoma group. CD(276) and CD(133) single and double positive expression were significantly correlated with CRC lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and survival. CD(276) and CD(133) are significantly correlated to the development and progression of CRC and associated with poor prognosis.

[A prospective pilot study of combined intra-operative radiotherapy for centrally located hepatocellular carcinomas]

Objective: To carry out a prospective cohort study of combined intra-operative radiotherapy for centrally located hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and to observe the safety and postoperative complications. Methods: A total of 79 patients with centrally located HCC who underwent hepatectomy were divided into two groups: experimental group (combined with targeted intra-operative radiotherapy, 32 cases) and control group (single surgical operation, 47 cases). Patients in the experimental group received intra-operative electron radiotherapy after tumor resection, while patients in the control group received to intra-operative electron radiotherapy.The haemorrhagia amount and operation time during the operation, intra-operative liver function and the recovery of liver and gastrointestinal tract of patients in these two groups were compared. Results: No postoperative 30-day mortality was observed in all of the patients. The average total operation time of patients in the experimental group was (319±76) min, significantly longer than (233±76) min of the control group (P<0.001). The average aspartate transaminase (AST) level of patients in the experimental group at postoperative day 1 was 562.5 U/L, significantly higher than 347.0 U/L of control group (P=0.031). However, the average prothrombin activity levels of patients in the experimental group at postoperative day 3 and day 7 were (68.3±17.9)% and (73.4±10.2)%, respectively, significantly lower than (78.9±15.9)% and (80.0±10.6)% of control group (both P<0.05). There were no significant differences of tumor volume, differentiation degree, satellite lesion, dorsal membrane invasion, microvascular invasion between these two groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences of hospital stay, ventilation time, the incidence of hepatic insufficiency, ascites, pleural effusion, infection, biliary fistula between these two groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total bilirubin between these two groups at postoperative day 1, 3, 5 and 7 (all of P>0.05). Conclusion: The resection of centrally located HCC combined with intra-operative radiotherapy may increase the total operation time, delay the early postoperative recovery of liver function, but it is still safe and feasible. Trial registration: National Cancer Centre /Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, ChiCTR-TRC-12002802.

[Analysis of clinicopathological features and prognosis of 98 cases of small hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 98 patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent R0 resection from January 2009 to December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All of the patients were followed up. Their postoperative 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 99.0%, 91.7%, and 76.3%, respectively. Their postoperative median overall survival (OS) period was 52 months. The postoperative progression-free survival rates were 86.7%, 66.2% and 55.0%, respectively, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) period was 43.5 months. The univariate analysis showed that satellite nodules, liver capsule invasion and postoperative recurrence time were associated with OS (P<0.05), and long-term heavy drinking, satellite nodules and liver capsule invasion with PFS (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis indicated that long-term heavy drinking was an independent factor influencing the progression-free survival period of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (P=0.003) and postoperative recurrence time and liver capsule invasion were independent factors affecting their overall survival period (P<0.05). Conclusions: The treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma still concentrates on the active treatment of surgery. It is beneficial to patients to minimize the resection scope of normal liver under the premise of R0 removal of tumor. Postoperative recurrence time of ≤2 years suggests poor prognosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-term heavy drinking can accelerate the recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Effects of perioperative transfusion of blood components on the long-term prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effects of perioperative transfusion of blood components on the long-term prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: A total of 339 patients with primary HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy between January 2003 and December 2010 at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were enrolled. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into non-transfusion, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion only and concentrated red cells (CRC) transfusion groups. Disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression was performed to identify clinicopathological factors related with survival. Results: Among the 339 patients, the 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 63.1%, 35.4% and 22.4%, respectively, and the median disease-free survival was 22 months. While the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.5%, 69.5% and 56.4%, respectively, and the median overall survival was 72 months. The median disease-free survivals of the non-transfusion (n=181), FFP transfusion only (n=48) and CRC transfusion (n=110) groups were 28, 22 and 12 months, respectively, while the median overall survivals of the three groups were 99, 63 and 40 months respectively. Significant differences in the disease-free and overall survivals were observed among the three groups (both P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that FFP transfusion only (HR=1.658, P=0.026), CRC transfusion (HR=1.470, P=0.030), serum alpha-fetoprotein>400 μg/L (HR=1.686, P=0.002), albumin<35 g/L (HR=1.782, P=0.047), tumor capsule (HR=0.597, P=0.012), tumor necrosis (HR=1.820, P=0.001) and the TNM stage Ⅲ or above (HR=2.537, P=0.000) were independent predictors of overall survival after hepatectomy. Conclusion: Both perioperative FFP only transfusion and CRC transfusion may have detrimental effect on the long-term prognosis of HCC.

[Endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with skin lifting system followed by immediate breast reconstruction]

Objective: To discuss the surgical treatment and efficacy of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with skin lifting system (ENSMSLS) followed by immediate breast reconstruction. Methods: ENSMSLS was conducted on 21 patients followed by immediate breast reconstruction with implant via axillary incision from August 2014 to January 2016 in Oncology Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University. These 21 patients were frequency matched with 21 patients, who received nipple-sparing mastectomy via loop periareolar incision from November 2012 to May 2015 in the same center. These 21 patients formed the control group. The operation data of two groups were compared by t test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Differences in operation time ((185±43) minutes vs. (165±33) minutes, t=1.778, P=0.101), amount of bleeding ((60±48) ml vs. (75±57) ml, t=-0.535, P=0.329), and drainage ((240±112) ml vs. (201±91) ml, t=1.238, P=0.233) between these two groups of patients were not statistically significant. There was no nipple necrosis recorded in the ENSMSLS group, while there were three cases (14.3%) recorded in the control group. Two cases (9.5%) of nipple transposition were recorded in the ENSMSLS group, while five cases (23.8%) were recorded in the control group. Differences in nipple necrosis and nipple transposition were statistically significant (0 vs. 5, P=0.001). There were 16 cases (76.2%) of excellent appearance recorded in the ENSMSLS group, while there were 11 cases (52.4%) recorded in the control group. There were 5 cases (23.8%) of good appearance recorded in the ENSMSLS group, while there were 9 cases (42.9%) recorded in the control group. There was no case of fair appearance in the ENSMSLS group, while there was 1 case (4.8%) recorded in the control group. Difference in postoperative appearance was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusions: ENSMSLS significantly decreases the possibility of nipple necrosis and nipple transposition. This technique avoids visible incisions of breast. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of reconstructed breasts.

[Analysis of the survival of 123 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic factors for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection.

METHODS

The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 123 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 1999 and June 2015 were collected and reviewed, and their survival and prognosis were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 22 months and median recurrence-free survival time was 8.97 months. The 1-, 2- and 3-year recurrence rates were 58.6%, 68.9% and 76.5%, respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that preoperative rise in CEA, lymph node metastasis, multiple lesions, extrahepatic invasion, and combination of tumor necrosis were significant adverse prognostic factors affecting the postoperative recurrence-free survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection (P<0.05 for all). The median overall survival time was 21.17 months, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 76.6%, 33.2% and 26.1%, respectively. The Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that preoperative rise in CEA, lymph node metastasis, multiple lesions, and extrahepatic invasion were significant adverse prognostic factors affecting the postoperative overall survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection(P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative rise in CEA, lymph node metastasis, multiple lesions and extrahepatic invasion are significant adverse prognostic factors for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection.

Prospective Validation of Two 4D-CT-Based Scoring Systems for Prediction of Multigland Disease in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with multigland primary hyperparathyroidism are at higher risk for missed lesions on imaging and failed parathyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to prospectively validate the ability of previously derived predictive score systems, the composite multigland disease score, and the multiphase multidetector contrast-enhanced CT (4D-CT) composite multigland disease score, to identify patients with a high likelihood of multigland disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study of 71 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent 4D-CT and successful parathyroidectomy. The size and number of lesions identified on 4D-CT, serum calcium levels, and parathyroid hormone levels were collected. A composite multigland disease score was calculated from 4D-CT imaging findings and the Wisconsin Index (the product of the serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels). A 4D-CT multigland disease score was obtained by using the CT data alone.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with multigland disease were compared with 43 patients with single-gland disease. Patients with multigland disease had a significantly smaller lesion size (P < .01) and a higher likelihood of having either ≥2 or 0 lesions identified on 4D-CT (P < .01). Composite multigland disease scores of ≥4, ≥5, and 6 had specificities of 72%, 86%, and 100% for multigland disease, respectively. 4D-CT multigland disease scores of ≥3 and 4 had specificities of 74% and 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive scoring systems based on 4D-CT data, with or without laboratory data, were able to identify a subgroup of patients with a high likelihood of multigland disease in a prospectively accrued population of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. These scoring systems can aid in surgical planning.

A hitherto undescribed benign mesenchymal polyp of the gallbladder: edematous angiomyolipoma-like polyp

We report a case of two peculiar gallbladder polyps in a sixty-four year old male who presented with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Cholecystectomy was performed, which revealed two polyps measuring 0.6 cm and 1.9 cm, located in the body of the gallbladder. Microscopic examination of the polyps showed composite mesenchymal lesions with vascular proliferation of small-to-medium sized arterioles, myoid stroma, and lipomatous periphery. The myoid component was characterized by wisps of bland smooth muscle fibers loosely separated by proteinaceous and focally myxoid matrix. The surface of the polyps was lined by a single layer of bland epithelial cells. The unique histomorphologic features differentiate the lesions from other known mesenchymal polyps of the gallbladder. We propose the name "edematous angiomyolipoma-like polyp" for these rare lesions given their histomorphologic similarity to angiomyolipoma. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2016, 79, 371-374).

Dynamic lossless polarization gate using a coherently prepared atomic medium

We propose a dynamic lossless all-optical polarization gate using coherently prepared atomic media. We show that the loss/gain of two circularly polarized components of a linearly polarized probe field can be simultaneously eliminated by locking the power of the pump field and the external magnetic field intensity simultaneously. Using the polarization selective Kerr phase shift method, we can write π/2 (-π/2) phase shift to the right (left) circularly polarized component of the linearly polarized probe field with a choice of "magic" wavelength for the probe field. Consequently, the linear polarization state for the probe field acquires a 90° rotation at the exit of the medium. The scheme proposed in this Letter is helpful for applications in optical and quantum information processing and computation.

First Report of Aspergillus niger Causing Root Rot of Peanut in China

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is one of the most important oil crops and food legumes worldwide. China sows approximately 3.5 million hectares each year and produces 40% of the world's peanuts. Fungal diseases are among the main biotic stresses affecting peanut production. Root rot is a serious disease caused by several fungi. Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. are some of the root rot fungi that have been reported in China. In 2012 and 2013, root rot symptoms were observed in several fields in Laixi District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China. The first symptoms appeared in July. Initial symptoms of the disease were brown spots on the stem base and root. Affected plants were stunted, with leaf chlorosis, reduced growth, or sudden wilting. As disease progressed, the infected tissues showed brown discoloration and rot, and abundant dark brown and black powdery spores were visible on the surfaces of affected parts. Eventually, affected plants collapsed and died. To isolate the causal organism, roots and stems were cut into sections, which were surface-disinfected with 70% ethanol solution (v/v) for 20 s, soaked in 0.1% mercuric chloride solution for 50 s, rinsed with sterilized water three times, dried, placed on Czapek's Dox agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (100 μg/ml), and incubated at 28°C for 7 days. Fungal colonies were white initially and then covered with a dense layer of dark brown or black conidial heads. The conidial head was radiate; vesicles were nearly spherical and covered with irregular metulae and phialides. Conidia were globose or subglobose (3.0 to 5.5 μm in diameter), dark brown to black, with rough cell walls. Total genomic DNA was extracted from mycelia using the EasyPure Genomic DNA Kit (TransGEN, Beijing, China). The rDNA-ITS region was amplified using PCR with the universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4 (2). The purified products were separately sequenced in both directions using the same primer pair. The sequences (GenBank Accession No. KJ848716) obtained were 99% similar to the ITS sequence of isolates of Aspergillus niger. This, together with the morphological characters (1) described above, suggested that the microorganism we had isolated was A. niger. Koch's postulates were completed in the laboratory by inoculating peanut. Thirty Huayu20 peanut seeds were placed in a 500-ml sterile pot with 300 g of autoclaved soil. Twenty days after seedling emergence, 15 peanut plants were wounded with a needle and inoculated with 5 ml of conidia suspension (10⁶ ml^-1). The same number of peanuts were similarly wounded and inoculated with 5 ml of sterile distilled water to serve as controls in the same pot. All peanuts were kept in a randomized complete block design at 30°C under a 12-h photoperiod. After 7 days, disease symptoms similar to those observed in the field appeared in all inoculated but not in non-inoculated peanuts. The tests were repeated three times in the greenhouse. Koch's postulates were satisfied after re-isolating the A. niger from inoculated peanuts using the method described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. niger causing root rot in peanut in China. References: (1) M. A. Klich. Page 12 in: Identification of Common Aspergillus Species. Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2002. (2) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1990.

First Report of Maize chlorotic mottle virus Infecting Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

The experimental host range of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) is restricted to the Gramineae (Poaceae) family with maize as a natural host. However, MCMV has never been found to infect sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) plants in fields. MCMV can cause corn lethal necrosis disease (CLND) resulting from synergistic interaction between this virus and Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), or Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) (1). MCMV was first found on maize plants in Yunnan Province in China in 2011 (2), and co-infection of MCMV and SCMV was reported on maize in Yunnan Province in China in 2013 (1). In January 2013, while surveying MCMV on maize in Yunnan Province, we found sugarcane planted near an MCMV-infected maize field with chlorotic and mosaic viral symptoms. Five symptomatic sugarcane plants were collected and screened for MCMV using a monoclonal antibody-based dot-ELISA (1). MCMV was detected in all five sugarcane samples using this assay. To further confirm the ELISA results, total RNA was isolated from sugarcane leaves using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) and assayed for MCMV by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with primers M69F (ACAGGACACCGTTGCCGTTTAT) and M70R (CATGGGTGGGTCAAGGCTTACT) designed to amplify nt 3301 to 4282 of MCMV maize isolate YN2 (GenBank Accession No. JQ982468). The expected 982-bp amplicon was obtained from all five sugarcane samples confirming that the five sugarcane samples were infected with MCMV. Using purified total RNA as a template, RT-PCR was performed using SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) and Pfusion High-Fidelity DNA polymerase (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA) with primers M10 (AGGTAATCTGCGGCAACAGACC, 1 to 22 nt) and M36 (GGGCCGGAAGAGAGGGGCATTAC, 4436 to 4414 nt). The sequence of the resulting cDNA amplicon (KF010583) indicated that the MCMV sugarcane isolate shares 99% sequence identity with the MCMV maize isolate YN2 from Yunnan Province in China. Attempts to mechanically transmit MCMV from sugarcane to maize were unsuccessful. However, quantitative real time RT-PCR result revealed that the virus titer in sugarcane plants was about 6 to 10 times lower than that in maize plants (data not shown). SCMV was also detected in the five MCMV-infected sugarcane samples by RT-PCR with primers W48F (GTGTGGAATGGTTCACTCAAAGCTG) and W49R (GGTGTTGCAATTGGTGTGTACACG), designed to amplify a 395-bp fragment of the SCMV Beijing isolate (AY042184). The sequence of the amplified products shared 98% identity with SCMV isolate JP2 (JF488065). Thus, we think chlorotic and mosaic symptoms on the sugarcane plant samples were caused by co-infection of MCMV and SCMV and the sugarcane plants harbor both viruses implicated in causing maize lethal necrosis. This study indicates that MCMV naturally infects sugarcane plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MCMV infecting sugarcane plants. References: (1) J.-X. Wu et al. J. Zhejiang Univ-Sci B (Biomed & Biotechnol). 14:555, 2013. (2) L. Xie et al. J. Phytopathol. 159:191, 2011.

Dissipation of difenoconazole in rice, paddy soil, and paddy water under field conditions

An analytical method for determining the residue of a broad-spectrum fungicide, difenoconazole, in soil and rice crop matrices is described. Mean recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) in paddy soil, water, rice plant, rice hull, and husked rice matrices at three spiking levels ranged 71.8-115.8% and 1.6-7.8%, respectively. The half-life of difenoconazole was determined at three different field sites in Guangxi, Hubei, and Zhejiang provinces in China via a dissipation experiment, in which a 30% aqueous suspension concentrate of difenoconazole and propiconazole (15% difenoconazole, 15% propiconazole) was applied at high dosages. The half-lives of difenoconazole in water, rice plant, and soil in Guangxi were 0.30, 2.59 and 23.26 days, 2.50, 1.77 and 2.82 days in Hubei, and 2.71, 1.39 and 6.61 days in Zhejiang, respectively. Difenoconazole concentrations in soil, rice hull, and husked rice samples were below the detection limit at pre-harvest intervals of 30, 40 and 50 days after fungicide application. The concentration in straw at pre-harvest intervals of 30, 40 and 50 days in the three experimental locations ranged from 0.037mg kg(-1) and 2.53mg kg(-1).

Phase II study of sorafenib in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil to treat recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a Simon two-stage designed trial. Chemotherapy-naive patients with recurrent or metastatic disease were enrolled. The regimen was sorafenib 400 mg orally b.i.d., cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1, and 5-FU 1000 mg/m(2)/day CIV for 4 days, repeated every 21 days. After a maximum of six cycles of chemotherapy, patients received maintenance of sorafenib.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients were enrolled. The objective response rate reached 77.8%, including 1 complete response and 41 partial responses. The median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (95% CI 6.8-8.4 months), and the median overall survival was 11.8 months (95% CI 10.6-18.7 months). Major toxic effects included hand-foot skin reaction, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal (GI) reaction. The incidence of hemorrhage was 22.2%, and one patient with liver metastases died of GI bleeding. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was carried out in a subset of patients with liver metastases.

CONCLUSION

Combination of sorafenib, cisplatin (80 mg/m(2)) and 5-FU (3000 mg/m(2)) was tolerable and feasible in recurrent or metastatic NPC. Further randomized trials to compare sorafenib plus cisplatin and 5-FU with standard dose of cisplatin plus 5-FU in NPC are warranted.

Downregulation of miR-181a upregulates sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and improves hepatic insulin sensitivity

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a potential therapeutic target to combat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study aims to identify a microRNA (miRNA) targeting SIRT1 to regulate hepatic insulin sensitivity.

METHODS

Luciferase assay combined with mutation and immunoblotting was used to screen and verify the bioinformatically predicted miRNAs. miRNA and mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. Insulin signalling was detected by immunoblotting and glycogen synthesis. Involvement of SIRT1 was studied with adenovirus, inhibitor and SIRT1-deficient hepatocytes. The role of miR-181a in vivo was explored with adenovirus and locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides.

RESULTS

miR-181a targets the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Sirt1 mRNA through a miR-181a binding site, and downregulates SIRT1 protein abundance at the translational level. miR-181a is increased in insulin-resistant cultured hepatocytes and liver, and in the serum of diabetic patients. Overexpression of miR-181a decreases SIRT1 protein levels and activity, and causes insulin resistance in hepatic cells. Inhibition of miR-181a by antisense oligonucleotides increases SIRT1 protein levels and activity, and improves insulin sensitivity in hepatocytes. Ectopic expression of SIRT1 abrogates the effect of miR-181a on insulin sensitivity, and inhibition of SIRT1 activity or SIRT1 deficiency markedly attenuated the improvement in insulin sensitivity induced by antisense miR-181a. In addition, overexpression of miR-181a by adenovirus impairs hepatic insulin signalling, and intraperitoneal injection of locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides for miR-181a improves glucose homeostasis in diet-induced obesity mice.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

miR-181a regulates SIRT1 and improves hepatic insulin sensitivity. Inhibition of miR-181a might be a potential new strategy for treating insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Functional up-regulation of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of bone cancer pain

BACKGROUND

Cancer-induced bone pain remains a clinical challenge due to the poor understanding of the mechanisms. Recent study revealed extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and P2X receptors may be implicated in nociceptive signalling under cancer pain state. Therefore, here we investigated the potential role of P2X(3) receptor in a rat model of bone cancer pain.

METHODS

Walker 256 tumour cells were inoculated into the left tibia of Wistar rats. The model was verified by X-ray imaging, pathology and behaviour examinations. The expression of P2X(3) receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was examined. Functional significance of altered P2X(3) receptors was investigated by measuring influx upon α,β-meATP stimulation in acutely dissociated DRG neurons. Moreover, A-317491, an antagonist of P2X(3) receptors, was administrated intrathecally or locally to evaluate its analgesia effect in the cancer pain animals.

RESULTS

The P2X(3) receptor was up-regulated for about 50% in DRG neurons in rats with bone cancer at both protein and mRNA levels and correlated with the pain behaviour in bone cancer rats. A 51.9% increase of α,β-me ATP (10 μM, for 4 s) evoked transient response currents and a higher percentage of neurons responsive to the application of α,β-me ATP was detected in bone cancer rats. Intrathecal or local injection of A-317491 significantly attenuated pain behaviour induced by bone cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the P2X(3) receptor is functionally up-regulated in DRG in cancer rats. P2X(3) receptor is a promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer patients for pain management.

Malvastrum yellow vein Yunnan virus is amonopartite begomovirus

Nine samples of diseased Malvastrum coromandelianum plants collected from the fields in Yunnan province of China were found to be infected with Malvastrum yellow vein Yunnan virus (MYVYNV), when tested by PCR using specific primers. The results of PCR and Southern blot analysis showed that only 4 samples out of 9 were associated with the satellite DNAb molecules. Their sequence analysis indicated that DNAb molecules share 97.8%-99.4% of nucleotide sequence identities with DNAb associated with MYVYNV isolate Y160 and less than 82.0% with those associated with other begomoviruses. Two infectious clones of MYVYNV (isolates Y160 and Y277) produced yellow vein, vein thickening and upward leaf curl symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. In the presence of its cognate DNAb, the symptoms changed to downward leaf curl and crinkle. Southern blot analysis showed that DNAb could increase accumulation of its cognate virus in the infected N. benthamiana plants. The above results indicated that MYVYNV is a monopartite begomovirus and its association with DNAb is not necessary for the infection of plants, but is able to intensify symptoms specific for the disease.

The clinical value of serum CEA, CA19-9, and CA242 in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM

Serum tumour markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and CA242 were investigated to evaluate the values of single and combined test in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Pre-operative serum CEA, CA19-9 and CA242 were measured in 105 pancreatic cancers, 70 non-pancreatic malignancies and 30 benign pancreatic diseases.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of CA19-9 alone was the highest in pancreatic cancer patients (80%), but the specificity was significantly lower than that of CEA and CA242 (P<0.01). The combination of CEA and CA242 could increase the specificity to 92%. In serum CA242 positive patients, the survival time was remarkably shorter than that of patients with negative result (P<0.01). The survival time in patients with more than two markers positive expression of CEA, CA19-9 and CA242 was obviously shorter than that of only one or no marker positive expression (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic rate of CA19-9 in pancreatic cancer is better than that of CEA and CA242. Combined detection of CEA and CA242 can improve the diagnostic specificity obviously. High levels of serum markers are associated with advanced stage of the disease. Patients with two or three markers positive expression of CEA, CA19-9, and CA242 simultaneously had a shorter survival time.

Mild conversion of alcohols to alkyl halides using halide-based ionic liquids at room temperature

[reaction--see text] Alcohols were efficiently converted to alkyl halides using 1-n-butyl-3-methylylimidazolium halides (ionic liquids) in the presence of Brønsted acids at room temperature. The alkyl halide products were easily isolated from the reaction mixture via simple decantation or extraction, and the 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation could be recycled for further uses.

Macrocyclization in the design of a conformationally constrained Grb2 SH2 domain inhibitor

Grubbs' olefin metathesis reaction was utilized to prepare a macrocyclic variant of a linear Grb2 SH2 domain antagonist in an attempt to induce a beta-bend conformation known to be required for high affinity binding. In extracellular Grb2 SH2 domain binding assays, the macrocyclic analogue exhibited an approximate 100-fold enhancement in binding potency relative to its linear counterpart. The macrocycle was not as effective in whole cell binding assays as would be expected based on its extracellular binding potency.

N-terminal carboxyl and tetrazole-containing amides as adjuvants to Grb2 SH2 domain ligand binding

High affinity binding of peptides to Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, often requires the presence of phosphotyrosyl (pTyr) or pTyr-mimicking moieties in the N-terminal position of the binding ligand. Several reports have shown that N(alpha)-acylation of the critical pTyr residue can result in increased SH2 domain binding potency. For Grb2 SH2 domains which recognize pTyr-Xxx-Asn-NH(2) motifs, significant potency enhancement can be incurred by N(alpha)-(3-amino)Z derivatization of tripeptides such as pTyr-Ile-Asn-NH(2). Using ligands based on the high affinity pY-Ac(6)c-Asn-(naphthylpropylamide) motif, (where Ac(6)c=1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid), additional reports have shown moderate potentiating effects of N(alpha)-oxalyl derivatization. The current study examined variations of the N(alpha)-oxalyl theme in the context of a Xxx-Ac(6)c-Asn-(naphthylpropylamide) platform, where Xxx=the hydrolytically stable pTyr mimetics phosphonomethyl phenylalanine (Pmp) or carboxymethyl phenylalanine (Cmf). The effects of N(alpha)-(3-amino)Z derivatization were also investigated for this platform, to ascertain whether the large binding enhancement reported for tripeptides such as pTyr-Ile-Asn-NH(2) could be observed. In ELISA-based extracellular Grb2 SH2 domain binding assays, it was found for the Pmp-based series, that extending the oxalyl carboxyl out by one methylene unit or replacing carboxyl functionality with a tetrazole isostere, resulted in binding potency greater than the parent N(alpha)-acetyl-containing compound, with enhancement approximating that observed for the N(alpha)-oxalyl derivative. When Cmf was used as the pTyr mimetic, only modest differences in IC(50) values were observed for the series. Examination of the N(alpha)-(3-amino)Z derivatized Pmp-Ac(6)c-Asn-(naphthylpropylamide), showed that binding affinity was reduced relative to the parent N(alpha)-acetyl analogue, in contrast to the reported significant enhancement of affinity observed with other peptide ligands. Treatment of MDA-453 tumor cells, which are mitogenically driven through erbB-2 tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways, with Pmp-containing inhibitors resulted in growth inhibition, with the N(alpha)-oxalyl and N(alpha)-malonyl-containing compounds exhibiting IC(50) values (4.3 and 4.6 microM, respectively) approximately five-fold lower than the parent N(alpha)-acetyl-containing compound. Tetrazole and N(alpha)-(3-amino)Z-containing inhibitors were from two- to four-fold less potent than these latter analogues in the growth inhibition assays.

[Clinical characteristics of Parkinson's disease in natural population]

OBJECTIVE

To study the Clinical characteristics of Parkinson's disease(PD) in natural population.

METHODS

All the patients diagnosed as Parkinsonism from a prevalence study in Beijing in 1997 were collected for investigation. The spectrum of the clinical features of Parkinsonism and the onset, progression and prognosis of PD were analysed, as well as the impact factors to the prognosis were analysed.

RESULTS

109 cases were ascertained as PD from the sample population, in which 64(58.7%) were PD, 11 (10.1%) were Parkinson plus syndrome and 34(31.2%) were symptom Parkinsonism. 30 of the 64 PD cases were male. The median age of PD was 74.5 years. The median age at onset was 68 years old. The median duration was 5 years. The average Hoehn-Yahr staging score was 2.81. The clinical characteristics of PD and other Parkinsonism were compared, as asymmetry of symptoms and signs was an important feature to differentiate PD from other Parkinsonism. 20.3 percent of PD cases were associated with dementia. 16(25%) of the 64 PD cases initiated with essential tremor and developed to PD during 6-49 years after the onset of tremor. Tremor was the dominant initial symptoms of PD(60.9%). Type of initial symptoms was a relatively definite impact factor to the prognosis of PD. Levodopa treatment was likely to delay the duration of PD.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of Parkinsonism in natural population were different as compared with previous studies. A further study on the natural history of PD thoroughly is needed.

[Changes of glucocorticoid receptor in cerebral and hepatic cytosol during decompression stress injury in rats]

Objective. To observe the changes of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in cerebral and hepatic cytosol during decompression stress injury in rats. Method. 30 rats were divided into 5 group. They were placed into the compression chamber for compression and decompression. The binding capacity of GR of cerebral and hepatic cytosol were measured by the exchange assay, using 3H dexamethasone as the ligand. Meanwhile, decompression bubbles on pericardial area were measured using Doppler ultrasonic method. Result. The binding capacity of GR of cerebral and hepatic cytosol reduced after decompression stress injury in the animals, especially cerebral cytosol (P<0.01, P<0.05). The result also showed that the binding capacity of cerebral and hepatic GR should have further decreased, if the therapeutic measure had not been used in animals suffered from decompression sickness (DCS). Conclusion. The changes of the binding capacity of GR of cerebral and hepatic cytosol were proved to be related to decompression stress injury, which might be taken as one of the indices for evaluating injury degree of DCS.

Preneoplastic mammary tumor markers: Cripto and Amphiregulin are overexpressed in hyperplastic stages of tumor progression in transgenic mice

Amphiregulin (Ar) and Cripto (Cr) are autocrine growth factors for mammary cells and both have been observed to exhibit high expression in human mammary tumors, in contrast with adjacent tissues. To investigate whether Ar and Cr play roles in the progression of mammary cell proliferation to unregulated growth and tumor formation, the levels of expression were examined in transgenic mice (TGM) that over-express several different oncogenes: MMTV-Polyoma virus middle T antigen (MMTV-PyMT), MMTV-c-ErbB2 (c-neu, HER2) and MT-hTGF alpha. These transgenic mice all produce mammary tumors but with different rates of progression. The levels of Ar were induced up to 10-fold in association with hyperplasia in 2 of the TGM. Cr overexpression was consistently observed in hyperplastic mammary glands in all the animal models, decreasing in overt tumors in 2 of the TGM models. In MMTV-PyMT mammary glands, the levels of Cr expression rose 7- to 10-fold in hyperplastic tissue and 25-fold the levels in tumors compared to age-matched transgene negative mice. Ar and especially Cr thus should have potential value as markers of preneoplastic change in mammary tissue.

An AI approach to dynamic visual field testing

Visual field test results are crucial to the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing blinding diseases such as glaucoma. Herein, a method of integrating self-organizing neural networks and empirical heuristics is used to perform visual field tests via a dynamic test strategy, which can lead to a reduction in the number of trials in a perimetric test. Experiments performed using clinical test records show that we are able to reduce by 20% to 30% the number of trials per test without much adverse effect on the accuracy of the tests.

Frequency of asymmetric visual field defects in normal-tension and high-tension glaucoma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of asymmetric visual field loss at presentation in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and high-tension glaucoma (HTG).

DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred and three NTG patients and 337 consecutive HTG patients (consecutive diagnoses between 1986 and 1996).

INTERVENTION

Analysis of the frequency of unilateral field loss presentations in NTG and HTG. The visual fields of fellow eyes were compared to determine the side of more severe field loss. For the NTG patients, the relationship between the side with greater field loss and corresponding intraocular pressure (IOP) was investigated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Humphrey field analyzer mean defect (MD) and mean diurnal IOP.

RESULTS

In the NTG group, 101 (25%) patients presented with unilateral field loss. The proportion of cases with unilateral field loss decreased with increasing age of presentation (chi-square test for trend = 26.9; P < 0.0001). Sixty-four percent of the patients had unilateral field loss in the left eye. Sixty-eight percent of the cases with bilateral field loss had a higher MD in the left eye. The diurnal IOP was estimated as 0.23 +/- 0.068 mmHg (mean +/- SE) higher in the left eye (P = 0.001). In the HTG group, 104 (31%) patients presented with unilateral field loss. The proportion of cases with unilateral field loss decreased with increasing age of presentation (chi-square test for trend = 4.6; P = 0.03). Right and left eyes had an equal chance of having field loss in unilateral cases and of being the side of more advanced field damage in bilateral cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of cases with unilateral field loss was similar in HTG and NTG patients. Patients with unilateral field loss at presentation were more likely to be at the younger end of the age range. In the NTG population we studied, the left eye was more frequently the side of onset of field loss and 2.1 times more likely to present with a greater field defect than the right eye. In HTG patients, right and left eyes showed an equal chance of being the side of onset of field damage and the more affected side.

Role of glutathione and catalase in H2O2 detoxification in LPS-activated hepatic endothelial and Kupffer cells

The present study investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; from Escherichia coli, 2 mg/kg body wt ip) on selected aspects of the antioxidant status in Kupffer and sinusoidal endothelial cells. Cells were isolated 18 h after the injection of saline or LPS. In fresh suspension cultures, cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and H2O2 were determined by monochlorobimane, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, respectively, using a fluorescence plate reader. LPS injection increased GSH content two- to threefold in Kupffer cells compared with cells from control rats. Cellular GSH content was higher in endothelial than Kupffer cells. However, LPS did not increase GSH content in endothelial cells. Addition of H2O2 (40-200 microM) to Kupffer or endothelial cells caused a transient decrease in GSH, which was more pronounced in cells from control rats (approximately 45% drop) than in LPS-exposed cells (approximately 25% drop). Depleted GSH levels were accompanied by a proportional increase in cellular H2O2. After inhibition of catalase by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, the presence of 0.2 mM H2O2 depleted GSH content by 75% and 40% in Kupffer cells from saline- or LPS-injected rats, respectively. The same treatments caused a similar 50% decrease in both activated and control endothelial cells. LPS decreased catalase activity by 45% in Kupffer cells, whereas it had no effect on catalase in endothelial cells. Glutathione reductase activity was not altered by LPS in either cell type. These data show that in activated Kupffer cells the elevated level of cellular glutathione plays an augmented role in the protection against reactive oxygen species, whereas the contribution of catalase to H2O2 detoxification is attenuated. In LPS-stimulated endothelial and Kupffer cells, the efficient maintenance of GSH is consistent with upregulated production of reducing power through the hexose phosphate shunt observed previously.

[Effects and mechanism of emodin and sandostatin on pancreatic ischemia in acute haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate pancreatic ischemia and abnormal metabolism of eicosanoids in acute haemorrhagic-necrotizing pancreatits (AHNP) and the effects of emodin or sandostatin on them.

METHODS

Rats with AHNP were triggered with sodium taurocholate; the pancreatic blood flow (PBF) was detected with computerized tissue blood flowmeter, and plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and thromboxane (TXB2) were determined with radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease of PBF in the early stage of AHNP. Compared with that in the untreated group, significant improvement of PBF was demonstrated in emodin as well as in sandostatin group which showed reduced PBF following infusion of sandostatin before triggering AHNP. In untreated group plasma TXB was significantly higher, with an increase of 4.5 times, than that in sham-operated group while 6-keto-PGF1 alpha or PGE2 tended to decrease. The above mentioned abnormal synthesis of eicosanoids was blocked either in emodin or in sandostatin group in which lessened damage of acini cells was shown by pathologic scoring or transmission electron microscope. Both of the two groups shared significantly lower mortalities than the untreated group.

CONCLUSION

Either emodion or sandostatin could partly reverse the decrease of PBF in the early stage of AHNP, which may be ascribed at least in part to inhibition of abnormal synthesis of eicosanoids and improvement of cytoprotection of acini cells, and combined application of the two drugs might promise positively synergetic action as well.

No correlation between side-chain of propranolol oxidation and S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase activity

AIM

To determine if any correlation between the side-chain oxidative capacity for propranolol and S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase (cytochrome P-450 2C19, CYP2C19) activity in healthy Chinese of Han nationality.

METHODS

S-mephenytoin oxidative metabolite 4'-hydroxymephenytoin (4'OH-M), S- and R-mephenytoin, and naphthoxyl-actic acid (NLA) excreted in urine, and propranolol in plasma were measured after 14 healthy extensive metabolizers of S-mephenytoin oxidation were given a single oral dose of racemic mephenytoin 100 mg and racemic propranolol 80 mg, respectively. S/R-mephenytoin in urine was determined by chiral capillary gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection, 4'-OH-M in urine by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) with ultraviolet detection, and plasma propranolol or urinary NLA by the RPLC with fluorescence detection.

RESULTS

No significant correlations were found between the partial metabolic clearance (Clm) of propranolol to NLA and 8 h urinary S/R ratio of mephenytoin (rs = -0.0484; P = 0.8695), nor between the Clm and log10 of 8 h urinary excretion of 4'-OH-M (rs = -0.1077; P = 0.7140).

CONCLUSIONS

CYP2C19 is not a principal P-450 isozyme responsible for the in vivo side-chain oxidation of propranolol in the Chinese.

Variation of nerve fibre layer thickness measurements with age and ethnicity by scanning laser polarimetry

AIMS

Scanning laser polarimetry is a new technique allowing quantitative analysis of the retinal nerve fibre layer in vivo. This technique was employed to investigate the variation of the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in a group of normal subjects of different ages and ethnic groups.

METHODS

150 normal volunteers of different ages and ethnic groups were recruited for this study. Three consecutive 15-degree polarimetric maps were acquired for each subjects. Nerve fibre layer thickness measurements were obtained at 1.5 disc diameters from the optic nerve. Four 90-degree quadrants were identified.

RESULTS

The mean nerve fibre layer thickness varied from a minimum of 55.4 microns to a maximum of 105.3 microns, with a mean thickness value of 78.2 (SD 10.6) microns. Superior and inferior quadrants showed a comparatively thicker nerve fibre layer than nasal and temporal quadrants. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness is inversely correlated with age (p < 0.001). White people showed thicker nerve fibre layers than Afro-Caribbeans (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a progressive reduction of the nerve fibre layer thickness with increasing age. This may be due to a progressive loss of ganglion axons with age as suggested in postmortem studies. A racial difference in nerve fibre layer thickness is present between whites and Afro-Caribbeans.

Antinociceptive activities of 70% methanol extract of evodiae fructus (fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa var. bodinieri) and its alkaloidal components

The effects of 70% methanol extract (EA-ext) from Evodiae Fructus (EA) consisting of dried fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa var. bodinieri (Rutaceae) on nociceptive responses were investigated. Oral administration of 50 or 200 mg/kg EA-ext had the same antinociceptive effect on writhing responses as induced by acetic acid. Its major alkaloidal constituents, evodiamine and rutaecarpine also had the antinociceptive effect. EA-ext significantly decreased the frequency of licking behavior within a unit of time at the late phase without affecting that of the early phase in the formalin test. EA-ext also increased nociceptive threshold of the inflamed paw without increasing that in the non-inflamed paw in the Randall-Selitto test. Although EA-ext inhibited the rise of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid and the increase of paw edema induced by carrageenin, it was ineffective on nociceptive response in the hot plate test and on locomotor activity. These results suggest that EA possesses antinociceptive effects and its mode of action may be mediated by anti-inflammatory action, and that the antinociceptive constituents are only partially attributable to alkaloidal components mentioned above.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha augments the expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in rat hepatic endothelial and Kupffer cells

Cellular activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the key enzyme of the hexose monophosphate shunt, supports several pathways involved in the nonspecific immune response. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo effects of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines on the expression of G6PD in Kupffer and hepatic endothelial cells. Murine recombinant TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, or IL-6 (1.5 x 10(5) U/kg) was injected and cellular G6PD mRNA level determined using a quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction method. G6PD mRNA was elevated two- to threefold seven hours after the injection of TNF alpha in Kupffer and endothelial cells as compared to cells from saline-injected animals. The elevated G6PD mRNA was accompanied by increased cellular enzyme activity in both cells. The cellular activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) was also increased seven hours after TNF alpha treatment in these cells. G6PD mRNA and enzyme activity returned to control levels 22h after TNF alpha administration. In contrast to the marked effects of TNF alpha, no significant alterations were found on G6PD expression following IL-1 beta or IL-6 injections in these cells. None of these cytokines caused changes in G6PD or 6PGD expression in parenchymal cells. These data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF alpha plays an important role in the regulation of cellular G6PD expression in hepatic immune competent cells.

Modifications in lens protein biosynthesis signal the initiation of cataracts induced by buthionine sulfoximine in mice

Cataract induction in preweanling mice by L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis, was correlated with perturbations in vitro protein biosynthesis. These were detected by incubation of late precataract and early cataract lenses with 35S-labeled amino acids, followed by dissection of lenses into capsule-epithelium and decapsulated fiber fractions, further processing of the fibers into water-soluble, urea-soluble and urea-insoluble fractions, and analysis by 2D electrophoresis and fluorography. Most of the protein labeling in control lenses was in the water-soluble fiber and capsule-epithelium fractions (80% and 14% of total cpm, respectively). Labeling in all three fiber fractions was decreased by cataract induction. The urea-insoluble fraction displayed a transient increase in labeled high molecular weight basic protein, as labeling of polypeptide monomers decreased. Densitometric analysis of fluorograms from the water-soluble and urea-soluble fiber fractions revealed a sharp decrease in fiber gamma-crystallin polypeptide labeling preceding and accompanying early cataract development, a delayed decrease in labeling of alpha A-crystallin and increased relative percentage of several labeled beta-crystallin polypeptides, especially in the urea-soluble fraction. By contrast with diminished labeling of the fiber fractions during cataract initiation, protein labeling of the corresponding capsule-epithelium fraction was stimulated dramatically and persisted at reduced levels during early opacification (stage 3), when nearly all of the protein labeling in the lens was found in capsule-epithelium. Capsule-epithelium polypeptides showing increased labeling during cataract initiation included alpha A-crystallin, several acidic polypeptides of M(r) = 40-50 kDa and a group of neutral to mildly acidic polypeptides of M(r) = 20-28 kDa. this transient activation, which was relatively non-specific, may relate to previously reported observations of polyribosome accumulation in lens epithelium during initial development of BSO cataracts. The labeled capsule-epithelium preparations are known to include newly differentiating fibers near the lens equator as well as epithelial cells. Both of these cell populations survive in mature BSO cataracts. It is suggested that modifications of the normal pattern of gene expression in the lens may be involved in initiation of the mouse BSO cataract and its subsequent pattern of development.