Differences of bioelectrical impedance in the development and healing phase of pressure ulcers and erythema in mouse model

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are economically burdensome medical conditions. Early changes in pressure ulcers are associated with erythema. In this study, bioelectrical impedance was used to measure the differences between PUs and blanchable erythema. We divided 21 ICR mice into three groups: control, 1000 mmHg-1h, and 1000 mmHg-6h. Healthy skin, blanchable erythema, and PUs were induced on the dorsal skin. The results indicated an immediate increase in impedance, resistance, and reactance values in the pressure group after release, followed by a subsequent decrease until two days after release. Compared with the control group, impedance and reactance significantly increased by 30.9% (p < 0.05) and 30.1% (p < 0.01), respectively, in the 6 h-loading group immediately after release. One and two days after release, the 1 h-loading and 6 h-loading groups exhibited significantly different degrees of decline. One day after release, impedance and resistance decreased by 30.2% (p < 0.05) and 19.8% (p < 0.05), respectively, in the 1 h-loading group; while impedance, resistance, and reactance decreased by 39.2% (p < 0.01), 26.8% (p < 0.01), and 45.7% (p < 0.05), respectively, in the 6 h-loading group. Two days after release, in the 1 h-loading group, impedance and resistance decreased by 28.3% (p < 0.05) and 21.7% (p < 0.05), respectively; while in the 6 h-loading group, impedance, resistance, and reactance decreased by 49.8% (p < 0.001), 34.2% (p < 0.001), and 59.8% (p < 0.01), respectively. One and two days after release the pressure group reductions were significantly greater than those in the control group. Additionally, we monitored changes during wound healing. Distinguishing early PUs from blanchable erythema by noninvasive bioelectrical impedance technology may have applications value in early assessment of PUs.

[Clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of 6 cases of congenital granular cell tumor]

To provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital granular cell tumor (CGCT), by comprehensive analysis of the clinical data, histopathological and immunohistochemical results. Patients with CGCT were involede, from March 2015 to November 2020, at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. A total of 6 children, aged 3-16 days, 1 male and 5 female, 5 maxillary and 1 mandibular, with maximum tumor diameter of 6-70 mm, were included. The lesions of CGCT were single and connected to the alveolar ridge by a pedicle. The surface of the tumor was covered with a vascular network, and two cases had ulcers on the surface of the tumor. All 6 cases had the tumor removed surgically and there was no recurrence or metastasis in the follow-up visit. Although CGCT is rare, it is a benign tumor and generally does not recur or metastasize after surgery, and has a good prognosis. The prenatal imaging, clinical manifestations after delivery, pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical analyses may provide reference for early diagnosis and treatment of CGCT.

[Establishment and application of animal models of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis]

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare respiratory disease, but this disease has slow research progress. Animal model is an effective tool for basic research. Current PAP animal models are based on the main pathogenesis of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF) signal disorder and environmental homeostasis imbalance in the alveoli. Application researches focus on the treatment strategies of PAP. The existing PAP animal models cannot fully reflect to the development of human PAP, which should be further developed and improved to provide the basis for clinical practice.

[Assessment of the quality of life of mandibular ameloblastoma patients after reconstruction with double-barrel fibula flap]

Objective: To analyse the quality of life of patients receiving repair of bone defect with folded fibula flap after removal of mandibular ameloblastoma. Methods: The case data of 39 patients with ameloblastoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2013 to April 2016 were retrospectively analysed, including 21 males and 18 females, from 18 to 58 years old. 3D printing and digital technology were used in flap preparation before surgery in all patients. The folded fibular flaps were used to repair mandibular defects and the implants were placed between 6-9 months after surgery. The short form-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and the university of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL) were applied to evaluate the quality of life of patients before surgery and at 6 months and 24 months after surgery. The higher the score, the better the condition. SPSS 20.0 was adopted for statistical analysis. Results: The SF-36 survey showed that the mean score of body role before surgery (72.4±11.7) was significantly higher than that at 6 months after surgery (39.6±11.1, t=23.580, P<0.05) or that at 24 months after surgery (59.8±6.4, t=8.358, P<0.001). Compared with the preoperative mean scores of Physical Pain (73.0±11.0), General Health (73.4±10.4) and Health Changes (79.2±3.9) before surgery, the mean scores Physical Pain (53.1±7.7), General Health (53.5±7.5) and Health Changes (63.9±11.7) at 6 months after surgery were decreased significantly respectively (t=13.068, 13.756 and 10.880, respectively, all P<0.05), but the mean scores Physical Pain (78.8±14.0), General Health (80.9±12.6) and Health Changes (84.4±4.6) at 24 months after surgery were increased significantly respectively (t=-2.904, -4.027 and -7.586, respectively, all P<0.05), with significant differences in the mean scores of Physical Pain, General Health and Health Changes between 6 and 24 months after surgery (t=-14.241, -16.490, -14.294, respectively, all P<0.001). The UW-QOL survey showed that the mean scores of chewing, language and taste functions decreased at 6 months after surgery (53.1±6.7, 53.0±7.7 and 62.2±9.9, respectively), but improved at 24 months after surgery (67.9±3.9, 63.9±2.9 and 68.4±11.1, respectively), with statistically significant difference (t=-16.765, -11.675 and 2.498, respectively, all P<0.001). Conclusion: The application of folded fibula flaps to repair bone defects after sugery of mandibular ameloblastoma can better meet the needs of language and chewing functions and improve the quality of life of patients.

[Roles of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald]

Objective: To investigate the expression and phosphorylation level change of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle of severely scald rats and its roles in skeletal muscle atrophy in severely scalded rats. Methods: The experimental research method was applied. Totally 100 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sham injury group and scald group according to the random number table, with 50 rats in each group. After weighing the body weight, rats in scald group were inflicted with full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, and rats in sham injury group were simulated with scald. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, 10 rats in each group were taken to measure their body weights and weights of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscle. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, the tibialis anterior muscles were collected, the mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the content of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, and AMP/ATP ratio and energy charge were calculated; the protein expressions of AMPK-α and phosphorylated AMPK-α (p-AMPK-α) were detected by Western blotting, and the p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratio was calculated, with sample number of 4 in each time point of each group. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design and least significant difference test. Results: The body weights of rats in 2 groups before injury and at each time point post injury were close (P>0.05). At 6 h post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.107±0.007) g, which was significantly heavier than (0.086±0.0607) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). On 3 d post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.083±0.016) g, which was significantly lighter than (0.102±0.005) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). The weight of soleus of rats in 2 groups were close at each time point post injury (P>0.05). Compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expression of MAFbx in tibialis anterior muscle of rats in scald group was significantly up-regulated at 6 h post injury (P<0.01), and the mRNA expressions of MuRF1 in tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly up-regulated at 6 h and on 1 d post injury (P<0.01). At 6 h and on 7 d post injury, compared with those of false injury group, the AMP/ATP ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and energy charges of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). At each time point post injury, the protein expressions of AMPK-α of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in 2 groups were close (P>0.05). The p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group at 6 h and on 7 d post injury were significantly higher than those in sham injury group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The decrease in energy charge and increase in AMP/ATP ratio of skeletal muscle of rats after severe scald activate AMPK. The activation of AMPK in the early stage of injury is consistent with the up-regulation of MAFbx and MuRF1 expressions and down-regulation of skeletal muscle weight. The above-mentioned changes may be one of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald.

[Application of the posteromedial thigh flap for oral and maxillofacial defect reconstruction]

To explore the feasibility of using the posteromedial thigh flap as an alternative source for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. During January 2019 to January 2020, twenty-three patients underwent oral and maxillofacial tumor ablation and defect reconstruction with 23 posteromedial thigh flaps were enrolled in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Thirteen of the patients were male and ten were female, with age of (54.5±9.7) years (33-72 years). The numbers and types of perforators, the dimension of flap and the vascular pedicle length were measured. The outcomes of flaps and donor-site complication were recorded. The patients' satisfaction with donor-site cosmesis were evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). More than one sizable perforators was found in each case and the median number of perforators was 2 (range, 1 to 4), and all of the perforators were musculocutaneous. The pedicle length was (9.8±1.5) cm (range, 7.3 to 13.4 cm). The diameters of artery and the larger vein were 2.0 mm (range, 1.5 to 2.5 mm) and 2.0 mm (range, 1.5 to 3.0 mm), respectively. The dimension of the flaps ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 12 cm×8 cm, and the donor sites were all closed primarily. All of the flaps were clinically survived, only one patient experienced partial wound dehiscence of donor site 14 days postoperatively and no donor site infection or permanent muscular weakness was reported. The VAS scores of the patients' satisfaction with donor-site cosmesis were all more than 8. The perforators of the posteromedial thigh flap is consistent and the donor-site scar is well concealed, which make the posteromedial thigh flap an excellent option for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.

[Clinical analysis of liver chemistries in children and adolescent with 2019-nCoV infection]

Objective: To describe the clinical features of liver involvement in children and adolescent with 2019-nCoV infection. Methods: The clinical data of 77 hospitalized cases admitted to the Children's Hospital of Fudan University were collected from January 19 to November 28, 2020. The characteristics and risk factors of abnormal liver chemistries in children with laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV infection were analyzed. Results: Of the 77 cases, 44 were male (57.1%) and 33 were female (42.9%), with a median age of 10 years. 27(35.1%) were asymptomatic, 28(36.4%) had mild illness, 22(28.6%)had non-severe pneumonia. Hydroxychloroquine was used in 7 cases. Of the 75 children without underlying diseases, alanine aminotransferase was elevated in 1 case (1.5%, during hydroxychloroquine therapy), aspartate aminotransferase was elevated in 7 cases (10.3%), alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 7 cases (28%), and total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, albumin, international normalized ratio were in normal range. There was no statistical difference between the pneumonia group and the non-pneumonia group in term of liver chemistries (P > 0.05), same as between the elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate group and the normal group. There was no aggravation of liver injury in the child with biliary atresia. The child with epilepsy showed no abnormal liver chemistries after infection. Conclusion: Children with 2019-nCoV infection had mild clinical symptoms with few cases of liver injury. The abnormal liver chemistries in children with COVID-19 infection may be related to the underlying disease and the use of antiviral drugs.

Imaging of hemorrhagic primary central nervous system lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

A primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) presenting with massive hemorrhage is a rare occurrence that is difficult to distinguish from a high-grade glioblastoma. Comprehensive descriptions of the imaging characteristics of such tumors have not yet been reported. Herein, we reported a case of a PCNSL with massive hemorrhage by presenting the imaging features of computed tomography (CT) imaging and structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CASE SUMMARY

A 48-year-old man presented with headache lasting for 10 d. CT of the brain showed a round, heterogeneous, high-density lesion with surrounding edema in the right temporal lobe. For further diagnosis, a series of MRI examinations of the brain were subsequently performed, and a hemorrhagic lesion with ring-like enhancement was determined. The whole lesion was relatively hypoperfused on arterial spin labeling images. Surgical resection of the lesion and histopathological examination confirmed that the lesion was a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with massive hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

PCNSLs with hemorrhage occur very rarely, and structural and perfusion MRI examinations are requested exceedingly rarely. This case provided insight into some characteristics of a hemorrhagic lymphoma on CT and MRI examinations. Perfusion MRI examination may be useful for the differential diagnosis of PCNSLs and other brain tumors.

Imaging of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumors of the kidney (MESTKs) are a rare entity (about a hundred cases reported). They occur almost exclusively in postmenopausal women, with only seven cases reported in men. As this entity is very rare, little is known on its imaging features, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In women, at MRI, the cystic component shows T1 hypointensity and T2 hyperintensity, while the solid component shows T1 hyperintensity and T2 hypointensity.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the computed tomography (CT) and MRI findings of MESTK in a 19-year-old male adolescent. To our knowledge, this case report is the first report of MRI findings of MESTK in male adolescents. The patient was admitted to Subei People's Hospital (Jiangsu Province, China) in July 2017 after a renal mass on the left side was detected by ultrasound during a clinical examination. Blood tests were all normal. Non-enhanced CT showed a round, well-circumscribed complex mass, approximately 45 mm × 40 mm in size. MRI revealed a clear well-circumscribed mass with a mixed arrangement of solid and cystic components. On T2 weighted images, some hypointensities were found in the solid areas. After contrast enhancement, moderate or mild enhancement was found in the solid component, which increased with time. A radical left nephrectomy was performed. The pathology analysis revealed a mixed epithelial and stromal tumor. The patient had no imaging findings of recurrence or metastasis at 12 months following surgery.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of MESTK should be considered in male adolescents. MRI can provide useful information for the preoperative diagnosis.

[Establishment of a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using fresh allogeneic scalp and autologous microskin and observation of its effect]

Objective: To establish a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin and observe its effect. Methods: Medical records of two male patients with extremely extensive deep burn admitted to our hospital from May to November in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients aged 44 and 25 years respectively, with total burn area of 90% and 97% total body surface area (TBSA) and full-thickness burn area of 85% and 70% TBSA, respectively. Preoperatively, the surgical area on the extremities was calculated to estimate the necessary amount of allogeneic scalp and Meek miniature skin. The large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin was prepared according to the methods described as follows. Thin medium-thickness fresh scalps with 3% TBSA and 0.30-0.35 mm in depth were harvested from each donor and spliced into a large piece with epidermis upward by spraying Meek glue. Then the spliced scalp was punched after covered with a single-layer gauze. Autologous microskin was transported onto the dermis of fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp by traditional floating method. Bilateral extremities with full-thickness burn of two patients were selected for self-control. The left upper extremity was denoted as treatment group while the right upper extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 1. The right lower extremity was denoted as treatment group while the left lower extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 2. Wounds in the treatment group were treated with fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue and autologous microskin with expansion ratio of 1∶15 after escharectomy, while wounds in control group received grafting of Meek miniature skin with expansion ratio of 1∶6 and or 1∶9 after escharectomy. The donors of allogeneic scalp were 32 males who were the relatives or friends of the patients, aged 21-50 years, with scalp area of (548±48) cm(2). The healing conditions of donor sites of scalp were observed on post operation day 10, and were followed up within 3 months after operation to observe whether forming alopecia and hypertrophic scar or not. Wound healing condition was evaluated during follow-up in post operation week (POW) 2-5 and 4 months after operation. Wound coverage rates were calculated in both treatment and control groups in POW 2, 3, 4, and 5. Results: The donor sites of all allogeneic scalp of donors healed completely on post operation day 10. There was no alopecia or hypertrophic scar within 3 months after operation for follow-up. In POW 2, allogeneic scalp grafts basically survived in treatment group without obvious exudation, and most of the Meek miniature skin survived in control group with obvious exudation. Part of allogeneic scalp grafts dissolved and detached in treatment group in POW 3, and the surviving grafts scabbed. The eschar detached and new epithelium was observed in treatment group in POW 4 and 5. In POW 3-5, surviving Meek miniature skin in control group creeped and was incorporated, and the wounds shrank. Hypertrophic scar was observed in both treatment and control groups 4 months after operation, without obvious difference in scar as a whole. The wound coverage rates were respectively 84%-98% and 76%-92% in treatment group of two patients in POW 2-5, close to or higher than those of control group (35%-97% and 28%-81%, respectively). Conclusions: The study establishes a novel method for splicing fresh allogeneic scalps into a large piece as the covering of microskin, which has good effect for repairing extensively deep burn wounds. Considering that allogeneic skin is scarce, this method may be a new option in clinical treatment for extensively deep burn patients.

Characterization of a novel allelic variant in HLA-B*40 lineage, HLA-B*40:298:02, by cloning and sequencing

A novel allelic variant in HLA-B*40 lineage, HLA-B*40:298:02, has been identified in an individual of Han ethnicity afflicted with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Hunan province, southern China. Following polymerase chain reaction-Sanger sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT), this new variant was further confirmed by two distinct strategies of cloning and sequencing. HLA-B*40:298:02 differs from HLA-B*40:298:01 by a single synonymous cytosine substitution at nucleotide position 26 (T→C) in exon 3, which corresponds to codon 99 of the mature HLA-B mRNA molecule. This new allele has an estimated frequency of 0.0002, in about 2,500 sequence-based typed subjects from the same population.

Characterization of a novel HLA-B*39:01:01-related allele, HLA-B*39:130, by cloning and phasing

A novel HLA-B*39:01:01-related variant, HLA-B*39:130, has been identified in a normal individual of Han ethnicity in Hunan province, southern China. Following Sanger polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT), this new allele was further confirmed by cloning, phasing and sequencing. Aligned with HLA-B*39:01:01, HLA-B*39:130 has a nonsynonymous thymine substitution at nucleotide position 94 in exon 4, resulting in amino acid change from threonine to isoleucine at codon 214 (ACA→ATA) of the mature HLA-BmRNA molecule.

[Effects of scar excision combined with negative-pressure on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children]

Objective: To explore the effects of scar excision combined with negative-pressure on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children. Methods: From October 2010 to August 2016, 25 children with hypertrophic scar after deep burn were hospitalized, with scar course ranging from 3 months to 11 years and scar area ranging from 35 to 427 [83(51, 98)]cm(2). A total of 35 scars of 25 children were located in trunk (11 scars), upper limb (11 scars), and lower limb (13 scars). All children received scar excision operation and negative-pressure treatment (negative-pressure value ranged from -40 to -20 kPa), among which 6 cases received scar excision operation and negative-pressure treatment for two times for further removal of scars. After scar excision, electronic spring scale was used to measure the tension of the incision. The tension value of children ranged from 3.43 to 23.84 [7.16 (5.59, 9.12)] N, and then the incision was closed with appropriate suture according to the value of the tension. The incision with smaller tension was firstly opened on post operation day (POD) 8. After removing the suture, negative-pressure was conducted to POD 14. The incision with larger tension was firstly opened on POD 12. After removing the suture, biological semi-membrane was used to reduce tension to POD 16. All healed incisions were performed with anti-scar treatment for 1 year and relaxation and fixation for 3 months. General condition of the incision was observed after operation. The reduction percentage of scar area was calculated half-year after operation. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was used to record the overall score of scar and scar score of trunk, upper limb, and lower limb before operation and half-year after operation. Data were processed with paired t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: After removing the suture, all incisions of children healed well without redness, effusion, and rupture. Half-year after operation, the appearance and deformity of incision were obviously improved, and the symptoms including pruritus and pain were basically relieved. Half-year after operation, the scar area of children ranged from 0 to 174 [21(9, 47)]cm(2,) which was significantly decreased as compared with that before operation (Z=-5.16, P<0.05). The reduction percentage of scar area ranged from 36% to 100% [(73±19)%]. Half-year after operation, the overall score of scar and scar score of trunk, upper limb, and lower limb of children were obviously decreased as compared with those before operation (with t values from 6.42 to 17.37, P values below 0.05). Conclusions: Scar excision combined with negative-pressure treatment has a good clinical effect on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children, which is suitable for clinical application.

Component spectra extraction from terahertz measurements of unknown mixtures

The aim of this work is to extract component spectra from unknown mixtures in the terahertz region. To that end, a method, hard modeling factor analysis (HMFA), was applied to resolve terahertz spectral matrices collected from the unknown mixtures. This method does not require any expertise of the user and allows the consideration of nonlinear effects such as peak variations or peak shifts. It describes the spectra using a peak-based nonlinear mathematic model and builds the component spectra automatically by recombination of the resolved peaks through correlation analysis. Meanwhile, modifications on the method were made to take the features of terahertz spectra into account and to deal with the artificial baseline problem that troubles the extraction process of some terahertz spectra. In order to validate the proposed method, simulated wideband terahertz spectra of binary and ternary systems and experimental terahertz absorption spectra of amino acids mixtures were tested. In each test, not only the number of pure components could be correctly predicted but also the identified pure spectra had a good similarity with the true spectra. Moreover, the proposed method associated the molecular motions with the component extraction, making the identification process more physically meaningful and interpretable compared to other methods. The results indicate that the HMFA method with the modifications can be a practical tool for identifying component terahertz spectra in completely unknown mixtures. This work reports the solution to this kind of problem in the terahertz region for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge, and represents a significant advance toward exploring physical or chemical mechanisms of unknown complex systems by terahertz spectroscopy.

Induction function of siRNA-mediated survivin gene silencing on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis

We examined the function of survivin gene expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), as well as small interfering RNA (siRNA) on controlling CNE-2 NPC proliferation and apoptosis. Immunohistological methods, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique were used to detect survivin protein and mRNA expression. We designed an siRNA sequence to inhibit survivin gene expression. The MTT method was used to examine the function of siRNA on controlling cell growth and proliferation. Induction of cell apoptosis by siRNA was examined by flow cytometry; electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure changes in CNE-2 cells. Western blotting was used to detect survivin gene expression. The survivin protein was expressed in 71.9% of cells, while its mRNA was expressed in 65.6% of cells. Relative mRNA expression was 4.16 x 10(-2); these data for the control groups were 23.3, 33.3, and 4.42 x 10(-4), respectively. Following transfection with 3 different siRNA sequences, survivin mRNA expression in CNE-2 cells was decreased. Inhibition of cell proliferation and rate of apoptosis increased with increasing siRNA concentration. Western blotting revealed decreased survivin expression and electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in cancer cells. Survivin gene expression in NPC generally increased. In vitro transcription of siRNA decreased CNE-2 survivin gene expression, and different sequences of siRNA decrease gene expression in CNE-2 cells to varying degrees. Transfected siRNA3 can effectively inhibit CNE-2 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis; gene silencing using siRNA may represent a new treatment for NPC.

Screening of the residual normal ovarian tissue adjacent to orthotopic epithelial ovarian carcinomas in nude mice

The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and methods of screening the residual normal ovarian tissue adjacent to orthotopic ovarian carcinomas in nude mice. Human epithelial ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3) were subcutaneously implanted for a tumor source and ovarian orthotopic transplantation. The cancer tissue, proximal paraneoplastic tissue, middle paraneoplastic tissue, remote paraneoplastic tissue, and normal ovarian tissue were removed. CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We obtained 35 paraneoplastic residual ovarian tissues with normal biopsies from 40 cases of an orthotopic epithelial ovarian carcinoma model (87.5%). CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 expression was lower in proximal paraneoplastic tissue than in cancer tissue (P < 0.05) and higher than in middle and remote paraneoplastic tissue (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the expression of these genes in middle and proximal paraneoplastic tissue as well as among residual normal ovarian tissues with different severity (P > 0.05). In ovarian tissues of 20 normal nude mice, the expression of CK- 7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 was negative. Overall, the expression levels of CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, TIMP-2, and other molecular markers showed a decreasing trend in the non-cancer tissue direction. The expression levels can be used as standards to screen residual normal ovarian tissue. We can obtain relatively safe normal ovarian tissues adjacent to epithelial ovarian cancer.

Association of cyclin D1 and survivin expression with sensitivity to radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The association between cyclin D1 and survivin protein expressions with radiotherapy sensitivity in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was investigated. Biopsy specimens of 72 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were collected before the initiation of radiotherapy (49 cases were in the radiation-sensitive group and 23 cases were in the radiation-insensitive group). Conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for tissue typing. The immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect cyclin D1 and survivin protein expression levels. The IBM SPSS Statistics 20 statistical software was applied for conducting the chi-squared test and the Spearman correlation analysis. In the 72 cases, the high expression rates of cyclin D1 were 28.6% (14/49) and 69.6% (16/23) in the radiotherapy-sensitive group and in the radiotherapy-insensitive group, respectively, and the differences between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The high expression rates of survivin were 34.7% (17/49) and 73.9% (17/23) in the radiotherapy-sensitive group and in the radiotherapy-insensitive group, respectively, which differed significantly (P<0.05). The protein expressions of cyclin D1 and survivin were positively correlated (Spearman's r=0.353, P<0.05). Cyclin D1 and survivin expression levels were negatively correlated with the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cyclin D1 and survivin may be used as molecular markers to predict the sensitivity of radiotherapy.

First Report of a Tospovirus in Mulberry

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is an economically important crop grown widely throughout Asia. Various virus-like symptoms including mosaics, vein banding, and chlorotic ringspots have been observed and reported on mulberry trees in China and Japan for decades. However, the etiology of mulberry viral diseases is generally understudied, although two mulberry-infecting viruses, Mulberry latent virus (genus Carlavirus) (2) and Mulberry ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus) (3), have been partially characterized. In a recent (2010 to 2011) field survey in Guangxi Province, China, supported by the local government, the incidence of virus-like diseases of mulberry ranged between 40 and 80%. To identify the viruses infecting mulberry, deep sequencing of small RNAs (4) was conducted using an Illumina Genome Analyzer. Small RNAs were isolated from five samples of mulberry leaves showing various virus-like symptoms and sequenced. Among the contigs assembled, a 445-bp contig (GenBank Accession No. JX268597) was found to share 76.6% nucleotide identity and 83.0% amino acid identity to Groundnut bud necrosis virus (genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae; Accession Nos. U42555 and AAC55521). To obtain a longer cDNA fragment of this virus, a reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was done with primers MV-N-F (5'-AAGCCATCAATGTGCCTCCGGA-3') and MV-N-R (5'-AACACCATGTCTACCGTCCGTC-3') that align to the S-RNA sequence encompassing the nucleocapsid (N) gene and a portion of the intergenic region (IGR) of the Tospovirus. PCR products of about 1,000 bp were successfully amplified from the total RNA of the three mulberry samples (sl-1, xcsy-1, and xcsy-4) showing vein banding symptoms, but not from asymptomatic mulberry (jk-1). These PCR products were cloned and sequenced. The lengths of the amplicons were 1,027 bp (isolate sl-1, JX173786), 987 bp (isolate xcsy-1, JX173787), and 979 bp (isolate xcsy-4, JX173788) and the partial IGRs of the sl-1, xcsy-1, and xcsy-4 isolates were 187 bp, 147 bp, and 139 bp, respectively. The coding regions for the N protein were 831 bp and the deduced proteins of 277 amino acid residues were 100% identical for all three isolates. Since the N protein of this virus shared up to only 74.4% identity to other tospoviruses (74.4% to Capsicum chlorosis virus, ABB83818; and 71.5% to Watermelon bud necrosis virus, ABY79095), it may represent a new member of the Tospovirus genus, temporarily named Mulberry vein banding virus (MuVBV), according to the species demarcation criteria for the Bunyaviridae (1). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a Tospovirus infecting M. alba. In an RT-PCR screening of 48 randomly selected mulberry samples suspected to be virus-infected, 32 were MuVBV-positive. Giving the high incidence and the high yield loss associated with Tospovirus and the presence of thrips, suspected vectors for the virus, MuVBV may represent a substantial threat to the silkworm industry in China. References: (1) M. Q. K. Andrew et al. Virus Taxonomy: 9th Report of the ICTV. Elsevier Academic Press, San Diego, 2012. (2) T. Tsuchizaki. Annu. Phytopath. Soc. Japan 42:304, 1976. (3) T. Tsuchizaki et al. Annu. Phytopath. Soc. Japan 37:266, 1971. (4) Q. Wu et al. PNAS. 107:1606, 2010.

Preparation and characterization of iridium dioxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for supercapacitors

A thin film of novel hierarchical structure, suitable for supercapacitor applications, has been developed through combining conductive multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and square IrO(2) nanotubes (IrO(2)NT) of nanometer size. Synthesis of this hierarchical structure with open porosity is performed by depositing IrO(2) short tubes densely along the long wires of carbon nanotube on a substrate of stainless steel. A IrO(2) tube of rutile structure grows in the [001] direction, with an opening at its top, surrounded by very thin walls. The IrO(2) addition on the MWCNT template increases the capacitance of the CNT thin film effectively, because of pseudocapacitance of the IrO(2) surface. For this particular composite, featured with two tubular nanostructures, the specific capacitance increases from 15 F g(-1) (MWCNT) to 69 F g(-1) (IrO(2)NT/MWCNT), measured using the galvanostatic discharge experiment. Its property of fast retrieval of the stored charge is assured in the impedance measurement, showing that the internal resistance of the IrO(2)NT/MWCNT nanocomposite electrode is lower than that of the bare MWCNTs.

HLA-G*0105N and HLA-G 14 bp dimorphisms in exon 8 in four distinct populations in mainland China

In this study, we investigated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G*0105N and the 14 bp deletion/insertion polymorphism in exon 8 of the HLA-G gene in 600 individuals from two southern Chinese Han populations (Hunan Han and Guangdong Han) and two northern Chinese populations (Inner Mongolia Han and Inner Mongolia Mongol), we also studied the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between HLA-G and HLA-A locus in these four populations. Our data showed that (1) the allele and haplotype frequencies of HLA-G and HLA-A loci did not differ significantly between the two southern Chinese Han populations, and showed remarkable homogeneity in the two northern Chinese populations; (2) HLA-G*0105N had significantly higher frequencies in the two northern Chinese populations with a frequency of 10.1% in the Inner Mongolia Han population, HLA-G 14 bp deletion/insertion frequency did not differ significantly between the southern and northern Chinese populations; (3) Ewens-Watterson homozygosity statistics at HLA-G*0105N, HLA-G 14 bp deletion/insertion polymorphism and HLA-A were consistent with neutral expectations for all populations; (4) HLA-G*0105N allele harbored the HLA-G 14 bp insertion in exon 8 and was linked to HLA-A*30, five HLA-G*0105N homozygotes were detected in the four populations; (5) haplotypes HLA-A*30-HLA-G*0105N and HLA-A*02-HLA-G 14 bp deletion were in significant LD across four populations, other LD patterns were more population-specific. Our data suggest that HLA-A*30-HLA-G*0105N-HLA-G 14 bp insertion is a conserved haplotype, the ethnic and/or geographic difference in HLA-G*0105N and HLA-G 14 bp distribution could largely be attributable to demographic factors other than selection. The LD patterns uncovered will facilitate the understanding of HLA-G role in associations previously described between HLA-A subregion and diseases.

Phenotype-genotype interactions on renal function in type 2 diabetes: an analysis using structural equation modelling

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Cardiovascular and renal diseases share common risk factors. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the independent and combined effects of phenotypes and genotypes implicated in cardiovascular diseases on renal function in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

1,188 type 2 diabetic patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups according to bimodal distributions of the logarithmically transformed (log(e)) urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and plasma creatinine levels. Models for these groups, comprising continuous and non-ranking categorical data, were developed separately to evaluate the inter-relationships among measured variables and latent factors using non-linear SEMs, Bayesian estimation and model selection as assessed by a goodness-of-fit statistic.

RESULTS

Inter-correlated measured variables (obesity, glycaemia, lipid, blood pressure) and variants of the genes encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), beta-adrenergic receptor (ADRB), components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and lipid metabolism were loaded onto their respective latent factors of phenotypes and genotypes. In addition to direct and indirect effects, latent factors of obesity, lipid and BP interacted with latent factors of ADRB and RAS genotypes to influence renal function. Together with variants of the genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, atrial natriuretic peptide, adducin, G protein beta(3) subunit, epithelial sodium channel alpha subunit and matrix metallopeptidase 3, these parameters explained 39-80% of the variance in renal function in the high-risk and low-risk models.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

SEM is a useful tool for confirming and quantifying multiple interactions of biological pathways with genetic determinants. The combined and interactive effects of blood pressure, lipid and obesity on renal function may have therapeutic implications, especially in type 2 diabetic individuals with genetic risk factors.

Molecular characterization of a new begomovirus infecting Senecio scandens in China

Three begomovirus isolates, G46, G83 and G84 from Senecio scandens showing yellow mosaic symptoms were collected from Guangxi Province, P.R. China. The isolates were detected by PCR using universal primers for begomoviruses. Comparison of partial DNA-A sequences (approximately 500 bp) of the isolates revealed their 98.7-99.1% identity. The isolate G46, chosen for complete DNA-A sequencing, consisted of 2746 nt and had a typical genomic organization of begomoviruses. The G46 DNA-A had the highest sequence identity (72.4%) with that of Ageratum leaf curl virus among begomoviruses. The molecular data suggest that the isolate G46 is a new begomovirus (species), for which the name Senecio yellow mosaic virus (Senecio yellow mosaic virus) is proposed.

[The influence of formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, high pressure on the tension of silk sutures]

120 pieces of silk suture (1# & 4#) were sterilized with formaldehyde at different time period. Group II and III each had 20 pieces and was disinfected with ethylene oxide or high pressure respectively. The tension of each silk suture was measured with tensomether. The result showed that there was no significant difference compared with the control groups (P > 0.05). This suggests that silk suture maintains the same tension in the experiments after repeated sterilization with formaldehyde, with ethylene oxide, or with highpressure sterilization once.

Smooth muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Expression of ras P21 oncogene product and the association with clinicopathology

Quantitative analysis of ras oncogene product P21 was performed on paraffin blocks from 55 smooth muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. No positive evidence for P21 was found in 5 cases of normal smooth muscle tissues. Eight of 14 leiomyomas were P21 positive (57%) but all of them were lower expressed with fluorescence index (FI) < 1.25, whereas a total of 29 leiomyosarcomas and 12 potential malignant smooth muscle tumors were found to be P21 positive (100%), and the majority were overexpressed with FI > 1.25 (P < 0.005). ras P21 was overexpressed significantly in the tumors with mitotic counts of more than 1/10 high power field (P < 0.005). It was also overexpressed significantly as soon as the mild cytologic atypia of the tumor was found (P < 0.005). Five-year survival rate was significantly higher in the patients with lower-expression of ras P21 than those with overexpression (P < 0.005). It was suggested that the expression of ras oncogene product P21 could be used as an objective parameter in distinguishing malignants from benigns and predicting the prognosis of the patients with smooth muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

[Flow cytometric quantitation of p53 protein expression in gastrointestinal smooth muscle tumors: clinicopathological correlation and prognostic significance]

Quantitative analysis of p53 protein expression was performed on paraffin-embedded tissues from 55 smooth muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract by using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. No positive expression was found in normal smooth muscle tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Overexpression of p53 gene was found in a significantly higher proportion in leiomyosarcomas (90%) and potential malignant smooth muscle tumors (75%) compared to leiomyomas (14%) (P < 0.005). The quantitation of p53 expression was found to be progressively enhanced in the sequence from leiomyoma through potential malignant smooth muscle tumor to leiomyosarcoma (P < 0.005). It was also overexpressed when mitotic counts were more than 1/10HPF or the mild cytologic atypia was found (P < 0.005). Five year survival rate was significantly higher in the patients with p53 lower expression compared to the patients with over-expression (P < 0.005). These results suggested that p53 overexpression might be associated with the transformation of leiomyoma into leiomyosarcoma, and could be used as an objective parameter in distinguishing malignants from benigns and predicting prognosis of the patients with smooth muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.