[Efficacy observation and compliance analysis of pollen allergen drops in seasonal allergic rhinitis]

To study the efficacy and compliance analysis of pollen allergen drops in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The method of single-center controlled was used to analyze the dates' results. From July 2021 to September 2021, 80 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were referred to the clinic of otorhinolaryngology in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.40 patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT group), and the other 40 patients received symptomatic drug treatment as the control group. The total rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score (TRSS), the visual analogue scale(VAS), total medication score (TMS) and combined scores of medication and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms (CSMRS) of the patient before the start of the treatment and after the first year of the treatment were compared to assess the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy of Artemisia pollen. Follow the shedding during the study, the safety of the drug and the causes for compliance analysis were analyzed and recorded. The results of comparison with TRSS, VAS, TMS and CSMRS in two groups in the period of pretherapy were as follows: TRSS(12.393±3.023, 12.450±3.029, t=-0.077, P=0.939), VAS(8.357±1.026, 8.400±0.982, t=-0.173, P=0.862), TMS(3.214±0.568, 3.175±0.501, t=0.301, P=0.764), CSMRS (5.286±0.680, 5.253±0.677, t=0.199, P=0.843), there was no significant difference (P>0.05); lower observed symptom scores were got in the post-treatment pollen peak SLIT group compared to the control group, TRSS(3.964±1.551, 7.750±2.169, t=-7.918, P<0.05), VAS(2.893±0.956, 5.175±1.481, t=-8.286, P<0.05), TMS (1.821±0.863, 3.175±0.501, t=-8.163, P<0.05), CSMRS (2.489±0.921, 4.468±0.601, t=-10.723, P<0.05), and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); the SLIT group significantly reduced all symptom scores at the first peak compared to the starting, TRSS(12.393±3.023, 3.964±1.551, t=20.576, P<0.05), VAS (8.357±1.026, 2.893±0.956, t=30.070, P<0.05), TMS (3.214±0.568, 1.821±0.863, t=7.151, P<0.05), CSMRS(5.286±0.680, 2.489±0.921, t=14.533, P<0.05) and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions occured during medication in the SLIT group. A total of 12 cases were shed in the SLIT group, so the compliance rate was 70%. The four reasons were that patients considered the course was long (4 cases, 33%); the drugs were expensive (3 cases, 25%); patients were busy with their work and life (3 cases, 25%); patients were affected by the outbreak (2 cases, 17%). In summary, Artemisia pollen sublingual drops may improve the symptoms of the patients who got allergic rhinitis caused by Artemisia pollen after the treatment for one year. However, due to the lack of sufficient understanding of immunotherapy or the difficulty in adhering to standardized medication, the compliance with sublingual immunotherapy is still poor, the compliance with sublingual immunotherapy needs to be further improved through patient education.

[Research progress in immunomodulation in orthodontic tooth movement]

In the process of orthodontic tooth movement, the secretion of cytokines by immune cells or cell-cell interaction affects the regulation of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation. Increasingly, studies have focused on the role in the immune system in orthodontic bone remodeling. Based on the biological role of different immune cells or cytokines, this article briefly presents the research progress of immunomodulation in orthodontic tooth movement and future perspective, hopefully providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanism in orthodontic tooth movement.

Risk Factors of Perioperative Brain Injury in Children Under Two Years Undergoing Coarctation Repair

BACKGROUND

To investigate clinical manifestations and factors of perioperative brain injury (PBI) after surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) combined with other heart malformations under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children under two years.

METHODS

The clinical data of 100 children undergoing CoA repair were retrospectively reviewed between January 2010 and September 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors of PBI development. Hierarchical and K-means cluster analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between hemodynamic instability and PBI.

RESULTS

Eight children developed postoperative complications, and all of them had a favorable neurological outcome one year after surgery. Univariate analysis revealed eight risk factors associated with PBI. Multivariate analysis indicated operation duration (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 8.28) and pulse pressure (PP) minimum (P = 0.01; OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.76) were independently associated with PBI. The following three parameters emerged for cluster analysis: PP minimum, mean arterial pressure (MAP) dispersion, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) average. Using cluster analysis, PBI mainly occurred in subgroups 1 (12%, three of 26) and 2 (10%, five of 48). The mean value of PP and MAP in subgroup 1 was significantly higher than in subgroup 2. The mean SVR in subgroup 1 was the highest. The lowest PP minimum, MAP, and SVR were observed in subgroup 2.

CONCLUSION

Lower PP minimum and longer operation duration were independent risk factors for developing PBI in children under two years during CoA repair. Unstable hemodynamics should be avoided during CPB.

Learning and Short-Term Retention of Simulation-Based Arthroscopic Skills

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to examine the learning curve and short-term retention of arthroscopic skills acquired on a simulator.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Clinical Skills Training Center of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University PARTICIPANT AND METHODS: Orthopaedic residents (n = 14) without previous arthroscopy experience were included. After basic information was collected and an initial arthroscopy knowledge level test was administered, the subjects received standardised training on the simulator (day 1); then, they completed tasks on the simulator, including guided diagnostics (4 times), triangulation (5 times) and loose body removal (7 times). A learning curve for each skill was generated based on the total scores. The score of the last repetition of each task was the training level.

RESULTS

A total of 14 orthopedic residents were enrolled. All participants completed the training and testing. There was a learning curve over the course of training for all 3 arthroscopic skills (p < 0.001). On day 8 after the training, the mean score for guided diagnostics decreased from 49.9 to 48.9 (p = 0.001), and the retention rate was 97.8%. For triangulation, the mean total score decreased from 58.9 to 53.6 (p < 0.001), and the retention rate was 90.8%. For loose body removal, the mean total score decreased from 87.1 to 80.7 (p < 0.001), and the retention rate was 92.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopaedic residents' arthroscopic skills learned through simulator training declined significantly in 1 week after the training, especially more difficult skills.

The frequency of assessment tools in arthroscopic training: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Multiple assessment tools are used in arthroscopic training and play an important role in feedback. However, it is not fully recognized as to the standard way to apply these tools. Our study aimed to investigate the use of assessment tools in arthroscopic training and determine whether there is an optimal way to apply various assessment tools in arthroscopic training.

METHODS

A search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases for articles published in English from January 2000 to July 2021. Eligible for inclusion were primary research articles related to using assessment tools for the evaluation of arthroscopic skills and training environments. Studies that focussed only on therapeutic cases, did not report outcome measures of technical skills, or did not mention arthroscopic skills training were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies were included for review. Multiple assessment tools were used in arthroscopic training. The most common objective metric was completion time, reported in 21 studies. Technical parameters based on simulator or external equipment, such as instrument path length, hand movement, visual parameters and injury, were also widely used. Subjective assessment tools included checklists and global rating scales (GRS). Among these, the most commonly used GRS was the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). Most of the studies combined objective metrics and subjective assessment scales in the evaluation of arthroscopic skill training.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, both subjective and objective assessment tools can be used as feedback for basic arthroscopic skill training, but there are still differences in the frequency of application in different contexts. Despite this, combined use of subjective and objective assessment tools can be applied to more situations and skills and can be the optimal way for assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of level I to III studies. Key messagesBoth subjective and objective assessment tools can be used as feedback for basic arthroscopic skill training.Combined use of subjective and objective assessment tools can be applied to more situations and skills and can be the optimal way for assessment.

Meditation Using a Mobile App Improves Surgery Trainee Performance: a simulation-based randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To primarily investigate: (1) whether a 10 min instant meditation practice using mobile app could enhance arthroscopy performance and (2) whether a 10-day app-based meditation could reduce short-term arthroscopic skills deterioration.

METHODS

Orthopedic residents with no previous experience in arthroscopy and meditation were randomly assigned to Groups A, B, and C. After initial standard competency-based arthroscopy training on the simulator on Day 1, a pretest was performed via simulator by all participants to assess their initial level of performance, then Groups A and B were required to practice app-based mindfulness meditation 10 min/day for 10 consecutive days, while Group C did nothing. On Day 11, all participants came back to perform a posttest. Prior to the posttest, the participants in Group A practiced app-based meditation (10 min) , whereas Groups B and C had no intervention.

RESULTS

43 participants were included and reached similar level of performance after initial training phase in Day1. In Day11, participants in Group A had statistically better instant arthroscopy performance than Group B, with higher total score (Mean Difference, 3.57; P<.001), less completion time (MD, -42.89s; P=.001), shorter camera (MD, -23.38cm; P<.001) and grasper (MD, -15.23cm; P=.002) path length and less cartilage injury (MD, -1.07%; P=.012). Participants in Group B had less skills deterioration than Group C, with better total score (MD, -5.42; P<.001), less completion time (MD, 51.96s; P=.002), camera path length (MD, 28.41cm; P=.007) and cartilage injury (MD, 1.19%; P=.038).

CONCLUSION

Meditation training using mobile app enhanced instant simulation-based arthroscopy performance and reduced short-term skills deterioration of orthopedic residents with no arthroscopy hands-on experience.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Meditation using mobile app for clinicians and educators should be incorporated into simulation-based arthroscopy curriculums and perhaps clinical settings to improve arthroscopy performance and mental health of orthopedic residents without any prior arthroscopy experience.

Genomic Analysis of Wolbachia from Laodelphax striatellus (Delphacidae, Hemiptera) Reveals Insights into Its "Jekyll and Hyde" Mode of Infection Pattern

Wolbachia is a widely distributed intracellular bacterial endosymbiont among invertebrates. The wStriCN, the Wolbachia strain that naturally infects an agricultural pest Laodelphax striatellus, has a “Jekyll and Hyde” mode of infection pattern with positive and negative effects: It not only kills many offspring by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) but also significantly increases host fecundity. In this study, we assembled the draft genome of wStriCN and compared it with other Wolbachia genomes to look for clues to its Jekyll and Hyde characteristics. The assembled wStriCN draft genome is 1.79 Mb in size, which is the largest Wolbachia genome in supergroup B. Phylogenomic analysis showed that wStriCN is closest to Wolbachia from Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri. These strains formed a monophylogentic clade within supergroup B. Compared with other Wolbachia genomes, wStriCN contains the most diverse insertion sequence families, the largest amount of prophage sequences, and the most ankyrin domain protein coding genes. The wStriCN genome encodes components of multiple secretion systems, including Types I, II, IV, VI, Sec, and Tac. We detected three pairs of homologs for CI factors CifA and CifB. These proteins harbor the catalytic domains responsible for CI phenotypes but are phylogenetically and structurally distinct from all known Cif proteins. The genome retains pathways for synthesizing biotin and riboflavin, which may explain the beneficial roles of wStriCN in its host planthoppers, which feed on nutrient-poor plant sap. Altogether, the genomic sequencing of wStriCN provides insight into understanding the phylogeny and biology of Wolbachia.

Comparative Mitochondrial Analysis of Cnaphalocrocis exigua (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Its Close Relative C. medinalis

Rice leaffolders are important pests on rice in Asia, Oceania, and Africa, causing serious loss to rice production. There are two main rice leaffolders in China, namely Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) and C. exigua (Butler) with the former having the ability of long-distance migration. To reveal the differences in the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenome) between them, we compared the completed mitogenome of C. exigua with three C. medinalis individuals. Although phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenomic data strongly supported the close relationship between these two species, many differences were still being revealed. The results showed that the mitogenome of C. exigua was shorter in length (15,262 bp) and slight lower in AT content than that of C. medinalis. Except for the different start codons of nad3 and nad6 gene, we also found the cox1 gene had a typical start codon 'ATG' which suggested that the starting position of this gene must be reconsidered in the entire superfamily Pyraloidea. All tRNAs have a typical clover-leaf structure, except for the dihydrouridine (DHU) stem losing of trnS1, which has the atypical anticondon 'TCT' instead of 'GCT' in C. medinalis and most Pyraloidea species. Two intergenic regions (between trnY and cox1, nad3 and trnA) featured by AT repeats were only found in C. medinalis and even rarely appeared in reported Pyraloidea species. Furthermore, regardless of interspecific comparison or intraspecific comparison of these two species, protein coding genes, especially the atp8 genes, had quite different evolutionary rates.

Simulation-Based Arthroscopic Skills Using a Spaced Retraining Schedule Reduces Short-Term Task Completion Time and Camera Path Length

PURPOSE

To investigate whether acquiring basic knee arthroscopic skills via a spaced retraining schedule could prevent skills deterioration and achieve further skills improvement.

METHODS

In the learning phase, 16 residents with no previous hands-on experience in practicing arthroscopic skills were asked to perform basic arthroscopic tasks on a simulator until they attained perfect scores in each task. Immediately after completing the learning phase, a pretest was performed to assess their performance. Next, they were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The spaced retraining group, which undertook a spaced repetitive training phase with a fixed-time interval, returned on days 2, 4 and 6 to repeat the same tasks for 20 minutes per day, whereas the control group did nothing. On day 7, all participants performed a posttest. A 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance model was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Significant differences between the 2 groups were found in task completion time (P = .003) and camera path length (P = .043) but not cartilage injury (P = .186). Residents in the spaced retraining group decreased their task completion time (163.2 ± 23.9 seconds) whereas the task time in the control group increased (351.3 ± 25.5 seconds). The same pattern was found with the camera path length.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a spaced retraining schedule in 1 week resulted in a reduced task completion time and camera path length but no significant reduction in cartilage injury. It appears that introducing a spaced retraining schedule to retain arthroscopic skills acquired through massed learning may be advantageous.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In consideration of the training time available to residents and the trend toward massed learning, this spaced retraining schedule may offer a cost-effective and convenient way for residents to maintain and improve their basic arthroscopic skills with no significant increase in time invested.

Identification of Wolbachia-Responsive miRNAs in the Small Brown Planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus

Laodelphax striatellus is naturally infected with the Wolbachia strain wStri, which induces strong cytoplasmic incompatibility of its host. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding small RNAs that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression at post-transcriptional level in various biological processes. Despite various studies reporting that Wolbachia affects the miRNA expression of their hosts, the molecular mechanism underlying interactions between Wolbachia and their host miRNAs has not been well understood. In order to better understand the impact of Wolbachia infection on its host, we investigated the differentially expressed miRNAs between Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-uninfected strains of L. striatellus. Compared with uninfected strains, Wolbachia infection resulted in up-regulation of 18 miRNAs and down-regulation of 6 miRNAs in male, while 25 miRNAs were up-regulated and 15 miRNAs were down-regulated in female. The target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs involved in immune response regulation, reproduction, redox homeostasis and ecdysteroidogenesis were also annotated in both sexes. We further verified the expression of several significantly differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes by qRT-PCR method. The results suggested that Wolbachia appears to reduce the expression of genes related to fertility in males and increase the expression of genes related to fecundity in females. At the same time, Wolbachia may enhance the expression of immune-related genes in both sexes. All of the results in this study may be helpful in further exploration of the molecular mechanisms by which Wolbachia affects on its hosts.

Coupling of Surface Plasmon Modes and Refractive Index Sensitivity of Hollow Silver Nanoprism

Localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes depend strongly on the morphology of nanoparticle and the surrounding dielectric medium. The hollow nanostructure provides a new way to modulate the surface plasmon modes due to the additional cavity surface. In this work, we study systematically the multipolar surface plasmon modes of hollow silver nanoprism (HSN) by simulation of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) spectra based on the boundary element method (BEM). Herein the effects of the cavity size and position are taken into account. The LSP modes of HSNs are compared with those of perfect silver nanoprism (SN). The red-shift behaviors of multipolar modes can be found as increasing the cavity size. Modes A and C have similar red-shift tendency and obey the plasmon ruler equation, which can be explained by dipole-dipole coupling mode. Meanwhile, the degenerate modes will be split by changing the cavity position, and opposite shift tendencies of split degenerate states are observed. These are caused by different coupling nature of degenerate modes. Moreover, high refractive index sensitivity (RIS) can be obtained for HSN by changing the cavity size and position.

[Allergic rhinitis management:environment control and patient education]

Objective:To observe the auxiliary curative effect of combined clostridium and bifidobacterium capsules, live (also called Changlekang) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by comparing IL-10, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), the quality of life score and symptom score before and after oral Changlekang.Method:Twenty qualified patients in the study group and 20 qualified patients in the control group were enrolled.The study group was given changlekang, desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and mometasone furoate nasal spray for treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, Changlekang was still given for maintenance therapy for 6 weeks, and no other two kinds of drugs. The control group was given the desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and mometasone furoate nasal spray for 2 weeks and then quited the clinical trials. The changes of symptom score, quality of life score, serum IL-10, serum TGF-β1 would be statistically analyzed during the treatment.Result:①Before treatment, serum TGF-β1 and IL-10 of normal group was significantly different from the study group and the control group (P< 0.001), and the study group and the control group's were significantly lower than the normal group.②With the increase of treatment time, serum IL-10, TGF-β1 levels of patients in the study group increased gradually. Four point method ocular symptoms score, VAS ocular symptoms score and total score of RQLQ decreased gradually; ③patients in the control group after 2 weeks'treatment, serum IL-10, TGF-β1 was higher than that before treatment (P< 0.001), at the same time all symptom scores, total score of RQLQ were lower than those before treatment (P< 0.001). ④After 2 weeks' treatment, patients in the study group, the serum IL-10 is higher than that of control group (P< 0.001); ⑤Before treatment serum IL-10, TGF-β1 of AR patients might have little correlation with symptom scores, total score of RQLQ on linear (P> 0.05).Conclusion:①serum IL-10, TGF-β1 levels of AR patients may be lower thannormal, and IL-10, TGF-β1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AR. ②Changlekang may increase the production of serum IL-10, TGF-β1 in AR patients. ③AR patients with desloratadine citrate and mometasone furoate nasal spray treatment combined with Canglekang may promote higher serum IL-10 production than conventional two combination therapy, but there is no more significant improvement in symptoms score and quality of life score. ④Changlekang may improve ocular symptoms and the quality of life in AR patients. ⑤Before treatment serum IL-10, TGF-β1 of AR patients may have little correlation with symptom scores, total score of RQLQ, as a result the level of serum IL-10 and TGF-β1 can not be used to evaluate the severity of AR for the time being.

Multi-terrane structure controls the contrasting lithospheric evolution beneath the western and central-eastern Tibetan plateau

The Tibetan plateau is manifested by contrasting along-strike lithospheric structures, but its formation mechanism and the relationship with the heterogeneous multi-terrane configuration is a challenging problem. Here we conduct systematic numerical modeling to explore the roles of width, density, and rheological properties of the multiple terranes in the lithospheric evolution of the Tibetan plateau, which reveals two distinct collision modes. In Mode-I, the lithospheric mantles of both the strong and weak terranes in the Tibetan plate are completely detached, followed by the underthrusting of Indian lithosphere beneath the whole plateau. Alternatively, Mode-II is characterized by full detachment of the weak terranes, but (partial) residue of the strong terranes during collision. These two contrasting modes, broadly consistent with the lithospheric structures of western and central–eastern Tibetan plateau, respectively, are strongly dependent on the along-strike variation of the width of the strong Lhasa–Qiangtang terranes.

The Tibetan plateau is manifested by contrasting along-strike lithospheric structures, but the correlation with multi-terrane configuration remains challenging. Here, the authors show the crucial roles of the original geometric shape of accreted terranes in regulating the lithospheric evolution of Tibetan plateau.

[Analysis on the spatial-temporal characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Shaanxi province, 2009-2013]

Objective: To study the spatial-temporal dynamical features of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Shaanxi Province, so as to provide evidence for the development of relative prevention and control programs on HFMD. Methods: Surveillance data of HFMD was collected from the China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention from 2009 to 2013. Related data on population and gross domestic product (GDP) was obtained from Shaanxi Statistical Yearbook. Statistical tools as R3.4.1, ArcGIS 10.2 and SaTScan 9.2 software were used to describe the spatial-temporal distribution of the disease. Power-law method on spatial-temporal-multicomponent model was used to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution of the HFMD epidemics in Shaanxi Province. Results: A total of 229 904 cases of HFMD were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2009 to 2013, with an average annual incidence as 122.50 per 100 000. Obvious seasonal characteristics were noticed, with 71.71% of the total cases identified between April and July. Counties with high incidence were mainly distributed in the mid-and east parts of Guanzhong area. Through temporal and spatial scan statistics, we identified that ClassⅠ clustering area was fixed to the central and southeast regions of Shaanxi province which were around Xi'an City between 2009 and 2013, with the relative risk (RR) as 2.24, ranging from 2.18 to 3.08. Results from Power-law analysis showed that the continuous follow-up impact from the previous HFMD epidemics appeared strong in Tongguan, Pucheng districts of Weinan City and Weiyang district of Xi'an, with autoregressive components as 1.14, 0.97 and 0.89, respectively. The risk of HFMD seemed high in Huayin city, Changan and Yanta districts and with the endemic components as 5.08, 4.12 and 4.08, respectively. Impact of the epidemics on nearby districts was largely seen in Lianhu district of Xi'an, Wugong district of Xianyang and Gaoling district of Xi'an with epidemic components as 2.12, 2.08 and 1.77, respectively. The etiological constituents of HFMD were mainly Enterovirus 71 between 2009 and 2012, while HFMD was mainly caused by other entero-viruses, in 2013. Conclusion: Significant spatial-temporal heterogeneity of HFMD was seen in Shaanxi province, which called for specific strategies to be developed in the highly endemic areas.

[Analysis on the factors related to the immediate success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation on patients with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and factors related to the immediate success rate of radiofrequency ablation. Methods: Patients diagnosed as idiopathic RVOT arrhythmia in Fuwai Hospital from February 2009 to January 2013 were retrospectively screened. Patients with structural heart disease or inherited arrhythmia were excluded. All patients underwent endocardial electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation. Baseline clinical and operation records were collected and analyzed. Immediate success rate was defined as no inducible ventricular arrhythmia by isoprinosine and electrophysiological induction at the end of ablation. The origins of idiopathic RVOT were classified as septal, anterior, posterior, free wall site, epicardial and RVOT-aorta root site. Results: A total of 468 patients were finally included, and the age was (40.4±13.3) years old and 60.5%(283/468) patients were female. Immediate radiofrequency success rate was 89.3%(418/468). Patients were divided into ablation success group (n=418) and ablation failure group (n=50). Percent of female patients and patients with interventricular septal origin was significantly higher in the ablation success group than in ablation failure group (261(62.4%) vs. 22 (44.0%) , P=0.01, and 233(55.7%) vs. 18(36.0%), P=0.005), while percent of patients with epicardial origin was significantly lower in the ablation success group than in ablation failure group (17(4.1%) vs. 11(22.0%), P<0.001). Immediate success rate was the highest for patients with the septal origin and the lowest for patients with epicardial origin (92.8%(233/251) vs. 60.7%(17/28), P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the origin site of VAs was the most important independent factor related to the success rate of ablation. Compared with the septal origin patients, patients with RVOT-aorta root and epicardial origin VAs faced with 1.82-fold and 8.26-fold increased risk of failed ablation, respectively (OR=2.82, 95%CI 1.05-7.57, and OR=9.26, 95%CI 3.60-23.86). Sex category was not the independent risk factor for failed ablation(OR=1.76, 95%CI 0.93-3.33, P=0.08) . Conclusions: The immediate success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation for idiopathic RVOT ventricular arrhythmia is relative high, however, immediate success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation is relatively low for patients with epicardial and RVOT-aorta root origin arrhythmia and VAs origin is an independent risk factor of immediate ablation success rate.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Bactrocera diaphora (Diptera: Tephtitidae)

We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Bactrocera diaphora (Diptera: Tephtitidae), which is an economically important pest in the southwest area of China, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malaysia. This mitogenome is 15 890 bp in length with an A + T content of 74.103%, and contains 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes that are arranged in the same order as that of the inferred ancestral insects. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with a typical ATN codon, except cox1 that begins with TCG. Ten PCGs stop with termination codon TAA or TAG, whereas cox1, nad1 and nad5 have single T-- as the incomplete stop codon. All of the transfer RNA genes present the typical clover leaf secondary structure except trnS1 (AGN) with a looping D-arm. The A + T-rich region is located between rrnS and trnI with a length of 946 bp, and contains a 20 bp poly-T stretch and 22 bp poly-A stretch. Except the control region, the longest intergenic spacer is located between trnR and trnN that is 94 bp long with an excessive high A + T content (95.74%) and a microsatellite-like region (TA)₁₃.

Association of TUSC3 gene polymorphisms with non-syndromic mental retardation based on nuclear families in the Qinba mountain area of China

TUSC3 interacts with the protein phosphatase 1 and magnesium ion transport system, which plays an important role in learning and memory. Abnormal conditions of learning and memory are common clinical characteristics of mental retardation (MR). However, the association of TUSC3 genetic polymorphisms with MR remains unknown. A total of 456 DNA samples including 174 nuclear families containing MR were collected in the Qinba mountain area of China. The genotypes of eight tag single nucleotide polymorphisms of TUSC3 were evaluated with traditional genetic methods. Family-based association tests, transmission disequilibrium tests (TDTs), and haplotype relative risk (HRR) analyses were performed to investigate the association between genetic variants of the TUSC3 gene and MR. The genetic polymorphisms rs10093881, rs6530893, and rs6994908 were associated with MR (all P values <0.05) based upon the results of single-site TDT and HRR analyses. The haplotype block consisting of rs6530893 and rs6994908, harboring the sixth exon of TUSC3, was also associated with MR (all P values <0.05). This study demonstrated an association between genetic polymorphisms of the TUSC3 gene and MR in the Qinba mountain area, the sixth exon of which might contribute to the risk of MR. However, further studies are needed on the causal mechanisms in this association.

Identification of Wolbachia-responsive microRNAs in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae

Background

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is infected with Wolbachia, which have the ability to manipulate host reproduction and fitness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in many biological processes such as development, reproduction and host-pathogen interactions. Although miRNA was observed to involve in Wolbachia-host interactions in the other insect systems, its roles have not been fully deciphered in the two-spotted spider mite.

Results

Small RNA libraries of infected and uninfected T. urticae for both sexes (in total four libraries) were constructed. By integrating the mRNA data originated from the same samples, the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Then, GO and pathway analyses were performed for the target genes. Comparison of libraries showed that Wolbachia infection significantly regulated 91 miRNAs in females and 20 miRNAs in males, with an overall suppression of miRNAs in Wolbachia-infected libraries. A comparison of the miRNA and mRNA data predicted that the differentially expressed miRNAs negatively regulated 90 mRNAs in females and 9 mRNAs in males. An analysis of target genes showed that Wolbachia-responsive miRNAs regulated genes with function in sphingolipid metabolism, lysosome function, apoptosis and lipid transporting in both sexes, as well as reproduction in females.

Conclusion

Comparisons of the miRNA and mRNA data can help to identify miRNAs and miRNA target genes involving in Wolbachia-host interactions. The molecular targets identified in this study should be useful in further functional studies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1122) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The complete mitochondrial genomes of six species of Tetranychus provide insights into the phylogeny and evolution of spider mites

Many spider mites belonging to the genus Tetranychus are of agronomical importance. With limited morphological characters, Tetranychus mites are usually identified by a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular diagnostics. To clarify their molecular evolution and phylogeny, the mitochondrial genomes of the green and red forms of Tetranychus urticae as well as T. kanzawai, T. ludeni, T. malaysiensis, T. phaselus, T. pueraricola were sequenced and compared. The seven mitochondrial genomes are typical circular molecules of about 13,000 bp encoding and they are composed of the complete set of 37 genes that are usually found in metazoans. The order of the mitochondrial (mt) genes is the same as that in the mt genomes of Panonychus citri and P. ulmi, but very different from that in other Acari. The J-strands of the mitochondrial genomes have high (∼ 84%) A+T contents, negative GC-skews and positive AT-skews. The nucleotide sequence of the cox1 gene, which is commonly used as a taxon barcode and molecular marker, is more highly conserved than the nucleotide sequences of other mitochondrial genes in these seven species. Most tRNA genes in the seven genomes lose the D-arm and/or the T-arm. The functions of these tRNAs need to be evaluated. The mitochondrial genome of T. malaysiensis differs from the other six genomes in having a slightly smaller genome size, a slight difference in codon usage, and a variable loop in place of the T-arm of some tRNAs by a variable loop. A phylogenic analysis shows that T. malaysiensis first split from other Tetranychus species and that the clade of the family Tetranychoidea occupies a basal position in the Trombidiformes. The mt genomes of the green and red forms of T. urticae have limited divergence and short evolutionary distance.

AEG-1 affects expression of HIF-1α and miR-34a in colorectal cancer cells

AIM: To construct a stable expression system for astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) using lentiviral vector in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and assess its relationship with miR-34a and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α).

METHODS: AEG-1 expression in CRC cells was examined by Western blot analysis. A lentiviral vector carrying AEG-1 was constructed, identified by PCR and DNA sequencing, and then transfected into 293FT cells using lentiviral packaging systems. SW1116 cells were infected with the virus and analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Expression of miR-34a and HIF-1α was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed that AEG-1 expression was the lowest in SW1116 among 7 CRC cell lines (P < 0.05). AEG-1 lentiviral vector was constructed successfully as revealed by DNA sequencing. The stable expression of AEG-1 was validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot (0.53 ± 0.44 vs 2.02 ± 0.22, P < 0.05; 0.71 ± 0.14 vs 2.02 ± 0.22, P < 0.05). Up-regulation of AEG-1 inhibited miR-34a expression (P < 0.01) but increased HIF-1α expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: An AEG-1 lentiviral vector has been successfully constructed. AEG-1 can down-regulate the expression of miR-34a and up-regulate the expression of HIF-1α.

No association between FGD1 gene polymorphisms and intellectual developmental disability in the Qinba mountain area

FGD1 encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, specifically activates Rho GTPase cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42). Dysfunction of FGD1 causes Aarskog-Scott syndrome (MIM #305400), an X-linked disorder that may affect bone and intellectual development. However, the relationship between FGD1 and intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic association between the FGD1 polymorphism and IDD. Working with families from the Qinba mountain area where the occurrence of IDD is higher than the average in China, we analyzed 456 samples from 130 nuclear families, effectively controlling for stratification and environmental factors. Five SNP loci (rs2230265, rs7881608, rs2239809, rs6614244, and rs2284710) were selected that were well distributed within the FGD1 gene. Genotyping was performed through single-strand conformation polymorphism and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The data were analyzed with transmission disequilibrium tests. In the Qinba mountain area, no significant association was observed between IDD and allele or genotype frequencies, or the haplotype of the 5 SNP loci of the FGD1 gene. The results indicate that FGD1 may not be a monogenetic X-linked factor in IDD. Further studies are required to investigate its role in intellectual development based on its specific interactions with Cdc42 or other partner proteins contributing to IDD.

Wolbachia play an important role in affecting mtDNA variation of Tetranychus truncatus (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae)

The prevalence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia and its effects on mitochondria variation were analyzed in seven natural populations of Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) in current study. Five Wolbachia strains (wtru1, wtru5, wtru7, wtru8, and wtru12) were detected based on the surface protein of Wolbachia (wsp) sequence data and the multiple locus sequences typing data, suggesting that multiple separate invasions have occurred. Part of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene was sequenced from infected individuals revealing 10 different haplotypes. As predicted, the haplotype and nucleotide diversity were lower in infected individuals than that in uninfected individuals. Furthermore, phylogenetic and analysis of molecular variance analyses revealed that the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes is not associated with geography. Rather, it is strongly concordant with infection status. These data support the hypothesis that Wolbachia infection can affect the genetic structure and diversity of the host mites.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and a comparative mitogenomic analysis of three predominant rice planthoppers

The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is one of the most destructive pests of rice crops in many Asian countries. Using long-PCR and shotgun library methods, we sequenced the entire mitochondrial genomes (mt-genomes) of two WBPH individuals. Total lengths of the mt-genome of the two WBPH individuals were 16,612 bp and 16,654 bp with an identical AT content of 76.19%. Among the 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), only nad5 used an atypical initiation codon GTG. Most of the tRNA genes had the typical cloverleaf secondary structure except that the dihydrouridine (DHU) arms in two trnS genes and the TΨC arm of trnG gene did not form a stable stem-loop structure. Similar to the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), and the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), some extraordinary features were observed in the WBPH mt-genome. These include similar gene rearrangement pattern, unusually short length of the atp8 gene and variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) structure in control region. Interestingly, the same tandem repeat unit with stable secondary structure appeared in two different planthoppers, WBPH and SBPH, which belong to two different genera of the Delphacidae. This peculiar feature provides a direct evidence for the close relationship between the two planthoppers and updates our understanding of the evolutionary characteristics of mitochondrial control region. Comparison with two other predominant rice planthoppers (BPH and SBPH) revealed that different PCGs of mitochondria exhibit different evolutionary patterns.

The complete mitochondrial genomes of two rice planthoppers, Nilaparvata lugens and Laodelphax striatellus: conserved genome rearrangement in Delphacidae and discovery of new characteristics of atp8 and tRNA genes

Background

Nilaparvata lugens (the brown planthopper, BPH) and Laodelphax striatellus (the small brown planthopper, SBPH) are two of the most important pests of rice. Up to now, there was only one mitochondrial genome of rice planthopper has been sequenced and very few dependable information of mitochondria could be used for research on population genetics, phylogeographics and phylogenetic evolution of these pests. To get more valuable information from the mitochondria, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of BPH and SBPH. These two planthoppers were infected with two different functional Wolbachia (intracellular endosymbiont) strains (wLug and wStri). Since both mitochondria and Wolbachia are transmitted by cytoplasmic inheritance and it was difficult to separate them when purified the Wolbachia particles, concomitantly sequencing the genome of Wolbachia using next generation sequencing method, we also got nearly complete mitochondrial genome sequences of these two rice planthoppers. After gap closing, we present high quality and reliable complete mitochondrial genomes of these two planthoppers.

Results

The mitogenomes of N. lugens (BPH) and L. striatellus (SBPH) are 17, 619 bp and 16, 431 bp long with A + T contents of 76.95% and 77.17%, respectively. Both species have typical circular mitochondrial genomes that encode the complete set of 37 genes which are usually found in metazoans. However, the BPH mitogenome also possesses two additional copies of the trnC gene. In both mitochondrial genomes, the lengths of the atp8 gene were conspicuously shorter than that of all other known insect mitochondrial genomes (99 bp for BPH, 102 bp for SBPH). That two rearrangement regions (trnC-trnW and nad6-trnP-trnT) of mitochondrial genomes differing from other known insect were found in these two distantly related planthoppers revealed that the gene order of mitochondria might be conservative in Delphacidae. The large non-coding fragment (the A+T-rich region) putatively corresponding responsible for the control of replication and transcription of mitochondria contained a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) block in different natural individuals of these two planthoppers. Comparison with a previously sequenced individual of SBPH revealed that the mitochondrial genetic variation within a species exists not only in the sequence and secondary structure of genes, but also in the gene order (the different location of trnH gene).

Conclusion

The mitochondrial genome arrangement pattern found in planthoppers was involved in rearrangements of both tRNA genes and protein-coding genes (PCGs). Different species from different genera of Delphacidae possessing the same mitochondrial gene rearrangement suggests that gene rearrangements of mitochondrial genome probably occurred before the differentiation of this family. After comparatively analyzing the gene order of different species of Hemiptera, we propose that except for some specific taxonomical group (e.g. the whiteflies) the gene order might have diversified in family level of this order. The VNTRs detected in the control region might provide additional genetic markers for studying population genetics, individual difference and phylogeographics of planthoppers.

Various infection status and molecular evidence for horizontal transmission and recombination of Wolbachia and Cardinium among rice planthoppers and related species

Wolbachia and Cardinium are widely distributed and are considered important for their ability to disturb reproduction and affect other fitness-related traits of their hosts. By using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing methods, we extensively surveyed Wolbachia and Cardinium infection status of four predominant rice planthoppers and one kind of leafhopper in different rice fields. The results demonstrated that Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) were infected with the same Wolbachia strain (wStri), while Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and its closely related species Nilaparvata muiri China were infected with two phylogeneticlly distant strains, wLug and wMui, respectively. Three new Wolbachia strains (provisionally named wMfas1, wMfas2 and wMfas3) were detected in the leafhopper Macrosteles fascifrons (Stål). Only S. furcifera was co-infected with Cardinium, which indicated that the distribution of Cardinium in these rice planthoppers was narrower than that of Wolbachia. Unambiguous intragenic recombination events among these Wolbachia strains and incongruent phylogenetic relationships show that the connections between different Wolbachia strains and hosts were more complex than we expected. These results suggest that horizontal transmission and host associated specialization are two factors affecting Wolbachia and Cardinium infections among planthoppers and their related species.

Diversity of Wolbachia in natural populations of spider mites (genus Tetranychus): evidence for complex infection history and disequilibrium distribution

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that commonly infect arthropods and cause reproductive disorders in host. Within several Tetranychus species, Wolbachia have been detected and shown to affect their reproduction. However, little is known about their transmission and distribution patterns in natural populations of Tetranychus species. Here, we used multilocus sequence typing to confirm Wolbachia infection status and examined the relationship between Wolbachia infection status and host phylogeny, mitochondrial diversity, and geographical range in five Tetranychus species (Tetranychus truncatus, Tetranychus urticae, Tetranychus pueraricola, Tetranychus phaselus, and Tetranychus kanzawai) from 21 populations in China. The prevalence of Wolbachia within the five Tetranychus species ranged from 31.4 to 100 %, and the strains were remarkably diverse. Together, these observations indicate that Wolbachia was introduced to these populations on multiple separate occasions. As in other arthropods, the same Tetranychus species can accommodate very different strains, and identical Wolbachia occasionally infect different species. These observations suggest that Wolbachia are transmitted both vertically and horizontally. Horizontally, transmission is probably mediated by the host plants. The distribution patterns of Wolbachia were quite different among populations of the same species, suggesting that the dynamics of Wolbachia in nature may be affected by ecological and other factors.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the pseudorabies virus US1 gene

Using polymerase chain reaction, a 1050-bp sequence of the US1 gene was amplified from the pseudorabies virus (PRV) Becker strain genome; identification of the US1 gene was confirmed by further cloning and sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the PRV US1 gene encodes a putative polypeptide with 349 amino acids. The encoded protein, designated PICP22, had a conserved Herpes_IE68 domain, which was found to be closely related with the herpes virus immediate early regulatory protein family and is highly conserved among the counterparts encoded by Herpes_IE68 genes. Multiple nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence alignments suggested that the product of PRV US1 has a relatively higher homology with ICP22-like proteins of genus Varicellovirus than with those of other genera of Alphaherpesvirinae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that PRV US1 has a close evolutionary relationship with members of the genus Varicellovirus, especially Equid herpes virus 1 (EHV-1), EHV-4 and EHV-9. Antigen prediction indicated that several potential B-cell epitopes are located in PICP22. Also, subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that PICP22 is predominantly located in the cytoplasm, suggesting that it might function as a cytoplasmic-targeted protein.

Prognostic significance of PUMA in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To investigate retrospectively whether alterations of p53 upregulated mediator of apoptosis (PUMA) protein levels and somatic mutations of the PUMA gene are characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

Immunohistochemical analyses of PUMA were performed in pancreatic tumour tissue samples, and paired normal pancreatic tissue samples, from patients with PDAC. Apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelling assay.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients with PDAC had samples available; 49 cases (70.0%) had high PUMA protein levels. PUMA was not detected in paired normal tissue samples. Significantly higher levels of PUMA protein were detected in low-grade tumours (tumour -node-metastasis stages I and II), compared with higher grade (stage III) tumours. Of the PDAC cases, the mean apoptosis index value for PUMA-positive specimens was significantly higher than that for PUMA-negative specimens. Overall survival was significantly associated with PUMA immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of PUMA in PDAC tumour cells suggest that PUMA expression may play a role in pancreatic tumourigenesis.

Tripartite associations among bacteriophage WO, Wolbachia, and host affected by temperature and age in Tetranychus urticae

A phage density model of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which means lytic phages reduce bacterial density associated with CI, significantly enhances our understanding of the tripartite associations among bacteriophage WO, Wolbachia and host. However, WO may alternate between lytic and lysogenic life cycles or change phage production under certain conditions including temperature, host age and host species background. Here, extreme temperatures can induce an alteration in the life cycle of WO and change the tripartite associations among WO, Wolbachia and CI. Based on the accumulation of the WO load, WO can transform into the lytic life cycle with increasing age. These findings confirmed that the environment plays an important role in the associations among WO, Wolbachia and host.

Wolbachia strengthens cardinium-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in the spider mite Tetranychus piercei McGregor

Wolbachia and Cardinium are maternally inherited intracellular bacteria that can manipulate the reproduction of their arthropod hosts, such as by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). Although the reproductive alteration induced by Wolbachia or Cardinium have been well investigated, the effects of these two endosymbionts co-infecting the same host are poorly understood. We found that Tetranychus piercei McGregor is naturally infected with Wolbachia and Cardinium. We performed all possible crossing combinations using naturally infected and cured strains, and the results show that Wolbachia induced a weak level of CI, while Cardinium-infected and doubly infected males caused severe CI. Wolbachia and Cardinium could not rescue CI each other; however, Wolbachia boosted the expression of Cardinium-induced CI. Quantitative PCR results demonstrated that CI was associated with the infection density of Wolbachia and Cardinium.

Investigating the spatial-temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in an urban river in the North China Plain

Urban rivers are essential in retaining nutrients, but little is known about nitrogen cycling in these rivers in semiarid areas. We measured chemical and isotopic compositions of ammonium (NH4(+)-N) and nitrate (NO3(-)-N) to investigate spatial-temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in the Fuhe River in the North China Plain. Nitrogen pollution in the river was mainly induced by extra NH4(+)-N inputs which come from the discharges of urban sewage and effluents of wastewater treatment plants in upstream. NH4(+)-N obtained from decomposing organic matter of sediments can diffuse into the overlying water. Intense nitrification then occurs at the terrestrial-aquatic interface. Due to less vegetation in spring and autumn, loss of NH4(+)-N is mainly caused by nitrification. In contrast, significant NH4(+)-N is absorbed by plants in summer. NO3(-)-N generated from nitrification can be denitrified during the study period. The highest NO3(-)-N loss (about 86.3%) was observed in summer. The contribution of NO3(-)-N loss due to denitrification is 44.6%. The remaining 55.4% is due to plant uptake. The results suggested that nitrogen cycling in the river is related to temperature and dry-wet cycles. And vegetation restoration along the river could benefit the incremental improvements to the aquatic ecosystem.

Population dynamics of noncytoplasmic incompatibility-inducing Wolbachia in Nilaparvata lugens and its effects on host adult life span and female fitness

Wolbachia are bacteria that live intracellularly in a wide variety of arthropods. They are maternally inherited and can affect both reproduction and fitness of its host. When infected males mate with uninfected females or females infected by a different Wolbachia strain, there is often a failure of karyogamy, which is usually attributed to cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). We measured the strength of CI induced by Wolbachia and the fitness effects in three Chinese populations of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens from Hainan, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces, respectively. No evidence for CI was found in any of the populations, whereas an enhanced fecundity and shortened longevity were observed only in the Hainan population. The infection density was significantly higher in the Hainan population than in the Guangxi population. The Wolbachia strain infecting the three populations appeared to be the same based on the nucleotide sequence of the wsp gene. Therefore, the variable effects of Wolbachia on host fitness seem to be the result of differences in the host genetic background and Wolbachia infection density. The ability of the non-CI-inducing Wolbachia to maintain themselves in their hosts may be attributed to their positive effects on host fecundity and efficient maternal transmission.

Expression characteristics of heparanase in colon carcinoma and its close relationship with cyclooxygenase-2 and angiogenesis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Heparanase (HPA) influences tumourigenesis and tumour progression by various mechanisms, including angiogenesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was strongly correlated with microvessel density, and that COX-2 expression is up-regulated by HPA in esophageal cancer. In this study, we examined the relationship between HPA expression and that of COX-2 in colon carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of HPA is related to the angiogenesis in colorectal cancer and whether it could be involved in clinical behaviour of colon carcinoma.

METHODOLOGY

HPA and COX-2 was analyzed with Immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Microvessels in colon carcinoma were examined by using anti-CD34 antibody. Statistical analysis was applied to test for the prognostic and diagnostic associations.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry revealed that HPA was expressed at low level in normal colonic mucosa (4/78, 5.1%), but at higher level in tumor tissues (63/78, 80.7%) and closely correlated with tumor lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). This result was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, carcinomas with high HPA expression demonstrated high COX-2 expression and high MVD (microvesseldensity) labelled with CD34. In addition, mortality was higher in patients with HPA+ phenotype and HPA was an independent predictor of overall survival (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that HPA might be an important biomarker for malignant transformation and be involved in promoting colon carcinoma metastasis by increasing angiogenesis.

[Expression of human pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 in colorectal cancer detected with real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and its clinical significance]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Although human pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (hPTTG1) is overexpressed in malignant tumors such as colorectal cancer, its correlation to clinicopathologic parameters and its value in diagnosis and prognosis prediction of colorectal cancer are still not clear. We investigated the expression of hPTTG1 in colorectal cancer tissues, and elucidated its correlation to some clinicopathologic parameters of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

The expression of hPTTG1 in 60 specimens of colorectal cancer and corresponding noncancerous tissues were examined with real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and its correlation to seven clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mRNA level of hPTTG1 was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in corresponding noncancerous tissues (0.42+/-0.07 vs. 0.03+/-0.01, P<0.001), significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues with serum CEA level of > 5 ng/mL than in those with CEA of < 5 ng/mL (22.79+/-7.42 vs. 9.34+/-2.61, P<0.001), significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues with diameter of > or = 3.5 cm than in those with diameter of < 3.5 cm (15.80+/-8.80 vs. 10.91+/-5.22, P<0.05), significantly lower in Dukes'A, B tumors than in Dukes' C, D tumors (9.03+/-0.35 and 9.58+/-2.93 vs. 15.88+/-8.09 and 25.69+/-7.67, P<0.001), and significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis (17.63+/-8.47), liver metastasis (31.07+/-4.10) and other organ metastasis (22.78+/-6.39) than in those without metastasis (11.15+/-6.65) (P<0.001). hPTTG1 expression had no relationship with patients' age, sex and histological type (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

hPTTG1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer. It is closely related to the progression of colorectal cancer, and may be helpful for prognosis prediction of colorectal cancer.

Construction of FCU1 recombinant adenovirus vector and its killing effect on colon cancer cells

AIM: To construct a recombinant adenovirus vector containing fusion suicide gene FCU1, and study the cytotoxic effect of prodrug 5-FC on colon cancer cells.

METHODS: Restriction fragment of FCU1 was inserted into pDC316 vector with EcoRⅠ and SalⅠ. Recombinant plasmid pDC316-FCU1 was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. Thereafter, pDC316-FCU1 was cotransfected with adenovirus backbone pBHG into 293 cells to establish the recombinant adenovirus Ad5-FCU1 by homologous recombination. The cytotoxic effect of prodrug 5-FC on the infected HCT116 cells was determined with MTT assay.

RESULTS: Recombinant plasmid pDC316-FCU1was constructed successfully. After pDC316-FCU1 together with adenovirus backbone pBHG was cotransfected into 293 cells, significant virus plaques were observed, which showed the successful homologous recombination and virus packaging in 293 cells. The titer of the purified Ad-FCU1 was 2 × 10¹² PFU/L. Nontoxic prodrug 5-FC has significant cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells infected with pAd5-FCU1. The survival of HCT116/FCU1 cells was minimal, while that of the control cells was close to 90%, when 5-FC was used at 100 μmol/L.

CONCLUSION: Recombinant adenovirus Ad5-FCU1 containing fusion suicide gene FCU1 is established successfully, which has significant killing effect on colon cancer cells in vitro.

Expression of human pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 in colorectal cancer and its clinical significance

AIM: To investigated the expression of human pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (hPTTG1) protein in colorectal cancerous tissues and to analyze its relationship with clinicopathological parameters so as to gain more experimental evidence for hPTTG1's clinical value in colorectal cancer diagnosis and relapse.

METHODS: Sixty colorectal cancer samples and their corresponding noncancerous tissues were examined for hPTTG1 protein expression using immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting analysis. Subsequently, we also studied the relationship between seven clinicopathological parameters and hPTTG1 protein expression.

RESULTS: Of 60 colorectal tissue samples, 50 samples of hPTTG1 protein expression were positive (93.3%), but only 8 corresponding noncancerous tissues were positive and all weakly positive (13.3%) (c² = 77.13, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between hPTTG1 mRNA expression and serum CEA level, and CEA ≥ 5 mg/L was significantly higher than CEA < 5 mg/L (c² = 30.886, P < 0.001); hPTTG1 gene was expressed significantly higher in Dukes C, D stages than in Dukes A, B stages (c² = 9.87, P < 0.001), and significantly higher in colorectal cancer with the lymph node invasion, liver or other organs metastasis than no invasion (c² = 9.87, P < 0.001). The hPTTG1 expression was not correlated with age, sex, tumor size or histologic types.

CONCLUSION: The hPTTG1 is overexpressed in and closely correlated with the progress of colorectal cancer, therefore hPTTG1 expression may be helpful for the judgement of the prognosis for colorectal cancer patients.

[MRI analysis of non-traumatic multiple vertebral collapse in aged people]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the MRI in the differential diagnosis of acute non-traumatic vertebral collapse.

METHODS

Sixty-eight cases were retrospected. All cases were studied with sagittal T1-weighted MR images, T2-weighted MR images, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR images, and axial T1-weighted MR images. Twelve of 68 were performed extra coronal T1-weighted MR images and 22 with additional axial gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images.

RESULTS

The causes of vertebral collapse were: (1) osteoporosis (n = 31), their images showed retropulsion of bony fragments of collapsed vertebral body which kept the normal signal into the spinal canal as the distinctive sign; (2) metastatic tumor (n = 30), their images showed destructions of pedicles of vertebral and epidural mass as the distinctive sign, and hyperintense or mixed hyperintense signal on T2WI and enhanced T1WI of compressed vertebrae; and (3) multiple myeloma (n = 7), their images showed long T1WI and long T2WI, without destruction of pedicle and epidural mass in compressed vertebrae.

CONCLUSION

MRI is useful to the differentiations of the non-traumatic vertebral collapse in aged.

Effects of salvianolic acid A on oxygen radicals released by rat neutrophils and on neutrophil function

Salvianolic acid A (Sai A) has demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in previous studies. In the present study, the effects of Sai A on oxygen radicals released by rat neutrophils and on neutrophil function were investigated. Superoxide anion assayed by the nitroblue tetrazolium test and hydrogen peroxide detected with redox of scopoletin were scavenged concentration dependently by Sai A in n-formyl-methionyl-leucylphenylalanine (fMLP)- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated rat neutrophils. Hydroxyl radicals generated in PMA-stimulated neutrophils, measured by HPLC, also were scavenged significantly by Sai A, whereas Sai A showed no significant effects on chemotaxis toward fMLP and phagocytosis of latex beads by rat neutrophils. In addition, the intracellular free calcium and cyclic nucleotide levels of neutrophils, when stimulated by fMLP, were not affected by Sai A. These results suggest that Sai A could significantly scavenge oxygen radicals released by activated neutrophils without affecting their functional ability.

[Effects of 2-(p-dimethylaminostyryl) pyridine methycholide (DSPM-Ci) on ECG, left atrium contractivity and on papillary muscle action potentials]

The effects of DSPM-Cl on ECG in rats, on the dose-effect curve in guinea pig left atria and on the fast action potential (AP), high-K+ depolarized slow action potential (SAP) in guinea pigs papillary muscle were examined electrophysiologically. DSPM-Cl (2 mg.kg-1) showed significant nagative frequency, negative conductivity effect, and prolonged the PP and PR interval. DSPM-CI (30-50 mumol.L-1) was shown to inhibit left atria contractility and shift the concentration-response curve of Iso and CaCl2 to the right with PD2' values of 4.60 and 4.13, respectively. In addition, DSPM-Cl was found to prolong the duration of action potential 90 (APD90) and effective refractory period (ERP), and decrease the maximal upstroke velocity (Vmax) in K(+)-depolarized guinea pigs papillary muscles. The results suggest that, like verpamil, DSPM-Cl might be a calcium antagonist.

Effect of schisanhenol on function and surface shape of rat neutrophils

AIM

To study the regulatory effect of Schisanhenol (Sal) on function of rat neutrophils.

RESULTS

It was found that Sal (1, 10, and 100 mumol.L(-1)) inhibited neutrophil activities such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide anion production in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Changes of surface morphology of neutrophils were observed by scanning electron microscopy, showing that the ruffles and pseudopods on neutrophil surface increased under the stimulation by chemotactic peptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP). When pretreated with Sal 100 mumol.L(-1), the ruffles and pseudopods disappeared and the surface became smooth. Sal 100 mumol.L(-1) decreased the cytosolic calcium concentration of neutrophils and increased the intracellular cAMP level.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that Sal could inhibit the function of rat neutrophils through affecting the cytosolic free calcium and cAMP level besides its anti-oxidant activity.

Effects of nicotinamide on cardiac contraction force and slow inward current

The effects of nicotinamide (Nic) on cardiac contraction force and on slow inward current (Isi) in guinea pigs were studied with atrial strips and voltage clamp techniques. Verapamil (Ver), MnCl2, nifedipine (Nif), and propranolol (Pro) depressed markedly the positive inotropic effect induced by Nic in a noncompetitive manner. The pD2 values of Ver, MnCl2, Nif, and Pro were 6.19, 3.41, 5.00, and 6.43, respectively. The action of Nic was reduced by a low Ca2+ Tyrode solution and disappeared in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Nic 33 mmol.L-1 elevated the Isi from 6.5 +/- 1.3 microA to 10.3 +/- 2.2 microA. The results suggest that Nic promotes the Ca2+ influx and its site of action is different from that of both Pro and the calcium antagonists.

[Cardioprotection of 2-[p-(dimethylamino)styryl]pyridine methiodide against ischemic damage and myocardial lipid peroxidation]

Mice were injected ip DSPM 1 or 3 mg.kg-1 3 h prior to a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (Iso) 20 mg.kg-1 once daily for 2 d. Iso induced reductions of Se-glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in myocardium. DSPM 1 or 3 mg.kg-1 significantly abated reduction of Se-GSH-PX activity and decreased MDA production and DSPM 3 mg.kg-1 also abated reduction of SOD activity in the hearts from Iso-treated mice. The changes of above indices were in accordance with those of myocardial ultrastructure and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration in serum. The results indicate that DSPM has a protective effect on myocardial ischemic injury probably by inhibiting oxygen free radicals and subsequent lipid peroxidation.

Improved myocardial protection by antegrade perfusion in combination with coronary sinus occlusion in the presence of left anterior descending artery obstruction

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the improved protection of antegrade aortic root perfusion combined with intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (APCSO) for the 1-hour ischemic myocardium in the presence of left anterior descending artery occlusion, 12 dogs were divided into 2 groups: anteperfusion (AP) alone (n = 6) and APCSO (n = 6). The experimental results showed that APCSO provided a better cardioplegic distribution and a lower hypothermia (15.6 degrees C versus 17.2 degrees C) in the occluded LAD region, compared with AP. After ischemia, cardiac index and left ventricular stroke index recovered excellently in APCSO (128% to 141% and 115% to 158% of preischemic values, respectively), and much worse in AP (69% to 82% and 53% to 73% of preischemic values, respectively). Our study has confirmed that APCSO is superior to AP in myocardial protection in the presence of coronary artery occlusion.