The bZIP transcription factor MpbZIP9 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Malus 'Pinkspire' fruit

Malus 'Pinkspire' is regulated by abscisic acid (ABA), which results in a red colour, but the regulatory relationship between ABA and anthocyanin synthesis has not been determined. The key factors affecting the colour change of M. 'Pinkspire' peel were investigated during the periods of significant colour changes during fruit ripening. The results showed that the transcription factor MpbZIP9 associated with ABA was screened by transcriptomic analysis. MpbZIP9 expression was consistent with the trend of structural genes expression for anthocyanin synthesis in the peel during fruit ripening, as well as with changes in the content of ABA, which is a positive regulator. A yeast one-hybrid assay showed that MpbZIP9 can directly bind to the promoter of MpF3'H. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays and GUS staining experiments showed that MpbZIP9 significantly activate MpF3'H expression. In addition, overexpression of the MpbZIP9 significantly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis. In contrast, virus-induced silencing of the MpbZIP9 significantly reduced the expression of structural genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis. These results suggest that the MpbZIP9 transcription factor can regulate the synthesis of peel anthocyanin and is a positive regulator that promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating MpF3'H expression.

The MpNAC72/MpERF105-MpMYB10b module regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Malus 'Profusion' leaves infected with Gymnosporangium yamadae

Apple rust is a serious fungal disease affecting Malus plants worldwide. Infection with the rust pathogen Gymnosporangium yamadae induces the accumulation of anthocyanins in Malus to resist rust disease. However, the mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in Malus against apple rust is still unclear. Here, we show that MpERF105 and MpNAC72 are key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis via the ethylene-dependent pathway in M. 'Profusion' leaves under rust disease stress. Exogenous ethephon treatment promoted high expression of MpERF105 and MpNAC72 and anthocyanin accumulation in G. yamadae-infected M. 'Profusion' leaves. Overexpression of MpERF105 increased the total anthocyanin content of Malus plant material and acted by positively regulating its target gene, MpMYB10b. MpNAC72 physically interacted with MpERF105 in vitro and in planta, and the two form a protein complex. Coexpression of the two leads to higher transcript levels of MpMYB10b and higher anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, overexpression of MpERF105 or MpNAC72 enhanced the resistance of M. 'Profusion' leaves to apple rust. In conclusion, our results elucidate the mechanism by which MpERF105 and MpNAC72 are induced by ethylene in G. yamadae-infected M. 'Profusion' leaves and promote anthocyanin accumulation by mediating the positive regulation of MpMYB10b expression.

Nanomedicine for cancer targeted therapy with autophagy regulation

Nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties and are currently widely used in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, and new drug development in biomedicine. In recent years, the role of nanomedical technology in cancer treatment has become increasingly obvious. Autophagy is a multi-step degradation process in cells and an important pathway for material and energy recovery. It is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Because nanomaterials are highly targeted and biosafe, they can be used as carriers to deliver autophagy regulators; in addition to their favorable physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can be employed to carry autophagy inhibitors, reducing the breakdown of chemotherapy drugs by cancer cells and thereby enhancing the drug's efficacy. Furthermore, certain nanomaterials can induce autophagy, triggering oxidative stress-mediated autophagy enhancement and cell apoptosis, thus constraining the progression of cancer cells.There are various types of nanoparticles, including liposomes, micelles, polymers, metal-based materials, and carbon-based materials. The majority of clinically applicable drugs are liposomes, though other materials are currently undergoing continuous optimization. This review begins with the roles of autophagy in tumor treatment, and then focuses on the application of nanomaterials with autophagy-regulating functions in tumor treatment.

Perivesical Fat Invasive Pattern as Prognostic Factor and Predictor of Response to Adjuvant Chemotherapy in T3 Stage Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of the distinction between microscopic (pT3a) and macroscopic (pT3b) perivesical fat invasions remains a subject of debate. To explore whether the pattern of perivesical fat invasion can serve as a prognostic factor to better subgroup T3 stage bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-nine patients diagnosed with T3 stage bladder cancer at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) were selected for the experimental cohort in this study. Ninety-seven T3 stage bladder cancer patients with pathological slices at the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were selected as validation cohort in this study. The perivesical fat invasive pattern was examined with hematoxylin and eosin-stained pathological slides by two pathologists independently. Two different perivesical fat invasive patterns, fibrous-surrounded (FS) pattern, and nonfibrous-surrounded (NFS) pattern were assessed.

RESULTS

Perivesical fat invasion pattern had a significant influence on overall survival in T3 stage bladder cancer. Compared to the NFS pattern, the FS pattern was related to a better prognosis in both the SYSUCC cohort and TCGA cohort. The patients with NFS pattern tumor who underwent cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy experienced an obvious improvement compared to observation after radical cystectomy in overall survival in the SYSUCC cohort.

CONCLUSION

The perivesical fat invasion pattern could predict prognosis and clinically different chemotherapeutic survival outcomes in patients with T3 stage bladder cancer after radical cystectomy.

Glycine Decarboxylase (GLDC) Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Energy Metabolism, Invasion, Metastasis and Immune Escape for Prostate Cancer

Glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) is one of the core enzymes for glycine metabolism, and its biological roles in prostate cancer (PCa) are unclear. First, we found that GLDC plays a central role in glycolysis in 540 TCGA PCa patients. Subsequently, a metabolomic microarray showed that GLDC enhanced aerobic glycolysis in PCa cells, and GLDC and its enzyme activity enhanced glucose uptake, lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in PCa cells. Next, we found that GLDC was highly expressed in PCa, was directly regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1-α) and regulated downstream LDHA expression. In addition, GLDC and its enzyme activity showed a strong ability to promote the migration and invasion of PCa both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found that the GLDC-high group had a higher TP53 mutation frequency, lower CD8+ T-cell infiltration, higher immune checkpoint expression, and higher immune exclusion scores than the GLDC-low group. Finally, the GLDC-based prognostic risk model by applying LASSO Cox regression also showed good predictive power for the clinical characteristics and survival in PCa patients. This evidence indicates that GLDC plays crucial roles in glycolytic metabolism, invasion and metastasis, and immune escape in PCa, and it is a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Driving effects of land use and landscape pattern on different spontaneous plant life forms along urban river corridors in a fast-growing city

River corridors are critical in connecting fragmented greenspace and providing habitats for plants and animals. There is a paucity of information on the detailed influence of land use and landscape patterns on the richness and diversity of distinct life forms of urban spontaneous vegetation. This study aimed to identify the variables that dramatically affect spontaneous plants and then disentangle how to manage such a variety of land types to maximize the biodiversity-supporting function of urban river corridors. The total species richness was remarkably influenced by the amount of commercial, industrial, and waterbody area and the landscape complexity of water, green space, and unused land. In addition, the spontaneous plant assemblages of different life forms significantly differed in their responses to land use and landscape variables. Vines were more sensitive to urban sites, i.e., strongly negatively affected by residential and commercial areas but positively supported by green space and cropland. Multivariate regression trees indicated that the total plant assemblages were clustered most remarkably by the total industrial area, and the classified responding variables differed among distinct life forms. The colonizing habitat of spontaneous plants explained a high proportion of the variance and was also closely related to the surrounding land use and landscape pattern. These scale-specific interaction effects ultimately determined the variation in richness among various spontaneous plant assemblages in urban sites. Based on these results, in future city river planning and design, spontaneous vegetation could be protected and promoted by a nature-based solution according to their adaptability and preference for distinct landscape characteristics and habitat features.

Current therapy and drug resistance in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), especially metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and main cause of cancer-related death among men in the world. In addition, it is very difficult for clinical treatment because of the natural or acquired drug resistance of CRPC. Mechanisms of drug resistance are extremely complicated and how to overcome it remains an urgent clinical problem to be solved. Thus, a comprehensive and thorough understanding for mechanisms of drug resistance in mCRPC is indispensable to develop novel and better therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aim to review new insight of the treatment of mCRPC and elucidate mechanisms governing resistance to new drugs: taxanes, androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi). Most importantly, in order to improve efficacy of these drugs, strategies of overcoming drug resistance are also discussed based on their mechanisms respectively.

Synthesis, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Fully Biobased Poly (hexamethylene succinate-co-2,5-furandicarboxylate) Copolyesters

Poly (hexamethylene succinate) (PHS) is a biobased and biodegradable polyester. In this research, two fully biobased high-molecular-weight poly (hexamethylene succinate-co-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PHSF) copolyesters with low hexamethylene furandicarboxylate (HF) unit contents (about 5 and 10 mol%) were successfully synthesized through a two-step transesterification/esterification and polycondensation method. The basic thermal behavior, crystal structure, isothermal crystallization kinetics, melting behavior, thermal stability, and tensile mechanical property of PHSF copolyesters were studied in detail and compared with those of PHS. PHSF showed a decrease in the melt crystallization temperature, melting temperature, and equilibrium melting temperature while showing a slight increase in the glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature. PHSF copolyesters displayed the same crystal structure as PHS. Compared with PHS, PHSF copolyesters showed the improved mechanical property. The presence of about 10 mol% of HF unit increased the tensile strength from 12.9 ± 0.9 MPa for PHS to 39.2 ± 0.8 MPa; meanwhile, the elongation at break also increased from 498.5 ± 4.78% to 1757.6 ± 6.1%.

ACO1 and IREB2 downregulation confer poor prognosis and correlate with autophagy-related ferroptosis and immune infiltration in KIRC

Background

ACO1 and IREB2 are two homologous cytosolic regulatory proteins, which sense iron levels and change iron metabolism–linked molecules. These two genes were noticeably decreased in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), which confer poor survival. Meanwhile, there is a paucity of information about the mechanisms and clinical significance of ACO1 and IREB2 downregulation in renal cancers.

Methods

The expression profiles of ACO1 and IREB2 were assessed using multiple public data sets via several bioinformatics platforms. Clinical and pathological information was utilized to stratify cohorts for comparison. Patient survival outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier plotter, a meta-analysis tool. The correlations of ACO1 and IREB2 with ferroptosis were further evaluated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)–KIRC database. Tumor immune infiltration was analyzed using the CIBERSORT, TIMER, and GEPIA data resources. ACO1 antagonist sodium oxalomalate (OMA) and IREB2 inhibitor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used to treat renal cancer ACHN cells together with sorafenib.

Results

KIRC patients with low ACO1 or IREB2 contents exhibited a remarkably worse survival rate in contrast with those with high expression in Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. Meanwhile, ACO1 and IREB2 regulate autophagy-linked ferroptosis along with immune cell invasion in the tumor microenvironment in KIRC patients. Blocking the activation of these two genes by their inhibitors OMA and SNP ameliorated sorafenib-triggered cell death, supporting that ACO1 and IREB2 could be participated in its cytotoxic influence on renal cancer cells.

Conclusion

ACO1 and IREB2 downregulation in renal cancers were correlated with cancer aggressiveness, cellular iron homeostasis, cytotoxic immune cell infiltration, and patient survival outcomes. Our research is integral to verify the possible significance of ACO1 and IREB2 contents as a powerful signature for targeted treatment or novel immunotherapy in clinical settings.

Anti-HMGB1 antibody is a potential characteristic autoantibody for Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects about 0.33–0.77% population in China. The positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is one of the key features of SS, which shows a nuclear fine speckled (AC-4) pattern in an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IIFT). About 70% of ANA-positive SS patients have detectable anti-SS-A and/or SS-B antibodies, which indicates that other autoantibodies may present in SS patients. The anti-HMGB1 antibodies in 93 SS patients and 96 healthy controls were investigated with in-house developed ELISA and immunoblotting, and the locations of HMGB1 and fluorescent pattern of anti-HMGB1 antibody were investigated with IIFT. The contribution of anti-HMGB1 antibody in ANA-IF was evaluated with Cas9-induce HMGB1 knockout B16 cells. The anti-HMGB1 antibody level is higher in SS patients (9.96 ± 5.55 RU/ml) than in healthy controls (4.9 ± 1.4 RU/ml). With ROC curve analysis, when taking 8 RU/ml as the cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve were 64.5%, 96.9%, and 0.83, respectively. A total of 18 patients (20.7%) with nuclear fine speckled (AC-4) pattern in ANA-IF test were anti-HMGB1 antibody positive only. With commercial antibody, anti-HMGB1 antibody showed the same nuclear fine speckled (AC-4) pattern. The serum from ANA-IF (+), SS-A (−), and SS-B (−) SS patients showed nuclear fine speckled (AC-4) pattern in wildtype B16 cells, but no fluorescence in HMGB1 knockout B16 cells. Anti-HMGB1 antibody may be one of the characteristic autoantibodies of SS in addition to anti-SS-A and SS-B. The detection of anti-HMGB1 antibody can provide more laboratory evidence for clinical diagnosis of SS.

Abiraterone, Orteronel, Enzalutamide and Docetaxel: Sequential or Combined Therapy?

Objective: To summarize the current therapeutic status using chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel and endocrine therapeutic agents (ARAT, abiraterone, orteronel or enzalutamide) for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), including sequential therapy and combined therapy, to promote the consensus on the optimal regimen for achieving superior treatment efficacy.

Methods: Through literature search in PubMed, articles with the following relevant keywords were collected and anlyzed: CRPC, abiraterone, orteronel and enzalutamide, median survival, overall survival, prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA response rate and median radiologic progression-free survival.

Results: Fifty-eight articles were obtained and analyzed in this review. These articles included androgen axis-targeting agents after docetaxel, docetaxel after androgen axis-targeting agents, Triple sequential and combination therapy, covering four current drugs for mCRPC treatment: docetaxel, abiraterone, orteronel, and enzalutamide. It was found that there may be some cross-resistance between androgen axis-targeting agents, which will reduce the efficacy of subsequent drug treatment. Although neither of the studies of using combination therapy showed serious drug toxicity, the efficacy of sequential therapy was not as good as expected. Most adverse reactions after treatment were reported to be level 1–2.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the current studies, abiraterone followed by enzalutamide treatment is the best sequential treatment for most docetaxel-naïve patients. This treatment achieves not only good OS, but also PFS and PSA response rates. In addition, for patients who have previously failed docetaxel treatment, enzalutamide is the best choice as the subsequent treatment.

HMGB1, anti-HMGB1 antibodies, and ratio of HMGB1/anti-HMGB1 antibodies as diagnosis indicator in fever of unknown origin

To evaluate the feasibility of serum HMGB1, anti-HMGB1 antibodies, and HMGB1/anti-HMGB1 ratio as a diagnosis indicator of initial clinical classification in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Ninety-four patients with classical FUO and ninety healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The subjects’ clinical data and serum were collected. The serum concentration of HMGB1 was detected by a commercial HMGB1 ELISA kit, while the serum concentration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies were detected by an in-house built anti-HMGB1 antibodies ELISA kit and further confirmed by immunoblotting. According to the hospital diagnosis on discharge, ninety-four FUO patients were divided into four groups, Infectious disease subgroup, autoimmune disease subgroup, malignant tumor subgroup, and undetermined subgroup. The concentrations of HMGB1 in the infectious disease subgroup and autoimmune disease subgroup were higher than those in the malignant tumor subgroup, undetermined subgroup, and healthy control group. The concentration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies in autoimmune disease subtype group was higher than those in other subgroups as well as healthy control group. According to the distribution of HMGB1 and anti-HMGB1 in scatter plots of the patients with FUO, we found that the ratio of serum HMGB1/anti-HMGB1 is an ideal clinical indicator for differential diagnosis of different subtypes of FUO. The best cut-off was 0.75, and the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 66.67%, 87.32%, and 0.8, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that serum concentration of HMGB1 was moderately correlated with CRP in infectious diseases subgroup, and the serum concentration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies was strongly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate in autoimmune disease subgroup. Our study had showed that serum HMGB1/anti-HMGB1 antibodies ratio can help clinicians identify FUO subtypes, thereby avoiding many unnecessary examinations and tests, and improving the effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and treatment of FUO.

High PRMT5 expression is associated with poor overall survival and tumor progression in bladder cancer

Arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is involved in a variety of cancers. We used bioinformatics analysis to investigate PRMT5 overexpression in bladder urothelial cancer (BUC) and its clinical significance. We also conducted molecular biology experiments to investigate the effect of PRMT5 on the phenotype of BUC cells in vitro and in vivo. PRMT5 was found to be upregulated in BUC tissue in the Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. We validated the results from these databases in a cohort of BUC samples. Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate analyses demonstrated that PRMT5 upregulation is an independent prognostic risk factor for BUC. The in vitro and in vivo phenotypic experiments found that downregulated expression of PRMT5 in BUC cells inhibits BUC cell proliferation and aggression. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that PRMT5 knockdown leads to cell cycle G1/S arrest, deactivation of Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation in BUC cells. These results suggest that PRMT5 could be used as a potential molecular marker for BUC in the future.

Design of VO2-coated silicon microspheres for thermally-regulating paint

Recent work has proposed an approach to design materials that regulate their own temperature. The concept is based on a temperature-dependent thermal emitter that has minimal emissivity below a target temperature, and maximal emissivity above it. Here we propose a microparticle approach suitable for scaling to large areas. We use electromagnetic and thermal simulations to show that the designed particles provide a 13x reduction in temperature variation relative to an uncoated aluminum substrate.

[MTBP regulates migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of MTBP in regulating the migration and invasion of human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

The baseline expressions of MTBP in 3 different human prostate cancer cells lines (22RV1, DU145 and Lncap) were detected using Western blotting. The cells were transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) for MTBP knockdown or MTBP plasmid for MTBP overexpression, and 48 h later, the cells were examined for MTBP expression with Western blotting; the changes in the migration abilities of the cells were evaluated using wound healing assay and Transwell assay, and the cell invasiveness was assessed using Matrigel Transwell assay. The expression of E-cadherin protein, a marker of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), was detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

MTBP expression was the highest in DU145 cells followed by Lncap cells, and was the lowest in 22RV1 cells, indicating a positive correlation of MTBP expression with the level of malignancy of human prostate cancer cells. Transfection of the cells with siRNA or MTBP plasmids efficiently lowered or enhanced the expressions of MTBP in human prostate cancer cells. Wound healing assay showed that inhibition of MTBP expression decreased the migration ability of the prostate cancer cells, and MTBP overexpression significantly promoted the migration of the cells (P < 0.01). Transwell assay showed that MTBP knockdown significantly lowered the migration and invasion ability of the cells, while MTBP overexpression markedly increased the number of migrating and invading cells (P < 0.01); Western blotting results showed that MTBP knockdown increased the expression of E-cadherin protein, and MTBP overexpression decreased E-cadherin expression in the prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MTBP overexpression promotes the migration and invasion of human prostate cancer cells possibly relation to the induction of EMT.

[rotective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomesagainst testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats.

METHODS

Rat BMSCs were isolated, cultured and identified in theprimary culture. The exosomes were extracted from the BMSCs and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blotting. Twenty-four healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into shamoperation group, testicular IRI with saline treatment group and IRI with exosome treatment group. The contralateral testes ofthe rats were collected for pathological observation, aseessment of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and detection of HMGB1, caspases-3 and cleaved caspase-3 expressions using Western blotting.

RESULTS

We successfullyobtained exosomes from rat BMSCs. Testicular IRI significantly impaired testicular spermatogenesis, which was markedlyimproved by treatment with the exosomes (P < 0.05). Testicular IRI also caused significant increase in the protein expression ofHMGB1, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in the testicular tissue, and treatment with the exosomes obviously amelioratedthese changes (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BMSCs-derived exosomes protects against testicular IRI due to the anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities of the exosomes.

Statin and metformin therapy in prostate cancer patients with hyperlipidemia who underwent radiotherapy: a population-based cohort study

Purpose

To evaluate the association between the use of statins and/or metformin and patient survival in prostate cancer patients in Taiwan.

Subjects and methods

Newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients who had hyperlipidemia and received radiotherapy were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database 2000–2010. The survival rate was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the association of mortality. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the risk of mortality in patients with diabetes.

Results

The study included 567 patients. Patients who used statins or metformin after prostate cancer diagnosis had longer average survival times (9.3 years and 8.1 years, respectively; P=0.001) compared with patients who persistently used or used the medicines prior to cancer diagnosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that patients treated with statins after cancer diagnosis were significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality (aHR =0.24, 95% CI =0.09–0.66) compared to patients who did not use statins during the study period. Patients treated with metformin after cancer diagnosis were significantly associated more with an increased risk of mortality (aHR =6.78, 95% CI =2.45–18.77) compared to patients who did not use metformin during the study period. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the average survival time was similar among different medicine use groups in patients with diabetes.

Conclusion

The finding suggests that statins and metformin use after prostate cancer diagnosis may increase survival in patients with hyperlipidemia and radiotherapy.

Motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1/HLXB9 promotes sustained proliferation in bladder cancer by upregulating CCNE1/2

Background

Uncontrolled proliferation is thought to be the most fundamental characteristic of cancer. Detailed knowledge of cancer cell proliferation mechanisms would not only benefit understanding of cancer progression, but may also provide new clues for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Methods

In vitro function of MNX1 (Motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1) in bladder cancer cell was evaluated using MTT assay, colony formation assay, and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to detect MNX1 and CCNE1/2 expressions. In vivo tumor growth was conducted in BALB/c-nu mice.

Results

We reported that MNX1 is responsible for sustaining bladder cancer cell proliferation. Abnormal MNX1 upregulation in bladder cancer cell lines and 167 human tissue specimens; high MNX1 expression levels correlated significantly with shorter 5-year overall and relapse-free survival in the bladder cancer patients. Furthermore, MNX1 overexpression accelerated bladder cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo, whereas MNX1 downregulation arrested it. In addition, MNX1 transcriptionally upregulated CCNE1 and CCNE2 by directly bounding to their promoters, which promoted G1–S transition in the bladder cancer cells.

Conclusion

These findings reveal an oncogenic role and novel regulatory mechanism of MNX1 in bladder cancer progression and suggest that MNX1 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0829-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long non-coding RNAs regulate effects of β-crystallin B2 on mouse ovary development

β-crystallin B2 (CRYBB2) knockout mice exhibit morphological and functional abnormalities in the ovary. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene transcription and translation, and epigenetic modification of genomic DNA. The present study investigated the role of lncRNAs in mediating the effects of CRYBB2 in the regulation of ovary development in mice. In the current study, ovary tissues from wild‑type (WT) and CRYBB2 knockout mice were subjected to lncRNA and mRNA microarray profiling. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to group the differentially expressed lncRNAs into regulated gene pathways and functions. The correlation matrix method was used to establish a network of lncRNA and mRNA co‑expression. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to verify expression of a number of these differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. There were 157 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 1,085 differentially expressed mRNAs between ovary tissues from WT and CRYBB2 knockout mice. The GO and KEGG analyses indicated that these differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were important in Ca2+ signaling and ligand and receptor interactions. The correlation matrix method established an lncRNA and mRNA co‑expression network, consisting of 53 lncRNAs and 45 mRNAs with 98 nodes and 75 connections. RT‑qPCR confirmed downregulation of lncRNA A‑30‑P01019163 expression, which further downregulated its downstream gene purinergic receptor P2X, ligand‑gated ion channel, 7 (P2rx7) expression in ovary tissues from CRYBB2 knockout mice. In conclusion, CRYBB2 regulates expression of different lncRNAs to influence ovary development. lncRNA A‑30‑P01019163 may affect ovarian cell cycle and proliferation by regulating P2rx7 expression in the ovary.

C14orf166 is a high-risk biomarker for bladder cancer and promotes bladder cancer cell proliferation

BACKGROUND

C14orf166 (chromosome 14 open reading frame 166) plays a crucial role in some tumors, but its role in bladder cancer hasn't been explored.

METHOD

We determined C14orf166 expression in uroepithelial cell, bladder cancer cells, normal bladder tissues and bladder cancer tissues using quantitative RT-PCR and western blot, we then analyzed the correlation between C14orf166 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics in a cohort of 149 patients with bladder cancer. Finally we downregulated C14orf166 and determined its role in the proliferation of bladder cancer cell lines using MTT assay, colony formation assay and cell cycle assay.

RESULTS

We demonstrated C14orf166 was upregulated in bladder cancer cells and tissues, C14orf166 expression was significantly correlated with larger tumor size (P = 0.001), lymph node involvement (P < 0.001), histological differentiation (P < 0.001), survival time and vital states, and high C14orf166 expression correlated with poor survival, these results suggested C14orf166 served as a high-risk marker for bladder cancer. Knockdown of C14orf166 decreased the proliferation rate and colony formation ability of bladder cancer cells, and arrested cell cycle in G1/S transition. Further analysis showed that C14orf166 knockdown caused abnormal expression of key proteins for G1/S transition, such as Cyclin D1, P21, P27 and Rb phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that C14orf166 promotes bladder cancer cell proliferation and can be a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with bladder cancer.

[Expression of cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 in patients with asthenozoospermia and its clinical significance]

OBJEVTIVE

To investigate the expression of cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) in spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia and explore its clinical significance.

METHOS

Semen samples were collected from 24 normal volunteers and 24 patients with asthenozoospermia for detecting CRISP2 mRNA and protein expressions using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The correlation of CRISP2 expressions with sperm morphology, progressive motility and fertility prognosis were analyzed in patients with asthenozoospermia.

RESULTS

CRISP2 protein expression was obviously lowered in the ejaculated spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia as compared to the normal volunteers, but no significant difference in CRISP2 mRNA expression was found between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that CRISP2 protein expression was positively correlated with normal sperm morphology (r=0.6182, P=0.0037) and progressive motility (r=0.6309, P=0.0029). Follow-up study of the patients revealed a higher fertility rate in patients with a relatively high CRISP2 protein expression than in those with low CRISP2 protein expression (80.0% vs 20.0%, P=0.0230).

CONCLUSION

The expression level of CRISP2 protein is positively correlated with normal sperm morphology and progressive motility. A reduced CRISP2 protein expression indicates poor fertility prognosis of patients with asthenozoospermia, suggesting the potential value of CRISP2 as a novel therapeutic target for treating asthenozoospermia.

Prediction of lymph node metastasis in T1/T2 tongue squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

In T1, T2, and clinically NO squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, there is no reliable predictive variable to determine whether or not neck dissection is needed. Thus, we established a predictive score model based on tumour depth and other pathological variables.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 115 patients with T1 and T2 stage squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Their pathological variables were used to construct a score model for predicting the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

A predictive score model was proposed using multivariate logistic regression analysis: Score = (2.694 x tumour depth (cm)) + (1.814 x lymphovascular invasion (yes = 1, no = 0)) + (1.175 x perineural invasion (yes = 1, no = 0)). The cutoff point was set at 2.7427. This predictive score model has a sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 65.4%.

CONCLUSION

A predictive score model was built and a two-stage surgical approach was suggested for T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Role of co-expression of c-Myc, EZH2 and p27 in prognosis of prostate cancer patients after surgery

BACKGROUND

c-Myc, EZH2 and p27 were defined to modulate the behavior of prostate cancer with pro-tumoral or anti-tumoral effects and had ability in predicting prostate cancer progression, but the research of their co-expression value of prognosis is rarely. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of combining tri-marker together in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer after surgery.

METHODS

Expression levels of c-Myc, EZH2 and p27 in 129 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer were assessed using immunohistochemistry in a semi-quantitative manner. The expression profiles of these three markers were analyzed and investigated for association with biochemical recurrence.

RESULTS

In all, fifty of 129 cases experienced biochemical recurrence during a median follow-up time of 31 months (range, 6 - 60 months). Of these relapse patients, one case without and 10 cases with any single positive marker were observed; 39 cases were detected with any two or all three positive markers (22 cases with any two and 17 cases with all three positive markers). Survival analysis showed that patients with over-expression of c-Myc or EZH2, and lower expression of p27 manifested significantly higher biochemical recurrence rates. Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed that c-Myc, EZH2 and p27 expression statuses showed potential in predicting relapse, respectively. Notably, combining three markers together as a "composite index" (0 or 1, vs. 2 or 3 positive markers) provided powerful prognostic value (HR 6.57, 95% CI 3.02 - 14.31, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the patient subgroups with 0 or 1 and those with 2 or 3 positive markers expression statuses, and tri-marker composite index was an independent risk factor for predicting relapse in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Composite index of c-Myc, EZH2, and p27 can be valued as powerful prognosis parameter for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients after the surgery, and postoperative adjuvant therapy can be adopted accordingly.

[Risk factors of postoperative intravesical recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter]

OBJECTIVE

To define the clinicopathological risk factors of intravesical recurrence of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter after surgical intervention.

METHODS

Patients with primary carcinoma of the ureter treated between January 2000 and December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The intravesical recurrence-free survival rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was conducted with Cox's regression.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were enrolled, who were followed up for a median of 46 months (13-89 months). Thirty-nine of the patients showed postoperative intravesical recurrence. Urine exfoliative cytology (P=0.000), number of tumors (P=0.006), tumor grade (P=0.039) and co-existence of bladder tumor (P=0.014) were found to independently influence the postoperative intravesical recurrence. Patients with more risk factors had poorer intravesical recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Urine exfoliative cytology, number of tumors, tumor grade and co-existence of bladder tumor are independent risk factors for postoperative intravesical recurrence of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter. Close follow-up and rigorous treatment are essential for patients with high risk factors.

Survivin SNP-carcinogen interactions in oral cancer

In Taiwan, oral cancer is causally associated with environmental carcinogens. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein and is generally considered a marker of malignancy. The current study explored the combined effect of survivin gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens on the risk and clinico-pathological development of oral cancer. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of survivin genes from 439 male patients with oral cancer and 424 male control participants (who did not have cancer) were analyzed. The survivin -31GG, +9194 GG, and +9809 TT homozygotes exhibited higher risk for oral cancer compared with the corresponding ancestral genotype, after adjustment for related confounders. The survivin -31, +9194, and +9809 SNPs combined with betel quid chewing and/or tobacco consumption could robustly elevate susceptibility to oral cancer. The distribution frequency of the -31 G: +9194 A: +9809 T haplotype was significantly higher in oral cancer patients than in control participants. These results suggest that survivin gene polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental carcinogens may increase susceptibility to oral cancer in Taiwanese men.

ABBREVIATIONS

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence intervals; PCR, polymerase chain-reaction; SNP, single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Endoscope-assisted transoral excision of a huge parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma

The treatment of choice for a parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma is total surgical resection. We describe an endoscope-assisted transoral excision of a huge parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma, and discuss the benefits of this type of operation.

Metallothionein-1 genotypes in the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We conducted an independent analysis of metallothionein 1 (MT-1) rs8052394, rs11076161, rs8052334, rs964372, rs7191779, and rs708274 in 587 individuals who were either healthy controls or subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

All participants provided a nucleic acid sample (blood) as well as epidemiologic information on covariates or "risk factors" for OSCC, including tobacco, alcohol, and areca quid use. The genotyping result was used in a logistic regression model that examined main effects as well as statistical interactions while controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

MT-1 is involved in regulation of zinc and copper homeostasis. It also is a potent antioxidant and its polymorphisms correlate with the risk for OSCC. Rs11076161 A, rs964372 C, and rs7191779 C alleles were protective against OSCC (adjusted OR = 0.53, 0.49, 0.36, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas rs8052394 A alleles were associated with increased risk. Areca quid chewing and tobacco use were strong risk factors for developing the disease and were associated with 20- and 8-fold increases in adjusted risk (p < 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Controlling for the effects of age, gender, areca quid, tobacco, and alcohol use, individuals with inherited the MT-1 rs11076161 AA, rs964372 CC, and rs7191779 GC genotypes may experience significant protection against OSCC, whereas individuals carrying the MT-1 rs8052394 A allele seem exposed to higher risk.

A pre-paid newborn hearing screening programme: a community-based study

OBJECTIVES

To help obstetric hospitals and clinics to implement newborn hearing screening and to test the feasibility of a pre-paid model for screening.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 2005 to August 2008, we organised a coordinated newborn hearing screening team with portable automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) to provide in-patient screening after delivery and out-patient re-screening at one month of age in birthing facilities throughout Changhua County, Taiwan. This was a community-based study organised by otolaryngologists at a tertiary referral centre.

RESULTS

Ten medical facilities participated in our screening programme. 7,139 out of 12,901 neonates delivered in these facilities during the period were screened for hearing loss. 105 (1.47%) babies who did not pass the in-patient screening were re-screened at one month old. Forty (0.56%) babies referred from the re-screening were sent for diagnostic work-up and six of them failed to show up. The overall follow-up rate was 94.3% (99/105). Eleven babies with bilateral hearing loss and eight babies with unilateral hearing loss were diagnosed. The incidence of bilateral hearing loss in our programme was 1.5/1000. The screening rate descended from medical centre to clinic (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the referral rates for different levels of birthing facilities (p = 0.5611).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a pre-paid model using AABR is feasible at all three levels of medical facilities. Pre-paid community-based screening might be an option for developing countries in the implementation of universal newborn hearing screening.

Is planned surgery important in sinonasal inverted papilloma?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which clinical characteristics of inverted papilloma (IP) can result easily in misdiagnosis by clinicians and to determine the recurrence rate of inverted papilloma depending on diagnosis confirmation pre-operatively, intra-operatively or post-operatively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients were treated for IP and 47 patients attended regular post-operative follow-up appointments for at least one year (mean: 54 months).

RESULTS

The patients were assigned to 3 groups: group Ia, in which IP was not confirmed until the post-operative pathology findings; group Ib, in which IP was confirmed during the operation; and group II, in which IP was confirmed before the operation. There were nineteen (37%) patients in group Ia, nine patients (18%) in group Ib and twenty-three patients (45%) in group II. The recurrence rates for groups Ia, Ib and II were 33%, 11% and 5% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial presentation of bilateral sinonasal disease can easily lead the doctor into the misdiagnosis of IP. Bony erosion, remodelling, and a widening of the natural orifice of the sinuses on a CT scan are useful signs indicating IP. The correct diagnosis prior to surgery is a determinant of outcome. The use of frozen sections should, however, improve outcome as well. In this study we highlight the high prevalence and relatively low control rate of misdiagnosed IP (pathology undetermined pre-operatively) and hope to remind clinicians that early recognition of the tumour is most beneficial to patients.

Lethal sphenoid fungal sinusitis in an immunocompromised elderly patient

Sphenoid fungal balls are rare and typically indolent lesions, unless superinfected by bacteria or invasive to adjacent neurovascular structures. If the identification or treatment of underlying complications is delayed in an immunocompromised patient, a catastrophic outcome may result. We report the case of an elderly female patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus suffering from sphenoid fungal sinusitis that is complicated by cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and carotid artery stenosis. In spite of reasonable diagnosis and therapy, the patient's general condition deteriorated and she eventually died. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment strategy are discussed.

[Effect of nitric oxide on Toll-like receptor 2/4 gene expression in the liver in acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR 2/4) gene expression in the liver in acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP) in rats.

METHODS

Seventy SD male rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n=10), AHNP group (n=30) and L-arginine (L-Arg) treatment group (n=30). Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained at 6 hours in sham-operated group, and 3, 6, 12 hours respectively in AHNP group and L-Arg-treated group. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase in serum, NO, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in liver tissue were determined. TLR2/4 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

TLR2/4 mRNA could be detected in the liver with low values in sham-operated group [(1.150+/-0.725)x10(-6), (11.450+/-1.724)x10(-4)], but they were markedly upregulated at 3 hours in AHNP group [(1.970+/-0.362)x10(-3), (175.000+/-0.111)x10(-3)], and peaked at 12 hours [(29.400+/-3.155)x10(-4), (267.300+/-8838)x10(-2), P<0.01). At the same time serum levels of amylase, ALT and AST increased, hepatic injuries were aggravated, the levels of TNF-alpha in the liver were increased and levels of NO in the liver were lowered (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Treatment with L-rg could effectively inhibit TLR2/4 mRNA expression [3 h: (3.510+/-1.528)x10(-4), (13.500+/-2.231)x10(-2); 6 h: (21.000+/-5.346)x10(-4), (18.700+/-2.685)x10(-2); 12 h: (26.200+/-2.076)x10(-4), 1.959+/-0.270, P<0.05 or P<0.01] and alleviate hepatic injuries. The levels of serum amylase, ALT and AST lowered, and the levels of TNF-alpha in the liver were lowered and the levels of NO were markedly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the expression of TLR2/4 mRNA is increased in the liver in AHNP, and the hepatic injuries are aggravated. NO could markedly inhibit TLR 2/4 mRNA gene expression in the liver in AHNP.

Animal models for intestinal tissue engineering

Although total parenteral nutrition prevents patients with short bowel syndrome from dying of starvation, having short bowel remains a severely debilitating condition. The best current treatment for inadequate absorptive surface area is through intestinal transplantation. However, this therapy is associated with significant morbidity and patients suffer from consequences of long-term immunosuppression. Additionally, the numbers of organs are limited. A new frontier in medicine is the field of tissue engineering. We will review the progress of intestinal bioengineering with a focus on the use of animal models. Investigators initially used autologous tissue as a patch to study intestinal regeneration. Subsequent studies focused on the use of absorbable biomaterials as a patch for tissue ingrowth. The most novel methodology consists of seeding a resorbable scaffold and implanting this construct to observe the regeneration of neointestine. Successful creation of esophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon has been demonstrated. Although these studies are preliminary, the results suggest that tissue-engineered intestine will become a real therapeutic option in the not too distant future for patients with inadequate intestinal tissue.

Primary tumour volume delineation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and correlation with 1997 AJCC tumour stage classification

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the variability in primary tumour volume in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and compare it with the tumour staging of the 1997 American Joint Committee on Cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary care centre.

METHOD

A series of 33 newly diagnosed patients who were treated with high-dose radiotherapy participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Using computed tomographic scans, primary tumour volumes were measured using the summation-of-areas technique, and the variability in tumour volume was determined. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A large variation in primary tumour volume was observed, especially in advanced-stage cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma shows considerable variability in primary tumour volume. Incorporation of primary tumour volume may lead to further refinement of the 1997 tumour staging system.

Small bowel tissue engineering using small intestinal submucosa as a scaffold

BACKGROUND

Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is an extracellular matrix used in tissue engineering studies to create de novo abdominal wall, urinary bladder, tendons, blood vessels, and dura mater. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using SIS as a scaffold for small bowel regeneration in an in situ xenograft model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three dogs had a partial defect created on the small bowel wall which was repaired with a SIS patch. Four dogs underwent small bowel resection with placement of an interposed tube of SIS. The animals were followed 2 weeks to 1 year.

RESULTS

Three of the 23 dogs with SIS placed as a patch died shortly after surgery due to leakage from the site. The other 20 dogs survived up to time of elective necropsy with no evidence of intestinal dysfunction. At necropsy, the bowel circumference in the patched area had no stenosis. Histological evaluation showed the presence of a mucosal epithelial layer, varying amount of smooth muscle, sheets of collagen, and a serosal covering. Architecturally, the layers were not well organized in the submucosal region. An abundance of inflammatory cells was present in the early postoperative period but receded with time. All 4 dogs with a tubular segment of SIS interposed had significant problems. One had partial obstruction at 1 month, and 3 died in the early postoperative period due to leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study suggests that SIS patches can be used for small bowel regeneration. Tubular segmental replacement is not feasible at this time.

Expression and characterization of monocot rice cytosolic CuZnSOD protein in dicot Arabidopsis

Cytosolic CuZnSOD removes deleterious superoxides from plant cells. In order to understand its function better, we sought to express a monocot CuZnSOD gene in transgenic Arabidopsis. We constructed a transgene using the CaMV 35S promoter to express a rice cytosolic CuZnSOD gene in Arabidopsis and generated over 200 transformants. A 16 kD polypeptide, the same size as the native rice CuZnSOD polypeptide, was detected in the transgenic Arabidopsis. Interestingly, two forms of rice CuZnSOD, rSODI and rSODII, having the same dimeric size, were detected in the transgenic plants. rSODII protein was relatively abundant but had low specific activity. In contrast, rSODI protein was relatively rare and had high specific activity. Inter-conversion of rSODI and rSODII could be achieved by the addition and removal of copper ions into the purified recombinant SOD and to the leaf extract of transgenic plants. Our analysis indicates that rSODI most likely corresponds to native rice CuZnSOD that has incorporated the Cu and Zn ions required for full activity, whereas the less active rSODII form may not have properly incorporated the necessary copper ions.

VEGF is upregulated in a neuroblastoma and hepatocyte coculture model

BACKGROUND

We hypothesize that angiogenic factors are altered by the interaction between neuroblastoma cells and host tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human Chang hepatocytes and human neuroblastoma cells are cultured separately and in a noncontact, coculture system. Immunostaining for VEGF is performed on the cells. ELISA is used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin-8 in the conditioned media. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are cultured with standard medium (control) and hepatocyte, neuroblastoma, and coculture conditioned media. After 48 and 72 h, cells are counted to determine proliferation. Finally, VEGF-blocking antibody is added to the HUVEC cultures with the conditioned media.

RESULTS

VEGF is markedly elevated in the coculture medium compared to the media from hepatocytes or neuroblastoma grown alone [412.2 +/- 52 vs 235 +/- 35 or 74.5 +/- 28.5 (pg/10(6) cells), P < 0.05]. Other growth factors are almost undetectable in any of the media. Immunostaining for VEGF in the cocultured hepatocytes is decreased by almost 50%, but VEGF immunostaining is increased fourfold in the cocultured neuroblastoma cells. A significant increase in cell proliferation is seen at both 48 and 72 h when HUVEC are cultured with the coculture media. Cell proliferation is blocked with the addition of anti-VEGF antibody.

CONCLUSION

The interaction of neuroblastoma with hepatocytes results in an increased production of VEGF. It stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and may enhance the tumor's metastatic potential in an autocrine fashion.

Floral spray transformation can efficiently generate Arabidopsis transgenic plants

In this study, floral spray and floral dip were used to replace the vacuum step in the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene into Arabidopsis. The transgene was constructed by using a CaMV 35S promoter to drive a rice cytosolic CuZnSOD coding sequence in Arabidopsis. The transgene construct was developed in binary vectors and mobilized into Agrobacterium. When Arabidopsis plants started to initiate flower buds, the primary inflorescence shoots were removed and then transformed by floral spray or floral dip. More than 300 transgenic plants were generated to assess the feasibility of floral spray used in the in planta transformation. The result indicates that the floral spray method of Agrobacterium can achieve rates of in planta transformation comparable to the vacuum-infiltration and floral dip methods. The floral spray method opens up the possibility of in planta transformation of plant species which are too large for dipping or vacuum infiltration.

Canal-wall-down tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for advanced cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review 8.5 years of the senior author's experience with canal-wall-down mastoid surgery for extensive cholesteatoma with high-grade atelectasis and severely destructed ossicles.

DESIGN

A retrospective review was conducted.

SETTING

The setting was a tertiary care medical centre.

METHODS

Available records consulted included 104 canal-wall-down mastoidectomy for advanced-stage cholesteatomas between July 1984 and December 1992.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recurrence, hearing results, and dry ear rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate was 4 of 104 (3.8%), and 9.6% of subjects suffered from recurrent otorrhea. Thirty-seven of 104 (35.6%) achieved the closure of air-bone gap within 20 dB. The availability of stapes suprastructure influenced the postoperative hearing level significantly (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Even in treating advanced cholesteatoma, canal-wall-down mastoidectomy provides a low recurrence rate, establishes a high dry ear rate, and preserves adequate hearing when the stapes suprastructure is available for reconstruction.

Free fluid on abdominal computed tomography scan after blunt trauma does not mandate exploratory laparotomy in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The isolated finding of free intraperitoneal fluid on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan after blunt trauma in adults is considered an indication for laparotomy by many trauma surgeons. The authors wished to determine if these guidelines are applicable to children.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted. The authors included all children (< or =12 years of age) sustaining blunt abdominal trauma who were admitted to our institution between January 1, 1994 and November 1, 1998.

RESULTS

There were 814 children admitted, and 437 had abdominal CT scans. Thirty-four studies showed free fluid associated with solid organ injuries, spine or pelvic fractures, or pneumoperitoneum, and were excluded. Thirty-two children had free fluid without associated injuries and formed the basis for the study. Five of these children underwent laparotomy based on the CT finding alone. The remaining 27 were observed with serial abdominal examinations and did not require surgical intervention. Only 1 of the 5 children who underwent surgery for the finding of isolated free fluid had a therapeutic laparotomy. In comparison, during the same period, 38 children underwent laparotomy after blunt injury based only on physical examination findings with a therapeutic laparotomy rate of 68%. The therapeutic laparotomy rate was significantly higher when the procedure was based solely on clinical examination as compared with the isolated finding or free fluid on the abdominal CT (26 of 38 v 1 of 5, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

In contrast to adults, finding isolated free fluid on abdominal CT scans in children after blunt trauma does not dictate immediate surgical exploration.

Neuroblastoma and hepatocyte coculture conditioned media alter apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is a childhood tumor that often displays unusual biological behavior. The tumor may present with widespread metastases that are unresponsive to aggressive treatment. At other times, both the metastases and the primary tumor may spontaneously regress without treatment. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is thought to play a role in the dichotomous behavior of neuroblastoma. We hypothesize that neuroblastoma cells will interact with host tissues to release mediators that affect apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human neuroblastoma cells and human Chang hepatocytes are grown in a noncontact, coculture system. After incubation for 4 days, the medium from the coculture system is collected. Neuroblastoma cells and Chang hepatocytes are then plated separately with the conditioned medium and their own standard growth medium as controls. After 4 days, these cells are harvested and cytospins made for immunostaining. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Fas ligand, and Bcl-2, are measured with immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis is detected with the TUNEL method. Immunostaining data are interpreted with computer image analysis and reported as stain index. TUNEL data are reported as percentage apoptotic cells. All data are reported as means +/- SEM. Statistical analysis is performed and P < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Chang hepatocytes grown in the coculture conditioned media have an increase in TNF-alpha and Fas ligand. The neuroblastoma cells have a significant decrease in Fas ligand. There is a significant increase in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes when they are cultured in the conditioned media. In contrast, the neuroblastoma cells grown in the coculture conditioned media show no increase in apoptosis. Finally, Bcl-2 is significantly increased in the neuroblastoma cells cultured in the conditioned media.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroblastoma cells grown in coculture conditioned media show increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased Fas ligand levels. These changes should diminish apoptosis activity in the tumor cells. In contrast, the conditioned media induce elevated levels of proapoptotic mediators in the Chang hepatocytes. A tumor's ability to successfully metastasize may be dependent on mediators generated in the tumor-host interaction, and may not be just an independent characteristic of the tumor itself.

Deep neck infections in diabetic patients

PURPOSE

Deep neck infections may be lethal if life-threatening complications occur, especially in immunocompromised hosts such as diabetic patients. This study was undertaken to better define the clinical features and prognosis of deep neck infections in the diabetic patients with special emphasis on the use of empirical antibiotics and the role and timing of surgical management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 105 consecutive patients treated at a single institution during a 9-year period was conducted. Of these, 30 patients also presented with diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

Compared with the nondiabetic patients, the unique features of deep neck infections in diabetic patients were as follows: (1) older age, (2) tendency of unclear infection source, (3) tendency to involve multiple spaces, (4) required more aggressive surgical intervention, (5) prolonged hospitalization, and (6) higher complication rate. The differences were statistically significant (P< .05). There were no significant differences in the complete blood count/ differential count positive findings and fever between the 2 groups (P> .05). Bacterial cultures showed that Klebsilla pneumoniae was the most common causative pathogen in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In deep neck infection patients with diabetes mellitus, the clinical course is more severe and there is a poorer prognosis. Thus, in treating them, we should keep close observation, appropriately control the diabetes, detect the life-threatening complications early, perform aggressive surgical treatment if fluctuation or complication occurs, and take into account the preponderance of K pneumoniae when administering the empirical antibiotics.

Effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma on the paranasal sinuses: study based on computed tomography scanning

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma causes mucosal disease of the paranasal sinuses.

DESIGN

This study was a retrospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre.

METHOD

A series of 69 newly diagnosed patients, without pre-existing sinus disease, who were treated with high-dose radiotherapy participated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence, severity, and time course of mucosal abnormalities were analyzed, as judged by consecutive computed tomographies (CTs).

RESULTS

The CT study revealed that 58.8% of the postirradiation scans had mucosal disease of the sinuses. The maxillary sinus had the highest prevalence (42.3%) without statistical significance (p = .10). The difference by McNemar test for two follow-up scans was not significant (p = .48) and by Kappa test was significant (p = .04). The relationship between the prevalence and the time course post radiotherapy revealed that it remained a high prevalence until after the 4-year follow-up scans.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm that chronic sinus disease is a common late complication of radiotherapy and it persists for years. Thus, aggressive treatment is indicated.

Prospective surveillance of children with invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in Taiwan

During the 16 months from January 1, 1996 through April 30, 1997, forty-three cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease were identified in residents younger than 14 years of age in Taiwan. H. influenzae serotyping was performed on all isolated specimens. There were 33 (76.7%) cases of type b disease; three (7.0%), non-type b, and seven (16.3%), nontypeable cases. Among these H. influenzae type b cases, there were 18 (54.5%) male patients and 15 (45.5%) female patients. With regard to age-distribution, nine (27.3%) patients were aged 2 to 5 years; nine (27.3%), between 1 to 2 years; fifteen (45.5%), younger than 1; and none were younger than 3 months old. Demographical study indicated that 13 patients (39.4%) located in northern Taiwan; 5 (15.2%), central Taiwan; 12 (36.4%), southern Taiwan; 3 (9.0%) from eastern Taiwan. Among the 33 H. influenzae type b cases, twenty-five (75.8%) patients had meningitis and 8 patients had other disease entities, i.e. pneumonia in 4 patients, bacteremia in 3, and cellulitis in 1. In terms of prognosis, three (9.1%) patients died, all of whom having meningitis or sepsis; 7 (21.2%) developed hydrocephalus; 2 (6.1%) had seizure disorder without hydrocephalus and 21 (63.6%) patients recovered completely without sequelae.