Cuproptosis-related ceRNA axis triggers cell proliferation and cell cycle through CBX2 in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has high morbidity and mortality. Despite substantial advances in treatment, the prognosis of patients with LUAD remains unfavorable. The ceRNA axis has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of LUAD. In addition, cuproptosis is considered an important factor in tumorigenesis. The expression of CBX2 has been associated with the development of multiple tumors, including LUAD. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which the cuproptosis-related ceRNA network regulates CBX2 remain unclear.

METHODS

The DEGs between tumor and normal samples of LUAD were identified in TCGA database. The "ConsensusClusterPlus" R package was used to perform consensus clustering based on the mRNA expression matrix and cuproptosis-related gene expression profile. Then, LASSO-COX regression analysis was performed to identify potential prognostic biomarkers associated with cuproptosis, and the ceRNA network was constructed. Finally, the mechanisms of ceRNA in LUAD was studied by cell experiments.

RESULTS

In this study, the AC144450.1/miR-424-5p axis was found to promote the progression of LUAD by acting on CBX2. The expression of AC144450.1 and miR-424-5p can be altered to regulate CBX2 and is correlated with cell proliferation and cell cycle of LUAD. Mechanistically, AC144450.1 affects the expression of CBX2 by acting as the ceRNA of miR-424-5p. In addition, a cuproptosis-related model were constructed in this study to predict the prognosis of LUAD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate that the AC144450.1/miR-424-5p/CBX2 axis is involved in LUAD progression and may serve as a novel target for its diagnosis and treatment.

A novel enemy of cancer: recent investigations into protozoan anti-tumor properties

Cancer remains a significant global health issue, despite advances in screening and treatment. While existing tumor treatment protocols such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have proven effective in enhancing the prognosis for some patients, these treatments do not benefit all patients. Consequently, certain types of cancer continue to exhibit a relatively low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, the pursuit of novel tumor intervention strategies may help improve the current effectiveness of tumor treatment. Over the past few decades, numerous species of protozoa and their components have exhibited anti-tumor potential via immune and non-immune mechanisms. This discovery introduces a new research direction for the development of new and effective cancer treatments. Through in vitro experiments and studies involving tumor-bearing mice, the anti-tumor ability of Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other protozoa have unveiled diverse mechanisms by which protozoa combat cancer, demonstrating encouraging prospects for their application. In this review, we summarize the anti-tumor ability and anti-tumor mechanisms of various protozoa and explore the potential for their clinical development and application.

Predicting residual friction angle of lunar regolith based on Chang'e-5 lunar samples

With the rapid development of human lunar exploration projects, the lunar base establishment and resource utilization are on the way, and hence it is urgent and significant to reasonably predict engineering properties of the lunar regolith, which remains to be unclear due to limited lunar samples currently accessible for geotechnical tests. In this contribution, we aim to address this outstanding challenge from the perspective of granular material mechanics. To this end, the 3D multi-aspect geometrical characteristics and mechanical properties of Chang'e-5 lunar samples are for the first time evaluated with a series of non-destructive microscopic tests. Based on the measured particle surface roughness and Young's modulus, the interparticle friction coefficients of lunar regolith particles are well predicted through an experimental fitting approach using previously published data on terrestrial geomaterials or engineering materials. Then the residual friction angle of the lunar regolith under low confining pressure is predicted as 53° to 56° according to the particle overall regularity and interparticle coefficient of Chang'e-5 lunar samples. The presented results provide a novel cross-scale method to predict engineering properties of lunar regolith from particle scale information to serve for the future lunar surface engineering construction.

Construction of PEI-EGFR-PD-L1-siRNA dual functional nano-vaccine and therapeutic efficacy evaluation for lung cancer

BACKGROUND

PD-1/PD-L1 tumor immunotherapy shows effective anticancer in treatment of solid tumors, so PEI lipid nanoparticles (PEI-LNP)/siRNA complex (EPV-PEI-LNP-SiRNA) with the therapeutic function of PD-L1-siRNA and EGFR short peptide/PD-L1 double immune-enhancing function were constructed for the prevention and treatment of EGFR-positive lung cancer in this study.

METHOD

In this study, PEI lipid nanoparticles (PEI-LNP)/siRNA complex (EPV-PEI-LNP-siRNA) with the therapeutic function of PD-L1-siRNA and EGFR short peptide/PD-L1 double immune-enhancing function were constructed for the prevention and treatment of EGFR-positive lung cancer and functional evaluation was conducted.

RESULTS

On the basis of the construction of the composite nano-drug delivery system, the binding capacity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and uptake capacity of siRNA and EPV-PEI-LNP were tested in vitro, and the downregulation effect of PD-L1 on A549 cancer cells and the cytokine levels of cocultured T cells were tested. Lipid nanoparticles delivered siRNA and EGFR short peptide vaccine to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing tumor invasion and activation of CD8 + T cells. Combination therapy is superior to single target therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our constructed lipid nanoparticles of tumor targeted therapy gene siRNA combination had the ability to target cells in vitro and downregulate the expression of PD-L1, realizing the tumor-specific expression of immune-stimulating cytokines, which is a highly efficient and safe targeted therapy nano-vaccine.

Significance of Parkinson Family Genes in the Prognosis and Treatment Outcome Prediction for Lung Adenocarcinoma

Epidemiological investigations have shown that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a lower probability of developing lung cancer. Subsequent research revealed that PD and lung cancer share specific genetic alterations. Therefore, the utilisation of PD biomarkers and therapeutic targets may improve lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to identify a gene-based signature from 25 Parkinson family genes for LUAD prognosis and treatment choice. We analysed Parkinson family gene expression and protein levels in LUAD, utilising multiple databases. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to construct a prognostic model based on the TCGA-LUAD cohort. We validated the model in external GEO cohorts. Immune cell infiltration was compared between risk groups, and GEO data was used to explore the model's predictive ability for LUAD treatment response. Nearly all Parkinson family genes exhibited significant differential expression between LUAD and normal tissues. LASSO regression confirmed that our seven Parkinson family gene-based signature had excellent prognostic performance for LUAD, as validated in three GEO cohorts. The high-risk group was clearly associated with low tumour immune cell infiltration, suggesting that immunotherapy may not be an optimal treatment choice. This is the first Parkinson family gene-based model for the prediction of LUAD prognosis and treatment outcome. The association of these genes with poor prognosis and low immune infiltration requires further investigation.

A noninvasive multi-analytic approach for lung cancer screening of patients with pulmonary nodules

1550

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is an effective approach for lung cancer screening of high-risk patients with pulmonary nodules, however with varying false positive rates depending on the somewhat subjective judgement of the practice professional. Artificial intelligence derived from machine learning of comprehensive patient profiles, including multi-omics and clinical data, has the potential to provide more objective assessment of patient’s risk in order to aid clinician’s decision making. We have developed a multi-analyte algorithm-based assay (MAAA) that incorporates ctDNA mutation, ctDNA methylation, and protein biomarker profiles evaluated through non-invasive blood-based testing, as well as patient’s clinical information, to improve the diagnostic efficacy of lung cancer. Methods: 98 high-risk patients with pulmonary nodules were enrolled in two independent cohorts (68 for training/testing and 30 for independent validation). The malignancy of the pulmonary nodules were established through pathology of surgical-removed nodules. Prior to surgery, each patient was also subject to cell-free DNA-based sequencing for DNA mutation and DNA methylation profiling, as well as serum protein biomarker profiling. On the training/testing patient cohort, machine-learning-based predictive models were first built for malignancy status prediction based on each type of molecular or clinical features. A final ensemble model was then constructed to incorporate the measurements based on molecular and clinical markers to provide the ultimate recommendation on the malignancy of the pulmonary nodule. The performance of each individual model and the final ensemble model was benchmarked on the training/testing cohort, and also validated on the independent validation cohort. Results: On the 30-patient independent validation cohort, individual prediction models based on clinical information, protein marker, ctDNA mutation, and ctDNA methylation profiles achieved predictive AUC of 0.59, 0.48, 0.71, and 0.84, respectively. The final ensemble model achieved predictive AUC of 0.86, which has strongly indicated that an integrative, algorithm-based approach of multi-analytic molecular and clinical profiles greatly outperforms any single-analytic profiling. Conclusions: Multi-analyte algorithm-based approach can be utilized to assist in lung cancer screening for patients with pulmonary nodules. It has demostrated a high accuracy through independent validation, and has outperformed any single-analyte testing in our study.

TiN nanotube supported Ni catalyst Ni@TiN-NTs: experimental evidence of structure–activity relations in catalytically hydrolyzing ammonia borane for hydrogen evolution

With commercial TiO₂ as the precursor, titanium nitride nanotubes (TiN-NTs) were fabricated through a hydrothermal – ammonia nitriding route, and next non-noble metal nanosized Ni particles were evenly and firmly anchored on the surface of the TiN-NTs via a PVP-mediated non-aqueous phase reduction–deposition strategy, to obtain the supported catalyst Ni@TiN-NTs. The X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy (FE-SEM/TEM) and specific surface area measurements were used to characterize and analyze the phase composition, surface microstructure and morphological features of the product. The catalytic activity of the Ni@TiN-NTs for hydrolyzing ammonia borane to generate hydrogen (H₂) under different conditions was evaluated systematically. The results reveal that the as-fabricated TiN-NTs are composed of TiN and a small amount of TiN_xO_y with the approximate molar atomic ratio of Ti to N at 1 : 1, existing as hollow microtubules with mean tube diameter of 130 nm and length of about 1 μm. Via in situ reduction and deposition, Ni nanoparticles can be uniformly anchored on the surface of TiN-NTs. The catalytic activities of Ni(x)@TiN-NTs with different Ni loading amounts are all higher than that of single metal Ni nanoparticles. The temperature has a positive effect on the catalytic activity of Ni(20)@TiN-NTs, and its total turnover frequency for hydrolyzing ammonia borane is 11.73 mol(H₂) (mol Ni)⁻¹ min⁻¹, with an apparent activation energy of 52.05 kJ mol⁻¹ at 303 K. After 5 cycles, the Ni(20)@TiN-NTs catalyst still maintains 87% of the initial catalytic activity. It could be suggested that these tactics can also be extended to the fabrication of other metal or alloy catalysts supported by TiN-NTs, with great application potential and development prospects.

Titanium nitride nanotubes (TiN-NTs) were fabricated using a hydrothermal – ammonia nitriding route, and non-noble metal nanosized Ni particles were anchored on the surface via a non-aqueous phase reduction–deposition strategy, to obtain the supported catalyst Ni@TiN-NTs.

Abietic acid suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer cell growth via blocking IKKβ/NF-κB signaling

Background: Abietic acid (AA) is one of the terpenoids, which are multifunctional natural compounds. It has been reported that AA possesses favorable therapeutic effects on inflammation and obesity.

Method: In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effect of AA on the proliferation and growth of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines for the first time. Then, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis were applied to determine the cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Finally, surface plasmon resonance, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results: In vitro experiments indicated that AA displays significant anti-proliferative, cell cycle arresting and pro-apoptotic activities. Mechanistically, AA abrogated tumor necrosis factor-α induced phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKKα/β) (Ser176/180) and IkBα (Ser32), and inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB. Moreover, we found that the activities of AA against NSCLC cells were mediated by its IKKβ inhibition. Molecular docking and MD simulations demonstrated that the mechanism of action between AA and IKKβ was through hydrophobic interactions.

Conclusion: Our data indicate that AA could be a promising lead compound for the discovery of novel IKKβ inhibitors and potential agents for the treatment of NSCLC.

Auxiliary diagnosis of pulmonary nodules using liquid biopsy and deep learning/techniques

e13154

Background: Many people harbor pulmonary nodules. Such nodules can be detected by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) during regular physical examinations. If a pulmonary nodule is small (i.e. < 10mm), it is very difficult to diagnose whether it is benign or malignant using CT images alone. To address this problem, we developed a method based on liquid biopsy and deep learning to improve diagnostic accuracy of pulmonary nodules. Methods: Thirty-eight patientsharboring one or more small pulmonary nodules were enrolled in this study. Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed as having cancer (stage I = 21, stage II = 1, stage III = 3, stage IV = 4) using tissue biopsy, while the other 9 patients were diagnosed as having benign tumors or lung diseases other than cancer. For each patient, a blood sample was obtained prior to biopsy, and the cell free DNA (cfDNA) was sequenced using a 451-gene panel to a depth of 20,000×. The unique molecular identifiers (UMI) technique was applied to reduce false positives. Seventeen patients also had full-resolution CT images available. A deep learning system primarily based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) was used to analyze these CT images. Results: Sequence analysis of blood samples revealed that 75.8% (22/29) of cancer patients had detectable cancer related mutations, and only 1 of 9 (11.1%) non-cancer patient was found to carry a TP53 mutation. The most frequent mutations seen in cancer patients involved genes TP53 (N = 11), EGFR (N = 7), and KRAS (N = 3) with mutant allele fractions varying from 0.08% to 74.77%. Deep learning analysis of the 17 available CT images correctly identified cancers in 88.2% (15/17) of patients. However, by combining the liquid biopsy and image analysis results, all 17 patients were correctly diagnosed. Conclusions: Deep learning-based analysis of CT images can be applied to early diagnosis of lung cancers; but the accuracy of image analysis, when used alone, is only moderate. Diagnostic accuracy can be greatly improved using liquid biopsy as an auxiliary method in patients with pulmonary nodules.

PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden status for prediction of response to chemotherapy and targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Several targeted immunotherapies have recently showed significant advances in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including antibodies and inhibitors targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1).

Methods

Tumor tissue samples were prospectively collected from 183 patients with NSCLC including lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). PD-L1 expression level was measured by immunohistochemistry assay and tumor mutational burden (TMB) status was assessed by next generation sequencing. Correlations between PD-L1 expressions, TMB status with clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.

Results

PD-L1 expression was detected in 37% of ADC group and 55% in SQCC group while all clinicopathological characteristics were found comparable between these two groups. PD-L1 expression was negatively associated with overall survival in ADC group (P < 0.0001) but not in SQCC group (P = 0.418). In consistent with PD-L1 expression level, TMB status was significantly lower in ADC subjects as compared to SQCC subjects (P = 0.024) while PD-L1 positive subgroup and TMB high subgroup shared less subjects within ADC group than SQCC group. More importantly, the combination of TMB status and PD-L1 expression successfully identified responders, who showed significant longer median overall survival than non-responders (32 months vs. 8.5 months) in ADC subjects (P < 0.0001) but not in SQCC subjects.

Conclusions

Here we tested the hypothesis that monitoring TMB, in addition to the existing PD-L1 expression level, could represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Further analyses are in need to further assess the prognostic value of TMB for ADC and SQCC patients receiving immunotherapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1192-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Attenuated plasmodium sporozoite expressing MAGE-A3 induces antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response against lung cancer in mice

Objective

Cancer vaccines that rely on tumor antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses, are promising anti-cancer adjuvant immunotherapies. This study investigated whether genetically attenuated Plasmodium sporozoite (GAS) could be used as a novel vector to induce antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses against lung cancer.

Methods

We constructed GAS/MAGE-A3, a recombinant GAS engineered to express the lung cancer-specific antigen, melanoma-associated antigen 3 (MAGE-A3), and assessed its therapeutic effects against lung cancer.

Results

Robust parasite-specific CD8α^lowCD11a^high and CD49d^highCD11a^high CD4⁺ T cell responses as well as a MAGE-A3-specific CD8⁺ T cell response were induced in GAS/MAGE-A3-immunized mice. Adoptive transfer of GAS/MAGE-A3-induced CD8⁺ T cells from HLA-A2 transgenic mice into lung cancer-bearing nude mice inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that GAS/MAGE-A3 induces a strong MAGE-A3-specific CD8⁺ T cell response against lung cancer in vivo, and indicate that GAS is a novel and efficacious antigen delivery vector for antitumor immunotherapy.

[Measurement of rifampicin concentrations in tuberculous pleural effusion before and after combination treatment with oral and local rifampicin]

Objective: To investigate the changes of rifampin concentrations in pleural effusion before and after combination treatment with oral and pleural administration of rifampicin by electro-phonophoresis(EP). Methods: A self-control study was performed in 32 cases of tuberculous pleurisy treated in the Second Department of Respiratory Medicine of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College between September 2016 and January 2018. Based on the weight of each patient, an oral administration of isoniazid (0.3-0.4 g/d), rifampicin (0.45-0.60 g/d),ethambutol(0.75 g/d),and pyrazinamide (1.0-1.5 g/d) were given. After a 5-day traditional anti-tuberculosis treatment, an additional EP treatment was applied by penetrating chest wall to deliver 3 ml of rifampicin. The concentration of rifampicin in 5 ml pleural effusion was measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8h after applying EP treatment using high performance liquid chromatography. The measurement data were analyzed by using statistic software SPSS 20.0. The results were expressed by x±s and t test was conducted, with a statistical significance of P<0.05. Results: The average concentration of rifampicin in pleural effusion was (2.2±1.1) μg/ml by oral rifampicin alone. The concentration of rifampicin was (2.7±1.1) μg/ml, (3.0±1.4) μg/ml, (3.2±1.2) μg/ml, (2.8±1.2) μg/ml and (1.3±1.1) μg/ml, respectively, at 0.5 h, 1, 2, 4, 8 h after combining local EP treatment. The results indicated that combining local EP treatment significantly increased the drug concentration in pleural effusion, which lasted for about 5 hours. Conclusions: By applying rifampicin into pleural cavity through EP treatment with penetration of the chest wall, the concentration of rifampicin in pleural effusion of patients with tuberculous pleurisy could be increased. Combined with oral administration of rifampicin, this treatment could prolong the effective drug concentration in pleural effusion, which was beneficial to the bactericidal effects of rifampicin.

DJ-1 promotes survival of human colon cancer cells under hypoxia by modulating HIF-1α expression through the PI3K-AKT pathway

Background

Protein/nucleic acid deglycase (DJ-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) play significant roles in the progression of various types of cancer and are associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. However, their functions in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been identified. The aim of this study was to analyze the putative signaling pathway encompassing DJ-1, PI3K, and HIF-1α in a series of CRC tissues and cell lines.

Purpose

This study aimed at exploring the expression status of DJ-1 in colon cancer and its role in survival of cancer cell lines.

Methods

The expression and localization of DJ-1, PI3K-p110α, phosphorylated Akt (p-AKT), and HIF-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry in 73 resected CRC tissues. The effect of DJ-1 on cell activity was explored by in vitro knockdown and overexpression experiments in SW480 and HT-29 cells. The cells were treated with a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002 or wortmannin), and p-AKT and HIF-1α protein expression were then analyzed. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of several HIF-1 target genes were assessed under hypoxic conditions by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. Xenograft tumor growth studies were conducted in DJ-1 knockdown or overexpression cells.

Results

High DJ-1 expression was found in 68.49% (50/73) of CRC tissues and associated with larger tumor size and advanced clinical stages. DJ-1 expression was positively associated with PI3K-p110α, p-AKT, and HIF-1α expression in CRC. HIF-1α and p-AKT protein levels were lower in SW480 and HT-29 cells with stable DJ-1 knockdown than in those with DJ-1 overexpression. PI3K inhibitors almost completely blocked DJ-1-induced AKT phosphorylation. However, the expression of HIF-1α was partially preserved after treatment with PI3K inhibitors. We also show that DJ-1 is necessary for the transcriptional ability of HIF-1α and CRC cell survival after hypoxic stress. Moreover, DJ-1 promoted the growth of established tumor xenografts in nude mice.

Conclusion

Our findings are the first to show that DJ-1 is overexpressed in CRC. We suggest a model in which DJ-1 mediates CRC cell survival by regulating the PI3K-AKT-HIF-1α pathway.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after thoracoscopic sublobectomy versus lobectomy for Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although lobectomy has long been considered the standard procedure for Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the selection of sublobectomy for Stage I NSCLC remains controversial. Amidst growing enthusiasm for minimally invasive surgery, the comparison of clinical outcomes after thoracoscopic sublobectomy versus thoracoscopic lobectomy may be of immense value.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to compare the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes of patients who underwent thoracoscopic sublobectomy with those who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for Stage I NSCLC.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted using five online databases from their dates of inception to February 2014. Hazard ratio (HR) was used in this meta-analysis, calculated from the published survival data.

RESULTS

Eight studies met the selection criteria, including a total of 1613 patients (463 patients underwent thoracoscopic sublobectomy, and 1150 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy). From the available data, compared with thoracoscopic sublobectomy, there was a significant benefit of thoracoscopic lobectomy on OS (HR: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.90; P = 0.007). However, in subgroup analysis of thoracoscopic segmentectomy and thoracoscopic lobectomy, there was no significant difference in OS (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.76-1.39; P = 0.85) or DFS (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.67-2.10; P = 0.56) between the two groups. In addition, compared with thoracoscopic wedge resection, there was a significant benefit of thoracoscopic lobectomy on OS (HR: 4.19; 95% CI: 2.19-8.03, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

For Stage I patients, thoracoscopic segmentectomy leads to survival rates comparable to thoracoscopic lobectomy. However, the overall several of thoracoscopic lobectomy is superior to that of wedge resection.

Outcome of rectal cancer surgery in obese and nonobese patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The escalating global epidemic of obesity is of worldwide concern because of its association with serious negative effects on health. The technical difficulty of rectal cancer surgery is exacerbated in obese patients, which may compromise outcomes. High-quality, relevant evidence is limited. This meta-analysis aims to assess the outcomes of rectal cancer surgery in obese and nonobese patients.

METHODS

The electronic databases Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for articles that evaluated the outcomes of rectal cancer surgery in obese and nonobese patients. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to calculate the combined overall effect sizes of pooled data. Data are presented as odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Ten appropriate observational studies were identified from 290 published articles. In the obese group, conversion rates (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.67-4.61), overall morbidity (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.25-1.47), anastomotic leak (OR 3.94; 95% CI 1.88-8.24), wound infection (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.47, 3.36), and pulmonary events (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.18, 3.74) were all significantly increased. For pathological results, no statistical differences in the number of harvested lymph nodes and the positive margin were noted between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a meta-analysis, obesity increases the conversion rate and postoperative morbidity of rectal cancer surgery but does not influence pathological results.

Two novel missense mutations of ATP2A2 in two Chinese patients with sporadic Darier disease

Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder with characteristic abnormal keratinization and acantholysis. The causative gene, ATP2A2, is located on chromosome 12, and encodes a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump ATPase (SERCA2). Two Chinese patients with sporadic DD participated in this study. Genomic sequence analysis identified two novel missense mutations (c.742C>A and c.2098A>G) in the ATP2A2 gene. Our findings provide an additional ATP2A2 mutation causative for DD development, and new lines of evidences for the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.

A temperature window for the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of CH4 over Mo-Fe/MgO catalyst

A temperature window of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) growth has been studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results presented when temperature lower than 750 degrees C, there were few SWCNTs formed, and when temperature higher than 900 degrees C, mass amorphous carbons were formed in the SWCNTs bundles due to the self-decomposition of CH4. The temperature window of SWCNTs efficiently growth is between 800 and 900 degrees C, and the optimum growth temperature is about 850 degrees C. These results were supported by transmission electron microscope images of samples formed under different temperature. The temperature window is important for large-scale production of SWCNTs by catalytic chemical vapor deposition method.

The Relationship between Renal Injury and Change in Vitamin D Metabolism in Aged Rats with Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin resistance (IR), IR treated with vitamin D, IR treated with 1α-hydroxyvitamin D (1α-(OH)D), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), T2DM treated with vitamin D and T2DM treated with 1a-(OH)D were studied in animal models using aged Wistar rats. Glucose infusion rates and levels of urinary albumin (UA), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1, 25-(OH)2D) were measured. T2DM rats had higher UA than IR or normal rats, and levels of 25-(OH)D in all models were similar. IR rats had higher 1, 25-(OH)2D levels than T2DM rats, and had lower 1, 25-(OH)2D levels than normal rats. Treating IR or T2DM rats with vitamin D had no effect on 25-(OH)D or 1, 25-(OH)2D. Administration of 1α-(OH)D significantly increased 1, 25-(OH)2D in IR rats to above-normal levels, and significantly increased 1, 25-(OH)2D in T2DM rats to normal levels. In IR or T2DM, abnormal vitamin D metabolism is characterized by 1, 25-(OH)2D deficiency and is related to renal injury.

Saikosaponin v-1 from roots of Bupleurum chinense DC

Three triterpenoidal saponins, saikosaponin v-1(1), 6"-O-acetyl-saikosaponin b2 (2) and 6"-O-acetyl-saikosaponin d(3) were isolated from the roots of the title plant and the structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. Saikosaponin v-1 is a new compound, which was identified as 3beta,16alpha,23,28-tetrahydroxy-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-30-O-xylitol ester.

MBF2 is a tissue- and stage-specific coactivator that Is regulated at the step of nuclear transport in the silkworm Bombyx mori

Coactivators MBF1 and MBF2 mediate BmFTZ-F1-dependent transcriptional activation in vitro by interconnecting BmFTZ-F1, TATA binding protein TBP, and TFIIA. Here, we analyzed temporal and spatial expression patterns of MBF2 during embryonic and larval development of the silkworm Bombyx mori. MBF2 was detected in unfertilized eggs and embryos until stage 26. In stage 22 embryos, MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 colocalize in neural cells. During the larval stage, MBF2 was not expressed in the fat body and trachea. In the silk gland, MBF2 mRNA was constitutively expressed, but MBF2 protein appeared in the period between the second day and the molting D3 stage in both the third and the fourth instars and then disappeared. MBF2 was also detected on the second and third days of the fifth instar. Immunostaining during the fourth molt showed that MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 localize in the nucleus only at the D3 stage, while the two cofactors are present in the cytoplasm at other stages. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 form a complex at the D3 stage. Transient expression of these factors in Schneider cell line 2 revealed that MBF1 and MBF2 localize to the nucleus and enhance BmFTZ-F1-dependent transcription only when all three factors are present. These data illustrate the functional regulation of MBF1 and MBF2 at the step of nuclear transport and implicate MBF2 in tissue- and stage-specific transcription.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from Sophora flavescens ait]

OBJECTIVE

To study the constituents from Sophora flavescens.

METHODS

Separating the constituents by means of chromatography and identifying their structures on the basis of spectral analysis.

RESULTS

The five compounds obtained were identified as sucrose, lignoceric acid, beta-sitosterol, sinapic acid hexadecyl ester and umbelliferon.

CONCLUSION

Sinapic acid hexadecyl ester is a new compound. These compounds were obtained from the plant for the first time.

Comparison of sequences of a transcriptional coactivator MBF2 from three Lepidopteran species Bombyx mori, Bombyx mandarina and Samia cynthia

MBF2 was first isolated from the silkworm Bombyx mori as a positive cofactor that activates transcription through its interaction with TFIIA. To identify conserved domain(s) within the MBF2 molecule, we isolated cDNAs encoding MBF2 homologues from other silkworms Bombyx mandarina and Samia cynthia. Bacterially expressed and purified MBF2 of B. mandarina and S. cynthia activated transcription in vitro. The predicted amino acid sequences of MBF2 from two Bombyx species share 97% homology. When we compared between B. mori and S. cynthia factors, the homology reduced to 50%. Four regions in MBF2 are conserved among these three species. Two of them are present in the middle region of MBF2 that is essential for the transcriptional activation.

Voltage-dependent, open channel blockade of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum potassium channel by 4-aminopyridine

The nature of open state block was characterized in isolated canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) potassium channel incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) blocked the open conductance state of the potassium channels in a voltage-dependent manner. Blockade was reversible, occurred from either the cis (cytoplasmic) or the trans (lumenal) side and was competitive with potassium ions. Reversal potential measurements indicated that this channel was impermeable to 4-AP. Measured effective electrical distances were roughly symmetrical and indicated penetration of 0.39 and 0.42 of the membrane electrical field from the cis and trans sides, respectively. Effective electrical distance was insensitive to potassium ion concentration in the range 50 to 200 mM and indicated that 4-AP was able to penetrate relatively deeply into the pore compared with blockade of sarcolemmal potassium channels. Potassium ion concentration and voltage dependence of 4-AP blockade were consistent with a two binding site blockade model, similar to the model used previously to describe calcium ion blockade of the SR potassium ion channel. Unlike calcium blockade, however, 4-AP blocked from either cis or trans in a similar manner, suggesting a distinct binding site for each of these two blockers. Open channel, voltage-dependent blockade of the SR potassium channel by 4-AP is in marked contrast to its action on sarcolemmal potassium channels and suggests that either 4-AP penetrates much farther into the potassium channel permeation pathway than was previously believed, or the SR potassium channel has a very different physical pore arrangement from that of sarcolemmal potassium channels.

Treatment of bilateral intrahepatic stones with high duct strictures through selective central hepatic resection

Bilateral intrahepatic duct stones with strictures, more common in the Orient than elsewhere, are difficult to access surgically. The results of surgical procedures have not been generally successful and are attended by a high postoperative complication and recurrence rate. We report the treatment of 30 patients with intrahepatic calculi and high duct strictures by means of selective central hepatic resection without dissection of the major vessels at the hilum. Central hepatic resection provided satisfactory access to the primary and secondary confluences of the intrahepatic ducts, allowed removal of residual stones and ascariasis, and permitted correction of multiple strictures. Twenty-nine patients so treated were followed for a mean of 32 months after operation. No patients developed recurrent fever, biliary colic, or jaundice after the operation. The technique is therefore recommended as an effective alternative to extensive hepatic lobectomy in the treatment of the intrahepatic calculi with multiple strictures.

[Pathology of placenta from small for gestational age infants]

Pathologic study was carried out in 125 placentas, of which 25 were from cases of small for gestational age infants (SGA) and 100 from normal pregnancies. Ultrastructural study was done in 5 cases of each group. In the SGA group placenta circumvallata and velamentous insertion of cord were more frequently seen and the percentages of syncytial knots, cytotrophoblastic cells, and fibrinoid necrosis, stromal fibrosis and obliterative endarteritis of chorionic villi were also higher. Deficiency of vasculo-syncytial membranes and unduly thick trophoblastic basement membranes were common features of the SGA placentas. The most significant ultrastructural finding was the spasticity of capillaries of the villous stroma. It is believed that insufficient utero-placental blood flow may lead to the occurrence of SGA infants.

Selenium supplementation increases renal glomerular filtration rate

Selenium (Se) is a trace element variously distributed in the human body and especially concentrated in certain organs, such as the renal cortex. We report results obtained during a ten weeks' oral Se supplementation. Experiments were devised to evaluate previous preliminary observations which suggested a possible effect of Se addition on the renal glomerular filtration rate. Eleven healthy volunteers have given increasing oral Se (as a sodium selenite solution) as follows: on the first week they have given 100 micrograms Se per day; this was progressively increased 100 micrograms per day for each of the following 6 weeks; the last dose (700 micrograms per day) was maintained for three further weeks. Serum and 24-hour urine were collected weekly for creatinine determination by kinetic Jaffé reaction and Se measurement by proton-induced X ray emission (PIXE). The final mean serum creatinine concentration was 13% lower than the initial mean value (p less than 0.01). Mean creatinine clearance increased significantly (p less than 0.05) and showed a direct correlation with mean Se clearance (r = 0.79; p less than 0.001). As the increase of creatinine clearance was concomitant with a reduction of serum creatinine levels, we excluded the possibility of toxic effects. Our results seem to suggest a positive influence of Se supplementation on the rate of glomerular filtration and we hypothesize that Se might be involved in the vascular regulatory mechanism of the kidney.

[Histochemical changes in endometrial fibrolytic activity with different IUDs]

The histochemical changes of endometrial fibrinolytic activity were observed in rabbits. 1 horn of the uterus was put in IUDs made of different materials (steel, copper, magnet, and EACA-copper). It was found that the endometrial fibrinolytic activity in the experimental horns was significantly higher than the controls, and the effect was the highest with the copper IUD. In the contrasted groups (copper versus steel, copper versus magnet, steel versus magnet), the endometrial fibrinolytic activity induced by the copper IUD was the highest (P0.05), while there was no significant diffeence between that of steel and magnet (P0.05). In the EACA-copper IUD groups, the results were also observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after insertion of the devices. There was no difference in fibrinolytic activity between the experimental horns and the controls in 7 and 14 days groups, but it was significantly higher than the controls in 28 days group. In the contrasted groups of the EACA-copper IUD and copper IUD the endometrial fibrinolytic activity of the former was lower than that of the latter in 7 days group (0.05 P 0.1). This suggests that fibrinolytic activity may be inhibited by EACA, which, however, may be released from IUD at such a rapid rate that it loses its effect in 28 days.