[Research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair]

How to promote high-quality wound healing is a common problem for plastic surgery and burn physicians. In recent years, numerous animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote wound repair through multiple mechanisms and are promising cell-free therapeutic agents with broad prospect of application. How to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes, optimize their drug delivery strategy, and improve their biological properties are the challenges to be overcome in order to move from basic research to clinical application of exosome therapy for wound repair. This article focuses on methods to improve the wound repair potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, and reviews the recent research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair from three aspects, including pretreatment of parental mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogel bio-scaffold loaded with exosomes, and engineered exosomes, to provide a reference for further clinical studies.

CCL5 secreted by luminal B breast cancer cells induces polarization of M2 macrophages through activation of MEK/STAT3 signaling pathway via CCR5

In humans, breast cancer affects a large number of females and causes a high rate of mortality worldwide. Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) is one of the cytokines that is highly correlated to the invasive and metastatic stages of breast cancer. Our previous study has suggested the prognostic value of CCL5 expression in luminal B (HER2 - ) breast cancer. In this study, CCL5 expression was upregulated or knockdown in a luminal B breast cancer cell line, ZR7530. Further, we elucidated the effects of CCL5 on the differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into M2 macrophages. Overexpression of CCL5 affected THP-1-M2 differentiation and phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and STAT2 in the cocultivated cell lines. We report that the knockdown of CCR5, a receptor of CCL5 in THP-1, inhibited the effect of ZR7530 in promoting THP-1-M2 differentiation. Furthermore, our data revealed that the inhibition of MEK1/2 and STAT3 in THP-1 cells produced equivalent results similar to those of CCL5 knockdown. In summary, we revealed the role of CCL5 in the polarization of M2 macrophages. Furthermore, we studied its interaction with CCR5 and MEK/STAT3 signaling members. These targets could be used as key regulatory members in human breast cancer therapy.

Taxifolin retards the D-galactose-induced aging process through inhibiting Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress and regulating the gut microbiota in mice

Aging and aging-related metabolic complications are global problems that seriously threaten public health. Taxifolin (TAX) is a novel health food and has been widely proved to have a variety of biological activities used in food and medicine. However, the delayed effect of TAX on the aging process has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of TAX as a natural active substance on aging brain tissue induced by D-galactose (D-Gal) and to determine the effect of supplementing TAX on the metabolism of the intestinal flora in aging bodies. The aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-Gal (800 mg kg^-1) once per 3 days for 12 weeks, and TAX (20 and 40 mg kg^-1) was administered daily by oral gavage after 6 weeks of induction with D-Gal. After testing aging mice in an eight-arm maze, the results showed that TAX treatment significantly restored spatial learning and memory impairment. Moreover, long-term D-Gal treatment incited cholinergic dysfunction of aging mice, and H&E staining revealed obvious histopathological damage and structural disorder in the hippocampus of mouse brain tissue, while TAX treatment significantly reversed these changes. Importantly, supplementing with TAX significantly mitigated oxidative stress injury by alleviating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) while increasing antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, TAX decreased the apoptosis of the aging brain by regulating the phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and activating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADH dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) to maximally moderate the oxidative stress injury that occurred after D-Gal induction. In addition, 16S rDNA analysis revealed that TAX treatment decelerated the D-gal-induced aging process by regulating the composition of the intestinal flora and abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Enterorhabdus, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, and Parvibacter. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that TAX alleviated oxidative stress injury in mice aged by D-Gal and also confirmed that TAX improved the aging process by regulating intestinal microbes, which provides the possibility of prevention and treatment for aging and metabolic disorders through the potential food health factors.

Protective Effects of Human Milk-Derived Exosomes on Intestinal Stem Cells Damaged by Oxidative Stress

Breastfeeding has been shown to have a protective effect on the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but the mechanism remains unclear. In the context of NEC pathogenesis, many of the protective properties of exosomes on the intestinal epithelial compartment make it an ideal therapeutic target. In the present study, our hypothesis was that intestinal stem cells (ISCs) would be protected from injury by human milk-derived exosomes (HMDEs). Human breast milk was collected, and exosomes were isolated using ExoQuick reagent. Magnetic-activated cell sorting isolation of prominin-1⁺ ISCs was performed from small intestines of neonatal rat. ISCs were treated with or without H₂O₂, and HMDEs, an equal volume of HMDE-free milk, or a control solution [phosphate-buffered solution (PBS)] was added, respectively. In the absence of HMDEs, exposure of ISCs to H₂O₂ led to decreased cell viability. However, addition of HMDEs to ISCs exposed to H₂O₂ led to significantly increased ISC viability. There was a significant upregulation of mRNA expression of Axin2, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 genes of the Wnt/β-catenin axis in ISCs treated with HMDEs (6.99 ± 2.34, 4.21 ± 1.68, 6.17 ± 2.22, respectively, P < 0.05 for all), as compared to control. In the presence of carnosic acid (a specific Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor), the cell viability was significantly decreased. Thus, HMDEs protect ISCs from oxidative stress injury in vitro, which were possibly mediated via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that oral administration of HMDEs might be a promising measure in treating NEC or in preventing the development of NEC in high-risk infants when breast milk is not available.

MiR-183-5p Promotes Tumor Progression of Osteosarcoma and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients

Background

Although miRNA-183-5p plays a critical role in many cancer types, including gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell cancer and breast cancer, its role in osteosarcoma remains unclear.

Methods

Expression levels of miR-183-5p were detected in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines using qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-183-5p on the survival and recurrence of osteosarcoma patients was analyzed in a cohort of 80 patients using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Effects of miR-183-5p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were evaluated using CCK-8, crystal violet and transwell assays.

Results

The expression of miR-183-5p was found to be upregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Moreover, miR-183-5p expression was observed to be closely associated with tumor size, TNM stage and lung metastasis. Notably, high expression of miR-183-5p was shown to be able to predict unfavorable clinical prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Additionally, whilst overexpression of miR-183-5p was observed to significantly promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells; an inhibitory effect was observed with knockdown of miR-183-5p.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that miR-183-5p acts as an oncogene and plays a critical role in the regulation of osteosarcoma tumor progression, and our results suggest a novel potential prognostic and therapeutic value of miR-183-5p in osteosarcoma.

Characterization of sedimentary phosphorus in Lake Erie and on-site quantification of internal phosphorus loading

Lake Erie harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are two major environmental problems, and have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. However, little is known about internal loading of phosphorus (P) from sediments, which pose a challenge for assessing the efficacy of current conservation measures on the improvement of lake water quality. A modified Hedley's extraction procedure was employed to analyze representative sediment samples collected from the Lake Erie basin for assessing sedimentary P stock, potential availability for release into lake water, and internal P loading. Inorganic and organic P in the sediments were characterized by sequential extractions in H₂O, 0.5 M NaHCO₃, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1.0 M HCl, respectively. In the 0 - 10 cm sediment, total P stock was 172, 191, and 170 metric tons km^-2 in the western, central, and eastern basins, respectively. Sedimentary P seems unlikely to contribute to internal P loading in the western basin, while in the eastern basin it can potentially contribute to an internal loading of 359 metric tons P yr^-1. In the central basin, 41% of organic P, 15% of non-HCl extractable inorganic P, and 9.7% of residual P in the 0 - 10 cm sediment is potentially available for release into lake water; in the 10 - 20 cm sediment, organic P extracted by NaHCO₃ and NaOH is also partially available. The central basin potentially contributes to internal P loading at a total amount of 10,599 metric tons yr^-1. Internal P loading may not contribute to HABs in the western basin, but it can cause and maintain hypoxia in the central basin and delay the recovery of lake water quality for a lengthy time period in response to external P reduction measures.

Differentiation Antagonizing Non-protein Coding RNA Knockdown Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis in Human Chondrocyte Primary Chondrocyte Cells Through Upregulating miRNA-19a-3p

Objective

To confirm the role of long noncoding RNA differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA (DANCR) in chondrocyte inflammatory injury in osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro, as well as its molecular mechanism.

Methods

Human primary chondrocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to construct a chondrocyte inflammatory injury in human OA cell model. Gene expression was detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell inflammatory injury was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The interplay between miRNA‐19a‐3p (miR‐19a) and DANCR was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

Expression of DANCR was upregulated, and miR‐19a was downregulated in human OA cartilage and LPS‐treated primary chondrocytes in vitro. Moreover, DANCR expression was inversely correlated with miR‐19a in OA patients. LPS reduced cell viability and increased the apoptotic rate and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in primary chondrocyte cells in vitro, suggesting an inflammatory injury model of OA. Functionally, knockdown of DANCR could attenuate LPS‐induced apoptosis and inflammatory response, as evidenced by improved cell viability, and reduced apoptotic rate and products of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. Notably, DANCR negatively regulated miR‐19a expression, presumably via sponging. Furthermore, miR‐19a deletion eliminated the effect of DANCR knockdown on apoptosis and the inflammatory response of primary chondrocytes under LPS stress.

Conclusion

Differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA silencing could protect human chondrocyte cells against LPS‐induced inflammatory injury and apoptosis through targeting miR‐19a, suggesting a vital role of the DANCR/miR‐19a axis in OA.

[The influence of Indian medicine on traditional Chinese medicine from Dunhuang medical literature]

Through the Silk Road, Chinese medicine has different degrees of absorption on different levels of indic medicine. On the whole, Chinese medicine's absorption of indic medicine is "based on me" , "the way of my own, using the instrument." Taking the four levels of "rational, legal, prescription, and medicine" as the entrance, and analyzing the acceptance attitude of traditional Chinese medicine to Indian medicine with the Dunhuang medical literature as the center.Overall the analysis result on Chinese medicine's absorption of Indic medicine is "Based on our principles, utilising their means" , or can be understood as "fitting the foreign ideas into an already mature infrastructure" .

Direct observation of magnetic contrast obtained by photoemission electron microscopy with deep ultra-violet laser excitation

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and magnetic linear dichroism (MLD) have been investigated in a photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) system excited by a deep ultra-violet (DUV) laser (with λ = 177.3 nm and hυ = 7.0 eV) for the first time. High resolution PEEM magnetic images (down to 43.2 nm) were directly obtained on a (001)-oriented magnetic FePt film surface with a circularly-polarized light under normal incidence. Furthermore, a stepped Cr seeding layer was applied to induce the formation of large-area epitaxial FePt films with (001) and (111) two orientations, where MLD with large asymmetry was observed in the transition area of two phases. It demonstrates that DUV laser can be a powerful source for high resolution magnetic imaging in the laboratory in absence of synchrotron facilities.

[Effect of robot navigation assisted core decompression combined with bone graft treatment of early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of orthopedic robot navigation system used in core decompression combined with bone graft surgery for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 9 patients (16 hips) underwent core decompression surgery combined with bone graft treatment for early ONFH in ARCO Ⅱat Department of Osteoarthropathy, Yantaishan Hospital from June 2016 to February 2018.There were 7 males and 2 females, aged 44.6 years (range: 28-60 years). All surgery procedures were completed by the same doctor under the navigation of orthopedic surgery robot using the specific designed tools. The preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Score and visual analogue score were compared and the time of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy was recorded. Results: The mean follow-up period was (12.7±3.5)months (range: 6-18 months). Four cases of treatment failure were observed in 16 hips at the last follow-up and the hip survival rate was 12/16.In stage ARCO Ⅱa, Ⅱb and Ⅱc, the survival rate was 1/1, 2/2, and 9/13.The Harris Hip Score (88.3±1.9 vs.70.0±3.8, t=16.81, P=0.000) and visual analogue score (3.7±0.7 vs. 0.9±0.6, t=13.49, P=0.000) were improved significantly at the last follow-up compared with preoperative value. The total times of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy were 15.9±2.5, including 5.8±1.2 before the insertion of the guiding wire and 10.1±1.7 after the insertion of the guiding wire. Conclusions: The domestic orthopedic surgery robot can be applied successfully in the core decompression combined with bone graft surgery for ONFH . It is less invasive with less fluoroscopy time and better bone graft effects.

Association between the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase p22phox gene -A930G polymorphism and intracerebral hemorrhage

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the ‑A930G polymorphism of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase p22phox gene is involved in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the Chinese Han population. In the present case‑control investigation, the subjects included 118 patients with ICH and 147 healthy controls. The ‑A930G polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, the correlation between the ‑A930G gene polymorphism and ICH was evaluated using statistical analyses. The distribution of p22phox ‑A930G genotypes differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.003), with the AA, AG and GG genotype frequencies being 61.9, 29.3 and 8.8% in the control group and 40.7, 45.8 and 13.6% in the ICH group, respectively. The G allele frequency was significantly higher in patients with ICH compared with healthy controls (36.4 vs. 23.5%; P<0.05), however, the opposite was observed in the frequency of the A allele (63.6 vs. 76.5%; P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that genetic mutations of the p22phox ‑A930G gene were independent risk factors of ICH (odds ratio, 2.196; 95% confidence interval, 1.003‑4.586; P=0.009). In addition, certain conventional factors were associated with increased risk of ICH, including elevated blood pressure, increased levels of glucose and triglycerides in the blood, a history of hypertension and smoking. The ‑A930G polymorphism of the p22phox gene may affect the susceptibility to ICH and certain haplotypes of the gene may be associated with a higher susceptibility to ICH.

The effect of IGF2BP2 gene polymorphisms on pioglitazone response in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide association studies identified that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) genetic polymorphisms are related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in several populations. This study aimed to investigate whether the IGF2BP2 gene rs1470579 and rs4402960 polymorphisms were associated with T2DM and pioglitazone efficacy in Chinese T2DM patients.

METHODS

A total of 281 T2DM patients and 111 healthy volunteers were enrolled to identify the IGF2BP2 gene rs1470579 and rs4402960 polymorphisms; 86 patients were randomly selected and given a 12-week pioglitazone treatment (30 mg/day). Fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), glycated hemoglobin, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined before and after pioglitazone treatment.

RESULTS

The results showed that the IGF2BP2 gene rs1470579 and rs4402960 polymorphisms were associated with T2DM in a Chinese population (OR = 2.002, 95% CI 1.170-3.426, p < 0.05; OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.110-3.182, p < 0.05). The effect of pioglitazone on PPG (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.01) and HDL-C (p < 0.05) was lower in patients with the rs1470579 AC+CC genotypes than in AA genotype carriers. Its effect on PPG level was also lower in patients with the GT+TT genotypes of rs4402960 than in patients with the GG genotype (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The IGF2BP2 gene rs1470579 and rs4402960 polymorphisms were associated with T2DM and therapeutic efficacy of pioglitazone in this Chinese population.

Trp64Arg (rs4994) polymorphism of β3-adrenergic receptor gene is associated with hyperuricemia in a Chinese male population

BACKGROUND

β3-Adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) gene is associated with insulin resistance and may affect serum uric acid levels. Our aim was to determine the possible association between β3-AR gene Trp64Arg polymorphism (rs4994) and hyperuricemia in a Chinese male population.

METHODS

A total of 410 hyperuricemic and 420 normouricemic male subjects were genotyped in this study. The genotypic and allelic frequencies were compared between the two groups. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum uric acid, urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were determined.

RESULTS

The frequencies of CC genotype and C allele for Trp64Arg polymorphism were higher in hyperuricemic group than in normouricemic group (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). In both hyperuricemic and normouricemic groups, subjects with mutated C allele of Trp64Arg polymorphism showed significantly higher average uric acid levels than TT genotype carriers (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression showed that carrier of mutated C allele of Trp64Arg polymorphism was significantly associated with hyperuricemia occurrence (p=0.003, OR=1.587, 95% CI 1.175-2.145 and p=0.003, OR=1.676, 95% CI 1.051-3.617).

CONCLUSIONS

Trp64Arg polymorphism was associated with hyperuricemia in a Chinese male population and should be an independent risk factor for hyperuricemia.

Mutant ZP1 in familial infertility

The human zona pellucida is composed of four glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4) and has an important role in reproduction. Here we describe a form of infertility with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, characterized by abnormal eggs that lack a zona pellucida. We identified a homozygous frameshift mutation in ZP1 in six family members. In vitro studies showed that defective ZP1 proteins and normal ZP3 proteins colocalized throughout the cells and were not expressed at the cell surface, suggesting that the aberrant ZP1 results in the sequestration of ZP3 in the cytoplasm, thereby preventing the formation of the zona pellucida around the oocyte.

HindIII polymorphism in the lipoprotein lipase gene and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in the Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between the HindIII polymorphism and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HIH) and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and the chain termination DNA sequencing method were used to determine the HindIII genotypes of 267 subjects, which included 120 cerebral hemorrhagic patients and 147 controls. The fasting levels of lipids and glucose in the plasma were used to measure the effect of genotype on HIH risk factors.

RESULTS

The frequency of the T allele of the HindIII polymorphism in the HIH group was 90.8%. The frequency of the G allele was 9.2%. In the control group, the frequencies were 82.3% T and 17.7% G, which indicated that the proportion of the G allele in the HIH patient group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<.05). The frequency of GG+GT genotypes in HIH patients (P<.05) and the plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in these patients (P<.05) were also lower than in the control group. The levels of plasma TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in the HIH group were higher than in the controls (P<.05). After controlling for risk factors related to HIH, the HindIII G allele was negatively correlated with the incidence of HIH (odds ratio=.417, 95% confidence interval: .193-.901).

CONCLUSIONS

The HindIII G allele may be a protective factor against the development of HIH among the Han Chinese population.

Coordination of Ln3+ in ortho-tetramethyl-substituted cucurbituril supramolecular assemblies formed in the presence of cadmium nitrate: potential applications for isolation of heavier lanthanides

Coordination in supramolecular assemblies was investigated by reacting a series of lanthanide cations (Ln³⁺) and a new alkyl-substituted cucurbituril, (o-TMeQ[6]).

Clinical significance of Smac and survivin expression in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline‑based neoadjuvant chemotherapy

The second mitochondria‑derived activator of caspases (Smac), an antagonist of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), increases chemosensitivity in vitro. Survivin, an IAP family member, mediates cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. The present study investigated the correlation between Smac and survivin expression in primary breast cancer, and the sensitivity to anthracycline during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Pre‑treatment biopsies and post‑anthracycline treatment tumor sections were analyzed from 98 cases. Biomarker expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tumor samples from clinical stage II and III anthracycline‑based NAC‑treated breast cancer. A univariate analysis indicated that the estrogen receptor (ER), Smac and survivin were significantly predictive of a pathological complete response (pCR) (P=0.004, 0.001 and 0.037, respectively) in pre‑chemotherapy samples. ER, Smac and survivin expression was also significant for pCR on the multivariate analysis (P=0.001, 0.031 and 0.012, respectively). An inverse association was identified between survivin and Smac expression (r=‑0.217, P=0.032; and r=‑0.335, P=0.003, respectively) prior to and following NAC. The patients with low survivin expression or high Smac expression had significantly longer disease‑free survival (DFS; P=0.012 and P=0.020, respectively) and overall survival (OS; P=0.01 and P=0.033, respectively) compared with the patients with high survivin or low Smac expression. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that survivin, Smac and clinical stage were independent predictors for DFS and OS. The present study indicated the significance of Smac and survivin in determining the breast cancer response to anthracycline‑based chemotherapy, and may permit further stratifying of pre‑chemotherapy patients to undertake more tailored treatments.

Peritumoral lymphangiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor C and D promotes lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Mounting clinical and experimental data suggest that the migration of tumor cells into lymph nodes is greatly facilitated by lymphangiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D have been identified as lymphangiogenic growth factors and play an important role in tumor lymphangiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the location of lymphangiogenesis driven by tumor-derived VEGF-C/D in breast cancer, and to determine the role of intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer.

METHODS

The expression levels of VEGF-C/D were determined by immunohistochemistry, and intratumoral LVD and peritumoral LVD were assessed using immunohistochemistry and the D2-40 antibody in 73 patients with primary breast cancer. The associations of intratumoral LVD and peritumoral LVD with VEGF-C/D expression, clinicopathological features and prognosis were assessed.

RESULTS

VEGF-C and D expression were significantly higher in breast cancer than benign disease (P < 0.01). VEGF-C (P < 0.001) and VEGF-D (P = 0.005) expression were significantly associated with peritumoral LVD, but not intratumoral LVD. Intratumoral LVD was associated with tumor size (P = 0.01). Peritumoral LVD was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM; P = 0.005), lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI; P = 0.017) and late tumor,node, metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.011). Moreover, peritumoral LVD was an independent risk factor for axillary lymph node metastasis, overall survival and disease-free survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that tumor-derived VEGF-C/D induce peritumoral lymphangiogenesis, which may be one mechanism that leads to lymphatic invasion and metastatic spread. Peritumoral LVD has potential as an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer patients.

Meta-analysis on pharmacogenetics of platinum-based chemotherapy in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients

AIM

To determine the pharmacogenetics of platinum-based chemotherapy in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients.

METHODS

Publications were selected from PubMed, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the association between genetic polymorphisms and platinum-based chemotherapy by checking odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 24 publications, which included 11 polymorphisms in 8 genes for meta-analysis. MDR1 C3435T (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11-3.50, P = 0.02), G2677A/T (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.44-4.74, P = 0.002) and GSTP1 A313G (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.58, P = 0.0002) were significantly correlated with platinum-based chemotherapy in Asian NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSION

Attention should be paid to MDR1 C3435T, G2677A/T and GSTP1 A313G for personalized chemotherapy treatment for NSCLC patients in Asian population in the future.

ABCC2 polymorphisms and haplotype are associated with drug resistance in Chinese epileptic patients

AIMS

Some study found that ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters play an important role in antiepileptic drug resistance, especially ABCB1 and ABCC2. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between the genetic polymorphisms of ABCC2 and ABCB1 and the therapeutic efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in Chinese epileptic patients.

METHODS

ABCB1 rs1045642 (3435C>T) and ABCC2 rs717620 (-24C>T), rs3740066 (3972C>T), and rs2273697 (1249G>A) polymorphisms loci in 537 Chinese epilepsy patients (217 drug resistant patients and 320 drug responders) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

ABCC2 rs717620 -24TT genotype was significantly associated with drug resistant epilepsy (odds ratio [OR]= 4.06 [1.79-9.20], P= 0.001). The OR values of ABCC2 rs717620 -24 CT+TT genotypes and ABCC2 rs3740066 (3972C>T) CT+TT genotypes were markedly higher in drug resistant patients (OR = 1.57 [1.08-2.29], P= 0.018; OR = 1.49 [1.02-2.18], P= 0.038, respectively) compared with responsive patients. ABCC2 rs2273697 (1249G>A) and ABCB1 rs1045642 (3435C>T) polymorphisms were not associated with drug resistant epilepsy. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) test showed that the ABCC2 rs717620 were in strong LD with rs2273697 (D'= 0.694) and rs3740066 (D'= 0.699). The frequencies of haplotypes TGT (ABCC2 -24C>T/ABCC2 1249G>A/ABCC2 3972C>T) in resistant patients was significantly higher than those in responsive patients (21.0% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ABCC2-24C>T, 3972C>T polymorphisms and one ABCC2 haplotype is associated with AED resistance; ABCC2 1249G>A and ABCB1 3435C>T polymorphisms are not associated with AED resistance in our study. These data suggest that ABCC2 polymorphisms and haplotype may affect the response of antiepileptic drugs.

Tumor-derived VEGF-C, but not VEGF-D, promotes sentinel lymph node lymphangiogenesis prior to metastasis in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer usually initially metastases to the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor cells induce SLN lymphangiogenesis before metastasis in several malignancies. In addition, tumor-derived VEGF-C or VEGF-D may induce lymphangiogenesis and promote lymph node metastasis. To explore the mechanisms of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer, we investigated whether primary tumors induce SLN lymphangiogenesis before metastasis and determined the function of tumor-derived VEGF-C and VEGF-D in SLN lymphangiogenesis. Expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D was examined using immunohistochemistry in 63 primary breast tumors. No significant relationships between VEGF-C and VEGF-D (P=0.420), and VEGF-C or VEGF-D expression and clinical parameters (age, tumor size, grade, hormonal receptor status, her-2 status) were observed (P>0.05). Expression of the lymphatic-specific markers VEGFR-3, Prox-1 and LYVE-1 was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR in uninvolved SLNs from 63 patients and compared to control lymph nodes from patients with benign breast disease. Expression of Prox-1 and LYVE-1 mRNA was significantly higher in uninvolved SLNs from breast cancer patients than that in control lymph nodes (P<0.01). Interestingly, expression of VEGFR-3, Prox-1 and LYVE-1 was significantly higher in SLNs from patients with high VEGF-C-expressing tumors than low VEGF-C-expressing tumors (P<0.05), but not VEGF-D-high-expressing tumors (P>0.05). This study demonstrates that primary breast tumors induce SLN lymphangiogenesis before metastasis occurs and that tumor-derived VEGF-C, but not VEGF-D, plays an important role in SLN lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer.

Treatment of biologically treated leachate by oxidation and coagulation

This work aims to investigate removal efficiency of oxidation and coagulation/flocculation processes, to provide an effective method for the treatment of biologically pre-treated leachate. Leachate containing 985 mg L(-1) COD was treated by using three treatment schemes, i.e. oxidation, coagulation/flocculation and the combined process of coagulation/flocculation followed by oxidation. The application of single oxidation resulted in the effective removal of COD and color up to 80.4 and 83.2%, respectively. However, residual COD values lower than 200 mg L(-1) could only be achieved under intensive experimental conditions (high dosage of Ca(ClO)(2) and prolonged oxidation time). Coagulation/flocculation yielded residual COD values higher than 200 mg L(-1) even at the optimum coagulation conditions. The combined treatment by coagulation/flocculation followed by oxidation yielded final COD lower than 100 mg L(-1) at the following conditions: pre-coagulation with 250 mg L(-1) PFS (poly-ferric sulfate) and over 30-min post-oxidation, or pre-coagulation with 300 mg L(-1) PFS and over 20-min post-oxidation. Hence, pre-coagulation with PFS followed by oxidation with Ca(ClO)(2) was recommended for advanced treatment of biologically treated leachate.

Response time of the Beijing 120 emergency medical service

BACKGROUND

To assess the response time and the details of the operating procedure of the Beijing 120 Emergency Medical Service (EMS).

METHODS

Between June and December 2005, 51 918 EMS cases recorded in the Dispatch Center of the Beijing Emergency Medical Center were analysed.

RESULTS

The median response time of the 51 918 cases was 16.5 min; the cumulative proportions were 2.28%, 9.64% and 18.04% for less than 5 min, 8 min and 10 min of response time respectively, whereas the proportion was 19.20% for more than 30 min of response time.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of this analysis, the response time of the Beijing 120 EMS system was found to be longer than that indicated by the national standards.

Simulation of pulmonary pathophysiology during spontaneous breathing

This paper presents a functional model of lung mechanics including a non-linear alveolar pressure volume curve and representation of the work of respiratory muscles during breathing. The model is used to simulate the response to forced inspiration and expiration, and these simulations compared to the standard results of lung function tests routinely performed in departments of lung medicine. The model can simulate the characteristics of inspiratory and expiratory flow profiles seen in normal subjects, and in patients with obstructive or restrictive diseases.

Volatility of heavy metals during incineration of tannery sludge in the presence of chlorides and phosphoric acid

Knowledge of the behaviour of heavy metals in the combustion process is a most important factor in selecting disposal alternatives for waste materials. Accordingly, in this work, the vaporization behaviour of highly concentrated heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr) in tannery sludge were investigated experimentally. The sludge was spiked with various chlorine compounds (i.e. PVC, FeCl3, CaCl2 and NaCl) and pre-treated with phosphoric acid in order to evaluate the capacity of enhancement and weakening of the volatility of the heavy metals contained in tannery sludge. The experimental results show that the vaporization percentages increased with increasing ratio of Cl/sludge and temperature, and the accelerating and increasing effect of the addition of chlorides on the vaporization percentage of heavy metals was dependent on the release capacity of chlorine radicals. The vaporization percentages of lead and zinc increased by 15-20%, whereas those of copper and chromium increased by only about 3 and 10% at 800 degrees C. However, heavy metals were not expected to be completely released in the combustion process in spite of the high ratio of Cl/sludge. Alternately, heavy metals contained in tannery sludge can be immobilized effectively by pre-treatment with phosphoric acid. When the 85% phosphoric acid accounted for 10% of dry basis of tannery sludge, the phosphate-treated sludge showed the lowest vaporization percentage of about 3-15% with formation of Ca18Cu3(PO4)14, Ca9Cr(PO4)7, Ca19Zn2(PO4)14 and PbMgP2O7 in the bottom ash.

Reconstruction of Metacarpophalangeal Joint by Free Vascularized Autogenous Metatarsophalangeal Joint Transplant

Six cases of autotransplantation of free vascularized second metatarsophalangeal joint to reconstruct damaged metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints are reported. Anatomical studies in cadaver and clinical cases involving the origin, course, and importance of preserving the articular branch of the metatarsal artery are described. Follow-up of cases from six months to 21/2 years postoperative reveal recovery of thumb function, stability of the transplanted joint, and no obvious degenerative changes.

Regional patterns of soil organic carbon stocks in China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is of great importance in the global carbon cycle. Distribution patterns of SOC in various regions of China constitute a nation-wide baseline for studies on soil carbon changes. This paper presents an integrated and multi-level study on SOC stock patterns of China, and presents baseline SOC stock estimates by great administrative regions, river watersheds, soil type regions and ecosystem. The assignment is done by means of a recently completed 1: 1,000,000 scale soil database of China, which is the most detailed and reliable one in China at the present time. SOC densities of 7292 soil profiles collected across China in the middle of the 1980s were calculated and then linked to corresponding polygons in a digital soil map, resulting in a SOC Density Map of China on a 1: 1,000,000 scale, and a 1 km x 1 km grid map. Corresponding maps of administrative regions, river watersheds, soil types (ST), and ecosystems in China were also prepared with an identical resolution and coordinate control points, allowing GIS analyses. Results show that soils in China cover an area of 9.281 x 10(6)km(2) in total, with a total SOC stock of 89.14 Pg (1 Pg=10(15)g) and a mean SOC density of 96.0 t C/ha. Confidence limits of the SOC stock and density in China are estimated as [89.23 Pg, 89.08 Pg] and [96.143 t C/ha, 95.981 t C/ha] at 95% probability, respectively. The largest total SOC stock (23.60 Pg) is found in South-west China while the highest mean SOC density (181.9 t C/ha) is found in north-east China. The total SOC stock and the mean SOC density in the Yangtze river watershed are 21.05 Pg and 120.0 t C/ha, respectively, while the corresponding figures in the Yellow river watershed are 8.46 Pg and 104.3 t C/ha, respectively. The highest total SOC stocks are found in Inceptisols (34.39 Pg) with SOC density of 102.8 t C/ha. The lowest and highest mean SOC densities are found on Entisols (28.1 t C/ha), and on Histosols (994.728.1 t C/ha), respectively. Finally, the total SOC stock in shrub and forest ecosystem classes are 25.55 and 21.50 Pg, respectively; the highest mean SOC density (209.9 t C/ha) was recorded in the wetland ecosystem class and the lowest (29.0 t C/ha) in the desert ecosystem class. Among five forest ecosystem types, Evergreen conifer forest stores the highest SOC stock (6.81 Pg), and Deciduous conifer forest shows the highest SOC density (225.9 t C/ha). Figures of SOC stocks stratified by Administrative regions, river watersheds, soil types and ecosystem types presented in the study may constitute national-wide baseline for studies of SOC stock changes in various regions in the future.

The performance and application of fly ash modified by PDMDAAC

Fly ash modification by polydimethydiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) in laboratory scale was explored in this work and the adsorption performance of modified fly ash and its application in dyeing wastewater treatment were also studied. The key factors (concentration and temperature) for PDMDAAC to affect the adsorption properties of fly ash (FA) were revealed using the orthogonal test with four factors. The results indicated that the adsorption magnitude of fly ash to PDMDAAC increased due to its favorable specific surface causing the change of the surface charge nature. Hence, adsorption performance of modified fly ash on organic molecules and its ion exchange capacity are strengthened. The maximum color removal efficiency was obtained as 88.2% by modified fly ash with 2.0 g/100 mL dosage in dyeing wastewater, which is much higher than 12.5% color removal efficiency by raw fly ash with the same dosage. And, the used modified fly ash could be used for cement production as additive agent. The intensity of cement produced with 15% the modified fly ash in weight reached the Chinese Cement Standard (GB/T17671-1999), blazing a promising novel way in fly ash utilization.

Cancer incidence and risk estimation among medical x-ray workers in China, 1950-1995

Cancer incidence (1950-1995) among 27,011 medical diagnostic x-ray workers was compared by means of O/E system with that of 25,782 other medical specialists employed between 1950 and 1980 to provide evidence of human malignant tumors produced by protracted and fractionated exposure to ionizing radiation and to assess resultant cancer risk. Significant cancer risk was seen among diagnostic x-ray workers (RR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.3). Significantly elevated risks were found for leukemia and cancers of skin, female breast, lung, liver, bladder, and esophagus; the RRs were 2.2, 4.1, 1.3, 1.2, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.7, respectively. The patterns of risk associated with years since beginning x-ray work and with age and calendar year of initial employment suggest that the excesses of leukemia, skin cancer, and female breast cancer-and possibly thyroid cancer-were related to occupational exposure to x rays. Because of a lack of individual dosimetry for Chinese medical x-ray workers (CMXW) before 1985, the dose was reconstructed by physical and biological retrospective dosimetry methods. The cancer risk of CMXW was estimated based on the reconstructed dose. The average cumulative dose for the earlier cohort (employed before 1970) was 551 mGy, and for the later cohort (employed from 1970 to 1980) it was 82 mGy. The RRs of leukemia and solid cancer were significantly high for the earlier cohort: 2.4 for leukemia, 1.2 for solid cancer. But no significant increase of RR was evident for the later cohort. The RR of leukemia was 1.7 and 1.1 for solid cancer. This means a significant cancer risk can be induced by long term fractionated exposure to ionizing radiation when the cumulative dose reaches a certain level.

[Cancer risk assessment among medical X-ray workers in China]

Cancer incidence(1950-1995) among 27,011 medical X-ray workers in comparison with 25,782 non X-ray medical specialists between 1950 and 1980 in China was investigated. The average cumulative dose received by the X-ray workers also reconstructed by retrospective dosimetry methods. Significant cancer risk was seen among medical X-ray workers(RR = 1.2). Significantly elevated risks were found in leukemia, cancer of skin, female breast, lung, liver, bladder and esophagus, the RRs were 2.2, 4.1, 1.3, 1.2, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.7 respectively. The patterns of cancer risk were associated with years since beginning of X-ray work, age and calendar year of initial employment and cumulative dose suggest that the risks of leukemia, skin cancer and female breast cancer, possibly thyroid cancer were related to occupational exposure to X-rays. A significant cancer risk could be induced by prolonged exposure to low dose ionizing radiation when the cumulative dose reached a certain level.

[Quantitative determination of chlorogenic acid in eucommia leaf by high performance liquid chromatography]

An HPLC method for the quantitative determination of chlorogenic acid in Eucommia leaf was investigated. The sample was extracted with methanol solution containing 5% fomic acid and then analyzed by HPLC. The operating conditions were Shim-pack CLC-ODS column (6.0 mm i.d. x 150 mm, 5 microns) at 40 degrees C, mobile phase of methanol-0.01 mol/L KH2PO4(25:75, V/V; pH 3.9) at 1 mL/min and UV detection at 328 nm. Mercaptopurine was selected as the internal standard. There was a good linear relationship between the response (area ratio of chlorogenic acid to mercaptopurine) and the concentration of sample in the range of 25-300 mg/L for chlorogenic acid. The corresponding regression equation was Y = 8.0368X + 0.001275, r = 0.9999. The average recovery was 99.89% and RSD was 1.45%(n = 6). The results showed that this method is simple, specific and accurate.

Long-term phenotypic correction of rodent hemiparkinsonism by gene therapy using genetically modified myoblasts

Rat myoblasts were genetically modified to express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and produce dopamine in culture. Implanting TH gene-transfected myoblasts into the denervated striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats significantly decreased rotational asymmetry by 50 to approximately 60%. Improvement persisted for up to 13 months. Genetically modified cells could survive and express transgene in the striatum as demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical stain-ing. The dopamine content in the striatum tissue of the gene therapy group recovered to 49% of the normal level and was 25-fold higher than that of a control group receiving parental cells. Neither tumor formation nor immunorejection was observed in this study. These results show that myoblasts may be useful as gene carriers for ex vivo gene therapy in the CNS. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 445-449.

[Expression of foreign tyrosine hydroxylase gene in the rat model of Parkinson's disease]

A total of 75 adult rats were used to produce hemiparkinson's disease (PD) model by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right substantial nigra. Four weeks following the lesions, rats were tested for apomorphine (APO) -induced asymmetric rotation. Only rats that showed more than seven turns per minute were selected as PD models for transplantation. A tyrosine hydroxylase expression plasmid (pSVK3-TH) mixed with lipofectin was transplanted into the right striatum of 15 PD rats. Another 20 PD rats transplanted either with lipofectin or with pSVK3-TH served as controls. Every three days following transplantation, the performance of asymmetric rotation were tested and stained with the TH-immunohistochemistry. Only the animals grafted with pSVK3-TH mixed with lipofectin were found to show the decreased rotational behavior and a few TH-positive cells in the right striatum at the postgraft day 3-12, but not day 18. The results indicate that there exists a correlation between amelioration of asymmetric rotation and the TH gene expression in the denervated striatum. It is suggested that the lipofectin may mediate foreign TH gene expression in the PD rat brain.

[Analysis on current status of drinking water quality in rural areas of China]

An investigation on drinking water quality in rural areas of 180 counties in 26 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of China was carried out. The population surveyed was 89.39 million. 69.6% of which was supplied with ground water. Central water supply systems served 47.1% of population. Quality of drinking water was graded according to the "Guidelines for Implementation of the 'Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water' in Rural Areas". The rate of population supplied with unqualified drinking water was 42.7%. The bacteriological indices of drinking water exceeded the standard seriously. Organic pollution occurred extensively. Some regions supplied with water of high concentration of fluoride.

Gene therapy of Parkinson disease model rat by direct injection of plasmid DNA-lipofectin complex

Lipofectin-mediated gene transfer was used to introduce plasmid harboring the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene into the striatum of rats with lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway. The rotational asymmetry of Parkinson disease model rat was reduced quickly and significantly, suggesting that plasmid-DNA-transfected brain cells can generate L-dopa locally in the striatum in quantities sufficient to compensate partially for the loss of intrinsic striatal dopaminergic input. Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) also confirm that striatal cells can express exogenous TH gene. Such in vivo plasmid DNA transfer strategy may be useful in other neurologic disease therapy, especially acute brain insults.

Preparation of diazotized polystyrene latex and its use in agglutination assays

The preparation of this immunological latex consisted of the following steps: the synthesis of polystyrene, polynitrostyrene, polyaminostyrene and polystyrene diazonium salt latex. The quantities of emulsifier and initiator used in the synthesis of the polystyrene latex were much larger than those used in the conventional method. Reduction of the polynitrostyrene latex involved adding latex dropwise to a large excess of 6% sodium hydrosulphite-2 N potassium hydroxide solution with sodium lauryl benzene sulphonate as an emulsifier. When the mixture was heated at 70 degrees C for 4 h, the emulsion of polyaminostyrene was diazotized. The polystyrene diazonium salt latex obtained was capable of combining with 20-40% by weight of antibody protein. The immunopolystyrene diazonium latex reagents showed a positive agglutination reaction of 78-91% when mixed with serum from patients with leptospirosis and two other infectious diseases. The test, which can be completed within 3 min has been used to assay over 1200 patient samples.