[Mechanism of total flavonoids of Rhododendra simsii in alleviating ischemic brain injury]

This study explores the effect of total flavonoids of Rhododendra simsii(TFR) on middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced cerebral injury in rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) injury in PC12 cells and the underlying mechanism. The MCAO method was used to induce focal ischemic cerebral injury in rats. Male SD rats were randomized into sham group, model group, and TFR group. After MCAO, TFR(60 mg·kg~(-1)) was administered for 3 days. The content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1(IL-1), and interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The pathological changes of brain tissue and cerebral infarction were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of calcium release-activated calcium channel modulator 1(ORAI1), stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1), stromal intera-ction molecule 2(STIM2), protein kinase B(PKB), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3(caspase-3) in brain tissues. The OGD/R method was employed to induce injury in PC12 cells. Cells were randomized into the normal group, model group, gene silencing group, TFR(30 μg·mL~(-1)) group, and TFR(30 μg·mL~(-1))+gene overexpression plasmid group. Intracellular Ca~(2+) concentration and apoptosis rate of PC12 cells were measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The effect of STIM-ORAI-regulated store-operated calcium entry(SOCE) pathway on TFR was explored based on gene silencing and gene overexpression techniques. The results showed that TFR significantly alleviated the histopathological damage of brains in MCAO rats after 3 days of admini-stration, reduced the contents of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 in the serum, down-regulated the expression of ORAI1, STIM1, STIM2, and caspase-3 genes, and up-regulated the expression of PKB gene in brain tissues of MCAO rats. TFR significantly decreased OGD/R induced Ca~(2+) overload and apoptosis in PC12 cells. However, it induced TFR-like effect by ORAI1, STIM1 and STIM2 genes silencing. However, overexpression of these genes significantly blocked the effect of TFR in reducing Ca~(2+) overload and apoptosis in PC12 cells. In summary, in the early stage of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and OGD/R-induced injury in PC12 cells TFR attenuates ischemic brain injury by inhibiting the STIM-ORAI-regulated SOCE pathway and reducing Ca~(2+) overload and inflammatory factor expression, and apoptosis.

[Protective effect of total flavonoids of Rhododendron simsii on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through SOCE pathway in rats]

This paper explored the protective effect of total flavonoids of Rhododendron simsii(TFR) on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI) in rats and its relationship with the store-operated calcium entry(SOCE) pathway regulated by stromal intera-ction molecule(STIM) and calcium release-activated calcium modulator(Orai).Rats were randomly assigned into the sham group, model(middle cerebral artery occlusion, MCAO) group, TFR(60 mg·kg~(-1)) group, TFR(60 mg·kg~(-1))+SOCE pathway inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate(2-APB, 2.5 mg·kg~(-1)) group, and 2-APB(2.5 mg·kg~(-1)) group.The rats in the sham group and MCAO group were administrated with normal saline, and those in the TFR group and TFR+2-APB group were administrated with TFR(60 mg·kg~(-1)) by gavage for 14 days until sampling.The rats in the 2-APB group and TFR+2-APB group were intraperitoneally injected with 2-APB(2.5 mg·kg~(-1)) after operation.The levels of interleukin-1(IL-1), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) in serum were measured by ELISA.The cerebral infarction and the pathological status of ischemic brain tissue were detected via TTC staining and HE staining, respectively.The protein and mRNA levels of STIM1, STIM2, Orai1, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3(caspase-3), and protein kinase B(PKB) in brain tissue were respectively determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR.The growth of brain neurons in each group was observed via immunofluorescence method.The results showed that compared with the MCAO group, TFR lowered the levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and the score of neurological function, ameliorated the pathological injury of brain tissue, and decreased the infarct size.Moreover, TFR up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of STIM1, STIM2, Orai1, and PKB, down-regulated those of caspase-3 in brain tissue, and increased the double-labeled positive cells under fluorescence microscope.However, the above effects were significantly weakened by the addition of 2-APB, a SOCE inhibitor.The results suggested that TFR may play a protective role against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating the expression of SOCE-related signal molecules, promoting neurogenesis around the ischemic area, improving the survival state of neurons, and redu-cing the activity of inflammatory mediators.

Olanzapine or dexamethasone, with 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and NK-1 receptor antagonist, to prevent nausea and vomiting induced by cisplatin-based doublet chemotherapy: A non-inferiority, prospective, multi-centered, randomized, controlled, phase III clinical trial

TPS12133

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common side effect of cancer treatments, and dexamethasone offers an advantage over placebo for protection against chemotherapy-induced emesis in both acute and delayed phases. However, its side effects are diverse including moderate to severe insomnia, hyperglycemia, dyspepsia and so on, which are gathering increasing concerns. What’s more, dexamethasone is not applicable to all cancer patients. The incidence of diabetes mellitus varies in different cancer which can reach up to 55.3%, and dexamethasone might not be a proper anti-emesis choice for them. Besides, dexamethasone delivery is always on debating when patients are receiving immunotherapy. However, all anti-emesis regimen recommended in guidelines are dexamethasone based. Alternative anti-emesis regimen are required. Studies have shown that olanzapine plays an important role in treating delayed, refractory, breakthrough nausea and vomiting. Thus, we initiated this prospective, multi-center, phase III study to validate the dexamethasone-free protocol: the non-inferiority role of applying olanzapine to prevent CINV instead of dexamethasone. Methods: This clinical trial started on February 3, 2020 is being conducted in 23 centres. All patients eligible are chemotherapy naïve and plan to receive cisplatin-containing regimen. Based on a 70% complete remission rate of previous study, to demonstrate a non-inferiority margin of 10%, 548 patients are required for two arms with the consideration of 5% of drop out and lost to follow-up (80% power,α = 0.05). Study design: Enrolled patients are randomized 1:1 into 2 arms to receive olanzapine or dexamethasone combined with 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (palonosetron, granisetron or ondansetron) and NK-1 receptor antagonist (aprepitant or fosaprepitant) from the first day of chemotherapy. Olanzapine (5mg) is delivered orally per night from day 1 to day 4. Dexamethasone (12 mg) is given orally or intravenously within 30 minutes before cisplatin administrated on day 1; on day 2-4, the orally or intravenously given dose of dexamethasone is 8 mg. The primary endpoint is complete remission rate of vomiting during the whole observation period (0-120 hours from the starting of first course chemotherapy delivery). The secondary endpoints are complete remission rate of vomiting during 25-120 hours from the starting of first course chemotherapy delivery and no nausea rate during the whole observation period. Besides, side effects will be recorded according protocol. Clinical trial information: NCT04437017.

[Determination of hydrazine in workplace air by gas chromatography with large bore capillary column]

Objective: To determine hydrazine quantitatively in workplace air by gas chromatography with large bore capillary column. Methods: In October 2019, hydrazine in the air was adsorbed by acid silica gel tube sampling and desorped using sulfuric acid solution. After derivatization with furfural and extraction, the content of hydrazine was determined by DM-FFAP capillary column gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Results: The linear regression equation was y=353.8x+21.2 (r=0.9998) between 0.1-2.0 μg/ml of target concentration. The detection limit was 0.030 μg/ml. The lower limit of quantification was 0.100 μg/ml. If 15 L air sample was collected, the minimum detection concentration was 0.004 mg/m(3) and the minimum quantitative concentration was 0.013 mg/m(3) respectively. The average desorption efficiency was 86.5%-89.4%. The recovery was 94.4%-97.1%. The relative standard deviation was 1.6%-4.9%. Hydrazine and furfural derivative was 2-furaldehyde hydrazine. Conclusion: The method has symmetrical peak shape of hydrazine derivatives chromatographic peaks, short analysis time, easy operation, and is suitable for the determination of the concentration of hydrazine in the air in the workplace.

Induction chemotherapy with lobaplatin and fluorouracil versus cisplatin and fluorouracil followed by chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. However, cisplatin is associated with poor patient compliance and has notable side-effects. Lobaplatin, a third-generation platinum drug, has shown promising antitumour activity against several malignancies with less toxicity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy over a cisplatin-based regimen in patients with locoregional, advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

In this open-label, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial done at five hospitals in China, patients aged 18-60 years with previously untreated, non-keratinising stage III-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Karnofsky performance-status score of at least 70; and adequate haematological, renal, and hepatic function were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenously either lobaplatin-based (lobaplatin 30 mg/m² on days 1 and 22, and fluorouracil 800 mg/m² on days 1-5 and 22-26 for two cycles) or cisplatin-based (cisplatin 100 mg/m² on days 1 and 22, and fluorouracil 800 mg/m² on days 1-5 and 22-26 for two cycles) induction chemotherapy, followed by concurrent lobaplatin-based (two cycles of intravenous lobaplatin 30 mg/m² every 3 weeks plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy) or cisplatin-based (two cycles of intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m² every 3 weeks plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy) chemoradiotherapy. Total radiation doses of 68-70 Gy (for the sum of the volumes of the primary tumour and enlarged retropharyngeal nodes), 62-68 Gy (for the volume of clinically involved gross cervical lymph nodes), 60 Gy (for the high-risk target volume), and 54 Gy (for the low-risk target volume), were administered in 30-32 fractions, 5 days per week. Randomisation was done centrally at the clinical trial centre of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre by means of computer-generated random number allocation with a block design (block size of four) stratified according to disease stage and treatment centre. Treatment assignment was known to both clinicians and patients. The primary endpoint was 5-year progression-free survival, analysed in both the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. If the upper limit of the 95% CI for the difference in 5-year progression-free survival between the lobaplatin-based and cisplatin-based groups did not exceed 10%, non-inferiority was met. Adverse events were analysed in all patients who received at least one cycle of induction chemotherapy. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-13003285 and is closed.

FINDINGS

From June 7, 2013, to June 16, 2015, 515 patients were assessed for eligibility and 502 patients were enrolled: 252 were randomly assigned to the lobaplatin-based group and 250 to the cisplatin-based group. After a median follow-up of 75·3 months (IQR 69·9-81·1) in the intention-to-treat population, 5-year progression-free survival was 75·0% (95% CI 69·7-80·3) in the lobaplatin-based group and 75·5% (70·0 to 81·0) in the cisplatin-based group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·98, 95% CI 0·69-1·39; log-rank p=0·92), with a difference of 0·5% (95% CI -7·1 to 8·1; p_{non-inferiority}=0·0070). In the per-protocol population, the 5-year progression-free survival was 74·8% (95% CI 69·3 to 80·3) in the lobaplatin-based group and 76·4% (70·9 to 81·9) in the cisplatin-based group (HR 1·04, 95% CI 0·73 to 1·49; log-rank p=0·83), with a difference of 1·6% (-6·1 to 9·3; p_{non-inferiority}=0·016). 63 (25%) of 252 patients in the lobaplatin-based group and 63 (25%) of 250 patients in the cisplatin-based group had a progression-free survival event in the intention-to-treat population; 62 (25%) of 246 patients in the lobaplatin-based group and 58 (25%) of 237 patients in the cisplatin-based group had a progression-free survival event in the per-protocol population. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were mucositis (102 [41%] of 252 in the lobaplatin-based group vs 99 [40%] of 249 in the cisplatin-based group), leucopenia (39 [16%] vs 56 [23%]), and neutropenia (25 [10%] vs 59 [24%]). No treatment-related deaths were reported.

INTERPRETATION

Lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy resulted in non-inferior survival and fewer toxic effects than cisplatin-based therapy. The results of our trial indicate that lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy might be a promising alternative regimen to cisplatin-based treatment in patients with locoregional, advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

FUNDING

National Science and Technology Pillar Program, International Cooperation Project of Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province, Planned Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, and Cultivation Foundation for the Junior Teachers at Sun Yat-sen University.

TRANSLATION

For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Endovascular treatment of visceral aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

Visceral artery aneurysm (VAA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition, defined as true artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of splanchnic circulation and renal artery. This study reports our experience in the diagnosis and endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) over a 10-year period. Between 2008 and 2018, a total of 24 VAAs in 21 patients were diagnosed by clinical symptoms and a combination of imaging techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiogram, and catheter angiogram. All patients underwent endovascular treatment to exclude aneurysms. Oral antiplatelet medicine was administered, and imaging examination was performed during follow-up. Technical success was achieved in all 21 patients, and no periprocedural complications occurred. Endovascular coiling alone was employed in 10 aneurysms. Coiling was combined with gelfoam in 2 aneurysms. Coiling was assisted by stent in 4 aneurysms. Covered stents were deployed in 8 aneurysms individually. Clinical symptoms disappeared or highly improved in all patients after treatment. None of the patients showed recurrent symptoms after discharge. However, two cases with new aneurysms after 6 and 8 months, respectively, and one case with in-stent thrombosis after 12 months were reported during follow-up. This study may justify the efficacy of percutaneous endovascular coil embolization and stent deployment. It also provides beneficial experience about how to choose appropriate various endovascular strategies based on both clinical symptoms and aneurysm anatomy condition.

Two Metal Complexes: Selective Detection of Fe3+ Ion and Promotion Activity on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiate Into Vascular Endothelial Cells

With the aid of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpee), a nitrogen-donor ligand and 1,3,5-tris(carboxymethoxy)benzene (H₃TCMB), a tripodal ether-connector tricarboxylate ligand, two novel transition metal coordination polymers (CPs) have been synthesized via the reaction of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O or Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O with the ligands of H₃TCMB and bpee ligands with similar reactions under slightly distinct temperatures (80℃ for 1 and 120℃ for 2), and their chemical formula are [Cu₄(TCMB)₂(bpee)₂(µ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)₂]_n·12nH₂O (1) and [Zn₄(TCMB)₂(bpee)₂(µ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)₂]_n·12nH₂O (2). Complex 2 can be utilized as a super sensitive fluorescence quenching sensor to determine the Fe³⁺ ions. The effect of these two compounds on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the cells of vascular endothelial was further explored.

Efficacy and Safety of Locoregional Radiotherapy With Chemotherapy vs Chemotherapy Alone in De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Multicenter Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The role of locoregional radiotherapy in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) is unclear.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of locoregional radiotherapy in de novo mNPC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Patients with biopsy-proven mNPC, who demonstrated complete or partial response (RECIST v1.1) following 3 cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil chemotherapy, were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either chemotherapy plus radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone. Overall, 126 of 173 patients screened were eligible to the study, and randomized to chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (n = 63) or chemotherapy alone (n = 63). Median (IQR) follow-up duration was 26.7 (17.2-33.5) months.

Interventions

The chemotherapy regimens were fluorouracil continuous intravenous infusion at 5 g/m2 over 120 hours and 100 mg/m2 intravenous cisplatin on day 1, administered every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Patients assigned to the chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after chemotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point of the study was overall survival (OS). The secondary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) and safety.

Results

Overall, 126 patients were enrolled (105 men [83.3%] and 21 women [16.7%]; median [IQR] age, 46 [39-52] years). The 24-month OS was 76.4% (95% CI, 64.4%-88.4%) in the chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group, compared with 54.5% (95% CI, 41.0%-68.0%) in the chemotherapy-alone group. The study met its primary end point of improved OS (stratified hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.77; P = .004) in favor of chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Progression-free survival was also improved in the chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group compared with the chemotherapy-alone group (stratified HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.23-0.57). No significant differences in acute hematological or gastrointestinal toxic effects were observed between the treatment arms. The frequency of acute grade 3 or higher dermatitis, mucositis, and xerostomia was 8.1%, 33.9%, and 6.5%, respectively, in the chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group. The frequency of late severe grade 3 or higher hearing loss and trismus was 5.2% and 3.4%, respectively, in the chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, radiotherapy added to chemotherapy significantly improved OS in chemotherapy-sensitive patients with mNPC.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02111460.

Vessel traffic safety in busy waterways: A case study of accidents in western shenzhen port

Throughout the world, busy waterways near large ports witness heavy vessel traffic in recent decades. The waterways are characterized by high risk in terms of loss of life, property, and pollution to environment. To facilitate maritime safety management with satisfactory efficiency and efficacy, the authors propose a framework of safety indexes to evaluate the risk level in busy waterways according to the accident severity, fatality rate and special indicators of maritime transportation. The safety indexes consist of Safety Evaluation Index (SEI) and Safety Warning Index (SWI), and are derived from the proposed risk criteria of Chinese vessel traffic. As a case study, data on vessel traffic accidents reported in the Western Shenzhen Port, South China from 1995 to 2015 are analyzed. The actual risk level of this area during the period is calculated under the framework. The implementation of the safety indexes indicate that the risk criteria and safety indexes are practicable and effective for the vessel traffic management. The methodology based on long-term accident data can significantly support the risk analysis in the macroscopic perspective for busy ports and waterways, such that SWI can act as threshold to trigger actions, while SEI can act as an indicator to measure safety status.

[Simultaneous determination of 21 organophosphrous pesticides in human serum by QuEChERS-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry]

Objective: A method for the simultaneous determination of organophosphrous pesticides inhuman serum was developed. Methods: Using C18 and PSA as absorbent, 21 organophosphrous pesticides including methamidophos, dichlorvos, acephate, Omethoate, demeton and etc. in human serum were determined by combing QuEChERS with GC-MS, organophosphrous pesticides were qualitatedsimultaneously by retention time and characteristic ions. Their contents were determined by internal standard method of quantitative ions. Results: The linear range was from0to 0.60μg/ml with a good correlation coefficients (r ≥ 0.9961) . The LODs of this methodranged from 0.0009 to 0.0111 μg/ml. The average recoveries of3 organophosphrous pesticides (methamidophos、dichlorvos and acephate) ranged from 71.8%~85.3%, The average recoveries of other 18 organophosphrous pesticidesranged from 82.9%~102.9%. The relative standard deviations were0.8%~7.0%. Conclusion: The convenient operation and versatility of this method are suitable forthe fast screening and accurate detection of 21 organophosphrous pesticides in human serum.

Establishment and validation of M1 stage subdivisions for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma to better predict prognosis and guide treatment

BACKGROUND

To better manage patients with de novo metastatic NPC (mNPC) including easily identifying individuals' survival outcomes and accurately choosing the most suitable treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three independent cohorts of mNPC patients (a training set of n = 462, an internal prospective validation set of n = 272 and an external prospective validation set of n = 243) were studied. The radiological characteristics of distant metastases, including number of metastatic locations, number of metastatic lesions and size of metastatic lesions, were carefully defined based on imaging data. These three factors and other potential prognostic factors were comprehensively analysed and were further integrated into new subdivisions of stage M1 using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

We successfully subdivided the M1 stage into three categories: M1a, oligo metastasis without liver involvement; M1b, multiple metastases without liver involvement; and M1c, liver involvement irrespective of metastatic lesions. The 3-year overall survival ranged from 54.5% to 72.8%, from 34.3% to 41.6% and from 22.6.0%-23.6% for M1a, M1b and M1c, respectively (P < 0.001). Systemic chemotherapy combined with radical loco-regional radiotherapy may benefit patients in M1a and M1b, not in M1c. Further aggressive treatment of metastatic lesions based on systemic chemotherapy and definitive loco-regional radiotherapy showed no survival benefit, even for patients in M1a (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The subdividing of M1 provided promising prognostic value and could aid clinicians in choosing the most suitable treatment for de novo mNPC patients.

Prognostic value and predictive threshold of tumor volume for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Background

Gross target volume of primary tumor (GTV-P) is very important for the prognosis prediction of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but it is unknown whether the same is true for locally advanced NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). This study aimed to clarify the prognostic value of tumor volume for patient with locally advanced NPC receiving IMRT and to find a suitable cut-off value of GTV-P for prognosis prediction.

Methods

Clinical data of 358 patients with locally advanced NPC who received IMRT were reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the cut-off values of GTV-P for the prediction of different endpoints [overall survival (OS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and disease-free survival (DFS)] and to test the prognostic value of GTV-P when compared with that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer T staging system.

Results

The 358 patients with locally advanced NPC were divided into two groups by the cut-off value of GTV-P as determined using ROC curves: 219 (61.2%) patients with GTV-P ≤46.4 mL and 139 (38.8%) with GTV-P >46.4 mL. The 3-year OS, LRFS, DMFS, and DFS rates were all higher in patients with GTV-P ≤46.4 mL than in those with GTV-P > 46.4 mL (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that GTV-P >46.4 mL was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for patient survival. The ROC curve verified that the predictive ability of GTV-P was superior to that of T category (P < 0.001). The cut-off values of GTV-P for the prediction of OS, LRFS, DMFS, and DFS were 46.4, 57.9, 75.4 and 46.4 mL, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with locally advanced NPC, GTV-P >46.4 mL is an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator for survival after IMRT, with a prognostic value superior to that of T category.

[The role definition of lateral arm free flap in reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery]

Application of free flap is one of the important repair means in head and neck surgery. A variety of free flaps, such as anterolateral thigh flap, have showed unique advantages in repair for tissue defects after resection of head and neck tumor, and have became increasing popularity. Lateral arm flee flap is an important repair means in plastic surgery, which has developed more than 30 years, but the application of this flap for reconstruction in head and neck surgery is relatively backward, with few reports. This review focuses on the creativity and innovation, the relationship between anatomy and clinical application, and the application status and prospects for lateral arm flee flap in individual head and neck reconstruction surgery.

Association of miR-146a gene polymorphism with risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the central-southern Chinese population

This case-control study focused on estimating the association between miR-146a polymorphism and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in central-south China. In total, 160 patients with NPC and 200 healthy controls in central-south China were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Chi-square test was used to assess the different distribution of miR-146a polymorphism between NPC patients and controls; and logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the associations between miR-146a polymorphism with cancer risk in different contrast models. Significant differences between NPC patients and controls were found in genotype (P=0.033 for GG versus CG versus CC; and odds ratio (OR)=0.568, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.354-0.912, P=0.019 for CG versus CC; and OR=0.503, 95% CI=0.261-0.971, P=0.041 for CG versus CC; and OR=0.564, 95% CI=0.360-0.884, P=0.012 for GG+CG versus CC, respectively) and allelic analysis (P=0.025 for G versus C). Our findings suggested that polymorphism of mir-146a was associated with NPC in the central-southern Chinese population.

Association study between miR-149 gene polymorphism and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Association studies between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2292832 on miR-149 gene and cancer risk have been previously analyzed in several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between miR-149 polymorphism and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). miR-149 gene polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 158 patients with NPC and 242 healthy individuals. Associations with cancer risk and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed by χ² test. No significant difference was observed for miR-149 gene polymorphism in NPC patients and healthy controls in either genotype (P=0.427 for CC vs. CT vs. TT, P=0.247 for CT vs. TT and P=0.323 for CC vs. TT, respectively) or allelic analysis (P=0.216). No significant difference was noted between the genotypes and the clinicopathological parameters examined with the exception of clinical stage. A significantly higher CC distribution in clinical stage I-II compared with III-IV was observed under the dominant model (CC vs. CT vs. TT, P=0.026) and the co-dominant model (CC vs. TT, P=0.030). The results of this study suggested that the CC genotype of miR-149 contributes to the progression and development, rather than the initiation of NPC.

Controlled synthesis of olive-shaped Bi2S3/BiVO4 microspheres through a limited chemical conversion route and enhanced visible-light-responding photocatalytic activity

Well-defined olive-shaped Bi(2)S(3)/BiVO(4) microspheres were synthesized through a limited chemical conversion route (LCCR), where olive-shaped BiVO(4) microspheres and thioacetamide (TAA) were used as precursors and sulfur source, respectively. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission microscope (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-visible diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra in detail. Compared with pure BiVO(4) microspheres and Bi(2)S(3) nanorods, the Bi(2)S(3)/BiVO(4) products showed obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). In addition, the Bi(2)S(3)/BiVO(4) composite microspheres showed good visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for the degradation of refractory oxytetracycline (OTC) as well. On the basis of UV-vis DRS, the calculated energy band positions, and PL spectra, the mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi(2)S(3)/BiVO(4) was proposed. The present study provides a new strategy to design composite materials with enhanced photocatalytic performance.

Alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are required for the amyloid beta protein-induced suppression of long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal CA1 region in vivo

Amyloid beta protein (Abeta) is thought to be responsible for the deficit of learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD), possibly through interfering with synaptic plasticity such as hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) participate in various cognitive brain functions. However, it is unclear whether nAChRs, especially alpha4beta2 subtype nAChRs, are involved in Abeta-induced impairment of hippocampal LTP. The present study investigates a possible role of nAChRs during the impairment of LTP by Abeta. Our results showed that: (1) intracerebroventricular injection of Abeta(1-40), Abeta(25-35) or Abeta(31-35) significantly suppressed high-frequency stimulation-induced LTP, while Abeta(35-31), a reversed sequence of Abeta(31-35), have no effect on the LTP; (2) epibatidine, a specific agonist of alpha4beta2 subtype of nAChRs, dose-dependently suppressed the induction of LTP; (3) co-injection of epibatidine together with Abeta(31-35) did not further enhance the suppression of LTP induced by Abeta(31-35) or epibatidine alone; (4) dihydro-beta-erythroidine, a selective antagonist against alpha4beta2 subtype of nAChRs, showed no effect on the induction of LTP, but significantly reversed Abeta(31-35)-induced LTP impairment. These results indicate that: (1) sequence 31-35 in Abeta molecule might be a shorter active center responsible for the neurotoxicity of full length of Abeta; (2) alpha4beta2 subtype of nAChRs is required for the suppressive action of Abeta on the hippocampal LTP in vivo. Thus, the present study provides further insight into the mechanisms by which Abeta impairs synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in the AD brain.

[Effect of DNA-PKcs antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines with different p53 function statuses]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) can repair DNA double-strand break. This study was to observe the effect of DNA-PKcs antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODN) on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines with normal or abnormal p53 functions.

METHODS

DNA-PKcs ASODN was transfected into CNE-1 and CNE-1-wtp53 cells. These cells were irradiated with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 Gy X-ray. Cell survival was determined by clonogenic assay. The parameters D0, Dq, and N for the single-hit multitarget model and the parameters alpha, beta, alpha/beta, and SF2 for the linear-quadratic model were calculated to evaluate the changes of radiosensitivity.

RESULTS

The alpha values before DNA-PKcs ASODN transfection were 0.03 in CNE-1 cells and 0.05 in CNE-1-wtp53 cells; the alpha values after transfection were 0.04 in CNE-1 cells and 0.27 in CNE-1-wtp53 cells. The SF2 before transfection were 0.73 in CNE-1 cells and 0.50 in CNE-1-wtp53 cells; the SF2 after transfection were 0.45 in CNE-1 cells and 0.21 in CNE-1-wtp53 cells. The D0 before transfection were 2.08 Gy in CNE-1 cells and 1.13 Gy in CNE-1-wtp53 cells; the D0 after transfection were 1.07 Gy in CNE-1 cells and 0.83 Gy in CNE-1-wtp53 cells. The Dq before transfection were 2.04 Gy in CNE-1 cells and 1.36 Gy in CNE-1-wtp53 cells; the Dq after transfection were 1.24 Gy in CNE-1 cells and 0.73 Gy in CNE-1-wtp53 cells. The parameter alpha of CNE-1 cells was increased after DNA-PKcs ASODN transfection, but the parameters SF2, D0, and Dq were decreased after transfection.

CONCLUSION

DNA-PKcs ASODN could enhance the radiosensitivity of CNE-1 cells regardless of p53 function status.

DNA-dependent protein kinase activity and radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines CNE1/CNE2

The present study investigated the relationship between DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines. The dose-survival relationship for NPC cell lines, CNE1 and CNE2, was analyzed using clonogenic formation assay, the activity of DNA-PK of the two cell lines was measured using the Signa TECT DNA-PK assay kit, and the localization and expression of Kus (a heterodimer) and DNA-PKcs protein in CNE1 and CNE2 before irradiation and 15 min, 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after 4 Gy irradiation were analyzed by immunofluorescence, laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and Western blot. The results showed that the surviving fraction of CNE1 was higher than that of CNE2 at each dose. The DNA-PK activity of CNE1 was also significantly higher than that of CNE2 before and after irradiation (P<0.05), while the expression of total Ku70/Ku80 in CNE1 and CNE2 had no significant difference. Increasing translocation of Ku70 and Ku80 from the cytoplasm to the nuclei in the two cell lines was observed with increase of irradiation time as detected by Western blot, and the immunofluorescence of the DNA-PK complex subunits showed greater nuclear translocation in CNE1 than CNE2 after irradiation. The results suggest that the relatively higher radio-resistance of CNE1 correlates with the higher activity of DNA-PK as compared to that of more radiosensitive CNE2 (or lower radio-resistance) before and after irradiation. Thus, DNA-PK activity may be a useful predictor of radiosensitivity of NPC.

[Correlation of DNA-PK activity with anti-cancer drug-sensitivity in human gliomas]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity and anti-cancer drug sensitivity in human glioma tissues.

METHODS

Human glioma specimens were primarily cultured and its sensitivity to several anti-cancer drugs were evaluated by MTT assay. Nuclear protein was extracted from the glioma sample of the same patient and its DNA-PK activity was determined by a biotinylated DNA-PK assay with p53-derived peptide as a specific substrate.

RESULTS

DNA-PK activity varied widely among these glioma samples. Of all 36 samples, 16 showed higher DNA-PK activity (relative activity > or = 0.40) and 20 samples with lower DNA-PK activity (relative activity < 0.40). The gliomas sensitive to DDP and VCR as evaluated by inhibition rate (IR > or = 50%) under plasma peak concentration (PPC) showed lower DNA-PK activity than the resistant ones (IR < 50%) (t = -3.445, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the gliomas with higher DNA-PK activity showed lower inhibition rate (IR < 50%) than those with lower DNA-PK activity ones (t = -2.145, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

DNA-PK activity is significantly associated with anti-cancer drug sensitivity to DDP and VCR in human gliomas. DNA-PK activity could be used as a new biomarker for the chemotherapy sensitivity of human gliomas.

The effect of p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with normal p53 function

OBJECTIVE

p21(WAF1/CIP1) is transcriptionally activated by p53 and is required for G1 to S phase progression. p21 plays a critical role in DNA repair after DNA damage. Thus, cells with defective p21 may result in an enhancement of radiation induced apoptosis and improved radiosensitivity. We tested the hypothesis that p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 AS ODNs) can be used to reduce p21 expression level and increase radiosensitivity in CNE-1-wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line with normal p53 function.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 AS ODNs) and the random control oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 RD ODNs) were synthesized. p21 AS ODNs sequence: 5'-TGTCATGCTGGTCTGCCGCC-3'; p21 RD ODNs sequence: 5'-CCGGTGAACGAGCGAGCACA-3'. p21 AS ODNs and p21 RD ODNs were transfected into CNE-1-wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line. The protein expression levels of P21 were evaluated using Western blotting analysis. Cell cycle progression and apoptotic cells were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. The clonogenic survival assay was performed to determine the survival fraction. The parameters D0, Dq, and N for the single-hit multitarget model and the parameters alpha, beta, alpha/beta, and SF2 for the linear-quadratic model were calculated. BALB/c nude mice were used to investigate the effect of p21 AS ODNs on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal xenografts in vivo.

RESULTS

p21 AS ODNs were detected mainly in plasma with fluorescence microscopy investigation. P21 protein level dramatically decreased and the amount of apoptotic cells increased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells than in p21 RD ODNs transfected cells after irradiation. The percentage of G1 arrest decreased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells 24 h after radiation, then G2 arrest decreased 48 h after radiation. The values of D0, Dq, SF2 decreased and alpha value increased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells than in control cells. The inhibition rate in tumor xenografts exposed to X ray of 10 Gy alone was 39.1%, while it was 51.4% in xenografts injected with p21 AS ODNs before exposure to radiation. Unfortunately, there was no significant difference between these two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

p21 Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides led to inhibition of P21 protein expression, loss of G1 arrest, increase of apoptosis in CNE-1-wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides may become a promising strategy to enhance radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with normal p53 function.

Host--parasite relationships of Schistosoma japonicum in mammalian hosts

Control of schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum has been severely hindered by the fact that several non-human mammalian species, including domesticated as well as wild animals, serve as zoonotic carriers of this infection. For effective control, it is imperative that the full host spectrum of this infection is understood. Although about 46 species of mammals are known to carry natural infection with S. japonicum, only a few might be of potential threat to human infection. Generally, in an endemic area, transmission of schistosomiasis to human depends largely on the availability and abundance of permissive hosts. Another important factor that needs to be taken into consideration in developing control measures against S. japonicum is potential strain differences. This review collates pertinent host-parasite relationship of S. japonicum in mammals in an endemic area and assesses the epidemiological significance of these findings for human infection.

[The change of vWF in vascular endothelial cells under different stress]

AIM

To correlate the injury of vascular endothelial cells during various pathological conditions with the change of vWF (von Willebrand Factor) in different VEC lines.

METHODS

Flow cytometer(FCM) were used to defect the immunoflourescent stained vWF in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) of pig and aortic endothelial cells(AEC) of rats.

RESULTS

The positive rates of vWF in PAEC of pigs is similar with that in AEC of rats under normal condition, but it decreased differently after hypoxic or cold injury. It was very interesting that the mean fluorescence intensity of positive PAEC or AEC exposed to hypoxia or cold elevated significantly compared with those of control.

CONCLUSIONS

The change of vWF in VEC can be used to evaluate the function of VEC under different stress.

A role for parasite-induced PGE2 in IL-10-mediated host immunoregulation by skin stage schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni

Significant quantities of PGE(2) were produced by cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni following incubation with linoleic acid, a free fatty acid found on the surface of the skin. Cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitors failed to block this PGE(2) production, suggesting that a different biochemical pathway may be involved in the production of PGE(2) by the parasite. In addition, the parasites were also able to induce PGE(2) and IL-10 from human and mouse keratinocytes. Analysis of mouse skin during skin migratory phases of infection confirmed these in vitro observations. COX2 inhibitors blocked the parasite-induced PGE(2) and IL-10 from keratinocytes. Further analysis of the parasite secretions showed that the PGE(2)/IL-10-inducing effect was associated with a fraction <30 kDa molecular size. Addition of this fraction or parasite-stimulated keratinocyte culture supernatant to Con A-stimulated spleen cells resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation. This effect could be blocked by anti-IL-10 treatment. In sharp contrast, attenuation of the parasites with gamma-irradiation significantly abrogated their ability to induce PGE(2) or IL-10 from skin cells. Significance of IL-10 in host immunoregulation by skin stage schistosomula of S. mansoni was further confirmed by using IL-10-deficient mice. In these mice the normal subdued cutaneous reaction to the parasite was absent. Instead, a prominent cellular reaction occurred around the parasite, and there was considerable delay in parasitic migration through the skin. Thus these results suggest a key role for parasite-induced PGE(2) in IL-10-dependent down-regulation of host immune responses in the skin.

Short report: study on the efficacy of a new long-acting formulation of N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) for the prevention of tick attachment

The beneficial effects of N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) against biting insects of human and animals appear to last <6 hr after a single application to the skin. To prolong the repellent effects of DEET, recently we developed a new long-acting formulation of DEET called LIPODEET. This preparation was retained in the skin for a longer duration of time with minimal systemic absorption. In this study, we have evaluated the protective effect of three compounds (DEET, LIPODEET, and Morpel 220) against attachment of two species of ticks (Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis) to rabbit ears. Results show that LIPODEET and Morpel 220 were highly effective in preventing tick attachment to the skin for a longer duration of time (up to 72 hr) than DEET after a single application. Moreover, LIPODEET was found to be acaricidal to both the species of ticks.

Development and evaluation of LIPODEET, a new long-acting formulation of N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) for the prevention of schistosomiasis

N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is a common and fairly safe active ingredient in many insect repellents. Our recent studies showed that when applied to the skin, DEET has a potent anti-parasitic effect against Schistosoma mansoni. However, the beneficial effects of DEET lasted only for a few minutes, presumably due to its rapid absorption through the skin. In this study, we evaluated different carrier formulations that prolong the activity of DEET in the skin. Among the various formulations analyzed, DEET incorporated into liposomes (LIPODEET) appeared to prolong the activity of DEET for more than 48 hr after a single application. Furthermore, LIPODEET was found to be minimally absorbed through the skin and loss due to washing off was limited. These findings thus suggest LIPODEET is a safe and long-acting formulation of DEET that is quite effective against schistosomiasis.

Evaluation of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) as a topical agent for preventing skin penetration by cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni

The effect of skin application of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on the penetration and migration behavior of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model. These studies showed that DEET at concentrations of 7.5% or higher was 100% effective in immobilizing and killing cercariae of S. mansoni in vitro. Ultrastructural studies on such DEET-exposed cercariae showed transformative and degenerative changes involving both tegument and deeper parenchymal structures. Fatal tissue lesions were evident as early as 5 min postexposure to DEET, and became more extensive with increasing exposure time. Cutaneous application of DEET (as a pure chemical in isopropanol or as a commercial insect repellent preparation) was more than 99% effective in preventing entry of S. mansoni cercariae into the mouse tail skin. Radiolabeling and tracer studies confirmed that 7.5% DEET applied to the skin prior to infection was highly effective in preventing schistosomular migration to the lungs.

ICAM-1 and iNOS expression increased in the skin of mice after vaccination with gamma-irradiated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni

Host responses to migrating schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni were compared in the skin of naive, multiply infected, or vaccinated (with gamma-irradiated cercariae) mice during the first 72 hr after cercarial penetration. Cellular response to the migrating parasite was minimal in the skin of naive mice for up to 72 hr after infection. In sharp contrast, the multiply infected or vaccinated animals exhibited a marked inflammatory response in the skin as early as 8 hr after cutaneous penetration of the challenge cercariae. This early inflammatory response in the skin of sensitized animals was characterized by a significant increase in the number of infiltrating cells, predominantly mononuclear cells and neutrophils. Increased exudation of serum proteins was also present in the skin of sensitized animals in areas of cercarial challenge. A time course of analyses revealed that mononuclear cell numbers increased significantly in the skin of vaccinated animals as early as 60 min after a challenge infection and continued to be present at a significantly higher level up to 72 hr after challenge. Peak neutrophil responses occurred in the skin at 24 hr (in multiply infected animals) and at 48 hr (in vaccinated animals) after a challenge infection. Along with the massive cellular infiltration there was an increased tissue expression of ICAM-1 and mRNA for iNOS in the skin of sensitized animals. Further analysis showed that in sensitized animals increased ICAM-1 expression was predominantly found on endothelial cells lining dermal capillaries, especially in areas around schistosomular migration and on cells that surrounded schistosomula in the dermis. In naive animals, however, a similar infection did not induce any ICAM-1 expression or iNOS production in the skin. Thus, an ICAM-1 mediated early accumulation of mononuclear cells in the skin and local production of nitric oxide may be important for the initial cutaneous inflammatory immune responses to migrating schistosomula of S. mansoni in vaccinated animals. On the contrary, in naive animals a potential parasite-induced suppression of ICAM-1 may play an important role in reducing cellular reaction in the skin and consequently help the parasite evade immune responses in the skin.

[An animal model for screening of antiallergic and antipruritic drugs]

4-Aminopyridine(4-AP) 1 mg.kg-1 sc at the scruff induced a licking response in mice. Antiallergic and antipruritic drugs, such as diphenhydramine HCl(20 mg.kg-1 ip), doxepin(12.5 mg.kg-1 ig), prednisone(10 mg.kg-1 ig), dexamethasone(10 mg.kg-1 ip), fluocinolone (applied to the surface of skin), Pi Yan Ping(applied to the surface of skin), disodium cromoglicate(400 mg.kg-1 ip), ketotifen(1 mg.kg-1 ip), etc. markedly inhibited the licking response elicited by 4-AP. The calcium antagonist nifedipine(500 mg.kg-1 lg) and the potassium channel opener minoxidil(400 mg.kg-1 ig) produced the same inhibitory effect. H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine(200 mg.kg-1 ip) and ranitidine(150 mg.kg-1 ip) showed no effect. Morphine HCl(10 mg.kg-1 ip) and diazepam(0.02 mg.kg-1 ip) exhibited antagonistic effect on the licking response induced by 4-AP, but phenobarbital(25 mg.kg-1 ip), pentobarbital(15 mg.kg-1 ip) and aspirin(300 mg.kg-1 ig) did not. These results indicate that many antiallergic or antipruritic drugs inhibited the licking response induced by 4-AP. The method of licking response elicited by 4-AP has the merit of simplicity and convenience and may be used for screening antiallergic and antipruritic drugs.

Ultrastructural observations on cercaria of Schistosoma japonicum

The present paper describes the ultrastructure of the surface topography, head organ, tegument, musculature, glandular system, primary alimentary tract and flame cells of the Chinese mainland strain of Schistosoma japonicum cercaria, as visualized with both scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The results not only illustrate the morphological features of the cercarial surface and its internal structure reflecting an adaptation to the aqueous habitat but also reveal the correlation between the morphological structure and physiological function.

The effects of tetrandrine (TT) and polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide (PVNO) on gene expression of type I and type III collagens during experimental silicosis

In the screening tests of drugs for silicosis in our laboratory, we found that TT, a type of alkaloid isolated from Stephania tetrandra, could inhibit the development of experimental silicosis of rats and the synthesis of collagen in rat lung. Chest X-rays of silicotic patients treated with TT for 1-3 years showed obvious changes. The silicotic nodules became smaller and shadows became clearer. PVNO was proved to have anti-silicotic effect on animal and clinically. This presentation reports the effect of them on collagen mRNA. Dot blot results showed that alpha 1 (I) and alpha 1 (III) mRNA levels increased significantly at 60 and 120 days after the rats were exposed to silica dust. The mRNA levels went down at 1 and 3 months after treated by TT and PVNO. In situ hybridization observation revealed that the silver grains of Type I and Type III collagen were scattered within the fibroblasts in cellular nodules and in thickened interstitium of silicosis tissue. The amounts of mRNA silver grains decreased in the lung tissue treated by TT and PVNO. It was suggested that TT and PVNO may inhibit the gene expression of collagen during silicosis.

Strain complex of Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China

The present paper deals with studies on the characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum isolated from five localities in the mainland of China. The following items were observed and compared including morphometric data, susceptibility of six mammalian hosts, prepatent period, compatibility between larvae and snail hosts, size of hepatic granuloma produced by eggs, immunoreactions in experimental animals, sensitivity to praziquantel, SDS-PAGE protein pattern and its antigenicity analysis, DNA hybridization and genetic variation and differentiation by analysis with multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. By means of these multidisciplinary methods, from morphological to molecular level, the following conclusions may be drawn from our results. The evidence indicates firstly that S. japonicum in the mainland of China comprises a strain complex with several components of geographically distributed strains. At least four distinct strains exist, ie Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan and Anhui-Hubei. Characteristics of each strain are distinct and the results of these studies lead to discussion on the problem of the intraspecific and interstrain differentiation of S. japonicum in the mainland of China.

[Changes of osteocalcin levels in pregnant and postpartum women]

The concentration of plasma osteocalcin, or bone GLA protein (BGP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), calcium and phosphate were measured in 142 pregnant women at various stages of pregnancy and postpartum, and also in another 47 healthy non-pregnant women as control. In contrast to the control group, plasma BGP level showed significant increase at second and third trimester (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively), with the peak level at immediate postpartum period and returned to normal in 5 days. Serum AKP level increased as pregnancy progress, and there was significant difference between the levels at the 3rd trimester and that at non-pregnant status (P < 0.01). This study demonstrated that there was marked bone metabolism changes during pregnancy, and it indicated that osteocalcin might play a role in the regulation of bone metabolism.

SDS-PAGE protein pattern and its antigenicity analysis of different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum in China

Homogenates prepared from S. japonicum adult worms of different isolates from Anhui, Hubei, Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) tested with rabbit anti-snails antibody. The results of SDS-PAGE indicated that with silver staining both male and female worms of Guangxi isolate showed some definite differences in their protein profile, namely, absence of one band between 50-75 kDa in male worms and marked reduction in quantity of > 110 and 30 kDa bands in female worms. There was no obvious difference among other isolates both in male and female worms. The EITB patterns were similar in S. japonicum of Anhui and Hubei, and it was also the case with isolates from Yunnan and Sichuan, except that Yunnan female worms had a distinct band at 84 kDa which could hardly be seen in EITB pattern of Sichuan female worms; female worms of Guangxi isolates also showed a distinct 84 kDa band. The EITB pattern of male worms from Guangxi isolates showed 2 main bands of MW > 130 kDa against anti-Anhui snail antiserum which corresponded with the result of male worms of Anhui isolates. But these bands could not be seen with male worms from isolates of Yunnan and Sichuan.

Biology of Schistosoma japonicum. From cercaria penetrating into host skin to producing egg

The biology of the Chinese mainland strain of Schistosoma japonicum in mammalian phase of the life cycle has been studied in the past three decades. The mode of cercarial penetration is found to involve enzyme secretion and movement. The entry of schistosomulum into the blood vessel in the hypodermal connective tissue is evidenced after skin penetration. The growth and development of this fluke in mice and rabbits are investigated by physiological, histochemical and ultrastructural methods. The development of the fluke may be divided into eight stages. In the definitive host-range, at least 45 species and subspecies of 34 genera in 18 families of 7 mammalian orders have been demonstrated, and the susceptibility to infection in domestic animals is compared. The process of egg formation and embryonic development of this fluke are studied histologically and histochemically. It is suggested that the chemical nature of the egg shell should be a quinontanned protein system. The characteristics and dynamic changes of cytochemical substances in embryonation of eggs are described.

The Hoeppli phenomenon in schistosomiasis japonica: historical findings and additional investigation in bovines

The present paper deals with a buried knowledge of the early findings of the Hoeppli phenomenon in cattle infected with Schistosoma japonicum together with a revised list of bovines and other mammalian species in which this phenomenon has been found. It was noted that the percentage of the mature-egg granulomas with positive Hoeppli phenomena varied with the species of bovines, ie, higher positive percentage in the more susceptible cattle than in the less susceptible buffalos. The radiating filaments in fringes of the phenomenon were also stronger in cattle than in buffalos.

Sensitivity of different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum from China to praziquantel

Groups of C57BL inbred mice infected with each of the 4 different isolates, (Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan) of Schistosoma japonicum from the mainland of China were treated with praziquantel (PZQ) and the parasiticidal effects were compared. Worm reduction rate was recorded to assess systematically the sensitivity of 4 different isolates to PZQ in the mouse. Three dosage-levels of PZQ, ie 150, 230 and 310 mg/kg body weight in single doses were used. The worm development rates of control groups infected with schistosomes from Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan were 75.5, 81.8, 81.5, and 83.0%, respectively. At the dosage-level of 150 mg/kg, the worm reduction rates for the 4 different isolates were 36.0, 33.9, 25.5 and 35.6%, respectively. At the dosage-level of 230 mg/kg, the rates were 47.1, 46.0, 38.1 and 47.7%, while at the dosage-level of 310 mg/kg, they were 59.3, 58.6, 50.8 and 61.7%, respectively. The results indicated that the worm reduction rate of the Sichuan isolate was lower than that of the other three isolates, however, the differences were not statistically significant, suggesting that schistosomes of Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan isolates bear resemblance in drug response.

Parasitological and histopathological studies on rhesus monkeys infected with Chinese mainland strain of Schistosoma japonicum

Fifteen rhesus monkeys were infected by cutaneous exposure each with 200 or 300 cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum. The dynamic distribution of schistosomula in the skin showed that 77-90% of them were found in the connective tissue, while 10-23% migrated in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands at different time intervals after cercarial penetration. Dead schistosomula recovered from the skin varied from 8.7% to 28.7%. The average rate of adult worm recovery was 74.4% and 61.3% in the 6th and 15th weeks of infection, thereafter the rate decreased to 32.3% and 9.0% in the 19th and 42nd weeks, respectively. The mean length of mature pair-worms was 13.2 +/- 2.3 mm in male and 18.0 +/- 1.9 mm in female 6 weeks of worm age. Afterwards the body length of females and their sexual gland diminished markedly. The mean prepatent period was 35.0 +/- 0.6 days. The average size of mature eggs in the feces was 86.6 +/- 5.4 x 64.3 +/- 3.6 microns, and the peak of eggs passage in the feces occurred between 7th and 15th weeks after infection, later on the number of eggs markedly decreased. Skin reaction to the primary infection was slight. The pathological changes observed in liver were chiefly cellular infiltration of portal spaces and the lesions produced by egg granulomas. The mean volume of single-egg granulomas of the productive stage in liver was 22.7 +/- 10.5 mm3 x 10(-3). The most intensive damages in the gastro-intestinal tract were observed in the large intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Parkinson's disease in China. Coordinational Group of Neuroepidemiology, PLA

An epidemiological study on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) was carried out in 29 provinces, cities and autonomous regions in this country in 1986. The survey was conducted in 117 areas, and 566 patients with PD were found among 3,869,162 persons examined, giving a point prevalence for men and women of 16.9/10(5) and 12.4/10(5), with the highest prevalence after the fifth decade of age. The disease was most prevalent in the southern part of China, especially in Hunan and Guangxi provinces. The incidence was 1.5/10(5)/yr in 1986. Both the prevalence and incidence of PD in China are lower than those in the white race and Japanese.

Nervous system of Clonorchis sinensis as revealed by acetylcholinesterase activity

The gross neuroanatomy of Clonorchis sinensis has been revealed by the localization of acetylcholinesterase, well known to be associated with the nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of two cerebral ganglia situated postero-dorsally to the pharynx and connected by a transverse commissure. These ganglia give off four pairs of nerves anteriorly and three pairs posteriorly. The anterior nerves contribute to the pharynx and to the formation of the circum-oral ring located in the oral sucker. The posterior nerves, of which the postero-ventral nerve cords are the most prominent, contribute to the innervation of the acetabulum, the gut, the reproductive organs and the excretory bladder. All the posterior nerve cords are connected by a number of transverse connections throughout their course forming a complicated nerve net. At least two types of nerve cells, bipolar and multipolar ones, were observed.

Compatibility between Oncomelania hupensis and different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum in China

Oncomelania hupensis from six localities were used for infection with different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China, ie Anhui in the east, Hubei in the center, Guangxi in the south, Sichuan in the West, Yunnan in the southwest and Fujian in the southeast. Snails from Anhui and Hubei were readily infected with the local isolate of S. japonicum and cross infection also took place readily between the snails and the schistosomes from these two places. Snails from Sichuan and Yunnan were refractory to infection with schistosome isolates from Hubei and Anhui, but the isolates from Sichuan and Yunnan were able to develop in snails from Hubei and Anhui. Though the Guangxi isolate developed readily in both Anhui and Guangxi snails, the average precercarial period in the former was significantly longer than in the latter. None of the other snails from Sichuan, Yunnan and Fujian became infected. On the other hand, snails from Guangxi infected with Anhui parasites also had a longer precercarial period than that in Anhui snails. Snails from Fujian were readily infected with the isolates from Anhui and Yunnan. The present results suggest that there might be different geographic strains of S. japonicum and their Oncomelania snail hosts in the mainland of China.

Characteristics of different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum from China in the final hosts

The present paper deals with the susceptibility of common laboratory animals, such as mouse, rat, hamster, jird, rabbit and rhesus monkey, to infection with different isolates of Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China under laboratory conditions. With the exception of the rat, all the animals under study were permissive hosts for different isolates though their worm recovery rates varied. The mean body length of pair-worms of the Yunnan isolate was considerably smaller than that of the Anhui, Hubei, Guangxi and Sichuan isolates, and the percentage of male specimens with 7 testes in the Yunnan isolate was also significantly less than that in the other 4 isolates. Judging from the egg index (width/length x 100), the eggs of the Sichuan isolate were broad and short in shape, giving a high index; those of Guangxi and Hubei isolates were oblong, giving the lowest index; the other two isolates from Yunnan and Anhui, lay between these two extremes. The mean prepatent periods were longer in mice, hamsters and rhesus monkeys infected with Yunnan and Guangxi isolates, than those with Sichuan isolate. A dendrogram of the 5 isolates of S. japonicum was constructed on the basis of similarity coefficients by means of fuzzy cluster analysis on the biological characters mentioned above. Our results provide evidence of the existence of different strains of S. japonicum in the mainland of China as shown by comparative studies of their characteristics in the final hosts.