Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Titanium-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Promoting Antibacterial Performance by Synergistic Chemical-Photodynamic Therapy

The abuse of antibiotics leads to an increasing emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, which not only causes a waste of medical resources but also seriously endangers people's health and life safety. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop an efficient antibacterial strategy to reduce the reliance on traditional antibiotics. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is regarded as an intriguing antimicrobial method that is less likely to generate drug resistance, but its efficiency still needs to be further improved. Herein, a robust titanium-based metal-organic framework ACM-1 was adopted to support Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to obtain Ag NPs@ACM-1 for boosting antibacterial efficiency via synergistic chemical-photodynamic therapy. Apart from the intrinsic antibacterial nature, Ag NPs largely boost ROS production and thus improve aPDT efficacy. As a consequence, Ag NPs@ACM-1 shows excellent antibacterial activity under visible light illumination, and its minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA are as low as 39.1, 39.1, and 62.5 μg mL-1, respectively. Moreover, to expand the practicability of Ag NPs@ACM-1, two (a dense and a loose) Ag NPs@ACM-1 films were readily fabricated by simply dispersing Ag NPs@ACM-1 into heated aqueous solutions of edible agar and sequentially cooling through heating or freeze-drying, respectively. Notably, these two films are mechanically flexible and exhibit excellent antibacterial activities, and their antimicrobial performances can be well retained in their recyclable and remade films. As agar is nontoxic, degradable, inexpensive, and ecosustainable, the dense and loose Ag NPs@ACM-1 films are potent to serve as recyclable and degradable antibacterial plastics and antibacterial dressings, respectively.

Drp1 regulated PINK1-dependent mitophagy protected duck follicular granulosa cells from acute heat stress injury

The mitochondrial quality control system is crucial in maintaining cellular homeostasis during environmental stress. Granulosa cells are the main cells secreting steroid hormones, and mitochondria are the key organelles for steroid hormone synthesis. The impact of the mitochondrial quality control system on granulosa cells' steroid hormone synthesis and survival under heat stress is still unclear. Here, we showed that acute heat stress induces mitochondrial damage and significantly increases the number of mitophagy-like vesicles in the cytoplasm of duck ovary granulosa cells at the ultra-structural level. Meanwhile, we also found heat stress significantly increased mitochondrial fission and mitophagy-related protein expression levels both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, by confocal fluorescence analysis, we discovered that LC3 was distributed spot-like manner near the nucleus in the heat treatment group, and the LC3 spots and lysosomes were colocalized with Mito-Tracker in the heat treatment group. We further detected the mitophagy-related protein in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, respectively. Results showed that the PINK1 protein was significantly increased both in cytoplasm and mitochondria, while the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio increase only occurred in mitochondrial. In addition, the autophagy protein induced by acute heat treatment was effectively inhibited by the mitophagy inhibitor CysA. Finally, we demonstrated that the alteration of cellular mitophagy by siRNA interference with Drp1 and PINK1 inhibited the steroid synthesis of granulosa cells and increased cell apoptosis. Study provides strong evidence that the Drp1 regulated PINK1-dependent mitophagy pathway protects follicular granulosa cells from acute heat stress-induced injury.

[Development of dental robot implantation technology]

With the advancement of technology, intelligent technology has achieved unprecedented progress and breakthroughs in various fields. Dental implant robots represent a significant leap in the field of dental medical technology. This article aims to review the development of dental robot implantation technology both domestically and internationally, to compare the similarities and differences between existing dental implant methods and robotic implantation, to analyze the characteristics and current applications of robotic implantation technology, and to provide a forward-looking perspective. This review summarized 63 literatures and compared 1 176 implants, dental robot implantation demonstrates significant advantages in terms of precision, efficiency, and minimally invasive procedures. It effectively addresses issues such as implant position deviation, limited surgical visibility, and restricted operating space associated with traditional implantation methods. With widespread adoption in the future, it may reduce the overall technological expenses, and optimize its advantages and potential benefits.

[Research Progress on the Effect of Synthetic Cathinones on Animal Behavior]

Abstract

Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances with a structure similar to amphetamine drugs, which can produce excitatory effects similar to drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine after being taken. In recent years, the abuse of synthetic cathinones worldwide has become increasingly serious, posing a serious threat to social security and public health. This article focuses on several common synthetic cathinones, collects their research results in animal autonomous activity experiments and drug dependence model experiments and summarizes their relevant experimental conclusions in animal body temperature regulation, learning and memory, and anxiety, in order to provide data reference and method guidance for the domestic development of related drug research.

[Screening and analysis of Treponema pallidum specific antibody among childbearing age people in rural areas of Yunnan province, 2013-2017]

Objective: To determine the prevalence, epidemiological characteristics, and related factors of syphilis infection among rural childbearing age people to promote medical interventions on pre-pregnancy aristogenesis and syphilis infection in Yunnan province. Methods: The subjects in this study were 18-49-year-old rural couples of childbearing age from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in Yunnan province during 2013-2017. The descriptive study was carried out to determine the positive rate of Treponema pallidum specific antibody (TPsAb) and related sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The overall positive rate of TPsAb was 0.38% (8 204/2 160 455) in 2 160 455 rural childbearing age people in Yunnan. The positive rate of TPsAb was 0.39% (4 019/1 040 981) in men,higher than that in women (0.37%,4 185/1 119 474). The positive rate of TPsAb was highest in the age group 45-49 years (0.70%,158/22 511). The positive rate of TP antibody in the minority ethnic groups and Han ethnic groups appeared the same (0.38%). However,the highest positive rate of TPsAb was 0.77% (461/60 153) in Hani ethnic group among all the 17 minority ethnic groups. People with education level of primary education had the highest anti-TP positive rate (0.54%,2 327/431 275). The positive rate of TPsAb appeared the highest in Zhaotong (0.73%, 2 049/281 614) area among all the 16 prefectures of the province. The positive rate of TPsAb in the population from the impoverished regions (0.50%,2 963/590 039) was higher than in other disadvantaged areas (0.34%, 3 115/929 368) or areas with average income (0.33%,2 126/641 048). Significant differences appeared in the positive rate of TPsAb among populations of different ages, ethnic, education level, and economic level groups (trend χ² test, P<0.001). Conclusions: The positive rate of TP antibody in rural childbearing age people in Yunnan was related to multi factors,including sex,age,ethnic group,education level,area, residence, and local economic situation. The positive rate of TPsAb was higher in men than in women. And people with elder age, lower education level, being Hani or Lahu ethnic group, and Zhaotong areas had higher TPsAb positive rates and higher syphilis infection risk.

Clinical features and prognostic factors of cervical villoglandular adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma is a rare sub-type of cervical adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinicopathological features and evaluate the prognosis of patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

METHODS

Patient characteristics, procedure, pathology, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed in patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma between November 2006 and June 2019 from multiple centers in China. In order to explore the difference between villoglandular adenocarcinoma and routine adenocarcinoma, patients (FIGO 2009 stage IA1-IB2) who had complete data during the same time period were included.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma and 104 with standard adenocarcinoma were included. The median age of the patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma was 42 years (range 27-68). The most common 2009 FIGO stage was IB1 in 39 (65%) patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma. A total of 23 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (two total hysterectomies, 21 radical hysterectomies) and the other 37 patients underwent laparotomy (three total hysterectomies, 34 radical hysterectomies). A total of 56 patients underwent lymphadenectomy and three (5.4%) had positive lymph nodes. Fifteen (25%) patients had one or both ovaries preserved. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. The median follow-up time for the entire group was 50.2 months (range 5.1-154.6). No deaths or recurrences occurred. Excluding six patients with FIGO 2009 stage II, the 5-year disease-free survival of the 47 patients with villoglandular adenocarcinoma with FIGO 2009 stage I for whom there was follow-up, was significantly higher than that of the 104 patients with standard cervical adenocarcinoma (100% vs 92.2%, log-rank p=0.039). However, the 5-year overall survival of the two groups did not differ (100% vs 95.7%, log-rank p=0.11).

CONCLUSION

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma has a favorable prognosis. Further studies are needed to provide more details of treatment strategies and prognosis.

Roles of ten-eleven translocation family proteins and their O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylated forms in cancer development

Members of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of which three mammalian TET proteins have been discovered so far, catalyze the sequential oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine which serve an important role in embryonic development and tumor progression. O-GlcNAcylation (O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylation) is a reversible post-translational modification known to serve important roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis especially in hematopoietic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. O-GlcNAcylation activity requires only two enzymes: O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). OGT catalyzes attachment of GlcNAc sugar to serine, threonine and cytosine residues in proteins, while OGA hydrolyzes O-GlcNAc attached to proteins. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that TETs can be O-GlcNAcylated by OGT, with consequent alteration of TET activity and stability. The present review focuses on the cellular, biological and biochemical functions of TET and its O-GlcNAcylated form and proposes a model of the role of TET/OGT complex in regulation of target proteins during cancer development. In addition, the present review provides directions for future research in this area.

Effect of Application Rate and Timing on Residual Efficacy of Pyraclostrobin in the Control of Pepper Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a devastating disease that seriously affects pepper production worldwide. Anthracnose management is currently a major problem because of the widespread and long period of infection of this disease. Therefore, determination of the optimal fungicide application timing is important for controlling anthracnose in a timely manner . In vitro sensitivity tests showed no significant difference in the pyraclostrobin sensitivity of Colletotrichum scovillei collected from 2016 and 2017, with mean half maximal effective concentration values of 0.349 to 0.542 and 0.0475 to 0.0639 mg/liter for the inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination, respectively. Fungicide application initiated at the full-bloom stage could significantly delay anthracnose disease onset, decrease anthracnose incidence and development (23.67 to 89.80%), and increase pepper yield by 10.7 to 29.2%. In addition, the application dosage was decreased by >50%. BF-500-3, the main metabolite of pyraclostrobin, was detected in pepper fruit and exhibited high inhibitory activity against C. scovillei. The final residues of all fungicides at different application timing were below maximum residue limits. Moreover, structural equation modeling indicated that application timing plays the most important role in anthracnose disease inhibition. The tank mixtures of pyraclostrobin with tebuconazole and fludioxonil showed more satisfactory efficacy (69.87 to 78.36%) against anthracnose than did pyraclostrobin alone under field conditions. This study is the first to determine the best fungicide application timing for anthracnose management. These results establish the basis for sustainable development of the pepper industry.

[Comparison on efficacy and safety of different bridging anticoagulation therapies in patients undergoing mechanical heart valve replacement surgery]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different bridging anticoagulant therapies in patients undergoing mechanical heart valve replacement (MHVR) surgery. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing MHVR surgery from January 2018 to December 2018 in First Hospital of Lanzhou University were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into unfractionated heparin (UFH) group and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) group according to the postoperative bridging anticoagulation methods. Preoperative clinical data and postoperative related time and cost parameters, including drainage time, duration of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative time (interval from end of operation to discharge) and INR stabilization time (interval from start of bridge anticoagulation to INR value reaching the standard for 2 consecutive days) of all enrolled patients were collected, and all patients were followed up for 4 weeks and thromboembolic or bleeding events were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent prognostic factors of thromboembolic or bleeding events after MHVR receiving various bridging anticoagulant therapies. Results: A total of 217 patients were included in the study, including 120 patients in the UFH group and 97 patients in the LMWH group. Stroke occurred in two patients in the UFH group, while no stroke event occurred in the LMWH group. The incidence of bleeding events was significantly higher (9.28%(9/97) vs. 1.67%(2/120), P=0.02), while the drainage time, duration of stay in ICU, postoperative time, INR stabilization time were all significantly shorter in LMWH group than in UFH group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that bridging anticoagulation therapies (OR=0.18, 95%CI 0.04-0.86, P=0.03), fibrinogen level (OR=1.99, 95%CI 1.16-3.41, P=0.01) and creatinine level (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.08, P=0.04) were independent prognostic factors for bleeding events. Conclusion: LMWH use is associated with increased risk of bleeding events, but can significantly reduce the drainage time, duration of stay in ICU, postoperative time, INR stabilization time in patients post MHVR surgery.

Effect of Pyrisoxazole on Colletotrichum scovillei Infection and Anthracnose on Chili

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum scovillei is one of the most destructive diseases affecting chili production. Disease control mainly relies on conventional fungicides, and repeated exposure to single-site mode-of-action fungicides may pose a risk for the development of resistant isolates within the population. Our previous study suggested that pyrisoxazole has strong inhibitory activity against C. scovillei in vitro. However, the effects of pyrisoxazole on the C. scovillei infection process and the performance of pyrisoxazole in the field remain unclear. In this study, pyrisoxazole exhibited strong inhibitory activity against the mycelial growth, appressorium formation, and appressorium diameter of C. scovillei, with half maximal effective concentration values of 0.1986, 0.0147, and 0.0269 μg/ml, respectively, but had no effect on sporulation, even at the highest concentration of 1.6 μg/ml. The baseline sensitivity curves were unimodal with a long right-hand tail. The in vivo data showed that pyrisoxazole provided both preventive and curative activity against anthracnose on chili. Pyrisoxazole decreased the incidence of anthracnose and reduced disease progress. The results of electron microscopy showed that pyrisoxazole can affect the C. scovillei infection process by altering mycelial morphology, degrading conidia and germ tubes, suppressing conidial germination and appressorium formation, and enhancing conidiophore production. Pyrisoxazole can be used to effectively control anthracnose under field conditions and increase chili yield; moreover, no phytotoxicity symptoms were observed after treatment. These results provide new insight into the mechanisms by which pyrisoxazole controls disease and suggest that pyrisoxazole is a feasible alternative for the management of anthracnose in chili.

Expression of Nrf2 in Different Cells after Human Cerebral Cortex Contusion

Abstract

Objective To observe the expression changes of nuclear factor-erythroid derived 2-related factors （Nrf2） in different cells at different time points after human cerebral cortex contusion, and to discuss its application in brain wound age estimation. Methods Thirty-six human brain tissues were selected, of which 6 were for control and 30 were cortical contusion at different time points post-injury, which were divided into 0-1 h, 3-6 h, 1-3 d, 5-7 d, and 10-14 d post-injury groups, with 6 cases in each group. Based on paraffin embedded sections, HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes post-injury, and double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. The number of positive cells was counted and statistical analysis was made. Results The number of neurons decreased 1-3 d post-injury. The expression of Nrf2 cells in neurons increased after injury, and the rate of positive cells peaked at 1-3 d post-injury. Glial cells were activated 1-3 d post-injury, and the activation peaked at 5-7 d post-injury. The cerebromalacia began to form at 10-14 d post-injury. Glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） positive cells in mice increased gradually after injury and peaked at 5-7 d post-injury, while the proportion of Nrf2 in GFAP positive cells was relatively stable. After injury, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （IBA1） positive cells increased and activated gradually. The expression proportion of Nrf2 in IBA1 positive cells increased gradually, reached its peak at 5-7 d post-injury, and then decreased. Conclusion The expression of Nrf2 in different cells involves in the biological function of different cells post-injury, and the dynamic expression of single cells has a time-dependent pattern. This may provide a new reference index for the wound age estimation of brain contusion in human.

Isolation and identification of two new compounds from the Penicillium sp. SYPF7381

Two new compounds, (7R, 2E, 5E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,5-octadienedioic-8-methyl ester (1) and neovasipyridone G (3), together with a new natural product compound (7R,2E,5E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,5-octadienedioic acid (2), and six known compounds (4-9) were isolated from Penicillium sp. SYPF7381. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by optical rotation. The absolute configuration of compound 3 was determined by means of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. In addition, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of all compounds were assayed in RAW 264.7 cells by assessing LPS-induced NO production. Furthermore, the structure-antiinflammation activity relationships for these isolated compounds were summarized based on the experimental as well as the docking results.

Characterization of Pd/Y multilayers with B4C barrier layers using GIXR and X-ray standing wave enhanced HAXPES

Pd/Y multilayers are high-reflectance mirrors designed to work in the 7.5-11 nm wavelength range. Samples, prepared by magnetron sputtering, are deposited with or without B₄C barrier layers located at the interfaces of the Pd and Y layers to reduce interdiffusion, which is expected from calculating the mixing enthalpy of Pd and Y. Grazing-incident X-ray reflectometry is used to characterize these multilayers. B₄C barrier layers are found to be effective in reducing Pd-Y interdiffusion. Details of the composition of the multilayers are revealed by hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy with X-ray standing wave effects. This consists of measuring the photoemission intensity from the samples by performing an angular scan in the region corresponding to the multilayer period and an incident photon energy according to Bragg's law. The experimental results indicate that Pd does not chemically react with B nor C at the Pd-B₄C interface while Y does react at the Y-B₄C interface. The formation of Y-B or Y-C chemical compounds could be the reason why the interfaces are stabilized. By comparing the experimentally obtained angular variation of the characteristic photoemission with theoretical calculations, the depth distribution of each component element can be interpreted.

Peripheral lymphocyte subset variation predicts prostate cancer carbon ion radiotherapy outcomes

The immune system plays a complementary role in the cytotoxic activity of radiotherapy. Here, we examined changes in immune cell subsets after heavy ion therapy for prostate cancer. The lymphocyte counts were compared with acute radiotherapy-related toxicity, defined according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, and short-term local efficacy, defined based on prostate-specific antigen concentrations. Confirmed prostate cancer patients who had not received previous radiotherapy were administered carbon ion radiotherapy (CIR) in daily fractions of 2.74 GyE with a total dose of 63-66 GyE. Lymphocyte subset counts were investigated before, during and after radiotherapy, and at a 1 month follow-up. Most notable among our findings, the CD4/CD8 ratio and CD19+ cell counts were consistently higher in patients with a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) to CIR than in those classified in the stable disease (SD) group (P<0.05 for both). But CD3+ and CD8+ cell counts were lower in the CR and PR groups than in the SD group. These results indicate that variations in peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations are predictive of outcome after CIR for prostate cancer.

[Forensic Analysis of 6 Cases of Sudden Death due to Hyperthyroid Heart Disease]

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the cases of sudden death due to hyperthyroid heart disease, and explore the general information of deaths and the forensic pathological characteristics to provide reference evidence for forensic identification of such cases.

METHODS

Six cases of sudden death due to hyperthyroid heart disease between 2001 and 2016 were selected from School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University. The general information （gender and age）, clinical manifestations, medical history, anatomical and histopathological findings, biochemical parameters and cause of death were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Most of the 6 patients had definite history of hyperthyroidism, and they all showed certain degrees of symptoms of cardiovascular disease; had obvious incentive factors of death; histopathological examination of thyroid conformed to the performances of diffuse toxic goiter; with increase of cardiac weight, dilatation of cardiac chambers, myocardial hypertrophy and focal necrosis; postmortem biochemical analyses of pericardial fluid could be used as an additional method for diagnostic of sudden death due to hyperthyroid heart disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of death due to hyperthyroid heart disease should be based on the clinical history and the results of autopsy, histopathological examination, postmortem toxicology tests. The postmortem biochemical detection of thyroid and cardiac function should be performed if necessary.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel nicotinamide derivatives bearing a substituted pyrazole moiety as potential SDH inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays an important role in the Krebs cycle, which is considered as an attractive target for development of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) based on antifungal agents. Thus, in order to discover novel molecules with high antifungal activities, SDH as the target for a series of novel nicotinamide derivatives bearing substituted pyrazole moieties were designed and synthesised via a one-pot reaction.

RESULTS

The biological assay data showed that compound 3 l displayed the most potent antifungal activity with EC₅₀ values of 33.5 and 21.4 µm against Helminthosporium maydis and Rhizoctonia cerealis, respectively. Moreover, 3 l exhibited the best inhibitory ability against SDH enzymes. The results of docking simulation showed that 3 l was deeply embedded into the SDH binding pocket, and the binding model was stabilised by a cation-π interaction with Arg 43, Tyr 58 and an H-bond with Trp 173.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the pyrazole nicotinamide derivative 3 l may serve as a potential SDHI that can be used as a novel antifungal agent, and provides valuable clues for the further design and optimisation of SDH inhibitors. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Photo-thermal effect enhances the efficiency of radiotherapy using Arg-Gly-Asp peptides-conjugated gold nanorods that target αvβ3 in melanoma cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Thermotherapy has been known to be one of the most effective adjuvants to radiotherapy (RT) in cancer treatment, but it is not widely implemented clinically due to some limitations, such as, inadequate temperature concentrations to the tumor tissue, nonspecific and non-uniform distribution of heat. So we constructed arginine-glycine-aspartate peptides-conjugated gold nanorods (RGD-GNRs) that target the alpha(v) beta(3) Integrin (αvβ3) and investigate whether the photo-thermal effect of RGD-GNRs by near infrared radiation (NIR) could enhance the efficiency of RT in melanoma cancer cells.

RESULTS

RGD-GNRs could be seen both on the surface of the cell membranes and cytoplasm of A375 cells with high expression of αvβ3. After exposed to 808 nm NIR, RGD-GNRs with various concentrations could be rapidly heated up. Compared to other treatments, flow cytometric analysis indicated that RT + NIR + RGD-GNRs increased apoptosis (p < 0.001) and decreased the proportion of cells in the more radioresistant S phase (p = 0.014). Treated with NIR + RGD-GNRs, the radiosensitivity was also significantly enhanced (DMFSF2: 1.41).

CONCLUSION

Results of the current study showed the feasibility of using RGD-GNRs for synergetic RT with photo-thermal therapy. And it would greatly benefit the therapeutic effects of refractory or recurrent malignant cancers.

The first case of Silver-Russell syndrome accompanied by linea alba hernia in China

A 10-month-old Chinese boy presented with delayed motor development for seven months. Blood and biochemistry investigations revealed no abnormalities. The physical examination showed poor postnatal growth (below -2 standard deviation from the mean at diagnosis), preservation of the occipitofrontal head circumference with delayed closure of the anterior fontanel, a classical triangular facial phenotype, asymmetry of the lower extremities and other characteristic features that fulfil the diagnostic criteria of Silver-Russell syndrome clinically. As PubMed and web searches revealed no similar findings, we believe that this may be the first case of Silver-Russell syndrome with linea alba hernia and pes varus reported in China, and possibly the world. The genetic deficit responsible for this case is still under investigation.

Fluorofenidone attenuates collagen I and transforming growth factor-beta1 expression through a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-dependent way in NRK-52E cells

AIM

Fluorofenidone (1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1H)-pyridone) is a novel pyridone agent. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of fluorofenidone on angiotensin (Ang)II-induced fibrosis and the involved molecular mechanism in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells.

METHODS

NRK-52E cells, a rat proximal tubular epithelial cell line, were incubated with medium containing AngII, with or without nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI), losartan, fluorofenidone (2, 4 and 8 mmol/L) and pirfenidone (8 mmol/L) for 24 h. Cells in the serum-free medium were controls. The expression of three subunits of NADPH oxidase, including p47phox, Nox-4 and p22phox, were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot. NADPH oxidase activity was measured directly by superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitable cytochrome C reduction assay. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence analysis. The mRNA and protein expression of collagen I and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 were determined by real-time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Fluorofenidone significantly inhibited TGF-beta1 and collagen I expression upregulation induced by AngII or TGF-beta1 respectively. Moreover, fluorofenidone greatly reduced the elevation of expression and activity of NADPH oxidase and inhibited ROS generation induced by AngII in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells. These responses were also attenuated by DPI, losartan, and pirfenidone.

CONCLUSION

Fluorofenidone acted as an anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic agent through the mechanisms of blocking NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress and inhibiting TGF-beta1 expression in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Porcine aminopeptidase N is a functional receptor for the PEDV coronavirus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes lethal diarrhea in piglets that leads to great economic losses in East Asia. It was reported that aminopeptidase N (APN) is the receptor for transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and feline coronavirus (FeCoV) which all belong to group I coronavirus including as well as PEDV. It was also confirmed previously that porcine aminopeptidase N (pAPN) can bind to PEDV, and anti-pAPN antibodies may inhibit the combination. To investigate whether pAPN is a receptor for PEDV, we transfected MDCK cells with porcine aminopeptidase (pAPN) cDNA and this enabled non-susceptible cells to support PEDV replication and serial viral propagation. Moreover, the infection was blocked by antibodies against pAPN, implies the critical role of pAPN during virus entry. In addition, immunofluorescence assays for detection of pAPN and PEDV antigens, together with neutralization assays using antibodies against pAPN, further confirmed the correlation between pAPN expression and viral replication in pAPN-transfected MDCK cells. These results indicate that pAPN is a functional receptor for PEDV.

Mutations in the ATP2C1 gene in Chinese patients with Hailey-Hailey disease

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD; MIM 16960) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by recurrent eruption of vesicles and bullae, predominantly involving the body folds. It is caused by heterozygous mutations in the ATP2C1 gene, encoding the human secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+-ATPase protein 1 (hSPCA1). When we studied Chinese patients with HHD, we found two different heterozygous mutations, Q506X and G353V, the former previously reported in a Hungarian patient, and the latter being a novel mutation. In a 38-year-old patient from a four-generation pedigree with a 3-year history of severe recurrent blisters, we identified a C-->T transition at nucleotide 1696, c(1696C-->T), in exon 17 of ATP2C1, resulting in a nonsenes mutation, Gln506X, which resulted in a premature termination codon. In the second patient, who represented a occurrence of sporadic Hailey-Hailey disease, a G-->T transversion of nucleotide, c(G1238T), in exon 13 of ATP2C1 was detected, which resulted in a Gly353-->Val amino acid substitution (G353V). Our molecular findings further demonstrate that the mutational events in the human ATP2C1 gene encoding the hSPCA1 pump play an important role in the pathogenesis of HHD.

Association between PCR-SSCP of growth differentiation factor 9 gene and high prolificacy in Small Tail Han sheep

Small Tail Han sheep that has significant characteristics of high prolificacy and nonseasonal ovulatory activity is an excellent local sheep breed in P.R. China. The lambing percentage averaged 260% in Small Tail Han sheep. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene, which was essential for growth and differentiation of early ovarian follicles, was considered as a possible candidate gene for litter size in Small Tail Han sheep. The genetic polymorphism of a part of the GDF9 gene was detected in 130 ewes of Small Tail Han sheep by PCR-SSCP. The results indicated that there were two genotypes (AA and AB) detected by two primer pairs. In both exon 1 and exon 2 of the GDF9 gene in Small Tail Han sheep, frequencies of AA genotype were 0.846 and 0.908, frequencies of AB genotype were 0.154 and 0.092, frequencies of A allele were 0.923 and 0.954, and frequencies of B allele were 0.077 and 0.046, respectively. The results of chi2 fitness test indicated that both exon 1 and exon 2 of the GDF9 gene were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05) in Small Tail Han sheep. Least squares means of litter size in the first and the second parity for genotype AA were 0.30 (p <0.05) and 0.77 (p <0.0001) more than those for genotype AB detected in exon 1 of the GDF9 gene in Small Tail Han sheep, respectively. Fragments detected in exon 2 of the GDF9 gene had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on litter size in both the first and the second parity in Small Tail Han sheep. Litter size in sheep is lowly heritable, expressed only in females, and manifested relatively late in life. Access to genetic markers would thus be advantageous in selection programs.

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.

Inhibitory effects of berberine on IK1, IK, and HERG channels of cardiac myocytes

AIM

To study the effects of berberine on inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) and outward delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) of guinea pig ventricular myocytes, and on human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

METHODS

Whole cell patch-clamp and geneclamp techniques were used to record ionic currents.

RESULTS

Berberine prolonged action potential duration (APD) and inhibited IK1 and IK in a concentration-dependent manner. Berberine 100 micromol/L increased APD90 from (450 +\- 48) ms to (888 +\- 90) ms (n = 6, P < 0.01), and inhibited IK1 by 65 % +\- 7 % (n = 6, P < 0.01). Berberine 50 micromol/L inhibited IK by 57 % +\- 6 %, IKtail by 53 % +\- 6 % (n = 6, P < 0.01). Berberine produced a voltage-dependent block on IK that increased with stronger depolarization, and once all channels were activated, there was no further block at positive potentials. Berberine blocked the HERG channels potently with an IC50 value of approximately 75 micromol/L. This block was voltage-dependent, suggesting that it probably bind to either open or inactivated HERG channels.

CONCLUSION

Berberine prolonged APD and possessed blocking effect on IK1, IK, and HERG channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The antiarrhythmic mechanism of berberine is related to its inhibitory effects on IK1, IK, and HERG channel.

[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.

[Effects of modified SD therapy on Bell's palsy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a modified SD therapy (intravenous high dose hydrocortisone and low molecular dextran) on Bell's palsy(BP), and to avoid the severe side-effects such as hepatic and renal disorders during the treatment.

METHOD

Seventy-one BP patients were treated with modified SD method (modified group), thirty-two BP patients took prednisone (control group), and the curative rates of two therapies were compared, in the meanwhile recorded the side effects in detail.

RESULT

Curative rate in modified group was 95.8% (House-Brakmsnn I-II) and in control group was 81.2% (P < 0.05). In modified group, the curative rate (I grade) in the patients were treated within 24 hours following onset was 75.0%, and the curative rate in other three subgroups were treated within 24-48 hours, 2-3 day and 3-5 day following onset was 43.8%, 26.7%, 18.8% respectively. Modified group had not shown hepatic and renal disorders or gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Modified SD method may increase recoverable rate and can avoid significant side effects for BP, and emphasizes the importance of the administration of SD therapy in the early stage of the disease.

Antithrombotic and thrombolytic activities of Agkisacutacin, a snake venom proteinase, in experimental models

The antithrombotic and thrombolytic activities of Agkisacutacin (Agk), a component isolated from Agkistrodon acutus, were determined in vitro and in vivo. The models employed included Chandler's model, arterio-venous shunt model and pulmonary embolus model. The effects of Agkisacutacin on coagulation, plasma fibrinogen and platelet aggregation induced by collagen, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin were also investigated. The results showed that Agkisacutacin can significantly inhibit thrombus formation in Chandler's and arterio-venous shunt models, and accelerate thrombolysis of pulmonary emboli in rats. The data suggested that Agkisacutacin possessed antithrombotic and thrombolytic activities. Agkisacutacin was also partial characterized.

Purification, characterization, and cDNA cloning of a new fibrinogenlytic venom protein, Agkisacutacin, from Agkistrodon acutus venom

Agkisacutacin is a new fibrinogenlytic protein from Agkistrodon acutus venom. It consists of two heterologous subunits linked by an intersubunit disulfide bond. The cDNAs encoding the two chains of Agkisacutacin were cloned from a lambdagt11 cDNA library of the snake venom gland and sequenced, including the leader peptides (23/23 amino acid residues) and mature subunits (129/123 amino acid residues). It is structurally related to the family of IX/X-binding protein (IX/X-bp)-like proteins and shows high similarity (alpha-70%/beta-64%) to habu IX/X-bp from Trimeresurus flavoridis, but displays distinct biological activity with direct action on fibrinogen.

[Risk and influential factors of female breast cancer among medical diagnostic X-ray workers in China]

To study whether prolonged or repeated low-dose ionizing radiation could induce female breast cancer, we analyzed the incidence and risk factors of breast cancer among female medical diagnostic X-ray workers in China by cohort study and case-control study nested in the cohort. The risk of breast cancer enhanced significantly than the control group. It occurred in those who engaged in X-ray work before 1960, those who have been worked more than 25 years and those who are exposed before age 30, however, the age of onset cancer did not advance. The significant risk factors are accumulative radiation dose of the breast, obesity and family history of breast cancer. In addition, interaction could exists between obesity, non-lactation history and occupational X-ray exposure.

[Relations of regulatory polypeptide and syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine of angina pectoris patients]

Ninety cases of angina pectoris patients with the Deficiency of Heart Qi Syndrome (DHQS), Deficiency of Heart-Yin Syndrome (DHYS) and blood stasis in Heart vessels Syndrome (BSHVS) were studied. The number of patients were 30 for each group. Their regulatory polypeptides:atrial natri-uretic polypeptide (ANP), beta-Endorphine (beta-EP), Endothelin (ET), Angiotensin (A-II) were tested. Results showed that in comparing with normal level, P < 0.05 or < 0.01, ANP and beta-EP of them: DHQS > BSHVS > normal group > DHYS. ET and A-II of them: DHYS > BSHVS > normal group > DHQS. And the comparison between groups revealed that P < 0.05 or < 0.01. So ANP, beta-EP, ET and A-II were the principal material basis, and they could be the specific objective parameters of the Syndrome Differentiation.

[Short-term effects of Angelica sinensis and nifedipine on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with pulmonary hypertension]

40 COPD cases with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in remission stage were equally divided into four groups, 10 cases in each. Group 1-4 were treated with 25% Angelica sinensis (250 ml, iv. drip, qd), nifedipine (10 mg, po, tid), both Angelica sinensis+nifedipine and blank control respectively. The study was designed to investigate the changes of hemodynamics, pulmonary function and blood gas before and after the treatments by impedance rheopneumogram, lung function examination and blood gas analysis.

RESULTS

Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was decreased and cardiac output, PaO2 were increased significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in group 3. The effects of group 3 appeared to be better than in other groups. The side effect of PaO2 lowering in group 2 was overcome in adding Angelica sinensis.

Cancer incidence among medical diagnostic X-ray workers in China, 1950 to 1985

A second follow-up of 27,011 diagnostic X-ray workers in China revealed a 21% greater incidence of cancer than expected based on the experience of 25,782 physicians who did not routinely use X-rays (RR = 1.21; 95% Cl: 1.08 to 1.35). This risk is lower than the 50% excess reported previously and reflects, in part, the reduced risk among workers first employed after 1965, when hospital exposures to radiation probably were lower than in earlier years. The X-ray workers were employed between 1950 and 1985 and followed for an average of 16.1 years. Significantly elevated risks were seen for leukemia (RR = 2.4, n = 34 cases), and cancers of the esophagus (RR = 5.2, n = 19), liver (RR = 1.8, n = 65), and skin (RR = 2.8, n = 9). Cancers of the breast (RR = 1.5, n = 20), thyroid (RR = 1.7, n = 8), and bone (RR = 7.6, n = 4) also occurred more often than expected. Non-significant deficits were observed for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (RR = 0.6, n = 16), colon and rectum (RR = 0.8, n = 20), stomach (RR = 0.8, n = 36), and lung (RR = 0.9, n = 45). Excess risks for leukemia and esophageal cancer were seen among men but not among women. The RR for leukemia was higher for X-ray workers who began employment before 1970 than for those who started more recently and also for those who were young when employment began. The patterns of risk associated with duration of work, and with age and calendar time of initial employment, suggest that the excesses of leukemia and skin cancer, and, possibly, cancers of the breast and thyroid, were due to occupational exposure to X-rays. However, there was little evidence that radiation contributed to the increased occurrences of liver or esophageal cancers.

Cancer among medical diagnostic x-ray workers in China

Cancer incidence among 27,011 diagnostic x-ray workers was compared to that of 25,782 other medical specialists employed between 1950 and 1980 in China. X-ray workers had a 50% higher risk of developing cancer than the other specialists [relative risk (RR) = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3-1.7]. Leukemia was strongly linked to radiation work (RR = 3.5, n = 30). Cancers of the breast (RR = 1.4, n = 11), thyroid (RR = 2.1, n = 7), and skin (RR = 1.5, n = 6) were increased among x-ray workers employed for 10 or more years. High risks of cancers of the esophagus (RR = 3.5, n = 15) and liver (RR = 2.4, n = 48) were not consistent with a radiation effect since risk did not vary by duration of employment. This finding suggested that some differences might exist between groups of hospital workers in social class, alcohol intake, dietary habits, and other risk factors. No excess lung cancer (RR = 0.9, n = 22) or multiple myeloma (n = 0) was observed. Significant excesses of leukemia and cancers of the breast and thyroid occurred among x-ray workers first employed prior to 1960 when radiation exposures in China were high. In fact, it was not uncommon for employees to be given time off from x-ray work because their wbc count was severely depressed. These data indicated that repeated exposure to x-rays over many years can increase the risk of leukemia and several other tumors but apparently not that of lung cancer.