[Research on the framework of biosafety standards for pathogenic microbial laboratories]

Developing and implementing biosafety standards for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is essential to achieving scientific, efficient, and standardized management and operation. This article analyzes the current standardization construction in biosafety in pathogenic microbiology laboratories domestically and internationally. It proposes a framework for the biosafety standard system of pathogenic microbiology laboratories, which mainly includes four parts: basic standards, management standards, technical standards, and industry applications. It provides a reference for the standardization work of pathogenic microbiology laboratories and helps to standardize the biosafety industry in China.

[Analysis of pregnancy outcome after fertility-preserving treatment among women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the pregnancy outcome, influencing factors and recurrence of fertility-preserving therapy for women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: The multi-center retrospective study included 107 women with AEH or EC for fertility-preserving therapy in 10 hospitals from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2018. The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate and recurrence of 66 patients with urgent child-bearing requirements after fertility-preserving treatment were analyzed. Results: (1) Among the 66 AEH and EC women with urgent child bearing requirements, 24 women chose spontaneous pregnancy, the clinical pregnancy rate was 54.2% (13/24) and the live birth rate was 41.7% (10/24), the median time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to clinical pregnancy was 5.5 months. Forty-two women chose assisted reproductive technology (ART), the clinical pregnancy rate was 59.5% (25/42) and the live birth rate was 35.7% (15/42), the median time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to clinical pregnancy was 19.5 months. The time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to pregnancy in women receiving ART was significantly longer than that in women with spontaneous pregnancy (P=0.048). (2) Age and intrauterine adhesions were independent factors affecting the clinical pregnancy rate (P<0.05). (3) Among 107 patients with AEH or EC, the recurrence rate was 27.1% (29/107). Among the 42 cases who chose ART, 9 of them recurred before ART treatment, who received the fertility-preserving therapy again and then ART treatment, 8 women got clinical pregnancy,5 of them delivered at least a live birth. Conclusions: Women with AEH or EC could achieved satisfactory clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after fertility-preserving therapy. Age and intrauterine adhesions are independent factors affecting clinical pregnancy rate. The women with recurrent AEH or EC could be treated with fertility-preserving therapy again and get a satisfactory pregnancy outcome.

An efficient and reusable quaternary ammonium fabric adsorbent prepared by radiation grafting for removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater

A novel quaternary ammonium polyethylene nonwoven fabric for removing chromium ions from water was prepared via radiation-induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate and further modification with N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine. The structural and morphological characteristics of the adsorbent were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The influences of several principal factors, including pH value, initial Cr(VI) concentration, contact time, and coexisting anions (including SO₄^2-, CO₃^2-, NO₃^-, PO₄^3-, and Cl^-), on adsorption performance were investigated via batch tests. The results showed that the optimum removal efficiency was 99.2% at pH 3 and the maximum adsorption quantity for Cr(VI) at 25 °C was 336 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic parameters were better fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium data were described very well by the Freundlich isotherm model. Furthermore, the as-synthesized adsorbent exhibited excellent regeneration and recyclability while maintaining high adsorption performance after five adsorption/desorption cycles.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells invasion by transforming growth factor-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be ideal delivery vehicles for antitumor biological agents in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA). While the role of MSCs in tumor growth is elusive. Inflammation is an important feature of PA. In this study, we reported that MSCs pre-stimulated with the combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ promote PA cells invasion. The invasion of PA cell lines were evaluate by wound healing assay and transwell assay in vitro and liver metastasis in nude mice. We observed MSCs pre-stimulated with the combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ promoted PA cells invasion in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with MSCs promoting PA cells invasion, PA cells were found undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We demonstrated that MSCs pre-stimulated with both of TNF-α and IFN-γ provoked expression transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). MSCs promoting EMT-mediated PA cells invasion could be reversed by short interfering RNA of TGF-β1. Our results suggest that MSCs could promote PA cells invasion in inflammation microenvironment and should be cautious as delivery vehicles in molecular target therapy.

Tumor-associated macrophages correlate with phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and contribute to poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with poor outcomes in multiple solid cancers and play important roles in cancer progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may account for metastasis and recurrence. However, the association between TAMs and EMT is not clarified in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TAMs on EMT in TNBC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied specimens from 278 patients with TNBC. TAMs marker cluster of differentiation 163 and EMT-related marker E-cadherin were detected by immunohistochemistry in TNBC tissues, and their clinical significance was evaluated from the patients' medical records.

RESULTS

TNBC patients with polarized cluster of differentiation 163⁺ TAMs infiltration and low level of E-cadherin had a significantly higher risk of aggressive features, including recurrence, histologic differentiation, and lymph node metastasis. Infiltration of TAMs was also negatively correlated with E-cadherin in TNBC tissues. Multivariate analysis indicated that infiltration of TAMs and low expression of E-cadherin were independent prognostic factors of overall survival and disease-free survival in TNBC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

High infiltration of TAMs was associated with low expression of E-cadherin and could be used as an unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with TNBC.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha Correlates with Tumor-Associated Macrophages Infiltration, Influences Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients

Background: Hypoxia was a common feature for accelerating tumor metastasis by both inducting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The association and roles between hypoxia, EMT and TAMs in the biological behavior of gastric cancer (GC) for the time being recurrence is unclear. Material and methods: hypoixa by expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), polarized functional status of infiltrated TAMs by immunohistochemical staining of CD68 and CD163, and the expression of E-cadherin as EMT property had been evaluated in 236 patients consecutive with histologically confirmed GC. Clinical significance was assessed for all these patients. Results: High expression of HIF-1α was found in patients with aggressive features, especially for recurrent patients. High infiltration of TAMs and abnormal expression of EMT-marker were also related to aggressive characteristics and predicted poor prognosis in GC. Meanwwhile, there existed a significant correlation among expression of HIF-1α, infiltration of TAMs and EMT marker in GC tissues. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that high expression of HIF-1α combined TAMs infiltration were independent prognostic factors for disease-specific survival rate. Conclusion: HIF-1α is an unfavorable indicator for prognosis, may promote tumor progression through the induction of EMT and establishment of a pro-tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Further investigation into the therapeutic effects of blocking hypoxia is possible a potential strategy for GC treatment.

[Excision of necrotic and infected tissues combined with induced membrane and external fixator technique for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in tibia after fracture operation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of excision of necrotic and infected tissues combined with induced membrane and external fixator technique to treat chronic osteomyelitis in tibia after fracture operation.

METHODS

From June 2011 to June 2014, a total of 13 patients with tibia osteomyelitis were treated with excision of necrotic and infected tissues and external fixator technique in the first stage. There were 8 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 16 to 67 years old with an average of (37.3±14.3) years old. Within 6 to 8 weeks the induced membrane was formed and the induced membrane technique was applied to promote new bone forming in the second stage.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients had no reinfection and achieved complete bone healing after 24 to 52 months follow-up. All the patients had satisfactory function.

CONCLUSIONS

Excision of necrotic and infected tissues combined with induced membrane and external fixator technique to treat chronic osteomyelitis in tibia after fracture operation can provide satisfactory results.

Selective deletion of Pten in theca-interstitial cells leads to androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction in mice

Theca cell-selective Pten mutation (tPtenMT) in mice resulted in increases in PDK1 and Akt phosphorylation, indicating an over-activation of PI3K signaling in the ovaries. These mice displayed elevated androgen levels, ovary enlargement, antral follicle accumulation, early fertility loss and increased expression of Lhcgr and genes that are crucial to androgenesis. These abnormalities were partially reversed by treatments of PI3K or Akt inhibitor. LH actions in Pten deficient theca cells were potentiated. The phosphorylation of Foxo1 was increased, while the binding of Foxo1 to forkhead response elements in the Lhcgr promoter was reduced in tPtenMT theca cells, implying a mechanism by which PI3K/Akt-induced upregulation of Lhcgr in theca cells might be mediated by reducing the inhibitory effect of Foxo1 on the Lhcgr promoter. The phenotype of tPtenMT females is reminiscent of human PCOS and suggests that dysregulated PI3K cascade in theca cells may be involved in certain types of PCOS pathogenesis.

Complexation of vanadium with amidoxime and carboxyl groups: uncovering the competitive role of vanadium in uranium extraction from seawater

At present, amidoxime-based adsorbents are considered to be the most promising materials for extraction of uranium from seawater. However, the high concentrations of transition metals especially vanadium strongly compete with uranium in the sequestration process, which is extremely limited the commercial use of amidoxime-based adsorbents. In this work, the coordination modes, bonding nature, and stabilities of possible vanadium(IV) (VO2+) and (V) (VO2 +, VO3+, V5+) complexes with amidoximate (AO−), carboxyl (Ac−), glutarimidedioximate (HA−) and deprotonated glutarimidedioximate (A2−) on single and double alkyl chains (R=C13H26) are systematically explored by quantum chemical calculations. Different from the uranyl (UO2 2+) complexes, the AO− groups of the vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes prefer to coordinate as monodentate and chelate ligands, while few species with AO− groups in η2-binding mode have been observed in the vanadium complexes. Besides, the vanadium complexes are predicted to have obvious covalent metal-ligand bonds. According to thermodynamic stability analysis, all the vanadium complexes with AO−, Ac−, HA− and A2− ligands on double alkyl chains are found to be more stable than corresponding complexes with ligands on a single chain. The synergistic effect of the amidoxime and carboxyl groups can be observed in most of VO2 + and VO3+ complexes with mixed ligands (AO−/Ac−). The vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes are more stable than the corresponding uranyl complexes, and the adsorption capability of the amidoxime-based adsorbents toward vanadium(V) ions decrease in the order of VO2 +>VO3+> V5+. The dioxovanadium cation VO2 + is predicted to form multinuclear vanadium complex in the sequestration process, possibly resulting in higher stable VO2 + complexes. Therefore, the higher complexation ability of the amidoxime-based adsorbents toward vanadium over uranium is probably due to the differences in the coordination modes and bonding nature. The current results might provide important clues for rational design of efficient ligands in sequestration of uranium from seawater.

High Infiltration of Polarized CD163+ Tumor-Associated Macrophages Correlates with Aberrant Expressions of CSCs Markers, and Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Recurrent Gastric Cancer

Background: As the most predominant tumor-infiltrating immune cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with poor outcome in multiple solid cancers and play important roles in cancer progression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) may account for metastasis and recurrence after cancer therapy. However, the association between TAMs and CSCs is not clarified in gastric cancer (GC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of TAMs on CSCs in GC and find out the risk factors to predict recurrence and prognosis.

Material and methods: This study included consecutive 236 patients with histologically confirmed primary GC. TAMs marker CD163 and CSCs-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GC tissues and their prognostic values were all investigated.

Results: High expression of CD163⁺ TAMs was found in patents with aggressive characteristics, especially for patents with recurrence. There existed a significant correlation between high expression of CD163 and CSCs-related markers in GC tissues. In patients with recurrence, high-expression of CD163 TAMs was an independent worse prognostic factor.

Conclusion: High infiltration of TAMs was related to aggressive behavior, associated with aberrant expression of CSC markers, and an independent worse prognostic factor in GC. Targeting TAMs may be a potential treatment strategy for GC, including patients with recurrence.

Supercritical CO₂ Foaming of Radiation Cross-Linked Isotactic Polypropylene in the Presence of TAIC

Since the maximum foaming temperature window is only about 4 °C for supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) foaming of pristine polypropylene, it is important to raise the melt strength of polypropylene in order to more easily achieve scCO₂ foaming. In this work, radiation cross-linked isotactic polypropylene, assisted by the addition of a polyfunctional monomer (triallylisocyanurate, TAIC), was employed in the scCO₂ foaming process in order to understand the benefits of radiation cross-linking. Due to significantly enhanced melt strength and the decreased degree of crystallinity caused by cross-linking, the scCO₂ foaming behavior of polypropylene was dramatically changed. The cell size distribution, cell diameter, cell density, volume expansion ratio, and foaming rate of radiation-cross-linked polypropylene under different foaming conditions were analyzed and compared. It was found that radiation cross-linking favors the foamability and formation of well-defined cell structures. The optimal absorbed dose with the addition of 2 wt % TAIC was 30 kGy. Additionally, the foaming temperature window was expanded to about 8 °C, making the handling of scCO₂ foaming of isotactic polypropylene much easier.

Controlling multiple filaments by relativistic optical vortex beams in plasmas

Filamentation dynamics of relativistic optical vortex beams (OVBs) propagating in underdense plasma is investigated. It is shown that OVBs with finite orbital angular momentum (OAM) exhibit much more robust propagation behavior than the standard Gaussian beam. In fact, the growth rate of the azimuthal modulational instability decreases rapidly with increase of the OVB topological charge. Thus, relativistic OVBs can maintain their profiles for significantly longer distances in an underdense plasma before filamentation occurs. It is also found that an OVB would then break up into regular filament patterns due to conservation of the OAM, in contrast to a Gaussian laser beam, which in general experiences random filamentation.

Practices and thinking of laboratory detection in the aid to West Africa to fight against Ebola

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa has brought great disaster to the people's health in affected countries. China dispatched first group of public health experts and medical staff to Sierra Leone in September 2014 to fight Ebola.

METHODS

To systematically collect huge amount of primary data, and to make analysis, draw conclusions and lessons in terms of six aspects, respectively as training before departure, local disease information, track of epidemic situation, transformation of temporary laboratory, detection of Ebola virus samples as well as assessment through single blind test.

RESULTS

1) Our team has launched preparatory works in advance before going to Sierra Leone. 2) Malaria is the country's severest infectious disease. 3) Observation centers were overcrowded with large number of suspected cases being inspected, implying high risk of nosocomial infection. 4) A BSL-II laboratory with 3 work areas and 2 buffer areas was built, achieving several major functions within 6 days. 5) Confirmed by South African Raqqa laboratory, our detection accuracy reached 100%. 6) At one week before return, the daily average sample amount of our team reached 66 cases and our detection capability was equivalent to that of USA.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful experience from fighting against Ebola in Sierra Leone could be summarized as: 1) Optimized processes and scientific security measures are prerequisite to improving the detection ability. 2) The close collaboration between laboratory and observation center has created a new model of China's foreign aid. 3) Comprehensive information investigation and training lay a solid foundation for the successful completion of tasks.

Functionalized and reusable polyethylene fibres for Au(iii) extraction from aqueous solution with high adsorption capacity and selectivity

Functional UHMWPE fibres, used for efficient and selective Au(iii) adsorption from aqueous solutions, were successfully synthesized by a radiation grafting method.

Inhibition of human 67-kDa laminin receptor sensitizes multidrug resistance colon cancer cell line SW480 for apoptosis induction

The adhesion mediated drug resistance in cancer cells resulted from adhesion of the extracellular matrix is a major cause for multidrug resistance (MDR) and leads chemotherapeutic failure for colon cancer. In this study, we explored the role of 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) in chemotherapeutic drug resistance in colon cancer cells. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of 67LR decreased the cell adhesion when laminins were applied. Moreover, 67LR knockdown increased the expression of pro-apoptotic gene Bax but inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Enhanced apoptosis was observed in 67LR siRNA-transfected SW480 cell when the cell was treated with doxorubicin for apoptosis induction. Furthermore, MTT assay revealed that the IC50 of chemotherapeutic toward SW480 cell adhesion to laminins was reduced after 67LR knockdown, indicating there was a significant increase of drug sensitivity in SW480 cell. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that 67LR plays a considerable role in the development of colon cancer MDR.

Increased of serum high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 correlated with intestinal mucosal barrier injury in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Background

Secondary infections are the leading cause of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The gut represents the main source of pancreatic contamination and related septic complications. High-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) was recently identified to play an important role in the SAP intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction.

Objective

To investigate the correlation of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) with intestinal barrier injury and infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

The serum levels of HMGB1, amylase, lipase, and biochemical indicators were measured in 80 patients with SAP at the time of admission. Furthermore, relationship between their serum HMGB1 levels and intestinal barrier injury, infection and other clinical factors were analyzed.

Results

The mean value of serum HMGB1 levels was significantly higher in patients with SAP (6.02 ± 2.42 ng/mL) than that in healthy volunteers (1.87 ± 0.63 ng/mL). Serum HMGB1 levels were significantly positively correlated with the Ranson score. The HMGB1 levels were higher in patients with infection during the clinical course, the HMGB1 levels in non-survivors were higher than those in survivors, and positively correlated with DAO activity, L/M ratio, the concentration of endotoxin (R = 0.484, P <0.01).

Conclusions

HMGBl level of patients with severe acute pancreatitis was significantly increased, and can be used as an important indicator to determine the intestinal barrier dysfunction and infection.

[Effect of ionic liquid [bmim][PF6] on the transient photolysis behavior of xanthone]

The transient photochemical behavior of xanthone (XAN) in 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluoride phosphate ionic liquid ([bmim][PF6]) or binary mixed solution with acetonitrile (MeCN) was investigated by nano-second laser photolysis techniques. The spectral blue shift of 3XAN* was observed in the neat [bmim][PF6] or IL/MeCN mixture solution compared to MeCN solution. And the yield was also increased. Moreover, the energy transfer rate constant of XAN and naphthalene (NAP) was affected by the concentrations of ionic liquid. The values decreased rapidly with increasing VIL. For example, the values were 1.2 x 10(10) mol x L(-1) x s(-1) in MeCN, and 1.1 x 10(8) mol x L(-1) x s(-1) in [bmim][PF6], respectively. The photo-induced electron transfer between XAN and N,N-dimethylaniline was also investigated by changing the concentrations of [bmim][PF6] in binary solution.

[Laser photolysis study on photo-oxidation reactions of aromatic amino acids with triplet 2-methylanthraquinone]

The transient photo-sensitive oxidation between 2-methylanthraquinone (MAQ) and aromatic amino acids (namely tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine) in acetonitrile/water (1 : 1, V/V) solution was investigated by laser photolysis techniques with the excitation wavelength of 355 nm. The triplet state absorption of 2-methylanthraquinone was attributed to 390, 450 and 590 nm and the anion radical absorption of MAQ was due to 390 and 490 nm identified by the electron transfer reactions from 4-diazabicyclo [2. 2. 2] octane (DABCO) or diphenylamine (DPA) to 3MAQ*. With the decay of 3 MAQ*, the MAQ*- at 490 nm appeared, which indicated that the electron transfer reactions between 3 MAQ* and amino acids occurred. Moreover, the rate constants were deduced to be 3.0 x 10(9), 1.1 x 10(9) and 1.8 x 10(8) L x mol(-1) x s(-1) for TrpH, TyrOH and PHE, respectively. On the other hand, the free energy changes (deltaG) of the reactions showed that the proposed electron transfer steps are thermodynamically feasible.

Application of selective semi-hepatic vascular occlusion combined with low central venous pressure in hepatectomy

AIM: To investigate the application of selective semi-hepatic vascular occlusion combined with low central venous pressure (LCVP) in hepatectomy, and to analyze its effect on liver and kidney function and systemic haemodynamics.

METHODS: The clinical data for 44 patients with liver diseases who underwent hepatectomy from January 2008 to January 2011 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (group A, n = 22) and a control group (Group B, n = 22). When patients in Group A underwent hepatectomy, the central venous pressure (CVP) was controlled between 2-4 mm Hg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) and blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, and selective semi-hepatic vascular occlusion was performed. Conventional surgical treatment was given to patients in group B. Intraoperative blood loss, blood pressure, heart rate, changes in liver and kidney function, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in group A than in group B (350.2 mL ± 175.4 mL vs 450.3 mL ± 135.1 mL, P < 0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly better in group A than in group B on postoperative days 1 and 3 (day 1: 514.3 U/L ± 215.6 U/L vs 720.2 U/L ± 350.7 U/L, P < 0.05; day 3: 360.1 U/L ± 146.4 U/L vs 489.1 U/L ± 231.5 U/L, P < 0.05). Serum albumin (ALB) on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in group A than in group B (37.5 g/L ± 2.2 g/L vs 35.4 g/L ± 3.9 g/L, P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in intraoperative blood pressure (131.1 mmHg ± 18.8 mmHg vs 129.2 mmHg ± 14.7 mmHg, P > 0.05), heart rate (83.1 times/min ± 11.2 times/min vs 75.4 times/min ± 12.3 times/min, P > 0.05), postoperative renal function (P > 0.05), hospital stay (11.3 d ± 2.4 d vs 12.1 d ± 2.2 d, P > 0.05) or rate of complications (18.2% vs 22.7%, P > 0.05) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: During hepatectomy, selective semi-hepatic vascular occlusion combined with low central venous pressure is effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss, protecting liver function, reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury, and has no significant influence on renal function, postoperative hospital stay and systemic hemodynamics.

Polymorphisms of mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and hMSH2 and risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population

The purpose of this study was to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of hMLH1 (-93G>A and I219V) and hMSH2 (-118T>C and IVS12-6T>C) polymorphisms in patients with gastric carcinoma and normal controls, and to evaluate the association between these polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer in a hospital-based Chinese population. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes. A TaqMan assay was used to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of hMLH1 and hMSH2 polymorphisms in data obtained from 554 gastric cancer cases and 592 controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the association between the four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gastric carcinoma risk. No evidence of an association among any of the four polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer was observed. However, when gastric cancer patients were further stratified by age, gender, smoking status, alcohol use and clinicopathological characteristics, and compared with the control populations, the combined variant genotype hMSH2 -118T>C (TC+CC) was not only associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in subgroups of younger subjects [ages ≤63years; adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.16], but also with diffuse tumors (adjusted OR=1.41, 95% CI, 1.01-1.96). These data indicate that the polymorphisms of -93G>A, I219V and IVS12-6T>C are not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. However, hMSH2-118T>C combined with variant genotypes (TC+CC) may confer a potential risk of gastric cancer in the Chinese population.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the interfacial structure of [C(n)mim][PF6] adsorbed on a graphite surface: effects of temperature and alkyl chain length

The structures and diffusion behaviors of a series of ionic liquids [C(n)mim][PF(6)] (n = 1, 4, 8 and 12) on a graphite surface have been investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that three or four ordering layers of ionic liquids were formed near the graphite surface, and this layering structure was stable over the temperature range investigated. At the liquid/vacuum interface, the ionic liquid with a butyl chain had a monolayer ordering surface, while [C(8)mim][PF(6)] and [C(12)mim][PF(6)] exhibited a bilayer ordering with a polar domain sandwiched between two orientational nonpolar domains. More impressively, the simulated results showed that for the ionic liquids with alkyl chains longer than C(4), the adjacent alkyl chains in the whole film tended to be parallel to each other, with the imidazolium rings packed closely together. This indicated that the ionic liquids have a better regulated short-range structure than was previously expected. It was also found that both in the bottom layer and in the bulk region, the diffusion of the alkyl chains was much faster than that of the polar groups. However, as the alkyl chain length increased, the charge delocalization in the cation and the enhanced van der Waals interaction between the nonpolar groups contributed by reducing this difference in the diffusivity of major groups.

A rare case of the coexistence of ovarian clear cell carcinoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and endometriosis in the same ovary

Clear cell carcinomas and endometrioid carcinomas are associated with endometriosis. The association of clear cell carcinomas with mucinous lesions has only been reported infrequently, and with mucinous cystadenoma has been rarely reported. This is the second reported case of the coexistence of ovarian clear cell carcinoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and endometriosis in the same ovary. A 57-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain for three weeks. Ultrasonography revealed a 16 x 14 x 10 cm mass in the left ovary with solid and cystic components. Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Histopathological examination of the left ovary revealed the presence of clear cell carcinoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and endometriosis. Continuity between the areas of mucinous epithelium and clear cell carcinoma were noted; this may suggest that clear cell carcinoma may arise from endometriosis or mucinous cystic tumors.

Laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct with primary closure versus T-tube drainage: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, the common bile duct (CBD) is closed with T-tube drainage after choledochotomy and removal of CBD stones. However, the insertion of a T-tube is not without complication and the patients have to carry it for several weeks before removal. In the laparoscopic era, surgery is performed with minimally invasive techniques in order to reduce the trauma, hasten recovery, and reduce the hospital stay of patients. T-tube insertion seems to negate these benefits. This randomized study was designed to compare the two methods applied after LCBDE and to determine whether primary closure can be as safe as closure with T-tube drainage.

METHODS

From May 2000 to January 2008, 93 consecutive patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS) and gallbladder in situ were enrolled in this randomized study to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, postoperative stay, and hospital expenses were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no mortality in both groups. A T-tube was inserted in 46 patients and the CBD was closed primarily in 47. There were no differences in the demographic characteristics or clinical presentations between the two groups. Compared with the T-tube group, the operative time and postoperative stay were significantly shorter, the hospital expenses were significantly lower, and the incidences of overall postoperative complications and biliary complications were statistically and insignificantly lower in the primary closure group.

CONCLUSION

LCBDE with primary closure without external drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy is feasible and as safe as T-tube insertion.

A genome-wide scan reveals candidate susceptibility loci for pig hernias in an intercross between White Duroc and Erhualian

Pig scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernias are the most prevalent congenital disorders in pigs and often cause animal welfare problems and economic loss. To identify susceptibility loci for these traits, a genome-wide scan with 194 microsatellite markers covering the pig genome was performed in a White Duroc x Erhualian resource population with 23 scrotal/inguinal F(2) animals, 50 umbilical F(2) animals, and their unaffected siblings. A sex-average linkage map with a total length of 2,350.3 cM and an average marker interval of 12.84 cM was constructed. Both nonparametric genome-wide linkage (NPL) analysis and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) were implemented to detect closely linked markers. The NPL analysis revealed 11 chromosomal regions on SSC1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 for umbilical hernia and 5 regions on SSC2, 4, 8, 13, and 16 for scrotal/inguinal hernia, whereas the TDT test identified susceptibility loci for umbilical hernia on SSC1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 14, and 15 and for scrotal/inguinal hernias on SSC2, 8, 10, and 18. The most promising loci were SWR1928 on SSC7 and SW830 on SSC10 for umbilical hernia, and SW933 on SSC8 for scrotal hernia, which were consistently detected by both NPL and TDT. Several previously reported chromosomal regions for scrotal/inguinal hernia were confirmed, and new evidence for linkage with this pig defect was found. Moreover, susceptibility loci for pig umbilical hernia were detected for the first time.

Prevention of early renal injury by mycophenolate mofetil and its mechanism in experimental diabetes

Previously it was shown that treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) attenuated renal inflammation and glomerular injury in a model of diabetes. However, the mechanism involved in the renoprotective effects of MMF in experimental diabetes has not been clearly delineated. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) after uninephrectomy. Diabetic animals received no treatment or treatment with MMF (10 mg/kg once daily by gastric gavage) for 8 weeks, non-diabetic rats served as controls. Level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissue and urine as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes (AOE) in renal tissue was determined. Renal injury was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry for ED-1 macrophages marker, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was performed. Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 protein was determined by Western blotting analysis. Treatment with MMF had no effect on blood glucose level, but did prevent increased urinary albumin excretion and glomerular damage in diabetic rats. Oxidative stress was reduced by MMF treatment, as indicated by a reduction in MDA level in renal tissue and urine. Activity of AOE such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) was markedly elevated while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were not changed by MMF treatment. In diabetic animals receiving no treatment, there were increases in ED-1-positive cells, ICAM-1 expression and MCP-1 expression in glomeruli and tubulointerstitium, which were effectively suppressed by MMF treatment. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of TGF-beta1 protein was increased by 1.92-fold in renal tissue in diabetic rats, and MMF treatment significantly reduced the increased expression of TGF-beta1 protein by 45%. Our data suggest that MMF treatment ameliorates early renal injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and overexpression of ICAM-1, MCP-1 and TGF-beta1 in renal tissue in diabetic rats.

Structure-based discovery of small molecule inhibitors targeted to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are involved in the control of tyrosine phosphorylation levels in the cell and are believed to be crucial for the regulation of a multitude of cellular functions. A detailed understanding of the role played by PTPases in various signaling pathways has not yet been achieved, and potent and selective PTPase inhibitors are essential in the quest to determine the functionality of individual PTPases. Using the DOCK methodology, we have carried out a structure-based, computer-assisted search of an available chemical database in order to identify low molecular weight, nonpeptidic PTP1B inhibitors. We have identified several organic molecules that not only possess inhibitory activity against PTP1B but which also display significant selectivity for PTP1B. This indicates that although structural features important for pTyr recognition are conserved among different PTPases, it is possible to generate selective inhibitors targeted primarily to the catalytic site. Kinetic analysis and molecular modeling experiments suggest that the PTP1B active site possesses significant plasticity such that substituted and extended aromatic systems can be accommodated. The newly identified molecules provide a molecular framework upon which therapeutically useful compounds can ultimately be based, and systematic optimization of these lead compounds is likely to further enhance their potency and selectivity.

[Diphasic regulatory effect of lishen injection on sex hormones in senile female patients with coronary heart disease of kidney deficiency type]

Effects of Lishen injection on serum estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and the E2/T ratio in 30 cases of postmenopausal patients with coronary heart disease and of Kidney Deficiency type were observed. Results showed that: (1) Serum E2 and the E2/T ratio were lower (P < 0.01) in the group of Kidney-Yin Deficiency type and higher (P < 0.01) in the group of Kidney-Yang Deficiency type as compared with normal control. (2) After treatment with Lishen injection the levels of serum E2 and the E2/T ratio were elevated in the former (P < 0.01) and lowered in the later (P < 0.01). Both were approaching to normal level (P > 0.05). (3) The levels of T in both groups were unaffected (P > 0.05) before and after treatment. These results suggested the imbalance of Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang is related to the disturbance of sex hormones and Lishen injection could not only regulate the Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang, improve the symptoms of Kidney Deficiency, but also could convert the abnormal change of sex hormone, it has a good diphasic regulatory effect on E2, and is beneficial on balance of sex hormones of both sex in the inner environment of human body.

Myoglobin-NO at low pH: free four-coordinated heme in the protein pocket

In either sperm whale or horse heart myoglobin, binding of NO and lowering of solution pH work together to weaken, and ultimately break, the bond between iron and the proximal histidine. This is reminiscent of the reaction observed at neutral pH in the case of guanylate cyclase, the heme enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of GTP to cGMP. Bond breaking is characterized by a spectral change from a nine-line to a three-line ESR signal and accompanied by a shift from 420 to 387 nm in the UV-vis spectrum of the Soret band maximum. Analysis of the pH-dependent spectral changes shows that they are reversible, at least within a few hours, that the transition is cooperative, involving six protons during pH lowering but only two as it is raised, and that the pK is about 4.7. Different proteins exhibit different pK values, which are generally lower than that for "chelated" protoheme. The pK differences reflect the extra bond stability afforded by the protein structure. Investigations of thermal and photochemical NO displacement by CO suggest that the local pocket around the ligand, although significantly altered (according to circular dichroism investigations), nonetheless still imposes a barrier against the outward diffusion of ligand into the solvent. Nanosecond and picosecond flash photolysis shows that in proteins at low pH there is an extremely efficient geminate recombination of the ligand with the four-coordinated species through a single-exponential process. This occurs to a significantly larger extent than for the case of NO-"chelated" protoheme (where no distal barrier for ligand is present). At neutral pH, when the proximal histidine bond is intact, the geminate recombination for NO takes longer and displays multiexponential kinetics. Altogether, these results suggest that, even though distal effects probably also play a role, proximal effects make an important contribution in modulating ligand-iron bond formation.

Comparative study on antigenicity and immunogenicity of 26-28 kDa antigen and recombinant Sj26 (RSj26) of Schistosoma japonicum

This paper reports a comparison of the recombinant Sj26 (rSj26) antigen derived from the Philippine strain and the 26-28 kDa antigen isolated and purified from the Chinese strain of Schistosoma japonicum with respect to their antigenicity and immunogenicity. The results showed that there were obvious cross reactions between rSj26 and 26-28 kDa antigen when rSj26 antigen was tested against specific antibodies in sera of mice infected with the Chinese strain of S. japonicum or the 26-28 kDa antigen was tested against specific anti-rSj26 antibodies by ELISA, IFA and Western blotting. Both the 26-28 kDa and the rSj26 antigen had weak cross reactions with SEA antigen. The worm reduction rate after challenging with Chinese strain cercariae in mice immunized with rSj26 was 26-32%, similar to that in mice immunized with 26-28 kDa antigen. It is suggested that rSj26 antigen can induce a certain level of specific protective immunity in the host against infection by the Chinese strain of S. japonicum cercariae.