Magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy performance in aging patients

BACKGROUND

The increasing elderly population and wide use of magnetic capsule endoscopy (MCE) have led to more attention to elderly patients.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the performance (including transit time, cleanliness score, positive findings and safety) of MCE in aging patients (≥ 60 years), especially patients over 80 years old.

METHODS

Consecutive patients of ≥ 60 years undergoing MCE at our center from August 2017 to August 2022 were classified into the oldest (≥ 80 years) and the older (60-79 years) groups. Esophageal transit time (ETT), gastric examination time (GET), small bowel transit time (SITT), and the quality of gastric preparation were compared. Information on examination indications, subjective discomforts, adverse events, and MCE outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Of 293 enrolled patients, 128 patients were in the oldest group and 165 patients were in the older group. ETT and GET were longer in the oldest group, whereas SITT was slightly longer in the oldest patients. Visualization scores were significantly lower in the body and antrum in the oldest patients. The total visualization score was lower in the older group compared with the oldest group; however, the difference was not significant. Cleanliness scores at the fundus and antrum and total cleanliness scores were lower in the oldest patients compared with the older patients. Positive findings and ulcers and erosions in the small intestine were more common in the oldest group. One patient had nausea during the gastric examination. Capsule retention in the cecum occurred in one case.

CONCLUSION

MCE was feasible and safe for aging patients. ETT and GET were markedly longer and gastric cleanliness and visualization were worse, while overall small intestine-positive findings were higher in the oldest patients compared with the older patients.

Effects of L-carnitine Administration on Sperm and Sex Hormone Levels in a Male Wistar Rat Reproductive System Injury Model in a High-Altitude Hypobaric Hypoxic Environment

The plateau environment impacts male reproductive function, causing decreased sperm quality and testosterone levels. L-carnitine can improve the semen microenvironment. However, the role of L-carnitine in a high-altitude environment remains unclear. In our study, we investigated the effects of L-carnitine administration in a male Wistar rat reproductive system injury model in the context of a simulated high-altitude environment. Rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (group A1, A2-low dose and A3-high dose) and high-altitude model groups (group B, C-low dose and D-high dose) with 20 rats in each group. With the exception of the normal control group exposed to normoxic conditions, the other groups were maintained in a hypobaric oxygen chamber that simulated an altitude of 6000 m for 28 days. In the experimental period, the low-dose groups (A2 and C) were administered 50 mg/kg L-carnitine via intraperitoneal injection once a day, and the high-dose groups (A3 and D) were given 100 mg/kg. After the feeding period, blood samples were collected to assess blood gas, serum hormone levels and oxidative stress. Sperm from the epididymis were collected to analyse various sperm parameters. After obtaining the testicular tissue, the morphological and pathological changes were observed under a light microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The impact of the simulated high-altitude environment on the rat testis tissue is obvious. Specifically, a decreased testicular organ index and altered indices of arterial blood gas and serum sex hormone levels caused testicular tissue morphological damage, reduced sperm quality, increased sperm deformity rate and altered malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The results demonstrate that L-carnitine can be administered as a preventive intervention to reduce the reproductive damage caused by high-altitude hypobaric and hypoxic environments and improve semen quality in a rat model.

Chemoselective Reduction of Imines and Azobenzenes Catalyzed by Silver N-heterocyclic Carbene Complexes

Here, the first example of the NHC (N-heterocyclic carbenes) ligand-promoted reduction of imines and azobenzenes with homogeneous silver catalyst is reported. The PhSiH3 induced hydrogenation of imines and azobenzenes and...

Ruxolitinib as an Effective Treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to SARS-Cov-2 Infection: A Case Report

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce secondary HLH, as described in previous case reports, but diagnosis and treatment are challenging.

Case Study

We described an older male patient diagnosed with HLH related to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fever was the only clinical manifestation initially but deterioration in clinical condition and laboratory parameters was observed during hospitalization. He responded poorly to classical therapy but was successfully treated with ruxolitinib.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of HLH secondary to mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and take timely therapeutic measures to inhibit an inflammatory factor storm. Ruxolitinib is a potential choice for COVID-19 related HLH.

Metformin reverse minocycline to inhibit minocycline-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by destroy the outer membrane and enhance membrane potential in vitro

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic pathogen and has emerged as one of the most troublesome pathogens. Drug resistance in A. baumannii has been reported on a global scale. Minocycline was found to be active against multi-drug resistant A. baumannii and was approved by the FDA for the infections caused by sensitive strains of A. baumannii. However, the emergence of minocycline resistance and its toxic effects still need to be addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of metformin combined with minocycline on minocycline-resistant A. baumannii.

Results

The effect of metformin on the antibacterial activity of minocycline was determined by checkerboard and time-killing assay. Further, it was observed by biofilm formation assay that metformin combination with minocycline can inhibit the formation of biofilm. Outer membrane integrity, membrane permeability, membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were monitored to explore the underlying synergistic mechanisms of metformin on minocycline. And the results shown that metformin can destroy the outer membrane of A. baumannii, enhance its membrane potential, but does not affect the membrane permeability and ROS.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that the combination of metformin and minocycline has the potential for rejuvenating the activity of minocycline against minocycline-resistant A. baumannii.

The Involvement of the csy1 Gene in the Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important, opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that causes a variety of nosocomial infections, and whose drug resistance rate has increased in recent years. The CRISPR-Cas system exists in several bacteria, providing adaptive immunity to foreign nucleic acid invasion. This study explores whether CRISPR-Cas is related to drug resistance. Antibiotics were used to treat strains ATCC19606 and AB43, and the expression of CRISPR-related genes was found to be changed. The Csy proteins (Csy1–4) were previously detected to promote target recognition; however, the potential function of csy1 gene is still unknown. Thus, the Rec_Ab homologous recombination system was utilized to knock out the csy1 gene from A. baumannii AB43, which carries the Type I-Fb CRISPR-Cas system, and to observe the drug resistance changes in wild-type and csy1-deleted strains. The AB43Δcsy1 mutant strain was found to become resistant to antibiotics, while the wild-type strain was sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, transcriptome analysis revealed that the csy1 gene regulates genes encoding CRISPR-Cas-related proteins, drug-resistant efflux pumps, membrane proteins, and oxidative phosphorylation-related proteins, inhibiting antimicrobial resistance in A. baumannii. The in vitro resistance development assay revealed that the complete CRISPR-Cas system could inhibit the development of bacterial resistance. Our findings expand our understanding of the role of CRISPR-Cas csy1 gene in A. baumannii and link the CRISPR-Cas system to the biogenesis of bacterial drug-resistant structures.

Role of Hub Genes in the Occurrence and Development of Testicular Cancer Based on Bioinformatics

Background

Testicular cancer severely affects male health, so finding effective diagnosis and prognostic indicators and exploring its pathogenesis are very important.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the hub genes that play important roles in the occurrence and development of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT).

Methods

Data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE3218 and GSE1818) and verified in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Genotype-Tissue Expression database and the Human Protein Atlas database. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to obtain hub genes. GEO2R, R software and packages were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs), receiver operating characteristic curve assessment, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curve assessment, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, the relationship with clinicopathological information, gene set enrichment analysis, the correlation with immune cells’ infiltration, and the expression in pan-cancers of the hub genes.

Results

PLK4, TRIP13, TPR, KIF18A, CDKN3, HMMR, PBK, PTTG1, CKS2, SYCP1, HSPA2, and MKI67 were selected as the hub genes. mRNA of PLK4, TRIP13, CDKN3, SYCP1, HSPA2, and MKI67 had high diagnostic values, and higher expression of CDKN3 and HSPA2 mRNA were poor prognostic factors for progression-free interval of TGCT. The hub genes involved organelle division and cell cycle, chromosome and centromeric region, heat shock protein binding, and more. Downregulated TPR and PLK4 were selected as research targets for continued study, and they may participate in multiple signaling pathways. The expression of TPR and PLK4 correlated with the infiltration of a variety of immune cells and differed in pan-cancers.

Conclusion

The mRNA levels of multiple hub genes have high diagnostic and prognostic values for TGCT. TPR and PLK4 may play a role in the occurrence and development of TGCT through cancer-related signaling pathways.

Adaptive Tracking Control for Uncertain Cancer-Tumor-Immune Systems

In this paper, the problem of control is investigated for cancer-tumor-immune systems, based on a two-dimension uncertain nonlinear model describing the interaction between immune and cancer cells in a body. First, the control problem is transformed into a state tracking problem. Second, an adaptive control method is proposed to track and stop the growth of cancer and maintain cancer and immune cells at an acceptable level. Different from the existing results in literature, the singularity problem in controller and the inaccuracy in control design have been overcome. From theoretical analysis, it is shown that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and the tracking errors converge to the origin. Finally, simulation results illustrate not only the competitive relationship between immune system and tumor, but also the immune system has strong immunity to low level tumor volumes.

Synergistic Activity of Capsaicin and Colistin Against Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: In Vitro/Vivo Efficacy and Mode of Action

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen predominantly associated with nosocomial infections. With emerging resistance against polymyxins, synergistic combinations of drugs are being investigated as a new therapeutic approach. Capsaicin is a common constituent of the human diet and is widely used in traditional alternative medicines. The present study evaluated the antibacterial activities of capsaicin in combination with colistin against three unrelated colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains in vitro and in vivo, and then further studied their synergistic mechanisms. Using the checkerboard technique and time-kill assays, capsaicin and colistin showed a synergistic effect on colistin-resistant A. baumannii. A mouse bacteremia model confirmed the in vivo effects of capsaicin and colistin. Mechanistic studies shown that capsaicin can inhibit the biofilm formation of both colistin-resistant and non-resistant A. baumannii. In addition, capsaicin decreased the production of intracellular ATP and disrupted the outer membrane of A. baumannii. In summary, the synergy between these drugs may enable a lower concentration of colistin to be used to treat A. baumannii infection, thereby reducing the dose-dependent side effects. Hence, capsaicin–colistin combination therapy may offer a new treatment option for the control of A. baumannii infection.

Spontaneous hemothorax caused by concomitant low-dose rivaroxaban and itraconazole in a 95-year-old patient: case report and literature review

Although direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) decrease the bleeding risk compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), DOACs might cause spontaneous hemothorax in very elderly patients, even at a very low dose. Interactions between drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. In this article, we report a case of a 95-year-old man who developed spontaneous hemothorax while taking rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily, 3 days after concomitant use of itraconazole. Rivaroxaban was discontinued, and thoracentesis was performed to drain grossly bloody pleural effusion. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of spontaneous hemothorax that might have been caused by concomitant low-dose rivaroxaban and azole anti-fungal agents. This case highlights the potential risk of spontaneous hemothorax in very elderly patients while taking rivaroxaban and azole anti-fungal agents simultaneously. Special attention should be paid to interactions between drugs that might increase the risk of bleeding. Drugs that have competing metabolic pathways should be avoided. Closer monitoring, including testing for anti-Xa and additional reassessment, should be considered in high-risk patients.

Bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to esophageal diverticulum in an adult: a case report and literature review

Esophageal diverticulum with secondary bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical entity that manifests as respiratory infections, coughing during eating or drinking, hemoptysis, and sometimes fatal complications. In the present study, we describe a case of bronchoesophageal fistula emanating from esophageal diverticulum in a 45-year-old man who presented with bronchiectasis. We summarize the characteristics of this rare condition based on a review of the relevant literature.

Ligand-enabled and magnesium-activated hydrogenation with earth-abundant cobalt catalysts

Site-selective hydrogenation of PAHs and olefins through a Mg preactivated diketimine/CoBr2 or diketimine–Co complex.

miR-22 protect PC12 from ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury by targeting p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA)

MicroRNAs have been implicated as critical regulatory molecules in many cerebrovascular diseases. Recent studies demonstrated miR-22 might provide a potential neuroprotective effect. However, the neuroprotective effect of miR-22 in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, the PC12 cells were subjected to 4 h oxygen and glucose deprivation (I) and 24 h reoxygenation (R). The PC12 cells were pre-transfected with miR-22 or anti-miR-22 or siRNA-mediated downregulation of p53-upregulated-modulator-of-apoptosis (PUMA)(PUMA siRNA) or their controls at 24 h prior to exposure to I/R. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were employed to analyze mRNA and protein expression. PI and Annexin V assays and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to quantify the rate of apoptosis. We found that miR-22 expression was significantly downregulated in the PC12 cells subjected to I/R. Loss of function of miR-22 increased PC12 apoptosis after I/R, and overexpression of miR-22 decreases PC12 apoptosis after I/R. PUMA protein was upregulated in the I/R group as compared with the sham group. The increased PUMA protein expression and apoptosis induced by I/R was reversed by transfection with PUMA siRNA. We concluded that I/R enhanced apoptosis and PUMA expression in PC12 cells via downregulation of miR-22. Enhanced miR-22 expression reversed both PUMA expression and apoptosis induced by I/R in PC12 cells. miR-22/PUMA axis has important implications for their clinical applications.

Propofol inhibits migration and induces apoptosis of pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells through miR-34a-mediated E-cadherin and LOC285194 signals

Propofol has exhibited potent antitumor activity in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor mechanisms of propofol on pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells in vitro. PANC-1 cells were exposure to concentration 20 μg/ml of propofol for 72 h. Long non-coding RNA LOC285194 siRNA LOC285194 siRNA, E-cadherin siRNA and microRNA-34a (miR-34a) inhibitor were used to investigate the effect of propofol on PANC-1 cells. miR-34a and LOC285194 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Pro-apoptotic protein bax, cleaved-caspase-3 and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 were analyzed by Western blot. Cell viability and cell apoptosis were detected by MTT and TUNEL staining, respectively. Cell migration was detected by wound-healing assay. The results showed that propofol upregulated miR-34a expression, which, in turn, upregulated LOC285194 expression, resulting in PANC-1 cell apoptosis and growth inhibition. In addition, propofol upregulated miR-34a expression, which, in turn, upregulated E-cadherin expression, resulting in cell migration inhibition. Our research confirmed that propofol-induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration in PANC-1 cells in vitro via promoting miR-34a-dependent LOC285194 and E-cadherin upregulation, respectively.

Coagulopathy in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

COVID-19 patients frequently exhibit coagulation abnormalities and thrombotic events. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the association between coagulopathy and the severity of COVID-19 illness. Using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, WanFang Database, CNKI, and medRxiv, a systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between December 1, 2019 and May 1, 2020. We then analyzed coagulation parameters in COVID-19 patients exhibiting less severe and more severe symptoms. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata14.0 software. A total of 3,952 confirmed COVID-19 patients from 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with severe symptoms exhibited higher levels of D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen (FIB) than patients with less severe symptoms (SMD 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97, I² 56.9%; SMD 0.39, 95% CI: 0.14-0.64, I² 79.4%; and SMD 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.53, I² 42.4%, respectively). However, platelet and activated partial thromboplastin times did not differ (SMD -0.26, 95% CI: -0.56-0.05, I² 82.2%; and SMD -0.14, 95% CI: -0.45-0.18, I² 75.7%, respectively). These findings demonstrate that hypercoagulable coagulopathy is associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and that D-dimer, PT, and FIB values are the main parameters that should be considered when evaluating coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients.

Comparative efficacy of ancillary drugs in sevoflurane-related emergence agitation after paediatric adenotonsillectomy: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The comparative efficacy of ancillary drugs on sevoflurane-related emergence agitation (EA) in paediatric anaesthesia for adenotonsillectomy remains unclear. The purpose of this Bayesian network meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of ancillary drugs on sevoflurane-related EA in paediatric anaesthesia for adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were electronically searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of different ancillary drugs used in adenotonsillectomy from inception to April 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. Subsequently, a network meta-analysis was performed using the R software and RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

We included 25 RCTs, involving 2151 participants. The proportion of patients with sevoflurane-related EA was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine, ketamine, propofol, fentanyl, midazolam, sufentanil, remifentanil and clonidine groups than in the placebo group (P < .05). Fentanyl was superior to sufentanil (P < .05), whereas dexmedetomidine was superior to fentanyl (P < .05). Among ancillary drugs, dexmedetomidine (90.04%) showed the highest possibility of reducing the risk of EA, followed by fentanyl (87.45%), remifentanil (63.85%), ketamine (52.07%), midazolam (51.27%), clonidine (49.94%), propofol (29.89%), sufentanil (21.38%) and placebo (4.09%).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that the effects of dexmedetomidine in reducing the risk of sevoflurane-related EA in paediatric anaesthesia for adenotonsillectomy were better than the effects of other drugs. However, large, high-quality RCTs are required to further confirm this.

Robust Gene Circuit Control Design for Time-Delayed Genetic Regulatory Networks Without SUM Regulatory Logic

This paper investigates the gene circuit control design problem of time-delayed genetic regulatory networks. In the genetic regulatory networks, the time delays are unknown constants, and the genetic regulatory is not conventional SUM regulatory logic and can be modeled to be an unknown nonlinear function of the time-delayed states of the other genes in a cell. By Lyapunov stability, a novel adaptive gene circuit control design approach is proposed for the genetic regulatory networks, where the unknown time delays are estimated online by adaptive algorithms and the unknown regulatory functions are approximated by neural networks. The design approach in this paper is delay-dependent and has less conservatism than the delay-independent approach. From theoretical analysis, the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and all the signals in the system converge to an adjustable neighborhood of the origin. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the new design approach.

Abstract 506: miR-203a-3p may play a tumor suppressor role in esophageal cancer by targeting GATA Binding Protein 6

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 19-22nt non-coding single-strand RNAs that regulate diverse cellular processes and are dysregulated in a variety of cancers including EC. Using bioinformatics analysis, we identified a list of dysregulated miRNAs from most recent studies on miRNA expression profiling in EC, including miR-203a-3p, which was reported as a tumor suppressor miRNA and dysregulated in many malignancies. GATA Binding Protein 6 (GATA6) is a member of zinc finger transcription factors that is amplified or overexpressed in many tumors, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, etc. Our bioinformatics analysis showed that GATA6 is a potential target of miR-203a-3p. Therefore, we hypothesize that miR-203a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor miRNA in esophageal cancer by targeting GATA6. Four esophageal cancer cell lines, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines (KYSE70, KYSE180) and adenocarcinoma (EAC) cell lines (JHU-ad1,FLO-1), along with one normal esophageal cell line (HET-1A) were cultured. Six of ESCC FFPE samples were obtained and microdissected into normal, dysplasia and cancer tissues. The expression levels of miR-203a-3p and GATA6 were determined by TaqMan and CYBR green qRT-PCR assays, respectively from the cell lines and patient tissues after total RNA isolation by the Trizol reagent. The miR-203a-3p inhibitor or mimic was transfected to the above cell lines by the Lipofectamine® RNAiMAX reagent. MTT assays were used to determine the cell proliferation. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. After successful transfection of miR-203a-3p mimic, we found that cell proliferation was decreased accompanied by significantly lower GATA6 expression compared to the mock groups (p&lt;0.05) in four cell lines (KYSE70, Het-1A, JHU-ad1 and FLO-1). However, when cells were transfected with miR-203a-3p inhibitor in KYSE70, KYSE180, JHU-ad1 and FLO-1, cell proliferation rate and GATA6 expression were both increased compared to the inhibitor mock controls (p&lt;0.05). In clinical samples, we found that miR-203a-3p expression was downregulated during the progression of EC (100%). To determine the specificity of the functional relationship between miR-203a-3p and GATA6 in EC, we performed the luciferase array, invasion assay and other functional assays, and in the process of obtaining more clinical samples to determine if miR-203a-3p functions differently in ESCC and EAC. Our data has shown an inverse correlation between miR-203a-3p and GATA6 expression in EC, which, along with our bioinformatics analysis, indicates that miR-203a-3p downregulates GATA6 expression by directly targeting its 3'-UTR in EC. Therefore, miR-203a-3p, as a tumor suppressor, may be involved in EC development, and it may serve as a novel marker for EC management.

Citation Format: Caiqiao Yin, Xiaohui Tan, Qingfeng Tan, Jingjing Wang, Jiqiao Zhang, Xiaoling Wu, Tao Chen, Hongmei Jiao, Sidney W. Fu. miR-203a-3p may play a tumor suppressor role in esophageal cancer by targeting GATA Binding Protein 6 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 506.

Design and immune characterization of a novel Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA vaccine using bacterial ghosts as vector and adjuvant

Gonorrhea, an important sexually transmitted disease, is becoming a growing public health problem around the globe. Vaccination is considered the best long-term approach for control of infection. In this study, we designed a novel Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) DNA vaccine delivered by bacterial ghosts and characterized its immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that bacterial ghosts greatly promoted BMDCs maturation and activation. Bacterial ghosts loaded with N. gonorrhoeae DNA vaccine were efficiently taken up by mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, oral immunization with the ghost vaccine candidate elicited greater CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses and induced higher IgG responses than N. gonorrhoeae DNA vaccine alone. In addition, mice immunized with the vaccine candidate responded with a significant rise in bactericidal antibody titer. These results suggest that bacterial ghosts may function as a vaccine adjuvant by promoting BMDCs maturation, which in turn enhances the immune responses to the vaccine antigens. This study also highlights the potential of using bacterial ghosts as antigen delivery system in the development of an efficacious gonorrhea vaccine.

Anesthetic effects of isoflurane and the molecular mechanism underlying isoflurane‑inhibited aggressiveness of hepatic carcinoma

Anesthesia is produced by drugs or other methods, and refers to the attenuation of pain via reversible suppression of neuronal transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems, during surgery. Clinical investigations have indicated that the anesthetic action of isoflurane is efficient to alleviate pain during tumor resection clinical trials. In addition, it has been reported that isoflurane can induce caspase-3 activation and is associated with apoptosis of tumor cells. The present study investigated the anesthetic effects and molecular mechanisms underlying isoflurane-induced apoptosis in patients with hepatic carcinoma. Furthermore, the pain of patients with hepatic carcinoma was evaluated during the perioperative period according to the pain index. The apoptotic rate of hepatic carcinoma cells was analyzed in tumor tissues using TUNEL assay. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins were detected in liver cancer cells following anesthesia in patients. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways were also analyzed in liver cancer cells following treatment with isoflurane. The results demonstrated that isoflurane inhibited growth and decreased viability of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the apoptotic rate was increased in cells obtained from isoflurane-treated patients. The results also demonstrated that isoflurane upregulated the expression levels of proapoptotic genes and downregulated anti-apoptotic mRNA expression. In addition, a molecular mechanism analysis indicated that isoflurane inhibited PI3K and AKT expression in liver cancer cells. Isoflurane also induced caspase-3 activation in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, isoflurane treatment attenuated NF-κB activity and inhibited migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that isoflurane treatment efficiently attenuated surgical pain and inhibited tumor aggressiveness via regulation of NF-κB activity and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus suggesting that isoflurane is an efficient anesthetic drug that induces pain remission and promotes apoptosis of liver cancer cells.

Filter Design with Adaptation to Time-Delay Parameters for Genetic Regulatory Networks

In existing works, the filters designed for delayed genetic regulatory networks contain time delay. If the time delay is unknown, the filters do not work in practical applications. In order to overcome the shortcoming in such existing works, this paper investigates the filter design problem of genetic regulatory networks with unknown constant time delay, and a novel adaptive filter is introduced, which can estimate online not only unknown network parameters but also the unknown time delay. By the Lyapunove approach, it is shown that the estimating errors asymptotically converge to the origin. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed new design method.

Macrophage targeting contributes to the inhibitory effects of embelin on colitis-associated cancer

Macrophages are a major component of inflammatory and tumor microenvironment. We previously reported that embelin suppresses colitis-associated tumorigenesis. Here, the role of macrophage targeting in the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties of embelin was investigated. By using colitis-associated cancer (CAC) model, we demonstrated that embelin significantly depleted colon macrophages by blocking their recruitment. Moreover, embelin attenuated M2-like polarization of macrophages within the tumor microenvironment and eliminated their tumor-promoting functions during the development of CAC. Embelin potently inhibited NF-κB signaling in macrophages and decreased the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumorigenic factors involved in CAC, such as TNFα, IL-6 and COX-2. In addition, embelin directly reduced the polarization of M2 macrophages in vitro even in the presence of Th2 cytokines. These results suggested that targeting macrophages is, at least in part, responsible for the anti-tumor activity of embelin in CAC. Our observations strengthen the rationale for future validation of embelin in the prevention and treatment of CAC

Upper esophageal sphincter augmentation reduces pharyngeal reflux in nasogastric tube-fed patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Aspiration of gastric refluxate is one of the most commonly observed complications among long-term nasogastric tube (NGT) fed patients. The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure barrier is the main defense mechanism against pharyngeal reflux of gastric contents. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the UES assist device (UES-AD) in preventing gastric reflux through the UES in long-term NGT-fed patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Self-Controlled Case series.

METHODS

We studied 10 patients (mean age = 90.6 ± 3.4 years, four females) with dysphagia caused by stroke or dementia who were fed for 0.5 to 5 years (median = 3 years) by NGT. External pressures of 20 to 30 mm Hg were applied by using a handmade UES-AD, which was started 2 hours after the beginning of NGT infusion and was alternated between periods of 2 hours on and 2 hours off, for a total of 12 hours. Placement of the impedance sensors within the UES was guided by high-resolution manometry. Trans-UES and intraesophageal reflux events were recorded by using 24-hour combined pH-impedance measurements.

RESULTS

No aspiration pneumonia events were noted in the period 1 month before or during the study in any of the cohort. Baseline UES pressure averaged 17.5 ± 9.4 mm Hg and was increased to 38.9 ± 11.9mm Hg after application of the UES-AD. Overall frequency of trans-UES reflux decreased significantly with the UES-AD compared to without (0.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.3 ± 2.8, P < .05 for the 12-hour study period). There was no effect of the UES-AD on esophageal reflux events (7.4 ± 4.4 vs. 6.4 ± 3.0, P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

UES-AD significantly decreases the number of trans-UES reflux events and can potentially reduce the aspiration risk associated with NGT feeding.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1310-1315, 2018.

Comparative effect of the sites of anterior cervical pressure on the geometry of the upper esophageal sphincter high-pressure zone

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry.

RESULTS

There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466-2474, 2017.

Rationalized design of a mucosal vaccine protects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge in mice

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. The only licensed TB vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), has variable efficacy in protecting against pulmonary TB. Thus, the development of more effective TB vaccines is critical to control the TB epidemic. Specifically, vaccines delivered through the mucosal route are known to induce Th17 responses and provide superior protection against Mtb infection. However, already tested Th17-inducing mucosal adjuvants, such as heat-labile enterotoxins and cholera toxins, are not considered safe for use in humans. In the current study, we rationally screened adjuvants for their ability to induce Th17-polarizing cytokines in dendritic cells (DCs) and determined whether they could be used in a protective mucosal TB vaccine. Our new studies show that monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), when used in combination with chitosan, potently induces Th17-polarizing cytokines in DCs and downstream Th17/Th1 mucosal responses and confers significant protection in mice challenged with a clinical Mtb strain. Additionally, we show that both TLRs and the inflammasome pathways are activated in DCs by MPL-chitosan to mediate induction of Th17-polarizing cytokines. Together, our studies put forward the potential of a new, protective mucosal TB vaccine candidate, which incorporates safe adjuvants already approved for use in humans.

The enhanced immune responses induced by Salmonella enteritidis ghosts loaded with Neisseria gonorrhoeae porB against Salmonella in mice

Human health has been seriously endangered by highly prevalent salmonellosis and multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. Current vaccines suffer from variable immune-protective effects, so more effective ones are needed to control Salmonella infection : Bacterial ghosts have been produced by the expression of lysis gene E from bacteriophage PhiX174 and can be filled with considerable exogenous substances such as DNA or drugs as a novel platform. In this study, Salmonella enteritidis (SE) ghosts were developed and loaded with Neisseria gonorrhoeae porin B (porB) to construct a novel inactive vaccine. Our new studies show that SE ghosts loaded with porB displayed increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12p70) in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and elicited significantly higher specific systemic and mucosal immune responses to Salmonella than SE ghosts alone. In addition, the novel porB-loaded ghosts conferred higher protective effects on virulent Salmonella challenge. For the first time, we demonstrate that N. gonorrhoeae porB, as a novel adjuvant, can increase the immunogenicity of SE ghosts. Our studies suggested that Salmonella enteritidis ghosts loaded with Neisseria gonorrhoeae porin B might be a useful mucosal Salmonella vaccine candidate for practical use in the future.

A human model of restricted upper esophageal sphincter opening and its pharyngeal and UES deglutitive pressure phenomena

Oropharyngeal dysphagia due to upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction is commonly encountered in the clinical setting. Selective experimental perturbation of various components of the deglutitive apparatus can provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of the swallowing physiology and pathophysiology. The aim is to characterize the pharyngeal and UES deglutitive pressure phenomena in an experimentally induced restriction of UES opening in humans. We studied 14 volunteers without any dysphagic symptoms (7 men, 66 ± 11 yr) but with various supraesophageal reflux symptoms. To induce UES restriction, we used a handmade device that with adjustment could selectively apply 0, 20, 30, or 40 mmHg pressure perpendicularly to the cricoid cartilage. Deglutitive pharyngeal and UES pressure phenomena were determined during dry and 5- and 10-ml water swallows × 3 for each of the UES perturbations. External cricoid pressure against the UES resulted in a significant increase in hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure and UES nadir deglutitive relaxation pressure for all tested swallowed volumes (P < 0.05). Application of external cricoid pressure increased the length of the UES high pressure zone from 2.5 ± 0.2 to 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.5 ± 0.1, and 3.7 ± 0.1 cm for 20, 30, and 40 mmHg cricoid pressure, respectively (P < 0.05). External cricoid pressure had no significant effect on pharyngeal peristalsis. On the other hand, irrespective of external cricoid pressure deglutitive velopharyngeal contractile integral progressively increased with increased swallowed volumes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, acute experimental restriction of UES opening by external cricoid pressure manifests the pressure characteristics of increased resistance to UES transsphincteric flow observed clinically without affecting the pharyngeal peristaltic contractile function.

Evaluation of protective efficacy of a novel inactivated Salmonella Pullorum ghost vaccine against virulent challenge in chickens

Salmonella Gallinarum biovar Pullorum is the causative agent of pullorum disease in poultry, an acute systemic disease that results in a high mortality rate in young chickens. Vaccines have been considered in many developing countries where levels of infection are high and eradication is not a realistic option. An attenuated strain combined with protein E-mediated cell lysis was used to generate a safety enhanced Salmonella Pullorum ghost vaccine. Immune responses and protection induced by ghost vaccine in chickens were investigated following a prime-boost immunization administered via intramuscular and oral routes. Chickens from vaccinated groups showed significant increases in antigen-specific IgG, especially after booster immunization. Lymphocyte proliferation responses were also significantly increased in all immunized groups at 2-weeks post-final vaccination. The Salmonella Pullorum ghost vaccine provided satisfactory protection against virulent Salmonella Pullorum infection, as shown by the robust stimulation of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses as well as the reduction in the number of bacterial recovered post-challenge. Moreover, the immune effects and survival rates indicated intramuscular injection is more efficient than oral vaccination. In conclusion, our results suggest that Salmonella Pullorum ghosts may be used as a safe and effective novel inactivated vaccine candidate to protect against virulent Salmonella Pullorum infection.

Construction and in vivo evaluation of a mammary gland-specific expression vector for human lysozyme

A mammary gland-specific expression vector p205C3 was constructed with the 5'- and 3'-flanking regions of β-lactoglobulin gene and the first intron of β-casein gene of Chinese dairy goat as regulatory sequences. Human lysozyme (hLYZ) cDNA from mammary gland was cloned into p205C3 and the recombinant vector was used to generate transgenic mice by microinjection. Based on the lysoplate assay, four female offspring of one male founder were detected expressing recombinant hLYZ in their milk at the levels of 5-200 mg/l, and the expressed protein had the same molecular weight as that of normal hLYZ. Besides mammary glands, ectopic expressions were also found in the spleens and the small intestines of the transgenic mice. Among the offspring, the female transgenic mice maintained and expressed the transgene stably with a highest expression level of 750 mg/l. Therefore, p205C3 could be used to develop animal mammary gland bioreactors expressing hLYZ.

[A clinical analysis of dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease in 20 patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features of the patients with dermatomyositis (DM) complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

METHODS

The clinical manifestations and the laboratory data of the 20 patients with DM complicated with ILD were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 169 DM patients, 20(11.8%) were founded with ILD and 4 had no complaint of respiratory system. The ratio of male to female was 1:2.33. The level of serum creatine kinase (CK) was elevated in 11 cases. Anti-Jo-1 antibody was positive in 4 cases. Bilateral infiltrates including ground-glass attenuation, interlobular septal thickening and reticular opacities were found by chest high resolution computed tomography. The impairment of lung function was manifested as the decreased diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of the lung (D(L)CO) and restricted ventilatory function abnormalities. Fifteen cases showed hypoxemia or respiratory failure by arterial blood gas analysis. All patients were treated with glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressive agents. Totally, 14 patients had improved, while 2 patients with no improvement and 4 patients died with a mortality of 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

DM complicated with ILD which is easily missed has a high morbidity and mortality. The understanding of DM complicated with ILD should be enhanced, thus early diagnosis and intervention could be performed for better prognosis.

Establishment of a human CEACAM1 transgenic mouse model for the study of gonococcal infections

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative microorganism for the sexually transmitted disease (STD) gonorrhea and humans are its only natural host. An animal model would be a useful tool for gonorrhea research, therefore we developed the hCEACAM1 transgenic mice, using an eukaryotic expression vector, pCDPCAM1-GI. This construct was microinjected into the zygotes of C57BL/6 mice and 22 F0 generation transgenic mice were obtained. Four (lines 50, 53, 54, and 59) of the F0 generation were found to carry the transgene by PCR and sequence analysis, respectively. Western blotting and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Analysis demonstrated that hCEACAM1 was expressed on the cell membrane of various tissues in the line 53 transgenic mouse. To initiate the disease in the animal model, the F2 or F3 transgenic mice were inoculated with N. gonorrhoeae intravaginally. Compared with normal mice, N. gonorrhoeae can successfully infect and cause inflammation in the transgenic mice. These data suggested the feasibility of using hCEACAM1 transgenic mice as an animal model for gonococcal infections.

Pathogenicity and immunogenicity of a mutant strain of Listeria monocytogenes in the chicken infection model

Listeria monocytogenes has been exploited as a vaccine carrier based upon its ability to induce a strong cell-mediated immune response. At present, the safety of live, attenuated L. monocytogenes vaccines in patients is being studied in clinical trials. L. monocytogenes is also an attractive vaccine vector for use in poultry; however, the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of this organism in poultry remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of an actA- and plcB-deficient L. monocytogenes strain, yzuLM4ΔactA/plcB, and its wild-type parent strain, yzuLM4, in an avian infection model. The results showed that the wild-type strain could infect ISA brown chickens, causing serious tissue disruptions, including various degrees of degeneration, necrotic lesions, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, spleen, heart, and kidney. However, the mutant strain showed reduced virulence in embryonated eggs compared with that of the parent strain (the 50% lethal dose [LD(50)] was 3 logs higher). The mutant strain also showed low virulence in chickens and was rapidly eliminated by the host. There were no obvious pathological changes in tissue sections, but the mutant strain still retained the ability to stimulate high levels of antibody against the protein listeriolysin O (LLO). Booster immunization with the mutant strain led to rapid bacterial clearance from the livers and spleens of chickens challenged by the intramuscular route or the oral route. Collectively, our data suggest that the wild-type serotype 1/2a L. monocytogenes strain can cause serious disease in chickens but the mutant strain with a deletion of the actA and plcB genes is less virulent but induces a strong immune response. This mutant strain of L. monocytogenes is therefore a promising candidate as a safe and effective vector for the delivery of heterologous antigens to prevent zoonosis and infectious disease in poultry.

Application and expression of HSV gG1 protein from a recombinant strain

According to the homologous sequence of glycoprotein G1 (gG1) genes from different strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a pair of primers was designed to amplify the gG1 gene fragment by PCR. Both the PCR product and the pGEX-4T-1 vector were digested with EcoR I and Sal I. The gG1 gene fragment was subcloned into the digested pGEX-4T-1 vector to construct a recombinant plasmid (pGEX-4T-1-gG1). The resultant plasmid was identified by dual-enzyme digestion and sequence analysis, and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 for expression under the induction of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactoside (IPTG). The expressed GST-gG1 fragment was detected by SDS-PAGE and purified by affinity chromatography. The properties of GST-gG1 fragment were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on the GST-gG1 fragment were used for determining IgG or IgM to HSV-1. The GST-gG1 fragment-specific ELISA was also compared with ELISA with whole-HSV-1 antigen and commercial ELISA kits. The gG1-specific IgG and IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells were induced in mice immunized with the GST-gG1 fragment. These results indicated that the GST-gG1 fragment could be used for replacing whole-virus antigen to detect IgM and IgG to HSV-1 in human sera, which provided a strategy for developing vaccines to protect HSV-1 infection using gG1 fragment.

[The predictive value of Holter recordings to detect moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of Holter ECG recordings for patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODS

Holter recordings was performed in 76 patients who were diagnosed OSAHS by polysomnography (PSG) within one month from Jan. 2008 to July 2009 in our hospital. Twenty-eight patients were identified as mild OSAHS (AHI < or = 20) and forty-eight patients were moderate-to-severe OSAHS (AHI > 20). The indexes of heart rate variability (HRV), total scores of thirteen sleep apnea risk indexes of Holter recordings and BMI were analyzed by bivariate Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Clinical features (eg. Gender, age, complicated with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, and taken beta-blocker), total scores, the sum of thirteen sleep apnea risk scores collected by Holter recordings (5.64 + or - 2.33 vs. 6.42 + or - 2.22, respectively, P > 0.05) were similar between patients with mild OSAHS and moderate-to-severity OSAHS. VLF/Total Power > 70%, the difference of daytime/nighttime LF Power < -70 and BMI were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe OSAHS with OR 3.98 (1.087 - 14.596), 3.69 (1.106 - 12.285) and 1.28 (1.062 - 1.544), respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

VLF/Total Power and the difference of daytime/nighttime LF Power and BMI could be used as screening parameters to recognize patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS.

[Immunogenicity of S1 gene DNA vaccine of mouse hepatitis virus delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium]

The complete S1 gene from mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the pMD18-T vector. After confirmed by the restriction endonuclease analysis and PCR amplification, the positive clone of S1 gene was sequenced and then was transferred into eukaryotic expressing vector pVAXI. The recombinant plasmid pVAX1-S1 was transfected into COS-7 cells. The expressed S1 protein was successfully detected with indirect immunofluorescent assay. Finally, The recombinant plasmid pVAX1-S1 was transformed by electroporation into attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain SL7207 and confirmed by PCR and Salmonella agglutination test. The recombinant was named as SL7207(pVAX1-S1). 6-week-old BALB/c mice were inoculated orally with SL7207 (pVAX1-S1) at dosage of 5 x 10 (8) CFU, 1 x 10(9) CFU and 2 x 10(9) CFU respectively. The immunized mice showed no clinic symptom. The results suggested that SL7207 (pVAX1-S1) was safe for mice after oral immunization at dosage of 2 x 10(9) CFU or below. BALB/c mice were immunized orally with SL7207 harboring recombinant plasmid at the dosage of 109 and boosted two weeks later with the same dose, for a total of three times. The recombinant Salmonella SL7207 ( pVAX1-S1 ) could induce significant humoral immune response in mice compared with the control (P < 0.05 or 0.01) at 2 w post-boosting and 2 w post-three immunization. The antibodies against MHV were also detected in small intestinal mucosal samples from immunized mice at 2 w post-three immunization. These results indicated that recombinant SL7207(pVAX1-S1) induced both systemic and local mucosal immunity.

[Expression of actA gene of Listeria monocytogenes in Escherichia coli and preparation of ActA monoclonal antibodies]

The actA gene was amplified from Lm-4 strain of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a by PCR and inserted into T vector. Sequencing showed actA gene was 1833bp long and nucleotide homology was 100% compared with actA gene of Listeria monocytogenes EGD strain in GenBank. The cloned actA gene was then inserted into prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-6P-1 and pET respectively. The predicted fusion protein was detected by SDS-PAGE after IPTG induction of recombinant bacteria. The fusion protein expressed in both vectors showed approximate molecular weight of 120kDa and 97kDa. The expressed fusion protein His-ActA was purified and used as antigen to immunize BALB/c mice, hybridomas were generated with traditional hybridoma techniques. McAbs were screened by ELISA, four hybridoma cell lines secreting antibodies against ActA protein were established and the ELISA titer of these ascitic McAbs were around 1 :5 x 10(4) - 1: 1 x 10(5) . The subtype and specifity of McAbs were identified by kit and Western blot. The McAb 1A5 reacted with the expressed fusion protein GST-ActA and His-ActA in Western blot, consistent with that of mouse anti-Lm-4 polyclonal antibodies. The successful expression of ActA protein in E. coli and preparation of its monoclonal antibodies has provided useful tools for studies on the biological activity of ActA protein and its role in listerial pathogenesis.

[Tegaserod inhibits noxious rectal distention induced response and spinal nNOS expression in rats with visceral hypersensitivity]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist tegaserod on response to rectal distention (RD) and on nNOS expression in spinal cord, and to investigate the mechanism of tegaserod influencing visceral sensation.

METHODS

Neonatal SD rats randomLy received colonic irritation by acetic acid from postnatal day 8 to day 21 as visceral hypersensitive model (Group H); or by saline intrarectally as control group (Group C). Five subgroups of Group H were i.p. injected randomLy with saline, vehicle (1-methyl-2-thpyrrolidone) or tegaserod at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. Two subgroups of Group C were i.p. injected with saline or tegaserod at dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Ten minutes after injection rectal distention was performed, AWR was recorded and nNOS expression in spinal cord (L6-S1) was analyzed quantitatively by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry.

RESULTS

Tegaserod significantly inhibited AWR in Group H, but had no effect in Group C. Tegaserod (1.0 mg/kg) inhibited AWR more significantly in Group H than in Group C at the largest volume of distention (1.2 mL). In Group H, tegaserod (1.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased overall nNOS positive cells in spinal cord to 40% of saline. The greatest attenuation was in dorsal horn (31% of H-saline). Tegaserod (0.1 mg/kg) did not affect the overall nNOS(P>0.20), but decreased the number of nNOS positive cells in central canal (79% of H-saline P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Tegaserod inhibits response to rectal distention in rats with visceral hypersensitivity and dose dependently attenuates spinal nNOS expression, especially in dorsal horn and central canal. nNOS may be involved in the modulation of visceral sensitivity by tegaserod.

Moth desaturase characterized that produces both Z and E isomers of delta 11-tetradecenoic acids

The redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) uses a 92:8 mixture of (Z)-11- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate in its pheromone blend. These are produced in the abdominal pheromone gland from the corresponding acids, which are biosynthesized in the gland in a 3:2 Z/E ratio by desaturation of myristoyl CoA. The delta 11 desaturase involved in this reaction exhibits unusual substrate and stereospecificities in specifically producing Z11 and E11 isomers of tetradecenoic acid, and exhibiting no activity with C16 and C18 precursor acids. This report describes the cloning and expression of the redbanded leafroller moth delta 11 desaturase, and compares its amino-acid sequence to those of other known insect Z9, Z10, Z11, and E11 desaturases. The metabolic Z9 desaturase from fat body tissue also was cloned and expressed, and found mainly to produce Z9-16:Acid and Z9-18:Acid. The open reading frame of the delta 11 desaturase encodes a protein with 329 amino acids, whereas the open reading frame of the Z9 desaturase encodes a protein with 351 amino acids. Addition of this new delta 11 desaturase with its different substrate and regiospecificites to the databank of characterized integral-membrane desaturases will be key in efforts to determine amino-acid mutations responsible for the wide array of unsaturated fatty-acid products.

Evolution of moth sex pheromones via ancestral genes

Mate finding in most moth species involves long-distance signaling via female-emitted sex pheromones. There is a great diversity of pheromone structures used throughout the Lepidoptera, even among closely related species. The conundrum is how signal divergence has occurred. With strong normalizing selection pressure on blend composition and response preferences, it is improbable that shifts to pheromones of diverse structures occur through adaptive changes in small steps. Here, we present data supporting the hypothesis that a major shift in the pheromone of an Ostrinia species occurred by activation of a nonfunctional desaturase gene transcript present in the pheromone gland. We also demonstrate the existence of rare males that respond to the new pheromone blend. Their presence would allow for asymmetric tracking of male response to the new blend and, thus, evolution of an Ostrinia species with structurally different sex pheromone components.

[The hemolytic site of the basic phospholipase A(2) from Agkistrodon halys pallas]

The gene of the basic phospholipase A(2) from Agkistrodon halys Pallas (BPLA(2) )was mutated site-directedly by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the residue Arg(34) of the encloding protein was substituted by Glu and Gln respectively. The mutant gene has been cloned into the expression vector pBLMVL2 and has been expressed in E.coli RR1 effectively. The protein was produced as insoluble inclusion bodies. After partial purification, the inclusion bodies were denatured and renatured into active form, and the renatured recombinant protein was purified by gel-filtration. The expression product has the same enzymatic activity as the denatured-refolded BPLA(2) and its hemolytic activity dropped distinctly, which suggest that the basic residue Arg(34) of BPLA(2) is a crucial amino acid residue during the process of hemolysis.

Gene characterized for membrane desaturase that produces (E)-11 isomers of mono- and diunsaturated fatty acids

Moth species have evolved integral membrane desaturases that exhibit a wide diversity in substrate specificity, as well as in regiospecificity and stereospecificity of the unsaturated products. We report here the cloning and expression of a single desaturase from the sex pheromone gland of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana, that makes E11 isomers of monounsaturated (E11-16 and E11-14) fatty acids and a diunsaturated (E9,E11-14) fatty acid. In the pheromone gland, the monoene precursor is made available by beta oxidation of E11-16 acid with a subsequent two-carbon loss to E9-14 acid. A functional assay using a baculovirus expression system required addition of myristic acid and E9-14 acid precursors to demonstrate the unusual regiospecificity and stereospecificity of this desaturase. The amino acid sequence of this desaturase has approximately 61% identity to that of Z11-desaturases from two other insect species, and only approximately 48% identity to the metabolic Z9-desaturases in those species. A pheromone-gland Z9-desaturase gene also was found with the light brown apple moth that differed in its deduced amino acid sequence (66% identity) with the metabolic Z9-desaturase from fat body in this species.