Reentrance of interface superconductivity in a high-Tc cuprate heterostructure

Increasing the carrier density in a Mott insulator by chemical doping gives rise to a generic superconducting dome in high temperature superconductors. An intriguing question is whether a second superconducting dome may exist at higher dopings. Here we heavily overdope La2-xSrxCuO4 (0.45 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and discover an unprecedented reentrance of interface superconductivity in La2-xSrxCuO4 /La2CuO4 heterostructures. As x increases, the superconductivity is weakened and completely fades away at x = 0.8; but it revives at higher doping and fully recovers at x = 1.0. This is shown to be correlated with the suppression of the interfacial charge transfer around x = 0.8 and the weak-to-strong localization crossover in the La2-xSrxCuO4 layer. We further construct a theoretical model to account for the sophisticated relation between charge localization and interfacial charge transfer. Our work advances both the search for and control of new superconducting heterostructures.

White Matter Hyperintensity as a Vascular Contribution to the AT(N) Framework

The AT(N) framework enables the classification of an individual within the biological Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum by pairing the cognitive stage with the biomarker status of amyloid-beta (Aβ, A), tau (T) and neurodegeneration (N). AD is a multifactorial disease that may involve different pathogenic mechanisms such as cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, biomarkers of these mechanisms can be added to the AT(N) framework to enhance the biomarker characterization of individuals within the AD continuum. In AD, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) which are postulated to develop as a result of chronic ischemia from small vessel CVD are shown to play a role in the aetiology. However, the interplay of WMH with Aβ and tau pathophysiology in AD remains unclear. In this review, we summarized the studies that evaluated the associations between WMH and AD pathophysiology (Aβ and tau). We found that the evidence supporting the association of WMH with Aβ was mixed, and this may be explained by the relative contributions of WMH due to its differential load and anatomical distribution. More studies are also needed to determine the association of WMH with tau pathology. Future longitudinal studies with harmonized methodologies to quantify WMH and account for the anatomical differences of WMH are required to validate the relationship between WMH and AT(N) biomarkers. This will allow a clearer understanding of the utility of WMH as a vascular biomarker in the AT(N) framework. Novel CVD biomarkers will also have the potential to further elucidate the contributions of CVD to the AD pathophysiology.

[Spatiotemporal changes of COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai]

Objective: To clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering dynamics of COVID-19 in Shanghai in 2022. Methods: The COVID-19 data presented on the official websites of Municipal Health Commissions of Shanghai during March 1, 2022 and May 31, 2022 were collected for a spatial autocorrelation analysis by GeoDa software. A logistic growth model was used to fit the epidemic situation and make a comparison with the actual infection situation. Results: Pudong district had the highest number of symptomatic and asymptomatic infectants, accounting for 29.30% and 35.58% of the total infectants. Differences in cumulative attack rates and infection rates among 16 districts (P<0.001) were significant. The rates were significantly higher in Huangpu district than in other districts. The attack rate of COVID-19 from March 1, 2022 to May 31, 2022 had a global spatial positive correlation (P<0.05). Spatial distribution of COVID-19 attack rate was different at different periods. The global autocorrelation coefficient from March 16 to March 29, April 6 to April 12 and May 18 to May 24 had no statistical significance (P>0.05). Our local autocorrelation analysis showed that 22 high-high clustering areas were detected in eight periods.The high-risk hot-spot areas have experienced a "less-more-less" change process. The growth model fitting results were consistent with the actual infection situation. Conclusion: There was a clear spatiotemporal correlation in the distribution of COVID-19 in Shanghai. The comprehensive prevention and control measures of COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai have effectively prohibited the growth of the epidemic, not only curbing the spatially spread of high-risk epidemic areas, but also reducing the risk of transmission to other cities.

Deep small RNA-Seq reveals microRNAs expression profiles in lactating mammary gland of 2 sheep breeds with different milk performance

Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA, and it has been revealed to play important roles in the activity of the mammary gland (MG) in some species. However, the function of miRNAs in MG of sheep is poorly understood. In the study, Gansu Alpine Merino (GAM; n = 9) and Small-tailed Han sheep (STH; n = 9) with different milk production traits were investigated. Microstructures and the expression profile of miRNAs of MG tissues at peak lactation were studied. Mature alveolar lumens of MG in appearance were larger in STH than GAM. The expression levels of CSN2 and the content of rough endoplasmic reticulum were also higher in STH ewes than GAM ewes. A total of 124 mature miRNAs were expressed, and 18 of these were differentially expressed between the 2 breeds. The KEGG analysis results showed that the targeted genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in some metabolic pathways and signaling pathways related to MG development, milk protein, and fat synthesis. The findings in the study can improve our understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the development and lactation of MG in sheep.

Successful resolution of skin ulceration by itraconazole in an immunocompetent elderly patient

A 63-year-old patient was presented with faciocervical erythema and ulcers of 3 months duration. Pathological examination showed infiltration of inflammatory cells. Pathogenic microorganism cultivation was negative. However, empirical therapy with itraconazole proved effective.

[Clinical application of computed tomography angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction in repairing high-voltage electrical burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms with tissue flaps]

Objective: To explore the application value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional reconstruction in repairing high-voltage electrical burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms with tissue flaps. Methods: From December 2014 to December 2018, 12 patients with high-voltage electrical burns in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms were hospitalized. The size of wounds ranged from 13 cm×10 cm to 32 cm×15 cm after complete debridement. Before tissue flap repair, the subclavian artery-axillary artery-brachial artery and their branches were examined by CTA. The main target vessels and their branches were conducted by three-dimensional reconstruction, and the development of the axis vessels for the tissue flaps planning to dissect and their branches were observed. For wounds in upper arms, amputation stump bone exposed wounds, and wounds in axillas and the anterior, the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is the first choice for repair, if the thoracodorsal artery and internal and external branches are well developed according to CTA examination. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used in 6 patients with the area of myocutaneous flap ranging from 16 cm×12 cm to 32 cm×17 cm. All the donor sites were covered by split-thickness skin graft of thighs. For large wounds in occiputs, necks, and scapulas, the contralateral lower trapezius myocutaneous flap is the first choice for repair, if the superficial descending branch and deep branch of the contralateral transverse cervical artery are well developed according to CTA examination. For small wounds in necks and scapulas, the ipsilateral lower trapezius myocutaneous flap can be used for repair, if the superficial descending branch of the ipsilateral transverse cervical artery is well developed according to CTA examination. Lower trapezius myocutaneous flaps were used in 4 patients with the area of myocutaneous flap ranging from 18 cm×12 cm to 25 cm×17 cm. The donor site of one patient was sutured directly and the donor site of the other 3 patients was covered by split-thickness skin graft of thighs. For wounds in the posteromedial side of upper arms and the anterior side of axillas, the lateral thoracic skin flaps can be used for repair, if the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can not be utilized for reasons of back burn or no muscle is needed for dead space, when the blood supply of side chest skin is reliable according to CTA examination. Lateral thoracic skin flaps were used in 2 patients with the area of skin flap ranging from 16 cm×12 cm to 17 cm×14 cm. The donor site of one patient was sutured directly and the donor site of the other one patient was covered by split-thickness skin graft of thigh. Results: During the operation of tissue flap repair in 12 patients, the orientation and starting position of the axis vessels were consistent with those observed by CTA examination before operation. All the tissue flaps survived after operation. During follow-up of 1 to 24 months, the patients were satisfied with no serious scar contracture affecting the function nor secondary infection or chronic ulcer. Conclusions: CTA and its three-dimensional reconstruction technique can clearly reconstruct the subclavian artery-axillary artery-brachial artery and their branches before repair of high-voltage burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms. It can be used to observe whether the vessels are embolized or not and the starting position and orientation of blood vessels, which can provide an important reference for the selection of tissue flap transplantion.

[Study on the application of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil in dressing change of conscious patients with non-intubation in burn intensive care unit]

Objective: To observe the analgesic and sedative effect and safety of application of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil in dressing change of conscious patients with non-intubation in burn intensive care unit. Methods: Forty patients conforming to the study criteria hospitalized in our burn intensive care unit from April 2015 to April 2017 were selected. Prospective, randomized, and double-blind method was used for the design. Patients were divided into dexmedetomidine group and dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group according to the random number table, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in the two groups were respectively given corresponding drugs during dressing change. The frequency and time of dressing change, Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) score of patients during dressing change (at drug administration for 25 minutes) and after dressing change (25 min after dressing change), Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) during dressing change, satisfaction level for anesthesia of the patients and physicians after dressing change, dosage of remifentanil, and various adverse effects during and after dressing change were recorded. The heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory rate, and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) before drug administration and at 10, 15, and 25 minutes after drug administration were also recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) Totally 38 patients completed the trial. There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in gender, American Association of Anesthesiologist Grading, age, weight, and total burn area (χ²=0.230, 0.146, t=0.224, 0.351, 0.367, P>0.05). (2) The frequency of dressing change of patients in two groups were both 48 times. The time of dressing change and VRS scores during dressing change of patients in two groups were similar (t=0.821, 1.522, P>0.05). The VRS score of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group after dressing change was (3.1±0.4) points, obviously lower than (3.8±0.8) points in remifentanil group (t=2.213, P<0.05). The RSS, satisfaction level scores for anesthesia of the patients and physicians after dressing change in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group were (3.13±0.32), (3.44±0.41), and (3.13±0.25) points, respectively, obviously better than (1.82±0.24), (2.71±0.23), (2.53±0.41) points in remifentanil group (t=2.226, 2.684, 7.702, P<0.01). The dosage of remifentanil of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group was (282±19) μg, obviously less than (340±31) μg in remifentanil group (t=9.896, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in rates of respiratory inhibition and hypotension (χ²=0.211, 0.154, P>0.05). Compared with those in remifentanil group, the rates of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group were obviously reduced (P<0.05), but the rate of bradycardia was obviously increased (χ²=6.008, P<0.05). (3) There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in heart rate, MAP, respiratory frequency, and SpO₂ before drug administration (t=0.444, 0.892, 1.059, 1.039, P>0.05). The heart rates of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 10, 15, and 25 minutes after drug administration were (83±11), (78±10), and (82±14) times per minute, respectively, significantly lower than (95±10), (87±12), and (89±12) times per minute in remifentanil group (t=5.592, 3.992, 2.630, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The MAP of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 15 and 25 minutes after drug administration were (69.4±3.1) and (73.8±2.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively, significantly lower than (75.4±3.0) and (78.1±3.5) mmHg in remifentanil group (t=9.181, 7.206, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in respiratory frequency at each time point after drug administration (t=1.489, 1.862, 1.963, P>0.05). The SpO₂ of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 15 minutes after drug administration was 0.972±0.018, obviously lower than 0.979±0.015 in remifentanil group (t=2.070, P<0.05). Conclusions: Application of remifentanil with small dosage has effective analgesia for conscious burn patients with non-intubation during dressing changes, however, adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting are likely to occur. Remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine not only guarantee the analgesic effect, but also reduce the dosage of analgesics, improve the sedative effect and satisfaction of the patients for anesthesia, and reduce various adverse effects. However, it will increase the incidence of bradycardia and has some inhibition effect on circulation at the same time.

[Effects of arnebia root oil on wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect and the related mechanism]

Objective: To observe the effects of arnebia root oil on wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect, and to explore the related mechanism. Methods: Eighty SD rats were divided into arnebia root oil group and control group according to the random number table, with 40 rats in each group, then full-thickness skin wounds with area of 3 cm×3 cm were inflicted on the back of each rat. Wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group and control group were treated with sterile medical gauze and bandage package infiltrated with arnebia root oil gauze or Vaseline gauze, respectively, with dressing change of once every two days. On post injury day (PID) 3, 7, 14, and 21, 10 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively for general observation and calculation of wound healing rate. The tissue samples of unhealed wound were collected for observation of histomorphological change with HE staining, observation of expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with immunohistochemical staining, and determination of mRNA expressions of VEGF and bFGF with real time fluorescent quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On PID 3, there were a few secretions in wounds of rats in the two groups. On PID 7, there were fewer secretions and more granulation tissue in wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group, while there were more secretions and less granulation tissue in wounds of rats in control group. On PID 14, most of the wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group were healed and there was much red granulation tissue in unhealed wounds, while part of wounds of rats in control group was healed and there were a few secretions and less granulation tissue in unhealed wounds. On PID 21, wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group were basically healed, while there were still some unhealed wounds of rats in control group. (2) On PID 3 and 7, the wound healing rates of rats in arnebia root oil group were (39±5)% and (46±4)% respectively, which were close to (34±3)% and (44±4)% of rats in control group (with t values respectively 0.807 and 0.481, P values above 0.05). On PID 14 and 21, the wound healing rates of rats in arnebia root oil group were (76±4)% and (90±3)% respectively, which were significantly higher than (60±6)% and (73±5)% of rats in control group (with t values respectively 2.308 and 3.072, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) On PID 3, 7, and 14, granulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually increased, and more ranulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries were seen in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group. On PID 21, granulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually decreased. (4) On PID 3, 7, and 14, the numbers of VEGF positive cells and bFGF positive cells in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually increased; there were more VEGF positive cells and bFGF positive cells in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group than those in control group. On PID 21, positive expressions of VEGF and bFGF both decreased in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups. (5) On PID 3, 7, and 14, mRNA expressions of VEGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group were higher than those of control group (with t values from 2.967 to 4.173, P values below 0.01). On PID 21, mRNA expression of VEGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group was lower than that of control group (t=-4.786, P<0.001). From PID 3 to 21, mRNA expressions of bFGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group were higher than those of control group (with t values from 2.326 to 4.702, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: Arnebia root oil can promote wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect, which may relate to increasing expressions of VEGF and bFGF.

HER 2/neu protein expression in gastric cancer is associated with poor survival

Mol Med Rep 2: [Related article:] 943–946, 2009; DOI: 10.3892/mmr_00000196 After the publication of the article, the authors noted that there was an error regarding the author list on the Pubmed website. J.Y. Shen was erroneously omitted from the data submitted for publication on the Pubmed website. We apologize for the oversight and possible misunderstanding. The correct author list is the list that was published in PDF format on the Spandidos Publications website and in print, which is as follows: S.D. Xie1*, C.Y. Xu1,3*, J.G. Shen1, Z.N. Jiang2,3, J.Y. Shen1 and L.B. Wang1.

Transcriptomic analysis of floral initiation in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) based on de novo RNA sequencing

Comparative transcriptome analysis of litchi ( Litchi chinensis Sonn.) buds at two developmental stages revealed multiple processes involving various phytohormones regulating floral initiation, and expression of numerous flowering-related genes. Floral initiation is a critical and complicated plant developmental process involving interactions of numerous endogenous and environmental factors, but little is known about the complex network regulating floral initiation in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Illumina second-generation sequencing is an efficient method for obtaining massive transcriptional information resulting from phase changes in plant development. In this study, comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed with resting and emerging panicle stage buds, to gain further understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in floral initiation in litchi. Abundance analysis identified 5,928 unigenes exhibiting at least twofold differences in expression between the two bud stages. Of these, 4,622 unigenes were up-regulated and 1,306 were down-regulated in panicle-emerging buds compared with resting buds. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that unigenes exhibiting differential expression were involved in the metabolism and signal transduction of various phytohormones. The expression levels of unigenes annotated as auxin, cytokinin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid biosynthesis were up-regulated, whereas those unigenes annotated as abscisic acid biosynthesis were down-regulated during floral initiation. In addition, 188 unigenes exhibiting sequence similarities to known flowering-related genes from other plants were differentially expressed during floral initiation. Thirteen genes were selected for confirmation of expression levels using quantitative-PCR. Our results provide abundant sequence resources for studying mechanisms underlying floral initiation in litchi and establish a platform for further studies of litchi and other evergreen fruit trees.

Bagging treatment influences production of C6 aldehydes and biosynthesis-related gene expression in peach fruit skin

Bagging is a useful method to improve fruit quality by altering its exposure to light, whereas its effect on fruit volatiles production is inconsistent, and the genes responsible for the observed changes remain unknown. In the present study, single-layer yellow paper bags were used to study the effects of bagging treatment on the formation of C₆ aldehydes in peach fruit (Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. Yulu) over two succeeding seasons. Higher concentrations of n-hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal, which are characteristic aroma volatiles of peach fruit, were induced by bagging treatment. After bagging treatment, peach fruit had significantly higher LOX and HPL enzyme activities, accompanying increased contents of C₆ aldehydes. The gene expression data obtained through real-time PCR showed that no consistent significant differences in transcript levels of LOX genes were observed over the two seasons, but significantly up-regulated expression was found for PpHPL1 after bagging treatment In addition, bagging-treated fruit produced more (E)-2-hexenal and had higher expression levels of PpHPL1 during postharvest ripening at room temperature. The regulatory role of the LOX-HPL pathway on the biosynthesis of n-hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal in response to bagging treatment during peach fruit development is discussed in the text.

HER 2/neu protein expression in gastric cancer is associated with poor survival

The presence of HER 2/neu has been reported in gastric cancer, but its impact on patient survival remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of HER 2/neu in gastric cancer. A total of 218 paired resected gastric cancer and corresponding normal specimens were collected. HER 2/neu protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between HER 2/neu expression and patient clinicopathological parameters was evaluated and the prognostic significance of HER 2/neu expression was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Forty-one out of 218 (18.8%) gastric cancer specimens showed HER 2/neu-positive expression. No relationship was found between membranous HER 2/neu expression and clinicopathological parameters. However, HER 2/neu expression was correlated with poorer overall survival (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, HER 2/neu expression was a significant independent prognostic predictor of gastric cancer (p<0.001), and was associated with poor survival in gastric cancer patients. These data indicate that HER 2/neu may play a major role in the therapeutic management of gastric cancer.

Postharvest temperature influences volatile lactone production via regulation of acyl-CoA oxidases in peach fruit

The biosynthesis of volatile compounds in plants is affected by environmental conditions. Lactones are considered to be peach-like aroma volatiles; however, no enzymes or genes associated with their biosynthesis have been characterized. White-fleshed (cv. Hujingmilu) and yellow-fleshed (cv. Jinxiu) melting peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit were used as materials in two successive seasons and responses measured to four different temperature treatments. Five major lactones accumulated during postharvest peach fruit ripening at 20 °C. Peach fruit at 5 °C, which induces chilling injury (CI), had the lowest lactone content during subsequent shelf life after removal, while 0 °C and a low-temperature conditioning (LTC) treatment alleviated development of CI and maintained significantly higher lactone contents. Expression of PpACX1 and activity of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACX) with C16-CoA tended to increase during postharvest ripening both at 20 °C and during shelf life after removal from cold storage when no CI was developed. There was a positive correlation between ACX and lactones in peach fruit postharvest. Changes in lactone production in response to temperatures are suggested to be a consequence of altered expression of PpACX1 and long-chain ACX activity.

Expression of genes associated with aroma formation derived from the fatty acid pathway during peach fruit ripening

Changes in characteristic aroma volatiles, levels of fatty acids as aroma precursors, and expression patterns of related genes, including lipoxygenase (LOX), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), alcohol acyltransferase (AAT), and fatty acid desaturase (FAD), were studied in peach ( Prunus persica L. Batsch., cv. Yulu) fruit during postharvest ripening at 20 degrees C. Concentrations of n-hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenol, and (Z)-3-hexenol decreased, whereas the production of (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, gamma-hexalactone, gamma-octalactone, gamma-decalactone, and delta-decalactone increased with fruit ripening. Lactones showed a clear pattern concomitant with the climacteric rise in ethylene production, with gamma-decalactone being the principal volatile compound at the late ripening stage. Of the LOX family genes, PpLOX2 and PpLOX3 had relatively high transcript levels initially followed by a decline with fruit ripening, while levels of PpLOX1 and PpLOX4 transcripts were upregulated by accumulated ethylene production. Expression of PpHPL1, PpADH1, PpADH2, and PpADH3 showed similar decreasing patterns during ripening. Expression levels of PpAAT1 showed a rapid increase during the first 2 days of postharvest ripening followed by a gradual decrease. Contents of polyunsaturated linoleic and linolenic acids increased, and saturated palmitic acid levels tended to decline as the fruit ripened. The increased levels of unsaturated fatty acids closely paralleled increasing expression of PpFAD1 and PpFAD2. The significance of gene expression changes in relation to aroma volatile production is discussed.

Prognostic role of estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The presence of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) have been reported in cell and tissue level in gastric cancer, but its impact on patients' survival remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the expression level of ERalpha and ERbeta and to assess clinical significance of ERalpha and ERbeta expression in gastric cancer.

METHODS

The expression level of ERalpha and ERbeta were assessed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 35 surgically resected gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissues and by immunohistochemical staining in 211 surgically resected gastric cancer and match normal tissues.

RESULTS

The expression level between ERalpha mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissues and match normal tissues had no statistically significant difference. The ERbeta mRNA level in normal tissues was significantly higher than that observed in gastric cancer tissues (P = 0.001). Neither ERalpha nor ERbeta mRNA expression levels had significant correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. Forty-eight of 211 (22.7%) gastric cancer tissues showed positive expression of ERalpha and ERbeta detected in gastric cancer. ERalpha-positive expression correlated with poorer overall survival (P = 0.014), as did the absence of ERbeta expression in patients with gastric cancer (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the positive expression of ERalpha and the absence of ERbeta were significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.159, P = 0.013, and hazard ratio 2.016, P = 0.025 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that ERalpha and ERbeta were expressed in both gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissues. ERalpha expression and the absence of ERbeta expression are associated with poor survival.

Ulcer size as a novel indicator marker is correlated with prognosis of ulcerative gastric cancer

AIMS

The objective of this study was to assess the significance of ulcer size for the survival of gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 260 patients with ulcerative gastric cancer who had undergone curative resection were reviewed. The diameter of the malignant ulcer was measured. Patients were divided into group U1 (< or =3 cm) and group U2 (>3 cm) according to the diameter of the ulcer. The prognostic significance of ulcer size was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Patient survival was correlated with age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, ulcer size, serosal invasion, node involvement and synchronism distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate in U1 patients was 84.3% as compared with 67.5% in U2 patients (p < 0.001), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 82.9% for group U1 and 62.5% for group U2 (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that ulcer size is an independently significant predictive factor for survival rates (overall: hazard ratio 1.222, p = 0.003; recurrence-free: hazard ratio 1.205, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Ulcer size might be a potential indicator for advanced disease and the use of minimal local treatments must be considered carefully in larger ulcer size patients.

Is Aeromonas hydrophila the dominant motile Aeromonas species that causes disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang Province of China?

The significance of Aeromonas hydrophila in association with disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang province of China was investigated. Bacteriological examination of moribund fish and crabs resulted in 95 bacterial isolates: 88 bacterial isolates from fish and 7 isolates from crabs. PCR and traditional biochemical methods were used for identification of A. hydrophila. Out of 69 motile aeromonads, 35 isolates were identified as A. hydrophila by biochemical tests. However, 6 of those were not identified as A. hydrophila by a species specific PCR method. Serotyping revealed 2 dominant serotypes (O9 and O97) among A. hydrophila isolates. The data presented show that approximately 42% of the motile aeromonads isolated from disease outbreaks among various fish species were A. hydrophila. It is noteworthy that A. hydrophila accounted for more than 50% of the isolated aeromonands isolated from crucian carp Carassius carassius and Wuchang bream Megalobrama amblycephala with haemorrhagic septicaemia. Although this species was the most frequently isolated organism from internal organs of diseased fish and crabs in the present study, other motile Aeromonas spp. were also found. The PCR assay was useful in preventing misidentification of A. hydrophila, which may occur when only phenotypic tests are employed.

Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus

A prospective echocardiographic and clinical study was performed on 84 Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 99 controls to investigate the prevalence and the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SLE. Comparison between Doppler estimation and catheterization measurement was made in 12 cases to validate the predictive method. Compared to normal subjects, lupus patients had significantly increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) (29.59 +/- 12.52 vs 19.64 +/- 5.82, P < 0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) (15.11 +/- 7.36 vs 10.21 +/- 4.72, P < 0.001) and total pulmonary resistance (TPR) (315.85 +/- 190.65 vs 220.37 +/- 55.92, P < 0.001). Nine of the 84 patients presented PH, defined as SPAP < 30 mmHg and MPAP > 20 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertensive patients had higher serum endothelin (ET) than non-pulmonary hypertensive patients, were more commonly in active stages, and presented Raynaud's phenomenon and rheumatoid factors. ET level was correlated with echocardiographic pulmonary pressure. Pulmonary hypertension commonly occurs in Chinese patients with SLE (11%), and it correlates with the lupus activity and the elevation of serum endothelin.

Antiapoptotic but not antiviral function of human bcl-2 assists establishment of Japanese encephalitis virus persistence in cultured cells

Upon infection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were killed by a mechanism involved in apoptosis. While readily established in a variety of cell lines, JEV persistence has never been successfully instituted in BHK-21 and CHO cells. Since stable expression of human bcl-2 in BHK-21 cells has been shown to delay JEV-induced apoptosis, in this study we investigated whether JEV persistence could be established in such cells. When constitutively expressing bcl-2, but not its closest homolog, bcl-XL, following a primary lytic infection, approximately 5 to 10% of BHK-21 and CHO cells became persistently JEV infected during a long-term culture. From the persistent bulks, several independent clones were selected and expanded to form stable cell lines that continuously produced infectious virus without marked cytopathic effects (CPE). Among these stable cell lines, the truncated nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) was also detected and was indistinguishable from the NS1 truncations previously observed in JEV-persistent murine neuroblastoma N18 cells. However, the stable expression of NS1 alone, regardless of whether it was truncated or full length, failed to render the engineered cells persistently infected by JEV, implying that aberrant NS1 proteins were likely a consequence of, rather than a cause for, the viral persistence. Enforced bcl-2 expression, which did not affect virus replication and spread during the early phase of cytolytic infection, appeared to attain JEV persistence by restriction of virus-induced CPE. Our results suggest that it is the antiapoptotic, rather than the antiviral, effect of cellular bcl-2 which plays a role in the establishment of JEV persistence.

Real-time pattern recognition system based on a bipolar winner-take-all model with a threshold

A threshold is added to recognize an input pattern that has too few similarities to be one of the memory patterns. A real-time pattern recognition system based on the improved model is given. The unipolar optical pattern recognition system has all the characteristics of a fully bipolar winner-take-all model and has illumination invariance. A liquid-crystal spatial light modulator is used as a real-time input device, and a mask and a lens array perform the threshold and weighted sums of the input pattern. Some experimental results are also shown.

Electrophysiological and pathological observations on experimental coxsackie B-3 viral myocarditis in mice

Electrophysiological action of right ventricular myocardium examined by standard intracellular microelectrode technique and real-time microcomputer data processor system and histological and ultrastructural changes of myocardium in BALB/c mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus from 3 days to 9 months were observed. It was found that electrophysiologic parameters of action potential changed very quickly at the early stage (3 days to 1 month) of the disease. Those abnormalities became most apparent by the 5-30th day, and 7 patterns of abnormal action potential occurred frequently within the same period. These changes were basically parallel to the myocardial lesions. At the late stage (3-9 months) the electrophysiological parameters were nearly normal, while the myocardial lesions decreased gradually. However, the abnormal patterns of action potential were still detected, even though they were improved gradually. The results suggest that myocardial damages caused by viral infection may lead to changes of cardiac electric action, which may be one of the factors in arrhythmias in the episode of viral myocarditis.

Effect of dexamethasone on Coxsackievirus B2-infected rat beating heart cells in culture

The effects of dexamethasone on cultured rat beating heart cells experimentally infected with coxsackievirus B2 were investigated at an early stage (1-3 days) post challenge. Changes in the release of the cardiac enzyme, aspartate amino-transferase (AST), beating %, cytopathic effect (CPE), virus titre, ultrastructure and alterations of the electrical activity were evaluated. The protective effects of dexamethasone on infected cells were abolished except the release of AST at 5 days post infection. These results suggest that steroids may benefit patients with severe myocarditis if conventional therapy for protection of the myocardium and modulation of immunologic function are concomitantly given.

[Effect of dexamethasone on Coxsackie B-2 virus-infected rat beating heart cells in culture]

The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on cultured rat beating heart cells infected with 100 TCID-50 Coxsackie virus B-2 (CB2V) were observed. The beating % began to decrease in the infected group 2 or 3 d post-challenge. Meanwhile, the cytopathic effect (CPE) appeared rapidly from 1+ to 3+. In the infected and Dex-treated group 1 h after inoculation, the beating % and CPE in the whole flask were significantly higher and less, respectively, than that in the group infected (P less than 0.05) at the same intervals. At 5 d after challenge, the beating % in the whole flask was significantly higher than that in the infected group. The cardiac enzyme-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the infected group was higher than that in the infected and Dex-treated group (P less than 0.01) through 3-5 d post-challenge. Moreover, the AST levels in these 2 groups were also higher than that in the uninfected group, Dex control group at the same intervals (P less than 0.01). Ultrastructural findings were parallel to the results of CPE through 1-5 d post-challenge in these 4 groups. It is suggested that the protective effect of Dex on cultured beating heart cells infected with CB2V occurred in the early stages after infection. It is surmised that steroids can probably save the lives of patients with severe myocarditis if the conventional therapy for protecting the myocardium and improving immunity were administered together.

[Cytotoxic effects of changrolin, lidocaine and amiodarone on ultrastructure of cultured rat beating cardiac myocytes]

Ultrastructural and morphological alterations of cultured rat beating cardiac myocytes treated with changrolin (CRL), lidocaine (Lid), and amiodarone (Ami) were studied. After the cultures were treated with CRL 100 micrograms/ml for 24 h, the beating of the myocytes stopped, the configuration and fine structure were destroyed, while the nuclei showed pyknotic deformation and reduced in size. The membrane and structures of mitochondria were disrupted and myofibrils fragmented and disrupted. In addition, a lot of vacuoles with characteristic dense particles were found in the cytoplasm. Similar alterations were seen when Lid 1000 micrograms/ml and Ami 50 micrograms/ml were added to the cultures. Normal beating networks of myocytes were examined under inverted microscopy after the cultured cells were treated with CRL 25 micrograms/ml, Lid 250 micrograms/ml or Ami 6.25 micrograms/ml. The ultrastructure of some regions of the myocytes showed very slight damage. The results indicated that the dosage of CRL and Lid generally used in anti-arrhythmic therapy basically exerted no harm to myocytes. However, caution should be taken when Ami was given intravenously, since its effective serum concentration was close to the dosage which could cause slight damage to the ultrastructure of cultured cells.

Immunohistology of tuberculous adenitis in symptomatic HIV infection

Monoclonal antibodies and immunoperoxidase staining were used to characterize the cellular subpopulations in lymph nodes from 10 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, seven of whom had symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. CD4+ cells were significantly fewer in nodes of patients with HIV infection than in those of immunocompetent patients. CD8+ cells were distributed throughout the granuloma in patients with HIV infection, but confined to the periphery in normal hosts. Blastoid Ta1+ cells, putatively antigen-reactive T lymphocytes, were seen in immunocompetent patients but not in those with HIV infection, suggesting that these cells fail to mature appropriately in the latter group. The immunopathological features noted above provide preliminary evidence that the cell-mediated immune response to tuberculosis is abnormal in patients with HIV infection, and may in part explain both the severe and the unusual manifestations of tuberculosis in these individuals.

Treatment of chronic erythema nodosum leprosum with cyclosporine A produces clinical and immunohistologic remission

We have treated three leprosy patients suffering from chronic, steroid-dependent erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) with cyclosporine A (CsA). Excellent results were obtained in two patients. Extra-cutaneous manifestations of the reactional state were completely suppressed, and the development of new skin lesions was sharply curtailed. Immunohistologic abnormalities characteristic of active ENL were corrected. Lymphocyte subpopulations and anti-mycobacterial antibody levels in peripheral blood were unaffected. The third patient showed only a partial response to CsA, but satisfactory blood levels were never obtained in this individual because of dose-related gastrointestinal toxicity. The effectiveness of CsA in the treatment of ENL is consistent with the hypothesis that aberrant activation of a subset of T-helper cells is involved in the pathogenesis of this reaction. CsA may have a role in the treatment of chronic ENL that has failed to respond to conventional therapeutic modalities.

In situ identification of activated Ta1+ T lymphocytes in human leprosy skin lesions

Using a monoclonal antibody, anti-Ta1, that identifies antigen-activated T lymphocytes in vitro, we sought to identify activated T lymphocytes in leprosy skin lesions. Greater numbers of Ta1 positive T lymphocytes were observed in tuberculoid leprosy, lepromin skin tests, and reversal reactions as compared with lepromatous leprosy or erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (p less than 0.001). With a double-staining technique, we found that the majority of these activated T lymphocytes were of the helper/inducer phenotype. No differences of Ta1 positive lymphocytes were observed in the peripheral blood. The defective cell-mediated immune response in lepromatous and ENL patients correlates with, and may be related to the failure of T-helper/inducer activation or proliferation in the presence of Mycobacterium leprae.

Immunohistological evidence of lymphokine production and lymphocyte activation antigens in tuberculin reactions

Evidence of lymphokine elaboration and lymphocyte activation was sought in tuberculin skin test reactions at 24 and 48, or 48 and 96 h in patients with active, culture-proven, pulmonary tuberculosis. Through the use of frozen sections, immunoperoxidase techniques and monoclonal antibodies, anti-interleukin 2 positive cells were found to constitute 0.4% to 0.6% of the dermal infiltrate, and keratinocyte Ia expression at 96 h was consistent with a marker for interferon-gamma production. Cells bearing the interleukin 2 receptor more than doubled in prevalence from 24 to 48 or 96 h but cells staining with Ta1, an antibody identifying activated lymphocytes, were 10% of the cells of the infiltrate at all three times. One-half of the cells of the infiltrate were OKM1-positive, presumably macrophages, perhaps reflecting the presence of active tuberculosis.

Epidermal keratinocyte Ia expression, Langerhans cell hyperplasia and lymphocytic infiltration in skin lesions of leprosy

Epidermal changes, Ia expression on keratinocytes, Langerhans cell hyperplasia and lymphocyte infiltration were sought in skin lesions of leprosy: 15 borderline tuberculoid (BT), six borderline lepromatous (BL), 17 lepromatous (LL), 13 erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), six Lucio reactions and nine reversal reactions. All three changes were well developed in BT and reversal reactions. ENL showed well developed keratinocyte Ia and Langerhans cell hyperplasia, but little lymphocytic infiltration. LL and Lucio tissues had some Langerhans cell hyperplasia but little or no keratinocyte Ia or lymphocytic infiltration. BL tissues were so diverse as to suggest two distinct subgroups. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that keratinocyte Ia expression is an immunohistological sign of a cell-mediated immune (CMI) response. However, the Ia keratinocyte expression found in BL and ENL tissues appears contrary to the undifferentiated macrophages and numerous bacilli found in the lesions. Thus, if a sign of CMI, keratinocyte Ia expression is not a measure of the effectiveness of the response.

Intraorbital cerebrospinal fluid outflow and the posterior uveal compartment of the hamster eye

An ultrastructural and tracer study was undertaken to determine normal outflow pathways of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the terminal subarachnoid space (SAS) of the optic nerve. In the morphological studies, the optic nerve dura and arachnoid were found to be continuous with the sclera of the eye beyond the optic nerve SAS. The pia mater is continuous with the inner sclera and the lamina fusca of the eye. Montages and serial sections demonstrated that the distal SAS is divided into numerous tortuous channels to form an "arachnoidal trabecular meshwork". Spaces of this meshwork continue into "microcanals" which bypass the outer arachnoid barrier layers of the optic nerve meninges to reach the sclera and posterior intraorbital connective tissue. Ferritin infused into the cisterna magna entered the optic nerve SAS within 1 min and reached arachnoidal trabecular meshwork channels and the microcanals within 8 min. It then passed into intraorbital connective tissue spaces at the posterior pole of the eye. Ferritin appeared to be blocked by the lamina fusca and a newly discovered "posterior compact zone" which together prevented its entrance into the choroidal interstitium. These observations suggest that a "subarachnoidal-scleral-orbital outflow pathway" provides a route for CSF drainage from the optic nerve SAS to intraorbital connective tissue. The previously described "posterior uveal compartment" in the hamster eye (Kelly et al. 1983) appears to be relatively isolated from this subarachnoidal-scleral-orbital CSF outflow.