Computed tomography radiomic features and clinical factors predicting the response to first transarterial chemoembolization in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

According to clinical practice guidelines, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment modality for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early prediction of treatment response can help patients choose a reasonable treatment plan. This study aimed to investigate the value of the radiomic-clinical model in predicting the efficacy of the first TACE treatment for HCC to prolong patient survival.

METHODS

A total of 164 patients with HCC who underwent the first TACE from January 2017 to September 2021 were analyzed. The tumor response was assessed by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST), and the response of the first TACE to each session and its correlation with overall survival were evaluated. The radiomic signatures associated with the treatment response were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and four machine learning models were built with different types of regions of interest (ROIs) (tumor and corresponding tissues) and the model with the best performance was selected. The predictive performance was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves.

RESULTS

Of all the models, the random forest (RF) model with peritumor (+10 mm) radiomic signatures had the best performance [area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.964 in the training cohort, AUC = 0.949 in the validation cohort]. The RF model was used to calculate the radiomic score (Rad-score), and the optimal cutoff value (0.34) was calculated according to the Youden's index. Patients were then divided into a high-risk group (Rad-score > 0.34) and a low-risk group (Rad-score ≤ 0.34), and a nomogram model was successfully established to predict treatment response. The predicted treatment response also allowed for significant discrimination of Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate Cox regression identified six independent prognostic factors for overall survival, including male [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.500, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.260-0.962, P = 0.038], alpha-fetoprotein (HR = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.002-1.004, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (HR = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001-1.005, P = 0.025), performance status (HR = 2.400, 95% CI: 1.200-4.800, P = 0.013), the number of TACE sessions (HR = 0.870, 95% CI: 0.780-0.970, P = 0.012) and Rad-score (HR = 3.480, 95% CI: 1.416-8.552, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomic signatures and clinical factors can be well-used to predict the response of HCC patients to the first TACE and may help identify the patients most likely to benefit from TACE.

[Rosiglitazone inhibits hepatic stellate cell proliferation by regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/ heme oxygenase-1 expression]

Objective: To investigate the effect of rosiglitazone (RGZ) on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods: In vitro activated hepatic stellate cell-T6 (HSC-T6) as research subjects were divided into blank control group, RGZ intervention group, and RGZ + ZnPP-IX mutual intervention group. MTT colorimetry method was used to measure the condition of cell proliferation. ELISA was used to detect the content of hyaluronic acid (HA) and type III procollagen peptide (PIIIP) in the cell supernatant. Real-time quantative PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the relative expression levels of PPARγ, HO-1 mRNA and protein. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the sample mean between multiple groups, and LSD test was used for comparison between two groups. Results: The proliferation activity of HSC-T6 and the expressions of HA and PIIIP in the RGZ intervention group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group (P ​​< 0.01), but the relative expression levels of PPARγ and HO-1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased compared with the blank control group (PPARγ : 2.97 ± 0.22 vs. 1.07 ± 0.05, 0.96 ± 0.08 vs. 0.31 ± 0.03; HO-1: 4.28 ± 0.73 vs. 1.80 ± 0.36, 1.83 ± 0.26 vs. 0.61 ± 0.09), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The proliferation activity of HSC-T6 and the expression of HA and PIIIP was higher in RGZ + ZnPP-IX mutual intervention group as compared with RGZ group (P < 0.05). HO-1 mRNA (3.16 ± 0.38 vs. 4.28 ± 0.73) and protein (1.31 ± 0.17 vs. 1.83 ± 0.26) relative expression levels was decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the relative expression of PPARγ mRNA and protein (P > 0.05), however, there was a decreasing trend. HO-1 mRNA (1.80 ± 0.36) and protein (0.61 ± 0.09) relative expression was significantly increased in RGZ + ZnPP-IX group as compared to blank control group (P < 0.05). Immunocytochemical staining had consistency with the above results. Conclusion: The effect of rosiglitazone on inducing increased expression of PPARγ, and then inhibiting HSC proliferation activity and collagen production may be realized by regulating its downstream HO-1 expression.

TRIIODOTHYRONINE ACTIVATES GLYCEROL-3-PHOSPHATE ACYLTRANSFERASE 3 VIA AGGTCA-LIKE-DIRECT-REPEAT-4 TYPE THYROID HORMONE RESPONSE ELEMENT

Background

Thyroid hormone participates in lipid metabolism regulation. However, the effects on triacyleride or triacylglycerol metabolism are complex and not fully clarified yet. In this study, we try to identify novel thyroid hormone-targeting lipogenic metabolic genes and analyze their molecular regulative mechanism.

Method

Thirty-five promoters of twenty-nine human lipogenic regulative enzyme genes were constructed into pXP1 luciferase reporter plasmid (PFK2/FBP2-luc) and transfected into HeGP2 cells, respectively. Gene expression induced by triiodothyronine (T3) was detected by luciferase assay. The T3-activated gene promoter was then analyzed by sequence analysis, deletion and mutation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Results

After 10 nM T3 stimulation for 36 h, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) 3, and 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase (AGPAT) 2 were significantly activated, respectively. A AGGTCA-like-direct-repeat-4 consensus thyroid hormone response element (DR4-TRE)-like sequence was found in the GPAT3 promoter, which was then verified to be necessary for T3-induced GPAT3 activation by gene deletion and mutation analysis. EMSA further identified that T3-thyroid receptor (TR) α-retinoid-X receptor (RXR) complex directly bound on the GPAT3 promoter.

Conclusion

Triiodothyronine could activate the GPAT3 through DR4-TRE-like sequence binding to participate in lipogenic regulation. AGPAT2 may be another thyroid hormone target enzyme.

[Isolation and Identification of two Escherichia albertii strains in Shanxi Province, China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Escherchia albertii in Shanxi province. Methods: The chicken intestines were enriched in EC broth. The eae gene was detected by PCR, and the eae-positive EC enrichments were inoculated in MacConkey agar plate. The eae-positive lactose non-fermenting isolates were presumed as Escherchia albertii, and then analyzed by triplex-PCR, 16S rDNA sequencing and MLST. Results: Two suspected Escherchia albertii were isolated from 250 samples of chicken intestines. It was identified as Escherchia albertii by phenotypic, specific genes,16S rDNA sequencing, and MLST analyses. The cytolethal distending toxin B (cdtB) showed positive by PCR,and they were clusted to Ⅱ/Ⅲ/Ⅴ group by sequencing. Conclusion: This study showed that the Escherchia albertii was existed in Shanxi province, China.

Vortioxetine induces apoptosis and autophagy of gastric cancer AGS cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Vortioxetine is a potent antagonist of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor and serotonin transporter and has been reported to function as an antidepressant in the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, its antitumor effects remain unclear. Here, we examined whether vortioxetine affects the characteristics of GC cells. Cell viability was measured by a colony formation assay and, in addition, cell invasion, migration and apoptosis assays were performed with a transwell assay and a flow cytometry assay. Protein levels were measured by western blotting. We found that vortioxetine inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of AGS cells. Additionally, vortioxetine could induce apoptosis and autophagy by increasing the levels of Bax, active caspase‐3/‐9, Beclin‐1 and light chain 3, as well as by downregulating Bcl‐2 and P62. Further investigations indicated that vortioxetine regulated apoptosis and autophagy via activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that vortioxetine has cytotoxic effects against GC AGS cells as a result of inhibiting proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as by inducing apoptosis and autophagy through the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT pathway.

[Application of meticulous anatomy skills with straight bipolar electric coagulation forceps in thyroid surgery]

Objective: To compare the efficacies of the two techniques of "micro-hemostasis and micro-cutting" with straight bipolar electrocoagulation forceps and traditional clamp-ligation for hemostasia in thyroid surgery. Methods: A total of 228 patients who underwent surgical treatment for thyroid neoplasms in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 50 males and 178 females, aged 23-68 years old. Of those, 150 cases as electric knife group received traditional thyroid surgery between January 2015 and December 2018 and 78 cases as bipolar electrocoagulation group received thyroid surgery by using the technique of bipolar electrocoagulation with meticulous anatomy between January 2018 and December 2018. The total operation time, single operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative drainage volume on the first day, postoperative hoarseness and hypocalcemia were compared between the two groups. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: The total operation time and intraoperative hemorrhage in the bipolar electrocoagulation group were significantly lower than those in the electric knife group ((59.33±18.29)min vs (77.21±25.39)min, (14.83±9.22)ml vs (36.86±11.80)ml, all P<0.01). The single operation time of the bipolar electrocoagulation group was shorter than that of the electric knife group((10.25±6.16) min vs (20.34±7.24)min, (16.25±7.15)min vs (35.68±8.25)min, (12.12±5.25)min vs (20.68±7.26)min, t value was 3.948,16.262,8.238, all P<0.01).There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative drainage volume on the first day (P>0.05) and the incidence of postoperative hoarseness (P>0.05), while the incidence of hypocalcemia in the bipolar electrocoagulation group(10.26%) was lower than that in the electric knife group(21.33%,χ(2)=4.353, P<0.05). Conclusions: The fine dissection for thyroid operation can be achieved by using straight bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers. The use of "micro-hemostasis" and "micro-cutting" technique with bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers can greatly reduce intraoperative bleeding, operation time and postoperative complication.

[Clinical effect and safety of pegylated interferon-α-2b injection (Y shape, 40 kD) in treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of long-acting pegylated interferon-α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 μg/week) in the treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a as positive control. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial. Eligible HBeAg-positive CHB patients were screened out and randomized to Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) trial group and Peg-IFN-α-2a control group at a ratio of 2:1. The course of treatment was 48 weeks and the patients were followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Plasma samples were collected at screening, baseline, and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 weeks for centralized detection. COBAS® Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan® HBV Test was used to measure HBV DNA level by quantitative real-time PCR. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with Elecsys kit was used to measure HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe). Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary outcome measure was HBeAg seroconversion rate after the 24-week follow-up, and non-inferiority was also tested. The difference in HBeAg seroconversion rate after treatment between the trial group and the control group and two-sided confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and non-inferiority was demonstrated if the lower limit of 95% CI was > -10%. The t-test, chi-square test, or rank sum test was used according to the types and features of data. Results: A total of 855 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were enrolled and 820 of them received treatment (538 in the trial group and 282 in the control group). The data of the full analysis set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 27.32% in the trial group and 22.70% in the control group with a rate difference of 4.63% (95% CI -1.54% to 10.80%, P = 0.1493). The data of the per-protocol set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 30.75% in the trial group and 27.14% in the control group with a rate difference of 3.61% (95% CI -3.87% to 11.09%, P = 0.3436). 95% CI met the non-inferiority criteria, and the trial group was non-inferior to the control group. The two groups had similar incidence rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, and common adverse events. Conclusion: In Peg-IFN-α regimen for HBeAg-positive CHB patients, the new drug Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

[Hemin regulates the expression of nuclear factor kappa B of heme oxygenase -1 in hepatic fibrosis]

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects and related mechanism of hemin on the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, 4-week model group, 6-week model group, hemin inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX) intervention group and hemin intervention group. Hemin intervention group in complex liver fibrosis model was intraperitonealy administered ZnPP-IX or hemin every other day for 2 weeks from the fourth week. The mRNA expression of HO-1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HO-1 and localization of α-SMA expression. Serum hyaluronic acid, propeptide of type III collagen and hepatic transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) expressions were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of hydroxyproline in hepatic tissues was measured by alkaline hydrolysis method. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean of each group. The difference between the two groups was compared by independent samples t- test. P-values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared with model groups and ZnPP-IX intervention group, Hemin's intervention significantly increased the expression of HO-1 mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein distribution in liver tissues, while the expression of alpha-SMA mRNA was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in portal space and areas around the fibrotic septum, and hepatic sinus. Hyp content and serum hyaluronic acid and propeptide of type III collagen decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, NF-κB p65 mRNA expression and the downstream production of TGFβ and IL-6 in Hemin intervention group were also inhibited (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hemin can significantly inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats by up-regulating HO-1 expression, and the inhibiting activity of NF-κB p65 leads to downstream of the inflammatory factors.

Genome-wide analysis of RNAs associated with Populus euphratica Oliv. heterophyll morphogenesis

The desert plant Populus euphratica Oliv. has typical heterophylly; linear (Li), lanceolate (La), ovate (Ov) and broad-ovate (Bo) leaves grow in turn as trees develop to maturity. P. euphratica is therefore a potential model organism for leaf development. To investigate the roles of RNAs (including mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs) in the morphogenesis of P. euphratica heterophylls, juvenile heterophylls were sampled individually, and then, the expression patterns of miRNAs, mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs were analysed by small RNA sequencing and strand-specific RNA sequencing. We found that 1374 mRNAs, 19 miRNAs, 71 lncRNAs and 2 circRNAs were P. euphratica heterophyll morphogenesis–associated (PHMA) RNAs; among them, 17 PHMA miRNAs could alter the expression of 46 PHMA mRNAs. Furthermore, 11 lncRNAs and 2 circRNAs interacted with 27 PHMA mRNAs according to the ceRNA hypothesis. According to GO and KEGG pathway analysis, PHMA RNAs were mainly involved in metabolism, response to stimulus and developmental processes. Our results indicated that external environmental factors and genetic factors in P. euphratica co-regulated the expression of PHMA RNAs, repressed cell division, reinforced cell growth, and ultimately resulted in the morphogenesis of P. euphratica heterophylls.

[Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon α-2b injection (Y shape, 40 kD) in treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the new investigational drug pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 µg/week) combined with ribavirin in the treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a combined with ribavirin as a positive control. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial was performed. Eligible patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were screened out and randomly divided into Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40kD) group and Peg-IFN-α-2a group at a ratio of 2:1. The patients in both groups were given oral ribavirin for 48 weeks in addition and then followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II was used to determine HCV genotype, and Cobas TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure HCV RNA level at 0, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks. Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), and a non-inferiority test was also performed. Results: A total of 561 patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were enrolled, among whom 529 received treatment; 90.9% of these patients had genotype 1 CHC. The data of the full analysis set showed that SVR rate was 69.80% (95% CI 65.00%-74.60%) in the trial group and 74.16% (95% CI 67.73%-80.59%) in the control group (P = 0.297 0). The data of the per protocol set (PPS) showed that SVR rate was 80.63% (95% CI 76.04%-85.23%) in the trial group and 81.33% (95% CI 75.10%-87.57%) in the control group (P = 0.849 8), and the 95% CI of rate difference conformed to the non-inferiority standard. The analysis of the PPS population showed that of all subjects, 47.9% achieved rapid virologic response, with a positive predictive value of 93.8%. The incidence rate of adverse events was 96.30% in the trial group and 94.94% in the control group, and the incidence rate of serious adverse events was 5.13% in the trail group and 5.06% in the control group. Conclusion: In the regimen of Peg-IFN-α combined with ribavirin for the treatment of genotype 1/6 CHC, the new investigational drug Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable clinical effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

Inhibition of Stat3 signaling pathway by nifuroxazide improves antitumor immunity and impairs colorectal carcinoma metastasis

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the one of the most common cancers with considerable metastatic potential, explaining the need for new drug candidates that inhibit tumor metastasis. The signal transducers and activators of the transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway has an important role in CRC and has been validated as a promising anticancer target for CRC therapy. In the present study, we report our findings on nifuroxazide, an antidiarrheal agent identified as an inhibitor of Stat3. Our studies showed that nifuroxazide decreased the viability of three CRC cell lines and induced apoptosis of cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, western blot analysis demonstrated that the occurrence of its apoptosis was correlated with the activation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, nifuroxazide markedly impaired CRC cell migration and invasion by downregulating phosphorylated-Stat3^Tyr705, and also impaired the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Furthermore, our studies showed that nifuroxazide also significantly inhibited the tumor metastasis in lung and abdomen metastasis models of colon cancer. Meanwhile, nifuroxazide functionally reduced the proliferation index, induced tumor apoptosis and impaired metastasis. Notably, nifuroxazide reduced the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the blood, spleens and tumors, accompanied by the increased infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells in the tumors. Importantly, a marked decrease in the number of M2-type macrophages in tumor in the abdomen metastasis model was also observed. Taken together, our results indicated that nifuroxazide could effectively inhibit tumor metastasis by mediating Stat3 pathway and it might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of CRC.

Effects of plant roots on the hydraulic performance during the clogging process in mesocosm vertical flow constructed wetlands

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant roots (Typha angustifolia roots) on the hydraulic performance during the clogging process from the perspective of time and space distributions in mesocosm vertical flow-constructed wetlands with coarse sand matrix. For this purpose, a pair of lab-scale experiments was conducted to compare planted and unplanted systems by measuring the effective porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the substrate within different operation periods. Furthermore, the flow pattern of the clogging process in the planted and unplanted wetland systems were evaluated by their hydraulic performance (e.g., mean residence time, short circuiting, volumetric efficiency, number of continuously stirred tank reactors, and hydraulic efficiency factor) in salt tracer experiments. The results showed that the flow conditions would change in different clogging stages, which indicated that plants played different roles related to time and space. In the early clogging stages, plant roots restricted the flow of water, while in the middle and later clogging stages, especially the later stage, growing roots opened new pore spaces in the substrate. The roots played an important role in affecting the hydraulic performance in the upper layer (0-30 cm) where the sand matrix had a larger root volume fraction. Finally, the causes of the controversy over plant roots' effects on clogging were discussed. The results helped further understand the effects of plant roots on hydraulic performance during the clogging process.

Liver X receptor α is involved in the transcriptional regulation of the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene

The activity of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase is strictly controlled by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, the level of which is regulated by another enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK2/FBP2). PFK2/FBP2 is a bifunctional enzyme, having kinase and phosphatase activities, and regulates both glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Here, we examined the hormonal regulation of the PFK2/FBP2 gene in vitro using the reporter assay, the electromobility shift assay (EMSA), and the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay in HuH7 cells and also using the mouse liver in vivo. We found that the transcriptional activity of the PFK2/FBP2 gene was stimulated by insulin and inhibited by cAMP and glucocorticoid. Liver X receptor (LXR) α showed a potent and specific stimulatory effect on PFK2/FBP2 gene transcription. Deletion and mutagenesis analyses identified the LXR response element (LXRE) in the 5'-promoter region of the PFK2/FBP2 gene. Binding of LXRα was confirmed by the EMSA and ChIP assay. Endogenous PFK2/FBP2 mRNA in the mouse liver was increased in the fasting/refeeding state compared with the fasting state. Altogether, PFK2/FBP2 gene transcription is found to be regulated in a way that is more similar to other glycolytic enzyme genes than to gluconeogenic genes. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that LXRα is one of the key regulators of PFK2/FBP2 gene transcription.

Diurnal fluctuations in oxygen release from roots of Acorus calamus Linn in a modeled constructed wetland

Oxygen is known to be released from plant roots, but has seldom been quantified for wetland plants. Our study aims to quantify oxygen release from the roots of one wetland species in China, and use this knowledge as a basis for future modeling. We measured diurnal fluctuations in oxygen release from the roots of Acorus calamus Linn in a modeled constructed wetland (CW) using a titanium ([image omitted]) citrate buffer. Oxygen release was monitored every two hours. Maximum oxygen release was recorded in the range of 215.2-750.8 μmolg(-1)h(-1) and occurred around 15:00. The maximum value of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was in the range of 1281.8-1712.0 mmolm(-2)s(-1) and occurred around 13:00. Both the oxygen release rate and PAR were found to approach zero at night. Our results indicate that oxygen release depends largely on light intensity and exhibits a diurnal periodicity with release occurring only during daytime. Rate of root oxygen release varied during the daytime and this temporal variation was well described by the Gaussian function. While further validation is needed, we suggest that the Gaussian function may be used as the basis for modeling root oxygen release in natural and constructed wetlands.

Clogging pattern in vertical-flow constructed wetlands: insight from a laboratory study

Substrate clogging caused by the accumulation of the particulate solids is the worst operational problem for vertical-flow constructed wetlands (VFCW). In this paper, the effects of particulate solids distribution and their accumulation in the substrate with different gravel sizes were investigated. The results demonstrated that the clogging layer can be considered as two parts: one is the blanket-like deposition layer, and the other is the upper substrate clogging layer. Furthermore, the clogging process shall be partitioned as three stages of puncture phase for the pollutants; the formation of the blanket-like deposition layer; and the formation and compaction phase to the whole clogging layer. With reference to the clogging mechanism, it is believed that the particulate solids (< 100 microm) were absorbed firstly by electrostatic forces and van der Waals' forces. This is followed by the "bridging" made by the accumulated solids which act as a "sieve", thus further restricting larger particulate solids to flow through.

Expression patterns and action analysis of genes associated with inflammatory responses during rat liver regeneration

AIM: To study the relationship between inflammatory response and liver regeneration (LR) at transcriptional level.

METHODS: After partial hepatectomy (PH) of rats, the genes associated with inflammatory response were obtained according to the databases, and the gene expression changes during LR were checked by the Rat Genome 230 2.0 array.

RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-nine genes were associated with liver regeneration. The initial and total expressing gene numbers found in initiation phase (0.5-4 h after PH), G₀/G₁ transition (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and structure-function reconstruction (66-168 h after PH) of liver regeneration were 107, 34, 126, 6 and 107, 92, 233, 145 respectively, showing that the associated genes were mainly triggered at the beginning of liver regeneration, and worked at different phases. According to their expression similarity, these genes were classified into 5 groups: only up-regulated, predominantly up-, only down-, predominantly down-, up- and down-, involving 92, 25, 77, 14 and 31 genes, respectively. The total times of their up- and down-regulated expression were 975 and 494, respectively, demonstrating that the expressions of the majority of genes were increased, and that of a few genes were decreased. Their time relevance was classified into 13 groups, showing that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities were staggered during liver regeneration. According to gene expression patterns, they were classified into 33 types, suggesting that the activities were diverse and complex during liver regeneration.

CONCLUSION: Inflammatory response is closely associated with liver regeneration, in which 239 LR-associated genes play an important role.

Expression patterns and action analysis of genes associated with physiological responses during rat liver regeneration: Innate immune response

AIM: To study the relationship between innate immune response and liver regeneration (LR) at transcriptional level.

METHODS: Genes associated with innate immunity response were obtained by collecting the data from databases and retrieving articles. Gene expression changes in rat regenerating liver were detected by rat genome 230 2.0 array.

RESULTS: A total of 85 genes were found to be associated with LR. The initially and totally expressed number of genes at the phases of initiation [0.5-4 h after partial hepatectomy (PH)], transition from G0 to G1 (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and structure-function reconstruction (66-168 h after PH) was 36, 9, 47, 4 and 36, 26, 78, 50, respectively, illustrating that the associated genes were mainly triggered at the initial phase of LR and worked at different phases. According to their expression similarity, these genes were classified into 5 types: 41 up-regulated, 4 predominantly up-regulated, 26 down-regulated, 6 predominantly down-regulated, and 8 approximately up/down-regulated genes, respectively. The expression of these genes was up-regulated 350 times and down-regulated 129 times respectively, demonstrating that the expression of most genes was enhanced while the expression of a small number of genes was decreased during LR. Their time relevance was classified into 14 groups, showing that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities during LR were staggered. According to the gene expression patterns, they were classified into 28 types, indicating that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities were diverse and complicated during LR.

CONCLUSION: Congenital cellular immunity is enhanced mainly in the forepart, prophase and anaphase of LR while congenital molecular immunity is increased dominantly in the forepart and anaphase of LR. A total of 85 genes associated with LR play an important role in innate immunity.

Expression patterns and action analysis of genes associated with physiological responses during rat liver regeneration: cellular immune response

AIM

To study the cellular immune response during rat liver regeneration (LR) at a transcriptional level.

METHODS

Genes associated with the cellular immune response were obtained by collecting the data from databases and retrieving articles. Gene expression changes during LR were detected by rat genome 230 2.0 array.

RESULTS

A total of 127 genes were found to be associated with LR. The number of initially and totally expressing genes in the initial phase of LR [0.5-4 h after partial hepatectomy (PH)], transition from G(0)-G(1) (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and structure-function reconstruction (66-168 h after PH) was 54, 11, 34, 3 and 54, 49, 70, 49 respectively, illustrating that the associated genes were mainly triggered at the initiation of LR, and worked at different phases. According to their expression similarity, these genes were classified into 41 up-regulated, 21 predominantly up-regulated, 41 down-regulated, 14 predominantly down-regulated, 10 similarly up-regulated and down-regulated genes, respectively. The total up- and down-regulated expression times were 419 and 274, respectively, demonstrating that the expression of most genes was increased while the expression of a small number of genes was decreased. Their time relevance was classified into 14 groups, showing that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities were staggered during LR. According to the gene expression patterns, they were classified into 21 types, showing the activities were diverse and complicated during LR.

CONCLUSION

Antigen processing and presentation are enhanced mainly in the forepart, prophase and anaphase of LR. T-cell activation and antigen elimination are enhanced mainly in the forepart and prophase of LR. A total of 127 genes associated with LR play an important role in cellular immunity.

Expression pattern and action analysis of genes associated with the responses to chemical stimuli during rat liver regeneration

AIM: To study the genes associated with the responses to chemokines, nutrients, inorganic substances, organic substances and xenobiotics after rat partial hepatectomy (PH) at transcriptional level.

METHODS: The associated genes involved in the five kinds of responses were obtained from database and literature, and the gene expression changes during liver regeneration in rats were checked by the Rat Genome 230 2.0 array.

RESULTS: It was found that 60, 10, 9, 6, 26 genes respectively participating in the above five kinds of responses were associated with liver regeneration. The numbers of initially and totally expressed genes occurring in the initial phase of liver regeneration (0.5-4 h after PH), G₀/G₁ transition (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and structure-functional reconstruction (66-168 h after PH) were 51, 19, 52, 6 and 51, 43, 98, 68 respectively, illustrating that the associated genes were mainly triggered in the initiation and transition stages, and functioned at different phases. According to their expression similarity, these genes were classified into 5 groups: only up-regulated (47), predominantly up-regulated (18), only down-regulated (24), predominantly down-regulated (10), and up- and down-regulated (8). The total times of their up-regulated and down-regulated expression were 441 and 221, demonstrating that the number of up-regulated genes is more than that of the down-regulated genes. Their time relevance and gene expression patterns were classified into 14 and 26 groups, showing that the cell physiological and biochemical activities were staggered, diversified and complicated during liver regeneration in rats.

CONCLUSION: The chemotaxis was enhanced mainly in the forepart and metaphase of LR. The response of regenerating liver to nutrients and chemical substances was increased, whereas that to xenobiotics was not strong. One hundred and seven genes associated with LR play important roles in the responses to chemical substances.

Expression patterns and action analysis of genes associated with blood coagulation responses during rat liver regeneration

AIM: To study the blood coagulation response after partial hepatectomy (PH) at transcriptional level.

METHODS: After PH of rats, the associated genes with blood coagulation were obtained through reference to the databases, and the gene expression changes in rat regenerating liver were analyzed by the Rat Genome 230 2.0 array.

RESULTS: It was found that 107 genes were associated with liver regeneration. The initially and totally expressing gene numbers occurring in initiation phase of liver regeneration (0.5-4 h after PH), G₀/G₁ transition (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and structure-function reconstruction (66-168 h after PH) were 44, 11, 58, 7 and 44, 33, 100, 71 respectively, showing that the associated genes were mainly triggered in the forepart and prophase, and worked at different phases. According to their expression similarity, these genes were classified into 5 groups: only up-, predominantly up-, only down-, predominantly down-, up- and down-regulation, involving 44, 8, 36, 13 and 6 genes, respectively, and the total times of their up- and down-regulation expression were 342 and 253, respectively, demonstrating that the number of the up-regulated genes was more than that of the down- regulated genes. Their time relevance was classified into 15 groups, showing that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities were staggered during liver regeneration. According to gene expression patterns, they were classified into 29 types, suggesting that their protein activities were diverse and complex during liver regeneration.

CONCLUSION: The blood coagulation response is enhanced mainly in the forepart, prophase and anaphase of liver regeneration, in which the response in the forepart, prophase of liver regeneration can prevent the bleeding caused by partial hepatectomy, whereas that in the anaphase contributes to the structure-function reorganization of regenerating liver. In the process, 107 genes associated with liver regeneration play an important role.

Expressed genes in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy

AIM: To reveal the liver regeneration (LR) and its control as well as the occurrence of liver disease and to study the gene expression profiles of 551 genes after partial hepatectomy (PH) in regenerating rat livers.

METHODS: Five hundred and fifty-one expressed sequence tags screened by suppression subtractive hybridization were made into an in-house cDNA microarray, and the expressive genes and their expressive profiles in regenerating rat livers were analyzed by microarray and bioinformatics.

RESULTS: Three hundred of the analyzed 551 genes were up- or downregulated more than twofolds at one or more time points during LR. Most of the genes were up- or downregulated 2-5 folds, but the highest reached 90 folds of the control. One hundred and thirty-nine of them showed upregulation, 135 displayed downregulation, and up or down expression of 26 genes revealed a dependence on regenerating livers. The genes expressed in 24-h regenerating livers were much more than those in the others. Cluster analysis and generalization analysis showed that there were at least six distinct temporal patterns of gene expression in the regenerating livers, that is, genes were expressed in the immediate early phase, early phase, intermediate phase, early-late phase, late phase, terminal phase.

CONCLUSION: In LR, the number of down-regulated genes was almost similar to that of the upregulated genes; the successively altered genes were more than the rapidly transient genes. The temporal patterns of gene expression were similar 2 and 4 h, 12 and 16 h, 48 and 96 h, 72 and 144 h after PH. Microarray combined with suppressive subtractive hybridization can effectively identify the genes related to LR.

Identification of expressed genes in regenerating rat liver in 0-4-8-12 h short interval successive partial hepatectomy

AIM: To identify the genes differentially expressed in the regenerating rat liver of 0-4-8-12 h short interval successive partial hepatectomy (SISPH) and to analyze their expression profiles.

METHODS: Five hundred and fifty-one elements screened from subtractive cDNA libraries were made into a cDNA microarray (cDNA chip). Extensive gene expression analysis following 0-4-8-12 h SISPH was conducted by microarray.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-three elements were selected, which were either up- or down-regulated more than 2-fold at one or more time points after SISPH. Cluster analysis and generalization analysis showed that there were five distinct temporal patterns of gene expression. Eighty-six genes were unreported, associated with liver regeneration (LR).

CONCLUSION: Microarray analysis shows that the down regulated genes are much more than the up-regulated ones in SISPH; the numbers of genes expressed consistently are fewer than that expressed immediately; the genes expressed in high abundance are much fewer than that increased 2-5-fold. The comparison of SISPH with partial hepatectomy (PH) shows that the expression trends of most genes in SISPH and in PH are similar, but the expression of 43 genes is specifically altered in SISPH.

Gene expression differences of regenerating rat liver in a short interval successive partial hepatectomy

AIM: To identify the genes expressed differentially in the regenerating rat liver in a short interval successive partial hepatectomy (SISPH), and to analyze their expression profiles.

METHODS: Five hundred and fifty-one elements selected from subtractive cDNA libraries were conformed to a cDNA microarray (cDNA chip). An extensive gene expression analysis following 0-36-72-96-144 h SISPH was performed by microarray.

RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen elements were identified either up- or down-regulated more than 2-fold at one or more time points of SISPH. By cluster analysis and generalization analysis, 8 kinds of ramose gene expression clusters were generated in the SISPH. Of the 216 elements, 111 were up-regulated and 105 down-regulated. Except 99 unreported genes, 117 reported genes were categorized into 22 groups based on their biological functions. Comparison of the gene expression in SISPH with that after partial hepatectomy (PH) disclosed that 56 genes were specially altered in SISPH, and 160 genes were simultaneously up-regulated or down-regulated in SISPH and after PH, but in various amount and at different time points.

CONCLUSION: Genes expressed consistently are far less than that intermittently; the genes strikingly increased are much less than that increased only 2-5 fold; the expression trends of most genes in SISPH and in PH are similar, but the expression of 56 genes is specifically altered in SISPH. Microarray combined with suppressive subtractive hybridization can in a large scale effectively identify the genes related to liver regeneration.

Gene expression difference in regenerating rat liver after 0-36-40-44h short interval successive partial hepatectomy

AIM: To identify genes related to rat liver regeneration (LR) after 0-36-40-44h short interval successive partial hepatectomy (SISPH) and to analyze their action and expression profile in LR.

METHODS: A cDNA microarray containing 551 elements (liver chip) was made to analyze extensively expression changes of them in 0-36-40-44h SISPH, which were selected from subtractive cDNA libraries of the LR. Cluster analysis of these gene expression profile was performed by Genemath.

RESULTS: Among the selected 551 cDNA, 157 were up- ordown-regulated more than twofold at one or more time points. Of the 157 elements, 86 were up-regulated and 71 down-regulated, and 70 were not reported and 87 were reported, which had not been previously reported to be involved in LR. By cluster analysis and generalization analysis, 6 distinct temporal induction or suppression patterns showed that immediate induction, intermediate induction, late induction, immediate suppression, intermediate suppression, and late suppression. Comparison of the gene expression in SISPH with after PH found that 38 genes were specially altered in SISPH, and the expression trends for other 119 genes were similar between SISPH and PH, except of the various abundance at the different time points.

CONCLUSION: In 0-36-40-44h SISPH, the numbers of the up-regulated and down-regulated genes show no apparent difference. The genes expressed lately are more than that immediately, and much more than that intermediately. The genes expressed abundantly are much less than that increased 2-5 folds.

Preventing effect of "liuwei dihuang decoction" on esophageal carcinoma

Liuwei Dihuang Decoction is a representative classic prescription for nourishing Yin in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Experimental and clinical studies showed that the recipe could 1. inhibit carcinogenesis of anterior stomach by N-nitrososarcosine ethyl ester in mice; 2. inhibit the formation of lung tumors induced by Urethan in mice; 3. decrease spontaneous tumorigenesis in LACA strain; 4. inhibit the mutagenic activity of Endoxan in micronuclear test. Patients with epithelial dysplasia of esophagus, a preneoplastic lesion, were treated by using this recipe. The canceration rate within 1 year was 2.2% in the treated and 12.4% in an untreated group. Within 5 years these rates were 9% and 26% respectively (p less than 0.025).