Differential Detection of Strong-Acids in Weak-Acids: A combination of Benzimidazole-carbazole backbone with AIE luminophores as highly sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent probes

o-BzcDPE and p-BzcDPE have been synthesized and used as probes for strong acid detection. The probes contain an aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) that is incorporated with benzimidazole-carbazole backbone. Both probes...

Differential Modulation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on Innate Immunity of Broiler Breeder Hens

Simple Summary

No predominant changes between R- vs. Ad-feed intake on leukocyte defense against pathogens were observed in broiler breeder hens despite some differences in inflammatory and respiratory burst responses. Overall, supplemental 25-OH-D₃ had more pronounced effects on the innate immunity of Ad-hens. In vitro studies confirmed the differential effects of 25-OH-D₃ to rescue immune functions altered by glucose and/or palmitic acid exposure.

Abstract

Past immunological studies in broilers focused on juveniles within the rapid pre-slaughter growth period and may not reflect adult immune responses, particularly in breeders managed with chronic feed restriction (R). The study aimed to assess innate immune cell functions in respect to R vs. ad libitum (Ad) feed intake in breeder hens with and without dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) supplementation. Ad-feed intake consistently suppressed IL-1β secretion, respiratory burst, and cell livability in peripheral heterophils and/or monocytes along the feeding trial from the age of 51 to 68 weeks. Supplemental 25-OH-D₃ repressed IL-1β secretion and respiratory burst of both cells mostly in R-hens, but promoted monocyte phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and bacterial killing activity in Ad-hens in accompany with relieved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Overnight cultures with leukocytes from R-hens confirmed the differential effects of 25-OH-D₃ to rescue immune functions altered by glucose and/or palmitic acid exposure. Studies with specific inhibitors further manifested the operative mechanisms via glucolipotoxicity in a cell type- and function-dependent manner. The results concluded no predominant changes between R- vs. Ad-feed intake on leukocyte defense against pathogens despite some differential differences, but supplemental 25-OH-D₃ exerts more pronounced effects in Ad-hens.

[The diagnostic performance of galactomannan detection in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with severe and critically ill influenza]

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic performance of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) galactomannan (GM) test in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis(IPA) with severe and critically ill influenza. Methods: A retrospective study was performed for 157 patients with severe and critically ill influenza admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from December 2017 to April 2019.Clinical characteristics and serum and BALF GM values were collected. The patients were divided into an IPA group (n=18) and a non-IPA group (n=139). The definition of IPA modified from AspICU algorithm taken as the gold standard (The corresponding clinical manifestations, imaging manifestations and microbiological diagnostic criteria should be met simultaneously), the performance of serum and BALF GM test and their combination to IPA with influenza were analyzed respectively and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn. Results: A total of 157 cases were enrolled, 95 were critically ill, and the mortality of IPA with influenza was 55.6%(10/18). The APACHE Ⅱ score, PSI score, urea nitrogen, influenza severity (Percentage of critically ill influenza) and invasive ventilator in IPA group were (16±6), (110±31), 10.7 (8.4, 17.8) mmol/L, 88.9% and 66.7%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in non-IPA group [(10±5), (83±30), 5.2 (3.6, 7.6) mmol/L, 56.8% and 24.5%, P<0.05]. All patients received serum GM test and 32 patients performed BALF GM test at the same time. When the cut-off valve of serum GM test was 0.5 μg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 66.7% (12/18), 95.0% (132/139), 63.2% (12/19) and 95.7% (132/138) respectively. When the cut-off value of BALF GM test was 1.0 μg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 80%(8/10),86.4%(19/22),72.7%(8/11)and 90.5%(19/21)respectively. The BALF GM cut-off value of 0.88 μg/L showed the highest diagnostic efficacy for IPA, for which the sensitivity and specificity were 90%(9/10) and 86.4%(19/22). The areas under the ROC curve of serum GM, BALF GM, and the combination of them were 0.81, 0.85, and 0.94 respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) and the combined diagnosis efficiency was higher. Conclusions: Critically ill influenza patients should be alert for IPA. The sensitivity of serum GM test in the diagnosis of IPA with influenza was low, while the NPV was high. The optimum BALF GM cut-off value was 0.88 μg/L. The combination with BALF and serum GM test can improve the diagnostic performance.

[Diagnostic performance of pathology, culture and ROSE of lung biopsy for suspected pulmonary infectious diseases]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic performance of CT guided percutaneous lung biopsy (PTLB) with pathology, culture and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in patients with pulmonary infectious diseases. Methods: From January 2016 to June 2018, a retrospective study was implemented in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Patients who received PTLB, suspected with lung infection were included. The basic information, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, diagnostic methods, complications, and changes in treatment of cases were collected. The diagnostic sensitivity of histopathology, microbial culture, and ROSE were evaluated at the same time. Results: A total of 529 cases were enrolled, including 354 males and 175 females, (59±14) years old in average. Tuberculosis was identified in 197 cases, non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary disease in 8, cryptococcosis in 95, pulmonary aspergillosis in 27, filamentous fungal pneumonia in 3, talaromyces marneffei pulmonary infection in 3 and pulmonary candidiasis in 1, bacterial pneumonia in 39, and pathogen were unknown in 156 cases. A total of 417 cases were submitted for histopathology and microbial culture at the same time, the diagnostic value of pathology and microbial culture were 35.0% (146/417) and 45.6% (190/417), respectively. Combined pathology with microbial culture, the diagnostic value increased to 62.8% (262/417). The diagnostic accuracy of ROSE was 51.8% (71/137). The most common complication of PTLB was pneumothorax 26.1% (138/529). 56.1% (297/529) of the patients received targeted treatment after the diagnosis was confirmed, and 43.9% (232/529) maintained the original treatment. Conclusion: The pathology, microbial culture, and ROSE of PTLB have relative high diagnostic value for pulmonary infectious diseases.

[The diagnostic performance of galactomannan detection for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-neutropenic hosts]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of galactomannan(GM)detection in serum and BALF for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-neutropenic hosts. Methods: A pospective study was performed for 1 356 non-neutropenic hosts admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2014 to October 2015. Serum GM test was performed for all, and BALF GM test for a proportion of the patients. The patients were divided into an IPA group and a non-IPA group. SPSS 20.0 was adopted for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1 361 cases were enrolled, aging 18-96 years, with an average age of (64±15) years. There were 879 male and 477 female patients. Thirty-nine cases were diagnosed as IPA, accounting for 2.9%. For serum GM test, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 43.6%(17/39), 94.1%(1 239/1 317), 17.9%(17/95)and 98.3%(1 239/1 261)respectively. Ninety-six cases received serum and BALF GM tests at the same time. If the cut-off value of BALF GM test was 0.8, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 86.7%(13/15), 60.5%(49/81), 28.9%(13/45), 96.1%(49/51)respectively, but if the value was 1.0, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 86.7%(13/15), 74.1%(60/81), 38.2%(13/34), 96.8%(60/62)respectively. The ROC curve area of BALF GM, serum GM and the combined serum and BALF GM was 0.87, 0.75 and 0.90, respectively. Conclusions: The sensitivity of serum GM test in non-neutropenic hosts was low, but it had a high negative predictive value.The best BALF GM cut-off value was 1.0. The combined serum and BALF GM tests improved the diagnostic performance.

Adverse health outcomes and health concerns among survivors of various childhood cancers: Perspectives from mothers

Advanced therapies have improved outcomes and also resulted in a growing risk of long-term adverse health events. This study intends to estimate incidences of adverse health events and examine differences in adverse health events among childhood cancer survivors, and to understand the concerns of mothers after their child has completed cancer treatment. An explanatory sequential mixed-method was used. A total of 201 paediatric cancer survivors' mothers with mean age 43.6 years were recruited. Of the survivors, 12.4% experienced five or more adverse health events. The incidence of adverse health events of altered body image, fatigue and neurocognitive problems were 31.54%, 14.77% and 12.53% respectively. Among survivors, significant differences in adverse health events of pain, endocrine problems and altered body image issues were identified. Survivors receiving radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants or completing treatment after 6-10 years experienced significantly more adverse health events. Maintaining health was the greatest concern for mothers, and the qualitative reports of their concerns could be categorised: living in uncertainty, and keeping forward-looking. Childhood brain tumour survivors were identified as experiencing more adverse health events than other survivors. The need for healthcare teams to consider mothers' health concerns was highlighted.

Systemic and local bactericidal potentiality in late lactation Holstein-Friesian cows following a combined antibiotics and Enterococcus faecium SF68 dry-cow treatment

Antibiotic dry-cow treatment contributes a major part to the total use of antibiotics in dairy herds. Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 (SF68) was of human origin but has been authorized in EU as probiotic feed additive. In the present study, one of the front and rear quarters of twelve late lactation Holstein-Friesian cows were infused once with a commercial antibiotic dry-cow formula (antibiotics quarter) on the first milk-stasis day (d 1), when the contrallateral quarters were infused with 5 x 10(8)-CFU SF68 plus half-dose antibiotic dry-cow formula (SF68/antibiotics quarter) meanwhile. Gelatinase level and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity were measured for blood and quarter secretion. The results showed that the count of blood total leukocytes minorly decreased on d 3 only but the microscopic somatic cell count (MSCC) continuously increased up to d 7, especially in SF68/antibiotics quarters. Plasma level of gelatinase A remained similar up to d 7 but gelatinase B was not detectable in plasma throughout the study. The level of gelatinase A in quarter secretion increased up to d 7 but gelatinase B increased even more drastically, especially in SF68/antibiotics quarters. The ROS production capacity of blood leukocytes increased temporarily only on d 3, but that of milk cells continuously increased up to d 7, especially in SF68/antitiotics quarters. Overall, late lactation Holstein-Friesian cows were systemically adaptable to the combined antibiotics and SF68 dry-cow treatment, while the local bactericidal potentiality in mammary gland was actively responsive to additional SF68 intramammary treatment.

Neuroprotective effect of agmatine in rats with transient cerebral ischemia using MR imaging and histopathologic evaluation

PURPOSE

This study aimed to further investigate the effects of agmatine on brain edema in the rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) injury using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring and biochemical and histopathologic evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following surgical induction of MCAO for 90min, agmatine was injected 5min after beginning of reperfusion and again once daily for the next 3 post-operative days. The events during ischemia and reperfusion were investigated by T2-weighted images (T2WI), serial diffusion-weighted images (DWI), calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (CE-T1WI) during 3h-72h in a 1.5T Siemens MAGNETON Avanto Scanner. Lesion volumes were analyzed in a blinded and randomized manner. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Nissl, and Evans Blue stainings were performed at the corresponding sections.

RESULTS

Increased lesion volumes derived from T2WI, DWI, ADC, CE-T1WI, and TTC all were noted at 3h and peaked at 24h-48h after MCAO injury. TTC-derived infarct volumes were not significantly different from the T2WI, DWI-, and CE-T1WI-derived lesion volumes at the last imaging time (72h) point except for significantly smaller ADC lesions in the MCAO model (P<0.05). Volumetric calculation based on TTC-derived infarct also correlated significantly stronger to volumetric calculation based on last imaging time point derived on T2WI, DWI or CE-T1WI than ADC (P<0.05). At the last imaging time point, a significant increase in Evans Blue extravasation and a significant decrease in Nissl-positive cells numbers were noted in the vehicle-treated MCAO injured animals. The lesion volumes derived from T2WI, DWI, CE-T1WI, and Evans blue extravasation as well as the reduced numbers of Nissl-positive cells were all significantly attenuated in the agmatine-treated rats compared with the control ischemia rats (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that agmatine has neuroprotective effects against brain edema on a reperfusion model after transient cerebral ischemia.

The Arabidopsis tandem zinc finger protein AtTZF1 affects ABA- and GA-mediated growth, stress and gene expression responses

Tandem zinc finger (TZF) proteins are characterized by two zinc-binding CCCH motifs arranged in tandem. Human TZFs such as tristetraproline (TTP) bind to and trigger the degradation of mRNAs encoding cytokines and various regulators. Although the molecular functions of plant TZFs are unknown, recent genetic studies have revealed roles in hormone-mediated growth and environmental responses, as well as in the regulation of gene expression. Here we show that expression of AtTZF1 (AtCTH/AtC3H23) mRNA is repressed by a hexokinase-dependent sugar signaling pathway. However, AtTZF1 acts as a positive regulator of ABA/sugar responses and a negative regulator of GA responses, at least in part by modulating gene expression. RNAi of AtTZF1-3 caused early germination and slightly stress-sensitive phenotypes, whereas plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were compact, late flowering and stress-tolerant. The developmental phenotypes of plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were only partially rescued by exogenous application of GA, implying a reduction in the GA response or defects in other mechanisms. Likewise, the enhanced cold and drought tolerance of plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were not associated with increased ABA accumulation, suggesting that it is mainly ABA responses that are affected. Consistent with this notion, microarray analysis showed that over-expression of AtTZF1 mimics the effects of ABA or GA deficiency on gene expression. Notably, a gene network centered on a GA-inducible and ABA/sugar-repressible putative peptide hormone encoded by GASA6 was severely repressed by AtTZF1 over-expression. Hence AtTZF1 may serve as a regulator connecting sugar, ABA, GA and peptide hormone responses.

The Arabidopsis tandem zinc finger protein AtTZF1 affects ABA- and GA-mediated growth, stress and gene expression responses

Tandem zinc finger (TZF) proteins are characterized by two zinc-binding CCCH motifs arranged in tandem. Human TZFs such as tristetraproline (TTP) bind to and trigger the degradation of mRNAs encoding cytokines and various regulators. Although the molecular functions of plant TZFs are unknown, recent genetic studies have revealed roles in hormone-mediated growth and environmental responses, as well as in the regulation of gene expression. Here we show that expression of AtTZF1 (AtCTH/AtC3H23) mRNA is repressed by a hexokinase-dependent sugar signaling pathway. However, AtTZF1 acts as a positive regulator of ABA/sugar responses and a negative regulator of GA responses, at least in part by modulating gene expression. RNAi of AtTZF1-3 caused early germination and slightly stress-sensitive phenotypes, whereas plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were compact, late flowering and stress-tolerant. The developmental phenotypes of plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were only partially rescued by exogenous application of GA, implying a reduction in the GA response or defects in other mechanisms. Likewise, the enhanced cold and drought tolerance of plants over-expressing AtTZF1 were not associated with increased ABA accumulation, suggesting that it is mainly ABA responses that are affected. Consistent with this notion, microarray analysis showed that over-expression of AtTZF1 mimics the effects of ABA or GA deficiency on gene expression. Notably, a gene network centered on a GA-inducible and ABA/sugar-repressible putative peptide hormone encoded by GASA6 was severely repressed by AtTZF1 over-expression. Hence AtTZF1 may serve as a regulator connecting sugar, ABA, GA and peptide hormone responses.

Oncogenic mutations regulate tumor microenvironment through induction of growth factors and angiogenic mediators

Activating mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of HER2 (ErbB2) have been identified in human cancers. Compared to wild-type HER2, mutant HER2 shows constitutively activate kinase activity and increased oncogenicity. Cells transformed by mutant HER2 are resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and exhibit an attenuated response to the HER2 antibody trastuzumab. We investigated herein pathways through which mutant HER2 alters the extracellular environment, potentially leading to drug resistance and the effect of simultaneously targeting HER2 and the tumor cell microenvironment with a therapeutic intent. Expression of mutant HER2 in mammary epithelial cells activated autocrine transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 signaling through a mechanism involving Rac1 and JNK-AP1-dependent transcription. Cells transformed by an activating mutant of H-Ras (G12V) also expressed higher TGF-β1 level through Rac1 activation. In addition, mutant HER2 induced the EGFR ligands TGF-α and amphiregulin at the mRNA and protein levels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a target of the TGF-β-Smad transcriptional regulation, was also induced as a result of expression of mutant HER2. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling with the Alk5 small molecule inhibitor LY2109761 reduced growth and invasiveness of cells expressing mutant HER2. Combined inhibition of intracellular and paracrine effects of mutant HER2 by trastuzumab and the EGFR antibody cetuximab was more efficient than single-agent therapies. These data suggest that mutations in oncogenes such as HER2 and Ras not only alter intracellular signaling and also influence on other components of the tumor microenvironment by inducing several pro-invasive growth factors. In turn, these serve as extracellular targets of novel therapeutic strategies directed at both cancer-driving oncogenes and the modified tumor microenvironment.

The arabidopsis bZIP1 transcription factor is involved in sugar signaling, protein networking, and DNA binding

Sugar signaling is a mechanism that plants use to integrate various internal and external cues to achieve nutrient homeostasis, mediate developmental programs, and articulate stress responses. Many bZIP transcription factors are known to be involved in nutrient and/or stress signaling. An Arabidopsis S1-group bZIP gene, AtbZIP1, was identified as a sugar-sensitive gene in a previous gene expression profiling study (Plant Cell. 16, 2128-2150). In this report, we show that the expression of AtbZIP1 is repressed by sugars in a fast, sensitive, and reversible way. The sugar repression of AtbZIP1 is affected by a conserved sugar signaling component, hexokinase. Besides being a sugar-regulated gene, AtbZIP1 can mediate sugar signaling and affect gene expression, plant growth, and development. When carbon nutrients are limited, gain or loss of function of AtbZIP1 causes changes in the rates of early seedling establishment. Results of phenotypic analyses indicate that AtbZIP1 acts as a negative regulator of early seedling growth. Using gain- and loss-of-function plants in a microarray analysis, two sets of putative AtbZIP1-regulated genes have been identified. Among them, sugar-responsive genes are highly over-represented, implicating a role of AtbZIP1 in sugar-mediated gene expression. Using yeast two-hybrid (Y-2-H) screens and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analyses, we are able to recapitulate extensive C/S1 AtbZIP protein interacting network in living cells. Finally, we show that AtbZIP1 can bind ACGT-based motifs in vitro and that the binding characteristics appear to be affected by the heterodimerization between AtbZIP1 and the C-group AtbZIPs, including AtbZIP10 and AtbZIP63.

AtTZF gene family localizes to cytoplasmic foci

In eukaryotes, mRNA turnover and translational repression represent important regulatory steps in gene expression. Curiously, when under cellular stresses, factors involved in these processes aggregate into cytoplasmic foci known as Processing bodies (P-bodies) and Stress Granules (SGs). In animals, CCCH Tandem Zinc Finger (TZF) proteins play important roles in mRNA decay within P-bodies. TTP, a P-body localized mammalian TZF, can bind to the 3'UTRs of mRNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs) and recruit and activate RNA decay machineries. In plants, the function of CCCH TZF proteins is still unclear. We previously showed that AtTZF1, a member of the Arabidopsis CCCH TZF protein family, could bind both RNA and DNA in vitro, traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasmic foci, and co-localize with P-body markers AGO1, DCP2 and XRN4. In this report, we show that the other 10 members of the AtTZF gene family can similarly localize in cytoplasmic foci. Together these 11 genes, though similar in TZF sequence and sub-cellular localization, appear to be differentially expressed in response to developmental and environmental cues. We propose that AtTZF1 and its gene family members may each play distinct roles at different developmental stages and environmental conditions.

The Arabidopsis tandem zinc finger protein AtTZF1 traffics between the nucleus and cytoplasmic foci and binds both DNA and RNA

Processing bodies (PBs) are specialized cytoplasmic foci where mRNA turnover and translational repression can take place. Stress granules are related cytoplasmic foci. The CCCH tandem zinc finger proteins (TZFs) play pivotal roles in gene expression, cell fate specification, and various developmental processes. Human TZF binds AU-rich elements at the 3' untranslated region and recruits decapping, deadenylation, and exonucleolytic enzymes to PBs for RNA turnover. Recent genetic studies indicate that plant TZFs are involved in gene regulation and hormone-mediated environmental responses. It is unknown if plant TZFs can bind RNA and be localized to PBs or stress granules. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtTZF1/AtCTH/AtC3H23 was identified as a sugar-sensitive gene in a previous microarray study. It is characterized by a TZF motif that is distinct from the human TZF. Higher plants such as Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) each have a gene family containing this unique TZF motif. Here, we show that AtTZF1 can traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasmic foci. AtTZF1 colocalizes with markers of PBs, and the morphology of these cytoplasmic foci resembles that of mammalian PBs and stress granules. AtTZF1-associated cytoplasmic foci are dynamic and tissue specific. They can be induced by dark and wound stresses and are preferentially present in actively growing tissues and stomatal precursor cells. Since AtTZF1 can bind both DNA and RNA in vitro, it raises the possibility that AtTZF1 might be involved in DNA and/or RNA regulation.

Antagonism between abscisic acid and ethylene in Arabidopsis acts in parallel with the reciprocal regulation of their metabolism and signaling pathways

Although abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene have antagonistic functions in the control of plant growth and development, including seed germination and early seedling development, it remains unknown whether a convergent point exists between these two signaling pathways or whether they operate in parallel in Arabidopsis thaliana. To elucidate this issue, four ethylene mutants, ctr1, ein2, ein3, and ein6, were crossed with aba2 (also known as gin1-3) to generate double mutants. Genetic epistasis analysis revealed that all of the resulting double mutants displayed aba2 mutant phenotypes with a small plant size and wiltiness when grown in soil or on agar plates. Further ethylene sensitivity or triple response analyses demonstrated that these double mutants also retained the ctr1 or ein mutant phenotypes, showing ethylene constitutive triple and insensitive responses, respectively. Our current data therefore demonstrate that ABA and ethylene act in parallel, at least in primary signal transduction pathways. Moreover, by microarray analysis we found that an ACC oxidase (ACO) was significantly upregulated in the aba2 mutant, whereas the 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3 (NCED3) gene in ein2 was upregulated, and both the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE1 (ABI1) and cytochrome P450, family 707, subfamily A, polypeptide 2 (CYP707A2) genes in etr1-1 were downregulated. These data further suggest that ABA and ethylene may control the hormonal biosynthesis, catabolism, or signaling of each other to enhance their antagonistic effects upon seed germination and early seedling growth.

Ectopic expression of ABSCISIC ACID 2/GLUCOSE INSENSITIVE 1 in Arabidopsis promotes seed dormancy and stress tolerance

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone that plays a critical role in seed development, dormancy, and stress tolerance. 9-cis-Epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase is the key enzyme controlling ABA biosynthesis and stress tolerance. In this study, we investigated the effect of ectopic expression of another ABA biosynthesis gene, ABA2 (or GLUCOSE INSENSITIVE 1 [GIN1]) encoding a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We show that ABA2-overexpressing transgenic plants with elevated ABA levels exhibited seed germination delay and more tolerance to salinity than wild type when grown on agar plates and/or in soil. However, the germination delay was abolished in transgenic plants showing ABA levels over 2-fold higher than that of wild type grown on 250 mm NaCl. The data suggest that there are distinct mechanisms underlying ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination under diverse stress. The ABA-deficient mutant aba2, with a shorter primary root, can be restored to normal root growth by exogenous application of ABA, whereas transgenic plants overexpressing ABA2 showed normal root growth. The data reflect that the basal levels of ABA are essential for maintaining normal primary root elongation. Furthermore, analysis of ABA2 promoter activity with ABA2::beta-glucuronidase transgenic plants revealed that the promoter activity was enhanced by multiple prolonged stresses, such as drought, salinity, cold, and flooding, but not by short-term stress treatments. Coincidently, prolonged drought stress treatment led to the up-regulation of ABA biosynthetic and sugar-related genes. Thus, the data support ABA2 as a late expression gene that might have a fine-tuning function in mediating ABA biosynthesis through primary metabolic changes in response to stress.

Antiangiogenic and radiotherapy for cancer treatment

Tumor growth and progression depends on tumor angiogenesis, the growth of tumor blood vessels, therefore, targeting tumor angiogenesis is a very promising approach for controlling tumor growth and/or causing regression. Tumor blood vessels have been recognized as a critical component of radiation response to the point of being independent of tumor oxygenation during radiation. An anti-angiogenic approach has been considered less likely to develop drug resistance. But recent findings suggest that anti-angiogenesis causes hypoxia that selects tumor cells (due to genetic instability) that are less dependent on blood supply and leads to drug resistance. The approach of combination of anti-angiogenesis with ionizing radiation by targeting both endothelial and tumor cells should minimize this possibility. The combination may produce a synergistic anti-tumor effect.

EP2, a receptor for PGE2, regulates tumor angiogenesis through direct effects on endothelial cell motility and survival

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolite, plays important roles in tumor biology. We studied the role of EP2, a receptor for PGE2, in tumor angiogenesis using EP2 knockout mice. We found that deletion of the EP2 receptor impaired tumor angiogenesis and this finding was confirmed by an in vivo corneal angiogenesis model and an ex vivo aortic ring assay. To further characterize the cellular mechanisms of the EP2 receptor in angiogenesis, we isolated primary pulmonary endothelial cells (ECs) from wild-type (wt) and EP2-/- mice and observed that EP2-/- ECs exhibited defects in vascular branch formation when compared to wt ECs. In addition, EP2-/- ECs showed impaired cell motility on collagen-coated surface and they responded poorly to PGE2-induced cell migration compared to control cells. However, no difference in cell proliferation was observed between the EP2-/- and wt Ecs. In addition, EP2-/- ECs were more susceptible to apoptosis than wt cells under growth factor depletion conditions. Collectively, our data demonstrate that EP2 signaling in endothelium directly regulates tumor angiogenesis by contributing to cell survival and endothelial cell motility. Moreover, our finding suggests that EP2 is a major receptor in PGE2-mediated cell motility in ECs.

Human cervix contains functional luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptors

The upper genital tract of women contains functional LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors. Whether the cervix, an anatomical continuum of the uterus and fallopian tubes, also contains these receptors has never been investigated. Multiple receptor detection techniques revealed their presence with higher levels in endocervix than in ectocervix. The receptor positive cells include stratified squamous luminal epithelium of the ectocervix, columnar epithelium, glands, blood vessels, and smooth muscle in the endocervix. Treatment of cervical tissue minces with hCG resulted in a significant increase in cAMP levels and a decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels in endocervix, but not in ectocervix. In summary, human cervix contains functional LH/hCG receptors, which suggests that LH during the menstrual cycle and hCG during pregnancy may regulate cervical functions.

Prevention of PONV with dexamethasone in female patients undergoing desflurane anesthesia for thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Desflurane is associated with a higher incidence of 24-h postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) as compared with sevoflurane or isoflurane. Dexamethasone 5 mg i.v. is suggested to be the minimum effective dose for prophylaxis of PONV in women undergoing thyroidectomy with isoflurane anesthesia. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a 5 mg dose of dexamethasone could be enough for, or a larger dose at 8 mg, could be more capable of preventing PONV in women undergoing desflurane anesthesia for thyroidectomy.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty five patients were assigned to receive one of three treatment regimens prior to induction i.e., dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. (Group D8), dexamethesone 5 mg i.v. (Group D5) or saline (Group S).

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that the prophylactic administration of either dexamethasone 8 mg or 5 mg significantly reduced the overall incidence of PONV in patients undergoing thyroidectomy with desflurane anesthesia (P < 0.001, Group D8 vs. Group S; Group D5 vs. Group S). However, patients who received dexamethasone 8 mg showed a higher incidence of complete responses (no vomiting or need of rescue antiemetic medication for a 24-h postoperative period) in comparison with those receiving dexamethasone 5 mg (86% vs. 67%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that in PONV prophylaxis, in female patients undergoing desflurane anesthesia for thyroidectomy, the effect of dexamethasone 8 mg was superior to that of dexamethasone 5 mg.

Low dose fentanyl and propofol improve the speed and quality of tidal-breathing induction techniques in sevoflurane anesthesia for adults

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate whether low dose fentanyl, with or without low dose propofol, as pretreatment agent/s is capable of speeding up and improving the quality of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in tidal-breathing induction technique with high-concentration sevoflurane.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients were assigned to one of the three groups: Group S, induction with 8% sevoflurane only; Group F + S, 1.0 microgram/kg fentanyl prior to induction; and Group F + P + S, 1.0 microgram/kg fentanyl and 0.5 mg/kg propofol prior to induction.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that the time from administration of drug (drugs) to loss of eyelash reflex (P < 0.05, Group F + P + S vs. F + S; P < 0.01, Group F + P + S vs. S), to jaw relaxation (P < 0.05, Group F + P + S vs. S) and time taken for LMA insertion (P < 0.01, Group F + P + S vs. S) were all shorter in Group F + P + S, with fewer complications (coughing and involuntary movement) during induction, however, the first time success rate with LMA insertion did not significantly differ among the comparing groups. According to a postoperative inquiry (by questionnaire), there were significantly more patients in the Group F + P + S (57.5%) who considered the induction as pleasant (P < 0.05), of whom 75% expressed that they would be willing to undergo an induction of the same form again in the future (P < 0.05). This more positive rating may be related to the mild sedative effects of the agents given and shorter induction time, which significantly helped reduce the rate of recall of the unpleasant gas.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study of LMA insertion, for ASA I or II adult patients undergoing the tidal-breathing technique with 8% sevoflurane, suggest that pretreatment with 1 microgram/kg fentanyl plus 0.5 mg/kg propofol is superior in comparison with either pretreatment with 1 microgram/kg fentanyl or absence of pretreatment.

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling leads to reversal of tumor resistance to radiotherapy

Certain refractory neoplasms, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and melanoma, demonstrate a resistant tumor phenotype in vivo. We observed that these refractory tumor models (GBM and melanoma) contain blood vessels that are relatively resistant to radiotherapy. To determine whether the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (Flk-1/KDR) may be a therapeutic target to improve the effects of radiotherapy, we used the soluble extracellular component of Flk-1 (ExFlk), which blocks vascular endothelial growth factor binding to Flk-1 receptor expressed on the tumor endothelium. Both sFlk-1 and the Flk-1-specifc inhibitor SU5416 eliminated the resistance phenotype in GBM and melanoma microvasculature as determined by both the vascular window and Doppler blood flow methods. Human microendothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed minimal radiation-induced apoptosis. The Flk-1 antagonists sFlk-1 and SU5416 reverted these cell models to apoptosis-prone phenotype. Flk-1 antagonists also reverted GBM and melanoma tumor models to radiation-sensitive phenotype after treatment with 3 Gy. These findings demonstrate that the tumor microenvironment including the survival of tumor-associated endothelial cells contributes to tumor blood vessel resistance to therapy.

Interference microscopy for three-dimensional imaging with wavelength-to-depth encoding

A novel interference microscope for three-dimensional (3D) imaging based on a wavelength-to-depth encoding technique is presented. Wavelength-to-depth encoding is realized by use of a diffractive lens and wavelength tuning. A high depth resolution of 0.71 mum is obtained with 0.90-N.A. objective lenses. Experimental measurements of a four-level grating are presented, and the results are found to be comparable with those obtained with a Dektak profilometer and a similar interference microscope that uses mechanical depth scanning. The system is promising for fast, noncontact, high-resolution 3D imaging.

Nontranslational three-dimensional profilometry by chromatic confocal microscopy with dynamically configurable micromirror scanning

A confocal microscope profilometer, which incorporates chromatic depth scanning with a diffractive optical element and a digital micromirror device for configurable transverse scanning, provides three-dimensional (3D) quantitative measurements without mechanical translation of either the sample or the microscope. We used a microscope with various objective lenses (e.g., 40x, 60x, and 100x) to achieve different system characteristics. With a 100x objective, the microscope acquires stable measurements over a 320 microm x 240 microm surface area with a depth resolution of 0.39 microm at a 3-Hz scan rate. The total longitudinal field of view is 26.4 microm for a wavelength tuning range of 48.3 nm. The FWHM value of the longitudinal point-spread function is measured to be 0.99 microm. We present 3D measurements of a four-phase-level diffractive element and an integrated-circuit chip. The resolution and the accuracy are shown to be equivalent to those found with use of conventional mechanical scanning.

Initial experience with a modification of the follicle aspiration, sperm injection, and assisted rupture technique

OBJECTIVE

To establish cycle fecundity with a modification of the follicle aspiration, sperm injection, and assisted rupture (FASIAR) technique.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

University and health maintenance organization-based infertility centers.

PATIENT(S)

Infertile couples were enrolled from our professional practices. All patients were </=41 years of age and had documentation of at least one patent tube.

INTERVENTION(S)

After administration of clomiphene citrate, patients were given an intramuscular injection of hCG when the lead ovarian follicle was >16-18 mm in diameter by transvaginal ultrasonography. A modified FASIAR procedure was performed 22 to 28 hours after hCG injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S)

No clinical pregnancies were observed with the modified FASIAR technique.

CONCLUSION(S)

The FASIAR technique is still an attractive and economical technique. Our modification of the FASIAR technique, however, resulted in a suboptimal cycle fecundity.

Group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis after varicella: report of two cases

The most common complication in children with varicella is cutaneous superimposed infection with pyogenic bacteria. The association between varicella and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) necrotizing fasciitis has been recorded for over 50 years. Two cases with the specific problems are presented here together with a review of the literature. This infection is caused by GABHS superinfection of the skin lesions due to chickenpox. It can be unrecognized or late-diagnosed, with fatal consequences. Because of prompt recognition and aggressive surgical and medical treatment, the two patients survived without loss of the affected limb.

Single-shot depth-section imaging through chromatic slit-scan confocal microscopy

A chromatic confocal microscope constructed with a white-light source in combination with a diffractive lens provides wavelength-to-depth coding for profile measurements of a three-dimensional sample. We acquired depth-section images nonmechanically and in parallel by incorporating a slit-scan confocal technique into the system. A system using a 100x objective obtained a depth resolution of 0.023 mum comparable with surface profilometers that operate using conventional confocal microscopy. Experimental measurements of a four-phase-level diffractive element and of a machined, metal bearing are presented.

The maternal and fetal effects of the addition of sufentanil to 0.5% spinal bupivacaine for cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Opioid added to local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia was first introduced into clinical practice in 1979 with intrathecal morphine as a forerunner. As morphine is water soluble and has prolonged action, late respiratory depression following spinal anesthesia is not infrequent and is the most serious complication that causes our concern. Sufentanil which is more hydrophobic than morphine also with shorter duration of action and quicker onset when injected into the subarchnoid space could be more effective and a safer drug as an adjuvant to local anesthetic in spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Forty-one parturients who had given consent to spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery, were anesthetized with 12.5 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine alone or in combination with 10 micrograms sufentanil in a randomized double blind manner. They were assigned either to C group (Control group) in which nothing is added to the local anesthetic and S group (Study group) in which sufentanil was added to the local anesthetic.

RESULTS

Perioperatively, hypotension occurred more in S group (17 against 11) but chest discomfort was less (3 against 7). Within 3 h after anesthesia 3 out of 19 parturients in S group requested analgesics but almost all parturients in C group did so.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of intrathecal sufentanil to 0.5% bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia improved perioperative discomfort and significantly reduced the demand of post-operative analgesia but on the other hands, it tended to increase perioperative hypotension and cause mild pruritus.

Comparing the effectiveness of different educational programs for patients with total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of preadmission and postadmission educational programs for patients with total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Quasiexperimental study.

SAMPLE

60 total knee arthroplasty patients.

METHODS

Subjects in the experimental group received preadmission preoperative teaching with an instruction booklet during a preoperative outpatient clinic visit. Upon admission to the hospital, they were presented with an educational video tape. The control group received only postadmission preoperative teaching with the same instruction booklet and no video. PREADMISSION AND POSTADMISSION: Preoperative anxiety level, knowledge about postoperative care, exercise performance and postoperative recovery were used as outcome measures.

FINDINGS

The research results found: 1. there was no significant difference between the two groups in reduction of preoperative anxiety score: 2. the experimental group had a significantly higher knowledge level than the control group; 3. the experimental group performed exercise more regularly and correctly than those in the control group; 4. the experimental group had greater flexion of the operative knee joint than the control group.

CONCLUSION

Preadmission teaching with a videotape program and a health manual for patients with total knee arthroplasty is recommended.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING RESEARCH

More indicators such as postoperative pain and patient satisfaction can be used to investigate the effectiveness of intervention. In addition, increasing the sample size is recommended for future studies.

Ultrasound compared with clinical examination in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of clinical examination as compared with ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Duration of hospital stay, time between admission and surgery, and financial implications were also considered.

DESIGN

A prospective study of patients referred to the surgical team with a possible diagnosis of pyloric stenosis from May 1993 to January 1995.

SETTING

Neonatal and paediatric surgical wards and imaging department of a paediatric teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS

116 patients referred to the surgical team with a possible diagnosis of pyloric stenosis.

RESULTS

75 patients in this study had pyloric stenosis (64.6%). Clinical examination had a sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 97%, with a positive and negative predictive value of 98% and 61% respectively. There were 16 diagnostic errors (one false positive and 15 false negative). Ultrasound imaging had a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 100%, with a positive and negative predictive value of 100% and 98% respectively. There was one diagnostic error (one false negative). Eight patients required repeat scans for confirmation of the diagnosis. On review of the initial scans in these patients, seven were noted to have inaccurate measurements due to poor technique. The average time between repeated scans was 28.2 hours. Ultrasound imaging cost 13.90 pounds per scan and initiated a change in management only in the clinically false negative group at a cost of 52 pounds per patient. The average duration of hospital stay was 3.1 days and the mean time between admission and surgery was 19.2 hours. The total cost for treatment of a patient with pyloric stenosis was 1602 pounds.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound imaging should be reserved for those cases where clinical examination is negative and should be carried out by sonographers who see enough cases to maintain their expertise.

Detection of submaximal effort in isometric and isokinetic knee extension tests

The use of torque variability and slope measures to detect submaximal efforts has been studied in isometric tests, but not fully investigated in isokinetic tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between maximal and submaximal efforts in isometric and isokinetic knee extension using torque variability and slope measures obtained from 32 volunteers (age = 25.2 +/- 4.7 years). The coefficient of variation of average torque, coefficient of variation of peak torque, and slope to peak torque were obtained from maximal and submaximal torque curves during isometric and two isokinetic tests (60 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec). Significant differences between effort levels (maximal and submaximal) were shown for all variables in isometric and isokinetic tests. An optimized cut-off value to determine submaximal efforts without false positives was determined for each variable. The coefficient of variation of average torque detected 75% of submaximal efforts at 180 degrees/sec and slope to peak torque detected 63% of submaximal efforts at 60 degrees/sec. For both speeds, combining the coefficient of variation of average torque with slope improved the submaximal detection rate to 84%. No variable provided a satisfactory detection rate for the isometric test. Therefore, submaximal isokinetic knee extensions are detectable with torque variability and slope measures, but submaximal isometric exercise is not detectable.

Preparation and evaluation of sodium diclofenac controlled-release tablets. II. Dibasic calcium phosphate as a retardant in mixtures for direct compression

The dissolution behaviour of a direct compression compact prepared with sodium diclofenac and dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) in different weight ratios with or without Biosoluble polymer (acrylic-based resin) was investigated in distilled water and in a medium with changing pH. The results indicate that the amount of sodium diclofenac released from the compact was dependent on the amount of drug and DCP used in the compact, and was also controlled by the amount of Biosoluble polymer added. A chemical reaction forming diclofenac acid might occur on the surface of the sodium diclofenac compact during exposure to the acidic medium, which was confirmed by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy. The tablet with a 1:2 weight ratio of sodium diclofenac to DCP exhibited a sustained-release behaviour, similar to commercial sustained-release products (Voltaren SR-100 and Grofenac Retard), but a lower release rate was found as compared to the commercial products. The dissolution behaviour of the study tablet and the commercial products was found to be dependent on the dissolution medium and the rotating speeds. Glass beads were added to the dissolution assembly to simulate the influence of food, and the enhanced friction between tablet and glass beads might result in a higher dissolution rate of the tablet and the commercial products.

[Postoperative hypoglycemia after pheochromocytoma resection]

A case of severe hypoglycemia (30 mg/dL) after resection of unilateral pheochromocytoma is reported. Consciousness regained after 20 gm dextrose water was given intravenously. Rebound insulin storm is highly suspected as the main mechanism for the development of post-operative hypoglycemia. Administration of alpha and beta adrenergic blockers may also contribute to the severity of the hypoglycemia. Closely monitoring blood sugar level during the perioperative period is the only way to prevent the occurrence of such a catastrophe.

Agenesis of posterior urethra in a male child and its operative reconstruction

An 8-year-old boy passing urine through both fecal and urinary outlets since birth is reported. Investigations showed absence of the posterior urethra. A surgical procedure for reconstruction of the posterior urethra is described. The embryological explanation is also discussed.

Identification of the guanine binding domain peptide of the GTP-binding site of glucagon

Glucagon, a peptide hormone synthesized and secreted by alpha islet cells, regulates glucose homeostasis by several mechanisms. Using [gamma 32P]8N3GTP, a proven photoaffinity probe for GTP, a specific nucleotide binding site on human glucagon was detected that showed preference for GTP. Half-maximal saturation of photoinsertion into the polypeptide hormone was at 8-12 microM with either [alpha 32P]8N3GTP or [gamma 32P]8N3GTP. GTP protected photolabeling with an apparent kd of 15 microM, whereas ATP was less effective as a protector, exhibiting an apparent kd of about 30 microM. Maximal protection by GTP and ATP was over 90%. UTP, CTP, GDP, ADP, GMP, AMP, guanosine, adenosine, guanine, and adenine were much less effective protectors, indicating that binding is specific for purine nucleoside triphosphates, particularly GTP. Mg2+ at 150 microM enhanced photoinsertion (twofold), whereas at 2-10 mM, it inhibited photoinsertion. Both Ca2+ and Zn2+ at 0.2 mM decreased photoinsertion about 45%. Purification of chymotryptic and tryptic digests of photolabeled glucagon by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the N-terminal peptide, HSQGTF, was the only peptide region covalently photomodified by [32P]8N3GTP. GTP, if present during photolysis, greatly reduced both photoinsertion into glucagon and the amount of radiolabeled peptide recovered on HPLC. The specificity of binding to the N-terminal region is suggestive of a physiological role for a glucagon-GTP complex in the mechanism of action of this hormone.

Evaluation of the Behring Nephelometer for detection of low level urinary albumin

Mildly increased urinary albumin excretion rates and concentrations, below the quantity normally detected by conventional urinary protein and albumin methods, have prognostic significance for the development of nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. The authors evaluated the automated Behring Nephelometer using Behring reagents for the detection of low level urinary albumin. Within run coefficients of variation (CVs, N = 20) are 1.7%, 1.3%, and 2.4% at mean urinary albumin levels of 16, 70, and 217 mg/L, respectively. Between run CVs (N = 20) are 4.5%, 2.6%, and 4.4% at mean albumin levels of 19, 71, and 239 mg/L, respectively. The method is sensitive to 3 mg/L. Hemoglobin, immunoglobulins, bilirubin, urea, and radiographic contrast media beyond a few hours of injection show no significant interference at levels normally expected from clinical specimens. Analysis is unaffected by pH within the physiologic range. Most urine specimens are stable for at least eight days when refrigerated at 4 degrees C. Specimen centrifugation before analysis is essential to avoid a negative bias that occurs when analyzing uncentrifuged refrigerated samples. Preanalytical freezing produces results higher than those observed in fresh or refrigerated samples. The authors conclude that automated nephelometry using the Behring Nephelometer is a convenient, simple, and accurate technique for the determination of low level urinary albumin.