Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: insights into pathogenesis and advances in omics studies

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-specific liver disease. It is characterized by pruritus, abnormal liver function and elevated total bile acid (TBA) levels, increasing the risk of maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. Its etiology remains poorly elucidated. Over the years, various omics techniques, including metabolomics, microbiome, genomics, etc., have emerged with the advancement of bioinformatics, providing a new direction for exploring the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ICP. In this review, we first summarize the role of bile acids and related components in the pathogenesis of ICP and then further illustrate the results of omics studies.

Sorption behaviour of neptunium in marine and fresh water bottom sediments in Far East area of Russia (Lake Khanka and Amur Bay)

The concentration and sorption behavior of 237Np on the bottom sediments of water bodies in the Far East region of Russia (Lake Khanka and Peter the Great Bay) were studied for the first time. The 237Np concentrations vary from 1.06 × 10-6 to 4.43 × 10-5 mBq g-1 in the bottom sediments of Lake Khanka and from 1.05 × 10-4 to 2.52 × 10-3 mBq g-1 for Amur Bay. The experiment on the adsorption of Np on marine and lake sediment showed that it is sorbed through complexation with silicates (albite, leucite). The Np sorption isotherm on marine sediments is described by the Langmuir equation; the distribution coefficients (Kd) of Np vary from 57 to 588 mL g-1. For lake sediments, the isotherm is described by the Henry equation; the Kd value reaches 935 mL g-1.

Breathers in lattices with alternating strain-hardening and strain-softening interactions

This work focuses on the study of time-periodic solutions, including breathers, in a nonlinear lattice consisting of elements whose contacts alternate between strain hardening and strain softening. The existence, stability, and bifurcation structure of such solutions, as well as the system dynamics in the presence of damping and driving, are studied systematically. It is found that the linear resonant peaks in the system bend toward the frequency gap in the presence of nonlinearity. The time-periodic solutions that lie within the frequency gap compare well to Hamiltonian breathers if the damping and driving are small. In the Hamiltonian limit of the problem, we use a multiple scale analysis to derive a nonlinear Schrödinger equation to construct both acoustic and optical breathers. The latter compare very well with the numerically obtained breathers in the Hamiltonian limit.

[Clinical characteristics and risk factors of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). Methods: From January 2019 to January 2022, the clinical data of 238 ELBWI admitted to the intensive care unit of Henan Provincial Children's Hospital within 1 week after birth and regular head color ultrasound examination were retrospective reviewed. The infants were divided into PIVH group and non-PIVH group according to whether PIVH occurred. The incidence and time of PIVH were described, and the differences in basic clinical features, perinatal conditions, postnatal treatment and complications between the two groups were compared. The risk factors of PIVH in ELBWI were further explored by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 238 ELBWI (146 males and 92 females), 82 cases (34.5%) developed PIVH, including 28 cases (11.8%) of severe PIVH and 54 cases (22.7%) of mild PIVH. Among the 82 cases of PIVH, 68 cases occurred within 3 days after birth. Gestational age [(27.4±1.5) weeks vs (27.8±1.5) weeks, P=0.012], gestational diabetes mellitus [0 vs 9.0%(14/156), P=0.005], fibrinogen (FIB) [(1.8±0.5) g/L vs (2.7±0.9) g/L, P=0.012] were lower in PIVH group than in non-PIVH group. However, intrauterine distress [46.3%(38/82) vs 11.5%(18/156), P<0.001], birth asphyxia [85.4%(70/82) vs 62.8%(98/156), P<0.001], patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) [65.9%(54/82) vs 51.3%(80/156）, P=0.017], failure to withdraw invasive ventilator within 1 week [82.9%(14/82) vs 67.3%(105/156), P=0.010], use of vasoactive drugs within 1 week [28.0%(23/82) vs 15.4%(24/156), P=0.020], acidosis [28.0%(23/82) vs 12.2%(19/156), P=0.002], and hemorrhagic disease [18.3%(15/82) vs 7.1%(11/156), P=0.008] were higher in PIVH group than in non-PIVH group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis found that the risk factors for PIVH in ELBWI were acidosis (OR=2.257, 95%CI: 1.104-4.614, P=0.026), use of vasoactive drugs within 1 week (OR=2.274, 95%CI: 1.148-4.504, P=0.018), bleeding disorders (OR=2.583, 95%CI: 1.075-6.206, P=0.034) use of vasoactive drugs within 1 week (OR=2.301, 95%CI: 1.153-4.591, P<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of PIVH in ELBWI is high, which mostly occurs within 3 days after birth. Acidosis, hemorrhagic disease, use of vasoactive agents within 1 week and failure to evacuate invasive ventilators within 1 week may increase the risk of PIVH in ELBWI.

The progress of peptide vaccine clinical trials in gynecologic oncology

Peptide vaccine are a type of immunotherapy that are synthesized according to the amino acid sequence of known or predicted tumor antigen epitopes. They are safe and well tolerated and have shown exciting results in gynecologic oncology. However, no peptide vaccine has yet been licensed in this field. This review examines peptide vaccine clinical trials in gynecology registered on ClinicalTrials.gov through January 1, 2022, analyzes the global progress and current achievements of peptide vaccines in gynecology, and explores the efforts focused on devising new methods to boost immunotherapeutic outcomes, including the use of adjuvants, multi-epitope vaccines, combinations of helper T cell epitopes, personalized peptide vaccines, synthetic long peptides, new peptide delivery, and combination therapy.

The effect of oral polyethylene glycol combined with simethicone for colonoscopy on cecal intubation rate, tolerability and acceptability : a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy adjunction of oral simethicone to polyethylene glycol as bowel preparation agent on cecal intubation rate.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane library for randomized controlled trials regarding simeticone plus polyethylene glycol as oral drinking agents before gastroscopy,we used the soft RevMan5.3 to perform statistical analysis and stata12.0 for publication bias.

RESULTS

12 randomized trials that met the inclusion criteria were therefore pooled into a meta-analysis, which included a total of 5,112 patients. There were no significant differences on cecal intubation rate in two groups(RR=1.0,95%CI : 0.99-1.01, P=0.93) with moderate level of evidence;Subgroups analysis of 2LPEG+ Simethicone VS 2LPEG(RR =1.0, 95% CI : 0.98,1.01), 2LPEG+ Simethicone VS 4L PEG (RR=1.00, 95% CI : 0.98,1.02), PEG+ Simethicone with bisacodyl vs PEG (RR =1.00, 95% CI : 0.99,1.02), PEG+Simethicone without bisacodyl vs PEG (RR =1.00, 95% CI : 0.98,1.02) showed no difference on cecal intubation rate.There was aslo no significant difference on cecal intubation time.Abdominal bloating incidence was lower in PEG+Simethicone group than that in PEG group (RR=0.53, 95%CI : 0.31, 0.91, P=0.02). The meta-analysis result also showed a better acceptability in PEG+Simethicone group (RR=1.28, 95% CI : 1.01, 1.49, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adjunction of oral simethicone to polyethylene glycol as bowel preparation agent dose not improve cecal intubation rate on colonoscopy,but with better gastrointestinal tolerability and acceptability.

Expression of orphan GPR56 correlates with tumor progression in human epithelial ovarian cancer

G protein-coupled receptor 56 (GPR56) has been demonstrated to be a significant prognostic predictor in several types of malignances, including melanoma, glioblastoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. GPR56 has a putative mucin-like extracellular domain, indicating functions for this receptor in the cell-cell interactions and triggering different downstream signaling pathways responsible for regulating cell survival, proliferation, adhesion, and migration. But the expression and clinical significance of GPR56 has not been elucidated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We detected GPR56 expression by immunohistochemistry in 110 samples of ovarian serous carcinoma to explore the correlation between its expression and clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival. As the result, we found that GPR56 expression is significantly associated with advanced FIGO stage (P = 0.01) and positive lymph node invasion (P = 0.016), and it serves as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor through univariate and multivariate analysis. GPR56 knockdown could dramatically decrease the proliferation and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer cells through down-regulating the RhoA-GTP level and up-regulating the E-cadherin level, which indicates GPR56 could promote the progression and invasion of EOC. In conclusion, GPR56 expression was demonstrated as an independent prognostic factor in EOC, suggesting that GPR56 may play an oncogenic role through the Rho and E-cadherin pathway and GPR56 could be a novel potential drug target in EOC.

Host MyD88 signaling protects against acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Recent experimental strategies to reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) have focused largely on modifying innate immunity. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-driven myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)-dependent signalling pathways that initiate adaptive immune function are also critical for the pathogenesis of GVHD. This study aimed to delineate the role of host MyD88 in the development of acute GVHD following fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). When myeloablated BALB/c MyD88 knock-out recipients were transplanted with C57BL/6 (B6) donor cells, they developed significantly more severe GVHD than wild-type (WT) BALB/c hosts. The increased morbidity and mortality in MyD88^-/- mice correlated with increased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide and elevated inflammatory cytokines in GVHD target organs. Additionally, MyD88 deficiency in BMT recipients led to increased donor T cell expansion and more donor CD11c⁺ cell intestinal infiltration with apoptotic cells but reduced proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells compared with that in WT BMT recipients. Decreased expression of tight junction mRNA in epithelial cells of MyD88^-/- mice suggested that MyD88 contributes to intestinal integrity. Cox-2 expression in the GVHD-targeted organs of WT mice is increased upon GVHD induction, but this enhanced expression was obviously inhibited by MyD88 deficiency. The present findings demonstrate an unexpected role for host MyD88 in preventing GVHD after allogeneic BMT.

Eco-friendly seeded Fe3O4-Ag nanocrystals: a new type of highly efficient and low cost catalyst for methylene blue reduction

Hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals, a new type of highly efficient and reusable catalyst for methylene blue (MB) reduction, are fabricated by a novel seed deposition process. X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy results show that the developed iron oxides are in a pure magnetite Fe₃O₄ phase. Upon manipulating the amount of Ag seeds capsuled on the modified surfaces of Fe₃O₄ nanocrystals, the catalytic capacities on the reduction of MB can be precisely adjusted with a tunable fabrication cost control. The linear correlation of the reduced MB concentration versus reaction time catalyzed by our developed hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals is coherent with pseudo first order kinetics. Importantly, with remarkable recyclability features, the hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals can be easily separated by applying an external magnetic field. The tailored catalytic performances of the hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals during MB reduction are attributed to the optimized dynamic electron transfer process, which dominates the electrochemical mechanism wherein the nucleophilic BH₄⁻ ions donate electrons to electrophilic organic MB through Ag seeds in a regulated amount. Such developed hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals pave the way towards the mass production of highly efficient and low cost catalysts for methylene blue reduction.

Hybrid Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocrystals, a new type of highly efficient and reusable catalyst for methylene blue (MB) reduction, are fabricated by a novel seed deposition process.

Weight loss drugs and lifestyle modification: Perceptions among a diverse adult sample

OBJECTIVES

Explore how adults from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds perceive the use of weight loss drugs (prescription, over-the counter, herbals and supplements) and lifestyle modification.

METHODS

Individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with persons presenting to an academic hospital-affiliated outpatient pharmacy serving ethnic minorities and low income individuals.

RESULTS

Fifty persons were interviewed, including 21 African Americans, 11 Hispanics and 17 low-income individuals (annual income <$20,000), of whom 33 self-reported as overweight or obese. Ever-users (14/50) and nonusers (36/50) of weight loss drugs expressed a belief in the importance of diet and exercise, but were not necessarily doing so themselves. Fear of side effects and skepticism towards efficacy of drugs deterred use. Some expressed concern over herbal product safety; others perceived herbals as natural and safe. Drugs were often viewed as a short-cut and not a long-term weight management solution.

CONCLUSION

A range of concerns related to the safety and efficacy of weight loss drugs were expressed by this lower income, ethnically diverse population of underweight to obese adults.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

There is need and opportunity for healthcare providers to provide weight loss advice and accurate information regarding the safety and efficacy of various types of weight loss approaches.

[Posterior debridement combined with atlantoaxial fusion to upper cervical tuberculosis]

Objective: To explore clinical results of posterior debridement combined with atlantoaxial fusion for upper cervical Tuberculosis. Methods: From March 2007 to April 2012, 8 patients with upper cervical Tuberculosis underwent posterior debridement combined with atlantoaxial fusion in our hospital were selected for retrospective analysis. 3 cases were males and 5 females, aged 29-65 (43.5±13.2) years. According to the pedicle destruction, using different screws (pedicle screw or laminar screw) fixation.In the preoperative and final follow-up, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA) and neck disability index (NDI) were used to evaluate neurological function and calculate improvement rate JOA score. At final follow-up, clinical efficacy was evaluated by Odom's grade. situation of internal fixation, fusion of upper cervical were assessed by imaging examination. During follow-up, complications were documented and analyzed. Results: Postoperatively 12 months, all bony fusion were achieved. Tuberculosis were reached clinical cure in 12-18 months. The JOA score increased from 10.5±2.0 preoperatively to 15.6 ±1.1 in final follow-up(P<0.05), and the NDI decreased from 29.9 ± 6.2 preoperatively to 8.6±1.6 (P<0.05). At last follow-up, according to Odom's standard, excellent were obtained in 6 cases (75.0%), good 1 cases (12.5%) and ordinary 1 case (12.5%). No severe complications was documented during follow-up. Conclusions: The treatment of posterior debridement combine with atlantoaxial fusion, and structure grafting and local anti-Tuberculosis drug using intraoperative, not only could obtain reliable clinical efficacy, completely removal of lesions, but also obtain strong stability, which plays an important role in the treatment of cervical tuberculosis.

[Anterior retropharyngeal debridement combined with posterior atlantoaxial fusion for atlantoaxial Tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of anterior debridement combined with posterior atlantoaxial fusion for atlantoaxial Tuberculosis.

METHODS

From February 2005 to February 2013, 7 patients, 3 males and 4 females, with atlantoaxial Tuberculosis underwent anterior debridement combined with posterior atlantoaxial fusion in Department of Orthopedics Zhengzhou University People's Hospital were selected.In the preoperative and final follow-up, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), neck disability index (NDI) and Frankel Classification were used to evaluate neurological function and calculate improvement rate.At final follow-up, clinical efficacy was evaluated by Odom's grade.Situation of internal fixation, fusion of upper cervical were assessed by X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan.

RESULTS

Bony fusion were achieved in 7 cases after operation in 12 months. Tuberculosis were reached clinical cure between 17 and 21 months. At follow The JOA score increased from (11.1±0.7) preoperatively to (15.3±0.5) in final follow-up(P<0.05), and the NDI decreased from (34.0±4.6) preoperatively to (10.1±1.3) in final follow-up (P<0.05). At last follow-up, according to Odom's standard, excellent were obtained in 5 cases, good 1 cases and ordinary 1 case. Frankel Classification of all cases improved from D class to E.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of anterior retropharyngeal debridement combine with atlantoaxial fusion, and local anti-tuberculosis drug using intraoperative, not only could obtain reliable clinical efficacy, completly removal of lesions, but also obtain strong stability, which plays an important role in the treatment of atlantoaxial Tuberculosis.

Increased spontaneous neuronal activity in structurally damaged cortex is correlated with early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Secondary cortical thinning and volumetric atrophy in the motor-related cortex can inhibit early functional recovery after subcortical infarction. However, the relationship between the spontaneous neuronal activity in these cortices and motor recovery in patients with focal cerebral infarct remains unknown.

METHODS

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state functional MRI were conducted 1, 4 and 12 weeks after onset in 22 patients with an acute subcortical infarct and in 22 normal subjects. Group differences in cortical thickness and in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in motor-related areas were evaluated, and the relationships between ALFF, cortical thickness changes and changes in the Fugl-Meyer scores of physical performance were further analyzed.

RESULTS

In patients with subcortical infarction, progressively decreasing cortical thickness was found over the observation period ipsilesionally in the primary motor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor cortex (SMC) and precuneus (all P < 0.05). Contralesionally, progressive increases in cortical thickness were detected in SMC and insula (all P < 0.05). Increases in ALFF were observed only in PMC (bilaterally) and only at 12 weeks after stroke (all P < 0.05). The cortical thickness changes in the contralesional SMC (rs = 0.483, P = 0.023) and the ALFF changes in bilateral PMC (ipsilesional, rs = 0.51, P = 0.015; contralesional, rs = 0.463, P = 0.03) were positively correlated with changes in the Fugl-Meyer scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that increased spontaneous neuronal activity of the PMC, a region structurally damaged secondarily to ischaemic lesion, may contribute to early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction.

Increased expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in aorta of patients with coronary atherosclerosis

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the aorta of patients with coronary atherosclerosis and to evaluate the relationship between aortic expression levels of MIF and atherosclerotic risk factors.

METHODS

We collected discarded aortic specimens from patients (N.=36) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and studied the presence and distribution of MIF by immunohistochemistry. The arterial tissues from 10 subjects without known atherosclerosis through the kidney donation program were taken as control group. The preoperative serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels of patients were examined and the coronary angiography was performed in order to assess the severity of atherosclerotic lesions.

RESULTS

MIF was detectable in aorta from CABG patients. The aortic MIF expression was elevated in smokers, and patients with hypertension or diabetes. In addition, the aortic MIF expression was associated with the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein B, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and coronary severity scores in simple regression analysis. However, the expression of MIF was only correlated to coronary severity scores in multiple regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

MIF is overexpressed in aorta from patients with coronary atherosclerosis and the aortic MIF expression is correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease.

Redox regulation and flower development: a novel function for glutaredoxins

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small, ubiquitous oxidoreductases that have been intensively studied in E. COLI, yeast and humans. They are involved in a large variety of cellular processes and exert a crucial function in the response to oxidative stress. GRXs can reduce disulfides by way of conserved cysteines, located in conserved active site motifs. As in E. COLI, yeast, and humans, GRXs with active sites of the CPYC and CGFS type are also found in lower and higher plants, however, little has been known about their function. Surprisingly, 21 GRXs from ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA contain a novel, plant-specific CC type motif. Lately, information on the function of CC type GRXs and redox regulation, in general, is accumulating. This review focuses on recent findings indicating that GRXs, glutathione and redox regulation, in general, seem to be involved in different processes of development, so far, namely in the formation of the flower. Recent advances in EST and genome sequencing projects allowed searching for the presence of the three different types of the GRX subclasses in other evolutionary informative plant species. A comparison of the GRX subclass composition from PHYSCOMITRELLA, PINUS, ORYZA, POPULUS, and ARABIDOPSIS is presented. This analysis revealed that only two CC type GRXs exist in the bryophyte PHYSCOMITRELLA and that the CC type GRXs group expanded during the evolution of land plants. The existence of a large CC type subclass in angiosperms supports the assumption that their capability to modify target protein activity posttranslationally has been integrated into crucial plant specific processes involved in higher plant development.

Predictive value of image cytometry for diagnosis of lung cancer in heavy smokers

The Research Institute for Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Lung Cancer (RIDTELC) Lung Study was initiated to determine whether lung cancer screening by automated sputum cytometry combined with conventional sputum cytology and auto-fluorescence in addition to white light bronchoscopy could enhance the detection rate of early lung cancer. The present study analyses the initial findings to evaluate the efficiency of automated sputum cytology in predicting the diagnosis of lung cancer. In this study, malignancy grade was used as a predictive parameter for lung cancer. In total, 2,480 heavy smokers (>30 pack-yrs), aged 50-74 yrs, with no previous cancer in the last 5 yrs, received chest radiology, conventional sputum cytology and sputum cytometry screening. In total, twenty-seven lung cancers were diagnosed, representing a prevalence of 1.1%, 25 of which provided sputum samples. Positive automated sputum cytology results were seen in 176 smokers (7.2%), 10 (0.4%) of whom had severe dysplasia or higher lesions (positive results) by conventional sputum cytology examination. Out of 25 tumour cases, 20 had suspicious results using automated sputum cytology, representing 80% sensitivity. One patient out of 24 with tumours had positive results on conventional sputum cytology, representing a sensitivity of 4.2%. For all stages of squamous cell lung cancer and later stage adenocarcinoma the sensitivity of automated sputum cytology was 100%. For adenocarcinoma stage I sensitivity was 25%. In conclusion, DNA analysis of sputum slides by automated sputum cytology may be a suitable tool for the detection of early lung cancer and the characterisation of a high-risk group with pre-invasive lesions for follow-up.

In vitro interaction between silicone gel and human monocyte-macrophages

Controversy remains regarding the ability of silicone materials to induce a specific immune reaction versus a nonspecific inflammatory response. Histopathological analysis of the tissue around failed breast implants reveals chronic inflammation with silicone gel droplets either surrounded by giant cells or engulfed by macrophages, areas of fibrosis, and necrosis. Macrophages are the key cells engulfing or forming foreign body giant cells. To address the mechanisms of silicone-induced inflammation a model of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) was developed. After sonication of silicone gel, the silicone droplets were embedded in Type I collagen and used to coat glass coverslips; human MDMs were subsequently seeded on the coverslips and maintained in culture for up to 7 days. The advantage of the model was that human macrophages could be studied histologically, and cytochemically as they interacted with well-characterized silicone materials. Initial analysis of the human macrophages shows phagocytosis of the silicone gel within hours of exposure to the material. Analysis for pro-inflammatory cytokines reveals significant transient secretion of IL-1 (p < 0.01) over controls by human macrophages upon exposure to silicone gel at 24 h.

The effect of polyethylene particle phagocytosis on the viability of mature human macrophages

Macrophages are the major cell type observed in the inflammatory membrane retrieved at implant revision surgery. In this study, mature human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were adapted to a previously established in vitro model to examine the influence of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) particulate (4-10 microm) on MDM viability. HDPE particles were suspended in soluble type I collagen, which subsequently was solidified on glass coverslips. Mature human macrophages, derived from differentiating peripheral blood monocytes on polystyrene for 10 days, were incubated in culture media on collagen controls and collagen-particle substrata for 31 days. Histologic analysis demonstrated that MDMs were in contact with the particles at 2 h. The majority of the particles were associated with the cells within 24 h. Based on electron microscopy, those cells associated with the particles appeared to be morphologically activated rather than necrotic or apoptotic. Assessment of cell viability revealed no differences among the groups at 24 h, but at 31 days significantly more viable cells and higher DNA values were found associated with the particle groups versus the collagen controls. The histologic results validate human mature MDMs as a clinically relevant cell type for study of the role of polyethylene particulate in aseptic loosening. The cell viability results indicate that phagocytosis of HDPE is not toxic to MDMs but in fact prolongs MDM survival. The long-lived MDMs may play a role in perpetuating chronic inflammation surrounding implants.

Differential response to chemically altered polyethylene by activated mature human monocyte-derived macrophages

Macrophages and polyethylene (PE) particulate are currently recognized as being the two common denominators in the development of chronic inflammation, periprosthetic osteolysis, and subsequent implant failure. In this study, the effect of PE particulate surface chemistry on mature human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) function was investigated. Virgin high-density PE (HDPE: 4-10 microm) and HDPE oxidized by irradiation, thermal and chemical treatment were characterized by FT-IR and suspended in soluble type I collagen, which was subsequently solidified on glass coverslips. Human MDMs, derived from differentiating monocytes on polystyrene for 14 days, were trypsinized and cultured on collagen-particle substrata and collagen controls for 31 days. Analysis of conditioned media collected at 24h incubation showed a significantly higher level of IL-1beta secretion in virgin HDPE over oxidized HDPE or collagen controls, and a significant inhibition of IL-6 secretion in both virgin and oxidized samples. Esterase activity was increased in the medium at a significantly higher level in the virgin HDPE versus controls with the highest activity observed in oxidized HDPE at 31 days. These results illustrate the effect of PE particle surface chemistry (oxidation) on MDM cytokine secretion and esterase activity, and highlight the need to further investigate the potential of PE surface chemistry on modulating MDM function.

[Analysis on the dermal irritation caused by imported cosmetics]

Dermal irritation tests on 902 kinds of cosmetics were conducted. The acute dermal irritation/corrosion tests for 175 samples showed no irritation in 65.1% of them, and 34.9% of them were considered as slight irritation. The chronic dermal irritation/corrosion tests for another 727 samples showed no irritation for 32.2% of them, and 67.8% of them were considered as slight irritation, most of which are lipsticks, eye shadows, fluid powder foundations and powder foundations.

[Effect of hormone replacement therapy on hemorheology in postmenopausal women]

OBJECTIVE

Our study is to observe the effects of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on hemorheology in postmenopausal women in order to evaluate mechanism responsible for the increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease after menopause and also to provide proper instruction and advice of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women.

METHODS

60 healthy postmenopausal women were assigned to 3 groups randomly, 20 cases in each group. Group A: CEE 0.625 mg/d + MPA 2 mg/d + calcium carbonate co. (Ca-D) 600 mg/d. Group B: CEE 0.3 mg/d + MPA 2 mg/d + Ca-D 600 mg/d. Group C: Ca-D 600 mg/d only served as control. Measurements of hemorheological parameters were performed before and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

After 6 months of HRT, group A: blood viscosity under the shear rate of 94.5 s-1 dropped from (5.23 +/- 0.37) mPa.s to (5.03 +/- 0.43) mPa.s (P < 0.05), plasma viscosity dropped from (1.66 +/- 0.19) mPa.s to (1.58 +/- 0.15) mPa.s (P < 0.05), erythrocyte deformability dropped from (4.76 +/- 0.32) mPa.s to (4.54 +/- 0.34) mPa.s (P < 0.05). Group B: blood viscosity under the shear rate of 94.5 s-1 dropped from (5.10 +/- 0.30) mPa.s to (4.87 +/- 0.30) mPa.s (P < 0.05), erythrocyte deformability dropped from (4.65 +/- 0.34) mPa.s to (4.43 +/- 0.29) mPa.s (P < 0.05). No change was found in the control group. After treatment, the levels of plasma viscosity and fibrinogen in group A were much lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity in group B were much lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). Thrombelastogram study demonstrated no change regardless HRT or not (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both different dosages of CEE have favor effects on blood viscosity and erythrocyte deformabillity, which could play the role in preventing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.

[Effect of fly ash-filtered mud mixture on soil properties and radish yield and quality]

Based on pot culture experiment, the effect of fly ash-filtered mud mixture on soil biochemical properties, radish yield and its quality, and heavy metal accumulation in both soil and radish was examined. The mixture was made by mixing fly ash and filtered mud in proportion 1:1(w/w) and adding small amount of inorganic fertilizer. Its Cd, Pb, Cr, As and Hg contents were much lower than those requested by state control criteria. After applying this mixture in a definite amount, no significant accumulation of heavy metals was found in both soil and radish, the pollution index of heavy metals was < 1, the quantities of soil bacteria increased notably, and the activities of soil urease, phosphates and cellulosase also raised significantly. The application of the mixture promoted radish growth and its development and metabolism. The reducing sugar and vitamin C in radish also increased markedly. The results indicated that the use of adequate amounts of the mixture did not cause any obvious heavy metal pollution in both soil and radish, but could improve soil fertility, and raise radish yield and its quality remarkably.

Expression and activity of human Na+/I- symporter in human glioma cells by adenovirus-mediated gene delivery

Radioiodide concentrating activity in the thyroid, mediated by human Na+/I- symporter (hNIS), provides a mechanism for effective radioiodide treatment for patients who have invasive, recurrent, and metastatic thyroid cancers after total thyroidectomy. In an attempt to develop hNIS gene transfer for radioiodide therapy for patients with brain tumors, we have constructed recombinant adenoviruses, rAd-CMV-hNIS9 and rAd-CMV-FLhNIS, to express exogenous hNIS in U1240 and U1240Tag human glioma cells. U1240Tag differs from U1240 glioma cells in that it expresses the SV40 large T antigen oncoprotein. In both U1240 and U1240Tag cells, radioiodide uptake (RAIU) activity in the cells infected with rAd-CMV-hNIS9 or rAd-CMV-FLhNIS increases as the adenoviral MOI increases. The protein expression profile of hNIS in infected cells is generally in agreement with their RAIU activity profile. Although the expressed hNIS9 protein appeared to have a shorter half-life than FLhNIS, hNIS9 expression could be maintained by multiple infections in these cells. In addition, we show that hNIS can be expressed and function in a xenografted human glioma by intratumoral injection of rAd-CMV-hNIS9.

[Low vacuum as a ground simulation method for studies of gas convection heat transfer inside manned spacecraft]

Owing to reduced gravity on the orbit, the convection model of the environment inside the manned spacecraft becomes complicated, and it is difficult to simulate under 1G condition for related studies on the ground. The author described a method using low vacuum to simulate the effect of reduced gravity on gas convection heat transfer for ground studies of environmental control and lifesupport system of manned spacecraft. It is demonstrated that when suitable experimental vessel and appropriate method are used, it is possible that convection heat transfer of the environment inside the manned spacecraft flying on the orbit may be simulated successfully on the ground.

Prednisone and low-dose activated prothrombin complex concentrates for FVIII inhibitor in nonhaemophilic patients

Eight nonhaemophilic patients with factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors were reported. There was no difference in sex distribution. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years (ranging from 14 to 73 years). No associated disorders were revealed and all the patients were presented with severe muscular or arthral bleeding. Inhibitor titre was measured by the Bethesda method, which were 6.4, 126.0, 155.0, 4.8, 56.0, 13.5, 35.0 and 150.0 BU mL-1, respectively, at diagnosis. FVIII:C levels were less than 1 U dL-1 in seven patients and less than 2 U dL-1 in one patient. The median vWF:Ag level was 210% (ranging from 80% to 340%). All the patients had good response to activated prothrombin complex concentrates for acute bleeding episodes and prednisone for inhibitor elimination. Inhibitors completely eliminated in seven patients within a follow-up duration over 1 year, and one patient died of intracranial haemorrhage when her inhibitor titre decreased to 4.5 BU mL-1 and FVIII:C increased to 21 U dL-1.

Signal transduction pathways activated by RET oncoproteins in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

Gene alterations in the ret proto-oncogene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, have been found to associate with several human diseases. In this study, we showed that induction of the vgf promoter activity is a good molecular indicator for RET activation in PC12 cells, a rat pheochromocytoma cell line. We demonstrated that all forms of RET oncoprotein, including RET chimeric oncoproteins found in human papillary thyroid carcinomas (RET/PTC) as well as RET oncoproteins found in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B (2A/RET and 2B/RET) can induce vgf promoter activity in PC12 cells. In contrast, a RET mutant found in a patient with Hirschsprung's disease, as well as a RET/PTC1 mutant with deletion of the dimerization domain, failed to induce vgf promoter activity in PC12 cells. We further determined that the signaling events mediated by phosphorylated Tyr294 and phosphorylated Tyr451 binding sites are essential for RET/PTC1 to induce vgf promoter activity in PC12 cells. We also showed that RET/PTC1, 2A/RET, and 2B/RET induce ELK-, cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), or JUN-mediated gene expression in PC12 cells, and these three signaling events are mediated by phosphorylated Tyr294 and phosphorylated Tyr451 binding sites in RET/PTC1.

[Saponins in Bupleurum smithii Wolff var. parvifolium Shan et Y. Li]

Five saikosaponins and two saikosapogenins were isolated from the roots of Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium by column chromatography, preparative-TLC and HPLC, and identified as saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d, saikosaponin b2, saikosaponin b4, chikusaikoside I, saikogenin F and saikogenin G on the basis of spectral analysis. All of them were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Leucine zipper-mediated dimerization is essential for the PTC1 oncogenic activity

The PTC1 chimeric oncogene is generated by the fusion of the tyrosine kinase domain of the RET proto-oncogene to the 5'-terminal region of another gene named H4 (D10S170). This oncogene has been detected only in human papillary thyroid carcinomas. We have previously demonstrated that the putative leucine zipper in the N-terminal region of H4 can mediate oligomerization of the PTC1 oncoprotein in vitro. In this study, we further demonstrated that the PTC1 oncoprotein forms a dimer in vivo, and the leucine zipper is responsible for this dimerization. The H4 leucine zipper-mediated dimerization is essential for tyrosine hyperphosphorylation and the transforming activity of the PTC1 oncoprotein. Introducing a loss-of-function PTC1 mutant into PTC1-transformed NIH3T3 cells suppressed the transforming activity of PTC1 and reversed the transformed phenotype of these cells, presumably by forming inactive heterodimers between the two forms of PTC1. Taken together, these data indicate that constitutive dimerization of the PTC1 oncoprotein is essential for PTC1 transforming activity and suggest that constitutive oligomerization acquired by rearrangement or by point mutations may be a general mechanism for the activation of receptor tyrosine kinase oncogenes.

Cloning of the human sodium lodide symporter

The iodide concentrating activity of the thyroid gland is essential to the production of thyroid hormone and also provides a mechanism for the treatment of thyroid cancer by radioiodine ablation. We report here the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS), which mediates the iodide uptake activity in the thyroid gland. An open reading frame of 1929 nucleotides encodes a protein of 643 amino acids with 84% identity to the rat NIS (rNIS). Transient expression of the hNIS cDNA conferred perchlorate-sensitive iodide uptake to a nonthyroid cell line, COS-7. The expression of hNIS was detected at variable levels in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues but not in any of the thyroid carcinoma cell lines that have lost the iodide uptake activity.

Characterization of ret oncogenic activation in MEN2 inherited cancer syndromes

Germline mutations of c-ret, encoding a receptor-type tyrosine kinase, were found to be associated with variants of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2A, MEN2B), and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. NIH/3T3 stable transfectants expressing RET with a mutation of MEN2A (MEN2A/RET) or MEN2B (MEN2B/RET) gained a transformed morphology, formed colonies in soft agar, and formed tumors in nude mice. These results confirmed that both MEN2A/RET and MEN2B/RET exert dominant transforming activities in NIH/3T3 cells. However, in contrast to their clinical manifestation, transfectants expressing MEN2A/RET exhibited a higher tumorigenicity in nude mice than transfectants expressing MEN2B/RET may depend on the presence of its ligand and/or substrates that are absent in NIH/3T3 cells. No change in the cellular localization of the mutated RET proteins was observed compared to c-RET. Interestingly, ret activation in NIT/3T3 cells appeared to be associated with up-regulation of homologous gap-junctional intercellular communication and increased expression of a gap-junctional protein, connexin43.

[Study on the level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, expression of membrane interleukin-2 receptor and T lymphocyte subpopulations in pulmonary tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), membrane interleukin-2 receptor (mIL-2R) and T lymphocyte subpopulations in development of pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS

The level of sIL-2R, expression of mIL-2R and the profile of T lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were tested by sandwiched ELISA and alkaline phosphatase-antialkaline phosphate (APAAP) methods.

RESULTS

The levels of sIL-2R, CD8 were higher, and expression of mIL-2R, CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio were lower in pulmonary tuberculosis than those in normal controls (P < 0.001). And the changes of all indicators in patients with cavitation were more obvious than those in patients without (P < 0.001), the changes in progressive stage were more obvious than those in stable and improving stages (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the patients, condition and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis were related to the changes of sIL-2R level, mIL-2R expression and T lymphocyte subpopulations.

Targeted expression of the ret/PTC1 oncogene induces papillary thyroid carcinomas

The ret/PTC oncogene, a rearranged form of the ret proto-oncogene, has been found to be restricted to human papillary thyroid carcinomas. This report shows that transgenic mice with thyroid-targeted expression of the ret/PTC1 oncogene developed thyroid carcinomas with considerable similarities to human papillary thyroid carcinomas, particularly in the nuclear cytologic features and the presence of local invasion. Our findings indicate that ret/PTC2 is not only a biomarker associated with papillary thyroid carcinomas, but is also the only proven specific genetic event leading to the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Thymus influences liver functions through hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in rats

The aim of the review is to summarize our recent studies on the influence of the thymus on liver functions and its intermediary pathway in rats. Young adult thymectomized rats were used as a model in the experiments, and either thymic peptides or sex hormones were supplemented to these animals. Liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 and aminopyrine-N-demethylase (ADM) activities were decreased in thymectomized rats, and the change in the male was more significant than that in female rats. An increase of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease of liver glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase activity were observed in the female thymectomized rats, but not in the males. Accompanied by the increase of MDA, a decline of membrane fluidity of liver microsomes and mitochondria and a decrease of Ca2+ uptake by liver microsomes were exhibited in the female thymectomized rats. Subcutaneous injection of thymic peptides decreased MDA level, and increased GSH content, membrane fluidity and Ca2+ uptake by microsomes in the liver of thymectomized rats. On the other hand, male thymectomized rats showed a decrease of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels. Subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate to these animals restored their liver P-450 and ADM activities to normal levels. Female thymectomized rats exhibited a decline of hypothalamic LHRH and plasma estradiol levels. Supplementation of estradiol benzoate reversed the increase of liver MDA in these animals. The data suggest that the thymus may influence liver functions through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. Thus, a new "thymus-neuroendocrine-liver pathway' is proposed, which may account for the significance of the thymus in maintaining homeostasis and integrative functions in the body.

Characterization of the promoter region and oligomerization domain of H4 (D10S170), a gene frequently rearranged with the ret proto-oncogene

PTC-1, the predominant form of PTC oncogene in human papillary thyroid carcinoma, encodes a fusion protein containing the N-terminus of H4 (D10S170) fused 5' to the ret tyrosine kinase domain. Accordingly, the PTC-1 expression is driven by the H4 gene promoter. Our study showed that H4 is expressed in various human tissues, including thyroid. Furthermore, we have localized the transcriptional start sites of H4 to a region 100 to 190 bp upstream of the translation initiation site (ATG) by primer extension assay, and the H4 promoter to a region within 259 bp upstream of the ATG site by luciferase assay. Interestingly, protein sequence analysis indicated a potential coiled-coil domain in the N-terminal region of H4. Indeed, oligomerization was demonstrated by an in vitro assay with recombinant proteins containing this region. As dimerization is considered to be a crucial step for receptor tyrosine kinase activation, we hypothesize that both unscheduled expression of ret tyrosine kinase and constitutive oligomerization of PTC-1 proteins are responsible for PTC-1 transforming activity in thyroid.