[Expression and prognostic significance of KAP1 gene in malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Objective: To explore the expression of KAP1 (KRAB-associated protein 1, KAP1) in Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) based on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and clinical trials. And elucidate the correlation between the expression of KAP1 and the clinical pathological parameters of patients with MPM and its prognosis. Methods: In April 2022, Based on the second generation KAP1mRNA sequencing data and clinicopathological data of MPM patients downloaded from TCGA database, the correlation between KAP1mRNA expression and clinical parameters was analyzed, and the correlation between KAP1 protein expression and clinicopathological parameters and its prognostic value were analyzed based on Chuxiong data set cohort clinical samples. The expression of KAP1 mRNA in MPM samples and matched normal tumor adjacent tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of KAP1 protein in MPM and normal pleural tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and Westernblotting. To construct a Kaplan-Meier model to explore the effect of KAP1 expression on the prognosis of MPM patients, and to analyze the prognostic factors of MPM patients by Cox regression. Results: qRT-PCR and Western blotting detection showed that the expression levels of KAP1 gene in four different MPM cells (NCI-H28, NCI-H2052, NCI-H2452, and MTSO-211H) were significantly higher than those in normal pleural mesothelial cells Met-5A. qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC results demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of KAP1 in MPM tissues was significantly higher than that in matching normal mesothelial tissues, and the expression level of KAP1 protein was correlated with TP 53 protein expression levels and serum CEA levels (P<0.05) . The mRNA expression level was significantly correlated with the prognosis, The overall survival time of mesothelioma patients with high KAP1mRNA expression was significantly shorter (HR=3.7, Logrank P<0.001) . Tumor type, age and the mRNA expression were related to the prognosis of MPM patients (P<0.05) . Multivariate analysis showed that tumor type and KAP1 mRNA expression level were independent prognostic factors of MPM patients (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In this study, TCGA database and Chuxiong cohort experiment samples were used to collect the relevant information of KAP1 expression in malignant melanoma tissues. It was confirmed that KAP1 is highly expressed in MPM tissues. The mRNA expression level and pathological type are correlated with the prognosis of patients.

[Analysis of clinicopathological features of 68 cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and explore the diagnostic methods in order to improve the early diagnosis rate. Methods: In January 2019 to January 2022, the clinical features, auxiliary examination and immunohistochemical results of 68 cases of MPM were analyzed retrospectively. The pathogenic features, histopathological morphology and the expression of related antibodies including Calretinin (CR), D2-40 and WT-1 were summarized. Results: Among the 68 patients, 40 male (58.82%), 28 female (41.18%), male to female ratio was 1.43%, median age was 58 years old; 50% of patients in Dayao County, epithelial mesothelioma 59 cases (86.76%), occurred in right chest in 39 cases (57.35%), left chest in 25 cases (36.76%), and 4 cases in both sides (5.89%). The most common initial clinical manifestations were pleural effusion (95.59%), chest pain (36.75%), chest tightness and shortness of breath (30.88%). The main imaging findings were pleural effusion in 49 cases (98.00%) and pleural thickening in 46 cases (92.00%). MPM tumor cells often expressed Calretinin, CK5/6, WT1 and D2-40, while TTF-1, NapsinA and CEA, the main markers differentiated from lung adenocarcinoma were negative. Serum CYFRA21-1 and CEA have high value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pleural effusions. Conclusion: Diffuse MPM has diverse histological and cytological morphology, which needs to be differentiated from a variety of diseases. Correct diagnosis of diffuse MPM through immunohistochemistry requires the combined application of a group of Mesothelium related antibodies.

[Expression of CD24 gene in human malignant pleural mesothelioma and its relationship with prognosis]

Objective: To investigate the expression of CD24 gene in human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells and tissues, and evaluate its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical prognosis of MPM patients. Methods: In February 2021, UALCAN database was used to analyze the correlation between CD24 gene expression and clinicopathological characteristics in 87 cases of MPM patients. The TIMER 2.0 platform was used to explore the relationship between the expression of CD24 in MPM and tumor immune infiltrating cells. cBioportal online tool was used to analyze the correlation between CD24 and MPM tumor marker gene expression. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expressions of CD24 gene in human normal pleural mesothelial cell lines LP9 and MPM cell lines NCI-H28 (epithelial type), NCI-H2052 (sarcoma type), and NCI-H2452 (biphasic mixed type). RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expressions of CD24 gene in 18 cases of MPM tissues and matched normal pleural tissues. The expression difference of CD24 protein in normal mesothelial tissue and MPM tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A Kaplan-Meier model was constructed to explore the influence of CD24 gene expression on the prognosis of MPM patients, and Cox regression analysis of prognostic factors in MPM patients was performed. Results: The CD24 gene expression without TP53 mutation MPM patients was significantly higher than that of patients in TP53 mutation (P<0.05). The expression of CD24 gene in MPM was positively correlated with B cells (r(s)=0.37, P<0.001). The expression of CD24 gene had a positive correlation with the expressions of thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) (r(s)=0.26, P<0.05), and had a negative correlation with the expression of epidermal growth factor containing fibulin like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1), mesothelin (MSLN) and calbindin 2 (CALB2) (r(s)=-0.31, -0.52, -0.43, P<0.05). RT-qPCR showed that the expression level of CD24 gene in MPM cells (NCI-H28, NCI-H2052 and NCI-H2452) was significantly higher than that in normal pleural mesothelial LP9 cells. The expression level of CD24 gene in MPM tissues was significantly higher than that in matched normal pleural tissues (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of CD24 protein in epithelial and sarcoma MPM tissues were higher than those of matched normal pleural tissues. Compared with low expression of CD24 gene, MPM patients with high expression of CD24 gene had lower overall survival (HR=2.100, 95%CI: 1.336-3.424, P<0.05) and disease-free survival (HR=1.800, 95%CI: 1.026-2.625, P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that compared with the biphasic mixed type, the epithelial type was a protective factor for the prognosis of MPM patients (HR=0.321, 95%CI: 0.172-0.623, P<0.001). Compared with low expression of CD24 gene, high expression of CD24 gene was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of MPM patients (HR=2.412, 95%CI: 1.291-4.492, P=0.006) . Conclusion: CD24 gene and protein are highly expressed in MPM tissues, and the high expression of CD24 gene suggests poor prognosis in MPM patients.

[The clinical effect of ultrasonic bone curette-assisted "zoning" style laminectomy for the treatment of severe ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum]

Objective: To investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of "zoning" style laminectomy by ultrasonic bone curette in patients with severe thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum(TOLF). Methods: The clinical data of 36 patients with severe TOLF treated by "zoning" style laminectomy at Department of Spinal Surgery,Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from October 2015 to October 2018 were respectively analyzed.There were 17 males and 19 females,aged(57.3±10.2)years(range:43 to 80 years).According to the anatomical characteristics of the thoracic ligamentum flavum and the pathological process of ossionization,each decompression segment was divided into the upper 1/3 area of the lamina,the bilateral area of the ossionum flavum,the transitional area,and the area of close contact between the ossionum flavum and the spinal cord.Different surgical strategies were used for decompression in turn.The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) was used to evaluate the neurological function status before and after surgery,to evaluate the surgical effect of patients,and to observe the surgical complications.Paired sample T test was used for data analysis. Results: All 36 patients successfully completed the operation,the operation time was (88.6±24.6) minutes(range:60 to 150 minutes).The intraoperative blood loss was (426.7±167.4) ml(range:250 to 800 ml).Follow-up time was (27.2±7.7) months(range:12 to 48 months).The mJOA score at the last follow-up was 9.0±1.5,which was statistically significant compared with the preoperative score 5.4±1.8 (t=13.59,P<0.01).The improvement rate of mJOA score was (65.7±22.1) %,of which 17 cases were excellent (47.2%),13 cases were good (36.1%),4 cases were normal (11.1%),2 cases were ineffective (5.6%).Ten patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage during the separation or removal of dural ossification and were cured after a series of comprehensive conservative treatment.Two patients showed transient neurological deterioration,and the neurological function gradually recovered to the preoperative state after comprehensive treatment such as increasing the mean arterial pressure and using neurotrophic drugs.During the follow-up,no aggravation of neurological dysfunction and segmental kyphosis were found. Conclusions: The ultrasonic bone curette-assisted "zoning" style laminectomy for the treatment of severe TOLF can directly observed the position relationship between ossification of the ligamentum flavum and the spinal canal structure during the operation,and accurately guide the surgical decompression.It has the advantages of safe operation and complete decompression,which provides an important reference for the selection of clinical surgery.

Developmental toxicity of cryptotanshinone on the early-life stage of zebrafish development

Cryptotanshinone (Cry) has multiple potential functions in treating different diseases. Most studies on Cry focus on its pharmacological effects and mechanisms, but toxicological reports on Cry are rare. Zebrafish is used as a model organism in drug development as it saves costs and time. This work aimed to investigate the toxicity of Cry on zebrafish. Results showed that growth retardation, pericardial edema, and scoliosis occurred when zebrafish embryos were exposed to Cry, indicating its teratogenic effects. Cell apoptosis was observed in the brainstem area of embryos using acridine orange staining, and qPCR showed that caspase-3 was increased in Cry-exposed embryos. The results of locomotor activity and touched-evoke escape reaction experiments showed that Cry significantly reduced the swimming speed and escape reaction time of larvae.

[Mechanism of high expression of high mobility group protein 1 in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism triggering pyroptosis of synovial fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)and the release of high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1)in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).

METHODS

Twelve SD rats were randomized equally into blank control group without any treatment and KOA group with anterior cruciate ligament amputation (ACLT) to induce KOA.HE staining and Mankin score were used to evaluate the damage of knee cartilage.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue.In the cell experiment, rat FLSs were treated with PBS (control group), LPS+ATP (to induce cell pyroptosis), or LPS+ATP+siRNAs (to inhibit pyroptosis of the FLSs), and the cellular expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 were detected using Western blotting; the level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was detected with ELISA.

RESULTS

In the rat models of KOA, the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue and Mankin score were significantly increased as compared with those in the control group(P < 0.05).In cultured rat FLSs, the expressions of apoptosis related proteins and HMGB1 were significantly higher in the pyroptosis group than in the control group and in cells transfected with the siRNAs targeting NLRP1, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1(P < 0.05).The protein level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was significantly higher in pyroptosis group than in the control and siRNA groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the pathological process of KOA, NLRPs inflammasome-mediated FLS pyroptosis causes massive release of HMGB1, which is associated with the activation of the downstream molecule caspase-1.

121 Mediating Factors Between Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Older Patients with Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer

Introduction

Family caregivers of older patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer become responsible for patients’ care, usually without preparation or training in provision of care. Their efforts of care generate caregiving burden, which could deteriorate their quality of life and affect the prognosis of patients. The aims of this study were to examine associations between caregiver burden and quality of life, coping, social support for family caregivers, and to investigate whether coping and social support mediate associations between family caregiver burden and their quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed at two thoracic surgery wards in one tertiary hospital in Changsha, China from November 2019 to May 2020. This study involved 224 family caregivers of patients aged over 50 years and newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Caregivers-reported outcomes were measured by Zarit caregiver burden interview, simplified coping style questionnaire, social support rating scale, and quality of life family version. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized mediation model.

Results

SEM indicated a good fit for the mediation model, which explained 49.7% of the variance of quality of life. Higher level of caregivers’ burden was negatively associated with quality of life (r = 0.183, P = 0.042). Coping partially mediated the effect of caregiver burden on quality of life (indirect effect −0.389, P = 0.000). Social support did not mediate the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life (indirect effect −0.023, P = 0.087).

Conclusions

Caregivers’ burden of patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer is correlated to quality of life which is partially mediated by coping. Early intervention providing caregivers with positive coping strategies may improve their quality of life.

[The low-dose opioids therapy of perioperative multi-mode analgesia is pivotal to the enhanced recovery after surgery for elderly patients]

The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery in elderly patients should be under the premise of adequate perioperative analgesia/anti-stress. The aims of perioperative multimodal low-dose opioids analgesia therapy are reducing opioid-related adverse reactions and the impact on process of postoperative recovery.

NRF2 SUMOylation promotes de novo serine synthesis and maintains HCC tumorigenesis

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) is a pivotal transcription factor that maintains cellular redox homeostasis and facilitates the development of malignant tumor phenotypes. At the molecular level, NRF2 promotes de novo serine synthesis and SUMOylation affects its function. Our results indicated that the SUMO1 acceptor site of NRF2 is the conserved lysine residue 110 (K110), and that NRF2 SUMOylation deficiency inhibited tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, NRF2 SUMOylation promoted de novo serine synthesis in HCC by enhancing the clearance of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and up-regulating phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH). More importantly, serine starvation increased the level of NRF2 SUMOylation, leading to sustained HCC growth. Collectively, our results indicate the presence of a novel NRF2 SUMOylation-mediated signaling process that maintains HCC tumorigenesis in normal conditions and in response to metabolic stress.

Blood flow index as an indicator of successful sciatic nerve block: a prospective observational study using laser speckle contrast imaging

BACKGROUND

Laser speckle contrast imaging allows real-time, non-invasive, quantitative measurements of regional blood flow. The objectives of this prospective observational study were to use laser speckle contrast imaging to evaluate blood flow changes after sciatic nerve block, and to determine whether this novel optical technique can evaluate block success.

METHODS

This observational study included 63 adult patients undergoing elective lower limb surgery with sciatic nerve block. Blood flow images and blood flow index (BFI) values of toes were recorded using laser speckle contrast imaging 5 min before nerve block and at 5 min intervals until 30 min after sciatic block. The sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off value of laser speckle contrast imaging for predicting successful sciatic block were determined by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The BFI values of toes were significantly increased at each time point after successful sciatic block, compared with the baseline value obtained 5 min before nerve block; in failed sciatic block, there were no significant differences. For successful sciatic block, the highest increase of BFI value was at the big toe. BFI increase of the big toe at 10 min after sciatic block has great potential as an indicator of block success. The area under the ROC curve was 0.954 at a cut-off value of 8.48 perfusion units (PU) with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser speckle contrast imaging might be an early, objective, quantitative, and reliable indicator of successful sciatic block. BFI increase of the big toe not reaching 8.48 PU within 10 min after sciatic block indicates block failure.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03169517.

Sevoflurane-induced isoelectric EEG and burst suppression: differential and antagonistic effect of added nitrous oxide

The objective of this study was to investigate whether nitrous oxide influenced the ED50 of sevoflurane for induction of isoelectric electroencephalogram (ED50_isoelectric ) differently from its influence on the ED50 of sevoflurane for electroencephalogram burst suppression (ED50_burst ). In a prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, up-down sequential allocation study, 77 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients received sevoflurane induction and, after tracheal intubation, were randomly allocated to receive sevoflurane with either 40% oxygen in air (control group) or 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen mixture (nitrous group). The ED50_isoelectric in the two groups was determined using Dixon's up and down method, starting at 2.5% with 0.2% step size of end-tidal sevoflurane. The electroencephalogram was considered as isoelectric when a burst suppression ratio of 100% lasted > 1 min. The subsequent concentrations of sevoflurane administered were determined by the presence or absence of isoelectric electroencephalogram in the previous patient in the same group. The ED50_isoelectric in the nitrous group 4.08 (95%CI, 3.95-4.38)% was significantly higher than that in the control group 3.68 (95%CI, 3.50-3.78)% (p < 0.0001). The values for ED50_burst were 3.05 (95%CI, 2.66-3.90)% and 3.02 (95%CI, 3.00-3.05)% in nitrous group and control group, respectively (p = 0.52). The addition of 60% nitrous oxide increases ED50_isoelectric , but not the ED50_burst of sevoflurane. Neither result indicates an additive effect of anaesthetic agents, as might be expected, and possible reasons for this are discussed.

Cell Transformation by PTP1B Truncated Mutants Found in Human Colon and Thyroid Tumors

Expression of wild-type protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B may act either as a tumor suppressor by dysregulation of protein tyrosine kinases or a tumor promoter through Src dephosphorylation at Y527 in human breast cancer cells. To explore whether mutated PTP1B is involved in human carcinogenesis, we have sequenced PTP1B cDNAs from human tumors and found splice mutations in ~20% of colon and thyroid tumors. The PTP1BΔE6 mutant expressed in these two tumor types and another PTP1BΔE5 mutant expressed in colon tumor were studied in more detail. Although PTP1BΔE6 revealed no phosphatase activity compared with wild-type PTP1B and the PTP1BΔE5 mutant, its expression induced oncogenic transformation of rat fibroblasts without Src activation, indicating that it involved signaling pathways independent of Src. The transformed cells were tumourigenic in nude mice, suggesting that the PTP1BΔE6 affected other molecule(s) in the human tumors. These observations may provide a novel therapeutic target for colon and thyroid cancer.

SUMOylation attenuates human β-arrestin 2 inhibition of IL-1R/TRAF6 signaling

β-Arrestin 2 as an adaptor plays a role in the regulation of receptor desensitization, trafficking, and signaling. Bovine β-arrestin 2 has been shown to be SUMOylated on the lysine 400 residue, which links it to the endocytosis of the β2-adrenergic receptor. Here we identify a major SUMOylation site, lysine 295, on human β-arrestin 2. SUMOylation on this site attenuates β-arrestin 2 binding to TRAF6, then enhances TRAF6 oligomerization and autoubiquitination, and consequently leads to the increase of TRAF6-mediated NF-κB/AP-1 activation. We further determine SENP1 as a specific de-SUMOylation protease that can reverse the SUMOylation of β-arrestin 2-mediated processes. Our study reveals SUMOylation as a novel mechanism in the regulation of β-arrestin 2-mediated IL-1R/TRAF6 signaling.

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein-specific protease 1 de-SUMOylates Sharp-1 protein and controls adipocyte differentiation

Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a transcriptional cascade that mainly includes CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein family members and the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Here we show the defects in adipocyte differentiation as well as PPARγ expression in Senp1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells induced by adipogenic stimuli. We further determine that SENP1 is a specific de-SUMOylation protease for Sharp-1, a repressor for PPARγ transcription and adipogenesis. SENP1 enhances adipogenesis through de-SUMOylation of Sharp-1, which then releases Sharp-1 repression of PPARγ expression and adipocyte differentiation. These results reveal SENP1 as a novel regulator in adipogenesis.

Effects on specific promoter DNA methylation in zebrafish embryos and larvae following benzo[a]pyrene exposure

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an established carcinogen and reproductive and developmental toxicant. BaP exposure in humans and animals has been linked to infertility and multigenerational health consequences. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, and mapping of methylation patterns has become an important tool for understanding pathologic gene expression events. The goal of this study was to investigate aberrant changes in promoter DNA methylation in zebrafish embryos and larvae following a parental and continued embryonic waterborne BaP exposure. A total of 21 genes known for their role in human diseases were selected to measure percent methylation by multiplex deep sequencing. At 96hpf (hours post fertilization) compared to 3.3hpf, dazl, nqo1, sox3, cyp1b1, and gstp1 had higher methylation percentages while c-fos and cdkn1a had decreased CG methylation. BaP exposure significantly reduced egg production and offspring survival. Moreover, BaP decreased global methylation and altered CG, CHH, and CHG methylation both at 3.3 and 96hpf. CG methylation changed by 10% or more due to BaP in six genes (c-fos, cdkn1a, dazl, nqo1, nrf2, and sox3) at 3.3hpf and in ten genes (c-fos, cyp1b1, dazl, gstp1, mlh1, nqo1, pten, p53, sox2, and sox3) at 96hpf. BaP also induced gene expression of cyp1b1 and gstp1 at 96hpf which were found to be hypermethylated. Further studies are needed to link aberrant CG, CHH, and CHG methylation to heritable epigenetic consequences associated with disease in later life.

Minimal alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for induction of isoelectric electroencephalogram in middle-aged adults

BACKGROUND

We determined the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane inducing an isoelectric EEG in 50% of adult subjects (MACie).

METHODS

We included 31 middle-aged subjects; 30 subjects finished the study protocol and received sevoflurane at preselected concentrations according to a modified Dixon 'up-and-down' design starting at 1.7 vol% with 0.2 vol% steps size. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane; tracheal intubation was facilitated with cisatracurium. After a period of 30 min before skin incision, the state of isoelectric EEG was considered as significant when a burst suppression ratio of 100% lasted for >1 min. The haemodynamic responses to skin incision and the vasopressor requirement to maintain stable haemodynamic status were also analysed according to the EEG state.

RESULTS

MACie was 3.5% (95% confidence interval, 3.4-3.7%) in middle-aged subjects. When compared with subjects not in isoelectric EEG state, subjects in isoelectric EEG state received more phenylephrine to maintain stable haemodynamics (10 of 10 compared with 7 of 20 subjects, P=0.001) and experienced less sympathetic responses to skin incision (1 of 10 compared with 11 of 20 subjects, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

MACie for sevoflurane was ∼2.1 times MAC for immobilization in phenobarbital premedicated middle-aged adults. Sevoflurane-induced isoelectric EEG state is associated with significant cardiovascular depression but reduced haemodynamic responses to skin incision.

HLA-B*27:44, a novel allele identified by sequence-based typing, is a well-documented allele in China

The sequence of HLA-B*27:44 differs in exon 2 from the sequence of B*27:08 by one amino acid change at codon 74.

Acute effects of sublingual buprenorphine on brain responses to heroin-related cues in early-abstinent heroin addicts: an uncontrolled trial

Replacement therapy with buprenorphine is clinically effective in reducing withdrawal and craving for heroin during detoxification but not in decreasing the probability of relapse after detoxification. This study examined the acute effects of buprenorphine on brain responses to heroin-related cues to reveal the neurobiological and therapeutic mechanisms of addiction and relapse. Fifteen heroin addicts at a very early period of abstinence, were studied in two separate periods 10-15 min apart: an early period (5-45 min) and a later period (60-105 min) after sublingual buprenorphine, roughly covering the onset and peak of buprenorphine plasma level. During both periods, fMRI scanning with heroin-related visual stimuli were performed followed by questionnaires. Under effect of buprenorphine, brain responses to heroin-related cues showed decrease in amygdala, hippocampus, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and thalamus but no changes in ventral striatum and orbital-prefrontal-parietal cortices. As an uncontrolled trial, these preliminary results suggest that buprenorphine has specific brain targets in reducing withdrawal and craving during early abstinence, and that ventral striatum and orbital-prefrontal-parietal cortices may be the key targets in developing therapy for drug addiction and relapse.

Effect of homocysteine interventions on the risk of cardiocerebrovascular events: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of homocysteine lowering intervention on the risk of cardiocerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality in randomised controlled trials among people with preexisting cardiocerebrovascular or renal disease.

METHODS

Studies were retrieved by searching MEDLINE and OVID (from January 1966 to December 2008) using the following keywords: homocysteine, hyperhomocysteinaemia, cardiovascular disease, coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, B vitamins, folic acid, randomised controlled trial. References of all retrieved articles were also searched. Randomised controlled trials which compared folic acid or plus B vitamins supplementation with either placebo or usual care were evaluated with cardiocerebrovascular disease events or all-cause mortality reported as an end-point. Data on study design, characteristics of participants, changes in homocysteine levels, and cardiocerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality were independently abstracted by two investigators using a standardised protocol.

RESULTS

Seventeen trials involving 39,107 patients with preexisting cardiocerebrovascular or renal disease were included. Results of meta-analyses showed that no significant differences were identified between the intervention group and the control group. The overall relative risks (95% confidence intervals) of outcomes for patients treated with folic acid or plus B vitamins supplementation compared with controls were 1.01 (0.97-1.05) for cardiovascular events, 1.01 (0.94-1.07) for coronary heart disease, 0.94 (0.85-1.04) for stroke and 1.00 (0.95-1.05) for all-cause mortality. In the exclusion of low-quality trials and seven trials in grain fortification countries respectively, sensitivity analyses did not change the overall results.

CONCLUSION

There is no sufficient evidence to show that homocysteine lowering intervention can reduce the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases or all-cause mortality among people with preexisting vascular disease. Folic acid supplementation should not be recommended for the secondary prevention of cardiocerebrovascular diseases. More evidence from large-scale randomised controlled trials is needed to confirm this.

Co-expression of P1A35-43/beta2m fusion protein and co-stimulatory molecule CD80 elicits effective anti-tumor immunity in the P815 mouse mastocytoma tumor model

A strong CTL response is dependent upon a high level of expression of specific class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/peptide complexes at the cell surface. An epitope-linked beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) molecule could provide a simple and more efficient means to enhance the formation of defined MHC/peptide complexes. However, the ability of an epitope-linked beta2m molecule to elicit primary CTL responses in vivo is still unknown. In this study, we modified the P1A tumor cell vaccine by addition of the tumor-associated epitope (TAE)-linked beta2m molecule and co-stimulatory molecule CD80 to improve the efficiency in the application of the vaccine. A eukaryotic co-expression vector consisting of the P1A35-43-linked beta2m molecule and the murine CD80 gene was constructed. P815 cell lines stably expressing P1A35-43-linked beta2m molecule and/or CD80 were established after transfection, by selection under G418. Administration of these inactivated tumor cell vaccines allowed the TAE-specific CD8+ T cell responses to be examined in vivo. Our results indicate that immunization with P815 cells expressing both the P1A35-43-linked beta2m molecule and the murine CD80 gene elicited a significantly stronger antitumor immune response than the single-modified tumor cell vaccines (expressing either P1A35-43-linked beta2m or CD80 alone). These findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of developing a dual-modified tumor cell vaccine consisting of the epitope-linked beta2m molecule and a co-stimulatory molecule.

An interferon regulatory factor-like binding element restricts Xmyf-5 expression in the posterior somites during Xenopus myogenesis

The expression of myf-5, a key component of myogenic regulatory genes, declines progressively in mature somitic cells during vertebrate myogenesis. Little is known about how this down-regulation takes place. Here we provide evidence that an interferon regulatory factor binding element (IRF element) within the Xenopus myf-5 promoter is responsible for the elimination of myf-5 transcription in mature somitic mesoderm of Xenopus embryos. We show that this IRF element mediates the down-regulation of Xmyf-5 transcription in gastrula embryos, and can specifically interact with nuclear proteins of early neurula. Moreover, deletion of this IRF element results in the anterior expansion of reporter gene transcripts within somitic mesoderm in transgenic embryos. Our results, therefore, provide insight into how the negative control of Xmyf-5 expression takes place.

Case-controlled study on relevant factors of adolescent sexual coercion in China

This was a case-controlled study to determine factors related to sexual coercion among adolescent abortion seekers in China. We considered the abortion-seeking women who had experienced sexual coercion as the case group and the abortion-seeking women who had never experienced sexual coercion as the control group. The results of the study indicated that the factors more likely to be related to sexual coercion include lower educational level [odds ratio (OR) = 1.55], not living with parents (OR) = 1.57, floating population (OR = 1.63), beaten by her partner (OR = 2.87), abused by her partner (OR = 1.84), multiple partners (OR = 2.10), sex after excessive drinking (OR = 5.02), younger age at first intercourse (OR = 1.68), and large difference in age between men and women (OR = 2.02). The relevant factors most likely to be associated with sexual coercion are poorly educated, not living with parents, floating population, multiple partners, younger age at first sex, and inequality between men and women.

Antiviral activity of mixed-valence rare earth borotungstate heteropoly blues against influenza virus in mice

The acute and accumulated toxicity of the rare earth borotungstate heteropoly blues, HPB-2, Ce2H3[BW9(VI)W2(V)Mn(H2O)O39].12H2O, which is active against influenza virus in Kunming mice, were investigated in Kunming mice following oral and intraperitoneal administration. The activity of HPB-2 against influenza virus (FM1) in the mice was then investigated. HPB-2, given either orally (p.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.), was shown to have activity. HPB-2 was shown to be more effective than the positive control, ribavirin, and it was also found that i.p. administration was more effective than p.o. administration.

Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer

The processes of aging and photoaging are associated with an increase in cellular oxidation. This may be in part due to a decline in the levels of the endogenous cellular antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, CoQ10). Therefore, we have investigated whether topical application of CoQ10 has the beneficial effect of preventing photoaging. We were able to demonstrate that CoQ10 penetrated into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduce the level of oxidation measured by weak photon emission. Furthermore, a reduction in wrinkle depth following CoQ10 application was also shown. CoQ10 was determined to be effective against UVA mediated oxidative stress in human keratinocytes in terms of thiol depletion, activation of specific phosphotyrosine kinases and prevention of oxidative DNA damage. CoQ10 was also able to significantly suppress the expression of collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts following UVA irradiation. These results indicate that CoQ10 has the efficacy to prevent many of the detrimental effects of photoaging.

Preoperative radiotherapy in esophageal carcinoma: a meta-analysis using individual patient data (Oesophageal Cancer Collaborative Group)

PURPOSE

The existing randomized evidence has failed to conclusively demonstrate the benefit or otherwise of preoperative radiotherapy in treating patients with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma. This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether there is benefit from adding radiotherapy prior to surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This quantitative meta-analysis included updated individual patient data from all properly randomized trials (published or unpublished) comprising 1147 patients (971 deaths) from five randomized trials.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 9 years, the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.78-1.01) suggests an overall reduction in the risk of death of 11% and an absolute survival benefit of 3% at 2 years and 4% at 5 years. This result is not conventionally statistically significant (p = 0.062). No clear differences in the size of the effect by sex, age, or tumor location were apparent.

CONCLUSION

Based on existing trials, there was no clear evidence that preoperative radiotherapy improves the survival of patients with potentially resectable esophageal cancer. These results indicate that if such preoperative radiotherapy regimens do improve survival, then the effect is likely to be modest with an absolute improvement in survival of around 3 to 4%. Trials or a meta-analysis of around 2000 patients would be needed to reliably detect such an improvement (15-->20%).

UV photopolymer materials and technique for making laser glass

A technique and the materials required for making laser glass are described. The technique includes cleaning glass plates, coating UV photopolymer materials onto the glass plates, attaching a master hologram to the plates, using exposure to UV light to cure the coating, screen printing, vacuum film depositing, and covering the plates with a protective coating. The UV photopolymer material is composed of a photoinitiator, a monomer, an oligomer, and other additives. The experimental results show that the laser-glass products have a high resistance to alkali, acid, heating, and UV irradiation.

Activation of neutrophils by a chemically separated but optically coupled neutrophil population undergoing respiratory burst

Neutrophils from pig blood were used as a model system to investigate the optical communication between cells. It was found that neutrophils stimulated to undergo respiratory burst can activate a second, chemically separated, but optically coupled population of neutrophils. The response of the latter was visualized as a temporary rising of their low-level chemiluminescence and an enhanced generation of superoxide radicals detected by both the reduction of ferricytochrome c and spin trapping. The results provide evidence that a long-range optical coupling of biological significance between living cells exists.

Light-induced photon emission by mammalian cells

In this work, the light-induced photon emission (IPE) by suspensions of mammalian cells was examined. IPE is extremely low and for detection in a single photon counting device with a cooled EMI 9558QB photomultiplier tube was used. The mammalian cells in this study were from different tissues and different mammalian species including cat, Chinese hamster, cow, dog, human, monkey, mouse and rat. The IPE was detected in all mammalian cells tested, but was different for the various cell types, ranging from 4 to 100 photons per 10(4) cells. Although our data agree with previous studies in that the IPE of non-fibroblastic normal cells is distinct from that of malignant cells our results reveal that cells of fibroblastic origin show the highest IPE values.

Study of immune function of cancer patients influenced by supplemental zinc or selenium-zinc combination

Since hair Zn and serum Zn are usually decreased in cancer patients, and Zn deficiency may reduce the function of T-cells, granulocytes, and Nk cells, we observed in cancer patients the influences of the Zinc or Selenium-Zinc on DNCB skin delayed hypersensitivity mediated by T cell, and the effects of Zinc on oxidative metabolic function of neutrophils and level of serum interferon that potentiate NK cell activity. The results showed that DNCB skin reaction was strengthened, the oxidative metabolic function of neutrophils and serum interferon level were increased by the drugs. It is reasonable to expect that Zinc or Selenium-Zinc is instrumental in restoring failing immunocompetence of cancer patient.