Extraction of naturally occurring peptides versus the tryptic digestion of proteins from fetal versus adult bovine serum for LC-ESI-MS/MS

The naturally occurring peptides and digested proteins of fetal versus adult bovine serum were compared by LC-ESI-MS/MS after correction against noise from blank injections and random MS/MS spectra as statistical controls. Serum peptides were extracted by differential precipitation with mixtures of acetonitrile and water. Serum proteins were separated by partition chromatography over quaternary amine resin followed by tryptic digestion. The rigorous X!TANDEM goodness of fit algorithm that has a low error rate as demonstrated by low FDR q-values (q ≤ 0.01) showed qualitative and quantitative agreement with the SEQUEST cross correlation algorithm on 12,052 protein gene symbols. Tryptic digestion provided a quantitative identification of the serum proteins where observation frequency reflected known high abundance. In contrast, the naturally occurring peptides reflected the cleavage of common serum proteins such as C4A, C3, FGB, HPX, A2M but also proteins in lower concentration such as F13A1, IK, collagens and protocadherins. Proteins associated with cellular growth and development such as actins (ACT), ribosomal proteins like Ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6), synthetic enzymes and extracellular matrix factors were enriched in fetal calf serum. In contrast to the large literature from cord blood, IgG light chains were absent from fetal serum as observed by LC-ESI-MS/MS and confirmed by ELISA.

[The influence of knocking down the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor associated proteins on the vascular abnormalities in hepatocellular carcinoma and its mechanisms]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor associated protein (LDLR) on the vascular abnormalities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its mechanisms. Methods: Based on the information of Oncomine Cancer GeneChip database, we analyzed the correlation between the expression level of LDLR and the expression level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CD31 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Lentiviral transfection of short hairpin RNA target genes was used to construct LDLR-knockdown MHCC-97H and HLE hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The differential genes and their expression level changes in LDLR-knockdown hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by transcriptome sequencing, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein immunoblotting. The gene-related signaling pathways that involve LDLR were clarified by enrichment analysis. The effect of LDLR on CEA was assessed by the detection of CEA content in conditioned medium of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Angiogenesis assay was used to detect the effect of LDLR on the angiogenic capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as well as the role of CEA in the regulation of angiogenesis by LDLR. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of LDLR in 176 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and CEA and CD31 in 146 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and analyze the correlations between the expression levels of LDLR, CEA, and CD31 in the tissues, serum CEA, and alanine transaminase (ALT). Results: Oncomine database analysis showed that the expressions of LDLR and CEA in the tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein metastasis were negatively correlated (r=-0.64, P=0.001), whereas the expressions of CEA and CD31 in these tissues were positively correlated ( r=0.46, P=0.010). The transcriptome sequencing results showed that there were a total of 1 032 differentially expressed genes in the LDLR-knockdown group and the control group of MHCC-97H cells, of which 517 genes were up-regulated and 515 genes were down-regulated. The transcript expression level of CEACAM5 was significantly up-regulated in the cells of the LDLR-knockdown group. The Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis showed that the differential genes were most obviously enriched in the angiogenesis function. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that the relevant pathways involved mainly included the cellular adhesion patch, the extracellular matrix receptor interactions, and the interactions with the extracellular matrix receptors. The CEA content in the conditioned medium of the LDLR-knockdown group was 43.75±8.43, which was higher than that of the control group (1.15±0.14, P＜0.001). The results of angiogenesis experiments showed that at 5 h, the number of main junctions, the number of main segments, and the total area of the lattice formed by HUVEC cells cultured with the conditioned medium of MHCC-97H cells in the LDLR-knockdown group were 295.3±26.4, 552.5±63.8, and 2 239 781.0±13 8211.9 square pixels, which were higher than those of the control group (113.3±23.5, 194.8±36.5, and 660 621.0±280 328.3 square pixels, respectively, all P＜0.01).The number of vascular major junctions, the number of major segments, and the total area of the lattice formed by HUVEC cells cultured in conditioned medium with HLE cells in the LDLR-knockdown group were 245.3±42.4, 257.5±20.4, and 2 535 754.5±249 094.2 square pixels, respectively, which were all higher than those of the control group (113.3±23.5, 114.3±12.2, and 1 565 456.5±219 259.7 square pixels, respectively, all P＜0.01). In the conditioned medium for the control group of MHCC-97H cells,the number of main junctions, the number of main segments, and the total area of the lattice formed by the addition of CEA to cultured HUVEC cells were 178.9±12.0, 286.9±12.3, and 1 966 990.0±126 249.5 spixels, which were higher than those in the control group (119.7±22.1, 202.7±33.7, and 1 421 191.0±189 837.8 square pixels, respectively). The expression of LDLR in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was not correlated with the expression of CEA, but was negatively correlated with the expression of CD31 (r=-0.167, P=0.044), the level of serum CEA (r=-0.061, P=0.032), and the level of serum ALT(r=-0.147,P=0.05). The expression of CEA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was positively correlated with the expression of CD31 (r=0.192, P=0.020). The level of serum CEA was positively correlated with the level of serum ALT (r=0.164, P=0.029). Conclusion: Knocking down LDLR can promote vascular abnormalities in HCC by releasing CEA.

[Research progress on distribution characteristics and health risk assessment of bioaerosols in medical institutions]

Bioaerosols in healthcare facilities are closely related to the health of medical staff and patients. Inhalation of microbial aerosol particles can lead to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, a systematic summary of bioaerosol types, sources, impact factors and health risk analysis is lacking.This article condutcted a literature review to understand the distribution characteristics, sources, influencing factors and health risks of bioaerosols in healthcare facilities, both domestically and internationally. The goal is to increase awareness of the distribution characteristics of bioaerosols in healthcare facilities and health risk of bioaerosols in medical institutions. This article also provides a reference for prevention and control of bioaerosols.

[Comparison between laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery for left colorectal cancer: 5-year follow-up results of a randomized controlled study]

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) colectomy using Cai tube for treating left-sided colorectal cancer. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were as follows: preoperative pathological diagnosis of left-sided colorectal adenocarcinoma (rectal, sigmoid colon, descending colon, or left transverse colon cancer with the caudad margin ≥8 cm from the anal margin); preoperative abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (or magnetic resonance imaging) showing maximum tumor diameter <4.5 cm; and BMI <30 kg/m2. Patients with synchronous multiple primary cancers or recurrent cancers, a history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, preoperative evidence of significant local infiltration, distant metastasis, or complications such as intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation, or who were not otherwise considered suitable for laparoscopic surgery were excluded. A random number table was used to randomize sequential patients to NOSES surgery using Cai tube (non-assisted incision anal sleeve: patent number ZL201410168748.2) (NOSES group) or traditional laparoscopic-assisted surgery (CLS group). Relevant clinical data of the two groups of patients were analyzed, the main outcomes being disease-free survival, overall survival, overall recurrence rate, and local recurrence rate 5 years after surgery. Results: Patients in both study groups completed the surgery successfully with no requirement for additional surgery. After mean 70 (7-83) months postoperative follow-up, the 5-year overall postoperative survival in the NOSES and CLS groups was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively (P=0.455); disease free survival was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively (P=0.455); overall recurrence rate 6.6% and 10.0%, respectively (P=0.625); and local recurrence rate both were 3.3% (P=0.990), respectively. None of these differences was statistically significant. Conclusions: NOSES and CLS have similar long-term efficacy, and NOSES deserves to be used in clinical practice.

Mitochondria and cytochrome components released into the plasma of severe COVID-19 and ICU acute respiratory distress syndrome patients

INTRODUCTION

Proteomic analysis of human plasma by LC-ESI-MS/MS has discovered a limited number of new cellular protein biomarkers that may be confirmed by independent biochemical methods. Analysis of COVID-19 plasma has indicated the re-purposing of known biomarkers that might be used as prognostic markers of COVID-19 infection. However, multiple molecular approaches have previously indicated that the SARS-COV2 infection cycle is linked to the biology of mitochondria and that the response to infections may involve the action of heme containing oxidative enzymes.

METHODS

Human plasma from COVID-19 and ICU-ARDS was analyzed by classical analytical biochemistry techniques and classical frequency-based statistical approaches to look for prognostic markers of severe COVID-19 lung damage. Plasma proteins from COVID-19 and ICU-ARDS were identified and enumerated versus the controls of normal human plasma (NHP) by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The observation frequency of proteins detected in COVID-19 and ICU-ARDS patients were compared to normal human plasma, alongside random and noise MS/MS spectra controls, using the Chi Square (χ²) distribution.

RESULTS

PCR showed the presence of MT-ND1 DNA in the plasma of COVID-19, ICU-ARDS, as well as normal human plasma. Mitochondrial proteins such as MRPL, L2HGDH, ATP, CYB, CYTB, CYP, NDUF and others, were increased in COVID-19 and ICU-ARDS plasma. The apparent activity of the cytochrome components were tested alongside NHP by dot blotting on PVDF against a purified cytochrome c standard preparation for H₂O₂ dependent reaction with luminol as measured by enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) that showed increased activity in COVID-19 and ICU-ARDS patients.

DISCUSSION

The results from PCR, LC-ESI-MS/MS of tryptic peptides, and cytochrome ECL assays confirmed that mitochondrial components were present in the plasma, in agreement with the established central role of the mitochondria in SARS-COV-2 biology. The cytochrome activity assay showed that there was the equivalent of at least nanogram amounts of cytochrome(s) in the plasma sample that should be clearly detectable by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The release of the luminol oxidase activity from cells into plasma forms the basis of a simple and rapid test for the severity of cell damage and lung injury in COVID-19 infection and ICU-ARDS.

LEDGF is a new growth factor in fetal serum

Fetal serum supports the immortal growth of mammalian cell lines in culture while adult serum leads to the terminal differentiation and death of cells in culture. Many of the proteins in fetal serum that support the indefinite division and growth of cancerous cell lines remain obscure. The peptides and proteins of fetal versus adult serum were analyzed by liquid chromatography, nano electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Three batches of fetal serum contained the Alpha Fetoprotein marker while adult serum batches did not. Insulin (INS), and insulin-like growth factor (ILGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) were increased in fetal serum. New fetal growth factors including MEGF, HDGFRP and PSIP1 and soluble growth receptors such as TNFR, EGFR, NTRK2 and THRA were discovered. Addition of insulin or the homeotic transcription factor PSIP1, also referred to as Lens Epithelium Derived Growth Factor (LEDGF), partially restored the rounded phenotype of rapidly dividing cells but was not as effective as fetal serum. Thus, a new growth factor in fetal serum, LEDGF/PSIP1, was directly observed by tandem mass spectrometry and confirmed by add back experiments to cell culture media alongside insulin.

[Comparison between laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery for left colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled study with 3-year follow-up results]

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) colectomy using the Cai tube in the treatment of left colorectal cancer. Methods: A prospective randomized control trial (China Clinical Trials Registration Number: ChiCTR-OOR-15007060) was performed. Sixty patients with left colorectal cancer at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Zhongshan Hospital from September 2015 to August 2017 were prospectively enrolled. Case inclusion criteria: (1) left colorectal adenocarcinoma (rectal cancer with distance ≥ 8 cm from tumor low margin to anal edge, sigmoid colon cancer, descending colon cancer and left transverse colon cancer) confirmed by preoperative pathology; (2) satisfactory conditions of conventional laparoscopic surgery; (3) maximum diameter of the tumor < 4.5 cm confirmed by preoperative abdominal and pelvic CT or MRI; (4) BMI < 30 kg/m². Case exclusion criteria: (1) benign lesions, mucinous adenocarcinoma, signet-ring cell carcinoma and other special pathological types of tumors confirmed by preoperative pathological examination; (2) multiple or recurrent cancers; (3) with a history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; (4) obvious regional infiltration or distant metastasis indicated by preoperative imaging examination; (5) intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, etc. Participants were randomly assigned to NOSES group (using the Cai tube) and conventional laparoscopy (CL) group by random number table method. Clinical data between two groups were compared and analyzed, including perioperative conditions, tumor exfoliation cell detection and bacterial culture results of intraperitoneal lavage fluid, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grading), postoperative pain [visual simulation scoring (VAS) assessment], anal function (Kirwan anal function grading assessment), and postoperative 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), overall recurrence rate, and local recurrence rate. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled, with 30 in the NOSES group and 30 in the CL group. All the patients in the NOSES group successfully completed operation with Cai tube. Baseline data between the two groups were not significantly different (all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in conversion rate to open surgery, number of lymph node harivested, proximal and distal resection margin of tumor, negative rate of circumferential margin, operation time, blood loss, inflammatory indexes, postoperative anal function, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, morbidity of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade II or above) (all P>0.05). Compared to the CL group, the NOSES group had lower maximum postoperative VAS score (2.5±0.3 vs. 5.1±0.4, t=3.187, P<0.01), and fewer use of additional postoperative analgesia [6.7% (2/30) vs. 33.3% (10/30),χ²=6.670, P=0.02]. The postoperative time to gas passage was shorter in the NOSES group [(2.2±1.4) days vs. (3.1±1.2) days,P=0.026]. No tumor cells and bacterial contamination were found in abdominal lavage fluid before and after operation in either group. The anal function at postoperative 3-month of all the patients in the NOSES group was Kirwan grade I to II, while in the CL group, anal function of 2 cases (6.7%) was Kirwan grade III, and of 28 cases was also Kirwan grade I to II, whose difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the NOSES group and the CL group, 3-year DFS was 96.7% and 83.3% (P=0.090), OS was 100% and 90% (P=0.096), overall recurrence rate was 3.3% and 10.0% (P=0.166), and local recurrence rate was 3.3% and 3.3% (P=0.999), respectively, whose differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In the treatment of left colorectal cancer, compared with conventional laparoscopic colectomy, NOSES colectomy using Cai tube exhibits less scar, less postoperative pain, shorter recovery of gastrointestinal function, and similar mid-term outcomes. Given proper surgical indications, the surgical procedure is safe and feasible.

[Clinical investigation and research on Axis Ⅱ evaluation of patients with temporomandibular disorders]

Objective: To screen the physical, psychological and behavioral factors related to patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by using Axis Ⅱ assessment instruments of diagnostic criteria for TMD(DC/TMD). And to provide a reference to establish personalized diagnosis and treatment plans for TMD patients so as to prevent TMD and reduce predisposing factors. Methods: A total of 141 TMD patients, who were admitted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University from October 2018 to February 2021 were selected. There were 121 females and 20 males, with an average age of 30 years. A total of 90 healthy people were included as controls. A full-time psychologist conducted relevant questionnaire surveys. The questionnaires include general clinical survey forms and TMD symptom questionnaire. In addition, Axis Ⅱ assessment instruments include graded chronic pain scale, jaw functional limitation scale, oral behaviors checklist, patient health questionnaire-9 (depression), generalized anxiety disorder scale, patient health questionnaire-15 (physical symptoms), etc. The main observational indicators include: pain level, pain impact rates, overall classification of chronic pain, limited chewing function score, limited motor function score, limited communication function score, total jaw function restricted score, depression score, anxiety score, somatic symptom score and oral behavior score.The survey data were imported into SPSS 22.0 software for statistical analysis. Results: In the TMD group 60.3% (85/141) patients had various degrees of pain, 24.1% (34/141) of those with pain effect grades from 1 to 3 and 61.0% (86/141) showed chronic pain overall grades from Ⅰ to Ⅳ. The chewing function restricted score was 2.67(1.17, 4.25), motor function restricted score was 4.25(1.75, 6.12), communication function restricted score was 1.13(1.00, 2.25) and total jaw function restricted score was 2.56(1.47, 4.15) respectively. Patients with mild depression or above accounted for 59.6%(84/141), patients with mild anxiety or above accounted for 56.7%(80/141), 46.1%(65/141) patients had somatization symptoms. Statistical differences (P<0.05) were determined between TMD group and control group in various scores of jaw function, oral behavior grading, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms. Physical symptoms had significantly statistical difference between different diagnostic classification(P<0.05). Meanwhile, among the different chronic pain levels in the TMD group, there were statistical differences in the various scales of mandibular dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and somatization. In the TMD group, other significant differences were noticed between males and females in terms of the average score of mouth opening, verbal and facial communication, the total score of mandibular dysfunction as well as physical symptoms (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the healthy people, patients with TMD had more abnormal oral behaviors, different restriction of the mandibular functional activities. At the same time, depression, anxiety, and somatization were more serious. Patients with osteoarthritis and subluxation of temporomandibular joint were more likely to suffer physical symptoms. TMD patients suffering from pain had more severe mandibular dysfunction and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization.

[Clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors analysis of carbapenem-resistant organism in the department of hematology]

Objective: To study the distribution and drug resistance of Carbapenem-Resistant Organism (CRO) and to analysis the risk factors of CRO 30-day mortality. Methods: A total of 181 patients with CRO infection diagnosed in Department of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively investigated. The clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected, the prognosis of patients diagnosed with CRO infection in day 30 was followed up, and the risk factors of prognosis were analyzed. The clinical significance of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) active screening was further evaluated in the CRE subgroup. Results: Among the total of 181 CRO isolates, 47.2% were CRE, 37.0% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 32.6% were Klebsiella pneumoniae, which were highly resistant to carbapenem and had high MIC value, 76.8% (139/181) of CRO were MIC of imipenem resistance≥16 μg/ml. The main sources of isolates were blood and sputum. The 30-day all-cause mortality rates of patients with CRO or CRE infection were (41.4±3.7) % and (44.7±5.4) %, respectively. The COX multivariate regression analysis showed that the level of procalcitonin >0.2 ng/ml and the MIC value of imipenem resistance ≥ 16 μg/ml were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality of CRO infected patients. The CRE subgroup analysis showed that MIC value of imipenem resistance ≥16 μg/ml were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality of CRE infected patients. The 30-day cumulative survival rate of patients with CRE active screening was higher than the patients without CRE active screening [ (68.0±9.3) % vs (50.0±6.5) %, P=0.21]. Conclusion: The high MIC value of imipenem resistance isolates seriously affects the prognosis of patients with CRO infection in the hematology department, and the mortality rate was high. CRE active screening is expected for early prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment for high-risk patients.

Linear and Gaussian Analysis of a Single Enzyme Molecule by LC-MS

The alkaline phosphatase-streptavidin enzyme amplification conjugate (APSA) was diluted and quantified to the equivalent of one enzyme molecule injected on column by monitoring the production of excess adenosine from adenosine monophosphate (AMP) using sensitive and selective enzyme-linked mass spectrometric assay. The APSA enzyme conjugate has a mass of about 195 kDa and catalyzed the production of millions of enzyme products over the course of incubation that may be sensitively quantified by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization, and mass spectrometry. APSA enzyme conjugate from fg/mL to ag/mL alongside 0 g/mL (control) was incubated with the substrate 1 mM AMP for 2 h in free solution before collecting a 1 μL of sample of the enzyme product adenosine for injection and analysis by LC-MS. The enzyme product adenosine showed a Gaussian distribution after log₁₀ transformation. The safe limit of detection and quantification was approximately 250 zg of APSA enzyme conjugate injected on column. A linear signal with acceptable error was observed at the mass of the enzyme product adenosine from 10 to 10000 zg of APSA enzyme conjugate injected, compared to controls without enzyme. It was possible to make a linear and Gaussian measurement to the single molecule range of the universal APSA enzyme amplification conjugate per micro liter injected with approximately 10% error. This study describes the first linear and Gaussian quantification of enzyme product from the equivalent of one enzyme conjugate molecule injected onto LC-MS for analysis.

[Long-term clinical effect of full-mouth implant fixation in middle-aged and elderly patients with static computer-assisted implant surgery]

Objective: To evaluate long-term clinical outcome of implant-supported fixed prosthesis with the guidance of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) surgical template in old patients. Methods: Fifteen 50-67(58.6±5.3) year-old patients (11 males and 4 females) who received the digital implant surgery with the guidance of CAD/CAM surgical template and implant-supported fixed prosthesis in Department of Oral Implantology, Yantai Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical College from August, 2013 to Janurary, 2016 were included. There are 15 edentulous maxillas, 8 edentulous mandibles on which 145 implants were placed in total. After the placement of implant, the accuracy of CAD/CAM surgical template was assessed by comparing the post-operative 3-dimensional location of implant with the pre-operative design. The 5-year survival rate of implant and prosthesis was recorded, and marginal bone loss around implants and the development of complication were evaluated by radiological and clinical examination respectively. Results: The result on accuracy of CAD/CAM surgical template showed that deviations in neck and apex of implants were (0.78±0.59) and (1.38±0.63) mm respectively, depth deviation was (0.65±0.35) mm and angle deviation was 4.12°±2.77°. The 5-year cumulative survival rate of implants was 98.6%(143/145). In all 145 implants, the prevalence of implant-related biological complication was 4.1%(6/145). The prosthesis-related mechanical complication rate was 57%(13/23). After 5-year function, mean peri-implant bone loss was (0.69±0.35) mm. Conclusions: This 5-year follow-up retrospective study showed that implant-supported fixed prosthesis with the guidance of CAD/CAM surgical template in middle aged and elderly patients could achieve good long-term clinical outcome and patient satisfaction.

First Measurements of Electrons and Waves inside an Electrostatic Solitary Wave

Electrostatic solitary wave (ESW)-a Debye-scale structure in space plasmas-was believed to accelerate electrons. However, such a belief is still unverified in spacecraft observations, because the ESW usually moves fast in spacecraft frame and its interior has never been directly explored. Here, we report the first measurements of an ESW's interior, by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission located in a magnetotail reconnection jet. We find that this ESW has a parallel scale of 5λ_{De} (Debye length), a superslow speed (99  km/s) in spacecraft frame, a longtime duration (250 ms), and a potential drop eφ_{0}/kT_{e}∼5%. Inside the ESW, surprisingly, there is no electron acceleration, no clear change of electron distribution functions, but there exist strong electrostatic electron cyclotron waves. Our observations challenge the conventional belief that ESWs are efficient at particle acceleration.

The plasma peptides of breast versus ovarian cancer

Background

There is a need to demonstrate a proof of principle that proteomics has the capacity to analyze plasma from breast cancer versus other diseases and controls in a multisite clinical trial design. The peptides or proteins that show a high observation frequency, and/or precursor intensity, specific to breast cancer plasma might be discovered by comparison to other diseases and matched controls. The endogenous tryptic peptides of breast cancer plasma were compared to ovarian cancer, female normal, sepsis, heart attack, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis along with the institution-matched normal and control samples collected directly onto ice.

Methods

Endogenous tryptic peptides were extracted from individual breast cancer and control EDTA plasma samples in a step gradient of acetonitrile, and collected over preparative C18 for LC-ESI-MS/MS with a set of LTQ XL linear quadrupole ion traps working together in parallel to randomly and independently sample clinical populations. The MS/MS spectra were fit to fully tryptic peptides or phosphopeptides within proteins using the X!TANDEM algorithm. The protein observation frequency was counted using the SEQUEST algorithm after selecting the single best charge state and peptide sequence for each MS/MS spectra. The observation frequency was subsequently tested by Chi Square analysis. The log₁₀ precursor intensity was compared by ANOVA in the R statistical system.

Results

Peptides and/or phosphopeptides of common plasma proteins such as APOE, C4A, C4B, C3, APOA1, APOC2, APOC4, ITIH3 and ITIH4 showed increased observation frequency and/or precursor intensity in breast cancer. Many cellular proteins also showed large changes in frequency by Chi Square (χ² > 100, p < 0.0001) in the breast cancer samples such as CPEB1, LTBP4, HIF-1A, IGHE, RAB44, NEFM, C19orf82, SLC35B1, 1D12A, C8orf34, HIF1A, OCLN, EYA1, HLA-DRB1, LARS, PTPDC1, WWC1, ZNF562, PTMA, MGAT1, NDUFA1, NOGOC, OR1E1, OR1E2, CFI, HSA12, GCSH, ELTD1, TBX15, NR2C2, FLJ00045, PDLIM1, GALNT9, ASH2L, PPFIBP1, LRRC4B, SLCO3A1, BHMT2, CS, FAM188B2, LGALS7, SAT2, SFRS8, SLC22A12, WNT9B, SLC2A4, ZNF101, WT1, CCDC47, ERLIN1, SPFH1, EID2, THOC1, DDX47, MREG, PTPRE, EMILIN1, DKFZp779G1236 and MAP3K8 among others. The protein gene symbols with large Chi Square values were significantly enriched in proteins that showed a complex set of previously established functional and structural relationships by STRING analysis. An increase in mean precursor intensity of peptides was observed for QSER1 as well as SLC35B1, IQCJ-SCHIP1, MREG, BHMT2, LGALS7, THOC1, ANXA4, DHDDS, SAT2, PTMA and FYCO1 among others. In contrast, the QSER1 peptide QPKVKAEPPPK was apparently specific to ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

There was striking agreement between the breast cancer plasma peptides and proteins discovered by LC-ESI-MS/MS with previous biomarkers from tumors, cells lines or body fluids by genetic or biochemical methods. The results indicate that variation in plasma peptides from breast cancer versus ovarian cancer may be directly discovered by LC-ESI-MS/MS that will be a powerful tool for clinical research. It may be possible to use a battery of sensitive and robust linear quadrupole ion traps for random and independent sampling of plasma from a multisite clinical trial.

Operating behavior of micro-LEDs on a GaN substrate at ultrahigh injection current densities

Near-ultraviolet micro-LEDs with different diameters were fabricated on GaN substrates. The electroluminescence and the light output power-current density and current density-voltage relationships were measured. A saturated current density of 358 kA/cm² was achieved with a 20 µm LED. The ideality factor curves showed steps and peaks when the injection current density was increased from 20 to 150 kA/cm² and an abnormal efficiency increase. The transport and recombination processes of micro-LEDs at high injection current densities were simulated, and the many-body effect and phase space filling in the integrated quantum drift-diffusion model were considered. Serious current crowding was observed above 100 kA/cm², even for the 20 µm LED.

Estimation of Lower Developmental Threshold and Degree Days for Pupal Development of Different Geographical Populations of Chinese Citrus Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China

The lower developmental threshold (LDT) and the number of developmental degree days (DDs) are fundamental parameters used to build phenology models that can be used to predict the timing of biological events during insect development. The Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most destructive citrus pest in China and Bhutan. This species overwinters as diapausing pupae in the soil before emerging as adults in the spring. In this study, B. minax collected from three representative geographical populations in China (Guizhou, Hubei, and Shaanxi) was used to conduct LDT experiments under laboratory conditions. Emergence data collected from pupae exposed to 10 constant temperatures was used to estimate the LDT and DDs required to complete pupal development for the three populations. The results show that LDT and DDs values for the Hubei and Shaanxi population are 11.9°C, 447.3 DDs and 11.5°C, 511.3 DDs, respectively. However, the geographic variation in pupal developmental rates was not statistically significant between the two populations. In addition, the Guizhou population was identified as a mixture of B. minax and B. tsuneonis (Miyake). The LDT and DDs values for the Hubei and Shaanxi populations obtained in this study can be used to predict adult emergence of naturally occurring field populations of B. minax within the majority of the citrus-growing production areas of China. These data can also be used in models to predict the risk of establishment of this species in the United States or other citrus-growing regions.

[Association of miRNA-196b-5p and miRNA-99a-5p with autophagy and apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells]

目的

探讨多发性骨髓瘤（MM）细胞miRNA-196b-5p和miRNA-99a-5p表达与自噬和凋亡的关系。

方法

以人MM细胞株U266细胞及45例MM患者瘤细胞为研究对象，以40例健康体检者为对照，采用实时定量PCR法测定细胞中miRNA-196b-5p和miRNA-99a-5p表达水平，采用Western blot法测定自噬相关蛋白（LC3-Ⅱ、LC3-Ⅰ、P62、Beclin-1）、凋亡相关分子（CL caspase3、CL caspase7、Bcl-2、Bax）和TGF-β/Smad通路相关蛋白（TGF-β1、Smad2/3、p-Smad3、Smad7）表达水平，采用流式细胞术测定细胞凋亡率，分析miRNA表达水平与MM患者临床特征的相关性。

结果

①与正常浆细胞比较，U266细胞、MM患者瘤细胞的miRNA-196b-5p表达显著增加（0.43±0.15对2.44±0.63、2.02±0.85，P值均<0.001），miRNA-99a-5p表达显著降低（1.87±0.61对0.62±0.15、0.80±0.33，P值均<0.001），LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2表达显著增加，P62、Bax、CL caspase3、CL caspase7表达显著降低，细胞凋亡率降低（P值均<0.05）。②正常CD138⁺浆细胞分别转染miRNA-196b-5p mimic或miRNA-99a-5p inhibitor 48 h后，与未转染对照组比较，LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ、Beclin-1、TGF-β1、p-Smad3表达显著增高，P62、Smad7表达显著降低，细胞凋亡率减少（P值均<0.05）；上述反应体系加入自噬抑制剂3-甲基腺嘌呤后，细胞凋亡率未见明显改变（P值均>0.05）。③miRNA-196b-5p和miRNA-99a-5p表达与MM患者DS分期（P值分别为0.004、0.012）、ISS分期显著相关（P值均为0.001）。

结论

miRNA-196b-5p和miRNA-99a-5p表达与MM患者临床特征密切相关，miRNA-196b-5p过表达和miRNA-99a-5p表达下调通过上调自噬水平抑制骨髓瘤细胞凋亡，其机制与活化TGF-β/Smad信号通路有关。

The plasma peptides of ovarian cancer

Background

It may be possible to discover new diagnostic or therapeutic peptides or proteins from blood plasma by using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to identify, quantify and compare the peptides cleaved ex vivo from different clinical populations. The endogenous tryptic peptides of ovarian cancer plasma were compared to breast cancer and female cancer normal controls, other diseases with their matched or normal controls, plus ice cold plasma to control for pre-analytical variation.

Methods

The endogenous tryptic peptides or tryptic phospho peptides (i.e. without exogenous digestion) were analyzed from 200 μl of EDTA plasma. The plasma peptides were extracted by a step gradient of organic/water with differential centrifugation, dried, and collected over C18 for analytical HPLC nano electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) with a linear quadrupole ion trap. The endogenous peptides of ovarian cancer were compared to multiple disease and normal samples from different institutions alongside ice cold controls. Peptides were randomly and independently sampled by LC–ESI–MS/MS. Precursor ions from peptides > E4 counts were identified by the SEQUEST and X!TANDEM algorithms, filtered in SQL Server, before testing of frequency counts by Chi Square (χ²), for analysis with the STRING algorithm, and comparison of precursor intensity by ANOVA in the R statistical system with the Tukey-Kramer Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test.

Results

Peptides and/or phosphopeptides of common plasma proteins such as HPR, HP, HPX, and SERPINA1 showed increased observation frequency and/or precursor intensity in ovarian cancer. Many cellular proteins showed large changes in frequency by Chi Square (χ² > 60, p < 0.0001) in the ovarian cancer samples such as ZNF91, ZNF254, F13A1, LOC102723511, ZNF253, QSER1, P4HA1, GPC6, LMNB2, PYGB, NBR1, CCNI2, LOC101930455, TRPM5, IGSF1, ITGB1, CHD6, SIRT1, NEFM, SKOR2, SUPT20HL1, PLCE1, CCDC148, CPSF3, MORN3, NMI, XTP11, LOC101927572, SMC5, SEMA6B, LOXL3, SEZ6L2, and DHCR24. The protein gene symbols with large Chi Square values were significantly enriched in proteins that showed a complex set of previously established functional and structural relationships by STRING analysis. Analysis of the frequently observed proteins by ANOVA confirmed increases in mean precursor intensity in ZFN91, TRPM5, SIRT1, CHD6, RIMS1, LOC101930455 (XP_005275896), CCDC37 and GIMAP4 between ovarian cancer versus normal female and other diseases or controls by the Tukey–Kramer HSD test.

Conclusion

Here we show that separation of endogenous peptides with a step gradient of organic/water and differential centrifugation followed by random and independent sampling by LC–ESI–MS/MS with analysis of peptide frequency and intensity by SQL Server and R revealed significant difference in the ex vivo cleavage of peptides between ovarian cancer and other clinical treatments. There was striking agreement between the proteins discovered from cancer plasma versus previous biomarkers discovered in tumors by genetic or biochemical methods. The results indicate that variation in plasma proteins from ovarian cancer may be directly discovered by LC–ESI–MS/MS that will be a powerful tool for clinical research.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12014-018-9215-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The plasma peptidome

Background

It may be possible to discover new diagnostic or therapeutic peptides or proteins from blood plasma using LC–ESI–MS/MS to identify, with a linear quadrupole ion trap to identify, quantify and compare the statistical distributions of peptides cleaved ex vivo from plasma samples from different clinical populations.

Methods

A systematic method for the organic fractionation of plasma peptides was applied to identify and quantify the endogenous tryptic peptides from human plasma from multiple institutions by C18 HPLC followed nano electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) with a linear quadrupole ion trap. The endogenous tryptic peptides, or tryptic phospho peptides (i.e. without exogenous digestion), were extracted in a mixture of organic solvent and water, dried and collected by preparative C18. The tryptic peptides from 6 institutions with 12 different disease and normal EDTA plasma populations, alongside ice cold controls for pre-analytical variation, were characterized by mass spectrometry. Each patient plasma was precipitated in 90% acetonitrile and the endogenous tryptic peptides extracted by a stepwise gradient of increasing water and then formic acid resulting in 10 sub-fractions. The fractionated peptides were manually collected over preparative C18 and injected for 1508 LC–ESI–MS/MS experiments analyzed in SQL Server R.

Results

Peptides that were cleaved in human plasma by a tryptic activity ex vivo provided convenient and sensitive access to most human proteins in plasma that show differences in the frequency or intensity of proteins observed across populations that may have clinical significance. Combination of step wise organic extraction of 200 μL of plasma with nano electrospray resulted in the confident identification and quantification ~ 14,000 gene symbols by X!TANDEM that is the largest number of blood proteins identified to date and shows that you can monitor the ex vivo proteolysis of most human proteins, including interleukins, from blood. A total of 15,968,550 MS/MS spectra ≥ E4 intensity counts were correlated by the SEQUEST and X!TANDEM algorithms to a federated library of 157,478 protein sequences that were filtered for best charge state (2+ or 3+) and peptide sequence in SQL Server resulting in 1,916,672 distinct best-fit peptide correlations for analysis with the R statistical system. SEQUEST identified some 140,054 protein accessions, or some ~ 26,000 gene symbols, proteins or loci, with at least 5 independent correlations. The X!TANDEM algorithm made at least 5 best fit correlations to more than 14,000 protein gene symbols with p-values and FDR corrected q-values of ~ 0.001 or less. Log₁₀ peptide intensity values showed a Gaussian distribution from E8 to E4 arbitrary counts by quantile plot, and significant variation in average precursor intensity across the disease and controls treatments by ANOVA with means compared by the Tukey–Kramer test. STRING analysis of the top 2000 gene symbols showed a tight association of cellular proteins that were apparently present in the plasma as protein complexes with related cellular components, molecular functions and biological processes.

Conclusions

The random and independent sampling of pre-fractionated blood peptides by LC-ESI-MS/MS with SQL Server-R analysis revealed the largest plasma proteome to date and was a practical method to quantify and compare the frequency or log₁₀ intensity of individual proteins cleaved ex vivo across populations of plasma samples from multiple clinical locations to discover treatment-specific variation using classical statistics suitable for clinical science. It was possible to identify and quantify nearly all human proteins from EDTA plasma and compare the results of thousands of LC–ESI–MS/MS experiments from multiple clinical populations using standard database methods in SQL Server and classical statistical strategies in the R data analysis system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12014-018-9211-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Clinical features and risk factors for recurrence in mucinous breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristic and risk factors for recurrence in different subtypes of mucinous breast cancer(MBC). Methods: Clinical data of 97 MBC patients at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from August 2005 to November 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All of patients were divided into 3 subtypes according to the mucinous components in the tumors, named as partial mixed MBC with less than 50% of mucinous components, main mixed MBC where the mucinous component accounted for 50% to 90%, and pure MBC with more than 90% of mucinous components. In this study, 43, 16 and 38 patients were included in partial mixed MBC, main mixed MBC, and pure MBC, respectively. Follow-up was collected by out-patient, in-patient system and phone call. The relationship between different subtypes and clinicopathological significance were analyzed by χ(2) test. Kaplan-Meier curve combined with Log-rank test was used to evaluate the risk factors of relapse free survival(RFS) at 3- and 5-year. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The median follow-up time was 65 months (range 24-125). Of the 97 patients, 14 patients were relapse or metastasis at the end point. The 3- and 5-year RFS were 90.7% and 85.7%, respectively. Tumor size, number of involved lymph nodes (LN), axillary LN metastasis, TNM stages and p53 mutant status were all related with subtypes of MBC(all of P<0.05). There was no correlation between subtypes of MBC and the other parameters, including age at surgery, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) overexpression, menstruation status, and the relapse of disease(all of P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed menstruation status and TNM stages were associated with the relapse of breast cancer(P<0.05). The patients with menopause and stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ showed significantly shorter RFS time(both of P<0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that tumor size, PR status and postoperative radiotherapy were the independent prognostic factors for the relapse of MBC. Conclusions: Tumor size, status of axillary LN metastasis, TNM stages, and p53 mutation status are differ among different subtypes of MBC. The tumor size (>30 mm), PR status and postoperative radiotherapy are the independent risk factors for recurrence, whereas the proportion of the mucinous component is not associated with relapse in MBC patients.

[Diagnostic value of clot burden score of susceptibility vessel sign in arterial thrombosis of acute ischemic stroke and its association with prognosis]

Objective: To analysis the value of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in detecting thrombogenesis in middle cerebral artery (MCA) and its association with clinical prognosis. Methods: From December 2014 to December 2015 in People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, we retrospectively examined clinical, imaging and experimental datafrom 104 consecutive patients with acute ischemic strokeand compared the consistency of detecting thrombus between SWI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using Kappa analysis. Clot Burden Score (CBS) was used to analysis extent and scope of thrombus. The association between CBS and clinical prognosiswere analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. Results: Mean age was 60 years old of the 104 patients with acute cerebral infarction and female accounted for 32%. There were 39 patients (37.5%) with SVS positive in SWI and 32 patients (30.8%) with both SVS positive and MRA occlusion or severe stenosis. The consistency in predicting arterial thrombosis of occlusion or severe stenosis between MRA and SVS in SWI was statistically significant (Kappa=0.502, P<0.001). There were 6 cases with SVS positive and none stenosis in MRA, and all the clots in this 6 case were located in distal artery. CBS was significantly associated with 3-month outcome (Spearman ρ =-0.472; P<0.001). Conclusion: SWI is superior to MRA for the detection of intracranial distal thrombus in patients with acute ischemic stroke of the MCA territory. Higher clot burden(lower CBS) could be an important clinical tool to estimate poor outcome in patients with acutecerebral infarction.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensi)

The purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) is a pelagic squid with tremendous potential for commercial exploitation. We isolated and characterized 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci for S. oualaniensis using a (GT)13-enriched genomic library. The number of alleles per locus varied from 6 to 32. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.188 to 0.890, and 0.537 to 0.968, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected at these loci. Five loci significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and four loci may have exhibited null alleles. These microsatellite markers will facilitate further studies in population genetics and the sustainable utilization of S. oualaniensis.

Capability of GaN based micro-light emitting diodes operated at an injection level of kA/cm²

Different size InGaN/GaN based micro-LEDs (μLEDs) are fabricated. An extremely high injection level above 16 kA/cm2 is achieved for 10 μm-diameter LED. The lateral current density and carrier distributions of the μLEDs are simulated by APSYS software. Streak camera time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) results show clear evidence that the band-gap renormalization (BGR) effect is weakened by strain relaxation in smaller size μLEDs. BGR affects the relaxation of free carriers on the conduction band bottom in multiple quantum wells (MQWs), and then indirectly affects the recombination rate of carriers. An energy band model based on BGR effect is made to explain the high-injection-level phenomenon for μLEDs.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the yellowbelly threadfin bream, Nemipterus bathybius

Twenty-two polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from a (GT)13-enriched Nemipterus bathybius genomic library. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 13, with an average of 7.86. The observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.167-0.889 and 0.278-0.904, respectively, with averages of 0.590 and 0.690. Three loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg proportions, and 2 loci showed evidence of null alleles. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected in the pairwise comparisons among the 22 loci. These markers are expected to be useful for the population genetic analysis of N. bathybius.

Correlation between disc displacements and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between disc displacement types and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

METHODS

157 patients (162 joints) with disc perforation observed through arthroscopy were included in this study. The types of disc displacement were analysed by TMJ MRI before operation. The locations of disc perforation under arthroscopy were recorded. The correlation between types of disc displacement and locations of disc perforation was analysed by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Medial disc perforation was observed in 55.6% of patients with anterolateral displacement without reduction, but was observed in only 3.7% of patients with pure anterior displacement, and was not observed in patients with anteromedial displacement without reduction. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups in the incidence of medial disc perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between different disc displacements and locations of disc perforation. The incidence of medial disc perforation in patients with anterolateral displacement was significantly higher. The types of disc displacement may have direct influence over the locations of disc perforation.

The mechanism of Al donor defects in (Zn, Co)O:Al: a view from resonant x-ray spectroscopies

We studied the effect of Al doping in Zn(0.94)Co(0.05)Al(0.01)O nano-powders from the electronic structure point of view by applying x-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering at the oxygen K- and Co L-edges. The intensity of the pre-edge structure of the O-K XAS spectra is enhanced following the introduction of the Al defect. Multiple scattering calculations demonstrate it can be accounted for by the gain of the hybridization strength between O 2p and Al 3p (and/or Co 3d) states. The consensus on the hybridization strength is reached by combining Co-L XAS and RIXS investigations and multiplet calculations. It reveals different spatial substitutions of Al doping can alter the number of shared oxygen atoms between the Co and Al tetrahedrons. These shared ligands are responsible for the Al 3p and Co 3d state hybridization strength as well as the ferromagnetism of the ground state. The magnetic difference is better understood to be governed by various shared oxygen atoms rather than the distance between the Al defect and Co impurities.

Vitrification of tissue engineered pancreatic substitute

Despite significant advances, some critical issues remain for the long-term storage of an engineered pancreas. In this study we employed a tissue engineered pancreatic substitute model-insulin-secreting betaTC3 cells entrapped in calcium alginate/poly-L-lysine/alginate beads-to demonstrate that a prototype vitrification method can prevent ice formation and maintain cell viability/function. The results showed that the structure of the frozen samples was distorted by ice crystals throughout the matrix. In marked contrast, the vitrified samples appeared to be free of ice. Morphologic studies demonstrated extensive fractures and vacuolation in frozen specimens while there were no fractures in vitrified TEPSs. Both vitrified and frozen constructs showed some vacuolization compared to the control samples. Frozen beads showed a significantly decreased viability compared to fresh controls and the VS55 group (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the vitrified and fresh samples. Vitrification using the VS55 protocol shows similar viability and secretion properties to the control group of fresh beads. Vitrification using the PEG 400 protocol resulted in slightly lower viability and secretion properties relative to the control group; conventional freezing resulted in even significantly lower viability and secretion properties. These results combine to demonstrate feasibility of vitrification as a storage method for a tissue engineered pancreas.

Cationic lipids enhanced cellular uptake and activity of bcl-2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide G3139 in HL-60 cells

AIM

To explore the effect of cationic lipid 1,3-di-oleoyloxy-2-(6-carboxy-spermyl)-propylamid (DOSPER) on cellular uptake and activity of bcl-2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide G3139 in HL-60 cells.

METHODS

The cell-associated mean fluorescence intensity and the percentage of cells with positive staining for Bcl-2 were measured by flow cytometry. The subcellular distribution of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled G3139 was observed by fluorescence microscope and the bcl-2 mRNA level was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

(1) DOSPER increased cellular uptake of G3139 into HL-60 cells greatly. When DOSPER/G3139 (microg : microg) was 2 : 1, the uptake of G3139 reached top after treatment for 2 h and increased about 20 times compared with application of G3139 alone. In the presence of DOSPER, G3139 was localized in nucleus and cytosol with a bright spotted fluorescence staining. However, G3139 was localized in cytoplasm with faint fluorescence in the absence of DOSPER. (2) Cell-associated G3139 could be effluxed out of cells. After treated with G3139 in the presence of DOSPER for 4 h, the cell-associated G3139 could be fitted by C(t)=68.2e(-0.60) t+31.8e(-0.02) t (% of initial value), with a half-life of approximately 1.1 h. In the absence of DOSPER, the cell-associated G3139 could be fitted by C(t)=64.8e(-2.27) t+35.2e(-0.04) t, with a half-life of about 18 min. (3) In the presence of DOSPER, G3139 1.0 micromol/L specially reduced bcl-2 mRNA level, and Bcl-2 protein decreased from 97 % +/- 4 % to 70.6 % +/- 2.1 %.

CONCLUSION

DOSPER enhanced the activity of G3139 and it might be attributed to increase of the cellular uptake and change of the subcellular distribution of G3139.

Hemoglobins of Kiefferulus, sister genus of Chironomus (Diptera: Insecta): evolution of the Hb VIIB cluster

A genomic clone containing hemoglobin genes was isolated from a species of the chironomid genus Kiefferulus. Eight genes, including an apparent pseudogene, were sequenced and the amino acid sequences of the putative proteins were determined. By comparison to the previously described hemoglobins in the sister-genus Chironomus, they were identified as members of the dimeric Hb VIIB group. The results indicate that the existence of clusters of hemoglobin genes may be a common feature in chironomids and not just confined to Chironomus. The Kiefferulus genes show greatest similarity of amino acid sequence to Hb VIIB-7 from the Chironomus cluster. The results suggest that the ancestral cluster contained at least two gene types, one of which gave rise to VIIB-7 and the Kiefferulus genes while the other gave rise to the other Chironomus VIIB genes. Both clusters appear to have increased in size by duplication or unequal crossing over since the separation of the genera. It also appears that an unrelated gene present in the Chironomus cluster, Hb-Y, arose from a completely independent origin with no apparent equivalent gene anywhere in the genome of Kiefferulus or some other Chironomus species.

Vegetative propagation of adult Eucalyptus grandis X urophylla and comparison of growth between micropropagated plantlets and rooted cuttings

Methods for the production of micropropagated plantlets and rooted cuttings were developed and used to vegetatively multiply adult Eucalyptus grandis X urophylla. Rooting success was less than 5% when cuttings excised from twigs of 3-year-old trees were used. The rooted cuttings were grown in the greenhouse as explant- or cutting-donors and maintained at a height of 30 to 100 cm by trimming back periodically. Good rooting success (95%) of cuttings was obtained for epicormic shoots produced from donor plants after trimming 5 times. Explants of both apical and axillary buds taken from the donor plants produced multiple shoots when cultured in vitro. In vitro multiple shoot production was optimal on MS medium containing 0.1 mg/l BA and 0.01 mg/l NAA averaging 13.7 shoots per explant in a 40-day culture period. Shoot elongation was accelerated on a modified MS medium containing half strength potassium nitrate and sucrose. Elongated shoots excised at approximately 1.5 cm in length were successfully rooted on media with NAA or IBA concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/l. Root formation was optimal on medium consisting of full strength MS basal macro elements and vitamins, half strength micro elements, 1% sucrose and supplemented with 0.3 mg/l IBA. In the field test, no significant differences were found in tree height and DBH between micropropagated plantlets and rooted cuttings at 1 and 3 years old, with the exception at 2 years old. A considerable difference arose between the 2 types of vegetative propagules in physiological response to flowering, caused by dissimilar degrees of rejuvenation.

Genetic mechanism of leukemia predisposition in a family with 7 cases of acute myeloid leukemia

This paper describes a family in which seven members, involving three consecutive generations, suffered from acute myeloid leukemia during the past 16 years. The genetic abnormalities were vertically transmitted in a Mendelian dominant manner without sex linkage. Cytogenetic approaches, such as G-banding karyotypes, micronuclei (MN), chromosome aberrations (CA), fragile sites (Fra), cell cycle time (Tc), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), silver-staining nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR), and silver-staining acrocentric chromosome satellite association (Ag-AA), were investigated on 19 presently healthy members of the family, compared with 10 normal controls. The results showed that their G-banding chromosome karyotypes were normal, without a single similarly located fragile site being found to be carried commonly by the blood relations, although the rare fragile site frequency in the blood relations group was higher than that in the non-blood relations group or normal controls. On the other hand, SCE and Ag-NOR were lowered in the blood relations. In III-13 and IV-3 of the pedigree, in particular, the prolonged cell cycle time with distinctly abnormal SCE and Ag-NOR might predict a high risk for leukemia. Hence the follow-up of this remarkable family is being continued.

[A clinical study on the tumor associated antigen CA50 in the monitoring of genitourinary malignancies]

The tumor associated antigen CA50 was examined in serum level of 84 patients with genitourinary malignancies, 48 patients with genitourinary benign diseases and 35 normal persons by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). The mean CA50 value in the patients with genitourinary malignancy was much higher then that in patients with benign genitourinary diseases and that in the normal control group (P < 0.05-0.01). Taking 17 u/ml as the upper limit of normal range, the positive rates were 55% (11/20) of patients with renal cell carcinoma, 78% (7/8) in pyeloureteric carcinoma, 65% (30/46) in bladder cancer and 70% (7/10) in genital malignancies. The sensitivity of CA50 for the patients with genitourinary malignancy was 65.5% (55/84) and the specificity was 87.5% (42/48). The measurement of level of serum CA50 also could be used to monitor the clinical change and responses during the course of treatment. It might be helpful to predict the recurrence of tumor after surgical treatment.

Stromal populations and fibrosis in human long-term bone marrow cultures

An immunofluorescence study of the adherent layer of human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMC) revealed the following surface markers on the different stromal cell populations: stromal fibroblastic cells CD10+, FIB86.3+, CD13+, CD71+; adipocytes CD10+, FIB86.3-, CD13+, CD71-/+; and macrophages CD10-/+, FIB86.3+, CD13+, CD71-/+, CD14+, CD33+, CD25+, HLA-DR+, CD4+, CD19+, CD45+. The markers of the stromal fibroblastic cells in HLTBMC were similar to those of twice-passaged fibroblasts not only from bone marrow and spleen, but also from a hemopoietic non-supportive organ such as the skin. Some of the cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells used as controls were found to be CD25+, demonstrating for the first time the interleukin-2 receptor p55 chain on normal non-hemopoietic cells. The stromal fibroblastic cells are overrepresented compared to the small non-macrophage hemopoietic cell population in the adherent layer of HLTBMC. In addition, silver staining revealed an increased reticulin content in most of the HLTBMC. An excessive growth of stromal fibroblastic cells and an excessive deposition of their product, the reticulin fibers, are the hallmark of myelofibrosis. The finding of equivalent observations in HLTBMC suggests that the hitherto unexplained, premature quenching of hemopoiesis in HLTBMC might at least partly be due to mechanisms similar to those operating in myelofibrosis in vivo.

Morphological evidence for a motile behavior by plasma cells

Immunofluorescence microscopy of the adherent layer of human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) consistently revealed motility-associated features in a part of the plasma cells. Not only were small surface blebs observed, but also long extensions whose morphology was reminiscent of neuronal axons. The observations were made in all HLTBMCs established with normal as well as myelomatous bone marrow (BM). Plasma cells with long extensions were also noticed on May-Grünwald-Giemsa smears of original uncultured BM from normal individuals and patients with myelomatous disorders. This suggests that the motility-associated morphological features occur in vivo as well as in vitro. The observations were most striking in the one case of plasma cell leukemia, both in culture as well as in the BM smear.

The nature of the adherent hemopoietic cells in human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs): presence of lymphocytes and plasma cells next to the myelomonocytic population

An immunological analysis of the nonmacrophage hemopoietic cells in the adherent layer of human long-term bone marrow cultures was performed in situ. It revealed not only the expected granulocytic and monocytic cells, but an important lymphoid population as well. The latter consisted of cells bearing the markers of mature T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and plasma cells. These cells were also present in the hemopoietic foci of the adherent layer, the so-called cobblestone areas. Although more CD8+ than CD4+ lymphocytes were generally present in the initial bone marrow inoculum, both the adherent layer and the nonadherent fraction disclosed a preponderance of CD4+ cells after a short period of culture. The majority of the lymphoid cells were present in the adherent layer, rather than in the nonadherent fraction of the cultures. The long-term presence of lymphoid elements in the adherent layer suggests their affinity for the bone marrow stroma and the possible enhancement of their persistence in vitro by contact with these cells.

Altered I-A protein-mediated transmembrane signaling in B cells that express truncated I-Ak protein

Recent evidence suggests that the major histocompatibility complex class II molecules of B lymphocytes function as signal-transducing receptors during the generation of T lymphocyte-dependent humoral immune responses. By analogy with other receptors, we postulate that perturbation of the class II molecules is coupled to the generation of intracellular second messengers through interactions involving the transmembrane and/or cytoplasmic domains of the class II molecules. We report a series of experiments that assess which amino acids of the class II molecule I-Ak are required for coupling it to the signal-transduction pathway. We prepared a series of B-lymphocyte transfectants that express I-Ak molecules with COOH-terminal truncations of either the Ak alpha or Ak beta chain or both. The ability of each transfected class II molecule to transduce a signal after being bound by monoclonal antibody was found by monitoring the translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosol to the "nuclear compartment" of the transfected B lymphocyte. Results indicate that the Ak beta chain plays the dominant role in signal transduction and that the 6 cytoplasmic amino acids of Ak beta chain most proximal to the inner plasma membrane are of greatest importance in coupling I-Ak molecules to the molecules of the signaling cascade.

[Synthesis of CSD and it's antitumor effect]

Synthesis of a new polyamine inhibitor dicyclohexylamine sulfonyl chloride (CSD), the structural identification of the synthetic product, and the animal experimental results of it's antitumor effects are reported. Mice bearing leukemia P388 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma treated with CSD at doses of 50-100 mg/kg p.o. could prolong the survival time of tumor bearing animals. CSD could significantly inhibit spermidine synthesis in vivo. The inhibition was positively correlated to it's antitumor effect, indicating that the antitumor mechanism of CSD is by blocking spermidine synthesis.

Antigen presentation abrogated in cells expressing truncated Ia molecules

Oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce a premature stop codon in wildtype A beta k and A alpha k cDNA clones to create truncated A beta k and A alpha k molecules lacking the cytoplasmic domain. Transfected B lymphoma cells expressing an I-Ak molecule with a truncated beta-chain or with truncated alpha- and beta-chains showed profound defects in two Ia-related functions: Ia-restricted Ag presentation and intracytoplasmic signaling. The ability of these transfected cell lines to activate autoreactive T hybrids was markedly impaired whereas loss of Ag presentation to nominal Ag-specific T hybrids was more subtle. Ia-mediated transmembrane signaling as measured by PKC translocation from cytosol to nucleus after stimulation with anti-Ak antibody was greatly affected by truncation of the A beta and A alpha cytoplasmic domains. These results indicate an important role for the highly conserved cytoplasmic domain in Ia-mediated responses.

Antigen presentation abrogated in cells expressing truncated Ia molecules

Oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce a premature stop codon in wildtype A beta k and A alpha k cDNA clones to create truncated A beta k and A alpha k molecules lacking the cytoplasmic domain. Transfected B lymphoma cells expressing an I-Ak molecule with a truncated beta-chain or with truncated alpha- and beta-chains showed profound defects in two Ia-related functions: Ia-restricted Ag presentation and intracytoplasmic signaling. The ability of these transfected cell lines to activate autoreactive T hybrids was markedly impaired whereas loss of Ag presentation to nominal Ag-specific T hybrids was more subtle. Ia-mediated transmembrane signaling as measured by PKC translocation from cytosol to nucleus after stimulation with anti-Ak antibody was greatly affected by truncation of the A beta and A alpha cytoplasmic domains. These results indicate an important role for the highly conserved cytoplasmic domain in Ia-mediated responses.

Comparison of human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) established from fresh and post-cryopreservation bone marrow samples from living and cadaver donors

Human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) were established from thawed post-cryopreservation, as well as from cadaver donor bone marrow (BM) samples. The longevity was similar in the different series of HLTBMCs examined. CFU-GM could be cultured out of cadaver donor BM. This indicates that previously healthy people, under the conditions generally accepted as suitable for organ donation, could become suitable donors for allogeneic BM transplantation.

Human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) in myelomatous disorders

Human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) were established with bone marrow (BM) collected from five patients with myelomatous disorders (four with multiple myeloma, one with plasma cell leukemia). In all cases, up to at least 6 weeks of culture, there was a persistence of the monoclonal plasma cell population in the adherent layer of the culture. In some cultures proliferating plasma cells could be demonstrated by the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody. In all instances a paraprotein could be shown in the conditioned medium. This study demonstrates that malignant plasma cells, in analogy to their normal counterparts, have an affinity for the BM stroma and suggests that their long-term survival might be enhanced by their interaction with it.

A quantitative and dynamic study of endothelial cells and megakaryocytes in human long-term bone marrow cultures

The quantitative evolution of endothelial cells (ECs) in Dexter-type human long-term bone marrow cultures (HLTBMCs) was investigated. Using monoclonal antibodies directed against von Willebrand factor (vWF) and against membrane antigens (EN-4 and PAL-E), a low percentage--usually less than 1% of stromal cells--of ECs was detected in all confluent cultures established from 11 different bone marrow samples. Generally these cells are not associated directly with the areas of myelopoiesis ("cobblestone areas"). ECs cannot be demonstrated in the adherent layer of most young, non-confluent, and of some old, HLTBMCs. In some instances, morphological features suggestive of dynamic behavior were seen (sprouting, canal formation). In addition, a very low proportion of vWF-positive megakaryocytic cells was found in 4 of 11 cultures, always in direct contact with the stromal fibroblastic cells.

Ligand-induced desensitization of B-cell membrane immunoglobulin-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and protein kinase C translocation

Binding of ligand to B-cell membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) can lead to activation of a number of distinct biologic responses, including altered expression of genes encoding c-fos, c-myc, and Ia, as well as proliferation and immunologic tolerance. Tolerance could reflect a functional uncoupling of receptors from systems that generate intracellular second messengers (i.e., receptor desensitization). To better understand the molecular basis of immune regulation, we examined the ability of mIg to function as a signal transducer after the cell's initial contact with mIg-binding ligand. The results show that ligand binding to as little as 2-10% of mIgM or mIgD renders the cell unresponsive to ligand binding to the reciprocal isotype as judged by Ca2+ mobilization and protein kinase C translocation responses. This heterologous receptor desensitization lasts longer than 24 hr and does not reflect loss of receptor from the cell surface. Studies with the calcium ionophore ionomycin, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, and the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine indicate that both protein kinase C-dependent and protein kinase C-independent (staurosporine-insensitive) mechanisms mediate heterologous desensitization after mIg crosslinking.

Determinants of growth-promoting activity reside in the A-domain of insulin-like growth factor I

A two-chain, disulfide linked, insulin-like compound embodying the A-domain of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and the B-chain of insulin has been synthesized and characterized with respect to insulin-like biological activity and growth-promoting potency. The compound displays a potency of ca. 41% relative to insulin in assays for insulin-like activity (e.g., lipogenesis) but significantly higher activity than insulin, ca. 730% relative to insulin, in growth factor assays (e.g., thymidine incorporation). The compound is, however, a less potent growth factor than IGF-I itself, ca. 26.5% relative to IGF-I, and is not recognized by IGF carrier proteins. We conclude that structural features contained in the A-domain of IGF-I are primarily responsible for the growth-promoting ability displayed by IGF-I, while features in the B-domain are responsible for recognition by IGF carrier proteins.