P2X4 Receptor is a Glycosylated Cardiac Receptor Mediating a Positive Inotropic Response to ATP

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. May, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11864978

Although P2X receptors are suggested to play a role in synaptic neurotransmission, the specific physiological role of each P2X receptor subtype remains largely unknown. We used cultured chick embryo ventricular myocytes as a model to study a potential physiological role of the P2X(4) receptor in mediating the positive inotropic effect of ATP. The chick P2X4 receptor (cP2X(4)R) mRNA was expressed in the heart and the pharmacological features of the ATP-induced positive inotropic response were similar to those of the cP2X(4)R in terms of insensitivity to blockade by known P2 receptor antagonists and the ineffectiveness of adenosine 5'-(alpha,beta-methylene)triphosphate as an agonist. Treatment of myocytes with antisense oligonucleotides specific to the 5' region of cP2X(4)R abrogated the P2 agonist-stimulated (45)Ca influx. Similarly, antisense oligonucleotide treatment also blocked the 2-methylthio-ATP-stimulated increase in contractile amplitude. The data suggest that the native P2X(4) receptor is involved in mediating the P2 agonist-stimulated response in the heart. In characterizing the biochemical property of the P2X(4) receptor, antibody against cP2X(4)R detected a 44-kDa and a 58-kDa protein in the immunoblot. Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation by tunicamycin converted the 58-kDa protein to the 44-kDa protein, suggesting that the 58-kDa protein was a glycosylated P2X(4) receptor. The nonglycosylated 44-kDa P2X(4) receptor was resistant to various detergent/aqueous extraction, consistent with a role of glycosylation in maintaining its detergent solubility and hydrophilicity. Cross-linking the cell surface proteins with N-hydroxysuccinimide-SS-biotin followed by affinity precipitation with streptavidin-conjugated agarose and subsequent immunoblotting with anti-cP2X(4)R showed that only the glycosylated 58-kDa P2X(4) receptor was expressed on the cell surface, indicating an important role of glycosylation for the receptor's localization on the plasma membrane. These data revealed a novel physiologic function of the P2X(4) receptor and suggested the importance of N-linked glycosylation in its cell surface expression and detergent solubility.

TLR4 and MD-2 Expression is Regulated by Immune-mediated Signals in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jun, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11923281

The normal intestinal epithelium is not inflamed despite contact with a high density of commensal bacteria. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) express low levels of TLR4 and MD-2 and are lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-unresponsive. We hypothesized that immune-mediated signals regulate the expression of TLR4 and MD-2 in IEC. Expression of TLR4 and MD-2 was examined in normal colonic epithelial cells or intestinal epithelial cell lines. The effect of the cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, IFN-alpha, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on TLR4 and MD-2 expression was examined by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. NF-kappaB transcriptional activation and interleukin-8 secretion were used as measures of LPS responsiveness. Native colonic epithelial cells and IEC lines express a low level of TLR4 and MD-2 mRNA. IFN-gamma regulates MD-2 expression in both IEC lines, whereas IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha regulate TLR4 mRNA expression in IEC lines. Pre-incubation with IFN-gamma and/or TNF-alpha sensitizes IEC to LPS-dependent interleukin-8 secretion. To examine MD-2 transcriptional regulation, we cloned a 1-kb sequence proximal to the MD-2 gene translational start site. This promoter directed expression of a reporter gene in endothelial cells and IEC. IFN-gamma positively regulated MD-2 promoter activity in IEC. Co-expression of a STAT inhibitor, SOCS3, blocked IFN-gamma-mediated MD-2 promoter activation. T cell-derived cytokines lead to increased expression of TLR4 and MD-2 and LPS-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in IEC. IFN-gamma regulates expression of the critical TLR4 co-receptor MD-2 through the Janus tyrosine kinase-STAT pathway. Th1 cytokines may initiate or perpetuate intestinal inflammation by altering toll-like receptor expression and bacterial reactivity.

Immunogene Therapy of Tumors with a Vaccine Based on the Ligand-binding Domain of Chicken Homologous Integrin Beta3

Immunological Investigations. Feb, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11990463

The breaking of immune tolerance against angiogenesis-associated molecules should be a useful approach for cancer therapy by active immunity. We used chicken integrin beta3 as a model antigen to explore the feasibility of immunogene therapy of the tumors with a vaccine based on a single xenogeneic homologous gene, targeting the molecules associated with angiogenesis. To test this concept we constructed a plasmid DNA encoding the ligand-binding domain of chicken integrin beta3 (P-BD-C) and control vectors. We found that immunogene therapy of tumors with a vaccine based on the ligand-binding domain of chicken integrin beta3 (P-BD-C) was effective in both protective and therapeutic anti-tumor immunity in several tumor models in mice. Autoantibodies against integrin beta3 in sera of mice immunized with the ligand-binding domain of chicken integrin beta3 could be found by Western blot analysis and ELISA assay. The purified immunoglobulins were effective in the inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro, and in anti-tumor activity as well as in the inhibition of angiogenesis by adoptive transfer in vivo. The anti-tumor activity and the production of integrin beta3-specific autoantibodies (manifested by significantly elevated Ig G1 and Ig G2b) could be abrogated by the depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. These observations may provide a vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of the autoimmunity against the molecules associated with tumor growth in a cross-reaction with a single xenogeneic homologous gene and may be of importance in the further exploration of the applications of other xenogeneic homologous genes identified in human and other animal genome sequence projects in cancer therapy.

Expression of TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC in Injured and Regenerating Retinal Ganglion Cells of Adult Rats

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Jun, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12037005

To investigate changes in percentage of tyrosine kinase (trk)A-, trkB-, and trkC-immunopositive ((+)) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at various times after optic nerve (ON) axotomy; the proportion of RGCs regenerating axons into peripheral nerve (PN) grafts that are trkA(+), trkB(+), and trkC(+); whether intravitreal PN-ON implants affect trk immunoreactivity; and the levels of trk mRNAs in ON-injured retinas.

[Application of Bioptic Bone Marrow Imprint in Diagnosis of Anemia]

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi / Zhongguo Bing Li Sheng Li Xue Hui = Journal of Experimental Hematology / Chinese Association of Pathophysiology. Apr, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12513815

In order to explore the application of bone marrow imprint in diagnosis of anemia, sixty-five diagnosed anemia cases were analyzed with bone marrow imprint, bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow smear. The result showed that the diagnostic rates of bone marrow imprint and biopsy were both significantly higher than bone marrow smear, especially in the cases with myelofibrosis, aplastic anemia and metastatic carcinoma in bone marrow (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between bone marrow imprint and biopsy, however the bone marrow imprint observed more clearly and more simple and convenient than the bone marrow biopsy. It is concluded that bone marrow imprint is important for diagnosing anemia.

Purification and Characterization of a Novel Intracellular 17 Beta-estradiol Binding Protein in Estrogen-resistant New World Primate Cells

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Jan, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12519896

Compared to Old World primates, including man, New World primates display target-tissue resistance to gonadal steroid hormones. In female New World primates this resistant phenotype is characterized by elevated concentrations of plasma estradiol and progesterone. Here we describe the discovery of an intracellular estrogen binding protein (IEBP) that acts to concentrate 17 beta-estradiol (E2) in the cytoplasm of New World primate target cells. IEBP was purified by E2-affinity chromatography from postnuclear extracts of the B95-8 cells established from an E2-resistant New World primate. Compared with unpurified extract, affinity-purified IEBP demonstrated a 300-fold enrichment in specific E2 binding activity; half-maximal displacement of [3H]E2 from affinity-purified IEBP was observed with 0.1 nM E2. Affinity-purified extracts were subjected to SDS-PAGE with isolation of a dominant 27-28 kDa protein. N-terminal sequencing of tryptic peptides of the protein showed sequence homology with human heat shock protein-27 (hsp27). By immunoblot and E2 binding capacity, IEBP was 1] 2-3-fold greater in New World than in Old World primate tissues and cell lines, 2] heat-inducible and 3] up-regulated in vivo in the presence of the functioning female gonad. In conclusion, IEBP is a specific E2-interacting heat shock protein in the hsp-27 family that is relatively overexpressed in estrogen-resistant cells.

Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Are Broadly Unresponsive to Toll-like Receptor 2-dependent Bacterial Ligands: Implications for Host-microbial Interactions in the Gut

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). Feb, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12538701

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) interact with a high density of Gram-positive bacteria and are active participants in mucosal immune responses. Recognition of Gram-positive organisms by Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 induces proinflammatory gene expression by diverse cells. We hypothesized that IEC are unresponsive to Gram-positive pathogen-associated molecular patterns and sought to characterize the functional responses of IEC to TLR2-specific ligands. Human colonic epithelial cells isolated by laser capture microscopy and IEC lines (Caco-2, T84, HT-29) were analyzed for expression of TLR2, TLR6, TLR1, and Toll inhibitory protein (Tollip) mRNA by RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Response to Gram-positive bacterial ligands was measured by NF-kappa B reporter gene activation and IL-8 secretion. TLR2 protein expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Colonic epithelial cells and lamina propria cells from both uninflamed and inflamed tissue demonstrate low expression of TLR2 mRNA compared with THP-1 monocytes. IECs were unresponsive to TLR2 ligands including the staphylococcal-derived Ags phenol soluble modulin, peptidoglycan, and lipotechoic acid and the mycobacterial-derived Ag soluble tuberculosis factor. Transgenic expression of TLR2 and TLR6 restored responsiveness to phenol soluble modulin and peptidoglycan in IEC. In addition to low levels of TLR2 protein expression, IEC also express high levels of the inhibitory molecule Tollip. We conclude that IEC are broadly unresponsive to TLR2 ligands secondary to deficient expression of TLR2 and TLR6. The relative absence of TLR2 protein expression by IEC and high level of Tollip expression may be important in preventing chronic proinflammatory cytokine secretion in response to commensal Gram-positive bacteria in the gut.

Active Immunogene Therapy of Cancer with Vaccine on the Basis of Chicken Homologous Matrix Metalloproteinase-2

Cancer Research. Feb, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12566302

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, in particular MMP-2, may play a key role in angiogenesis and tumor growth. It is conceivable that the breaking of immune tolerance of MMP-2 should be a useful approach to cancer therapy by active immunity. To test this concept, we constructed a plasmid DNA encoding chicken homologous MMP-2 (c-MMP-2) and control vectors. We found that the vaccine based on chicken homologous MMP-2 as a model antigen could induce both protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity. Autoantibodies against MMP-2 in sera of mice immunized with c-MMP-2 could be found by Western blotting analysis and ELISA assay. There was the deposition of autoantibodies within the tumor. IgG1 and IgG2b were substantially increased in response to c-MMP-2 immunization. The elevation of MMP-2 in the sera of tumor-bearing mice was abrogated with the vaccination of c-MMP-2. Transmigration of human endothelial cells and tumor cells through gelatin-coated filters was inhibited with immunoglobulins isolated from mice immunized with c-MMP-2. The gelatinase activity of MMP-2, including both latent MMP-2 (M(r) 72,000) and active MMP-2 (M(r) 66,000) derived from tumor tissues, was apparently inhibited by the vaccination with c-MMP-2. The antitumor activity and the inhibition of angiogenesis were acquired by the adoptive transfer of the purified immunoglobulins. The antitumor activity and production of autoantibodies against MMP-2 could be abrogated by the depletion of CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Angiogenesis was apparently inhibited within tumor, and chick CAMs angiogenesis was also inhibited. Thus, our findings may provide a vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of an autoimmune response against MMP-2 in a cross-reaction by the immunization with the single xenogeneic homologous MMP-2 gene and may be of importance in the additional exploration of the application of other xenogeneic homologous genes identified in human and other animal genome projects in cancer therapy.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth with a Vaccine Based on Xenogeneic Homologous Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 in Mice

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jun, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12651849

Angiogenesis is important for the growth of solid tumors. The breaking of the immune tolerance against the molecule associated with angiogenesis should be a useful approach for cancer therapy. However, the immunity to self-molecules is difficult to elicit by a vaccine based on autologous or syngeneic molecules due to immune tolerance. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a specific and potent angiogenic factor implicated in tumor growth. The biological activity of bFGF is mediated through interaction with its high-affinity receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1). In this study, we selected Xenopus FGFR-1 as a model antigen by the breaking of immune tolerance to explore the feasibility of cancer therapy in murine tumor models. We show here that vaccination with Xenopus FGFR-1 (pxFR1) is effective at antitumor immunity in three murine models. FGFR-1-specific autoantibodies in sera of pxFR1-immunized mice could be found in Western blotting analysis. The purified immunoglobulins were effective at the inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and at the antitumor activity in vivo. The antitumor activity and production of FGFR-1-specific autoantibodies could be abrogated by depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Histological examination revealed that the autoantibody was deposited on the endothelial cells within tumor tissues from pxFR1-immunized mice, and intratumoral angiogenesis was significantly suppressed. Furthermore, the inhibition of angiogenesis could also be found in alginate-encapsulate tumor cell assay. These observations may provide a new vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of autoimmunity against FGFR-1 associated with angiogenesis in a cross-reaction.

Association of Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Ductal Junction with Gallbladder Carcinoma in Chinese Patients: an ERCP Study

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Apr, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12665766

Anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal junction, a rare congenital anomaly, is associated with various biliary and pancreatic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal junction in Chinese patients with gallbladder cancer.

Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) Binding to Hormone Response Elements: a Cause of Vitamin D Resistance

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. May, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12716975

In previous studies, we have shown that steroid hormone resistance in New World primates occurs in the absence of abnormal expression of cognate nuclear receptors. Rather, these animals have elevated levels of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) that act as hormone response element-binding proteins and attenuate target gene transactivation. Here we present evidence for a similar mechanism in humans via a patient with resistance to the active form of vitamin D [1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3))] who presented with normal vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression. Initial cotransfection studies showed that the cells of the patient suppressed basal and hormone-induced transactivation by wild-type VDR. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays and Western/Southwestern blot analyses indicated that this suppressive effect was due to overexpression of a nuclear protein that specifically interacts with a DNA response element known to bind retinoid X receptor-VDR heterodimers. Ab blocking in electrophoretic mobility-shift assays indicated that this dominant-negative acting protein was in the hnRNPA family of nucleic acid-binding proteins. Further studies have shown that several members of this family, most notably hnRNPA1, were able to suppress basal and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced luciferase activity. We therefore propose that this case of vitamin D resistance in a human subject is similar to that previously described for New World primates in which abnormal expression of a hormone response element-binding protein can cause target cell resistance to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). That this protein is a member of the hnRNP family capable of interacting with double-stranded DNA highlights a potentially important new component of the complex machinery required for steroid hormone signal transduction.

Immunotherapy of Tumors with Vaccine Based on Quail Homologous Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2

Blood. Sep, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12750177

The breaking of immune tolerance of "self-antigens" associated with angiogenesis is an attractive approach to cancer therapy by active immunity. We used vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) as a model antigen to explore the feasibility of the immunotherapy with a vaccine based on a xenogeneic homologous protein. To test this concept, we prepared a quail homologous VEGFR-2 protein vaccine (qVEGFR) based on quail VEGFR-2. At the same time, a protein vaccine based on the corresponding ligand-binding domain of mouse self-VEGFR-2 (mVEGFR) was also prepared and used as a control. We found that immunotherapy with qVEGFR was effective at protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity in several solid and hematopoietic tumor models in mice. Autoantibodies against mouse VEGFR-2 (Flk-1) were identified by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-VEGFR antibody-producing B cells were detectable by ELISPOT. Endothelial deposition of immunoglobulins developed within tumor. VEGF-mediated endothelial cell proliferation was inhibited in vitro by immunoglobulins from qVEGFR-immunized mice. Antitumor activity was caused by the adoptive transfer of the purified immunoglobulins. Antitumor activity and production of autoantibodies against Flk-1 could be abrogated by the depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Angiogenesis was apparently inhibited within the tumors, and the vascularization of alginate beads was also reduced. No marked toxicity was found in the immunized mice. The observations may provide a vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of autoimmunity against the growth factor receptor associated with angiogenesis in a cross-reaction with single xenogeneic homologous protein.

[Expression, Purification and Refolding of Extracellular Domain of Mouse Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor]

Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi = Journal of Biomedical Engineering = Shengwu Yixue Gongchengxue Zazhi. Jun, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12856594

A DNA fragment encoding extracellular domain of mouse epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was obtained by PCR from a previous recombinant plasmid. The DNA fragment was then ligated into prokaryotic expression vector, and expressed in Escherichia Coli. The recombinant protein was purified under denature conditions by affinity chromatography, and refolded with gradient dialysis. The recombinant protein could produce antibodies to recognize extracellular domain and full-length of mouse EGFR, and form homodimer in the presence of EGF detected by western blot analysis. These findings provide evidence that the renatured recombinant extracellular domain of mouse epidermal growth factor receptor is immunogenetic and may be important for further application of this protein in functional and immunological research.

Ultrasonography in Predicting and Screening Liver Cirrhosis in Children: a Preliminary Study

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Oct, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 14562409

To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in predicting and screening liver cirrhosis in children.

Positive Correlation Between in Vivo Oxidized LDL and LDL Immune Complexes

Clinical Biochemistry. Jan, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14675566

To investigate the possible relationship between oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and LDL immune complexes (IC).

[Prokaryotic Expression, Purification and Refolding of Extracellular Ligand Binding Domains of Chick Tie-2 and Its Immunogenicity]

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical Science Edition. Mar, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15071902

To study the prokaryotic expression of extracellular ligand binding domains of chick Tie-2, the purification and refolding conditions of the recombinant protein, and to observe its immunogenicity in mouse.

[Tumor Biotherapy Based on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor As a Target]

Ai Zheng = Aizheng = Chinese Journal of Cancer. Apr, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15087042

High expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been frequently observed in many malignancies; and it is implicated in aggressive biological behaviors of tumor cells and poorer prognosis of tumor patients. Evaluation of EGFR as therapeutic target for cancer is highly warranted. The EGFR-targeted antitumor approaches have been extensively studied over the past decades, including passive immunization with monoclonal antibody and small molecular weight kinase inhibitor of EGFR. These approaches showed promising antitumor potential at pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. A number of mechanisms were thought to play a role in the induced tumoricidal responses, including:(1)arrest of cell cycle; (2)up-regulation of pro-apoptotic molecules; (3)anti-angiogenesis; (4)inhibition of invasion and metastasis of tumor; (5)sensitization of tumor cell to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, we have proposed a model to break immune tolerance against self-EGFR by immunization with an altered immunogen based on xenogeneic homologous molecule. We found that human EGFR as an immunogen could induce specific immune responses in mice, which also cross-reacts with mouse EGFR and results in antitumor immunity against EGFR-positive malignancies. In general, no marked EGFR-related side effects were found in all EGFR targeted therapeutics. This would be partly explained by significant down-regulation of EGFR and limited dependence on EGFR signal transduction in normal cells.

An Hsp27-related, Dominant-negative-acting Intracellular Estradiol-binding Protein

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jul, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15123601

New World primates (NWPs) exhibit a compensated form of resistance to gonadal steroid hormones. We demonstrated recently that estrogen resistance in NWP cells was associated with the overexpression of two proteins, a nonreceptor-related, dominant-negative-acting estrogen response element (ERE)-binding protein (ERE-BP) and an intracellular estradiol-binding protein (IEBP). Based on the N-terminal sequences of tryptic fragments of IEBP isolated from a 17beta-estradiol (E2) affinity column we cloned a full-length cDNA for IEBP from the estrogen-resistant NWP cell line, B95-8. Subsequent sequence analysis revealed 87% sequence identity between the deduced peptide for IEBP and human Hsp27. When hormone-responsive, wild-type Old World primate (OWP) cells were transiently transfected with IEBP cDNA, E2-directed ERE reporter luciferase activity was reduced by 50% compared with vector only-transfected OWP cells (p < 0.0018). When IEBP and ERE-BP were cotransfected, ERE promoter-reporter activity was reduced by a further 60% (p < 0.0001). Electrophoresis mobility shift analyses showed that IEBP neither bound to ERE nor competed with the estrogen receptor (ER) for binding to ERE. However, there was evidence of protein-protein interaction of IEBP and ERalpha; IEBP was coimmunoprecipitated with anti-ERalpha antibody in wild-type cells stably transfected with IEBP. A specific interaction between ERalpha and IEBP was confirmed in glutathione S-transferase pull-down and yeast two-hybrid assays. Data indicate that the Hsp27-related IEBP interacts with the ligand binding domain of the ERalpha. In summary, by inhibiting the ERalpha-E2 interaction, IEBP acts to squelch ERalpha-directed ERE-regulated transactivation and promote estrogen resistance in NWP cells.

Primary Herpetic Peritonitis Causing Intestinal Perforation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Jul, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15307046

Peritonitis of viral etiology is rarely reported in the literature; a prior report described a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis who had the disease. We report a case of primary herpetic peritonitis (the agent of which was typed by polymerase chain reaction as herpes simplex virus biotype 1), which caused intestinal perforation, and we review the current literature and provide possible pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Intravitreal Transplants of Schwann Cells and Fibroblasts Promote the Survival of Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells in Rats

Brain Research. Dec, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15533316

Schwann cells (SCs) are considered one of the major cellular components to maintain the integrity of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons after injury. Intravitreal transplant of peripheral nerves or Schwann cells has been shown to enhance the regenerative ability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In the present study, we compared the effects of intravitreal transplants of Schwann cells and fibroblasts, two major components of peripheral nerves, on the survival of retinal ganglion cells in adult rats after optic nerve (ON) transection. Purified Schwann cells and fibroblasts from neonatal sciatic nerves were injected into the vitreous body of adult rats. Three days after the injection, the optic nerves were transected intraorbitally. After 1 week or 1 month, surviving retinal ganglion cells were retrogradely labelled with Fluoro-Gold (FG) and the number of surviving retinal ganglion cells was counted. The retinas were further processed for 200-kDa neurofilament RT-97 immunohistochemistry. It was found that intravitreally injected- Schwann cells and -fibroblasts delayed the death of axotomized retinal ganglion cells for 1 week. In addition, in the animal group with 1 month survival time after optic nerve transection, those received a larger number of Schwann cells had more surviving retinal ganglion cells and more profusely ramified axonal processes near the optic disc. These findings reveal that both Schwann cells and fibroblasts isolated from the peripheral nerve can promote retinal ganglion cell survival after optic nerve transection, presumably by secreting neurotrophic factors. In addition, the data also demonstrate that Schwann cells could promote intraretinal axonal sprouting. Our findings demonstrate a remarkable glial source of neurotrophic factors with potential clinical applications, as autologous Schwann cells and fibroblasts can be feasibly obtained from peripheral nerves.

[Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Metastasis Via Local Administration of Recombinant Human Endostatin Adenovirus]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Yixue Yichuanxue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics. Dec, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15583981

The growth and metastasis of solid tumors are dependent on angiogenesis. Endostatin, the C-terminal proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII, is a potent endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor. The authors designed a topical antiangiogenic gene therapy with recombinant human endostatin adenovirus (Ad-hEndo) and assessed its effects on the inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro, and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Dental Epithelial Histo-morphogenesis in the Mouse: Positional Information Versus Cell History

Archives of Oral Biology. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15721139

Reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions control odontogenesis and the cap stage tooth germ mesenchyme specifies crown morphogenesis. The aim of this work was to determine whether this mesenchyme could also control epithelial histogenesis. Dental mesenchyme and enamel organ were dissociated from mouse first lower molars at E14. At this early cap stage, the enamel organ consists of four cell types forming the inner dental epithelium (IDE), primary enamel knot (PEK), outer dental epithelium (ODE) and the stellate reticulum (SR). Pelleted trypsin-dissociated single dental epithelial cells, which had lost all positional information, were reassociated to either dental mesenchyme or dissociated mesenchymal cells and cultured in vitro. Although with different timings, teeth developed in both types of experiments showing a characteristic dental epithelial histogenesis, cusp formation, and the differentiation of functional odontoblasts and ameloblasts. The rapid progression of the initial steps of histogenesis suggested that the cell history was not memorized. The dental mesenchyme, as well as dissociated mesenchymal cells, induced the formation of a PEK indicating that no specific organisation in the mesenchyme is required for this step. However, the proportion of well-formed multicusped teeth was much higher when intact mesenchyme was used instead of dissociated mesenchymal cells. The mesenchymal cell dissociation had consequences for the functionality of the newly-formed PEK.

Characterization of Functional Urotensin II Receptors in Human Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts: Comparison with Angiotensin II Receptors

Peptides. Apr, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15752584

The properties of urotensin II (U-II) receptor (UT receptor) and angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor (AT receptor) in primary human skeletal myoblasts (HSMM) and differentiated skeletal myotubes (HSMMT) were characterized. Radiolabeled U-II and ANG II bound specifically to HSMM with Kd's of 0.31 nM (2311 receptors/cell) and 0.61 nM (18,257 receptors/cell), respectively. The cyclic segment of U-II peptide, CFWKYC, was the minimal sequence required for binding, with the WKY residues essential. Inhibitor studies suggested AT1 is the predominant ANG II receptor. After radioligand binding, under conditions designed to minimize receptor internalization, half the bound U-II was resistant to acid washing suggesting that U-II binds tightly to its receptor in a quasi-irreversible fashion. The AT1 receptor-bound radioligand was completely removed under the same conditions. RT-PCR detected the expression of mRNAs for UT and AT1 receptors. Western blotting showed that U-II and ANG II signaled via ERK1/2 kinase. UT receptor was not lost upon differentiation into myotubes since both mRNA for UT receptor and U-II binding were still present. ANG II receptors were also present as shown by ANG II-induced calcium mobilization.

Toll-like Receptor-4 is Required for Intestinal Response to Epithelial Injury and Limiting Bacterial Translocation in a Murine Model of Acute Colitis

American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. May, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15826931

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) arises from a dysregulated mucosal immune response to luminal bacteria. Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 recognizes LPS and transduces a proinflammatory signal through the adapter molecule myeloid differentiation marker 88 (MyD88). We hypothesized that TLR4 participates in the innate immune response to luminal bacteria and the development of colitis. TLR4-/- and MyD88-/- mice and littermate controls were given 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 or 7 days followed by a 7-day recovery. Colitis was assessed by weight loss, rectal bleeding, and histopathology. Immunostaining was performed for macrophage markers, chemokine expression, and cell proliferation markers. DSS treatment of TLR4-/- mice was associated with striking reduction in acute inflammatory cells compared with wild-type mice despite similar degrees of epithelial injury. TLR4-/- mice experienced earlier and more severe bleeding than control mice. Similar results were seen with MyD88-/- mice, suggesting that this is the dominant downstream pathway. Mesenteric lymph nodes from TLR4-/- and MyD88-/- mice more frequently grew gram-negative bacteria. Altered neutrophil recruitment was due to diminished macrophage inflammatory protein-2 expression by lamina propria macrophages in TLR4-/- and MyD88-/- mice. The similarity in crypt epithelial damage between TLR4-/- or MyD88-/- and wild-type mice was seen despite decreased epithelial proliferation in knockout mice. TLR4 through the adapter molecule MyD88 is important in intestinal response to injury and in limiting bacterial translocation. Despite the diversity of luminal bacteria, other TLRs do not substitute for the role of TLR4 in this acute colitis model. A defective innate immune response may result in diminished bacterial clearance and ultimately dysregulated response to normal flora.

Active Antitumor Immunity Elicited by Vaccine Based on Recombinant Form of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Journal of Immunotherapy (Hagerstown, Md. : 1997). May-Jun, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15838380

Active immunotherapy targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) should be another attractive approach to the treatment of EGFR-positive tumors. To test this concept, the authors evaluated the potential immune responses and antitumor activities elicited by dendritic cells pulsed with recombinant ectodomain of mouse EGFR (DC-edMER). Spleen cells isolated from DC-edMER-vaccinated mice showed a high quantity of EGFR-specific antibody-producing cells. EGFR-reactive antibody in sera isolated from vaccinated mice was identified and shown to be effective against tumors in vitro and in vivo by adoptive transfer. DC-edMER vaccine also elicited cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses that could mediate antitumor effects in vitro and adoptive transfer in vivo. In addition, EGFR-specific cytokines responses were elicited by DC-edMER vaccine. Immunization with DC-edMER resulted in tumor regression and prolonged survival in mice challenged with Lewis lung carcinomas and mammary cancer models. Depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes could completely abrogate the antitumor activity and EGFR-specific antibody responses, whereas the depletion of CD8+ T lymphocytes showed partial abrogation of the antitumor activity but antibody was still detected. Furthermore, tumor-induced angiogenesis was suppressed in DC-edMER-vaccinated mice or mice treated with antibody adoptive transfer. Taken together, these findings suggest the antitumor immunity could be induced by DC-edMER, which may involve both humoral and cellular immunity, and may provide insight into the treatment of EGFR-positive tumors through the induction of active immunity against EGFR.

Synergistic Anti-tumor Effect of Recombinant Human Endostatin Adenovirus Combined with Gemcitabine

Anti-cancer Drugs. Jun, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15846121

Endostatin is an important endogenous inhibitor of neovascularization, which has been widely used in anti-angiogenesis therapy for cancer. To fully explore the potential of endostatin, we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of the combination of recombinant human endostatin adenovirus and low-dose gemcitabine in nude mice. We injected recombinant human endostatin adenovirus intratumorally plus a low dose of gemcitabine i.p. routinely. The combination treatment produced no side-effects, and resulted in marked suppression in tumor formation and growth of established human lung carcinoma xenografts in nude mice, with decreased microvessel density and increased apoptosis percentage. Our data support the idea of synergistic anti-tumor properties of endostatin plus low-dose chemotherapy against human lung cancer in vivo.

[Receptor Selection and B Cell Immune Tolerance]

Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi = Journal of Biomedical Engineering = Shengwu Yixue Gongchengxue Zazhi. Apr, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15884558

The immune system of mammalian has developed sophisticated mechanism to deal with diverse unknown antigens by random rearrangement of V, D and J antigen gene fragments. The immune self-tolerance is the mechanism to avoid self-destruction by the gene rearrangement generated autoreactive lymphocytes. Until recently it was believed that autoreactive lymphocytes are either deleted or rendered unable to respond by the supposed cell or clone selection mechanism. However, recent findings from a number of laboratories suggest instead of cell selection but receptor selection plays an essential role in immune self-tolerance. Receptor selection is carried out by secondary or nested rearrangement of antigen receptor gene fragments, and can occur at different stages of lymphocyte differentiation. Furthermore, secondary rearrangement of receptor gene also plays an important role in shaping immune response after the interaction of receptor with antigen by altering its specificity.

[Tooth Tissue Engineering: from Cells to Organ, an Odyssey Far from Finished]

Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue = Shanghai Journal of Stomatology. Apr, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15886826

Tooth tissue engineering is an emerging biotechnique that will provide replacemental teeth for patients suffering from different diseases causing tooth loss. Although some attempts have been tried to generate whole tooth both in vivo and in vitro, the lack of the knowledge for tooth initiation and development, as well as for tooth shape controlling mechanisms greatly impede the progress of this technique. This article reviewed and discussed some recent findings in tooth tissue engineering related to the cell resource, the concept of reconstruction and regeneration, the application of artificial scaffolds, together with the methods of organ culture and implantation.

[Prokaryotic Expression, Purification and Identification of Recombinant Xenopus Laevis and Mouse Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors]

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical Science Edition. May, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15931851

To perform prokaryotic expression, purification and identification of Xenopus laevis and mouse vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF).

[Ultrasonographic Assessment of Urethral Condyloma Acuminatum in Men]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Mar, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15949386

To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in diagnosing urethral condyloma acuminatum (CA) in men.

Creation of Estrogen Resistance in Vivo by Transgenic Overexpression of the Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein-related Estrogen Response Element Binding Protein

Endocrinology. Oct, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15976060

Estrogen unresponsiveness among primate species can result from overexpression of a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) that competes with estrogen receptor (ER) for binding to the estrogen-response element (ERE). This hnRNP has been coined the "ERE-binding protein" (ERE-BP). The ERE-BP is a member of the hnRNP C-like subfamily of hnRNPs, traditionally considered to be single-strand RNA binding proteins designed for the stabilization and handling of pre-mRNA. To verify in vivo the dominant-negative actions of the ERE-BP to inhibit ER-ERE-directed transactivation and to avoid the potential for lethality from global overexpression of an hnRNP, we generated transgenic mice that overexpressed ERE-BP in breast tissue under the control of a whey acidic protein gene promoter. Graded overexpression of ERE-BP in transgenic mice was established. Founders were viable and fertile. Female transgenics in all lines gave birth to pups, but their ability to nurse was dependent on the level of ERE-BP expression in breast; high-ERE-BP expressors were unable to lactate. A gradient of impaired breast pheno(histo)type, from near normal to failed ductal development and lactational capacity, correlated with the relative level of transgene expression. ERE-BP, expressed either endogenously as a transgene or after transfection, colocalized with ERalpha in the nucleus of target cells. This work confirms that tissue-targeted overexpression of the ERE-BP can effectively block estrogen-ERalpha-ERE-directed action in vivo.

Endoscopic Suturing Without Extracorporeal Knots: a Laboratory Study

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Aug, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16046985

To eliminate cumbersome extracorporeal knotting, we designed a new endoscopic suturing device, the Eagle Claw V. The efficacy of the new device was tested on the Erlangen model and was compared with the initial extracorporeal knotting version (Eagle Claw II).

Eagle Claw II: A Novel Endosuture Device That Uses a Curved Needle for Major Arterial Bleeding: a Bench Study

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Aug, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16046993

Control of bleeding from major arteries in the upper-GI tract remains difficult with currently available endoscopic devices. We designed an endosuture device that uses a curved needle and extracorporeal knotting, and assessed the device in stopping arterial bleeding in a bench model.

BDNF Stabilizes Synapses and Maintains the Structural Complexity of Optic Axons in Vivo

Development (Cambridge, England). Oct, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16141221

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates synaptic connectivity by increasing synapse number and by promoting activity-dependent axon arbor growth. Patterned neuronal activity is also thought to influence the morphological maturation of axonal arbors by directly influencing the stability of developing synapses. Here, we used in vivo time-lapse imaging to examine the relationship between synapse stabilization and axon branch stabilization, and to better understand the participation of BDNF in synaptogenesis. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged synaptobrevin II was used to visualize presynaptic specializations in individual DsRed2-labeled Xenopus retinal axons arborizing in the optic tectum. Neutralizing endogenous tectal BDNF with function-blocking antibodies significantly enhanced GFP-synaptobrevin cluster elimination, a response that was paralleled by enhanced branch elimination. Thus, synapse dismantling was associated with axon branch pruning when endogenous BDNF levels were reduced. To obtain a second measure of the role of BDNF during synapse stabilization, we injected recombinant BDNF in tadpoles with altered glutamate receptor transmission in the optic tectum. Tectal injection of the NMDA receptor antagonists APV or MK801 transiently induced GFP-synaptobrevin cluster dismantling, but did not significantly influence axon branch addition or elimination. BDNF treatment rescued synapses affected by NMDA receptor blockade: BDNF maintained GFP-synaptobrevin cluster density by maintaining their addition rate and rapidly inducing their stabilization. Consequently, BDNF influences synaptic connectivity in multiple ways, promoting not only the morphological maturation of axonal arbors, but also their stabilization, by a mechanism that influences both synapses and axon branches.

[Multidetector CT Findings of Hepatic Arteriovenous Shunt in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance]

Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Ganzangbing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Hepatology. Sep, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16174465

A Novel Site Contributing to Growth-arrest-specific Gene 6 Binding to Its Receptors As Revealed by a Human Monoclonal Antibody

The Biochemical Journal. May, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15579134

Gas6 (growth-arrest-specific gene 6) is a vitamin K-dependent protein known to activate the Axl family of receptor tyrosine kinases. It is an important regulator of thrombosis and many other biological functions. The C-terminus of Gas6 binds to receptors and consists of two laminin-like globular domains LG1 and LG2. It has been reported that a Ca2+-binding site at the junction of LG1 and LG2 domains and a hydrophobic patch at the LG2 domain are important for receptor binding [Sasaki, Knyazev, Cheburkin, Gohring, Tisi, Ullrich, Timpl and Hohenester (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 44164-44170]. In the present study, we developed a neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, named CNTO300, for Gas6. The antibody was generated by immunization of human IgG-expressing transgenic mice with recombinant human Gas6 protein and the anti-Gas6 IgG sequences were rescued from an unstable hybridoma clone. Binding of Gas6 to its receptors was partially inhibited by the CNTO300 antibody in a dose-dependent manner. To characterize further the interaction between Gas6 and this antibody, the binding kinetics of CNTO300 for recombinant Gas6 were compared with independently expressed LG1 and LG2. The CNTO300 antibody showed comparable binding affinity, yet different dependence on Ca2+, to Gas6 and LG1. No binding to LG2 was detected. In the presence of EDTA, binding of the antibody to Gas6 was disrupted, but no significant effect of EDTA on LG1 binding was evident. Further epitope mapping identified a Gas6 peptide sequence recognized by the CNTO300 antibody. This peptide sequence was found to be located at the LG1 domain distant from the Ca2+-binding site and the hydrophobic patch. Co-interaction of Gas6 with its receptor and CNTO300 antibody was detected by BIAcore analysis, suggesting a second receptor-binding site on the LG1 domain. This hypothesis was further supported by direct binding of Gas6 receptors to an independently expressed LG1 domain. Our results revealed, for the first time, a second binding site for Gas6-receptor interaction.

[Antitumor Effect of Recombinant Xenopus Laevis Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) As a Vaccine Combined with Adriamycin on EL4 Lymphoma in Mice]

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical Science Edition. Sep, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16235531

To explore the antitumor effect of immunotherapy with recombinant Xenopus laevis vascular endothelial growth factor (xVEGF) as a vaccine combined with adriamycin on lymphoma model in mice.

Liver Fibrosis Identification Based on Ultrasound Images Captured Under Varied Imaging Protocols

Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B. Nov, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16252346

Diagnostic ultrasound is a useful and noninvasive method in clinical medicine. Although due to its qualitative, subjective and experience-based nature, ultrasound image interpretation can be influenced by image conditions such as scanning frequency and machine settings. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to extract the liver features using the joint features of fractal dimension and the entropies of texture edge co-occurrence matrix based on ultrasound images, which is not sensitive to changes in emission frequency and gain. Then, Fisher linear classifier and support vector machine are employed to test a group of 99 in-vivo liver fibrosis images from 18 patients, as well as other 273 liver images from 18 normal human volunteers.

Mesenchymal Hamartoma of Liver: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathologic Correlation

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Oct, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16270389

To describe the imaging features of hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to histopathologic results.

Liver Fibrosis Identification Based on Ultrasound Images

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 17281712

Diagnostic ultrasound is one of useful and noninvasive tools for clinical medicine. However, due to its qualitative, subjective and experience-based nature, ultrasound images can be influenced by image conditions such as scanning frequency and machine settings. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to extract the liver features using the joint features of fractal dimension and the entropies of texture edge co-occurrence matrix based on ultrasound images, which is not sensitive to changes in emission frequency and gain. Then, Fisher linear classifier and Support Vector Machine are employed to test on a group of 99 liver fibrosis images from 18 patients, as well as other 273 healthy liver images from 18 specimens.

Ultrasonic Liver Characterization Using Phase Congruency

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 17281721

Feature extraction plays an important role in the whole process of liver characterization. Because the ultrasonic scanner in use can be adjusted by different clinicians to produce optimal images, the ultrasound images captured sometimes can be greatly influenced by machine settings and further impact the classification result. In this paper, some experiments are made to try to extract the liver features using the 2D phase congruency, which invariant to changes in intensity or contrast, to try to avoid those problems. The effectiveness of our method tested on three classes of liver images shows the potential for physicians to quantify liver status in clinical diagnosis.

Sonography of the First Dorsal Metatarsal Artery of the Foot

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. Jan, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16353226

To describe the gray-scale and Doppler sonographic examination technique and appearances of the first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) of the foot and discuss its clinical significance.

Endoscopic Plication of Massively Bleeding Peptic Ulcer by Using the Eagle Claw VII Device: a Feasibility Study in a Porcine Model

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16564872

We examined the efficacy of endoscopic plication when using Eagle Claw VII in a porcine bleeding ulcer model. ANIMAL MODEL PREPARATION: The right gastroepiploic artery (diameter 1.5-2 mm) was isolated and was tunneled to small gastrotomies at either the lesser or greater curvature of the stomach.

[Levels of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Umbilical Cord Blood of High Risk Neonates]

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16613704

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone with many biological effects. Hypersecretion may lead to hyponatremia. This study examined the umbilical ANP levels in high risk neonates.

Age-related Reexpression of P75 in Axotomized Motoneurons

Neuroreport. May, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16641674

p75 was immunohistochemically identified in spinal motoneurons in immature and adult rats after either distal peripheral axotomy or root avulsion. Few or no p75 positive motoneurons were observed after distal axotomy in animals at the age of postnatal day 1 and postnatal day 7, whereas the injury induced marked neuronal death. Motoneurons reexpressed p75 from the end of the second postnatal week to adulthood in response to distal axotomy, whereas most motoneurons survived after the injury. On the other hand, root avulsion in animals of all ages did not cause significant p75 expression in avulsed motoneurons where most motoneurons died ultimately. The potential role of such reexpression in motoneuron protection is discussed.

[Somatostatin Levels and Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Life in Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion of Macaque]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Mar, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16681975

To investigate the association of somatostatin (SST) levels in plasma or jejunum tissue and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) life in intestinal ischemia reperfusion of macaque.

BDNF Increases Synapse Density in Dendrites of Developing Tectal Neurons in Vivo

Development (Cambridge, England). Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16728478

Neuronal connections are established through a series of developmental events that involve close communication between pre- and postsynaptic neurons. In the visual system, BDNF modulates the development of neuronal connectivity by influencing presynaptic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. Increasing BDNF levels in the optic tectum of Xenopus tadpoles significantly increases both axon arborization and synapse density per axon terminal within a few hours of treatment. Here, we have further explored the mechanisms by which BDNF shapes synaptic connectivity by imaging tectal neurons, the postsynaptic partners of RGCs. Individual neurons were co-labeled with DsRed2 and a GFP-tagged postsynaptic density protein (PSD95-GFP) to visualize dendritic morphology and postsynaptic specializations simultaneously in vivo. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that PSD95-GFP predominantly localized to ultrastructurally identified synapses. Time-lapse confocal microscopy of individual, double-labeled neurons revealed a coincident, activity-dependent mechanism of synaptogenesis and axon and dendritic arbor growth, which is differentially modulated by BDNF. Microinjection of BDNF into the optic tectum significantly increased synapse number in tectal neuron dendritic arbors within 24 hours, without significantly influencing arbor morphology. BDNF function-blocking antibodies had opposite effects. The BDNF-elicited increase in synapse number complements the previously observed increase in presynaptic sites on RGC axons. These results, together with the timescale of the response by tectal neurons, suggest that the effects of BDNF on dendritic synaptic connectivity are secondary to its effects on presynaptic RGCs. Thus, BDNF influences synaptic connectivity in multiple ways: it enhances axon arbor complexity expanding the synaptic territory of the axon, while simultaneously coordinating synapse formation and stabilization with individual postsynaptic cells.

Tissue Engineering of Tooth Crown, Root, and Periodontium

Tissue Engineering. Aug, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16968149

Tissue engineering of teeth requires the coordinated formation of correctly shaped crowns, roots, and periodontal ligament. Previous studies have shown that the dental mesenchyme controls crown morphogenesis and epithelial histogenesis during tooth development in vivo, but little is known about the inductive potential of dissociated mesenchymal cells used in ex vivo cultures. A 2-step method is described in which, by using different types of reassociations between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues and/or cells from mouse embryos, reassociations were cultured in vitro before in vivo implantation. In vitro, the reassociated tissues developed and resulted in tooth-like structures that exhibited normal epithelial histogenesis and allowed the functional differentiation of odontoblasts and ameloblasts. After implantation, the reassociations formed roots and periodontal ligament, the latter connected to developing bone. The shape of the crown, initially suspected to depend on the integrity of the mesenchyme, could be modulated by adjusting the number of dissociated mesenchymal cells reassociated with the epithelial compartment. Based on these results, we propose a refined strategy for tooth tissue engineering that may help to eventually generate morphologically defined teeth.

Ultrasonic Liver Discrimination Using 2-D Phase Congruency

IEEE Transactions on Bio-medical Engineering. Oct, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17019877

In this paper, we present an experiment to extract liver features using two-dimensional phase congruency, which is invariant to changes in intensity or contrast, to try to avoid the influence of machine settings. The effectiveness of our method was tested on three classes of liver images and shows the potential for physicians to quantify liver pathology in clinical diagnosis.

Geode of the Femur: an Uncommon Manifestation Potentially Reflecting the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Journal of Rheumatology. Dec, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17080513

Geodes are noted frequently in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but large geodes of the femur are uncommon. We describe a patient with RA and a large geode in his femur; histological findings were consistent with a rheumatoid nodule and chronically inflamed synovium. We review the literature of large femoral geodes and what this particular manifestation may reflect about the pathogenesis of RA.

[Expression Change of TIF3 P36 at Different Stages of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Transformed and Induced by Cadmium Chloride]

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Laodong Weisheng Zhiyebing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Oct, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17096938

To explore the molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for carcinogenesis due to cadmium by detecting expression change of the translation initiation factor 3 (TIF3 p36) in those malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cell lines (16HBE) induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)).

Human T Lymphocyte Responses Against Lung Cancer Induced by Recombinant Truncated Mouse EGFR

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16235052

The induction of active cellular responses against EGFR should be a promising approach for the treatment of those receptor-positive tumors. However, the immunity against EGFR is presumably difficult to elicit by vaccine based on self or syngeneic EGFR due to the immune tolerance acquired during the development in immune system. We proposed a model to break immune tolerance against self-EGFR through an altered immunogen source based on xenogeneic homologous EGFR. We have previously shown human EGFR as a xenoantigen could induce specific immune responses in mouse and cross-react with mouse EGFR, and resulted in therapeutic benefits for EGFR-positive mouse tumor. Here, we show a recombinant form of extracellular domain of mouse EGFR, in the presence of DCs, could activate human peripheral T cells to proliferate, secret IFN-gamma, the induced responses could cross-react with human EGFR and kill autologous EGFR-positive lung cancer cells which could be blocked by anti-CD8 and anti-MHC class I antibody. There is no detectable cytotoxical activity against lung tissue, liver tissue and kidney tissue derived from paracancerous normal tissue. These observations suggest that antitumor immunity induced by the truncated mouse EGFR may be provoked in a cross-reaction between mouse EGFR and self-EGFR, and may provide insight into treatment of EGFR-positive tumors through induction of the autoimmune responses against EGFR.

[The Effect of Amino Acid Nutritional Support on Serum Tryptophan and Melatonin in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy]

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17416006

To investigate the effect of amino acid parenteral nutritional (PN) support on serum tryptophan and melatonin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving chemotherapy.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Brain in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Cerebrovascular Lesions

Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B. Apr, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17444598

Recent autopsy study showed a high incidence of cerebrovascular lesions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). To assess the impact of cerebrovascular pathology in AD, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study AD patients with and without cerebrovascular lesions.

Early Sonographic Assessment of Budd-Chiari Syndrome After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. Oct, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17486565

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare vascular complication of liver transplantation that may result in loss of the graft and a high mortality risk. Therefore, early diagnosis is extremely important to allow preservation of the graft and improve the prognosis. We describe the sonographic findings in a patient in whom Budd-Chiari syndrome occurred 2 days after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Fatal Lactic Acidosis and Hypoglycemia in a Patient with Relapsed Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma

Advances in Therapy. May-Jun, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17660158

Presented here is the first reported case of natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma associated with lactic acidosis (LA) and hypoglycemia. LA and hypoglycemia are rare complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A 28-year-old male patient with NK/T-cell lymphoma had a relapse after 14 mo of initial remission and was admitted to the hospital because of altered mental status. He developed severe LA (pH, 7.17; lactate, 11.2 mmol/L) and hypoglycemia (42 mg/dL) that was resistant to sodium bicarbonate and glucose infusions. A very brief partial remission was achieved after a cycle of vincristine, dexamethasone, and L-asparaginase was given, but the disease recurred quickly after chemotherapy was discontinued and the patient did not respond to additional chemotherapy. The patient expired at 47 d after relapse. An extensive review of the literature reveals that only 2 of 28 patients have achieved complete remission, and more than 75% of patients died within 1 mo. Furthermore, 90% of previously reported cases had liver involvement. The case described here indicates that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-induced LA portends a poor prognosis.

Cell Apoptosis Control Using BMP4 and Noggin Embedded in a Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Film

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Sep, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17705312

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a genetically regulated process of cell elimination essential during development. During development, programmed cell death is involved in the specific shaping of organs, in the elimination of cells having achieved their program, and in regulating the number of cells to differentiate. Tooth development includes these three aspects and was used here as a model to study the control of apoptosis. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are currently considered as playing a major role in signaling apoptosis. This apoptosis could be stopped by treatments with a BMP antagonist ("Noggin"). We selected a model system made by a layer-by-layer approach using poly-L-glutamic acid (PlGA) and poly-L-lysine (PlL) films into which BMP4 and/or Noggin have been embedded. Our results indicate that in situ control of apoptosis during tooth differentiation mediated by both BMP4 and Noggin embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer film is possible. We show here for the first time that in the presence of BMP4 and Noggin embedded in a multilayered film, we can induce or inhibit cell death in tooth differentiation, and conserve their biological effects.

LINGO-1 Antagonist Promotes Spinal Cord Remyelination and Axonal Integrity in MOG-induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Nature Medicine. Oct, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17906634

Demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, are characterized by the loss of the myelin sheath around neurons, owing to inflammation and gliosis in the central nervous system (CNS). Current treatments therefore target anti-inflammatory mechanisms to impede or slow disease progression. The identification of a means to enhance axon myelination would present new therapeutic approaches to inhibit and possibly reverse disease progression. Previously, LRR and Ig domain-containing, Nogo receptor-interacting protein (LINGO-1) has been identified as an in vitro and in vivo negative regulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Here we show that loss of LINGO-1 function by Lingo1 gene knockout or by treatment with an antibody antagonist of LINGO-1 function leads to functional recovery from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This is reflected biologically by improved axonal integrity, as confirmed by magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, and by newly formed myelin sheaths, as determined by electron microscopy. Antagonism of LINGO-1 or its pathway is therefore a promising approach for the treatment of demyelinating diseases of the CNS.

Observation of Singularities in Multiply Scattered Microwave Fields

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, Image Science, and Vision. Oct, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17912286

Speckle patterns of arbitrary resolution are obtained by applying the sampling theorem to measurements of two orthogonal components of the microwave field transmitted through multiply scattering samples. Core structures of phase singularities, phase critical points, and polarization singularities are explored. We find that equiphase lines connect phase singularities with opposite topological signs except for the bifurcation lines, which run through a phase saddle point, in agreement with predictions by Freund [Phys. Rev. E25, 2348 (1995)]. We observe hyperbolic equiphase lines near phase saddle points and elliptical equiphase lines around phase extrema. Polarization singularities of the vector field with the three morphologies predicted are observed.

Speckle Evolution of Diffusive and Localized Waves

Physical Review Letters. Aug, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17930823

We show that while the statistics of static speckle patterns are generic, fluctuations in the change within speckle patterns are greatly enhanced in the localization transition. The probability distributions of the displacement of phase singularities and the standard deviations of the changes of phase and intensity with frequency shift of incident microwave radiation are given in terms of the same expression which describes the probability distribution of total transmission. This function depends only upon a single parameter, the variance of the corresponding variable. The changing statistics in the localization transition reflects the number of underlying electromagnetic modes with which the incident wave interacts.

Technical Feasibility of Endoscopic Gastric Reduction: a Pilot Study in a Porcine Model

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Mar, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17321257

Gastric restrictive procedures are widely used for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.

Mucormycosis Presenting As Recurrent Gastric Perforation in a Patient with Crohn's Disease on Glucocorticoid, 6-mercaptopurine, and Infliximab Therapy

Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Sep, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17406841

[Expression and Clinical Significance of Caspase-3,survivin and K-ras in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.]

Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer. Feb, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 20727274

The prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is related to many factors. Apoptosis-related genes play an important role in occurrence and development of tumors. The significance of apoptosis as a biological and prognostic factor has not been clearly established in NSCLC. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between expression of caspase-3,survivin,k-ras protein and the relationship between the expression of above proteins in NSCLC and theirs clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance and their potential relevance existing in NSCLC.

P16 and Ki67 Immunostains Decrease Intra- and Interobserver Variability in the Diagnosis and Grading of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN)

Clinical Medicine. Pathology. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 21876646

Significant variation is reported in the diagnosis of HPV-associated AIN. We previously observed that band-like positivity for p16 in >90% of contiguous cells coupled with Ki67 positivity in >50% of lesional cells is strongly associated with high grade AIN. This study was undertaken to determine if addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostaining would reduce inter- and intraobserver variability in diagnosis and grading of AIN.

Lateral Habenula Lesions Improve the Behavioral Response in Depressed Rats Via Increasing the Serotonin Level in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus

Behavioural Brain Research. Mar, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18054396

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN)-serotonin (5-HT) system plays a key role in stress-related psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. The habenular nucleus (Hb) is closely connected with the DRN both morphologically and functionally. Here, we used two types of depressive animal models by exposing rats to chronic mild stress (CMS) and by chronically administering the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine (CLI) in the rat during the neonatal state of life to produce adult depressed rats. We investigated the effects of lateral habenular nucleus (LHb) lesions on the behavioral response and on the level of 5-HT in DRN in the depressed rats. Forced-swimming test (FST) showed that the immobility time decreased, and the climbing time increased after lesioning LHb of depressed rats. Microdialysis results indicated that the 5-HT level in DRN in depressed rats was lower than that of the control group. Lesion of the LHb was followed by an increased 5-HT turnover in the DRN. Our results suggested that the lesion of the LHb could improve the behavioral response of the depressed rats and the 5-HT level of the DRN increased by LHb lesions could be involved in the effects.

Native, Oxidized Lipoprotein(a) and Lipoprotein(a) Immune Complex in Patients with Active and Inactive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Plasma Concentrations and Relationship to Inflammation

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. Apr, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18237550

Several studies suggest that lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] act as acute phase reactant and be associated with early atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oxidized Lp(a) [ox-Lp(a)] and Lp(a) immune complex (IC) concentrations both increased in patients with coronary heart disease. We investigated Lp(a), ox-Lp(a) and Lp(a)-IC concentrations in RA patients and to explore the relationships with inflammatory disease activity markers.

Blocking LINGO-1 Function Promotes Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival Following Ocular Hypertension and Optic Nerve Transection

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Mar, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18326721

LINGO-1 is a functional member of the Nogo66 receptor (NgR1)/p75 and NgR1/TROY signaling complexes that prevent axonal regeneration through RhoA in the central nervous system. LINGO-1 also promotes cell death after neuronal injury and spinal cord injury. The authors sought to examine whether blocking LINGO-1 function with LINGO-1 antagonists promotes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival after ocular hypertension and optic nerve transection.

Abdominal Aortic Wall Motion of Healthy and Hypertensive Subjects: Evaluation of Tissue Doppler Velocity Imaging

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. May, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18335511

To investigate the potential clinical application of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for motion measurement of the aortic wall in healthy and hypertensive adults.

[Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Explosive Injury of Lungs Caused by Burn in Gas Explosion]

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Laodong Weisheng Zhiyebing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Feb, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18445335

Carbon Monoxide Enhances Salt Tolerance by Nitric Oxide-mediated Maintenance of Ion Homeostasis and Up-regulation of Antioxidant Defense in Wheat Seedling Roots

Plant, Cell & Environment. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18518919

In the present work, we demonstrated for the first time that 150 mM NaCl treatment could induce the increase of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) releasing in wheat seedling roots, the physiological significance of which was testified by exogenously CO application. We further discovered that exogenous application of 50% CO-saturated aqueous solution enhanced salt tolerance, and nitric oxide (NO) might be part of the downstream signal molecular of above CO action by the maintenance of ion homeostasis and up-regulation of antioxidant defense.

[Pharmacological Study of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction: a Review]

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Jul, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18601861

EGFR Signalling As a Negative Regulator of Notch1 Gene Transcription and Function in Proliferating Keratinocytes and Cancer

Nature Cell Biology. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18604200

The Notch1 gene has an important role in mammalian cell-fate decision and tumorigenesis. Upstream control mechanisms for transcription of this gene are still poorly understood. In a chemical genetics screen for small molecule activators of Notch signalling, we identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a key negative regulator of Notch1 gene expression in primary human keratinocytes, intact epidermis and skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The underlying mechanism for negative control of the Notch1 gene in human cells, as well as in a mouse model of EGFR-dependent skin carcinogenesis, involves transcriptional suppression of p53 by the EGFR effector c-Jun. Suppression of Notch signalling in cancer cells counteracts the differentiation-inducing effects of EGFR inhibitors while, at the same time, synergizing with these compounds in induction of apoptosis. Thus, our data reveal a key role of EGFR signalling in the negative regulation of Notch1 gene transcription, of potential relevance for combinatory approaches for cancer therapy.

A Polyacrylamide Gel Phantom for Radiofrequency Ablation

International Journal of Hyperthermia : the Official Journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group. Nov, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18608575

A polyacrylamide gel (PAG) containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) is introduced as a new tissue-mimicking phantom for the purpose of visualizing three-dimensional coagulation temperature distribution during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The coagulation temperature of the phantom can be changed at the same range of biological tissue (50-60 degrees C) by adjusting the pH from 4.3 to 4.7. The phantom is transparent except in thermal coagulation regions which are ivory white. The physical properties of the phantom, such as density, electrical conductivity and specific heat capacity, are very favorable, similar to those of soft tissues. We illustrate the usefulness of the phantom in visualizing RFA lesions. This phantom has magnetic resonance properties which change drastically upon thermal coagulation, enabling its use for the characterization of RFA device, quality assurance, treatment planning and treatment verification. The PAG containing BSA, whose pH was adjusted from 4.3 to 4.7, is an attractive tissue-mimicking phantom suitable for RFA investigations.

Optimization of Fabrication Parameters to Produce Chitosan-tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles for Delivery of Tea Catechins

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18627163

This work investigated the polyanion-initiated gelation process in fabricating chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles intended to be used as carriers for delivering tea catechins. The results demonstrated that the particle size and surface charge of CS-TPP nanoparticles could be controlled by fabrication conditions. For preparation of CS-TPP nanoparticles loaded with tea catechins, the effects of modulating conditions including contact time between CS and tea catechins, CS molecular mass, CS concentration, CS-TPP mass ratio, initial pH value of CS solution, and concentration of tea catechins on encapsulation efficiency and the release profile of tea catechins in vitro were examined systematically. The study found that the encapsulation efficiency of tea catechins in CS-TPP nanoparticles ranged from 24 to 53%. In addition, FT-IR analysis showed that the covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding between tea catechins and CS occurred during the formation of CS-TPP nanoparticles loaded with tea catechins. Furthermore, studies on the release profile of tea catechins in vitro demonstrated that the controlled release of tea catechins using CS-TPP nanoparticles was achievable.

Does Chronic Ethanol Intake Cause Chronic Pancreatitis?: Evidence and Mechanism

Pancreas. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18665082

To demonstrate the relationship between prolonged alcohol intake and chronic pancreatitis.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound in Ovarian Cancer Xenografts

Advances in Therapy. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18704281

The purpose of this study was to determine whether high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an effective treatment for ovarian carcinoma in an athymic nude mouse model.

Ultrasound-guided, Minimally Invasive, Percutaneous Needle Puncture Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Advances in Therapy. Oct, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18791678

This report evaluates the efficacy of percutaneous needle puncture under sonographic guidance in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis-elbow).

Carbon Monoxide Enhances Salt Tolerance by Nitric Oxide-mediated Maintenance of Ion Homeostasis and Up-regulation of Antioxidant Defence in Wheat Seedling Roots

Plant, Cell & Environment. Dec, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18811735

Salt stress induced an increase in endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) production and the activity of the CO synthetic enzyme haem oxygenase (HO) in wheat seedling roots. In addition, a 50% CO aqueous solution, applied daily, not only resulted in the enhancement of CO release, but led to a significant reversal in dry weight (DW) and water loss caused by 150 mm NaCl treatment, which was mimicked by the application of two nitric oxide (NO) donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and diethylenetriamine NO adduct (DETA/NO). Further analyses showed that CO, as well as SNP, apparently up-regulated H(+)-pump and antioxidant enzyme activities or related transcripts, thus resulting in the increase of K/Na ratio and the alleviation of oxidative damage. Whereas, the CO/NO scavenger haemoglobin (Hb), NO scavenger or synthetic inhibitor methylene blue (MB) or N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) differentially blocked these effects. Furthermore, CO was able to mimic the effect of SNP by strongly increasing NO release in the root tips, whereas the CO-induced NO signal was quenched by the addition of l-NAME or cPTIO, the specific scavenger of NO. The results suggested that CO might confer an increased tolerance to salinity stress by maintaining ion homeostasis and enhancing antioxidant system parameters in wheat seedling roots, both of which were partially mediated by NO signal.

Confocal Dual-frequency Enhances the Damaging Effect of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound in Tissue-mimicking Phantom

Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies : MITAT : Official Journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18846465

The volume of the lesions created by conventional single-frequency high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is small, which leads to long treatment duration in patients who are undergoing tumor ablation. In this study, the lesions induced by confocal dual-frequency HIFU in an optically transparent tissue-mimicking phantom were investigated and compared with the lesions created by conventional single-frequency HIFU. The results show that using different exposure times resulted in lesions of different sizes in both dual-frequency and single-frequency HIFU modes at the same spatially averaged intensity level (ISAL = 4900 W cm(-2)), but the lesion dimensions made in dual-frequency mode were significantly larger than those made in single-frequency mode. Difference frequency acoustic fields that exist in the confocal region of dual-frequency HIFU may be the reason for the enlargement of the lesions' dimensions. The dual-frequency HIFU mode may represent a new technique to improve the ablation efficiency of HIFU. The total time for the ablation of a tumor can be reduced, thus requiring less therapy time and reducing possible patient complications.

Evaluating the Long-term Effect of Ultrasound-guided Needle Puncture Without Aspiration on Calcifying Supraspinatus Tendinitis

Advances in Therapy. Nov, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18998062

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether aspiration affects patient outcome during ultrasound-guided needle puncture treatment for calcifying supraspinatus tendinitis.

[Prevalence of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Household Contacts of Recently Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients with Positive Sputum-smear]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Jul, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19031763

To describe the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) among household contacts of patients recently diagnosed as pulmonary TB.

[Corpus Callosum and Middle Cerebellar Peduncles in Schizophrenic Patients: a Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study Upon the Initial Onset]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Nov, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19033126

To investigate the value of diffusion tenser image (DTI) in identifying subtle abnormalities in the corpus callosum and bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles in patients with the initial onset of schizophrenia.

[Capecitabine Combined with Cisplatin As First-line Therapy in Chinese Patients with Advanced Gastric Carcinoma-a Phase II Clinical Study]

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]. Dec, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19173999

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combination chemotherapy of capecitabine (X) with fractionated administration of cisplatin (C) in Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

Measuring Urethral Tissue Heat Injury Temperature of Healthy Male Rabbits During Interstitial Radiofrequency Ablation

International Journal of Hyperthermia : the Official Journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group. Feb, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19219701

The objective was to evaluate urethral tissue heat injury in a rabbit model. Histopathology analysis was used to determine the minimum temperature required to achieve urethral tissue injury following interstitial radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Acute Cholangiopancreatic Diseases with Situs Inversus Totalis Treated with Endoscopic Sphincterotomy: Report of Two Cases

Journal of Digestive Diseases. Feb, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19236550

Efficient Procedure for Isolating Methylated Catechins from Green Tea and Effective Simultaneous Analysis of Ten Catechins, Three Purine Alkaloids, and Gallic Acid in Tea by High-performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection

Journal of Chromatography. A. Apr, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19246045

Monomers of (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3''Me) and (-)-3-O-methyl epicatechin gallate (ECG3'Me) (purity, >97%) were successfully prepared from extract of green tea by two-time separation with Toyopearl HW-40S column chromatography eluted by 80% ethanol. In addition, monomers of (-)-catechin (C), (-)-gallocatechin (GC), (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), and (-)-catechin gallate (CG) (purity, >98%) were prepared from EC, EGC, EGCG, and ECG by heat-epimerization and semi-preparative HPLC chromatography. With the prepared catechin standards, an effective and simultaneous HPLC method for the analysis of gallic acid, tea catechins, and purine alkaloids in tea was developed in the present study. Using an ODS-100Z C(18) reversed-phase column, fourteen compounds were rapidly separated within 15min by a linear gradient elution of formic acid solution (pH 2.5) and methanol. A 2.5-7-fold reduction in HPLC analysis time was obtained from existing analytical methods (40-105min) for gallic acid, tea catechins including O-methylated catechins and epimers of epicatechins, as well as purine alkaloids. Detection limits were generally on the order of 0.1-1.0ng for most components at the applied wavelength of 280nm. Method replication generally resulted in intraday and interday peak area variation of <6% for most tested components in green, Oolong, black, and pu-erh teas. Recovery rates were generally within the range of 92-106% with RSDs less than 4.39%. Therefore, advancement has been readily achievable with commonly used chromatography equipments in the present study, which will facilitate the analytical, clinical, and other studies of tea catechins.

Suppression of Lung Cancer in Murine Model: Treated by Combination of Recombinant Human Endostsatin Adenovirus with Low-dose Cisplatin

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19265510

The sustained growth of tumors necessitates neovascularization. As one of the potent endogenous vascular inhibitors, endostatin has been widely used in antiangiogenesis therapy for tumor. Cisplatin is normally administered in chemotherapy for lung cancer but accompanied with serious side effects. In the current study, we investigated a novel chemo-antiangiogenesis therapeutic strategy to both improve toxic effects on lung cancer cells and reduce damages to normal cells in the anti-tumor therapy.

Can Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Loaded Ultrasound Contrast Agent Be a New Method for Treating Atherosclerosis?

Medical Hypotheses. Jul, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19269112

Nowadays, Ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) is not only a good contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging, but also an important tool for drug delivery. As a kind of UCA, lipofectamine has the shell with positive charge. It can encapsulate genes and also be adhered to cells because genes and cells are all with negative charge. With this feature, it plays an important role in transfection. Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I(SR-BI) is a HDL receptor thought to be the first step in the progress of cholesterol transport. In this way, SR-BI loaded UCA has great possibility to cure atherosclerosis plaque.

Effective Enzymatic Synthesis of Lactosucrose and Its Analogues by Beta-D-galactosidase from Bacillus Circulans

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. May, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19326862

In the present study, beta-d-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans was proved to be a suitable biocatalyst for the production of lactosucrose (beta-d-Galp-(1-->4)-alpha-d-Glcp-(1-->2)-beta-d-Fruf, I) and its analogues from lactose and sucrose. During the hydrolysis of lactose, the formation of four transfer products was followed by high performance liquid chromatography with refraction index detector. In addition, the transfer products were isolated from the reaction mixture and identified to be I, beta-d-Galp-(1-->3)-alpha-d-Glcp-(1-->2)-beta-d-Fruf (II), beta-d-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-d-Galp-(1-->4)-alpha,beta-d-Glcp (III), and beta-d-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-d-Galp-(1-->4)-alpha-d-Glcp-(1-->2)-beta-d-Fruf (IV) by mass spectrometry with an electrospray ionization source and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The order for the production of the transfer products was III > I > IV > II in the initial stage of the reaction, and the same relationship was also observed for the hydrolytic rates of transfer products. Furthermore, the effects of synthetic conditions including reaction temperature, reaction time, concentration of substrate, molar ratio of donor/acceptor, and enzyme concentration on the formation of transfer products were examined. We found that the optimal synthetic conditions were different for the production of I and II. Under the optimal conditions, the amount of total transfer products kept increasing during the early 4 h incubation, and a maximum yield of 146 g/L for total transfer products was obtained at 4 h of reaction.

Low-frequency and High-intensity Ultrasonic May Play a Better Role in Ultrasound Contrast Agent Drug Delivery System in Vivo

Medical Hypotheses. Aug, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19328633

For the ability to carry drugs and release them at target areas, Ultrasound Contrast Agent (UCA) can be a new vector for drug delivery. Ultrasound makes UCA ruptured so that the drugs it carried can be released. The intensity of medical ultrasound varies wildly. Although low-intensity ultrasound is often used in vitro studies, we think in vivo, the application of high-intensity ultrasound will have better future prospects for drug delivery than low-intensity ultrasonic.

Promotion of Central Nervous System Remyelination by Induced Differentiation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells

Annals of Neurology. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19334062

Repair of demyelinated axons in diseases such as multiple sclerosis requires activation of the myelination program in existing or newly recruited oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The control of OPC differentiation and initiation of myelination during repair is poorly understood. In this study, we test the ability of anti-LINGO-1 reagents to promote myelination in vitro and remyelination in the rodent adult central nervous system in vivo.

Depression-like Behaviour in Rats with Mononeuropathy is Reduced by the CB2-selective Agonist GW405833

Pain. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19345493

The current study assessed whether the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain causes depression-like behaviour in animals, and if this depression-like behaviour can be reversed by anti-nociceptive and/or antidepressant drugs. CCI of the sciatic nerve in rats was selected as a neuropathic pain model, mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed by punctuate mechanical stimuli, and depression-like behaviour was evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST) measuring the time of immobility, climbing and swimming. The CCI rats displayed a significant mechanical hypersensitivity (sham 27+/-2g, CCI 12+/-2g; P<0.001) and a significant increase in time of immobility (sham 133+/-14s, CCI 201+/-9s; P<0.001). As time of swimming was unchanged, immobility was increased at the expense of climbing behaviour (sham 105+/-17s, CCI 63+/-9s; P<0.05). There was no difference in ambulation between sham and CCI animals. In sham and CCI animals, desipramine (20mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility (sham+vehicle 134+/-19s, sham+desipramine 79+/-13s; P<0.01, CCI+vehicle 195+/-8s, CCI+desipramine 140+/-11s; P<0.05) and increased climbing behaviour (sham+vehicle 118+/-21s, sham+desipramine 182+/-16s; P<0.05, CCI+vehicle 59+/-8s, CCI+desipramine 112+/-14s; P<0.05) with little effect on mechanical hypersensitivity. In contrast in CCI animals the cannabinoid CB2-selective agonist GW405833 (2,3-dichloro-phenyl)-[5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-indol-1-yl]-methanone) (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated immobility (CCI+vehicle 191+/-7s, GW405833 145+/-14s; P<0.01) and mechanical hypersensitivity (CCI+vehicle 15+/-1g, CCI+GW405833 24+/-1g; P<0.001). Moreover, differently from desipramine, GW405833 did not change the climbing behaviour. These data suggest that rats subjected to the CCI model of neuropathic pain develop depression-like behaviour, which can be reversed by appropriate anti-nociceptive treatment.

Ultrasound Microbubble Contrast Agents: Application to Therapy for Peripheral Vascular Disease

Advances in Therapy. Apr, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19381521

Ultrasound contrast agents are not only effective in ultrasonic imaging but are also important tools for drug or gene delivery. Ultrasound beams can disrupt microbubbles and cell membranes, offering the opportunity to locally deliver drugs or genes. Liposome-shelled microbubbles have many advantages and are widely used in many applications, while Lipofectamine (Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA), as a material of microbubble membranes, has been used to enhance the effects of gene delivery. Ultrasound contrast agents that have therapeutic effects can be used for treating peripheral vascular diseases, particularly in thrombotic and angiogenic diseases. A combination of targeted contrast agent and drug-carrying contrast agent may be safer and more effective in treating thrombosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor-loaded microbubbles are expected to treat a variety of neovascular diseases such as severe limb ischemia and other diseases. Although there are several limitations in the application of therapeutic ultrasound microbubble contrast agents, it will offer a new hope for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

Exchange of an Occluded Nasojejunal Tube Facilitated by Angioplasty Balloon-induced Rupture

Pediatric Radiology. Aug, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19415257

We describe a method of exchanging a blocked nasojejunal (NJ) tube involving the use of a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon to rupture the tube, followed by insertion of a guidewire through this rupture to create a guide for subsequent placement of a modified NJ tube. We used this technique in a child with a critical need for an NJ tube, in whom routine guidewire exchange was not feasible because of tube obstruction as well as the patient's anatomic abnormalities. This technique might also be useful for other patients in whom standard techniques are ineffective.

Central and Autonomic Nervous System Interaction is Altered by Short-term Meditation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19451642

Five days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improves attention and self-regulation in comparison with the same amount of relaxation training. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this finding. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest before, during, and after 5 days of IBMT and relaxation training. During and after training, the IBMT group showed significantly better physiological reactions in heart rate, respiratory amplitude and rate, and skin conductance response (SCR) than the relaxation control. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG power suggested greater involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the IBMT group during and after training. Imaging data demonstrated stronger subgenual and adjacent ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in the IBMT group. Frontal midline ACC theta was correlated with high-frequency HRV, suggesting control by the ACC over parasympathetic activity. These results indicate that after 5 days of training, the IBMT group shows better regulation of the ANS by a ventral midfrontal brain system than does the relaxation group. This changed state probably reflects training in the coordination of body and mind given in the IBMT but not in the control group. These results could be useful in the design of further specific interventions.

The Level of Malondialdehyde-modified LDL and LDL Immune Complexes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical Biochemistry. Sep, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19501077

To explore possible associations of malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and LDL-immune complexes (LDL-IC) with atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Under Ultrasound Guidance is Helpful to Improve Training Effect

Medical Hypotheses. Dec, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19525071

Sonographic Imaging of the Puborectalis

Advances in Therapy. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19551354

The aim of the present study was to compare the appearance of the normal male puborectalis using transrectal ultrasound with anatomy examinations to enhance the understanding of the relationship of the prostate to the adjacent pelvic floor. This information may help prevent damage to the puborectalis during transperineal ultrasound-guided biopsies and interventional therapies.

A Positive FGFR3/FOXN1 Feedback Loop Underlies Benign Skin Keratosis Versus Squamous Cell Carcinoma Formation in Humans

The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19729838

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are common, benign epithelial tumors of the skin that do not, or very rarely, progress into malignancy, for reasons that are not understood. We investigated this by gene expression profiling of human SKs and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and found that several genes previously connected with keratinocyte tumor development were similarly modulated in SKs and SCCs, whereas the expression of others differed by only a few fold. In contrast, the tyrosine kinase receptor FGF receptor-3 (FGFR3) and the transcription factor forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) were highly expressed in SKs, and close to undetectable in SCCs. We also showed that increased FGFR3 activity was sufficient to induce FOXN1 expression, counteract the inhibitory effect of EGFR signaling on FOXN1 expression and differentiation, and induce differentiation in a FOXN1-dependent manner. Knockdown of FOXN1 expression in primary human keratinocytes cooperated with oncogenic RAS in the induction of SCC-like tumors, whereas increased FOXN1 expression triggered the SCC cells to shift to a benign SK-like tumor phenotype, which included increased FGFR3 expression. Thus,we have uncovered a positive regulatory loop between FGFR3 and FOXN1 that underlies a benign versus malignant skin tumor phenotype.

Triazine and Pyrimidine Based ROCK Inhibitors with Efficacy in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat Model

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. Nov, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19800787

The profile of a series of triazine and pyrimidine based ROCK inhibitors is described. An initial binding mode was established based on a homology model and the proposed interactions are consistent with the observed SAR. Compounds from the series are potent in a cell migration assay and possess a favorable kinase selectivity. In vivo activity was demonstrated for compound 1A in a spontaneous hypertensive rat model.

Melatonin and Tryptophan Circadian Profiles in Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Advances in Therapy. Sep, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19802530

Accumulating studies indicate that melatonin is a natural oncostatic agent capable of mediating the influence of the psychoneuroendocrine system on cancer growth. Although there is increasing evidence to show that the pineal gland may play a role in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is uncertainty about circadian profiles of melatonin, its precursor tryptophan, and its major metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OH-MLT) in NSCLC patients before and after treatment with standard chemotherapy (cisplatin plus vinorelbine). The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration changes of melatonin, tryptophan, and 6-OH-MLT in NSCLC patients treated with standard chemotherapy.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrrolopyridazine Derivatives As Novel HER-2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. Nov, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19815412

A series of novel pyrrolopyridazine derivatives have been discovered to be HER-2 inhibitors. These compounds selectively inhibited HER-2 kinase activity at low nanomolar concentrations. Compound 7d was identified as a potent HER-2 inhibitor with an IC(50) of 4 nM.

GAP-43 Expression Correlates with Spinal Motoneuron Regeneration Following Root Avulsion

Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19852861

The growth-associated protein GAP-43 plays a crucial role in axonal regeneration in injured neurons.

Glial and Axonal Responses in Areas of Wallerian Degeneration of the Corticospinal and Dorsal Ascending Tracts After Spinal Cord Dorsal Funiculotomy

Neuropathology : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 18992013

Wallerian degeneration (WD), composed of the breakdown and phagocytosis of damaged axons and their myelin sheaths distal to the injury, is a major sequela of spinal cord injury (SCI). To understand the microenvironment within WD that may affect repair following SCI, we investigated the fate of major glial types and axons in this region following acute (1 h), subacute (10 days), and chronic (30 days) dorsal funiculotomy at the eighth thoracic (T8) level. This lesion induces a confined WD in two distinct functional pathways, that is, the corticospinal tract (CST) and dorsal ascending tract (DAT) in opposite directions. Here we report that astrocytes, reactive microglia and macrophages were all significantly increased in areas of WD in both the CST and DAT at subacute and chronic stages compared to the sham-operated or acute stage. While the level of GFAP(+) astrocytes remained stable after the subacute stage, the number of OX-42(+) microglia and ED-1(+) macrophages markedly decreased at the chronic stage. Interestingly, a mild but significant increase in ED-1(+) macrophages was also found in the intact fiber tracts 3 mm proximal to the injury at the chronic stage, coinciding with axonal dieback observed at that level. Axons distal to the injury experienced a continued and prolonged degeneration in both fiber tracts. Finally, although a significant decrease of Olig2(+) oligodendrocyte lineage (OL) cells was found in areas of WD, the presence of these cells at the chronic stage indicates that they are available for endogenous repair. Taken together, our data have provided spatiotemporal evidence for the dynamic pathogenic changes of major cellular components in areas of WD remote to an SCI. Information obtained in this study should be useful for designing experiments aimed at modifying this region to accommodate endogenous or exogenous repair following SCI.

Pilot Study of Urgent Endoscopic Intervention Without Fluoroscopy on Patients with Severe Acute Biliary Pancreatitis in the Intensive Care Unit

Pancreas. Apr, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19940798

The effect of early endoscopic intervention (EI; within 72 hours) remains a controversial subject. This prospective study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of early EI without fluoroscopy on severe acute biliary pancreatitis (SABP) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Co-expression of GAP-43 and NNOS in Avulsed Motoneurons and Their Potential Role for Motoneuron Regeneration

Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry / Official Journal of the Nitric Oxide Society. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20667480

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is induced after axonal injury. The role of induced nNOS in injured neurons is not well established. In the present study, we investigated the co-expression of nNOS with GAP-43 in spinal motoneurons following axonal injury. The role of induced nNOS was discussed and evaluated. In normal rats, spinal motoneurons do not express nNOS or GAP-43. Following spinal root avulsion, expression of nNOS and GAP-43 were induced and colocalized in avulsed motoneurons. Reimplantation of avulsed roots resulted in a remarkable decrease of GAP-43- and nNOS-IR in the soma of the injured motoneurons. A number of GAP-43-IR regenerating motor axons were found in the reimplanted nerve. In contrast, the nNOS-IR was absent in reimplanted nerve. These results suggest that expression of GAP-43 in avulsed motoneurons is related to axonal regeneration whereas nNOS is not.

Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling Protects Mice from Tumor Development in a Mouse Model of Colitis-induced Cancer

PloS One. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20885960

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disorder of chronic inflammation with increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer. The etiology of IBD is unclear but thought to result from a dysregulated adaptive and innate immune response to microbial products in a genetically susceptible host. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling induced by intestinal commensal bacteria plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, innate immunity and the enhancement of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) integrity. However, the role of TLR2 in the development of colorectal cancer has not been studied. We utilized the AOM-DSS model for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in wild type (WT) and TLR2(-/-) mice. Colons harvested from WT and TLR2(-/-) mice were used for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cytokine analysis. Mice deficient in TLR2 developed significantly more and larger colorectal tumors than their WT controls. We provide evidence that colonic epithelium of TLR2(-/-) mice have altered immune responses and dysregulated proliferation under steady-state conditions and during colitis, which lead to inflammatory growth signals and predisposition to accelerated neoplastic growth. At the earliest time-points assessed, TLR2(-/-) colons exhibited a significant increase in aberrant crypt foci (ACF), resulting in tumors that developed earlier and grew larger. In addition, the intestinal microenvironment revealed significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17A concomitant with increased phospho-STAT3 within ACF. These observations indicate that in colitis, TLR2 plays a protective role against the development of CAC.

Novel Potent Orally Active Multitargeted Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Structure-activity Relationships, and Antitumor Activities of 2-indolinone Derivatives

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21028894

The inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has become a successful approach in the development of anticancer agents. Many potent small-molecule kinase inhibitors have been discovered. We report herein a series of pyrrolo-fused-heterocycle-2-indolinone analogues as inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and c-Kit. Among them, some pyrrolo-fused six- and seven-membered-heterocycle derivatives such as 9, 15, 23, and 25 are potent inhibitors of VEGFR, PDGFR, and c-Kit both enzymatically (<50 nM) and cellularly (<50 nM). Furthermore, compounds 9 and 25 possess favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and demonstrate good efficacies against human HT-29 cell colon tumor xenografts in nude mice. Further evaluations are in progress.

Comments on the Article by Arrestier S Et Al.: "Ultrasound Features of Nonstructural Lesions of the Proximal and Distal Interphalangeal Joints of the Hands in Patients with Finger Osteoarthritis"

Joint, Bone, Spine : Revue Du Rhumatisme. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21067954

Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of Congenital Epulis

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21077211

Congenital epulis is a benign gingival tumor that has rarely been diagnosed prenatally. We report a fetus with congenital epulis diagnosed by ultrasound at 37 weeks' gestation. The mass was diagnosed as originating from the inferior alveolar ridge prenatally. After birth, it was completely removed by simple excision under general anesthesia. Histologic examination revealed a congenital granular cell tumor. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20765.

[Senescence-inducing Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine Tenglong Buzhong Decoction on Human Colon Carcinoma LS-174-T Cells and the Mechanism]

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21078269

Cell senescence is an important anti-cancer mechanism and may contribute to cancer therapeutic outcome. The present study observed the effects of Tenglong Buzhong Decoction (TLBZD), a Chinese herbal formula, on senescence in human colon carcinoma LS-174-T cells.

[Characteristics of Three Spiroplasma Isolates from Honeybee (Apis Mellifera)]

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao = Acta Microbiologica Sinica. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21141472

To investigate the kinds and characteristics of spiroplasma in honeybees, as well as to study the taxonomy and transmission of honeybee spiroplasma under natural conditions.

2,2'-Bis(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)-3,3'-diphenyl-1,1'-binaphthalene

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21522721

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(36)H(30)O(4), contains two crystallographically independent mol-ecules of similar geometry. In both mol-ecules, the meth-oxy-meth-oxy groups are disordered over two positions with refined site occupancies of 0.613 (3):0.387 (3) and 0.589 (4):0.411 (4). The dihedral angles between the naphthalene planes within the same mol-ecule are 71.72 (7) and 71.73 (8)°. In the crystal, neighbouring mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming double chains parallel to the c axis.

[Effects of Tenglong Buzhong Decoction on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line LS174T]

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20550881

To observe the effects of Tenglong Buzhong Decoction (TLBZD), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on proliferation and apoptosis of colon carcinoma cell line LS174T in vitro.

Control of Hair Follicle Cell Fate by Underlying Mesenchyme Through a CSL-Wnt5a-FoxN1 Regulatory Axis

Genes & Development. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20634318

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are key to skin morphogenesis and homeostasis. We report that maintenance of the hair follicle keratinocyte cell fate is defective in mice with mesenchymal deletion of the CSL/RBP-Jkappa gene, the effector of "canonical" Notch signaling. Hair follicle reconstitution assays demonstrate that this can be attributed to an intrinsic defect of dermal papilla cells. Similar consequences on hair follicle differentiation result from deletion of Wnt5a, a specific dermal papilla signature gene that we found to be under direct Notch/CSL control in these cells. Functional rescue experiments establish Wnt5a as an essential downstream mediator of Notch-CSL signaling, impinging on expression in the keratinocyte compartment of FoxN1, a gene with a key hair follicle regulatory function. Thus, Notch/CSL signaling plays a unique function in control of hair follicle differentiation by the underlying mesenchyme, with Wnt5a signaling and FoxN1 as mediators.

Overexpression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Noncancerous Liver Tissue Increases the Postoperative Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-related Cirrhosis

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology = Journal Canadien De Gastroenterologie. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20652159

Many previous studies have evaluated the histopathological features of tumours as risk factors for postoperative recurrence in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there have been few large studies investigating the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in noncancerous regions of the liver and postoperative recurrence in the remnant liver, especially in HBV-related HCC.

Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography Evaluation of Radiofrequency Ablation of the Prostate: a Canine Model

Journal of Endourology / Endourological Society. Jan, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20059384

Currently, there is no reliable method of monitoring the propagation of radiofrequency lesions in real time. We report our animal experience using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to evaluate the lesion produced by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a canine model and investigate the feasibility to predict these lesions.

Induction of C-Jun Phosphorylation in Spinal Motoneurons in Neonatal and Adult Rats Following Axonal Injury

Brain Research. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20096669

This study aims to address if phosphorylation of the transcription factor c-Jun is associated with lesion-induced death of spinal motoneurons, and if this cellular response is modulated by glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). We found that after both distal axotomy and root avulsion, spinal motoneurons in neonatal rats expressed phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c-Jun) and almost all injured motoneurons in these animals died. Similarly, root avulsion in adult rats also induced p-c-Jun expression that preceded the loss of motoneurons. In contrast, neither motoneuron death nor p-c-Jun induction was found after distal axotomy of spinal nerves in adult rats. Application of GDNF after distal axotomy in the neonatal model prevented motoneuron death but did not alter the expression of p-c-Jun in the surviving motoneurons. We conclude that c-Jun phosphorylation correlates with the cellular events leading to motoneuron death and that its expression cannot be modulated by GDNF. We further showed that expression of p-c-Jun was not correlated with the expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), whose expression was closely correlated both temporally and spatially with periods of axonal outgrowth, suggesting that p-c-Jun may not be related with axonal regeneration of injured motoneurons.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Infection Play a Role in Iron Deficiency Anemia? A Meta-analysis

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Feb, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20143469

To perform a meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Value of Transrectal Ultrasonography in Female Traumatic Urethral Injuries

Urology. Aug, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20156650

To estimate the value of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in traumatic urethral injuries of various types in females.

[Low Dose Contrast-enhanced 4D DSA with the 320-detector Row Computed Tomography Scanner for Post-operative Evaluation of the Hepatic Artery Complications After Liver Transplantation]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Jan, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20356550

To evaluate the value of low-dose contrast-enhanced 4D DSA acquired from 320-detector row CT on the diagnosis of the hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation.

Targeting an Ultrasound Contrast Agent to Folate Receptors on Ovarian Cancer Cells: Feasibility Research for Ultrasonic Molecular Imaging of Tumor Cells

Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Apr, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20375379

The purpose of the study was to synthesize and characterize folate-targeted microbubbles (MB(F)) as an ultrasound contrast agent and to evaluate their affinity to the folate receptor (FR) in vitro.

LINGO-1 Negatively Regulates TrkB Phosphorylation After Ocular Hypertension

The European Journal of Neuroscience. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20377621

The antagonism of LINGO-1, a CNS-specific negative regulator of neuronal survival, was shown to promote short-term survival of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) in an ocular hypertension model. LINGO-1 antagonists, combined with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can increase the length of neuron survival through an unclear molecular mechanism. To determine the relationship between LINGO-1 and BDNF/TrkB receptor in neuronal protection, we show here that LINGO-1 forms a receptor complex with TrkB and negatively regulates its activation in the retina after ocular hypertension injury. LINGO-1 antagonist antibody 1A7 or soluble LINGO-1 (LINGO-1-Fc) treatment upregulates phospho-TrkB phosphorylation and leads to RGC survival after high intraocular pressure injury. This neuronal protective effect was blocked by anti-BDNF antibody. LINGO-1 antagonism therefore promotes RGC survival by regulating the BDNF and TrkB signaling pathway after ocular hypertension.

Surgical Procedures for Hepatolithiasis

Hepato-gastroenterology. Jan-Feb, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20422888

The aim of this study is to explore the surgical treatment for hepatolithiasis.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia Can Be Improved After Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori

Postgraduate Medical Journal. May, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20448223

Recent guidelines on iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) have confirmed the aetiological role of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), but the relationship still remains controversial.

[The Clinical Application of 320-slice Computed Tomography (CT) Hepatic Artery Images in Patients with Liver Transplantation]

Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Ganzangbing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Hepatology. Apr, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20460051

To evaluate the clinical significance of 320-slice CT hepatic artery images in patients with liver transplantation.

MicroRNAs Target Gene and Signaling Pathway by Bioinformatics Analysis in the Cardiac Hypertrophy

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20510881

Cardiac hypertrophy is a physiological adaptive response of the heart to diverse pathophysiological stimuli. Initially, it may be adaptive to normalize wall stress and to preserve contractile performance. This adaptive process may gradually progress to dilated cardiomyopathy, fibrotic diseases, arrhythmia, heart failure and even sudden death. Although various molecular pathways responsible for the coordinated control of the hypertrophic program, little is known about their underlying molecular mechanisms. Very recently, increasing evidence showed that miRNAs are key modulators of both cardiovascular development and function, which govern the process of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act in a complex functional network in which each single miRNAs might control thousands of distinct target genes, and each single protein-coding gene can be regulated by many different miRNAs. Identifying the roles of miRNAs, their target genes and signaling pathways in cardiac hypertrophy by bioinformatic analysis will provide more insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease process. Currently, bioinformatics resource such as GO and KEGG was applied to describe the miRNAs target genes function and identify the mRNA interaction networks that are responsible for various cellular processes. It provides a useful approach to observe the function of microRNA in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we will give a discussion on the dysregulation of specific miRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy and signaling pathways linking the hypertrophy-regulating miRNAs to the pathological process of cardiac hypertrophy. Finally, we place special emphasis on the essential role of bioinformatics analysis to predict the target genes and miRNAs gene networks.

Sonographic Diagnosis Features of Zenker Diverticulum

European Journal of Radiology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20576383

The purpose of this study was to analyze the image of the lesion and give the sonographic diagnosis features of Zenker diverticulum.

Lanthanide Antimony Oxohalides: From Discrete Nanoclusters to Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Chains and Layers

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21761531

Endoscopic Enucleation of Large Esophageal Leiomyomas

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21855870

Integration of Algae Cultivation As Biodiesel Production Feedstock with Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Strains Screening and Significance Evaluation of Environmental Factors

Bioresource Technology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21982450

The objectives of this study are to find the robust strains for the centrate cultivation system and to evaluate the effect of environmental factors including light intensity, light-dark cycle, and exogenous CO2 concentration on biomass accumulation, wastewater nutrient removal and biodiesel production. The results showed that all 14 algae strains from the genus of Chlorella, Haematococcus, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas, and Chloroccum were able to grow on centrate. The highest net biomass accumulation (2.01 g/L) was observed with Chlorella kessleri followed by Chlorella protothecoides (1.31 g/L), and both of them were proved to be capable of mixotrophic growth when cultivated on centrate. Environmental factors had significant effect on algal biomass accumulation, wastewater nutrients removal and biodiesel production. Higher light intensity and exogenous CO2 concentration with longer lighting period promote biomass accumulation, biodiesel production, as well as the removal of chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen, while, lower exogenous CO2 concentration promotes phosphorus removal.

A Comparative Study of the Sonographic Appearance and Anatomy of the Obturator Internus in Normal Males

Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies : MITAT : Official Journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22066861

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the appearance of the normal male obturator internus on transrectal ultrasound with anatomical examination to advance the knowledge of the male pelvic muscles. This information may help to provide a new imaging method for observation of the normal male obturator internus and may facilitate the treatment of obturator internus abscesses and various other types of interventional therapies. Ten formalin-fixed male cadavers were dissected to examine the appearance and structure of the obturator internus and its relationship with the structures in close proximity. The obturator internus was also observed in five fresh male cadavers using transrectal ultrasound, after which the anatomy of the muscle was confirmed by dissection and its thickness measured. The visible fusiform was observed by sonography. The measurements of obturator internus thickness were 13.33 ? 0.32 mm on the right and 13.41 ? 0.26 mm on the left; in the formalin-fixed fresh cadaver, the measurements were 13.16 ? 0.21 mm on the right and 13.17 ? 0.22 mm on the left. Using transrectal ultrasound to recognize and observe the obturator internus is a new imaging method that will provide a foundation for the recognition of its abnormalities in the future.

Low-loss Channel Optical Waveguide Fabrication in Nd(3+)-doped Silicate Glasses by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing

Optics Express. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22109420

Optical waveguides were fabricated in neodymium-doped silicate glass by using a low-repetition-rate (1 kHz) femtosecond laser inscription. Two different types of waveguide structure are fabricated. In the first, guiding occurs in the focal spot. In the second, guiding occurs in the region between the two filaments. The near-field intensity distribution, propagation loss, index profile reconstruction, and calculation of the modal intensity distribution by the beam propagation method of these waveguides are presented. On the basis of near-field intensity distribution of the light guided through the waveguides and the propagation loss measurement, the optimum writing conditions such as the pulse energy and scan velocity were determined. The waveguide written with 2.2 µJ pulse energy and 50 µm/s scan velocity shows strong guidance at 632.8 nm, with an index contrast of 7 × 10(-4) and a propagation loss of ~0.8 dB/cm.

A Rabbit Bone Tumor Model for High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy

Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies : MITAT : Official Journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21142831

The incidence of malignant bone tumor increases every year. Because the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of bone tumors is still at a nascent stage, it is essential to study the effectiveness of this technique in ideal animal models in order to obtain a beneficial reference for imaging studies. In this study, we established a VX2 malignant bone tumor model and evaluated this model by contrast-enhanced sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results show that all tumors were enhanced after injection of SonoVue. A contrast-enhanced MRI scan revealed obvious enhancement within the tumors. Histological examination revealed the presence of a large number of tumor cells. The model can serve as an ideal experimental model for the study of HIFU therapy in the treatment of malignant bone tumors and as a reference for imaging studies during follow-ups.

Genetic Polymorphisms of ERCC1 and Their Effects on the Efficacy of Cisplatin-based Chemotherapy in Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma

Oncology Reports. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21286668

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ERCC1-C8092A, ERCC1-C19007T and GSTP1-A105G genetic polymorphisms and the curative effect of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced esophageal carcinoma. A total of 256 pathologically confirmed advanced esophageal carcinoma patients were given regimens of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Clinical evaluations were obtained from 241 patients who completed the therapy. The remission rate of patients with ERCC1-C8092A, A/C or A/A was higher compared to that of patients with C/C (51.75 vs. 29.59%, P<0.01). Progression-free survival of patients with ERCC1-C8092A, A/C or A/A was longer compared to that of patients with C/C (7.5 months vs. 4.5 months, P<0.0001). The C19007T and GSTP1-A105G genetic polymorphisms were not positively correlated with remission rates and progression-free survival of patients. In conclusion, the ERCC1-C8092A genetic polymorphism may be correlated with the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in cases of advanced esophageal carcinoma. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed for tailored chemotherapy treatment of advanced esophageal carcinoma.

An Ultrasound Study of Anatomic Variants of the Sural Nerve

Muscle & Nerve. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21305572

There are anatomic variations of the sural nerve (SN). Knowledge of these morphological types and the length of the SN are important for planning surgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves. Our purpose was to classify the morphological types of the SN by using ultrasound.

Aqueous Extract of Curcuma Aromatica Induces Apoptosis and G2/M Arrest in Human Colon Carcinoma LS-174-T Cells Independent of P53

Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21348775

Curcuma aromatica is a common Chinese herb for treating diseases with blood stasis and has been regarded as an anticancer herb in modern clinical practice. However, the anticancer effects and related molecular mechanisms of Curcuma aromatica remain unclear. In the present study, human colon carcinoma LS-174-T cell line with wild-type p53 was used as a model cell to evaluate the anticancer effects of aqueous extract of Curcuma aromatica (AECA). AECA inhibits LS-174-T cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. AECA treatment induces apoptosis accompanied by caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation in LS-174-T cells. Moreover, blocking the activities of these caspases with a specific inhibitor significantly protected LS-174-T cells from AECA-induced apoptosis. AECA treatment also induces G2/M phase arrest in LS-174-T cells. Expression of p53 was unchanged after AECA treatment; specific silence of p53 did not influence AECA-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. Further, the expression of cyclin B1 and CDK1 was reduced by AECA. This study suggests that AECA might be effective as an antiproliferative herb for colon carcinoma, the antitumor activity of AECA may involve both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis, and AECA induces G2/M phase arrest via downregulation of cyclin B1 and CDK1 and without the participation of p53.

A Case with Insulinoma Localized by Combined Use of Various Means

Chinese Medical Journal. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21362356

A patient with insulinoma diagnosed by clinical features and localized preoperatively using a combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), dual phase contrast enhanced spiral computed tomography (DPSCT) and arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) was reported. A 37-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hypoglycemic attacks, palpitations, and muscular weakness. Fajans' ratio reported to be an index for insulinoma was positive. Transabdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography failed to detect any abnormalities. CEUS showed a small low echoic lesion in the pancreatic body with blood flow and the early arterial phase of DPSCT revealed a small strengthening focus, which mimicked a pancreatic tumor in the pancreatic body. ASVS showed that the insulin levels in the hepatic vein were extremely increased by calcium injection to the gastroduodenal artery. An open intra-abdominal operation was performed and an insulinoma was confirmed in the pancreatic body. Enucleation of tumor was undertaken and histopathological examination showed an adenoma, insulin expression was positive in immunofluorescence staining. Symptomatic hypoglycemia never happened even without glucose infusion since the operation. His blood glucose level improved to within the normal range.

Cell Apoptosis and Proliferation Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Induced by Sub-threshold Focused Ultrasound (FUS)

European Journal of Radiology. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21440395

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of sub-threshold focused ultrasound (FUS) sonication on the pancreatic cancer cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human pancreatic carcinoma cell line PaTu 8988t suspension and pancreatic carcinoma xenograft in nude mice were sonicated by FUS using sub-threshold doses. The temperature at the focus was controlled at below 60°C. The cell apoptosis in vitro was tested by flow cytometer at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48h after FUS sonication. Colony formation was used to evaluate the cell growth inhibition of FUS in vitro. The tumor volume of the xenograft was measured before and after FUS sonication. Then the slides of the tumor were under hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) to evaluate the effect of FUS on pancreatic carcinoma xenograft in vivo. RESULTS: The maximum cell suspension temperature of the FUS sonication group was 55.8±2.17°C. The cell apoptosis rate peaked at 24h after FUS sonication, the differences between the FUS sonication group and control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Colony formation rates were 50.40±3.81% for the control group and 26.82±2.88% for FUS sonication group (P<0.05). For the xenografts in nude mice, the mean tumor volumes of the control group and the FUS sonication group 15 days after sonication were 1746.58±312.77mm(3) and 1085.23±217.13mm(3) (P<0.05). H&E staining and TUNEL assay showed both necrotic and apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: Sub-threshold FUS sonication could induce cell apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.

TGF-beta I Promotes Islet Beta-cell Function and Regeneration

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21471441

TGF-βi is a secreted protein and is capable of binding to both extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells. It thus acts as a bifunctional molecule enhancing ECM and cell interactions, a lack of which results in dysfunction of many cell types. In this study, we investigated the role of TGF-βi in the function and survival of islets. Based on DNA microarray followed by quantitative PCR confirmation, TGFβi gene showed drastic increase in expression in islets after culture. We demonstrated that recombinant TGF-βi could preserve the integrity and enhance the function of cultured islets. Such a beneficial effect was mediated via signaling through FAK. Exogenous TGF-βi was capable of sustaining high-level FAK phosphorylation in isolated islets, and FAK knockdown by small interfering RNA in islets resulted in compromised islet function. TGF-βi transgenic (Tg) islets showed better integrity and insulin release after in vitro culture. In vivo, β-cell proliferation was detectable in Tg but not wild-type pancreata. At age above 12 mo, Tg pancreata contained giant islets. Tg mice displayed better glucose tolerance than that of the controls. Tg islets were more potent in lowering blood glucose when transplanted into syngeneic mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and these transplanted islets also underwent regeneration. Our results indicate that TGF-βi is a vital trophic factor promoting islet survival, function, and regeneration. At least some of its beneficial effect was mediated by signaling through FAK.

Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of Congenital Epulis

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21480287

Congenital epulis is a benign gingival tumor that has rarely been diagnosed prenatally. We report a fetus with congenital epulis diagnosed by ultrasound at 37 weeks' gestation. The mass was diagnosed as originating from the inferior alveolar ridge prenatally. After birth, it was completely removed by simple excision under general anesthesia. Histologic examination revealed a congenital granular cell tumor.

Cultivating Chlorella Sp. in a Pilot-scale Photobioreactor Using Centrate Wastewater for Microalgae Biomass Production and Wastewater Nutrient Removal

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21494756

This study is concerned with a novel mass microalgae production system which, for the first time, uses "centrate", a concentrated wastewater stream, to produce microalgal biomass for energy production. Centrate contains a high level of nutrients that support algal growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics of a locally isolated microalgae strain Chlorella sp. in centrate and its ability to remove nutrients from centrate. A pilot-scale photobioreactor (PBR) was constructed at a local wastewater treatment plant. The system was tested under different harvesting rates and exogenous CO(2) levels with the local strain of Chlorella sp. Under low light conditions (25 μmol·m(-2)s(-1)) the system can produce 34.6 and 17.7 g·m(-2)day(-1) biomass in terms of total suspended solids and volatile suspended solids, respectively. At a one fourth harvesting rate, reduction of chemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and soluble total phosphorus were 70%, 61%, and 61%, respectively. The addition of CO(2) to the system did not exhibit a positive effect on biomass productivity or nutrient removal in centrate which is an organic carbon rich medium. The unique PBR system is highly scalable and provides a great opportunity for biomass production coupled with wastewater treatment.

Antitumour Immunity Mediated by Mannan-modified Adenovirus Vectors Expressing VE-cadherin

Vaccine. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21497630

Anti-angiogenesis represents an indispensible strategy for cancer therapy. As a strictly endothelial-specific adhesion molecule, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin, VE-cad) is a promising anti-angiogenesis target. In this study a recombinant adenovirus vector modified with mannan was used to deliver VE-cad (AdVEC-m) and we tried to explore its feasibility as an antitumour agent in mouse cancer models. The immunogenic delivery of VE-cad resulted in obvious prophylactic and therapeutic inhibition of tumour growth and prolonged survival in mice. In the meantime angiogenesis declined apparently within the tumours measured by immunohistochemistry staining and coated alginate bead assay in vivo. Anti-VE-cad antibodies were identified by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VE-cad-specific T lymphocyte cytotoxicity responses (CTL) were detected by chromium (51Cr) release assay of splenocytes from AdVEC-m treated mice. These results demonstrate that mannan modification is able to enhance antigen delivery and immune responses, and the way of immunogenic delivery (AdVEC-m) is expected to provide an attractive vaccine strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Local Bioprospecting for High-lipid Producing Microalgal Strains to Be Grown on Concentrated Municipal Wastewater for Biofuel Production

Bioresource Technology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21546246

Mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production depends heavily on the performance of the microalgae strains used. In this study, 60 algae-like microorganisms collected from different sampling sites in Minnesota were examined using multi-step screening and acclimation procedures to select high-lipid producing facultative heterotrophic microalgae strains capable of growing on concentrated municipal wastewater (CMW) for simultaneous energy crop production and wastewater treatment. Twenty-seven facultative heterotrophic microalgae strains were found, among which 17 strains were proved to be tolerant to CMW. These 17 top-performing strains were identified through morphological observation and DNA sequencing as Chlorella sp., Heynigia sp., Hindakia sp., Micractinium sp., and Scenedesmus sp. Five strains were chosen for other studies because of their ability to adapt to CMW, high growth rates (0.455-0.498 d(-1)) and higher lipid productivities (74.5-77.8 mg L(-1)d(-1)). These strains are considered highly promising compared with other strains reported in the literature.

Scanning of the Sacroiliac Joint and Entheses by Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

The Journal of Rheumatology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21572153

To assess Doppler ultrasonography by comparing its detection of sacroiliitis with detection of enthesitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes in the Hearts of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice

Molecular Medicine Reports. Jul-Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21584493

Persistent hyperglycemia in diabetic patients has been associated with cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of this association have yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in diabetic cardiomyopathy. miRNA expression profiles were examined by miRNA microarray analysis in heart tissue from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and non-diabetic mice. The targets of the altered miRNAs were predicted using the Sanger database. Then, the targets RASA1, RAC1, TGFB3 and COL1A1, related to cardiac hypertrophy or myocardial fibrosis, were selected to analyze the miRNA level by real-time reverse transcription (RT-PCR). Gene Ontology (GO) was further applied to describe the function of each miRNA target gene and to elucidate their combined effects in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Up-regulated (n=10) and down-regulated (n=6) miRNAs were identified in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Target genes (n=192) were pooled from the Sanger database. Among the 192 targets, the mRNA expression of RASA1, RAC1, TGFB3 and COL1A1 was increased in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Thirty one GO functions were enriched in diabetic cardiomyopathy. These results demonstrate that miRNAs may mediate cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy via their targets, and provide insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

CD4 + CD25high Regulatory T Cell Numbers and FOXP3 MRNA Expression in Patients with Advanced Esophageal Cancer Before and After Chemotherapy

Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21607687

We evaluated the changes in CD4 + CD25(high) regulatory T (Treg) cells and FOXP3 mRNA expression in patients with advanced esophageal cancer as well as its clinical significance. For this purpose, the frequencies of peripheral blood Treg cells in 68 patients with advanced esophageal cancer and 40 healthy controls were determined by flow cytometry, and FOXP3 mRNA expression in Treg cells of 40 patients was determined by RT-PCR. The data show that Treg cell numbers were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in esophageal cancer patients (1.82 ± 0.54% of CD4 + T cells) as compared with healthy controls (1.52 ± 0.70% of CD4(+) T cells). Treg cell numbers in the patients were significantly higher (P < 0.05) before chemotherapy (1.82 ± 0.54% of CD4 + T cells) than after chemotherapy (1.66 ± 0.58% of CD4 + T cells). Expression of the FOXP3 mRNA in the patients was significantly lower (P < 0.05) after chemotherapy (0.266 ± 0.028% of CD4 + T cells) than before chemotherapy (0.318 ± 0.027% of CD4 + T cells). It was, therefore, concluded that Treg cell numbers as well as FOXP3 mRNA expression in advanced esophageal cancer patients were significantly decreased after chemotherapy. Notably, FOXP3 gene may thus be involved in regulating the numbers and function of Treg cells in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Endoscopic Stenting for Post-transplant Biliary Stricture: Usefulness of a Novel Removable Covered Metal Stent

Journal of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Sciences. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21643818

Endoscopic management of biliary anastomotic stricture (AS) following liver transplantation (LT) remains challenging. There are no dedicated self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for this setting.

Evaluation of Intima-media Thickness and Vascular Elasticity of the Common Carotid Artery in Patients with Isolated Systolic Hypertension Using Ultrasound Radiofrequency-data Technology

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21672140

Radiofrequency (RF) data technology is a newly developed method to evaluate vascular disease, especially subclinical atherosclerotic change. Data regarding predictors of intima-media thickness (IMT) and vascular elasticity of the common carotid artery (CCA) in subjects with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) using ultrasound RF-data technology are scarce.

MicroRNAs Involved in the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Cascades Pathway During Glucose-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

The American Journal of Pathology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21704010

Cardiac hypertrophy is a key structural feature of diabetic cardiomyopathy in the late stage of diabetes. Recent studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic mice, but more novel miRNAs remain to be investigated. In this study, diabetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by hypertrophy, was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection. Using microarray analysis of myocardial tissue, we were able to identify changes in expression in 19 miRNA, of which 16 miRNAs were further validated by real-time PCR and a total of 3212 targets mRNA were predicted. Further analysis showed that 31 GO functions and 16 KEGG pathways were enriched in the diabetic heart. Of these, MAPK signaling pathway was prominent. In vivo and in vitro studies have confirmed that three major subgroups of MAPK including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, are specifically upregulated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during hyperglycemia. To further explore the potential involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of glucose-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to high glucose and transfected with miR-373 mimic. Overexpression of miR-373 decreased the cell size, and also reduced the level of its target gene MEF2C, and miR-373 expression was regulated by p38. Our data highlight an important role of miRNAs in diabetic cardiomyopathy, and implicate the reliability of bioinformatics analysis in shedding light on the mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES): Patients' Perceptions and Attitudes

Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21706205

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has generated a surge of enthusiasm among researchers by virtue of its challenge to the dogma and potential benefits. However, no data is available in the medical literature about NOTES' acceptance by patients in Asia. The aim of the study is to survey patients' perceptions and attitudes towards NOTES.

Enhancement of Salinity Tolerance During Rice Seed Germination by Presoaking with Hemoglobin

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21731454

Salinity stress is an important environmental constraint limiting the productivity of many crops worldwide. In this report, experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of seed presoaking by bovine hemoglobin, an inducer of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), on salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) plants. The results showed that different concentrations of the hemoglobin (0.01, 0.05, 0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 g/L) differentially alleviated the inhibition of rice seed germination and thereafter seedling shoot growth caused by 100 mM NaCl stress, and the responses of 1.0 g/L hemoglobin was the most obvious. Further analyses showed that application of hemoglobin not only increased the HO-1 gene expression, but also differentially induced catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities or transcripts, thus decreasing the lipid peroxidation in germinating rice seeds subjected to salt stress. Compared with non-hemoglobin treatment, hemoglobin presoaking also increased the potassium (K) to sodium (Na) ratio both in the root and shoot parts after salinity stress. The effect is specific for HO-1 since the potent HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) blocked the positive actions of hemoglobin on seed germination and seedling shoot growth. Overall, these results suggested that hemoglobin performs an advantageous role in enhancement of salinity tolerance during rice seed germination.

Modified Yi Guan Jian, a Chinese Herbal Formula, Induces Anoikis in Bel-7402 Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells in Vitro

Oncology Reports. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21822542

Liver cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Liver YIN deficiency is a common clinical syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine in liver cancer. Yi Guan Jian is an ancient classic liver YIN tonifying herbal formula used for the treatment of liver disease with liver YIN deficiency, which is also currently used for liver cancer treatment. However, as an ancient formula, Yi Guan Jian (YGJ) is not entirely suitable for liver cancer treatment. In the present study, we optimized the prescription of YGJ according to the current principles of Chinese herbal medication, and evaluated the anticancer effects of modified Yi Guan Jian (MYGJ) in Bel-7402 human hepatocarcinoma cells. The results show that MYGJ inhibited the growth of Bel-7402 cells in adherent or in suspension cultures, and was more effective in Bel-7402 cells in suspension. MYGJ also inhibited anchorage-independent growth of Bel-7402 cells in soft agar. MYGJ induced anoikis in Bel-7402 cells accompanied by caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation, which was blocked by the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. Furthermore, MYGJ inhibited the expression and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in Bel-7402 cells. These findings suggest that MYGJ is sufficient to induce caspase-mediated anoikis in Bel-7402 cells in vitro, and may be associated with down-regulation of p38 MAPK. The present study also provides insight into the application of ancient Chinese herbal formulas.

A Novel Antireflux Metal Stent for the Palliation of Biliary Malignancies: a Pilot Feasibility Study (with Video)

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20970788

Antireflux stents that prevent duodenal biliary reflux may improve biliary drainage and prolong stent patency. However, the use of antireflux metal stents (ARMSs) in the human biliary system has not been reported.

Preliminary Study of the Types of Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries by Ultrasound

European Radiology. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20972875

To investigate the types of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries by ultrasound (US). To demonstrate the efficacy of US in case of peripheral nerve injuries and, in particular, its importance of demonstrating and monitoring the appearances of the nerve itself.

Evaluation of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy in Patients with Optic Canal Fracture Using Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging: a Preliminary Report

ORL; Journal for Oto-rhino-laryngology and Its Related Specialties. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21952108

To investigate the role of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) in the evaluation of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON).

The Value of Live Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in an Adult Patient with Aortico-Left Ventricular Tunnel

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.). Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21967130

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare cardiac abnormality. This article presents an adult case of ALVT with aortic ostium lying above the left-noncommissure which was diagnosed with live three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Live 3DE has shown its value in providing more detailed information. (Echocardiography, ****;**:E1-E3).

A Head-to-head Hands-on Comparison of ERCP Mechanical Simulator (EMS) and Ex-vivo Porcine Stomach Model (PSM)

Journal of Interventional Gastroenterology. 7, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22163080

BACKGROUND: ERCP mechanical simulator (EMS) and ex-vivo porcine stomach model (PSM) have been described. No direct comparison was reported on endoscopists' perception regarding their efficacy for ERCP training OBJECTIVE: Comparative assessment of EMS and PSM. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey before and after practice. SETTING: Hands-on practice workshops. SUBJECTS: 22 endoscopists with prior experience in 111±225 (mean±SD) ERCP. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed scope insertion, selective bile duct cannulation with guide wire and insertion of a single biliary stent. Simulated fluoroscopy with external pin-hole camera (EMS), or with additional transillumination (PSM) was used to monitor exchange of accessories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants rated their understanding and confidence before and after hands-on practice, and credibility of each simulator for ERCP training. Comparative efficacy of EMS and PSM for ERCP education was scored (1=not, 10=very) based on pre and post practice surveys: realism (tissue pliability, papilla anatomy, visual/cannulation realism, wire manipulation, simulated fluoroscopy, overall experience); usefulness (assessment of results, supplementing clinical experience, easy for trainees to learn new skills) and application (overall ease of use, prepare trainees to use real instrument and ease of incorporation into training). RESULTS: Before hands-on practice, both EMS and PSM received high scores. After practice, there was a significantly greater increase in confidence score for EMS than PSM (p<0.003). Participants found EMS more useful for training (p=0.017). LIMITATIONS: Subjective scores. CONCLUSIONS: Based on head-to-head hands-on comparison, endoscopists considered both EMS and PSM credible options for improving understanding and supplementing clinical ERCP training. EMS is more useful for basic learning.

Quantitative Diffusion Tensor Deterministic and Probabilistic Fiber Tractography in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis

European Journal of Radiology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20042307

Our aim was to study the quantitative fiber tractography variations and patterns in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to assess the correlation between quantitative fiber tractography and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Ephb6 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility and Modulates Blood Pressure in Concert with Sex Hormones

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22223652

Eph kinases constitute the largest receptor tyrosine kinase family, and their ligands, ephrins (Efns), are also cell surface molecules. Our study is the first to assess the role of Ephb6 in blood pressure (BP) regulation. We observed that EphB6 and all 3 of their Efnb ligands were expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in mice. We discovered that small arteries from castrated Ephb6 gene knockout (KO) males showed increased contractility, RhoA activation and constitutive myosin light chain phosphorylation ex vivo compared to their wild type (WT) counterparts. Consistent with this finding, castrated Ephb6 KO mice presented heightened BP compared to castrated WT controls. In vitro experiments in VSMC revealed that crosslinking Efnbs but not Ephb6 resulted in reduced VSMC contractions, suggesting that reverse signaling through Efnbs was responsible for the observed BP phenotype. The reverse singaling was mediated by an adaptor protein Grip1. Additional experiments demonstrated decreased 24-h urine catecholamines in male Ephb6 KO mice, probably as a compensatory feedback mechanism to keep their BP in the normal range. After castration, however, such compensation was abolished in Ephb6 KO mice and was likely the reason why BP increased overtly in these animals. It suggests that Ephb6 has a target in the nervous/endocrine system in addition to VSMC, regulating a testosterone-dependent catecholamine compensatory mechanism. Our study discloses that Ephs and Efns, in concert with testosterone, play a critical role in regulating small artery contractility and BP.

The Improvement of Liposome-mediated Transfection of PEGFP DNA into Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Combining Low-frequency and Low-energy Ultrasound with Microbubbles

Oncology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22020492

The aim of this study was to explore the use of a contrast agent to study the effects of exposure to ultrasound, in combination with microbubbles, on liposome-mediated transfection of genes into human prostate cancer cells. A contrast agent was used to study the effects of ultrasound exposure in combination with microbubbles on liposomes, which transfect genes into human prostate cancer cells. The human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in suspension was exposed to ultrasound with a 20% duty cycle (i.e., 2 sec 'on' time and 8 sec 'off' time) lasting 5 min, with and without ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue™) using a digital sonifier at a frequency of 21 kHz and an intensity of 4.6 mW/cm2. Immediately after exposure to ultrasound, cell viability and membrane damage were measured. After exposure to ultrasound, the cell suspensions were put into 12‑well plates and cultured for 24 h. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect pEGFP transfection efficiency. Exposure to ultrasound alone and ultrasound combined with microbubbles resulted in minimal cell death and induced negligible cell membrane damage. Ultrasound combined with microbubbles had a greater effect on cell membrane damage in all groups: the average cell membrane damage was 41.87%, and it was approximately 42‑fold greater than in the control group. The average transfection efficiency of PC-3 cells was 20.30% for the liposome (Lipofectamine™)+pEGFP+ultrasound+ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue) group; this was the highest rate of all groups measured and was approximately 81‑fold greater than that of the control group. The use of low-frequency and low-energy ultrasound, in combination with microbubbles, could be a potent physical method for increasing liposome gene delivery efficiency. This technique is a promising non-viral approach that can be used in prostate cancer gene therapy.

Immunolocalization of Estrogen Receptor α in Neomysis Japonica Oocytes and Follicle Cells During Ovarian Development

Tissue & Cell. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22218110

Estrogen induces oocytes development and vitellogenesis in crustacean by interacting with estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes. In the present study, we detect for the first time the ERα in oocytes and follicle cells and hepatopancreas cells of mysis by immunohistochemistry using a specific ERα antibody. ERα was mainly localized in the nuclei of oocytes and follicle cells, while mainly detected in nuclei of oogonia (OG), previtellogenic oocyte (PR) and endogenous vitellogenic oocyte (EN) at previtellogenic and early vitellogenic stage (I-early III). Follicle cells in all stages of ovary (all vitellogenic stages) showed strong ERα positive reaction, and they were able to gradually move to oocytes during the development of oocytes. In addition, ERα was also localized in the nuclei and cytoplasm of four hepatopancreas cells (including E-, R-, F- and B-cell) in all ovary stages. These findings suggest, for the first time to our knowledge, that there could be a close link between oogenesis, follicle cells, hepatopancreas cells and endocrine regulation, and estrogens might be involved in the regulation of oocytes at early ovarian stage in mysis.

Mutant P63 Causes Defective Expansion of Ectodermal Progenitor Cells and Impaired FGF Signalling in AEC Syndrome

EMBO Molecular Medicine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22247000

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome, which is characterized by cleft palate and severe defects of the skin, is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding transcription factor p63. Here, we report the generation of a knock-in mouse model for AEC syndrome (p63(+/L514F) ) that recapitulates the human disorder. The AEC mutation exerts a selective dominant-negative function on wild-type p63 by affecting progenitor cell expansion during ectodermal development leading to a defective epidermal stem cell compartment. These phenotypes are associated with impairment of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling resulting from reduced expression of Fgfr2 and Fgfr3, direct p63 target genes. In parallel, a defective stem cell compartment is observed in humans affected by AEC syndrome and in Fgfr2b(-/-) mice. Restoring Fgfr2b expression in p63(+/L514F) epithelial cells by treatment with FGF7 reactivates downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling and cell proliferation. These findings establish a functional link between FGF signalling and p63 in the expansion of epithelial progenitor cells and provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of AEC syndrome. See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201100202.

Nanochemoprevention by Encapsulation of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate with Bioactive Peptides/chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhancement of Its Bioavailability

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22266839

Nanochemoprevention by oral consumption was developed by the encapsulation of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with nanoparticles that were electrostatically assembled from bioactive caseinophosphopeptides and chitosan, which was highly biocompatible and able to enhance the bioavailability of EGCG.

A Hetero-photoautotrophic Two-stage Cultivation Process to Improve Wastewater Nutrient Removal and Enhance Algal Lipid Accumulation

Bioresource Technology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326332

A hetero-photoautotrophic algal growth model was studied for improved wastewater treatment and low cost algal biofuel feedstock production. The microalga, Auxenochlorella protothecoides UMN280, was grown heterotrophically on concentrated municipal wastewater and then autotrophically with CO(2) supplementation (air, 1% and 5%, respectively). Strain UMN280 was harvested by self-sedimentation after the heterotrophic stage and the supernatant was aerated with different levels of CO(2) to facilitate autotrophic growth in the second stage. The maximal biomass concentration and lipid content at the first and second stages reached 1.12g/L and 28.90%, and 1.16g/L and 33.22%, respectively. The nutrient removal efficiencies for total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand at the end of the two-stage cultivation were 98.48%, 100%, 90.60% and 79.10%, respectively. The above process can be used to treat organic-rich wastewaters (e.g. industrial and animal manure wastewaters) to achieve the dual purpose of low-cost wastewater treatment and biofuel feedstock production.

Evaluation of Complex Appearance in Vascularity of Sacroiliac Joint in Ankylosing Spondylitis by Color Doppler Ultrasonography

Rheumatology International. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 20658293

To investigate the complex appearance of vascularity of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in ankylosing spondylitis. Sixty-eight patients and 35 controls were included in the study. Blood flow was examined at the SIJ by using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). The location of color flow signs and flow pattern were observed. Arteries do not present reversed phase in diastolic phase on pulse Doppler sonography, and if they were found inside and around the SIJ, the resistive index (RI) was measured. In active AS patients, the region of SIJ presented increased vascularization greater than those in inactive AS (P = 0.001) and the controls (P = 0.001). There are three different spectral Doppler tracings: arterial flow (RI < 1), arterial flow representing reversed phase in diastolic phase on spectral Doppler sonography and venous flow. Besides arterial flow signs, most of color flow signs presented venous flow in active AS. Significant increases in a number of venous flow signs in active AS cases (P < 0.001) were observed. In most cases, two or more different flow patterns presented in a region very close to the location of SIJ. In addition, a different vascularization was observed. Abnormal vascularization at the sacroiliac joints can be detected by CDUS. The vascularization in SIJ presented complex appearance, which increases the difficulties of CDUS examination. Venous blood flow in the assessment of active AS merits further study.