This study was aimed to explore the clinical significance of monitoring level of minimal residual disease (MRD) at different time point in B-lineage childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Two hundred and six children with B-ALL were enrolled in this study from Augest 2008 to September 2011 in our hospital. MRD levels were detected by flow cytometry at day 15, 33 and week 12 after initial chemotherapy. The event-free survival (EFS) for patients based on MRD levels measured at different stages of chemotherapy were compared by Kaplan Meier analyses. The results showed that out of 206 cases 196 cases achieved complete remission (CR) after induction therapy (CR rate 95.1%), the 1- and 3-year EFS rate were (92.7 ± 1.8)% and (78.7 ± 3.7)%, respectively, and the 3-year EFS rate was (85.6 ± 4.9)% in standard risk group, (82.1 ± 5.8)% in intermediate risk group and (58.1 ± 9.2)% in high risk group, there was significant statistical difference between above mentioned 3 groups (P < 0.001). The MRD analysis at different time points showed that the higher the MRD level, the lower the 3-year EFS rate of children with ALL, in which the 3-year EFS rate of MRD ≥ 10(-2) at day 15, MRD ≥ 10(-3) at day 33 and MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 were significantly lower. The MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 was proven to be an independent predictor by multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model. The 3-year EFS rate for patients with MRD < 10(-3) and MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 were (86.3 ± 4.1)% vs (55.8 ± 9.1)% (P < 0.05); 8 relapsed among 98 cases with negative MRD (MRD < 10(-4)) at day 33, 19 relapsed among 108 cases with positive MRD at day 33 between the two groups for recurrence rate has significant difference (P < 0.05). It is concluded that dynamically monitoring MRD by multi-parameter flow cytometry can precisely evaluate treatment response, judge treatment outcome and predict relapse in childhood B-ALL. The MRD 10(-2) at day 15, MRD 10(-3) at day 33 and MRD 10(-3) at week 12 should be considered as the best cut-off. MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 was proven to be an independent factor of poor prognosis.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; methods ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Neoplasm, Residual ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo explore in-vivo targeted imaging techniques for liver cancer detection using quantum dots (QDs) labeled probes in a nude mouse model of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSMercaptoacetic acid (MAA) modified QDs were linked to mouse-anti-human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) monoclonal antibody to form water soluble QD-AFP-Ab probes, which were validated by spectra analyses and transmission electron microscope. The probes were firstly used to detect AFP antigen in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM6 in-vitro by one-step immunofluorescence method. In-vivo tumor xenografts and lung metastases models were then established by inoculation of HCCLM6 cells subcutaneously and into the tail vein of nude mice, respectively. QD-AFP-Ab probes were injected into the tail vein of the tumor bearing mice for live animal fluorescence imaging. Spectra of tumor and normal tissue were analyzed under illumination of Ti: sapphire laser. Serum levels of alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were determined by conventional biochemical analysis. The liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain of the experimental nude mice were investigated for nonspecific uptake of the probes by confocal microscope.

RESULTSThe QD-AFP-Ab probes had broad excitation spectra and high fluorescence intensity. They could specifically and efficiently recognize AFP antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Tumor targeting imaging using these probes were successful without any acute toxicity to the experimental animals. Spectra analysis showed that the probes per field were lower in the centre than the periphery of the tumor. Non-specific uptake of QD-AFP-Ab probes occurred mainly in the liver, spleen and lungs.

CONCLUSIONSQD-AFP-Ab probes have good optical properties and biocompatibility for in-vivo targeted imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma. Such approach promises to be highly desirable for molecular targeted research of liver cancer.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Diagnostic Imaging ; methods ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Molecular Probes ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; toxicity ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Quantum Dots ; Tissue Distribution ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo screen and clone the genes encoding hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens.

METHODSA hepatocellular carcinoma cDNA express library was constructed with ZAP vector and analyzed by serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library (SEREX) with sera from autologous and allogenous patients. Monoclonalized positive phage clones were converted into pBK-CMV phagemid forms by in vivo excision. The cDNA inserts were determined by restriction endonuclease digestion with EcoR I and Xho I. The cDNA inserts were sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. LIMS1 insert was cut from the clone HCL5-70 and constructed into pQE 31 express vector. The recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15 and analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot.

RESULTSFourteen genes were cloned from autologous screening and eleven genes were obtained with allogeneous analysis. One gene, kinectin, was identified in both autologous and allogeneous screening. Eight of the total twenty-four genes were unknown for their functions; the other sixteen genes can be classified into eight groups according to their established or putative function. Recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15.

CONCLUSIONThe identification of hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens provides potential targets for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and will help in the understanding of the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; immunology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; immunology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; immunology

BACKGROUNDSam68 plays an important role as a multiple functional RNA binding nuclear protein in cell cycle progress, RNA usage, signal transduction, and tyrosine phosphorylation by Src during mitosis. However, its precise impact on these essential cellular functions remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to further elucidate Sam68 functions in RNA metabolism, signal transduction regulation of cell growth and cell proliferation in DT40 cell line.

METHODSBy using gene targeting method, we isolated a mutation form of Sam68 in DT40 cells and described its effect on cell growth process and signal transduction. Southern, Northern, and Western blot, phosphorylation and flow-cytometric analyses were performed to investigate the Sam68 functions.

RESULTSA slower growth rate (2.1 hours growth elongation) and longer S phase (1.7 hours elongation) was observed in the Sam68 mutant cells. Serum depletion resulted in increased amounts of dead cells, and expansion of S phase in mutant cells. Upon B cell cross-linking, the maximal level of tyrosine phosphorylation on BLNK was observed to be significantly lower in mutant cells.

CONCLUSIONSThe proline rich domain of Sam68 is involved in cell growth control by modulating the function of mRNAs in S phase or earlier and the functions as an adaptor molecule in B cell signal transduction pathways.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; B-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; physiology ; Binding Sites ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; physiology ; Cell Death ; physiology ; Cell Growth Processes ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; pharmacology ; Mutation ; genetics ; Phosphorylation ; Proline ; genetics ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell ; immunology ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; physiology ; Tyrosine ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of titrated target-controlled infusion with propofol and remifentanil on anesthetics consumption and anesthesia depth in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODSSixty ASA I-III patients for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery were enrolled. Titrated target-controlled infusion (TCI) with propofol and remifentanil was performed. Plasma concentration of the drugs was administered by titrated method to maintain bispectral index (BIS) in the range of 40-60 with systolic blood pressure (SBP) fluctuation within 20% of the basic value. BIS, SBP, plasma concentration of propofol and remifentanil were recorded at different time points. Awareness during operation was inquired postoperatively.

RESULTSDuring the entire anesthesia period, the blood pressure was stable and BIS was maintained less than 60. There was no awareness during operation. The plasma concentrations (95% confidence interval) for TCI of propofol and remifentanil were 2.55-2.65 mg/L and 4.09-4.26 μg/L respectively when existing surgical stimulation during anesthesia, and the plasma target concentration of propofol was lower than the recommended dosages.

CONCLUSIONTitrated target-controlled infusions with propofol and remifentanil for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery can maintain proper anesthesia depth and reduce the drug consumption.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anesthesia, Intravenous ; methods ; Anesthetics, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Colorectal Surgery ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Piperidines ; administration & dosage ; Propofol ; administration & dosage

Aim To screen the differential microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of different metastatic po-tential liver cancer cell lines,and predict miRNAs-reg-ulated target genes and their functions. Methods To-tal RNA was extracted and the miRNA expression pro-files were obtained by miRNA microarray chip hybrid-ization. The miRNAs whose expression had significant difference were selected by analyzing the miRNA difference expression profiles of the two different meta-static potential liver cancer cell lines, namely MHCC-97H(high-metastasis) and Hep3B(non-metastasis), which were compared with normal hepatocytes L02 re-spectively. Moreover, we analyzed the miRNA differ-ential expression profile between liver cancer cell lines MHCC-97H and Hep3B. The miRNAs were verified by qPCR and target genes were predicted by four softwares (TargetScan, miRanda, miRWalk, miRDB). To un-derstand the biological functions of predicted target genes, bioinformatics analysis was performed. Results The miRNA microarray results showed that the ex-pression of miR-192-5p and miR-215-5p significantly increased in liver cancer cell lines (MHCC-97H, Hep3B) when compared with normal hepatocytes L02, while miR-130a-3p and miR-196a-5p were significantly reduced; compared with Hep3B, the expression of miR-224-5p markedly increased in liver cancer cell line MHCC-97H, while miR-146a-5p, miR-483-3p and miR-200b-3p were significantly reduced. The re-sults of qRT-PCR were consistent with chip results. Conclusion There are differences of miRNA expres-sion profiles in different metastatic potential liver canc-er cell lines MHCC-97H, Hep3B, and they may par-ticipate in regulating the development and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo study the potential risk factors of human infecting with Streptococcus suis.

METHODS1: M matched case-control study was conducted. 29 human cases of Streptococcus suis infection in the early phase were included in the case group, Patients' family members, neighbors and peoples who had worked together with patients to handle deceased or sick pigs in the last week were recruited as matched controls. There were 147 controls in total. Both cases and controls received questionnaire investigation including the ways to contact sick/dead pigs. Conditional logistic regression was employed to analyze matching data.

RESULTSAccording to the results of multivariate analysis, slaughtering (OR = 11.978, 95% CI: 3.355-42.756), carcasses cutting and processing (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.022-8.849) sick/dead pigs were associated with cases related to human Streptococcus suis infection. The attributable risk proportion were 91.65% and 66.76% respectively. The other types of exposures to sick/ dead pigs, including feeding, selling, burying and eating, were not associated with the human Streptococcus suis infection in our study population.

CONCLUSIONSlaughtering, carcasses cutting and processing sick/dead pigs were important risky behavior for humans to be infected by Streptococcus suis.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; Streptococcal Infections ; epidemiology ; etiology ; microbiology ; Streptococcus suis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo describe the clinical and epidemiological features of dead cases with human Streptococcus suis infections, and to find the target population for preventing death and the related indicators.

METHODSEpidemiological investigation on human Streptococcus suis infections was implemented used unified questionnaires. Analysis on dead cases and survival cases (as contrast) was done.

RESULTSThe population with highest fatality rate was in 40-49 age group. 97.37% of dead cases had toxic shock syndrome. The mean interval from onset to admission was 0.76 days, and the mean course was 2.11 days. The progression among dead cases was faster than that among survival cases. Chief clinical manifestations of dead cases that are more frequent than survival cases are purpura (73.68%), diarrhea (50.0%), dyspnea (21.05%), conjunctival congestion (34.21%), etc. Renal impairment and liver involvement in dead cases were more significant than that in survival cases. No significant difference between mean incubation period, exposure rates of main risk factors in dead cases and in survival cases was found.

CONCLUSIONPreventing toxic shock syndrome might reduce the fatality rate. The target population for preventing death is aged > or = 40. Liver function and renal function testing might be indicators for monitoring the progression of human Streptococcus suis infections.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Streptococcal Infections ; blood ; microbiology ; mortality ; pathology ; Streptococcus suis ; physiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish human bronchial epithelial cell lines over expressing oncogene and to investigate its application in detection of carcinogen-induced cell transformation.

METHODSMediated by retrovirus infection, human telomerase catalytic subunit, hTERT was introduced into immortal human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) and followed by introduction of the oncogenic allele H-Ras(V12), or c-Myc or empty vector, creating cell lines 16HBETR, 16HBETM and 16HBETV, respectively. Biological characteristics of these cell lines including morphology, proliferation, and chromosomal aberration were examined to access whether they were transformed. Soft agar experiment and nude mice subcutaneous injection were performed using pre-transformed 16HBE cells induced by known carcinogens, nickel sulfate (NiSO4) and 7, 8, -dihydrodiol-9, 10-epoxide benzo[a] pyrene (BPDE).

RESULTSWith detection of telomerase activity and Western blotting, the expression of target proteins was verified. Thus, the transgenic 16HBE cell lines were successfully established. Cells expressing oncogene H-Ras or c-Myc grew 30.3% or 10.4% faster than control cells. However, these cells failed to form colonies in soft agar or form tumor in nude mice. 16HBETR, 16HBETM cells obtained transformed phenotype at 5 wks, 11 wks, respectively after treatment with BPDE, which are 15 wks and 9 wks earlier than control cells 16HBETV (20 wks). Meanwhile, 16HBETR, 16HBETM cells obtained transformed phenotype at 11 wks, 14 wks, respectively after treatment with nickel sulfate, which are 21 wks and 18 wks earlier than control cells (32 wks).

CONCLUSIONWith the advantage of shorter latency, transgenic human cell transformation models could be used in potent carcinogen screening and applied to chemical-carcinogenesis mechanism study.

7,8-Dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene 9,10-oxide ; toxicity ; Animals ; Carcinogenicity Tests ; Cell Line ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Epithelial Cells ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genes, myc ; Genes, ras ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude

We performed molecular identification of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) and conducted drug susceptibility testing to analyze the in vitro susceptibility of clinical M. fortuitum isolates and potential molecular mechanism conferring resistance to fluoroquinolone and macrolide drugs. The results showed that moxifloxacin had the highest in vitro activity against M. fortuitum, and most M. fortuitum isolates were resistant to clarithromycin and linezolid in China. The loss of genetic mutation in clarithromycin- and amikacin-resistant isolates indicates that some other intrinsic mechanism conferring clarithromycin and amikacin resistance plays an essential role in M. fortuitum infection.
Antitubercular Agents ; pharmacology ; China ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mycobacterium fortuitum ; drug effects