Animals ; Concanavalin A ; adverse effects ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Interleukin-18 ; blood ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Gravidas receiving epidural labor analgesia are at an increased risk for intrapartum fever due to unknown mechanism, which may be related to thermoregulation, non-infectious inflammatory, continued use of local anesthetic agents and trauma from epidural catheter insertion. Epidural labor analgesia-related intrapartum fever is associated with excessive obstetric interventions, higher rates of cesarean and assisted vaginal deliveries, unnecessary maternal and neonatal exposure to antibiotics, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Hence it is imperative to explore its etiology and shorten the labor with a safe and effective measure to reduce the occurrence of intrapartum fever.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship of the expression of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) with the metastasis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

METHODSProstate cancer PC3 cells were infected with VASP shRNA and control shRNA lentiviruses, respectively. The invasive ability of the PC3 cells was determined by transwell migration assay, the expression of VASP in the prostate cancer tissue from 56 patients was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the survival rate of the patients was analyzed according to the VASP expression levels and follow-up data after radical prostatectomy.

RESULTSVASP shRNA lentivirus significantly inhibited the expression of VASP and decreased the invasive ability of the PC3 cells as compared with the results obtained in the scramble shRNA and blank control groups (P<0.05). The survival analysis of the 56 prostate cancer patients showed that the time of biochemical recurrence was markedly shorter in the VASP positive and strongly positive groups than in the VASP-negative cases (P<0.05), but with no statistically significant difference between the former two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSVASP is involved in the regulation of the invasive ability of prostate cancer PC3 cells, and the differences in the VASP expression are related to the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lentivirus ; Male ; Microfilament Proteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; physiopathology ; Phosphoproteins ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Survival Rate

This study aims to establish a novel gene-activated matrix that mimics the structure and function of extracellular matrix (ECM-m-GAM). The structure, mechanical property and release profile were also characterized. Firstly, the liposome/DNA lipoplex (LPD) was modified with cell penetrating peptide TAT. The obtained TAT-LPD was then mixed with RGD grafting hyaluronic acid solution. After addition of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) sensitive crosslinker (HS-MMP-SH), hyaluronic acid was crosslinked and TAT-LPD was encapsulated in the subsequently formed hydrogel. As a result, the cell adhesion factor RGD, MMPs sensitive substrate and the efficient gene transfer vector TAT-LPD were all integrated in the hyaluronic acid hydrogel, which was named as ECM-m-GAM. The release profile of DNA from ECM-m-GAM in different release medium was evaluated with PicoGreen kits. The results suggested that the mean diameter of the spherical TAT-LPD was (263.0 ±4.30) nm. TAT-LPD was successfully encapsulated in ECM-m-GAM, which had the typical porous network structure of hydrogels. The mechanical strength of GAM was enhanced with the increasing of hyaluronic acid content. When the content was 4%, the elastic modulus of GAM reached 1 600 Pa. The highly elastic GAM may be suitable for implantation and tissue regeneration. The DNA release showed significant MMPs sensitive property. Especially, the released DNA still existed in form of nanoparticles. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were successfully transfected with GAM and the green fluorescent protein was expressed. The results have laid a solid foundation for future study of the cell transfection and tissue regeneration.

OBJECTIVEA subcutaneous transplantation tumor model of human HT-29 cells in nude mice was established to evaluate anticarcinogenic activities, and the apoptosis-regulated mechanism effect of aqueous extract of fermented wheat germ with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 (LFWGE).

METHODSThe HT-29 cells were transplanted via subcutaneous injection of 1×107 cells into the right flank of each nude mouse. Then, nude mice were treated for 30 d with LFWGE (high-dose 2 g/kg/d; low-dose 1 g/kg/d) and for 7 d with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 25 mg/kg/d) by gavage and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. An inhibition of tumor growth was observed.

RESULTSTumor volume and weights decreased significantly in both groups of nude mice treated with LFWGE. In addition, the cell apoptosis rate of the LFWGE group (2 g/kg/d, 60.1%±4.4%; 1 g/kg/d, 58.6%±6.9%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (11.5%±1.6%) and 5-FU group (32.1%±3.5%) as measured by the TUNEL assay. Moreover, the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot method further confirmed these enhancing apoptosis and growth inhibition effects. The involvement of LFWGE in inducing apoptosis was confirmed by the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and CyclinD1.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed that LFWGE could induce subcutaneous transplantation tumor apoptosis in nude mice and could be as a natural nutrient supplements or chemopreventive agent in the treatment of human colon cancer.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cyclin D1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVES: To study the changes in cell free-DNA (cf-DNA), a marker of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in neonates with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to evaluate its relationship with the severity and early diagnosis of ARDS. METHODS: The neonates diagnosed with ARDS in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled in the prospective study. The neonates were divided into mild, moderate, and severe ARDS groups based on the oxygen index (OI) (4≤OI<8, 8≤OI<16, and OI≥16, respectively). The control group was selected from jaundice neonates who were observed in the neonatal department of the hospital during the same period, and they had no pathological factors causing neonatal jaundice. Peripheral blood samples were collected on day 1, day 3, and day 7 after admission for the ARDS group, and on the day of admission for the control group. Serum cf-DNA levels were measured using a fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of serum cf-DNA levels with serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels. RESULTS: A total of 50 neonates were enrolled in the ARDS group, including 15 neonates with mild ARDS, 25 with moderate ARDS, and 10 with severe ARDS. Twenty-five neonates were enrolled in the control group. Compared with the control group, the serum levels of cf-DNA, IL-6, and TNF-α in all ARDS groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the mild ARDS group, the serum levels of cf-DNA, IL-6, and TNF-α in the moderate and severe ARDS groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the increase was more significant in the severe ARDS group (P<0.05). The serum levels of cf-DNA, IL-6, and TNF-α in all ARDS groups were significantly increased on day 3 after admission and significantly decreased on day 7 after admission compared with those on day 1 after admission (P<0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between serum cf-DNA levels and IL-6 levels as well as TNF-α levels in 50 neonates with ARDS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is an excessive expression of NETs in neonates with ARDS, and dynamic monitoring of serum cf-DNA levels has certain clinical value in evaluating the severity and early diagnosis of ARDS in neonates.
Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Extracellular Traps ; Prospective Studies ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Interleukin-6 ; Prognosis ; ROC Curve ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome ; DNA

Objective To analyze the resistance genes in a muhidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKP) strain.Methods A MDRKP strain was isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University in February 2012.Acquired resistance genes to beta-lactams,aminoglycosides,quinolones,ompK35 and ompK36 gene for outer membrane porin protein,and carbapenems targeting PBP2 gene were analyzed by PCR and verified by DNA sequencing.Results Acquired resistance genes TEM-1,SHV-1 to beta-lactam antimicrobial agents and aac(6′)-I b to aminoglycoside antimicrobial agents were positive in the strain of MDRKP.While 16S rRNA methylase,ompK35 and ompK36 genes for outer membrane porin protein were negative.Compared with susceptible strains,there were 9 synonymous mutations in PBP2 gene sequence of this MDRKP strain,but the amino acid sequences were the same.No mutation in quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) was observed.Conclusion The multidrug resistance of the isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae strain may be related to 2 kinds of beta-lactam acquired resistance genes,1 kind of aminoglycoside acquired resistance gene,ompK35 and ompK36 genes defects and synonymous mutation in PBP2 gene.

Spore coat proteins, such as CotB, CotC, CotG et al, are able to efficiently display exogenous protein on spore surface for preparing oral vaccines or enzymes. CotX is another structural protein of spore coats of Bacillus subtilis. To investigate whether CotX could carry target protein onto the spore surface, we constructed a recombinant integrative plasmid, designated as pJS749, which carries a recombinant cotX-gfp gene under the control of the cotX promoter. We transformed pJS749 into Bacillus subtilis 168(trp-), an alpha-amylase inactivated mutant DRJS749 was selected and confirmed to be a double crossover integrant, where cotX-gfp fragment was integrated into the chromosome. After induction of spore formation, significant green fluorescence was observed on spore surface of strain DRJS749 under fluorescent microcopy. This suggests that CotX is associated with the outer part of the coat. CotX can therefore be used as a molecular vehicle for spore surface display of exogenous proteins.
Bacillus subtilis ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Bacterial Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Spores, Bacterial ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To explore the imaing features of hemangioma in the long bone and improve the diagnostic level of this disease. Methods The X-ray(14 cases), CT(9 cases) and MRI(6 cases)findings of 18 patientswith histologically proven hemangioma in the long bone after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Results Ten tumors occurred in medullary cavity or bone end(medullary type),6 on the surface of bone (periosteal type) and 3 in cortex (intracortical type). X-ray findings: among 8 cases of medullary type, 3 showed honeycomb appearance, 3 lytic areas with sclerotic borders, one purely osteolyticchanges, and 1 frosted glass; 3 cases of periosteal type showed sclerosis and thickening of the underlying cortex; 3 cases of intracortical type showed well-defined osteolytic foci. CT findings: among 6 cases of medullary type, 5 appeared as expansile lytic lesion with uneven selerotic rim (3 cases)orhoneycomb appearance (2 cases), 1 cribriform appearance in the cortical bone, 2 periostealnew bone formation in vertical radiation pattern; 1 ground-glass appearance; among 2 cases of periosteal typeone showed regular cortical thickening, and the other irregular periosteal proliferation with marrowing of medullarycavity; 1 case of intracorticaltype showed density similar to that of soft tissue, with cortical thickening and expansion . MRI findings: 2 apeared as well-defined lesions with low signal intensity on T1WI and high signal intensity on T2WI; 1 appeared as ill-defined lesion with low to intermediate signal intensity on T1 WI and T2 WI. One showed breakthrogh of cortex and formation of soft tissue mass with low signal intensity on T1 WI and high signal on T2WI. Two showed thickening of periosteumwith intermediate signal intensity in one of them and very low signal intensity in the other. Two showed abnormal signal intensity in surrounding muscles, which was high on T2 WI and intermediate on T1 WI. Conclusions The soap-bubble or honeycomb appearance is the typical radiographic finding of hemangioma in long bone. CT and MRI can provide useful information for the diagnosis of hemangioma in long bone.

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease in gastrointestinal malignant tumors.The mortality of pancreatic cancer closely parallels its incidence.Most patients with pancreatic cancer remain asymptomatic until the disease reaches an advanced stage.There is no program for screening patients at high risk of pancreatic cancer.Although CT,MRI,positron emission tomography,endoscopic ultrasonography,and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration offer high diagnostic ability for pancreatic cancer,it cannot be found at the early stage easily.Surgical resection is regarded as the only potentially curative treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery.This article reviews epidemiology,risk factors,diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic cancer by summarizing relevant literature.