Tumor-derived exosomal miR-103a-2-5p facilitates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and migration.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the different expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma derived exosomes of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 9 patients with ESCC and 9 patients with benign diseases were involved. miRNA sequencing was performed to screen differential expression of microRNAs in plasma exosomes between patients with ESCC and controls. The function of miRNA on proliferation and migration abilities was determined by CCK-8 analysis, wound scratch and transwell test. Predicted target genes were screened by databases and confirmed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: We identified a total of 10 miRNAs (7 upregulated and 3 downregulated) that were differentially expressed in plasma exosomes between patients with ESCC and control patients (fold change, FC ≥ 2.0 or ≤ -2.0, p ≤ 0.05) by miRNA sequencing. Ten miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR to verify the results of the miRNA sequencing. MiR-103a-2-5p demonstrated the most significant differential expression in both exosomes of ESCC cell lines and plasma of patients as compared with control patients and was therefore selected for subsequent functional experiments. Overexpression of miR-103a-2-5p promoted proliferation and migration in TE-1 cells, whereas inhibition of miR-103a-2-5p suppressed proliferation and migration in KYSE-150 cells. Exosomes extracted from the cells transfected with miR-103a-2-5p mimics significantly increased the proliferation and migration of two ESCC cell lines. Two genes, CDH11 and NR3C1 were identified as predicted targets of miR-103a-2-5p by the bioinformatics tools TargetScan, MiRanda, and mirDIP and RT-qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results shed light on how exosomal miR-103a-2-5p can promote proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and may represent a potential target for ESCC therapies.

[Measurement of rifampicin concentrations in tuberculous pleural effusion before and after combination treatment with oral and local rifampicin].

Objective: To investigate the changes of rifampin concentrations in pleural effusion before and after combination treatment with oral and pleural administration of rifampicin by electro-phonophoresis(EP). Methods: A self-control study was performed in 32 cases of tuberculous pleurisy treated in the Second Department of Respiratory Medicine of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College between September 2016 and January 2018. Based on the weight of each patient, an oral administration of isoniazid (0.3-0.4 g/d), rifampicin (0.45-0.60 g/d),ethambutol(0.75 g/d),and pyrazinamide (1.0-1.5 g/d) were given. After a 5-day traditional anti-tuberculosis treatment, an additional EP treatment was applied by penetrating chest wall to deliver 3 ml of rifampicin. The concentration of rifampicin in 5 ml pleural effusion was measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8h after applying EP treatment using high performance liquid chromatography. The measurement data were analyzed by using statistic software SPSS 20.0. The results were expressed by x±s and t test was conducted, with a statistical significance of P<0.05. Results: The average concentration of rifampicin in pleural effusion was (2.2±1.1) µg/ml by oral rifampicin alone. The concentration of rifampicin was (2.7±1.1) µg/ml, (3.0±1.4) µg/ml, (3.2±1.2) µg/ml, (2.8±1.2) µg/ml and (1.3±1.1) µg/ml, respectively, at 0.5 h, 1, 2, 4, 8 h after combining local EP treatment. The results indicated that combining local EP treatment significantly increased the drug concentration in pleural effusion, which lasted for about 5 hours. Conclusions: By applying rifampicin into pleural cavity through EP treatment with penetration of the chest wall, the concentration of rifampicin in pleural effusion of patients with tuberculous pleurisy could be increased. Combined with oral administration of rifampicin, this treatment could prolong the effective drug concentration in pleural effusion, which was beneficial to the bactericidal effects of rifampicin.

[A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the nasal cavity].

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the nasal cavity was reported and its mainly clinical manifestations were nasal obstruction, running nose and olfactory degeneration. Nasal endoscopy and paranasal sinus CT indicated tract tumor in left nasal (the nature to be investigated), the pathological result after surgical resection of the tumor suggests extramedullaryplasmacytoma (left nasal cavity).Clinical diagnosis was extramedullaryplasmacytoma (left nasal cavity), chronic sinusitis (left). Radiotherapy was continued after discharge and the follow-up was satisfactory.

Scalable and cost-effective Ag nanowires flexible transparent electrodes.

Flexible transparent electrodes (TEs) are important for new electronic devices. This paper reports a scalable, cost effective Ag nanowires (AgNWs) TE, which is made of a SnO2·xH2O and AgNWs composite layer and a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottom layer by a solution method at room temperature. The AgNWs/SnO2·xH2O composite TEs reveal a significant reduction of four orders in magnitude of sheet resistance, from 90 kΩ sq-1 to 12 Ω sq-1, while retaining transmittance of about 92% at 550 nm. This could be owing to the significant reduction of contact resistance for the weld-like junction of bound AgNWs. Compared with others, this method is characterized by filling gaps of the silver nanowire network with SnO2·xH2O. In addition, the adhesive forces between the AgNWs and the substrate are improved. This could be attributed to strong adhesion of SnO2·xH2O with the substrate. Moreover, this foldable transparent electrode is applicable for any non-planar surfaces and ultimately for future wearable optoelectronic devices.

Visceral pleural invasion impacts the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the 7th tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification, T1 tumors with visceral pleural invasion (VPI) are upgraded to T2a. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of VPI among patients with NSCLC and to propose a method of incorporating VPI into T-status classification in future staging systems. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was conducted from each database's date of inception to October 2015. The included studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria. The hazard ratio (HR) was used as the outcome measure for data combining. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies, published from 2003 to 2015, were included in this meta-analysis. In the subgroup analysis, we identified that VPI was a poor prognostic factor for tumor size ≤2 cm (2.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-3.54; P < 0.0001]), 2-3 cm (1.81 [95% CI 1.56-2.10; P < 0.0001]), 3-5 cm (1.61 [95% CI 1.38-1.87; P < 0.0001]) and 5-7 cm (1.50 [95% CI 1.24-1.82; P < 0.0001]). In addition, we also found that there were no significant differences for the following comparisons of OS: tumor size ≤2 cm with VPI versus 3-5 cm without VPI (1.04 [95% CI 0.83-1.31; P = 0.34]); 2-3 cm with VPI versus 3-5 cm without VPI (1.04 [95% CI 0.96-1.13; P = 0.30]); 3-5 cm with VPI versus 5-7 cm without VPI (0.95 [95% CI 0.78-1.17; P = 0.66]); and 5-7 cm with VPI versus T3 status (1.03 [95% CI 0.93-1.14; P = 0.57]). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the current TNM classification recommendations, consideration should be given to classifying the T2a tumors with VPI as T2b and classifying T2b with VPI as T3 in the next edition of the TNM Classification for Lung cancer.

Two novel missense mutations of ATP2A2 in two Chinese patients with sporadic Darier disease.

Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder with characteristic abnormal keratinization and acantholysis. The causative gene, ATP2A2, is located on chromosome 12, and encodes a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump ATPase (SERCA2). Two Chinese patients with sporadic DD participated in this study. Genomic sequence analysis identified two novel missense mutations (c.742C>A and c.2098A>G) in the ATP2A2 gene. Our findings provide an additional ATP2A2 mutation causative for DD development, and new lines of evidences for the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.

Use of oesophageal flap valvuloplasty and wrapping suturing technique in preventing postoperative complications after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastrostomy for oesophageal cancer is the standard surgical treatment. However, traditional techniques have been associated with high frequency of anastomotic complications. The purpose of this study is to clarify the superiority of the oesophageal flap valvuloplasty and wrapping suturing technique in preventing postoperative complications after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. METHODS: A prospective, randomised study was performed on 394 patients treated for esophageal cancer between January 2006 and December 2010. The trial registry number is ChiCTR-TRC-13003817 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. RESULTS: Anastomotic leaks occurred in four patients in group A (2.1%) and in twelve patients in group B (6.2%) with statistically significant (P = 0.038). During the evaluation of benign stricture seven patients were excluded for hospital mortality. Thirty three patients in group A (6.9%) and 25 patients in group B (13.2%) occurred anastomotic stricture respectively (P = 0.044). Furthermore, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett's epithelium were found in 105 patients (55.3%) of group B, and 54 (28.7%) patients in group A (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The oesophageal flap valvuloplasty and wrapping suturing technique decreased anastomotic leakage incidence and stricture rate thereby decreasing the morbidity and mortality. This procedure also prevented the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux after esophagectomy.

The relationship among renal injury, changed activity of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase and bone loss in elderly rats with insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease can lead to a decrease in active vitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], which may be reversed by 1-alpha hydroxyvitamin D [1-alpha(OH)D]. Renal 1-alpha hydroxylase, expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells, is a key enzyme in the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D. 1,25- (OH)2D plays an important role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism, and its deficiency can result in osteoporosis. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are associated with renal injury, decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D and bone loss. The study aimed to explore the relationship among renal injury, decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D and bone loss in the presence of IR or T2DM, as well as the role of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase in the process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty 18-month-old male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups: normal control group (Group N), IR group (Group I), T2DM group (Group D), No.1 treatment group (Group T1), and No.2 treatment group (Group T2), 10 in each group. High-fat diet was administered to induce IR, while high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin were jointly applied to induce T2DM. Rats in Groups T1 and T2 were treated with vitamin D and 1-alpha(OH)D, respectively. At week 12, IR was determined by the use of euglycemic insulin clamp technique for rats in each group, and then glucose infusion rate (GIR) was calculated. Meanwhile, urinary albumin (UA), serum 25-(OH)D and 1,25-(OH)2D levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. After the rats were sacrificed, bone mineral density (BMD) in femoral bone and lumbar vertebrae was measured by the use of dual energy X-ray absorption. RESULTS: The GIR in Group N was significantly higher than that of the other 4 groups (p<0.01). Compared with Groups N (p<0.01) or I (p<0.05), the UA levels in Groups D, T1, and T2 were obviously higher. The UA level in Group I was higher than that of Group N, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). In Groups D and I, the UA levels showed a negative correlation with GIR. No significant difference was observed in the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D]. The levels of 1,25-(OH)2D in Groups D and T1 were markedly lower than that of Groups N or T2 (p<0.01). The 1,25-(OH)2D level in Group I was lower than that of Group N (p<0.05), but higher than that of Group D (p<0.01). The 1,25-(OH)2D level in Group T2 was nearly equivalent to that of Group N. In Groups D and I, the levels of 1,25-(OH)2D were negatively correlated with UA, and positively correlated with GIR. The BMD levels in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Groups D and T1 were similar, but both were lower than that of Groups T2 (p<0.05) and N (p<0.01). The BMD levels were lower in Groups I and T2 compared with that of Group N (p<0.05), but higher than that of Groups D and T1 (p<0.05). The BMD levels in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Groups I and D were positively correlated with GIR. The BMD level in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Group D showed negative correlation with UA. CONCLUSION: In elderly rats with T2DM or IR, renal injury may cause decreased activity of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase, which may result in bone loss and disturbance in VD metabolism, mainly manifesting as a significant reduction in the 1,25-(OH)2D level.

The relationship between renal injury and change in vitamin D metabolism in aged rats with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Insulin resistance (IR), IR treated with vitamin D, IR treated with 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D (1alpha-(OH)D), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), T2DM treated with vitamin D and T2DM treated with 1alpha-(OH)D were studied in animal models using aged Wistar rats. Glucose infusion rates and levels of urinary albumin (UA), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) were measured. T2DM rats had higher UA than IR or normal rats, and levels of 25-(OH)D in all models weresimilar. IR rats had higher 1,25-(OH)2D levels than T2DM rats, and had lower 1,25-(OH)2D levels than normal rats. Treating IR or T2DM rats with vitamin D had no effect on 25-(OH)D or 1,25-(OH)2D. Administration of 1alpha-(OH)D significantly increased 1,25-(OH)2D in IR rats to above-normal levels, and significantly increased 1,25-(OH)2D in T2DM rats to normal levels. In IR or T2DM, abnormal vitamin D metabolism is characterized by 1,25-(OH)2D deficiency and is related to renal injury.

A temperature window for the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of CH4 over Mo-Fe/MgO catalyst.

A temperature window of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) growth has been studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results presented when temperature lower than 750 degrees C, there were few SWCNTs formed, and when temperature higher than 900 degrees C, mass amorphous carbons were formed in the SWCNTs bundles due to the self-decomposition of CH4. The temperature window of SWCNTs efficiently growth is between 800 and 900 degrees C, and the optimum growth temperature is about 850 degrees C. These results were supported by transmission electron microscope images of samples formed under different temperature. The temperature window is important for large-scale production of SWCNTs by catalytic chemical vapor deposition method.

Saikosaponin v-1 from roots of Bupleurum chinense DC.

Three triterpenoidal saponins, saikosaponin v-1(1), 6"-O-acetyl-saikosaponin b2 (2) and 6"-O-acetyl-saikosaponin d(3) were isolated from the roots of the title plant and the structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. Saikosaponin v-1 is a new compound, which was identified as 3beta,16alpha,23,28-tetrahydroxy-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-30-O-xylitol ester.

MBF2 is a tissue- and stage-specific coactivator that Is regulated at the step of nuclear transport in the silkworm Bombyx mori.

Coactivators MBF1 and MBF2 mediate BmFTZ-F1-dependent transcriptional activation in vitro by interconnecting BmFTZ-F1, TATA binding protein TBP, and TFIIA. Here, we analyzed temporal and spatial expression patterns of MBF2 during embryonic and larval development of the silkworm Bombyx mori. MBF2 was detected in unfertilized eggs and embryos until stage 26. In stage 22 embryos, MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 colocalize in neural cells. During the larval stage, MBF2 was not expressed in the fat body and trachea. In the silk gland, MBF2 mRNA was constitutively expressed, but MBF2 protein appeared in the period between the second day and the molting D3 stage in both the third and the fourth instars and then disappeared. MBF2 was also detected on the second and third days of the fifth instar. Immunostaining during the fourth molt showed that MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 localize in the nucleus only at the D3 stage, while the two cofactors are present in the cytoplasm at other stages. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that MBF1, MBF2, and BmFTZ-F1 form a complex at the D3 stage. Transient expression of these factors in Schneider cell line 2 revealed that MBF1 and MBF2 localize to the nucleus and enhance BmFTZ-F1-dependent transcription only when all three factors are present. These data illustrate the functional regulation of MBF1 and MBF2 at the step of nuclear transport and implicate MBF2 in tissue- and stage-specific transcription.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from Sophora flavescens ait].

OBJECTIVE: To study the constituents from Sophora flavescens. METHODS: Separating the constituents by means of chromatography and identifying their structures on the basis of spectral analysis. RESULTS: The five compounds obtained were identified as sucrose, lignoceric acid, beta-sitosterol, sinapic acid hexadecyl ester and umbelliferon. CONCLUSION: Sinapic acid hexadecyl ester is a new compound. These compounds were obtained from the plant for the first time.

Comparison of sequences of a transcriptional coactivator MBF2 from three Lepidopteran species Bombyx mori, Bombyx mandarina and Samia cynthia.

MBF2 was first isolated from the silkworm Bombyx mori as a positive cofactor that activates transcription through its interaction with TFIIA. To identify conserved domain(s) within the MBF2 molecule, we isolated cDNAs encoding MBF2 homologues from other silkworms Bombyx mandarina and Samia cynthia. Bacterially expressed and purified MBF2 of B. mandarina and S. cynthia activated transcription in vitro. The predicted amino acid sequences of MBF2 from two Bombyx species share 97% homology. When we compared between B. mori and S. cynthia factors, the homology reduced to 50%. Four regions in MBF2 are conserved among these three species. Two of them are present in the middle region of MBF2 that is essential for the transcriptional activation.

Voltage-dependent, open channel blockade of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum potassium channel by 4-aminopyridine.

The nature of open state block was characterized in isolated canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) potassium channel incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) blocked the open conductance state of the potassium channels in a voltage-dependent manner. Blockade was reversible, occurred from either the cis (cytoplasmic) or the trans (lumenal) side and was competitive with potassium ions. Reversal potential measurements indicated that this channel was impermeable to 4-AP. Measured effective electrical distances were roughly symmetrical and indicated penetration of 0.39 and 0.42 of the membrane electrical field from the cis and trans sides, respectively. Effective electrical distance was insensitive to potassium ion concentration in the range 50 to 200 mM and indicated that 4-AP was able to penetrate relatively deeply into the pore compared with blockade of sarcolemmal potassium channels. Potassium ion concentration and voltage dependence of 4-AP blockade were consistent with a two binding site blockade model, similar to the model used previously to describe calcium ion blockade of the SR potassium ion channel. Unlike calcium blockade, however, 4-AP blocked from either cis or trans in a similar manner, suggesting a distinct binding site for each of these two blockers. Open channel, voltage-dependent blockade of the SR potassium channel by 4-AP is in marked contrast to its action on sarcolemmal potassium channels and suggests that either 4-AP penetrates much farther into the potassium channel permeation pathway than was previously believed, or the SR potassium channel has a very different physical pore arrangement from that of sarcolemmal potassium channels.

[Long-term surveillance after basic elimination of bancroftian filariasis].

The longitudinal and cross-sectional systemic surveillance have been conducted for 9-11 consecutive years in six counties (cities) of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after basic elimination of bancroftian filariasis. The two different control regimens had been used with DEC selective treatment followed by mass treatment of all persons and selective treatment followed by taking DEC medicated salt. During the former 6 years, residual microfilaremia cases could still be detected; whereas during the latter 5 years, no microfilaremia cases could be detected at all. The natural infection of vector mosquitoes showed negative. The positive rate of antibody in the populations was reduced to 1.4-5.5% detected by IFAT, reaching to the level of local non-endemic areas. The result indicated that the transmission of filariasis in these areas has been blocked. The authors suggested that a period of 10 years might be appropriate for surveillance after basic elimination of bancroftian filariasis.

Treatment of bilateral intrahepatic stones with high duct strictures through selective central hepatic resection.

Bilateral intrahepatic duct stones with strictures, more common in the Orient than elsewhere, are difficult to access surgically. The results of surgical procedures have not been generally successful and are attended by a high postoperative complication and recurrence rate. We report the treatment of 30 patients with intrahepatic calculi and high duct strictures by means of selective central hepatic resection without dissection of the major vessels at the hilum. Central hepatic resection provided satisfactory access to the primary and secondary confluences of the intrahepatic ducts, allowed removal of residual stones and ascariasis, and permitted correction of multiple strictures. Twenty-nine patients so treated were followed for a mean of 32 months after operation. No patients developed recurrent fever, biliary colic, or jaundice after the operation. The technique is therefore recommended as an effective alternative to extensive hepatic lobectomy in the treatment of the intrahepatic calculi with multiple strictures.

[Pathology of placenta from small for gestational age infants].

Pathologic study was carried out in 125 placentas, of which 25 were from cases of small for gestational age infants (SGA) and 100 from normal pregnancies. Ultrastructural study was done in 5 cases of each group. In the SGA group placenta circumvallata and velamentous insertion of cord were more frequently seen and the percentages of syncytial knots, cytotrophoblastic cells, and fibrinoid necrosis, stromal fibrosis and obliterative endarteritis of chorionic villi were also higher. Deficiency of vasculo-syncytial membranes and unduly thick trophoblastic basement membranes were common features of the SGA placentas. The most significant ultrastructural finding was the spasticity of capillaries of the villous stroma. It is believed that insufficient utero-placental blood flow may lead to the occurrence of SGA infants.