High-Throughput and Sensitive Quantification of Circulating Tumor DNA by Microfluidic-Based Multiplex PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has potential to serve as a biomarker for noninvasive monitoring of treatment response and disease progression. However, broad clinical applicability of ctDNA has been limited by the low sensitivity, throughput, and patient coverage offered by existing ctDNA detection methods. Herein, we report the adaptation and characterization of the microfluidics multiplex PCR sequencing technology for high-throughput and sensitive quantitation of ctDNA. A multiplex PCR preamplification step was developed and incorporated into the microfluidics multiplex PCR sequencing work flow to enable low-input ctDNA analysis with enhanced sensitivity. An empirical bayesian model was developed to characterize both position and substitution-associated system errors specific to this platform and provided a tailored approach to greatly enhance the confidence and accuracy of variant calling for ctDNA analysis. Clinical validation of this platform for ctDNA mutation detection demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100% when using mutation calls in the matched tumor tissues as a benchmark. Finally, we established an early proof of concept of clinical utility of this ctDNA work flow for monitoring disease progression using clinical trial samples. Our novel ctDNA work flow provides a high-throughput and sensitive platform that can be implemented in clinical trials for mutation detection and disease monitoring from plasma ctDNA.

Influence of livestock activities on residue antibiotic levels of rivers in Hong Kong.

Occurrence of 10 antibiotics in the Yuen Long (YLR), Kam Tin (KTR), and Shing Mun (SMR) rivers of Hong Kong and possible influence of livestock activities on the concentrations of antibiotics were investigated. Tetracycline (30-497 ng/L), sulfadiazine (2-80 ng/L), sulfamethoxazole (2-152 ng/L), ofloxacin (5-227 ng/L), and erythromycin (1-315 ng/L) were detected in all the three rivers; chlortetracycline (23-227 ng/L), oxytetracycline (7-104 ng/L), ciprofloxacin (12-68 ng/L), and roxithromycin (1-105 ng/L) were detected in YLR and KTR, whereas norfloxacin (3-34 ng/L) was detected in KTR only. Significant correlation between livestock population and antibiotic contamination was observed in YLR only, indicating the influences of other sources in KTR and SMR. Among the antibiotics, significant correlation was observed between tetracyclines and sulfonamides indicating the major influence of livestock farms, whereas tetracyclines/sulfonamides were negatively correlated with fluoroquinolones/macrolides implying the differential origin of the latter class of antibiotics. Water quality of KTR and YLR were highly influenced by the non-point source pollutions, while of SMR was relatively good. Particularly, Escherichia coli populations of the YLR and KTR were 3-4 logs higher than those of the SMR indicating the involvement of livestock farms and sewerages. Good correlation between tetracyclines (TCs)/sulfonamides (SAs) and number of livestock farms and a negative correlation between TCs/SAs and fluoroquinolones (FQs)/macrolides (MLs) could be used as an indicator to trace the possible source of pollution.

Media use by children and adolescents from New York City 6 months after the WTC attack.

Six months after the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), a representative sample of New York City students (N = 8,236) in Grades 4 through 12 reported their use of TV, Web, and combined radio and print media regarding the WTC attack. Demographic factors, WTC exposure, other exposure to trauma, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were used to predict intensive use of the 3 types of media. Intensive use was associated with direct exposure to the WTC attack (with the exception of Web use) and to having reported symptoms of PTSD. Stratified analyses indicated that the association between probable PTSD and intensive media use was more consistently present among those who had no direct or familial exposure to the WTC attack. As well, media, particularly TV, was intensively used by children after the WTC attack. Variations existed in the factors associated with intensive media use, which should be considered when planning postdisaster media coverage and advising families.

Baicalin, a flavone, induces the differentiation of cultured osteoblasts: an action via the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

Flavonoids, a group of natural compounds found in a variety of vegetables and herbal medicines, have been intensively reported on regarding their estrogen-like activities and particularly their ability to affect bone metabolism. Here, different subclasses of flavonoids were screened for their osteogenic properties by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity in cultured rat osteoblasts. The flavone baicalin derived mainly from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis showed the strongest induction of alkaline phosphatase activity. In cultured osteoblasts, application of baicalin increased significantly the osteoblastic mineralization and the levels of mRNAs encoding the bone differentiation markers, including osteonectin, osteocalcin, and collagen type 1α1. Interestingly, the osteogenic effect of baicalin was not mediated by its estrogenic activity. In contrast, baicalin promoted osteoblastic differentiation via the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway; the activation resulted in the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß and, subsequently, induced the nuclear accumulation of the ß-catenin, leading to the transcription activation of Wnt-targeted genes for osteogenesis. The baicalin-induced osteogenic effects were fully abolished by DKK-1, a blocker of Wnt/ß-catenin receptor. Moreover, baicalin also enhanced the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin, which could regulate indirectly the activation of osteoclasts. Taken together, our results suggested that baicalin could act via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling to promote osteoblastic differentiation. The osteogenic flavonoids could be very useful in finding potential drugs, or food supplements, for treating post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Flavonoids from Radix Astragali induce the expression of erythropoietin in cultured cells: a signaling mediated via the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α.

Radix Astragali (RA) is commonly used as a health food supplement to reinforce the body vital energy. Flavonoids, including formononetin, ononin, calycosin, and calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, are considered to be the major active ingredients within RA. Here, we provided different lines of evidence that the RA flavonoids stimulated the expression of erythropoietin (EPO), the central regulator of red blood cell mass, in cultured human embryonic kidney fibroblasts (HEK293T). A plasmid containing hypoxia response element (HRE), a critical regulator for EPO transcription, was tagged upstream of a firefly luciferase gene, namely, pHRE-Luc, which was being transfected into fibroblasts. The application of RA flavonoids onto the transfected cells induced the transcriptional activity of HRE. To account for the transcriptional activation after the treatment of flavonoids, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was markedly increased: The increase was in both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the degradation of HIF-1α was reduced under the effect of flavonoids. The regulation of HIF-1α therefore could account for the activation of EPO expression mediated by the RA flavonoids. The current results therefore reveal the function of this herb in enhancing hematopoietic functions.

A chinese herbal decoction, danggui buxue tang, stimulates proliferation, differentiation and gene expression of cultured osteosarcoma cells: genomic approach to reveal specific gene activation.

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese herbal decoction used to treat ailments in women, contains Radix Astragali (Huangqi; RA) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui; RAS). When DBT was applied onto cultured MG-63 cells, an increase of cell proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cell were revealed: both of these effects were significantly higher in DBT than RA or RAS extract. To search for the biological markers that are specifically regulated by DBT, DNA microarray was used to reveal the gene expression profiling of DBT in MG-63 cells as compared to that of RA- or RAS-treated cells. Amongst 883 DBT-regulated genes, 403 of them are specifically regulated by DBT treatment, including CCL-2, CCL-7, CCL-8, and galectin-9. The signaling cascade of this DBT-regulated gene expression was also elucidated in cultured MG-63 cells. The current results reveal the potential usage of this herbal decoction in treating osteoporosis and suggest the uniqueness of Chinese herbal decoction that requires a well-defined formulation. The DBT-regulated genes in the culture could serve as biological responsive markers for quality assurance of the herbal preparation.

Quality assessment of a formulated Chinese herbal decoction, Kaixinsan, by using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: A chemical evaluation of different historical formulae.

Kaixinsan is an ancient Chinese herbal decoction mainly prescribed for patients suffering from mental depression. This decoction was created by Sun Si-miao of Tang Dynasty (A.D. 600) in ancient China, and was composed of four herbs: Radix and Rhizome Ginseng, Radix Polygalae, Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii and Poria. Historically, this decoction has three different formulations, each recorded at a different point in time. In this study, the chemical compositions of all three Kaixinsan formulae were analyzed. By using rapid resolution LC coupled with a diode-array detector and an ESI triple quadrupole tandem MS (QQQ-MS/MS), the Radix and Rhizome Ginseng-derived ginsenosides including Rb(1), Rd, Re, Rg(1), the Radix Polygalae-derived 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, the Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii-derived α- and ß-asarone and the Poria-derived pachymic acid were compared among the three different formulations. The results showed variations in the solubility of different chemicals between one formula and the others. This systematic method developed could be used for the quality assessment of this herbal decoction.

Anti-oxidative effects of the biennial flower of Panax notoginseng against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in cultured PC12 cells.

BACKGROUND: Radix notoginseng is used in Chinese medicine to improve blood circulation and clotting; however, the pharmacological activities of other parts of Panax notoginseng have yet to be explored. The present study reports the anti-oxidative effects of various parts of Panax notoginseng. METHODS: Various parts of Panax notoginseng, including the biennial flower, stem-leaf, root-rhizome, fiber root and sideslip, were used to prepare extracts and analyzed for their anti-oxidation effects, namely suppressing xanthine oxidase activity, H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and H2O2-induced ROS formation. RESULTS: Among various parts of the herb (biennial flower, stem-leaf, root-rhizome, fiber root and sideslip), the water extract of the biennial flower showed the strongest effects in (i) inhibiting the enzymatic activity of xanthine oxidase and (ii) protecting neuronal PC12 cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Only the water extracts demonstrated such anti-oxidative effects while the ethanol extracts did not exert significant effects in suppressing xanthine oxidase and H2O2-induced neuronal cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the biennial flower of Panax notoginseng to have neuroprotection effect on cultured neurons and the underlying protection mechanism may involve anti-oxidation.

The expression of erythropoietin triggered by danggui buxue tang, a Chinese herbal decoction prepared from radix Astragali and radix Angelicae Sinensis, is mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor in cultured HEK293T cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE: Danggui buxue tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction that is being commonly used as hematopoietic medicine to treating woman menopausal irregularity, contains two herbs: radix Astragali and radix Angelicae Sinensis. Pharmacological results indicate that DBT can stimulate the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a specific hematopoietic growth factor, in cultured cells. AIM OF THE STUDY: In order to reveal the mechanism of DBT's hematopoietic function, this study investigated the activity of the DBT-induced EPO expression and the upstream regulatory cascade of EPO via hypoxia-induced signaling in cultured kidney fibroblasts (HEK293T). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DBT-induced mRNA expressions were revealed by real-time PCR, while the change of protein expressions were analyzed by Western blotting. For the analysis of hypoxia-dependent signaling, a luciferase reporter was used to report the transcriptional activity of hypoxia response element (HRE). RESULTS: The plasmid containing HRE, being transfected into HEK293T, was highly responsive to the challenge of DBT application. To account for the transcriptional activation of HRE, DBT treatment was shown to increase the mRNA and protein expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). In addition, the activation of Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway by DBT could also enhance the translation of HIF-1α, suggesting the dual actions of DBT in stimulating the EPO expression in kidney cells. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that HIF pathway plays an essential role in directing DBT-induced EPO expression in kidney. These results provide one of the molecular mechanisms of this ancient herbal decoction for its hematopoietic function.

Fo shou san, an ancient herbal decoction prepared from rhizoma chuanxiong and radix angelicae sinensis, stimulates the production of hemoglobin and erythropoietin in cultured cells.

Fo Shou San (FSS) is an ancient herbal decoction comprised of Rhizoma Chuanxiong (RC; Chuanxiong) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS; Danggui) in a ratio of 2 : 3. It is mainly prescribed for patients having a blood deficiency. This combination is considered the most popular herb pair among Chinese medicines; however, the rationale of having these two chemically similar herbs within the decoction has historically not been made clear. Here, we attempted to reveal the chemical and biological properties of this decoction as a means to deduce its mechanism of action. The effects of FSS were determined in different cell culture models. With respect to stimulation of blood circulation, FSS inhibited ADP-mediated platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. In order to reveal the hematopoietic effect of this decoction, FSS was applied onto cultured K562 human leukemia cells and Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Application of FSS in cultured K562 cells inhibited cell proliferation and subsequently induced the production of hemoglobin. Additionally, the mRNA expression of erythropoietin (EPO) was induced in a dose-dependent manner when FSS was applied to Hep3B cells. The current results reveal the effects of FSS in different cell models, paving a direction for mechanistic studies.

Ligustilide suppresses the biological properties of Danggui Buxue Tang: a Chinese herbal decoction composed of radix astragali and radix angelica sinensis.

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction composed of Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Angelica sinensis (RAS), has been used for treating menopausal irregularity in women for more than 800 years in China. According to the old tradition, RAS had to be processed with yellow wine before DBT preparation, which markedly reduced the amount of ligustilide in RAS and DBT, as well as enhanced the bioactivities of DBT. Here, we hypothesized that ligustilide would be an ingredient that possessed suppressive effects on DBT's functions. In the presence of ligustilide, the amount of astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, and total polysaccharides extracted from RA were decreased. An increase of ligustilide caused a decrease of DBT's osteogenic activity in stimulating proliferation and differentiation of cultured bone cells. In addition, in the presence of a high level of ligustilide, DBT caused a side effect inducing the proliferation of breast MCF-7 cells. The current results strongly suggest that ligustilide is a negative regulator that hinders DBT to achieve its biological efficacy, which supports the traditional practice of preparing DBT using the ethanol-treated RAS.

Estrogenic and neuroprotective properties of scutellarin from Erigeron breviscapus: a drug against postmenopausal symptoms and Alzheimer's disease.

Besides the classical hormonal effect, estrogen possesses neuroprotective effects in the brain, which leads to the searching of novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Scutellarin is a major flavone derived from Herba Erigerontis, a Chinese medicine derived from Erigeron breviscapus, which has been shown here to possess both estrogenic and neuroprotective properties. Scutellarin showed the estrogenic effects by activating the estrogen responsive elements and phosphorylation of estrogen receptor alpha in cultured MCF-7 cells: the activation was in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, scutellarin inhibited the aggregation of beta-amyloid in vitro, and prevented the cell death mediated by beta-amyloid when applied to cultured neuronal PC12 cells. These results therefore suggested that Herba Erigerontis and its component scutellarin might have therapeutic effects against postmenopausal symptoms and Alzheimer's disease.

Cordysinocan, a polysaccharide isolated from cultured Cordyceps, activates immune responses in cultured T-lymphocytes and macrophages: signaling cascade and induction of cytokines.

Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, possesses activities in anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and stimulating the immune response; however, the identity of active component(s) is not determined. A strain of Cordyceps sinensis, namely UST 2000, has been isolated. By using activity-guided purification, a novel polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately 82 kDa was isolated from the conditioned medium of cultured Cordyceps. The isolated exo-polysaccharide, namely cordysinocan, contains glucose, mannose, galactose in a ratio of 2.4:2:1. In cultured T-lymphocytes, application of cordysinocan induced the cell proliferation and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. In addition, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) was induced transiently by the treatment of cordysinocan. Moreover, application of cordysinocan in cultured macrophages increased the phagocytosis activity and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase. These results therefore verify the important role of Cordyceps polysaccharide in triggering such immune responses.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Gunderboom in protecting waters from bacteria.

Beaches located in the narrow inlet of Long Island Sound frequently contain high concentrations of bacteria. A Gunderboom BPS (Beach Protection System) filter was installed in Harbor Island Park of Mamaroneck Harbor, New York, in 2002 to reduce bacterial levels in the water. Water and sediment collected inside and outside the Gunderboom and other areas within Mamaroneck Harbor (Shore Acres Beach, Guion Creek, and Mamaroneck River) were tested for E. coli and total coliform bacteria and compared weekly from May through September 2006. The results showed that concentrations of E. coli and total coliform bacteria in water and sediment were significantly lower inside the Gunderboom when compared to the other sites. One-third of the samples were collected within 48 hours of rainfall, and a positive correlation occurred between rainfall and bacterial levels in water. These results indicate the Gunderboom has the potential to reduce bacteria in both beach water and sediment.

Stimulation of Apolipoprotein A-IV expression in Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes and reduction of triglyceride formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by potential anti-obesity Chinese herbal medicines.

BACKGROUND: Chinese medicine has been proposed as a novel strategy for the prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity. The present study tested 17 Chinese medicinal herbs were tested for their potential anti-obesity effects. METHODS: The herbs were evaluated in terms of their abilities to stimulate the transcription of Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) in cultured Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes. The herbs that showed stimulating effects on ApoA-IV transcription were further evaluated in terms of their abilities to reduce the formation of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. RESULTS: ApoA-IV transcription was stimulated by Rhizoma Alismatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured Caco-2/TC7 cells. Moreover, these two herbs reduced the amount of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Rhizoma Alistmatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis may have potential anti-obesity effects as they stimulate ApoA-IV transcription and reduce triglyceride formation.

Can rhizoma chuanxiong replace radix Angelica sinensis in the traditional Chinese herbal decoction danggui buxue tang?

Herein, we test the hypothesis that a member of a formulated Chinese herbal decoction cannot be replaced by another herb. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is being used as an example for illustration: this is a traditional decoction containing Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS) in a weight ratio of 5 to 1. Rhizoma Chuanxiong (RC) and RAS are two chemically very similar herbs but with a distinct function. Following the preparation method of DBT, a herbal decoction, namely Chuanxiong Buxue Tang (CBT), was created, which contained RA and RC in a weight ratio of 5 to 1. The two decoctions, DBT and CBT, were compared in parallel regarding their chemical and biological properties. In all the tested parameters, DBT showed superior properties, both chemically and biologically, to that of CBT. The current results reveal the uniqueness of Chinese herbal decoctions that require a well-defined formulation, which is indispensable for its specific composition.

Quality evaluation of Rhizoma Belamcandae (Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.) by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and mass spectrometry.

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) method was developed to evaluate the quality of Rhizoma Belamcandae (Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.) through establishing chromatographic fingerprint and simultaneous determination of seven phenolic compounds. The analysis was achieved on an Alltima C(18) analytical column (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d. 5 microm) using linear gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. The correlation coefficients of similarity were determined from the HPLC fingerprints, and they shared a close similarity. By using an online APCI-MS/MS, twenty phenols were identified. In addition, seven of these phenols including mangiferin, 7-O-methylmangiferin, tectoridin, resveratrol, tectorigenin, irigenin and irisflorentin were quantified by the validated HPLC-DAD method. These phenols are considered to be major constituents in Rhizoma Belamcandae, and are generally regarded as the index for quality assessment of this herb. This developed method by having a combination of chromatographic fingerprint and quantification analysis could be applied to the quality control of Rhizoma Belamcandae.

Transcriptional control of different subunits of AChE in muscles: signals triggered by the motor nerve-derived factors.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a highly polymorphic enzyme. Alternative splicing in the 3' region of the primary transcript generates different subunits that contain the same catalytic domain but with distinct carboxyl termini. In mammals, the AChE(R) variant produces a soluble monomer that is up-regulated in the brain during stress. The AChE(H) variant produces a GPI-anchored dimer that is mainly expressed in blood cells, while AChE(T) variant is largely predominant in the brain and muscle. AChE(T) subunits associate with a collagen tail subunit (ColQ) forming asymmetric AChE species (A(4), A(8), and A(12) AChE) in muscle, and also form amphiphilic tetramers associated with a proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA) as globular AChE (G(4) AChE) in brain and muscle. The formation of these AChE forms depends on the physiological status of the muscles, and on the innervating nerves. The motor nerves achieve this regulation by two distinct mechanisms: release of the trophic factor calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nerve-evoked electrical activity, which differentially regulate the expression levels of AChE(T), PRiMA and ColQ via different downstream signaling cascades. The regulatory mechanisms provided by the nerve are important to account for the different expression patterns of AChE and associated proteins in fast- and slow-twitch muscles.

Regulation of PRiMA-linked G(4) AChE by a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway in cultured rat pheochromocyoma PC12 cells.

The catalytic subunit of acetylcholinesterase (AChE(T)) interacts with proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA) to form PRiMA-linked G(4) AChE on membrane surface for its cholinergic function. Cultured PC12 cells expressed the transcripts encoding AChE(T) and PRiMA I, but the expression of PRiMA II transcript was below detection. Upon the treatment of dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt(2)-cAMP) and forskolin in cultured cells to stimulate the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway, the mRNA expressions of both AChE(T) and PRiMA I, as well as the enzymatic activity were up-regulated. More importantly, sucrose density gradient analysis revealed that both G(1) and G(4) AChE isoforms were increased in the Bt(2)-cAMP-treated cultures. These results suggest that the regulation of PRiMA-linked G(4) AChE in terms of gene transcription and molecular assembly in the cultured PC12 cells could be mediated by a cAMP-dependent signaling mechanism.

A Chinese herbal decoction prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis induces the expression of erythropoietin in cultured Hep3B cells.

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction used commonly for treating women's ailments, contains Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS). According to Chinese medicinal theory, this decoction is to nourish the blood function; this, however, has not been demonstrated on the molecular level. In order to reveal the hematopoietic effect of this decoction, DBT was applied to cultured Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The treatment of DBT induced mRNA expression of erythropoietin (EPO) in a dose-dependent manner and peaked at approximately 2.5-fold induction. The secreted EPO in cultured Hep3B cells was quantified by ELISA: the treatment of DBT potentiated the effect of hypoxia-induced EPO expression in the cultured cells. In addition, the DBT-induced EPO expression could be abolished by pre-treatment with U0126, a mitogen-activated kinase inhibitor. The current results verified the hematopoietic function of this ancient herbal decoction.