Anti-cancer activity and cellular uptake of 7,3',4'- and 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone in HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions.

Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but TACE-induced hypoxia leads to poor prognosis. The anti-cancer effects of soybean isoflavones daidzein derivatives 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (734THIF) and 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (784THIF) were evaluated under hypoxic microenvironments. Molecular docking of these isomers with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was assessed. About 40 µM of 734THIF and 784THIF have the best effect on inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions. At a concentration of 40 µM, 784THIF significantly inhibits COX-2 expression in pre-hypoxia conditions compared to 734THIF, with an inhibition rate of 67.73%. Additionally, 40 µM 784THIF downregulates the expression of hypoxic, inflammatory, and metastatic-related proteins, regulates oxidative stress, and inhibits the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. The uptake by HepG2 confirmed higher 784THIF level and slower degradation characteristics under post- or pre-hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, our results showed that 784THIF had better anti-cancer effects and cellular uptake than 734THIF.

Do ePortfolios Contribute to Learners' Reflective Thinking Activities? : A Preliminary Study of Nursing Staff Users.

The purposes of this study are threefold: 1) to find out what characteristics are required for the successful use of ePortfolios; 2) to discover what activities best represent reflective thinking during the use of ePortfolios; and, 3) to investigate the interrelationship between nursing staff users' perceived success levels with ePortfolios and with their reflective thinking activities. Survey methodology was used to gather responses from 78 nurses from a medical center located in southern Taiwan via questionnaires. Factor analysis and canonical correlation analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The results demonstrated that system quality, information quality, and user satisfaction are important variables in successful ePortfolio usage; while habitual action, understanding, reflection, and critical reflection are major variables of reflective thinking. Further, we found a significant relationship exists between the relative success of ePortfolios and reflective thinking activities of ePortfolios users. The subject hospital should pay special attention to important characteristics including system quality, information quality, and user satisfaction when employing ePortfolios to help nursing staff users to achieve their learning goals through this form of reflective thinking.

Antihepatoma activity of Artocarpus communis is higher in fractions with high artocarpin content.

Extracts from natural plants have been used in traditional medicine for many centuries worldwide. Artocarpus communis is one such plant that has been used to treat liver cirrhosis, hypertension, and diabetes. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the antihepatoma activity of A. communis toward HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells and the first to explore the relationship between antihepatoma activity and the active compound artocarpin content in different fractions of A. communis. A. communis methanol extract and fractions induced dose-dependent reduction of tumor cell viability. DNA laddering analysis revealed that A. communis extract and fractions did not induce apoptosis in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. Instead, acridine orange staining revealed that A. communis triggered autophagic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The antihepatoma activity of A. communis is attributable to artocarpin. The fractions with the highest artocarpin content were also the fractions with the highest antihepatoma activity in the following order: dichloromethane fraction > methanol extract > ethyl acetate fraction > n-butanol fraction > n-hexane fraction. Taken together, A. communis showed antihepatoma activity through autophagic cell death. The effect was related to artocarpin content. Artocarpin could be considered an indicator of the anticancer potential of A. communis extract.

A socio-technical assessment of the success of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems: the radiology technologist's perspective.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in healthcare institutions, there is a growing need to measure their success. However, there is a lack of published literature emphasizing the technical and social factors underlying a successful PACS. METHODS: An updated Information Systems Success Model was utilized by radiology technologists (RTs) to evaluate the success of PACS at a large medical center in Taiwan. A survey, consisting of 109 questionnaires, was analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling. RESULTS: Socio-technical factors (including system quality, information quality, service quality, perceived usefulness, user satisfaction, and PACS dependence) were proven to be effective measures of PACS success. Although the relationship between service quality and perceived usefulness was not significant, other proposed relationships amongst the six measurement parameters of success were all confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Managers have an obligation to improve the attributes of PACS. At the onset of its deployment, RTs will have formed their own subjective opinions with regards to its quality (system quality, information quality, and service quality). As these personal concepts are either refuted or reinforced based on personal experiences, RTs will become either satisfied or dissatisfied with PACS, based on their perception of its usefulness or lack of usefulness. A satisfied RT may play a pivotal role in the implementation of PACS in the future.

Halomonas beimenensis sp. nov., isolated from an abandoned saltern.

A Gram-staining negative, motile, non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped (0.8-1.5 × 1.5-2.0 µm), halophilic bacterium, designated strain NTU-107(T), was isolated from brine samples collected from the abandoned Beimen saltern in southern Taiwan. The novel strain grew with 0-15% (w/v) NaCl (optimum between 5% and 10%), at 15-55 °C (optimum 40 °C) and at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.5). The major cellular fatty acids were C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0) and C(19:0 )cyclo ω8c, the genomic DNA G+C content was 66.5 mol%, and the predominant ubiquinone was Q-9. The major polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. In a phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain NTU-107(T) clustered with members of the genus Halomonas. In hybridization experiments, however, the levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain NTU-107(T) and the type strains of its closest phylogenetic neighbours (Halomonas koreensis, H. organivorans and H. ventosae) were all found to be less than 40 %. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genetic data, strain NTU-107(T) represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas beimenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NTU-107(T) ( = BCRC 17999(T) = KCTC 22876(T) = JCM 16084(T)).

Comprehensive MDCT evaluation of patients with suspected May-Thurner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this essay is to introduce the MDCT protocol and interpretation techniques for optimal evaluation of patients with suspected May-Thurner syndrome. CONCLUSION: May-Thurner syndrome is always the working diagnosis when a patient presents with unilateral left lower limb swelling without signs of infection. MDCT is useful for fast, comprehensive evaluation of the vascular system to determine whether May-Thurner syndrome or an alternative condition is present.

Rebleeding of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in computed tomography angiography: risk factor, rebleeding pattern, and outcome analysis.

OBJECTIVE: For patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been the first imaging modality for aneurysm detection. We evaluate the rate, time distribution, risk factors, and clinical outcome of aneurysmal rebleeding by CTA findings. METHODS: Consecutive patients with SAH presenting to our hospital, a tertiary care hospital, were retrospectively included. We reviewed images for all patients receiving an initial noncontrast computed tomography scan and further CTA for nontraumatic SAH surveillance with focus on rebleeding evidence. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with early aneurysmal rebleeding (12/110 patients [10.9%]) within 6 hours after emergency room arrival were found with dismal outcome (50% mortality) and 3 rebleeding patterns: pattern 1 of rapid active bleeding with contrast extravasation, pattern 2 of slow active bleeding with contrast leakage in the delayed venous phase, and pattern 3 of hematoma enlargement. The risk factor and poor prognostic sign include larger aneurysm diameter (≧7 mm) and contrast extravasation during CTA. CONCLUSIONS: Rebleeding rate of aneurysmal SAH in the hyperacute stage at less than 6 hours is 10.9% with poor prognosis in this study, especially in patients with active bleeding demonstrated in CTA.

Pterostilbene Nanoparticles Downregulate Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Hepatoma Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions.

PURPOSE: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common clinical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, hypoxia induction after treatment might trigger tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Although pterostilbene (PTS) has antitumor effects, its chemoprevention in HepG2 cells under hypoxia has not been investigated yet. In addition, the poor water solubility of raw PTS limits its clinical application. Here, we prepared nanoparticles of PTS (PSN) and compared their antihepatoma activities with those of raw PTS in HepG2 under hypoxic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PTS nanoparticle formulation was prepared by nanoprecipitation, using Eudragit® e100 (EE) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as carriers. We analyzed the physicochemical properties of raw PTS and PSN, including yield, encapsulation efficiency, water-solubility, particle size, morphology, crystalline-to-amorphous transformation, and molecular interaction between PTS and carriers. We also evaluated their antihepatoma activities under hypoxia treatment in HepG2 cells, including cell viability, hypoxia, and apoptosis. RESULTS: The yield and encapsulation efficiency of PSN were 86.33% and >99%, respectively. The water solubility and drug release of PTS were effectively improved after nanoprecipitation corresponding to the reduction in particle size, amorphous transformation, and formation of hydrogen bonding with carriers. PSN had a better cytotoxic effect than raw PTS in HepG2 under pre- and post-hypoxia conditions. In addition, hypoxia- and apoptosis-related proteins in HepG2 cells under two different hypoxic conditions were significantly inhibited by PSN compared with the control group with hypoxia only, except for HIF-1α in the post-hypoxia group. PSN was also significantly better in inhibiting these proteins, except for Bcl2, under pre-hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that PSN could improve the water solubility and drug release of PTS and enhance the efficacy of HCC treatment under hypoxic conditions.

Hepatic artery infusion catheter implantation without embolization of the gastroduodenal artery in cases of retrograde blood flow.

Between January 2007 and January 2008, a port/catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy was implanted in seven patients with retrograde blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). The GDA was not coil-embolized when the catheter tip was positioned in the right gastroepiploic artery. In all cases, implantation of the port/catheter system was successful, and there were no complications. Interventionalists can economize on expensive microcoils by using this simple and time-saving method.

CT-guided core biopsy of lung lesions: a primer.

OBJECTIVE: CT-guided core biopsy is playing an increasing role in the diagnosis of benign disease, cellular differentiation, somatic mutation analysis, and molecular fingerprint analysis. CONCLUSION: In this article, we summarize the basic concepts, protocols, and techniques that we use for CT-guided core biopsy of lung lesions to assist radiologists in obtaining diagnostic specimens while reducing preventable complications.

Computed tomography appearance of ovarian fibrothecomas with and without torsion.

BACKGROUND: Fibrothecomas are the most common solid ovarian tumors and may undergo torsion. Early diagnosis of these tumors is important in order to allow prompt surgical treatment. PURPOSE: To describe the features of ovarian fibrothecoma on computed tomography (CT) and to determine the possibility of detecting tumor torsion in this kind of tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CT images of 11 patients with ovarian fibrothecomas in the past 8 years at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The CT attenuation values of each tumor were measured in both non-enhanced and enhanced scans. The size and degree of enhancement were evaluated and correlated with tumor torsion. All cases were pathologically proven. RESULTS: Three kinds of tumor pattern were found: 1) homogeneous tumor with significant enhancement containing scattered, low-attenuated regions after contrast injection; 2) heterogeneous tumor with mild enhancement after contrast injection; and 3) low-attenuated soft-tissue mass with no obvious enhancement after contrast injection. CONCLUSION: Fibrothecomas usually appear as a homogeneous solid tumor with varying degrees of enhancement. Calcification may be present and, as these tumors enlarge, myxoid or cystic degeneration may occur, resulting in a heterogeneous pattern. The larger the tumor, the greater is the chance of torsion. Lack of tumor enhancement is the most reliable sign for detection of ovarian torsion and should facilitate prompt surgical intervention to remove damaged tissue.

Probiotic potential of noni juice fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

The present study assesses the feasibility of noni as a raw substrate for the production of probiotic noni juice by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacilluscasei and Lactobacillus plantarum) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacteriumlongum). Changes in pH, acidity, sugar content, cell survival and antioxidant properties during fermentation were monitored. All tested strains grew well on noni juice, reaching nearly 109 colony-forming units/ml after 48 h fermentation. L.casei produced less lactic acid than B.longum and L. plantarum. After 4 weeks of cold storage at 4°C, B.longum and L. plantarum survived under low-pH conditions in fermented noni juice. In contrast, L.casei exhibited no cell viability after 3 weeks. Moreover, noni juice fermented with B.longum had a high antioxidant capacity that did not differ significantly (P <0.05) from that of lactic acid bacteria. Finally, we found that B.longum and L. plantarum are optimal probiotics for fermentation with noni juice.

Inclusion complex of saikosaponin-d with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin: Improved physicochemical properties and anti-skin cancer activity.

BACKGROUND: Saikosaponin-d (SSD) is a triterpene saponin isolated from Bupleurum plants. It has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. However, its biomedical applications are limited by its poor water solubility. Cyclodextrins are highly water soluble oligosaccharide compounds which can form inclusion complexes with lipophilic drugs. PURPOSE: We complexed SSD with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) in various ratios to form SSD-HPBCD inclusion complexes. The inclusion complexes were evaluated for their solubility, physicochemical properties and cytotoxic effects in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells. METHODS: Surface morphology of pure SSD and SSD-HPBCD inclusion complexes was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Crystalline structure was determined by X-ray diffractometry. Intermolecular hydrogen bond formation between SSD and HPBCD was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma HSC-1 cell viability was determined by the MTS assay, and cell apoptosis by the caspase 3/7 assay. Signal transduction pathways were investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS: SSD-HPBCD inclusion complexes showed greatly increased water solubility. This was associated with an improvement in physicochemical properties, including transformation of crystalline structure to amorphous form, and formation of hydrogen bonds between SSD and HPBCD. In addition, SSD-HPBCD inclusion complexes induced apoptosis in HSC-1 cells, and this was mediated through activation of MAPK and suppression of Akt-mTOR signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: SSD-HPBCD inclusion complex shows improvement in water solubility and physicochemical properties, and exhibits anticancer effects against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells. Therefore, it may be a potential drug formulation for the treatment of skin cancer.

A comparison of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital subtraction angiography findings in the diagnosis of infected aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To characterize imaging findings from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiogram in patients with infected aortic aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 21 patients (men, 17; women, 4) with proven infected aortic aneurysms and compared the imaging findings (computed tomography scans, n = 21; magnetic resonance images, n = 2; and angiograms, n = 2). RESULTS: Aneurysms were located in the descending thoracic aorta (n = 10; 47.6%), abdominal aorta (n = 6; 28.6%), aortic arch (n = 3; 14.3%), and thoracoabdominal aorta (n = 2; 9.5%). Aneurysms were saccular in 19 (90%) and fusiform in 2 (10%). Maximal diameters were greater than 10 cm in 2 patients (10%), 5 to 10 cm in 11 (52%), and less than 5 cm in 8 (38%). Average diameters were 6.5 cm in the aortic arch, 5.3 cm in the descending thoracic aorta, and 5.1 cm in the abdominal aorta. Obvious aortic wall calcification occurred in 19 patients (90%). Other features included disrupted calcification (n = 15; 71%), prominent and irregular wall thickening (n = 17; 81%), periaortic soft tissue mass (n = 15; 71%), rim enhancement (n = 18; 86%), periaortic gas (n = 7; 33%), periaortic stranding and fluid retention (n = 14; 67%), periaortic hematoma (n = 3; 14%), adjacent bone destruction (n = 1; 5%), pleural effusion (n = 12; 57%), and associated dissecting aneurysm (n = 2; 10%). CONCLUSIONS: Saccular aneurysms, adjacent soft tissue masses, rim enhancement, stranding, fluid, gas, and unusual adjacent bony destruction highly suggest infected aneurysm.

Multidetector CT findings of a congenital coronary sinus anomaly: a report of two cases.

Congenital coronary sinus anomalies are extremely rare, and they have received relatively little attention. This is probably due to the lack of both clinical symptoms and significant cardiac functional disturbance. We present two cases of a coronary sinus anomaly and briefly review the literature. Recognizing and being familiar with the variations of a congenital coronary sinus anomaly in congenital heart disease may avoid a misinterpretation of cardiac catheterization findings and the troublesome disruption of coronary sinus blood return during the surgical management of cardiac lesions.

Sonographic appearance of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia in the upper arm.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is an uncommon benign condition characterized by cutaneous nodules involving primarily the head and neck regions of young adults. We report thecase of a 49-year-old woman with such a lesion in the arm. Sonographically, the lesion exhibited a hypoechoic rim and an echogenic central portion. On color Doppler imaging, the central portion was markedly vascular.

Rugosin E, an ellagitannin, inhibits MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway.

In this study, we first report the chemopreventive effect of rugosin E in human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Treatment with rugosin E decreased the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Rugosin E treatment arrested MDA-MB-231 cells at G0/G1 phase. This effect was strongly associated with concomitant decrease in the level of cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin E, cdk2, cdk4, and cdk6, and increase of p21/WAF1. In addition, rugosin E also induced apoptotic cell death. Rugosin E increased in the expression of Bax, Bak, and Bcl-Xs, but decreased the levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), and subsequently triggered mitochondria apoptotic pathway (release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9, and caspase-3). In addition, pre-treatment of cells with caspase-9 inhibitor blocked rugosin E-induced cell proliferation and apoptosis, indicating caspase-9 activation was involved in rugosin E-mediated MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis. Rugosin E inhibited the constitutively activated and inducible NF-kappaB in both its DNA-binding activity and transcriptional activity. Furthermore, rugosin E also inhibited the TNF-alpha-activated NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression of cyclin D1, c-Myc, XIAP, Bcl-2, and Bcl-X(L) were all downregulated by rugosin E. Our results indicated that rugosin E inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB, and this may provide a molecular basis for drug development in the prevention and treatment of cancer by rugosin E.