Synthesis of Fully Substituted 5-(o-Hydroxybenzoyl)imidazoles via Iodine-Promoted Domino Reaction of Aurones with Amidines.

An iodine-promoted domino reaction of aurones with amidines has been successfully explored. The reaction proceeds in a consecutive manner containing Michael addition, iodination, cyclization from intramolecular nucleophilic substitution, and dehydrogenative aromatization from spiro ring opening. Following this novel strategy, a variety of 1,2,4-trisubstituted 5-(o-hydroxybenzoyl)imidazoles were efficiently synthesized in moderate to good yields from readily available starting materials. A plausible mechanism has been proposed.

[Effect of breastfeeding on the development of infection-related diseases during hospitalization in late preterm infants in 25 hospitals in Beijing, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence rate of infectious diseases during hospitalization in late preterm infants in Beijing, China, as well as the risk factors for infectious diseases and the effect of breastfeeding on the development of infectious diseases. METHODS: Related data were collected from the late preterm infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal wards of 25 hospitals in Beijing, China, from October 23, 2015 to October 30, 2017. According to the feeding pattern, they were divided into a breastfeeding group and a formula feeding group. The two groups were compared in terms of general status and incidence rate of infectious diseases. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for infectious diseases. RESULTS: A total of 1 576 late preterm infants were enrolled, with 153 infants in the breastfeeding group and 1 423 in the formula feeding group. Of all infants, 484 (30.71%) experienced infectious diseases. The breastfeeding group had a significantly lower incidence rate of infectious diseases than the formula feeding group (22.88% vs 31.55%, P=0.033). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that breastfeeding was an independent protective factor against infectious diseases (OR=0.534, P=0.004), while male sex, premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes mellitus, and asphyxia were risk factors for infectious diseases (OR=1.328, 5.386, 1.535, and 2.353 respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding can significantly reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and is a protective factor against infectious diseases in late preterm infants. Breastfeeding should therefore be actively promoted for late preterm infants during hospitalization.

Multi-center Study of Enteral Feeding Practices in Hospitalized Late Preterm Infants in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current enteral feeding practices in hospitalized late preterm infants in the Beijing area of China. METHODS: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. Infants born after 34 weeks and before 37 weeks of gestation were enrolled from 25 hospitals in the Beijing area of China from October 2015 to October 2017. Data on enteral feeding practices were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1,463 late preterm infants were enrolled, with a mean gestational age (GA) of 35.6 (34.9, 36.1) weeks. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.5% at the initiation of enteral feeding but increased to 14.4% at discharge. When human milk was not available, most infants (46.1%) were fed with preterm infant formula. The rate of exclusive human milk feeding in infants born at 34 weeks gestation was higher than at discharge (21.1% of infants born at 34 weeks' GA versus 12.1% of infants born at 35 weeks' GA versus 12.3% of infants born at 36 weeks' GA, P < 0.001). Only 28.4% of late preterm infants achieved full enteral feeding at discharge, and only 19.2% achieved 120 kcal/(kg•d) by enteral feeding at discharge. Importantly, 40.5% of infants did not regain the birth weight at discharge. CONCLUSION: Enteral feeding support of late preterm infants has not been standardized to achieve optimal growth. Moreover, the human milk feeding rate was low, and many late preterm infants did not achieve the goal of enteral feeding and failed to regain birth weight at the time of discharge. More aggressive enteral feedings protocols are needed to promote human milk feeding and optimize growth for late preterm infants.

Lipidomics revealed alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolism in skin squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent malignancy, and dysregulated lipid metabolism has been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, detailed characterization of lipid alterations in SCC remains limited. Methods: We analyzed lipid metabolic variations in tissue samples from 34 SCC patients and adjacent healthy tissues (located more than 1 cm from the tumor margin) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Data visualization and discriminatory lipid profiles were identified using principal component analysis (PCA) and sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Key lipids involved in the SCC metabolism were identified and further validated using an external data set (from a previous study, which similarly explored lipid profiles in oral SCC using lipidomics approaches). Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to elucidate the metabolic pathways associated with these key lipids. Results: Eight lipids were identified by comparing SCC and healthy tissues including PI(16:0/22:4), PI(18:1/20:4), PE(16:0/20:4), PE(16:0/22:5), PE(16:0/22:6), PE(18:1/20:3), PC(18:1/20:2), and PC(18:2/20:2), as confirmed by independent datasets. All of these lipids were upregulated in SCC tumor tissues. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways, particularly affecting the metabolism of diacylglycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, and glycerophosphoinositols. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that dysregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in the development of SCC.

Serotonin receptor 2B induces visceral hyperalgesia in rat model and patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin receptor 2B (5-HT2B receptor) plays a critical role in many chronic pain conditions. The possible involvement of the 5-HT2B receptor in the altered gut sensation of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) was investigated in the present study. AIM: To investigate the possible involvement of 5-HT2B receptor in the altered gut sensation in rat model and patients with IBS-D. METHODS: Rectosigmoid biopsies were collected from 18 patients with IBS-D and 10 patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation who fulfilled the Rome IV criteria and 15 healthy controls. The expression level of the 5-HT2B receptor in colon tissue was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with abdominal pain scores. The IBS-D rat model was induced by intracolonic instillation of acetic acid and wrap restraint. Alterations in visceral sensitivity and 5-HT2B receptor and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression were examined following 5-HT2B receptor antagonist administration. Changes in visceral sensitivity after administration of the TRPV1 antagonist were recorded. RESULTS: Here, we observed greater expression of the 5-HT2B receptor in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS-D than in that of controls, which was correlated with abdominal pain scores. Intracolonic instillation of acetic acid and wrap restraint induced obvious chronic visceral hypersensitivity and increased fecal weight and fecal water content. Exogenous 5-HT2B receptor agonist administration increased visceral hypersensitivity, which was alleviated by successive administration of a TRPV1 antagonist. IBS-D rats receiving the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist exhibited inhibited visceral hyperalgesia.Moreover, the percentage of 5-HT2B receptor-immunoreactive (IR) cells surrounded by TRPV1-positive cells (5-HT2B receptor I+) and total 5-HT2B receptor IR cells (5-HT2B receptor IT) in IBS-D rats was significantly reduced by the administration of a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist. CONCLUSION: Our finding that increased expression of the 5-HT2B receptor contributes to visceral hyperalgesia by inducing TRPV1 expression in IBS-D patients provides important insights into the potential mechanisms underlying IBS-D-associated visceral hyperalgesia.

Determination of vanillin in vanilla perfumes and air by capillary electrophoresis.

The present study investigated capillary electrophoretic detection of vanillin in vanilla perfume and air. An UV-absorbance detector was used in a home-made capillary electrophoretic instrument. A fused silica capillary (outer diameter: 364 µm, inner diameter: 50 µm) was used as a separation capillary, and a high electric voltage (20 kV) was applied across the two ends of the capillary. Total length of the capillary was 70 cm, and the effective length was 55 cm. Experimental results showed that the vanillin peak was detected at about 600, 450, and 500 seconds when pH of running buffers in CE were 7.2, 9.3, and 11.5, respectively. The peak area of vanillin was proportional to its concentration in the range of 0-10(-2) mol/L. The detection limit was about 10(-5) mol/L. Vanillin concentration in a 1% vanilla perfume sample was determined to be about 3×10(-4) mol/L, agreed well with that obtained by a HPLC method. Furthermore, determination of vanillin in air by combination of CE and active carbon adsorption method was investigated.

[The clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the drug resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and to explore the clinical and radiological characteristics of and the role of azithromycin in the treatment of of macrolide-resistant (MR) Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. METHODS: Cases of CAP in children (n = 179) were prospectively enrolled in the Pediatric ward of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1st September, 2010 to 31st August 2011. Pharyngeal swabs were collected for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA. Mycoplasma pneumoniae culture and in vitro susceptibility testing were also performed. RESULTS: Eighty-three cases met the diagnostic criteria of mycoplasma pneumonia, accounting for 46% of the CAP patients. Mycoplasma pneumoniae culture was positive in 45 cases, including 44 highly resistant to macrolides (MR) in vitro, and 1 sensitive. The 44 cases caused by MR pathogen presented with fever for (8 ± 3) d and cough for (17 ± 5) d, with higher fever (39.5 ± 0.7) °C and more irritating dry cough. In most of the children, peripheral blood leukocytes (8 ± 4)×10(9)/L were normal, with normal or elevated (0.60 ± 0.94) neutrophils, normal or slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [(24 ± 14) mm/1 h] and CRP (12.8 mg/L). Chest X-ray showed lobar consolidation in 10 cases (23%, 10/44), among them 3 in the lower left lung, 2 in the left lung, 3 in the right lower lung, 2 in the right upper lung. Pleural effusion (small amount), combined with right lower lung consolidation, was found in 1 case. Patchy shadows were found in 27 cases, and interstitial lung infiltrate in 7 cases. Of the 44 cases caused by MR Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 19 had lung computed tomography (CT) scanning, among them 13 had lobar or segmental consolidation. Azithromycin therapy started in an average of 4.0 days after onset of illness, with duration of therapy averaging (9 ± 4) d. Cephalosporin or penicillin (n = 1) was the initial antibiotic choice in 12 of them, while combination therapy with azithromycin and cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics was given in 41 of them. The duration of fever averaged (6 ± 3) d after treatment of azithromycin and duration of cough averaged (17 ± 5) d after treatment. Among patients with MR Mycoplasma pneumonia, those with lobar consolidation had longer duration of fever after treatment with azithromycin, compared with those without consolidation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The macrolide resistance rate was 98% (44/45) in our patients. Fever and duration of therapy with azithromycin in MR infection was longer in patients with lobar consolidation. The 44 children with MR Mycoplasma pneumonia recovered with no serious complications.

[Expression and significance of SARI and CCN1 in human colorectal carcinomas].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expressions of SARI (suppressor of AP-1, regulated by IFN) and connective tissue growth factor/cysteine-rich 61/nephroblastoma-1 (CCN1) and clarify their influences on the occurrence, development and prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS: Real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was used to confirm the expressions of SARI and CCN1 at the mRNA level in 32 fresh tissue samples. And the expressions of Caco-2, HT-29 and Lovo were also detected by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR) in cell lines. Tissue specimens were obtained from 116 cases of CRC and the expressions of SARI and CCN1 for each specimen detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlations between the expressions of SARI and CCN1 proteins were summarized. The relationships between the expression levels of SARI and CCN1 and their clinical features in primary CRC were analyzed respectively. The effects of expression levels of SARI and CCN1 proteins on the prognosis were also assessed in 116 CRC cases. RESULTS: The expressions of SARI and CCN1 at the mRNA level in fresh cancerous tissues and cell lines decreased and became up-regulated respectively. The positive rate of SARI protein expression was 76.7% and 28.4% in cancerous and noncancerous tissues respectively (P < 0.05). The positive rate of CCN1 protein expression was 26.7% and 74.1% in cancerous and noncancerous tissues respectively (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between the expressions of SARI and CCN1 (r = -0.24, P < 0.05). The negative expression of SARI correlated with a low grade of differentiation, deep infiltration depth and high TNM staging (P < 0.05). A positive expression of CCN1 correlated with deep infiltration depth and high TNM staging (P < 0.05) while a negative expression of SARI correlated with a lower survival rate than that of a positive expression (χ(2) = 8.47, P < 0.05); additionally, the survival rate of patients with a negative expression of SARI plus a positive expression of CCN1 was further lowered (χ(2) = 12.56, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The aberrant expressions of SARI and CCN1 correlate with the malignant biobehaviors of CRC. And a negative expression of SARI correlates with a worse prognosis of CRC.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae Macrolide Resistance and MLVA Typing in Children in Beijing, China, in 2016: Is It Relevant?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the macrolide resistance rate and molecular type with multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae of Beijing in 2016 in pediatric patients. METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify M. pneumoniae, and MLVA was performed. The domain V of the 23S rRNA was sequenced to detect macrolide-resistant point mutations. We also investigated the activities of antibiotics against M. pneumoniae isolates in vitro. RESULTS: The PCR detection rate of M. pneumoniae in children in Beijing was 40%, and the macrolide resistance rate was 66%. The A2063G mutation in the 23S rRNA V region is the dominant mutation (137/146, 93.84%), whereas the A2064G mutation is rare (9/146, 6.16%). Seventy-three samples were typed successfully by MLVA typing, including 86.3% (63/73) were MLVA type 4-5-7-2, and 13.7% (10/73) were MLVA type 3-5-6-2. No other types were found. No strains were resistant to levofloxacin or tetracycline. CONCLUSION: In 2016, a specific decrease in the macrolide resistance rate occurred in Beijing. The detection rate and macrolide resistance rate of outpatients are lower than those of inpatients. The A2063G mutants M. pneumoniae have high levels of resistance to erythromycin and azithromycin. The primary MLVA type is 4-5-7-2, followed by 3-5-6-2. No other MLVA types were detected. No strains resistant to tetracycline or levofloxacin were found in vitro.

Epidemiology and mechanism of drug resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Beijing, China: A multicenter study.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is one of the most common causes of community-acquired respiratory tract infections (RTIs). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection, antibiotic resistance and genetic diversity of M. pneumoniae isolates across multiple centers in Beijing, China. P1 protein was detected by Nested PCR to analyze the occurrence of M. pneumoniae in pediatric patients with RTI. M. pneumoniae isolates were cultured and analyzed by Nested-PCR to determine their genotypes. Broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics. Out of 822 children with RTI admitted to 11 hospitals in Beijing, 341 (41.48%) were positive for M. pneumoniae by Nested PCR and 236 (69.21%) samples had mutations in 23S rRNA domain V. The highest proportion of M. pneumoniae positive samples was observed in school-age children (118/190; 62.11%) and in pediatric patients with pneumonia (220/389; 56.56%). Out of 341 M. pneumoniae positive samples, 99 (12.04%) isolates were successfully cultured and the MIC values were determined for 65 M. pneumoniae strains. Out of these, 57 (87.69%) strains were resistant to macrolides, and all 65 strains were sensitive to tetracyclines or quinolones. M. pneumoniae P1 type I and P1 type II strains were found in 57/65 (87.69%) and 8/65 (12.31%) of cultured isolates, respectively. Overall, we demonstrated a high prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection and high macrolide resistance of M. pneumoniae strains in Beijing. School-age children were more susceptible to M. pneumoniae, particularly the children with pneumonia. Thus, establishment of a systematic surveillance program to fully understand the epidemiology of M. pneumoniae is critical for the standardized use of antibiotics in China.

Iodine regulates G2/M progression induced by CCL21/CCR7 interaction in primary cultures of papillary thyroid cancer cells with RET/PTC expression.

Treatment with high iodine concentrations can delay oncogenic activation effects, reduce cell growth and return thyroid-specific gene and protein expression levels to normal. During rearranged during transfection (RET)/papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) 3 activation, excess iodine can act as a protective agent in thyroid follicular cells. The chemokine receptor CCR7 serves a critical role in lymphocyte trafficking into and within lymph nodes, the preferential metastatic site for PTC. However, the potential associations between chemokine (C­C motif) ligand 21 (CCL21)/C­C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) interaction and iodine concentrations in primary cultures of PTC with RET/PTC expression remain unclear. Proliferation assays of primary cultures of PTC cells with RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 expression indicated that CCR7 activation by its specific ligand, CCL21, was associated with significantly increased cell proliferation. Flow cytometry data indicated that CCL21/CCR7 interaction significantly increased the fraction of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Western blotting indicated that CCL21/CCR7 interaction significantly upregulated cyclin A, cyclin B1 and cyclin­dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) expression. Western blotting determined that CCL21/CCR7 interaction significantly enhanced the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal­regulated kinase (P­ERK). Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that there was interaction between P­ERK and cyclin A, cyclin B1 or CDK1, particularly in the presence of CCL21. Sodium iodide (NaI, 10-5 M) significantly abolished the effects of exogenous CCL21. These results suggest that CCL21/CCR7 interaction contributes to G2/M progression of RET/PTC­expressing cells via the ERK pathway in association with 10­5 M NaI.

Development of an electrochemical immunosensor for alanine aminotransferase.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been regarded as one of the most sensitive indicators of hepatocellular damage. While ALT is widely used in the practice of medicine, few attempts have been made to develop biosensors applicable to the on-site diagnosis of liver diseases. In the hope of developing an immunosensor for measurement of ALT activity, we have generated monoclonal antibodies to human recombinant ALT and fabricated them for use in a sensor. The ALT immunosensor was composed of the followings: (1) anti-ALT antibody-immobilized outer membrane; (2) pyruvate oxidase-absorbed inner membrane; (3) a self assembled monolayer mediator-coated gold working electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The chronoamperometric measurement of the immunosensor was performed with 40 microl of PBS containing substrates and ALT without a washing step in less than 5 min. The dynamic range of ALT immunosensor was presented as five orders of magnitude, ranging between 10 pg/ml and 1 microg/ml. The detection limit and the sensitivity were 10 pg/ml and 26.3 nA/(ng/ml), respectively. In the meantime, the enzyme sensor fabricated without anti-ALT antibody showed much poorer analytical values. The dynamic range, the detection limit, and the sensitivity were 10 ng/ml-100 microg/ml, 10 ng/ml and 11.4 nA/(ng/ml), respectively. The presented results indicated that the immunosensor system provided much better technical performance in all of the aspects evaluated than did the enzyme sensor without the immobilized-antibody.

[The value of multislice spiral computed tomography in demonstrating the relationship between bronchus and peripheral lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in demonstrating the relationship between bronchus and peripheral lung cancer. METHODS: We prospectively performed volumetric targeted scans of 0.5 mm collimation with MSCT and reconstructed images of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), curved multiplanar reformations (CMPR) and surface shaded display (SSD) in 53 peripheral lung cancers. The results were compared with macroscopic and microscopic specimens. RESULTS: (1) The third- to seventh-order branches of the bronchi were clearly shown in all patients by the designed protocol. CT demonstrated the tumor-bronchus relationship in 29 (96.7%) adenocarcinomas and 13 (76.5%) squamous-cell carcinomas. Statistic analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 2.8, P > 0.05). (2) The tumor-bronchus relationship was identified as four types with MSCT. Type I: bronchus was obstructed abruptly by the tumor, type II: bronchus penetrated into the tumor with tapered narrowing and interruption, type III: bronchus lumen shown within tumor was patent and intact, type IV: bronchus ran at the periphery of the tumor with intact or narrowed lumen. (3) Type I was shown in 31 of 53 (58.5%) tumors with squamous-cell carcinoma slightly more common than adenocarcinoma. Type II and type III were seen equally in 8 of 53 (15.1%) tumors which occurred only in adenocarcinomas. Type IV was seen in 15 of 53 (28.3%) tumors with adenocarcinoma being slightly more frequent than squamous cell carcinoma. (4) The tumor at the fourth-order bronchus was more common in squamous cell carcinoma, whereas that at the fixth-order bronchus was more likely in adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Volumetric targeted scan of ultra-thin section with MSCT and followed by MPR, CMPR and SSD reconstruction can greatly improve the manifestation of the bronchioles and accurately demonstrate the patterns of tumor-bronchus relationship, thereby reflecting pathologic changes to some extent.

Bacterial immune interaction in experimental colitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) on intestinal microbiota and immune regulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to investigate the correlation between intestinal microbiota and immune factors. METHODS: Colitis in mice was induced by oxazolone. The community composition of luminal and mucosal microbiota was analyzed by a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. The expression of occludin, toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65 proteins were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Linear correlation between intestinal microbial community and the severity of the colitis or intestinal microbial community and expressions of immune factors were determined. RESULTS: Protective bacteria decreased while aggressive bacteria increased in the colitis group. The richness and diversity of both luminal and mucosal microbiota decreased in the colitis group the decrease was enhanced in the 5-ASA-treated group. The diversity of mucosal microbiota significantly correlated with the extent of the colitis. Expressions of occludin, TLR-2, TLR-4, tumor necrosis factor-α and NF-κB p65 were significantly correlated with the diversity of mucosal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: Mucosal microbiota are important in the pathogenesis of IBD. 5-ASA increases protective bacteria but decreases aggressive bacteria, thus inducing the new intestinal microbial homeostasis.

The miR-200 family regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by EGF/EGFR in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

The miR-200 family was recently identified as a suppressor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The loss or gain of miR-200 family members is associated with cancer invasion. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in the majority of anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATCs). The activation of EGFR by its ligand, epidermal growth factor (EGF), activates a signaling cascade that results in the enhanced migration and invasiveness of thyroid cancer cells. However, little is known about the potential interrelationships between EGF/EGFR, miR-200s and the induction of EMT or mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) processes. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of miR-200s in EMT modulation by EGF/EGFR. Using transfection, real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis, we found that the EGF treatment of Nthy-ori 3-1 thyroid follicular cells resulted in the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of vimentin. By contrast, EGFR silencing in SW1736 human thyroid carcinoma cells led to the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of vimentin. In addition, EGF signaling correlated with the reduced expression of miR-200s and the re-expression of miR-200s abrogated the effects of EGF treatment and restored an epithelial phenotype to EGF-induced Nthy-ori 3-1 cells. Conversely, the silencing of miR-200s in SW1736 cells overcame siEGFR-induced changes in gene expression and phenotype. In addition, we demonstrate that miR-200s play a key role in in vitro EGF/EGFR-mediated thyroid cell invasion and in EMT in vivo. We, therefore, provide a mechanistic link between the miR-200 family and EGF/EGFR, which suggests that miR-200 upregulation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for highly invasive thyroid cancers.

Acute mesenteric ischemia induced by ligation of porcine superior mesenteric vein: multidetector CT evaluations.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for detecting the early changes and dynamic evolution of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) induced by the ligation of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) in an experimental porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, and one control group with three pigs in each group. After laparotomy, the SMV was separated and ligated in nine pigs and separated without ligation in three controls. MDCT pre- and postcontrast with arterial, venous, and delayed phase scans, and CT angiography reconstructions of mesenteric vessels were carried out at preoperation, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 18 hours after ligation. The findings of mesenteric vessels, bowel, abdominal cavity at pre- and postoperation, and dynamic evolution were correlated with pathology. RESULTS: AMI-induced pathological changes were identified in all nine experimental pigs. MDCT angiography clearly delineated main trunk of the SMV, peripheral major and minor tributaries up to brushy vasa recta, and the location and shape of ligations. The early ischemic findings were bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, ascites, and pronounced bowel enhancement. Superior mesenteric artery and its major branches appeared spasm with poor filling and delayed and prolonged visualization. SMV and its tributaries were poorly delineated with delayed opacification. We also saw thinning of bowel wall, dilatating bowel with fluid, aggravating mesenteric edema and ascites, and poor enhanced bowel over time. CONCLUSION: MDCT detects early changes of mesenteric ischemia and its evolution after ligation of porcine SMV, and may find application in early diagnosis of human venous occlusive AMI.

[Multidetector-row CT evaluation of acute bowel ischemia induced by embolization of superior mesenteric artery in experimental porcine models].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of multi-detector row CT (MDCT) and CT angiography (CTA) for detecting early signs of acute bowel ischemia (ABI) in experimental porcine models. METHODS: Twelve pigs were assigned to four groups with 3 in each group. The digital subtraction angiography of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the embolization of branches of SMA with gelatin sponge and blood clot were performed by percutaneous transfemoral artery puncture and catheterization. MDCT pre- and post-contrast scanning in the arterial, venous and delay phase and CTA with three-dimensional reconstruction were carried out at pre-operation, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, and 12 h after occlusion. The normal mesenteric vascular anatomy, arterial occlusion, mesentery and bowel changes, and dynamic change were evaluated. RESULTS: ABI changes were identified pathologically in all the 12 experimental pigs, and the severity of ischemia increased over time after embolization. CTA showed all 57 embolized branches of SMA and 29 of 34 unoccluded arterial branches with 5 false-positive vessel occlusions. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 100% and 85.3%, respectively. Thin-slab maximum intensity projection (TSMIP) revealed the disappearance of distal comb-like vessel branches and brush-like vasa recta, which were clearly delineated in the normal bowel segments. Using this criterion, TSMIP correctly defined 23 of 24 ischemic bowel segments and all the 12 normal bowel segments with a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT and CTA reliably define normal and occluded mesenteric vessels in the pig. It can easily detect ischemic bowel segment by identified early changes of ischemia. The early direct ischemic signs are occluded vessels, the disappearance of distal comb-like branches or brush-like vasa recta, and poor bowel enhancement. The early indirect sign is bowel dilatation with fluid collection.