Ti-O-N/Ti composite coating on Ti-6Al-4V: surface characteristics, corrosion properties and cellular responses.

To enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V and extend its lifetime in medical applications, Ti-O-N/Ti composite coating was synthesized on the surface via plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIIID). Surface morphology and cross sectional morphology of the composite coating were characterized using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Although X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis revealed that the Ti-O-N/Ti composite coating was composed of non-stoichiometric titanium oxide, titanium nitride and titanium oxynitride, no obvious characteristic peak corresponding to the crystalline phases of them was detected in the X-ray diffraction pattern. In accordance with Owens-Wendt equation, surface free energy of the uncoated and coated samples was calculated and compared. Moreover, the corrosion behavior of uncoated and coated samples was evaluated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement, and an equivalent circuit deriving from Randles model was used to fit Bode plots and describe the electrochemical processes occurring at the sample/electrolyte interface. On the basis of the equivalent circuit model, the resistance of the composite coating was 4.7 times higher than that of the passive layer on uncoated samples, indicating the enhanced corrosion resistance after PIIID treatment. Compared to uncoated Ti-6Al-V, Ti-O-N/Ti-coated samples facilitated ostoblast proliferation within 7 days of cell culture, while there was no statistically significant difference in alkaline phosphate activity between uncoated and coated samples during 21 days of cell culture.

[Roles of microRNAs in allergic airway diseases].

The microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs regulating protein translation via mRNAs silencing. Studies have shown that microRNAs play critical roles in allergic diseases, tumors, and infections. The allergic airway diseases are characterized by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the respiratory tract. Several miRNAs are found to be involved in a series of pathophysiologic processes in allergic airway diseases including inflammatory cells infiltration, cytokines' expressions, airway hyperresponsiveness, and proliferation and change in phenotype of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, miRNAs may be new therapeutic targets for these allgeric diseases. This article reviews the roles of miRNAs in asthma and allergic rhinitis and their molecular biological mechanisms.

Development and evaluation of a bivalent vaccine based on recombinant newcastle disease virus expressing infectious bursal disease virus VP2L-CH3-CH4 in SPF chickens.

Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) are two viral infectious diseases that are extremely damaging to the poultry industry and are widespread throughout the world. It is necessary to develop a safe and effective vaccine against IBD and ND because vaccination is an effective preventive measure. It has been discovered that recombinant proteins expressed by an expression system in which a fragment of mammalian Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fragment crystallizable (Fc) is linked to a segment of a gene have antibody-like properties that increase the exogenous protein's serum half-life. Heavy chain constant region 3 and heavy chain constant region 4 (CH3-CH4) of Avian Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is structurally very similar to mammalian Ig G Fc. In this study, a bivalent vaccine rClone30-VP2L-CH3-CH4-GMCSF was developed by using NDV rClone30-chGM-CSF vector to produce VP2L-CH3-CH4 fusion protein. The vaccine has been given to 14-day-old specific pathogen free (SPF) free chickens to test whether it has the potential to prevent IBD and ND. Anti-IBDV and anti-NDV antibody levels in serum were evaluated using ELISA and HI, respectively, and the contents of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B cells in leukocytes were determined via flow cytometry. The contents and mRNA transcription levels of four inflammatory factors, IL-1ß, IL-4, IFN-γ and chGM-CSF, were detected by ELISA and real-time PCR respectively. The results showed that after vaccination with the rClone30-VP2L-CH3-CH4-GMCSF vaccine, the levels of anti NDV and anti IBDV antibodies in chickens were significantly higher than those of the rClone30 vaccine and commercial vaccines. Meanwhile, the contents and transcription levels of inflammatory factors in chickens inoculated with rClone30-VP2L-CH3-CH4-GMCSF were significantly increased, and the proliferation response of B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was also stronger. However, the rClone30-VP2L-CH3-CH4-GMCSF vaccine had no significant advantage over the rClone30-VP2L-GMCSF vaccine in any of the above-mentioned features. In summary, rClone30-VP2L-CH3-CH4-GMCSF can stimulate the body to produce a stronger immune response, showing its potential to be considered as vaccine against IBD and ND, but the addition of CH3-CH4 did not improve the vaccine's immune effect as expected. The research lays the foundation for developing vaccines for other infectious viral diseases and avoids a unrealistic vaccine optimization method.

[The value of age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To validate the value of age-adjusted D-dimer combined with clinical probability to confirm or exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in elderly patients. METHOD: Elderly patients ( ≥ 65 years) suspected with DVT were evaluated by Wells score and D-dimer test. All patients underwent ultrasonography examination except for patients with Wells score < 2 and negative D-dimer test results. Conventional cut-off value is 500 µg/L, while age-adjusted cut-off value is set as patient's age×10 µg/L. We compared the sensitivity and specificity using the 2 cut-off values in confirming or excluding the diagnoses of DVT. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 624 patients [mean age(76.4 ± 19.3) years], DVT was confirmed in 192 (30.8%) patients. Using Wells score model, 326 patients (52.2%) were scored as unlikely DVT and DVT was confirmed by ultrasonography in 44 patients (13.5%), and 298 patients as likely DVT patients and DVT was confirmed in 148 patients (55.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value by conventional and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value for diagnosing DVT in low-risk patients evaluated by Wells score model were 95.5%, 40.4%, 20.0%, 98.3% and 95.5%, 61.0%, 27.6%, 87.1%, respectively, and which were 89.9%, 67.3%, 73.1%, 87.1% and 89.2%, 89.3%, 89.2%, 89.3%, respectively, in high-risk patients evaluated by Wells score model. Thus, specificity increased about 20% using age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value compared with conventional D-dimer cut-off value. CONCLUSION: The age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value combined with clinical probability evaluation could increase diagnosing specificity of DVT in elderly patients.

XPA A23G polymorphism and susceptibility to cancer: a meta-analysis.

Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) participates in modulating recognition of DNA damage during the DNA nucleotide excision repair process. The XPA A23G polymorphism has been investigated in case-control studies to evaluate the cancer risk attributed to the variant, but the results were conflicting. To clarify the effect of XPA A23G polymorphism in cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis that included 30 published case-control studies. Overall, no significant association of XPA A23G variant with cancer susceptibility was observed for any genetic model. However, significant association was observed for colorectal cancer (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.15-2.44; dominant genetic model GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.08-1.17), for breast cancer an increased but non-significant risk was found (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.98-1.66; dominant genetic model GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.99-1.63), and for head and neck cancer an increased risk was observed in recessive model (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02-1.38), whereas for lung cancer a significant reduced risk was observed (GG vs. AA: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66­0.90; dominant genetic model GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.66-0.87), it's noting that in Asian population the inverse association was more apparent. In addition, in Asian population for esophageal cancer a significant decreased risk was also found in dominant genetic model (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.43-0.70) and for head and neck cancer an increased risk was observed in dominant genetic model (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03-2.23). The meta-analysis suggested that the XPA A23G G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for cancer development.

Catalyst- and solvent-free approach to 2-arylated quinolines via [5 + 1] annulation of 2-methylquinolines with diynones.

A novel route for the synthesis of 2-arylated quinolines through a [5 + 1] annulation directly from 2-methylquinolines and diynones under catalyst-free and solvent-free conditions was disclosed. This synthetic process was atom-economic, with good tolerance of a broad range of functional groups, and with great practical worth.

Fast determination of alkylphenol ethoxylates in leafy vegetables using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method and ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In the present study, a quick and sensitive method was developed for simultaneous determination of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPxEOs) and octylphenol ethoxylates (OPxEOs) (x=2-20) in three leafy vegetables, including cabbage, lettuce, and spinach using a modified "QuEChERS" method and ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS/MS) with scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Under optimized conditions, the 38 target analytes were analyzed within a short period of time (5 min). The linearities of the matrix-matched standard calibrations were satisfactory with coefficients of determination (R2)>0.99 and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were in between 0.02-0.27 and 0.18-1.75µgkg-1, respectively. The recovery of all target analytes spiked at three (low, medium, and high) fortification levels in various leafy vegetables were ranged from 72.8-122.6% with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤18.3%. The method was successfully applied to market samples and the target analytes were found in all monitored samples, with total concentrations of 0-8.67µgkg-1 and 15.75-95.75µgkg-1 for OPxEOs and NPxEOs (x=2-20), respectively. In conclusion, the newly developed UHPSFC-ESI-MS/MS method is rapid and versatile and could be extrapolated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of APxEOs in other leafy vegetables.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma involving the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus: a rare and highly progressive tumor.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. We report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma arising in the left-side nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in a 65-year-old man who was hospitalized for left-side nasal epistaxis, odor sensation. Histopathologic examination revealed the tumor was composed of pleomorphic spindle and round cells with frequent mitosis, and no carcinomatous component was recognized. Immunohistochemistry revealed coexpression of cytokeratin and vimentin by the tumor cells, whereas expressions of EMA, S-100, HMB-45, Melan-A, LCA, MyoD1, CD34, CK7, F8 and desmin were negative. The diagnosis was sarcomatoid carcinoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The neoplasm was partial resected by nasal endoscopic surgery following chemoradiation therapy immediately. But it was still progressing rapidly, and had a poor prognosis.

[The value of ultrasound in diagnosis of IgG4-related sialadenitis].

PURPOSE: To study the ultrasonic manifestation of IgG4-related sialadenitis, and improve sonographers' understanding of this disease. METHODS: Based on the clinical serological test and histopathologic diagnosis, the features were evaluated by sonography in 25 cases of IgG4-related sialadenitis, including the shape and border of the gland, internal echo texture, presence and distribution of vascularity, duct dilatation, presence/absence of calculi and submandibular lymph nodes. The changes on ultrasonography in 14 patients with IgG4-related sialadenitis before and after steroid treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 20 men and 5 women ranging between 42-89 years old with an average age of 64.5 years old. The sites of involvement were submandibular gland (20 cases) and parotid gland (5 cases). Of the 10 patients with diffuse involvement, the lesions showed bilateral symmetrical distribution in 9 patients and unilateral involvement in 1 patient with multiple hypoechoic lesions against a heterogeneous background. The ducts were dilated in 3 patients, and had calculus in 2 patients. Doppler sonography in all patients with diffuse involvement of the gland showed prominent intraglandular vessels. Of the 15 patients with focal involvement, 14 patients showed unilateral involvement and only one showed bilateral involvement of the submandibular gland with hypoechoic heterogeneous. The vessels showed a radial pattern within the lesions. There were definite submandibular lymph nodes involvement by IgG4-related disease in 4 of the 8 patients. After steroid treatment, the prominent sonographic feature of IgG4-related sialadenitis gradually receded. CONCLUSIONS: Sonologist must be aware of sonographic appearances in patients with IgG4-related sialadenitis, which can help correct diagnosis and treatment.

Synovial sarcoma of the neck masquerading as a malignant second branchial cleft cyst.

Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon, aggressive malignant tumor of the soft tissues primarily involving the extremities of young adults. Head and neck synovial sarcoma is rare, and its diagnosis and therapy are still challenging.We report a case of a young patient with synovial sarcoma, clinically masquerading as cystic mass of the neck and malignant second branchial cleft cyst. The pathological diagnosis of the sarcoma was confirmed by a multimodality diagnostic protocol, including histological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic analysis. The patient underwent complete surgical excision followed by postoperative radiotherapy and recovered well.

Predicting early intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after microwave ablation using SELDI-TOF proteomic signature.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite great progress in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over the last-decade, intrahepatic recurrence is still the most frequent serious adverse event after all the treatments including microwave ablation. This study aimed to predict early recurrence of HCC after microwave ablation using serum proteomic signature. METHODS: After curative microwave ablation of HCC, 86 patients were followed-up for 1 year. Serum samples were collected before microwave ablation. The mass spectra of proteins were generated using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Serum samples from 50 patients were randomly selected as a training set and for biomarkers discovery and model development. The remaining serum samples were categorized for validation of the algorithm. RESULTS: According to preablation serum protein profiling obtained from the 50 HCC samples in the training set, nine significant differentially-expressed proteins were detected in the serum samples between recurrent and non-recurrent patients. Decision classification tree combined with three candidate proteins with m/z values of 7787, 6858 and 6646 was produced using Biomarker Patterns Software with sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 88.9% in the training set. When the SELDI marker pattern was tested with the blinded testing set, it yielded a sensitivity of 80.0%, a specificity of 88.5% and a positive predictive value of 86.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Differentially-expressed protein peaks in preablation serum screened by SELDI are associated with prognosis of HCC. The decision classification tree is a potential tool in predicting early intrahepatic recurrence in HCC patients after microwave ablation.

HOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and susceptibility to head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Several research groups have investigated the influence of the human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) Ser326Cys polymorphism on head and neck cancer (HNC) susceptibility. However, the results remain inconclusive and controversial. We therefore conducted the present meta-analysis. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed databases until July 2011 and selected on the basis of established inclusion criteria for publications. RESULTS: A total of 8 case-control studies on the association of hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism with HNC risk were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall significant associations were observed (G allele vs. C allele: OR=1.49, 95%CI=1.08-2.05, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; GG vs.CC: OR=2.30, 95%CI=1.05-5.05, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; CG vs. CC: OR=1.40, 95%CI=1.03-1.90, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; dominant model (GG+CG vs. CC): OR=1.52, 95%CI=1.06-2.16, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; recessive model (GG vs. CG+CC): OR=2.04, 95%CI=1.05-3.96, P=0.01 for heterogeneity) after excluding the studies that were not in agreement with HWE. On performance of a subgroup meta-analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were found (G allele vs. C allele: OR=1.40, 95%CI=1.001-1.95, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; GG vs.CC: OR=2.30, 95%CI=1.05-5.05, P<0.01 for heterogeneity; recessive model (GG vs. CG+CC): OR=2.04, 95%CI=1.05-3.96, P=0.01 for heterogeneity) in Caucasian populations after excluding one study not in agreement with HWE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the G allele might be associated with an increased risk of HNC in Caucasian populations.

Expression of type IV collagen, metalloproteinase-2, metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of type IV collagen, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs). METHODS: Expression was quantified in 44 LSCC and 22 adjacent non-cancer normal tissues using a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugated immunohistochemistry and associations between the levels of the four proteins and clinicopathological characteristics in LSCC were analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly different expression of all four proteins was observed in LSCC and adjacent non-cancer normal tissues (P<0.05). Expression of type IV collagen correlated with primary cancer status (P = 0.04), clinical stage (P = 0.04) and histological grade (P = 0.01). Expression of MMP-9 correlated with the location of the tumor (P = 0.04), cervical node metastasis (P = 0.02) and prognosis (P = 0.02). The (MMP-2+MMP-9)/TIMP-1 score was associated with the prognosis of LSCC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that expression of type IV collagen and its regulators is strongly associated with the development of LSCC. Type IV collagen and MMP-9 may be more valuable than MMP-2 and TIMP-1 for the evaluation of clinical characteristics. Regulation of type IV collagen may contribute to the balance of MMPs and TIMPs in LSCC.

[Expression of survivin gene and its relationship with expression of p15, p16 proteins in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas].

OBJECTIVE: : To investigate the expression of Survivin (SVV) and its relationship with expression of p15, p16 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). METHODS: Using strep avidin-biotin complex (SABC) method, we examined the expression of SVV, p15 and p16 gene in 48 LSCC tissus samples, 24 normal laryngeal mucosa tissus samples and 24 normal laryngeal tissus adjacent to the tumors samples. RESULTS: SVV was expression in 27 of 48 (56.3%) samples of LSCC and expression in 6 of 24 (25.0%) samples of normal laryngeal tissus adjacent to the tumors. Normal laryngeal mocosa tissus samples did not expressed SVV. Overexpression of SVV was related to the tumor site, grade, clinical stage and tumor prognosis (P < 0.05). The expression of SVV in LSCC was positive correlated with p16 expression( C = 0.52 P < 0.001), but not with p15 expression. CONCLUSION: SVV may play a role in the pathway of carcinogenesis and tumor progress. It is feasible for early diagnosis and prognosis estimation. Overexpression of SVV gene and de-activation of antioncogene p16 may be play synergetic roles in the carcinogenesis of LSCC.