Acupuncture Point Selection Patterns for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Data Mining Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) significantly impacts the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing treatment, often leading to treatment interruptions and compromised adherence to therapy. Our objective was to identify patterns for selecting the optimal acupoints and explore the treatment principles behind forming effective acupoint combinations for CINV. METHODS: Clinical trials were retrieved from eight databases. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed, followed by association rule mining, network analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and correlation analysis, all implemented with R software. RESULTS: In summary, this study investigated the potential acupoints and combinations for CINV treatment in 104 published controlled clinical trials and randomized controlled trials. 104 prescriptions involving 48 acupoints were extracted. ST36, PC6, CV12, SP4, LI4, and ST25 appeared to be the most frequently used acupoints for CINV. Stomach Meridian, Conception Vessel (Renmai), and Pericardium Meridian were the most common selected meridians. The lower limbs, chest, and abdomen appeared as the predominant sites for acupoint selection. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that ST36, PC6, and CV12 were central key node acupoints. The clustering analysis displayed the treatment principle of "harmonizing the stomach, stopping vomiting, and descending counterflow." Association rule mining revealed that the combination of CV4, CV12, ST36, CV6, and PC6 emerged as the optimal acupoint combination for effectively treating CINV. CONCLUSION: Overall, our research provides evidence-based optimal acupuncture prescription for acupuncturists to treat CINV and presents a complementary therapy for chemotherapy physicians as well as patients to address CINV symptoms.

Stroke Phase Is Essential for Pneumonia in Dysphagia Patients After Cerebral Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The risk of pneumonia increases after stroke, especially in poststroke dysphagia patients. Propensity score matching (PSM) is a statistical method in SPSS, which can be used to balance the difference between the 2 groups of known factors. Nasogastric tube feeding is an important factor of stroke-associated pneumonia. However, few studies have used PSM to eliminate the effect of confounding factor. METHODS: Our research was a retrospective case-control study. Retrospective review of the patient database between December 1, 2019, and June 30, 2022, to identify consecutive dysphagia patients after cerebral infarction during hospitalization. An 1:1 PSM in SPSS 25.0 was used to balance nasogastric tube feeding between patients with and without pneumonia. The characteristics of these 2 groups were analyzed. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to screen the risk factors of dysphagia after cerebral infarction. RESULTS: After 1:1 PSM, 198 subjects met our criteria and were included in the analysis. Age [odds ratio (OR)=1.047, 95% CI: 1.013-1.081, P =0.006], stroke phase (acute stroke) (OR=5.931, 95% CI: 1.133-31.054, P =0.035), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR=1.058, 95% CI: 1.004-1.115, P =0.034), and length of hospital stay (OR=1.025, 95% CI: 1.001-1.049, P =0.042) had statistically significant correlation with pneumonia in patients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, for the prevention of pneumonia in patients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction, we should pay more attention to admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, age, and stroke phase, especially in acute cerebral infarction patients.

Visual analysis of acupuncture point selection patterns and related mechanisms in acupuncture for hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension has become one of the most pathogenic diseases in the world. OBJECTIVE: This paper summarizes and analyzes the acupuncture point combinations and treatment principles of acupuncture for hypertension in a systematic way by means of big data mining. METHODS: The literature for this paper was obtained from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Ovid databases. Thedata were collected to obtain combinations of acupoints with strong associations through association rule analysis, complex networks for screening to obtain core acupoint nuclei, and cluster analysis to derive treatment principles. RESULTS: A total of 127 acupuncture prescriptions involving 66 acupoints were included in this study. Tai-chong (LR3), Qu-chi (LI11), Zu-san-li (ST36), Feng-chi (GB20), and He-gu (LI4) were the most commonly used acupoints. The large intestine meridian was the preferred meridian, and most of the extremity acupoints, especially the lower extremities, were selected clinically. The association rule reveals that Qu-chi (LI11) and Zu-san-li (ST36) are the dominant combination acupoints. 3 core association points obtained after complex network analysis, the 1st association, Bai-hui (DU20), Tai-xi (KI3), Gan-shu (BL18), Shen-shu (BL23); The 2nd association, Qu-chi (LI11), He-gu (LI4), San-yin-jiao (SP6), Zu-san-li (ST36), Feng-chi (GB20), Tai-chong (LR3); The 3rd association, Qi-hai (RN6), Guan-yuan (RN4), Zhong-wan (RN12), Zhao-hai (KI6), Tai-yang (EX-HN5), Lie-que (LU7), Yang-ling-quan (GB34), Xing-jian (LR2), Yin-ling-quan (SP9). Cluster analysis yielded the treatment principles of nourishing Yin and submerging Yang, pacifying the liver and submerging Yang, tonifying Qi and Blood, and calming the mind and restoring the pulse, improving clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: By means of big data mining, we can provide reference for acupuncture point grouping and selection for clinical acupuncture treatment of hypertension.

The oral bacterial microbiota facilitates the stratification for ulcerative colitis patients with oral ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Clinically, a large part of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is complicated by oral lesions. Although previous studies proved oral microbial dysbiosis in IBD patients, the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of those IBD patients combined with oral ulcers has not been profiled yet. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled four groups of subjects, including healthy controls (CON), oral ulcer patients (OU), and ulcerative colitis patients with (UC_OU) and without (UC) oral ulcers. Bio-samples from three GI niches containing salivary, buccal, and fecal samples, were collected for 16S rRNA V3-V4 region sequencing. Bacterial abundance and related bio-functions were compared, and data showed that the fecal microbiota was more potent than salivary and buccal microbes in shaping the host immune system. ~ 22 UC and 10 UC_OU 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) routine treated patients were followed-up for six months; according to their treatment response (a decrease in the endoscopic Mayo score), they were further sub-grouped as responding and non-responding patients. RESULTS: We found those UC patients complicated with oral ulcers presented weaker treatment response, and three oral bacterial genera, i.e., Fusobacterium, Oribacterium, and Campylobacter, might be connected with treatment responding. Additionally, the salivary microbiome could be an indicator of treatment responding in 5-ASA routine treatment rather than buccal or fecal ones. CONCLUSIONS: The fecal microbiota had a strong effect on the host's immune indices, while the oral bacterial microbiota could help stratification for ulcerative colitis patients with oral ulcers. Additionally, the oral microbiota had the potential role in reflecting the treatment response of UC patients. Three oral bacteria genera (Fusobacterium, Oribacterium, and Campylobacter) might be involved in UC patients with oral ulcers lacking treatment responses, and monitoring oral microbiota may be meaningful in assessing the therapeutic response in UC patients.

RB1 aberrations predict outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy in NSCLC.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have changed the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Furthermore, compared with monotherapy, ICI combination therapy had better efficacy and partly different mechanism. Therefore, we aim to investigate and improve biomarkers specialized for ICI combination therapy. Methods: We enrolled 53 NSCLC patients treated with ICI combination therapy and collected their tissue and plasma samples to perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a 425-gene panel. Results: The line of treatment was the only clinical factor significantly affecting objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Surprisingly, classical markers PD-L1 and TMB only had limited predictive values in the ICI combination therapy. Instead, we found RB1 mutation was significantly associated with prognosis. Patients with mutated RB1 had shorter PFS than those with wild RB1 (134d vs 219d, p=0.018). Subsequent analysis showed the RB1 related mutated cell cycle and chromosomal instability were also deleterious to prognosis (103d vs 411d, p<0.001; 138d vs 505d, p=0.018). Additionally, patients with more circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) had significantly shorter PFS (41d vs 194d, p=0.0043). Conclusion: This study identified that NSCLC patients with mutated RB1 were less sensitive to ICI combination therapy. RB1 mutations and following cell cycle abnormalities and chromosomal instability can potentially guide clinical management.

Acupuncture treatment vs. cognitive rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Cognitive impairment is one of the common sequelae after stroke, which not only hinders the recovery of patients but also increases the financial burden on families. In the absence of effective therapeutic measures, acupuncture treatment has been widely used in China to treat post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), but the specific efficacy is unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the true efficacy of acupuncture treatment in patients with PSCI. Methods: We searched eight databases [PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal (VIP) database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, and Wan fang database] from the inception to May 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to acupuncture treatment combined with cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for PSCI. Two investigators independently used a pre-designed form to extract valid data from eligible RCTs. The risk of bias was assessed through tools provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. The meta-analysis was implemented through Rev Man software (version 5.4). The strength of the evidence obtained was evaluated using GRADE profiler software. Adverse events (AEs) were collected by reading the full text and used to evaluate the safety of acupuncture treatment. Results: Thirty-eight studies involving a total of 2,971 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the RCTs included in this meta-analysis were poor in methodological quality. The combined results showed that acupuncture treatment combined with CR showed significant superiority compared to CR alone in terms of improving cognitive function [Mean Difference (MD) = 3.94, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.16-4.72, P < 0.00001 (MMSE); MD = 3.30, 95%CI: 2.53-4.07, P < 0.00001 (MoCA); MD = 9.53, 95%CI: 5.61-13.45, P < 0.00001 (LOTCA)]. Furthermore, the combination of acupuncture treatment and CR significantly improved patients' self-care ability compared to CR alone [MD = 8.66, 95%CI: 5.85-11.47, P < 0.00001 (MBI); MD = 5.24, 95%CI: 3.90-6.57, P < 0.00001 (FIM)]. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis showed that MMSE scores were not sufficiently improved in the comparison of electro-acupuncture combined with CR versus CR alone (MD = 4.07, 95%CI: -0.45-8.60, P = 0.08). However, we also observed that electro-acupuncture combined with CR was superior to the use of CR alone in improving MoCA and MBI scores in patients with PSCI [MD = 2.17, 95%CI: 0.65-3.70, P = 0.005 (MoCA); MD = 1.74, 95%CI: 0.13-3.35, P = 0.03 (MBI)]. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse events (AE) between acupuncture treatment combined with CR and CR alone (P > 0.05). The certainty of the evidence was rated low level because of flaws in the study design and considerable heterogeneity among the included studies. Conclusion: This review found that acupuncture treatment combined with CR may have a positive effect on improving cognitive function and self-care ability in PSCI patients. However, our findings should be treated with caution owing to the existence of methodological quality issues. High-quality studies are urgently required to validate our results in the future. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022338905, identifier: CRD42022338905.

Added value of systemic inflammation markers for monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (rNACT) elevates the surgical outcomes of patients with breast cancer, however, non-rNACT have a higher risk of death and recurrence. AIM: To establish novel machine learning (ML)-based predictive models for predicting probability of rNACT in breast cancer patients who intends to receive NACT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 487 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Hubei Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2013, and October 1, 2021. The study cohort was divided into internal training and testing datasets in a 70:30 ratio for further analysis. A total of twenty-four variables were included to develop predictive models for rNACT by multiple ML-based algorithms. A feature selection approach was used to identify optimal predictive factors. These models were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predictive performance. RESULTS: Analysis identified several significant differences between the rNACT and non-rNACT groups, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, body mass index, platelet count, albumin-to-globulin ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. The areas under the curve of the six models ranged from 0.81 to 0.96. Some ML-based models performed better than models using conventional statistical methods in both ROC curves. The support vector machine (SVM) model with twelve variables introduced was identified as the best predictive model. CONCLUSION: By incorporating pretreatment serum lipids and serum inflammation markers, it is feasible to develop ML-based models for the preoperative prediction of rNACT and therefore facilitate the choice of treatment, particularly the SVM, which can improve the prediction of rNACT in patients with breast cancer.

Intensivists' response to hyperoxemia in mechanical ventilation patients: The status quo and related factors.

BACKGROUND: Due to the still sparse literature in China, the investigation of hyperoxemia management is required. Thus, we aim to conduct a retrospective study to provide more information about hyperoxemia management in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively screened the medical records of adult patients (age ≥18 years) who required mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥24 hours from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. All arterial blood gas (ABG) tested during MV was retrieved, and MV settings were recorded. The median arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) >120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) was defined as mild to moderate hyperoxemia, and PaO2 >300 mmHg as extreme hyperoxemia. Intensivists' response to hyperoxemia was assessed based on the reduction of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) within one hour after hyperoxemia was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent factors associated with the intensivists' response to hyperoxemia. RESULTS: A total of 592 patients were finally analyzed. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 21 (15-26). The PaO2, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), FiO2, and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) were 96.4 (74.0-126.0) mmHg, 97.8% (95.2%-99.1%), 0.4 (0.4-0.5), and 5 (3-6) cmH2O, respectively. Totally 174 (29.39%) patients had PaO2 >120 mmHg, and 19 (3.21%) patients had extreme hyperoxemia at PaO2 >300 mmHg. In cases of mild to moderate hyperoxemia with FiO2 ≤0.4, only 13 (2.20%) patients had a decrease in FiO2 within one hour. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a positive response was independently associated with FiO2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.12, P<0.001), PaO2 (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, P=0.002), and working shifts (OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.87-13.80, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperoxemia occurs frequently and is neglected in most cases, particularly when mild to moderate hyperoxemia, hyperoxemia with lower FiO2, hyperoxemia during night and middle-night shifts, or FiO2 less likely to be decreased. Patients may be at a risk of oxygen toxicity because of the liberal oxygen strategy. Therefore, further research is needed to improve oxygen management for patients with MV in the ICUs.

Photoinduced Enhanced Raman Probe for Use in Highly Specific and Sensitive Imaging for Tyrosine Dimerization in Inflammatory Cells.

A background-free photoinduced enhanced Raman (PIER) probe for highly sensitive detection of tyrosine dimerization process due to oxidative reaction in inflammatory cells is presented. The PIER probe could monitor oxidative reaction in real time by producing time-resolved spectral with discrete changes in Raman intensity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on C≡C probes with PIER and vastly improved Raman activity. These results will contribute to the cutting edge of development of stable and highly sensitive chemical imaging technology.

Operando characterization of chemical reactions in single living cells using SERS.

Detection of chemical reactions in living cells is critical in understanding physiological metabolic processes in the context of nanomedicine. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the important gaseous signaling molecules. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based CO-releasing nanoparticles (CORN) is utilized to investigate the chemical reaction of CO delivery in live cells. Using SERS CORN, carbonyl dissociation from CORN-Ag-CpW(CO)3 to CORN-Ag-CpW(CO)2 in live cells is observed. The subsequent irreversible degradation to CO-free CORN is a consequence of oxidative stress in cells. This observation affirms the step transition of CORN-Ag-CpW(CO)3 in cellular: CORN-Ag-CpW(CO)3 first proceeds via a direct loss of one CO followed by a oxidative decomposition giving rise to CORN-Ag-WO3 and as well as the release of one equivalents of CO. Importantly, the decarbonylation process can be correlated with the level of inflammatory biomarkers. For the first time, we provide unambiguous evidence for the steps transition of CO-release mechanism in cellular.

Reversible detection of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using a cyclopentadienyl ruthenium nanotag functionalized tip.

The detection of cancer invasion is crucial for diagnosis. In this report, we employed a TERS tip and SERS nanotags to create a cell signaling based nano-sensing system. This system is capable of creating a reversible phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation cycle for TERS measurement. The reversible TERS sensing is then paired with a downstream binding domain, Src homology region 2 (SH2), which is associated with the cell signaling for cancer cell invasion. Such a system offers the advantages of convenient detection of nanotags and high sensitivity as validated in a cell model.

Bronchial Epithelial Cells Promote the Differentiation of Th2 Lymphocytes in Airway Microenvironment through Jagged/Notch-1 Signaling after RSV Infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Notch-1 signaling through Notch-1 ligands on bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) in regulating the development of T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes after RSV infection. METHODS: Firstly, we analyzed the expression of cytokines and Notch-1 ligands in BECs by using real-time PCR. Then, RSV-infected BECs were co-cultured with CD4+ T cells in a transwell chamber for 48 h, and differentiation of T cells in the lower chamber was determined using flow cytometry and real-time PCR. JAG1 siRNA was then used to determine the effects of Jagged/Notch-1 signaling on the differentiation of Th2. An RSV-infected mouse model was also used to analyze the secretion of Th differentiation-associated cytokines in serum and lung tissues using ELISA, the histopathological changes using HE staining, and the expression of JAG1 and JAG2 in BECs. RESULTS: The results showed that RSV promoted the expression of Th2-type cytokines and Jagged-1 and inhibited the expression of Jagged-2 in normal BECs. RSV-infected BECs induced Th2 differentiation. In addition, JAG1 downregulation inhibited the differentiation of Th2 and promoted differentiation of Th1. In the RSV-infected mouse model, the RSV titer, inflammation decreased with time. IL-4 and IL-17 increased on day 28 and 60, while IFNγ increased on day 7 and 28. Moreover, the expression of Jagged-1 increased and that of Jagged-2 decreased in BECs, which was consistent with IL-4 production in lung tissues. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that BECs had the potential to promote the differentiation of Th2 lymphocytes through Jagged-1/Notch-1 signaling.

Role of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in dysmenorrhea due to adenomyosis and the influence on ovarian function.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of moderate or severe dysmenorrhea associated with adenomyosis and the influence on ovarian function. STUDY DESIGN: The LNG-IUS was inserted into 60 women who had moderate or severe dysmenorrhea associated with adenomyosis diagnosed by transvaginal sonography. A visual analogue scale (VAS) of dysmenorrhea, uterine volume and serum-levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), etstradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL) were used to assess the efficacy of the treatment at base- line and at six and 12 months after the LNG-IUS. Serum-levels ofFSH, LH, E2, and PRL were tested in pre-and post-insertion at six and at 12 months, respectively. Side-effects were recorded at every follow-up visit. RESULTS: After six and 12 months of LNG-IUS insertion, dysmenorrhea was obviously alleviated, and the dysmenorrhea scores decreased to 2.6 from 0.6 (p < 0.05). The volume of uterus reduced six months after insertion and later, but without significant change (p <0.05). After treatment of serum, in terms ofFSH, LH, and E2 lev- els, compared with pre-insertion, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.01). However, the level of PRL markedly de- clined at six and 12 months after LNG-IUS. CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUS appears to be an effective method in alleviating dysmenorrhea associated with adenomyosis with little effect on ovarian function. It may be helpful to decrease the level of PRL in these patients.

[Total laparoscopic sigmoid and rectal surgery combined with transanal endoscopic microsurgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and short-term outcomes of total laparoscopic sigmoid and rectal surgery combined with transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM). METHODS: The clinical data of 26 patients with colorectal carcinoma treated by total laparoscopic surgery with TEM between May 2010 and May 2011 in the Shanghai Ruijin Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All the 26 operations were successfully accomplished laparoscopically. There was no conversion to open procedure. No diverting ileostomy was made. The mean operative time was (151.6±25.9) min. The mean blood loss was (200.2±114.7) ml. The mean time to first flatus was (2.0±0.5) d. The mean tumor size was (3.0±0.7) cm and all resection margins were negative. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was (12.9±2.2). Six patients developed postoperative anastomotic leakage, all of who had tumors in the lower rectum. There were no ureteral injury, intestinal obstruction, or pulmonary infection. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic sigmoid and rectal surgery combined with TEM is a safe and feasible minimally invasive surgery. It is an improvement by combining laparoscopic skills with the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

[Correlation of expression of Survivin, BCRP and HER-2 genes with therapeutic response of TE regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of expression of Survivin mRNA, BCRP mRNA and HER-2 mRNA in breast cancer after TE regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to find biological markers to predict the efficiency of TE regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: The gene expressions were detected by RT-PCR from 56 breast cancer patients before and after TE regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy (docetaxel and epirubicin). The relationships between these gene expressions and chemotherapy responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 71.4%, including 8.9% (5/56) with complete response and 62.5% (35/56) with partial response. Pathological complete response was found in 4 cases (7.1%). Stable disease and progression of disease were 23.2% (13/56) and 5.4% (3/56), respectively. The expression of Survivin mRNA after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 35.7% (20/56), significantly lower than 60.7% (34/56) before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.008). The expression of BCRP mRNA after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 19.6%, significantly lower than 37.5% before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.036). The positive rate of HER-2 mRNA expression was 41.1% before the chemotherapy, and reduced to 21.4% after the chemotherapy (P = 0.025). The effective rates of the single positive expression of Survivin mRNA or BCRP mRNA were both lower than that of negative expression (P < 0.05). The level of HER-2 mRNA expression alone was not significantly associated with the effective rate of chemotherapy (P = 0.144). When the expression of all Survivin mRNA, BCRP mRNA and HER-2 mRNA were negative, the effective rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was higher than that in patients with positive expression (P = 0.003). The level of Survivin mRNA expression was not significantly associated with BCRP mRNA and HER-2 mRNA (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of Survivin in combination with BCRP and HER-2 is associated with clinical response to TE neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, and can be used as predictive biomarkers for chemosensitivity of TE regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Incidence of cytomegalovirus infection in Shanghai, China.

A city-wide cytomegalovirus serosurvey was conducted in Shanghai, China, and associated parameters were calculated by employing the catalytic model. The lowest seroprevalence was 60.37%, found in the >1- to 3-year age group. The value increased rapidly with age until 25 years, when a value of 97.03% was found, caused by the high force of infection (12.69) and by the reproductive rate (8.89).

Oxidative stress inhibits osteoblastic differentiation of bone cells by ERK and NF-kappaB.

Signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress-induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation are not known. We showed in this report that H(2)O(2) (0.1-0.2mM)-induced oxidative stress suppressed the osteoblastic differentiation process of primary rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and calvarial osteoblasts, manifested by a reduction of differentiation markers including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen, colony-forming unit-osteoprogenitor (CFU-O) formation, and nuclear phosphorylation of Runx2. H(2)O(2) treatment stimulated phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and NF-kappaB signaling but inhibited p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. In the presence of 20microM PD98059 or 50microM caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), specific inhibitor for ERKs or NF-kappaB, respectively, could significantly reverse the decrease of above-mentioned osteoblastic differentiation markers elicited by H(2)O(2) (0.1mM). Furthermore, PD98059 also suppressed H(2)O(2)-stimulated NF-kappaB signaling in this process. These data suggest that ERK and ERK-dependent NF-kappaB activation is required for oxidative stress-induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation in rabbit BMSC and calvarial osteoblasts.

[Direct fluorophotometric and flow-injection fluorophotometric methods for the determination of trace ammonia].

Direct fluorophotometric and flow-injection fluorophotometric methods for trace ammonia measurement involving the fluorescent reaction of ammonia with o-phthaldlaldehyde (OPA) and 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) producing derivant of iso-indol in alkaline solution are described. Triton X-100 was added to improve the stability of the system. The maximum excitation wavelength is 415 nm, while the maximum emission wavelength is 486 nm. With direct fliuorophotometric method, the calibration curve's regression equation is deltaI = 22.286 + 785.71c(NH3) (microg x mL(-1)) (r = 0. 9995) in the range of ammonia concentration from 0.2 to 1.0 microg x mL(-1), and deltaI = -27.429 + 2 371.4c(NH3) microg x mL(-1)) (r = 0.9965) in the range of ammonia concentration from 0.02 to 0.10 microg x mL(-1). With flow-injection fluorophotometric method, the calibration curve's regression equation is deltaI = 1188c(NH3) (microg x mL(-1)) (r = 0. 9998) in the range of ammonia concentration of ammonia 0-0.7 microg x mL(-1). The mechanism of reaction was also briefly discussed.