Weakening of sulfate removal by aquatic plants in iron-based constructed wetlands: The rhizosphere is a sink or source of sulfur?

The fate of sulfur (S) was controlled by a complex interaction of abiotic and microbial reactions in constructed wetlands (CWs). Although zero-valent iron (ZVI) was generally considered to promote nitrogen (N) and S cycle by providing electrons, but its binding effect on sulfate (SO42--S) removal with the rhizosphere oscillating redox conditions had not been determined. This study found that the presence of plants increased SO42-_S removal in Con-CW, while decreased it by 3.93 % in ZVI-CW accompanied by the decrease of S content in the rhizosphere substrates. The enrichment of S oxidation genes (soxA/Y and yedZ), organic S decomposition genes (aslA) and plants radial oxygen loss (ROL) accelerated the transformation of solid-phase S to SO42--S, resulting in ZVI-CW turn from S sink to S source. Overall, the source-sink transformation provided a theoretical guidance for comprehending S cycling in CWs.

Development of a radiomic-clinical nomogram for prediction of survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells.

BACKGROUND: In our current work, an 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics-based model was developed to assess the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. METHODS: A total of 61 DLBCL cases receiving 18F-FDG PET/CT before CAR-T cell infusion were included in the current analysis, and these patients were randomly assigned to a training cohort (n = 42) and a validation cohort (n = 19). Radiomic features from PET and CT images were obtained using LIFEx software, and radiomics signatures (R-signatures) were then constructed by choosing the optimal parameters according to their PFS and OS. Subsequently, the radiomics model and clinical model were constructed and validated. RESULTS: The radiomics model that integrated R-signatures and clinical risk factors showed superior prognostic performance compared with the clinical models in terms of both PFS (C-index: 0.710 vs. 0.716; AUC: 0.776 vs. 0.712) and OS (C-index: 0.780 vs. 0.762; AUC: 0.828 vs. 0.728). For validation, the C-index of the two approaches was 0.640 vs. 0.619 and 0.676 vs. 0.699 for predicting PFS and OS, respectively. Moreover, the AUC was 0.886 vs. 0.635 and 0.778 vs. 0.705, respectively. The calibration curves indicated good agreement, and the decision curve analysis suggested that the net benefit of radiomics models was higher than that of clinical models. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT-derived R-signature could be a potential prognostic biomarker for R/R DLBCL patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy. Moreover, the risk stratification could be further enhanced when the PET/CT-derived R-signature was combined with clinical factors.

Analysis of Positive Results of 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to differentiate between false-positive and true-positive positron emission tomography (PET) results after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for lymphoma involvement by analyzing several clinical variables and specific imaging features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with lymphoma who received SCT and underwent post-transplantation 18F-FDG PET/CT scans between January 2013 and April 2021 at our institution were included. Associations between PET positivity and related clinical information were assessed using t-tests and χ2 tests. The significance of variables differentiating benign lesions from malignant FDG-avid lesions was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Survival probabilities were derived from Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients (235 post-transplantation PET/CT scans) were enrolled in our present study. Compared with those with true-positive PET results, patients with false-positive PET results exhibited a better prognosis. For the autologous SCT group, false-positive cases were more commonly seen when FDG-avid foci appeared outside the sites of the original disease (p = 0.004), and the integrated CT imaging showed negative results (p = 0.000). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, integrated CT results were the only significant factor. For the allogeneic SCT group, false-positive cases were significantly more commonly seen when DS = 4 (p = 0.046), FDG-avid foci appeared outside the sites of the original disease (p = 0.022), and the integrated CT imaging showed negative results (p = 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, whether FDG-avid foci were in the sites of the original disease and integrated CT results were both significant factors. CONCLUSION: False-positive FDG uptake in post-transplantation PET was not uncommon. Several variables could provide an important reference to differentiate false-positive from true-positive post-SCT PET results for lymphoma involvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300067355.

Changes in brain structure and related functional connectivity during menstruation in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Background: Neuroimaging studies have identified altered brain structures and functions in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM). However, previous studies focused on either structural or functional changes in specific brain regions rather than combining structural and functional analysis. Therefore, this prospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the changes in whole brain structure, and functional variation along with structural abnormalities in women with PDM during menstruation. Methods: In all, 31 patients with PDM (PTs) and 31 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM) analyses were applied to investigate structural changes based on high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis was performed to evaluate functional variations related to the brain regions that showed structural group differences. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neuroimaging changes and clinical measures. Results: Compared to HCs, PTs had reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and reduced thickness in the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), left postcentral gyrus (PoCG), and left superior occipital gyrus (SOG). Among these areas, the STG and PoCG are responsible for altered resting-state FC patterns in PTs. Results showed decreased FC between the STG and the left cerebellar posterior lobe (poCb), the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the left precentral gyrus (PrCG). Results also showed decreased FC between the PoCG and the right precuneus and the right DLPFC. We also found greater FCs between the PoCG and the bilateral poCb, the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and the left angular gyrus. In addition, the FCs between the STG and poCb, and DLPFC in PTs were positively correlated with history and Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) scores, respectively, while the FCs between STG and PrCG were negatively correlated with the onset age of PDM. Conclusions: Our research found structural abnormalities and related FC changes in several brain regions that were mainly involved in the emotional and sensory aspects of menstrual pain in PDM. These findings could help us understand the occurrence of PDM from a neuroimaging perspective.

18-F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings of bilateral primary fallopian tube carcinoma and metastasis to the uterus: a case report and literature review.

Existing literature on primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is limited because of the rarity of this disease. We report a patient with intermittent vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge who underwent transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18-F FDG PET/CT) in our hospital. Ultrasound showed a bilateral fallopian tube mass and a uterine lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed typical sausage-shaped bilateral adnexal masses, but overlooked a small lesion in the uterus in the initial diagnosis. FDG PET/CT findings not only showed bilateral fallopian tube masses and uterine lesions, but also ruled out distant metastasis. Postoperative pathology confirmed bilateral primary high-grade serous adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube with implants in the uterus. These findings suggest that 18-F FDG PET/CT imaging could be a good approach for the diagnosis and staging of primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube.

Pilot study of a novel nanobody 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 for instant PET imaging of CD8+ T cells.

PURPOSE: Positron emission tomography (PET) with specific diagnostic probes for quantifying CD8+ T cells has emerged as a powerful technique for monitoring the immune response. However, most CD8+ T cell radiotracers are based on antibodies or antibody fragments, which are slowly cleared from circulation. Herein, we aimed to develop and assess 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 for instant PET (iPET) imaging of CD8+ T cells. METHODS: A novel nanobody without a hexahistidine (His6) tag, SNA006-GSC, was designed, site-specifically conjugated with NODAGA-maleimide and radiolabelled with 68 Ga. The PET imaging profiles of 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 were evaluated in BALB/c MC38-CD8+/CD8- tumour models and cynomolgus monkeys. Three volunteers with lung cancer underwent whole-body PET/CT imaging after 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 administration. The biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of patients were also investigated. In addition, combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC), the quantitative performance of the tracer for monitoring CD8 expression was evaluated in BALB/c MC38-CD8+/CD8- and human subjects. RESULTS: 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 was prepared with RCP > 98% and SA > 100 GBq/µmol. 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 exhibited specific uptake in MC38-CD8+ xenografts tumours, CD8-rich tissues (such as the spleen) in monkeys and CD8+ tumour lesions in patients within 1 h. Fast washout from circulation was observed in three volunteers (t1/2 < 20 min). A preliminary quantitative linear relationship (R2 = 0.9668, p < 0.0001 for xenografts and R2 = 0.7924, p = 0.0013 for lung patients) appeared between 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 uptake and CD8 expression. 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 was well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION: 68 Ga-NODAGA-SNA006 PET imaging can instantly quantify CD8 expression with an ideal safety profile and is expected to be important for dynamically tracking CD8+ T cells and monitoring immune responses for individualised cancer immunotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05126927 (19 November 2021, retrospectively registered).

Prognostic Value of Radiomic Features of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Patients With B-Cell Lymphoma Treated With CD19/CD22 Dual-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PET/CT-derived radiomic features for patients with B-cell lymphoma (BCL), who were treated with CD19/CD22 dual-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Moreover, we explored the relationship between baseline radiomic features and the occurrence probability of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). METHODS: A total of 24 BCL patients who received 18F-FDG PET/CT before CAR T-cell infusion were enrolled in the present study. Radiomic features from PET and CT images were extracted using LIFEx software, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the most useful predictive features of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Cox proportional hazards model, and Kaplan-Meier curves were conducted to assess the potential prognostic value. RESULTS: Contrast extracted from neighbourhood grey-level different matrix (NGLDM) was an independent predictor of PFS (HR = 15.16, p = 0.023). MYC and BCL2 double-expressor (DE) was of prognostic significance for PFS (HR = 7.02, p = 0.047) and OS (HR = 10.37, p = 0.041). The combination of NGLDM_ContrastPET and DE yielded three risk groups with zero (n = 7), one (n = 11), or two (n = 6) factors (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, for PFS and OS), respectively. The PFS was 85.7%, 63.6%, and 0%, respectively, and the OS was 100%, 90.9%, and 16.7%, respectively. Moreover, there was no significant association between PET/CT variables and CRS. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, radiomic features extracted from baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT images in combination with genomic factors could predict the survival outcomes of BCL patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy.

Post-transplantation Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is an Independent Prognostic Factor with an Impact on Progression-Free Survival but not Overall Survival.

Purpose: In the present study, we mainly aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) patients using Deauville Scores (DS). Materials and Methods: A total of 63 LBL patients who benefited from 18F-FDG PET-CT after allo-SCT in our institution between April 2010 and August 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. These above-mentioned patients were divided into two groups based on the Deauville criteria. Diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET/CT and integrated CT in detecting lymphoma were calculated. Consistencies were evaluated by comparing 18F-FDG PET/CT and integrated CT results through kappa coefficient. Kaplan-Meier method was used in survival analysis, and the log-rank method was adopted in comparisons. Prognostic factor analysis was performed by the Cox regression model. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy of post-SCT 18F-FDG PET-CT were 100%(12/12), 92.2%(47/51), 75.0%(12/16), 100%(47/47) and 93.7%(59/63). The consistency of 18F-FDG PET-CT and integrated CT was moderate(Kappa = .702，P < .001). Positive post-SCT 18F-FDG PET-CT was associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS) but not overall survival (OS) (p = .000 and p = .056, respectively). The 3-year PFS of the PET-positive group and PET-negative group was 18.8% and 70.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that post-SCT PET-CT findings was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (p = .000; HR, 3.957; 95%CI, 1.839-8.514). Other factors independently affecting PFS were sex (p = .018; HR, 2.588; 95% CI, 1.181 - 5.670) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = .005; HR, 3.246; 95% CI, 1.419 - 7.426). However, none of the above-mentioned factors were associated with OS. Conclusions: Collectively, we found that 18F-FDG PET-CT after allo-SCT was a strong indicator for PFS, but not OS, which might provide important evidence for the selection of subsequent treatment regimen for LBL patients. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100046709.

Prognostic Value of 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphoma Using Deauville Scores.

Purpose: In the present study, we mainly aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in lymphoma. Procedures. A total of 76 lymphoma patients who benefited from [18F]F-FDG PET-CT (within 3 months and 3-6 months) after ASCT in our institution between April 2010 and December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. These abovementioned patients were divided into two groups based on the Deauville criteria. The Kaplan-Meier method was used in survival analysis, and the log-rank method was adopted in comparison. Prognostic factor analysis was performed by the Cox regression model. Results: Positive post-ASCT [18F]F-FDG PET-CT was associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). Univariate analysis showed the post-ASCT PET-CT result was the only independent factor associated with PFS (p = 0.002). Both the number of previous treatments and post-ASCT PET-CT result had a different impact on OS (p = 0.040 and p = 0.028, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed the post-ASCT PET-CT result was the only independent factor associated with OS (p = 0.028). The results showed no significant change from the abovementioned results when DS < 3 was defined as the negative result. For patients who had a PET-CT scan within 3-6 months after ASCT, the negative PET-CT group had a better prognosis including PFS and OS (p = 0.009 and p = 0.025, respectively). However, among the patients receiving PET-CT within 3 months, the result was not statistically significant (p = 0.064 and p = 0.445, respectively). Conclusion: Collectively, we found that the post-ASCT [18F]F-FDG PET-CT was a strong indicator for PFS and OS, and a time window of 3-6 months was appropriate for post-ASCT [18F]F-FDG PET-CT. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100042745.

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 1- and 3-dependent inflammation induced in lungs of chicken infected with Pasteurella multocida.

Fowl cholera is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) in a range of avian species and is characterized by an acute form of septicaemia. The pathogenic mechanism of chicken lung injury caused by the bacterium is unclear. Therefore, P. multocida Q (a reference standard strain isolated from chicken) and 1G1 (a clinic isolated strain from duck) were selected to infect chickens, establishing fowl cholera-induced laying hen models. Several important proteins involved in the process of lung injury were identified and quantified using immunohistochemistry and WB. The results showed that chicken lungs infected with bacteria for 24 h showed congestion and edema. The inflammatory factors HMGB1 and IL-6, intercellular matrix MMP, the cell apoptosis-associated caspase-3 and necrotic apoptosis signal molecules RIPK1 and RIPK3 were widely expressed in the lungs of group Q and were significantly different compared with those of 1G1 group and uninfected group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that RIPK1 and RIPK3 are involved in the injury process of chicken lungs after infection with P. multocida, and the mechanisms of lung injury induced by different strains are different.

Vascular repair and anti-inflammatory effects of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in pediatric patients in developed countries. Coronary artery aneurysms and myocardial infarction may occur if the disease remains untreated. An estimated 10-20% of KD patients do not respond to intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), and thus, alternative treatments are currently being investigated. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are natural anti-inflammatory factors and angiogenic mediators degraded by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). sEH inhibitory factors have been demonstrated to stabilize EET levels, inhibit inflammation and promote vascular repair in vivo. The present study aimed to determine whether an increase in EET levels induced by treatment with the sEH inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) promotes vascular repair in human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAECs) and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of KD induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract. The effect of AUDA on vascular repair in HCAECs was assessed by using cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation assays, and the anti-inflammatory effect of AUDA in the mouse model of KD was determined by detecting the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß at the protein level via ELISA. The results demonstrated that AUDA increased the proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation ability of HCAECs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in the mouse model of KD, AUDA reduced the protein expression of MMP-9, IL-1ß and TNF-α, indicating that AUDA may alleviate inflammatory reactions in the coronary arteries of KD model mice. The present results also indicate that these effects may be exerted through the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ signaling pathway. Taken together, the present study supports the potential utility of AUDA in the treatment of KD.

Impact of Dexmedetomidine on Intraoperative Wake-Up Tests in Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on intraoperative wake-up tests. DESIGN: American Society of Anesthesiologists category I or II patients were divided into two groups: a propofol-remifentanil group (group R, n = 20) and a DEX-propofol-remifentanil group (group D, n = 20). METHODS: The patients in group D received DEX, whereas the patients in group R received the same volume of saline. The other anesthetic methods and drugs (propofol and remifentanil) were the same in both groups. During the wake-up test, patients were repeatedly asked to move their fingers. FINDINGS: All the wake-up tests were successfully performed. There was no significant difference in the mean wake-up time between the two groups. Eighteen patients exhibited better wake-up quality in group D as did eight patients in group R. The patients in group D had a significantly better overall wake-up quality than those in group R (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: DEX did not affect the wake-up time and increased the wake-up quality.

[Inhibition of Yiqi Jiedu formula on proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by MAPK/ERK signaling pathway].

To study the effect of aqueous extracts of Yiqi Jiedu formula (YQ) on the proliferation of CNE2 cells in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and investigate its mechanism to provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical application of YQ. CNE2 cells were treated with different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.25 g·L⁻¹) of YQ, positive control medicine (cisplatin 4.0 mg·L⁻¹), inhibitor PD98059 (50 µmol·L⁻¹), activator isoproterenol hydrochloride (20 µmol·L⁻¹), activator isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO)+YQ 0.5 g·L⁻¹. Then cell labeling by using real-time analyzer (RTCA) and CCK 8 method were used to detect cell proliferation activity, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. The cell cycle distribution was detected by fluorescence double dye flow cytometry PI staining, and Western blot method was used to detect the expression levels of related protein and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The results of RTCA and CCK-8 test showed that as compared with the control group, YQ group could effectively inhibit the proliferation of CNE2 cells (P<0.01), with a dose and time dependence, and 48 h IC50 value was 0.5 g·L⁻¹. The results of cell cycle showed that after 48 h of water extract treatment, the cell cycle was significantly changed, the proportion of G0/G1 was reduced, the ratio of G2/M increased, and the cell cycle was in G2/M period (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that after 48 h treatment with different concentrations of aqueous extract, cell cycle-related proteins cyclinD1, cyclinD3 and CDK2 expression levels were down-regulated; MAPK/ERK signaling pathway related protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK, p-ERK1/2 expression level significantly lower as compared with the control group (P<0.05). After adding activator and inhibitor in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway on this basis, the results showed that after adding activator ISO, cell proliferation was significantly higher than that in the Control group; the cycle related proteins cyclinD1, cyclinD3, and CDK2 expression levels were increased; at the same time, key protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK, p-ERK1/2 expression levels in the signal pathways were relatively increased. While after the addition of inhibitor PD98059, the cell proliferation was significantly lower than that in the Control group, and the expression level of corresponding protein was decreased, which was significantly different from the Control group (P<0.05). So YQ could block cell cycle and inhibit the proliferation of CNE2 cells mainly by reducing the expression of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway key protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK and p-ERK1/2.

Meta-Analysis of the Correlation between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Standardized Uptake Value in Malignant Disease.

The objective of this meta-analysis is to explore the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted MR and the standard uptake value (SUV) of 18F-FDG on PET/CT in patients with cancer. Databases such as PubMed (MEDLINE included), EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review were searched for relevant original articles that explored the correlation between SUV and ADC in English. After applying Fisher's r-to-z transformation, correlation coefficient (r) values were extracted from each study and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on tumor type were performed to investigate the potential heterogeneity. Forty-nine studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, comprising 1927 patients. Pooled r for all studies was -0.35 (95% CI: -0.42-0.28) and exhibited a notable heterogeneity (I2 = 78.4%; P < 0.01). In terms of the cancer type subgroup analysis, combined correlation coefficients of ADC/SUV range from -0.12 (lymphoma, n = 5) to -0.59 (pancreatic cancer, n = 2). We concluded that there is an average negative correlation between ADC and SUV in patients with cancer. Higher correlations were found in the brain tumor, cervix carcinoma, and pancreas cancer. However, a larger, prospective study is warranted to validate these findings in different cancer types.

The Role of Necroptosis, Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Fowl Cholera-Associated Liver Injury in a Chicken Model.

Fowl cholera resulting from infection with Pasteurella multocida causes huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Necrotic hepatitis is reported to be a significant lesion associated with fowl cholera in chickens. Clarifying the underlying molecular mechanism of hepatic injury caused by P. multocida infection is needed to develop new strategies to control fowl cholera. Pasteurella multocida Q (the standard reference strain) and P. multocida 1G1 (a clinical strain) were used to infect healthy laying hens. Clinical signs were observed and gross lesions in livers were observed postmortem. Histologic lesions and the localization and expression of protein molecules associated with necroptosis, apoptosis, and inflammation in hepatic tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of liver injury-related genes. Necroptotic molecules such as RIPK1 (receptor interaction protein kinases 1), RIPK3 (receptor interaction protein kinases 3), and MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein) were observed by immunostaining primarily in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes within or around necrotic foci, and inflammatory mediators HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) were found in the cytoplasm of heterophils, monocytes/macrophages, and hepatic sinusoids. In addition, MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) and TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1) were observed in hepatic parenchymal cells, inflammatory cells, and interstitial spaces, whereas the apoptotic effector molecule caspase-3 (cysteine-containing aspartic proteolytic enzymes 3) was mainly found in hepatocytes. The expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL was significantly higher in the infected chickens than in the controls. HMGB1 and IL-6 protein levels were also increased in infected chickens relative to those in controls. Both MMP9 and TIMP1 were highly expressed in infected chickens. In addition, caspase-3 protein levels were significantly elevated in infected chickens. Necroptosis, apoptosis, and inflammation played a significant role in hepatic injury caused by P. multocida.

[Clinical analysis of lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia treated with Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen chemotherapy combined with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell infusion].

This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen chemotherapy combined with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell infusion for the treatment of lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (LBL/ALL). Seven patients with LBL/ALL were treated in Second Artillery General Hospital from August 2009 to September 2012. All patients received programmed infusions of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized family related HLA-haploidentical donor peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (G-PBHSC) after each of cycle of Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen chemotherapy without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. A total of four cycles of therapy were planned. The interval between each cycle of treatment was 8 to 12 weeks. By April 2014, the median follow-up time was 41 (20-57) months. The results showed that the 7 patients totally received 30 cycles of treatment, and all patients achieved complete remission (CR). The patients were generally well-tolerated to therapy, and the most significant toxicities of grade 3 to 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia developed in nearly all of the patients after each course of the Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen. No GVHD was observed in any of the patients during treatment. Up to now, 5 patients were still alive, 2 patients were died of relapse. It is concluded that the combination of chemotherapy and programmed haploidentical G-PBHSC infusion is a promising approach to the treatment of LBL/ALL.

Effect of dexmedetomidine-etomidate-fentanyl combined anesthesia on somatosensory- and motor-evoked potentials in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

This aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the intraoperative monitoring of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in patients undergoing spinal surgery. A total of 36 patients who received spinal surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups (n=18 per group), group C, the test group and group D, the control group, and these groups were subjected to a matching anesthesia induction. In brief, the anesthesia was administered via injection of etomidate and fentanyl; once the patients were unconscious, a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted, SEPs and MEPs were monitored and the collected data were considered to be basic data. Cisatracurium was subsequently injected and an endotracheal tube (7#) was inserted to replace the LMA. The following procedures were conducted for anesthesia maintenance: Group C, the anesthesia was maintained via target-controlled infusion of etomidate and intermittent injection of fentanyl; and group D, DEX (0.5 µg/kg) was injected over a duration of 10 min and then pumped at a rate of 0.5 µg/kg/h. In the two groups, all of the other drugs used were the same and a muscle relaxant was not administered. The bispectral index was maintained between 45 and 55 during surgery, and the SEPs and MEPs were monitored continuously until the surgery was completed. No significant difference in duration and amplitude of the SEPs (P15-N20) was identified between group C and D (P>0.05). Furthermore, the MEPs were monitored in the two groups at specific durations and no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05). The SEPs and MEPs were maintained in the patients who were administered with the DEX-etomidate-fentanyl combined anesthesia during spinal surgery.

[Clinical investigation of refractory lymphoma with HLA-mismatched stem-cell microtransplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of HLA-mismatched stem-cell microtransplantation in patients with refractory lymphoma. METHODS: This study included 10 patients with relapsing or refractory lymphoma at Department of Hematology, Second Artillery General Hospital from October 2009 to February 2012. All patients received programmed infusions of G-CSF-mobilized HLA-mismatched donor peripheral blood stem cell (G-PBSC) after each cycle of Hyper-CVAD/MA conditioning without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 31 cycles of microtransplantation were performed. Among them, 6 patients achieved a complete remission (CR) and 2 got partial remission (PR). And the overall response was 8/10. The occurrence of grades III-IV neutrocytopenia and thrombocytopenia was almost 100% after Hyper-CVAD/MA conditioning, but the median recovery times of neutrophils and platelets were 9 days and 14 days respectively because of programmed infusions of G-PBSCs. And 18 bouts of G-PBSC infusion related fever were observed. No GVHD was observed in any of them during treatment. Up to March 2013, 6 patients survived while another 4 died. The 1- and 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were the same (60%). CONCLUSION: The novel therapy of microtransplantation may improve outcome and avoid GVHD in patients with relapsing or refractory lymphoma.

[Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor on endothelial components in human bone marrow and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells].

This study was aimed to compare the proportion of endothelial cells (EC) in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC), and to investigate the influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on proportion of EC in MSC. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD34(+)CD133(+) and vWF(+)CD31(+) double positive cells in MSC. Wright's staining was employed to observe the influence of VEGF on morphology of MSC. The expressions of CD34, CD133, CD31, vWF were detected by immunofluorescence. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the influence of VEGF on EC marker genes' expression of MSC. The results showed that there were a small amount of EC and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in obtained BM-MSC and UC-MSC. After exposed to VEGF 10 ng/ml for 24 h, aspect ratio of MSC and the proportion of EC increased, while proportion of EPC decreased. Expression of EC related marker genes such as Tie-2 and ecNOS up-regulated, especially in UC-MSC. It is concluded that small amount of EC and EPC exists in cultured BM-MSC and UC-MSC, VEGF can enhance the proportion and function of EC in MSC.