Antifoaming Agent for Lubricating Oil: Preparation, Mechanism and Application.

In the process of using lubricating oil, it is inevitable that bubbles will be produced, which can not only accelerate the oil's oxidation and shorten the oil change cycle but also reduce its fluidity and lubricity, aggravate the wear of mechanical parts and produce an air lock that interrupts the oil pump supply and causes an oil shortage accident. This paper mainly and comprehensively discusses the foaming process and its harm, the defoaming mechanism and defoaming method of lubricating oil, more specifically, the synthesis, application, advantages, disadvantages and current situation of three kinds of chemical defoaming agents, namely silicone defoaming agent, non-silicone defoaming agent and compound defoaming agent. Finally, the paper looks forward to the future development of special defoaming agents for lubricating oil.

Feasibility and safety of combined percutaneous coronary intervention among high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Recent reports indicated that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be correlated with increased mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the feasibility and safety of combined PCI in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials through June 2016. RESULTS: Five clinical trials including 1634 patients were identified. The pooled analysis revealed no significant differences in 30-day all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-3.05; P = 0.62], 30-day cardiovascular mortality rate (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.52-4.88; P = 0.41) and 1-year mortality rate (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.85-1.59; P = 0.34) among the patients assigned to TAVI and those undergoing TAVI+PCI. The incidence of myocardial infarction (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.03-8.45; P = 0.04) was slightly higher in the TAVI+PCI group. Other complications, such as stroke, kidney injury, bleeding and vascular complications, were not significantly increased in the TAVI+PCI group. Patients treated with a staged procedure of TAVI and PCI but not simultaneous TAVI+PCI showed higher 30-day all-cause mortality as compared to those undergoing isolated TAVI. CONCLUSIONS: Combined TAVI+PCI showed similar rates of death from any cause at 30 days and 1 year as compared to isolated TAVI. Except for myocardial infarction, the rate of operative complications in the TAVI+PCI group was not detrimental as compared to the isolated TAVI group. The simultaneous treatment of significant coronary artery lesions may be preferred in selected patients undergoing TAVI.

Taxane-cisplatin-fluorouracil as induction chemotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis of the 5-year efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of taxane (docetaxel or paclitaxel), cisplatin, and fluorouracil (Tax-PF) with cisplatin plus fluorouracil (PF) regimen by a meta-analysis of data retrieved from the literature. METHODS: Seven randomized clinical trials were identified, which included patients with advanced head and neck cancer who underwent induction chemotherapy with either a Tax-PF or PF protocol. The outcomes included the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) and different types of adverse events. RESULTS: The 3-year OS rate (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.25; P = 0.008), 3-year PFS rate (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.43; P = 0.002), 5-year OS rate (HR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.55;P = 0.003), 5-year PFS rate (HR: 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.70; P = 0.001) and ORR to chemotherapy (OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.35 to 2.05; P < 0.001) of the patients in the Tax-PF group were statistically superior to those in the PF group. In terms of toxicities, the incidence of febrile neutropenia (OR 2.36; 95% CI, 1.62 to 3.46; P < 0.001), alopecia (OR 8.22; 95% CI, 3.99 to 16.92; P < 0.001), diarrhea (OR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.36; P = 0.03) and leukopenia (OR 2.79; 95% CI, 1.86 to 4.21; P < 0.001) was higher in the Tax-PF group. CONCLUSION: The Tax-PF induction chemotherapy improved PFS and OS, and the ORR was better as compared to PF-based therapy regimens at the cost of a higher incidence of adverse events.

Biology and immunology of cancer stem(-like) cells in head and neck cancer.

Immunological approaches against tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been investigated for about 50 years. Such immunotherapeutic treatments are still not sufficiently effective for therapy of HNSCC. Despite the existence of immunosurveillance tumor cells may escape from the host immune system by a variety of mechanisms. Recent findings have indicated that cancer stem(-like) cells (CSCs) in HNSCC have the ability to reconstitute the heterogeneity of the bulk tumor and contribute to immunosuppression and resistance to current therapies. With regard to the CSC model, future immunotherapy possibly in combination with other modes of treatment should target this subpopulation specifically to reduce local recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize recent research findings on immunological features of CSCs and the potential of immune targeting of CSCs.

Prognostic significance of ALDH1A1-positive cancer stem cells in patients with locally advanced, metastasized head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1) has now been recognized as a cancer stem(-like) cells (CSCs) marker in various tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objective of this study was to examine the expression of ALDH1A1 in patients with locally advanced, metastasized HNSCC and to determine its prognostic value. METHODS: Human papillomavirus genotypes and expression of ALDH1A1, Twist1, and p16 were analyzed in specimens of 81 patients with primary HNSCC and 49 lymph node metastases. Patient clinicopathologic and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Expression of ALDH1A1 was observed in 38 (46.9 %) of 81 primary tumors and 26 (53 %) of 49 lymph node metastases, respectively. Notably, the expression of ALDH1A1 was correlated significantly with poor tumor differentiation grade (p = 0.011). Interestingly, ALDH1A1 was observed co-expressed with Twist1 in primary tumor and lymph node metastases. Multivariate analysis showed that ALDH1A1 expression predicted poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC (p = 0.011) and the subgroup of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.001). In the patient cohort with advanced, metastasized tumors, ALDH1A1 was identified as independent predictor of overall survival in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence for the prognostic value of ALDH1A1 as a CSC marker in patients with locally advanced, metastasized HNSCC.

Wdr66 is a novel marker for risk stratification and involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We attempted to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by gene expression profiling of frozen esophageal squamous carcinoma specimens and examined the functional relevance of a newly discovered marker gene, WDR66. METHODS: Laser capture microdissection technique was applied to collect the cells from well-defined tumor areas in collaboration with an experienced pathologist. Whole human gene expression profiling of frozen esophageal squamous carcinoma specimens (n = 10) and normal esophageal squamous tissue (n = 18) was performed using microarray technology. A gene encoding WDR66, WD repeat-containing protein 66 was significantly highly expressed in esophageal squamous carcinoma specimens. Microarray results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in a second and independent cohort (n = 71) consisting of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 25), normal esophagus (n = 11), esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 13), gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 15) and colorectal cancers (n = 7). In order to understand WDR66's functional relevance siRNA-mediated knockdown was performed in a human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, KYSE520 and the effects of this treatment were then checked by another microarray analysis. RESULTS: High WDR66 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.031) of patients suffering from esophageal squamous carcinomas. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that WDR66 expression remained an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.042). WDR66 knockdown by RNA interference resulted particularly in changes of the expression of membrane components. Expression of vimentin was down regulated in WDR66 knockdown cells while that of the tight junction protein occludin was markedly up regulated. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of WDR66 resulted in suppression of cell growth and reduced cell motility. CONCLUSIONS: WDR66 might be a useful biomarker for risk stratification of esophageal squamous carcinomas. WDR66 expression is likely to play an important role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and invasion as a positive modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, due to its high expression and possible functional relevance, WDR66 might be a novel drug target for the treatment of squamous carcinoma.

ALDH1-positive cancer stem-like cells are enriched in nodal metastases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma independent of HPV status.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is caused by high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) or alcohol and tobacco abuse. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a confirmed marker for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) of OSCC responsible for therapy resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Associations between HR-HPV/p16, CSC frequency and clinicopathological parameters in patients with metastatic OSCC were investigated. In the present study, HPV genotypes and expression of ALDH1 and p16 was analyzed in 40 paired OSCC and metastases. A significant correlation between ALDH1 positivity with lower primary tumor differentiation grade (P=0.009) and higher nodal status (P=0.015) was noted. Compared to primary tumors, the proportion of ALDH1-expressing cells was significantly increased in metastases (P=0.012), while significantly fewer ALDH1-expressing cells were found in HR-HPV-DNA⁺/p16⁺ primary tumors (P=0.038) compared to HR-HPV-DNA⁻/p16⁻ primary tumors. Metastases showed no difference. ALDH1⁺ CSCs are detectable in OSCC and metastases. ALDH1 high-grade OSCC exhibits a more aggressive phenotype characterized by higher nodal classification and lower differentiation. This suggests a subpopulation contained in the ALDH1-positive OSCC cell pool able to complete the metastatic cascade and subsequently enriching in metastasis independent of tumor etiology and ALDH1 content.

Cardiovascular medications in angiogenesis--how to avoid the sting in the tail.

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death worldwide. Cardiovascular medications have recently been found to have favorable effects also for the treatment of noncardiovascular diseases, including cancer. In this review, we use a reverse bedside-to-bench approach to investigate the effects of common cardiovascular medications on tumor angiogenesis and vascular angiogenesis. Aspirin seems to reduce the risk of developing cancer, particularly colon cancer. However, whether the protective influence of aspirin is due to antiangiogenesis effect is still unclear. ß-Blockers, which are normally used to reduce heart rate and prolong diastole, trigger an increase in stretch-associated release of proangiogenic growth factors thereby inducing angiogenesis. However, according to other studies ß-blockers are able to inhibit angiogenesis via multiplicate mechanisms. Similarly, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker have controversial effects for the regulation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Statins can augment collateral vascular growth in ischemic tissues and restrict the development of cancer. So this topical anti-inflammatory drug seems to be of high value for further therapy. Finally, suggestions on how this pilot experience may guide the conduct of future preclinical investigations, and clinical trials are discussed.

[The role of European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation in the prediction of quality of life in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) in predicting quality of life in patients post coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: A total of 387 patients underwent CABG in our institute from December of 2002 to December of 2007 were assessed by EuroSCORE before operation. Health-related quality of life (QoL) was estimated postoperatively with Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ), Nottingham healthy profile (NHP) and Duke activity status index (DASI) in order to evaluate the value of EuroSCORE for predicting quality of life in patients post CABG. RESULTS: There were statistically significant but weak correlations between postoperative QoL score and preoperative EuroSCORE score (r: 0.010 - 0.276). Emotional and psychological experience subgroup analysis showed better predictive value of EuroSCORE score on postoperative QoL score in improved physical functioning subgroups (r > 0.2). Linear regression analysis showed that EuroSCORE score was significant but weakly (r(2) < 0.1) correlated with postoperative QoL score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative EuroSCORE score is weakly correlated with postoperative QoL score in patients post CABG.

[Quality of life five years after coronary artery bypass grafting].

OBJECTIVE: The quality of life (QOL) 5 years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was evaluated by NHP, SAQ and DASI questionnaires. METHODS: NHP, SAQ and DASI questionnaires were mailed to 287 patients who received CABG in our department between Jan 2001 and Jan 2002. The reliability and construct validity of the questionnaires and the influence factor of QOL were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients (95%) responded to the questionnaires. The reliability of three questionnaires about QOL was 0.81, 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. QOL at 5 years post CABG was significantly better in CCS I/II patients than CCS III/IV patients' according to SAQ. Exertional scale and disease perception scale according to SAQ, social isolation and physical abilities to NHP also significantly related to QOL 5 years post CABG. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 questionnaires had high reliability and statistical validity for evaluating QOL. CCS angina degree affect the quality of life in patients 5 years post CABG.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits interleukin-1beta-induced endogenous monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion in type II alveolar epithelial cells.

As important multifunctional cells in the lung, alveolar epithelial type II (AEII) cells secrete numerous chemokines on various stimuli. Our previous data showed that AEII cells also express the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the proinflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-1beta induces CGRP secretion in the A549 human AEII cell line. In the present study, the CGRP-1 receptor antagonist human (h)CGRP(8-37) (0.1-1 nM) greatly amplified the production of IL-1beta-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. The inhibition of CGRP expression by small interfering RNA significantly increased MCP-1 secretion on IL-1beta stimulation. However, exogenous hCGRP (10-100 nM) suppressed IL-1beta-evoked MCP-1 secretion in MCP-1 promoter activity, and CGRP gene stably transfected cell clones significantly inhibited both the mRNA and protein levels of MCP-1 induced by IL-1beta. These data imply that AEII-derived CGRP suppressed IL-1beta-induced MCP-1 secretion in an autocrine/paracrine mode. Subsequent investigation revealed that CGRP inhibited IL-1beta-evoked NF-kappaB activity by suppressing IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. Moreover, CGRP attenuated IL-1beta-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, the early event in proinflammatory factor signaling. We previously showed that the CGRP inhibitory effect was mediated by elevated intracellular cAMP and show here that analogs of cAMP, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate and the Sp isomer of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate, mimicked the CGRP suppressive effect on IL-1beta-induced ROS formation, NF-kappaB activation, and MCP-1 secretion. Thus increased endogenous CGRP secretion in lung inflammatory disease might eliminate the excessive response by elevating the cAMP level through inhibiting the ROS-NF-kappaB-MCP-1 pathway.