Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation alleviates radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis through inhibition of the TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in rabbit model.

Background: and purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for most malignant chest tumors. However, radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) is a serious side effect of RT. Currently, due to the mechanism of RIMF has not been fully elucidated, there is a lack of effective therapeutic approach. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and possible mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the therapy of RIMF. Materials and methods: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were allotted into four groups (n = 6). Rabbits in the Control group received neither irradiation nor treatment. A single dose of 20 Gy heart X-irradiation was applied to the RT group, RT + PBS group and RT + BMSCs group. Rabbits in the RT + PBS group and RT + BMSCs group were injected with 200 µL PBS or 2 × 106 cells via pericardium puncture 24 h following irradiation, respectively. Echocardiography was used to test the cardiac function; Then the heart samples were collected, and processed for histopathological, Western blot and immunohistochemistry investigations. Results: It was observed that BMSCs have therapeutic effect on RIMF. Compared with the Control group, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly increased, meanwhile, cardiac function was remarkably decreased in the RT group and RT + PBS group. However, in the BMSCs group, BMSCs significantly improved cardiac function, decreased inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, BMSCs remarkably reduced the expression level of TGF-ß1 and the phosphorylated-Smad2/3. Conclusions: In conclusion, our research indicates BMSCs have the potential to alleviate RIMF through TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 and would be a new therapeutic approach for patients with myocardial fibrosis.

NRP1 contributes to stemness and potentiates radioresistance via WTAP-mediated m6A methylation of Bcl-2 mRNA in breast cancer.

NRP1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in a variety of tumors. There is evidence that NRP1 can enhance the stem cell properties of tumor cells, which are thought to be resistant to radiotherapy. This study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of NRP1 in radiation resistance. We transfected NRP1 siRNA and plasmid in breast cancer cells to detect the expression of cancer stem cell markers by western blot and qRT-PCR. The effect of NRP1 on radiotherapy resistance was assesses by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. In vivo, we established xenograft tumor model treating with shRNA-NRP1 to assess radiotherapy sensitivity. We found that NRP1 could enhance the stem cell properties and confer radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we proved that NRP1 reduced IR-induced apoptosis by downregulation of Bcl-2 via methyltransferase WTAP in m6A-depentent way. It is suggested that these molecules may be the therapeutic targets for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer.

FAM96A and FAM96B function as new tumor suppressor genes in breast cancer through regulation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

AIMS: Family with sequence similarity 96 member A and B (FAM96A and FAM96B) are two highly conserved homologous proteins belonging to MIP18 family. Some studies have shown that FAM96A and FAM96B are significantly down-regulated in human gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colon cancer, and liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of FAM96A/B in breast cancer are unknown. This work aims to explore the roles of FAM96A/B in breast cancer progression. MAIN METHODS: Specific siRNAs were used to down-regulate FAM96A/B expression, and recombinant plasmids were used to up-regulate FAM96A/B expression in breast cancer cells. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT and colony formation. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and transwell assays. The relationships among FAM96A/B, EMT and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway were determined by analyzing expression changes of classical markers. KEY FINDINGS: We found that FAM96A/B expression was down-regulated in breast cancer. FAM96A/B overexpression suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, induced cell apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest. Conversely, FAM96A/B knockdown exhibited the opposite effects. Moreover, our data demonstrated that FAM96A/B overexpression suppressed EMT and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, while FAM96A/B knockdown showed the promoting effects on EMT and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Furthermore, a Wnt pathway inhibitor, XAV-939 reversed the promoting effects of FAM96A/B knockdown on breast cancer progression. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that FAM96A/B may function as new tumor suppressor genes and inhibit breast cancer progression via modulating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, which can provide the potential markers for breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.

METTL3 potentiates progression of cervical cancer by suppressing ER stress via regulating m6A modification of TXNDC5 mRNA.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant chemical modification on mRNA and plays significant roles in many bioprocesses. However, the functions of m6A on cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here we found methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a core member of the m6A methyltransferase family, was greatly upregulated as an independent prognostic factor in CC. Mechanistically, the transcription factor ETS1 recruited P300 and WDR5 which separately mediated H3K27ac and H3K4me3 histone modification in the promoter of METTL3 and induced METTL3 transcription activation. Furthermore, we identified TXNDC5 as a target of METTL3-mediated m6A modification through MeRIP-seq, and revealed that METTL3-mediated TXNDC5 expression relied on the m6A reader-dependent manner. Functionally, we verified that METTL3 promoted proliferation and metastasis of CC cells by regulating of TXNDC5 expression through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, our study verified the effect of METTL3/TXNDC5 axis on ER stress. Taken together, METTL3 facilitates the malignant progression of CC, suggesting that METTL3 might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CC.

Effects of subanesthesia dose S-ketamine induction on postoperative psychiatric complications after gynecological surgery.

Ketamine may become an important drug for multimodal analgesia regime again because of its strong analgesic effects and retaining the advantage of spontaneous breathing. The present study was designed to explore the influences of different dosages of S-ketamine anesthesia induction regimes on psychiatric complications and postoperative prognosis in patients undergoing gynecological operations. In this prospective, triple-blinded, randomized, controlled study, patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery were randomized to one of three treatment groups: low-dose S-ketamine (LDSK) group (a 0.3 mg/kg bolus for anesthesia induction), minimal-dose S-ketamine (MDSK) group (a 0.2 mg/kg bolus for anesthesia induction), and placebo (CON) group (a saline bolus for anesthesia induction). The main outcome measures were as follows: intraoperative vital signs, extubation time, anesthesia recovery time and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay duration, incidence of psychiatric complications, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) 1, 2, 24, and 48 h, postoperatively, and overall prognosis. One hundred and eighty female participants were finally included in this study from April 2021 to December 2021. Significant differences were not observed in age, height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, or history of mental illness between the groups. No statistically significant differences were discovered with regard to intraoperative vital signs, extubation time and PACU stay duration, incidence of psychiatric complications, and RSS scores at 1, 2, 24, and 48 h postoperatively in the three groups. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the CON group at 10 min after extubation and at the time point leaving PACU were much higher than that of the LDSK and MDSK groups. The VAS scores at 48 h after surgery in the MDSK group were also lower than that of the CON group and the CON group had received more analgesic drug treatment in the surgical wards consequently. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occurrence at 24 and 48 h, postoperatively, increased sharply in the CON group than in the other two experimental groups, which led to an increase in the use of postoperative antiemetic drugs in this group. According to the postoperative satisfaction survey, patients in the CON group had lower medical satisfaction. Our data demonstrate that a small dosage of S-ketamine anesthesia induction can reduce postoperative pain and the incidence of PONV without increasing hemodynamic fluctuations or psychiatric complications.

Elevated serum Dickkopf-1 is a biomarker for bone erosion in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthropathy characterized by psoriasis and bone erosion on radiology. Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) is considered to be the main inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway and results in reduced osteoblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum level of Dkk-1 and its association with bone erosion in PsA patients. METHODS: Serum Dkk-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 69 patients with PsA and 60 controls, including 39 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and 21 healthy controls (HCs). Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide levels were also determined by ELISA. The association of Dkk-1 level with clinical and laboratory features of PsA was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for bone erosion in PsA. RESULTS: Dkk-1 was elevated in 68.1% (47/69) of the patients with PsA, 46.2% (18/39) of RA patients, and 9.5% (2/21) of HCs. Serum Dkk-1 concentration was significantly higher in PsA patients compared with that in HCs. The level of serum Dkk-1 was correlated with a swollen joint count, and levels of complement components 3 and 4. Elevated Dkk-1 level (odds ratio = 4.440, 95% confidence interval: 1.246-15.817, P = 0.021) was identified as the risk factor for bone erosion in PsA. CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of Dkk-1 is abnormally elevated in PsA patients. The elevation of Dkk-1 might be involved in the mechanism of bone erosion in patients with PsA.

Generation and application of a monoclonal antibody against the 18-kDa oncosphere antigen of Taenia pisiformis.

Taenia pisiformis is a parasite that causes cysticercosis pisiformis, which has acquired economic relevance because of its effects on animal welfare and production. A useful assay for the detection of T. pisiformis is needed for the prevention of cysticercosis pisiformis and control of the parasite. The 18-kDa oncosphere antigen is expressed in the oncosphere of several cysticerci in species of the genus Taenia, including T. pisiformis. This protein plays an important role in tissue invasion and has extensive applications in diagnosis. In this study, the T. pisiformis 18-kDa oncosphere antigen (TPO18) was expressed in soluble form and successfully purified for use in the production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against TPO18. Twenty hybridomas were obtained using ELISA, and the subcloning process identified three positive hybridoma cell lines, which were designated as 4E8, 5G5, and 7E8. MAb 7E8 exhibited the highest titer and had an IgG2b heavy chain and a kappa light chain. Western blot analysis demonstrated that MAb 7E8 reacted with GST-TPO18. Immunohistochemistry showed that TPO18 was widely distributed in the drape and wall of uteri in adults of T. pisiformis adults and in the fibrous layer of the sucker and cyst cavity of T. pisiformis cysticerci. This research will provide a foundation for the development of diagnostic tools and will contribute to a better understanding of the functions of TPO18.

Endoscopic fenestration in the diagnosis and treatment of delayed anastomotic submucosal abscess: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Abscess formation is one of the complications after radical resection of rectal cancer; cases with delayed postoperative anastomotic abscess are rare. Here, we report a rare case of postoperative anastomotic abscess with a submucosal neoplasm appearing after rectal surgery. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed and treated by endoscopic fenestration. In addition, we review the literature on the appearance of an abscess as a complication after rectal cancer surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old man with a history of rectal malignancy resection complained of a smooth protuberance near the anastomotic stoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic structure originating from the muscularis propria, and a submucosal tumor was suspected. The patient was subsequently referred to our hospital and underwent pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which revealed no thickening or strengthening of the anastomotic wall. In order to clarify the origin of the lesion and obtain the pathology, endoscopic fenestration was performed. After endoscopic procedure, a definitive diagnosis of delayed anastomotic submucosal abscess was established. The patient achieved good recovery and prognosis after the complete clearance of abscess. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic fenestration may be safe and effective for the diagnosis/treatment of delayed intestinal smooth protuberance after rectal cancer surgery.

Clinical Indications of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in a Single Center: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

In the 1980s, recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) began to be used in clinical practice. In this study, the clinical application of rhEPO from single-center in recent ten years was reviewed, and the scope of indications and clinical efficacy were evaluated. The medical records of 35829 in-patients who were treated with rhEPO in the first Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2009 to 2018 were collected. According to the scope of indications approved by CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration), curative effect and off-label of rhEPO were analyzed. Of the 35829 patients, 19013 (53.1%) were male and 16816 (46.9%) were female, with an average age of (52.1 ± 18.6) years. The usage of rhEPO is increasing year by year. The overall effective rate was 53.1%. The number of patients who met the indications accounted for 67.2%, and the effective rate patients with indications and Off-label were 48.8% and 50.7%. Among the patients with irregular use of rhEPO perioperative imperfect laboratory examination patients accounted for the highest proportion (7.1%). The volume of RBC(s) (red blood cell(s)) transfusion in patients with rhEPO was significantly less than that in patients without rhEPO (p<0.05). The use of rhEPO Off-label is very common and has a certain curative effect. It can be used as evidence support for the update of the scope of indications. In addition, There are still irregular use of rhEPO and transfusion in clinic. The unreasonable use of rhEPO and transfusion should be further standardized to ensure the safety and effectiveness.

Flapless immediate implant placement into fresh molar extraction socket using platelet-rich fibrin: A case report.

BACKGROUND: There are some challenges concerning immediate implant placement in the molar region. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous biomaterial, has been used widely for periodontal intra-bony defects, sinus augmentation, socket preservation, and gingival recession. However, the literature remains scarce for reports on immediate implants with PRF, particularly in the case of fresh molar extraction socket. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a 43-year-old woman with maxillary molar vertical crown-root fracture. She underwent flapless immediate implant placement into the fresh molar socket with PRF. At the follow-up visit 15 d post procedure, the vascularization of soft tissue was visible. There was no swelling or pain after the surgery. Six months postoperatively, the regeneration of bone and soft tissues was visible. Subsequently, the definitive restoration was placed. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: The flapless immediate implant placement into the fresh molar socket with PRF is a feasible procedure. This case report demonstrates that PRF promotes bone and soft tissue regeneration apart from having an enhanced anti-inflammatory ability. Furthermore, the procedure involves a minimally invasive technique, thus reducing the surgical complexity.

Identification of a novel autoantibody against self-vimentin specific in secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a primary autoimmune disease (pSS) or secondarily associated with other autoimmune diseases (sSS). The mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in this syndrome remain unknown, and clinically it is difficult to diagnose owing to a lack of specific biomarkers. METHODS: We extracted immunoglobulins (Igs) from the sera of patients with sSS associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and used them to screen a phage display library of peptides with random sequences. RESULTS: Our results show that an sSS-specific peptide, designated 3S-P, was recognized by sera of 68.2% (60 of 88) patients with sSS, 66.2% of patients with RA-sSS, and 76.5% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-sSS. The anti-3S-P antibody was scarcely found in patients with pSS (1.8%), RA (1.3%), SLE (4.2%), ankylosing spondylitis (0%), and gout (3.3%), as well as in healthy donors (2%). The 3S-P-binding Igs (antibodies) were used to identify antigens from salivary glands and synovial tissues from patients with sSS. A putative target autoantigen expressed in the synovium and salivary gland recognized by anti-3S-P antibody was identified as self-vimentin. CONCLUSIONS: This novel autoantibody is highly specific in the diagnosis of sSS, and the underlying molecular mechanism of the disease might be epitope spreading involved with vimentin.

Protective efficacy of pVAX-RON5p against acute and chronic infections of Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice.

Toxoplasma gondii can infect all the warm-blooded animals and humans and causes serious diseases especially in immuno-compromised patients and pregnant women. Rhoptry neck proteins (RONs) play an important role in the formation of moving junction, which mediates the invasion of this parasite. A recombinant plasmid pVAX-RON5p, which can express part of RON5 protein in the eukaryocyte, was generated and used to immune BALB/c mice for evaluating the protective efficacy against the acute and chronic infections of T. gondii. Both humoral and cellular immune responses were evoked in mice by pVAX-RON5p immunization, and a slightly prolonged survival period was detected in the immunized group (7.6 ± 3.31 days) compared to the blank control (4.9 ± 0.32 days) after acute T. gondii infection (P < 0.05). For chronic infection of T. gondii, the number of cysts in the brain of pVAX-RON5p-immunized mice decreased 25.8% compared to blank control (P < 0.05). Our data suggested that RON5p DNA vaccine can induce partial protective immunity against acute and chronic T. gondii infections.

[Screening and Applications of qPCR Primers for apomucin Gene of Echinococcus multilocularis].

Objective: To screen for the optimal qPCR primers for Echinococcus multilocularis apomucin gene (Em-apo) and analyze Em-apo expression. Methods: Primers were designed based on 4 Em-apo sequences from GeneDB. Primer specificity and PCR efficiency were determined, based on which the optimal primer pairs were selected. Alterations of Em-apo expression in 1 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces treated with albendazole（5 µg/ml） and insulin（100 ng/ml） were separately assessed using the selected primers. DMSO used in albendazole dilution and in PBS insulin dilution were used as the control. Results: Specific primers for Em-apo-1, Em-apo-2/3, Em-apo-4 and actin were selected. qPCR melting curves revealed a single peak for each primer pair and an amplification efficiency from 95% to 101%. The qPCR showed increased expression of Em-apo-1（1.51±0.27）, Em-apo-2/3 （1.39±0.30） and Em-apo-4（1.14±0.18） after albendazole treatment in comparison to the DMSO control（1.00）（P>0.05 among the three genes）; and an unaltered Em-apo-1 expression, slightly decreased Em-apo-4 expression, and significantly decreased Em-apo-2/3 expression（0.73±0.09） after insulin treatment in comparison to the PBS control (P>0.05 among the three genes）. Conclusion: The selected specific primers for Em-apo genes can be used to analyze the gene expression by qPCR. Treatment with albendazole and insulin show certain effects on the expression of Em-apo genes in E. multilocularis protoscoleces.

[The effect of platelet-rich fibrin on biologic characteristics of osteoblasts].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin on biologic characteristics of osteoblasts. METHODS: Osteoblasts were cultured with or without a PRF membrane. The cell proliferation was detected by MTT. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) stain and the positive expression of collagen type I, osteoprotegerin and RANKL were measured. The data was statistically analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package. RESULTS: PRF promoted cell proliferation and increased expression of ALP, collagen typeI and OPG significantly, but there was no significant impact on expression of RANKL. CONCLUSIONS: PRF promotes osteoblasts proliferation, differentiation and OPG expression. PRF is involved in bone remodeling via regulating expression of OPG and RANKL.

Human health risk assessment of soil dioxin/furans contamination and dioxin-like activity determined by ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase bioassay.

The major objective of this study was to evaluate the human health risks of agricultural land use conversion to other purposes in Hong Kong, based on the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) and determined dioxin-like activity in soil using ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) bioassay. Hazard quotient showed soils of open burning site (OBS) and electronic waste open burning site (EW (OBS)) exert a relatively higher non-cancer risk on adults (50.9 and 8.00) and children (407 and 64.0) via the pathway of accidental ingestion of soil particles than other types of land use. In addition, the levels of 17 PCDD/Fs congeners in OBS and EW (OBS) soils indicated high and moderate (1654 and 260 in one million people) cancer risks through the above pathway. Furthermore, the biologically derived TCDD concentrations (TEQbio) were also significantly correlated to the chemically derived toxic equivalent concentrations of dioxin-like chemicals (TEQcal (sum of chemically derived 2,3,7,8-TeCDD toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQPCDD/F) and chemically derived dioxin-like PAHs toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQPAH)) (r = 0.770, p <0.05). PCDD/Fs (95.4 to 99.9%) were the major stressor to the TEQcal in the soil samples, indicating higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs derived from chemical analyses may reflect a higher potency of inducing EROD activity.

[Research on construction of sheep lung adenomas virus pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env and induction of malignant transformation in NIH3T3].

This study aims to construct a eukaryotic expression system for envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, observes its localization in 293T cells, and investigates the potential in inducing malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells. By RT-PCR, the full-length cDNA of envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV-env) was amplified from the extract of naturally infected sheep lung. The clone of target gene was sub-cloned into eukaryotic expression system pEGFP-C1, and validated by PCR, restriction endonuclease, and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis concerning biological function and cellular localiza tion of exJSRV-env was also performed. The recombinant clone of exJSRV-env was transfected into 293T cells and NIH3T3 cells by Lipofectamine LTX. The expression and celluar localization in 293T cells were validated by confocal microscopy. Soft agar colony formation assay was employed to test the anchorage-independent growth of NIH3T3. DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion with Kpn I and Hind III indicated the correct construction of the recombinant plasmid, which was named pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env. Amino acid sequence alignment of exJSRV-env with reference sequences found 85%-100% homogeneity. A YRNM motif was discovered at the cytoplasmic tail of envelope gene, which is exclusively found in exogenous viruses. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that our clone of exJSRV-env clustered closely with pathogenic exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses. Fluorescence microscopy indicated typical membrane localization of exJSRV-env protein. NIH3T3 cells transfected with exJSRV-env lost contact inhibition, and acquired colony forming ability in soft agar. This study indicated that envelope protein of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus can induce malignant transformation of mouse fibroblast cell NIH3T3. Discoveries of this study provide a basis for further structural and functional research on Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope protein.

[Prevalence and significance of antibodies to citrullinated human fibrinogen ß67-77 peptide in rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the antibodies against human fibrinogen (FIB) ß67-77 peptide and citrullinated human FIB ß67-77 peptide in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and examine their diagnostic values in RA. METHODS: The antibodies against FIB ß67-77 peptide and citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 227 RA patients, 188 other connective tissue disease and 100 healthy controls. And their clinical applications were analyzed in the diagnosis of RA. RESULTS: (1) The prevalence and titer of IgG, IgA and IgM isotypes of anti-citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide antibodies in RA were significantly higher than those with other rheumatic diseases and healthy individuals. However, the prevalence of anti-FIB ß67-77 peptide antibodies in RA patients was similar to those with other rheumatic diseases and healthy individuals (P > 0.05). (2) The diagnostic sensitivity of IgG, IgA and IgM of anti-FIB ß67-77 peptide antibodies for RA were 50.7%, 48.5% and 55.1% and the specificity 94.8%, 92.7% and 92.4% respectively. The sensitivity of combined detection of 3 subtypes was up to 87.7% and the specificity 78.5%. (3) No significant correlations existed between anti-citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide antibodies, RF, anti-CCP antibody, AKA and APF respectively. Moreover, the seropositive rates of IgG, IgM and IgA of anti-citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide were 52.9%, 39.2% and 54.9% in IgM-RF negative patients Versus 48.5%, 53.1% and 37.5% in anti-CCP antibody, AKA and APF negative patients respectively. CONCLUSION: IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide are sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of RA. And the test of anti-citrullinated FIB ß67-77 peptide antibodies is especially useful in diagnosing RA with other negative autoantibodies.

[Significance of anti-citrullinated human papilloma virus-47 E2(345-362) peptide antibodies in diagnosis of early-stage rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and the diagnostic values of antibodies to the citrullinated HPVP in early-stage rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Antibodies against HPVP and citrullinated HPVP were detected by ELISA in the sera of 101 patients with early-stage RA, 149 patients with other rheumatic diseases and 40 healthy controls. The prevalence and diagnostic values of these antibodies for early-stage RA were analyzed by statistical software. RESULTS: (1)The prevalence of IgG, IgM antibodies to citrullinated HPVP in early-stage RA were significantly higher than that in the patients with other rheumatic diseases as well as in the healthy individuals.(2)The diagnostic sensitivity of IgG and IgM citrullinated HPVP antibodies in early-stage RA were 62.4% and 66.3% respectively and the specificity value of the two antibody isotypes were 88.7% and 89.6%,similar to that of the anti-CCP antibody. (3)The positivity rates of IgG and IgM antibodies against citrullinated HPVP were 59.4% and 71.9% in IgM-RF negative early-stage RA patients, and 39.4% and 51.5% in anti-CCP antibody negative early-stage RA patients. (4) The DAS28 score [ IgG (6.3±1.0) vs. (5.6±0.9), P=0.002; IgM (6.2±1.1) vs. (5.6±0.8), P=0.008] , X-ray stages (IgG 56.1% vs. 21.2%, P=0.001;IgM 50.9% vs. 29.4%, P=0.036),anti-CCP antibodies(IgG 96.8% vs. 55.3%, P=0.001; IgM 89.6% vs. 64.7%, P=0.023) in citrullinated HPVPP positive patients were higher than those of citrullinated HPVP negative patients. Additionally, the levels of ESR[IgG(70.3±32.4)vs.(51.9±27.8), P=0.004; IgM (67.4±31.5)vs.(53.8±27.7), P=0.035] in citrullinated HPVP positive patients were higher than those of negative patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: IgG and IgM antibodies to citrullinated HPVP are highly sensitive and specific novel biomarkers for early-stage RA diagnosis, and are related to disease activity and joint damage.

Molecular characterization of Taenia multiceps isolates from Gansu Province, China by sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1.

A total of 16 Taenia multiceps isolates collected from naturally infected sheep or goats in Gansu Province, China were characterized by sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The complete cox1 gene was amplified for individual T. multiceps isolates by PCR, ligated to pMD18T vector, and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that out of 16 T. multiceps isolates 10 unique cox1 gene sequences of 1,623 bp were obtained with sequence variation of 0.12-0.68%. The results showed that the cox1 gene sequences were highly conserved among the examined T. multiceps isolates. However, they were quite different from those of the other Taenia species. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete cox1 gene sequences revealed that T. multiceps isolates were composed of 3 genotypes and distinguished from the other Taenia species.

Cancer risk assessments of Hong Kong soils contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The aim of this study was to evaluate soils from 12 different land use types on human cancer risks, with the main focus being on human cancer risks related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fifty-five locations were selected to represent 12 different types of land use (electronic waste dismantling workshop (EW (DW)); open burning site (OBS); car dismantling workshop (CDW) etc.). The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in terms of total burden and their bioaccessibility were analysed using GC/MS. The PAHs concentrations were subsequently used to establish cancer risks in humans via three exposure pathways, namely, accident ingestion of soil, dermal contact soil and inhalation of soil particles. When the 95th centile values of total PAH concentrations were used to derive ingestion and dermal cancer risk probabilities on humans, the CDW land use type indicated a moderate potential for cancerous development (244 × 10(-6) and 209 × 10(-6), respectively). Bioaccessible PAHs content in soil samples from CDW (3.60 × 10(-6)) were also classified as low cancer risk. CDW soil possessed a higher carcinogenic risk based on PAH concentrations. Bioremediation is recommended to treat the contaminated soil.