Rare correlation of somatic PRKACA mutations with pregnancy-associated aldosterone- and cortisol-producing adenomas: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Somatic mutations have been observed to induce aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). These may be accelerated during pregnancy. Somatic PRKACA mutations are common in cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs). However, their role in APAs, particularly aldosterone- and cortisol-producing adenomas (A/CPAs), is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the association between PRKACA mutations and the accelerated development of A/CPAs during pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with primary aldosteronism (PA) associated with severe Cushing's syndrome (CS) underwent surgical resection of an adrenal tumor one year after delivery. Pathologic examination revealed an adrenocortical adenoma characterized primarily by zona glomerulosa hyperplasia. Somatic mutation analysis revealed the presence of the somatic PRKACA mutation, which was validated as a deleterious mutation by various computational databases. Immunohistochemical results showed positive staining for cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 1 (CYP11B1), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 2 (CYP11B2), and luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). Our study included a review of 20 previously documented cases of aldosterone- and cortisol-producing adenomas (A/CPAs), two of which were concurrently positive for both CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, consistent with our findings. CONCLUSION: Somatic mutations in PRKACA may correlate with the upregulation of LHCGR, which synergistically drives the accelerated growth of co-secretion tumors during pregnancy, thereby exacerbating disease progression.

SNORD60 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of endometrial cancer through binding PIK3CA and regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Endometrial carcinoma is a common gynecological malignant tumor, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in cancer development. However, researches on the roles of snoRNAs in endometrial carcinoma are limited. The expression levels of snoRNAs in endometrial cancer tissues were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and plasmids were used for transfection. Moreover, CCK-8, EdU, wound-healing assay, transwell, cell apoptosis, western blotting, and xenograft model were employed to examine the biological functions of related molecules. real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Including bioinformatics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pulldown, actinomycin D and RTL-P assays were also carried out to explore the molecular mechanism. Analysis of data from TCGA showed that the expression level of small nucleolar RNA, C/D box 60 (SNORD60) in endometrial cancer tissues is observably higher than that in normal endometrial tissues. Further research suggested that SNORD60 played a carcinogenic role both in vitro and in vivo, and significantly upregulated the expression of PIK3CA. However, the carcinogenic effects can be reversed by knocking down fibrillarin (FBL) or PIK3CA. SNORD60 forms complexes by binding with 2'-O-methyltransferase fibrillarin, thus catalyzes the 2'-O-methylation (Nm) modification of PIK3CA mRNA and modulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, so as to promote the development of endometrial cancer. In short, SNORD60 might become a new biomarker for the therapy of endometrial cancer in the future and provide new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Valid and reliable diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT in anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether dual-energy CT (DECT) can be used to accurately and reliably detect anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants with unilateral ACL rupture were prospectively enrolled, and the bilateral knees were scanned by DECT. A tissue-specific mapping algorithm was applied to improve the visualization of the ACLs. The 80-keV CT value, mixed-keV CT value, electron density (Rho), and effective atomic number (Zeff) were measured to quantitatively differentiate torn ACLs from normal ACLs. MRI and arthroscopy served as the reference standards. RESULTS: Fifty-one participants (mean age, 27.0 ± 8.7 years; 31 men) were enrolled. Intact and torn ACLs were explicitly differentiated on color-coded DECT images. The 80-keV CT value, mixed-keV CT value, and Rho were significantly lower for the torn ACLs than for the intact ACLs (p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values were an 80-keV CT value of 61.8 HU, a mixed-keV CT value of 60.9 HU, and a Rho of 51.8 HU, with AUCs of 98.0% (95% CI: 97.0-98.9%), 99.2% (95% CI: 98.6-99.7%), and 99.8% (95% CI: 99.6-100.0%), respectively. Overall, DECT had almost perfect reliability and validity in detecting ACL integrity (sensitivity = 97.1% [95% CI: 88.1-99.8%]; specificity = 98.0% [95% CI: 89.5-99.9%]; PPV = 98.0% [95% CI: 93.0-99.8%]; NPV = 97.1% [95% CI: 91.7-99.4%]; accuracy = 97.5% [95% CI: 94.3-99.2%]). There was no evidence of a difference between MRI and DECT in the diagnostic performance (p > 0.99). CONCLUSION: DECT has excellent diagnostic accuracy and reliability in qualitatively and quantitatively diagnosing ACL rupture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: DECT could validly and reliably diagnose ACL rupture using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which may become a promising substitute for MRI to evaluate the integrity of injured ACLs and the maturity of postoperative ACL autografts. KEY POINTS: • On color-coded DECT images, an uncolored ACL was a reliable sign for qualitatively diagnosing ACL rupture. • The 80-keV CT value, mixed-keV CT value, and Rho were significantly lower for the torn ACLs than for the intact ACLs, which contributed to the quantitative diagnosis of ACL rupture. • DECT had an almost perfect diagnostic performance for ACL rupture, and diagnostic capability was comparable between MRI and DECT.

Whole fresh fruit intake and risk of incident diabetes in different glycemic stages: a nationwide prospective cohort investigation.

PURPOSE: Fruit intake is beneficial to several chronic diseases, but controversial in diabetes. We aimed to investigate prospectively the associations of whole fresh fruit intake with risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in subjects with different glucose regulation capacities. METHODS: The present study included 79,922 non-diabetic participants aged ≥ 40 years from an ongoing nationwide prospective cohort in China. Baseline fruit intake information was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Plasma HbA1c, fasting and 2 h post-loading glucose levels were measured at both baseline and follow-up examinations. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident diabetes among participants with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and prediabetes, after adjusted for multiple confounders. Restricted cubic spline analysis was applied for dose-response relation. RESULTS: During a median 3.8-year follow-up, 5886 (7.36%) participants developed diabetes. Overall, we identified a linear and dose-dependent inverse association between dietary whole fresh fruit intake and risk of incident T2D. Each 100 g/d higher fruit intake was associated with 2.8% lower risk of diabetes (HR 0.972, 95%CI [0.949-0.996], P = 0.0217), majorly benefiting NGT subjects with 15.2% lower risk (HR 0.848, 95%CI [0.766-0.940], P = 0.0017), while not significant in prediabetes (HR 0.981, 95%CI 0.957-4.005, P = 0.1268). Similarly, the inverse association was present in normoglycemia individuals with a 48.6% lower risk of diabetes when consuming fruits > 7 times/week comparing to those < 1 time/week (HR 0.514, 95% CI [0.368-0.948]), but not in prediabetes (HR 0.883, 95% CI [0.762-1.023]). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that higher frequency and amount of fresh fruit intake may protect against incident T2D, especially in NGT, but not in prediabetes, highlighting the dietary recommendation of higher fresh fruit consumption to prevent T2D in normoglycemia population.

Comparative understanding of metal hyperaccumulation in plants: a mini-review.

Hyperaccumulator plants are ideal models for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of plant metal homeostasis and environmental adaptation due to their notable traits of metal accumulation and tolerance. These traits may benefit either the biofortification of essential mineral nutrients or the phytoremediation of nonessential toxic metals. A common mechanism by which elevated expression of key genes involved in metal transport or chelation contributes to hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance was proposed mainly from studies examining two Brassicaceae hyperaccumulators, namely Arabidopsis halleri and Noccaea caerulescens (formerly Thlaspi caerulescens). Meanwhile, recent findings regarding systems outside the Brassicaceae hyperaccumulators indicated that functional enhancement of key genes might represent a strategy evolved by hyperaccumulator plants. This review provides a brief outline of metal hyperaccumulation in plants and highlights commonalities and differences among various hyperaccumulators.

Synthesis, biological evaluation of benzothiazole derivatives bearing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety as potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Twenty benzothiazole derivatives bearing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Among these compounds, 8h and 8l were appeared to have high radical scavenging efficacies as 0.05 ± 0.02 and 0.07 ± 0.03 mmol/L of IC50 values in ABTS+ bioassay, respectively. In anti-inflammatory tests, compound 8h displayed good activity with 57.35% inhibition after intraperitoneal administration, which was more potent than the reference drug (indomethacin). Molecular modeling studies were performed to investigate the binding mode of the representative compound 8h into COX-2 enzyme. In vitro enzyme study implied that compound 8h exerted its anti-inflammatory activity through COX-2 inhibition.

23,24-Dihydrocucurbitacin B promotes lipid clearance by dual transcriptional regulation of LDLR and PCSK9.

23,24-Dihydrocucurbitacin B (designated as C95 in this article) is a cucurbitane triterpenoid that has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV-1 activities etc. In this study, we investigated the effects of 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B on lipid regulation. We showed that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (1-5 µM) dose-dependently promoted DiI-LDL uptake in HepG2 cells by upregulating low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein. In HepG2 cells, 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (1-10 µM) dose-dependently enhanced LDLR promoter activity by elevating the mature form of SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element binding protein 2) protein levels on one hand, and inhibited PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) promoter activity by attenuating HNF1α (hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α) protein levels in nuclei on the other hand. Consequently, the expression of LDLR protein markedly increased, whereas the PCSK9-mediated LDLR protein degradation decreased. In a high-cholesterol LVG golden Syrian Hamster model, administration of 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (30 mg · kg-1⋅ d-1, intragastric, for 3 weeks) significantly decreased the serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. PCSK9 protein levels in the serum and liver tissues were significantly decreased, whereas LDLR protein levels in liver tissues were significantly increased in the treated animals as compared with the control animals. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B exhibits dual transcriptional regulation of LDLR and PCSK9 in HepG2 cells by increasing SREBP2 protein levels and decreasing HNF1α protein levels in the nuclei. These results propose a new strategy to simultaneously manage LDLR and PCSK9 protein expression and provide a promising lead compound for drug development.

[Differences in spatial distribution of medicinal plant resources in Yinshan region of Inner Mongolia].

Yinshan Mountains stands on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, which stretches 1 200 km from east to west and 50 to 100 km from north to south. The rich and varied topographic environment of the Yinshan Mountains has created a variety of vegetation floras, which also makes the species of medicinal plant resources in this area unevenly distributed. Therefore, studying the spatial distribution difference of medicinal plant resources among various banners, counties, and districts in the Yinshan area is of great significance to formulate the protection policy and promote the industry development of medicinal plant. This study is based on the fourth national survey of traditional Chinese medicine resources in Inner Mongolia, regarding the results of the third national survey of traditional Chinese medicine resources. The species of medicinal plant resources in the Yinshan area around 31 banners, counties and districts were counted in detail. Then, using exploratory spatial data analysis(ESDA), trend surface analysis, spatial autocorrelation, geographical detector and other geostatistical analysis methods to analyze the differences in the spatial distribution of medicinal plant resources of the Yinshan area in Inner Mongolia. After discussing and analyzing the experimental results to account for the reasons for the overall trend of change and the degree of aggregation, the author further put forward relevant constructive suggestions. The results show that the areas with the most abundant and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources in the Yinshan area are located in Guyang county, Shiguai District of Baotou city, Tutou right banner, and Tuoketuo county; the higher richness and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources is in Wulate front banner, Wulate middle banner, Wulate back banner; areas with relatively low abundance and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources located in Qingshan district of Baotou city, Saihan district and Yuquan district of Hohhot city; areas with the lowest abundance and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources are located in Xincheng district and Huimin district of Hohhot city. It can be concluded that the horizontal distribution difference of multiple ecological factors, the special wetland environment of the river, the vertical difference of elevation, the farmland and other factors have an important influence on the richness of the medicinal plant resources species.

The caveolin-3 P104L mutation in LGMD-1C patients inhibits non-insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism and growth but promotes myocyte proliferation.

The caveolin-3 (CAV3) protein is known to be specifically expressed in various myocytes, and skeletal muscle consumes most of the blood glucose as an energy source to maintain normal cell metabolism and function. The P104L mutation in the coding sequence of the human CAV3 gene leads to autosomal dominant disease limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD-1C). We previously reported that C2C12 cells transiently transfected with the P104L CAV3 mutant exhibited decreased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis after insulin stimulation. The present study aimed to examine whether the P104L mutation affects C2C12 cell glucose metabolism, growth, and proliferation without insulin stimulation. C2C12 cells stably transfected with CAV3-P104L were established, and biochemical assays, western blot analysis and confocal microscopy were used to observe glucose metabolism as well as cell growth and proliferation and to determine the effect of the P104L mutation on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Without insulin stimulation, C2C12 cells stably transfected with the P104L CAV3 mutant exhibited decreased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, decreased CAV3 expression and reduced localization of CAV3 and GLUT4 on the cell membrane. The P104L mutant significantly reduced the cell diameters, but accelerated cell proliferation. Akt phosphorylation was inhibited, and protein expression of GLUT4, p-GSK3ß, and p-p70s6K, which are molecules downstream of Akt, was significantly decreased. The CAV3-P104L mutation inhibits glycometabolism and cell growth but accelerates C2C12 cell proliferation by reducing CAV3 protein expression and cell membrane localization, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of LGMD-1C.

The 150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein (ORP150) regulates proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy via mediating VEGF.

The 150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein (ORP150) belongs to a family of the heat shock protein implicated in the cellular response to environmental stress. Previous data demonstrated that ORP150 regulates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to drive progression of angiogenesis associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, the expression and biological functions of serum ORP150 levels in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain unclear. In this study, we reported for the first time that ORP150 was up-regulated in serum of patients with DN. Moreover, we observed the dramatic increase in serum ORP150 accompanied with the elevated levels of proteinuria and serum VEGF levels in DN, indicating the possible involvement of ORP150 in regulation of albuminuria via mediating VEGF in DN. Employing the streptozotocin (STZ) to construct the DN model, we confirmed the positive correlation of ORP150 with VEGF in vivo. Monoclonal anti-ORP150 antibodies treatment significantly decreased the secretion of VEGF and albuminuria in STZ-induced DN models. Consequently, our data suggested that ORP150 levels were positively correlated with proteinuria burden via mediating VEGF in DN. It may be considered as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target.

Association Between CHADS2 Score and the Development of Interatrial Block.

Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with a multitude of medical conditions. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke) score is positively associated with the development of IAB. A total of 1072 patients (men, 555; women, 517; mean age, 61 ± 14 years) were included in the study. P-wave duration was measured manually using a caliper. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration of ≥ 120 ms on a 12-lead electrocardiogram. CHADS2 scores were calculated retrospectively. Among the 1072 patients, the prevalence of IAB was 36.1% (387/1072). In multivariate analysis, increased CHADS2 score (odds ratio [OR], 1.810; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.577-2.077; P < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR, 1.536; 95% CI, 1.065-2.216; P = 0.022), and increased left atrial diameter (OR, 1.039; 95% CI, 1.008-1.071; P = 0.013) were independently associated with IAB. The percentages of patients with IAB among those with a CHADS2 score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were 20.6%, 33.0%, 45.0%, 55.9%, 61.9%, 77.8%, and 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a greater percentage of patients with a CHADS2 score of ≥ 2 with IAB compared with a CHADS2 score of < 2 (26.5% vsrsus 52.0%; P < 0.001). In receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, CHADS2 score (area under the curve, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.636-0.704; P < 0.001) was predictive of IAB. In conclusion, CHADS2 score was significantly associated with the development of IAB in this study population.

[Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features and Their Pathological Mechanisms of Hashimoto's Encephalopathy].

Objective To analyze the routine and functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) features and their potential pathological mechanisms of Hashimoto's encephalopathy(HE). Methods The clinical data and routine and functional MRI images of 30 HE patients who were treated in our center from January 2010 to April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them,15 patients were examined with contrast-enhanced MRI,16 with diffusion-weighed imaging(DWI),8 with magnetic resonance angiography,2 with magnetic resonance spectroscopy,and 1 with both arterial spin labeled perfusion imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Seven patients had consecutive clinical and imaging data. The distribution,MRI signals,and functional MRI features of HE were analyzed. Results Among 30 HE patients,routine MRI showed negative results in 8 cases and abnormal findings in 22 cases. Among 22 abnormal cases,9 were characterized by small cerebral vascular disease and 13 had non-specific abnormalities;of these 13 cases,12 had lesions mainly located at the supratentorial white matter,11 had multiple lesions,and 2 had lesions complicated with cerebellum atrophy. The lesions were focal or confluent,punctate or small patchy,showing abnormal signal intensity with iso-or hypo-intensity on T1-weighed imaging,hyper-intensity on both T2-weighed imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. Most of the lesions had no enhancement(12/15). Among 7 cases with abnormalities on DWI,hyper-intensity on DWI and hypo-intensity on apparent diffusion coefficient were seen in 3 sudden acute cases and hyper-intensity on DWI and increased apparent diffusion coefficient value in 4 sub-acute or slow onset cases. Three cases showed localized intracranial artery stenosis. In 2 cases,magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed significant lower N-acetylaspartate peak,higher choline peak,and visible lactate peak or lipid peak. Of 7 cases with follow-up data,3 cases had no change,4 cases had changes including softening lesions(2/4),remitted and relapsed lesions(1/4),and rapid progression of brain atrophy with negative finding on the initial MRI(1/4). Conclusion Routine MRI combined with functional imaging can show the features of HE from different perspectives. Routine MRI shows multifocal or confluent lesions in the white matter,mostly without enhancement,while functional imaging may reveal pathological characteristics of different phases of acute or chronic ischemia and demyelinating changes of HE. Combined with clinical data,MRI can differentiate HE from other diseases based on routine and functional MRI appearances.

The Caveolin-3 P104L mutation of LGMD-1C leads to disordered glucose metabolism in muscle cells.

Caveolin-3 (CAV3) is a muscle specific protein that plays an important role in maintaining muscle health and glucose homeostasis in vivo. A novel autosomal dominant form of LGMD-1C in humans is due to a P104L mutation within the coding sequence of the human CAV3 gene. The mechanism by which the LGMD-1C mutation leads to muscle weakness remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether muscle weakness was related to the imbalance of glucose metabolism. We found that when the P104L mutation was transiently transfected into C2C12 cells, there was decreased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis after insulin stimulation. Immunoblotting analysis showed that the P104L mutation resulted in decreased expression of CAV3, CAV1 and pAkt. Confocal immunomicroscopy indicated that the P104L mutation reduced CAV3 and GLUT4 in the cell membrane, which accumulated mainly near the nucleus. This work is the first report of an association between muscle weakness due to LGMD-1C and energy metabolism. The P104L mutation led to a decrease in C2C12 muscle glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of LGMD-1C.

[Application of relative quality constant in grades evaluation of Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizome pieces].

Quality constant evaluation is a comprehensive method for grades evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine pieces, but when it comes to Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizome pieces, grades evaluation is diverged due to significant difference in contents of liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid and unreasonable weight of index. To solve this problem, we have established a relative quality constant method in this paper to evaluate grades of Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizome pieces. Twenty-nine batches of different quality samples were collected and tested, and finally, 17 batches of them were chosen as researcher objects. The results revealed that the range of the relative quality constant of these samples was from 1.78 to 11.49. When Glycyrrizae Radix et Rhizome pieces are divided into three grades: the relative quality constant of first grade is greater than or equal to 9.19; the second grade is greater than or equal to 5.75 but less than 9.19; while the third grade is less than 5.75. This research indicates that relative quality constant can divide the grades of herbal pieces in a scientific, reasonable, objective and specific way and remedy the shortage of quality constant perfectly. It provides a novel mode for grading pieces of Chinese medicine that contains multi-target ingredients.

Heat shock protein 60 affects behavioral improvement in a rat model of Parkinson's disease grafted with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived dopaminergic-like neurons.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by a loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in mesencephalic substantia nigra (SN). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell lineages, including DAergic neurons. Thus, hUC-MSCs could be a promising alternative to compensate for the loss of DAergic neurons in PD. In the current study, hUC-MSCs and hUC-MSCs-derived DAergic-like neurons were transplanted into the striatum and SN of a rat model of PD that is induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). We evaluated their therapeutic effects on improving rotation behavior in the rat and on modulating the level of heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) expression in the brain. After transplantation, an amelioration of rotation behavior was observed in rats that underwent cell grafting, and hUC-MSCs-derived DAergic-like neurons were superior to hUC-MSCs at inducing behavioral improvement. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis indicated significantly elevated levels of Hsp60 in cell-grafted rats compared to 6-OHDA-lesioned (PD) rats. These results demonstrate that hUC-MSCs-based cell transplantation is potential therapeutic treatment for PD, and hUC-MSCs-derived DAergic-like neurons appear to be favorable candidates for cell replacement therapy in PD. Finally, Hsp60 could be involved in a mechanism of behavioral recovery.

Synthesis of an Amphiphilic Brush Copolymer by a Highly Efficient "Grafting onto" Approach via CO2 Chemistry.

A novel and robust route for the synthesis of a new amphiphilic brush copolymer, poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-graft-polyethylene glycol (PGMA-g-PEG), with high grafting densities of 97%-98% through a "grafting onto" method via carbon dioxide chemistry is reported. PGMA-g-PEG can self-assemble and form stable spherical core-shell micelles in aqueous solution. Besides, the obtained PGMA-g-PEG polymer contains hydroxyurethane structures as the junction sites between the PGMA backbone and PEG side chain, which can be used for further modification.

Quantitative detection of circulating nucleophosmin mutations DNA in the plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify the copies of circulating nucleophosmin (NPM) mutations DNA in the plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to explore the association of circulating NPM mutation levels with clinical characteristics. DESIGN AND METHODS: The presence of NPM mutations in 100 Chinese patients newly diagnosed with AML were identified by RT-PCR and sequencing analysis. Copies of circulating NPM mutation A (NPM mut.A) DNA in the plasma of mutation-positive cases were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, the association of circulating NPM mutation levels and clinical characteristics was analyzed. RESULTS: NPM mutations were identified in 37 of the 100 patients and all cases were NPM mut.A. The circulating NPM mut.A levels ranged from 0.35×10(8) copies/ml to 6.0×10(8) copies/ml in the 37 mutation-positive cases. The medium and quartile M (P25, P75) of the circulating NPM mut.A levels in patients classified as M2, M4 and M5 morphological subtypes were 1.35×10(8) (0.76×10(8), 1.91×10(8)) copies/ml, 1.81×10(8) (1.47×10(8), 2.2×10(8)) copies/ml and 2.50×10(8) (2.42×10(8), 3.05×10(8)) copies/ml, respectively. Circulating NPM mut.A levels were significantly higher in patients with the M5 subtype of AML compared to patients with the M2 and M4 subtypes (p=0.000, p=0.046). In addition, circulating NPM mut.A copies were significantly associated with a higher white blood cell count, platelet count and bone marrow blast percentage (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that circulating NPM mutations DNA assay serves as a complementary to the routine investigative protocol of NPM-mutated leukemia.

Two new cassane-type diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista.

Two new cassane-type diterpenes, phangininoxys D and E (1 and 2), together with five known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista Linn. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of various spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity activities against HeLa, HT-29 and KB cell lines, and compound 7 showed moderate selective activities against KB cell line with an IC50 value of 17.1 µM.

Investigation and analysis of the caring attitude and behaviour of nurses in Shanghai, China.

The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the caring attitude and behaviour of clinical nurses in terms of importance, competency and feasibility. The study used a survey design. Data were collected between January and June 2010. Two hundred and sixty clinical nurses were recruited. The caring attitude and behaviour of the nurses were assessed by using a translated version of the original Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale-Short Scale. The subjects considered operative caring behaviour to be more important than expressive caring behaviour. The nurses felt more competent to practise operative caring behaviour in the clinic, and reported that such care was more feasible. The competency scores were positively correlated with age and work seniority. The feasibility scores for the clinical care dimension were positively correlated with age and work seniority. Nurses with a higher positional title had higher competency and feasibility scores. The results suggest that a rich life experience, accumulation of work experience and better competency might promote caring behaviour in nurses.

[Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe on the Eradication Rate of Hp in Peptic Ulcer Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe (YHQHR, a recipe capable of supplementing qi, activating blood, clearing heat, and dissipating dampness) on ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication rate in Hp positive peptic ulcer patients, and to explore coccoid Hp occurrence in the eradication. METHODS: Totally 80 Hp positive peptic ulcer patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control groups by random digit table, 40 in each group. All patients received standard triple therapy of Western medicine for 2 successive weeks. Those in the control group additionally took omeprazole enteric coated tablet, 20 mg each time, once per day for 4 successive weeks. Those in the treatment group additionally took YHQHR, twice per day for 6 successive weeks. The ulcer healing was observed and recorded by gastroscope after discontinued medication of 14 days. The effective rate of ulcer healing under endoscope was statistically calculated. Rapid urease test (RUT) was performed in one small piece of tissue from corpora ventriculi and sinuses ventriculi using 14C breathe test (UBT). Gastric juice was collected from the stomach. Hp urease gene amplification test (urea A-PCR) was performed in living tissue from gastric antrum. Results obtained from the above three test methods were recorded and assessed to decide the final eradiation rate. Gastric mucosa tissue was observed under electron microscope,attempting to find non-eradicated Hp, which was further observed. RESULTS: The total curative effect under gastroscope was 97.5% (39/40 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than that in the control group (80.0%, 32/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The eradication rate of Hp was 75.0% (30/40 cases), obviously better than that of the control group (52.5%, 21/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The total positive Hp numbers after treatment was 14C UBT (12), RUT (8), and urea A-PCR (27), respectively. The Hp positive rate detected by 14C UBT and RUT was lower than the Hp positive rate detected by urea A-PCR (P < 0.05). Rod-like and coccoid Hp bacteria could be observed under electron microscope. CONCLUSION: YHQHR combined standard triple therapy was more effective than standard triple therapy alone in promoting ulcer healing and elevating the eradication rate of Hp.