Effectiveness and Safety of Dabrafenib in the Treatment of 20 Chinese Children with BRAFV600E-Mutated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of dabrafenib in children with BRAFV600E-mutated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH who were treated with dabrafenib. @*Results@#The median age at which the patients started taking dabrafenib was 2.3 years old (range, 0.6 to 6.5 years). The ratio of boys to girls was 2.3:1. The median follow-up time was 30.8 months (range, 18.9 to 43.6 months). There were 14 patients (70%) in the risk organ (RO)+ group and six patients (30%) in the RO– group. All patients were initially treated with traditional chemotherapy and then shifted to targeted therapy due to poor control of LCH or intolerance to chemotherapy. The overall objective response rate and the overall disease control rate were 65% and 75%, respectively. During treatment, circulating levels of cell-free BRAFV600E (cfBRAFV600E) became negative in 60% of the patients within a median period of 3.0 months (range, 1.0 to 9.0 months). Grade 2 or 3 adverse effects occurred in five patients. @*Conclusion@#Some children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH may benefit from monotherapy with dabrafenib, especially high-risk patients with concomitant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and intolerance to chemotherapy. The safety of dabrafenib is notable. A prospective study with a larger sample size is required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration.

Evidence mapping of clinical research on 28 Chinese patent medicines for tension-type headache / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the evidence mapping methodology was used to systematically retrieve and sort out the clinical research evidence of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of tension-type headache(TTH), and to understand the distribution of evidence in this field and the basis and quality of evidence. Chinese and English articles on the 28 Chinese patent medicines for TTH, which were recorded in National Essential Medicines List(2018), Medicine Catalogue for National Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance(2020), and Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020), were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc(CBMdisc), PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library from the establishment to June 2021, followed by descriptive analysis. Then, tables and bubble charts were plotted to analyze the distribution characteristics of evidence. A total of 129 eligible articles were yielded: 126 randomized/non-randomized controlled trials, and 3 systematic reviews. The functions, indications, and composition of the 28 medicines, as well as the proportion of related articles, publication trends, intervention measures, and outcome indicators were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the 28 Chinese patent medicines, composed of 128 Chinese medicinals, can be classified into six categories in terms of function: reinforcing healthy Qi, tranquilizing mind, dispelling stasis, regulating Qi, treating wind, and resuscitating. There are ongoing efforts to study the treatment of TTH with Chinese patent medicine in China, despite of little evidence. The clinical positioning of Chinese patent medicine for TTH is not clear, and clinical research fails to highlight the advantages of Chinese medicine. In addition, the outcome indicators have not been standardized and unified, and there is a lack of evidence on the long-term efficacy of Chinese patent medicine for TTH. This study is the first exploratory application of evidence maps to compare the characteristics and clinical research progress of 28 Chinese patent medicines for TTH, which can provide a reference for research on the optimization of Chinese medicine strategies for TTH.

Novel Autoantibodies Related to Cell Death and DNA Repair Pathways in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune syndrome characterized by various co-existing autoantibodies (autoAbs) in patients' blood. However, the full spectrum of autoAbs in SLE has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, a commercial platform bearing 9400 antigens (ProtoArray) was used to identify autoAbs that were significantly elevated in the sera of SLE patients. By comparing the autoAb profiles of SLE patients with those of healthy controls, we identified 437 IgG and 1213 IgM autoAbs that the expression levels were significantly increased in SLE (P < 0.05). Use of the ProtoArray platform uncovered over 300 novel autoAbs targeting a broad range of nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane antigens. Molecular interaction network analysis revealed that the antigens targeted by the autoAbs were most significantly enriched in cell death, cell cycle, and DNA repair pathways. A group of autoAbs associated with cell apoptosis and DNA repair function, including those targeting APEX1, AURKA, POLB, AGO1, HMGB1, IFIT5, MAPKAPK3, PADI4, RGS3, SRP19, UBE2S, and VRK1, were further validated by ELISA and Western blot in a larger cohort. In addition, the levels of autoAbs against APEX1, HMGB1, VRK1, AURKA, PADI4, and SRP19 were positively correlated with the level of anti-dsDNA in SLE patients. Comprehensive autoAb screening has identified novel autoAbs, which may shed light on potential pathogenic pathways leading to lupus.

Central Nervous System Involvement in 179 Chinese Children with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is found in many patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). In this study, we mainly analyzed neurological symptoms, imaging findings, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and their relationship with outcomes of HLH children.@*Methods@#Related data of 179 Chinese pediatric patients with HLH admitted to our center from January 2010 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis and treatment were based on the HLH-2004 protocol. Two-tailed Chi-squared test was used to compare between different groups, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the overall survival (OS) of patients with HLH.@*Results@#In the present study, 21.2% (38/179) of total patients had neurological symptoms including seizure, irritability, somnolence, and unconsciousness. There were 80 (50.0%, excluding 19 patients without imaging data) patients with cranial imaging abnormalities. There were 14.7% (17/116, excluding 63 patients who did not accept lumbar puncture) of patients with abnormal CSF results. CNS involvement is defined as abnormalities in one or more of CNS symptoms, radiological findings, and CSF. Thus, 60.3% of them had CNS involvement. As for the prognosis, the median follow-up time was 3.2 years (17 lost to follow-up). The probable 3-year OS of children was higher without CNS involvement (86.0% ± 4.6%) than those with CNS involvement (68.9% ± 4.9%, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.286, P = 0.019). Among them, the probable 3-year OS of children without CNS symptoms was 76.0% ± 3.8%, higher than with CNS symptoms (59.5% ± 8.1%, HR = 2.147, P = 0.047). The 3-year OS of children with abnormal CSF was 64.7% ± 11.6%, compared with normal CSF (85.1% ± 3.7%, HR = 0.255, P = 0.038).@*Conclusions@#HLH patients with CNS involvement might have worse outcomes compared with those without CNS involvement, and CNS symptoms and CSF changes are more important to access the prognosis than imaging abnormality.

Clinical Research of Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Children / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is an interstitial primary pulmonary disease, characterized by Langerhans cell proliferation. It is easily misdiagnosed in children. This study aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations and features of PLCH by retrospective analysis.@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was performed in 117 PLCH patients out of 338 LCH patients who were admitted in our center from November 2006 to October 2013. Variables between two groups were compared by Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare the survival rates and Cox regression to evaluate the effect of risk factors.@*Results@#The median age of PLCH group was significantly lower than that of non-PLCH group (18.63 months vs. 43.4 months, P < 0.001). All PLCH children had other organ involvement and only 11 cases (9.4%) had respiratory symptoms. The most common radiologic finding was cystic lesions (29 cases, 24.8%). Pulmonary function abnormalities were dominated by obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (63 cases, 82.9%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) of PLCH children was 93.6% ± 2.3% and the event-free survival (EFS) was 55.7% ± 5.2%. Among the 38 cases with progressed or relapsed disease, five cases (13.2%) were due to progression or recurrence of lung damage. The 5-year OS of PLCH children with "risk organ" involvement was significantly lower than those without "risk organ" involvement (86.0% ± 4.9% vs. 100%, χ = 8.793, P = 0.003). The difference of EFS between two groups was also significant (43.7% ± 7.7% vs. 66.3% ± 6.5%, χ = 5.399, P = 0.020). The "risk organ" involvement had a significant impact on survival (hazard ratio = 1.9, P = 0.039).@*Conclusions@#PLCH mainly occurs in young children, and only a small percentage of patients have respiratory symptoms. They generally have other organ involvement. Most of PLCH children have a good prognosis and most lung lesions could have improved or stabilized. Management of "risk organ" involvement is the key point to improving EFS.

Investigation and analysis of health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis patients with myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 Chinese version / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the level and influencing factors of health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 (MGQOL-15) Chinese version and to provide corresponding measures in one tertiary hospital of Sichuan Province.@*METHODS@#We collected the general data (gender, age, body mass index BMI, marital status, educational level and employee status), clinical data [Osserman type, myasthenia gravis composite (MGC), other immunopathies, disease duration, frequency of outpatient visits per month, ratio of disease cost to income each month and frequency of symptoms during the past month] and the MGQOL-15 Chinese version from 168 myasthenia gravis patients in one tertiary hospital of Sichuan Province.@*RESULTS@#The mean score of MGQOL-15 was 17.67±12.78. The score of the item "My occupational skills and job status have been negatively affected." was the highest, followed by "I have trouble using my eyes." and "I am frustrated by my MG." Single factor analysis showed that MG patients' QOL were different with different disease severity MGC (F=19.353, P<0.001), ratio of disease cost to income each month (F=5.831, P<0.001) and the frequency of symptoms during the past month (F=9.128,P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that disease severity MGC (β=0.743,P<0.001), ration of disease cost to income each month (β=3.347,P<0.001) and the frequency of symptoms during the past month (β=2.216,P<0.003) were the main predictors of HRQOL in the MG patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study showed that the MGQOL-15 is helpful for clinicians to evaluate MG patients' QOL regularly, investigate the influencing factors and implement corresponding interventions the so as to improve the patients' quality of life. Disease severity MGC, ratio of disease cost to income each month and the frequency of symptoms during the past month were the main predictors of MG patients' QOL. Clinicians should pay more attention to MG patients' disease severity MGC and the frequency of symptoms during the past month.

PEGylated doxorubicin nanoparticles mediated by HN-1 peptide for targeting transplanted oral squamous cell carcinoma / 天津医药

Objective To preliminary study on the physical properties of HN- 1 modified adriamycin (DOX) nanoparticle system HPD and to prove its transplanted oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-targeting capability. Methods Firstly, the targeting capability of HN-1 for OSCC cells was verified. PEGylated DOX (PD) nanoparticles were synthesized by self-assembly in aqueous media. HN-1 was then chemically grafted onto the surface of PD nanoparticles to form HPD nanoparticles. The HPD nanoparticles were stored in H2O, PBS and PBS containing 10%serum for different time periods. The sizes and distribution diagrams of nanoparticles were evaluated at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The serum levels of DOX mediated by HPD nanoparticles were measured. The stability of HPD nanoparticles in vivo was studied. The tumor bearing mice were prepared by inoculating 2.0 × 106 SCC-25 cells into BALB/C nude mice. Then, mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=2 for each group), normal saline group (control), free DOX group, PD group and HPD nanoparticle group. A dose of 8.0 mg/kg body weight on a DOX basis was injected intravenously though tail vain. The mice were sacrificed at 8 h and 24 h after injection, and the major organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) and tumor were excised. The ex vivo DOX fluorescence imaging was obtained using the IVIS. Results HN-1 showed strong capability of targeting OSCC cells. HPD nanoparticles showed an uniform spherical shape and a small size of 150 nm, which also showed strong stability. In the nude mice bearing OSCC tumor, HPD nanoparticles displayed remarkably enhanced tumor-targeting and penetrating efficiency compared with those of PD nanoparticles. Conclusion This study demonstrates that HPD nanoparticles mediated by HN-1 can efficiently target transplanted OSCC, and have potential application for the OSCC-targeting treatment.

PEGylated doxorubicin nanoparticles mediated by HN-1 peptide for targeting transplanted oral squamous cell carcinoma / 天津医药

Objective To preliminary study on the physical properties of HN- 1 modified adriamycin (DOX) nanoparticle system HPD and to prove its transplanted oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-targeting capability. Methods Firstly, the targeting capability of HN-1 for OSCC cells was verified. PEGylated DOX (PD) nanoparticles were synthesized by self-assembly in aqueous media. HN-1 was then chemically grafted onto the surface of PD nanoparticles to form HPD nanoparticles. The HPD nanoparticles were stored in H2O, PBS and PBS containing 10%serum for different time periods. The sizes and distribution diagrams of nanoparticles were evaluated at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The serum levels of DOX mediated by HPD nanoparticles were measured. The stability of HPD nanoparticles in vivo was studied. The tumor bearing mice were prepared by inoculating 2.0 × 106 SCC-25 cells into BALB/C nude mice. Then, mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=2 for each group), normal saline group (control), free DOX group, PD group and HPD nanoparticle group. A dose of 8.0 mg/kg body weight on a DOX basis was injected intravenously though tail vain. The mice were sacrificed at 8 h and 24 h after injection, and the major organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) and tumor were excised. The ex vivo DOX fluorescence imaging was obtained using the IVIS. Results HN-1 showed strong capability of targeting OSCC cells. HPD nanoparticles showed an uniform spherical shape and a small size of 150 nm, which also showed strong stability. In the nude mice bearing OSCC tumor, HPD nanoparticles displayed remarkably enhanced tumor-targeting and penetrating efficiency compared with those of PD nanoparticles. Conclusion This study demonstrates that HPD nanoparticles mediated by HN-1 can efficiently target transplanted OSCC, and have potential application for the OSCC-targeting treatment.

Efficacy observation of standard-dose IA regimen in treatment of ≥ 55 years old newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and toxicity of standard-dose IA regimen as induction chemotherapy in treating initially diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients ≥55 years old. Methods A total of 32 patients were enrolled in this study. The remission, survival time and adverse effects after IA regimen were retrospectively analyzed. Results The complete remission (CR) rate, partial remission (PR) rate and overall response (OR) rate were 71.9%(23/32), 9.4%(3/32), 81.3%(26/32) after IA regimen. In favorable, intermediate and poor prognosis groups (grouped by cytogenetic or molecular factors), 6, 14 and 3 cases achieved CR (χ2= 5.571, P= 0.067), 1, 2 and 0 cases achieved PR, while OR rates were 100.0 %(7/7), 84.2 % (16/19), 50.0 % (3/6) (χ2= 2.114, P= 0.359). The median overall survival (OS) time of three groups were 28.07 months (6.57-46.33 months), 16.93 months (0.40-87.57 months) and 3.03 months (2.00-6.00 months) (Z=9.630, P=0.008) and the 2-year OS rates were 83.33%, 46.80%and 0, respectively (χ2=12.206, P< 0.001). Myelosuppression and infections due to neutropenia were the main adverse effects and severe non-hemotologic toxicities were not observed. Conclusion The standard-dose IA regimen can increase CR/OR rate and prolong the median OS time of patients with favorable and intermediate prognosis and it can be used as the first induction chemotherapy regimen for elderly AML patients of ≥55 years old.

Low-dose Tertiary Prophylactic Therapy for Severe Haemophilia A Adults in A Single Medical Center in Beijing Area / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the benefit of low-dose tertiary prophylaxis in adults with severe haemophilia A(SHA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-two SHA patients aged 18 to 60 years from the Haemophilia Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, were retrospectively observed from their one year on-demand treatment to one year tertiary prophylaxis using plasma derived factor 8 concentrates at 5-10 IU/kg 2-3x per week. All the patients had already developed arthropathy. Gilbert and the functional independence scores in hemophilia were used to assess the joint status and the ability in the activities of daily living of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Comparing with on-demand therapy,the annual bleeding frequency during low-dose tertiary prophylaxis decreased significantly by 72.7%,from 39.9 ± 21.5 to 11.1 ± 7.2 (P<0.0001),the total Gilbert score decreased from 50.5±32.1 to 45.2±29.6(P<0.05),and the total functional independence score in hemophilia score increased from 18.6 ± 5.2 to 21.7 ± 4.1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Low-dose tertiary prophylaxis in adults with SHA is beneficial by reducing bleeding frequency, improving the health status of joints, and improving the activities of daily living, thus raising the quality of life.</p>

Establishment and evaluation of a rat model of acute radioation-induced liver injury / 中国实验动物学报

@#Objective To explore the establishment of a rat model of acute radiation-induced liver injury and sig-nificance of the dynamic changes of TGF-β1 expression.Methods Forty healthy 6-week old male SD rats were randomly divided into model group (n=30) and control group (n=10).The right liver of rats in the model group was given a single dose of 25 Gy 6 MV X-ray irradiation.Histopathological examination using HE staining and transmission electron microsco-py were conducted to observe the liver pathological changes in rats at 3, 5, and 10 days after irradiation, serum TGF-β1 was detected, and relevant indicators of liver function ( ALT, AST, ALP) were determined.Statistical analysis was per-formed using SPSS 17.0 software.Results At 3, 5 and 10 days after irradiation, early pathological changes in the liver cells were observed by electron microscopy, the expression of TGF-β1 was gradually increased with the time prolongation, and significant differences were found between the model group and the control group at different time points (P<0.05). The light microscopic observation of liver tissues did not show significant differences between the control group and model group.The liver ALT, AST, ALP at different time points did not show significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05).Conclusion Electron microscopy can be used to evaluate the early changes of radiation-induced liver injury, pri-or to the alterations visible by routine light microscopy.TGF-β1 can be used to predict the degree of radiation-induced liver injury, and may be used as a sensitive serum cytokine in predicting the degree of radiation-induced acute liver injury.

Analysis of pancreatic cancer peripheral blood by comparative proteomics / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify protein markers for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by a comparative proteomic method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Comparative analysis on the pancreatic peripheral blood protein profiling from 20 pancreatic cancer patients, 10 chronic pancreatitis patients and 20 cancer-free controls from May 2007 to September 2008 was carried out by two-dimensional fluorescence electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The significance difference proteins were confirmed by Western-blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A differentially expressed proteins: complement 3 (C3) was identified. The gray level of C3 in pancreatic cancer tissue, chronic pancreatitis, and normal control group were 1.63 ± 0.28, 0.65 ± 0.13 (t = 11.81, P = 0.00) and 0.88 ± 0.19 (t = 9.93, P = 0.00), respectively. C3 was high expression in pancreatic cancer group compared with normal control group. The expression of C3 was higher in pancreatic cancer group than in chronic pancreatitis group. The high expression of C3 in pancreatic carcinoma was confirmed by Western blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>2D-DIGE and MALDI-TOF-MS technology is a quick, easy and practical method to screen for specific biomarkers in serum of patients with pancreatic carcinoma. The identified protein C3 in this study may be as specific serum biomarkers of pancreatic carcinoma.</p>

Study on the relationship between HBV infection and polymorphism of CⅡTA G-944C gene among Jinuo,Dai and Aini minority populations in Yunnan province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between HBV infection and the genotypes and allele frequencies of CⅡTA G-944C gene polymorphism in three minority populations(Jinuo,Dai and Aini population)in Xishuangbanna district,Yunnan province.Methods Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing method were used to study the genotypes and allele frequencies distributions of CⅡTA G-944C gene polymorphism in those three populations.Relationship between the genotypes distribution and HBV infection results were also analyzed.Results The rates on HBV infection and HBsAg carrier status in Aini minority population were 89.2% and 16.3%,which were significantly higher than in Jinuo(27.9% and 3.9%,χ~2=135.196 and 10.361,P=0.000 and 0.001)and Dai population(44.9% and 6.6% χ~2=96.783 and 8.748,P=0.000 and 0.003)while among Aini population it was significantly different with the other two minority populations.The CC genotype and C allele frequencies were more distributed in Aini population than in the other two minority populations.In contrast,the GG genotype and G allele frequencies were lower than the other two minority populations,with χ~2 rates between Aini and Jinuo population were 11.841 and 12.208 and the P as 0.003 and 0.000 respectively while the χ~2 rates between Ami and Dai population were 23.902 and 20.220 with P value as 0.000 and 0.000.The genotypes frequencies of CⅡTA G-944C was significantly different in the infected individuals(IF)group and health control(HC)group in Jinuo population(χ~2=6.150 and 4.911,P=0.046 and 0.027).When compared with HBsAg+ group and HBsAg~- group,the genotypes and allele frequencies were different in Aini population and the total three minority populations(χ~2 rates in Jinuo minority were 8.650 and 5.034 with P values as 0.013 and 0.025).However,the χ~2 rates in the whole population were 13.047 and 9.416 with P values as 0.001 and 0.002,respectively.The distribution of CC genotype and C allele gene in HBsAg~+ group was increasing.Data from non-condition logistic regression analysis and adjusting for confounding factors,the HBsAg~+ group had a significantly increase of HBsAg~- group under the C allele Recessive Model(P=0.000;OR=2.964;95% CI:1.609-5.460).Conclusion The genotypes and allele frequencies distribution of CⅡTA G-944C were different in the three ethnic populations.Polymorphism of this gene was closely associated with HBsAg carrier.The CC genotype patients were more easily to become HBsAg carrier.

Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on C6 glioma cell proliferation and differentiation / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on the growth inhibition and cellular differentiation of C6 glioma cells.@*METHODS@#Human glioma C6 cells were treated with 5 mg/L ATRA,and the inhibition of cell growth was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The differentiation of C6 cells was determined by flow cytometry, microscopy,transmission electron microscope, and immunohistochemical technique.@*RESULTS@#Treatment of ATRA could result in the growth inhibition of C6 cells, and the cell density significantly decreased(P0.05).Whereas, early apoptosis was observed under the transmission electron microscope, the vacuoles increased, the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were abundant in the cytoplasm, and the cellular structures tended to be normal.The expression of glial fibrillaryacidic protein in C6 cells increased in the treatment group.@*CONCLUSION@#ATRA can inhibit the proliferation, and induce the differentiation of C6 glioma cells.

Expression absence of LRRC4 gene in glioblastoma cell lines / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the expression absence of LRRC4 gene in glioblastoma cell lines.@*METHODS@#RT-PCR and Northern blot were used to detect the expression of LRRC4 gene in 6 glioblastomas cells lines. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to screen the LRRC4 gene mutation, while bioinformation assay was used to search for the reason of LRRC4 gene absence in U251 cell lines.@*RESULTS@#The expression of LRRC4 was absent in 6 malignant glioma cell lines (U251, U87, BT325, SF126, SF767 and M17), which were examined by Northern-blot and RT-PCR assay. All sequencing of PCR products from gDNA of SF126, SF767, and M17 cell lines contained the point mutation at the same position ( LRRC4 geneT977A) (3/5), which was a synonymous mutation. However, PCR products from gDNA of U251 and U87 cell lines (2/5) were not obtained. The expression absence of LRRC4 was ascribed to the loss of homozygosity of 7q32-ter in U251 cell lines.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of LRRC4 gene is absent in glioblastoma cell lines, and it offers the important experiment proof for LRRC4 to act as a new candidate of brain tumor suppressor gene from glioma. The loss of homozygosity of 7q32-ter contributed to the expression absence of LRRC4 in U251 cell lines.

Inhibitory effect of LRRC4 on the mobility and invasion of glioblastomas through the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of LRRC4 on the mobility and invasion of glioblastomas U251 cells through the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis.@*METHODS@#RT-PCR, transfilter cell invasion assay, adhesion assay, scraping test, scrape loading, and dye transfer assay were used to determine the effect of LRRC4 on U251 cells.@*RESULTS@#SDF-1 alpha could increase the invasion in U251 which expressed CXCR4. The reintroduction of LRRC4 in U251 cells could inhibit the expression of CXCR4. LRRC4 also inhibited the adhesion ability of U251 to ECV304 as well as the mobility and invasion ability in vitro, which was mediated by the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis. Furthermore, LRRC4 could greatly enhance the gap junctional intercellular communication of U251 cells.@*CONCLUSION@#The reintroduction of LRRC4 in U251 cells can inhibit the expression of CXCR4 and the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis-mediated cell invasion in vitro.

Changes of the bone mineral density of proximal femur after hip resurfacing arthroplasty / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the changes of periprosthetic bone mineral density in femur after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2002 to June 2005, a comparative study was carried out on 52 hips in 52 patients. Twenty-six patients (26 hips) who underwent Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty (group BHR), and 26 patients (26 hips) who performed cementless total hip arthroplasty with Versys System stem (group THA). The periprosthetic bone mineral density of the femur was measured through dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the Gruen zones at pre-operation, post-operation 3, 6, 12 and 24 months in patients from both group BHR and group THA. The bone mineral density of femoral neck in group BHR was measured too. Changes of bone mineral density ratio in proximal femur between pre-operation and post-operation were compared and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean ratio of bone mineral density of the proximal femur in group BHR reduced by 5.8%, 4.9%, 2.6% and 0.4%, in group THA reduced by 7.0%, 10.6%, 1.0% and 4.1% at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. In group BHR, the mean ratio of bone mineral density in range of interest 1 decreased to 89.7% at 6 months and increased to 103.8% at 24 months, in range of interest 7 decreased to 95.1% at 6 months and increased to 103.7% at 24 months. In group THA, the mean ratio of bone mineral density in range of interest 1 decreased to 90.8% at 6 months, 94.4% at 24 months and in range of interest 7 decreased to 94.2% at 3 months, 96.7% at 24 months. In group BHR, the bone mineral density of femoral neck was restored to the pre-operation level at 6 months. The bone mineral density in superior-lateral zone of femoral neck decreased to 97.1% at 3 months and increased to 107.4% at 24 months respectively. The bone mineral density in inferior-medial zone of femoral neck increased to 117.9% at 24 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The bone stock of proximal femur can be well preserved and recovered quickly after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.</p>

Infectious Cloning Approach for Herpesvirus Based on Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes / 中国生物工程杂志

The genetic analysis of herpesviruses has been a constant challenge, due to the large, complex genomes of herpesviruses and mutagenesis of viral genes by conventional recombination methods in cell culture. Recently, a completely new approach for full-length infectious clones of herpesviruses based on bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) has been developed. This technique allows the maintenance, propagation and genetic modification of the viral genome as a BAC plasmid in E.coli, thus making the procedures fast, safe and effective in prokaryotic cells. This technique also makes it possible for the reconstitution of viral progeny or mutants by transfection of the BAC plasmid into eukaryotic cells, thereby facilitating the analysis of viral gene functions in the context of genome. In this presentation, Epstein-Barr virus was used as an example to describe the principle, establishment of the technique and mutation introduction into the BAC plasmid, and to discuss the perspective in the use of BAC-cloned herpesviruses.