[A real-world study of the effects of endocrine therapy on liver function in breast cancer].

Objective: To compare the effect of different endocrine therapy drugs on liver function in patients with early breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to include 4 318 patients with early breast cancer who received adjuvant endocrine therapy in Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2021. All the patients were female, aged (51.2±11.3) years (range: 20 to 87 years), including 1 182 patients in the anastrozole group, 592 patients in the letrozole group, 332 patients in the exemestane group, and 2 212 patients in the toremifene group. The mixed effect model was used to analyze and compare the liver function levels of patients at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60 months of medication, and 1 year after drug withdrawal among the three aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) and toremifene. Results: ALT and AST of the 4 groups were significantly higher than the baseline level at 6 months (all P<0.01), and there were no significant differences in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and AST levels among all groups one year after drug withdrawal (P: 0.538, 0.718, 0.061, respectively). There was no significant difference in the effect of all groups on AST levels (F=2.474, P=0.061), and in the effect of three aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) on ALT levels (anastrozole vs. letrozole, P=0.182; anastrozole vs. exemestane, P=0.535; letrozole vs. exemestane, P=0.862). Anastrozole and letrozole had significantly higher effects on ALT levels than toremifene (P<0.01, P=0.009). The proportion of abnormal liver function in each group increased significantly at 6 months compared with baseline, and then the proportion showed a decreasing trend over time. Conclusions: Three aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) and toremifene can significantly increase the level of ALT and AST in patients with breast cancer, and the levels can gradually recover to the baseline after 1 year of drug withdrawal. The effect of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) on ALT levels is greater than toremifene.

[Clinical effects of medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing in the treatment of septic encephalopathy in burns].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing in the treatment of septic encephalopathy in burns. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted. From August 2015 to May 2019, 90 patients with burn septic encephalopathy and conforming to the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital. Forty-six patients (25 males and 21 females, aged (35±4) years ) treated with Xingnaojing were included in Xingnaojing alone group, and forty-four patients (20 males and 24 females, aged (34±5) years) treated with medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing were included in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group. Heart rate, body temperature, mean arterial pressure, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score and Glasgow coma score (GCS) of patients in 2 groups were recorded before treatment and on 7 d after treatment. The blood-brain barrier injury markers including occludin, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), central nervous system specific protein S100ß, glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), and excitatory amino acid (EAA) in serum of patients in 2 groups were detected before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment. Computer tomography perfusion imaging for brain was performed in patients of 2 groups to calculate the region of interest cerebral blood flow (rCBF), region of interest blood volume (rCBV), and region of interest mean transit time (rMTT) before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, independent sample t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: On 7 d after treatment, heart rate, body temperature, and mean arterial pressure of patients in 2 groups were decreased compared with those before treatment, heart rate of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously higher than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.886, P<0.01), body temperature of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously lower than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=5.020, P<0.01), and mean arterial pressure of patients in 2 groups were close (t=0.472, P>0.05). On 7 d after treatment, APACHEⅡ score of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously lower than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=3.797, P<0.01), and GCS of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously higher than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=4.934, P<0.01). On 3 and 7 d after treatment, the levels of occludin, NOS, NSE, S100ß, GFAP, and EAA in serum of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group were significantly lower than those in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.100, 2.090, 2.691, 2.013, 2.474, 2.635, 2.225, 4.011, 3.150, 2.691, 3.145, 2.781, P<0.05 or P<0.01). On 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment, rCBF and rCBV of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group were significantly increased compared with those in Xingnaojing alone group (t=3.127, 3.244, 3.883, 7.274, 3.661, 2.777, P<0.01). On 7 d after treatment, rMTT of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was (3.02±0.57) s, which was significantly lower than (3.11±1.20) s in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.409, P<0.05). Conclusions: Transfusion of medical ozone autologous blood combined with Xingnaojing therapy can effectively relieve brain injury and improve cerebral blood perfusion in patients with burn septic encephalopathy, which is with safety and credibility.

[Study on the Diet and Hygiene Society].

The establishment of the Diet and Hygiene Society was based on the starting point of improving the diet and health habits of the Chinese people, and soon it was involved in a broader public health field with the changes of the times. Its purpose was to "improve food, research hygiene and avoid illness, so as to achieve longevity" . The society advocated vegetarianism and set up a vegetarian restaurant. It publicized "cutting queue but not changing clothes into western style" , which set off the trend of queue cutting in Shanghai. It participated in the prevention of plague in Shanghai, which has reconciled the conflict between Chinese people and foreign officials and has promoted the independent quarantine of Chinese. Discouraging people from smoking cigarettes was considered beneficial for keeping healthy and reducing the trade deficit.

Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors.

A general feature of unconventional superconductors is the existence of a superconducting dome in the phase diagram. Here we report a series of discrete superconducting phases in the simplest iron-based superconductor, FeSe thin flakes, by continuously tuning the carrier concentration through the intercalation of Li and Na ions with a solid ionic gating technique. Such discrete superconducting phases are robust against the substitution of 20% S for Se, but they are vulnerable to the substitution of 2% Cu for Fe, highlighting the importance of the iron site being intact. The superconducting phase diagram for FeSe derivatives is given, which is distinct from that of other unconventional superconductors.

[Research on dermatosis presenting recipes published in journals of traditional chinese medicine under the view of "Presenting Recipes Movement"].

A large number of secret recipes, verified recipes and efficacious-tested recipes were the product of "Presenting Recipes Movement" in the 1950s. The recipes of dermatosis were important component part in presenting recipes, and accounted for 14.5% of the total number of articles in 8 kinds of journals of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). This essay analyzed the dermatosis recipes presented as cases, and compared them with other literatures, found that these recipes were accumulated of the clinical experiences and have good efficacious cures. These recipes were related to the circumstance of epidemic diseases. These actions showed that the editors of traditional Chinese medical journals have high medical skills and knowledges at that time.

[Clinical research of different characteristics of fungal ball sinusitis].

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of different subtypes of fungal ball sinusitis. Method:Four hundred and forty-nine cases with fungal ball rhinosinusitis (FBS) were involved in this retrospective analysis. The clinical features including symptoms, signs, and imaging scans, pathological results were all collected for each patient and the patients were classified into different subtypes according to these clinical features and the follow-up treatment. Result:In this retrospective study, 449 patients who diagnosed with fungal ball sinusitis were involved. According to clinical features, these patients were divided into 5 subtypes respectively: ①Subtype 1 simple FBS: there were 299 patients in this subtype. Main symptoms were one side headache, purulent rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction. CT scans showed the classical features of FBS. ②Subtype 2 FBS with nasal polyps: there were 78 patients in this subtype. Main symptoms were bilateral or unilateral nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea. Histopathologic results showed nasal polyps with acute or chronic inflammation by inflammatory cell infiltration. Eosinophils infiltration was the most common phenomenon. Postoperative therapy was as same as the treatment to chronic rhinosinusitis. ③Subtype 3 FBS with allergic rhinitis:there were 51 patients in this subtype. During the operation, infected nasal sinus mucosa with serious edema could be found, often with asubmucosa cyst. Postoperative medical therapy with antihistamines during follow-up. ④Subtype 4 FBS with purulent cyst: there were 6 cases. Main symptoms were nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea and facial pain. Sinus CT scans showed that the typical features of both fungal ball sinusitis and mucous cyst. Antibiotic saline nasal irrigation should be used intraoperatively and postoperatively, other than systemic antibiotic treatment. ⑤Subtype 5 mixed type: there were 15 cases. All of these patients were diagnosed with fungal ball sinusitis with nasal polyps combined with allergic rhinitis. The clinical features of diagnosis and treatment were combination of the two types. Conclusion:According to the different clinical features, fungal ball sinusitis could be classified with five different clinical features. This classification would help to standardize the treatment, reduce the postoperative recurrence rate, and improve the prognosis.

[Study on Li Ting'an's contribution to military medicine during 1932-1943].

From 1920, Li Ting'an started to pay attention to military medicine. At the beginning of the Anti-Japanese War, Li Ting'an compiled books of military medicine, restored the health office, participated in the compilation of first aid measures, rehabilitation outlines, and methods of protection practice, and preparing the establishment of hospitals for wounded soldiers in order to support the Anti-Japanese War. At that time, he was appointed as the anti-epidemic commissioner of South China to organize and conduct the epidemic prevention works in the War. During the stalemate period, he kept an eye on the long-term War and devoted himself to the research of national diet and soldier's nutrition. At the same time, Li also recognized the public health at an advanced level so as to save the country.

[Research on Mogan Mt. Sanatorium for pulmonary tuberculosis in modern time].

The Mogan Mt.Sanatorium for Pulmonary Tuberculosis, founded in 1927, was the first tuberculosis sanatorium in modern China, with an initial intention of "treating and caring the diseased, not seeking profits" , and its name was then changed to Mogan Mountain Sanatorium in 1931. During the early period of Anti-Japanese War, it became an asylum for refugees and carrying out charitable rehabilitation activity.In May 1939, the Sanatorium was compelled to close because of the bombardment of Japanese aircraft, andonly formally opened in 1948 until today. The patients in the Sanatorium included politicians, wealthy businessmen and academic elites. It laid equal stress on natural convalesce and medication, together with moral solicitude. The funds of the Sanatorium came from convalesce charges, patients' grant-in-aid, Boxer Indemnity and exhibition of calligraphy and painting of celebrity, etc.By means of advertisements, Sanatorium noticedits expansion of medical works, and changes of doctor, announcements of the curative effects to absorb patients. As a novel thingin the early 20(th) century, the appearance of sanatorium was a product of development of health sense, enhancement of health idea and awakening the consciousness of sovereignty of the people.

[Health Station, a product of combining the ideas of public health with the modern Chinese national conditions].

The Health Station was a local health organization founded by the pioneers of the public health in modern China under the national conditions of "poverty, ignorance, illness and selfishness" , being the result of combining the ideas of public health with the Chinese national conditions of modern times. Though this organization appeared in backward modern China, it was advanced all over the world. John Grant was the planner of the Peiping First Health Station, whereas Li Ting'an, its builder.

Variations of rhizosphere bacterial communities in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) continuous cropping soil by high-throughput pyrosequencing approach.

AIMS: The goal was to investigate the dynamics of soil bacterial community in the chronosequence tea orchards. METHOD AND RESULTS: In this study, soils from tea orchards with continuously cropping histories for 1, 10 and 20 years were collected for investigating rhizosphere bacterial communities using 454 pyrosequencing. The results indicated that Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were the main phyla in the tea orchard soils and accounted for more than 60% of the bacterial sequences. At the genus level, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Mycobacterium and Sphingomonas, significantly decreased in the 20-year tea orchard soils. Similar patterns of bacterial community structure were observed between 1-year and 10-year tea orchards, which significantly differed from those of 20-year tea orchards. Redundancy analysis indicated that soil organic carbon and pH showed high correlations (positive or negative) with the majority of the taxa. CONCLUSION: Long-term tea cultivation altered the composition and structure of soil bacterial community, which led to the reduction in the beneficial bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results can provide clues on how to regulate the soil microbial community and maintain the health of soils in tea orchard systems.

Phosphorus release from ash and remaining tissues of two wetland species after a prescribed fire.

Dead plant tissues and ash from a prescribed fire play an important role in nutrient balance and cycling in the Florida Everglades ecosystem. The objective of this study was to assess the dynamic changes in total phosphorus release (TPr) from ash or tissues of either cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.) or sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz) to water. Natural-dead (senesced-dead) and burning-dead (standing-dead due to a prescribed fire) cattail and sawgrass were collected from highly (H) and moderately (M) impacted zones in the Florida Everglades. This experiment was conducted by incubation and water-extraction of the materials in plastic bottles for 65 d at room temperature (24 +/- 1 degrees C). Results showed that 63 to 88%, 17 to 48%, 9 to 20%, and 13 to 28% of total P (TPp) were released as TPr from cattail and sawgrass ash, cattail tissues from the H zone, cattail tissues, and sawgrass tissues from the M zone, respectively. TPp means total P of plant tissues, whereas TPr is total P release from the tissues or ash. Most of the TPr was released within 24 h after burning. The quick release of TPr observed in this experiment may help explain the P surge in the surface water immediately following a fire in the marsh. These findings suggest that prescribed burning accelerates P release from cattail and sawgrass. They also imply that it is very important to keep the water stagnant in the first 24 h to maximize the benefits of a prescribed fire in the Everglades.

Water quality trends at inflows to Everglades National Park, 1977-2005.

Restoration of the Florida Everglades is important for the health of the natural system, including both the "River of Grass" and its downstream estuaries. Water quality improvement is one indicator of successful restoration in this complex ecosystem. Using the period of record of 1977 through 2005, we evaluated data from seven inflow sites to the Everglades National Park (ENP) for temporal trends of various forms of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and analyzed them using principal component analysis and factor analysis without flow adjustments. Locally estimated scatter plot smoothing (LOESS) trend lines identified two inflection points (three time periods) of changing trend in total P (TP) concentration at the seven sites. Results indicated that overall water quality in ENP inflow improved from 1977 to 2005, with significant downward trends in TP concentration. The overall trend ofTP is probably mediated by hydrology, which is evident by a negative relationship between flow and annual average TP concentration at the majority of stations within the available data, although additional changes in vegetation due to hydroperiod may have some effects. Total N (TN), total Kjeldahl N, and total organic N concentrations also generally decreased at inflow sites. Water quality standards for TP, TN, and NH4+ -N were exceeded at selected sites during the study period. Principle component analysis and factor analysis detected a grouping of sampling sites related to the water delivery system that could be used as indicators to better manage monitoring resources. Study results suggest that water quality data analyses could provide additional insight into the success of a restoration management plan and on how monitoring may be modified for more efficient use ofresources.

A rapid method for simultaneous determination of 14 phenolic compounds in Radix Puerariae using microwave-assisted extraction and ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-TOF-MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of 14 phenolic compounds in the root of Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. Operational conditions of MAE were optimized by central composite design (CCD). The optimized result was 65% ethanol as extraction solvent, 17mL of extraction volume, 100 degrees C of extraction temperature and 2min of hold time. A Zorbax SB C(18) (50mmx4.6mm I.D., 1.8microm) and gradient elution were used during the analysis. The chromatographic peaks of 14 investigated compounds in samples were successfully identified by comparing their retention time, UV spectra and TOF mass data with the reference substances. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r>0.9997) within the test ranges. The intra-day and inter-day variations were less than 1.77% and 2.88%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to determine the investigated compounds in 10 samples of Radix Puerariae Lobatae and Radix Puerariae Thomsonii, respectively. The result indicated that MAE and UHPLC-DAD-TOF-MS system might provide a rapid method for the quality control of Radix Puerariae.

Antifungal activity of sodium silicate on Fusarium sulphureum and its effect on dry rot of potato tubers.

The antifungal activity of sodium silicate on Fusarium sulphureum and its inhibitory effect on dry rot of potato tubers were investigated. Sodium silicate strongly inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth. Morphological changes in sodium silicate-treated hyphae such as mycelium sparsity and asymmetry, hyphal swelling, curling, and cupped shape were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Ultrastructural alterations were also observed using transmission electron microscopy, including thickening of the hyphal cell walls, cell distortion, cavity, or electron-dense material in hyphal cells. Daughter hyphae and new daughter hyphae inside of the collapsed hyphal cells were often detected in the cytoplasm of sodium silicate-treated hyphae, although the septa of treated hyphae remained uniform. In vivo testing showed that sodium silicate at 100 and 200 mM effectively controlled dry rot of tubers that were challenged by inoculation with a F. sulphureum spore suspension. These findings suggest that sodium silicate has direct fungitoxic activity against the pathogen.

Estimation of postfire nutrient loss in the Florida everglades.

Postfire nutrient release into ecosystem via plant ash is critical to the understanding of fire impacts on the environment. Factors determining a postfire nutrient budget are prefire nutrient content in the combustible biomass, burn temperature, and the amount of combustible biomass. Our objective was to quantitatively describe the relationships between nutrient losses (or concentrations in ash) and burning temperature in laboratory controlled combustion and to further predict nutrient losses in field fire by applying predictive models established based on laboratory data. The percentage losses of total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), and material mass showed a significant linear correlation with a slope close to 1, indicating that TN or TC loss occurred predominantly through volatilization during combustion. Data obtained in laboratory experiments suggest that the losses of TN, TC, as well as the ratio of ash total phosphorus (TP) concentration to leaf TP concentration have strong relationships with burning temperature and these relationships can be quantitatively described by nonlinear equations. The potential use of these nonlinear models relating nutrient loss (or concentration) to temperature in predicting nutrient concentrations in field ash appear to be promising. During a prescribed fire in the northern Everglades, 73.1% of TP was estimated to be retained in ash while 26.9% was lost to the atmosphere, agreeing well with the distribution of TP during previously reported wild fires. The use of predictive models would greatly reduce the cost associated with measuring field ash nutrient concentrations.

Antifungal activity of thyme oil against Geotrichum citri-aurantii in vitro and in vivo.

AIMS: To investigate antifungal effect of thyme oil on Geotrichum citri-aurantii arthroconidia germination and germ tube elongation, to reveal effects of thyme oil on morphological structures on fungal hyphae and arthroconidia and to assess potential bio-control capacities of thyme oil against disease suppression in vivo conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thyme oil controlled the growth of G. citri-aurantii effectively. Arthroconidia germination and germ tube elongation in potato dextrose broth was greatly inhibited by thyme oil. At 600 microl l(-1), it inhibited the germination of about 94% of the arthroconidia and the germ tube length was only 4.32 +/- 0.28 microm. Observations using light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed ultrastructural modifications caused by thyme oil that included markedly shrivelled and crinkled hyphae and arthroconidia, plasma membrane disruption and mitochondrial disorganization. Thyme oil applied to 'Satsuma' mandarin oranges that had been artificially wounded and inoculated with G. citri-aurantii reduced sour rot from 78.1% among untreated control fruit to 14.1% after 5 days at 26 degrees C. Thyme oil applied to intact fruits reduced the decay from 76% among untreated control fruit to 35% after 30 days at 20 degrees C. Thyme oil treatment did not harm 'Satsuma' mandarin oranges when they were examined after treatment and storage at 20 degrees C for 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Thyme oil may provide an alternative means of controlling postharvest sour rot on citrus fruit. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of such essential oil may constitute an important alternative to synthetic fungicides. They can be exploited in commercial production and applied under storage and greenhouse conditions.

Effects of burn temperature on ash nutrient forms and availability from cattail (Typha domingensis) and sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) in the Florida Everglades.

Plant ash derived from fire plays an important role in nutrient balance and cycling in ecosystems. Factors that determine the composition and availability of ash nutrients include fire intensity (burn temperature and duration), plant species, habitat nutrient enrichment, and leaf type (live or dead leaf). We used laboratory simulation methods to evaluate temperature effects on nutrient composition and metals in the residual ash of sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) and cattail (Typha domingensis), particularly on post-fire phosphorus (P) availability in plant ash. Live and dead leaf samples were collected from Water Conservation Area 2A in the northern Everglades along a soil P gradient, where prescribed fire may be used to accelerate recovery of this unique ecosystem. Significant decreases in total carbon and total nitrogen were detected with increasing fire temperature. Organic matter combustion was nearly complete at temperatures > or = 450 degrees C. HCl-extractable P (average, 50% of total P in the ash) and NH(4)Cl-extractable P (average, 33% of total P in the ash) were the predominant P fractions for laboratory-burned ash. Although a low-intensity fire could induce an elevation of P availability, an intense fire generally resulted in decreased water-soluble P. Significant differences in nutrient compositions were observed between species, habitat nutrient status, and leaf types. More labile inorganic P remained in sawgrass ash than in cattail ash; hence, sawgrass ash has a greater potential to release available P than cattail. Fire intensity affected plant ash nutrient composition, particularly P availability, and the effects varied with plant species and leaf type. Therefore, it is important to consider fire intensity and vegetation community when using a prescribed fire for ecosystem management.

The heat-shock protein 90 inhibitor, geldanamycin, induces apoptotic cell death in Epstein-Barr virus-positive NK/T-cell lymphoma by Akt down-regulation.

NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is strongly associated with latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Recently, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an EBV oncoprotein, was reported to activate the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway for cell survival. Because geldanamycin (GA) and its derivative, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), exhibit anti-tumour activity by degrading HSP90 client proteins, including Akt, we investigated the effect of GA and 17-AAG on the survival of NKTL cell lines. EBV-positive NKTL cell lines, Hank-1 and NK-YS, and an EBV-negative NK leukaemia cell line, NK-L, were treated with PI3K and Akt inhibitors, GA, and 17-AAG, and were subjected to apoptosis and cell viability assays, and immunoblot analysis. EBV-positive B-lymphoblastoid cell lines IM9 and LMP1-transfected IM9 (IM9-LMP1) were also included. Hank-1 and NK-YS cell viability was compromised and apoptosis was induced by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or Akt inhibitor II. GA or 17-AAG administration resulted in the apoptosis of NKTL cells, accompanied by Akt and pAkt down-regulation, caspase 3 activation, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. The intrinsic level of pAkt was higher in EBV-positive NKTL cells than in EBV-negative NK-L, and GA or 17-AAG decreased the viability of NKTL cells more efficiently than NK-L. Moreover, IM9-LMP1 was more sensitive to Akt inhibitor II or HSP90 inhibitors than IM9. Importantly, GA showed little effect on the viability of normal peripheral NK cells as non-neoplastic counterparts for comparison. In conclusion, this study suggests that the PI3K/Akt pathway is frequently activated in EBV-positive NKTL and that therapeutic modalities based on targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway with HSP90 inhibitors could be useful for achieving NKTL control.

Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of SW 480 human colorectal cancer cells.

AIM: Ganoderma lucidum is a commonly used Chinese herb and an important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulations for immune dysfunction related illnesses. The effects of this medicinal mushroom on human colorectal cancer cells have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract using SW 480 human colorectal cancer cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different fractions of Ganoderma lucidum extract, i.e., a fraction containing mainly polysaccharides (GLE-1), and a triterpenoid fraction without polysaccharides (GLE-2) were analyzed. Their antiproliferative activity was evaluated by cell proliferation assay and 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. Scavenging effects of DPPH radical were assessed using ESR-spectroscopy. RESULTS: Our data showed that both GLE-1 and GLE-2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW 480 cells. The inhibitory effect of GLE-2 was much stronger than that of GLE-1. GLE-1 inhibited DNA synthesis in the cells and reduced the formation of DPPH radicals. CONCLUSION: Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells and possesses antioxidant properties.

Use of the in vitro cumulative gas production technique for pigs: an examination of alterations in fermentation products and substrate losses at various time points.

An experiment was conducted to examine changes in VFA and ammonia concentrations at different time points using 4 fermentable carbohydrate-rich feed ingredients as substrates and feces of unweaned piglets as inoculum. Fecal inoculum was collected, pooled, and mixed from 9 specially raised (no creep feed or antibiotics) crossbred piglets at 3 wk of age. Inulin, lactulose, molasses-free sugar beet pulp, and wheat starch were used as substrates and were fermented in vitro for 72 h (3 replicates per substrate). Cumulative gas production was measured as an indicator of the kinetics of fermentation. In addition, 3 bottles of substrate per time point with similar contents (amounts of substrate, inoculum, and media) were incubated but were allowed to release their gas throughout incubation. For these latter bottles, fermentation fluid was sampled at incubation time points including every hour between 1 and 24 h and at 48 h, and fermentation end products (VFA, lactate, and ammonia) and OM disappearance were measured. Dry matter and ash were analyzed from the postfermentative samples. The pH of the contents from these bottles was also recorded. The correlation in time between fermentation end products and cumulative gas produced was determined. The results showed that the prolongation of fermentation to 72 h, especially in the case of fast-fermenting inulin and lactulose, may lead to a different end product profile (P < 0.001) compared with the profile observed at the time at which most of the substrate has disappeared. Therefore, we concluded that the fermentation product profile at the end of in vitro fermentation at a specific time point cannot be used to compare fermentability of carbohydrate sources with different fermentation kinetics in terms of gas production.