Effect of red and blue light supplementation on the efficacy of Noccaea caerulescens in decontaminating metals and alleviating leaching risk.

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of supplementing blue and red light on the biomass yield, metal uptake, contaminant purification, and the alleviation of leaching risks by Noccaea caerulescens, a well-known hyperaccumulator of Cd and Zn. As previously reported for the closely related Thlaspi arvense, N. caerulescens retarded the leaching of Cd and Zn but aggravated the leaching of Pb and Cu, because the species mobilized all metals in soil but only extracted Cd and Zn. Monochromic red light reduced the leaching of Pb and Cu by 13.8% and 1.3%, respectively, but simultaneously weakened Cd phytoremediation by reducing shoot biomass. Our results demonstrated that a small proportion of blue light (10%) could eliminate the negative effect of monochromatic red light on plant shoot growth. However, root biomass decreased by 14.3%, 26.2%, 21.4%, and 61.9% as the percentage of blue light increased from 10 to 100%. Noccaea caerulescens generated the most biomass and accumulated the highest metal concentrations, except for Pb, when the ratio of red to blue light was 1:1. In addition, leachate volume was significantly reduced under the 10% and 50% blue light treatments compared to other light treatments. Therefore, light supplementation with a suitable proportion of blue light can enhance metal purification by N. caerulescens and alleviate potential leaching risk during phytoremediation.

Genotype-degree of hemolysis correlation in hereditary spherocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a common inherited hemolytic anemia, caused by mutations in five genes that encode erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins. The red blood cell (RBC) lifespan could directly reflect the degree of hemolysis. In the present cohort of 23 patients with HS, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Levitt's carbon monoxide (CO) breath test to investigate the potential genotype-degree of hemolysis correlation. RESULTS: In the present cohort, we identified 8 ANK1,9 SPTB,5 SLC4A1 and 1 SPTA1 mutations in 23 patients with HS, and the median RBC lifespan was 14(8-48) days. The median RBC lifespan of patients with ANK1, SPTB and SLC4A1 mutations was 13 (8-23), 13 (8-48) and 14 (12-39) days, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.618). The median RBC lifespan of patients with missense, splice and nonsense/insertion/deletion mutations was 16.5 (8-48), 14 (11-40) and 13 (8-20) days, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.514). Similarly, we found no significant difference in the RBC lifespan of patients with mutations located in the spectrin-binding domain and the nonspectrin-binding domain [14 (8-18) vs. 12.5 (8-48) days, P = 0.959]. In terms of the composition of mutated genes, 25% of patients with mild hemolysis carried ANK1 or SPTA1 mutations, while 75% of patients with mild hemolysis carried SPTB or SLC4A1 mutations. In contrast, 46.7% of patients with severe hemolysis had ANK1 or SPTA1 mutations and 53.3% of patients with severe hemolysis had SPTB or SLC4A1 mutations. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of mutated genes between the two groups (P = 0.400). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to investigate the potential association between genotype and degree of hemolysis in HS. The present findings indicated that there is no significant correlation between genotype and degree of hemolysis in HS.

Long-term outcomes of aplastic anemia with cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the clinical characteristics of AA patients with cytogenetic abnormalities. METHODS: We retrospectively screened 30 patients (30/1206, 2.5%) with cytogenetic abnormalities from 1206 patients with severe and very severe AA who received immunosuppressive therapy (IST) during the years 2012-2019. RESULTS: The most common abnormalities were trisomy 8 (+8, 10/30, 33.3%) and loss of Y (-Y, 8/30, 26.7%). The abnormal clones disappeared 6 months after IST in 14 patients and sustained in 12 patients. Patients with sustained abnormal clones had a lower hematologic response at 6 months after IST than the disappeared (33.3% vs. 64.3%, p = .116). The hematologic response after IST, 5-year overall survival, 5-year event-free survival, myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia transformation in AA patients with cytogenetic abnormalities were not statistically different from those in normal cytogenetic patients. CONCLUSION: For AA patients with chromosome abnormalities but ineligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplant, IST is effective and appropriate as first-line treatment.

Decrease in lipid metabolic indexes in infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Incomplete pulmonary function and insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant in premature infants may affect alveolar relaxation, inducing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The present study was a retrospective comparison of lipid metabolism indexes and clinic information between NRDS and non-NRDS infants. Data on general information, pregnancy, clinical symptoms, family history as well as plasma biochemical and lipid metabolic indexes were retrospectively collected and statistically analyzed from 79 patients with NRDS and 44 non-NRDS infants. Infants in the NRDS group showed lower body weight (2,055 vs. 3,225 g) and gestation age (33.39 vs. 38.53 weeks) than those in the non-NRDS group (P<0.05). Baseline information was corrected by the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. The weighted adjusted median age was the same in both groups and there was no significant difference between two groups in birth weight. The IPTW analysis revealed that the levels of plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, glucose, calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus in the NRDS infants were significantly lower compared with those in the non-NRDS infants. Additionally, NRDS infants had significantly higher incidence rates of pneumonia, sepsis, brain injury infection, preterm birth, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus and premature rupture of membranes compared with the non-NRDS infants (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that TG and Ca2+ were risk factors associated with NRDS (P<0.05). Infants with NRDS have significantly lower levels of plasma lipid indexes. The results of the present study provide data to guide the clinical management of NRDS.

Combined effects of heatwaves and atmospheric CO2 levels on Brassica juncea phytoremediation.

Heatwaves, expected to become more frequent, pose a significant threat to plant biomass production. This experiment was designed to estimate heatwave influence on Brassica juncea phytoremediation when superimposed on different CO2 levels. A 7-day heatwave was generated during the species flowering stage. Heatwaves decreased all B. juncea dry weights. The lowest species dry weight was recorded when the heatwave was accompanied by 250 ppm CO2, in which the biomass significantly decreased by 40.0% relative to that of no heatwave under the same atmospheric CO2 conditions. Heatwave superposition with 250 ppm CO2 reduced the Cd content in B. juncea aerial parts by 28.1% relative to that of identical environmental conditions without heatwave, whereas the opposite result was observed under 550 ppm CO2 conditions. The heatwave caused oxidative damage to B. juncea under all CO2 conditions, as manifested by increased malondialdehyde levels in the plant shoots. With heatwave superposition, antioxidant enzyme activity was enhanced by exposure to 400 and 550 ppm CO2. Considering biomass yield generation and Cd uptake capacity, heatwave superposition decreased the B. juncea phytoremediation effects, and high atmospheric CO2 conditions could alleviate detrimental effects to a certain extent. This study uniquely examines the combined effects of heatwaves and varying CO2 levels on phytoremediation, providing microscopic insights into oxidative damage and enzyme activity, highlighting the potential for CO2 enrichment to mitigate heatwave impacts, and offering comprehensive analysis for future agricultural practices and environmental management.

Cutaneous melanocytic tumor with CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumor with CRTC1::TRIM11 Fusion (CMTCT) represents a novel and rare entity in the realm of dermatological oncology, characterized by distinct melanocytic differentiation. This particular tumor type has yet to be officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). CMTCT is generally perceived as a tumor with a relatively indolent nature; however, it is not devoid of metastatic potential. Therefore, ensuring complete surgical excision of the tumor, coupled with rigorous long-term follow-up, is paramount for patient management. In this context, we report the case of an 18-year-old female patient who presented with a dull red nodule on her left leg. Initial surgical intervention led to a pathological diagnosis of CMTCT, but it was determined that the tumor had not been fully excised. Consequently, a second surgical procedure was undertaken to achieve complete removal of the tumor. During a follow-up period of six months post-surgery, the patient showed no signs of local recurrence or metastasis, indicating a successful outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: An 18-year-old female patient noticed a dull red nodule on her left leg three years ago, which exhibited slow growth over time. She underwent a subcutaneous tumor resection. Histological examination under high-power magnification revealed that the neoplasm consisted of epithelioid cells arranged in nests, fascicles, bundles, or sheets. The tumor cells had round or ovoid nuclei with prominent nucleoli and visible mitotic figures. Notably, areas resembling nevus cell clusters were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed melanocytic differentiation. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for CRTC1 confirmed rearrangement. Consequently, a diagnosis of cutaneous melanocytic tumor with CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion was established. CONCLUSIONS: CMTCT is a rare tumor characterized by melanocytic differentiation. In this case, the tumor predominantly comprised epithelioid cells with localized nevus cell clusters. The expression of melanocyte markers could easily lead to a misdiagnosis as cutaneous melanoma. However, several distinguishing features were noted: the tumor was not connected to the epidermis, exhibited low cellular heterogeneity and proliferation index, and showed minimal cellular atypia. Additionally, tests for EWSR1 rearrangement (FISH) and BRAF V600E mutation (PCR-ARMS) were negative.This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach when clinical, microscopic, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings do not align. The presence of nevus cell clusters morphology in the tumor cells enhances our understanding of this disease's histological spectrum and aids in avoiding misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.

Comparison of different animal models for estimating genetic parameters for early growth traits and reproductive traits in Tianmu Sainuo sheep.

As the economic level of individuals rises, so too does the demand for mutton. Enhancing the breeds of mutton sheep not only boosts production efficiency and economic benefits but also fosters the sustainable growth of the mutton sheep breeding industry. Thus, this study examines the early growth and reproductive traits of Tianmu Sainuo sheep, analyzing the genetic interactions among these traits to furnish a theoretical foundation for refining breeding strategies and expediting the genetic advancement of this breed. The investigation compiled 29,966 data entries, involving 111 sires for birth weight (BWT) and 113 for other metrics. The data encompassed 10,415 BWT records from 1,633 dams, 12,753 weaning weight (WWT) records from 1,570 dams, 12,793 average daily gain (ADG) records from 1,597 dams, and 13,594 litter size (LS) records from 1,499 dams. Utilizing the GLM procedure in SAS 9.2 software, the study analyzed the non-genetic influences on lamb BWT, WWT, ADG, and LS. Concurrently, DMU software estimated the variance components across various animal models for each trait. Employing the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio test (LRT), six models were tested, incorporating or excluding maternal inheritance and environmental impacts, to identify the optimal model for deriving genetic parameters. The findings reveal that birth year (BY), birth quarter (BQ), birth type (BT), age of mother (AM), and birth sex (BS) exerted significant impacts on BWT, WWT, and ADG (p < 0.01). Additionally, BQ and AM significantly influenced LS (p < 0.01). The most accurate genetic evaluation model determined the heritability of BWT, WWT, ADG, and LS to be 0.0695, 0.0849, 0.0777, and 0.1252, respectively.

Development of Porous MoO2 Pellet Target for 99Mo/99mTc Generator.

Technetium-99m(99mTc) is used worldwide in 85% of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging procedures. We developed porous MoO2 pellets as an alternative to reactor-based targets in an (n,γ) reaction for producing Technetium-99m (99mTc) in nuclear medicine. The pellets, formed through a manufacturing process involving mixing, sintering, eluting, and drying, offer advantages such as selective dissolution and improved yield. This research offers a potential solution for stable 99mTc production, focusing on porous molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) as a target material due to its insolubility in water. Using potassium molybdate (K2MoO4) as a pore former, we developed porous MoO2 pellets that facilitate efficient technetium extraction and target recycling. This approach offers control over pore formation and shows promise in addressing supply challenges and enhancing 99mTc production.

Complicated multiple organ infection of Purpureocillium lilacinum and varicella-zoster virus infection in a patient with Evans' syndrome.

Purpureocillium lilacinum (P lilacinum) is a rare pathogenic fungus, which mainly involves immunocompromised individuals. Here, we report a case of complicated multiple-organ infections involving skin, lungs, and spleen in a 63-year-old female with Evans' syndrome after 9 months of glucocorticoid treatment. Microbial examinations of skin biopsy and blood samples revealed P lilacinum infections. Posaconazole was effective in this patient. During anti-fungi treatment, she developed varicella-zoster virus infection and was diagnosed through next-generation sequencing examination. In conclusion, P lilacinum may affect different organ systems and is susceptible to posaconazole treatment. The molecular-based methods like microbial cell-free DNA sequencing could provide accurate and timely identification of a wide range of infections.

Contribution of DNA methylation to the risk of hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the interaction mechanism between DNA methylation and HCV infection in HCC is still ambiguous. In this study, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the contribution of DNA methylation in HCV-associated HCC. After four steps of literature screening, we finally obtained 33 qualified case-control studies for this meta-analysis. These studies consisted of 587 HCV-positive cancer tissues and 326 HCV-negative cancer tissues. Our results revealed that four genes (p16, GSTP1, APC, and RUNX3) were more hypermethylated in the HCV-positive liver cancer tissues than in the HCV-negative liver cancer tissues. In addition, the p16 gene was more hypermethylated in the HCV-positive paracancerous tissues than in the HCV-negative paracancerous tissues. Subgroup meta-analysis by geographical populations showed that p16 methylation was significantly higher in HCV-positive cancerous tissues from Japanese and Chinese. Besides, p16 methylation was significantly higher among patients (> 60 years) but not among the others (≤ 60 years). However, there was no obvious association between DNA methylation and other clinicopathological characteristics, including gender, tumor size, differentiation, and clinical stage. Our study suggested that DNA methylation could become potential biomarkers for HCV-associated HCC. DNA methylation contributed to the risk of HCV-associated HCC.

Efficacy of eltrombopag with immunosuppressive therapy for children with acquired aplastic anemia.

Background: Eltrombopag (EPAG), an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA), has been proven to improve the hematologic response without increasing toxic effects as a first-line therapy combined with standard immunosuppressive treatment (IST) in adults with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Nevertheless, the clinical evidence on the efficacy of EPAG in children with acquired aplastic anemia is limited and controversial. Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective study to analyze the clinical outcomes of fifteen patients aged ≤18 years with newly diagnosed acquired SAA who received first-line IST and EPAG (EPAG group) compared with those of forty-five patients who received IST alone (IST group) by propensity score matching (PSM). Results: There was no difference in the overall response (OR) rate between the EPAG group and IST group (53.3% vs. 46.7% at 3 months, P = 0.655; 66.7% vs. 57.8% at 6 months, P = 0.543), but the complete response (CR) rate was statistically significant (20.0% vs. 4.4% at 3 months, P = 0.094; 46.7% vs. 13.3% at 6 months, P = 0.012). The median time to achieve a hematological response in the EPAG and IST groups was 105 days and 184 days, respectively. No difference was observed in the event-free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS) rates. Conclusion: Adding EPAG to standard IST as the first-line treatment for children with acquired SAA improved the rapidity of hematological response and the CR rate but did not improve the OR or EFS rates.

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection progresses to aggressive NK cell leukemia with a poor prognosis.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV-T/NK-LPDs) are a cluster of diseases that include chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and aggressive NK cell leukemia (ANKL). The pathogenesis of EBV-T/NK-LPDs is largely unclear and the treatment is difficult and in most cases a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is needed. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is known to affect the prognosis of patients with EBV-T/NK-LPDs. This study reports a case of a 20-year-old male patient with repeated infectious mononucleosis (IM)-like symptoms such as high fever, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy for more than two years. The patient had a high EBV-DNA load (NK cells were the main target cells). He was first diagnosed as CAEBV. However, the disease gradually progressed and the patient developed with high ferritin, phagocytosis and monoclonal NK cells in bone marrow, pancytopenia, increased cytokines, and elevated expression of Ki-67. Also, his NK cells had abnormal immunophenotypes and impaired function. The patient had a typical clinical course of progression from CAEBV to ANKL, accompanied by HLH complications and a poor prognosis. Herein, the detailed diagnostic and differential diagnostic process of EBV infection was shown in this report.

SNGH16 regulates cell autophagy to promote Sorafenib Resistance through suppressing miR-23b-3p via sponging EGR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor cells could acquire drug resistance through cell autophagy. This study aimed to explore the role of SNHG16 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and its mechanism with miR-23b-3p. METHODS: The sorafenib-resistant Hep3B cell model was established. The SNHG16 and miR-23b-3p gene expressions were determined in normal HCC and sorafenib-resistant HCC tissues. Detection of the expression of SNHG16 and miR-23b-3p and its respective correlation with survival rate were performed. Target genes to SNHG16 and miR-23b-3p were predicted, and verified by dual-fluorescent reporter assay. The effects of SNHG16 and miR-23b-3p on SNHG16, miR-23b-3p, EGR1 expression, viability, apoptosis as well as LC3II/LC3 expression in Hep3B and Hep3B/So cells were detected by qRT-PCR, CCK-8, flow cytometry, and western blot. In in vivo studies, the NOD/SCID mice model was established to explore the effects of Hep3B and Hep3B/So cells with inhibited SNHG16 or miR-23b-3p on tumor size, EGR1 expression, and autophagy. RESULTS: High SNHG16 expression in HCC-resistant tissues and low miR-23b-3p expression in all HCC tissues were detected, and the two were negatively correlated. Low SNHG16 and high miR-23b-3p were related to a high survival rate of HCC patients. Moreover, SNHG16 overexpression promoted Hep3B/So cell viability and autophagy, suppressed apoptosis by inhibiting miR-23b-3p expression through up-regulating EGR1, however, the effect of si-SNHG16 was opposite. In in vivo studies, miR-23b-3p inhibitor suppressed the high sorafenib sensitivity in Hep3B/So cells caused by SNHG16 silencing through promoting viability, autophagy, and suppressing apoptosis. CONCLUSION: SNHG16 promotes Hep3B/So cell viability, autophagy, and inhibits apoptosis to maintain its resistance to sorafenib through regulating the expression of miR-23b-3p via sponging EGR1.

Gastric Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa).

OBJECTIVES: To review the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of gastric perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). METHODS: We identified two new cases of gastric PEComa and summarized the clinical and pathologic characteristics of this rare neoplasm. RESULTS: The first case was a 48-year-old woman who was treated with an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and the second case was a 64-year-old man who received a distal gastrectomy. Microscopic examination showed one tumor was composed of purely epithelioid cells, while the other was composed of epithelioid and spindle cells. Both tumors were immunoreactive for melanocytic markers (HMB45 and Melan-A), smooth muscle actin, and vimentin. No TFE3 gene rearrangement was identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization in either case. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric PEComa is an exceedingly rare neoplasm, with only seven other reported cases to date. We are the first to report the results of molecular assays for the TFE3 gene rearrangement associated with gastric PEComa.

Association between gene methylation and HBV infection in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Gene methylation is an epigenetic alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis of HCC. However, the association between gene methylation and HBV infection in HCC remains unclear. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the association. A total of 1,148 studies were initially retrieved from some literature database. After a four-step filtration, we obtained 69 case-control studies in this meta-analysis. Our results showed six genes (p16, RASSF1A, GSTP1, APC, p15 and SFRP1) in HBV-positive carcinoma tissues, one gene (GSTP1) in HBV-positive adjacent tissues and two gene (p16 and APC) in HBV-positive carcinoma serums, which were significantly hypermethylated. Subgroup meta-analysis by geographical populations revealed that GSTP1 methylation was significantly higher in HBV-positive carcinoma tissues in China and Japan. In addition, p16 and RASSF1A methylation was significantly higher in China but not in Japan. Our study indicated that HBV infection could induce DNA methylation in HCC and DNA methylation could lead to the development of HBV-related HCC.

Role of MicroRNAs in the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent liver malignancy that can be developed from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Numerous pathophysiological alterations, including insulin resistance, specific cytokine release, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage, are involved in the transition of NAFLD to cirrhosis and HCC. MicroRNAs, as post-transcriptional modulators, play a critical role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD-related HCC by regulating lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and differentiation. This review summarizes the current progress of microRNAs in the risk and prognosis of NAFLD-related HCC. Anat Rec, 302:193-200, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Association between Nutritional Markers and Biochemical Parameters and Residual Renal Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Residual renal function (RRF) is an important prognostic factor for peritoneal dialysis patients as it influences the quality of life and mortality. This study was conducted to explore the potential factors correlated with RRF. A cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 155 patients with residual GFR more than 1mL/min per 1.73m2 at the initiation of peritoneal dialysis. We collected the demographic characteristics, nutritional markers and biochemical parameters of all participants, and analyzed the correlation between these variables and residual GFR as well. The odds ratio of RRF loss associated with each of the nutritional markers and biochemical parameters were estimated by logistic regression model. The residual GFR was negatively correlated with serum phosphate (ORQ3 = 2.67, 95%CI: 1.03-6.92; ORQ4 = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.35-9.04), magnesium (ORQ4 = 3.77, 95%CI: 1.48-3.63), and creatinine (ORQ3 = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.09-7.88; ORQ4 = 8.64 95%CI: 2.79-26.78), while positively associated with normalized protein catabolic rate (ORQ3 = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.09-0.65; ORQ4 = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.03-0.35), 24 hours urine volume(ORQ1 = 22.87, 95%CI: 2.76-189.24; ORQ3 = 0.08, 95%CI: 0.02-0.28) and serum chlorine concentrations (ORQ1 = 5.34, 95%CI: 1.94-14.68; ORQ4 = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.09-0.85), respectively. Our study suggested that the nutritional markers and biochemical parameters, though not all, but at least in part were closely correlated with RRF in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Invasive cystic hypersecretory carcinoma of the breast: a case report.

PURPOSE: To report a new case of invasive cystic hypersecretory carcinoma. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the lesion and a review of the literature are both described. METHODS: A descriptive study of a case of invasive CHC occurring in a 60-yr-old woman is presented. Tumor was standard processed and stained by hematoxylin & eosin, PAS, immunohistochemically examined for ER, PR, C-erbB-2, CEA, thyroglobulin, E-cadherin, S-100 protein, and Cytokeratin5/6. RESULTS: The tumor, which was 4.7×3.7×3.0 cm, was localized in the upper region of the left breast. This tumor revealed multiple cystic spaces, which were filled with PAS. It was positive for CEA, ER, E-cadherin, and S-100 protein, but negative for thyroglobulin, PR, and C-erbB-2. Cytokeratin5/6 was expressed in the cystic hypersecretory hyperplasia region, but not in the invasive area. The ten-month follow-up period was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic hypersecretory carcinoma of the breast is a rare and distinctive variant of ductal carcinoma in situ. It has the potential for invasive growth. As there are few recorded cases, the prognosis in patients with invasive CHC is still uncertain and a matter of intensive debate.

Role of extracelluar regulated protein kinases in FTY720-induced apoptosis of leukemia cell lines HL-60 and U937.

The effects of a novel immunosuppressive agent FTY720 on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of acute leukemia cell lines HL-60 and U937, and the role of extracelluar regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the course of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induced by FTY720 were studied. The proliferation inhibition rate of HL-60 and U937 cells by various concentrations of FTY720 was detected by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by DNA fragment analysis and flow cytometry. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein expression was observed by Western blotting. The change of intracellular distribution of ERK1/2 protein was identified by SP immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that FTY720 could inhibit the growth of HL-60 and U937 cells effectively in a dose-dependent manner. After incubation with FTY720 for 24 h, apoptosis was observed in HL-60 and U937 cells. The intracellular expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein was also down-regulated and the distribution of ERK1/2 protein in cell nuclear was reduced during FTY720-induced apoptosis. So, that FTY720 inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation might mediate the role of FTY720-induced apoptosis and proliferation inhibition of leukemia cells.