Image distortion by ambiguous multiple-photon detections in a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager and the correction method.

Scaling up superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) into a large array for imaging applications is the current pursuit. Although various readout architectures have been proposed, they cannot resolve multiple-photon detections (MPDs) currently, which limits the operation of the SNSPD arrays at high photon flux. In this study, we focused on the readout ambiguity of a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager applying time-of-flight multiplexing readout. The results showed that image distortion depended on both the incident photon flux and the imaging object. By extracting multiple-photon detections on idle pixels, which were virtual because of the incorrect mapping from the ambiguous readout, a correction method was proposed. An improvement factor of 1.3~9.3 at a photon flux of µ = 5 photon/pulse was obtained, which indicated that joint development of the pixel design and restoration algorithm could compensate for the readout ambiguity and increase the dynamic range.

Detection and structural characterization of the metabolites of dihydroresveratrol in rats by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Dihydroresveratrol has been demonstrated to possess a wide spectrum of bioactivities, such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the metabolic profiles of dihydroresveratrol in rats. METHODS: The in vitro metabolism was elucidated by incubating dihydroresveratrol with rat hepatocytes for 2 h at 37°C. For in vivo metabolism, dihydroresveratrol was orally administered to rats at a single dose of 50 mg/kg and the resulting biliary and urinary samples were collected. All the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry. The structures of the metabolites were proposed based on their accurate masses and their MS/MS product ions. RESULTS: A total of 16 metabolites including three phase I metabolites and 13 phase II metabolites were detected and structurally proposed. Among these metabolites, M6 and M14 were unambiguously identified as 3'-hydroxylresveratrol and resveratrol, respectively, using reference standards. Dihydroresveratrol was mainly metabolized into resveratrol (M14) and a glucuronide conjugate (M12), which were excreted into urine and bile as the major metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic pathways of dihydroresveratrol involved hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation, glutathione (GSH) conjugation and methylation. The present study provided useful information with regard to the metabolic profiles of dihydroresveratrol in rats.

[Expression Level of FLRG in Colon Cancer Tissue and Its Clinical Significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of follistatin related gene ( FLRG) in colon cancer and its relationship with clinicopathological features of colon cancer. METHODS: The cancer tissue, paracancerous tissue and normal tissue were collected from 80 patients with colon cancer who underwent radical operation from December 2018 to December 2019. Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were carried out to examine the expression of FLRG and the clinical implications of FLRG was further analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of FLRG in colon cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues and normal tissues ( P<0.05), and the expression of FLRG in paracancerous tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of FLRG among colon cancer patients with different sex, age, tumor growth location and differentiation degree ( P>0.05). The expression level of FLRG in patients with distant metastasis was higher than that in patients without distant metastasis ( P<0.05), and the expression level of FLRG in patients with late clinical stage (stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ) was higher than that in patients with earlier clinical stage (stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ) ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: FLRG is up-regulated in colon cancer tissue, which may be involved in the regulation of tumor development. FLRG may be a potential prognostic target.

Application quantitative proteomics approach to identify differentially expressed proteins associated with cardiac protection mediated by cycloastragenol in acute myocardial infarction rats.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an acute heart disease. Cycloastragenol, as a natural product, inhibits inflammation and protects cardiomyocytes. Cycloastragenol (Y006) modulates inflammation in AMI is not known. To explore the function of Cycloastragenol in AMI, this study investigated the effect of Y006 and its mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. Y006 influences the concentration of 11 proteins, as shown by a proteomics analysis, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Among these 11 proteins, Erk1/2, PLCG1, IKBKG, and ZEB1 are related to inflammatory regulation. BAX, COX2, and GSK3ß are involved in modulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and RhoA and DSC2 are directly associated with myocardial function. However, the functions of ARHGAP17 and Rit2 in heart are less well established. Additionally, Y006 suppressed TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 production in PBMCs (peripheral blood monocytes) from patients with acute myocardial infarction and enhanced IL-10 and IL-4 expression. Similar results were obtained in a rat model of AMI by flow cytometry detection and ELISA. Our findings indicate that Y006 protects rats from AMI through direct or indirect inhibition of inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, the specific mechanism of Y006's protective function requires further study. Nonetheless, this research revealed a novel aspect for the treatment of myocardial infarction. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study, we undertook the first proteomic evaluation of Cycloastragenol (Y006) function in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Y006 significantly improved myocardial function in vivo by regulating multiple molecular expressions. Hypoxia is a direct reason for AMI. And our data support a role of Y006 in gene expression, cell apoptosis under hypoxia. The conclusions of this research assist to explain the potential molecular mechanism in Cycloastragenol treating AMI and supply a new method for ameliorating AMI.

Apparent diffusion coefficient-based histogram analysis differentiates histological subtypes of periampullary adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: For periampullary adenocarcinoma, the histological subtype is a better prognostic predictor than the site of tumor origin. Intestinal-type periampullary adenocarcinoma (IPAC) is reported to have a better prognosis than the pan-creatobiliary-type periampullary adenocarcinoma (PPAC). However, the classification of histological subtypes is difficult to determine before surgery. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis is a noninvasive, non-enhanced method with high reproducibility that could help differentiate the two subtypes. AIM: To investigate whether volumetric ADC histogram analysis is helpful for distinguishing IPAC from PPAC. METHODS: Between January 2015 and October 2018, 476 consecutive patients who were suspected of having a periampullary tumor and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed in this retrospective study. Only patients who underwent MRI at 3.0 T with different diffusion-weighted images (b-values = 800 and 1000 s/mm2) and who were confirmed with a periampullary adenocarcinoma were further analyzed. Then, the mean, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of ADC values and ADCmin, ADCmax, kurtosis, skewness, and entropy were obtained from the volumetric histogram analysis. Comparisons were made by an independent Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Multiple-class receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine and compare the diagnostic value of each significant parameter. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients with histopathologically confirmed IPAC (n = 17) or PPAC (n = 23) were enrolled. The mean, 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles and ADCmax derived from ADC1000 were significantly lower in the PPAC group than in the IPAC group (P < 0.05). However, values derived from ADC800 showed no significant difference between the two groups. The 75th percentile of ADC1000 values achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) for differentiating IPAC from PPAC (AUC = 0.781; sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 59%; cut-off value, 1.50 × 10-3 mm2/s). CONCLUSION: Volumetric ADC histogram analysis at a b-value of 1000 s/mm2 might be helpful for differentiating the histological subtypes of periampullary adenocarcinoma before surgery.

Quality Evaluation of Tricholoma matsutake Based on the Nucleic Acid Compounds by UPLC-TOF/MS and UPLC-QqQ/MS.

So far, there has been no quality evaluation of Tricholoma matsutake. Nucleic acid compounds are a kind of functional ingredient in T. matsutake that is beneficial to human health. In this study, a UPLC-TOF/MS method was first used to scan and identify the potential nucleic acid compounds in T. matsutake. Based on the calculation of the molecular formula and subsequent confirmation by authentic standards, 15 nucleic acid compounds were unambiguously identified: adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, uridine, xanthosine dehydrate, 2'-deoxyadenosine, 2'-deoxycytidine, 2'-deoxyguanosine, 2'-deoxyuridine, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, cytidine 5'-monophosphate, guanosine 5'-monophosphate, and uridine 5'-monophosphate. Then, a UPLC-QqQ/MS method was developed for the subsequent quantitative analysis. After validating the limits of quantification, detection, precision, repeatability, and recovery through a calibration curve, the content of 15 nucleic acid compounds was determined by the proposed UPLC-QqQ/MS method in 80 T. matsutake samples collected from different regions in Sichuan province, Southwest China. After the statistical analysis, we suggest that the total content of nucleic acid compounds in the qualified T. matsutake should be higher than 24.49 mg/100 g. The results indicated that the combined use of UPLC-TOF/MS and UPLC-QqQ/MS is efficient for fast identification and determination of nucleic acid compounds to comprehensively evaluate the quality of T. matsutake.

A efficient method to identify cardioprotective components of Astragali Radix using a combination of molecularly imprinted polymers-based knockout extract and activity evaluation.

Although herb medicines have become the major source for new drug discovery, many of them are largely under-explored due to the purity-activity relationship. Efficient identification of bioactive compounds in conventional stepwise separation and isolation has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we proposed a new separation strategy for holism understanding of herb pharmacology using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Astragali Radix (AR), important in traditional Chinese medicine, was chosen in this study for multicomponent knockout followed by bioactivity evaluation. We prepared calycosin molecularly imprinted polymers (calycosin-MIPs) which could selectively recognize flavonoid aglycons in AR. The molecular selectivity of calycosin-MIPs as a critical parameter was evaluated using the template and other high content compounds in AR. Based on it, using the calycosin-MIPs material via solid-phase extraction procedures was applied for the knockout of flavonoid aglycons in AR. Finally, hypoxia/reoxygenation model in H9c2 cells was used to evaluate the activity of the AR extract before and after knockout. The results showed that calycosin-MIPs as recognition materials for flavonoid aglycons in AR are applied in one-step separation with high selectivity and tunability. The subextract in the absence of flavonoid aglycons has been demonstrated to clarify the cardio-protective components of AR. In conclusion, this proof-of-principle study is the first one showing that molecular imprinting technology coupled with a bioassay can be used to explore the bioactive variability from the perspective of multicomponent separation of herbal medicine.

Allicin induces the upregulation of ABCA1 expression via PPARγ/LXRα signaling in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells.

Allicin is considered anti-atherosclerotic due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it an important drug for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However, the effects of allicin on foam cells are unclear. Thus, in this study, we examined the effects of allicin on lipid accumulation via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Î³ (PPARγ)/liver X receptor α (LXRα) in THP­1 macrophage-derived foam cells. THP­1 cells were exposed to 100 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 24 h, and then to oxydized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL; 50 mg/ml) to induce foam cell formation. The results of Oil Red O staining and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed showed that pre-treatment of the foam cells with allicin decreased total cholesterol, free cholesterol (FC) and cholesterol ester levels in cells, and also decreased lipid accumulation. Moreover, allicin upregulated ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression and promoted cholesterol efflux. However, these effects were significantly abolished by transfection with siRNA targeting ABCA1. Furthermore, PPARγ/LXRα signaling was activated by allicin treatment. The allicin-induced upregulation of ABCA1 expression was also abolished by PPARγ inhibitor (GW9662) and siRNA or LXRα siRNA co-treatment. Overall, our data demonstrate that the allicin-induced upregulation of ABCA1 promotes cholesterol efflux and reduces lipid accumulation via PPARγ/LXRα signaling in THP­1 macrophage-derived foam cells.

Inhibition of Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Aging by Allicin Depends on Sirtuin1 Activation.

BACKGROUND The abnormal activity of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is closely related to the aging of vascular endothelial cells. As a bioactive molecule, allicin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating mechanisms. However, few reports about the relationship of allicin and Sirt1 have been published. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of allicin on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) aging induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the role of Sirt1 in this phenomenon. MATERIAL AND METHODS HUVEC were exposed to H2O2 to establish the aging model. The expression of protein and RNA were detected by Western blot and Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cell viability. Sirt1 enzyme activity assay was used to analyze enzymatic activity. Reactive oxygen species was detected by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Cell aging was detected by Senescence ß-Galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining. RESULTS Results of this study revealed that pretreating HUVECs with 5 ng/mL allicin before exposure to H2O2 resulted in increased cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species generation. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that H2O2 attenuated the phosphorylation and activation of Sirt1 and increased the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) protein. Moreover, H2O2 also promoted HUVEC aging. These effects were significantly alleviated by 5 ng/mL allicin co-treatment. Furthermore, the anti-aging effects of allicin were abolished by the Sirt1 inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results demonstrated that allicin protects HUVECs from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and aging via the activation of Sirt1.

Assessing the Early Response of Advanced Cervical Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model has shown promising results for providing both diffusion and perfusion information in cervical cancer; however, its use to predict and monitor the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in cervical cancer is relatively rare. The study aimed to evaluate the use of DWI with IVIM and monoexponential models to predict and monitor the efficacy of NACT in cervical cancer. METHODS: Forty-two patients with primary cervical cancer underwent magnetic resonance exams at 3 time points (pre-NACT, 3 weeks after the first NACT cycle, and 3 weeks after the second NACT cycle). The response to treatment was determined according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors 3 weeks after the second NACT treatment, and the subjects were classified as two groups: responders and nonresponders groups. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related pseudo-diffusion coefficient (DFNx01), and perfusion fraction (f) values were determined. The differences in IVIM-derived variables and ADC between the different groups at the different time points were calculated using an independent samples t-test. RESULTS: The D and ADC values were all significantly higher for the responders than for the nonresponders at all 3 time points, but no significant differences were observed in the DFNx01 and f values. An analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that a D value threshold <0.93 × 10-3 mm 2 /s and an ADC threshold <1.11 × 10-3 mm 2 /s could differentiate responders from nonresponders at pre-NACT time point, yielding area under the curve (AUC) of which were 0.771 and 0.806, respectively. The ROC indicated that the AUCs of D and ADC at the 3 weeks after the first NACT cycle and 3 weeks after the second NACT cycle were 0.823, 0.763, and 0.787, 0.794, respectively. The AUC values of D and ADC at these 3 time points were not significantly different (P = 0.641, 0.512, and 0.547, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: D and ADC values may be useful for predicting and monitoring the efficacy of NACT in cervical cancer. An IVIM model may be equal to monoexponential model in predicting and monitoring the efficacy of NACT in cervical cancer.

Curcumin enhanced cholesterol efflux by upregulating ABCA1 expression through AMPK-SIRT1-LXRα signaling in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells.

Curcumin, a traditional Chinese derivative from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, is beneficial to health by modulating lipid metabolism and suppressing atherogenesis. A key part of atherosclerosis is the failure of macrophages to restore their cellular cholesterol homeostasis and the formation of foam cells. In this study, results showed that curcumin dramatically increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1), promoted cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells, and reduced cellular cholesterol levels. Curcumin activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and SIRT1, and then activated LXRα in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Inhibiting AMPK/SIRT1 activity by its specific inhibitor or by small interfering RNA could inhibit LXRα activation and abolish curcumin-induced ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux. Thus, curcumin enhanced cholesterol efflux by upregulating ABCA1 expression through activating AMPK-SIRT1-LXRα signaling in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. This study describes a possible mechanism for understanding the antiatherogenic effects of curcumin on attenuating the progression of atherosclerosis.

Association of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein genetic polymorphisms levels with venous thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND: Increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported in patients with venous thromboembolisms (VTE). However, prospective studies did not confirm an association between IL-6, CRP and their polymorphism with the risk of VTE. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (including 66 males and 74 females, mean age (55.55 ± 17.11) years) and one hundred and sixty controls (including 74 males and 86 females, mean age (56.58 ± 12.24) years) were involved. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for detecting the serum levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and CRP in both groups. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for analyzing the distribution of polymorphisms at the -572C/G and -597G/A sites of the promoter of the IL-6 gene and at 1059G/C of the CRP gene. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The frequencies of -572C/G promoter polymorphisms CC, CG, and GG in the IL-6 gene were found to be 34%, 48%, and 18%, respectively, and the derived allele frequencies for the C and G alleles were 58% and 42%. There was a significant difference in the -572C/G promoter polymorphisms between the VTE group and control group (P < 0.05). For the -597G/A polymorphism, individuals all carried the GG and GA type; AA genotypes were not detected. The frequency of the GG, GC, and CC genotypes at the CRP1059G/C promoter was 87.57%, 7.86% and 3.57% in VTE group, while 86.25%, 10%, and 3.75% in control group, respectively. The frequency of G and C alleles at CRP 1059G/C was 91.43% and 8.57% in VTE group and 91.56% and 8.44% in the control group. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference of 1059G/C genotype and mutation frequency of the allele between the VTE group and control group (P > 0.05). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed CC homozygotes of the IL-6 -572G/C, body mass index (BMI), and CRP, IL-6, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were independent risk factors for VTE (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that VTE was associated with IL-6 and CRP levels, and there was an association of IL-6 and its promoter polymorphism at -572G/C with the risk of VTE. Thus far, a causal relationship between inflammation and VTE remains to be clarified and more prospective data are required.

[Association between gene polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and plasma homocysteine in Uygur patients with venous thromboembolism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T mutation and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in Uygur patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Xinjiang. METHODS: A total of 222 VTE patients including 74 Uygur and 148 Han ethnic patients were examined, and 86 Uygur ethnic and Han 134 ethnic healthy people were included as controls. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and plasma Hcy levels were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. RESULTS: The MTHFR gene C677T genotypes distribution in Uygur VTE patients and control groups were: TT [28.38% (35/86) vs. 12.79% (11/86), P < 0.05], CT [41.89% (31/74) vs. 52.33% (45/86), P > 0.05]and CC [29.73% (22/74) vs. 34.88% (30/86), P > 0.05], respectively; and in Han VTE patients and control groups were: TT[27.03% (40/148) vs. 14.92% (20/134), P < 0.05], CT [44.59% (66/148) vs. 52.99% (71/134), P > 0.05] and CC [28.38% (42/148) vs. 32.09% (43/134), P > 0.05], respectively. SNP genotyping distribution frequency in Uygur and Han ethnic population was similar between controls and between VTE patients (P > 0.05). Plasma levels of Hcy in MTHFR gene TT genotype were statistically higher than CT and CC genotype (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and MTHFR genotype, multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that plasma Hcy level (OR = 1.025, 95%CI 1.003 - 1.046, P = 0.024) and obesity (OR = 4.660, 95%CI 1.417 - 15.324, P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for Uygur ethnic patients with VTE while plasma Hcy level (OR = 1.020, 95%CI 1.006 - 1.034, P = 0.004) and smoking (OR = 2.867, 95%CI 1.062 - 6.586, P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for Han ethnic patients with VTE. CONCLUSION: MTHFR C677T polymorphism (TT genotype carrier) and increased plasma levels of Hcy are risk factors for Uygur and Han ethnic patients with VTE in Xinjiang.

Dynamic gadoteridol-enhanced MR imaging in the end of growing long bone of piglets.

BACKGROUND: It is of value to identify the non-invasive means that can accurately reflect the blood supply of epiphysis and is more sensitive in detection of early ischemia of epiphysis than the conventional gadoteridol (Gd)-enhanced SE T1WI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood supply of various anatomic regions at the end of normal growing long bone using dynamic Gd-enhanced MR imaging and compare the sensitivities between dynamic Gd-enhanced MR imaging and conventional Gd-enhanced SE T1WI in the detection of decreased blood perfusion of early epiphyseal ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-seven two-week-old piglets were used in this study. For the study of the end of normal growing long bone, unilateral MR imaging of the distal femur and proximal tibia was performed on eleven piglets. The comparison was made among various anatomic regions (physeal and epiphyseal cartilage, metaphyseal spongiosa, the secondary ossification center and metaphysis) using MRI in terms of the enhancement ratio and speed. Their relationships with the histological findings, including RBC/mm(2) and vessel distribution, were evaluated. To examine ischemic femoral head, 16 piglets were divided into two groups, with the control group having 8 piglets (involving 16 normal hips) and an ischemic group having 8 piglets (involving 16 hips with hyperabduction). In the ischemic group, MR imaging was performed on the hips in the hyperabduction immobilized persistently for 30 minutes. After MRI, the piglets were allowed to ambulate freely for 1 day and the same MR scanning was then repeated in a neutral position. The difference in enhancement ratio and speed of the femoral head between the control and ischemic group were evaluated. RESULTS: With regard to the end of normal growing long bone, the enhancement ratio of the metaphyseal spongiosa was greatest among all the anatomic regions (P < 0.001). The enhancement ratio of physeal cartilage was greater than that of epiphyseal cartilage (P < 0. 001), which was the lowest in all tissues (P < 0.001). The enhancement speed of the spongiosa was greater than that of physis but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The enhancement speed of physis was greater than that of epiphyseal cartilage (P < 0.05), which was the lowest among all the tissues (P < 0.05). The enhancement ratio and speed were found to be related to the histological findings, including RBC/mm(2) (R > 0.75) and distribution of vessels in the tissues. With ischemic femoral head, the enhancement ratios of physis, anterior part and posterior part of capital femoral epiphysis were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and enhanced more slowly (P < 0.05) than those of normal femoral head on dynamic Gd-enhanced MR imaging. On conventional Gd-enhanced SE T1WI, however, no apparent decrease in enhancement ratio and speed in ischemic hips was found (P < 0.05), when they were compared with those in the normal hips. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic gadoteridol-enhanced MR imaging can reveal the blood supply in various anatomic regions of the end of normal growing long bone. It is more sensitive than conventional Gd-enhanced SE T1WI in the detection of early epiphyseal ischemia.

Protective immunity induced by phage displayed mitochondrial related peptides of Schistosoma japonicum.

New antigens and strategies are necessary for vaccine development against schistosomiasis japonica. Using a pool of 43 high titred anti-SWA sera from individuals residing in an Schistosoma japonicum endemic area of China, we have cloned a S. japonicum gene by cDNA library screening. The recombinant Sj338 protein has 44-46% identity to a mitochondrial precursor receptor protein of humans and rats. Immunization of mice with the recombinant Sj338 conferred 27-32% (p<0.01) reduction in worm burdens following cercarial challenge. In an effort to identify protective epitopes in Sj338 and increase the level of protection, we screened a random 12-mer peptide library constructed in M13 using a polyspecific anti-Sj338 rabbit serum. After five rounds of biopanning, we identified 30 reactive clones consisting of 11 distinct peptide sequences. These clones shared limited primary sequence homology with the recombinant Sj338 protein. Anti-sera raised against these phage clones recognized recombinant Sj338 and SWAP by Western blot. In murine vaccination experiments using whole recombinant phage without adjuvant, four of these clones demonstrated worm reductions of 11.6-25.1% (p=ns - 0.05) compared to M13 vaccinated animals. Animals vaccinated with all four of these phage demonstrated 34.2% (p<0.01) worm reduction compared to controls vaccinated with M13 clone. These data suggest that mimotope peptides are potential vaccine candidates for S. japonicum.

Expression of some tumor associated factors in human carcinogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma.

AIM: To study the effect of IGF-1/IGF-1R and gastrin/CCK-BR on carcinogenesis and development of human gastric carcinoma and to explore its mechanism and provide a credible theoretical foundation for early diagnosis and molecular therapy of gastric carcinoma. METHODS: mRNA expression levels of IGF-1/IGF-1R and gastrin/CCK-BR were assessed by RT-PCR method in gastric cancer tissues, adjacent mucosa, and tumor-free tissues from 56 patients with gastric carcinoma and normal gastric mucosae from 56 healthy controls. Tissue specimens were obtained by biopsy and confirmed by histological evaluation. RESULTS: The mRNA levels of IGF-1/IGF-1R were increased in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues from healthy controls and successively increased in tumor-free tissues, adjacent mucosa, and gastric cancer tissues. The mRNA levels of gastrin/CCK-BR were increased in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues from healthy controls. There was a significant difference between gastric cancer tissues and adjacent mucosa and tumor-free tissues, but the mRNA levels of gastrin were not significantly increased in adjacent mucosa and gastric cancer tissues compared with tumor-free tissues. The mRNA levels of CCK-BR were increased in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent mucosa compared with tumor-free tissues, but not significantly increased in adjacent mucosa and gastric cancer tissues compared with gastric cancer tissues. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of IGF-1/IGF-1R and gastrin/CCK-BR promotes the disorderly proliferation of gastric mucosa epithelia and it is of great significance in the carcinogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma.

[Purification and immunogenicity identification of the recombinant protein related with specific IgE against Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To purify the specific IgE antibody-related recombinant protein of Schistosoma japonicum and to identify its immunogenicity. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid Sj43B/pGEX-6p-1 was expressed in E. coli BL 21. The inclusion body of the fusion protein was washed by TNMFX buffer and separated by FPLC. After renaturation, the fusion protein was used to vaccinate the mice. The specific IgG and IgE antibodies were detected by dot-ELISA and Western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Most of the proteins mixed with the inclusion body of the recombinant protein could be eliminated by washing with TNMFX buffer. The purified recombinant fusion protein could be obtained by FPLC separation. The experiment on mice immunized with the fusion protein showed that the specific IgE antibody was generated against the target part of the fusion protein, but not the specific IgG antibody. CONCLUSION: The fusion protein expressed by the recombinant plasmid Sj43B/pGEX-6p-1 could induce specific IgE response of the immunized mice.

[Identification of epitope of 22.6 kDa antigen of Schistosoma japonicum with phage-displayed random peptide library].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epitopes of 22.6 kDa antigen of Schistosoma japonicum (Sj22.6). METHODS: A 12-mer library displayed on pIII of fd phage was used to screen the epitopes of Sj22.6 with the purified multiple clone IgG antibody against the Sj22.6 antigen. Five rounds of biopanning were carried out and fourteen clones from the fifth round biopanning were randomly selected and identified by Western blotting. The mice were immunized with the obtained positive clones and the antibody titers of sera from the mice were detected. The clones which could stimulate the mice to produce anti-Sj22.6 antibodies were sequenced and their amino acid sequences were compared with that of Sj22.6. RESULTS: Six clones selected from the fourteen ones could stimulate the mice to produce anti-Sj22.6 antibodies analysed by Western blotting. The amino acid sequence of one epitope showed high homology with Sj22.6. CONCLUSION: Four epitopes of Sj22.6 were obtained. One may be a structure epitope and the other three were mimic epitopes.