Asiatic Acid Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Neuroinflammation by Suppressing Mitochondrial Ros Production.

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Asiatic acid in LPS-induced BV2 microglia cells and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cells, to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Asiatic acid in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SH-SY5Y cells were induced using MPP+ to establish as an in vitro model of PD, so that the effects of Asiatic acid on dopaminergic neurons could be examined. The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in BV2 microglia cells to explore potential mechanisms for the neuroprotective effects of Asiatic acid. We showed that Asiatic acid reduced intracellular production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential to regulate mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia cells. We additionally found that treatment with Asiatic acid directly improved SH-SY5Y cell viability and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by MPP+. These data demonstrate that Asiatic acid both inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by downregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species directly to protect dopaminergic neurons from, and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells, which were established as a model of Parkinson’s disease. Our finding reveals that Asiatic acid protects dopaminergic neurons from neuroinflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia cells as well as protecting dopaminergic neurons directly. This suggests a promising clinical use of Asiatic acid for PD therapy.

"Five-point eight-line" anatomic flap design for precise hemitongue reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects requires careful flap design to avoid adverse functional and aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: Hemitongue specimens were obtained from minipigs to study the three-dimensional anatomy and to define anatomic landmarks for precise measurements of flap requirement. The concept developed in animal models was then applied to hemiglossectomy reconstruction in clinical practice. Sixty-one patients were randomly enrolled into the following two groups: a "five-point eight-line segment" (FIPELS) flap design group (28 patients) and a conventional group (33 patients). Functional and aesthetic outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All flaps designed with the FIPELS technique matched the hemiglossectomy defects without the need for flap trimming, thus reducing the operating time (P = .03). Swallowing functions, speech intelligibility, and aesthetic outcomes were superior in the FIPELS group than that in the conventional group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The FIPELS flap design for hemiglossectomy reconstruction yields improved functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to a conventional flap design.

The Use of a Honeycomb Technique Combined with Ultrasonic Aspirators and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography for a Superthin Anterolateral Thigh Flap: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Harvesting an optimally thinned anterolateral thigh flaps is a challenge in overweight individuals and in the Western population. The authors describe a novel honeycomb technique to achieve a superthin anterolateral thigh flap in overweight patients. METHODS: Forty patients with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m(2) who required a thinned anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction were assigned randomly to a honeycomb technique group or a microdissection technique group. The honeycomb technique group underwent flap thinning with the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, and flap thinning was performed with a conventional microdissection technique in the microdissection technique group. Perfusion of all flaps was measured by indocyanine green fluorescence angiography before and after thinning. Hypoperfusion was defined as 30 percent. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 2.0 kg/m(2) and 27.3 ± 1.9 kg/m(2) in the honeycomb group and the microdissection group, respectively. Flap size, perforator, type of dissection, and initial perfusion were comparable between the two groups. However, significantly more patients (nine of 21) experienced final hypoperfusion in the microdissection group than in the honeycomb group (two of 19) (p = 0.034). In addition, blood loss and final flap thickness were significantly lower in the honeycomb group (p < 0.05), and the duration of thinning was comparable between the two groups. No flap necrosis was found in either group. CONCLUSION: The honeycomb technique in combination with the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator and indocyanine green angiography was able to remove adipose tissue but protect the integrity of the subcutaneous vascular plexus to reduce potential risk of jeopardizing flap perfusion while obtaining a superthin anterolateral thigh flap in an overweight population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Postoperative immune response and surgical stress in selective neck dissection: Comparison between endoscopically assisted dissection and open techniques in cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopically assisted selective neck dissection (SND) has recently been applied in clinical N0 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, nothing is known of the immune response after surgery. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with cT1-2N0 OSCC randomly underwent endoscopically assisted SND and open operations. The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1b, TNF-a, CRP, cortisol, ACTH, and growth hormone were analyzed before the start of the surgery (T0) and at 2 (T1), 6 (T2), 24 (T3), and 72 h (T4) after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were randomized for endoscopic SND, whereas 29 underwent open procedures. The release of IL-6, IL-10 and CRP was significantly lower in the endoscopic group than in the open surgery group (p < 0.05), and cortisol levels were also lower in the endoscopic group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic SND could effectively provide lower inflammatory responses and surgical stress, reducing peri-operative trauma and accelerating recovery.

A comparative study of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach versus external approaches for the resection of large benign parapharyngeal space tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The advantages and limitations of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach (EATA) and external approaches (EAs) in resection of parapharyngeal space tumors (PSTs) remain unclear. In our study, we compared the use of the EATA and the EAs for the resection of large, benign PSTs. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-four patients with PSTs were divided into the EATA and EA groups. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: All of the tumors were completely removed. However, the procedure was converted to an open procedure for four patients in the EATA group and for six patients in the EA group who required endoscopic assistance. The intraoperative blood loss, amount and duration of drainage, postoperative pain, total hospital stay, and cosmetic outcomes were superior in the EATA group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the EATA for resection of large, benign PSTs decreased the surgical invasiveness of the procedure and resulted in better aesthetic outcomes. However, use of the combined surgical approach allowed for improved access for the resection of PSTs.

Endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissection of benign parotid tumors through a single cephaloauricular furrow incision versus a conventional approach.

BACKGROUND: A few modified approaches have been reported for performing endoscope-assisted dissections of benign parotid tumors, but none that use incisions totally hidden in a natural furrow. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissections of benign parotid tumors using a single cephaloauricular furrow incision. METHODS: Forty-six patients with benign parotid superficial lobe tumors were randomly divided into two groups: an endoscope-assisted (21 patients) group or a conventional (25 patients) surgery group. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the patients were evaluated, including the maximum diameter of the tumors, length of the incision, operating time, estimated blood loss during the operation, amount and duration of drainage, satisfaction scores based on the cosmetic results, perioperative complications, and follow-up information. RESULTS: The diameters of the tumors were comparable between the groups, and all operations were successfully performed as planned. The mean length of the incision in the endoscope-assisted group (3.6 ± 0.5 cm) was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group (9.1 ± 1.9). Meanwhile, the intraoperative blood loss, amount of drainage, perioperative complications, and cosmetic outcomes were all improved in the endoscope-assisted group. No tumor recurrence was found during 11-40 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cephaloauricular furrow incisions were totally and naturally hidden in this procedure. Endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissections of benign parotid tumors via a small cephaloauricular furrow incision were found to be feasible and reliable, providing a minimally invasive approach and a satisfactory appearance.

[Retracted] Inhibitory effects of ethyl pyruvate administration on human gastric cancer growth via regulation of the HMGB1-RAGE and Akt pathways in vitro and in vivo.

Following the publication of this article, an interested reader drew to the attention of the Editorial Board that the above article appeared to contain a series of Figures that featured duplicated data. Following an internal investigation, the Editorial Board reached the conclusion that the allegations of the reader were well-founded. Specifically, the GAPDH bands shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are identical with those in Figs. 4C and 5D, with the exception that the images have been reversed. Furthermore, certain data in Fig. 4C of this paper appeared to have been shared with Fig. 3 in the following article (albeit for purportedly different experiments): Zhang J, Zhu J, Zhou Z, Chen W and Chen N: Inhibitory effects of ethyl pyruvate on invasion and metastasis of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells via downregulation of Akt pathway. China J Cancer Prev Treat (Chin) 39: 776-779, 2012. Despite numerous attempts at doing so, we were unable to receive any response to our request for further information from the authors of this article. Given the extent of the anomalies with the data between the aforementioned papers, the Editorial Board has therefore decided to retract the article from Oncology Reports. We regret any inconvenience in this regard. [the original article was published in the Oncology Reports 27: 1511-1519, 2012; DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1623].

Eriocalyxin B blocks human SW1116 colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression and angiogenesis via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Eriocalyxin B, a natural ent-kaurene diterpene compound, has been shown to prevent carcinogenesis and tumor development. However, little is known regarding the mechanism underlying the antitumor activity of Eriocalyxin B in human colon cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of Eriocalyxin B in SW1116 cells, and to verify the hypothesis that the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway may serve as a therapeutic target in human colon cancer treatment. Cell proliferation was measured with a Cell Counting kit­8 assay, and the cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell analysis. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression levels in SW1116 cells treated with various concentrations of Eriocalyxin B. The results demonstrated that 1 µmol/l Eriocalyxin B was effective at inhibiting JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, followed by the downregulation of JAK2 and STAT3 downstream target expression, which resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. Eriocalyxin B also suppressed the expression of proliferation­associated protein (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and angiogenesis­associated proteins (vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2), as well as that of migration- and invasion­associated proteins (matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9). These results suggested that Eriocalyxin B may suppress JAK2/STAT3 signaling, and thus act as a therapeutic or preventive agent in the treatment of human colon cancer.

Synchronous reconstruction of bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the mandible using a single fibular osteocutaneous flap in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of bilateral osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of mandibular defects using a single free bone flap is rarely performed because extensively radiated neck tissue with severe fibrosis is usually unsuitable for vascularized reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) underwent bilateral reconstruction of advanced ORN in the mandible using a single fibular osteocutaneous flap. Clinical factors associated with the operation were assessed, including classification of mandible defects, types of recipient vessels, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: All of the fibular osteocutaneous flaps survived completely, with the exception of 1 inner skin paddle that presented partial necrosis in a reconstruction of through-and-through defects. All patients experienced an improvement in cosmetic results 6 months after the reconstruction, whereas 23 patients experienced improved mouth opening compared to the preoperative condition. CONCLUSION: Advanced bilateral ORN in patients with NPC could be synchronously reconstructed with a single fibular osteocutaneous flap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E-E, 2016.

Silencing of MAP4K4 by short hairpin RNA suppresses proliferation, induces G1 cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cause of cancer­associated mortality worldwide. Previous studies suggest that mitogen­activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase isoform 4 (MAP4K4) is involved in cancer cell growth, apoptosis and migration. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis and reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine if MAP4K4 was overexpressed in GC. The knockdown of MAP4K4 by RNA interference in GC cells markedly inhibited cell proliferation, which may be mediated by cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. The silencing of MAP4K4 also induced cell apoptosis by increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl­2. In addition, Notch signaling was markedly reduced by MAP4K4 silencing. The results of the present study suggested that inhibition of MAP4K4 may be a therapeutic strategy for GC.

Effect of RTKN on progression and metastasis of colon cancer in vitro.

Like many epithelial-derived cancers, colon cancer results from a multistep tumorigenic process. However, the detailed mechanisms involved in colon cancer formations are poorly characterized. In the present study, we investigated the role of RTKN in colon cancer and explored underlying mechanisms. The results showed that RTKN expression was significantly increased in colon cancer tissues when compared with the adjacent tissues of patients in Shanghai People's hospital and in TCGA independent dataset. Furthermore, silencing of RTKN inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and arrested cell cycle at G1 phase in LOVO cells. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DNA replication and cell cycle were involved in the regulation of RTKN. MCM2/3/5, CDK1/2 and PCNA expression had a direct relationship with the reduction of RTKN. RTKN could affect the proliferation and metastasis of colon cancer by reducing expression of MCM2/3/5, CDK1/2 and PCNA, suggesting that RTKN was a potential target for treating colon cancer.

miR-483-5p determines mitochondrial fission and cisplatin sensitivity in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by targeting FIS1.

Mitochondria play an important role in the initiation of apoptosis. However, whether cisplatin can induce apoptosis by initiating a mitochondrial fission pathway and the mechanism underlying this effect remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that the mitochondrial fission protein FIS1 is upregulated upon cisplatin treatment in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells. FIS1 knockdown can attenuate mitochondrial fission and cisplatin sensitivity. We found that FIS1 is a direct target of miR-483-5p and that miR-483-5p can inhibit mitochondrial fission and cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that miR-483-5p and FIS1 are significantly associated with cisplatin sensitivity and with overall survival in patients with TSCC in a retrospective analysis of multiple centers. This study revealed that a novel mitochondrial fission pathway composed of miR-483-5p and FIS1 regulates cisplatin sensitivity. The modulation of miR-483-5p and FIS1 levels may provide a new approach for increasing cisplatin sensitivity.

Ponicidin induces apoptosis via JAK2 and STAT3 signaling pathways in gastric carcinoma.

Ponicidin has a variety of biological effects such as immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory functions as well as anti-viral functions especially in the upper respiratory tract infection. This study was aimed to elucidate the antitumor effect of ponicidin in gastric carcinoma MKN28 cells and the possible molecular mechanism involved. Cell viability was measured by the Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK8). Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry as well as cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis. Western blot analysis was used to detect the active form of caspase-3 as well as Bax and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expressions after cells were treated with different concentrations of ponicidin. The results revealed that ponicidin could inhibit the growth of MKN28 cells significantly in both a time- and dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle was blocked and ROS generation was increased after the cells were treated with ponicidin. Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated remarkably while Bax expression and the active form of caspase-3 were increased after apoptosis occurred. We therefore conclude that ponicidin exhibited significant growth inhibition of gastric carcinoma cell line MKN28 and induced apoptosis of MKN28 cells via the signaling pathway regulated by Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Ponicidin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for gastric carcinoma.

Minimally invasive selective neck dissection: a prospective study of endoscopically assisted dissection via a small submandibular approach in cT(1-2_N(0) oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Selective neck dissection (SND) in clinical N0 (cN0) cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been performed by surgeons using a retroauricular or modified facelift approach with robotic or endoscopic assistance. However, these procedures provide cosmetic satisfaction at the cost of possible maximal invasiveness. In this prospective study, we introduced and evaluated the feasibility as well as surgical invasiveness and cosmetic outcome of endoscopically-assisted SND via a small submandibular approach. METHODS: Forty-four patients with cT1-2N0 oral SCC (OSCC) were randomly divided into two groups of endoscopically-assisted SND and conventional SND. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes of patients were evaluated, including the length of the incision, operating time for neck dissection, estimated blood loss during the operation, amount and duration of drainage, total hospitalization period, total number of lymph nodes retrieved, satisfaction scores based on the cosmetic results, perioperative local complications, shoulder syndrome, and follow-up information. RESULTS: The mean operation time in the endoscopically-assisted group (126.04 ± 12.67 min) was longer than that in the conventional group (75.67 ± 16.67 min). However, the mean length of the incision was 4.33 ± 0.76 cm in the endoscopically-assisted SND group, and the amount and duration of drainage, total hospital stay, postoperative shoulder pain score, and cosmetic outcomes were superior in the endoscopically-assisted SND group. Additionally, the retrieved lymph nodes and complications were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopically-assisted SND via a small submandibular approach had a longer operation time than the conventional approach. However, endoscopically-assisted SND was feasible and reliable while providing minimal invasiveness and satisfactory appearance.

Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway decreases hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression and increases therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in human hypoxic gastric cancer cells.

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, transformation, apoptosis, tumor growth and angiogenesis. Paclitaxel is commonly used to treat multiple human malignancies; however, the underlying mechanisms of paclitaxel in gastric cancer (GC) have not been fully investigated. In the present study, specimens from 45 GC and 36 chronic gastritis patients were collected, and the correlations of PI3K, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of GC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The human SGC-7901 GC cells under hypoxic conditions were pretreated with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 (40 µM), and paclitaxel (0.1 µM). The expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt and HIF-1α were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell proliferative activity and apoptosis were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. As a result, the rates of positive expression of PI3K, p-Akt and HIF-1α were significantly higher in GC compared with chronic gastritis patients (each P<0.01), and were positively associated with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging, lymph node metastases, lymphatic infiltration and vascular infiltration (each P<0.01), but inversely correlated with tumor differentiation (P<0.01) in patients with GC. Under hypoxic conditions, the combined inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway with paclitaxel markedly reduced the proliferative activity and induced cell apoptosis in GC cells compared with the single treatment of PI3K inhibitor or paclitaxel (each P<0.01), and was accompanied by a decreased expression of HIF-1α. Overall, our findings indicate that the increased expression of the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway was closely correlated with tumor differentiation, TNM staging, lymph node metastases and lymphatic and vascular infiltration. The inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in GC cells under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway may act as an important therapeutic target for paclitaxel treatment of GC.

Knockdown of HMGB1 inhibits growth and invasion of gastric cancer cells through the NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a novel inflammatory molecule has been shown to be involved in a variety of cell physiological and pathological behaviors including immune response, inflammation and cancer. Evidence suggests that HMGB1 plays a critical role in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for the HMGB1-mediated growth and invasion of gastric cancer have not yet been elucidated. The present study investigated the expression of HMGB1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and the mechanisms by which it contributes to tumor growth and invasion. The correlation between HMGB1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of GAC patients was assessed by immunohistochemical assay through tissue microarray procedures. The RNA and protein expressions of HMGB1 and downstream factors were detected by quantitative PCR and western blot assays; cell proliferation and invasion were determined by MTT, wound-healing and 3D-Matregel assays, subcutaneous SGC-7901 tumor models were established to verify tumor growth in vivo. We demonstrated that, the expression of HMGB1 was significantly increased in the nucleus of GAC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-cancer tissues (88.6 vs.70.5%, P<0.001), and correlated with the metastatic lymph node of GAC (P=0.018). Furthermore, knockdown of HMGB1 by shRNA inhibited cell proliferative activities and invasive potential, and downregulated the expression of NF-κB p65, PCNA and MMP-9 in GAC cells (SGC-7901 and AGS). The tumor volumes in SGC7901 subcutaneous nude mouse models treated with Lv-shHMGB1 was significantly smaller than those of the nonsense sequence group. Taken together, these findings suggest that increased expression of HMGB1 is associated with tumor metastasis of GAC, and knockdown of HMGB1 suppresses growth and invasion of GAC cells through the NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that HMGB1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GAC.

Dynamic progress of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced chronic colitis and fibrosis in rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic progress of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced chronic colitis and fibrosis in rat model. METHODS: In all, 44 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the model and control groups. Colitis was induced by intrarectal injection of 10-30 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol enema weekly for 5 cycles. The control group received an equal volume of 50% ethanol. If the rat died during the procedure, necropsy was performed immediately. At the end of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th week the rats were sacrificed, and histological damage and fibrosis of the colon were examined using HE and Masson trichrome stain. The concentrations of Th1, Th2, Th17 cytokines in colon tissue were detected by ELISA, intestinal fibrosis-relevant cytokine expressions were detected by fluorescent quantification-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Colitis model was successfully induced with a low mortality rate. The microscopic colonic damage score, collagen area, Th1/Th17 cytokines and expressions of intestinal fibrosis-relevant cytokines were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control group. Furthermore, the collagen area, content of interleukin 17 and expressions of intestinal fibrosis-related cytokines in the model group were more elevated in the chronic phase (after 3 to 4 cycles) than in the acute phase (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple inflammatory responses participate in the formation and dynamic progression of TNBS-induced chronic colitis. In particular, acute colitis may turn into chronic colitis after 3 cycles of TNBS administration. This coincides with the formation of intestinal fibrosis which is concomitantly exacerbated after cycle 4.

Inhibitory effects of ethyl pyruvate administration on human gastric cancer growth via regulation of the HMGB1-RAGE and Akt pathways in vitro and in vivo.

The high mobility group box-B1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and the protein kinase B (Akt) pathways play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development of many malignant tumors. Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a potent inhibitor of HMGB1 release, can exert antitumor effects on the growth of gastric cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the effects of EP on gastric cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues of different grades (N=45) were collected. The expression of HMGB1 and RAGE was evaluated immunohistochemically in biopsy samples. After SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were treated with EP, the expression of HMGB1, RAGE, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and some transcription factors was identified and the effects of EP on cell proliferation, invasion, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed. A subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established, validating the effects of EP on tumor growth in vivo. The expression of HMGB1 and RAGE was respectively observed in 73.3 and 68.9% of the gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. The frequency of positive expression increased with the ascending grade of the tumor malignancy. EP decreased the expression of HMGB1, RAGE, Akt, p-Akt, Ki-67 and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP­9), and increased the expression of p53. Moreover, EP could inhibit tumor cell proliferation and invasion, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and slow the growth of xenograft tumors. In conclusion, HMGB1 and RAGE were strongly expressed in gastric adenocarcinoma, and EP administration inhibited gastric cancer growth via regulation of the HMGB1-RAGE and Akt pathways. EP may play a critical role in the treatment of cancer in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.

[Research on the reasons of red water in a southern city in China].

The red water in the drinking distribution systems of a southern city was investigated by analysing the water quality, such as DO, residual chlorine, iron, manganese, iron bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. The objectives of this study were to identify the reasons of red water with the aim to supply the answer to this problem. The results showed that the main compositions of the deposits were iron and manganese. There were manganese overstep (the maximum of Mn could reach to 0.33 mg x L(-1)) in the plant effluent with Larson ratios > 1 and the significant difference in water quantity, sulfate and electrical conductivity among the four plants. The density of the iron bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (10(0)-10(3) MPN x mL(-1)) was high. The potential reason for the red water was the water corrosion of plant effluent. Secondly, the red water easily occurred in the distribution systems with lower DO and residual chlorine. In addition, serious nitrification caused microbiological corrosion was another vital reason. According to the research, the primary methods for controlling red water were proposed.

13-year follow-up of a prospective comparison of the long-term clinical efficacy of temporary self-expanding metallic stents and pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia in 120 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to compare the efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents and pneumatic dilation for the long-term clinical treatment of achalasia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with achalasia (n = 120) were allocated for treatment with pneumatic dilation (n = 30; group A) or a temporary self-expanding metallic stent with a diameter of 20 mm (n = 30; group B), 25 mm (n = 30; group C), or 30 mm (n = 30; group D). Data on clinical symptoms, complications, and long-term clinical outcomes were collected, and follow-up was performed at 6 months and at 1, 3-5, 5-8, 8-10, and more than 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: Pneumatic dilation and stent placement were technically successful in all patients. The follow-up at more than 10 years revealed that the clinical remission rate in group D (83.3%) was higher than that in groups A (0%), B (0%), and C (28.6%), and the overall cumulative clinical failure rate in group D (13%) was lower than that in groups A (76.7%), B (53.3%), and C (26.7%). Patients in group D exhibited reduced dysphagia scores and lower esophageal sphincter pressures and had normal levels of barium height and width during the follow-up periods, whereas these markers increased with time in the other groups. The duration of primary patency in group D was also longer than that in groups A, B, and C. CONCLUSION: A temporary self-expanding metallic stent with a diameter of 30 mm has superior clinical efficacy for the treatment of achalasia compared with pneumatic dilation or self-expanding metallic stents with diameters of 20 or 25 mm.