Application of the concept of fast-track surgery in pediatric ophthalmic surgery.

PURPOSE: To explore the effects of the fast-track surgery (FTS) approach during the perioperative period of ophthalmic surgery in pediatric patients. METHODS: A bidirectional cohort design was applied in this study. The traditional nursing mode was followed in relation to 40 pediatric patients admitted for ophthalmic surgery in March 2018 (control group), whereas the FTS mode was followed with regard to 40 pediatric patients admitted for ophthalmic surgery in April 2018 (observation group). The effects of the FTS mode were determined by comparing the postoperative pain score, restlessness score, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups. RESULTS: The pain and restlessness scores of the patients at 4hours after surgery in the observation group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group (P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the observation group was also slightly lower than that in the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: A perioperative FTS-based nursing mode can effectively alleviate the postoperative pain and restlessness of pediatric patients without increasing their stress response.

Retention of Intrafibrillar Minerals Improves Resin-Dentin Bond Durability.

The concept of extrafibrillar demineralization involves selective removal of apatite crystallites from the extrafibrillar spaces of mineralized dentin without disturbing the intrafibrillar minerals within collagen. This helps avoiding activation of endogenous proteases and enables air-drying of partially demineralized dentin without causing collapse of completely demineralized collagen matrix that adversely affects resin infiltration. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan (QCMC)-based extrafibrillar demineralization in improving resin-dentin bond durability. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicated that QCMC synthesized by quaternization of O-carboxymethyl chitosan had moderate affinity for Ca2+ (binding constant: 8.9 × 104 M-1). Wet and dry bonding with the QCMC-based demineralization produced tensile bond strengths equivalent to the phosphoric acid (H3PO4)-based etch-and-rinse technique. Those bond strengths were maintained after thermocycling. Amide I and PO43- mappings of QCMC-conditioned dentin were performed with atomic force microscope-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). Whereas H3PO4-etched dentin exhibited an extensive reduction in PO43- signals corresponding to apatite depletion, QCMC-conditioned dentin showed scattered dark areas and bright PO43- streak signals. The latter were consistent with areas identified as collagen fibrils in the amide I mapping and were suggestive of the presence of intrafibrillar minerals in QCMC-conditioned dentin. Young's modulus mapping of QCMC-demineralized dentin obtained by AFM-based amplitude modulation-frequency modulation recorded moduli that were the same order of magnitude as those in mineralized dentin and at least 1 order higher than H3PO4-etched dentin. In situ zymography of the gelatinolytic activity within hybrid layers created with QCMC conditioning revealed extremely low signals before and after thermocycling, compared with H3PO4-etched dentin for both wet and dry bonding. Confocal laser scanning microscopy identified the antibacterial potential of QCMC against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Taken together, the QCMC-based demineralization retains intrafibrillar minerals, preserves the elastic modulus of collagen fibrils, reduces endogenous proteolytic activity, and inhibits bacteria biofilms to extend dentin bond durability.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that utilizes machines to mimic intelligent human behavior. To appreciate human-technology interaction in the clinical setting, augmented intelligence has been proposed as a cognitive extension of AI in health care, emphasizing its assistive and supplementary role to medical professionals. While truly autonomous medical robotic systems are still beyond reach, the virtual component of AI, known as software-type algorithms, is the main component used in dentistry. Because of their powerful capabilities in data analysis, these virtual algorithms are expected to improve the accuracy and efficacy of dental diagnosis, provide visualized anatomic guidance for treatment, simulate and evaluate prospective results, and project the occurrence and prognosis of oral diseases. Potential obstacles in contemporary algorithms that prevent routine implementation of AI include the lack of data curation, sharing, and readability; the inability to illustrate the inner decision-making process; the insufficient power of classical computing; and the neglect of ethical principles in the design of AI frameworks. It is necessary to maintain a proactive attitude toward AI to ensure its affirmative development and promote human-technology rapport to revolutionize dental practice. The present review outlines the progress and potential dental applications of AI in medical-aided diagnosis, treatment, and disease prediction and discusses their data limitations, interpretability, computing power, and ethical considerations, as well as their impact on dentists, with the objective of creating a backdrop for future research in this rapidly expanding arena.

Breed difference and regulatory role of CRTC3 in porcine intramuscular adipocyte.

The cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) is a member of the CRTC protein family and plays an important role in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine if the expression of porcine CRTC3 is related to intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and meat quality in Heigai pigs (a local fatty breed in China) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs (a lean crossbred pig widely cultured in China). In addition, the effect of ectopic expression of CRTC3 on gene expression in porcine IMF adipocytes was also examined. Our results showed that Heigai pigs had lower lean percentage, thicker back fat thickness and smaller loin muscle area than DLY pigs. Compared with DLY pigs, Heigai pigs had higher marbling scores, better meat color and higher IMF contents and triglyceride concentrations. Higher levels of oxidative metabolic enzyme and expression of the slow oxidative muscle fiber-related genes were observed in longissimus dorsi muscle and psoas major muscle (P < 0.05) from Heigai pigs. Notably, CRTC3 and adipocyte-specific marker genes were highly expressed in muscle tissues of Heigai pigs. The expression of lipolysis-related genes ATGL and HSL were lower in Heigai muscles. Moreover, forced expression of CRTC3 promoted lipid accumulation and increased the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, leptin and FABP4 (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased the expression of ATGL and HSL in IMF adipocytes. These results suggest that CRTC3 expression is associated with lipid accumulation and IMF deposition in pigs.

Tacrolimus induced nephrotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity in Wistar rats.

Transplantation has evolved into an accepted treatment for end-stage organ failure. The major limitation for solid organ transplantation is organ rejection, which is an adaptive immune response caused by the activation of T-cells. Immunosuppressant drugs are used to overcome this problem. Tacrolimus is a powerful immunosuppressive drug which is used to minimize the risk of organ rejection. The present study was designed to find the toxic effects of tacrolimus on lungs and kidneys. Wistar rats were divided into 4 experimental groups and one control group (n=9). Each rat of the experimental group was orally given the aqueous suspension of tacrolimus powder (3mg/ml) and dissected after 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours of tacrolimus suspension dose. Lungs and kidneys were excised and processed for histopathological and histochemical alterations. Kidney tissues presented signs of toxic potential on tissue architecture such as increased interstitial spaces, necrosis, especially acute tubular necrosis, glomerular shrinkage, dilated blood vessels and enlargement of Bowman’s capsule. Lung sections also confirmed the toxic potential, characterized by bronchiolar wall thickening, alveolar cells necrosis, collapsing of alveolar spaces and interstitial round cell infiltrate. Results of Prussian blue iron staining showed no iron deposition in kidney architecture while in lung sections, iron accumulation was evident. Taken together from these observations we can conclude that tacrolimus may induce toxicity to a certain extent with structural distortion of the kidneys and lungs.

[Expression and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA CCAT1 in gastric cancer].

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA colon cancer associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) in gastric cancer (GC), and to further explore the effect of CCAT1 on cell proliferation of GC. Methods: The mRNA expressions of CCAT1 in GC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues from 62 patients who received resection for gastric carcinoma between January 2013 and May 2015 in Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Wuxi Second Hospital and expressions in GC cell lines were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The clinical significance of CCAT1 expression was then analyzed. The expressions of CCAT1 in MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells were inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. The effect of CCAT1 on cell proliferation was studied by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. Results: The expressions of CCAT1 mRNA in GC tissues were significantly higher than in the normal tissues (3.39±2.37 vs 1.28±0.74, P<0.05). Compared with immortalized human gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1), the expressions of CCAT1 mRNA were significantly higher in GC cell lines MGC-803 and SGC-7901 (3.07±0.69, 2.23±0.32 vs 1.01±0.12, both P<0.05). Besides, the expression of CCAT1 varied significantly among patients with different TNM stage, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis (χ(2) =5.199, 5.395, 9.239, all P<0.05). The results of CCK-8 assay showed that down-regulation of CCAT1 in MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (both P<0.05). Conclusions: CCAT1 is up-regulated in GC and may be significantly correlated with the progression of GC. Decreased expression of CCAT1 can suppress the proliferation of GC cells. CCAT1 might be used as a novel target for GC early diagnosis and treatment.

The Therapeutic Effect of Pancreatic Kininogenase on Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: To determine the therapeutic efficacy and cost-effective of pancreatic kininogenase (PKase) on treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared with Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: 104 patients with DPN receiving standard glucose control therapy were randomly assigned into 3 groups: Group-A received PKase treatment, Group-B received PGE1 treatment, and Group-C received only standard glucose control therapy. Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) score, neurophysiology examination, and nerve conduction velocity were measured. Results: Standard glucose control therapy significantly reduced hyperglycemia to a similar level in all groups. Questionnaire grading and neurophysiology examination both indicated that no significant difference was found at the end of treatment between Groups -A and -B. Except for the ulnar nerve sensory conduction velocity that was significantly improved in Group-B, the remaining nerve conduction velocity (regardless of sensory or motor nerve conduction velocities) was improved to a similar level in Groups -A and -B. Group-A had significantly reduced questionnaire grading and better improvement in motor nerve conduction velocity of the common peroneal nerve, ulnar nerve, and sensory nerve conduction velocity of the sural nerve as compared with Group-C. However, the medical cost of PKase was only 18.9% of that of PGE1 during one course of treatment. Conclusions: PKase has the similar therapeutic efficacy as PGE1 on treatment of DPN in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the medical cost of PKase is one fifth of that of PGE1. Thus, PKase is a cost-effective drug for treatment of DPN.

Knockdown of linc-UFC1 suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer.

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) have important roles in biological functions, molecular mechanisms and prognostic values in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this context, the roles of linc-UFC1 remain to be elucidated. In this study, linc-UFC1 was overexpressed in CRC patient tissues and positively correlated with tumor grade, N stage and M stage. Inhibition of linc-UFC1 resulted in cell proliferation inhibition and G1 cell cycle arrest, which was mediated by cyclin D1, CDK4, Rb and phosphorylated Rb. In addition, inhibition of linc-UFC1 induced cell apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway, as evidenced by the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. An investigation of the signaling pathway revealed that the effects on proliferation and apoptosis following linc-UFC1 knockdown were mediated by suppression of ß-catenin and activation of phosphorylated P38. Furthermore, the P38 inhibitor SB203580 could attenuate the apoptotic effect achieved by linc-UFC1 knockdown, confirming the involvement of P38 signaling in the induced apoptosis. Taken together, linc-UFC1 might have a critical role in pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis in CRC by regulating the cell cycle, intrinsic apoptosis, and ß-catenin and P38 signaling. Thus, linc-UFC1 could be a potential therapeutic target and novel molecular biomarker for CRC.

[Genome structure and origin of nontoxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae of El Tor biovar with different epidemiological significance].

Intraspecies genetic differentiation of nontoxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae of El Tor biovar containing one of the key pathogenicity genes, tcpA, is studied along with the phylogenetic relationships between these strains and toxigenic isolates. Comparative analysis of the whole genome nucleotide sequences demonstrates for the first time that ctxA ­ tcpA + strains vary considerably and can be clustered into two separate groups, the CTXφ­RS1φ +VPI+VSP+/CTXφ­RS1φ­VPI+VSP+ isolates and the CTXφ­RS1φ­VPI+VSP­ isolates, differing in their epidemiological significance. In the course of model experiments, it is established that nontoxigenic potentially epidemic CTXφ­RS1φ +VPI+VSP+/CTXφ­RS1φ­VPI+VSP+ isolates are derivatives of toxigenic strains. The results of whole genome SNP analysis of 35 Vibrio cholerae strains confirm these data and indicate genetic remoteness of nontoxigenic CTXφ­RS1φ­VPI+VSP­ strains both from the potentially epidemic strains and from the toxigenic isolates. It is found that the genomes of the CTXφ­RS1φ­VPI+VSP­ strains contain unique SNPs which are characteristic of them alone. The new data on the structure of the genome of nontoxigenic strains with different epidemiological significance may be further used for their genetic differentiation.

Genetic variability of DNA repair mechanisms in chemotherapy treatment outcome of gastric cancer patients.

We investigate whether three common polymorphisms in ERCC1 and ERCC2 are predictor factors for the chemotherapy response, as well as the clinic outcome of patients with gastric cancer. Between May 2011 and May 2013, 263 patients with gastric cancer who were newly diagnosed by histopathology were enrolled in our study. Genotyping of the ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986, and ERCC2 rs1799793 polymorphisms were conducted by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Patients carrying the TT genotype and TT+CT genotype of ERCC1 rs11615 were associated with poorer response to chemotherapy and shorter survival times when compared with the CC genotype. In conclusion, our results suggested that the ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism in the DNA repair pathways can be used as predictive factors to the clinical outcome of patients with gastric cancer.

Effects of zinc sulfate pretreatment on heat tolerance of Bama miniature pig under high ambient temperature.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the heat tolerance of Bama miniature pigs under high ambient temperature (40°C) and Zn interactive functions during heat treatment (HT). Bama miniature pigs (male; n = 24; 6-mo old; BW = 10.79 ± 0.06 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 groups and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 1,500 mg of Zn (ZnSO4·H2O)/kg diet for 38 d. At 7 mo of age (d 30), the thermal neutral (TN) groups remained at 25°C, whereas the HT groups were exposed to ambient temperature at 40°C for 5 h daily for 8 consecutive days. Pigs in 4 groups were sacrificed on d 38. Individual rectal temperatures, skin temperatures, and breathing rates were recorded at 3 h after the onset of HT and the blood samples were collected immediately after HT on d 30, 34, and 38. Pigs fed diets with or without Zn doubled their breathing rates (P < 0.05) and increased body surface, scrotal, and rectal temperatures during HT on d 30, 34, and 38, respectively. Zinc supplementation increased BW gain (BWG; P < 0.05) during 38-d experiment period, and HT decreased BWG only from d 30 to 34 (P < 0.05). Heat treatment increased serum testosterone on d 30 (P < 0.05). Zinc supplementation decreased the heat-induced increase of testosterone in HT on d 30 and 34 (P < 0.05). The relative weight of liver increased in HT groups (P < 0.05). Zinc supplementation decreased the relative weights of spleen (P < 0.05) and testis (P < 0.01). The values of abnormal lymphocyte count and large unstained cell count declined approximately 5 times in groups of Zn supplementation, whereas Zn supplementation increased the values of red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Zinc concentrations increased in serum, liver, kidney, epididymis, longissimus, hair, and feces in groups fed with Zn (P < 0.01). However, additional Zn decreased Zn concentrations in lung, spleen, and testis (P < 0.01). Moreover, HT decreased serum Zn concentrations (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Zn supplementation could be used to alleviate the decline of serum Zn during periods of high ambient temperatures. However, pretreated supplementation with pharmacological Zn did not promote heat tolerance but impacted the erythropoiesis, immunity, and reproductive organ development in Bama miniature pigs.

Exploring the Value of Using Color-Coded Quantitative DSA Evaluation on Bilateral Common Carotid Arteries in Predicting the Reliability of Intra-Ascending Aorta Flat Detector CT-CBV Maps.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral blood volume, acquired with flat panel detector CT by injecting contrast medium into the ascending aorta, enabled real-time acquisition of brain functional information with remarkable reduction of contrast medium usage comparing to an intravenous injection approach. However, individual vasculature and flow variations cause inhomogeneous contrast medium distribution and unexpected asymmetric perfusion for certain patients even without cerebral circulatory disorders. This work aimed at testing the feasibility of using color-coded quantitative DSA to predict the reliability of flat panel detector CT-based CBV maps by injecting contrast medium into the ascending aorta by exploring the correlation between measurements of color-coded quantitative DSA and the symmetry of CBV maps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 12 patients without perfusion-related cerebral abnormities, color-coded quantitative DSA at the aortic arch and flat panel detector CT-based CBV maps by injecting contrast medium into the ascending aorta were acquired. In color-coded quantitative DSA, ROIs were defined on the bilateral common carotid arteries. Time-density curves were extracted, and area under the curve values were calculated. To evaluate brain perfusion symmetry, we defined ROIs on the anterior and middle cerebral artery territories in CBV maps, and quantitative CBV values were extracted. RESULTS: Eight patients demonstrated good perfusion symmetry with relative CBV of 0.96 ± 0.06, and their relative area under the curve was found to be 0.99 ± 0.02. For the other 4 patients, CBV from the left hemisphere was significantly lower than that from the right with relative CBV of 0.81 ± 0.09. This asymmetric perfusion was confirmed by the color-coded quantitative DSA with relative area under the curve values of 0.79 ± 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed good correlation between relative area under the curve from color-coded quantitative DSA and relative CBV from CBV maps. Color-coded quantitative DSA potentially helped sort out patients whose vascular anatomy could support reliable CBV acquisitions of flat detector CT by injecting contrast medium into the ascending aorta.

[Microevolution of cholera agent in the modern period].

AIM: To carry out comparative molecular genetic analysis of highly pathogenic atypical Vibrio cholerae strains biovar El Tor, isolated in the territory of RF, in order to determine micro-evolutionary alterations of cholera agent in the modern period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 38 clinical strains have been examined by means of polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and MLVA-analysis. The selected strains were isolated at different periods of time during cholera epidemic complications and differed between each other in virulence. RESULTS: It is demonstrated that new variants have emerged in the course of short-term microevolution. Their genome structure and function differ from those of all previously known strains. The genome alterations have been caused by point mutations in ctxB u tcpA genes associated with virulence and located in CTXΦ prophage and pathogenicity island VPI-1 respectively, as well as by the extended deletion in pandemicity island VSP-II. Presented is the dynamics of genome structure and function alterations in modern strains. CONCLUSION: The discovered genomic alterations in the new variants of the agent evolved in the process of microevolution are indicative of their epidemic potential enhancement and probability of virulence potentiation.

Effect of breed on the expression of Sirtuins (Sirt1-7) and antioxidant capacity in porcine brain.

Sirtuins, NAD-dependent histone deacetylase (HDAC), are correlated to aging and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to determine breed differences of porcine Sirtuins expression and antioxidant capacity in brain between Jinhua pigs (a fatty breed of China) and Danish Landrace pigs (a leaner breed). Effect of age on Sirtuins' expression was also investigated. At the age of 180 days, the mRNA levels of Sirt1, as well as Sirt2 and Sirt4, in Jinhua pigs were greater, but the mRNA levels of Sirt3, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7 of Jinhua pigs were lower compared with Danish Landrace pigs. Likewise, at the same BW of 64 kg, the mRNA levels of Sirtuins, except Sirt5 and Sirt7, in Jinhua pigs were greater than Danish Landrace pigs. Meanwhile, Jinhua pigs possessed higher antioxidants activity than Danish Landrace pigs either at the same age or at the same BW. Furthermore, mRNA levels of Sirtuins were decreased with age in brain of the two breeds from 30 to 120 days. The results indicated that Sirtuins expression in brain was different between fatty and lean pigs, and Sirtuins expression may be correlated to antioxidant capacity. In addition, age could down-regulate Siruins expression in porcine brain.

Ziyuglycoside II-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression and activating caspase-3 pathway.

Ziyuglycoside II is an active compound of Sanguisorba officinalis L. that has anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antibiosis, and homeostasis properties. We report here on the anticancer effect of ziyuglycoside II on human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells. We investigated the effects of ziyuglycoside II on cell growth, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis of this cell line. Our results revealed that ziyuglycoside II could inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells by inducing apoptosis but not cell cycle arrest, which was associated with regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and activation of the caspase-3 pathway. Our study is the first to report the antitumor potential of ziyuglycoside II in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. Ziyuglycoside II may become a potential therapeutic agent against gastric cancer in the future.

Ziyuglycoside II-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression and activating caspase-3 pathway

Ziyuglycoside II is an active compound of Sanguisorba officinalis L. that has anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antibiosis, and homeostasis properties. We report here on the anticancer effect of ziyuglycoside II on human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells. We investigated the effects of ziyuglycoside II on cell growth, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis of this cell line. Our results revealed that ziyuglycoside II could inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells by inducing apoptosis but not cell cycle arrest, which was associated with regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and activation of the caspase-3 pathway. Our study is the first to report the antitumor potential of ziyuglycoside II in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. Ziyuglycoside II may become a potential therapeutic agent against gastric cancer in the future.

ß2-AR-HIF-1α: a novel regulatory axis for stress-induced pancreatic tumor growth and angiogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic stress in a negative social and psychological state plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer development and progression. In this study, we created a new stress model system to determine the effects of chronic stress on pancreatic cancer progression. Here, we show that chronic stress not only causes depression in mice, most likely attributed to an elevated level of epinephrine, but also induces pancreatic cancer progression. We provide evidence that the pancreatic cancer progression induced by chronic stress could be blocked to a significant degree by ß2-AR inhibitor ICI118 551 or HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol. Moreover, establishment of pancreatic cancer in mice exposed to chronic stress was accompanied by up-regulation of the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF, mediated by a HIF- 1α-dependent ß-AR signaling pathway. Our data suggest that the ß2-AR-HIF-1α axis regulates stress-induced pancreatic tumor growth and angiogenesis. This study may have a therapeutic or preventive potential for the patients with pancreatic cancer who are especially prone to psychosocial stress challenges.

Sirtuin 1 affects the transcriptional expression of adipose triglyceride lipase in porcine adipocytes.

To investigate whether sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) could affect the transcriptional expression of the adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) gene, we treated porcine adipocytes with the general Sirt1 activator resveratrol (RES) with the Sirt1 inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM) or a knockdown of Sirt1 by Sirt1-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). The RES (50 µM) activated Sirt1 gene expression and increased ATGL gene expression and glycerol release (P < 0.01). The Sirt1 inhibitor NAM or knockdown with Sirt1 siRNA further proved that the ATGL mRNA abundances were decreased (P < 0.05) after inhibition with Sirt1 in adipocytes. Furthermore, we found the opposite Sirt1 regulation pattern for PPARγ to that of ATGL in adipocytes. In summary, Sirt1 regulates the transcriptional expression of ATGL in adipocytes, and PPARγ appears to have an important role in this process. These results add to our understanding of the role of Sirt1 in adipose mobilization.

Detection and clinical significance of lymph node micrometastasis in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Lymph node micro metastasis was investigated in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) patients without lymph node metastasis on routine pathological examination. The relationship between micrometastasis and clinicopathological features was also evaluated. METHODS: A total of 349 lymph nodes were obtained from 45 patients with GCA. Micrometastases were detected by immunohistochemical staining for the markers cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6). RESULTS: A total of 33 lymph nodes (9.5%) from 15 patients (33.3%) were positive for CK19. Of these, 27 lymph nodes (7.7%) from 12 patients (26.7%) were also positive for CD44v6. Micrometastasis was significantly related to depth of tumour invasion and Lauren classification (intestinal or diffuse). The recurrence rate was significantly higher and 2-year survival rate significantly lower in patients with than in those without lymph node micrometastasis, showing the necessity of detecting micrometastasis in GCA patients who test negative for lymph node metastasis on routine examination. CONCLUSION: CK19 and CD44v6 were shown to be good markers for micrometastasis detection.

Xanthones from mangosteen extracts as natural chemopreventive agents: potential anticancer drugs.

Despite decades of research, the treatment and management of malignant tumors still remain a formidable challenge for public health. New strategies for cancer treatment are being developed, and one of the most promising treatment strategies involves the application of chemopreventive agents. The search for novel and effective cancer chemopreventive agents has led to the identification of various naturally occurring compounds. Xanthones, from the pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaf of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn., GML), are known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti- tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. The potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of xanthones have been demonstrated in different stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, and progression) and are known to control cell division and growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and metastasis. Multiple lines of evidence from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that xanthones inhibit proliferation of a wide range of human tumor cell types by modulating various targets and signaling transduction pathways. Here we provide a concise and comprehensive review of preclinical data and assess the observed anticancer effects of xanthones, supporting its remarkable potential as an anticancer agent.