Novel IKZF3 transcriptomic signature correlates with positive outcomes of skin cutaneous melanoma: A pan-cancer analysis.

To investigate the potential relationship between Ikaros family genes and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), we undertook a pan-cancer analysis of the transcriptional signature and clinical data of melanoma through multiple databases. First, 10,327 transcriptomic samples from different cancers were included to determine the overall characteristics and clinical prognoses associated with Ikaros gene expression across cancer types. Second, differentially expressed genes analysis, prognostic evaluation, and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to investigate the role of Ikaros (IKZF) genes in SKCM. Third, we evaluated the relationship between Ikaros family genes and SKCM immune infiltrates and verified the findings using the GEO single-cell sequencing dataset. The results show that Ikaros genes were widely expressed among different cancer types with independently similar patterns as follows: 1. IKZF1 and IKZF3, and 2. IKZF2 and IKZF4-5. IKZF2 and IKZF5 were downregulated in the primary tumor, and IKZF1-3 expression decreased significantly as the T-stage or metastasis increased in SKCM. Moreover, high IKZF1-3 expression was associated with better overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval. IKZF3 is an independent prognostic factor of SKCM. Among Ikaros genes, the expression of IKZF1 and IKZF3 positively correlated with the infiltration level of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and Tregs in SKCM and negatively correlated with the infiltration level of M0 and M1 macrophages. Moreover, single-cell sequencing data analysis revealed that IKZF1 and IKZF3 were mainly expressed by immune cells. Correlation analysis shows the immune factors and drug responses associated with IKZF3 expression. In conclusion, the present study is the first, to our knowledge, to identify a pan-cancer genomic signature of the Ikaros gene family among different cancers. Expression of these family members, particularly high levels of IKZF3, indicate positive immunological status and beneficial clinical outcomes of SKCM. IKZF3 may therefore serve as potential targets for immunotherapy of melanoma.

Implications of wheat straw logistic systems for bioenergy sustainable development in China: Costs, energy consumption, and GHG emissions.

Wheat straw is a priority choice for bioenergy production, bioenergy as the essential low carbon emissions energy can be a good choice for alternating the petroleum-based fuels. In this study, face-to-face surveys were conducted to analyze the costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions involved in wheat straw logistic systems in China. The result identified five logistic modes, including two short-distance transportation and three long-distance transportation modes. These five modes exhibited costs ranging from 17.34-31.95 $ t-1, energy consumption between 108.30 and 1060.45 MJ t-1, and greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 0.71-11.52 kg CO2-eq t-1. A sensitivity analysis showed that the most important parameters in the short-distance transport group were the harvest rate and the bale weight. In the long-distance transport group, the distance from the depot to the end user and the truck capacity. After an overall consideration of the costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, an optimal wheat straw logistic system was found in the short-distance transport group due to maximum harvest rate and bale weight by using better combines and balers. Whereas the distance from the depot to the end user should be reduced and higher capacity trucks should be used to have relatively optimal modes for the long-distance transport group. This study provides a valuable reference for bioenergy industries in feedstock collection.

Carbon Arc Lamp Therapy Enhances the Repair Potential of Chronic Soft Tissue Injury in Rats Compared with the Ability of Photobiomodulation Therapy.

Objective: The effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and carbon arc lamp therapy (CALT) on the repair of chronic soft tissue injury were compared. Background data: PBMT improves soft tissue repair of chronic injury. However, there has been no research on the effect of CALT. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were irradiated using PBMT and CALT at 2 J/cm2 to observe their effects on cell proliferation and migration. The effects of PBMT and CALT on soft tissue injury repair were assessed using a chronic gastrocnemius injury model of the posterior limb in rats. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were examined by biochemical analyses. The degree of tissue damage repair was evaluated by the immunohistochemical method [CD45, CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and actin] and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Results: Treatment by PBMT and CALT significantly accelerated the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Moreover, significant decreases in the contents of MDA and PGE2 were observed in the PBMT and CALT groups, while SOD activity was increased. The histological assessment shows that the content of inflammatory cells and apoptotic cells significantly decreased in the CALT group. However, the microvascular density, VEGF content, and actin content were increased in the CALT group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that CALT has a stronger effect on promoting chronic soft tissue injury repair in comparison with PBMT.

Antiaging Properties of Exosomes from Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Photoaged Rat Skin.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been documented as possible candidates for skin rejuvenation. However, the effects of ADSC-derived exosomes on photoaged skin remain to be fully elucidated. This study was aimed at determining the antiaging effects of ADSC-derived exosomes on photoaged skin. Human ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissue of healthy women and cultured in vitro. Then, exosomes were extracted from the cultured ADSCs, purified by ultracentrifugation, and verified by examination of cell morphology using transmission electron microscopy and the identification of specific biomarkers. Meanwhile, the optimal exosome concentration and treatment time were selected. The photoaged skin model was created by subjecting Sprague-Dawley rats to ultraviolet B radiation. Exosomes were injected into the photoaged skin in a single therapeutic dose. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis was observed by HE staining. The relative mRNA expression of type I collagen, type III collagen, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) was determined by real-time PCR. In the rat model of photoaged skin, the injected exosomes markedly decreased the epidermal thickness and increased the dermal thickness of the photoaged skin 7 days after treatment. Moreover, the proportion of the stratum corneum of the epidermis was decreased. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of type I collagen was increased and that of type III collagen, MMP-1, and MMP-3 was decreased. Our results demonstrate that ADSC-derived exosome treatment could significantly improve skin photodamage and that ADSC-derived exosomes may be a potential agent for photoaged skin treatment.

A Dual Role of ATM in Ischemic Preconditioning and Ischemic Injury.

The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein is regarded as the linchpin of cellular defenses to stress. Deletion of ATM results in strong oxidative stress and degenerative diseases in the nervous system. However, the role of ATM in neuronal ischemic preconditioning and lethal ischemic injury is still largely unknown. In this study, mice cortical neurons preconditioned with sublethal exposure to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) exhibited ATM/glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase pathway activation. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of ATM prior to the preconditioning reversed neuroprotection provided by preconditioning in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, we found that ATM/P53 pro-apoptosis pathway was driven by lethal OGD injury, and pharmacological inhibition of ATM during fatal oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury promoted neuronal survival. More importantly, inhibition of ATM activity after cerebral ischemia protected against cerebral ischemic-reperfusion damage in mice. In conclusion, our data show the dual role of ATM in neuronal ischemic preconditioning and lethal ischemic injury, involving in the protection of ischemic preconditioning, but promoting neuronal death in lethal ischemic injury. Thus, the present study provides new opportunity for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Chloroquine pretreatment attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain of ob/ob diabetic mice as well as wildtype mice.

Chloroquine, a prototype anti-malaria drug, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, chloroquine pretreatment could improve DNA damage repair. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that chloroquine pretreatment could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury in the brain. Considering the fact that chloroquine could also improve glucose metabolism, we speculated that the potential effects of chloroquine on ischemia/reperfusion injury might be particularly pronounced in diabetic mice. In this study, chloroquine pretreatment protected neurons from Oxygen Glucose Deprivation (OGD) induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In vivo, Ob/ob mice and wildtype (WT) mice were pretreated with chloroquine for 3 weeks. Then, ischemic stroke was induced by 60 min Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO). We found that chloroquine pretreatment normalized blood glucose in diabetic ob/ob mice, and reduced cerebral damage after ischemic stroke especially for diabetic mice. In addition, chloroquine pretreatment reduced High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) content in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum and lowered myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inflammatory cytokines gene expression both in the ob/ob diabetic mice and WT mice. Moreover, harmful DNA damage-signaling responses, including PARP activation and p53 activation, were also attenuated by chloroquine pretreatment in these two kinds of mice. In conclusion, chloroquine pretreatment could reduce cerebral damage after ischemic stroke especially in diabetic mice through multiple mechanisms, which include reducing neural cell DNA injury, restoring euglycemia and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings may provide potential for the development of chloroquine in the prevention and treatment of stroke in diabetic high-risk patients.

Effects of Carbon Arc Lamp Irradiation on Wound Healing in a Rat Cutaneous Full-Thickness Wound Model.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the application of a carbon arc lamp on wound healing in a rat cutaneous full-thickness wound model. Background data: In clinical practice, wound healing has been promoted by irradiation with a carbon arc lamp. However, the corresponding mechanism has not been clearly defined. Methods: A cutaneous full-thickness wound on the back of rats was irradiated using a carbon arc lamp at a wavelength peak range of 620-740 nm with 54 J/cm2. Injured sham-irradiated control rats were used as the control. The rats were euthanized after 7, 14, and 21 days, while wound reepithelialization and healing quality were examined by histological analyses with comparison between groups. Cell proliferation was observed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemical staining. Results: Irradiation by the carbon arc lamp significantly accelerated wound healing. The wound-healing rate in the treated group at day 21 was 98.42% ± 0.56%, compared with 93.58% ± 1.26% in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant increases in the length of epithelial edges, collagen content, and microvessel density were observed in the wound sites in the treated group at days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the number of BrdU-labeled cells increased in the wound edge at days 7 and 14 due to irradiation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the carbon arc lamp can promote wound healing together with improvement in its quality by stimulating cell proliferation.

An NIRS-based assay of chemical composition and biomass digestibility for rapid selection of Jerusalem artichoke clones.

BACKGROUND: High-throughput evaluation of lignocellulosic biomass feedstock quality is the key to the successful commercialization of bioethanol production. Currently, wet chemical methods for the determination of chemical composition and biomass digestibility are expensive and time-consuming, thus hindering comprehensive feedstock quality assessments based on these biomass specifications. To find the ideal bioethanol feedstock, we perform a near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) assay to rapidly and comprehensively analyze the chemical composition and biomass digestibility of 59 Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L., abbreviated JA) clones collected from 24 provinces in six regions of China. RESULTS: The distinct geographical distribution of JA accessions generated varied chemical composition as well as related biomass digestibility (after soluble sugars extraction and mild alkali pretreatment). Notably, the soluble sugars, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ash, and released hexoses, pentoses, and total carbohydrates were rapidly and perfectly predicted by partial least squares regression coupled with model population analyses (MPA), which exhibited significantly higher predictive performance than controls. Subsequently, grey relational grade analysis was employed to correlate chemical composition and biomass digestibility with feedstock quality score (FQS), resulting in the assignment of tested JA clones to five feedstock quality grades (FQGs). Ultimately, the FQGs of JA clones were successfully classified using partial least squares-discriminant analysis model coupled with MPA, attaining a significantly higher correct rate of 97.8% in the calibration subset and 91.1% in the validation subset. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the diversity of JA clones, the present study has not only rapidly and precisely examined the biomass composition and digestibility with MPA-optimized NIRS models but has also selected the ideal JA clones according to FQS. This method provides a new insight into the selection of ideal bioethanol feedstock for high-efficiency bioethanol production.

Effects of Carbon Arc Lamp Irradiation on Wound Healing in a Rat Cutaneous Full-Thickness Wound Model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the application of a carbon arc lamp on wound healing in a rat cutaneous full-thickness wound model. BACKGROUND DATA: In clinical practice, wound healing has been promoted by irradiation with a carbon arc lamp. However, the corresponding mechanism has not been clearly defined. METHODS: A cutaneous full-thickness wound on the back of rats was irradiated using a carbon arc lamp at a wavelength peak range of 620-740 nm with 54 J/cm2. Injured sham-irradiated control rats were used as the control. The rats were euthanized after 7, 14, and 21 days, while wound reepithelialization and healing quality were examined by histological analyses with comparison between groups. Cell proliferation was observed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Irradiation by the carbon arc lamp significantly accelerated wound healing. The wound-healing rate in the treated group at day 21 was 98.42% ± 0.56%, compared with 93.58% ± 1.26% in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant increases in the length of epithelial edges, collagen content, and microvessel density were observed in the wound sites in the treated group at days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the number of BrdU-labeled cells increased in the wound edge at days 7 and 14 due to irradiation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the carbon arc lamp can promote wound healing together with improvement in its quality by stimulating cell proliferation.

Preconditioning With Low-Level Laser Irradiation Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Photoaged Skin.

This study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) irradiated with a low-level laser (LLL). Cultured ADSCs were treated with 650-nm GaAlAs laser irradiation at 2, 4 and 8 J cm-2 . Cell proliferation was quantified by MTT assays, cytokine secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and adipogenic differentiation was examined by oil red O staining. Additionally, the expression profiles of putative ADSC surface markers were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, a mouse photoaged skin model was established by UVB irradiation. Effects of GaAlAs laser-treated ADSCs on the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results showed that GaAlAs laser treatment of cells at a radiant exposure of 4 J cm-2 enhanced ADSC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation and increased secretion of growth factors. Furthermore, GaAlAs laser irradiation upregulated the expression of putative ADSC surface markers. In the mouse model of photoaged skin, ADSCs treated with GaAlAs laser irradiation had markedly decreased the epidermal thickness and increased the dermal thickness of photoaged mouse skin. Our data indicate that LLL irradiation is an effective biostimulator of ADSCs and might enhance the therapeutic potential of ADSCs for clinical use.

High-throughput analysis of chemical components and theoretical ethanol yield of dedicated bioenergy sorghum using dual-optimized partial least squares calibration models.

BACKGROUND: Due to its chemical composition and abundance, lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive feedstock source for global bioenergy production. However, chemical composition variations interfere with the success of any single methodology for efficient bioenergy extraction from diverse lignocellulosic biomass sources. Although chemical component distributions could guide process design, they are difficult to obtain and vary widely among lignocellulosic biomass types. Therefore, expensive and laborious "one-size-fits-all" processes are still widely used. Here, a non-destructive and rapid analytical technology, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with multivariate calibration, shows promise for addressing these challenges. Recent advances in molecular spectroscopy analysis have led to methodologies for dual-optimized NIRS using sample subset partitioning and variable selection, which could significantly enhance the robustness and accuracy of partial least squares (PLS) calibration models. Using this methodology, chemical components and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) values were determined for 70 sweet and 77 biomass sorghum samples from six sweet and six biomass sorghum varieties grown in 2013 and 2014 at two study sites in northern China. RESULTS: Chemical components and TEY of the 147 bioenergy sorghum samples were initially analyzed and compared using wet chemistry methods. Based on linear discriminant analysis, a correct classification assignment rate (either sweet or biomass type) of 99.3% was obtained using 20 principal components. Next, detailed statistical analysis demonstrated that partial optimization using sample set partitioning based on joint X-Y distances (SPXY) for sample subset partitioning enhanced the robustness and accuracy of PLS calibration models. Finally, comparisons between five dual-optimized strategies indicated that competitive adaptive reweighted sampling coupled with the SPXY (CARS-SPXY) was the most efficient and effective method for improving predictive performance of PLS multivariate calibrations. CONCLUSIONS: As a dual-optimized methodology, sample subset partitioning combined with variable selection is an efficient and straightforward strategy to enhance the accuracy and robustness of NIRS models. This knowledge should facilitate generation of improved lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks for bioethanol production. Moreover, methods described here should have wider applicability for use with feedstocks incorporating multispecies biomass resource streams.

Effect of suction pressures on cell yield and functionality of the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to explore the effect of suction pressures on the cell yield of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and the functionality of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), situated in the SVF, and to develop optimal parameters of harvesting SVF for clinical use. METHODS: Adipose tissue was harvested from the lower abdomen of 10 patients by suction-assisted lipoplasty. Suction pressure was either -30 ± 5 kPa or -55 ± 5 kPa. The aspirated samples were subjected to macroscopic observation to verify the adipose particle size and cytological analysis to detect the cell yield and functionality of the SVF harvested. RESULTS: Adipose tissue harvested at -30 ± 5 kPa appeared to have smaller particle sizes and less blood red cells than that harvested at -55 ± 5 kPa. Cell counts revealed that the cell number of the SVF obtained at -30 ± 5 kPa was more than 2-fold higher than that obtained at -55 ± 5 kPa. Cell growth at passages 1 and 2 was faster at -30 ± 5 kPa than that at -55 ± 5 kPa. The secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor as well as the capacity for adipogenic differentiation of the cultured cells at passages 1-3 were higher at -30 ± 5 kPa than those at -55 ± 5 kPa. There was no difference in the expression of the phenotypic markers between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the pressure for harvesting adipose tissue affects the yield and viability of the SVF. A lower suction pressure is beneficial to harvesting the SVF for clinical use.

Hepatic overexpression of methionine sulfoxide reductase A reduces atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA), a specific enzyme that converts methionine-S-sulfoxide to methionine, plays an important role in the regulation of protein function and the maintenance of redox homeostasis. In this study, we examined the impact of hepatic MsrA overexpression on lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice. In vitro study showed that in HepG2 cells, lentivirus-mediated human MsrA (hMsrA) overexpression upregulated the expression levels of several key lipoprotein-metabolism-related genes such as liver X receptor α, scavenger receptor class B type I, and ABCA1. ApoE(-/-) mice were intravenously injected with lentivirus to achieve high-level hMsrA expression predominantly in the liver. We found that hepatic hMsrA expression significantly reduced plasma VLDL/LDL levels, improved plasma superoxide dismutase, and paraoxonase-1 activities, and decreased plasma serum amyloid A level in apoE(-/-) mice fed a Western diet, by significantly altering the expression of several genes in the liver involving cholesterol selective uptake, conversion and excretion into bile, TG biosynthesis, and inflammation. Moreover, overexpression of hMsrA resulted in reduced hepatic steatosis and aortic atherosclerosis. These results suggest that hepatic MsrA may be an effective therapeutic target for ameliorating dyslipidemia and reducing atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases.

Combined alloplastic implant and autologous dermis graft for nasal augmentation rhinoplasty in Asians.

UNLABELLED: Alloplastic implants may be used in augmentation rhinoplasty but are associated with thinning of the skin over the implant as well as extrusion and translucency of the implant. To minimize these complications, this report describes a combined alloplastic implant and autologous dermal graft for dorsal and tip augmentation rhinoplasty. Of 37 Chinese patients, 35 (94.6 %) were satisfied with the outcome of this procedure during a follow-up period of up to 24 months, and no implant extrusions occurred. The preliminary findings indicate that a combined alloplastic implant and autologous dermis graft is appropriate for nasal augmentation, especially for patients with thin tip skin. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Helium-neon laser irradiation promotes the proliferation and migration of human epidermal stem cells in vitro: proposed mechanism for enhanced wound re-epithelialization.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of cultured human epidermal stem cells (ESCs). BACKGROUND DATA: A He-Ne laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm is known to have photobiological effects, and is widely used for accelerating wound healing; however, the cellular mechanisms involved have not been completely understood. METHODS: The ESCs were prepared from human foreskin, and irradiated by using He-Ne laser at 632.8 nm with 2 J/cm(2). The ESC proliferation, migration, and differentiation were examined by using XTT assay, scratch assay, and flow cytometry technology, respectively. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) was analyzed by using Western blotting. RESULTS: He-Ne laser irradiation markedly promoted cell proliferation and migration accompanied by an increase in the phosphorylation of ERK, but did not significantly influence cell differentiation. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that photostimulation with a He-Ne laser resulted in a significant increase in human ESC proliferation and migration in vitro, which might contribute, at least partially, to accelerated wound re-epithelialization by low-level laser therapy.

[Therapeutic effect of photodynamic treatment for psoriasis vulgaris in guinea pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for treating psoriasis vulgaris in guinea pigs. METHODS: Experimental psoriasis vulgaris was induced in guinea pigs by application of 5% propranolol on the ear skin. After dressing of the skin lesion with 20% ALA solution for 4 h, the lesions were irradiated with a semiconductor laser at the wavelength of 635 nm and energy density of 12 J/cm(2). The guinea pigs were divided into control group, ALA only group, light only group, single ALA-PDT treatment group and twice ALA-PDT treatment group. In each group, gross observation and biopsy of the skin lesions was conducted on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after the treatment. RESULTS: In terms of gross observation of the lesion, epidermal thickness and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, ALA-PDT treatment showed obvious therapeutic effect on the skin lesion, and two treatment sessions resulted in better effect than a single session. CONCLUSION: ALA-PDT can cure psoriasis vulgaris lesions characterized by abnormal epidermal proliferation in guinea pigs, and multiple treatment sessions can achieve better effects.

A preliminary study on correlations of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan with histological differentiation and intratumoral microvascular/lymphatic invasion in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that cancer cell differentiation and microvascular invasion play a principle role in cancer progression and metastasis, and non-invasive imaging techniques such as CT, MRI and US assessing the differentiation and the surgical resectibility and the prognosis of cancers are now of great importance. This study aimed to explore the correlation of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan with the histological differentiation and intratumor microvascular/lymphatic invasion of progressive gastric cancer. METHODS: The present study included 64 patients with gastric cancer, all of whom underwent routinal and dual-phase contrast enhancement multi-slice CT examinations of the upper abdomen before surgery. The post-operative specimens were used for determination of histological differentiation, cancer cell invasion of intratumoral microvascular/lymphatic vessel identified by CD34 and D2-40 expression. Correlations between contrast enhancement ratio (CER) of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan in gastric cancer and histological differentiation as well as intratumoral microvascular/lymphatic invasion were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between CER of triple-phase CT scan in gastric cancer and tumor histological differentiation (P < 0.05). CER of the arterial phase in gastric cancer with intratumoral microvascular invasion was significantly higher than that without invasion (0.61 ± 0.28 vs. 0.46 ± 0.14, P < 0.05); CER of the arterial-parenchymal phase was significantly lower in gastric cancer with intratumoral microvascular invasion than that without invasion (1.81 ± 0.39 vs. 2.28 ± 0.80, P < 0.05). However, CER of the parenchymal phase in gastric cancer with intratumoral lymphatic invasion was significantly higher than that without invasion (1.25 ± 0.57 vs. 1.00 ± 0.35, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CER of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan in gastric cancer is closely correlated with intratumoral microvascular and lymphatic invasion, and also could be used as a marker for histological differentiation.

[Associations of triple-phase enhancement multi-slice CT scan with histological differentiation and lymphovascular invasion in gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations of triple-phase enhancement multi-slice CT scan with histological differentiation and lymphovascular invasion in advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer undergoing surgical resection between January 2006 and December 2009 were included, all of whom underwent routine and two-phase contrast enhancement multi-slice CT examinations of the upper abdomen before surgery. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. Postoperative specimens were used for evaluation of histological differentiation, microscopic lymphovascular invasion, and CD34 and D2-40 expression. Associations between contrast enhancement ratio (CER) of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan and differentiation as well as lymphovascular invasion were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were included. There were significant associations between CER and tumor differentiation (P<0.05). Compared to those without microvascular invasion, CER of the arterial phase in gastric cancer with microvascular invasion was significantly higher (0.61±0.28 vs. 0.46±0.14, P<0.05), and that of the arterial-parenchymal phase was significantly lower(1.81±0.39 vs. 2.28±0.80, P<0.05). However, gastric cancers with lymphatic invasion were associated with significantly higher CER of the parenchymal phase than their counterparts(1.25±0.57 vs. 1.00±0.35, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: CER of triple-phase multi-slice CT scan can reveal the differentiation of gastric cancer and is associated with microvascular and lymphatic invasion.

Multi-slice CT contrast-enhanced presentations of advanced gastric cancer: associations with histo-differentiation and expression of p53 and P-glycoprotein.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate multi-slice CT contrast-enhanced presentation of gastric cancer and its correlation with histo-differentiation and p53 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with gastric cancer in the present study underwent a multi-slice CT preoperative routine and dual-phase contrast-enhanced examination of the upper abdomen; postoperative specimens were used to determine histo-differentiation and the expression of p53 and P-gp. The correlation of multi-slice CT contrast-enhanced presentation with histo-differentiation and expression of p53 and P-gp was analyzed. RESULTS: The dual-phase contrast-enhanced ratio (CER) was not correlated with the histo-differentiation of gastric cancer (P > 0.05). Positive expression of p53 and P-gp was significantly higher in the cases of layered or heterogeneous enhancement than in the cases of homogenous enhancement (P < 0.05). Positive expression of p53 was also correlated with the arterial phase CER, tumor size and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), but not with infiltration thickness of the gastric wall, nor was it correlated with the portal phase CER (P > 0.05). Positive expression of P-gp was only correlated with the portal phase CER (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Differently enhanced pattern and CER of the arterial and portal phase in gastric cancer correlate with its different histo-differentiation and expression of p53 and P-gp respectively. In addition, tumor size and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer relate to the expression of p53.

Identification of nif genes in N2-fixing bacterial strains isolated from rice fields along the Yangtze River Plain.

The aim of this research was to identify nifH and nifHDKYE ' genes in twenty strains of N2-fixing heterotrophic bacteria isolated from rice fields in the Yangtze River Plain. Southern hybridization of the total DNA from each strain was performed with the Klebsiella pneumoniae nifHDKYE ' gene probe (6.2 kb Eco RI fragment from pSA30) and the Azospirillum brasilense nifH gene probe (0.6 kb Eco RI-Hin dIII fragment from pHU8). We found that Eco RI fragments of total DNA from Aeromonas hydrophila HY2, Bacillus azotoformans FD, Bacillus licheniformis NCH1, NCH5, WH4, Bacillus brevis NC2, Bacillus pumilus NC12, Bacillus cereus NCH2, Citrobacter freundii HY5, HY9, Derxia gummosa HZ5, Pseudomonas mendocina HZ1 and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes WH3 were positively hybridized with both of the probes. Agrobacterium radiobacter HY17, Corynebacterium sp. HY12, YZ and Pseudomonas sp. HY11 had Eco RI fragments hybridized with the K. pneumoniae nifHDKYE ' gene probe. An Eco RI fragment of total DNA from Bacillus megaterium YY4 was positively hybridized to the A. brasilense nifH gene probe. No hybridization sign was found in the total DNA fragments from Alcaligenes cupidus YY6 and Corynebacterium sp. NC11 hybridized with either of the gene probes. The data provide the number and size of EcoRI fragments of the total DNA hybridized with the nif gene probes for these strains of rarely studied species, suggesting additional evidence for N2 fixing and nif gene diversity of N2-fixing bacteria in rice fields along the Yangtze River Plain.