[Effects of Apheresis Platelet Transfusion on PLT, MPV, PDW and PCT].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) before and after apheresis platelet transfusion, the correlation between the parameters and their clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 38 patients who received apheresis platelet transfusion were selected, their results of blood routine test closest to the time point of apheresis platelet transfusion were consulted from hospital information system and the changes of PLT, PCT, MPV and PDW were compared before and after transfusion. The correlation between above parameters was analyzed. The correlation of body mass index (BMI) with the increased multiple and increased value after platelet infusion was also analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with pre-infusion, PLT and PCT significantly increased (both P <0.001) while MPV and PDW showed no significant difference after apheresis platelet transfusion (P >0.05). The difference of PLT and PCT before and after apheresis platelet transfusion had no correlation with PLT and PCT before transfusion (r =0.002, r =0.001), while the difference of MPV and PDW was negatively correlated with MPV and PDW before transfusion (r =-0.462, r =-0.610). The PLT growth rate was positively correlated with PCT growth rate before and after apheresis platelet transfusion (r =0.819). BMI was positively correlated with the increased multiple of PLT after infusion (r =0.721), but not with the increased value of PLT after infusion (r =0.374). CONCLUSION: Apheresis platelet transfusion can cause platelet parameters change and shows different characteristics. Characteristic changes of platelet parameters and their correlation can be used as reference indices to evaluate the efficacy of apheresis platelet transfusion.

A Retrospective Study of Anlotinib Combined with Anti-PD-1 Inhibitors in the 2nd or Later-Line Treatment of Advanced Solid Tumors.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with anti-PD-1 inhibitors in the 2nd or later-line treatment of advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods: A total of 63 patients with advanced solid tumors who had failed or could not endure the adverse reactions after receiving first-line or more systematic treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from March 2019 to April 2023 were treated with anlotinib Hydrochloride capsule combined with anti-PD-1 inhibitors. The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated according to RECIST1.1 and NCICTC4.0 standards. Results: The percentage of overall response rate of 63 patients during the combination administration indicated that complete response was 1.6% (n=1), partial response was 23.8% (n=15), stable disease was 39.7% (n=25) and progressive disease was 34.9% (n=22), yielding objective response rate (ORR) of 25.4% and disease control rate (DCR) of 65.1%. Furthermore, the median PFS of 63 patients with advanced solid tumors was 7 months and the median OS was not reached, and the median follow-up time is 4.5 months. In subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in PFS between first-line, second-line, third-line and above (p=0.631); there was no significant difference in PFS between PD-1 positive patients and PD-1 negative patients (p=0.094); there was no significant difference in PFS between patients who had previously used anti-PD-1 inhibitors and patients who had not used before (p=0.204). The most common adverse reactions were hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, and fatigue, with an incidence of 28.4% (18/63), 25.6% (14/63), and 25.6% (14/63), respectively. Most of the adverse reactions were grade 1-2, and there were no grade 4 adverse reactions. Conclusion: Anlotinib combined with anti-PD-1 inhibitors demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerable safety for patients with advanced solid tumors in the 2nd or later-line treatment.

Comparison of the prophylactic antithrombotic effect of indobufen and warfarin in patients with nephrotic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The risk of thromboembolic events is elevated in patients with nephrotic syndrome, and warfarin use has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Indobufen, a selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor, is currently being evaluated for the prevention of thromboembolic events in nephrotic syndrome. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of indobufen with that of warfarin in patients with nephrotic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, three-arm, open-label, parallel controlled trial involved a total of 180 adult patients with nephrotic syndrome from four centers in China. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg indobufen (bid), 200 mg indobufen (bid), and 3 mg warfarin (qd) daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints included thromboembolic and bleeding events, while laboratory results and adverse events constituted secondary endpoints. RESULTS: No thromboembolic events occurred in the high-/low-dose indobufen and warfarin groups. Moreover, the use of a low dose of indobufen significantly reduced the risk of minor bleeding events compared with warfarin use (2% versus 18%, p < .05). Finally, adverse events were more frequent in warfarin-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that indobufen therapy provided equivalent effects in preventing thromboembolic events compared with warfarin therapy, while low dose of indobufen was associated with a reduced risk of bleeding events, thus it should be recommended for the prevention of thromboembolic events in clinical practice in patients with nephrotic syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IPR-17013428.

Transition-Metal-Free Domino Reaction of [60]Fullerene, Indole, and DMSO/HCl: One-Pot Access to Diverse N-Substituted [60]Fulleroindole Derivatives.

An unprecedented multicomponent domino reaction of [60]fullerene, indole, and DMSO/HCl has been developed for the one-pot efficient synthesis of diverse N-substituted [60]fulleroindole derivatives. This methodology features simple operation, low cost, and transition-metal-circumvented and good functional group tolerance in indole.

Advanced thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with bone marrow metastases treated by immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenesis therapy: a case report.

Thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare primary malignant neoplasm originating from the thymus. Thymic LELC diagnosis is often terminal when diagnosed, some patients have lost the opportunity for surgery. Platinum- and anthracycline-based systemic chemotherapy are the first-line treatment plan; however, there is no clear consensus on therapy when first-line treatment fails because of the lack of cases of advanced thymic LELC. Here was a rare case of advanced thymic LELC with bone marrow metastasis at relapse, which is reported in a patient who responded well to toripalimab combined with anlotinib therapy. The treatment showed tolerable toxicity with good antitumor activity in the patient. As far as we know, this is the first case that the combination of toripalimab with anlotinib is effective in controlling advanced thymic LELC with bone marrow metastasis. The case reports represent an essential means by which an effective therapy for advanced thymic LELC may not be practical given the low frequency of a thymic LELC with multiple metastases.

Determinants of the intensity of uremic pruritus in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common and frustrating symptom in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). The majority of patients have mild to moderate itching of the skin, and a small percentage have severe itching, which seriously affects their quality of life and survival rate. However, little is known about factors that influence the intensity of itching in patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on uremic pruritus in male and female patients receiving HD was conducted in September 2019. This study included 148 eligible patients who received HD at the Blood Purification Center of Xinchang County People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China from March 2019 to June 2019. We collected general data consisted of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), place of residence, educational level, diabetes mellitus status and duration of HD; as well as clinical, biochemical indicators, including serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), serum albumin (ALB), haemoglobin (Hb), serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), pre-dialysis serum urea nitrogen (BUN), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), urea nitrogen clearance index (KT/V), ferritin (FER) and pre-dialysis serum creatinine (sCR). We also assayed the inflammatory cytokine serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The Five-Dimensional Itching Scale (5DIS) was used to evaluate the degree of skin itching (none, mild, moderate, or severe). We used multiple logistic regression to analyze influencing factors on the degree of skin itching in patients with UP. RESULTS: Of the 148 patients, 60 had uremic pruritus (incidence rate, 40.54%). These included 22 cases of mild skin itching (14.86%), 30 of moderate skin itching (20.27%), and 8 of severe skin itching (5.41%). Compared with uremia patients without skin pruritus, patients with UP had higher levels of iPTH, Hb, BUN, nPCR, and hs-CRP. The composition ratio showed significant differences between urban and rural patients with different degrees of skin itching (P = 0.017); moreover, the difference of iPTH and hs-CRP levels were statistically significant (P = 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively). Using no itching as a reference, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that as hs-CRP level increased, the patient's risks of mild skin itching (odds ratio [OR] = 1.740; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.061-2.854; P = 0.028), moderate skin itching (OR = 2.8838 95% CI, 1.744-4.718; P < 0.001), and severe skin itching (OR = 9.440; 95% CI, 3.547-25.124; P < 0.001) all increased as well. Compared with urban residents, rural residents have a higher risk of moderate itching (OR = 3.869; 95% CI, 1.099-13.622; P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Levels of hs-CRP were associated with the intensity of skin itching in patients with UP. Higher hs-CRP levels were closely related to severe skin itching. The relationship between the intensity of skin itching and the environment in maintenance hemodialysis patients needs further clarification.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Parathyroid Hyperplasia: Single Session vs. Two-Session for Effect on Hypocalcemia.

To evaluate safety and efficacy of one- vs. two-session radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of parathyroid hyperplasia for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and to compare the outcome of both methods on hypocalcemia. Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism underwent ultrasound guided RFA of parathyroid hyperplasia. Patients were alternately assigned to either group 1 (n = 28) with RFA of all 4 glands in one session or group 2 (n = 28) with RFA of 2 glands in a first session and other 2 glands in a second session. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values were measured at a series of time points after RFA. RFA parameters, including operation duration and ablation time and hospitalization length and cost, were compared between the two groups. Mean PTH decreased in group 1 from 1865.18 ± 828.93 pg/ml to 145.72 ± 119.27 pg/ml at 1 day after RFA and in group 2 from 2256.64 ± 1021.72 pg/ml to 1388.13 ± 890.15 pg/ml at 1 day after first RFA and to 137.26 ± 107.12 pg/ml at 1 day after second RFA. Group 1's calcium level decreased to 1.79 ± 0.31 mmol/L at day 1 after RFA and group 2 decreased to 1.89 ± 0.26 mmol/L at day 1 after second session RFA (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that hypocalcemia was related to serum ALP. Patients with ALP ≥ 566 U/L had lower calcium compared to patients with ALP < 566 U/L up to a month after RFA (P < 0.05). Group 1's RFA time and hospitalization were shorter and had lower cost compared with Group 2. US-guided RFA of parathyroid hyperplasia is a safe and effective method for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism. Single-session RFA was more cost-effective and resulted in a shorter hospital stay compared to two sessions. However, patients with two-session RFA had less hypocalcemia, especially those with high ALP.

Hsa-miRNA-143-3p Reverses Multidrug Resistance of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Inhibiting the Expression of Its Target Protein Cytokine-Induced Apoptosis Inhibitor 1 In Vivo.

PURPOSE: Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major obstacle in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. A previous study demonstrated that hsa-miRNA-143-3p plays a vital role in drug resistance of TNBC. Downregulation of hsa-miRNA-143-3p upregulated the expression of its target protein cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) in order to activate MDR, while upregulation of hsa-miRNA-143-3p effectively enhances the sensitivity of drug-resistant TNBC cells to chemotherapeutics. The present study aimed to further verify these findings in vivo. METHODS: We established a hypodermic tumor nude mice model using paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells. We expressed ectopic hsa-miRNA-143-3p under the control of a breast cancer-specific human mammaglobin promoter that guided the efficient expression of exogenous hsa-miRNA-143-3p only in breast cancer cells. Thereafter, we overexpressed hsa-miRNA-143-3p in xenografts using a recombinant virus system and quantified the expression of hsa-miRNA-143-3p, CIAPIN1 protein, and proteins encoded by related functional genes by western blot. RESULTS: We successfully completed the prospective exploration of the intravenous virus injection pattern from extensive expression to targeted expression. The overexpression of hsa-miRNA-143-3p significantly alleviated chemoresistance of TNBC by inhibiting viability. In addition, we observed that the expression of CIAPIN1 as a hsa-miRNA-143-3p target protein was remarkably decreased. CONCLUSION: We partly illustrated the mechanism underlying the hsa-miRNA-143-3p/CIAPIN1 drug resistance pathway. HsamiRNA-143-3p as a tumor suppressive microRNA may be a novel target to effectively reverse MDR of TNBC in vivo.

Effects of antiepileptic drugs on lipogenic gene regulation and hyperlipidemia risk in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based cohort study and supporting in vitro studies.

To characterize the association between epilepsy, use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and the risk of hyperlipidemia, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study with data obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The effects of AEDs on lipogenic gene expression were also examined in vitro. We identified 3617 cases involving patients, whose epilepsy was newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2011, and selected a comparison cohort comprising 14,468 patients without epilepsy. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between epilepsy, AED use, and hyperlipidemia. The incidence rate of hyperlipidemia was higher in the epilepsy cohort than in the comparison cohort, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.38] after adjusting for comorbidities and medications. Epilepsy patients not taking AEDs had a higher risk of hyperlipidemia (aHR 1.65; 95% CI 1.35-2.03). Among AEDs, only valproate treatment showed a higher risk of hyperlipidemia (aHR 1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.33), although the dose-dependent effect did not reach statistical significance. In vitro studies with two hepatic cell lines showed that valproate may exert its effects by activating the liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) signaling pathway, inducing the expression of lipogenesis-related genes and increasing cellular lipid contents. In silico calculations concluded that valproate can bind stably with the ligand-binding domain of LXRα. Thus, valproate-induced hepatic lipogenic gene expression may occur through LXRα activation. Predicting the 'off-target' effects of valproate may prove valuable in developing antiepileptic agents with fewer adverse reactions. Monitoring blood lipid levels throughout the course of treatment is recommended.

A Clinical Observation of Thymic Epithelial Tumor Metastatic to Breast.

BACKGROUND: Thymic carcinoma is prone to early metastasis and invasion, while its metastasis to the breast is particularly unique. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of thymic epithelial tumor metastatic to the breast fulfilling clinical diagnostic criteria. A 47-year-old female patient diagnosed with stage IV thymic carcinoma and previously treated with chemoradiation was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer during a periodic review. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed a low-echo real occupancy in the breast. Pathological examination of the breast mass confirmed the diagnosis of thymic carcinoma metastasis. CONCLUSION: Hematogenous metastasis of thymic carcinoma to the breast is rare but not exceptional, and long-term survival can be expected with appropriate treatment.

[Three-dimensional spatial measurement versus conventional CT planning in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the advantages of spatial measurement of anatomical parameters in a 3D model in surgical planning for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). METHODS: From February, 2016 to October, 2017, 37 patients diagnosed with T1 renal mass underwent LPN based on 3D reconstruction after enhanced CT scanning using the Uromedix-3D system (group A), and another 38 patients received LPN with conventional CT planning (group B). The anatomical parameters were measured in the reconstructed 3D model and the demographic data, surgical outcome and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In group A, the average time for 3D model reconstruction was (29.3∓9.7) min; the length, width and depth of the renal defect in 3D model were 3.2∓1.1 cm, 2.6∓0.9 cm and 1.7∓0.7 cm, respectively; The distance of the tumor from the collecting system was 3.8∓2.2 mm; The mean R.E.N.A.L score of the patients was 7∓1.5, and 3 patients had accessory renal artery and 2 had early branching of the renal artery. LPNs were completed via the retroperitoneal approach in all the 75 patients without conversion to open or total nephrectomy. Group A and group B showed significant differences in warm ischemic time (26.7∓6.4 vs 31.9∓7.0 min), tumor-excision time (8.4∓2.6 vs 10.4∓2.8 min), renal defect suture time (18.3∓3.9 vs 21.5∓3.4 min), 24-h volume of retroperitoneal drainage (88.6∓40.2 vs 134.3∓58.3 mL) and 48-h volume of retroperitoneal drainage (127.9∓54.5 vs 198.1∓86.3 mL), but not in the demographic data, operation time, intraoperative blood loss or postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: 3D reconstruction of the renal masses can be completed efficiently and accurately using this system. Compared with conventional CT-based measurement, 3D spatial measurement of the anatomical structures helps to increase the precision in the performance of LPN and reduce the warm ischemia time.

Association between antiepileptic drugs and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with epilepsy: a population-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This study explored whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) use increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study using data from the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan. The case group comprised 1,454 epilepsy patients with newly diagnosed HCC, and the control group comprised 1,448 epilepsy patients without HCC. Both groups had similar distributions of sex and age, and follow-up duration. Possible associations with the AEDs in Taiwan were examined. RESULTS: After adjusted for AEDs (phenobarbital and primidone, clonazepam, clorazepate and diazepam, and other AEDs), and for the comorbidities of diabetes, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C virus infection, and alcoholism, the odds ratio (OR) of HCC was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.47) for the group of phenytoin users compared with nonphenytoin users. An annual means of 61-120, 121-180, and >180 of defined daily doses (DDDs) of phenytoin (OR: 4.07, 95% CI: 2.03-8.18; OR: 7.51, 95% CI: 3.03-18.7, and OR: 14.6, 95% CI: 7.88-26.9, respectively) were significantly correlated with the risk of HCC but not with a DDD of ≤60. Compared with nonphenytoin users, HCC patients who had used phenytoin within 1 year of HCC diagnosis were at a greatest risk of HCC (adjusted OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.71-3.08), followed by who had used phenytoin within 2 years of diagnosis (adjusted OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.44-2.56). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that high dose of phenytoin was associated with a statistically significant increased OR for HCC, which was not demonstrated for low-dose phenytoin.

Transcriptome sequencing of HER2-positive breast cancer stem cells identifies potential prognostic marker.

In cancer stem cell theory, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are postulated to be the root cause of recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer. Discovery of new biomarkers and development of BCSC-targeted therapy are practical issues that urgently need to be addressed in the clinic. However, few breast cancer stem cell targets are known. Given that there are few BCSCs, performing transcriptome sequencing on them thus far has not been possible. With the emergence of single-cell sequencing technology, we have now undertaken such a study. We prepared single-cell suspensions, which were sorted using flow cytometry from breast tumor tissue and adjacent normal breast tissue from two HER2-positive patients. We obtained BCSCs, breast cancer cells, mammary cells, and CD44+ mammary cells. Transcriptome sequencing was then performed on these four cell types. Using bioinformatics, we identified 404 differentially expressed BCSC genes from the HER2-positive tumors and preliminary explored transcriptome characteristics of BCSCs. Finally, by querying a public database, we found that CA12 was a novel prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer, which also had prognostic value in all breast cancer types. In conclusion, our results suggest that CA12 may be associated with BCSCs, especially HER2-positive BCSCs, and is a potential novel therapeutic target and biomarker.

Long non-coding RNA MVIH is associated with poor prognosis and malignant biological behavior in breast cancer.

In recent years, with the development of transcriptomics, the effect of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) on the regulation of biological processes is being elucidated. LncRNAs play an important role in tumor occurrence and development. LncRNA associated with microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (LncRNA MVIH) was first identified in hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis upregulation, and poor recurrence-free survival. MVIH has an important role in non-small cell lung cancer, in which it promotes cell proliferation and metastasis, and high MVIH expression indicates poor overall survival. However, the involvement of MVIH in breast cancer is unclear. Our research revealed that the expression levels of MVIH in breast cancer tissues were higher than in adjacent noncancerous tissues, and high MVIH expression was correlated with Ki67 expression. Moreover, breast cancer patients with high MVIH expression levels showed poor overall survival and disease-free survival. Multivariate analysis results indicated that MVIH was an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer. In addition, upregulated MVIH expression levels promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle, and inhibited cell apoptosis, while reduced MVIH expression showed the converse. In summary, our findings suggest that MVIH may have an important role in breast cancer and may serve as a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target.

C4d deposition is associated with immune cells infiltrating in kidney allograft glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the amount and composition of immune cells within glomeruli and PTCs and its relationship with C4d deposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry staining for C4d, CD3, CD68, granzyme B and Foxp3 was used for phenotyping and enumerating immune cells within intracapillaries. RESULTS: C4d staining was present in 26 biopsy specimens (C4d(+)) and negative in 25 specimens (C4d(-)). The total number of infiltrating cells in glomerulus and PTC in C4d(+) was significantly higher than in C4d(-). Although the C4d(+) showed a significantly higher mean number of macrophages per glomerulus and PTC than in C4d(-) group, the C4d(-) showed a higher mean number of T cells per glomerulus and PTC than in C4d(+). Comparing cell counts in diffuse C4d(+) and focal C4d(+) groups, a significant difference of absolute numbers of intracapillary cells could be observed in glomeruli and PTCs. The mean number of macrophages per glomerulus and PTC in diffuse C4d(+) was greater than that of the focal C4d(+), while mean T cells per glomerulus and PTC were less in cases of diffuse C4d(+) than in focal C4d(+). The differences, however, did not achieve statistical significance. Not only glomerular T cells but also PTCs are granzyme B positive T cells totally. CONCLUSION: The total number of infiltrating cells in glomeruli and PTC has association with PTC C4d deposition; the infiltrating cells were predominantly macrophages in C4d(+), especially in diffuse C4d(+), whereas the infiltrating cells were predominantly T cells in C4d(-). Glomerular and PTC T cells were cytotoxic phenotype completely.

[Development of studies on acupuncture treatment of childhood autism].

With the development of autism therapy, acupuncture, an alternative therapy, is becoming popular for autism children. There have been many papers found about the treatment of autism by acupuncture therapy so far. In the present review, the authors briefly introduce the theoretical basis of autism in traditional Chinese medicine and the application history, and sum up the acupoint prescriptions, effectiveness as well as the assessment tools of acupuncture therapy for autism. It is suggested that acupuncture therapy is a relatively effective therapy for autism children. It has positive roles in improving autistic syndromes without any side-effects, especially in improving language development, daily-life self-care, and social communications. The underlying mechanism of this therapy may be explained by acupuncture intervention induced favorable changes of neurochemistry, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral functional activities. Although there are lots of questions to be answered about acupuncture treatment of autism, we hold a positive opinion that this therapy might be a green effective therapy for autistic children in the future.

Effect of [10]-gingerol on [ca2+]i and cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.

The effect of [10]-gingerol on cytosol free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and viability is large unknown. This study examines the early signaling effects of [10]-gingerol on human colorectal cancer cells. It was found that this compound caused a slow and sustained rise of [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. [10]-Gingerol also induced a [Ca(2+)](i) rise when extracellular Ca(2+) was removed, but the magnitude was reduced by 38%. In a Ca(2+)-free medium, the [10]-gingerol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise was partially abolished by depleting stored Ca(2+) with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor). The elevation of [10]-gingerol-caused [Ca(2+)](i) in a Ca(2+)-containing medium was not affected by modulation of protein kinase C activity. The [10]-gingerol-induced Ca(2+) influx was insensitive to L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers. At concentrations of 10-100 mM, [10]-gingerol killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that [10]-gingerol induces [Ca(2+)](i) rise by causing Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) influx from non-L-type Ca(2+) channels in SW480 cancer cells.

Hemispheric Lateralization of Event-Related Brain Potentials in Different Processing Phases during Unimanual Finger Movements.

Previous functional MRI and brain electrophysiology studies have studied the left-right differences during the tapping tasks and found that the activation of left hemisphere was more significant than that of right hemisphere. In this study, we wanted to delineate this lateralization phenomenon not only in the execution phase but also in other processing phases, such as early visual, pre-executive and post-executive phases. We have designed a finger-tapping task to delineate the left-right differences of event related potentials (ERPs) to right finger movement in sixteen right handed college students. The mean amplitudes of ERPs were analyzed to examine the left-right dominance of cortical activity in the phase of early visual process (75-120ms), pre-execution (175-260ms), execution (310-420ms) and post-execution (420-620ms). In the execution phase, ERPs at the left electrodes were significantly more pronounced than those at the right electrodes (F3 > F4, C3 > C4, P3 > P4, O1 > O2) under the situation without comparing the central electrodes (Fz, Cz, Pz, and Oz). No difference was found between left and right electrodes in other three phases except the C3 electrode still showed more dominant than C4 in the pre- and post-execution phase. In conclusion, the phenomenon of brain lateralization occur major in the execution phase. The central area also showed the lateralization in the pre- and post-execution to demonstrate its unique lateralized contributions to unilateral simple finger movements.

Studies on wheat mutants induced by nitrogen ion beam implantation.

As a new resource of mutagens,low-energy ion beam implantation is characterized as limited physiological damages,wide mutation spectrum, and high mutation frequency in comparison with the mutations from other inducing methods. We treated a wheat doubled haploid line Yi4212 with this technique by nitrogen ion and established a mutant population with 60 lines in our lab. The mutant lines were systematically investigated about their -developmental periods,agronomical performances, gliadin contents and microsatellite variations in M4 generation. The results revealed that in addition to extensive changes of the developmental, agronomical and economical traits of the mutants,the moblities in acid-PAGE of 7 omega-gliadin subunits were also showed changes as some gliadins lacked and novel gliadins obtained. Deletion, expansion and contraction of SSR amplification products occured frequently in 25 SSR loci in the mutants. Combined with our results and other reports,the application prospects of those wheat mutants and the mutation mechanism by ion beam implantation are discussed.

[Saline tolerance white clover transformed with the betaine aldehyde dehyrogenase gene by Agrobacterium tumefaciens].

The white clover has been transformed with the Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (BADH) gene cloned from Atriplex hortensis by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The relative electronic conductivity of the transgenic plants under 1% NaCl stress for 48 hours was about 20%, less than the control plant's relative electronic conductivity (more than 40%), these showed the cell membrane of the transgenic plants has been less injured than control plants under salt stress. The other experience showed that the transgenic plant could grow well in water culture included 0.5% NaCl for more than two weeks, but the control plants could not.