Synthesis, structural characterization, analytical profiling, and application to authentic samples of synthesized Phase I metabolites of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA.

5F-MDMB-PICA, an indole-type synthetic cannabinoid (SC), was classified illicit globally in 2020. Although the extensive metabolism of 5F-MDMB-PICA in the human body warrants the development of robust analytical methods for metabolite detection and quantification, a current lack of reference standards for characteristic metabolites hinders such method creation. This work described the synthesis of 18 reference standards for 5F-MDMB-PICA and its possible Phase I metabolites, including three hydroxylated positional isomers R14 to R16. All the compounds were systematic characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, two methods were developed for the simultaneous detection of all standards using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. By comparison with authentic samples, R17 was identified as a suitable urine biomarker for 5F-MDMB-PICA uptake.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis unveils a negative effect of glutathione metabolism on laccase activity in Cerrena unicolor 87613.

The white rot fungus Cerrena unicolor 87613 has been previously shown to be a promising resource in laccase production, an enzyme with significant biotechnological applications. Conventional methods face technical challenges in improving laccase activity. Attempts are still being made to develop novel approaches for further enhancing laccase activity. This study aimed to understand the regulation of laccase activity in C. unicolor 87613 for a better exploration of the novel approach. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify key genes and metabolites involved in extracellular laccase activity. The findings indicated a strong correlation between the glutathione metabolism pathway and laccase activity. Subsequently, experimental verifications were conducted by manipulating the pathway using chemical approaches. The additive reduced glutathione (GSH) dose-dependently repressed laccase activity, while the GSH inhibitors (APR-246) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducer (H2O2) enhanced laccase activity. Changes in GSH levels could determine the intracellular redox homeostasis in interaction with ROS and partially affect the expression level of laccase genes in C. unicolor 87613 in turn. In addition, GSH synthetase was found to mediate GSH abundance in a feedback loop. This study suggests that laccase activity is negatively influenced by GSH metabolism and provides a theoretical basis for a novel strategy to enhance laccase activity by reprogramming glutathione metabolism at a specific cultivation stage.IMPORTANCEThe production of laccase activity is limited by various conventional approaches, such as heterologous expression, strain screening, and optimization of incubation conditions. There is an urgent need for a new strategy to meet industrial requirements more effectively. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of Cerrena unicolor 87613. For the first time, we discovered a negative role played by reduced glutathione (GSH) and its metabolic pathway in influencing extracellular laccase activity. Furthermore, we identified a feedback loop involving GSH, GSH synthetase gene, and GSH synthetase within this metabolic pathway. These deductions were confirmed through experimental investigations. These findings not only advanced our understanding of laccase activity regulation in its natural producer but also provide a theoretical foundation for a strategy to enhance laccase activity by reprogramming glutathione metabolism at a specific cultivation stage.

Novel endomorphin analogues CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 produce potent and long-lasting antinociception with a favourable side effect profile at the spinal level.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endomorphins have shown great promise as pharmaceutics for the treatment of pain. We have previously confirmed that novel endomorphin analogues CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 behaved as potent µ agonists and displayed potent antinociceptive activities at the supraspinal and peripheral levels. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive properties of CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 following intrathecal (i.t.) administration. Furthermore, their antinociceptive tolerance and opioid-like side effects were also determined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The spinal antinociceptive effects of CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 were determined in a series of pain models, including acute radiant heat paw withdrawal test, spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain, visceral pain and formalin pain. Antinociceptive tolerance was evaluated in radiant heat paw withdrawal test. KEY RESULTS: Spinal administration of CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 produced potent and prolonged antinociceptive effects in acute pain. CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 may produce their antinociception through distinct µ receptor subtypes. These two analogues also exhibited significant analgesic activities in neuropathic, inflammatory, visceral and formalin pain at the spinal level. It is noteworthy that CEMR-1 showed non-tolerance-forming analgesic properties, while CEMR-2 exhibited substantially reduced antinociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, both analogues displayed no or reduced side effects on conditioned place preference response, physical dependence, locomotor activity and gastrointestinal transit. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The present investigation demonstrated that CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 displayed potent and long-lasting antinociception with a favourable side effect profile at the spinal level. Therefore, CEMR-1 and CEMR-2 might serve as promising analgesic compounds with minimal opioid-like side effects.

Genome-wide study of Cerrena unicolor 87613 laccase gene family and their mode prediction in association with substrate oxidation.

BACKGROUND: Laccases are green biocatalysts with wide industrial applications. The study of efficient and specific laccase producers remains a priority. Cerrena species have been shown to be promising basidiomycete candidates for laccase production. Although two sets of Cerrena genome data have been publicly published, no comprehensive bioinformatics study of laccase gene family in C. unicolor has been reported, particularly concerning the analysis of their three-dimensional (3D) structures and molecular docking to substrates, like ABTS and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). RESULTS: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of laccase gene family in C. unicolor 87613. We identified eighteen laccase genes (CuLacs) and classified them into three clades using phylogenetic analysis. We characterized these laccases, including their location in contig 5,6,9,12,15,19,26,27, gene structures of different exon-intron arrangements, molecular weight ranging from 47.89 to 141.41 kDa, acidic pI value, 5-15 conserved protein motifs, signaling peptide of extracellular secretion (harbored by 13 CuLacs) and others. In addition, the analysis of cis-acting element in laccase promoters indicated that the transcription response of CuLac gene family was regulatable and complex under different environmental cues. Furthermore, analysis of transcription pattern revealed that CuLac8, 12 and CuLac2, 13 were the predominant laccases in response to copper ions or oxidative stress, respectively. Finally, we focused on the 3D structure analysis of CuLac proteins. Seven laccases with extra transmembrane domains or special sequences were particularly interesting. Predicted structures of each CuLac protein with or without these extra sequences showed altered interacting amino acid residues and binding sites, leading to varied affinities to both ABTS and AFB1. As far as we know, it is the first time to discuss the influence of the extra sequence on laccase's affinity to substrates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide robust genetic data for a better understanding of the laccase gene family in C. unicolor 87613, and create a foundation for the molecular redesign of CuLac proteins to enhance their industrial applications.

Characterisation of a laccase isolated from Trametes hirsuta and its application in the oligomerisation of phenolic compounds.

Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in nature and industrial environment, and their detoxification or bioactive enhancement is of great value to environmental protection and industrial development. Laccases are multicopper oxidases that catalyse the oligo- or polymerisation of phenolic compounds. Identifying new laccase producers and investigating their application potential are of great importance. In this study, a white-rot fungus, Trametes hirsuta EZ1, with significantly high laccase productivity was isolated. The optimum conditions were studied for the maximum fermentation of extracellular laccase, which was achieved at 150 U/mL with a medium containing 10% strain EZ1, 7% maltodextrin, 1.5% peptone, and 0.5 mM Cu2+, and incubation at initial pH 6.0, 32 °C, and 180 rpm for nine days. Subsequently, a 70-kDa laccase was purified that showed activity over a wide range of temperature and pH, sensitivity to many metal ions and sodium dodecyl sulphate, and high tolerance to organic solvents. Purified laccase showed a significant unreported effect by catalysing catechol or ferulic acid into dimers, trimers, and tetramers or caffeic acid into dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers. The oligomeric mixtures exhibited increased antioxidative capacity compared to that of each parent monomer, except for caffeic acid derivatives. Our study offers a novel strain source for laccase production and broadens its application in the enhancement of bioactive compounds.

Differentiating malignant and benign focal liver lesions in children using CEUS LI-RADS combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to diagnose focal liver lesions (FLLs) in children. The America College of Radiology developed the CEUS liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) for standardizing CEUS diagnosis of FLLs in adult patients. Until now, no similar consensus or guidelines have existed for pediatric patients to improve imaging interpretation as adults. AIM: To evaluate the performance of CEUS LI-RADS combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in differentiating benign and malignant FLLs in pediatric patients. METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2021, patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent CEUS for FLLs were retrospectively evaluated. The following criteria for diagnosing malignancy were proposed: Criterion I considered LR-4, LR-5, or LR-M lesions as malignancies; criterion II regarded LR-4, LR-5 or LR-M lesions with simultaneously elevated AFP (≥ 20 ng/mL) as malignancies; criterion III took LR-4 Lesions with elevated AFP or LR-5 or LR-M lesions as malignancies. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated to determine the diagnostic value of the aforementioned criteria. RESULTS: The study included 63 nodules in 60 patients (mean age, 11.0 ± 5.2 years; 26 male). There were no statistically significant differences between the specificity, accuracy, or AUC of criterion II and criterion III (95.1% vs 80.5%, 84.1% vs 87.3%, and 0.794 vs 0.902; all P > 0.017). Notably, criterion III showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than criterion II (100% vs 63.6%; P < 0.017). However, both the specificity and accuracy of criterion I was inferior to those of criterion II and criterion III (all P < 0.017). For pediatric patients more than 5 years old, the performance of the three criteria was overall similar when patients were subcategorized by age when compared to all patients in aggregate. CONCLUSION: CEUS LI-RADS combined with AFP may be a powerful diagnostic tool in pediatric patients. LR-4 with elevated AFP, LR-5 or LR-M lesions is highly suggestive of malignant tumors.

Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Distinct Role of 5'UTR-Specific m6A RNA Modification in Mice Developing Cerebral Cortices.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) abundantly exists in the cerebral cortex and is emerging as an essential factor in cortical development and function. As the m6A-binding site appears to be dynamically methylated in different RNA regions at the temporal-specific developing stage, it is of value to distinguish the unique character of region- and temporal-specific m6A. Herein, we analyzed the status of temporal-specific m6A within RNA 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) using m6A-methylated sequencing data and transcriptomic sequencing data from 12.5- to 13-day embryonic cerebral cortices and 14-day postnatal ones. We identified sorts of RNAs that are uniquely m6A-methylated in the 5'UTR and sorted them into specific neurological processes. Compared with 3'UTR-m6A-methylated RNAs, 5'UTR-m6A-methylated RNAs showed unique functions and mechanisms in regulating cortical development, especially through the pathway of mRNA transport and surveillance. Moreover, the 5'UTR-specific m6A was associated with neurological disorders as well. The FoxO signaling pathway was then focused by these pathogenic 5'UTR-m6A-methylated RNAs and explored to be involved in the determination of neurological disorders. Additionally, the 5'UTR-m6A modification patterns and transcriptional patterns play independent but cohesive roles in the developing cortices. Our study emphasizes the importance of 5'UTR-specific m6A in the developing cortex and provides an informative reference for future studies of 5'UTR-specific m6A in normal cortical development and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal perforation complicated with fistula formation and subphrenic abscess by contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal perforation complicated by subphrenic abscess is a surgical emergency. Its diagnosis relies mainly on X-ray or computed tomography (CT), while the value of ultrasound, especially contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), has been underestimated. CASE SUMMARY: A 37-year-old man presented with fever and edema of the lower extremities for 10 d. He had a history of laparoscopic repair of gastroduodenal perforation 6 mo prior. His first-time intravenous CEUS indicated a diagnosis of subphrenic abscess. He received antibiotic therapy and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of the abscess. However, second-time intravenous CEUS revealed an unsatisfactory therapeutic effect. Intracavitary CEUS was proposed, and this examination detected communication between the abscess and the stomach. Upper gastrointestinal perforation complicated by fistula formation and subphrenic abscess was diagnosed with the help of CEUS. Abdominal CT and esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient recovered after the perforation was repaired by surgery. CONCLUSION: Intravenous and intracavitary CEUS provides helpful information for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal perforation complicated by fistula formation and subphrenic abscess.

Analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal pathway of vacuolar Sur7 contributed to biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana.

Beauveria bassiana is a critical entomopathogenic fungus for pest biocontrol, whose efficiency depends on fungal development and stress resistance. Unlike its revealed location in plasma membrane patches in other organisms, B. bassiana Sur7 specifically localized in vacuoles. This vacuolar Sur7 was previously demonstrated to affect stress tolerance, hyphal development and virulence. There, however, remain more mechanistic details to be explored. In this study, transcriptomics and metabolomics were applied to investigate the mechanism of vacuolar Sur7. Analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics displayed many differentially expressed genes and abundant metabolites in response to Sur7 loss, respectively. Together with genes associated with vacuolar biofunction (including transportation and hydrolysis), the altered metabolites contributed to cell wall construction and stress resistance. Particularly, an N-acetylglucosamine-associated Brg1/Nrg1 pathway was enriched and partially affected by Sur7. Absence of Sur7 changed the expression level of Brg1/Nrg1 pathway-related transcript factors, which interfered with downstream phenotype of sporulation. In addition, Sur7 was involved in the accumulation of sphingoid bases, which may affect sphingolipid-related signaling pathway. Although experimental evidence is further required, our studies provide a preliminary framework for future exploring the regulatory mechanism of Sur7, and give a new version of metabolic agency connecting Sur7 and downstream signaling pathway.

Transcriptomic analysis of Sur7-mediated response of Beauveria bassiana to different nutritional conditions.

Integrity of the cell wall is requisite for fungal growth and function. Sur7 governs cell wall composition, and affects conidial sporulation and germination in Beauveria bassiana, a filamentous entomopathogenic fungus. The role of Sur7 in fungal growth on various nutrients remains unclear. We have previously reported that Sur7 deletion results in the attenuation of B. bassiana growth on supplemented Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDAY) and minimal Czapek-Dox agar (CDA) compared to wild type (WT). Here, we used transcriptomic analysis to compare WT and Sur7 mutant (ΔSur7) responses to CDA and SDAY. Growth on CDA, compared with that on SDAY, affected the expression of more genes in the WT than in the mutant. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for transportation process terms in the ΔSur7 mutant and metabolic process terms in the WT. Different processes were repressed in the ΔSur7 (metabolic process) and WT (ribosome synthesis) cells. Despite the shared enrichment of nitrogen metabolism genes, differentially expressed genes were enriched in distinct saccharide-energy metabolism terms in each strain. We conclude that Sur7 ensures the growth of B. bassiana in a minimal medium by influencing the expression of genes involved in the consumption of sucrose via specific energy metabolism pathways.

[Expression and Significance of PD-1, TIM-3 and VISTA on T Cell of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of multiple negative costimulatory molecules on peripheral blood T cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its affection on prognosis. METHODS: The peripheral blood samples from patients with newly diagnosed AML, complete remission (CR), and no-remission (NR) were collected, the expression levels PD-1、VISTA and TIM-3 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry , and the clinical data of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The expression levels of PD-1、VISTA and TIM-3 of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the newly diagnosed AML patients were significantly higher than those in control group (P＜0.05). The expression levels of PD-1、TIM-3 and VISTA of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the CR group were significantly lower than those in newly diagnosed and the NR group (P＜0.05). The TIM-3 expression level positively correlated with VISTA expression level of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (r=0.85 and 0.73). The VISTA and PD-1 expression level of CD4+ T cells in newly diagnosed AML, NR after first induction chemotherapy and high risk patients significantly increased (P＜0.05), the TIM-3 expression level of CD8+ T cells in high risk group significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the VISTA expression level of CD8+ T cells in CBFß-MYH11 mutation-positive group significantly decreased (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of PD-1、TIM-3 and VISTA in AML peripheral blood T cells may be involved in the immune escape of AML and can be the targets of treatment for acute myeloid leukemia patients.

[Expression and Clinical Significance of EZH2 in Patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Accompanied by HBV Infection].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and clinical significance of EZH2 in DLBCL patients accompanied by HBV infection. METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 59 patients with DLBCL accompanied by HBV infection in our hospital from February 2015 to October 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into HBV negative and HBV positive groups by serological testing before surgery. The expression of EZH2 was detected by immumohistochemical staining, and the clinicopathological characteristics and survival were analyzed and compared between these two groups. RESULTS: There were 30 patients (50.8%) in the HBV negative group and 29 patients (49.2%)in the HBV positive group. The differences of age, LDH level and IPI score between two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05). The expression of EZH2 in HBV- positive group was significantly higher than that in the HBV- negative group (P＜0.05), where the expression of EZH2 correlated with the expression of the BCL-6 (r=0.282, P＜0.05), especially in the GCB-DLBCL (r=0.549, P＜0.05). PFS was not significantly different between two groups of HBV (P＞0.05), while the PFS in the R-CHOP regimen group was higher than that in the CHOP regimen group (P＜0.05). COX multivariate analysis showed that both the chemotherapy regimen without R and the increased level of LDH were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of DLBCL patients (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: EZH2 highly expresses in HBV positive group, suggesting that the significance of EZH2 in DLBCL with HBV infection is worth further explore.

[Clinical Features of Infection within 100 days after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in 313 patients with Hematologic Diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of infection within 100 days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with hematologic disease. METHODS: The culture results of 313 HSCT patients infected in the hematology department of our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019 were collected, and the infection incidence, pathogen distribution, drug susceptibility test results and infection risk factors out of them all were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 313 HSCT patients, infection occurred within 100 days in 262(83.7%) patients, 234 (89.3%) cases were in neutropenic period at infection onset. 156 pathogen distributions showed that the bloodstream infection (64.1%) ranked first. Among isolates, Gram-negative bacteria was 86 (55.1%), which were higher than Gram-positive bacteria (49, 31.4%), and fungi was 21(13.5%). The prevalence of ESBLs in E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 36.4% and 31.6%, respectively. The drug resistance rates of E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to carbapenems were 18.20% and 5.3%, respectively, and to amikacin were 29.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The antimicrobial resistance of fermentation bacteria was significantly different. The drug resistence rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenems were high. Only one strain of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found. The drug resistence rates of enterococcus faecalis to linezolid was 14.30%. The sensitivity of other Gram-positive bacteria to vancomycin, teicolanin and linezolid was 100%. The HSCT in our hospital was mainly allogeneic, and univariate analysis showed that the risk factors for infection were status before trasplantion, HLA matching type,length of stay for the first transplant, and length of neutropenia, while Mulvariate analysis showed that only HLA matching type showed statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The infection of patients after HSCT occurrs in period of neutropenia, Most of pathogens are G- bacteria, and the resistance to antibiotics is quite common, HLA mismatch is allo-HSCT independent risk factors for infection. It is very imprtant to monitor actively the distribution of pathogenic bacteria, drug-resistance and risk factors of infection for guiding more reasonable and standardized clinical treatment.

[Analysis of Cytogenetic Characteristics and Clinical Prognosis in 236 Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of cytogenetic features, clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and prognosis of 236 patients with MDS admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2013 to September 2017 were analyzed retrospectively, the follow-up observation and correlation analysis were performed. RESULTS: There were 33 cases of refractory cytopenia with unilateral dysplasia (RCUD), 8 cases of refractory anemia with ring-shaped iron granulocytes (RARS), 70 cases of refractory cytopenia with multiple dysplasia (RCMD), 23 cases of refractory anemia (RA), 46 cases of refractory anemia with excessive blasts (RAEB-1), 48 cases of (RAEB-2), MDS-U 2 cases, simple del(5q) 6 cases. The detection analysis showed that the chromosome abnormality rate and complex chromosome abnormality rate in RAEB group (RAEB-1 + RAEB-2) and in non-RAEB group (RARS+RCMD+RCUD+RA) were 48.94% vs 43.94%, and 18.09% vs 12.69%, respectively, which were no statistically different. The grouping according to IPSS-R and IPSS showed that the chromosome abnormality rate gradually increased along with enhancement of risk stratifi-cation (P<0.05). The cytogenetic characteristics analysis showed that a total of 108 cases had chromosomal abnormalities, the detection rate was 45.76%, Out of 108 cases, 36 cases had complicated karyotypes, accounted for 15.25% of all patients. The types of chromosomal abnormalities mainly include numbers, structural abnormalities and mixed abnormalities. The chromosome abnormality with the highest detection rate was +8, accounted for 30.56% (33/100) of patients with chromosome abnormalities; followed by -7/7q-, del(5q), del(20q), etc. -7/7q-chromosome abnormalities accounted for 29.63% of all karyotypic abnormalities (including -7/7q-chromosome abnormalities alone and other chromosome abnormalities). The median age of the patients with MDS was 61 (13-88) years old, and the male-female ratio was 1.36∶1. Analysis of blood cell characteristics showed that the three lines were reduced or increased to varying degrees. The median WBC count was 2.8 (0.3-267.1)×109/L, the median Hb level was 69 (20-156) g/L, and the median Plt count was 55 (2-1733)×109/L. The 1 year OS rate in 32 cases of chromosome 7 abnormality and 128 cases of normal chromosome was 25% and 44.53%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.05, P<0.05) . CONCLUSION: Chromosome karyotype is an independent factor affecting the prognosis of patients with MDS. It is important for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evalnation of patients with MDS. The overall prognosis of patients with abnormal chromosome 7 is poor. .

[Role of Ca2+-NFAT Signaling Pathway in Ph+ ALL Drug-resistance Mediated by Bone Marrow Stromal Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of Ca2+-NFAT signaling pathway in Ph+-ALL drug resistance mediated by bone marrow stromal cells. METHODS: The transcription level of NFAT mRNA in Sup-B15 cells and Ph+ ALL primary cells was detected by polymerase chain reaction. The expression of P-glycoprotein in Sup-B15 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The change of NFAT protein in Sup-B15 cells was detected by Western blot. AnnexinV/7-AAD was used to label cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis; Fluo 3-AM dye was used to label cells, and flow cytometry used to detect changes of Ca2+ concentration in leukemia cells. RESULTS: NFAT expression could be detected in both Sup-B15 and Ph+ ALL primary cells; P-glycoprotein could not be detected by flow cytometry; CAS could significantly inhibit NFAT protein expression in clinically applied drug concentrations (2.5, 5 µmol/L); Clinically applied concentration of CAS (2.5, 5 µmol / L) has no significant effect on the apoptosis of Sup-B15 cells, while higher concentration of CAS (10 µmol / L) could induce apoptosis of Sup-B15 cells. Bone marrow stromal cells OP9 could, decrease the sensitivity of Sup-B15 cells and Ph+ ALL primary cells to imatinib (IM); After co-culture with bone were marrow stromal cells, the Ca2+ concentration in Sup-B15 cells was enhanced, the levels of NFAT protein and nullear protein in sup-B15 cells also were enhanced. The addition of CAS in co-culture system could inlibit the Ca2+-NFAT signaling pathway, reduce the protective effect of OP9 on Sup-B15 cells.Conclution:The Ca2+-NFAT sigualing pathway, contributes to the survival of Ph+ ALL cells. Bone marrow stromal cells can mediate the resistance of Ph+ ALL cells to IM by activating Ca2+-NFAT signaling pathway.

Cross 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with an N-benzyl azomethine ylide: facile access to fused tricyclic 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines.

A cross 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of two different ylides between C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with an in situ-generated nonstabilized azomethine ylide from an N-benzyl precursor was realized. The reactions afforded a clean and facile access to diverse fused tricyclic 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines in high yields (up to 96%). The chemical structures of the typical compounds were confirmed by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis.

Levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone versus levodopa/dopa-decarboxyiase inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: systematic review, meta-analysis, and economic evaluation.

AIMS: To review the evidence for efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone (LCE) compared with levodopa/dopa-decarboxyiase inhibitor (DDCI) for Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases WangFang Data, Chinese Sci-tech Journals Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched for randomized controlled trials with "levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone" as keywords. The search period was from inception to August 2017. We conducted meta-analyses to synthesize the evidence quantitatively. RESULTS: A total of 5,693 records were obtained. We included seven randomized controlled trials and one cost-effectiveness study after the screening process. Compared with levodopa-DDCI, LCE improved patient Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II score (mean difference [MD] -1.17, 95% CI -1.64 to -0.71), UPDRS III score (MD -1.55, 95% CI -2.29 to -0.81), and Schwab and England daily activity rating (MD 2.05, 95% CI 0.85-3.26). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of serious adverse events (AEs) or discontinuation due to AEs in patients with LCE, and the risk of total AEs was higher in the LCE group (risk ratio [RR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.70). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of LCE was £3,105 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in the UK. CONCLUSION: LCE can improve PD patients' motor symptoms and daily living functioning when compared with levodopa/DDCI.

[Clinical and Ultrasonographic Features of Hepatic Infantile Hemangioendothelioma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and ultrasound features of hepatic infantile hemangioendothelioma (IHE). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and ultrasound characteristics of 8 patients of IHE,whose diagnosis was confirmed by surgery or liver biopsy from January 2010 to October 2016. RESULTS: Among the eight IHE patients,the male-to-female ratio was 1:1,with the mean age ranged from 15 d to 3 yr.,of which six individuals were younger than 3 months old. Seven patients had single lesion and one case was multiple. The average size of the lesions was (8.2±1.0) cm diameter. Hypoechoic (4 cases) and echogenic lesions (3 cases) were shown by echography,the lesions border and morphology were clearly defined in 7 cases.Furthermore,internal echoes were mostly inhomogeneous (4 cases),and calcification or peripheral halo were even visible. Color Dopplar flow imaging (CDFI) showed internal visible line or more abundant blood flow signal in 6 cases,mainly to venous blood flow. CONCLUSION: The age of onset for hepatic IHE seems less than three months. The echography with single lesion with clear border,regular solid mass or calcification in the tumor,should come to the possibility of IHE.

Antiallodynic Effects of Endomorphin-1 and Endomorphin-2 in the Spared Nerve Injury Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The spared nerve injury (SNI) model is a new animal model that can mimic several characteristics of clinical neuropathic pain. Opioids are recommended as treatment of neuropathic pain. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the antinociceptive effects of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) given centrally and peripherally in the SNI model of neuropathic pain in mice. METHODS: The SNI model was made in mice by sparing the sural nerve intact, when the other 2 of 3 terminal branches of the sciatic nerve (common peroneal and tibial nerves) were tightly ligated and cut. Von Frey monofilaments were used to measure the SNI-induced mechanical allodynia-like behavior. The antiallodynic effects of EM-1 and EM-2 were determined after central and peripheral administration in the SNI model of neuropathic pain. Also, the specific opioid receptor antagonists were used to determine the opioid mechanisms of EMs involved in neuropathic pain. Values were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Our results showed that the SNI mice developed prolonged mechanical allodynia-like behavior in ipsilateral paw after surgery, with the withdrawal threshold value being 0.061 ± 0.02 g after 14 days. EM-1 and EM-2 produced significant antiallodynic effects in ipsilateral paw after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration, more effective than that of morphine. The peak withdrawal thresholds of 10 nmol EM-1 and EM-2 determined at 5 minutes after injection were 0.92 ± 0.36 and 0.87 ± 0.33 g, respectively, higher than that of morphine (0.46 ± 0.20 g). Moreover, both EMs (10 nmol, i.c.v.) exerted significant antiallodynic effects in the contralateral paw, whereas no significant antinociceptive activity was seen after i.c.v. administration of morphine with equimolar dose. It was noteworthy that EM-1 and EM-2 produced antinociception through distinct µ1- and µ2-opioid receptor subtypes, and the EM-2-induced antiallodynia contained an additional component that was mediated by the release of endogenous dynorphin A, acting on κ-opioid receptor. In addition, the antiallodynic activities of peripheral administration of EM-1, EM-2, and morphine were also investigated. Intraplantar, but not subcutaneous administration of EM-1 and EM-2 also exhibited potent antinociception, establishing the peripheral and local effects. Both µ1- and µ2-opioid receptor subtypes, but not the δ- or κ-opioid receptors were involved in the peripheral antiallodynia of EMs. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation demonstrated that both EM-1 and EM-2 given centrally and peripherally produced potent antiallodynic activities in SNI mice, and differential opioid mechanisms were involved.