[Prediction Model on Net Photosynthetic Rate of Soybean Plant Groups Based on Kernel Function and Visible Light Spectrum].

The paper uses MSR-16 portable multispectral radiometer made in the USA and computes the numbers of the test units by pulling the formula on the radiometer effective observation area, which solves the problem on the uncertain numbers of computing the times on region visible light band spectral radiation ratio M_D. The paper uses CI-310 portable photosynthesis measurement system made by American CID Company and measures the net photosynthetic rate of a group of soybean plant. M_D and C_D are normalized by the normalization method [0,1]. Then, the normalization data M_D1 and C_D1 are gained . Based on the different test time, M_D1 is divided of M_D11 and M_D12. C_D1 is divided of C_D11 and C_D12. The paper uses polynomial kernel function, gauss kernel function, sigmoid kernel function and bio-selfadaption kernel function constructed by us with Support Vector Machine. Penalty parameter c and parameter g separately are optimized with optimization algorithms such as grid-search，genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Based on the formula epsilon-SVR and the formula nu-SVR with Support Vector Machine, the paper constructs the prediction model on the net photosynthetic rate of a group of soybean plant by using of the cross combination with four kernel functions, three optimization methods and two formulas. The test results are as follows: in the condition of S=17 m2 which is the test plan area of soybean plant and the H=2 m which is the high on MSR-16 portable multispectral radiometer above the canopy of soybean plant, the prediction accuracy is up to 85% on the No.1 prediction set C_D12 and the prediction accuracy is up to 82% on the No.2 prediction set C_D12 based on the model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search. In the condition of other combinations with S and H, the prediction accuracy is up to 81% on the No.2 prediction set C_D12 based on the model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the validity of bio-selfadaption kernel functions which is constructed by our previous research with support vector machine. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the rationality of the measure method on visible spectral data in the test area. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the feasibility of the prediction method on net photosynthetic rate of soybean plant groups by using of visible spectrum.

Schistosome egg antigens elicit a proinflammatory response by trophoblast cells of the human placenta.

Schistosomiasis affects nearly 40 million women of reproductive age. Many of these women are infected while pregnant and lactating. Several studies have demonstrated transplacental trafficking of schistosome antigens; however, little is known regarding how these antigens affect the developing fetus and placenta. To evaluate the impact of schistosomiasis on trophoblasts of the human placenta, we isolated primary trophoblast cells from healthy placentas delivered at term. These trophoblasts were placed in culture and treated with Schistosoma japonicum soluble egg antigens (SEA) or plasma from S. japonicum-infected pregnant women. Outcomes measured included cytokine production and activation of signal transduction pathways. Treatment of primary human trophoblast cells with SEA resulted in upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α). Cytokine production in response to SEA was dose dependent and reminiscent of production in response to other proinflammatory stimuli, such as Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 agonists. In addition, the signaling pathways extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), p38, and NF-κB were all activated by SEA in primary trophoblasts. These effects appeared to be mediated through both carbohydrate and protein epitopes of SEA. Finally, primary trophoblasts cocultured with plasma from S. japonicum-infected pregnant women produced increased levels of IL-8 compared to trophoblasts cocultured with plasma from uninfected pregnant women. We report here a direct impact of SEA on primary human trophoblast cells, which are critical for many aspects of a healthy pregnancy. Our data indicate that schistosome antigens can activate proinflammatory responses in trophoblasts, which might compromise maternal-fetal health in pregnancies complicated by schistosomiasis.

Engineered exosomes for targeted delivery of miR-187-3p suppress the viability of hemangioma stem cells by targeting Notch signaling.

Background: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor of infancy and is proposed to arise from hemangioma stem cells (HemSCs). Therapies for IH include oral beta-blockers, surgery, and the delivery of novel therapeutic agents, such as bioactive microRNAs (miRNAs). However, in the extracellular environment, miRNA is easily hydrolyzed by RNase. miR-187-3p has previously been confirmed to promote or inhibit various malignancies, but its role in the development and progression of IH remains unclear. Methods: In this study, engineered exosomes (E-exos) were exploited to deliver miR-187-3p into HemSCs. The E-exos were generated by introducing miR-187-3p mimics into human adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hAMSC-exos) via electroporation. The expression and secretion of miR-187-3p were examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the exosomes. The effects of the E-exos on HemSC viability were examined using the tube formation assay and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effects of E-exos on Notch-1, Notch-4, and Jagged-1 expression in HemSCs. Results: E-exos did not differ significantly from hAMSC-exos in terms of morphology, particle size, or surface markers. E-exos could be internalized by HemSCs, and the course of cellular uptake of E-exos was time dependent. After 12 hours of treatment, E-exos significant inhibited tube formation. Notch signaling was also inhibited by miR-187-3p loading by E-exos. E-exos showed excellent inhibitory effects against HemSC proliferation via Notch signaling. Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for using hAMSC-exos to optimize current clinical options to facilitate IH treatment and deliver therapeutic agents in the future.

[Effect of shikonin on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis of hemangioma endothelial cell].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of shikonin (SKN) on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis of hemangioma endothelial cell (HemEC). METHODS: CCK-8 and EdU assays were used to detect the effect of SKN on proliferation of HemEC. The effect of SKN on apoptosis of HemEC was detected by flow cytometry. Wound healing assay was used to detect the effect of SKN on migration ability of HemEC. The effect of SKN on angiogenesis ability of HemEC was detected by tube formation assay. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: SKN inhibited proliferation (P＜0.001) and promoted apoptosis (P＜0.001) of HemEC in a concentration-dependent manner. In additon, SKN inhibited HemEC migration(P＜0.01) and angiogenesis(P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SKN can inhibit proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and promote apoptosis of HemEC.

Maternal Schistosomiasis japonica is associated with maternal, placental, and fetal inflammation.

Schistosomes infect ∼40 million women of childbearing age and result in the elaboration of proinflammatory cytokines that have been implicated in fetal growth restriction. In murine models and two observational studies in humans, schistosome infection during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight, although a recent treatment trial in Schistosoma mansoni did not detect this association. We conducted an observational study among 99 pregnant women living in an area of Schistosoma japonicum endemicity in the Philippines. We enrolled women at 32 weeks gestation and measured S. japonicum and geohelminth infection intensity. We collected maternal peripheral blood at 32 weeks gestation and placental and cord blood at delivery to assess inflammatory status. At delivery, we collected a placental-tissue sample and measured birth weight. In multivariate models adjusted for geohelminths, maternal schistosomiasis was associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in maternal peripheral (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin 10 [IL-10]), placental (TNF-α, IL-6, TNF-α receptor II [RII], and IL-1ß), and cord (IL-1ß and TNF-α RII) blood, as well as acute subchorionitis and increased TNF-α production by syncytiotrophoblasts assessed by immunohistochemistry (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, placental IL-1ß, and TNF-α production by syncytiotrophoblasts was independently associated with decreased birth weight (both P < 0.05). Our data indicate that maternal schistosomiasis results in a proinflammatory signature that is detectable in maternal, placental, and fetal compartments, and a subset of these responses are associated with decreased birth weight. This potential mechanistic link between maternal schistosomiasis and poor birth outcomes will contribute to the debate regarding treatment of maternal schistosome infections.

[Prediction model of net photosynthetic rate of ginseng under forest based on optimized parameters support vector machine].

Using K-fold cross validation method and two support vector machine functions, four kernel functions, grid-search, genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization, the authors constructed the support vector machine model of the best penalty parameter c and the best correlation coefficient. Using information granulation technology, the authors constructed P particle and epsilon particle about those factors affecting net photosynthetic rate, and reduced these dimensions of the determinant. P particle includes the percent of visible spectrum ingredients. Epsilon particle includes leaf temperature, scattering radiation, air temperature, and so on. It is possible to obtain the best correlation coefficient among photosynthetic effective radiation, visible spectrum and individual net photosynthetic rate by this technology. The authors constructed the training set and the forecasting set including photosynthetic effective radiation, P particle and epsilon particle. The result shows that epsilon-SVR-RBF-genetic algorithm model, nu-SVR-linear-grid-search model and nu-SVR-RBF-genetic algorithm model obtain the correlation coefficient of up to 97% about the forecasting set including photosynthetic effective radiation and P particle. The penalty parameter c of nu-SVR-linear-grid-search model is the minimum, so the model's generalization ability is the best. The authors forecasted the forecasting set including photosynthetic effective radiation, P particle and epsilon particle by the model, and the correlation coefficient is up to 96%.

[Cucumber downy mildew prediction model based on analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence spectrum].

In order to achieve quick and nondestructive prediction of cucumber disease, a prediction model of greenhouse cucumber downy mildew has been established and it is based on analysis technology of laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence spectrum. By assaying the spectrum curve of healthy leaves, leaves inoculated with bacteria for three days and six days and after feature information extraction of those three groups of spectrum data using first-order derivative spectrum preprocessing with principal components and data reduction, principal components score scatter diagram has been built, and according to accumulation contribution rate, ten principal components have been selected to replace derivative spectrum curve, and then classification and prediction has been done by support vector machine. According to the training of 105 samples from the three groups, classification and prediction of 44 samples and comparing the classification capacities of four kernel function support vector machines, the consequence is that RBF has high quality in classification and identification and the accuracy rate in classification and prediction of cucumber downy mildew reaches 97.73%.

Oral atenolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas: clinical analysis of 133 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most frequently occurring pediatric lesions. Oral propranolol has been shown to be safe and effective in infants with IHs. Side effects such as sleep disturbances have been associated with propranolol. Atenolol is a hydrophilic, selective ß1-blocker and therefore may be not associated with side effects attributable to ß2-adrenergic receptor blockade and lipophilicity. However, the efficacy of atenolol in the treatment of IHs is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atenolol in the treatment of proliferating IHs in a clinical cohort including 133 consecutive patients. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 133 patients diagnosed as proliferating IHs from the routine clinical and referral practices of the authors. The procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Institute Review Board of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and Helsinki Declaration. Clinical characteristics, including demographic data and clinical morphology, were collated. Responses to oral atenolol therapy were graded as: excellent, good, fair and poor. According to the reaction to atenolol treatment, additional medications or therapy were used for IH patients to achieve satisfactory clinical results. RESULTS: In this study, 128 (96.2%) of 133 IH patients responded to oral atenolol, and the response rate (RR) was significantly different for different ages of patients (P<0.05), with the youngest patients having the highest RR. The mean time of treatment was 4.9 months. Forty-one patients who exhibited residual hyperpigmentation or telangiectasia were further treated with timolol maleate cream (n=32) or pulsed dye laser (n=9). All the 41 patients showed positive response. No life-threatening complications were noted during and after oral atenolol. Only 4 (3.0%) of 133 patients developed minor complications including diarrhea. No agitation and bronchospasm were noted in our study. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that atenolol was effective in the treatment of IHs. Compared to propranolol, atenolol seems to have a similar effect on IHs. Furthermore, atenolol seems to be less frequently associated with potentially life-threatening side effects.

A survey on the application of oral propranolol and atenolol for the management of infantile hemangiomas in mainland China: Survey on propranolol atenolol hemangiomas.

ABSTRACT: Since 2008, oral propranolol has evolved as the first-line therapy for infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Meanwhile, oral atenolol gradually shows comparative effectiveness versus oral propranolol with few side effects. Here, we conducted a mobile internal survey among a group of Chinese clinicians about how they choose the dosage, dose regimen, and dose escalation methods of propranolol and atenolol for the treatment of IH.A mobile-ready internal survey on the application of oral propranolol and oral atenolol for IH in mainland China was performed and distributed to 333 potential clinicians from different levels of healthcare institutions in mainland China. Eighty-one doctors responded to the survey. All the respondents had the experience of treating IH with oral propranolol and 32 had the experience with oral atenolol.Most of the doctors from tertiary hospitals chose 2 mg/kg/d twice daily, while most of those with the experience of propranolol from private hospitals chose 1 mg/kg/d once daily. More doctors from tertiary hospitals had the experience of atenolol than those from private hospitals.Oral atenolol has become another medication intervention option for IH in mainland China. This survey is helpful to standardize and develop a guideline of oral atenolol therapy for IH.

[Biochemical analysis of stress distribution of dental implants with different body shapes after maxillary sinus augmentation].

PURPOSE: To compare the stress distribution of dental implants with different body shapes after maxillary sinus augmentation. MRTHODS: Three different implant models varying in implant shape were investigated in D3-type maxilla. All materials were assumed to be linear elastic, homogenous and isotropic. An oblique force of 150 N was applied to the implant. Maximal equivalent von-Mises of supporting bone around implants were measured. All of the models were measured by Ansys Workbench 14.5. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 software package. RESULTS: Highest stress of supporting bone emerged on the crestal cortical site around the implant neck. There was no significant difference in the maximum EQV of supporting cortical bone between different groups; the maximum EQV of supporting trabecular bone in the tapered implant group was much higher than other groups; application of grafts reduced the maximum EQV of both cortical and trabecular bone in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tampered implant can induce elevated stress distribution of the upper trabecular bone, which may promote marginal bone loss. Application of grafts after maxillary sinus augmentation could favors in reducing the stress loading of dental implants.

A new species of genus Endasys Förster (Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) parasitizing Pristiphora (Tenthredinidae) and a key to species from China.

A new species of Cryptinae, Endasys pristiphorae Sheng, sp.n. reared from cocoons of the tenthredinid sawflies Pristiphora erichsonii (Hartig), P. xibei Wei Xia and P. (Stauronematus) compresicornis (Hartig) in Ningxia, Shandong and Shan'xi, China, is described and illustrated. A key to species of Endasys known from China is provided.

Efficacy of concentrated growth factors combined with mineralized collagen on quality of life and bone reconstruction of guided bone regeneration.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of concentrated growth factors (CGFs) combined with mineralized collagen (MC) in guided bone regeneration (GBR). A retrospective study involving 29 patients treated with GBR technique, which was performed either CGF and MC complexes or MC alone. Implants were inserted simultaneously and cone-beam computed tomography was taken immediately, at 3 and 6 months postoperation. Questionnaires were completed by all patients so as to evaluate the main symptoms and daily activities during the first week after surgery. The outcomes of the two groups were statistically compared. All implants healed uneventfully. Patients in both groups suffered from different levels of discomfort for the reason of swelling, pain and chewing impairment on 1-2 days. Meanwhile, swelling of the Trial group was weaker than the Control group. When compared with the Control group, pain levels in Trial group were more rapidly reduced and patients took fewer analgesics from Day 3. Furthermore, the reconstitution mean value of the graft was thicker at 3 and 6 months in Trial group. CGFs complex with MC were beneficial to relieve the clinical symptoms, promote the peri-implant bone regeneration and shorten the healing time.

Cox-maze III procedure for atrial fibrillation during valve surgery: a single institution experience.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in patients with heart valve disease. Our aim was to summarize our experience and evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Cox maze III procedure combined with valve surgery in patients with AF. METHODS: A retrospective, observational analysis was performed for all consecutive patients underwent maze III procedure combined with valve surgery between October 2015 and June 2019. In this trial, we used a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation in addition to cut and sew technique to treat AF. RESULTS: 66 patients (37 female, 56.1%) with persistent or long-lasting persistent AF associated with valve disease were identified. The mean age was 54.2 ± 8.4 years (range, 30 to 73 years). Overall hospital mortality was 3.0%. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamping was 175.4 ± 32.9 and 115.6 ± 22.8 min respectively. The first 24 h drainage was 488.6 ± 293.3 ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 14.8 ± 8.3 days. The postoperative incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation, reoperation for bleeding, renal failure required hemodialysis, and stroke was 4.5, 1.5, 4.5% and 0 respectively. The frequency of sinus rhythm was 91.7, 93.1, 94.7, 93.3 and 89.5% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Cox-Maze III procedure is safe in the surgical treatment of AF associated with valve disease, and efficacious for sinus rhythm maintenance, with low morbidity and mortality.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses to paramyosin predict resistance to reinfection with Schistosoma japonicum and are attenuated by IgG4.

Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in developing countries, and rapid reinfection fostered by continued exposure to contaminated water sources necessitates a vaccine to augment current mass treatment-based control strategies. We report isotype-specific (immunoglobulin A [IgA], IgE, IgG1, IgG4, and IgG) antibody responses to soluble worm antigen preparation and the recombinant vaccine candidates rSj97, rSj67, and rSj22 from a Schistosoma japonicum-infected cohort in Leyte, the Philippines, where schistosomiasis is endemic. Sera were collected from infected individuals 1 month posttreatment with praziquantel, and antibody responses were measured using a bead-based multiplex platform. Reinfection was monitored by stool sampling every 3 months, and data up to 1 year were included in the analysis (n = 553). In repeated-measures models, individuals with detectible IgE responses to rSj97 had a 26% lower intensity of reinfection at 12 months posttreatment compared to nonresponders after adjusting for age, gender, village, exposure, pretreatment infection intensity, and clustering by household (P = 0.018). In contrast, IgG4 responses to rSj97 as well as rSj67 and rSj22 were associated with markedly increased reinfection intensity. When stratified by IgG4 and IgE responder status, individuals with IgE but not IgG4 responses to rSj97 (n = 16) had a 77% lower intensity of reinfection at 12 months compared to individuals with IgG4 responses but not IgE responses (n = 274), even after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.016). Together with our previously described protective cytokine responses, these data further support paramyosin as a leading vaccine candidate for human schistosomiasis japonica and underscore the importance of careful adjuvant selection to avoid the generation of blocking IgG4 antibody responses.

Treatment strategy for combined carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease: staged or simultaneous surgical procedure?

Patients with combined carotid and coronary arterial diseases pose a high risk of cerebrovascular events, and the treatment of choice with either a simultaneous or a staged surgical procedure remains controversial. The literature of combined carotid and coronary arterial diseases of a recent decade in English was retrieved. Totally 41,901 patients undergoing simultaneous or staged carotid and coronary procedures from 53 reports were included. As a result, carotid endarterectomy plus coronary artery bypass remained the most commonly used procedure for the intervention of combined carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease, and was associated with higher incidences of perioperative transient ischemic attack, stroke and hospital mortality, but with less perioperative myocardial infarction comparing with the staged procedures. Patients with a simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass were generally related more to an advanced atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, so that a pure comparison between the two strategies was not always possible. To compare the efficacy of different surgical methods for combined carotid and coronary arterial diseases is of pronounced importance. The new hybrid approach consisting of the simultaneous carotid artery stenting and subsequent on-pump coronary artery bypass can be a safe approach, with the aim to reduce the surgical trauma as compared to surgical procedures, and to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in the interval period required for the staged operations. Thus, for patients with combined carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease, the simultaneous surgical procedure, rather than the staged procedure, is recommended.

[Immunological identification of a synthetic peptide from the paramyosin of Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the immunologic property of a synthetic peptide Sj97-P22 from paramyosin of Schistosoma japonicum (Sj97). METHODS: Twenty-seven female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups each with 9 mice, Sj97-P22, control peptide and PBS groups, and each mouse was respectively immunized twice (seven days interval) with 100 microg of Sj97-P22, control peptide or PBS, emulsified with equal value of complete Freund's adjuvant. Seven to ten days after the second immunization, the mouse spleen mononuclear cells were isolated for three-color flow cytometry to detect intracellular cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4. Then the spleen mononuclear cells were co-cultured with Sj97-P22, control peptide or PBS respectively, and the incorporation rate of 3H-thymidine, as well as the levels of IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the cultured cell supernatant, were measured. RESULTS: In CD4+ T cells, the percentage of IFN-gamma-producing cells in Sj97-P22 group [(8.05 +/- 0.54)%] was significantly higher than that of the control peptide group [(4.74 +/- 1.04)%] or PBS group [(6.51 +/- 0.49)%] (P<0.05), while the proportion of IL-4-producing cells was significantly lower in Sj97-P22 group [(0.60 +/- 0.11)%] than that in PBS group [(1.31 +/- 0.27)%] (P<0.05). Also, compared with control peptide or PBS stimulation, Sj97-P22 was able to effectively stimulate the proliferation with the stimulation index (3.12 +/- 1.59) and a higher secretion of IL-2 [(9.13 +/- 1.54) pg/ml] and IFN-gamma [(39.75 +/- 9.69) pg/ml] of spleen mononuclear cells in Sj97-P22-immunized mice (P<0.05). Both Sj97-P22 and control peptide were not effective stimulators to the spleen mononuclear cells from mice of PBS group. CONCLUSION: It is highly possible that Sj97-P22 is a Th1-type epitope specific for C57BL/6 mice.

Effects of CYP2D6*10 polymorphism on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in patients with breast cancer in Asia: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Insufficient serum metabolite concentrations of tamoxifen can compromise treatment efficacy in patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore correlations between cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6*10 gene polymorphisms and serum concentrations of tamoxifen and its active metabolites in patients with breast cancer in Asia. METHODS: The study included a systematic literature search for cohort studies published before March 2018 in English databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang database). The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Pooled means and standard deviations were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also performed using STATA 14.0. RESULTS: In total, 7 studies and 552 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Serum concentrations of endoxifen were significantly different in each CYP2D6*10 genotype group (p < 0.05). The CC genotype was associated with higher concentrations of 4-OH-TAM than the CT/TT genotype (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in serum concentrations of TAM (p > 0.05). Publication bias and sensitivity analyses confirmed that the meta-analysis results were stable and reliable. CONCLUSIONS: CYP2D6*10 polymorphisms influence the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen in patients with breast cancer in Asia.

Effect of combined low-dose oral prednisone with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists for refractory infantile hemangiomas: retrospective cohort study in 76 patients.

BACKGROUND: Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists have been the first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IHs); however, monotherapy may fail to achieve sufficient efficacy for certain patients, especially for refractory IHs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of prednisone and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists for refractory IHs. METHODS: We studied 76 patients with refractory IHs. After more than one month of insufficient oral propranolol therapy, forty-four patients received additional treatment of prednisone, while thirty-two patients continued to receive beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists monotherapy. The response to treatment was assessed according to hemangioma score values. RESULTS: The outcomes of patients after combined treatment were significantly better than those with monotherapy of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. The age to initiate prednisone was significantly negatively correlated with the improvement in the combination treatment group. The age at initiate treatment showed significant correlation with score variation percentage in both groups. There was no significant difference in the treatment duration observed between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for all patients showed prednisone administration was the most important factor to better overall outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term addition of low-dose oral prednisone is an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for oral propranolol in contributing to refractory IH. Both early administration and long enough duration would be necessary.

Knockdown of Histone Methyltransferase WHSC1 Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is the most common malignancy of the salivary gland with a poor prognosis and survival. The present study aimed to investigate the role of histone methyltransferase WHSC1 in SACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human SACC specimens were evaluated for WHSC1 expression by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The effects of WHSC1 knockdown on SACC cells proliferation, cell cycle, clone and tumorsphere formation, and apoptosis as well as on the expression of related genes were examined. A xenograft mouse model of SACC was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of WHSC1 knockdown on SACC tumorigenesis. RESULTS: WHSC1 expression was up-regulated in human SACC tissues (p<0.01). WHSC1 knockdown in SACC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, clone and tumorsphere formation (p<0.05). Cell distribution at the S and G2/M phases was significantly reduced by WHSC1 knockdown (p<0.05). WHSC1 knockdown significantly increased apoptosis of SACC cells (p<0.05). c-Myc, survivin, Bcl-2 and cyclin B1 genes were significantly down-regulated by WHSC1 knockdown cells (p<0.05). WHSC1 knockdown significantly reduced H3K36me2 modification of the MYC gene promoter in SACC cells and tumorigenesis of SACC cells in vivo (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Knockdown of WHSC1 inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and affected tumorigenesis in SACC.

Pilot-scale production and characterization of paramyosin, a vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis japonica.

Despite effective chemotherapy, schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in the developing world, with at least 200 million active infections resulting in significant morbidity. Rapid reinfection after treatment, accompanied by extensive residual morbidity, mandates alternative control strategies, including vaccine development. Paramyosin, a myofibrillar protein found only in invertebrates, has been widely studied as a vaccine candidate for both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum. Recently, we demonstrated that Th2-biased immune responses to paramyosin are associated with resistance to reinfection with S. japonicum in humans; however, challenges in the pilot-scale production of schistosome paramyosin have hampered further studies of this promising vaccine candidate. Here we report a method for the pilot-scale expression and purification of recombinant S. japonicum paramyosin (rSj97). rSj97 was extracted from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies and purified with sequential anion-exchange, hydroxyapatite, and size exclusion chromatography. The purified rSj97 was >95% pure as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis and was free of significant endotoxin contamination. We demonstrate that, like native paramyosin, rSj97 adopts an alpha-helical coiled-coil tertiary structure and binds immunoglobulin and collagen. Naïve mice infected with S. japonicum produce anti-rSj97 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies as early as 4 weeks postinfection, while sera collected from S. japonicum-infected individuals contain anti-rSj97 IgE antibodies. Our method for pilot-scale production of recombinant full-length paramyosin will facilitate preclinical evaluation of paramyosin as a vaccine for schistosomiasis.