Advances in research of Musashi2 in solid tumors / 南方医科大学学报

RNA binding protein (RBP) plays a key role in gene regulation and participate in RNA translation, modification, splicing, transport and other important biological processes. Studies have shown that abnormal expression of RBP is associated with a variety of diseases. The Musashi (Msi) family of mammals is an evolutionarily conserved and powerful RBP, whose members Msi1 and Msi2 play important roles in the regulation of stem cell activity and tumor development. The Msi family members regulate a variety of biological processes by binding and regulating mRNA translation, stability and downstream cell signaling pathways, and among them, Msi2 is closely related to embryonic growth and development, maintenance of tumor stem cells and development of hematological tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that Msi2 also plays a crucial role in the development of solid tumors, mainly by affecting the proliferation, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance of tumors, involving Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/SMAD3, Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, Numb and their related signaling pathways (Notch, p53, and Hedgehog pathway). Preclinical studies of Msi2 gene as a therapeutic target for tumor have achieved preliminary results. This review summarizes the molecular structure, physiological function, role of Msi2 in the development and progression of various solid tumors and the signaling pathways involved.

Subcellular localization of GTPase of immunity-associated protein 2 / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the subcellular localization of GTPase of immunity-associated protein 2 (GIMAP2) for the further functional study.@*METHODS@#In the study, we first obtained the protein sequences of GTPase of immunity-associated protein 2 (GIMAP2) from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and then performed a prediction analysis of its transmembrane structure, nuclear localization signal (NLS), nuclear export signal (NES) and subcellular localization through bioinformatics online tools. GIMAP2 gene amplified by PCR was inserted into the expression vector pQCXIP-mCherry-N1 and positive clones were selected by ampicillin resistance. After using methods to extract and purify, the sequenced recombinant plasmid pQCXIP-GIMAP2-mCherry, together with the retroviral packaging plasmids VSVG and Gag/pol, was transferred into HEK293FT cells by liposomes for virus packaging. The virus supernatant was collected 48 h after transfection and directly infected the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-436. Immunofluorescence staining was constructed to detect the localization of endogenous and exogenous GIMAP2 in MDA-MB-436 cells. Meanwhile, green fluorescent chemical dyes were used to label mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid droplets in living MDA-MB-436 cells stably expressing the GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein. Images for the three dye-labeled organelles and GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein were captured by super-resolution microscope N-SIM.@*RESULTS@#Bioinformatics analysis data showed that GIMAP2 protein composed of 337 amino acids might contain two transmembrane helix (TM) structures at the carboxyl terminus, of which TMs were estimated to contain 40-41 expected amino acids, followed by the residual protein structures toward the cytoplasmic side. NES was located at the 279-281 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus whereas NLS was not found. GIMAP2 might locate in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Sequencing results indicated that the expression vector pQCXIP-GIMAP2-mCherry was successfully constructed. Fluorescent staining confirmed that GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein, co-localized well with endogenous GIMAP2, expressed successfully in the endoplasmic reticulum and on the surface of lipid droplets in MDA-MB-436 cells.@*CONCLUSION@#GIMAP2 localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum and on the surface of LDs, suggesting potential involvement of GIMAP2 in lipid metabolism.

Current status of the imaging diagnosis of liver fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver fibrosis is the result of the progressive development of various chronic liver diseases and can develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis of liver fibrosis is of great significance for disease reversal. At present, liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, but it cannot be used as a routine screening method due to its shortcomings. In recent years, progress has been made in various noninvasive imaging methods, and this article reviews the current status of the research on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

Isoflavone preventing ultraviolet radiation induced skin injuries of mice / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the protective effect of external use of isoflavone cream on ultraviolet radiation induced skin injuries of mice and its mechanisms.Methods A total of 48 male ICR mice were randomly assigned to vehicle (control),ultraviolet radiation (UV),2％ isoflavone+UV and 3％ isoflavone+-UV groups,with 12 mice in each group,and the naked skin of mice in the four groups were treated with sesame oil (15 min),sesame oil (15 min) in combined UV (first radiation with 1.55 J/cm2 long-wave ultraviolet [UVA] for 18 min,and then with 0.95 J/cm2 middle-wave ultraviolet [UVB] for 11 min),2％ isoflavone (15 min) in combined UV and 3％ isoflavone (15 min) in combined UV,respectively.After radiation for 7 days,the UV-exposed skins were obtained to observe the morphological and histological changes using H-E staining.The contents of interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α),malondialdehyde (MDA),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the skins were determined using ELISA or corresponding kits.Results (1) UV irradiation caused erythema and crusting in skin,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis and fractured elastic fiber were observed microscopically.Isoflavone pretreatment effectively ameliorated these damages in mice skin.(2) Compared with the control group,contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in the UV group were significantly increased (P＜0.05);however,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reversed by isoflavone pretreatment (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(3) Compared with the control group,the skin MDA content in the UV group was significantly increased (P＜0.05),SOD and CAT contents were significantly decreased (P＜0.05);however,the isoflavone pretreatment significantly reversed the alterations of MDA,SOD and CAT (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Isoflavone exerts protective effects against the ultraviolet induced skin damage in mice through alleviating lipid peroxidation,oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Pharmacokinetics of the combined preparation of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide on Chinese healthy volunteers / 药学学报

The aim of the present study, performed on two different groups of volunteers, is to characterize the pharmacokinetics of lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide combined tablet. After administration of high, medium and low doses of lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide combined tablets, AUC and C(max) of two compounds both increase significantly with increase of dose. Neither normalized AUC/Dose nor C(max)/Dose has significant difference between every two tested dose groups. The similar results can be observed as for the parameters of t(max). Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are both eliminated with linear characteristics. After repeated administration of lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide combined tablets, AUC, C(max) and C(min) of lisinopril in the steady state increase. AUC and C(min) increase significantly. As for hydrochlorothiazide, AUC, C(max), C(min), and t(max) also increase in steady state. AUC and C(min) increase significantly. Administered with the test medication, lisinopril has an fluctuation index (FI) value of 2.29 and reaches a relative steady concentration. But hydrochlorothiazide has an FI value of 4.09 with relatively large fluctuating concentrations.

An experimental study of artificial murine bladder reflex arc established by abdominal reflex / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury is difficult to treat clinically. The aim of this research was to establish an artificial bladder reflex arc in rats through abdominal reflex pathway above the level of spinal cord injury, reinnervate the neurogenic bladder and restore bladder micturition.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The outcome was achieved by intradural microanastomosis of the right T13 ventral root to S2 ventral root with autogenous nerve grafting, leaving the right T13 dorsal root intact. Long-term function of the reflex arc was assessed from nerve electrophysiological data and intravesical pressure tests during 8 months postoperation. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracing was performed to observe the effectiveness of the artificial reflex.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Single stimulus (3 mA, 0.3 ms pulses, 20 Hz, 5-second duration) on the right T13 dorsal root resulted in evoked action potentials, raised intravesical pressures and bladder smooth muscle, compound action potential recorded from the right vesical plexus before and after the spinal cord transaction injury between L5 and S4 segmental in 12 Sprague-Dawley rats. There were HRP labelled cells in T13 ventral horn on the experimental side and in the intermediolateral nucleus on both sides of the L6-S4 segments after HRP injection. There was no HRP labelled cell in T13 ventral horn on the control side.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using the surviving somatic reflex above the level of spinal cord injury to reconstruct the bladder autonomous reflex arc by intradural microanastomosis of ventral root with a segment of autologous nerve grafting is practical in rats and may have clinical applications for humans.</p>

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance venography in the detection of recanalization in patients with chronic cerebral venous sinus thrombus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In the chronic stage of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), recanalization can result in disparate MR appearances. We aimed to prospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in the evaluation of the recanalization of CVST.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study prospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of 2-dimensional time-of-flight (2D-TOF) MRV in thirty-two consecutive patients during a three- to six-month follow-up for CVST. Both 2D-TOF MRV and digital substraction angiography (DSA) were undertaken. Diagnostic accuracy of 2D-TOF MRV in the detection of recanalized thrombus was evaluated using DSA as the reference standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MRV and DSA were completed without complications in all 32 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 2D-TOF MRV for the detection of recanalization on a segmental basis were 91% (62/68), 93% (37/40), 95% (62/65), and 86% (37/43) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>2D-TOF MRV provides high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of recanalized CVST segments.</p>

Cloning and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Ribosomal Protein L8 cDNA of the Weever(Lateolabrax japonicus) / 现代生物医学进展

The complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding weever ribosomal protein L8, WeevL8, is described here. The WeevL8 cDNA has 848 nucleotides in full length and encodes a 257 amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 28.02 kDa. Two conserved domains have been identified in WEEVL8. It was concluded fromsequence alignment that WeevL8 gene was quite conservative, consistent with its role as a house-keeping gene. A phylogenetic analysis made by L8 protein showed the similar phylogenetic relationship to that with 18s rDNA. The high similarity supports the notion that ribosomal protein L8 can also be used as phylogenetic criterion.

Cloning and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Ribosomal Protein L8 cDNA of the Weever(Lateolabrax japonicus) / 现代生物医学进展

The complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding weever ribosomal protein L8, WeevL8, is described here. The WeevL8 cDNA has 848 nucleotides in full length and encodes a 257 amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 28.02 kDa. Two conserved domains have been identified in WEEVL8. It was concluded fromsequence alignment that WeevL8 gene was quite conservative, consistent with its role as a house-keeping gene. A phylogenetic analysis made by L8 protein showed the similar phylogenetic relationship to that with 18s rDNA. The high similarity supports the notion that ribosomal protein L8 can also be used as phylogenetic criterion.

Clinical observations of the effects on the lower limb function after lumbar or sacral nerve root transferring to reconstruct urination function / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects on the lower limbs function after lumbar or sacral nerve root transferring to reconstruct urination function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine patients with bladder dysfunction and normal lower limb function after spinal cord injury were treated with anastomosis the S2 or S3 nerve root with the normal lumbar or sacral nerve root to reconstruct a new bladder artificial reflex arc. Then the alterations on the sensation and motor function of the lower limb after the surgery were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Myodynamia of the legs decreased slightly, and the decreasing about half grade of the myodynamia in the plantar flexion of the ankles were detected in 4 of 9 patients with S1 transferring. And the myodynamia recovered 3 months postoperatively. No obvious decreasing of the myodynamia appeared in the other cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>No obvious effects on the motor function can be found after the single lumbar or sacral nerve root transferring to reconstruct urination function.</p>

Repair of brachial plexus lower trunk injury by transferring brachialis muscle branch of musculocutaneous nerve: anatomic feasibility and clinical trials / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There are few effective methods for treating injuries to the lower trunk of brachial plexus, and the curative effect is usually poor. The purpose of this study was to provide anatomic references for transferring the brachialis muscle branch of musculocutaneous nerve (BMBMCN) for selective neurotization of finger flexion in brachial plexus lower trunk injury, and to evaluate its clinical curative effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Microanatomy and measurement were done on 50 limbs from 25 adult human cadavers to observe the origin, branch, type of the BMBMCN and median nerve, as well as their adjacent structures. Internal topographic features of the fascicular groups of the median nerve at the level of the BMBMCN were observed. In addition, the technique of BMBMCN transfer for selective neurotization of finger flexion of the median nerve was designed and tested in 6 fresh adult human cadavers. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) staining of the BMBMCN and median nerve was done to observe the features of the nerve fibers. This technique was clinically tried to restore digital flexion in 6 cases of adult brachial plexus lower trunk injury. These cases were followed up for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Recovery of function, grip strength, nerve electrophysiology and muscle power of the affected limbs were observed and measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The brachialis muscle was totally innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). Based on the Hunter's line, the level of the origin of the BMBMCN was (13.18 +/- 2.77) cm. AchE histochemical staining indicated that the BMBMCN were totally made up of medullated nerve fibers. At the level of the BMBMCN, the median nerve consistently collected into three fascicular groups as shown by microanatomy in combination with AchE stain. The posterior fascicular group was mainly composed of anterior interosseous nerves and branches to the palmaris longus. The technique was tested in six fresh cadavers successfully, except that stoma split occurred in one case. Five of the six cases recovered digital flexion 12 months after operation, and at the same time grip strength, muscle power, and nerve electrophysiology also recovered markedly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The technique of transferring the BMBMCN for selective neurotization of finger flexion is anatomically safe and effective, with satisfactory clinical outcomes.</p>

A finite element analysis system for two-demension morphological analysis of the soft tissue in orthognathic surgery / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate a finite element method (FEM) for analysis of the cranial-facial morphology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The two-dimensional finite element analysis system was established and used to analysis the lateral side morphology of the soft tissue by the change of each finite unit of the soft tissue in a X-ray cranial-facial lateral cepholometrics film.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The finite element analysis system was showing very well in the figures and data made by the system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Finite element analysis system may be a good supplement of the traditional X-ray cephalometrics to the soft tissue of orthognatics.</p>