Dendritic cell TLR4 induces Th1-type immune response against Cryptosporidium parvum infection

@#The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of Toll-like receptor (TLR4)- mediated dendritic cell (DC) immune against Cryptosporidium parvum infection. C. parvum sporozoites were labeled with 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester. Murine bone marrow-derived DCs were isolated, and divided into TLR4 antibody blocking (TAB; infected with 2 × 105 labeled sporozoites and 0.5 μg TLR4 blocking antibody), TLR4 antibody unblocking (TAU; infected with 2 × 105 labeled sporozoites), and blank control (BC; with 1.5 mL Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium) groups. The adhesion of Cryptosporidium sporozoites to DCs and CD11c+ levels were examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Male KM mice were orally injected with C. parvum. The proliferation of T lymphocytes in spleen, expression of cytokines in peripheral blood, and TLR4 distribution features in different organs were further determined by immunohistochemistry. A significantly higher expression of CD11c+ and higher C. parvum sporozoite adhesion were found in the TAU group compared with other groups. The expression of CD4+CD8- /CD8+CD4- in the spleen were obviously differences between the TAB and TAU groups. The expression of TLR4, interleukin IL-4, IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ improved in the TAU group compared with TAB group. Higher expression of TLR4 was detected in the lymph nodes of mice in the TAU group, with pathological changes in the small intestine. Hence, TLR4 could mediate DCs to recognize C. parvum, inducing Th1 immune reaction to control C. parvum infection.

Hepatitis E virus infection in buffaloes in South China / [Hepatite E infecção viral em búfalos no Sul da China]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an important global public health issue. HEV infections are recognized as a zoonotic disease. Swine are believed to be the main reservoir of HEV. Recently, yaks, cows, and yellow cattle have been reported as new reservoirs of HEV. However, whether other species of cattle and buffaloes are sensitive to HEV infection is unknown. To investigate the prevalence of HEV infection in buffaloes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) were performed. Only one buffalo was positive to anti-HEV IgM antibody (1/106, 0.94%), and none were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody. To our surprise, five serum (5/106, 4.72%) and three milk samples (3/40, 7.50%) from buffaloes were positive to HEV RNA. All strains of HEV isolated from buffaloes belong to genotype 4. Results indicate that buffaloes may be a new reservoir of HEV.(AU)

Infecção com o vírus Hepatite E (HEV) é uma importante questão de saúde pública global. Infecções HEV são reconhecidas como doença zoológica. Acredita-se que suínos são o principal reservatório de HEV. Recentemente iaques, vacas, e gado amarelo foram reportados como novos reservatórios do HEV. Porém, não se sabe se outras espécies de gado e búfalo são sensíveis a infecção HEV. Para investigar a prevalência de infecção HEV em búfalos, foram realizados prova de imunoabsorção enzimática e polimerização em cadeia inversa ancorada em transcrição. Apenas um búfalo foi positivo para o anticorpo anti-HEV IgM (1/106, 0,94%), e nenhum foi positivo para o anticorpo anti-HEV IgG. Para nossa surpresa cinco (5/106, 4,72%) e três amostras de leite (3/40, 7,50%) de búfalos foram positivos para HEV RNA. Todas as estirpes de HEV isoladas de búfalos pertencem ao genótipo 4. Resultados indicam que búfalos podem ser um reservatório de HEV.(AU)

Genetic distance and phylogenetic studies of two Indian snakehead and one carp fish species

Aim: To study genetic distance and phylogenetic relationship of two different stock of three important fish species, i.e., Channa stewartii, C. striatus and Labeo gonius of Assam. Methodology: Three fish species, namely Channa stewartii, C. striatus and Labeo gonius were collected from two beels, i.e., Thekera and Samaguri beels of Assam, India. Standard procedures were followed for isolation of their DNA and sequencing. Thereafter, genetic distance and diversity and phylogenetic studies of three species were calculated using computer based softwares ClustalW and MEGA6. Results: In the present study, the pairwise genetic distance of three fish species ranged from 0 to 20.436. No pairwise distance was found between two stocks at different locations Thekera and Samaguri beels of Assam for each of three species C. stewartii, C. striatus and L. gonius. The highest values (20.436) of pairwise distance were found between C. striatus and L. gonius population of Thekera beel; Thekera and Samaguri beels; and L. gonius population of the Thekera and Samaguri beels. The overall average distance for the two populations of three fish species was 15.387. No significant intraspecific difference was observed in the phylogenetic studies of two stocks of three fish species. Interpretation: The overall average distance (15.387) of three fish species could be attributed to genetic distance from each other. The high value of coefficient of differentiation (1.000) for three fish species from two stocks indicated that all the species were different from each other. Overall genetic and phylogenetic studies revealed that C. stewartii, C. striatus and L. gonius. were less differentiated from each other.

Photosynthetic characteristics of summer maize under different planting patterns and the responses to nitrogen application of previous crop / Características fotossintéticas do milho verão sob diferentes padrões de plantio e as respostas à aplicação de nitrogênio da cultura anterior

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important grain crops in the North China Plain. Management practices affect the photosynthetic characteristics and the production of summer maize. This two-year (2014-2015) study examined the effects of different planting patterns and the application of nitrogen to previous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of summer maize. Field experiments used a two-factor split-plot design with three replicates at Taian, Shandong Province, China (36°09' N, 117°09' E). The experiments involved two planting patterns(ridge planting, RP; and uniform row planting, UR) and two nitrogen application levels of previous winter wheat (N1, 112.50 kg ha-1; N2, 225.00 kg ha-1). The results indicated that the application of nitrogen on previous crop and ridge planting of the following crop had significant effects on the photosynthetic characteristics and yields of summer maize. Compared with UR, this study found that RP increased the chlorophyll content index (CCI), leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), dry matter (DM), yield and grain RUE by 4.1%, 6.3%, 5.2%, 6.4%, 8.9% and 9.4%, respectively. The CCI, LAI, Pn, yield, and grain RUE of N2 were 9.7%, 3.3%, 3.7%, 10.0% and 10.1% higher than those of N1, respectively. RP combined with the application of nitrogen on previous crop of winter wheat could increase the CCI, LAI, Pn, DM, ultimately increasing the grain yield and RUE of the following summer's maize. It was concluded that previous crop nitrogen application and RP pattern treatment resulted in optimal cropping conditions for the North China plain.

O milho (Zea mays L.) é uma das culturas de grãos mais importantes da Planície do Norte da China. Práticas de manejo afetam as características fotossintéticas e a produção do milho verão. Este estudo de dois anos (2014-2015) examinou os efeitos de diferentes padrões de plantio e a aplicação de nitrogênio ao trigo de inverno anterior (Triticum aestivum L.) sobre as características fotossintéticas, produtividade e eficiência de uso de radiação (RUE) do milho verão. Experimentos de campo usaram um delineamento em parcelas subdivididas de dois fatores com três repetições em Taian, província de Shandong, China (36°09' N, 117°09' E). Os experimentos envolveram dois padrões de plantio (ridge planting, RP; e uniform row planting, UR) e dois níveis de aplicação de nitrogênio do trigo de inverno anterior (N1, 112,50 kg ha-1; N2, 225,00 kg ha-1). Os resultados indicaram que a aplicação de nitrogênio na cultura anterior e no plantio RP da cultura seguinte teve efeitos significativos nas características fotossintéticas e na produtividade do milho verão. Comparado com o plantio UR, este estudo concluiu que RP aumentou o índice de conteúdo de clorofila (CCI), índice de área foliar (LAI), taxa fotossintética líquida (Pn), matéria seca (DM), produtividade e RUE de grãos em 4,1%, 6,4%, 5,2%, 6,4%, 8,9% e 9,4%, respectivamente. Os valores de CCI, LAI, Pn, produtividade e RUE de N2 foram 9,7%, 3,3%, 3,7%, 10,0% e 10,1% superiores aos de N1, respectivamente. RP combinada com a aplicação de nitrogênio na safra anterior de trigo de inverno poderia aumentar os valores de CCI, LAI, Pn, DM, aumentando o rendimento de grãos e RUE do milho do verão seguinte. Concluiu-se que a aplicação prévia de nitrogênio na colheita e o tratamento com padrão RP resultaram em condições ótimas de cultivo para a planície do norte da China.

Efficacy of minimally invasive tonsil surgery for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in children

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive tonsil surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children. Tonsil ablation or turbinate reduction was performed on 49 pediatric patients with OSAHS by minimally invasive tonsil surgery. In order to evaluate the efficacy of surgery, a comparison was conducted between pre-operation and post-operation data in terms of the symptoms, signs and polysomnography test. Total effectiveness rate of the surgery was 83.7%. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the severity of their conditions: mild, moderate, and severe groups had an effectiveness rate of 90.0, 88.9, and 66.7%, respectively (Hc=6.665, P<0.05). Postoperatively, the apnea-hypopnea index, the minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2), and corresponding symptoms improved compared to pre-operation conditions (P<0.05). Minimally invasive tonsil surgery was a safe and effective method for treating OSAHS in children.

Homocysteine induces glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase acetylation and apoptosis in the neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2a

High plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) promote the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism by which Hcy mediates neurotoxicity has not been elucidated. We observed that upon incubation with Hcy, the viability of a neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2a declined in a dose-dependent manner, and apoptosis was induced within 48 h. The median effective concentration (EC50) of Hcy was approximately 5 mM. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) nuclear translocation and acylation has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis. We found that nuclear translocation and acetylation of GAPDH increased in the presence of 5 mM Hcy and that higher levels of acetyltransferase p300/CBP were detected in Neuro2a cells. These findings implicate the involvement of GAPDH in the mechanism whereby Hcy induces apoptosis in neurons. This study highlights a potentially important pathway in neurodegenerative disorders, and a novel target pathway for neuroprotective therapy.

Limited sequence variation in rhoptry protein 41 gene among Toxoplasma gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical locations

Toxoplasma gondii is a medically and agriculturally important protozoan parasite that can infect virtually all the mammalian and avian species. Previous studies showed that the family of rhoptry proteins (ROPs) plays a key role in the invasion process of T. gondii, and its several members can be potential marker for population genetic researches of Toxoplasma. In order to estimate whether other member is also suitable as the novel genetic marker, the variation of ROP41 gene among 11 T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical locations and two reference strains was examined in this study. Our results showed that all the examined sequence of TgROP41 gene was 1473 bp in length, and their A+T contents were between 48.47% and 48.88%. Sequence analysis presented 14 nucleotide mutation positions (0%-0.54%), leading to 5 amino acid substitutions (0%-0.61%) through alignment with T. gondii ME49 strain (ToxoDB: TGME49_266100). Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses by MP and BI methods based on deduced amino acid sequences of TgROP41 gene was only able to distinguish the type I strain, but not able to separate the two classical genotypes (Type II and III) into the respective clusters. These results indicated limited sequence diversity in the TgROP41 gene.

Lymph node evaluation in totally thoracoscopic lobectomy with two‑port for clinical early‑stage nonsmall‑cell lung cancer: Single‑center experience of 1086 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Although more and more video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomies via two‑port have been performed to treat early‑stage nonsmall‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in recent years, concern remains whether it can achieve satisfactory adequacy of lymphadenectomy. This retrospective study was aimed to evaluate the adequacy of lymphadenectomy by VATS via two‑port, compared with three‑port. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of patients who underwent VATS lobectomy via two‑port or three‑port with systematic lymphadenectomy for clinical early‑stage NSCLC were reviewed. As the main evaluation criterion, the number of mediastinal nodes and node stations, and the total number of nodes and node stations was compared by approach. RESULTS: 1872 patients with NSCLC underwent VATS lobectomy, 1086 via a two‑port approach and 786 through a three‑port approach. In the two‑port and three‑port groups, the baseline patient characteristics were similar, and there was no significant difference in the mean number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs) (12.3 ± 2.2 and 13.1 ± 1.7, P > 0.05) and the mean number of dissected MLN stations (3.5 ± 0.7 and 3.4 ± 0.8, P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the mean total number of dissected lymph nodes (24.1 ± 4.2 and 25.7 ± 4.3, P > 0.05) and the mean total number of dissected lymph node stations (6.8 ± 1.3 and 6.9 ± 1.1, P > 0.05) were also similar. Otherwise, in terms of postoperative complications, there was no obvious difference in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The adequacy of lymphadenectomy including MLN dissection by VATS via two‑port is similar to that via three‑port for patients undergoing lobectomy for clinical early‑stage NSCLC.

Quality of life and survival after II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma surgery: Video‑assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy lobectomy.

PURPOSE: Due to the improvement of thoracoscopic thchnology and surgeon’s ability, plenty of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was treated by video‑assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and survival in II stage NSCLC patients following lobectomy, comparing VATS with thoracotomy. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2012, 217 II stage NSCLC patients (VATS: 114 patients, OPEN: 103 patients) were enrolled in a long‑standing, prospective observational lung cancer surgery outcomes study. Short‑form 36 health survey (SF‑36) and time to progression (TTP) were measured to evaluate the QOL and postoperative survival. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the preoperative radiation therapy and differentiation, and the VATS group had less postoperative complication, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, and shorter length of stay. Statistical analysis of SF‑36 questionnaire revealed that VATS group score was higher on seven health dimensions: Bodily pain (BP), energy (EG), general health, physical functioning, mental health, SF, and role‑physical (RP), but only BP, EG, and RP have statistical significance. Using survival analysis, there was no significant difference between VATS and OPEN group, in which the mean TTP of VATS group is 18.5 months, while OPEN group is 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy tends to score higher on the QOL and functioning scales and has equivalent postsurgical survival compared with OPEN lobectomy for II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma patients.

Prognostic impact of CUG‑binding protein 1 expression and vascular invasion after radical surgery for stage IB nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nonsmall cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide because of distant metastasis and frequent recurrence. Only few reliable and easily accessible tumor markers have been clinically implemented to the early nonsmall cell cancer prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to detect the expression of CUG‑binding protein (CUGBP1) and assess the prognostic significance of CUGBP1 in early stage (IB) lung adenocarcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using quantitative reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, we detect the expression of CUGBP1 and assess their correlation with clinicopathological parameters by Chi‑square test. Time to progression (TTP) was used as a recurrent index and was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis in the Cox hazard model. RESULTS: Using PCR and IHC analyses, the expression of CUGBP1 and CUGBP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) had a close relationship with differentiation and vascular–invasion (VI). However, there were no significant differences between the CUGBP1 mRNA expression and CUGBP1 protein expression in IB lung adenocarcinoma. Using univariate and multivariate survival analyses, we found that CUGBP1 and VI were independent prognostic factors for IB stage adenocarcinoma individuals postsurgically. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of CUGBP1 could enhance the recurrence rate of adenocarcinoma and predicts an adverse postsurgical survival of TTP. Combination of CUGBP1 and VI detecting could be considered as indication to predict prognosis of IB stage adenocarcinoma in the clinical trial.

The dissemination mode of drug-resistant genes in Enterobacter cloacae.

Background: Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) infection has the highest mortality rate among Enterobacter infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the transmission route of the class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes in clinical isolates and to analyse the association between the prevalence of MDR genes and the antibiotic resistance of E. cloacae. Materials and Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility was tested the agar dilution method. The class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence data were analysed with the Chi-square test. Results: In the 100 clinical isolates, the class I integron-positive rate was 65%, with 12% on chromosome, 15% on plasmids and 38% on both. The positive rate of qnr genes was 37% with plasmid location. The positive rates for qnrA, qnrB and qnrS were 6%, 23% and 8%, respectively. The CTX-M ESBLs-positive rate was 34%. For CTX-M-1 ESBLs, 15% were on chromosome, 6% on plasmids and 4% on both; for CTX-M-9 ESBLs, 1% was on chromosome and 7% on plasmid; for CTX-M-25 ESBLs, 3% were on chromosome and 1% on plasmid. Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance genes may be horizontally and vertically disseminated among E. cloacae, which helps multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of E. cloacae to be successful nosocomial agents.

The comparisons of the efficacy and toxicity between gefitinib and docetaxel for patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis from randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The extent of the benefit of gefitinib in the treatment of advanced nonsmall‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is till controversial, when compared with docetaxel. We performed this meta‑analysis to compare the efficacy and toxicity of gefitinib with docetaxel for different patients with advanced NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and identified 5 randomized controlled clinical trials published within 2000–2013. After further full‑text screening, 4 clinical trials were included in the final meta‑analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes of treatment efficacy included progression‑free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). Comparing gefitinib to docetaxel for advanced NSCLC patients, the pooled hazard ratio (HR) of PFS was 0.91, (95% confidential index [CI] = 0.83–0.99), the pooled HR of OS was 1.02, (95% CI = 0.93–1.13), the pooled risk ratio of ORR was 1.57, (95% CI = 1.01–2.47). CONCLUSIONS: Gefitinib was found to significantly improve patients’ PFS and response rate compared with docetaxel. There is no difference of OS between gefitinib and docetaxel.

A modified method using a two-port approach for accessing the hilar vasculature without transferring an endostapler from camera port to utility port during thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy.

For thoracoscopic upper lobectomies, most cutting endostaplers must be inserted through the camera port when using a two-port approach. Access to the hilar vasculature through only the utility port remains a challenge. In this study, we describe a procedure to access the hilar vasculature without transferring the endostapler site during a thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy. A 2.5-cm utility anterior incision was made in the fourth intercostal space. The posterior mediastinal visceral pleura were dissected to expose the posterior portion of the right upper bronchus and the anterior trunk of the right pulmonary artery. The pleura over the right hilar vasculature were then peeled with an electrocoagulation hook. The anterior trunk of the right pulmonary artery was then transected with a cutting endostapler through the utility port firstly. This crucial maneuver allowed the endostapler access to the right upper lobe pulmonary vein. The hilar structures were then easily handled in turn. This novel technique was performed successfully in 32 patients, with no perioperative deaths. The average operation time was 120.6 min (range 75–180 min). This novel technique permits effective control of the hilar vessels through the utility port, enabling simple, safe, quick and effective resection.

A retrospective study of diaphragmatic motion, pulmonary function, and quality-of-life following video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic dysfunction and its negative physiologic disadvantages are less commonly reported in patients with lung cancer video‑assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of this complication on pulmonary function and quality‑of‑life in patients following video‑assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate potential benefits on pulmonary function and quality‑of‑life with normal diaphragmatic motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 64 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer after video‑assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. The population were divided into groups 1 (with diaphragmatic paralysis, n = 32) and group 2 (without diaphragmatic paralysis, n = 32) according diaphragmatic motion after postoperatively 6 months. And then, we investigated the difference between the two groups on pulmonary function and quality‑of‑life. RESULTS: (1) At 6 months after resection, the patients in group 1 had lost 25% of their preoperative forced expiratory volume in the 1 s (FEV1) (P < 0.001), and the patients in group 2 had lost 15% of their preoperative FEV1 (P < 0.001). And the other spirometric variables in group 1 were significantly worse than that of group 2 (P < 0.001). (2) The most frequently reported postoperative symptoms were fatigue, coughing, dyspnea, and thoracotomy pain in two groups. Of all the symptom scales, only the dyspnea scale showed a significant difference which subject has a higher proportion and scale compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis following video‑assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy caused adverse effects on postoperative pulmonary function and quality‑of‑life.

Anastomosis in minimally invasive Ivor lewis esophagectomy via two ports provides equivalent perioperative outcomes to open.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is becoming a selective treatment of esophageal cancer; however, it’s a complex and technically demanding surgical operation. MIE can be performed in high volume centers in a variety of ways using different techniques. Transthoracic staplers have traditionally been used in open transthoracic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (ILE) with good success. An investigation of the safety and utility of transthoracic stapler via two ports on thorax for esophageal anastomosis in minimally invasive ILE is reviewed. METHODS: Patients of esophageal cancer were selected between November 2012 and July 2014. All the patients received minimally invasive (MIE) or open transthoracic ILE. Transthoracic stapler for MIE anastomosis was performed through the major port located at subaxillary region. Patients’ demographics, indications for esophagectomy, perioperative treatments, intraoperative data, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, 7 and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Totally, 63 consecutive patients underwent MIE or ILE. All the patients were Han with a mean age of 60 years (52–74). The indication of surgery is esophageal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma was defined by pathologist before operation. None of the patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation. All the MIE patients were no conversions to open thoracotomy or laparotomy. Mean operative time was 4.5 h. One patient (3.03%) suffered postoperative pneumonia, no leak from the gastric conduit staple line or esophageal anastomoses, no postoperative complication required surgical intervention was observed. The median hospital length of stay was 13 days (range 7–18). There were no in-hospital mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, transthoracic stapler through the major port at subaxillary seems technically feasible and safe for minimally invasive ILE with comparable morbidity and oncologic data to open.

Two-incision approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy treating the central lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: We review our experiences with video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty for nonsmall‑cell lung cancer, using only two incisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2014, we completed 15 cases of VATS sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty in our hospital. The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty at the following locations: right upper lobe (n = 4), right lower and middle lobes (n = 1), left lower lobe (n = 5), and left upper lobe (n = 6). The operation consisted of VATS anatomic sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with systematic lymph node dissection, using only two incisions. RESULTS: The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty were no postoperative complications. Median operative time was 183 min; median bronchial anastomosis time was 39 min; median blood loss was 170 ml. Pathological examination showed 12 squamous cell carcinomas and 3 adenocarcinoma. Median postoperative chest tube drainage duration was 4.5 days, and median hospital stay was 6.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: Video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty is a feasible and safe surgical approach, using only two incisions. This way of operation can promote the development of surgical technology.

A spheroid-based 3-D culture model for pancreatic cancer drug testing, using the acid phosphatase assay

Current therapy for pancreatic cancer is multimodal, involving surgery and chemotherapy. However, development of pancreatic cancer therapies requires a thorough evaluation of drug efficacy in vitro before animal testing and subsequent clinical trials. Compared to two-dimensional culture of cell monolayer, three-dimensional (3-D) models more closely mimic native tissues, since the tumor microenvironment established in 3-D models often plays a significant role in cancer progression and cellular responses to the drugs. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the benefits of 3-D in vitro models of various cancers. In the present study, we have developed a spheroid-based, 3-D culture of pancreatic cancer cell lines MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 for pancreatic drug testing, using the acid phosphatase assay. Drug efficacy testing showed that spheroids had much higher drug resistance than monolayers. This model, which is characteristically reproducible and easy and offers rapid handling, is the preferred choice for filling the gap between monolayer cell cultures and in vivo models in the process of drug development and testing for pancreatic cancer.

Significance of mutation in the D-loop region in cervical cancer / Importancia de la mutación en la región D-loop en el cáncer cervical

AIM: To investigate the mutation in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA in cervical cancer and its influence on the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle. METHODS: The D-loop region was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Reactive oxygen species and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry in 40 specimens from cervical cancer and adjacent normal tissues. According to the sequence results, gastric cancer tissue was divided into mutation group and control group. Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and proliferation in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Among the 40 cervical cancer specimens, 21 mutations were identified in 12 patients, the mutation rate being 30%. There were four microsatellite instabilities in the mutations. No mutation was found in the adjacent tissues. Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and proliferation in the mutation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Mutation in the D-loop region plays a role in the genesis and development of cervical cancer.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la mutación en la región D-loop del ADN mitocondrial en el cáncer cervical y su influencia en los cambios de las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) y el ciclo celular. MÉTODOS: La región D-loop fue amplificada mediante PCR y secuenciada. Las especies reactivas de oxígeno y el ciclo celular fueron descubiertos mediante citometría de flujo en 40 espécimenes de cáncer cervical y los tejidos normales adyacentes. Según los resultados de la secuencia, el tejido canceroso gástrico fue dividido en un grupo de mutación y un grupo control. Se compararon las especies reactivas de oxígeno reactivo, la apoptosis y la proliferación en los dos grupos. RESULTADOS: Entre los 40 especimenes de cáncer cervical, se identificaron 21 mutaciones en 12 pacientes, para una tasa de mutación del 30%. En las mutaciones se presentaron cuatro inestabilidades de microsatélite. No se encontró mutación alguna en los tejidos adyacentes. Las especies reactivas de oxígeno, la apoptosis y la proliferación en el grupo de mutación fueron todas significativamente mayores a las del grupo de control. CONCLUSIÓN: La mutación en la región D-loop desempeña un papel en la génesis y desarrollo del cáncer cervical.

A comparative study of the skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint of children and adults.

BACKGROUND: The skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is constantly remodeled. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: A comparative study was undertaken to determine and characterize the differences in the skeletal morphology of TMJ of children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 children cadavers and 30 adult volunteers. Parameters that could reflect TMJ skeletal morphology were measured with a new technology combining helical computed tomography (CT) scan with multi-planar reformation (MPR) imaging. RESULTS: Significant differences between children cadavers and adults were found in the following parameters (P<0.05): Condylar axis inclination, smallest area of condylar neck/largest area of condylar process, inclination of anterior slope in inner, middle, and outer one-third of condyle, anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of condyle, length of anterior slope/posterior slope in inner and middle one-third of condyle, anteroposterior dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, mediolateral dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, inclination of anterior slope of glenoid fossa, depth of glenoid fossa, and anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of glenoid fossa. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences of TMJ skeletal morphology between children and adults.