Particulate Matter 2.5 Causes Deficiency in Barrier Integrity in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE: The effect of air pollution-related particulate matter (PM) on epithelial barrier function and tight junction (TJ) expression in human nasal mucosa has not been studied to date. This study therefore aimed to assess the direct impact of PM with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on the barrier function and TJ molecular expression of human nasal epithelial cells. METHODS: Air-liquid interface cultures were established with epithelial cells derived from noninflammatory nasal mucosal tissue collected from patients undergoing paranasal sinus surgery. Confluent cultures were exposed to 50 or 100 µg/mL PM2.5 for up to 72 hours, and assessed for 1) epithelial barrier integrity as measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) 4 kDa; 2) expression of TJs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, and 3) proinflammatory cytokines by luminometric bead array or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared to control medium, 50 and/or 100 µg/mL PM2.5-treatment 1) significantly decreased TER and increased FITC permeability, which could not be restored by budesonide pretreatment; 2) significantly decreased the expression of claudin-1 messenger RNA, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 protein; and 3) significantly increased production of the cytokines interleukin-8, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PM2.5 may lead to loss of barrier function in human nasal epithelium through decreased expression of TJ proteins and increased release of proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest an important mechanism of susceptibility to rhinitis and rhinosinusitis in highly PM2.5-polluted areas.

Short-term Haze Exposure Predisposes Healthy Volunteers to Nasal Inflammation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term haze exposure on nasal inflammation in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy university students were assessed for nasal symptoms, nasal patency, upper and lower respiratory tract nitric oxide (NO) as well as inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides in nasal secretions before and after a 5-day haze episode. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM(2.5)), and cytokines in the supernatants were examined. RESULTS: Mild nasal symptoms were reported by some participants during the haze episode. Objective measures of nasal patency demonstrated that nasal airway resistance was significantly increased from baseline levels, while nasal cavity volume and minimum cross-sectional area were significantly decreased. Similarly, the levels of nasal and exhaled NO, eotaxin, interleukin (IL)-5, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17, IL-8, substance P, nerve growth factor and vasoactive intestinal peptides in nasal secretions were significantly increased from baseline values following the haze episode. In contrast, the levels of interferon-γ, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β and neuropeptide Y were significantly decreased. Incubation with 0.1-10 μg/mL PM(2.5) significantly increased release of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10 from PBMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term haze exposure may lead to nasal inflammation and hypersensitivity in healthy subjects predominantly by Th2 cytokine-mediated immune responses.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of plasma cell myeloma with marrow fibrosis / 中华病理学杂志

Objective@#To study the clinicopathologic features of plasma cell myeloma(PCM) with bone marrow fibrosis (MF).@*Methods@#The clinicopathologic data of 175 cases of newly diagnosed PCM patients were retrospectively analyzed. Based on reticular fiber staining, these cases were divided into PCM-MF and non-PCM-MF groups.@*Results@#Sixty-three cases were PCM-MF(36%), 112 were non-PCM-MF (64%). No statistical difference in gender, age, hemoglobin level, platelet counts, the classification of immunoglobulin, ISS staging, immunohistochemical phenotypes and genetic features was found between PCM-MF and non-PCM-MF groups (P>0.05). Compared to non-PCM-MF group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)level and renal impairmentrate were higher in PCM-MF group (P<0.05). The degree of bone marrow hyperplasia, the percentage of myeloma cells and cells with plasmablastic morphology were significantly higher in PCM-MF group(P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The higher LDH level, renal impairment rate, and more significant bone marrow hyperplasia, proliferation of plasma cells and plasmablastic myeloma cells infiltration indicate poor prognosis of PCM-MF patients.

The clinic and pathologic significance of plasma cell myeloma with CCND1 / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical and pathologic features of multiple myeloma(MM) with CCND1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathologic profiles of 158 patients with MM from 2010 to 2013. The clinical and morphologic features of bone marrow aspiration, biopsy and immunophenotypic analysis which was carried out by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were analyzed in all patients with MM respectively. CCND1 translocation was studied by FISH method in all cases. Classical cytogenetic studies of bone marrow were performed in 24 cases whose CCND1 was positive.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 158 patients with MM, CCND1 was detected in 31 patients (19.6%）. In 31 patients, type IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM, light-chain only and nonsecretory MM were 4 cases,4 cases,11 cases,1 case, 6 cases and 5 cases respectively. A high incidence of CCND1 was observed in IgD and nonsecretory MM comparied with IgA and IgG respectively (P<0.05). but no statistical significance was reached between κ and λ type patients (P=0.627). The morphology of plasma cell in bone marrow biopsies were small Lymphocyte- Like 24 cases,mature plasma cell 6 cases and immature plasma cell 1 case. Immunophenotype of all 31 cases was CD38⁺CD138⁺CD19⁻CD45⁻, (CD56⁺ in 11 cases, CD20⁺ in 9 cases, CD117⁺ in 3 cases. MM with CCND1 showed a strong association with CD20 expression, the lack of CD56 expression. Immunohistochemistry showed positive for cyclinD1 in 22 cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A high incidence of CCND1 was detected in the IgD and nonsecretory MM, and correlated with Small Lymphocyte- Like, higher positive rate of CD20, cyclinD1 and the lack of CD56 expression. MM with CCND1 must be distinguished from LPL and other mature B cell lymphomas which have plasmacytoid differentiation.</p>

Analysis of dental and craniofacial research programs supported by National Natural Science Foundation / 中华医学科研管理杂志

ObjectiveTo enhance the fund efficiency of dental research programs supported by National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) and to reveal the achievements and progresses of the funds.MethodsThe data of programs in dental and craniofacial field supported by NSFC from 1999 to 2006 and completed between 2003 and 2009 were collected based on the final reports by the investigators.The data of personnel training,research publication,patent,awards,and academic communication at domestic and international levels were all collected and analysed. Results There were 307 grants in total,including 185 general programs,73 Young Scientists Funds,13 regional funds,3 Key Programs,1 National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and 32 others.An average of 4 postgraduate students was trained by each program.In general,the outcomes of general programs were better than those of Young Scientists Fund,and the latter was better than regional fund.There was steady increase each year in the amount of papers published in SCI journals,and about half of the investigators published SCI papers.In addition,9 patents were registered and 13 prizes were won, and the investigators participated 610 domestic and international exchanges.Conclusions The continuously increase of NSFC support in dental field has led to substantial achievement,although patent application,the quality of papers and novel ideas need to be improved.

The support of National Natural Science Foundation of China prompts the progress and development of basic research of dental and craniofacial research: a 25 years review / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) on the progress of dental research from 1986 to 2010.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data regarding the NSFC allocated to dental and craniofacial research from 1986 to 2010 were collected. Total expenses and numbers of the majority of programs and the situation of completed program finished in recent 7 years were provided.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From 1986 to 2010, a total of 922 projects and 204 401 thousands Chinese Yuan supported by NSFC were allocated to dental research. The detailed allocations were as follows: general program (564), young scientists fund (258), regional fund (40), key program (11), national science fund for distinguished young scholars (5), major international (regional) joint research program (1), others (43). The grants of talent training increased dramatically. Taking the projects (307) completed between 2003 and 2009 for example, 307 papers were published in Science Citation Index (SCI) included journals and 1049 papers were published on Chinese journals. By the time of completion of the projects, 39 post-doctoral students, 590 students for PhD degree and 670 students for Master degree had been trained.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Over the past 25 years, the continuous increase of NSF on dental research has led to substantial achievement, resulting in great progress of dental oral-cranio-facial research.</p>

The role of intracellular Ca2+ release in olfactory signal transduction / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To setup the real time monitor system of the concentration of free intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) cultured from olfactory epithelium explant, and to analyze the role of several important components in olfactory signal transduction.@*METHOD@#The [Ca2+]i of the cultured ORNs was determined by fluorescence microscopy using the fluorescent calcium indicator, Fura-2 AM, and calculated by means of dual-wavelength ratiometric method. Forskolin and IBMX were used to stimulate the cultured ORNs respectively. The source of corresponding [Ca2+]i elevation was studied by the depletion of extracellular or intracellular calcium.@*RESULT@#The [Ca2+]i of silent ORNs was (58.5 +/- 12.8) nmol/L. Forskolin or IBMX stimulation led to reversible accumulation of [Ca2+]i in the ORNs. The [Ca2+]i change was abolished with the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and un-affected by treatment with thapsigargin.@*CONCLUSION@#A system to visualize and quantify [Ca2+]i of the ORNs was established. [Ca2+]i of the ORNs was regulated by second messenger gated calcium channels.

Comprehensive evaluation of the curative effect of endoscopic sinus surgery / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To study how to properly evaluate the curative effect of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps management with endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS). METHODS Nasal airway resistance, olfactory function, the morphological character of mucosa in nasal and sinus cavity after ESS were surveyed by anterior rhinomanometry,T&T olfactometer standard odors for measuring olfactory sense,acoustic rhinometry and scoring measure of mucosa. RESULTS After ESS, nasal airway resistance decreased and olfactory functions improved obviously. The morphological characters of mucosa in nasal and sinus cavity affect the surgical result directly. CONCLUSION As the determining methods of nasal function after/before ESS,anterior rhinomanometry,T&T olfactometer standard odors,acoustic rhinometry and scoring measure of mucosa can be used to comprehensive estimate the curative effect of ESS objectively.

Impact of olfactory nerve transection on the apoptosis of mice olfactory receptor neurons / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the impact of olfactory nerve transection on the apoptosis of mice olfactory receptor neurons (ORN), and discuss the reliability of this experimental model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After olfactory nerve transection of mice, anterograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracing was performed to confirm the completion of nerve transection. On 8 h, 2 d, 3 d and 5 d after surgery, TdT mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) was used to observe the apoptosis of ORN, while relative semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to reflect the expression of olfactory marker protein (OMP, special marker of mature ORN) in olfactory epithelium.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No HRP label was observed in olfactory bulb after olfactory nerve transaction. Both TUNEL-positive and OMP-positive cells were ORN. After the surgery, TUNEL-positive cells increased remarkably and peaked on 2 d after the surgery. Meanwhile OMP mRNA in olfactory epithelium began to decrease markedly till 5 d after the surgery, and the olfactory epithelium got thinner accordingly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This experimental model can be used reliably to sever mice olfactory nerve and manipulate simultaneous apoptosis of mice ORN.</p>