[Advances in the application of prosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection of the distal tibia:a systematic review].

The limited coverage of soft tissue and complex biomechanical factors make resection and reconstruction of distal tibial tumors extremely challenging. Megaprosthesis can provide good mechanical strength for tumor en bloc resection, but there are many postoperative complications, and the problems of insufficient soft tissue coverage and postoperative ankle instability must be solved. The development of three-dimensional digital technology may provide a new treatment strategy for distal tibial reconstruction. Compared to ankle joint preservation endoprostheses, the rapid osseointegration effect of three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis with ankle arthrodesis provides better ankle joint stability and postoperative function. In addition, the three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis may improve complications such as insufficient soft tissue coverage and talus collapse by reducing the circumference of the prosthesis and matching it with the talus through personalized design. Of course, there are few research reports on distal tibial prostheses, and the safety of three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis with ankle arthrodesis needs to be confirmed through extensive long-term follow-up studies. The selection of proximal and distal fixation methods for prostheses needs to be explored in future research.

[The clinical value of oral robotic surgery in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and traditional surgical modes in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: The clinicopathological data of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. 135 cases were treated with traditional surgery (non-TORS group), while 52 cases were treated with TORS (TORS group). The prognosis of the two groups of patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, the influencing factors were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: The 2-year overall survival (OS, 94.2%) and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS, 93.8%) of patients in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (71.4% and 71.4%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (93.3%) and 2-year PFS (92.8%) of TORS group patients in T1-2 stage were better than those of non-TORS group (73.1% and 72.8%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (95.8%) and 2-year PFS (95.2%) of patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ in the TORS group were not significantly different from those in the non-TORS group (84.1% and 83.9%, respectively, P>0.05). The 2-year OS (92.9%) and 2-year PFS rate (92.7%) of patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (64.7% and 63.9%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (94.4%) of HPV-positive patients in the TORS group was not significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (83.3%, P=0.222). The 2-year OS of HPV-negative patients in the TORS group (94.1%) was significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (43.7%, P<0.001). HPV status was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.008). Conclusions: TORS has a better prognosis in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma compared with the traditional treatment methods. The patients with T1-T2 can achieve better survival benefits after TORS treatment. The HPV-positive OPSCC patients has a better prognosis than that of HPV-negative OPSCC patients, and regardless of HPV status, OPSCC patients in the TORS group could obtain a better survival prognosis.

[Application of transoral robotic surgery in treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic and prognostic outcomes of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: A retrospective study of 99 OSCC patients treated with TORS in Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 2017 and May 2021 was conducted. There were 84 males and 15 females, with an age range of 35-85 years. Patients' clinical characteristics, including clinical staging, HPV infection status, perioperative management and postoperative adjuvant treatment, were recorded. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. The survival outcomes were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test. Results: The hospital stay of OSCC patients with TORS was (5.3±2.9) days and the average time of postoperative nasal feeding tube indwelling was (15.2±10.8) days. Among the 99 patients, 21 (21.2%) received tracheotomy and the average time of tracheotomy tube indwelling was (11.9±11.4) days. The two-year OS and PFS in patients with follow-up over two years were 94.0% and 87.7%, respectively and the three-year OS and PFS of patients with follow-up over three years were 94.0% and 78.9%, respectively. The two-year OS and PFS were respectively 97.4% and 88.9%, for patients with stages I-II and 86.8% and 88.9% for patients with stages III-IV. HPV-negative and HPV-positive patients had respectively two-year OS (100.0% vs. 91.5%) and PFS (88.9% vs. 87.2%). There was no significantly statistical difference in survival between patients with and without adjuvant radiotherapy after TORS (82.6% vs. 90.5%, HR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.12-2.23, P=0.400). Conclusions: TORS is more suitable for the treatment of patients with early (Ⅰ-Ⅱ) or HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and the recovery after TORS treatment is good.

[Drug-resistant gene polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolated from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in 2018 and 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 (PfMDR1), chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) and Kelch 13 (PfK13) genes in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, so as to provide insights into the development of the malaria control strategy in local areas. METHODS: A total of 85 peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with Plasmodium falciparum infections in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in 2018 and 2019, and genomic DNA was extracted. The PfMDR1, PfCRT and PfK13 genes were amplified using a nested PCR assay. The amplification products were sequenced, and the gene sequences were aligned. RESULTS: There were no mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in PfK13 gene in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, while drug-resistant mutations were detected in PfMDR1 and PfCRT genes, and the proportions of PfMDR1_N86Y, PfMDR1_Y184F and PfCRT_K76T mutations were 35.29% (30/85), 72.94% (62/85) and 24.71% (21/85), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are mutations in PfMDR1, PfCRT and PfK13 genes in P. falciparum isolates from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.

Novel REST Truncation Mutations Causing Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare genetic disorder featured by nonsyndromic pathological overgrowth of gingiva. The excessive gingival tissues can cause dental, masticatory, and phonetic problems, which impose severe functional and esthetic burdens on affected individuals. Due to its high recurrent rate, patients with HGF have to undergo repeated surgical procedures of gingival resection, from childhood to adulthood, which significantly compromises their quality of life. Unraveling the genetic etiology and molecular pathogenesis of HGF not only gains insight into gingival physiology and homeostasis but also opens avenues for developing potential therapeutic strategies for this disorder. Recently, mutations in REST (OMIM *600571), encoding a transcription repressor, were reported to cause HGF (GINGF5; OMIM #617626) in 3 Turkish families. However, the functions of REST in gingival homeostasis and pathogenesis of REST-associated HGF remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized 2 HGF families and identified 2 novel REST mutations, c.2449C>T (p.Arg817*) and c.2771_2793dup (p.Glu932Lysfs*3). All 5 mutations reported to date are nonsenses or frameshifts in the last exon of REST and would presumably truncate the protein. In vitro reporter gene assays demonstrated a partial or complete loss of repressor activity for these truncated RESTs. When coexpressed with the full-length protein, the truncated RESTs impaired the repressive ability of wild-type REST, suggesting a dominant negative effect. Immunofluorescent studies showed nuclear localization of overexpressed wild-type and truncated RESTs in vitro, indicating preservation of the nuclear localization signal in shortened proteins. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a comparable pattern of ubiquitous REST expression in both epithelium and lamina propria of normal and HGF gingival tissues despite a reduced reactivity in HGF gingiva. Results of this study confirm the pathogenicity of REST truncation mutations occurring in the last exon causing HGF and suggest the pathosis is caused by an antimorphic (dominant negative) disease mechanism.

Optimal acquisition time to discriminate between breast cancer subtypes with contrast-enhanced cone-beam CT.

PURPOSE: To identify the optimal acquisition time to best discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions on contrast-enhanced cone beam CT (CE-CBCT) and evaluate the potential of CE-CBCT to differentiate between breast cancer subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 98 women with a mean age of 49±10 (SD) years (range: 29-77 years) with 100 BI-RADS 4 or 5 breast lesions were prospectively included. CE-CBCT images were obtained at 1- and 2-min after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast material. Contrast enhancement of breast lesions on CE-CBCT were evaluated and compared between different subtypes. Cut-off values for best discriminating between benign and malignant breast lesions with CE-CBCT were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Malignant breast lesions showed greater enhancement than benign ones at 1-min (67.28±39.79 [SD] HU vs. 42.27±40.31 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.007) and 2-min (70.93±38.05 [SD] HU vs. 48.94±41.83 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.016) after intravenous administration of contrast material. At 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material, an optimal cut-off value of 54.43 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.681; 95%CI: 0.558-0.805; P=0.006) yielding 69.0% sensitivity (95%CI: 56.9-79.5%) and 69.2% specificity (95% CI: 48.2-85.7%). At 2-min, an optimal cut-off value of 72.65 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.654; 95%CI: 0.535-0.774; P=0.020) yielding 50.7% sensitivity (95%CI: 38.6-62.8%) and 80.8% specificity (95%CI: 60.6-93.4%). CE-CBCT helped differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes of breast lesions with lowest enhancement for triple negative lesions. No differences in enhancement were found among histopathological subtypes lesions at 1-min (P=0.478) and 2-min (P=0.625). CONCLUSION: CE-CBCT helps discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions, with best capabilities obtained at 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material. For malignant lesions, quantitative analysis of enhancement on CE-CBCT helps differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes.

[Effect of skin soft tissue expansion on repair of large area of scars on extremities].

Objective: To investigate the effect of skin soft tissue expansion on repair of large area of scars on extremities. Methods: Twenty-five patients with large area of scars on extremities were admitted to our department from June 2007 to October 2014. There were 14 males and 11 females, aged 4 to 36 years. Operations were performed under local infiltration anesthesia or general anesthesia. In the first stage, 1 to 5 cylindrical expanders with capacities of 250 to 600 mL were placed at left or right sides or at upper or lower parts of the scars. In the second stage, scars of 21 patients were repaired with expanded transverse propulsive and lateral flaps, and scars of 4 patients were repaired with expanded perforator flaps whose pedicles were perforators of brachial artery, superior ulnar collateral artery, or posterior interosseous artery according to areas and shapes of the scars. The secondary wound areas ranged from 13 cm×7 cm to 34 cm×18 cm after dissolution or excision of scars. The areas of flaps ranged from 13 cm×7 cm to 20 cm×12 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The flaps after operation and follow-up of patients were observed and recorded. Results: All expanded flaps survived after operation. And the superficial distal part of flap whose pedicle was perforator of posterior interosseous artery in one patient was with necrosis, and other flaps survived well. During follow-up of 3 to 15 months after operation of the second stage, color and texture of flaps were similar to surrounding skin, while extremities of donor sites were thinner and auxiliary incisional scars formed after expansion. Conclusions: Expanded flap is a good way to repair large area of scar on extremities. Bilateral skin of scar is the first choice of donor site of expanded flap. If there isn't enough skin for expanding on bilateral sides, expanded perforator flap designed at upper or lower part of the scar is another choice to repair the scar.

[HIV infection status and characteristics of non-remunerated blood donors in Hangzhou, 2008-2017].

Objective: To understand HIV infection status and characteristics of non-remunerated blood donors in Hangzhou. Methods: HIV antibody test were conducted for non-remunerated blood donors in Hangzhou and their demographic and epidemiological information were collected from 2008-2017. χ(2) test for trend (liner by liner association chi square test) was used for the comparison of the HIV infection trends in each year. Results: A total of 1 461 129 non-remunerated blood donors were surveyed in Hangzhou during 2008-2017, and 260 blood donors were HIV positive. Most HIV infected blood donors were males (96.5%, 251/260) and aged 18-34 years (72.7%, 189/260). Among 260 HIV positive blood donors, those reporting repeated non-remunerated blood donation accounted for 36.9% (96/260), those reporting homosexual transmission accounted for 53.5% (139/260) and those reporting heterosexual transmission accounted for 44.6% (116/260). The HIV infected persons reporting homosexual behaviors were mainly aged 18-34 years (82.0%, 114/139) and unmarried (71.2%, 99/139). Most HIV infected students reported homosexual transmission (88.4%, 23/26). The crude HIV positive rate was 0.8/10 000-2.5/10 000, the differences in annual HIV positive rate had no significance (trend χ(2)=2.355, P=0.125). The crude HIV positive rate in male blood donors aged 18-24 years increased from 1.1/10 000 in 2008 to 3.7/10 000 in 2017, the difference was significant (trend χ(2)=5.175, P=0.023). Standardized HIV positive rate was 0.9/10 000-2.4/10 000. Conclusions: HIV infection rate was low in non-remunerated blood donors in Hangzhou during 2008-2017. Most HIV infected persons were males and aged 18-34 years. Heterosexual and homosexual contacts were the major transmission routes. The HIV positive rate in males aged 18-24 years showed an increase trend.

Identification of the novel HLA-B*40:333 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing.

HLA-B*40:333 differs from HLA-B*40:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 380 T>C.

Computation of scattering of a plane wave from multiple prolate spheroids using the collocation multipole method.

The collocation multipole method is presented to solve three-dimensional acoustic scattering problems with multiple prolate spheroids subjected to a plane sound wave. To satisfy the three-dimensional Helmholtz equation in prolate spheroidal coordinates and the radiation condition at infinity, the scattered field is formulated in terms of radial and angular prolate spheroidal wave functions. Instead of using the complicated addition theorem of prolate spheroidal wave functions, the multipole method, the directional derivative, and the collocation technique are combined to solve multiple scattering problems semi-analytically. For the sound-hard or Neumann conditions, the normal derivative of the acoustic pressure with respect to a non-local prolate spheroidal coordinate system is developed without any truncation error for multiply connected domain problems. By truncating the higher order terms of the multipole expansion, a finite linear algebraic system is obtained and the scattered field is determined from the given incident acoustic wave. Once the total field is calculated as the sum of the incident field and the scattered field, the near field acoustic pressure and the far field scattering pattern are determined. Numerical experiments for convergence are performed to provide the guide lines for the proposed method. The proposed results of acoustic scattering by one, two, and three prolate spheroids are compared with those of an available analytical method and the boundary element method to validate the proposed method. Finally, the effects of the eccentricity of a prolate spheroidal scatterer, the separation between scatterers and the incident wave number on the near-field acoustic pressure and the far-field scattering pattern are investigated.

Potential role of heat-shock proteins in giant cell tumors.

We investigated the differential expression protein profile of giant cell tumors (GCTs), which can be used to monitor the tumor's recurrence and metastasis, to provide preliminary results for further study. We also explored heat-shock protein (HSP) inhibitor that prevents tumors from recurring and migrating. A stable isotope-labeling strategy using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify differentially expressed proteins. A total of 467 differentially expressed proteins were identified in GCT tissues. Up to 311 proteins were upregulated, whereas 156 proteins were downregulated in GCT tissues. Three of the differentially expressed HSPs, namely HP90A, HSPB1, and HSPB2, were upregulated. The differentially expressed proteins of GCT tissues will provide a scientific foundation for tumor prognosis, and for further studies exploring HSP inhibitor to prevent tumor recurrence and migration.

Correlation between microRNA-34a levels and lens opacity severity in age-related cataracts.

PURPOSE: MicroRNA 34a (miR-34a) is involved in regulating tissue senescence. However, the role of miR-34a in age-related cataracts is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the correlations among the severity of lens opacity, patient age, and miR-34a expression level in the lens epithelium of age-related cataracts for clarifying the role of miR-34a in the lens senescence. METHODS: This study was carried as a case control study in the Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. We recorded age of each patient at the time of their cataract surgery and information regarding lens opacity according to a modified version of the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Correlations among age, lens opacity, and miR-34a expression levels were evaluated. RESULTS: This study evaluated 110 patients with a mean age of 73.19 years (SD±10.2). Older patients had higher nuclear cataract (NC), cortical (C), and posterior subcapsular cataract (P) scores (one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.05). miR-34a expression levels were significantly different between each age group (ANOVA post hoc Bonferroni's test, P<0.001), and there were moderate correlations between high NC, C, and P cataract scores and high miR-34a levels (Pearson correlation coefficient; R=0.606, 0.575, and 0.515, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated positive correlations between high miR-34a levels and high lens opacity severity in NC, C, or P cataracts. These results suggest that miR-34a expression has a role in lens senescence.

EMG-guided salpingopharyngeus Botox injection for palatal myoclonus.

Palatal myoclonus (PM) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the soft palate musculature causing objective clicking tinnitus. Two forms are recognized as distinct clinical entities, with poorly understood pathogenesis: essential and symptomatic PM. The intrusive nature of the tinnitus prompts patients to seek medical advice. Conventional medical treatments with anxiolytics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants have limited efficacy in these patients. In this case report, electromyography-guided injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) to the involved salpingopharyngeus and tensor veli palatini yielded satisfactory results with minimal temporary adverse effects.

Nonadverse effects on allergenicity of isopentenyltransferase-transformed broccoli.

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) provide modern agriculture with improvements in efficiency and the benefits of enhanced food production; however, the potential impact of GMOs on human health has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allergenicity of isopentenyltransferase (ipt)-transformed broccoli compared with non-GM broccoli. METHODS: Sera from allergic individuals were used to identify the allergenicity of GM and non-GM broccoli. Immunoglobulin (Ig) binding of different lines of GM and non-GM broccoli was identified using immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the histamin release assay. RESULTS: Positive reactions to broccoli (Brassica Oleracea) were observed in 7.02% of individuals. Specific IgE to broccoli and total IgE fro allergic individuals were well correlated. The different tests performed showed no significant differences in the allergenicity of conventionally raised and GM broccoli, indicating the absence of unexpected effects on allergenicity in ipt-transformed plants. Using Western blot analysis we detected heterogeneous IgE-reactive allergenic components in broccoli-allergic sera, but no significant differences between GM an non-GM broccoli were observed in serum from the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that there are no differences between GM (ipt-transformed) broccoli and non-GM broccoli, as determined by specific IgE in sera from broccoli-allergic patients. This indicates that there were no unexpected effects on allergenicity in this GM broccoli.

An inverse relation between the Simplified Menopausal Index and biological antioxidant potential.

BACKGROUND: Inasmuch as female sex hormones can exhibit antioxidative activity, the oxidative-antioxidative imbalance is mechanistically postulated to be involved in menopausal symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the correlation between the established menopausal index and blood levels of the in vivo antioxidative potential in women. METHOD: Blood antioxidant levels were examined by the biological antioxidative potential (BAP) test and menopausal-like symptoms were determined using the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) in 160 healthy Japanese women (mean age 52 years). RESULTS: A correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between the BAP and SMI levels, independent of age and the body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that menopausal symptoms may be associated with a decrease in antioxidant potential as assessed by the BAP test.

Acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery at a referral centre in Northern Taiwan: review of the causative organisms, antibiotic susceptibility, and clinical features.

PURPOSES: The aims of this study were to describe the bacterial isolates and treatment outcomes of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery at a referral centre in Northern Taiwan. METHODS: This was a retrospective, interventional, and observational series. Medical records were review of patients with clinical diagnosed, and/or culture-proven bacterial endophthalmitis at a tertiary referral centre in Northern Taiwan from January 2002 to December 2008. Treatment generally conformed to standard guidelines. Main outcome measurements were results of organism culture, antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacteria, and visual acuity (VA) outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients had positive cultures. A total of 55.9% of the culture-positive isolates were Gram negative and 44.1% were Gram positive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly isolated organism. Eighteen patients had final VA better than 5/200, and 41 had final VA worse than 5/200. In multiple linear regression analysis, female gender, presence of hypopyon, and worse baseline VA were significant independent predictors of worse visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that at a referral centre in Northern Taiwan, the majority of bacterial isolates were Gram negative in acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and P. aeruginosa was the most common bacterial isolate.

Intermediate outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery in Asian patients with intractable glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in Asian patients with refractory glaucoma. METHODS: The study was a retrospective interventional case series conducted at a single institution between January 2004 and January 2006. The study population included 91 patients (91 eyes). RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were successfully treated (74.5%). Postoperatively, the median intraocular pressures declined significantly to 13 mm Hg (interquartile range: 10-20 mm Hg) on day 1 (P<0.001) and 17 mm Hg (interquartile range: 12-19 mm Hg) at the last follow-up examination (P<0.001). The cumulative probability of success according to Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis was 74% at 12 months and 43% at 2 years. Hazard of failure increased slightly with age, HR: 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00-1.05; P=0.044). The most common complication was hyphaemia at 12.77%. There were no serious complications involving loss of visual acuity or sight. CONCLUSIONS: AGV implantation is an acceptable treatment for refractory glaucoma in high-risk patients with few additional options.

Subretinal fluid from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and blood induces the expression of ICAM-1 in the human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) in vitro.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of subretinal fluid (SRF) from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and blood on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS: The study included 22 patients who had experienced RRD within 1 month before the study and 14 patients with macular holes or pucker. SRF was collected during surgery to repair RRD and the vitreous was collected during vitrectomy. The SRF was cocultured with ARPE-19 cells with and without glucosamine sulphate (GS) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Blood from peripheral veins and blood components (red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma) were also cocultured with ARPE-19 cells. Vitreous samples were cocultured with ARPE-19 cells in the control. The expression of ICAM-1 was detected and quantified by using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of ICAM-1 in RPE cells was significantly higher (P<0.05) after 24-h incubation of 40% SRF with ARPE-19 cells. In addition, the expression of ICAM-1 in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells significantly increased (P<0.01) when cocultured with blood and blood components. However, there were no differences (P>0.05) in ICAM-1 expression when RPE cells were cocultured with or without GS or TA. CONCLUSIONS: SRF and blood enhanced the expression of ICAM-1 in RPE cells in this study and the increased expression of ICAM-1 by SRF is not inhibited by GS or TA.

Effects of extracts of oxyntic mucosa in rat on the biological activity of osteoblasts.

UNLABELLED: We explored the relationship between extracts of oxyntic mucosa (EOM) and the biological activity of osteoblasts in rats. We found that EOM could enhance the activity of bone formation in osteoblast. Our results suggest that EOM likely play a role in the cases of osteopenia induced by gastrectomy. INTRODUCTION: Surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) leads to osteopenia in animals and in humans. It was demonstrated that EOM could induce transient hypocalcaemia and stimulate an uptake of Ca(2+) into bone in rats. The main aim of this study has been to clarify whether this procedure was performed through osteoblast, which is responsible for bone formation. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated, cultured, and identified in vitro. Preparing the rats' EOM and diluting into low, middle, and high concentrations, respectively. After osteoblasts were treated by different concentration EOMs or saline (for control), the intracytoplasm [Ca(2+)]i was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy; the proliferation of osteoblast cells were detected with cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8); and the expressions of collagen type I and osteocalcin were assayed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: EOMs were found to induce a dose-related rapid increase of intracytoplasm [Ca(2+)]i in osteoblasts and could stimulate osteoblasts to enhance proliferation and upregulate the expressions of collagen type I and osteocalcin significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that EOM could stimulate osteoblasts to elevate the cytoplasm [Ca(2+)]i and promote the multiplication and the activity of bone formation in osteoblasts.

Intracellular oxidative stress and cadmium ions release induce cytotoxicity of unmodified cadmium sulfide quantum dots.

OBJECTIVE: To fully understand the cytotoxicity of after-degradation QDs, we synthesized CdS QDs and investigated its toxicity mechanism. METHODS: Biomimetic method was proposed to synthesize cadmium sulfide (CdS) QDs. Thereafter MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted to evaluate their cytotoxicity. To investigate the toxicity mechanism, we subsequently conducted intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement with DCFH-DA, glutathione (GSH) measurement with DTNB, and cellular cadmium assay using atomic absorption spectrometer. Microsized CdS were simultaneously tested as a comparison. RESULTS: MTT assay results indicated that CdS QDs are more toxic than microsized CdS especially at concentrations below 40 microg/ml. While microsized CdS did not trigger ROS elevation, CdS QDs increase ROS by 20-30% over control levels. However, they both deplete cellular GSH significantly at the medium concentration of 20 microg/ml. In the presence of NAC, cells are partially protected from CdS QDs, but not from microsized particles. Additionally, nearly 20% of cadmium was released from CdS nanoparticles within 24h, which also accounts for QDs' toxicity. CONCLUSION: Intracellular ROS production, GSH depletion, and cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) release are possible mechanisms for CdS QDs' cytotoxicity. We also suggested that with QD concentration increasing, the principal toxicity mechanism changes from intracellular oxidative stress to Cd(2+) release.