A Fast, Visual, and Instrument-free Platform Involving Rapid DNA Extraction, Chemical Heating, and Recombinase Aided Amplification for On-Site Nucleic Acid Detection.

The nucleic acid-based technique has been widely utilized in many fields including for on-site detection. However, traditional molecular detection techniques encounter limitations like relying on instruments, time consuming or complex operation, and cannot meet the demands of on-site testing. In this study, a rapid DNA extraction method (RDEM), recombinase aided amplification (RAA), and chemical heating packet (CHP) are integrated and termed as RRC platform for on-site detection of nucleic acid. For demonstration purposes, SHZD32-1 (a new transgenic soybean line from China) was detected using the novel platform to demonstrate its feasibility and capability for on-site detection. Using the RDEM, high-quality DNA appropriate for molecular detection was quickly extracted in 3-5 min. The heat energy generated by CHP was met the temperature requirements of RAA. Using the RRC platform, the whole detection process can be accomplished within only 30 min, and the results can be visually detected with glasses under blue light. No special or expensive instrument was needed for the detection process. This study provides a novel approach for on-site detection of nucleic acids besides providing valuable insight on related future research.

[Clinical Efficacy of Modified BU/CY as Conditioning Regimen Combined with Autologous Peripheral Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Young Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Low or Intermediate Risk].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-PBHSCT) using modified BU/CY conditioning regimen for young AML patients of low and middle risk in the first complete remission (CR1). METHODS: Ten young AML patients of low and middle risk who did not want to accept allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（allo-HSCT）and underwent auto-PBHSCT in CR1 during May 2013 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. From 3 months after auto-PBHSCT, the maintenance therapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-2 combined with histamine dihydrochloride was performed for these patients in the next 18 months. The side effects of the conditioning regimen, hematopoietic recovery time, transplant-related mortality (TRM) within 100 days and 1 year after auto-PBHSCT, relapse rate, leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate at 2 years and 3 years, overall survival (OS) were evaluated at 3 years and 4 years. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal side effects were the major non-hematologic toxicity reaction, among which, 7 cases relatively mild and 3 cases displayed moderate, just one case suffered from severe reaction. In 4 cases, the mild liver damage occurred, but no hemorrhagic cystitis occurred. All the patients experienced different kinds of infection, including 5 cases of bloodstream infection, 2 cases of gastrointestinal infection, 3 cases of crissum infection and 2 cases of oral infection. The myeloablative effect occurred in all ten patients. The median times for absolute neutrophil count (ANC)<0.5×109/L and for platelet count <20.0×109/L were 1.5 (0-3) days and 3 (2-5) days after transplantation, respectively. The patients achieved ANC>0.5×109/L at 10 to 19 days, median was 13 days after auto-PBHSCT. The patients achieved platelet count >20×109/L at 10 to 72 days; median was 32 days after auto-PBHSCT. The TRM within 100 days and 1 year after transplantation was 0. The relapse occurred in 2 cases at 6 and 14 months after auto-PBHSCT raspectively. The median follow-up time was 48.1 months, and the median survival time was 54.7 months after transplantation. The 2-year and 3-year LFS were 100% (10 cases) and 80% (8 cases), respectively. The 3-year and 4-year OS were 80% (8 cases) and 70% (7 cases), respectively. CONCLUSION: Modified BU/CY as conditioning regimen for auto-PBHSCT can achieve the myeloablative effect without raising TRM and obtain good LFS and OS. As for young AML patients without high risk, it is a valuable therapeutic option, especially for those lacking the chance of allo-HSCT.

Nuciferine, extracted from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, inhibits tumor-promoting effect of nicotine involving Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in non-small cell lung cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn are recorded in the earliest written documentation of traditional Chinese medicinal as "Ben Cao Gang Mu", a medicinal herb for blood clotting, dysentery and dizziness. Recently, nuciferine (NF), one of N. nucifera Gaertn leaf extracts has been shown to possess several pharmacological properties, including anti-viral and anti-cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of NF in NSCLC progression induced by nicotine MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of NF on proliferation of A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line) pretreated with or without nicotine was detected by tumor cell proliferation assay. TOP-Flash reporter assay was applied to investigate the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in tumor cells in the presence of NF and/or nicotine. Apoptosis was measured using a FITC-Annexin V and PI detection kit by flow cytometry. In addition, mRNA or protein expression levels were respectively tested by quantitative RT-PCR or western blot. In vivo experiments, tumor samples were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin for additional analyses by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: NF significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells in the presence of nicotine, suppressed the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, enhanced the stabilization of Axin, and induced apoptosis. NF down-regulated the expression levels of ß-catenin and its downstream targets including c-myc, cyclin D and VEGF-A. NF also decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, which may explain the pro-apoptosis effect of NF. In tumor xenograft nude mice, NF not only inhibited the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, but also remarkably alleviated the injury induced by nicotine in liver function. CONCLUSIONS: NF has the remarkable effect to inhibit nicotine-induced NSCLC progression, which was due to its ability to reduce the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Thus, the work stated here emphasizes the importance of this traditional medicine and presents a potential novel alternative to NSCLC prevention and therapy.

Effect of aluminum phosphate gel and Kangfuxin on esophageal pathology and IL-8 and PGE2 expressions in a rat model of reflux esophagitis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of aluminum phosphate gel and Kangfuxin on esophageal pathology and expressions of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in rats with reflux esophagitis and explore the possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty SD rats were randomized into aluminum phosphate gel group (n=10), Kangfuxin group (n=10), aluminum phosphate gel+Kangfuxin group (n=10), model group (n=20), and control group (n=10). Except for those in the control group, all the rats were subjected to infusion of diluted lysolecithin with hydrochloric acid in the esophagus for 14 days. Ten rats in the model group and those in the control group were sacrificed to examine the pathological changes and contents of IL-8 and PGE2 in the esophagus using optical and electron microscopes and radioimmunoassay. The next day the rest rats were given corresponding treatments (saline in model group) administered into the esophagus on a daily basis for 14 days, after which esophageal pathologies and IL-8 and PGE2 contents were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The model rats showed obvious esophageal pathologies including inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of the epithelial cells, esophageal erosion and even ulceration, with severe detachment of the epithelial cells. The rats in all the intervention groups showed lessened esophageal pathologies and lowered esophageal IL-8 and PGE2 contents compared with those in the model group. Esophageal mucosal injury index and IL-8 and PGE2 contents were all significantly lower in rats receiving combined treatment with aluminum phosphate and Kangfuxin than in those receiving either of the treatments (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both Kangfuxin and aluminum phosphate gel are effective in the treatment for reflux esophagitis induced by lysolecithin and hydrochloric acid, and their therapeutic effects are achieved possibly by reducing IL-8 and PGE2 levels in the esophagus.</p>

Correlation between serum anti-P53 and familial clustering of hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the correlation between familial clustering of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the level of anti-P53 in human serum in Guangxi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti-P53 in 164 members from 20 HCC families and 164 members from non-cancer control families. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the correlation between seral level of P53 antibody and familial clustering of HCC.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of P53 antibody was significantly higher in the members of HCC families than controls (Z=-3.04, P=0.002). After eliminating the interference of hepatitis B virus infection, this tendency still remains (P=0.011). And there was a significant difference between relatives of different degrees from HCC families (chi-square=11.593, P=0.021), with the expression of anti-P53 declining along with decrease in relationship coefficient. Furthermore, the number of individuals with high anti-P53 expression was also significantly greater in HCC families (95/164) than controls (71/164) (P=0.006). And the expression was rising along with the increasing HCC numbers (chi-square=16.068, P=0.000). Anti-P53 level was also greater in HCC families featuring sibling affection than parental affection (chi-square=12.679, P=0.002). Univariate analysis indicated that high expression of anti-P53 is a risk factor for development of HCC (OR=2.087, 95%CI: 1.270-3.431).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High level of anti-P53 expression may be a factor for the clustering of HCC families in Guangxi, China.</p>

PTD4-apoptin protein and dacarbazine show a synergistic antitumor effect on B16-F1 melanoma in vitro and in vivo.

PTD4-apoptin protein enters cells and harbors tumor-selective cell death activity. Dacarbazine is the mainstay of treatment for malignant melanoma. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of PTD4-apoptin protein and/or dacarbazine in mouse B16-F1 and human A875 and SK-MEL-5 melanoma cells in vitro and by means of a mouse B16-F1 melanoma model in vivo. PTD4-apoptin protein inhibits the growth of B16-F1, A875 and SK-MEL-5 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner, but not in normal human cell lines WI-38 and L-02. PTD4-apoptin combined with dacarbazine revealed a synergistic cytotoxic effect (coefficient of drug interaction<1) in all three different tumor cell lines. In vivo, PTD4-apoptin protein and dacarbazine alone effectively inhibited the growth of B16-F1 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice. Strikingly, combined PTD4-apoptin/dacarbazine treatment significantly increased the antitumor effect in comparison to the single treatments. As important, a combined PTD4-apoptin/dacarbazine treatment with a 50% reduction of dacarbazine revealed similar antitumor activities, without detectable hematologic side effects. A combined PTD4-apoptin/dacarbazine treatment represents a promising novel efficient and safe anticancer strategy.

Scavenging effect of Sarcandra glabra powder on radiation-induced reactive oxygen species in the parotid gland of miniature pigs / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Sarcandra glabra in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by γ-ray irradiation in the parotid gland of miniature pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five male miniature pigs were randomly divided into control group, radiation group and radiation plus medication group, and each group contained 3 parallel groups (subgroups a, b and c). From 1 week before exposure of the parotid gland region to 15 Gy γ-ray irradiation (which was not administered in the control group), the miniature pigs in radiation plus medication group were given Sarcandra glabra powder, while those in the other groups received an equal amount of saline. Bilateral parotid glands were taken and weighed on the days 10, 40 and 90 following the exposure in subgroups a, b, and c, respectively, and ROS content in the parotid glands were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The content of ROS was significantly lower in radiation plus medication group than in the radiation group (P<0.01). In the radiation plus medication group, the ROS content showed no significant difference between subgroups a and b or between subgroups a and c (P>0.01), but differed significantly between subgroups b and c (P<0.01). Sarcandra glabra showed a strong ROS-scavenging effect 10 days after the irradiation, and the ROS content was similar with that in the control group (P>0.01); at 40 and 90 days, the ROS-scavenging effect of Sarcandra glabra was still observable, but the ROS content was significantly higher in the irradiation plus medication group than in the control group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sarcandra glabra displays a ROS-scavenging effect in the parotid gland of miniature pigs against irradiation, especially at 10 days following the exposure, which may serve as the main mechanism for the protective effect of Sarcandra glabra against radiation injury in the parotid gland.</p>

Multiple shRNA-mediated knockdown of TACE reduces the malignancy of HeLa cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) converting enzyme (TACE) is a key enzyme involved in the proteolytic shedding of the ectodomain of several membrane-bound growth factors, cytokines and receptors. Here, we constructed a multiple short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector containing four shRNAs against TACE. We found that in HeLa cells our multiple shRNAs vector produced a higher level of TACE knockdown than any single shRNA vector containing only one TACE shRNA. Silencing TACE expression in HeLa cells decreased their malignancy by decreasing the proliferation, adhesion and migration, as well as inducing apoptosis in these cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that the effects of TACE on the malignancy of HeLa cells may be mediated via activation of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that using a combination of shRNAs within one vector to silence the expression of TACE might be a potential therapeutic strategy for tumors.

[Investigation on freshmen's tuberculosis infection in 33 universities in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the immune level of the purified protein derivative (PPD) and the present conditions of the tuberculosis among the collegians. METHODS: Standardized tuberculin testing with PPD 5 IU, social-demographic and epidemiological feature of tuberculosis were conducted in 105,239 freshmen from 33 universities in Beijing. RESULTS: The scar rates of freshmen were 72.21%. The rates coming from cities were higher than those from countries. The scar rates were near equal for freshmen in different ages. However the rates were different evidently with the region where the students come from. The scar rates of freshmen from cities were 75.84%. The scar rates of the freshmen from countries were 62.78%. Tuberculosis infection rate of the freshmen was 51.99% and the strong positive rate was 14.63%. Tuberculosis positive rate of city students was obviously higher than that of rural ones. Tuberculosis positive rate of city students was 55.17% and the strong positive rate was 15.37%. Tuberculosis positive rate of rural students was 44.69% and the strong positive rate was 12.70%. There appeared great difference between them. Moreover, Tuberculosis infection rate was varied with age and region. The tuberculosis positive rate of students from north-east areas was the highest (72.10%, 7,746/10,744), and those come from the middle-north areas were the lowest (41.50%, 6,560/15,808). The tuberculosis positive rate (62.49%, 47,489/75,992) of the freshmen with the scar was higher than that of those without the scar (24.72%, 7,230/29,247). The tuberculosis positive rate of the freshmen having a touch with the tuberculosis cases (60.75%) was higher than those having not (51.96%). CONCLUSION: As students in universities are susceptible population of tuberculosis, it should be emphasized to find out tuberculosis in university and to treat them early for the purpose of preventing the episode and explosion of the disease.

[Vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfection and survival of the random skin flap in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfection on survival of the random skin flap in rats. METHOD: Thirty SD rats were randomized equally into 3 groups: pcDNA3-VEGF165, pcDNA3 and control groups, with the former two groups transfected via liposome with pcDNA3-VEGF165 and pcDNA3 respectively 48 h before and during the operation. Ischemic random skin flaps ( 1 cmx7 cm) were constructed from the rats. Seven days later, the amount of viable tissue within the flap was measured by planimetry. After the animals were killed, and specimens from the random skin flaps were harvested for immunohistologic evidence of VEGF protein expression and for HE staining to examine the microvascular growth. RESULTS: The results of tissue survival planimetry of the skin flap of pcDNA3-VEGF165, pcDNA3 and control groups were 48.46% +/-3.35%, 30.20%+/-2.16%, and 31.35% +/-1.99%, which were highest in the VEGF- transfected group (P<0.05), in which immunohistochemical staining revealed increased deposition of VEGF in comparison with the other control groups P<0.05 . The VEGF group had also higher average vessel number as compared with the vector and control group (107.72+/-9.42 vs 91.35+/-7.28 and 89.85+/-7.66, P<0.05), and smaller average vessel lumen diameter (25.76+/-3.23 microm vs 32.12+/-1.58 microm and 33.49+/-2.29 microm, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: pcDNA3-VEGF165 transfection may enhance the survival of the ischemic skin flaps and achieve VEGF expression in the flaps in rats.

[An experimental study on the survival of the anterior abdominal skin flap after VEGF cDNA administration].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate flap survival after transfection using gene encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: In 30 Sprague-Dawley rats, the anterior abdominal skin flap supplied by the epigastric vessels was created. The animals were divided into three groups, with ten of each. The first group was treated with a mixture of liposomes and the cDNA encoding the 165-amino acid isoform of VEGF; the second group was treated with control blank plasmid DNA and liposome transfection medium; the third group was treated with physiological saline. Four days after injection, the epigastric artery and vein were ligated and the blood flow in the flap was evaluated by intraperitoneal injection of fluorescence solution. Seven days later, the survival area of the flap was measured by planimetry. After the animals were killed, specimens were harvested from the anterior abdomen skin flap for immunohistological evidence of VEGF expression and for hematoxylin and eosin staining of microvascular growth. RESULTS: 30 minutes after pedicle ligation the average fluorescence staining planimetry of the three groups (PCD-VEGF165, PCD and physiological saline) was 60.64%, 30.15% and 29.89% respectively. Tissue survival planimetry of the three groups was 92.3%, 30.5%, 31.8%. There was significant difference between the first group and the latter two (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining documented increased deposition of VEGF cDNA in the first group compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Normal staining documented that the average vessel number of the three groups was 101.72, 91.35 and 89.85 (P < 0.05), the average vessel lumen diameter was 26 microns, 31.09 microns and 32.51 microns(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Through administration, PCD-VEGF165 can transfect the anterior abdominal skin flap and enhance its survival. There was express of VEGF protein in the treated flap.