Radiological features of Rosai-Dorfman disease: case series and review of the literature.

AIM: To improve the accuracy of diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) by summarising the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and pathological characteristics of 14 patients with histopathologically confirmed RDD were analysed retrospectively and a literature review was undertaken. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients, nine had multiple lesions and five had single lesions. Eight patients had extranodal lesions, while six had mixed-type lesions. In patients with head and neck lesions, plain CT/MRI revealed irregularly shaped, well-defined, homogeneous, and mainly progressive lesions, with marked homogeneous enhancement on multiphasic contrast-enhanced imaging. One patient had dural lesions, one of which iso-intense to grey matter, with patchy hypo-intensity on T2-weighted imaging, meningeal tail signs, and characteristic crabfoot-like enhancement. Three patients with skeletal system involvement exhibited osteolytic bone destruction without sclerosis at the edges, associated soft-tissue masses, or periosteal reactions. Two patients had well-defined subcutaneous lesions, inhomogeneous density, and progressive parenchymal enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT. One patient had multiple intestinal lesions with inhomogeneous nodular thickening of the blind ascending colon and ileum, with marked and progressive enhancement. CONCLUSION: RDD involvement is mainly multifocal, primarily in the head and neck regions. Plain CT/MRI revealed well-defined, irregularly shaped lesions with homogeneous density/signal, with marked and progressive enhancement on multiphasic contrast-enhanced imaging; however, histopathology is still required to confirm the diagnosis of RDD.

Circular RNA CircMTO1 suppressed proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma through miR-630/KLF6 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) could regulate gene expression which may induce tumor occurrence and progression. In the current study, we first investigated the expression of circMTO1 in osteosarcoma, and the underlying mechanism was further elucidated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Circular RNA microarrays were used to identify the differential expression of circRNAs in osteosarcoma tissues and the corresponding normal tissues. qRT-PCR was used to examine the level of circMTO1 in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. In addition, circMTO1 overexpression was constructed using lentiviral transfection in cell lines. Subsequently, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), cell migration and invasion, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effect of circMTO1 on the biological functions of cells. The Western Blot and the recovery experiments were used to explore the potential mechanism. RESULTS: Here, we measured 20 circRNAs which were downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues using circRNA microarray. CircMTO1 expression was decreased in osteosarcoma cell lines. Besides, circMTO1 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis showed that circMTO1 serves as a sponge for miR-630 and KLF6 is a direct target of miR-630. Furthermore, circMTO1 functions through regulation of miR-630/KLF6 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests circMTO1 could suppress osteosarcoma progression by regulating miR-630/KLF6 axis, which may highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these molecules in osteosarcoma treatment.

Effects of sequential application of immunosuppressive agents according to the cell cycle in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to observe the therapeutic effects of three sequential drug-based treatments according to the cell cycle in rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of adriamycin-induced nephropathy was prepared by two injections, and three experimental groups were set up: control group (n=8); adriamycin-induced nephropathy rat group (n=8); and Meprednisone (MP), Ciclosporin (CsA), and mycophenolate (MMF) treatment group (n=8). Twenty-four-hour urine protein was quantified and serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), cholesterol (Chol), triglyceride (TG), urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Pathological changes in renal tissues were observed by light microscopy. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) were evaluated by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression was measured by Western blotting. Expression of nephrin and podocin in podocytes was compared by immunohistochemistry and quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, 24-h urine protein in nephropathy group was significantly reduced at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p<0.01). Twenty-four-hour urine protein in the three treatment groups was significantly decreased compared with nephropathy group at 8 and 12 weeks (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among treatment groups (p>0.05), but their levels were higher than those in control group. TP and ALB levels in nephropathy group were decreased compared with control group (p<0.01) and increased compared with treatment groups (p<0.05), while TG and Chol levels in nephropathy group were increased compared with control group (p<0.01) and decreased compared with treatment group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in biochemical parameters among the treatment groups. TGF-ß1 levels were decreased, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were increased, and CTGF expression was reduced in the three therapeutic groups. Among the treatment groups, the combination of MP, CsA, and Rapa significantly inhibited fibrosis. The protein and mRNA levels of nephrin and podocin were significantly decreased in nephropathy group and their expression and distribution were partially restored in treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the sequential therapeutic treatments based on the cell cycle significantly improved the pathological changes in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats. The sequential treatments significantly reduced urine protein levels, increased TP, ALB, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels, decreased TG, Chol, and TGF-ß1 levels, restored expression of nephrin and podocin in renal tissues, and significantly improved renal fibrosis.

Uncovering the spatial heterogeneity of Ediacaran carbon cycling.

Records of the Ediacaran carbon cycle (635-541 million years ago) include the Shuram excursion (SE), the largest negative carbonate carbon isotope excursion in Earth history (down to -12‰). The nature of this excursion remains enigmatic given the difficulties of interpreting a perceived extreme global decrease in the δ13 C of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon. Here, we present carbonate and organic carbon isotope (δ13 Ccarb and δ13 Corg ) records from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation along a proximal-to-distal transect across the Yangtze Platform of South China as a test of the spatial variation of the SE. Contrary to expectations, our results show that the magnitude and morphology of this excursion and its relationship with coexisting δ13 Corg are highly heterogeneous across the platform. Integrated geochemical, mineralogical, petrographic, and stratigraphic evidence indicates that the SE is a primary marine signature. Data compilations demonstrate that the SE was also accompanied globally by parallel negative shifts of δ34 S of carbonate-associated sulfate (CAS) and increased 87 Sr/86 Sr ratio and coastal CAS concentration, suggesting elevated continental weathering and coastal marine sulfate concentration during the SE. In light of these observations, we propose a heterogeneous oxidation model to explain the high spatial heterogeneity of the SE and coexisting δ13 Corg records of the Doushantuo, with likely relevance to the SE in other regions. In this model, we infer continued marine redox stratification through the SE but with increased availability of oxidants (e.g., O2 and sulfate) limited to marginal near-surface marine environments. Oxidation of limited spatiotemporal extent provides a mechanism to drive heterogeneous oxidation of subsurface reduced carbon mostly in shelf areas. Regardless of the mechanism driving the SE, future models must consider the evidence for spatial heterogeneity in δ13 C presented in this study.

In vitro effect of IL-17D on human ovarian carcinoma cells and inherent immunity.

This study explored the expression of interleukin 17D (IL-17D) secreted by human ovariancarcinoma cells and the effect of exogenous IL-17D transfection on MICA, which is the ligand of NKG2D, on the surface of ovary carcinoma cells. Human ovarian papillary serous adenocarcinoma cell line SKOV3, empty vector control cell line SKOV3/vector, exogenous human IL-17D stable-transfected cell line SKOV3/IL-17D, as well as cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cell SKOV/CDDP were cultured; ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line OVCAR-3, empty vector control cell line OVCAR3/vector and OVCAE3/IL- 17D were observed under a microscope. In the study, methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to detect the inhibition rate, resistance index and proliferation of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP. It was found that the expression of IL-17 D in SKOV3/CDDP was much higher than that of its parent cell line SKOV3; IL-17D might be correlated to the drug resistance of cells; the proliferation of SKOV3 transfected with IL-17D was significantly accelerated, indicating IL-17D may be effective in promoting the growth of oncocyte.

Magnetic exchange coupling and anisotropy of 3d transition metal nanowires on graphyne.

Applying two-dimensional monolayer materials in nanoelectronics and spintronics is hindered by a lack of ordered and separately distributed spin structures. We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of one-dimensional zigzag and armchair 3d transition metal (TM) nanowires on graphyne (GY), using density functional theory plus Hubbard U (DFT + U). The 3d TM nanowires are formed on graphyne (GY) surfaces. TM atoms separately and regularly embed within GY, achieving long-range magnetic spin ordering. TM exchange coupling of the zigzag and armchair nanowires is mediated by sp-hybridized carbon, and results in long-range magnetic order and magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic coupling mechanism is explained by competition between through-bond and through-space interactions derived from superexchange. These results aid the realization of GY in spintronics.

Nanochannel system fabricated by MEMS microfabrication and atomic force microscopy.

A silicon nanochannel system with integrated transverse electrodes was designed and fabricated by combining micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) micromachining and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanolithography. The fabrication process began with the patterning of microscale reservoirs and electrodes on an oxidised silicon chip using conventional MEMS techniques. A nanochannel, approximately 30 [micro sign]m long with a small semi-circular cross-sectional area of 20 nm × 200 nm, was then mechanically machined on the oxide surface between the micro reservoirs by applying AFM nanolithography with an all-diamond probe. Anodic bonding was used to seal off the nanochannel with a matching Pyrex cover. Continuous flow in the nanochannel was verified by pressurising a solution of fluorescein isothiocyanate in ethanol through the nanochannel in a vacuum chamber. It was further demonstrated by translocating negatively charged nanobeads (diameter approximately 20 nm) through the nanochannel by using an external DC electric field. The passage of the nanobeads caused a sharp increase in the transverse electrical conductivity of the nanochannel.

Downregulation of fibulin-3 gene by promoter methylation in colorectal cancer predicts adverse prognosis.

Fibulin-3 gene has been identified as an antagonist of angiogenesis. We investigated the protein expression and promoter methylation status of fibulin-3 gene in colorectal cancer (CRC) and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological factors. The study population enrolled 85 paired CRC specimens and adjacent normal tissues, as well as 32 cases of colorectal adenoma. Genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded samples using manual microdissection. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to determine the promoter methylation status and fibulin-3 gene expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that, downregulation or silence of fibulin-3 protein was found in 57.6% (49/85) of CRC tissues, which was significantly higher than that of adjacent normal tissues (28.2%, 24/85) and colorectal adenoma (34.4%, 11/32) (P<0.05). Furthermore, 33 out of 85 (38.8%) CRC specimens showed hypermethylation in fibulin-3 promoter region, and fibulin-3 methylation was closely correlated with its loss of expression. Also, downregulation of fibulin-3 was associated with advanced stage (P=0.008) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.013). Survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard models indicated that fibulin-3 downregulation was an independent factor related to adverse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC. In conclusion, we found aberrant methylation caused fibulin-3 downregulation in CRC, and fibulin-3 downregulation was correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and poor survival, which maybe use as a potential prognostic factor for CRC.

Sub-visible particle quantitation in protein therapeutics.

Biologics represent a large and growing segment of the therapeutic medicinal market. Sub-visible particles present in these products are a product quality attribute and a potential patient safety concern yet to be fully explored. Early and consistent particle quantitation and control throughout the product life cycle of these drugs from development to commercial lot release is critical in mitigating any concerns. This requires appropriate analytical methods which can be applied to biopharmaceuticals across a large variety of protein concentrations and modes of administration. The compendial light obscuration method for quantitating sub-visible particles in small volume parenterals is not ideally suited for therapeutic biologics. Approaches to modify the current compendial method so that it is applicable to biologics, including appropriate sample preparation, reduced assay sample volume, increased sizing information, and development of an appropriate sampling plan, are presented in this article. Successful applications of a modified light obscuration method to therapeutic protein products are demonstrated, and a strategy to utilise complimentary methods and techniques at different phases of product development is discussed.

Genetic diversity assessment of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria by distance-based grouping analysis of pufM sequences.

AIM: To assess how completely the diversity of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (APB) was sampled in natural environments. METHODS AND RESULTS: All nucleotide sequences of the APB marker gene pufM from cultures and environmental clones were retrieved from the GenBank database. A set of cutoff values (sequence distances 0.06, 0.15 and 0.48 for species, genus, and (sub)phylum levels, respectively) was established using a distance-based grouping program. Analysis of the environmental clones revealed that current efforts on APB isolation and sampling in natural environments are largely inadequate. Analysis of the average distance between each identified genus and an uncultured environmental pufM sequence indicated that the majority of cultured APB genera lack environmental representatives. CONCLUSIONS: The distance-based grouping method is fast and efficient for bulk functional gene sequences analysis. The results clearly show that we are at a relatively early stage in sampling the global richness of APB species. Periodical assessment will undoubtedly facilitate in-depth analysis of potential biogeographical distribution pattern of APB. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first attempt to assess the present understanding of APB diversity in natural environments. The method used is also useful for assessing the diversity of other functional genes.

Natural community structure of cyanobacteria in the South China Sea as revealed by rpoC1 gene sequence analysis.

AIMS: To examine the community structure of cyanobacterial populations of the South China Sea on the surface and at depth of 80 m. METHODS AND RESULTS: Direct PCR amplification of RNA polymerase (rpoC1) genes from environmental DNAs extracted from seawater, and cloning of the fragments and sequence analysis were used. A great diversity of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were detected at the investigation site. Genetically related Prochlorococcus were found in both layers while Synechococcus were found only on the surface. Prochlorococcus were clustered with the known high-light adapted II genotypes, and further divided into seven groups. Synechococcus could be divided into two groups, and the second group could be further subdivided into several clades. CONCLUSION: The dominant genotype of Prochlorococcus was high-light adapted II genotype, and Synechococcus were distributed basically on the surface. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report about the cyanobacterial community structure in the South China Sea, and an important supplement to the current understanding of the relationship between genetic and ecological diversity and environments.