The genus Simocephalus Schoedler 1858,a large,nonpelagic daphniidae,are abundant in the littoral zone,expecially with submerged aquatic vegetation in freshwater bodies all over the world.More than 63 specific and subs...The genus Simocephalus Schoedler 1858,a large,nonpelagic daphniidae,are abundant in the littoral zone,expecially with submerged aquatic vegetation in freshwater bodies all over the world.More than 63 specific and subspecific names have been proposed.But in the recent research,all of them were divided into 4 subgenus and regarded as 20valid names[1].展开更多
The exploration and identification of antiproliferative phytochemicals have received increased attention in medicinal chemistry. In particular, research focused on the toxicology of marine natural products has increas...The exploration and identification of antiproliferative phytochemicals have received increased attention in medicinal chemistry. In particular, research focused on the toxicology of marine natural products has increased in recent years. Terpenoids, among many secondary metabolites, have been demonstrated to act as effective anticancer agents. Soft corals, a group of marine invertebrates, produce a variety of terpenoids with biofunctional properties. The current study presents the extraction, purification, and identification of sterol congeners from the soft coral Dendronephthya putteri. The method involves 50% chloroform-methanol extraction, polar column fractionation, and analysis through GC-MSn. Dose-dependent antiproliferative activity was observed within the sterol-rich fraction (DPCMH 2-4), which consisted of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. This fraction inhibited the growth of HL-60 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 25.27±1.43 and 22.81±0.15 μg/mL, respectively. Apoptotic body formation, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic cell signaling pathway activation were also observed, reinforcing the dose-dependent antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anticancer agent identification from the soft coral D. putteri. Based on the observations, these steroidal congeners are promising candidates for the development of anticancer drugs.展开更多
In the current study, the alopecia areata gene was introduced into the C57BL/6(B6) mouse through repeated backcrossing/intercrossing, and the allelic homozygosity of congenic AAtjmice(named B6.KM-AA) was verified usin...In the current study, the alopecia areata gene was introduced into the C57BL/6(B6) mouse through repeated backcrossing/intercrossing, and the allelic homozygosity of congenic AAtjmice(named B6.KM-AA) was verified using microsatellites. The gross appearance, growth characteristics, pathological changes in skin, and major organs of B6.KM-AA mice were observed. Counts and proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Results show that congenic B6.KM-AA mice were obtained after 10 generations of backcrossing/intercrossing. B6.KM-AA mice grew slower than B6 control mice and AA skin lesions were developed by four weeks of age. The number of hair follicles was reduced, but hair structures were normal. Loss of hair during disease progression was associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltration peri- and intrahair follicles. No pathological changes were found in other organs except for the skin. In the peripheral blood of B6.KM-AA mice, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was lower and percentage of CD8+ T cells higher than in control mice. These findings indicate that B6.KM-AA mice are characterized by a dysfunctional immune system, retarded development and T-cell infiltration mediated hair loss, making them a promising new animal model for human alopecia areata.展开更多
In this paper,a feasible scheme is reported for the detection and identification of trace alcohol congeners that have identical elemental composition using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).In the scheme,an i...In this paper,a feasible scheme is reported for the detection and identification of trace alcohol congeners that have identical elemental composition using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).In the scheme,an intensive pulsed laser is used to break down trace alcohol samples and the optical emission spectra of the induced plasma are collected for the detection and identification of alcohol molecules.In order to prepare trace alcohol samples,pure ethanol or methanol is bubbled by argon carrier gas and then mixed into matrix gases.The key issue for the scheme is to constitute indices from the LIBS data of the alcohol samples.Two indices are found to be suitable for alcohol detection and identification.One is the emission intensity ratio(denoted as H/C) of the hydrogen line(653.3 nm) to the carbon line(247.9 nm) for identification and the other is the ratio of the carbon line(as C/Ar) or the hydrogen line(as H/Ar) to the argon lines(866.7 nm) for quantitative detection.The calibration experiment result shows that the index H/C is specific for alcohol congeners while almost being independent of alcohol concentration.In detail,the H/C keeps a specific constant of 34 and 23 respectively for ethanol and methanol.In the meanwhile,the C/Ar and H/Ar indices respond almost linearly to the alcohol concentration below 1300 ppm,and are therefore competent for concentration measurement.With the indices,trace alcohol concentration measurement achieves a limit of 140 ppm using a laser pulse energy of300 mJ.展开更多
Dear Editor, A-72-year-old male with medical history of hypertension admitted with acute onset double vision.On neurological examination,right eye could not adduct whereas nystagmus occurs on the left eye abduction.Cr...Dear Editor, A-72-year-old male with medical history of hypertension admitted with acute onset double vision.On neurological examination,right eye could not adduct whereas nystagmus occurs on the left eye abduction.Cranial diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was in normal ranges.Based on the negative DWI result and atypical clinical presentation for stroke,third nerve paly was considered in the forefront and the patient was planned to be discharged with suggestion of ophthalmology outpatient visit.However,following neurology evaluation,the diagnosis of left internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) was favored.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: Polymyositis (PM) mainly involves proximal limb and trunk muscles. Ocular muscles are not affected, except in rare cases with both PM and myasthenia gravis (MG). Thus, the results of laboratory examinations...OBJECTIVE: Polymyositis (PM) mainly involves proximal limb and trunk muscles. Ocular muscles are not affected, except in rare cases with both PM and myasthenia gravis (MG). Thus, the results of laboratory examinations in such a patient deserve to be reported. METHODS: To analyze the clinical, imaging and pathology datas on a 65-year-old woman patient with PM with complex symptoms, who presented mainly ophthalmoplegia. The patient consented to all examinations and the hospital Ethics Committee approved the study. The laboratory examinations included creatine kinase (CK), ENA, tumor marker, function of thyroid, cranial MRI, and electromyogram (EMG). Biopsy of the left quadriceps femoris was performed, frozen specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, ATPase, NADH tetrazolium reductase, periodic acid Schiff, oil red O, modified Gomory trichrome and MHC-I, to investigate the pathology of muscle fibers RESULTS: Laboratory results showed: CK, 108.32μkat/L; antinuclear antibody: (+); ENA, (–); tumor marker, (–); normal thyroid function, MRI showed no abnormal signals in brain and extraocular muscles. Electromyography of the bilateral deltoid, biceps brachii, musculus quadriceps fexoris, anterior tibialis showed fibrillation potentials, positive potentials and short-duration, small-amplitude polyphasic potentials on voluntary movements with a full interference pattern on mild exertion. Repetitive stimulation did not result in any increment or decrement in these potentials. A muscle biopsy of the left quadriceps femoris showed many small round muscle fibers without peripheral bundle distribution and apparent myofiber degeneration, necrosis and phagocytosis. There were several focal lymphocyte infiltrations. MHC-I immunohistochemical staining was positive in most fibers revealing inflammatory infiltration of normal fibers with MHC-I expression. CONCLUSION: This patient showed increased CK, typical triad of myopathy in EMG, and apparent degeneration and necrosis in biopsy of quadriceps femoris. Therefore, the diagnosis of PM and involvement of extraocular muscles were definite.展开更多
BACKGROUND We explored the genotype-phenotype correlation of the novel deletion 16p13.2p12.3 in an 8-year-old child with progressive total ophthalmoplegia,cervical dyskinesia,and lower limb weakness by comparing the p...BACKGROUND We explored the genotype-phenotype correlation of the novel deletion 16p13.2p12.3 in an 8-year-old child with progressive total ophthalmoplegia,cervical dyskinesia,and lower limb weakness by comparing the patient’s clinical features with previously reported data on adjacent copy number variation(CNV)regions.CASE SUMMARY Specifically,we first performed whole-exome sequencing,CNV-sequencing,and mitochondrial genome sequencing on the patient and his parents,then applied“MitoExome”(the entire mitochondrial genome and exons of nuclear genes encoding the mitochondrial proteome)analysis to screen for genetic mitochondrial diseases.We identified a de novo 7.23 Mb deletion,covering 16p13.2p12.3,by both whole-exome sequencing and CNV sequencing.We also detected 16p13.11 in the deleted region,which is the recurrent distinct region associated with neurodevelopmental disorder.However,the patient only displayed features of progressive total ophthalmoplegia,cervical dyskinesia,and weakness in his lower limbs without neurodevelopmental disorder.The“MitoExome”sequencing was negative.Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed non-specific sporadic changes in the occipital parietal lobe and basal ganglia.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicated that 16p13.2p12.3 deletion causes a syndrome with the phenotype of early-onset total ophthalmoplegia.The“MitoExome”analysis is powerful for the differential diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases.We report a novel copy number variant in this case,but further confirmation is required.展开更多
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response is a psychophysiological measure of sensorimotor gating believed to be cross-modal between different sensory systems. We analyzed the tactile startle response (TSR) an...Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response is a psychophysiological measure of sensorimotor gating believed to be cross-modal between different sensory systems. We analyzed the tactile startle response (TSR) and PPI of TSR (tPPI), using light as a prepulse stimu- lus, in the mouse strains A/J and C57BL/6J and 36 recombinant congenic strains derived from them. Parental strains were significantly different for TSR, but were comparable for tPPI. Among the congenic strains, variation for TSR was significant in both genetic backgrounds, but that of tPPI was significant only for the C57BL/6J background. Provisional mapping for loci modulating TSR and tPPI was carried out. Using mapping data from our previous study on acoustic startle responses (ASR) and PPI of ASR (aPPI), no common markers for aPPI and tPPI were identified. However, some markers were significantly associated with both ASR and TSR, at least in one genetic background. These results indicate cross-modal genetic regulation for the startle response but not for PPI, in these mouse strains.展开更多
AIM: To investigate a novel pharmacological intervention to mitigate cisplatin ototoxicity using a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist adenosine amine congener(ADAC).METHODS: Male Wistar rats(8-10 wk) were exposed...AIM: To investigate a novel pharmacological intervention to mitigate cisplatin ototoxicity using a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist adenosine amine congener(ADAC).METHODS: Male Wistar rats(8-10 wk) were exposed to a two-cycle cisplatin treatment similar to clinical course of cancer chemotherapy. Each cycle comprised 4 d of intraperitoneal cisplatin injections(1 mg/kg twice daily) separated by 10 d of rest. ADAC(100 μg/kg) or drug vehicle solution(control) was administered intraperitoneally for 5 d at 24 h intervals during the second cisplatin cycle(Regime 1), or upon completion of the cisplatin treatment(Regime 2). Hearing thresholds were measured using auditory brainstem responses(ABR) before cisplatin administration(baseline) and 7 d after the end of cisplatin treatment. Histological analysis of cochlear tissues included hair cell counting and qualitative assessment of apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d UTP nick end labelling(TUNEL) staining.RESULTS: ABR threshold shifts in cisplatin-treated Wistar rats ranged from 5-29 d B across the frequency range used in the study(4-24 k Hz). Higher frequencies(16-24 k Hz) were mostly affected by cisplatin ototoxicity(mean threshold shift 25-29 d B). ADAC treatment during the second cisplatin cycle reduced cisplatininduced threshold shifts by 12-16 d B(P < 0.01) at higher frequencies compared to control vehicle-treated rats. However, the treatment was ineffective if ADAC administration was delayed until after the completion of the cisplatin regime. Functional recovery was supported by increased survival of hair cells in the cochlea. Qualitative analysis using TUNEL staining demonstrated reduced apoptosis of the outer hair cells and marginal cells in the stria vascularis in animals treated with ADAC during the second cisplatin cycle.CONCLUSION: A1 adenosine receptor agonist ADAC mitigates cisplatin-induced cochlear injury and hearing loss, however its potential interference with antineoplastic effects of cisplatin needs to be established.展开更多
基金Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Program(2014FB178)National Key Technology R&D Program of China(2008BAC39B03)
文摘The genus Simocephalus Schoedler 1858,a large,nonpelagic daphniidae,are abundant in the littoral zone,expecially with submerged aquatic vegetation in freshwater bodies all over the world.More than 63 specific and subspecific names have been proposed.But in the recent research,all of them were divided into 4 subgenus and regarded as 20valid names[1].
基金Supported by the "Regional Specialized Industry Development Program",Ministry of Trade,Industry,and Energy(MOTIE),Koreasupervised by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology(KIAT)
文摘The exploration and identification of antiproliferative phytochemicals have received increased attention in medicinal chemistry. In particular, research focused on the toxicology of marine natural products has increased in recent years. Terpenoids, among many secondary metabolites, have been demonstrated to act as effective anticancer agents. Soft corals, a group of marine invertebrates, produce a variety of terpenoids with biofunctional properties. The current study presents the extraction, purification, and identification of sterol congeners from the soft coral Dendronephthya putteri. The method involves 50% chloroform-methanol extraction, polar column fractionation, and analysis through GC-MSn. Dose-dependent antiproliferative activity was observed within the sterol-rich fraction (DPCMH 2-4), which consisted of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. This fraction inhibited the growth of HL-60 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 25.27±1.43 and 22.81±0.15 μg/mL, respectively. Apoptotic body formation, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic cell signaling pathway activation were also observed, reinforcing the dose-dependent antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anticancer agent identification from the soft coral D. putteri. Based on the observations, these steroidal congeners are promising candidates for the development of anticancer drugs.
基金supported by the Public Program of the Science Technology Department,Zhejiang(2011C37077)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31071092)
文摘In the current study, the alopecia areata gene was introduced into the C57BL/6(B6) mouse through repeated backcrossing/intercrossing, and the allelic homozygosity of congenic AAtjmice(named B6.KM-AA) was verified using microsatellites. The gross appearance, growth characteristics, pathological changes in skin, and major organs of B6.KM-AA mice were observed. Counts and proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Results show that congenic B6.KM-AA mice were obtained after 10 generations of backcrossing/intercrossing. B6.KM-AA mice grew slower than B6 control mice and AA skin lesions were developed by four weeks of age. The number of hair follicles was reduced, but hair structures were normal. Loss of hair during disease progression was associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltration peri- and intrahair follicles. No pathological changes were found in other organs except for the skin. In the peripheral blood of B6.KM-AA mice, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was lower and percentage of CD8+ T cells higher than in control mice. These findings indicate that B6.KM-AA mice are characterized by a dysfunctional immune system, retarded development and T-cell infiltration mediated hair loss, making them a promising new animal model for human alopecia areata.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.11375041,10675028)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.DUT11ZD(G)06)the Fund of the Key Laboratory of Chemical Laser,CAS(No.20131008)
文摘In this paper,a feasible scheme is reported for the detection and identification of trace alcohol congeners that have identical elemental composition using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).In the scheme,an intensive pulsed laser is used to break down trace alcohol samples and the optical emission spectra of the induced plasma are collected for the detection and identification of alcohol molecules.In order to prepare trace alcohol samples,pure ethanol or methanol is bubbled by argon carrier gas and then mixed into matrix gases.The key issue for the scheme is to constitute indices from the LIBS data of the alcohol samples.Two indices are found to be suitable for alcohol detection and identification.One is the emission intensity ratio(denoted as H/C) of the hydrogen line(653.3 nm) to the carbon line(247.9 nm) for identification and the other is the ratio of the carbon line(as C/Ar) or the hydrogen line(as H/Ar) to the argon lines(866.7 nm) for quantitative detection.The calibration experiment result shows that the index H/C is specific for alcohol congeners while almost being independent of alcohol concentration.In detail,the H/C keeps a specific constant of 34 and 23 respectively for ethanol and methanol.In the meanwhile,the C/Ar and H/Ar indices respond almost linearly to the alcohol concentration below 1300 ppm,and are therefore competent for concentration measurement.With the indices,trace alcohol concentration measurement achieves a limit of 140 ppm using a laser pulse energy of300 mJ.
文摘Dear Editor, A-72-year-old male with medical history of hypertension admitted with acute onset double vision.On neurological examination,right eye could not adduct whereas nystagmus occurs on the left eye abduction.Cranial diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was in normal ranges.Based on the negative DWI result and atypical clinical presentation for stroke,third nerve paly was considered in the forefront and the patient was planned to be discharged with suggestion of ophthalmology outpatient visit.However,following neurology evaluation,the diagnosis of left internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) was favored.
文摘OBJECTIVE: Polymyositis (PM) mainly involves proximal limb and trunk muscles. Ocular muscles are not affected, except in rare cases with both PM and myasthenia gravis (MG). Thus, the results of laboratory examinations in such a patient deserve to be reported. METHODS: To analyze the clinical, imaging and pathology datas on a 65-year-old woman patient with PM with complex symptoms, who presented mainly ophthalmoplegia. The patient consented to all examinations and the hospital Ethics Committee approved the study. The laboratory examinations included creatine kinase (CK), ENA, tumor marker, function of thyroid, cranial MRI, and electromyogram (EMG). Biopsy of the left quadriceps femoris was performed, frozen specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, ATPase, NADH tetrazolium reductase, periodic acid Schiff, oil red O, modified Gomory trichrome and MHC-I, to investigate the pathology of muscle fibers RESULTS: Laboratory results showed: CK, 108.32μkat/L; antinuclear antibody: (+); ENA, (–); tumor marker, (–); normal thyroid function, MRI showed no abnormal signals in brain and extraocular muscles. Electromyography of the bilateral deltoid, biceps brachii, musculus quadriceps fexoris, anterior tibialis showed fibrillation potentials, positive potentials and short-duration, small-amplitude polyphasic potentials on voluntary movements with a full interference pattern on mild exertion. Repetitive stimulation did not result in any increment or decrement in these potentials. A muscle biopsy of the left quadriceps femoris showed many small round muscle fibers without peripheral bundle distribution and apparent myofiber degeneration, necrosis and phagocytosis. There were several focal lymphocyte infiltrations. MHC-I immunohistochemical staining was positive in most fibers revealing inflammatory infiltration of normal fibers with MHC-I expression. CONCLUSION: This patient showed increased CK, typical triad of myopathy in EMG, and apparent degeneration and necrosis in biopsy of quadriceps femoris. Therefore, the diagnosis of PM and involvement of extraocular muscles were definite.
文摘BACKGROUND We explored the genotype-phenotype correlation of the novel deletion 16p13.2p12.3 in an 8-year-old child with progressive total ophthalmoplegia,cervical dyskinesia,and lower limb weakness by comparing the patient’s clinical features with previously reported data on adjacent copy number variation(CNV)regions.CASE SUMMARY Specifically,we first performed whole-exome sequencing,CNV-sequencing,and mitochondrial genome sequencing on the patient and his parents,then applied“MitoExome”(the entire mitochondrial genome and exons of nuclear genes encoding the mitochondrial proteome)analysis to screen for genetic mitochondrial diseases.We identified a de novo 7.23 Mb deletion,covering 16p13.2p12.3,by both whole-exome sequencing and CNV sequencing.We also detected 16p13.11 in the deleted region,which is the recurrent distinct region associated with neurodevelopmental disorder.However,the patient only displayed features of progressive total ophthalmoplegia,cervical dyskinesia,and weakness in his lower limbs without neurodevelopmental disorder.The“MitoExome”sequencing was negative.Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed non-specific sporadic changes in the occipital parietal lobe and basal ganglia.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicated that 16p13.2p12.3 deletion causes a syndrome with the phenotype of early-onset total ophthalmoplegia.The“MitoExome”analysis is powerful for the differential diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases.We report a novel copy number variant in this case,but further confirmation is required.
文摘Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response is a psychophysiological measure of sensorimotor gating believed to be cross-modal between different sensory systems. We analyzed the tactile startle response (TSR) and PPI of TSR (tPPI), using light as a prepulse stimu- lus, in the mouse strains A/J and C57BL/6J and 36 recombinant congenic strains derived from them. Parental strains were significantly different for TSR, but were comparable for tPPI. Among the congenic strains, variation for TSR was significant in both genetic backgrounds, but that of tPPI was significant only for the C57BL/6J background. Provisional mapping for loci modulating TSR and tPPI was carried out. Using mapping data from our previous study on acoustic startle responses (ASR) and PPI of ASR (aPPI), no common markers for aPPI and tPPI were identified. However, some markers were significantly associated with both ASR and TSR, at least in one genetic background. These results indicate cross-modal genetic regulation for the startle response but not for PPI, in these mouse strains.
基金Supported by Action on Hearing Loss(United Kingdom)
文摘AIM: To investigate a novel pharmacological intervention to mitigate cisplatin ototoxicity using a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist adenosine amine congener(ADAC).METHODS: Male Wistar rats(8-10 wk) were exposed to a two-cycle cisplatin treatment similar to clinical course of cancer chemotherapy. Each cycle comprised 4 d of intraperitoneal cisplatin injections(1 mg/kg twice daily) separated by 10 d of rest. ADAC(100 μg/kg) or drug vehicle solution(control) was administered intraperitoneally for 5 d at 24 h intervals during the second cisplatin cycle(Regime 1), or upon completion of the cisplatin treatment(Regime 2). Hearing thresholds were measured using auditory brainstem responses(ABR) before cisplatin administration(baseline) and 7 d after the end of cisplatin treatment. Histological analysis of cochlear tissues included hair cell counting and qualitative assessment of apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d UTP nick end labelling(TUNEL) staining.RESULTS: ABR threshold shifts in cisplatin-treated Wistar rats ranged from 5-29 d B across the frequency range used in the study(4-24 k Hz). Higher frequencies(16-24 k Hz) were mostly affected by cisplatin ototoxicity(mean threshold shift 25-29 d B). ADAC treatment during the second cisplatin cycle reduced cisplatininduced threshold shifts by 12-16 d B(P < 0.01) at higher frequencies compared to control vehicle-treated rats. However, the treatment was ineffective if ADAC administration was delayed until after the completion of the cisplatin regime. Functional recovery was supported by increased survival of hair cells in the cochlea. Qualitative analysis using TUNEL staining demonstrated reduced apoptosis of the outer hair cells and marginal cells in the stria vascularis in animals treated with ADAC during the second cisplatin cycle.CONCLUSION: A1 adenosine receptor agonist ADAC mitigates cisplatin-induced cochlear injury and hearing loss, however its potential interference with antineoplastic effects of cisplatin needs to be established.
