The isolation and identification of apolipoprotein C-I in hormone-refractory prostate cancer using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Androgens play a central role in prostate cancer pathogenesis, and hence most of the patients respond to androgen deprivation therapies. However, patients tend to relapse with aggressive prostate cancer, which has been termed as hormone refractory. To identify the proteins that mediate progression to the hormone-refractory state, we used protein-chip technology for mass profiling of patients＇ sera. This study included 16 patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer who were initially treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Serum samples were collected from each patient at five time points： point A, pre-treatment; point B, at the nadir of the prostate- specific antigen （PSA） level; point C, PSA failure; point D, the early hormone-refractory phase; and point E, the late hormone-refractory phase. Using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, we performed protein mass profiling of the patients＇ sera and identified a 6 640-Da peak that increased with disease progression. Target proteins were partially purified, and by amino acid sequencing the peak was identified as a fragment of apolipoprotein C-I （ApoC-I）. Serum ApoC-I protein levels increased with disease progression. On immunohistochemical analysis, the ApoC-i protein was found localized to the cytoplasm of the hormone-refractory cancer cells. In this study, we showed an increase in serum ApoC-I protein levels in prostate cancer patients during their progression to the hormone-refractory state, which suggests that ApoC-I protein is related to progression of prostate cancer. However, as the exact role of ApoC-I in prostate cancer pathogenesis is unclear, further research is required.

Effect of surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry on identifing biomarkers of endometriosis

Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease. This study aimed to screen proteins that were expressed differently in patients with endometriosis versus normal controls using proteomic techniques, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （SELDI-TOF-MS）.Methods Protein chip SELDI-TOF-MS combines the advantages of microarray and mass spectrometry, and can screen latent markers in sera of patients with endometriosis. Serum samples from patients and normal volunteers were analyzed by SELDI-TOF-MS. Results After comparing the serum protein spectra of 36 patients with 24 normal controls, 24 differently expressed potential biomarkers （P 〈0.01） were identified. Using Biomarker Pattern software, we established a tree model of the 60 serum protein spectra. When using the three bJomarkers to classify the samples, the sensitivity for diagnosing endometriosis was 91.7%, specificity was 95.8%, and coincidence rate was 93.3%. Then we used serum samples from 12 patients and 8 normal controls to validate the tree model and report the sensitivity for diagnosing endometriosis was 91.7%, specificity was 75%, and coincidence rate was 85%. Conclusions SELDI-TOF-MS may be a useful tool in high-risk population screening for endometriosis. The identification and application of the biomarkers need to further study.

MicrobMatcher: a microbial comparison software based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization with Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was investigated as a method for the rapid identifica-tion of species. Current demand in microbial identi-fication is how to compare unknown strains to the known one quickly, semi-automatically and accurately. In this paper, we present a software tool that allows flexibly microbial matching in a user-friendly way, by letting the users to customize comparison parameters including: in vitro transcription enzyme, mass tolerance,minimum fragment length, intensity threshold and corresponding weights. We provide three spectral scoring functions to compute the affin-ity between the species. Therefore, the precision of microbial comparison increases. To test and verify this tool, we employed experimental spectral data based on MALDI-TOFMS and the gene sequences of E.coli and Salmonella. This software is written in Java for cross-platform intention.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry traces the geographical source of Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus forskali,involved in schistosomiasis transmission

Background Freshwater snails of the genera Bulinus spp.,Biomphalaria spp.,and Oncomelania spp.are the main intermediate hosts of human and animal schistosomiasis.Identification of these snails has long been based on mor-phological and/or genomic criteria,which have their limitations.These limitations include a lack of precision for the morphological tool and cost and time for the DNA-based approach.Recently,Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorp-tion/lonization Time-Of-Flight(MALDI-TOF)mass spectrometry,a new tool used which is routinely in clinical microbi-ology,has emerged in the field of malacology for the identification of freshwater snails.This study aimed to evaluate the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus forskali snail populations according to their geographicalorigin.Methods This study was conducted on 101 Bi.pfeifferi and 81 Bu.forskali snails collected in three distinct geo-graphical areas of Senegal(the North-East,South-East and central part of the country),and supplemented with wild and laboratory strains.Specimens which had previously been morphologically described were identified by MALDl-TOF MS[identification log score values(LSV)≥1.7],after an initial blind test using the pre-existing database.After DNA-based identification,new reference spectra of Bi.pfeiferi(n=10)and Bu.forskali(n=5)from the geographical areas were added to the MALDI-TOF spectral database.The final blind test against this updated database was per-formed to assess identification at the geographic source level.Results MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 92.1%of 101 Bi.pfeifferi snails and 98.8%of 81 Bu.forskali snails.At the final blind test,88%of 166 specimens were correctly identified according to both their species and sampling site,with LSVs ranging from 1.74 to 2.70.The geographical source was adequately identified in 90.1%of 91 Bi.pfeifferi and 85.3%of 75 Bu.forskalii samples.Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that MALDI-TOF MS can identify and differentiate snail populations according to geographical origin.It outperforms the current DNA-based approaches in discriminating laboratory from wild strains.This inexpensive high-throughput approach is likely to further revolutionise epidemiological studies in areas which are endemic for schistosomiasis.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of eight Gelsemium elegans Benth alkaloids in human plasma and urine

Gelsemium elegans Benth alkaloids are the main components of G.elegans and can cause acute toxicosis or even death.Although several studies have reported methods for detecting G.elegans alkaloids,a high-throughput and environmental-friendly strategy for detection of multiple G.elegans alkaloids has not been realized.In this work,a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was developed for rapid detection of G.elegans alkaloids in human plasma and urine for diagnosis of poisoning.Multiple matrices and crys-tal spotting methods were evaluated to obtain stable and high peak intensities without“sweet spot”.We verified the methodology and obtained excellent results.The matrix effects with different dilutions were compared and good recoveries and a low relative standard deviation were obtained with a 40-fold dilution.This method could shorten the analysis time and greatly reduce the consumption of chemical solvents.Furthermore,it could be applied to quan-titative assessment of G.elegans alkaloid poisoning incidents.

Studies on extracting solutions of endohedral rare-earth metallofullerenes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Thirteen extracting solutions of rare-earth metallofullerenes containing La,Ce,Pr,Nd Sm,Eu,Gd,Tb,Dy,Ho,Er,Tm and Yb respectively have been investigated by means of matrix-assisted laser desorpuon/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.The influences of the positive-ion/negative-ion mode,laser intensity,ma trix and mass discrimination to the analytical results are studied,based on which the optimal analytical conditions have been determined.The results show that the extracting solutions contain large quantities of rare-earth metallofullerenes besides empty fullerenes.On the basis of comparing their relative intensities,the different structure stabilities and solubilities of metallofullerenes with different rare-earth metals encapsulated into the fullerene cages,as well as some possible reasons to those differences,are discussed.

Detection of Sialylated N-Linked Glycans by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Native and methyl-esterified sialylated glycans were analyzed with 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone（THAP）and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid（DHB）as matrix by a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer（MALDI-TOF MS）.High quality negative-ion spectra of commercial sialylated glycan were obtained with THAP as matrix.Detection limit of the glycan was less than 0.1 pmol.After methyl esterification of sialic acid（SA）residue,sialylated glycans were detected sensitively in the positive-ion mode using DHB as matrix.Neutral and sialylated glycans from the mixture of asialofetuin and fetuin were methylesterified and simultaneously recognized in one manipulation.Methyl esterification of SA residue offers a convenient and sensitive way to identify the structure of N-linked glycans for glycan profiling.

Mixed infection of Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in an immunocompromised patient:A case report

Rationale:Nocardia is a soil saprophyte,which can cause disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients.Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve prognosis.Patient concern:A 26-year-old male presented with repeated episodes of fever,cough and breathlessness for 3 months.Diagnosis:Mixed infection of Nocardia(N.)farcinica and N.cyriacigeorgica with diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome.Interventions:N.cyriacigeorgica was isolated from empyema fluid and N.farcinica from blood.Based on antimicrobial susceptibility,he was treated with imipenem,cotrimoxazole and amikacin.Outcome:Patient expired due to infection and delayed diagnosis.Lesson:Several cases of infection due to N.farcinica or N.cyriacigeorgica have been reported.But mixed infection caused by these two species is rare.Pulmonary and disseminated nocardiosis is associated with high mortality,especially in immunocompromised hosts.So early diagnosis and prompt treatment is needed.

Detection of pancreatic cancer with normal carbohydrate antigen 19-9 using protein chip technology

AIM: To develop a method to differentiate pancreatic cancer patients from healthy or benign individuals when carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 is normal.

Analysis of variabilities of serum proteomic spectra in patients with gastric cancer before and after operation

AIM： To study the variabilities of serum proteomic spectra in patients with gastric cancer before and after operation in order to detect the specific protein markers that can be used for quick diagnosis of gastric cancer. METHODS： Proteomic spectra of 46 serum samples from patients with gastric cancer before and after operation and 40 from normal individuals were generated by IMAC-Cu protein chip and surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS： Fourteen differentially expressed proteins in serum were screened by analysis of proteomic spectra of preoperative patients and normal individuals. We obtained 4 proteins （heat shock protein 27, glucoseregulated protein, prohibitin, protein disulfide isomerase A3） making up marker pattern which was able to class the patient-team and normal-team. These marker patterns yielded 95.7% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity, respectively. The proteins over-expressed in serum of preoperative patients were obviously down-regulated. CONCLUSION： Specific protein markers of gastric cancer can be used for the quick diagnosis of gastric cancer and judgment of prognosis. SELDI-TOF-MS is a useful tool for the detection and identification of new protein markers in serum.

Tannins from Canarium album with potent antioxidant activity

The contents of total phenolics and extractable condensed tannins in the leaves, twigs and stem bark of Canarium album were determined. The structural heterogeneity of condensed tannins from stem bark was characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF MS） and nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） analyses The results show the predominance of signals representative of procyanidins and prodelphinidins. In addition, epicatechin and epigallocatechin polymers with galloylated procyanidin or prodelphinidin were also observed. The tannins were screened for their potential antioxidant activities using l,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH） and ferric reducing/antioxidant power （FRAP） model systems. Tannins extracted from leaves, twigs and stem bark all showed a very good DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power.

Elizabethkingia miricola :A rare non-fermenter causing urinary tract infection

Elizabethkingia miricola(E.miricola) is a gram-negative non-fermentative bacterium which is rarely encountered.It is usually misidentified or considered as a contaminant in routine microbiology laboratories due to the limitations in conventional biochemical techniques.However,with the advent of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOFMS),the identification of non-fermenters has become easy and this has led to enhanced understanding of the clinical significance of these uncommonly isolated microorganisms.The genus Elizabethkingia has only two species E.meningoseptica and E.miricola.Both of these organisms are known to be multi-drug resistant and therefore,their accurate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are necessary prior to the initiation of appropriate therapy.In the world literature till date,only 3 cases of sepsis caused by E.miricola have been reported.We present the first case of E.miricola association with urinary tract infection.

Analysis of the urinary peptidome associated with Helicobacter pylori infection

AIM： To investigate the relationship between urinary peptide changes and Helicobacter pylori （H. pylorl） infection using urinary peptidome profiling. METHODS： The study was performed in volunteers （n = 137） who gave informed consent. Urinary peptides were enriched by magnetic beads based weak cation exchange chromatography＇and spectrums acquired by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight （MALDI-TOF） mass spectrometry （MS）. ClinProTools bioinformatics software was used for statistical analysis and the recognition of peptide patterns. The marker peptides were identified by LTQ Obitrap XL tandem MS. RESULTS： Approximately 50 proteins or peptides which loaded onto the magnetic beads were detected by MAL-DI-TOF MS. By optimizing the parameters of the model, the Genetic Algorithm model had good recognition capability （97%） and positive predictive value （94%）. Based on the model, 2 markers with molecular masses of 6788 and 1912 Da were found that differentiated between H. pylori positive and negative volunteers. The m/z 1912 sequence was parsed as SKQFTSSTSYN- RGDSTF. The peptide was identified as isoform 1 of the fibrinogen a chain precursor, whose concentration in urine was markedly higher in H. pylori infected volunteers than in H. pylori non-infected ones. CONCLUSION： The appearance of urinary fibrinogen degradation products is caused by an active H. pyloriinduced process.

利用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱快速鉴定产气荚膜梭菌

分别采用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱方法(matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlight mass spectrometry,MALDI-TOF MS)、16S rRNA基因测序、VITEK 2 COMPACT和传统生化方法(牛乳汹涌发酵实验)鉴定实验室保存的51株产气荚膜梭菌,以评估MALDI-TOF MS方法是否适用于产气荚膜梭菌的快速鉴定。MALDI-TOF MS方法将51株菌均鉴定为产气荚膜梭菌且鉴定分值在2. 300以上,达到鉴定到种的要求。16S rRNA基因序列比对结果与MALDI-TOF MS方法结果一致。VITEK 2 COMPACT将49株菌鉴定为产气荚膜梭菌,2株菌未能成功鉴定。47株菌的牛乳汹涌发酵实验呈阳性,4株菌为牛乳汹涌发酵实验阴性,且这4株菌经其他3种方法均鉴定为产气荚膜梭菌。结果表明,无论是牛乳汹涌发酵实验还是VITEK 2 COMPACT,在检测产气荚膜梭菌时都有可能发生漏检。相比牛乳汹涌发酵实验、VITEK 2 COMPACT和16S rRNA测序方法,MALDI-TOF MS方法更加快速、准确和低成本,适用于产气荚膜梭菌的快速鉴定。

Upregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and calgizzarin by androgen in TM4 mouse Sertoli cells

Aim： To identify proteins induced by androgen in Sertoli cells during spermatogenesis. Methods： We analyzed protein profiles in TM4 Sertoli cells treated with dihydrotestosterone （DHT） using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （SELDI-TOF-MS）. Results： We found increases in the expression of a 5.0-kDa protein at 15 min, an 11.3-kDa protein at 24 h and 4.3 kDa, 5.7 kDa, 5.8 kDa, 9.95 kDa and 9.98 kDa proteins at 48 h after the treatment. In contrast, the expression of 6.3 kDa and 8.6 kDa proteins decreased at 30 min, and 4.9 kDa, 5.0 kDa, 12.4 kDa and 19.8 kDa proteins at 48 h after the treatment. The ll.3-kDa protein was identified as macrophage migration inhibitory factor （MIF） known to having various functions. The 9.98-kDa protein was identified as calgizzarin related to calcium channels. The timing of their expression suggests that MIF and calgizzarin are involved in late regulation of spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells by androgen. Conclusion： MIF and calgizzarin are two important androgen-responsive proteins produced by Sertoli cells and they might play a role in regulating spermatogenesis.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits metastatic potential of mouse hepatoma H22 cells in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND:It has been pointed out that only low-dose arsenic trioxide(ATO)presents therapeutic benefits outweighing the toxic side effects.Low-dose ATO can effectively alleviate acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL). However,it is quite challenging in treating solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ATO at low concentrations on the metastatic potential of mouse hepatoma H22 cells and the anti-metastatic mechanism of ATO. METHODS:The metastatic potential of H22 cells was evaluated by adhesion,migration and invasion assays after exposure to a low dose of ATO in vitro.The mouse lung metastatic model induced by injection of H22 cells via the tail vein was adopted for the evaluation of metastatic potential. Different proteins in the lysate of H22 cells exposed to ATO at different concentrations were investigated by surface- enhanced laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(SELDI-TOF-MS).Finally,Western blotting analyses were made to detect the expression pattern of MMP-2 and nm23-M1 proteins. RESULTS:Significant cell death started at ATO concentrations above 2μmol/L.The growth and adhesion potential of H22 cells was inhibited in a time-and dose- dependent manner,and the migration and invasion potential of H22 cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner while ATO concentration was below 2μmol/L. Mice injected with ATO at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg had fewer lung metastases.However,mice injected with ATO at a dose of 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg had a high mortality rate and more liver injuries.A total of 15 different protein peaks were identified between the lysate of H22 cells treated with ATO and controls.Two proteins that peaked atm/z 5302 and 17207 coincided with MMP-2(fragment) and nm23-M1,respectively.Western blotting analyses demonstrated that MMP-2 and MMP-2 fragments were down-regulated and nm23-M1 was up-regulated in H22 cells treated with 2μmol/L ATO for 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS:ATO at a low dose inhibits the metastatic potential of mouse hepatoma H22 cells in vitro and in vivo, and involves down-regulation of MMP-2 and up-regulation of nm23-M1.

Increase in functional groups for POSS by introducing branched phenylglycidylether

In the selected experimental conditions, firstly, the branched products with functional groups, N-（2-hydroxylpropylphenylether） （3-aminopropyl） triethoxysilane （APES-PGE, containing one hydroxyl group） and N-[di（2-hydroxylpropylphenylether）]（3-aminopropyl） triethoxysilane （APES-PGE2, containing two hydroxyl groups）, were synthesized by reacting 1 mole of （3-aminopropyl）triethoxysilane （APES） with 2 mole of phenylglycidylether （PGE）. Then the hydrolytic condensation of APES-PGE and APES-PGE2 was performed by dissolving 1 g of the corresponding silane in 1.5 ml tetrahydrofuran （THF）, adding water and eventually a catalyst （molar ratios: [H2O]/Si=3, [NaOH]/Si=0.05）, and heating at 50 ℃ for 24 h, allowing continuous evaporation of volatiles. The final products with branches containing hydroxyl groups were polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes （POSS）. The products from two reactions were characterized by standard spectroscopic techniques, gel partition chromatography （GPC）, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and matrix-assisted ultraviolet laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UV-MALDI-TOF MS）. Additionally, a narrow mass distribution of multifunctionalized POSS was shown by UV-MALDI-TOF MS and assignments of the MS peaks.

Characterization of Tannin-Based Resins from the Barks of <i>Ficus platyphylla</i>and of <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>: Composites’ Performances and Applications

This work investigates the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of tannins extracted from wood for composite materials manufacturing. Sustainable knowledge (in terms of physico-chemical properties and behaviours) of the material is needed to further enhance its applications. The condensed tannins extracted from the Bark of Ficus platyphylla (BFP) and the Bark of Vitellaria paradoxa (BVP) were analyzed using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight (MALDI-TOF), Mass Spectroscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Mid-InfraRed (ATR-FT MIR) spectra in the ranges 1800 cm-1 and 600 cm-1, as well as using CP MAS 13C-NMR. It was found that, these two tannins are procyanidin/prodelphinidin and made up of catechin/epicatechin, gallocatechin/epigallocatechin units, fisetinidin, galloyl and carbohydrates residues. Furthermore, BFP and BVP tannin bonded particleboard densities lie in the range recommended by NF EN 326-1994 standard. The resins also yielded good internal bond strength results of the panels, above relevant international standard specifications minimum requirements for interior-grade panels. The Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis (TEM/ EDXA) are showing the ultrastructure and reveal that most of the resin material appears to be in an amorphous phase mainly composed of carbon/oxygen with small amounts of K, Ca and Mg. These particles have a very irregular morphology.

Radial Basis Function Networks Applied in Bacterial Classification Based on MALDI-TOF-MS

The radial basis function networks were applied to bacterial classification based on the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOF-MS) data. The classification of bacteria cultured at different time was discussed and the effect of the network parameters on the classification was investigated. The cross-validation method was used to test the trained networks. The correctness of the classification of different bacteria investigated changes in a wide range from 61.5% to 92.8%. Owing to the complexity of biological effects in bacterial growth, the more rigid control of bacterial culture conditions seems to be a critical factor for improving the rate of correctness for bacterial classification.

Multiple skin abscesses associated with bacteremia caused by Burkholderia gladioli:A case report

BACKGROUND Burkholderia gladioli(B.gladioli)is regarded as a rare opportunistic pathogen.Only a few patients with abscesses caused by B.gladioli infections have been reported,and these are usually abscesses at the incision caused by traumatic surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old male patient with abscesses and pain throughout his body for 1 mo was admitted to our hospital.Some of the abscesses had ruptured with purulent secretions on admission.Color Doppler ultrasound examination of the body surface masses showed mixed masses 75 mm×19 mm,58 mm×17 mm,17 mm×7 mm,and 33 mm×17 mm in size in the muscle tissues of both the right and left forearms,the posterior area of the right knee and the left leg,respectively.Abscess secretions and blood cultures grew B.gladioli.The following 3 methods were used to jointly identify the bacterium:an automatic microbial identification system,matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,and full-length 16 S rDNA sequencing.After 27 d of treatment with meropenem,etimicin,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and other antibiotics,most of his skin abscesses were flat and he was discharged without any symptoms.CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of multiple skin abscesses associated with bacteremia caused by B.gladioli.Our study provides important reference values for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of B.gladioli infections.