Genomic characterization of peritoneal lavage cytology-positive gastric cancer

Objective: Positive peritoneal lavege cytology(CY1) gastric cancer is featured by dismal prognosis, with high risks of peritoneal metastasis. However, there is a lack of evidence on pathogenic mechanism and signature of CY1and there is a continuous debate on CY1 therapy. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of CY1 is crucial for treatment strategies and targets for CY1 gastric cancer.Methods: In order to figure out specific driver genes and marker genes of CY1 gastric cancer, and ultimately offer clues for potential marker and risk assessment of CY1, 17 cytology-positive gastric cancer patients and 31matched cytology-negative gastric cancer patients were enrolled in this study. The enrollment criteria were based on the results of diagnostic laparoscopy staging and cytology inspection of exfoliated cells. Whole exome sequencing was then performed on tumor samples to evaluate genomic characterization of cytology-positive gastric cancer.Results: Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) algorithm identified 43 cytology-positive marker genes, while Mut Sig CV identified 42 cytology-positive specific driver genes. CD3G and CDKL2 were both driver and marker genes of CY1. Regarding mutational signatures, driver gene mutation and tumor subclone architecture, no significant differences were observed between CY1 and negative peritoneal lavege cytology(CY0).Conclusions: There might not be distinct differences between CY1 and CY0, and CY1 might represent the progression of CY0 gastric cancer rather than constituting an independent subtype. This genomic analysis will thus provide key molecular insights into CY1, which may have a direct effect on treatment recommendations for CY1and CY0 patients, and provides opportunities for genome-guided clinical trials and drug development.

MicroRNA Expression Profiles in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampus Exposed to Normobaric Hyperoxia

Objective: This study aimed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) using microarray and to predict special target genes using bioinformatics methods in the neonatal rat hippocampus after normobaric hyperoxia exposure, and to unravel the molecular mechanisms of developing brain injury induced by normobaric hyperoxia. Methods: Eight neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal 1 day were divided equally between a control group and an experimental group, followed by 24-hour exposure to 21% oxygen and (95 ± 5) % oxygen, respectively. Total RNAs were extracted from the rat hippocampus. Three samples were randomly selected from each group to detect differentially expressed mRNA profiles using the affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array. Differentially expressed miRNA profiles were determined by miRNA enrichment analysis. The starBase software was applied to predict target genes abundantly expressed in the hippocampus, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for bioinformatics analysis. Results: Microarray analysis revealed 681 differentially expressed miRNAs in the neonatal rat hippocampus after normobaric hyperoxia exposure. Only one miRNA, miR-489-5p, was significantly upregulated (P Mdfic. The other 680 miRNAs were significantly downregulated (P P Gjb6 and Bnc2. KEGG analysis indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs were closely related to multiple signaling pathways. Conclusions: Differentially expressed miRNA profiles in the neonatal rat hippocampus after normobaric hyperoxia exposure may be involved in the physiopathological processes of developmental midbrain injury induced by normobaric hyperoxia.

Resilience to structural and molecular changes in excitatory synapses in the hippocampus contributes to cognitive function recovery in Tg2576 mice

Plaques of amyloid-β(Aβ)and neurofibrillary tangles are the main pathological characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).However,some older adult people with AD pathological hallmarks can retain cognitive function.Unraveling the factors that lead to this cognitive resilience to AD offers promising prospects for identifying new therapeutic targets.Our hypothesis focuses on the contribution of resilience to changes in excitatory synapses at the structural and molecular levels,which may underlie healthy cognitive performance in aged AD animals.Utilizing the Morris Water Maze test,we selected resilient(asymptomatic)and cognitively impaired aged Tg2576 mice.While the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed similar levels of Aβ42 in both experimental groups,western blot analysis revealed differences in tau pathology in the pre-synaptic supernatant fraction.To further investigate the density of synapses in the hippocampus of 16-18 month-old Tg2576 mice,we employed stereological and electron microscopic methods.Our findings indicated a decrease in the density of excitatory synapses in the stratum radiatum of the hippocampal CA1 in cognitively impaired Tg2576 mice compared with age-matched resilient Tg2576 and non-transgenic controls.Intriguingly,through quantitative immunoelectron microscopy in the hippocampus of impaired and resilient Tg2576 transgenic AD mice,we uncovered differences in the subcellular localization of glutamate receptors.Specifically,the density of GluA1,GluA2/3,and mGlu5 in spines and dendritic shafts of CA1 pyramidal cells in impaired Tg2576 mice was significantly reduced compared with age-matched resilient Tg2576 and non-transgenic controls.Notably,the density of GluA2/3 in resilient Tg2576 mice was significantly increased in spines but not in dendritic shafts compared with impaired Tg2576 and non-transgenic mice.These subcellular findings strongly support the hypothesis that dendritic spine plasticity and synaptic machinery in the hippocampus play crucial roles in the mechanisms of cognitive resilience in Tg2576 mice.

Impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on gastric cancer survival: Peritoneal metastasis and cytology perspectives

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer presenting with peritoneal metastasis is notably associated with diminished survival prospects.The use of cytoreductive surgery in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been shown to increase survival rates in these patients.Despite these advancements,debates persist regarding the magnitude of survival improvement attributed to this treatment modality.The present investigation examined survival outcomes following HIPEC in individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,and it took a comparative analysis of patients exhibiting positive and negative cytological findings.Between April 2013 and March 2020,84 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated at our institution were categorized into three cohorts:HIPEC(20 patients with peritoneal metastasis),cytology-positive(23 patients without peritoneal nodules but with positive wash cytology),and cytology-negative(41 patients with advanced gastric cancer,no peritoneal nodules,and negative wash cytology).The HIPEC cohort underwent gastrectomy with HIPEC,while the cytology-positive and cytology-negative groups received gastrectomy alone.The demographic,pat-hological,and survival data of the groups were compared.RESULTS The HIPEC cohort-predominantly younger females-exhibited relatively extended surgical durations and high blood loss.Nevertheless,the complication rates were consistent across all three groups.Median survival in the HIPEC group was 20.00±4.89 months,with 1-year,2-year,and 3-year overall survival rates of 73.90%,28.70%,and 9.60%,respectively.These figures paralleled the survival rates of the cytology-positive group(52.20%at 1 year,28.50%at 2 years,and 19.00%at 3 years).Notably,47%of patients experienced peritoneal recurrence.CONCLUSION HIPEC may offer a modest improvement in short-term survival for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,mirroring the outcomes in cytology-positive patients.However,peritoneal recurrence remained high.

温度突变对大海马(Hippocampus kuda)幼体生长、组分及酶活力的影响

以大海马幼体为实验材料,通过设置不同的温度突变组(温度从23℃突变至15℃、28℃和33℃)的方法,对其生长、生化组分以及酶活力的影响进行了研究。结果表明,实验结束后,28℃温度组的大海马幼体生长指标、蛋白含量、能值显著高于23℃对照组(P<0.05),而15℃、33℃温度组的各项指标则显著低于对照组(P<0.05);此外,温度突变组的大海马幼体的酶活力均有先升后降的趋势,在1d后出现峰值,4—6d各个温度组趋于稳定,到实验第15天时,28℃温度组的SOD、ACP活力和MDA的含量已处于23℃对照组水平(P>0.05),CAT、AKP活力显著高于23℃对照组(P<0.05)。而15℃、33℃温度组的SOD、CAT活力降至低于23℃对照组水平(P<0.05),15℃温度组的ACP、AKP活力则低于23℃对照组水平(P<0.05),MDA的含量在15℃、33℃温度组随时间延长而增加。

盐度胁迫对大海马(Hippocampus kuda)幼体生长、组分及酶活力的影响

在盐度为25的条件下,以大海马幼体为实验材料,通过设置不同的盐度胁迫组(盐度从25胁迫至5、15和35)的方法,对其生长、生化组分以及酶活力的影响进行了研究。结果表明:15盐度组大海马幼体的体重、生化组分、能值与对照组(盐度25)相比差异不显著(P>0.05),体长、成活率指标则显著高于对照组(P<0.05),然而5、35盐度组的生长指标、成活率、生化组分等则显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。15盐度组的SOD、CAT酶活性低于对照组水平(P<0.05),MDA的含量变化不显著(P>0.05);而5、35盐度组SOD、CAT和MDA含量与对照组相比,随着时间的延长,呈现逐渐升高的趋势(P<0.05);随着盐度的升高,AKP酶活性具有逐渐升高的趋势,而ACP酶活性则呈现降低趋势。

Microinjection of M_5 muscarinic receptor antisense oligonucleotide into VTA inhibits FosB expression in the NAc and the hippocampus of heroin sensitized rats

Objective To investigate the effect of M5 muscarinic receptor subtype on the locomotor sensitization induced by heroin priming, and it＇s effect on the FosB expression in the nucleus accumbens （NAc） and the hippocampus in the heroin sensitized rats. Methods Locomotor activity was measured every 10 min for 1 h after subcutaneous injection of heroin. FosB expression was assayed by immunohistochemistry, and the antisense oligonucleotides （AS-ONs） targeting M5 muscarinic receptor was transferred with the lipofectin. Results Microinjection of AS-ONs targeting M5 muscarinic receptor in the ventral tegmental area （VTA） blocked the expression of behavioral sensitization induced by heroin priming in rats. Meanwhile, the expression of FosB-positive neurons in either the NAc or the dentate gyrus （DG） of the hippocam- pus increased in heroin-induced locomotor sensitized rats. The enhancement of FosB-positive neurons in the NAc or DG could be inhibited by microinjection of M5 muscarinic receptor AS-ONs into the VTA before the heroin-induced locomotor sensitization was performed. In contrast, microinjection of M5 muscarinic receptor sense oligonucleotide （S-ONs） into the VTA did not block the expression of behavioral sensitization or the expression of FosB in the NAc or DG in the heroin sensitized rats. Conclusion Blocking M5 muscarinic receptor in the VTA inhibits the expression of heroin-induced locomotor sensitization, which is associated with the regulation of FosB expression in the NAc and hippocampus neurons. M5 muscarinic receptor may be a useful pharmacological target for the treatment of heroin addiction.

线纹海马(Hippocampus erectus)性腺特异性结构与生殖细胞发育特征研究

海马属(Hippocampus)鱼类具有独特的雄性育儿繁殖方式,其卵巢和精巢结构也极其独特。本研究系统阐明了线纹海马(Hippocampuserectus)的性腺及生殖细胞的发育特征,根据组织学结构和细胞形态学变化特征,将线纹海马的精巢和卵巢发育过程均分为6个时期。其中,卵巢发育方式为不同步成熟型,Ⅰ期卵巢只包含第Ⅰ时相卵母细胞,包括卵原细胞和早期初级卵母细胞(d<20μm);Ⅱ期卵巢开始出现第Ⅱ时相卵母细胞(d=20~140μm);Ⅲ期卵巢卵母细胞数量显著增多,体积增大,并开始出现第Ⅲ时相卵母细胞(d=140~260μm),此时细胞内开始出现皮质小泡、卵黄颗粒和卵黄膜;Ⅳ期卵巢开始出现第Ⅳ时相卵母细胞(d=260~1100μm),卵黄颗粒充满整个细胞质,形成过渡期的卵黄球;Ⅴ期卵巢出现大量第Ⅴ时相成熟卵母细胞(d=1100~2000μm),细胞内形成流动性卵黄囊;Ⅵ期卵巢为排卵不久后的卵巢,卵母细胞数量显著减少。线纹海马精巢属于非限制型小叶精巢,Ⅰ期精巢主要含精原细胞,核大,含一到多个核仁;Ⅱ期精巢开始形成精小囊,囊内出现初级精母细胞;Ⅲ期精巢呈乳白色,开始出现次级精母细胞;Ⅳ期精巢体积较Ⅲ期时显著增大,开始出现精子细胞,并逐渐移向中央生精腔;Ⅴ期精巢内含大量的成熟精子,随时准备释放。精子释放后精巢进入Ⅵ期,残留少量精细胞在生精腔中。组织化学反应结果显示,氨基酸、蛋白质和脂肪的信号在卵母细胞的细胞质、卵黄囊中呈阳性,且随着卵母细胞的发育而增强。本研究结果为进一步探索海马属鱼类雄性繁殖策略提供了重要的基础数据。

Relationship between Cognition Function and Hippocampus Structure after Long-term Microwave Exposure

Objective To analyze the effects of long-term microwave exposure on hippocampal structure and function in the rat.Methods Experiments were performed on 184 male Wistar rats（three exposure groups and a sham group）.Microwaves were applied daily for 6 min over 1 month at average power densities of 2.5,5,and 10 mW/cm2.Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze.High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus.Hippocampal structures were observed by histopathological analysis.Results Following long-term microwave exposure there was a significant decrease in learning and memory activity in the 7 d,14 d,and 1 m in all three microwave exposure groups.Neurotransmitter concentrations of four amino acids（glutamate,aspartic acid,glycine,and gamma-aminobutyric acid） in hippocampus were increased in the 2.5 and 5 mW/cm2 groups and decreased in the 10 mW/cm2 group.There was evidence of neuronal degeneration and enlarged perivascular spaces in the hippocampus in the microwave exposure groups.Further,mitochondria became swollen and cristae were disordered.The rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited sacculated distension and there was a decrease in the quantity of synaptic vesicles.Conclusion These data suggest that the hippocampus can be injured by long-term microwave exposure,which might result in impairment of cognitive function due to neurotransmitter disruption.

Microwave Exposure Impairs Synaptic Plasticity in the Rat Hippocampus and PC12 Cells through Over-activation of the NMDA Receptor Signaling Pathway

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate whether microwave exposure would affect the N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor （NMDAR） signaling pathway to establish whether this plays a role in synaptic plasticity impairment. Methods 48 male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 mW/cm^2 microwave for 10 min every other day for three times. Hippocampal structure was observed through H＆E staining and transmission electron microscope. PC12 cells were exposed to 30 mW/cm^2 microwave for 5 min and the synapse morphology was visualized with scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The release of amino acid neurotransmitters and calcium influx were detected. The expressions of several key NMDAR signaling molecules were evaluated. Results Microwave exposure caused injury in rat hippocampal structure and PC12 cells, especially the structure and quantity of synapses. The ratio of glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters was increased and the intracellular calcium level was elevated in PC12 cells. A significant change in NMDAR subunits （NR1, NR2A, and NR2B） and related signaling molecules （CaZ＋/calmodulin-dependent kinase II gamma and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein） were examined. Conclusion 30 mW/cm^2 microwave exposure resulted in alterations of synaptic structure, amino acid neurotransmitter release and calcium influx. NMDAR signaling molecules were closely associated with impaired synaptic plasticity.

Behavioral Abnormality along with NMDAR-related CREB Suppression in Rat Hippocampus after Shortwave Exposure

Objective To estimate the detrimental effects of shortwave exposure on rat hippocampal structure and function and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods One hundred Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups(25 rats per group) and exposed to 27 MHz continuous shortwave at a power density of 5, 10, or 30 m W/cm^2 for 6 min once only or underwent sham exposure for the control. The spatial learning and memory, electroencephalogram(EEG), hippocampal structure and Nissl bodies were analysed. Furthermore, the expressions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR) subunits(NR1, NR2 A, and NR2 B), c AMP responsive element-binding protein(CREB) and phosphorylated CREB(p-CREB) in hippocampal tissue were analysed on 1, 7, and 14 days after exposure. Results The rats in the 10 and 30 m W/cm^2 groups had poor learning and memory, disrupted EEG oscillations, and injured hippocampal structures, including hippocampal neurons degeneration, mitochondria cavitation and blood capillaries swelling. The Nissl body content was also reduced in the exposure groups. Moreover, the hippocampal tissue in the 30 m W/cm^2 group had increased expressions of NR2 A and NR2 B and decreased levels of CREB and p-CREB. Conclusion Shortwave exposure(27 MHz, with an average power density of 10 and 30 m W/cm^2) impaired rats' spatial learning and memory and caused a series of dose-dependent pathophysiological changes. Moreover, NMDAR-related CREB pathway suppression might be involved in shortwave-induced structural and functional impairments in the rat hippocampus.

Comparison of brush and basket cytology in differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND： A previous report has identified a significantly higher sensitivity of cancer detection for dedicated grasping basket than brushing at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato- graphy （ERCP）. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology in the differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture. METHOD： The current study enrolled one hundred and fourteen patients who underwent ERCP with both Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology for the differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture at our institution between January 2008 and December 2012. RESULTS： We adopted sequential performances of cytologic samplings by using initial Geenen brush and subsequent Dormia basket cytology in 59 patients and initial Dormia basket and subsequent Geenen brush cytology in 55 patients. Presampling balloon dilatations and biliary stentings for the stricture were performed in 17 （14.9%） and 107 patients （93.9%）, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of Geenen brush cytology for the diagnosis of malignant bile duct stricture were 75.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively, and those of Dormia basket cytology were 64.5%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 58.5% and 76.3%, respectively （P=0.347 and 0.827 for sensitivity and accuracy, respectively）. The good and excellent cellular yields （≥grade 2） were obtained by Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology in 88 （77.2%） and 79 （69.3%） patients, respectively.CONCLUSION： The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of biliary sampling with a Dormia basket are comparable to those with conventional Geenen brush cytology in the detection of malignant bile duct stricture.

Ulinastatin suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats with acute paraquat poisoning

Lung injury is the main manifestation of paraquat poisoning. Few studies have addressed brain damage after paraquat poisoning. Ulinastatin is a protease inhibitor that can effectively stabilize lysosomal membranes, prevent cell damage, and reduce the production of free radicals. This study assumed that ulinastatin would exert these effects on brain tissues that had been poisoned with paraquat. Rat models of paraquat poisoning were intraperitoneally injected with ulinastatin. Simultaneously, rats in the control group were administered normal saline. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that most hippocampal cells were contracted and nucleoli had disappeared in the paraquat group. Fewer cells in the hippocampus were concentrated and nucleoli had dis- appeared in the ulinastatin group. Western blot assay showed that expressions of GRP78 and cleaved-caspase-3 were significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the paraquat group. Immunohistochemical findings showed that CHOP immunoreactivity was significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the paraquat group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-medi- ated dUTP nick end labeling staining showed that the number of apoptotic cells was reduced in the paraquat and ulinastatin groups. These data confirmed that endoplasmic reticular stress can be induced by acute paraqnat poisoning. Ulinastatin can effectively inhibit this stress as well as cell apoptosis, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect.

Study of the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus by proton MR spectroscopy in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder

Objective:To explore the characteristics of metabolic changes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder through 1H-MRS in neuroanatomical circuit comparing with age-matches controls.Methods:Fifty patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and SO gender-and agematched normal controls were involved.The neurochemical abnormalities including the levels of choline(Cho)/ creatine(Cr) and N-acetylaspartate(NAA)/Cr were measured respectively in hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus with three-dimension 1H-proton specrroscopy(3D 1H-MRS).Results:The values of NAA/Cr ratios in hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus were significant lower in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder(1.71±0.32,left l.58±0.29, right 1.55±0.31) than that in controls(2.24±0.41,left 1.98±0.27,right 2.02±0.36)(P【0.05).but the values of Cho/Cr in hippocampus(left 1.64±0.23,right 1.66±0.34) were no significant with that of controls(left 1.48±0.29,right 1.54±0.38).Values of Cho/Cr in cingulate gyrus were significant higher in post-traumatic stress disorder patients(I.88±0.44) than that in controls(1.37.±0.32) (P【0.05).Conclusions:The results indicate some special neurochemical and histological structure changes in post-traumatic stress disorder patients,which might occurre earlier in anterior cingulate gyrusthe than in hippocampus.

Comparisons of voided urine cytology, nuclear matrix protein-22 and bladder tumor associated antigen tests for bladder cancer of geriatric male patients in Taiwan, China

Aim： To compare the results of bladder tumor associated antigen （BTA TRAK）, nuclear matrix protein 22 （NMP 22） and voided urine cytology （VUC） in detecting bladder cancer. Methods： A total of 135 elderly male and 50 healthy volunteers enrolled in this study were classified into three groups： （i） 93 patients with bladder cancer; （ii） 42 patients with urinary benign conditions; and （iii） 50 healthy volunteers. BTA TRAK and NMP 22 kits were used to detect bladder cancer. Voided urine cytology was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the screening tests. Results： The sensitivity and specificity of cytology, BTA TRAK and NMP 22 were 24% and 97%, 51% and 73%, 78% and 73%, respectively. The level of NMP 22 increased with tumor grading. The BTA TRAK kit has the lowest sensitivity among the screening tests. The NMP 22 with the best sensitivity can be an adjunct to cytology for evaluating bladder cancer. Conclusion： The NMP 22 test has a better correlation with the grading of the bladder cancer than BTA TRAK. As cytology units are typically not available in hospitals or in outpatient clinics, NMP 22 might be a promising tool for screening bladder cancer.

Damage to Hippocampus of Rats after Being Exposed to Infrasound

Objective The objective was to observe damage of hippocampus in rats after exposure to infrasound, and to assess HSP70 expression in hippocampus. Methods SD rats in the experimental group were exposed to 140 d B（8 Hz） infrasound for 2 h per day for 3 days. The morphology of the hippocampus was examined by transmission electronic microscopic（TEM）. Cell apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 2 w after exposure. HSP70 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry（IHC） and Western blotting（WB）. Results TEM showed that hippocampus was significantly damaged by exposure, and exhibited recovery 1 week after exposure. The TUNEL data showed that neuronal apoptosis after exposure was significantly higher than in the control rats at 24 h and 48 h, and the apoptotic cells decreased one week after exposure. IHC and WB showed HSP70 expression was significantly higher in the exposed rats, peaked at 24 h. Conclusion Exposure to 140 d B（8 Hz） infrasound for 2 h per day for 3 days appeared to induce damage to the hippocampus of rats, based on changes in ultrastructure and increased cell apoptosis. However, recovery from the damage occurred overtime. HSP70 expression also increased after the exposure and decreased by 48 h.

线纹海马(Hippocampus erectus)不同养殖密度下水体理化因子和细菌数量的动态变化

研究线纹海马(Hippocampus erectus)在室内水泥池不同养殖密度下,水体环境因子和细菌数量的动态变化情况。结果表明,在一个倒池换水周期中,养殖组1和养殖组2的磷酸磷(PO43--P)、硝酸氮(NO3--N)、亚硝酸氮(NO2--N)和氨氮(NH4+-N)等离子物质的浓度和细菌、弧菌和异养菌数量均随着养殖时间的推移不断上升,通常在换水后9d或12d达到最高,再次换水后降到极低值。单因素方差分析结果表明,在不同养殖密度下,PO43--P、NO3--N、NO2--N和NH4+-N等离子浓度随着养殖密度的升高而升高;而低密度养殖池中细菌数比高密度养殖池的细菌数显著更高。养殖水体中的PO43--P浓度与异养细菌数呈负相关关系,NO2--N浓度与细菌数量和弧菌数呈正相关关系,NO3--N浓度与细菌数、异养菌数和弧菌数呈负相关关系,NH4+-N浓度与细菌数、异养菌数和弧菌数均呈正相关关系。研究结果可为科学开展海马室内规模化养殖提供理论参考。

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by cytology and telomerase activity in exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Telomerase activity is reported to be specific and frequent in human pancreatic cancer. We conducted this study to assess the usefulness of monitoring telomerase activity in exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during ERCP from 21 patients (18 with pancreatic cancer, 3 with chronic pancreatitis) were examined. Telomerase activity was detected by polymerase chain reaction and telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay (PCR-TRAP-ELISA). RESULTS: D450 values of telomerase activity were 0.446 +/- 0.2700 in pancreatic cancer and 0.041 +/- 0.0111 in chronic pancreatitis. 77.8% (14/18) of patients with pancreatic cancer had cells with telomerase activity. None of the samples from patients with chronic pancreatitis showed telomerase activity, when the cutoff value of telomerase activity was set at 2.0. Cytological examination showed cancer cells in 66.7% (12/18) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity may be an early malignant event in pancreatic cancer development. Cytology and telomerase activity in cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing may complement each other for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Tibolone modulates neuronal plasticity through regulating Tau, GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5 p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice

Aging is a key risk factor for cognitive decline and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Also, an age-related decrease in sex steroid hormones may have a negative impact on the formation of neurofibrillary tangles （NFTs）; these hormones can regulate Tau phosphorylation and the principal kinase GSK3β involved in this process. Hormone replacement therapy decreases NFTs, but it increases the risk of some types of cancer. However, other synthetic hormones such as tibolone （TIB） have been used for hormone replacement therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of TIB （0.01 mg/kg and 1mg/kg, intragastrically for 12 weeks） on the content of total and hyperphosphorylated Tau （PHF-1） proteins and the regulation of GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice. We observed that the content of PHF-1 decreased with TIB administration. In contrast, no changes were observed in the active form of GSK3β or PI3K. TIB decreased the expression of the total and phosphorylated form of Akt while increased that of p110 and p85. The content of CDK5 was differentially modified with TIB： it was increased at low doses and decreased at high doses. When we analyzed the content of CDK5 activators, an increase was found on p35; however, the content of p25 decreased with administration of low dose of TIB. Our results suggest a possible mechanism of action of TIB in the hippocampus of aged male mice. Through the regulation of Tau and GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway, and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes, TIB may modulate neuronal plasticity and regulate learning and memory processes.

Effects of genistein on neuronal apoptosis,and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats

Genistein is one of several isoflavones that has a structure similar to 17β-estradiol, has a strong antioxidant effect, and a high affinity to estrogen receptors. At 15 weeks after ovariectomy, the expression of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus of rats decreased and Bax expression increased, with an obvious upregulation of apoptosis. However, intraperitoneal injection of genistein or 17β-estradiol for 15 consecutive weeks from the second day after operation upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression downregulated Bax protein expression, and attenuated hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Our experimental findings indicate that long-term intervention with genistein can lead to a decrease in apoptosis in hippocampal neurons following ovadectomy, upregulate the expression of Bcl-2, and downregulate the expression of Bax. In addition, genistein and 17β-estradiol play equal anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective roles.