Computational prediction of potential microRNAs （miRNAs） and their target genes was performed to identify the miRNAs and genes associated with temperature response in rice. The data of temperature-responsive miRNAs ...Computational prediction of potential microRNAs （miRNAs） and their target genes was performed to identify the miRNAs and genes associated with temperature response in rice. The data of temperature-responsive miRNAs of Arabidopsis, and miRNAs and the whole genome data of rice were used to predict potential miRNAs in Oryza sativa involved in temperature response. A total of 55 miRNAs were common in both the species, and 27 miRNAs were predicted at the first time in rice. Target genes were searched for these 27 miRNAs in rice genome following stringent criteria. Real time PCR based on expression analysis of nine miRNAs showed that majority of the miRNAs were down regulated under heat stress for rice cultivar Nagina 22. Furthermore, miR169, miR1884 and miR160 showed differential expression in root and shoot tissues of rice. Identification and expression studies of miRNAs during heat stress will advance the understanding of gene regulation under stress in rice.展开更多
Salinity-imposed limitations on plant growth are manifested through osmotic and ionic imbalances. However, because salinity-induced responses vary considerably among crop plants, monitoring of such responses at an ear...Salinity-imposed limitations on plant growth are manifested through osmotic and ionic imbalances. However, because salinity-induced responses vary considerably among crop plants, monitoring of such responses at an early stage has relevance. In this study,physiological(seed germination, seed vigor index, root length, shoot length, fresh weight,dry weight) and biochemical attributes(osmoprotectants, K^+/Na^+ ratio) were analyzed for a time-course assessment of salt responses in Indian mustard(Brassica juncea L.) with an emphasis on early monitoring. The results showed strong correlations for total soluble sugars at germination phase(24 h), proline content in the seedling establishment phase(48 h) and various physiological parameters including seed vigor index(R^2= 0.901), shoot length(R^2= 0.982), and fresh weight(R^2= 0.980) at 72 h(adaptation under stress). In addition, transcriptional changes were observed under NaCl treatment for key genes belonging to the family of selective ion transporters(NHX, HKT) and abscisic acid synthesis(AAO-3). The status of mitochondrial respiration was also examined as a probe for salinity tolerance at an early stage. The results suggested that although all the analyzed parameters showed correlations(negative or positive) with salt stress magnitude, their critical response times differed, with most of the studied biochemical, physiological, or molecular markers providing valuable information only after radicle emergence, whereas mitochondrial respiration via alternative oxidase was useful for the early detection of salt responses.展开更多
Lichens are widely used in biomonitoring studies of air pollution, either as bioindicators of air quality or as bioaccumulators of atmospheric deposition. Over the past decade, several molecular techniques have been d...Lichens are widely used in biomonitoring studies of air pollution, either as bioindicators of air quality or as bioaccumulators of atmospheric deposition. Over the past decade, several molecular techniques have been developed to provide information on diversity, genotoxicology, genetic relationships, etc. The heavy metal contents of Evernia prunastri samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction （RAPD-PCR） method was used to describe the pattern of DNA band variation in the samples influenced by the environmental pollution. The study was designed to describe the level of pollution in an area contaminated with smoke and waste from an iron-steel factory, and to reveal the level of potential genotoxic agents around this source of pollution. The study also examined the suitability of the lichen samples for the detection of genotoxicity.展开更多
Gamma ray-induced in vitro mutagenesis and selection for salt(NaC l) tolerance were investigated in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum L.). Embryogenic callus cultures were irradiated(10 to 80 Gy) and subjected to in vit...Gamma ray-induced in vitro mutagenesis and selection for salt(NaC l) tolerance were investigated in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum L.). Embryogenic callus cultures were irradiated(10 to 80 Gy) and subjected to in vitro selection by exposure of irradiated callus to NaC l(0, 50, 100,150, 200, and 250 mmol L-1). Increasing NaC l concentrations resulted in growth reduction and increased membrane damage. Salt-selected callus lines were characterized by the accumulation of proline, glycine betaine, and Na+and K+concentration. Higher accumulation of proline and glycine betaine was observed in NaC l stressed callus irradiated at 20 Gy. Na+concentration increased and K+concentration decreased with increasing salt level. Irradiated callus showed50–60% regeneration under NaC l stress, and in vitro-regenerated plants were acclimatized in the greenhouse, with 80–85% survival. A total of 138 irradiated and salt-selected selections were grown to maturity and their agronomic performance was evaluated under normal and saline conditions. Of these, 18 mutant clones were characterized for different agro-morphological characters and some of the mutant clones exhibited improved sugar yield with increased Brix%,number of millable canes, and yield. The result suggest that radiation-induced mutagenesis offers an effective way to enhance genetic variation in sugarcane.展开更多
AIM: To asses the value of computed tomography (CT)-perfusion in the detection of residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vascularization after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive p...AIM: To asses the value of computed tomography (CT)-perfusion in the detection of residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vascularization after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients were pro-spectively included in this study. All patients had liver cirrhosis and a conf irmed HCC lesion which was treated with TACE. One month after treatment, perfusion measurements of treated lesions were carried out. The CTperfusion (CT-p) protocol was performed with 16 slice multidetector computed tomography which included the following parameters: 8 dynamic slices/scan per 40 scans after iv injection of 50 mL of iodinated contrast (350 mg/mL) at a flow rate of 6 mL/s. Treated lesions were evaluated using dedicated perfusion software, which generated a quantitative colour map of perfusion. The following parameters were considered: hepatic perfusion (HP), arterial perfusion (AP), blood volume (BV), hepatic perfusion index (HPI), and time to peak (TTP). Perfusion parameters were described with quartile values of their distribution and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Perfusion parameters of the treated lesions could be quantitatively assessed using CT-p analysis. The presence of residual tumor tissue was observed in 13 of the 32 patients. The values of the perfusion parameters measured within the relapse tissue were: HP (mL/100 g per minute): median = 44.4 (1stqt = 31.3, 3rdqt = 55.8); BV (mL/100 g): median = 18.7 (1stqt = 11.5, 3rdqt = 22.5); AP (mL/min): median = 39.0 (1stqt = 36.5, 3rdqt = 61.3); HPI (%): median = 34.0 (1stqt = 30.4, 3rdqt = 38.9); TTP (s): median = 17.3 (1stqt = 15.8, 3rdqt = 26.5). With the use of the univariate paired Wilcoxon signed rank test, HP, AP and HPI were shown to be significantly higher (P<0.001) in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. The BV and TTP parameters showed a tendency to be greater and lower, respectively, in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCC treated with TACE, CT-p provides measurement of flow parameters related to residual arterial structures in viable tumor, thus helping in the assessment of therapeutic response.展开更多
We investigated the altitudinal variation of Carpinus betulus L. in the Hyrcanian forest using leaf macro-morphological and micro-morphological traits. We collected a total of 1600 leaves from two locations. In each l...We investigated the altitudinal variation of Carpinus betulus L. in the Hyrcanian forest using leaf macro-morphological and micro-morphological traits. We collected a total of 1600 leaves from two locations. In each location, we sampled six populations along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 100 m to 1,150 m. We found that trees in the higher elevations have smaller leaf lamina than those in the lower elevations. In contrast, leaf mass per area was high at low altitudes and increased newly at the higher ones. Stomatal dimension was negatively correlated with elevation, while stomatal density was positively correlated with elevation. We also found that two transects showed the same plasticity trend. Leaf area showed the highest plasticity, while the number of veins showed the lowest plasticity. This study shows that altitude, and related temperature and rainfall, represents an important driving force in Carpinus betulus leaf morphological variation. Moreover, our results suggest that leaf area, leaf mass per area and stomatal density could influence the species responses to different ecological conditions.展开更多
Large bowel cancer is a worldwide public health challenge.More than one third of patients present an advanced stage of disease at diagnosis and the liver is the most common site of metastases.Selection criteria for ea...Large bowel cancer is a worldwide public health challenge.More than one third of patients present an advanced stage of disease at diagnosis and the liver is the most common site of metastases.Selection criteria for early diagnosis,chemotherapy and surgery have been recently expanded.The definition of resectability remains unclear.The presence of metastases is the most significant prognostic factor.For this reason the surgical resection of hepatic metastases is the leading treatment.The most appropriate resection approach remains to be defined.The two step and simultaneous resection processes of both primary and metastases have comparable survival long-term outcomes.The advent of targeted biological chemotherapeutic agents and the development of loco-regional therapies(chemoembolization,thermal ablation,arterial infusion chemotherapy) contribute to extend favorable results.Standardized evidence-based protocols are missing,hence optimal management of hepatic metastases should be single patient tailored and decided by a multidisciplinary team.This article reviews the outcomes of resection,systemic and loco-regional therapies of liver metastases originating from large bowel cancer.展开更多
Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, and its incidence is relatively high among elderly people, affecting about 1-2% of the population between 60-65 years old and rising dramatica...Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, and its incidence is relatively high among elderly people, affecting about 1-2% of the population between 60-65 years old and rising dramatically （about 30%） in people aged 80 years or older （Selkoe, 2002）. Nowadays, considering the increasing mean lifespan of populations in developed countries, the disease is becoming more and more a health concern, and the search for an effective cure has turned into＂a real need＂.展开更多
AIM To study tumor response, and tolerability of arterially directed embolic therapy(ADET) with polyethylene glycol embolics loaded with irinotecan for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-LM). Seco...AIM To study tumor response, and tolerability of arterially directed embolic therapy(ADET) with polyethylene glycol embolics loaded with irinotecan for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-LM). Secondary objectives were to monitor quality of life, time to progression and survival of patients.METHODS Patients were included in the study if they were affected by CRC-LM, refractory to systemic chemotherapy, treated with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics, and had liver involvement < 50%. Tumor response, performance status(PS), tumor marker antigens, and quality of life(QoL) were monitored at 1, 3 and 6 mo after ADET. QoL was assessed with the Palliative Performance Scale(PPS).RESULTS We treated 50 consecutive CRC-LM patients with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics. Their tumor response one month after ADET was: 28% of complete response(CR), 48% of partial response(PR), 8% stable disease(SD), and 16% of progression. Tumor response 3 mo after ADET was CR 24%, PR 38%, SD 19% and progression disease(PD) 19%. Tumor response 6 mo after ADET was CR 18%, PR 44%, SD 21% and PD 18%. QoL was 90% PPS at each time point. Median time to progression for patients who progressed was 2.5 mo(range 0.8-6). Median follow-up was 14 mo(0.8-25 range). ADETs were performed with no complications. Observed side effects(mild or moderate intensity) were: Pain in 32% of patients, increase of transaminase levels in 20% and fever in 14%, whereas 30% of patients did not complain any adverse event. CONCLUSION The treatment of unresectable CRC-LM with ADET using polyethylene glycol microspheres loaded with irinotecan was effective in tumor response and resulted in mild toxicity, and good QoL.展开更多
Santalum album L.is a commercially important tree that yields essential oil of high medicinal value.Regeneration research through organogenesis and embryogenesis has been documented but no report depicts comparative o...Santalum album L.is a commercially important tree that yields essential oil of high medicinal value.Regeneration research through organogenesis and embryogenesis has been documented but no report depicts comparative ontogeny of directly differentiating shoot buds(SB)and somatic embryos(SE).In the present study aseptic seedling derived hypocotyl segments(HC)and hypocotyl+root junction(HC+R)were used to induce SBs and SEs,respectively.Ontogenic differences between the structures were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and histological analysis.MS medium containing 6-benzyladenine or BA(2.5μM)produced highest number of direct SB,while MS+BA(7.5μM)proved suitable for higher frequency of SE differentiation.The differentiating structures attained growth when transferred to MS medium containing a combination of BA and anaphthalene acetic acid or silver nitrate(AgNO3).A combination of indole-3-butyric acid and silver nitrate(AgNO3)in half-strength woody plant medium and lesser osmotic concentration(2%sucrose),induced rhizogenesis.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the conversion potential of alginate encapsulated nodes of Glycyrrhiza glabra with phyto-chemical evaluation of root extract of field transferred plants.Methods: The excised axenic nodal segm...Objective: To investigate the conversion potential of alginate encapsulated nodes of Glycyrrhiza glabra with phyto-chemical evaluation of root extract of field transferred plants.Methods: The excised axenic nodal segments were encapsulated in alginate matrix planted on Murashige and Skoog(1962) medium with different supplementation and formulations of PGRs. The two year old field transferred plants were evaluated for phytocompounds analysis using GC-MS technique.Results: Varied responses were observed during the study, maximum conversion95.83% ± 2.40% was obtained in these encapsulates when planted on MS medium containing 2.5 m M Kinetin and 0.5 m M a-Naphthalene acetic acid, which eventually developed into complete plantlets in a single step. Further, GC-MS analysis showed the presence of different phyto-compounds in the methanolic root extracts of in vitro converted plants. The results obtained revealed the presence of about 47 phyto-compounds along with various potential bioactive compounds useful for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes.Conclusions: This study investigates high frequency regeneration and conversion of Glycyrrhiza glabra in a single step in short time. Also, the in vitro raised plants are analysed for bioactive compounds after field transfer, which shows the presence of numerous compounds useful for commercial and pharmacological purposes.展开更多
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies report the beneficial effects of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT)and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer;in particular,the use of m...BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies report the beneficial effects of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT)and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer;in particular,the use of modulated electrohyperthermia(mEHT)results in increased survival and tumor response.AIM To compare outcomes of CHT alone or in association with mEHT for the treatment of stage III and IV pancreatic cancer.METHODS This was an observational retrospective study;data were collected for patients with stage III-IV pancreatic cancer that were treated with CHT alone or in combination with mEHT from 2003 to 2019.A total of 158 patients were included in the study out 270 patients screened in four Italian hospitals;58(37%)of these received CHT+mEHT and 100(63%)CHT.CHT was mainly gemcitabine-based regimens in both groups.RESULTS Overall(19.5 mo vs 11.02 mo,P<0.001)and progression-free(12 mo vs 3 mo,P<0.001)survival were better for the CHT+mEHT group compared to the CHT group.The association of mEHT resulted also in an improvement of tumor response with disease control rate 95%vs 58%(P<0.001)at 3 mo.Toxicity was comparable in the two study groups,and mEHT related adverse events were limited in 8 patients presenting G1-2 skin burns.CONCLUSION The addition of mEHT to systemic CHT improved overall and progression-free survival and local tumor control with comparable toxicity.展开更多
BACKGROUND Several studies report the useful therapeutic results of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Modulated electrohyperthermia(mE...BACKGROUND Several studies report the useful therapeutic results of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Modulated electrohyperthermia(mEHT) is a new hyperthermia technique that induces immunogenic death or apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory experiments and increases tumor response rate and survival in pancreatic cancer patients, offering beneficial therapeutic effects against this severe type of cancer.AIM To assess survival, tumor response and toxicity of mEHT alone or combined with CHT compared with CHT for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.METHODS This was a retrospective data collection on patients affected by locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer(stage Ⅲ and IV) performed in 9 Italian centers, members of International Clinical Hyperthermia Society-Italian Network. This study included 217 patients, 128(59%) of them were treated with CHT(no-mEHT) and 89(41%) patients received mEHT alone or in association with CHT. mEHT treatments were performed applying a power of 60-150 watts for 40-90 min, simultaneously or within 72 h of administration of CHT.RESULTS Median patients’ age was 67 years(range 31-92 years). mEHT group had a median overall survival greater than non-mEHT group(20 mo, range 1.6-24, vs 9 mo, range 0.4-56.25, P < 0.001). mEHT group showed a higher number of partial responses(45% vs 24%, P = 0.0018) and a lower number of progressions(4% vs 31%, P < 0.001) than the no-mEHT group, at the three months follow-up. Adverse events were observed as mild skin burns in 2.6% of mEHT sessions.CONCLUSION mEHT seems safe and has beneficial effects on survival and tumor response of stage Ⅲ-IV pancreatic tumor treatment. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm or not these results.展开更多
Dental-derived stem cells(DSCs)are attractive cell sources due to their easy access,superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity.They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals,which provide biophysical a...Dental-derived stem cells(DSCs)are attractive cell sources due to their easy access,superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity.They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals,which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells.However,the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation.Recently,elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors,including proliferation,differentiation and migration.Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities,e.g.,stimuli-responsiveness.There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications.Herein,we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.展开更多
WD40 repeat-containing proteins(WD40 proteins)serve as versatile scaffolds for protein-protein interac-tions,modulating a variety of cellular processes such as plant stress and hormone responses.Here we report the ide...WD40 repeat-containing proteins(WD40 proteins)serve as versatile scaffolds for protein-protein interac-tions,modulating a variety of cellular processes such as plant stress and hormone responses.Here we report the identification of a WD40 protein,XIW1(for XPO1-interacting WD40 protein 1),which positively regulates the abscisic acid(ABA)response in Arabidopsis.XIW1 is located in the cytoplasm and nucleus.We found that it interacts with the nuclear transport receptor XPO1 and is exported by XPO1 from the nucleus.Mutation of XIW1 reduces the induction of ABA-responsive genes and the accumulation of ABA Insensitive 5(ABI5),causing mutant plants with ABA-insensitive phenotypes during seed germination and seedling growth,and decreased drought stress resistance.ABA treatment upregulates the expression of XIW1,and both ABA and abiotic stresses promote XIW1 accumulation in the nucleus,where it interacts with ABI5.Loss of XIW1 function results in rapid proteasomal degradation of ABI5.Taken together,these findings suggest that XIW1 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein and plays a positive role in ABA responses by interacting with and maintaining the stability of ABI5 in the nucleus.展开更多
基金Financial support received from NICRA (National Initiative of Climate and Resilient Agriculture) project is acknowledged.
文摘Computational prediction of potential microRNAs （miRNAs） and their target genes was performed to identify the miRNAs and genes associated with temperature response in rice. The data of temperature-responsive miRNAs of Arabidopsis, and miRNAs and the whole genome data of rice were used to predict potential miRNAs in Oryza sativa involved in temperature response. A total of 55 miRNAs were common in both the species, and 27 miRNAs were predicted at the first time in rice. Target genes were searched for these 27 miRNAs in rice genome following stringent criteria. Real time PCR based on expression analysis of nine miRNAs showed that majority of the miRNAs were down regulated under heat stress for rice cultivar Nagina 22. Furthermore, miR169, miR1884 and miR160 showed differential expression in root and shoot tissues of rice. Identification and expression studies of miRNAs during heat stress will advance the understanding of gene regulation under stress in rice.
基金supported by departmental grants under the Plan Project of Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division(NA&BTD),Mumbai
文摘Salinity-imposed limitations on plant growth are manifested through osmotic and ionic imbalances. However, because salinity-induced responses vary considerably among crop plants, monitoring of such responses at an early stage has relevance. In this study,physiological(seed germination, seed vigor index, root length, shoot length, fresh weight,dry weight) and biochemical attributes(osmoprotectants, K^+/Na^+ ratio) were analyzed for a time-course assessment of salt responses in Indian mustard(Brassica juncea L.) with an emphasis on early monitoring. The results showed strong correlations for total soluble sugars at germination phase(24 h), proline content in the seedling establishment phase(48 h) and various physiological parameters including seed vigor index(R^2= 0.901), shoot length(R^2= 0.982), and fresh weight(R^2= 0.980) at 72 h(adaptation under stress). In addition, transcriptional changes were observed under NaCl treatment for key genes belonging to the family of selective ion transporters(NHX, HKT) and abscisic acid synthesis(AAO-3). The status of mitochondrial respiration was also examined as a probe for salinity tolerance at an early stage. The results suggested that although all the analyzed parameters showed correlations(negative or positive) with salt stress magnitude, their critical response times differed, with most of the studied biochemical, physiological, or molecular markers providing valuable information only after radicle emergence, whereas mitochondrial respiration via alternative oxidase was useful for the early detection of salt responses.
基金supported by Ankara University, Management of Scientific Research Projects with No. 2003- 0705080
文摘Lichens are widely used in biomonitoring studies of air pollution, either as bioindicators of air quality or as bioaccumulators of atmospheric deposition. Over the past decade, several molecular techniques have been developed to provide information on diversity, genotoxicology, genetic relationships, etc. The heavy metal contents of Evernia prunastri samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction （RAPD-PCR） method was used to describe the pattern of DNA band variation in the samples influenced by the environmental pollution. The study was designed to describe the level of pollution in an area contaminated with smoke and waste from an iron-steel factory, and to reveal the level of potential genotoxic agents around this source of pollution. The study also examined the suitability of the lichen samples for the detection of genotoxicity.
基金partial financial support from the Department of Atomic Energy - Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (DAE-BRNS) project grant sanction No. 2009/ 37/51/BRNS
文摘Gamma ray-induced in vitro mutagenesis and selection for salt(NaC l) tolerance were investigated in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum L.). Embryogenic callus cultures were irradiated(10 to 80 Gy) and subjected to in vitro selection by exposure of irradiated callus to NaC l(0, 50, 100,150, 200, and 250 mmol L-1). Increasing NaC l concentrations resulted in growth reduction and increased membrane damage. Salt-selected callus lines were characterized by the accumulation of proline, glycine betaine, and Na+and K+concentration. Higher accumulation of proline and glycine betaine was observed in NaC l stressed callus irradiated at 20 Gy. Na+concentration increased and K+concentration decreased with increasing salt level. Irradiated callus showed50–60% regeneration under NaC l stress, and in vitro-regenerated plants were acclimatized in the greenhouse, with 80–85% survival. A total of 138 irradiated and salt-selected selections were grown to maturity and their agronomic performance was evaluated under normal and saline conditions. Of these, 18 mutant clones were characterized for different agro-morphological characters and some of the mutant clones exhibited improved sugar yield with increased Brix%,number of millable canes, and yield. The result suggest that radiation-induced mutagenesis offers an effective way to enhance genetic variation in sugarcane.
文摘AIM: To asses the value of computed tomography (CT)-perfusion in the detection of residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vascularization after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients were pro-spectively included in this study. All patients had liver cirrhosis and a conf irmed HCC lesion which was treated with TACE. One month after treatment, perfusion measurements of treated lesions were carried out. The CTperfusion (CT-p) protocol was performed with 16 slice multidetector computed tomography which included the following parameters: 8 dynamic slices/scan per 40 scans after iv injection of 50 mL of iodinated contrast (350 mg/mL) at a flow rate of 6 mL/s. Treated lesions were evaluated using dedicated perfusion software, which generated a quantitative colour map of perfusion. The following parameters were considered: hepatic perfusion (HP), arterial perfusion (AP), blood volume (BV), hepatic perfusion index (HPI), and time to peak (TTP). Perfusion parameters were described with quartile values of their distribution and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Perfusion parameters of the treated lesions could be quantitatively assessed using CT-p analysis. The presence of residual tumor tissue was observed in 13 of the 32 patients. The values of the perfusion parameters measured within the relapse tissue were: HP (mL/100 g per minute): median = 44.4 (1stqt = 31.3, 3rdqt = 55.8); BV (mL/100 g): median = 18.7 (1stqt = 11.5, 3rdqt = 22.5); AP (mL/min): median = 39.0 (1stqt = 36.5, 3rdqt = 61.3); HPI (%): median = 34.0 (1stqt = 30.4, 3rdqt = 38.9); TTP (s): median = 17.3 (1stqt = 15.8, 3rdqt = 26.5). With the use of the univariate paired Wilcoxon signed rank test, HP, AP and HPI were shown to be significantly higher (P<0.001) in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. The BV and TTP parameters showed a tendency to be greater and lower, respectively, in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCC treated with TACE, CT-p provides measurement of flow parameters related to residual arterial structures in viable tumor, thus helping in the assessment of therapeutic response.
文摘We investigated the altitudinal variation of Carpinus betulus L. in the Hyrcanian forest using leaf macro-morphological and micro-morphological traits. We collected a total of 1600 leaves from two locations. In each location, we sampled six populations along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 100 m to 1,150 m. We found that trees in the higher elevations have smaller leaf lamina than those in the lower elevations. In contrast, leaf mass per area was high at low altitudes and increased newly at the higher ones. Stomatal dimension was negatively correlated with elevation, while stomatal density was positively correlated with elevation. We also found that two transects showed the same plasticity trend. Leaf area showed the highest plasticity, while the number of veins showed the lowest plasticity. This study shows that altitude, and related temperature and rainfall, represents an important driving force in Carpinus betulus leaf morphological variation. Moreover, our results suggest that leaf area, leaf mass per area and stomatal density could influence the species responses to different ecological conditions.
文摘Large bowel cancer is a worldwide public health challenge.More than one third of patients present an advanced stage of disease at diagnosis and the liver is the most common site of metastases.Selection criteria for early diagnosis,chemotherapy and surgery have been recently expanded.The definition of resectability remains unclear.The presence of metastases is the most significant prognostic factor.For this reason the surgical resection of hepatic metastases is the leading treatment.The most appropriate resection approach remains to be defined.The two step and simultaneous resection processes of both primary and metastases have comparable survival long-term outcomes.The advent of targeted biological chemotherapeutic agents and the development of loco-regional therapies(chemoembolization,thermal ablation,arterial infusion chemotherapy) contribute to extend favorable results.Standardized evidence-based protocols are missing,hence optimal management of hepatic metastases should be single patient tailored and decided by a multidisciplinary team.This article reviews the outcomes of resection,systemic and loco-regional therapies of liver metastases originating from large bowel cancer.
文摘Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, and its incidence is relatively high among elderly people, affecting about 1-2% of the population between 60-65 years old and rising dramatically （about 30%） in people aged 80 years or older （Selkoe, 2002）. Nowadays, considering the increasing mean lifespan of populations in developed countries, the disease is becoming more and more a health concern, and the search for an effective cure has turned into＂a real need＂.
文摘AIM To study tumor response, and tolerability of arterially directed embolic therapy(ADET) with polyethylene glycol embolics loaded with irinotecan for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-LM). Secondary objectives were to monitor quality of life, time to progression and survival of patients.METHODS Patients were included in the study if they were affected by CRC-LM, refractory to systemic chemotherapy, treated with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics, and had liver involvement < 50%. Tumor response, performance status(PS), tumor marker antigens, and quality of life(QoL) were monitored at 1, 3 and 6 mo after ADET. QoL was assessed with the Palliative Performance Scale(PPS).RESULTS We treated 50 consecutive CRC-LM patients with ADET using polyethylene glycol embolics. Their tumor response one month after ADET was: 28% of complete response(CR), 48% of partial response(PR), 8% stable disease(SD), and 16% of progression. Tumor response 3 mo after ADET was CR 24%, PR 38%, SD 19% and progression disease(PD) 19%. Tumor response 6 mo after ADET was CR 18%, PR 44%, SD 21% and PD 18%. QoL was 90% PPS at each time point. Median time to progression for patients who progressed was 2.5 mo(range 0.8-6). Median follow-up was 14 mo(0.8-25 range). ADETs were performed with no complications. Observed side effects(mild or moderate intensity) were: Pain in 32% of patients, increase of transaminase levels in 20% and fever in 14%, whereas 30% of patients did not complain any adverse event. CONCLUSION The treatment of unresectable CRC-LM with ADET using polyethylene glycol microspheres loaded with irinotecan was effective in tumor response and resulted in mild toxicity, and good QoL.
基金The financial assistance for conducting this study was provided by Maulana Azad National Fellowship-SRF(Award number MANF-2013-14-MUS–BIH-21399),UGC,IndiaFor the purchase of chemicals,provided by projects with Vide numbers SB/YS/LS-156/2013 and SB/FT/LS-364/2012
文摘Santalum album L.is a commercially important tree that yields essential oil of high medicinal value.Regeneration research through organogenesis and embryogenesis has been documented but no report depicts comparative ontogeny of directly differentiating shoot buds(SB)and somatic embryos(SE).In the present study aseptic seedling derived hypocotyl segments(HC)and hypocotyl+root junction(HC+R)were used to induce SBs and SEs,respectively.Ontogenic differences between the structures were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and histological analysis.MS medium containing 6-benzyladenine or BA(2.5μM)produced highest number of direct SB,while MS+BA(7.5μM)proved suitable for higher frequency of SE differentiation.The differentiating structures attained growth when transferred to MS medium containing a combination of BA and anaphthalene acetic acid or silver nitrate(AgNO3).A combination of indole-3-butyric acid and silver nitrate(AgNO3)in half-strength woody plant medium and lesser osmotic concentration(2%sucrose),induced rhizogenesis.
基金UGC,New Delhi,India,for providing financial assistance in the form of Maulana AzadNational Fellowship–SRF,Award No. MANF-2013-14-MUSBIH-21399
文摘Objective: To investigate the conversion potential of alginate encapsulated nodes of Glycyrrhiza glabra with phyto-chemical evaluation of root extract of field transferred plants.Methods: The excised axenic nodal segments were encapsulated in alginate matrix planted on Murashige and Skoog(1962) medium with different supplementation and formulations of PGRs. The two year old field transferred plants were evaluated for phytocompounds analysis using GC-MS technique.Results: Varied responses were observed during the study, maximum conversion95.83% ± 2.40% was obtained in these encapsulates when planted on MS medium containing 2.5 m M Kinetin and 0.5 m M a-Naphthalene acetic acid, which eventually developed into complete plantlets in a single step. Further, GC-MS analysis showed the presence of different phyto-compounds in the methanolic root extracts of in vitro converted plants. The results obtained revealed the presence of about 47 phyto-compounds along with various potential bioactive compounds useful for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes.Conclusions: This study investigates high frequency regeneration and conversion of Glycyrrhiza glabra in a single step in short time. Also, the in vitro raised plants are analysed for bioactive compounds after field transfer, which shows the presence of numerous compounds useful for commercial and pharmacological purposes.
基金the Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II,Bari,Italy Institutional Review Board(Approval No.948/CE).
文摘BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies report the beneficial effects of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT)and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer;in particular,the use of modulated electrohyperthermia(mEHT)results in increased survival and tumor response.AIM To compare outcomes of CHT alone or in association with mEHT for the treatment of stage III and IV pancreatic cancer.METHODS This was an observational retrospective study;data were collected for patients with stage III-IV pancreatic cancer that were treated with CHT alone or in combination with mEHT from 2003 to 2019.A total of 158 patients were included in the study out 270 patients screened in four Italian hospitals;58(37%)of these received CHT+mEHT and 100(63%)CHT.CHT was mainly gemcitabine-based regimens in both groups.RESULTS Overall(19.5 mo vs 11.02 mo,P<0.001)and progression-free(12 mo vs 3 mo,P<0.001)survival were better for the CHT+mEHT group compared to the CHT group.The association of mEHT resulted also in an improvement of tumor response with disease control rate 95%vs 58%(P<0.001)at 3 mo.Toxicity was comparable in the two study groups,and mEHT related adverse events were limited in 8 patients presenting G1-2 skin burns.CONCLUSION The addition of mEHT to systemic CHT improved overall and progression-free survival and local tumor control with comparable toxicity.
文摘BACKGROUND Several studies report the useful therapeutic results of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy(CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Modulated electrohyperthermia(mEHT) is a new hyperthermia technique that induces immunogenic death or apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory experiments and increases tumor response rate and survival in pancreatic cancer patients, offering beneficial therapeutic effects against this severe type of cancer.AIM To assess survival, tumor response and toxicity of mEHT alone or combined with CHT compared with CHT for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.METHODS This was a retrospective data collection on patients affected by locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer(stage Ⅲ and IV) performed in 9 Italian centers, members of International Clinical Hyperthermia Society-Italian Network. This study included 217 patients, 128(59%) of them were treated with CHT(no-mEHT) and 89(41%) patients received mEHT alone or in association with CHT. mEHT treatments were performed applying a power of 60-150 watts for 40-90 min, simultaneously or within 72 h of administration of CHT.RESULTS Median patients’ age was 67 years(range 31-92 years). mEHT group had a median overall survival greater than non-mEHT group(20 mo, range 1.6-24, vs 9 mo, range 0.4-56.25, P < 0.001). mEHT group showed a higher number of partial responses(45% vs 24%, P = 0.0018) and a lower number of progressions(4% vs 31%, P < 0.001) than the no-mEHT group, at the three months follow-up. Adverse events were observed as mild skin burns in 2.6% of mEHT sessions.CONCLUSION mEHT seems safe and has beneficial effects on survival and tumor response of stage Ⅲ-IV pancreatic tumor treatment. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm or not these results.
基金financed in part by the Coordenac¸ao~de Aperfec¸oamento de Pessoal de N�ıvel Superior(CAPES)—Finance Code 001(scholarship for Dr Ferreira)。
文摘Dental-derived stem cells(DSCs)are attractive cell sources due to their easy access,superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity.They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals,which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells.However,the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation.Recently,elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors,including proliferation,differentiation and migration.Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities,e.g.,stimuli-responsiveness.There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications.Herein,we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31570250)the Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou City,China(201607020006,201804010377)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2015A030313410,2017A030313100).
文摘WD40 repeat-containing proteins(WD40 proteins)serve as versatile scaffolds for protein-protein interac-tions,modulating a variety of cellular processes such as plant stress and hormone responses.Here we report the identification of a WD40 protein,XIW1(for XPO1-interacting WD40 protein 1),which positively regulates the abscisic acid(ABA)response in Arabidopsis.XIW1 is located in the cytoplasm and nucleus.We found that it interacts with the nuclear transport receptor XPO1 and is exported by XPO1 from the nucleus.Mutation of XIW1 reduces the induction of ABA-responsive genes and the accumulation of ABA Insensitive 5(ABI5),causing mutant plants with ABA-insensitive phenotypes during seed germination and seedling growth,and decreased drought stress resistance.ABA treatment upregulates the expression of XIW1,and both ABA and abiotic stresses promote XIW1 accumulation in the nucleus,where it interacts with ABI5.Loss of XIW1 function results in rapid proteasomal degradation of ABI5.Taken together,these findings suggest that XIW1 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein and plays a positive role in ABA responses by interacting with and maintaining the stability of ABI5 in the nucleus.
