Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used for monitoring haemodynamic status and rapidly delivering fluid therapy during the peri- and postoperative periods. Indwelling CVCs are typically ...used 7–14 days postoperatively for additional monitoring and treatment, but patients may develop asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis, leading to life-threatening pulmonary embolism and death. Early detection helps to avoid such complications.
This prospective observational study investigated the risk factors associated with catheter-related right internal jugular vein thrombosis in patients undergoing chest surgery. The study enrolled 24 patients who were scheduled to receive chest surgeries during which catheters were needed. To detect thrombus formation, Doppler ultrasound examinations from the thyroid cartilage level to the supraclavicular region were used after CVC placement and on each of the following days until the catheter was removed.
No thrombosis was found in patients before surgery, but it appeared in 75% (18/24) after surgery. The risks of thrombosis increased with a longer duration of anaesthesia, greater amounts of bleeding, and use of postoperative ventilator support.
Earlier catheter removal may reduce the risk of catheter-related thrombosis and avoid possibly fatal complications after catheter-related thrombosis.
This study investigated seasonal variations in the mass concentration and chemical composition of ambient aerosols observed at three stations (coastal, mountainous, and downtown sites) in northern ...Taiwan from March 2009 to February 2012. The results show that the major aerosol components include ammonium, sulfate, nitrate, sea salt, dust, organic carbon, and elemental carbon, whereas the mass fraction of each species depends on the sampling location and season. A significant correlation (r = 0.7–0.8) was observed in aerosol concentrations measured at the respective stations, indicating that aerosol concentrations were dominated by regional‐scale factors. Ammonium, sulfate, and nitrate consistently reached respective peak values in the spring in conjunction with dust particle levels. This shows that the transport of dust and particulate air pollutants from the Asian continent has affected the atmospheric environment in this area. Distinct seasonality was observed for sea salt and secondary organic carbon (SOC): sea salt levels peaked in the autumn, whereas SOC levels peaked in the summer, implying that their sources were regulated by independent seasonal factors. Correlation between sea salt concentration and surface wind speed was derived from coastal measurements and showed a high value for the wind speed sensitivity parameter of around 0.37 for our location. In addition, it was revealed that the SOC concentration in aerosols was positively correlated with oxidant photolysis index (Ox × UVB), suggesting that the SOC seasonality was dominated by hydroxyl radical production.
Key Points
Inorganic particulate pollutants and dust consistently peaked in the spring due to Asian outflow effects
Ambient concentrations of sea salt particles were exponentially correlated with surface wind speeds
The production of secondary organic aerosols was dominated by the photolysis of total oxidants
The optical design and performance of the recently opened 13A biological small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) beamline at the 3.0 GeV Taiwan Photon Source of the National Synchrotron Radiation ...Research Center are reported. The beamline is designed for studies of biological structures and kinetics in a wide range of length and time scales, from angstrom to micrometre and from microsecond to minutes. A 4 m IU24 undulator of the beamline provides high‐flux X‐rays in the energy range 4.0–23.0 keV. MoB4C double‐multilayer and Si(111) double‐crystal monochromators (DMM/DCM) are combined on the same rotating platform for a smooth rotation transition from a high‐flux beam of ∼4 × 1014 photons s−1 to a high‐energy‐resolution beam of ΔE/E ≃ 1.5 × 10−4; both modes share a constant beam exit. With a set of Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB) mirrors, the X‐ray beam is focused to the farthest SAXS detector position, 52 m from the source. A downstream four‐bounce crystal collimator, comprising two sets of Si(311) double crystals arranged in a dispersive configuration, optionally collimate the DCM (vertically diffracted) beam in the horizontal direction for ultra‐SAXS with a minimum scattering vector q down to 0.0004 Å−1, which allows resolving ordered d‐spacing up to 1 µm. A microbeam, of 10–50 µm beam size, is tailored by a combined set of high‐heat‐load slits followed by micrometre‐precision slits situated at the front‐end 15.5 m position. The second set of KB mirrors then focus the beam to the 40 m sample position, with a demagnification ratio of ∼1.5. A detecting system comprising two in‐vacuum X‐ray pixel detectors is installed to perform synchronized small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering data collections. The observed beamline performance proves the feasibility of having compound features of high flux, microbeam and ultra‐SAXS in one beamline.
The optical design and performance of the BioSAXS beamline at the Taiwan Photon Source are reported
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in tumorigenecity by regulating specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and their roles in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are becoming apparent. Distinct from ...the CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) sub-population, we have isolated a novel PROCR(+)/ESA(+) BCSC sub-population. To explore miRNA-regulatory mechanisms in this sub-population, we performed miRNA expression profiling and found miR-495 as the most highly upegulated miRNA in PROCR(+)/ESA(+) cells. Coincidently, high upregulation of miR-495 was also found in CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) BCSCs, reflecting its potential importance in maintaining common BCSC properties. Ectopic expression of miR-495 in breast cancer cells promoted their colony formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in mice. miR-495 directly suppressed E-cadherin expression to promote cell invasion and inhibited REDD1 expression to enhance cell proliferation in hypoxia through post-transcriptional mechanism. miR-495 expression was directly modulated by transcription factor E12/E47, which itself is highly expressed in BCSCs. These findings reveal a novel regulatory pathway centered on miR-495 that contributes to BCSC properties and hypoxia resistance.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection ultimately leads to chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As the standard treatment is not completely efficacious, a safer ...and more effective agent against HCV infection needs to be developed. In this report, we demonstrated that 3‐hydroxy caruilignan C (3‐HCL‐C) isolated from Swietenia macrophylla stems exhibited high anti‐HCV activity at both protein and RNA levels at nontoxic concentrations, with an EC50 value of 10.5 ± 1.2 μm. Combinations of 3‐HCL‐C and interferon‐α (IFN‐α), an HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor (2′‐C‐methylcytidine; NM‐107) or an HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor (Telaprevir; VX‐950) increased the suppression of HCV RNA replication. The results suggested that 3‐HCL‐C may be a potential anti‐viral agent. We then demonstrated that 3‐HCL‐C interfered with HCV replication by inducing IFN‐stimulated response element transcription and IFN‐dependent anti‐viral gene expression.
Gain of function of membrane receptor was a good strategy exploited by cancer cells to benefit own growth and survival. Overexpression of HER2 has been found to serve as a target for developing ...trastuzumab to treat 20-25% of breast cancer. However, little or none of the other membrane receptor was found to be useful as a potential target for breast cancer treatment since then. Here, we showed that amplified signaling of interleukin-17 receptor B (IL-17RB) and its ligand IL-17B promoted tumorigenicity in breast cancer cells and impeded acinus formation in immortalized normal mammary epithelial cells. External signal transmitted through IL-17RB activated nuclear factor-κB to upregulate antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 and induced etoposide resistance. Elevated expression of IL-17RB had a stronger correlation with poor prognosis than HER2 in breast cancer patients. Interestingly, breast cancer patients with high expression of IL-17RB and HER2 had the shortest survival rate. Depletion of IL-17RB in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells significantly reduced their tumorigenic activity, suggesting that IL-17RB and HER2 have an independent role in breast carcinogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with antibodies specifically against IL-17RB or IL-17B effectively attenuated tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells. These results suggest that the amplified IL-17RB/IL-17B signaling pathways may serve as a therapeutic target for developing treatment to manage IL-17RB-associated breast cancer.
•Polyphenols in two legumes were fractionated by two-step chromatography.•Three digestive enzymes were inhibited by legume extracts and fractions.•Of the compounds tested, myricetin showed the lowest ...IC50 values against three digestive enzymes.
Antioxidant-rich plant foods can inhibit starch and lipid digestions that are relevant to diabetes management. Two high-antioxidant black legumes, black soybean (Glycine max) and black turtle bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), belonging to two different genera were used to investigate their capacity against digestive enzymes. Phenolic substances were compared in crude, semi-purified extracts (semi-purified by XAD-7 column), and fractions (fractionationed by Sephadex LH-20 column) from these two legumes. In addition, their antioxidant capacities and abilities to inhibit digestive enzymes were characterized. Results showed that Fraction V from black soybean was the most effective (IC50: 0.25mg/mL) against α-amylase; Fraction V from black turtle bean was the most potent (IC50: 0.25μg/mL) against α-glucosidase; Fraction IV from black turtle bean was the most powerful (IC50: 76μg/mL) against lipase. Of the pure phenolic compounds tested, myricetin showed the highest inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase (IC50: 0.38mg/mL, 0.87μg/mL and 15μg/mL, respectively).
More than 90% of ovarian cancer deaths are due to relapse following development of chemoresistance. Our main objective is to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying paclitaxel resistance ...(taxol resistance, Txr) in ovarian cancer. Here, we observed that the linker histone H1.0 is upregulated in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of H1.0 significantly downregulates the androgen receptor (AR) and sensitizes paclitaxel‐resistant SKOV3/Txr and 2774/Txr cell lines to paclitaxel. Conversely, ectopic expression of H1.0 upregulates AR and increases Txr in parental SKOV3 and MDAH2774 cells. Notably, H1.0 upregulation is associated with disease recurrence and poor survival in a subset of ovarian cancer subjects. Inhibition of PI3K significantly reduces H1.0 mRNA and protein levels in paclitaxel‐resistant cells, suggesting the involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Knockdown of H1.0 and AR also downregulates the Txr genes ABCB1 and ABCG2 in paclitaxel‐resistant cells. Our data show that H1.0 induces GCN5 expression and histone acetylation, thereby enhancing Txr gene transactivation. These findings suggest that Txr in ovarian cancer involves the PI3K/AKT pathway and leads to upregulation of histone H1.0, recruitment of GCN5 and AR, followed by upregulation of a subgroup of Txr genes that include ABCB1 and ABCG2. This study is the first report describing the relationship between histone H1.0 and GCN5 that cooperate to induce AR‐dependent Txr in ovarian cancer cells.
To better understand the molecular mechanism underlying taxol resistance (Txr), we explored the axis PI3K/AKT/H1.0 recruiting GCN5 and AR to upregulate Txr genes, ABCB1 and ABCG2. This study is the first report describing the relationship between histone H1.0 and GCN5 which cooperate to induce AR‐dependent Txr in ovarian cancer cells.
A significant consequence of Typhoon Morakot in August 2009 was the production of vast volumes of driftwood in Pacific Asia. We have quantified the flux of this coarse woody debris (CWD) to the ...oceans from typhoon-triggered landslides in Taiwan, where Morakot made landfall, by combining remote sensing (using FORMOSAT-2 imagery and aerial photography), analysis of forest biomass, and field observations. A total of 3.8–8.4 TgCWD was transported to the oceans, carrying 1.8–4.0 Tg of organic carbon. In addition to the local effects on the marine and coastal environment from such a highly concentrated flux of carbon and nutrients, storm-driven mobilization of CWD may represent a significant, if infrequent, transfer of terrestrial biomass to the oceans. If the frequency of relatively rare, extreme storms such as Morakot increases in a changing climate, this transport mechanism may play an important role in feedbacks between global climate, storm intensity, and carbon cycling.
Summary
Background Hand‐foot skin reaction is a distinctive cutaneous side‐effect of antineoplastic kinase inhibitor‐targeted therapy. Severe hand‐foot skin reaction requires postponement of ...treatment or dose reduction. Histopathological studies of skin toxicity associated with kinase inhibitors are currently unavailable.
Objectives To report the clinical and histopathological findings of hand‐foot skin reaction produced by the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib.
Methods Nine patients with metastatic carcinoma—seven with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), one with melanoma and one with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—received continuous, oral sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Hand‐foot skin reaction was defined and graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria 3.0. Biopsies from lesions of erythematous scaly or blistering skin were obtained from five cases (four RCC and one HCC).
Results Seven of the nine (78%) patients developed hand‐foot skin reaction characterized by well‐demarcated, tender, erythematous papules and plaques with greyish blisters or hyperkeratotic, callus‐like formations on palmoplantar surfaces and distal phalanges. Skin biopsy of hand‐foot skin reaction lesions revealed epidermal acanthosis, papillomatosis, parakeratosis, dispersed dyskeratotic cells and keratinocyte vacuolar degeneration. Other skin toxicities included angular cheilitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and perianal dermatitis.
Conclusions The clinical manifestations and histopathological features of sorafenib‐induced skin reactions are unique. The most relevant histopathological findings of hand‐foot skin reaction include keratinocyte vacuolar degeneration, the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic bodies, and intraepidermal blisters in the stratum malpighii. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of this novel multitargeted kinase inhibitor‐associated skin reaction.
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