Biomedical subjects

Jie Cai

Publications and source records attributed to Jie Cai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

An amperometric acetylthiocholine sensor based on immobilization of acetylcholinesterase on a multiwall carbon nanotube-cross-linked chitosan composite.

A simple method has been devised for immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)--covalent bonding to a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)--cross-linked chitosan composite (CMC)-and a sensitive amperometric sensor for rapid detection of acetylthiocholine (ATCl) has been based on this. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy proved that the native structure of the immobilized enzyme was preserved on this chemically clean and homogeneous composite film, because of the excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity of chitosan. Glutaraldehyde was used as cross-linker to covalently bond the AChE, and efficiently prevented leakage of the enzyme from the film. Because of the inherent conductive properties of the MWNT, the immobilized AChE had greater affinity for ATCl and excellent catalytic effect in the hydrolysis of ATCl, with a K(app)(m) value of 132 micromol L(-1), forming thiocholine, which was then oxidized to produce a detectable and rapid response. Under optimum conditions the amperometric current increased linearly with the increasing concentration of ATCl in the range 2.0-400 micromol L(-1), with a detection limit of 0.10 micromol L(-1). Fabrication reproducibility of the sensor was good and the stability was acceptable. The sensor is a promising new tool for characterization of enzyme inhibitors and for pesticide analysis. Abstract.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2006

The efficacy and relationship between peak concentration and toxicity profile of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine plus carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and relationship between plasma concentrations at the end of infusion (C(end of infusion)) and toxicity profile of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine plus carboplatin in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were given gemcitabine by 120 min infusion [at a fixed dose rate (FDR) of 10 mg/m(2)/min] on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle, immediately followed by carboplatin AUC 5 by 4 h infusion on day 1. C (end of infusion) of gemcitabine was determined by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: By the close-out date, in our study population, the estimated median time to tumor progression (TTP) was 7 months (95% CI 4-10 months), median overall survival (OS) was 12 months (95% CI 11.2-12.8 months). The mean value of C (end of infusion) of 21 eligible patients was 16.48 +/- 8.07 micromol/l (range 27.43-2.87 micromol/l). The main hematological toxicities were transient grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. The mean percentages of reduction of WBC, NEC, PLTC and Hb of 21 eligible patients were 38.3 +/- 38.1%, 31.3 +/- 73.6%, 31.8 +/- 53.5% and 12.0 +/- 12.2%, respectively. The analysis of the C(end of infusion) of gemcitabine and the percentage of reduction in WBC showed a significant correlation (r(2) = 0.4575; p < 0.05). A significant correlation (r(2) = 0.5671; p < 0.05) was also observed between the percentage of reduction of PLTC and C(end of infusion) of gemcitabine infusion. CONCLUSION: The clinical data in this trial supports the further evaluation the regimen in advanced NSCLC patients, due to its predictable kinetic behavior and less severe toxicity profile than expected.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Expression of stress response protein Grp78 is associated with the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Induction of molecular chaperone Grp78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein) occurs in stress conditions that often characterize tumor microenvironments. We investigated the role of Grp78 in prostate cancer progression and the development of castration resistance, where cancer cells continue to survive despite the stress of an androgen-starved environment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Immunohistochemistry was done to examine Grp78 expression in 219 prostate cancers from patients with pathologic stage T3N0M0 disease [androgen ablation naive (untreated) and androgen ablation exposed (treated)] and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Classification of tumors was based on intensity of Grp78 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity and percentage of immunoreactive tumor cells. The associations of Grp78 expression with prostate cancer recurrence (clinical and/or serum prostate-specific antigen) and survival were examined in the untreated stage T3N0M0 group. Grp78 expression was also analyzed in the androgen-dependent LNCaP and castration-resistant C42B cell lines. RESULTS: The percentage of tumor cells expressing Grp78 was strongly associated with castration-resistant status (P = 0.005). Increased Grp78 expression was consistently associated with greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence and worse overall survival in patients who had not undergone prior hormonal manipulation. Grp78 expression was also increased in the castration-resistant LNCaP-derived cell line C42B and in LNCaP cells grown in androgen-deprived conditions compared with LNCaP cells grown in androgen-rich media. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that up-regulation of Grp78 is associated with the development of castration resistance, possibly in part by augmenting cell survival as previously suggested, and may serve as an important prognostic indicator of recurrence in a subset of patients with T3N0M0 disease.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2006

Correlation of sperm DNA damage with IVF and ICSI outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of sperm DNA damage, as determined by the TUNEL assay and the SCSA respectively, on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI treatment. METHODS: A Medline search (from Jan 1978 to Apr 2006) was performed, together with a manual search of the bibliographies of retrieved original papers and review articles. 8 articles met all inclusion/exclusion criteria, of which, 5 used the TUNEL assay and the other 3 used the SCSA. All these articles were included in separate meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan software with fixed-effect model or random-effects model. RESULTS: As for articles using the TUNEL assay, the pooled results of IVF outcomes indicated that the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85, P = 0.006), but not the fertilization rate (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.16, P = 0.23) decreased significantly for patients with high degree of sperm DNA damage compared with those with low degree of sperm DNA damage. RRs of the ICSI outcomes indicated that there was no significant difference in either fertilization rate (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89 to1.18, P = 0.70) or clinical pregnancy rate (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.04, P = 0.09) between these two groups. As for the SCSA papers, the pooled results showed no significant effects of sperm DNA damage on the clinical pregnancy rate after IVF (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.31, P = 0.19) or ICSI (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.74, P = 0.38). CONCLUSION(S): Our meta-analysis indicates that sperm DNA damage, as assessed by the TUNEL assay, significantly decreases only the chance of IVF clinical pregnancy, but not that of either IVF fertilization or ICSI fertilization or ICSI clinical pregnancy. Besides, our results also reveal that sperm DNA damage, when assessed by the SCSA, has no significant effect on the chance of clinical pregnancy after IVF or ICSI treatment.

DNA Damage↗

PubMed2006

Detection of occult lymph node metastases in locally advanced node-negative prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical significance of occult metastases in the lymph nodes of patients with prostate cancer originally considered node negative by routine histologic evaluation. METHODS: Two hundred seventy four patients with pT3 prostate carcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection were included in this study. One hundred eighty patients were staged node negative (N0), while 94 patients were lymph node positive (N+), based on routine histologic evaluation. All lymph nodes from the 180 N0 patients were evaluated for occult metastases by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to cytokeratins and, if positive, prostate-specific antigen. Recurrence and overall survival were compared among patients with occult tumor cells (OLN+), with patients whose lymph nodes remained negative (OLN-), and with the 94 N+ patients. RESULTS: A total of 3,914 lymph nodes were evaluated from 180 N0 patients (average, 21.7 lymph nodes per patient). Occult tumor cells were found in 24 of 180 patients (13.3%). The presence of OLN+ was significantly associated with increased recurrence and decreased survival compared with OLN- patients (P < .001 and P = .019, respectively; relative risk of recurrence, 2.27; relative risk of death 2.07, respectively). The presence of occult lymph node metastases was an independent predictor of recurrence and death in a multivariable analysis. The outcome for patients with OLN+ disease was similar to that for patients with N+ disease. CONCLUSION: The detection of occult lymph node metastases in patients with pT3N0 prostate cancer identifies those with significantly increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence and death.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Prognostic significance of neuroendocrine expression in lymph node-positive prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of chromogranin A, a marker for neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, in patients with lymph node-positive prostate cancer to determine its prognostic significance. NE cells are involved in cellular growth and differentiation in both normal and pathologic conditions of the prostate. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 140 patients with lymph node-positive prostate adenocarcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. The median follow-up was 10.9 years (range 0.8 to 19.7). Immunohistochemical staining for chromogranin A was evaluated in areas of benign epithelium, primary prostate cancer, and lymph node metastasis. The association between chromogranin A expression and the clinical and pathologic factors (preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen and prostatectomy Gleason score and stage) and clinical outcomes, including overall and recurrence-free survival, was evaluated. RESULTS: Staining was positive in 86% of benign areas, 61% of primary cancer specimens, and 12% of lymph node deposits. The preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level and pathologic stage and grade of the primary tumor did not show any statistically significant correlation with NE staining in any of the areas. Only NE expression in the primary tumor was associated with clinical recurrence, with a 10-year recurrence-free survival rate for those with less than 5% staining of 67% compared with 35% for those with 5% staining or greater (P = 0.03). Furthermore, after adjusting for age, greater NE expression in the primary tumor (relative risk 2.15, P = 0.02) and lymph node deposit (relative risk 2.03, P = 0.03) was associated with poorer overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: NE expression in the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis of patients with node-positive prostate cancer may provide additional prognostic stratification.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Superficial (pT2a) and deep (pT2b) muscle invasion in pathological staging of bladder cancer following radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: We compared and evaluated clinical outcomes in patients with pathological superficial (pT2a) and deep (pT2b) invasion of bladder muscle with transitional cell carcinoma following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1971 to 2001, 311 of 1,359 patients (23%), including 244 males (78%) and 67 females, were found to have pathological muscle invasive (pT2) bladder cancer following radical cystectomy. Of this group 147 patients (47%) had pT2a (superficial) and 164 (53%) had pT2b (deep) muscle invasive tumors. Overall 242 patients had no evidence of lymph node metastasis, including 127 with pT2a (86%) and 115 with pT2b (70%). A total of 69 patients (22%) had lymph node involvement, including 20 with pT2a (14%) and 49 with pT2b (30%). At a median followup of 14.3 years (range 0 to 30.1) clinical outcomes were determined, including recurrence-free and overall survival, and local vs distant recurrence. RESULTS: In the 311 patients with pT2 tumors 10-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 72% and 47%, respectively. There was a significantly higher risk of node positive disease with pT2b vs pT2a tumors (30% vs 14%, p <0.001). No significant difference was observed in 10-year recurrence-free survival in patients with pT2a node negative vs pT2b node negative tumors (84% vs 72%, p = 0.091). When comparing pT2a node positive vs pT2b node positive tumors, no significant difference was observed in 10-year recurrence-free survival (50% vs 48%, p = 0.84). Recurrence-free survival was significantly higher in patients with pT2 lymph node negative tumors than in those with pT2 lymph node positive tumors (79% vs 49%, p <0.001). Furthermore, these differences remained significant when stratified by pT2a and pT2b node negative vs positive disease. Local pelvic recurrence developed in 10 of 311 patients (3%) with pT2 disease, while 69 (22%) had distant metastatic disease. In patients with recurrence the local or distant recurrence site was not associated with tumor stage (pT2a vs pT2b p = 0.24) or lymph node status (node negative vs positive p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: In muscle invasive (pT2) bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy there is a higher risk of lymph node positive disease in deep muscle (pT2b) vs superficial (pT2a) invasion. However, no apparent difference was observed in recurrence-free survival between pT2a (superficial) vs pT2b (deep) muscle invasive tumors when controlling for lymph node status. Recurrence-free survival is significantly improved in patients with pT2 lymph node negative tumors compared to survival in those with pT2 lymph node positive tumors. Patients with muscle invasive (pT2), lymph node negative tumors have excellent clinical outcomes following cystectomy, while those with muscle invasive (pT2), lymph node positive tumors have higher recurrence rates and should be considered for adjuvant treatment protocols.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Salvage radical prostatectomy: quality of life outcomes and long-term oncological control of radiorecurrent prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We review our 20-year experience with salvage radical prostatectomy to determine prognostic variables predictive of oncological control of radiorecurrent prostate cancer. Using a standardized questionnaire we also evaluate outcome data regarding the long-term sexual and urinary effects of salvage radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 2002 salvage radical prostatectomy was performed in 51 patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer following definitive radiotherapy. Clinical information was obtained from a prospective database. Quality of life data were collected using the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index, a validated, patient administered instrument. RESULTS: At 5 years 47% of patients were progression-free without androgen deprivation therapy. Among patients with pT2 disease 100% were progression-free at 5 years, compared with 35% of patients with pT3N0 disease or higher and 0% of patients with node positive (pTxN+) disease (p < 0.001). Preoperative PSA 5.0 ng/ml or less was predictive of organ confined disease, and strongly associated with prolonged progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Mean urinary function scores for patients with or without an artificial urinary sphincter compared favorably with scores reported after standard, nonsalvage prostatectomy. Sexual dysfunction was nearly uniform in patients undergoing standard salvage radical prostatectomy but implantation of a penile prosthesis was associated with a clinically significant improvement in sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: When initiated early in the course of recurrent disease, salvage radical prostatectomy provides excellent oncological control of radiorecurrent prostate cancer without the need for androgen ablation. Implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter and inflatable penile prosthesis devices in patients with postoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction results in significantly improved quality of life parameters.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor has a critical role in maintaining tumor microvasculature and, as such, is an attractive target for anti-angiogenic therapy. Aberrant expression of VEGF receptors, especially VEGFR2, on epithelial tumor cells allows VEGF to stimulate growth and migration of tumor cells in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. Therefore, we studied the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 in bladder cancer, and the relationship to disease characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 was studied in a cohort of 72 patients with transitional cell cancer of the bladder. Tumor tissues from all patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and examined by a pathologist blinded to patient outcome. Patient demographics and disease outcome were correlated with expression of these markers. Bladder cancer cell lines that express VEGFR2 were studied in vitro and in vivo to establish the significance of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling. RESULTS: Expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 was observed in 58% and 50% of urothelial tumor cells, respectively. VEGF expression failed to correlate with clinical variables. However, VEGFR2 expression correlated with disease stage (coefficient 0.23, p = 0.05). In addition, VEGFR2 expression increased with tumor invasion into the muscle (p <0.01). Experiments with VEGFR2 positive bladder cancer cell lines in vitro demonstrated increased invasion in response to VEGF. In addition, VEGF inhibition augmented the effect of docetaxel in a murine xenograft model of bladder cancer with a significant inhibition in proliferative index and microvascular density, and induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased VEGFR2 expression correlates with several features that predict progression of urothelial cancer, including disease stage and invasive phenotype. VEGF targeted therapy may enhance the efficacy of standard therapy for bladder cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Unique gelation behavior of cellulose in NaOH/urea aqueous solution.

A transparent cellulose solution was prepared by mixing 7 wt % NaOH with 12 wt % urea aqueous solution which was precooled to below -10 degrees C and which was able to rapidly dissolve cellulose at ambient temperature. The rheological properties and behavior of the gel-formed cellulose solution were investigated by using dynamic viscoelastic measurement. The effects of temperature, time, cellulose molecular weight, and concentrations on both the shear storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G") were analyzed. The cellulose solution having a viscosity-average molecular weight (M(eta)) of 11.4 x 10(4) had its sol-gel transition temperature decreased from 60.3 to 30.5 degrees C with an increase of its concentration from 3 to 5 wt %. The gelation temperature of a 4 wt % cellulose solution dropped from 59.4 to 30.5 degrees C as the M(eta) value was increased from 4.5 x 10(4) to 11.4 x 10(4). Interestingly, at either higher temperature (above 30 degrees C), or lower temperature (below -3 degrees C), or for longer gelation time, gels could form in the cellulose solutions. However, the cellulose solution remains a liquid state for a long time at the temperature range from 0 to 5 degrees C. For the first time, we revealed an irreversible gelation in the cellulose solution system. The gel having been formed did not dissolve even when cooled to the temperature of -10 degrees C, at which it was dissolved previously. Therefore, this indicates that either heating or cooling treatment could not break such stable gels. A high apparent activation energy (E(a)) of the cellulose solution below 0 degrees C was obtained and was used to explain the gel formation under the cooling process.

Cellulose↗

PubMed2006

[Analysis of the mode of inheritance in familial bronchial asthma].

To study the mode of inheritance of familial bronchial asthma and to understand the population genetics laws of bronchial asthma, Families with a family history of bronchial asthma in Handan region were investigated using group research method. The xi2 test of the degree of coincidence between the expected and observed values was analyzed by pedigree analysis and the "Smith" agonic revise method. The incidence rate within the 72 families pedigree with familial bronchial asthma, including 109 core pedigrees, is 0.46. Analysis shows a tendency towards single gene inheritance. Pedigree analysis reveals that it is consistent with autosome dominant inheritance. Analysis of the D- x dd marriage with the "Smith" analytical method supports this conclusion (xi2 = 3.181, P > 0.05) and further hints there exists genetic heterogeneity, i.e. different modes of inheritance among different marriage types. Our results can offer the reference to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of familial bronchial asthma.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation depends on the level of follicle stimulating hormone receptor on granulosa cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression on granulosa cells in ovarian response of women undergoing gonadotropin stimulation. METHODS: A total of 60 women were recruited and divided into poor, moderate and high responders according to the number of follicles. FSHR expression was detemined by Western blot on granulosa cells obtained by follicular aspiration. The peak levels of serum estradiol (E(2)) were measured by immunofluorescent assay. RESULTS: (1) The expression of FSHR was significantly different among the 3 groups, being 0.19 +/- 0.07, 0.34 +/- 0.16, and 0.45 +/- 0.18 for poor, moderate and high responders, respectively (P < 0.001). Poor responders had the lowest peak levels of serum E(2) and the least number of follicles. (2) The FSHR was positively correlated with peak level of E(2) in serum and the number of follicles (P < 0.01 for both). CONCLUSION: Ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation depends on the different levels of FSHR expression on granulosa cells.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Breast augmentation for correction of minor and moderate breast ptosis with anatomic breast implant].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a breast augmentation technique for correction of minor and moderate breast ptosis with an anatomic implant. METHODS: Fifteen patients of macromastia with minor and moderate breast ptosis were treated by using a breast augmentation with the anatomic implant under the breast gland. The results were judged with the the patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: All of the patient achieved big improvement of the breast ptosis with very satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: The minor and moderate breast ptosis could be achieved by using breast augmentation with an anatomic implant.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Permeable guidance channels containing microfilament scaffolds enhance axon growth and maturation.

Successful peripheral nerve regeneration is still limited in artificial conduits, especially for long lesion gaps. In this study, porous poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide, 75:25) (PLA) conduits were manufactured with 16 poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) microfilaments aligned inside the lumen. Fourteen and 18 mm lesion gaps were created in a rat sciatic nerve lesion model. To evaluate the combined effect of permeable PLA conduits and microfilament bundles on axon growth, four types of implants were tested for each lesion gap: PLA conduits with 16 filaments; PLA conduits without filaments; silicone conduits with 16 filaments; and silicone conduits without filaments. Ten weeks following implantation, regeneration within the distal nerve was compared between corresponding groups. Antibodies against the markers S100, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), RMDO95, and P0 were used to identify Schwann cells, unmyelinated axons, myelinated axons, and myelin, respectively. Results demonstrated that the filament scaffold enhanced tissue cable formation and Schwann cell migration in all groups. The filament scaffold enhanced axonal regeneration toward the distal stump, especially across long lesion gaps, but significance was only achieved with PLA conduits. When compared to corresponding silicone conduits, permeable PLA conduits enhanced myelinated axon regeneration across both lesion gaps and achieved significance only in combination with filament scaffolds. Myelin staining indicated PLA conduits supported axon myelination with better myelin quantity and quality when compared to silicone conduits.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Electrochemical immunoassay of membrane P-glycoprotein by immobilization of cells on gold nanoparticles modified on a methoxysilyl-terminated butyrylchitosan matrix.

A strategy to detect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on cell membrane and quantify the cell number using electrochemical immunoassay was developed by effective surface immunoreactions and immobilization of cells on a highly hydrophilic interface, which was constructed by adsorption of colloidal gold nanoparticles on a methoxysilyl-terminated (Mos) butyrylchitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (Au-CS/GCE). Atomic force microscopy studies proved that the nanoparticles adsorbed on Mos-butyrylchitosan were efficient in preventing the cell leakage and retaining the activity of immobilized living K562/ADM leukemic cells. The incubation with P-gp monoclonal antibody and then the secondary alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugated antibody introduced AP onto the K562/ADM cell immobilized on Au-CS/GCE. The bound AP led to an amperometric response of 1-naphthyl phosphate. Under optimal conditions the response was proportional to the logarithm of cell concentration in the range from 5.0 x 10(4) to 1.0 x 10(7) cells mL(-)(1) with a detection limit of 1.0 x 10(4) cells mL(-)(1). The results were comparable to flow cytometric analysis of P-gp expression. This proposed method was practical, convenient, and significant in the clinic and cytobiology.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2005

Construction of a biomimetic zwitterionic interface for monitoring cell proliferation and apoptosis.

A new zwitterionic monolayer film of sulfobetaine was constructed by grafting novelly designed N,N-dimethyl (beta-hydroxyethyloxyethyl) ammonium propanesulfonate (DHAPS) to hydroxyl groups of glass in the presence of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a coupling agent and dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as a catalyst. Experiments of blood adhesion proved that the zwitterionic film possessed excellent hydrophilicity and very good biocompatibility and provided an appropriate biomimetic interface for adhesion and proliferation of cells. Thus, the monitoring of the cell proliferation and apoptotic processes on the zwitterionic surface during an incubation process was achieved, using different techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometric assay, and Trypan blue staining. K562 leukemia cells, as a model, cultured in vitro on the zwitterionic surface kept their viability for 5 days and remained healthy and undifferentiated, indicating that the zwitterionic surface did not have a deleterious effect on cell growth in normal conditions. Thus, this man-made interface would be applicable to the growth of cells and the study of biomaterial-cell interaction and has potential applications in medicine and cytobiology.

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗

PubMed2005

Novel DNA vaccine based on hepatitis B virus core gene induces specific immune responses in Balb/c mice.

AIM: To investigate the immunogenicity of a novel DNA vaccine, pSW3891/HBc, based on HBV core gene in Balb/c mice. METHODS: A novel DNA vaccine, pSW3891/HBc, encoding HBV core gene was constructed using a vector plasmid pSW3891. Balb/c mice were immunized with either pSW3891/HBc or empty vector DNA via gene gun. IgG anti-HBc responses in mouse sera were demonstrated by ELISA. Specific cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) of mice was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. RESULTS: HBcAg was expressed effectively in 293T cell line transiently transfected with pSW3891/HBc. Strong IgG anti-HBc responses were elicited in mice immunized with pSW3891/HBc. The end-point titers of anti-HBc reached the highest 1:97,200, 4 wk after the third immunization. The specific CTL killing with the highest specific lysis reached 73.25% at effector:target ratio of 20:1 in mice that received pSW3891/HBc DNA vaccine. CONCLUSION: pSW3891/HBc vaccination elicits specific anti-HBc response and induces HBc-specific CTL response in immunized Balb/c mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Radical cystectomy in the elderly: comparison of clincal outcomes between younger and older patients.

BACKGROUND: The authors report their experience with radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder comparing clinical outcomes, including complication rates, among older patients versus younger patients in a high-volume center specializing in the treatment of patients with advanced carcinoma of the urinary bladder. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of 1054 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder TCC from 1971 through 1997. Four age groups were compared; < 60 years at the time of cystectomy (n = 309 patients), age 60-69 years (n = 381 patients), age 70-79 years (n = 314 patients), and age > or = 80 years (n = 50 patients). RESULTS: The median length of hospital stay in patients ages < 60 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and > or = 80 years was 10 days, 10 days, 11 days, and 11 days, respectively (P < 0.001). The corresponding rates of overall early complications were 24%, 25%, 37%, and 30%, respectively (P = 0.002); whereas the corresponding late complication rates were 36%, 30%, 22%, and 14%, respectively (P < 0.001). The rate of early diversion-related complications did not differ significantly (11%, 8%, 12%, and 6%, respectively; P = 0.14). The operative mortality rates were 1%, 3%, 4%, and 0%, respectively (P = 0.14). There was no difference with respect to early complications, early diversion-related complications, late complications, or operative mortality comparing patients age > 70 years who underwent ileal conduit versus orthotopic urinary diversion (P = 0.20, P = 0.61, P = 0.53, and P = 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients who underwent cystectomy for TCC had similar mortality and early diversion-related complication rates. Carefully selected elderly patients safely can be offered an orthotopic urinary diversion. Chronological age, per se, is not a contraindication for radical cystectomy in the setting of invasive bladder carcinoma.

Age Factors↗