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Candida albicans is a leading cause of intravascular catheter-related infections. The capacity for biofilm formation has been proposed to contribute to the persistence of this fungal pathogen on catheter surfaces. While efforts have been devoted to identifying microbial factors that modulate C. albicans biofilm formation in vitro, our understanding of the host factors that may shape C. albicans persistence in intravascular catheters is lacking. Here, we used multiphoton microscopy to characterize biofilms in intravascular catheters removed from candidiasis patients. We demonstrated that, NETosis, a type of neutrophil cell death with antimicrobial activity, was implicated in the interaction of immune cells with C. albicans in the catheters. The catheter isolates exhibited reduced filamentation and candidalysin gene expression, specifically in the total parenteral nutrition culture environment. Furthermore, we showed that the ablation of candidalysin expression in C. albicans reduced NETosis and conferred resistance to neutrophil-mediated fungal biofilm elimination. Our findings illustrate the role of neutrophil NETosis in modulating C. albicans biofilm persistence in an intravascular catheter, highlighting that C. albicans can benefit from reduced virulence expression to promote its persistence in an intravascular catheter., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Tseng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The sucrose non-fermenting 1 ( SNF1 ) complex is a heterotrimeric protein kinase complex that is an ortholog of the mammalian AMPK complex and is evolutionally conserved in most eukaryotes. This complex contains a catalytic subunit (Snf1), a regulatory subunit (Snf4) and a scaffolding subunit (Sip1/Sip2/Gal73) in budding yeast. Although the function of AMPK has been well studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans , the role of AMPK in Candida tropicalis has never been investigated. In this study, we focused on SNF4 in C. tropicalis as this fungus cannot produce a snf1Δ mutant. We demonstrated that C. tropicalis SNF4 shares similar roles in glucose derepression and is necessary for cell wall integrity and virulence. The expression of both SNF1 and SNF4 was significantly induced when glucose was limited. Furthermore, snf4Δ strains exhibited high sensitivity to many surface-perturbing agents because the strains contained lower levels of glucan, chitin and mannan. Interestingly, in contrast to C. albicans sak1Δ and snf4Δ , C. tropicalis snf4Δ exhibited phenotypes for cell aggregation and pseudohypha production. These data indicate that SNF4 performs convergent and divergent roles in C. tropicalis and possibly other unknown roles in the C. tropicalis SNF1-SNF4 AMPK pathway.

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, by screening a C. albicans mutant library, we first identified that the MSS2 gene, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSS2 required for mitochondrial respiration, mediates chitosan resistance. Upon treatment with 0.2% chitosan, the growth of mss2Δ strains was strikingly impaired, and MSS2 expression was significantly repressed by chitosan. Furthermore, mss2Δ strains exhibited slow growth on medium supplemented with glycerol as the sole carbon source. Similar to the chitosan-treated wild-type strain, the mss2Δ strain exhibited a significantly impaired ATP production ability. These data suggest that an antifungal mechanism of chitosan against C. albicans acts by inhibiting MSS2 gene expression, leading to repression of mitochondrial function. Normal respiratory function is suggested to be required for fungal virulence. Interestingly, the mss2Δ mutant strains exhibited significantly impaired invasive ability in vitro and ex vivo but retained normal hyphal development ability in liquid medium. Furthermore, the MSS2 deletion strains could not form robust biofilms and exhibited significantly reduced virulence. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the antifungal effect of chitosan against C. albicans is mediated via inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis. These data may provide another strategy for antifungal drug development via inhibition of fungal mitochondria.

Chitosan is a naturally originating product that can be applied in many areas due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nontoxic properties. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of chitosan offers great commercial potential for this product. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial activity of chitosan varies, because this activity is associated with its physicochemical characteristics and depends on the type of microorganism. In this review article, the fundamental properties, modes of antimicrobial action, and antimicrobial effects-related factors of chitosan are discussed. We further summarize how microorganisms genetically respond to chitosan. Finally, applications of chitosan-based biomaterials, such as nanoparticles and films, in combination with current clinical antibiotics or antifungal drugs, are also addressed.

Persistent halogenated compounds (PHCs) contamination has become a major concern over the world. Here we investigated occurrence, spatial distributions, congener profiles, as well as health risks of PHCs in farmed golden pompano in China using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs were in the range of 0.78-4.79 ng/g wet weight (ww), not detected (nd)-1.14 ng/g ww and 1.1-38.8 ng/g ww, respectively. Furthermore, ρ,ρ'-DDT, ο,ρ'-DDT and PCB 101 were the dominant PHC contaminants. The estimated daily intakes of PHCs through consumption of golden pompano were up to 12.86 and 131.34 ng/kg body weight/day based on the mean and 95th concentrations determined in golden pompano, respectively. Risk-based analysis indicates that target PHCs in golden pompano would not pose risks to human. Our study presents the first report of a nationwide survey of PHCs contamination in farmed golden pompano in China., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in Candida tropicalis and current methods for biofilm analyses in this fungal pathogen are limited. (2) Methods: Biofilm biomass and crystal violet staining of the wild-type and each gene mutant strain of C. tropicalis were evaluated on silicone under synthetic urine culture conditions. (3) Results: Seven media were tested to compare the effects on biofilm growth with or without silicone. Results showed that biofilm cells of C. tropicalis were unable to form firm biofilms on the bottom of 12-well polystyrene plates. However, on a silicone-based platform, Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 (RPMI 1640), yeast nitrogen base (YNB) + 1% glucose, and synthetic urine media were able to induce strong biofilm growth. In particular, replacement of Spider medium with synthetic urine in the adherence step and the developmental stage is necessary to gain remarkably increased biofilms. Interestingly, unlike Candida albicans , the C. tropicalis ROB1 deletion strain but not the other five biofilm-associated mutants did not cause a significant reduction in biofilm formation, suggesting that the biofilm regulatory circuits of the two species are divergent. (4) Conclusions: This system for C. tropicalis biofilm analyses will become a useful tool to unveil the biofilm regulatory network in C. tropicalis .

Aquaculture wetlands, particularly those located within urban areas, are fragile ecosystems which are generally heavily impacted by urban and aquaculture activities. However, there are, to date, no reports on adverse effects related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from aquaculture wetlands in metropolitan areas. The characterization, sources, and incidence of adverse effects on aquatic biota of PAHs were studied in the riverine and estuarine sediments of the Rongjiang River in an aquaculture wetland in Chaoshan metropolis. The total PAH concentrations varied from 46.0 to 1665.2 ng/g (dry weight), with a mean of 246.4 ng/g, indicating lower concentrations than those of other comparable rivers and estuaries worldwide. High-molecular-weight PAHs were the major PAH species, with fluorene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(a)pyrene as the dominant components. These PAHs are likely to be mainly derived from oil and coal/biomass combustion. Probability risk assessment indicated a moderate PAH ecological risk in the Rongjiang River and its estuary (RJE). Accordingly, a comprehensive management plan should be established to ensure sustainable aquaculture wetlands., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as a liver manifestation of metabolic disorders. Previous studies indicate that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a complex role in NAFLD. As the only precursor of the RAS, decreased angiotensinogen (AGT) profoundly impacts RAS bioactivity. Here, we investigated the role of hepatocyte-derived AGT in liver steatosis. AGT floxed mice (hepAGT +/+ ) and hepatocyte-specific AGT-deficient mice (hepAGT -/- ) were fed a Western diet and a normal laboratory diet for 12 weeks, respectively. Compared with hepAGT +/+ mice, Western diet-fed hepAGT -/- mice gained less body weight with improved insulin sensitivity. The attenuated severity of liver steatosis in hepAGT -/- mice was evidenced by histologic changes and reduced intrahepatic triglycerides. The abundance of SREBP1 and its downstream molecules, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and FASN, was suppressed in hepAGT -/- mice. Furthermore, serum derived from hepAGT +/+ mice stimulated hepatocyte SREBP1 expression, which could be diminished by protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in vitro. Administration of losartan did not affect diet-induced body weight gain, liver steatosis severity, and hepatic p-Akt, p-mTOR, and SREBP1 protein abundance in hepAGT +/+ mice. These data suggest that attenuation of Western diet-induced liver steatosis in hepAGT -/- mice is associated with the alternation of the Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c pathway., (Copyright © 2019 Tao et al. Published by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

This study investigated the total concentrations and bioaccessibility of heavy metals in edible tissues and trophic levels of 12 marine organism species in the South China Sea. The results were used to estimate health risks to humans. Of the heavy metals detected, nickel (Ni) was present at the highest concentrations, followed in descending, order by iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Cd had the highest percentage bioaccessibility (61.91%). There were no correlations between log-transformed total metal concentrations and trophic level values, nor between log-transformed bioaccessibility metal concentrations and trophic level values. This indicates there is no biomagnification among these trace metals. The carcinogenic risk probabilities for Pb and Cr to urban and rural residents were below the acceptable level (< 1 × 10 -4 ). The target hazard quotient (THQ) value for each metal and the total THQ values for all metals studied indicated no significant risk of non-carcinogenic effects to urban and rural residents from consuming marine organisms from the South China Sea., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg and As) in surface sediments and bivalve mollusks in Kaozhouyang Bay were investigated. A biological risk analysis of the sediments indicated that ten sites (about 76.92% of the total number of sites) had a 21% incidence probability of toxicity. A health risk analysis of the bivalve mollusks indicated that Cu and As posed low risks to consumer health. On the basis of the target hazard quotient (THQ), adverse effects may occur based on total THQ (TTHQ). The highest TTHQ was found in the species, Ostrea rivularis, which had the highest capacity for the bioaccumulation (factor > 38) of Cd., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Distribution characteristics, potential sources, and possible biological hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in intertidal surface sediments of Zhelin Bay, the biggest mariculture base of eastern Guangdong Province, Southern China. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 8.05-51.32 ng/g (dry weight) with an average of 29.23 ng/g, which is beneath the documented concentrations in intertidal sediments gathered from various bays across the globe. The composition of PAHs was distinguished by high molecular weight (HMW, 4-6 rings) PAHs, with phenanthrene (PHE), fluoranthene (FA), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbFA) established as predominant components. Principle component analysis along with multivariate linear regression discovered that liquid fossil fuel combustion and coal/wood combustion contribute to 60.23% and 39.77% of PAHs in Zhelin Bay's intertidal sediments, respectively. Overall, surface sediments of Zhelin Bay have an 8% increased incidence of adverse biological effects due to PAH contamination, based on the mean probable effect level quotient., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Fish are vulnerable to stress from over-crowding during transportation and eugenol is the most common sedative used to minimize fish injury. The ADI value of 2.5 mg/kg is recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. The aim of this work was to study the elimination kinetics of eugenol following exposure of grass carp to a eugenol bath in a simulated transportation setting., Results: Grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (120 fish) were exposed for 24 h to a 10 mg/L eugenol bath. Sampling was performed during a 96 h period after the 24 h bath. Eight fish were sampled at each time point and muscle, plasma and liver concentrations of the drug were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentration-time data of eugenol in each tissue were analyzed using non-compartmental methods. The peak concentrations (C max ) in plasma, muscle and liver were 7.68, 5.30 and 24.63 mg/kg and the elimination half-lives (t 1/2β ) were 19.79, 10.27 and 55.28 h, respectively. The clearance (CL) values were 0.10, 0.44 and 0.04 L/h/kg and the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-96h ) were 91.54, 22.44, and 214.12 mg·h/L in plasma, muscle and liver, respectively. After a eugenol exposure bath, drug concentrations in muscle tissue of grass carp were below 1 mg/kg at 8 h and 0.1 mg/kg at 24 h., Conclusions: The drug concentrations in muscle tissue at 8 h were lower than the recommended ADI value.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils may pose a serious threat to human health via oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and particulate inhalation, especially in public parks and playgrounds, with children and senior citizens showing the highest susceptibility. Several studies have been undertaken identifying PAHs in urban soils, but no studies to date have assessed PAHs in urban parks, in particular in exposed-lawn soils. In recent decades, unprecedented rates of urbanization and industrialization in China have resulted in significant levels of urban environmental pollution. However, concentrations, sources, and the health risk associated with PAH exposure via urban park lawn soils in China remain unknown. The concentrations, sources, and health risk of exposure to 16 PAHs in surface-exposed lawn soils were studied in 28 urban parks in Guangzhou. Concentrations of Σ16PAHs ranged from 76.44 to 890.85 ng/g with a mean of 286.11 ng/g. PAH composition was mostly characterized by 2- and 4-ring PAHs in most sampling parks; Nap, Flua, Pyr, Phe, and Chr were the dominant constituents. Principle component analysis coupled with multivariate linear regression indicated that vehicular and coal combustion emissions contributed to 50.53 and 49.46% of PAHs in Guangzhou's urban park soils, respectively. Total cancer risk (TCR) analysis found that 22 parks (accounting for 78.57% total parks) designed for children's use and general-use park areas presented a potentially high risk (>1 × 10 -4 ) for all users.

Concentrations of 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 15 marine wild organism species from South China Sea. The concentration (dry weight) of 16 PAHs ranged from 94.88 to 557.87ng/g, with a mean of 289.86ng/g. The concentrations of BaP in marine species were no detectable. The composition of PAHs was characterized by the 2- and 3-ring PAHs in marine species, and NA, PHE and FA were the dominant constituents. PAHs isomeric ratios indicated PAHs mainly originated from grass, wood and coal combustion, and petroleum. The human health risk assessment based on the excess cancer risk (ECR) suggested the probability of PAHs posing carcinogenic risk to human beings with consumption of marine organisms were negligible (probability<1×10 -6 )., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated distribution, sources, and potential risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments from the largest mariculture base in the eastern part of the province of Guangdong in southern China. Total concentrations of ∑PAHs were 29.38-815.46ng/g (dry weight), with a mean of 421.48ng/g. The composition of PAHs was characterized by an abundance of low molecular weight PAHs (2-3 benzenoid ring), and Phenanthrene (PHE), Anthracene (AN) and Fluoranthene (FA) were the predominant constituents. PAHs in this area appear to have mainly originated from petroleum sources and the combustion of grass, wood, and coal. PAHs in surface sediments of Zhelin Bay had a 9% incidence of causing adverse biological effects on aquatic organisms, according to the mean effects range-median quotient., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Spatial and temporal distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in Eastern Guangdong coast, China. Total PAH concentrations in oysters ranged from 231 to 1178ng/g with a mean concentration of 622ng/g dry weight. Compared with other bays and estuaries, PAH levels in oysters were moderate. Spatial distribution of PAHs was site specific, with relatively high PAH concentrations observed in Zhelin Bay and Kaozhouyang Bay. Based on the Spearman test analysis, only PAH concentration in oysters from Jiazi Harbor showed a significant increasing trend (P<0.05). Three-ring PAHs were the most abundant, accounting for 54.2%-88.4% of total PAHs. Diagnostic ratios suggested that PAHs were derived mainly from petroleum origin. BaP and ∑4PAH concentrations were well within the European Union limits (5ng/g and 30ng/g wet weight, respectively). The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for PAHs were <10(-5), indicating that the adverse health risks associated with oyster consumption in this area were minimal., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the marine ecosystem of the Daya Bay, South China. The PAH concentrations ranged from 340 to 710 ng/g dry weight in the sediments and from 110 to 520 ng/g wet weight in marine organisms, respectively. The dominant compounds were three- and four-ring PAHs in the sediments (53%-89%) and two- and three-ring PAHs in the marine species (67%-94%), respectively. PAHs mainly originated from both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. Comparison with the effects-based sediment quality guideline values suggested that the ecological risk caused by the total PAHs was relatively low (less than 25% incidence of adverse effects) in the sedimentary environment. The median cancer risk level via seafood consumption (1.6 × 10(-5) for urban residents and 1.2 × 10(-5) for rural residents, respectively) was slightly higher than the maximum admissible level (10(-5)) set by US EPA, but lower than the priority risk level (10(-4))., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the total concentrations of heavy metals in surface sediments and nekton, along with sediment metal chemical partitioning in Qinzhou Bay of the Beibu Gulf. Cd was preferentially associated with the acid-soluble fraction and Pb mainly with the reducible fraction, whereas a major portion of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn was strongly associated with the residual fractions. A principal component analysis (PCA) in sediment metal speciation revealed three groupings (Cd; Pb; Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) that mainly resulted from different distributions of the metals in the various fractions. The Cr concentrations in nekton species were higher than maximum Cr concentrations permitted by the Chinese National Standard (GB 2762-2012). Taking as a whole, surface sediments of Qinzhou Bay had a 21% incidence calculation of adverse biological effects, based on the mean probable-effects-levels quotient. A human health risk assessment indicated no significant adverse health effects from consumption of nekton., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The main purpose of the present work is to review the different non-chromatographic methods for the speciation analysis of trace elements in geological, environmental, biological and medical areas. In this paper, the sample processing methods in speciation analysis were summarized, and the main strategies for non-chromatographic technique were evaluated. The basic principles of the liquid extractions proposed in the published literatures recently and their advantages and disadvantages were discussed, such as conventional solvent extraction, cloud point extraction, single droplet microextraction, and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Solid phase extraction, as a non-chromatographic technique for speciation analysis, can be used in batch or in flow detection, and especially suitable for the online connection to atomic spectrometric detector. The developments and applications of sorbent materials filled in the columns of solid phase extraction were reviewed. The sorbents include chelating resins, nanometer materials, molecular and ion imprinted materials, and bio-sorbents. Other techniques, e. g. hydride generation technique and coprecipitation, were also reviewed together with their main applications.

Levels, composition profiles and sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from Nan'ao Island, one of the largest mariculture bases in South China were investigated. The total PAHs concentrations ranged from 265.49 to 951.27 ng/g (dry weight) with a mean of 515.90 ng/g, and seven possible carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 76.94% of total PAHs. Among various mariculture sections, the highest PAHs level was found in the large seaweed culture; while the lowest concentration was detected in the abandoned culture. The composition of PAHs was characterized by low molecular weight PAHs, and Phe Ant and Pyr were the dominant constituent. PAHs may be mainly originated from petroleum and combustion of biomass and coal. Risk assessments suggested that the probability of adverse effect was lower than 25% and PAHs exposure was moderately carcinogenic., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In order to assess contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), surface sediments and marine organism samples of fish, shrimp and shellfish were collected from the Dapeng Bay, Shenzhen in October 2011. Concentrations fof sixteen priority PAHs were determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total concentrations of PAHs (Sigma PAHs ) ranged from 216. 56 ng.g-1 to 1 314. 92 ng.g-1 dry weight in sediment samples and from 70. 88 ng.g-1 to 251.90 ng.g-1 wet weight in biological samples, respectively. The mean concentration was the highest in fish (171.52 ng.g-1 ), followed by mussel (134.75 ng.g-1) and shrimp (123.35 ng.g-1) in the studied marine organisms. Compared with those in other water bodies around the world, PAHs pollution in the studied area was at medium level. The dominant fraction in the surface sediments was the 4-ring PAHs. Identification of PAH sources suggested that PAHs in Dapeng Bay were likely originated from both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The most abundant PAHs were 3-ring PAHs in the tissues of organisms, which may be governed by their feeding behaviors, habitats, and bioavailability of PAHs. Ecological risk assessment indicated that PAHs in surface sediments might have adverse impacts on local ecosystem. Health risk analysis revealed that the potency equivalent concentrations of BaP to the total PAHs in marine organisms from Dapeng Bay were relatively high and may cause some concerns on human health by consumption.

Objective: To investigate the change of expression level of metastasis suppressor gene Kiss-1 in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 after radiation, and to determine its association with the proliferation and apoptosis of SW480 cells., Methods: SW480 cells were divided into control group (0 Gy) and study groups (2, 4, 6, 8 Gy). Cells in the study groups were irradiated by 6-MV X-ray radiation for 48 hours. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR methods were used to investigate the influence of radiation on Kiss-1 gene expression of SW480. Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation of SW480. Flow cytometry-Annexin- V/PI assay was used to observe the change of the apoptosis rate., Results: Compared with the control group, Kiss-1 protein expression increased after radiation of 6, 8 Gy (P<0.05), but no significant changes were observed after radiation of 2, 4 Gy(P>0.05). Kiss-1 gene mRNA level increased after radiation of 2, 4, 6 Gy, while no obvious change was observed for 8 Gy radiation. The apoptosis rates increased for 4, 6, 8 Gy radiation(P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference for 2 Gy radiation (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Radiation may increase Kiss-1 gene expression in SW480 cells, which results in decreases proliferation and increases apoptosis in residual surviving cells.

A 70-year-old man with uremia was referred because of hemoptysis. A chest X-ray showed diffuse infiltration in the right lung field. Laboratory data were remarkable for renal failure, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, laboratory evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia was present. A kidney biopsy revealed diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear staining of IgA along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). No thrombotic microangiopathy was noted on renal biopsy. Circulating IgG anti-GBM antibody was not detected, and IgA anti-GBM antibody was not tested. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis and pulse steroid therapy, which resulted in an immediate improvement in the pulmonary hemorrhage and hematological abnormalities. However, the patient did not regain renal function and remained on hemodialysis.

Background: Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumour characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells and endothelial cells to form closely arranged slit-like vascular spaces. Currently, the definitive diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma relies on histology. The dermoscopic features of Kaposi's sarcoma are not clearly defined in the scientific literature., Objectives: We seek to evaluate the dermoscopic features of Kaposi's sarcoma and compare them with other vascular tumours., Methods: One hundred forty-one lesions from seven patients with histologically proven Kaposi's sarcoma were evaluated using polarized light dermoscopy for the presence of various dermoscopic features. Twenty patients with other vascular tumours were also examined., Results: Dermoscopic examination revealed bluish-reddish coloration (84% of lesions), multicoloured areas showing various colours of the rainbow spectrum (36%), scaly surface (29%), and small brown globules (15%). The 'rainbow pattern' was found in six out of seven patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and was not observed in other vascular tumours. In addition, there was an absence of dermoscopic features specific for other vascular and non-vascular skin tumours, such as well-defined lacunae or structured vascular pattern, in most of the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions., Conclusions: The most frequent dermoscopic patterns in Kaposi's sarcoma were found to be bluish-reddish coloration, the 'rainbow pattern', and scaly surface. The rainbow pattern is a dermoscopic feature which has not been previously described. We propose that dermoscopy, as an adjunct to clinical examination, may enhance accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Background: We found previously that the features of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) under polarized dermoscopy are characterized by a bluish-reddish coloration, a scaly surface, small brown globules and, most distinctively, the multicoloured 'rainbow pattern'., Objectives: To evaluate the significance of the rainbow pattern on dermoscopy as a diagnostic feature in KS, and to demonstrate that it is associated with the unique vascular structure of the tumour., Methods: More than 100 lesions from seven patients with histologically proven KS were examined with polarized light dermoscopy. Sixty-three patients with various other cutaneous vascular and nonvascular tumours were also examined. KS lesions exhibiting the rainbow pattern and KS lesions lacking the rainbow pattern on dermoscopy were excised, and dermoscopic features were compared with histopathological structures. The dermoscopic patterns of other vascular tumours were also compared with histological features. In addition, the changes in dermoscopic features and histological structures were assessed before and after surgical therapy in one patient with KS., Results: On the basis of evaluations with polarized dermoscopy, the rainbow pattern was found to be a highly specific dermoscopic feature for KS. Histology of KS lesions showing the rainbow pattern under polarized light dermoscopy demonstrated a vascular lumen-rich pattern of closely arranged 'back-to-back' vascular structures, whereas histology of KS lesions without the rainbow pattern showed a vascular lumen-poor pattern with vascular lumina separated further apart by intervening stromal and cellular tissue. Other vascular tumours did not exhibit the rainbow pattern and were characterized histologically by variably sized vascular structures separated by substantial amounts of stromal and cellular tissue. In one patient with KS, disappearance of the rainbow pattern was associated with obliteration of the vascular structure following surgical ablation therapy., Conclusions: The rainbow pattern in KS is associated with the vascular lumen-rich histological subtype, is not manifest in the vascular lumen-poor subtype and disappears following total tumour removal. Therefore, the underlying structural arrangement of the vessels in KS may determine whether or not the rainbow pattern can be seen on polarized dermoscopy.

Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis is a very rare disease characterized by coexistence of a capillary malformation with various melanocytic lesions, including dermal melanocytosis (Mongolian spots), nevus spilus, and nevus of Ota. As of now about 200 cases have been reported, most are of Japanese origin and about half of reported cases are associated with various systemic involvement. We present a 15-year-old Taiwanese male with phakomatosis cesioflammea who developed, during adolescence, a nevus spilus-like lesion and late-onset open angle glaucoma, suggesting that long-term ophthalmic follow-up is necessary in this type of patient.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the burden of the primary family caregivers of schizophrenia patients and the factors that affect caregiver burden., Methods: A total of 126 pairs of patients and their primary family caregivers were recruited from the day care and acute wards of two teaching general hospitals. Demographic information was collected. All patients went through an interview with a senior psychiatrist using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). The Caregiver Burden Inventory-Brief Version and the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ) were used to assess the caregiver burden and the caregivers' health condition. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the relationship between demographic factors and caregiver burden. Multiple regression was used to analyze predictors of burden of caregivers. Statistical significance in this study was defined as P

To construct a recombinant strain of Listeria monocytogenes for the expression of heterologous genes, homologous recombination was utilized for insertional mutation, targeting its listeriolysin O gene (hly). The gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as the indicator of heterologous gene expression. The gene gfp was inserted into hly downstream from its promoter and signal sequence by an overlapping extension polymerase chain reaction, and was then cloned into the shuttle plasmid pKSV7 for allelic exchange with the L. monocytogenes chromosome. Homologous recombination was achieved by growing the electro-transformed L. monocytogenes cells on chloramphenicol plates at a non-permissive temperature. Sequencing analysis indicated correct insertion of the target gene in-frame with the signal sequence. The recombinant strain expressed GFP constitutively as revealed by fluorescence microscopy. The mutant strain L. monocytogenes hly-gfp lost its hemolytic activity as visualized on the blood agar or when analyzed with the culture supernatant samples. Such insertional mutation resulted in a reduced virulence of about 2 logs less than its parent strain L. monocytogenes 10403s as shown by the 50%-lethal-dose assays in the mouse and embryonated chicken egg models. These results thus demonstrate that mutated L. monocytogenes could be a potential carrier for the expression of heterologous passenger genes or could act as an indicator organism in the food industry.

Treatment-emergent obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCSs) have raised concern since the widespread introduction of serotonin-dopamine antagonists (SDAs) for the treatment of schizophrenia. Further investigations of SDA-emergent OCSs and their response to anti-obsessional agents will be beneficial for clinicians in helping patients who suffer from this problem. We present three cases of schizophrenia in which distressing OCSs occurred during clozapine or risperidone treatment. OCSs were assessed consecutively using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. The OCSs of these three patients were responsive to anti-obsessional agents, including fluvoxamine, clomipramine, and paroxetine. We also review the current literature and discuss the possible pathophysiology and psychopathology of SDA-emergent OCSs.

Background & Objective: Usually pituitary adenomas are histological benign and grow slowly, but a proportion of them will become locally aggressive, and develop into invasive pituitary adenomas. The reasons for these differences in tumor behavior are poorly understood. Pituitary adenomas are abounding blood vessels. Angiogenesis and tumor invasion both require degradation of the extracellular matrix components to allow cell migration. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their nature inhibitors-the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may play a central role in these processes. The aggressive mechanism of pituitary adenomas was studied through investigating the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in both invasive and non-invasive adenomas., Methods: Sixty-one surgical removed pituitary adenomas (forty-nine cases invasive and twelve non-invasive adenomas) were investigated. Immunohistochemistry staining (SP method) was used to detect the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in two groups. The results were treated with semi-quantitative method and analyzed by using non-parameter rank sum test., Results: Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells for MMP-9, TIMP-1, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 were noted 95.9% (47/49), 57.1% (28/49), 75.5% (37/49) and 89.8% (44/49) in invasive adenomas, and 100% (12/12), 91.7% (11/12), 66.7% (8/12), and 91.7% (11/12) in non-invasive adenomas, respectively. Invasive tumors were significantly less expressing TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference for MMP-9 or MMP-2 between invasive and non-invasive groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 may play a key role in invasive pituitary adenomas to biological behavior.

Background & Objective: Consistency of pituitary adenoma may influence surgical remote of the tumor. Preoperative evaluation of tumor consistency will be useful in guiding the operative approach. This study was designed to investigate the relationship among pituitary adenoma consistency, collagen type I and MRI signal intensity., Methods: Twenty pituitary adenoma patients received transsphenoidal surgery. Preoperative MRI, H-E stains and collagen type I immunohistochemistry(IHC)-autonomic image analysis for tumor specimens were performed, Results: Ten tumors were soft, mean T2WI tumor/while matter signal intensity ratio (TWSIR) is 17.38%; six were moderate, mean T2WI TWSIR was 2.01; and 4 were firm, mean T2WI TWSIR was 1.56. Mean collagen type I positive area ratio(CIPAR) of soft, moderate, and firm tumors was 17.38%, 27.30%, and 40.31%, respectively. Both C1PAR and T2WI TWSIR were significantly different among three types (P < 0.01) C1PAR was negatively correlated to T2WI TWSIR(P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Collagen type I content relates with the consistency of pituitary adenomas. MRI can predict of pituitary consistency adenoma; and those show hypointensity in T2WI are firm.