Serum IgG Antibodies against Periodontal Microbes and Cancer Mortality

INTRODUCTION

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition initiated by microorganisms and is positively linked to systemic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively investigate associations between empirically derived clusters of IgG antibodies against 19 selected periodontal microorganisms and cancer mortality in a representative sample of the US population.

METHODS

We evaluated 6,491 participants aged ≥40 y from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 to 1994), who had complete data on IgG antibody titers against 19 selected periodontal microorganisms and were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In a prior study, antibodies were categorized into 4 mutually exclusive groups via cluster analysis: red-green, orange-red, yellow-orange, and orange-blue. Cluster scores were estimated by summing z scores of the antibody titers making up each cluster. Participants were followed up to death until December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for all-cancer mortality by tertiles of cluster scores.

RESULTS

During follow-up for a median of 15.9 y, there were 2,702 deaths (31.3%), including 631 cancer-related deaths (8.1%). After adjusting for multiple confounders, the orange-blue cluster was inversely associated with cancer mortality (tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.84; tertile 3 vs tertile 1: HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.84). The association between the yellow-orange cluster and all-cancer mortality was also inverse but not significant, and the orange-red cluster and the red-green cluster were not associated with all-cancer mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibodies against Eubacterium nodatum and Actinomyces naeslundii may be novel predictors of cancer mortality. If further studies establish a causal relationship between these antibodies and cancer mortality, they could be targets to prevent possible systemic effects of periodontal disease with potential interventions to raise their levels.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

Periodontal antibodies against Eubacterium nodatum and Actinomyces naeslundii were inversely associated with cancer mortality among adults followed up for an average of 16 y. Periodontal antibodies may predict cancer mortality.

Optical and polarization properties of nonpolar InGaN-based light-emitting diodes grown on micro-rod templates

We have demonstrated non-polar a-plane InGaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on sapphire, achieved by overgrowing on a micro-rod template with substantially improved crystal quality. Photoluminescence measurements show one main emission peak at 418 nm along with another weak peak at 448 nm. Wavelength mapping measurements carried out by using a high spatial-resolution confocal PL system indicate that the two emissions origin from different areas associated with the underlying micro-rod patterns. Electroluminescence measurements exhibit a negligible blue-shift of 1.6 nm in the peak wavelength of the main emission when the driving current increases from 10 to 100 mA, indicating that the quantum confined Stark effect is effectively suppressed in in the nonpolar LED. A polarization ratio of 0.49 is obtained for the low-energy emission (~448 nm), while the main emission (~418 nm) shows a polarization ratio of 0.34. Furthermore, the polarization ratios are independent of injection current, while the energy separation between m-polarized and c-polarized lights increases with the injection current for both emissions.

[Clinical efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis with cervical lymph node injection]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intralymphatic immunotherapy with cervical lymph node injection for allergic rhinitis. Method: A retrospective analysis of 81 patients with allergic rhinitis(AR) who had received specific immunotherapy with cervical lymph node injection in 2016 in the first people's Hospital of Foshan was conducted. The neck lymph node immunotherapy under the guidance of color Doppler ultrasound consisted of three sessions, and in each session 50 Tu(Arog) was delivered. The scores of nasal and ocular symptoms, drug score and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded before and after treatment, and the efficacy and safety were observed. Result: Before treatment, the nasal symptoms score of 81 AR cases of mite allergy was 7.00±1.65. After 1,2 and 3 sessions of cervical lymph node immune therapy and 1 year after completion of treatment, the nasal symptom scores were 4.37±1.88, 4.26±1.80, 4.22±1.80, and 4.09±2.10,respectively, which were significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.01). The quality of life score was 53.68±9.28 before treatment, which decreased to 23.01±13.28 one year after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). The drug score was 3.27±1.17 before treatment, which decreased to 1.00±1.05 1 years after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). During treatment and 1-year follow-up, only 8 cases had mild local reactions, and no systemic adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Cervical lymph node injection specific immunotherapy can significantly relieve the symptoms of dust mite allergic rhinitis. The treatment is effective and safe, and greatly shortens the duration of immune treatment.

Composition of gut microbiota and its association with body mass index and lifestyle factors in a cohort of 7-18 years old children from the American Gut Project

BACKGROUND

The association between the gut microbiota and obesity in young children and adolescents is not fully studied.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the associations between the gut microbiota and body mass index (BMI) level (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and lifestyles (diet type and exercise frequency), controlling for demographic and clinical factors among children aged 7-18 years.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted on 267 children aged 7-18 years from the American Gut Project. 16S rRNA sequences were analysed by QIIME 2™. Composition of gut microbiota and its associations with BMI level, weight change and lifestyles were analysed using linear decomposition model.

RESULTS

Significant factors affecting the gut microbiota were BMI level (p = 0.009), exercise frequency (p = 0.003) and diet type (p = 0.01), controlling for age, sex and use of antibiotics and probiotics. More bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were associated with BMI level (120 OTUs) and diet type (122 OTUs) than exercise frequency (67 OTUs). Actinobacteria phylum had significantly depleted OTUs for BMI level, diet type and exercise frequency; Proteobacteria phylum had significantly enriched OTUs for higher BMI level and Firmicutes phylum had significantly enriched OTUs for more frequent exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant associations were found between the gut microbiota composition and BMI level and lifestyles controlling for demographic and clinical factors in children aged 7-18 years.

Pathological Changes of Petechial Hemorrhage after High Temperature Treatment

OBJECTIVES

To study the main features of mechanical asphyxia--the pathological characteristics of petechial hemorrhage after high temperature effect （roasted, boiled） and its changing rules.

METHODS

Rabbit model of mechanical asphyxia death with choking neck and death from anteposition hanging was established. The experimental rabbits were randomly divided into roasted group and boiled group （n=4, in each group）. The laryngeal ventricles and cardiopulmonary tissues in the roasted group were roasted for 3, 6 and 10 min, and the positions of petechial hemorrhage were observed and photographed. The same organs and tissues in the boiled group were heated in boiling water （100 ℃）, and were observed and photographed at 30 and 60 s. Then histopathological examination was performed on all the laryngeal ventricles and cardiopulmonary tissues.

RESULTS

The petechial hemorrhage originating from laryngeal ventricle, trachea and lung did not disappear after high temperature treatment in the eight rabbits. The deepened color was visible to naked eyes and distinct from the surrounding normal tissues, with bleeding under the microscope.

CONCLUSIONS

Petechial hemorrhage caused by mechanical asphyxia would not disappear under high temperature, which might be related to the manner of death, the intensity and time of action, and the individual differences.

[Contamination and pathogenicity analysis of listeria monocytogenes in restaurant in Heilongjiang Province]

Objective: To study the contamination, serotype, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and drug resistance of listeria monocytogenes (L.monocytogenes) in the process of restaurant kitchens in Heilongjiang Province. Methods: Seventeen typical restaurants were selected from three cities in Heilongjiang Province in 2016, and 590 kitchen samples were collected and tested according to the national standard method. The serotype, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and drug resistance of isolated strains were analyzed. Results: L. monocytogenes was found in 104 of 590 of the samples analysed (17.63%). The isolates belong to six serotypes (1/2 a, 1/2 b, 1/2c, 3a, 3 b, 4 b) and self-condensing bacteria, and 57.38% (70 strains) of the strains belong to serotype 1/2b. Two highly pathogenic serotype 4b was detected for human listeria disease. The results of PFGE analysis show that the bacteria have cross-contamination in the environment, tools, equipment, food and personnel. The drug resistance results showed that 2 strains were resistant to tetracycline, 1 strain was resistant to erythromycin, 13 strains were intermediate to tetracycline, and 2 strains were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin. Conclusion: There is a certain degree of L. monocytogenes cross-contamination in the catering kitchen in Heilongjiang Province. And an important serotype 4b that can cause human Listeria disease was detected.

Monolithic multiple colour emission from InGaN grown on patterned non-polar GaN

A novel overgrowth approach has been developed in order to create a multiple-facet structure consisting of only non-polar and semi-polar GaN facets without involving any c-plane facets, allowing the major drawbacks of utilising c-plane GaN for the growth of III-nitride optoelectronics to be eliminated. Such a multiple-facet structure can be achieved by means of overgrowth on non-polar GaN micro-rod arrays on r-plane sapphire. InGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) are then grown on the multiple-facet templates. Due to the different efficiencies of indium incorporation on non-polar and semi-polar GaN facets, multiple-colour InGaN/GaN MQWs have been obtained. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have demonstrated that the multiple-colour emissions with a tunable intensity ratio of different wavelength emissions can be achieved simply through controlling the overgrowth conditions. Detailed cathodoluminescence measurements and excitation-power dependent PL measurements have been performed, further validating the approach of employing the multiple facet templates for the growth of multiple colour InGaN/GaN MQWs. It is worth highlighting that the approach potentially paves the way for the growth of monolithic phosphor-free white emitters in the future.

Closed-incision negative-pressure therapy decreases complications in ventral hernia repair with concurrent panniculectomy

PURPOSE

Ventral hernia repair with concurrent panniculectomy (VHR-PAN) is associated with high wound complication rates despite reported increased patient satisfaction. Some surgeons believe negative-pressure therapy after primary closure of the surgical incision (ciNPT) may lower wound complications in high-risk abdominal wounds. This study aims to evaluate if ciNPT improves outcomes in patients undergoing VHR-PAN.

METHODS

An 8-year retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent VHR-PAN. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received closed-incision negative-pressure therapy ("ciNPT") and those who received standard sterile dressings ("SSD"). The primary outcome of interest was the rate of postoperative complications between these groups. Complications were subdivided into surgical site occurrences (which included surgical site occurrences that required an intervention), return to the operating room, and hernia recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were analyzed: 62 in the ciNPT group and 42 in the SSD group. Median follow-up duration was similar between both groups (182 days vs 195 days, p = 0.624). Patients in the ciNPT group had fewer total complications (57% vs. 83%, p = 0.004) and fewer SSO (47% vs. 69%, p = 0.025). However, no differences were noted when comparing individual complications (SSI, wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, chronic wound, seroma, and hematoma). There was no difference in return to the operating room (27% vs. 26%, p = 0.890) or hernia recurrence (21% vs 19%, p = 0.811). Multivariate analysis showed that ciNPT decreased the risk of SSOPI nearly fourfold (odds ratio 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09-0.87, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that closed-incision negative-pressure therapy in ventral hernia repair with concurrent panniculectomy may decrease the rate of wound complications in this high-risk population.

[Effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability]

Objective: To investigate the effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability. Methods: Prospective cohort study. A total of 60 patients (60 eyes), including 38 males (63.3%) and 22 females (37.7%) with an average age of (24.2±5.1) years (form 18 to 37 years), who had planned for corneal refractive surgery with normal ocular surface disease index score were included in this study. The patients were divided into 1d group (medication of 1 day, 30 eyes) and 3d group (medication of 3 days, 30 eyes) randomly. The first tear break up time (FBUT), the average tear break up time (AVBUT) and the dry eye grade score were recorded on the examination day and the operation day with Keratograph 5M. The difference of FBUT and AVBUI between the two groups was compared with the independent sample t test. The difference of FBUT and AVBUT between the examination day and the operation day was compared with the paired t test. The difference of the dry eye classification between the two groups was compared using chi-square test. Results: The FBUT and AVBUT of 1d group and 3d group were (10.89±5.19)s and (10.88±6.82)s, (16.24±3.62)s and (16.21±4.74)s respectively in preoperative examination, and (10.65±6.03)s and (8.14±5.75)s, (15.14±5.30)s and (12.86±5.92)s respectively in operation day. There was no significant difference in FBUT and AVBUT between the two groups (t=0.01, 1,47, 0.02, 1.44; P>0.05). However, in the 3d group, the AVBUT of operation day decreased as compared with that of the examination day, and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.31, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of dry eye classification between the two groups (χ(2)=0.07, 3.36; P>0.05). Conclusion: Both of medication of 1 day and medication of 3 days prior to corneal refractive surgery can provide a similar tear film stability, however more attention should be paid to the medication for patients with asymptomatic but abnormal BUT. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 744-747).

Self-consistent absorption correction for quantifying very noisy X-ray maps: group III nitride nanowires as an example

Energy-dispersive X-ray mapping in a scanning transmission electron microscope is a method to visualize the spatial distribution of chemical elements in a sample. Quantification of the signal intensities depends on proper background elimination and correction of the self-absorption and fluorescence of X-ray lines in the sample. The latter become particularly relevant for slightly thicker and rough samples, small take-off angles and low-energetic X-ray lines, for which we have recently introduced a self-consistent absorption correction based on effective k*-factors selected automatically from curves simulated as function of a K/L line intensity ratio of one of the heavier elements in the sample for ranges of different compositions. This has been shown to work well for thick and for rough samples. Correcting the background intensity to sub-pixel accuracy is necessary for reliable quantification of very noisy maps. In this study, we show how this self-consistent absorption correction method can be applied to InGaN and AlGaN layers in GaN nanowires, the net maps of which can be so noisy the layers can hardly be seen by the eye (a few counts per pixel) and the background is below a single count in each spectrum channel. The result indicates that background estimation for the Ga L-line intensity using fractional counts from an interpolation of maps from neighbouring X-ray lines of elements that are not actually present in the specimen is critical for quantification. The nanowires studied were between 66 and 375 nm thick.

LAY DESCRIPTION

Energy-dispersive X-ray mapping in a scanning transmission electron microscope is a method to visualize the spatial distribution of chemical elements in a sample. Quantification of the signal intensities depends on proper background elimination and correction of the self-absorption of X-ray lines in the sample. Here we show that our previously developed method of self-consistent effective absorption factors works well even with extremely noise elemental maps of a few net counts only where the human eye can hardly discern any pattern and the background signal is typically less than a single count in each spectrum channel. Correcting the background intensity to sub-pixel accuracy is then necessary for reliable quantification.

Seed targeting with tiny anti-miR-1297 inhibits EMT in melanoma cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that have tissue- and cell-specific expression. They have the ability to regulate the malignant proliferation and transformation of tumour cells. The research focussed on the expression and role of miR-1297 in melanoma. We firstly found that miR-1297 is up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Functionally, phosphatase and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten gene (PTEN) was used as a potential target for miR-1297 and detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We then used chemical synthesis of anti-miR1297 to explore the influence on melanoma cells and examined the effects on A375 cell proliferation using MTT and western blotting methods. The results showed that anti-miR-1297 transfected A375 cells could inhibit the growth. Furthermore, transfection with anti-miR-1297 reduced PTEN protein expression and partially restrained A375 cells proliferation, migration and reversed Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) progression. In conclusion, we tentatively put forward that miR-1297 might be the key oncomiR in melanoma, and seed-targeted anti-miR-1297 might serve as a new tactic for miR-1297-based therapies.

Impact of upper respiratory tract infections on perioperative outcomes of children undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterisation

BACKGROUND

Recent upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is associated with increased incidence of perioperative complications in children undergoing open heart surgery. As a result, surgery is often postponed. However, the effect of recent URI on the incidence of perioperative complications in children undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterisation is unknown. We investigated the perioperative outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) children with recent URI who underwent elective therapeutic catheterisation.

METHODS

We prospectively included children treated for CHD. Before surgery, parents or legal guardians were interviewed to complete a questionnaire on the child's demographics, history of asthma and passive smoking, and URI symptoms. Recorded perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) included laryngospasm, bronchospasm, breath holding, oxygen desaturation, and severe cough. Information on postoperative dysphoria, fever, copious sputum, and vomiting was obtained by telephone 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 363 included children, 169 had recently (within 2 weeks) had a URI. The URI did not affect the incidence of laryngospasm, bronchospasm, breath holding, fever, or vomiting. The incidence of desaturation, severe cough, dysphoria, and copious sputum were significantly increased. Independent risk factors for PRAEs in children with a recent URI included age, passive smoking, and presence of rhinorrhoea or moist cough. The lengths of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

Although recent URI increased the incidence of PRAEs in children undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterisation, most CHD patients with recent URI can undergo elective therapeutic cardiac catheterisation without serious adverse events or prolonged hospitalisation.

Association between COMT SNP variation and timidity in Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Timidity in dogs is a trait with high heritability. However, the relevant genetic factors and markers associated with this condition are largely unknown. The function of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene has been found to be associated with human fearful or anxious emotions, and the COMT:p.Val158Met polymorphism locus is significantly related to anxious behavior. In the present study, the correlation between timidity and four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations (C.-1666C>G c.39A>G, c.216G>A, c.482G>A) of the COMT gene was investigated in dogs. The evaluation was based on the dog courage assessment assay and a genotype and haplotype analysis in Labrador Retrievers (LR) and Golden Retrievers (GR). The principal components analysis factor structure of the courage phenotype was invariant between LR and GR. Sex, breed and age had no statistically significant effect on the timidity of the dogs. All SNP loci detected were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The c.39A>G locus was removed in the subsequent association analysis due to the significant difference between LR and GR in genotype distributions. Intriguingly, the genotypes and haplotypes of the COMT gene were significantly and highly correlated with the timidity of LR and GR. The A alleles of the COMT:c.216G>A and c.482G>A loci appeared to play a dominant role in the timid behavior of the dogs. This result supports and broadens the warrior/worrier hypothesis and will have important implications for the understanding of the evolution of temperament in dogs. Additionally, the results provide predictive genetic markers for temperament in dogs.

HTT2 promotes plant thermotolerance in Brassica rapa

BACKGROUND

Numerous regulatory genes participate in plant thermotolerance. In Arabidopsis, HEAT-INDUCED TAS1 TARGET2 (HTT2) is an important thermotolerance gene that is silenced by ta-siR255, a trans-acting siRNA. ta-siR255 is absent from heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). Our previous attempt to overexpress the endogenous BrpHTT2 gene of heading Chinese cabbage (B. rapa ssp. pekinensis) failed because of cosuppression. In theory, heading Chinese cabbage can overexpress Arabidopsis HTT2 to improve thermotolerance in the absence of ta-siR255-mediated gene silencing and the weak potential of coexpression.

RESULTS

To test the potential application of HTT2 in improving crop thermotolerance, we transferred p35S::HTT2 to heading Chinese cabbage. We tested the leaf electrical conductivity, hypocotyl elongation, and survival percentage of p35S::HTT2 plants subjected to high-temperature (38 °C) and heat-shock (46 °C) treatment. The leaf electrical conductivity of p35S::HTT2 seedlings under high temperature decreased but did negligibly change under heat shock. The hypocotyl length of p35S::HTT2 seedlings increased under high temperature and heat shock. The survival rate of p35S::HTT2 seedlings increased under heat shock. BrpHsfs, a subset of heat-shock factor genes, were upregulated in p35S::HTT2 plants under high-temperature and heat shock conditions. In the field, transgenic plants with HTT2 appeared greener and formed leafy heads earlier than wild-type plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous HTT2 increased the survival rates of heat-shocked heading Chinese cabbage by promoting thermotolerance through decreasing electrical conductivity and extending hypocotyl length. Our work provides a new approach to the genetic manipulation of thermotolerance in crops through the introduction of exogenous thermotolerance genes.

Insertion methods comparison for The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway in children by novice

BACKGROUND

The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA™) is a popular supraglottic airway device used for pediatric anesthesia. However, based on the anatomical features of pediatric patients, novice residents are expected to have difficulties inserting the device. The objective of this work was to improve the SLIPA insertion by modifying the device.

METHODS

A total of 134 children were randomized into two groups. Anesthesia was standardized among all patients except for the way in which the SLIPA was inserted. One group underwent the conventional method of insertion (Group C), while the modified group received a SLIPA that was bent120° at the 'bridge' point with an intubating stylet (Group M). The primary outcome was insertion success rate, and the secondary outcomes included insertion time, incidence of complications and hemodynamic responses to insertion.

RESULTS

The insertion success rate was significantly higher in Group M than Group C (94% vs. 73%, Χ² = 10.659, P = 0.001). The insertion time for Group M [29.31 (25.91-35.60) seconds] was shorter than for Group C [34.72 (26.81-42.58) seconds] (Z = -2.381, P = 0.017). Trends in heart rate (F = 0.260, P = 0.794), mean blood pressure (F = 0.167, P = 0.683) did not significantly differ between the two groups over time. In terms of complications, we found no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 120° bend improved SLIPA insertion when performed by novice, as reflected by higher insertion success rates and shorter insertion times, with no statistical differences in hemodynamic response to insertion or the incidence rates of complications between the two groups.

Knockdown of Rice MicroRNA166 Confers Drought Resistance by Causing Leaf Rolling and Altering Stem Xylem Development

MicroRNAs are 19- to 22-nucleotide small noncoding RNAs that have been implicated in abiotic stress responses. In this study, we found that knockdown of microRNA166, using the Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM) system, resulted in morphological changes that confer drought resistance in rice (Oryza sativa). From a large-scale screen for miRNA knockdown lines in rice, we identified miR166 knockdown lines (STTM166); these plants exhibit a rolled-leaf phenotype, which is normally displayed by rice plants under drought stress. The leaves of STTM166 rice plants had smaller bulliform cells and abnormal sclerenchymatous cells, likely causing the rolled-leaf phenotype. The STTM166 plants had reduced stomatal conductance and showed decreased transpiration rates. The STTM166 lines also exhibited altered stem xylem and decreased hydraulic conductivity, likely due to the reduced diameter of the xylem vessels. Molecular analyses identified rice HOMEODOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN4 (OsHB4), a member of HD-Zip III gene family, as a major target of miR166; moreover, rice plants overexpressing a miR166-resistant form of OsHB4 resembled the STTM166 plants, including leaf rolling and higher drought resistance. The genes downstream of miR166-OsHB4 consisted of polysaccharide synthesis-related genes that may contribute to cell wall formation and vascular development. Our results suggest that drought resistance in rice can be increased by manipulating miRNAs, which leads to developmental changes, such as leaf rolling and reduced diameter of the xylem, that mimic plants' natural responses to water-deficit stress.

Simulation Evaluation of Cardiac Assist Devices

During past decades, various cardiac assist devices were invented. These cardiac assist devices can be classified into two categories: parallel connected or sequentially connected to the natural heart. In the past, more attention was paid to the assistance of the device provided to the failing heart and most research was conducted towards that goal. While less attention was paid to the “dose” of the assistance for rehabilitation of the natural heart. In our study, the hemodynamic effects of parallel as well as sequential cardiac assist devices are investigated in terms of the working load to the natural heart, and the oxygen supply and consumption of the natural heart. Preliminary results show that the sequential assistance could reduce the working load of the natural heart as well as increase the coronary flow. The results also indicate that the control scheme of the cardiac assist device has effect on the oxygen supply and consumption of the natural heart. There is optimal “dose” of assistance for the rehabilitation of the natural heart.

Association of microRNAs with Types of Leaf Curvature in Brassica rapa

Many vegetable crops of Brassica rapa are characterized by their typical types of leaf curvature. Leaf curvature in the right direction and to the proper degree is important for the yield and quality of green vegetable products, when cultivated under stress conditions. Recent research has unveiled some of the roles of miRNAs in Brassica crops such as how they regulate the timing of leafy head initiation and shape of the leafy head. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the variability in leaf curvature in B. rapa remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the leaf curvature of B. rapa is affected by miRNA levels. On the basis of leaf phenotyping, 56 B. rapa accessions were classified into five leaf curvature types, some of which were comparable to miRNA mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana in phenotype. Higher levels of miR166 and miR319a expression were associated with downward curvature and wavy margins, respectively. Overexpression of the Brp-MIR166g-1 gene caused rosette leaves to change from flat to downward curving and folding leaves to change from upward curving to flat, leading to the decrease in the number of incurved leaves and size of the leafy head. Our results reveal that miRNAs affect the types of leaf curvature in B. rapa. These findings provide insight into the relationship between miRNAs and variation in leaf curvature.

Ectopic Cartilage Formation Induced by Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Porous Gelatin-Chondroitin-Hyaluronate Scaffold Containing Microspheres Loaded with TGF-β1

The study aimed to produce a novel porous gelatin-chondroitin-hyaluronate scaffold in combination with a controlled release of TGF-β1 and to evaluate its potentials in ectopic cartilage formation. The gelatin-chondroitin-hyaluronate scaffold was developed to mimic the natural extra cellular matrix of cartilage. Gelatin microspheres loaded with TGF-β1 (MS-TGFβ1) showed a fast cytokine release at initial phase (37.4%) and the ultimate accumulated release was 83.1% by day 18. Then MS-TGFβ1 were incorporated into scaffold. The MSCs seeded on scaffold with or without MS-TGFβ1 were incubated in vitro or implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. In vitro study showed that, compared to the scaffold, the scaffold/MS-TGFβ1 significantly augmented the proliferation of MSCs and GAG synthesis. Three weeks postoperatively histology observation showed that in MSCs/scaffold/MS-TGFβ1 implantation group, cells of newly formed ectopic cartilage were located within typical lacunae and demonstrated morphological characteristics of chondrocytes. Six weeks later the ectopic cartilage grew more and islands of cartilage were observed. The matrix was extensively metachromatic by safranin-O/Fast green staining. Immunohistochemical staining also indicated ectopic cartilage was intensely stained for type II collagen. Instead, in the MSCs/scaffold implantation group, no cartilage-like tissue formed and matrix showed negative or weak positive staining. The percentage of positive staining area was significantly larger in MSCs/scaffold/MS-TGFβ1 group (p<0.05) at each time point. The results indicated that the novel gelatin-chondroitin-hyaluronate scaffold with MS-TGFβ1 could induce the chondral differentiation of MSCs to form cartilage and might serve as a new way to repair cartilage defects.

[Screening of Differential Expression Proteins in Rat Brain Tissues after DAI by iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS]

OBJECTIVES

To screen for the differential expression proteins in brain tissues of SD rat after diffuse axonal injury （DAI） by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification-liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer （iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS）, and to explore potential biomarkers available for the diagnosis of DAI.

METHODS

Animal models of DAI were established with the Marmarou method as reference, and the subjects were divided into blank control group （n=4）, sham strike group （n=4） and fatal strike group （n=4）, respectively. The proteins in rat brain tissues were detected by iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS, and bioinformatics analysis and verification were performed on the results and screened for the differential expression proteins.

RESULTS

A total of 2 016 proteins were identified and quantified. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that the proteins had wide distribution and function, and participated in different biological processes. There were 16 proteins showed differential expression in fatal strike group, including one up-regulated expression protein and 15 down-regulated expression proteins. The results of iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS were confirmed by Western blotting method.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple differential expression proteins in rat brain tissues after DAI can be screened by iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS. This not only indicates a research direction for exploring the pathogenesis of DAI, but also provides potential biomarkers available for the diagnosis of DAI.

[Overexpression of TRPV1 after periphery nerve injury attenuates nerve regeneration in rats]

Objective: To observe the effect of the expressive or functional blockage of TRPV1 on nerve regeneration after sciatic trans-section injury. Methods: AMG-517, a kind of TRPV1 inhibitor, was injected into the surrounding area of the ipsilateral lumbar dorsal root ganglia while unilateral sciatic nerve was transected. A total of 24 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, injury only group, injury+ AMG-517 150 μg/kg group, injury+ AMG-517 300 μg/kg group. The injury only group was injected the same volume of medium. The release of CGRP from dorsal-horn of spinal cord, the number of axons at proximal stem of sciatic nerve after transection, and the expression of TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglion were detected using the methods of ELISA, Western blot and semi-thin section (1 μm)- toluidine blue staining 2 weeks after injury. Results: The release of CGRP in lumbar spinal dorsal horn was obviously decreased after AMG-517 treatment, which was the evidence of TRPV1 functional inhibition. CGRP in the control group was 0.15 ng/g, the injury only group 0.17 ng/g, AMG-517 150 μg/kg group 0.09 ng/g, and AMG-517 300 μg/kg group 0.11 ng/g(P<0.01). The number of axons which were myelinated or unmyelinated increased after the TRPV1 was inhibited by AMG-517(P<0.01). In addition, the injection of AMG-517 into surrounding dorsal root ganglion decreased the expression of TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglion(P<0.01). Conclusions: Over expression or activation of TRPV1 after periphery nerve injury has negative effect on nerve regeneration in fact; Inhibiting the over-expression or over-activation of TRPV1 after nerve injury facilitates axonal regeneration and nerve repair.

[Changes of HbCO in the Blood of Rats with Different CO Concentration and Inhalation Time]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the change rules of behavioral characteristics, survival time and saturation of carboxyhemoglobin （HbCO） in different CO concentration to provide experimental basis for the cases of CO poisoning death in forensic practice.

METHODS

Total 160 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups. CO with the concentration of 1 250 mg/m³, 3 750 mg/m³, 6 250 mg/m³ were continuously and respectively replenished in a self-made toxicant exposure equipment until rats died from poisoning. In different CO concentration, the behavioral characteristics and survival time of poisoning rats were observed and recorded. The saturation of HbCO in heart blood was detected by spectrophotometric method. Organs such as brain, heart, lung and liver, and heart blood were obtained via autopsy and histopathological observation was performed.

RESULTS

The behavioral characteristics of CO poisoning rats were limp and slow response. There were a gradual decrease of survival time and an increase of HbCO saturation in rats with the increase of CO concentration. Three rats in CO concentration of 1 250 mg/m³ group showed lower saturations of HbCO than the lethal dose and this situation hasn't been found in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The animal model of CO poisoning established under different CO concentration has the advantages such as simplicity and good repeatability, which lays a foundation to the further study for CO and other inhaled toxic gas in the research of forensic sciences.

[Clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of complex fracture and dislocation of foot with severe soft tissue injury]

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the treatment of complex fracture and dislocation of foot with severe soft tissue injury. Methods: From March 2012 to January 2015, a retrospective analysis of 108 cases of the foot closed complex fracture dislocation with severe soft tissue injury in Department of Foot and Ankle, the Second Hospital of Tangshan City, Tangshan.Injury mechanisms included press and crush injury, traffic accident.According to the operation the cases were divided into the VSD group (56 cases) and the control group (52 cases). The injury foot swelling after treated by open reduction and internal fixation or fusion joint fracture and dislocation. VSD technique was used to cover the wound and wound in group VSD. The wound was sutured, the sterile dressing was covered and the dressing was changed regularly in the control group. Results: Preoperative hospitalization time: 16 days in group VSD, 28 days in the control group; the total hospitalization time: 33 days in group VSD, 53 days in the control group; wound healing: 29 cases in VSD group, 12 cases in the control group; prolonged healing after dressing: 16 cases in VSD group, 13 cases in the control group; after skin grafting healing: 9 cases in VSD group, 17 cases in the control group; healed after flap transposition: 2 cases in VSD group and 10 cases in thecontrol group.The difference of the data of the two groups was statistically significant, P<0.05.Maryland foot score: 55-98 (average: 88.8, median: 91.5) points in VSD group, 38-97 (average: 84.85, median: 91) points in control group, compared with median by rank sum test, Z value: -2.755, the difference was statistically significant, P< 0.05.The late recovery effect rating: 39 casesexcellent, good 12 cases, can be 5 cases, no poor in VSD group, excellent 29 cases, good 8 cases, can be 11 cases, poor 4 cases in the the control group, the difference was statistically significant, P<0.05. Conclusion: VSD can shorten the preoperative waiting time and total hospitalization time, improve the wound healing rate directly, reduce the skin grafting and flap transfer replacement rate, reduce the secondary injury, increased fracture risk reduction and internal fixation, reduce joint fusion rate in the treatment of foot closed complex fracture and dislocation with severe soft tissue injury.

Effect of Shenqin biochemical extract on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in ultraviolet B-irradiated HaCaT cells

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is considered the main transcriptional regulator of the hypoxia-specific cellular and developmental response. This study was performed to investigate the effect of Shenqin biochemical extract (SQBE) on HIF-1α expression in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT cells and the possible action mechanisms of SQBE against UVB-induced skin cancer. HaCaT cells in logarithmic growth phase were seeded in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum, and conventionally cultured at 37°C with 5% CO₂. Cells were divided into control group (administered the same amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide), SQBE1 group (12.5 μg/mL SQBE), SQBE2 group (25.0 μg/mL SQBE), and SQBE3 group (50.0 μg/mL SQBE). Four hours post administration, the control and treatment groups were irradiated with UVB (0, 20, 40, and 60 mJ/cm²). After 24 h, cell survival rate was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of HIF-1α mRNA and protein were detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. SQBE-treated, UVB-irradiated cells had improved survival rates. This increase was most significant in SQBE3 group (P < 0.01), which also had effectively reduced expression of intracellular HIF-1α mRNA and protein. Hence, SQBE had a protective effect on UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and inhibited the UVB irradiation-induced expression of HIF-1α. This indicates that SQBE could prevent the occurrence of UVB radiation-induced skin cancer.

[The value of different antibodies detection in diagnosis of rheumatism with uveitis]

Objective: To investigate the value of HLA-B27 antigen, antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-dsDNA and Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) detection in diagnosis of rheumatism with uveitis. Methods: Seven hundred and twenty four newly diagnosed patients with non-infection uveitis in Beijing Tongren Hospital from March 2012 to March 2016 who long-term lived in Beijing and its surrounding areas were continuously enrolled. HLA-B27 antigen expressions in peripheral blood lymphocytes and ANA, anti-dsDNA and ANCA levels in serum were tested. The detailed clinical data, imaging examinations and pathological examinations were recorded to define whether the patients had rheumatism and the types of rheumatism. Results: There were 285 patients were diagnosed with rheumatism in 724 patients (39.4%), with 135 male (47.4%) and 150 female (52.6%). The mean age of male (41±14) was lower than that of female (44±14), with statistically significant (t=2.18, P<0.05). There were 176 patients with Spondyloarthropathies, 48 patients with primary systemic vasculitis, 22 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 18 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome, 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 5 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 285 rheumatism patients. The positive rate of HLA-B27(57.2%), ANA(15.8%), anti-dsDNA (5.3%) and ANCA(9.1%) in rheumatic uveitis patients were obviously higher than those of non-rheumatic uveitis patients [HLA-B27(1.1%), ANA(1.6%), anti-dsDNA (0.0%) and ANCA(0.9%)], with statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P<0.01). The HLA-B27 positive antigen were mainly in patients with Spondyloarthropathies, rate was 92.1%; the positive ANA were mainly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rate was 95.5%; the positive anti-dsDNA were mainly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rate was 59.1%; the positive ANCA were mainly in patients with primary systemic vasculitis (besides Behcet disease), rate was 57.1%. Conclusions: The detections of HLA-B27 antigen, ANA, anti-dsDNA and ANCA are valuable for primary screening of some rheumatic uveitis. There fore, clinicians should select targeted laboratory examination combine with the patients' clinical manifestations. This will be helpful in the auxiliary diagnosis of some types of rheumatic uveitis.

[Clinical effect of double layer vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of delayed severe infection after calcaneal fracture operation]

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique and simple dressing change in the treatment of delayed severe infection after calcaneal fracture surgery. Methods: From August 2008 to July 2015 , 73 patients with delayed severe infection were treated after calcaneal fractures 3 months in Department of Foot and Ankle, the Second Hospital of Tangshan City, according to the treatment methods are divided into vacuum sealing drainage group of 38 cases, 35 cases of simple dressing group.Two groups of patients after regular wound debridement debridement and sterilization after vacuum sealing drainage group received double wound VSD dressing group received postoperative dressing, two groups of patients with sensitive antibiotics for treatment.Two groups of patients according to the frequency of dressing change, wound healing time, bacterial clearance time and healing time were compared in stage Ⅱ during the perioperative period. Results: Vacuum sealing drainage group: dressing: 7 times, the wound healing time was 27 days, bacterial culture negative for 8 days, the healing time of 13.5 days of perioperative period; treatment group: 34 times the number of dressing, wound healing time was 44 days, bacterial culture negative for 18 days, the healing time of 17 days of surgery period. Two groups of data were compared with the median, after the rank sum test, the difference was statistically significant (Z values were -6.670, -5.529, -5.011, -3.227, P<0.05). The vacuum sealing drainage group compared with conventional dressing group significantly reduced the number of dressing, wound healing time, healing time was significantly shortened bacterial clearance time and perioperative period Ⅱ. Conclusion: Double VSD is easy , safe and quick, short cure time, less pain, higher quality of late life advantages, compared with the traditional dressing treatment of calcaneal fractures of postoperative delayed severe infection, is a safe and effective method.

Interface-induced terahertz persistent photoconductance in rGO-gelatin flexible films

Light-induced difference terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is used to investigate the dielectric characteristics of reduced graphene oxide-gelatin (rGO-Gel) flexible films. RGO-Gel films are observed to exhibit positive photoconductance under 800 nm laser illumination, resulting in the modulation depth of the THz transmission up to 33.5%. Moreover, persistent photoconductance (PPC), which is a prolonged light-induced conducting behavior, has been observed to last as long as tens of seconds in rGO-Gel films. The PPC phenomenon is due to the electrons trapped in the defects of rGO and in the interface between rGO and gelatin, and is enhanced by the strong interaction between rGO (a p-type semiconductor) and gelatin (electron donors). This work holds potential for creating optoelectronic devices based on rGO-Gel films, such as optical modulators, switches, photodetectors, photosensors, and persistent photonic memory devices in the THz region.

The gene polymorphisms of IL-8(-251T/A) and IP-10(-1596C/T) are associated with susceptibility and progression of type 2 diabetic retinopathy in northern Chinese population

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to investigate the association of the polymorphism of two genes in CXC chemokine family, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), with both susceptibility and progression of DR in T2D population of northern China.Patients and methodsA total of 1043 eligible type 2 diabetic patients from Heilongjiang of northern China were recruited for this study. They were grouped into: with diabetic retinopathy (DR, 528 cases) and without diabetic retinopathy (DNR, 515 cases). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of IL-8(-251T/A) and IP-10(-1596C/T) was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate analysis and stepwise multiple logistic progression analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between gene SNP and DR susceptibility and progression. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to assess the strength of the association among study groups.ResultsThe occurring of IL-8(-251) AA genotype was correlated with susceptibility (OR: 2.286, 95% CI: 1.382-3.782, P=0.001) and progression of high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (OR: 0.354, 95% CI: 0.162-0.770, P=0.009). Reversely, T allele of IP-10 (-1596) C/T was correlated with a reduced risk of DR (OR: 0.341, 95% CI: 0.249-0.466, P<0.001). However, gene polymorphisms of IL-8-251T/A and IP-10-1596C/T were not associated with diabetic macular edema (DME)(P>0.05).ConclusionsAA genotype of IL-8-251T/A was closely correlated to DR and high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). -1596T allele of the IP-10 is a beneficial genotype for DR.

GaN nano-pyramid arrays as an efficient photoelectrode for solar water splitting

A prototype photoelectrode has been fabricated using a GaN nano-pyramid array structure grown on a cost-effective Si (111) substrate, demonstrating a significant improvement in performance of solar-powered water splitting compared with any planar GaN photoelectrode. Such a nano-pyramid structure leads to enhanced optical absorption as a result of a multi-scattering process which can effectively produce a reduction in reflectance. A simulation based on a finite-difference time-domain approach indicates that the nano-pyramid architecture enables incident light to be concentrated within the nano-pyramids as a result of micro-cavity effects, further enhancing optical absorption. Furthermore, the shape of the nano-pyramid further facilitates the photo-generated carrier transportation by enhancing a hole-transfer efficiency. All these features as a result of the nano-pyramid configuration lead to a large photocurrent of 1 mA cm^-2 under an illumination density of 200 mW cm^-2, with a peak incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 46.5% at ∼365 nm, around the band edge emission wavelength of GaN. The results presented are expected to pave the way for the fabrication of GaN based photoelectrodes with a high energy conversion efficiency of solar powered water splitting.

Investigation of the size effect for photonic crystals

Three types of photonic crystal (PC) thin films have been prepared for the investigation of their deformation behaviors by nanoindentation tests at the microscale and nanoscale. Each type of PC thin film was composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a uniform size. Another type of thin film was prepared by assembling nanoparticles with three different sizes. It was exciting to observe that the hardness and Young's modulus were significantly improved (more than 15 times) in well-ordered PC thin films than disordered ones. Furthermore, size-dependent mechanical properties were observed for the three types of PCs. Such a size effect phenomenon can be attributed to the special polycrystalline material having a periodical face-centered cubic structure of PC thin films. Furthermore, the indentation size effect that shows that the indentation hardness decreases with an increasing indentation depth has also been observed for all four types of thin films. It is conjectured that the application of the PC structure to other functional materials may enhance their mechanical properties.

Full-length genome sequencing analysis of avian infectious bronchitis virus isolate associated with nephropathogenic infection

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) produces infectious bronchitis (IB) disease in poultry worldwide. In spite of proper vaccinations against the IBV, new IBV strains are continually emerging worldwide. In this study, a new highly virulent nephropathogenic IBV strain named CK/CH/XDC-2/2013 was identified from a vaccinated flock with clinical signs of IB in the Jiangsu province of China. The full-length genome sequence of the isolate was 27,714 nucleotides long, and the genome was organized similarly to classical IBV strains. Minimum divergence, phylogenetic analysis, and distance matrix of the genome showed that the CK/CH/XDC-2/2013 isolate had the highest similarity to the IBV BJ strain. The spike glycoprotein (S) gene had the greatest similarity to the nephropathogenic BJ strain and showed an 8 amino acid insertion (YSNGNSDV) at 73 to 80 sites and 3 amino acid deletion at sites 126 to 128 compared to the IBV vaccine strains. A recombination analysis of the S gene showed that the new isolate evolved from the IBV BJ strain and the KM91 vaccine strain. An animal challenge experiment showed a mortality of 60 to 80% in early-age chickens by different inoculation routes. Pathological examinations of the kidneys revealed inflammation, distention with uric acid deposits, and tubular degeneration. It indicated that the CK/CH/XDC-2/2013 isolate has robust kidney tissue tropism, and new nephropathogenic IBV strains are continuously evolving in China.