Water bridges as the trigger in an amino functionalized Zn-MOF for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water

Water is a fundamental element for life. The highly selective and sensitive sensing of water is always attractive for mankind in activities such as physiological processes study and extraterrestrial life exploration. Fluorescent MOFs with precise channels and functional groups might specifically recognize water molecules with hydrogen-bond interaction or coordination effects and work as water sensors. As a proof of concept, herein, an amino functionalized Zn-MOF (named as complex 1) with pores that just right for water molecules to form hydrogen bond bridges is revealed for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the 3D framework of complex 1 is functionalized with free amino groups in the channels. Hydrogen bonds formed in the channel along b-axis as water bridges to connect two adjacent NH2bdc ligands and result in the restriction of intramolecular motions (RIM) which could responsible for the selective turn-on fluorescence response to water. Complex 1 exhibits high sensitive to trace amount of water in organic solvents and could be used for water detection in a wide range water contents. Take advantages of complex 1, portable sensors (complex 1@PMMA) were prepared and used in the highly sensitive water sensing.

Analysis of anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio in predicting thyroid malignancy on ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnostic value of anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio for predicting thyroid cancer.

METHODS

A total of 2306 nodules were divided into 5 groups according to their size. The ability of the anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio to predict thyroid cancer was analysed in each group on the basis of the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Youden index.

RESULTS

The median anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio was 0.83, with an interquartile range of 0.28. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.709 (p < 0.001). When the diameter of a thyroid nodule was less than 1.5 cm, an anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio of more than 0.9 was associated with higher sensitivity, accuracy and Youden index, compared with an anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio of greater than 1.0, but the specificity was lower. When the diameter of a thyroid nodule was 1.5 cm or more, an anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio of greater than 0.9 was associated with higher sensitivity and Youden index, compared with an anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio of greater than 1.0, but specificity and accuracy were lower.

CONCLUSION

The anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio was a meaningful indicator of thyroid cancer, and its predictive effectiveness could be influenced by nodule size.

A combination of three probiotic strains for treatment of acute diarrhoea in hospitalised children: an open label, randomised controlled trial

Acute diarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalisation, and mortality worldwide, and probiotics have been proposed as a complementary therapy in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of three combined probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, as an adjunct to rehydration therapy in treatment of acute watery diarrhoea in hospitalised children. Eligible diarrheal children were randomised into intervention group (IG, n=96, conventional treatment for diarrhoea in combination with probiotics) and control group (CG, n=98, conventional treatment for diarrhoea without probiotics). The primary assessments of this study were duration of diarrhoea and hospital stay and improvement in diarrhoea symptoms. Significantly more children in the IG showed improvements in diarrhoea (defined as a decrease of stool frequency to no more than four times per day and an improved stool consistency within 24-48 h after the treatment) than those in the CG (96.9 vs 79.6%, P<0.05). Children supplemented with the mixed strains had a 22.5 h shorter (121.4±13.7 h vs 143.9±19.8 h) mean duration of diarrhoea and 1.2 d shorter hospital stays (5.1±1.2 d vs 6.3±1.4 d) than children only receiving the rehydration therapy (P<0.05). The prevalence of constipation of children in the IG (3.1%) was markedly lower (P<0.05) than that of children in the CG (13.3%) after treatment. In conclusion, the mixture of three probiotic strains given to children aged 1-3 years resulted in shorter durations of diarrhoea and hospitalisation and a higher percentage of improved children.

MicroRNA-142-3p suppresses cell proliferation and migration in bladder cancer via Rac1

Expression of microRNA(miR)-142-3p has been implicated to be associated with several cancers, whereas its function in bladder cancer (BC) remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the correlation between the expression of miR-142-3p and the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by activating Rac1. qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression of miR-142- 3p in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. RNA transfection was used to silence and accelerate the expression of miR-142-3p in bladder cancer cells. CCK-8 and trans-well assays were used to detect the proliferation, migration and invasion of cells before and after RNA transfection. The direct interaction between Rac1 and miR-142-3p was demonstrated by a dual luciferase reporter assay. qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to detect the expression changes in Rac1 before and after transfection. The results showed that miR-142-3p in bladder cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent tissues and lower than that in HT1376 and T-24 cells but higher than that in T5637 and BIU- 87 cells. Additionally, upregulating miR-142-3p expression not only inhibits the proliferation of SV-HUC-1 and BIU-87 cells but also inhibits migration and invasion, and downregulating miR-142-3p expression showed the opposite results. The expression of Rac1 was promoted after stimulating miR- 142-3p expression, but was inhibited after silencing miR-142-3p expression. In conclusion, miR-142-3p affects the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating Rac1.

Up-regulated circular RNA hsa_circ_0067934 contributes to glioblastoma progression through activating PI3K-AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cancer progression and metastasis, although little is known about their role in glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0067934 in GBM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hsa_circ_0067934 expression was detected in GBM tissues and cell lines by using RT-PCR. The prognostic value of the hsa_circ_0067934 expression in GBM patients was statistically analyzed. The effects of hsa_circ_0067934 expression on growth and apoptosis of GBM cells were analyzed by CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry. Migration and invasion ability was evaluated by transwell and wound-healing assays. The protein expression of signaling pathways was determined by using Western blot.

RESULTS

The expression level of hsa_circ_0067934 was significantly increased in GBM tissues and cancer cells. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with higher expression of hsa_circ_0067934 had a more favorable overall survival and disease-free survival. The functional investigations revealed that the knockdown of hsa_circ_0067934 suppressed GBM cell proliferation, metastasis and EMT, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, the mechanistic analysis demonstrated that the down-regulation of hsa_circ_0067934 significantly suppressed the activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Hsa_circ_0067934 is overexpressed and plays an oncogenic role in GBM by promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via upregulation of PI3K-AKT pathway, which suggests that hsa_circ_0067934 is likely to serve as an efficient therapeutic approach in respect of GBM treatment.

[Progress of total ankle arthroplasty for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis]

Objective

To review the progress of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (AOA).

Methods

The domestic and foreign literatures about TAA in recent years were reviewed. The current status and progress of TAA were summarized from the results of traditional and computer-assisted TAA clinical outcomes.

Results

End-stage AOA often leads to severe pain and dysfunction, and arthrodesis is still the main selective treatment option. In recent years, with the advancement of surgical techniques and prosthesis design, TAA which can remain joint mobility has increased gradually, and the surgical results also have significant progress. Accurate prosthesis implant and mechanical alignment restoration are critical factors for TAA, and surgery-related malalignment is correlative to the prosthesis failure. Computer assisted patient-specific guide can simplify the TAA procedures and obtain the accuracy of tibia and talus osteotomy.

Conclusion

The clinical efficiency of preoperative CT based patient-specific guide technology for TAA needs further clinical follow-up. Meanwhile, it is necessary to further develop intraoperative navigation and robotic surgery system suitable for TAA.

[Study on sustentaculum tali screw placement for constant fragment of calcaneal fracture]

Objective

To investigate the anatomical characters of the sustentaculum tali (ST), accurate entry point and direction for the placement of ST screw from posterior subtalar joint facet to the constant fragment (CF) in calcaneal fractures.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with calcaneal fractures performed ankle CT scans were enrolled between January 2016 and April 2016. According to the inclusion criteria, the clinical data of 33 patients were analyzed, including 18 males and 15 females, with a median age of 41.0 years (range, 18-60 years). There were 16 cases on left side and 17 cases on the right side. Three-dimensional (3D) calcaneal model was reconstructed by Mimics 17.0 software, and the ST anatomical references were measured, including the length of upper and lower edge, the length and height of the midline, the horizontal angle between the midline and foot plantar surface. The parameters of the optimal entry point position (P' point) and placement angle of the ST screw were determined. The length of ST screw was also measured. The differences between males and females or left and right sides were compared.

Results

The length of upper edge of the ST was (16.60±2.23) mm, lower edge (20.65±2.90) mm, midline (20.56±2.62) mm, and the height of midline was (9.61±1.36) mm. The horizontal angle between the midline and foot plantar surface was (23.43±3.36)°. The vertical distance from P' point to the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was (3.09±1.65) mm, while the horizontal distance was (14.29±2.75) mm. The distance from P' point to the apex of the lateral talus, subchondral bone of subtalar joint, calcaneocuboid joint was (11.41±3.22), (6.59±2.22), (34.58±3.75) mm, respectively. The horizontal angle between the ST screw and foot plantar surface was (-1.17±2.07)°. The anteversion angle of ST screw was (16.18±2.05)° and the length was (41.64 ± 3.09) mm. There were significant differences in the length of upper and lower edge, the length and height of the midline, the distance from P' point to the apex of the lateral talus, subchondral bone of subtalar joint, and calcaneocuboid joint, and the anteversion angle and length of the ST screw between males and females ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in above all parameters between left and right sides ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

After appropriate reduction of the calcaneal fractures, the entry point of ST screw was recommended at about 14 mm posterior and about 3 mm upper related to the foot horizontal line through the lowest tarsal sinus point; and the direction of ST screw placement was about 17° anteversion for males and 15° anteversion for females.

Comparative expression profile of microRNAs and piRNAs in three ruminant species testes using next-generation sequencing

microRNA (miRNA) and piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) are two classes small non-coding regulatory RNAs that play crucial roles in multiple biological processes such as spermatogenesis. However, there are no published studies on conjoint analysis of miRNA and piRNA profiles among cattle, yak and their interspecies (the dzo) using sequencing technology. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to profile miRNAs and piRNAs among those three ruminants to elucidate their functions. A total of 119, 14 and six differentially expressed miRNAs were obtained in cattle vs. dzo, cattle vs. yak and yak vs. dzo comparison groups, while there were 873, 1,065 and 1,158 differentially expressed piRNAs in those three comparison groups. The expression of three miRNAs was validated in the three ruminants, and the results suggested that the miRNA expression profiles data could represent actual miRNA expression levels. Moreover, the putative targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by their own genome, it is worth to note that both the cattle and yak genome were used for dzo, then the targets were subjected to GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, revealing the likely roles for these differentially expressed miRNAs in spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study provided a useful resource for further elucidation of the miRNAs and piRNAs regulatory roles in spermatogenesis. It may also facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for dzo reproduction research.

Electroacupuncture alleviates chemotherapy-induced pain through inhibiting phosphorylation of spinal CaMKII in rats

BACKGROUND

Current medical treatments for chemotherapy-induced pain (CIP) are either ineffective or have adverse side effects. Acupuncture may alleviate CIP, but its effectiveness against this condition has not been studied. Paclitaxel causes neuropathic pain in cancer patients.

METHODS

We evaluated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on paclitaxel-induced CIP in a rat model. Paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected (i.p.) on alternate days of 0-6. The resulting pain was treated with 10 Hz/2 mA/0.4 ms pulse EA for 30 min at the equivalent of human acupoint GB30 (Huantiao) once every other day between days 14 and 26. For sham control, EA needles were inserted into GB30 without stimulation. Von Frey filaments with bending forces of 2-8 g and 15 g were used to assess mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia, respectively, on day 13 and once every other day between 14-26 days and then for 2-3 weeks after EA treatment.

RESULTS

Compared to sham control, EA significantly alleviated paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia, as shown by less frequent withdrawal responses to the filaments. The alleviation of allodynia/hyperalgesia lasted up to 3 weeks after the EA treatment. EA significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the spinal cord. KN-93, a selective inhibitor of p-CaMKII, inhibited mechanical allodynia/hyperalgesia and p-CaMKII. 5-HT1A receptor antagonist blocked EA inhibition of allodynia/hyperalgesia and p-CaMKII.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroacupuncture activates 5-HT 1A receptors in the spinal cord and inhibits p-CaMKII to alleviate both allodynia and hyperalgesia. The data support acupuncture/EA as a complementary therapy for CIP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Electroacupuncture (EA) activates spinal 5-HT1A receptors to inhibit p-CaMKII to alleviate paclitaxel-induced pain. Acupuncture/EA may be used as a complementary therapy for CIP.

Short-Term Hypoxia Accelerates Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats by Suppressing Osteoblastogenesis but Enhancing Osteoclastogenesis

Background

Although it has been reported that hypoxic exposure can attenuate hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and some other diseases, effects of hypoxia on osteoporosis are still unknown.

Material/Methods

The current study investigated whether short-term hypoxic exposure (in comparison with normoxic conditions) affects bone metabolism in normal or ovariectomized (OVX) adult female rats in an vivo study. Micro-computed tomography bone volume/structural analyses, histological examination, and serum bone turnover biochemical assays were used. In addition, the expressions of some associated major regulatory molecules were measured in osteoblastic cultures.

Results

While the 14-day hypoxic exposure did not change the bone-remodeling process in normal adult female rats, it decreased bone volume, osteoclast density, and serum bone formation marker (alkaline phosphatase) level, but increased osteoclast density and serum bone resorption marker (C-telopeptide of collagen) level in OVX rats. The bone marrow adipocyte number and serum fatty acid binding protein-4 level were increased in OVX-hypoxic rats compared with OVX-normoxic rats. Consistently, in human MG-63 osteoblastic cultures, the hypoxic condition suppressed protein expression of osteogenic transcriptional factors Runx2 and osterix, elevated protein expression of osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, but reduced that of osteoclastogenic inhibitor osteoprotegerin.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, although no change occurred in the bone-remodeling process in normal adult female rats after hypoxic exposure, under the estrogen-deficient osteoporotic condition, the hypoxic condition can alter the bone microenvironment so that it may further impair osteoblastic differentiation and enhance osteoclastic formation, and thus reduce bone formation, enhance bone resorption, and accelerate bone loss.

BCL-2 protects human and mouse Th17 cells from glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoid resistance has been associated with Th17-driven inflammation, the mechanisms of which are not clear. We determined whether human and mouse Th17 cells are resistant to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis.

METHODS

Freshly isolated human blood Th17 cells and in vitro differentiated Th17 cells from IL-17F red fluorescent protein reporter mice were treated with dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V and DAPI staining. Screening of apoptosis genes was performed using the apoptosis PCR array. Levels of molecules involved in apoptosis were measured using quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Knockdown of BCL-2 in murine Th17 cells was performed via retroviral transduction. Cytokines were measured using ELISA. A murine Th17-driven severe asthma model was examined for Th17 glucocorticoid sensitivity in vivo.

RESULTS

Human and mouse Th17 cells and mouse Th2 cells were resistant to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis. Th17 cells had glucocorticoid receptors levels comparable to those in other T effectors cells. Th17 cells had high levels of BCL-2, knockdown of which sensitized Th17 cells to dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. Production of IL-22, but not IL-17A and IL-17F, was suppressed by glucocorticoids. STAT3 phosphorylation in Th17 cells was insensitive to glucocorticoid inhibition. Lung Th17 cells in the murine severe asthma model were enhanced, rather than suppressed, by glucocorticoids.

CONCLUSION

Th17 cells are resistant to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis and cytokine suppression, at least in part due to high levels of BCL-2. These findings support a role of Th17 cells in glucocorticoid-resistant inflammatory conditions such as certain endotypes of asthma.

Analysis of complications of intertrochanteric fracture treated with Gamma 3 intramedullary nail

Whether Gamma 3 fixation system is suitable for all intertrochanteric fractures is inconclusive. This paper analyzed the surgical complications of Gamma 3 intramedullary nail in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

A total of 186 cases were enrolled in the study including 115 males and 71 females. The surgical operations were performed in all cases and Gamma 3 intramedullary nail was inserted in medullary cavity.

RESULTS

Anti-rotation screw displacement into the intermuscular space of inner thigh occurred in 1 case, lateral femoral wall defect in 3 cases; refracture of proximal femur shaft during the Gamma 3 nail inserting into the medullary cavity occurred in 5 cases and fractures with a gap or malalignment in closed reduction of A3 type in occurred 6 cases. Fracture union occurred in 3-4 months postoperative. Recovery situations of all patients were evaluated based on Harris scoring system 6 with an average of 87 points. There are indications and shortcomings in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture with Gamma 3 intramedullary nail.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the surgical indications, standardizing the operation and upgrading skills are the key points to ensure operation successful, reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes.

[Clinical features in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle fracture with Wagsaffe fragment]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the methods in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle fracture with Wagsaffe fragment.

METHODS

Among 1 201 patients, there were 18 cases of concurrent Wagstaffe fractures at our hospital between January 2009 to January 2012. There were 11 males and 7 females with an average of 37.4 (17-54) years. The causes of injuries were fall (n = 10), sports-related injury (n = 4), traffic injury (n = 3) and high-altitude fall (n = 1). All of them had lateral malleolar fracture. Other injuries included internal malleolar fracture (n = 16), posterior malleolar fracture (n = 8) and disruption of medial deltoid ligament (n = 3). According to the Lauge-Hansen system, all fractures were of supination-external rotation type. The fractures of fibula and Wagstaffe were explored through an anterolateral approach. The lateral malleolar fracture was fixed with plate While Wagstaffe fragment secured with lag screw or thread. Disrupted anterior tibiofibular ligament was restored. Other treatments included open reduction and internal fixation of medial and posterior malleolus, repair of medial deltoid ligament and screw fixation of disrupted tibiofibular syndesmosis. Ankle function was evaluated by the Baird-Jackson criteria.

RESULTS

Wagstaffe fracture occurred at a rate of 1.5% in ankle fractures. Wagstaffe fracture was found in 4.4% of ankle fracture of supination-external rotation type. Seventeen patients were followed up over an average follow-up period of 16.8 (12-25) months. All radiographs showed union of all fractures and normal mortise. Baird-Jackson ankle functional score was from 81 to 99. In all 17 patients, 9 were rated as excellent, 5 as good and 3 as fair. The excellent and good rate was 87.4%. At the latest follow-up, 14 patients resumed their preinjury activities.

CONCLUSION

As an easily misdiagnosed condition, Wagstaffe fracture is associated with ankle diastase and prone to occur in ankle fracture of supination-external rotation type. Accurate reduction and stable fixation facilitate the restoration of stable syndesmosis in the treatment of ankle fracture with concurrent Wagsaffe fragment.

Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers in the rock bream fish Oplegnathus fasciatus

The rock bream fish Oplegnathus fasciatus is one of the most popular aquaculture species in China. In the present study, 15 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from a wild population of O. fasciatus from the Zhoushan coast of China. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from 4 to 9 in a sample of 30 individuals. Observed and expected heterozygosities per locus varied from 0.267 to 0.767 and from 0.395 to 0.859, respectively. Eleven of the 15 microsatellite loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was detected. The present microsatellite markers could provide a useful tool for the genetic analyses of O. fasciatus.

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci in Nibea albiflora

Eleven novel microsatellite loci were isolated from a (CA)10-enriched genomic DNA library of Nibea albiflora. The characteristics of these microsatellites were determined in a sample of 48 N. albiflora individuals. The number of alleles at the 11 microsatellite loci ranged from 5 to 25, with an average of 13.5 per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.583 to 0.917 and from 0.568 to 0.964, respectively. Eight of the 11 microsatellite loci conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant linkage disequilibrium was found among all 11 loci. These polymorphic microsatellites will be useful for population genetic analyses of N. albiflora.

Electroacupuncture alleviates affective pain in an inflammatory pain rat model

Pain has both sensory-discriminative and emotional-affective dimensions. Previous studies demonstrate that electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates the sensory dimension but do not address the affective. An inflammatory pain rat model, produced by a complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) injection into the hind paw, was combined with a conditioned place avoidance (CPA) test to determine whether EA inhibits spontaneous pain-induced affective response and, if so, to study the possibility that rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) opioids underlie this effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-275 g, Harlan) were used. The rats showed place aversion (i.e. affective pain) by spending less time in a pain-paired compartment after conditioning than during a preconditioning test. Systemic non-analgesic morphine (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the affective reaction, suggesting that the affective dimension is underpinned by mechanisms different from those of the sensory dimension of pain. Morphine at 0.5 and at 1 mg/kg did not induce reward. Rats given EA treatment before pain-paired conditioning at GB 30 showed no aversion to the pain-paired compartment, indicating that EA inhibited the affective dimension. EA treatment did not produce reward or aversive effect. Intra-rACC administration of D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr amide (CTOP), a selective mu opioid receptor antagonist, but not norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist, blocked EA inhibition of the affective dimension. These data demonstrate that EA activates opioid receptors in the rACC to inhibit pain-induced affective responses and that EA may be an effective therapy for both the sensory-discriminative and the affective dimensions of pain.

Effects of methionine hydroxy copper supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine hydroxy Cu [(HMTBA)(2)-Cu] supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows. Thirty lactating Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a randomized block design: (1) Cu sulfate only (S): 12 mg of Cu provided by CuSO(4) per kilogram of concentrate; (2) Cu sulfate and (HMTBA)(2)-Cu (SM): 6 mg of Cu provided by CuSO(4) and 6 mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)(2)-Cu per kilogram of concentrate; or (3) (HMTBA)(2)-Cu only (M): 12 mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)(2)-Cu per kilogram of concentrate. The level of dietary Cu was determined according to the NRC (2001) requirement. This experiment lasted for 120 d, with the first 20 d for adaptation and with sample and data collection beginning on d 21. The milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk yield of cows in the SM treatment tended to increase compared with those in the S and M treatments. Cows fed SM also tended to have higher NDF and ADF apparent digestibility values than did cows fed S or M. Plasma Cu concentration significantly increased for the SM treatment compared with the S and M treatments. Cows fed S had higher plasma K concentration than did cows in the other 2 treatments. In conclusion, replacing one-half of the dietary Cu sulfate with (HMTBA)(2)-Cu increased plasma Cu concentration and tended to improve the neutral and acid detergent fiber apparent digestibility values and the lactation performance of lactating dairy cattle.

Electroacupuncture inhibition of hyperalgesia in an inflammatory pain rat model: involvement of distinct spinal serotonin and norepinephrine receptor subtypes

BACKGROUND

Although acupuncture analgesia is well documented, its mechanisms have not been thoroughly clarified. We previously showed that electroacupuncture (EA) activates supraspinal serotonin- and norepinephrine-containing neurones that project to the spinal cord. This study investigates the involvement of spinal alpha(2)-adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptors (5-HTRs) in EA effects on an inflammatory pain rat model.

METHODS

Inflammatory hyperalgesia was induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA, 0.08 ml) into the plantar surface of one hind paw and assessed by paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to a noxious thermal stimulus. The selective α2a-AR antagonist BRL-44408, α2b-AR antagonist imiloxan hydrochloride, 5-HT2B receptor (5-HT2BR) antagonist SB204741, 5-HT3R antagonist LY278584, or 5-HT1AR antagonists NAN-190 hydrobromide, or WAY-100635 were intrathecally administered 20 min before EA or sham EA, which was given 2 h post-CFA at acupoint GB30.

RESULTS

EA significantly increased PWL compared with sham [7.20 (0.46) vs 5.20 (0.43) s]. Pretreatment with α2a-AR [5.35 (0.45) s] or 5-HT1AR [5.22 (0.38) s] antagonists blocked EA-produced anti-hyperalgesia; α2b-AR, 5-HT2BR, and 5-HT3R antagonist pretreatment did not. Sham plus these antagonists did not significantly change PWL compared with sham plus vehicle, indicating that the antagonists had little effect on PWL. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that α2a-ARs are on primary afferents and 5-HT1ARs are localized in N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) subunit NR1-containing neurones in the spinal dorsal horn.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that α2a-ARs and 5-HT1ARs are involved in the EA inhibition of inflammatory pain and that the NMDA receptors are involved in EA action.

Deep vein thrombosis in trauma: a prospective study of lower limb orthopedic trauma patients in Tianjin Hospital, China

AIM

Pulmonary embolism is a third leading cause of death in trauma patients. The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in Asian countries is considered to be less than in Western countries. Our aim was to establish the rate of DVT in orthopedic trauma patients in Tianjin Hospital, to identify DVT risk factors and to support the use of prophylaxis.

METHODS

Patients admitted between November 2003 and October 2004 with recent fracture had data collected prospectively to record type of fracture, mechanism of injury, history of DVT, blood transfusion requirements, operation details, extent of postoperative swelling, use of traction, immobilization, bandaging and patient positioning. Each patient had 3 duplex ultrasound examinations, the first within 24 h of admission. Patients requiring surgery had a second ultrasound within 2 days preoperatively, then 7 days postoperatively. Patients not requiring surgery had second and third ultrasound examinations 5 and 14 days after admission.

RESULTS

There were 547 patients, median age 39.6 years (interquartile range: 28-50 years). DVT developed in 12.4% (95% confidence interval: 9.7-15.2%), most occurring with femoral shaft fractures (30.6%), 15.8% occurred with hip fractures, 14.5% with fractures around the knee and 10.8% with fractured tibia and fibula. Over half of DVTs (56.7%) developed within 3 days following injury.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of DVT in Chinese orthopedic trauma patients approaches that in Western countries. Guidelines for DVT prophylaxis should be applied in China as in Western countries.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided interstitial brachytherapy of unresectable pancreatic cancer: results of a pilot trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Intraoperative interstitial brachytherapy has been found to be effective when used during laparotomy to improve local control in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In this study, we report the results of using endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-)guided interstitial brachytherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with respect to tumor response, clinical response, safety, and complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients (eight men, seven women; median age 61 years) with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled into the study, eight patients with stage III disease and seven patients with stage IV disease. A mean number of 22 radioactive seeds per patient were implanted into the tumors by EUS-guided needle puncture. The mean total implanted activity was 20 mCi, the minimum peripheral dose was 14,000 cGy, and the mean volume of implants was 52 cm3. Patients were followed-up by examination and by imaging tests every 2-3 months: clinical end points included the Karnofsky performance status and pain responses, tumor response (assessed by computed tomography and/or EUS), and survival.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 10.6 months, the objective tumor response was classified as "partial" in 27% of patients (with a median duration of partial response of 4.5 months), "minimal" in 20% patients, and indicative of "stable disease" in 33% of patients. Clinical benefit was shown in 30% of patients, mostly due to reduction in pain, but this lasted for a limited time. Local complications (pancreatitis and pseudocyst formation) occurred in three patients; grade III hematologic toxicity occurred in three patients without serious clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided intraoperative interstitial brachytherapy had a moderate local tumor effect and showed some clinical benefit in 30% of the patients in this study. Combination of this form of treatment with external radiation and/or chemotherapy should be tested in future trials.

Bioactive constituents from gum guggul (Commiphora wightii)

Bioactivity-directed fractionation and purification afforded cytotoxic components of Commiphora wightii. The exudates of C. wightii were extracted with EtOAc and the extract was subjected to repeated column chromatography. A fraction showing cytotoxic activity was characterized as a mixture of two ferulates with an unusual skeleton by spectral and chemical methods, including by NMR, GC-MS and chemical derivatization. This fraction also showed moderate scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals.

[Study on the construction of DYS385 allelic ladder and the genotype distribution in two populations]

OBJECTIVE

We have designed a new method to produce standard DYS385 allelic ladder in order to solve the problem of the accuracy and standardization of STR-PCR typing in forensic practice.

METHODS

Nine different PCR amplified DYS385 allelic fragments were isolated from the gel, eluted into the distilled water and reamplified by PCR. The purified allelic fragments were then blunt-end subcloned individually into the pUC plasmid vectors and transfected into competent E. coli DH5 alpha cells. The sequencing results confirmed that the size and the constructure of the inserts were correct. The recombinant plasmids DNA with 9 inserts were then used as templates for reamplification to generate DYS385 standard ladder.

RESULTS

A large quantity of standard DYS385 allelic ladder was obtained, with which the genetic polymorphisms of DYS385 locus both in Chinese Han and German populations were studied.

CONCLUSION

The STR standard ladder constructed by this method has high value in the forensic application, and the DYS385 locus is robust for forensic analysis.

Shear stress-mediated NO production in inner medullary collecting duct cells

Recent evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) within the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) functions to regulate sodium and water reabsorption. Because fluid shear stress has been shown to increase NO production in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, experiments were designed to determine whether a similar mechanism exists in IMCD cells. Cultured IMCD-3 cells derived from murine IMCD were subjected to 60 min of pulsatile shear stress. Nitrite production (2,3-diaminonaphthalene fluorometric assay) increased 12-, 16-, and 23-fold at 3.3, 10, and 30 dyn/cm(2), respectively, compared with static control cultures. Preincubation with the non-isoform-specific NO synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine methyl ester reduced nitrite production by 83% in response to 30 dyn/cm(2). Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis of static IMCD-3 cell cultures revealed the expression of all three NO synthase isoforms (NOS-1 or neuronal NOS, NOS-2 or inducible NOS, and NOS-3 or endothelial NOS) in IMCD-3 cultures. These results indicate that NO production is modulated by shear stress in IMCD-3 cells and that fluid shear stress within the renal tubular system may play a role in the regulation of sodium and water excretion by control of NO production in the IMCD.

Electric Potential (psi(delta) and psi(d)) at Outer Helmholtz Plane and Midplane on the Clay Colloid Surface with Overlapping Flat Double Layers

An anion negative adsorption equation in the condensed colloidal suspension with overlapping flat double layers was derived according to Gouy-Chapman theory. The electric potential at the outer Helmholtz plane (OHP), psi(delta), and the electric potential at the midplane, psi(d), were numerically solved by computer using the anion negative adsorption equation on the basis of experiments. The results showed that psi(delta) and psi(d) increase with the decrease of the distance between two clay plates, lambda, at first in the given electrolyte concentration. When lambda is smaller than 50-70 Å, psi(d) remains almost unchanged while psi(delta) declines remarkably with the further decrease of lambda. The change of psi(d)/psi(delta) with lambda can explain and manifest overlapping degree of flat double layers more appropriately than psi(d) in previous works. Due to compression of the flat double layer on the clay colloid surface at increasing electrolyte concentration, the magnitude of the electrical potentials at OHP and midplane is considerably reduced at a given lambda. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Functional expression of NOS 1 in vascular smooth muscle

Substances that increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), such as serotonin, are known to induce vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction. However, increases in [Ca(2+)](i) also activate Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which leads to increases in cGMP and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). One recently identified substrate protein of PKG is the small heat shock protein, HSP20. The purpose of this study was to determine if serotonin activates a Ca(2+)-dependent NOS in VSM. Strips of bovine carotid arterial smooth muscle denuded of endothelium were stimulated with serotonin in the presence and absence of the nonspecific NOS inhibitor N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Activation of NOS was determined by increases in cGMP and in the phosphorylation of HSP20. Immunohistochemical and Western blotting techniques were performed to identify specific NOS isoforms in bovine carotid arterial smooth muscle preparations. Serotonin stimulation led to significant increases in cGMP and in the phosphorylation of HSP20, which were inhibited by pretreatment with L-NMMA. Antibodies against NOS 1 stained the media of bovine carotid and human renal arteries, whereas antibodies against NOS 3 stained only the endothelium. Additionally, the conversion of radiolabeled L-arginine to L-citrulline NOS activity demonstrated a consistent amount of activity present in the endothelium-denuded smooth muscle preparations that was reduced by 99% with an NOS 1 specific inhibitor. Finally, an NOS 1 specific inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole, augmented contractions induced by high extracellular KCl. This study demonstrates that NOS 1 is present in VSM and may effect physiological contractile responses.

Improvement of the enantioselectivity of lipase-catalyzed naproxen ester hydrolysis in organic solvent

A method is presented to improve the enantioselectivity of lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of naproxen methyl ester in water-saturated isooctane. It is shown that coupling of the enantioselective hydrolysis of Naproxen methyl ester with the photo-dissociation methanol leads to the photocatalytic conversion of methanol into water, by which the equilibrium constant (K) of the lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis was changed. The equilibrium yield and enantiomeric excess are increased. Because the lipase would not dissolve in the organic solvent, it was adsorbed on photocatalyst particles, which may facilitate the isolation of enzyme from reaction system.

[The establishment of a modified lateral fluid percussion model of brain injury in rat and the pertinent pathologic changes]

For the purpose of studying the molecular mechanism of the traumatic brain injury, we have established a reproducible graded lateral fluid percussion model of experimental brain injury in the rat with a modified fluid percussion device. The device consists of a stainless steel cylindrical reservoir instead of the plexiglass reservoir, a steel reservoir filled with compressed gas instead of the pendulum for making more accurate percussion pressure, an apparatus for releasing the pressure immediately after the percussion, and a computer for recording and storing the percussion data. Pathologic examination demonstrated subdural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hemorrhage in the lateral ventricle and corpus callosum on the percussion side. The severity of pathologic changes increased with the magnitude of percussion. The results indicate that the new device could inflict reproducible graded lateral fluid percussion brain injury on rats and the model can be used for the studies of neuropathologic and molecular mechanism of brain injury.

[Polymorphisms of five short tandem repeat systems in Chinese Han population in Chengdu]

OBJECTIVE

To get preliminary genotype and allele frequency distributions of D6S366, D6S477, D12S375, D12S391 and PLA2A loci in Chinese Han population in Chengdu area and to validate more short Tandem repeat (STR) systems for forensic application.

METHODS

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used. Five STR systems (D6S366, D6S477, D12S375, D12S391 and PLA2A) were amplified on DNA samples, which were extracted from 108 unrelated individuals EDTA-blood by Phenol/Chloroform method. The PCR products were analyzed by PAG vertical electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Seven alleles were found at D6S366 locus, nine alleles at D6S477 locus, five alleles at D12S375 locus, nine alleles at D12S391 locus and seven alleles at PLA2A locus. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed. The heterozygosities observed were 0.69, 0.78, 0.81, 0.68 and 0.79 for D6S366, D6S477, D12S375, D12S391 and PLA2A respectively. The chances of exclusion were 0.3621, 0.6004, 0.4581, 0.7014 and 0.5589 and the discriminating powers were 0.79, 0.93, 0.86, 0.96 and 0.91.

CONCLUSION

All of the five loci in this study were useful markers for individual identification and paternity test and for genetics purposes.

[Genetic polymorphisms of the D19S400 locus in Chinese Zhuang, Bai, Tibetan, Mongolian populations]

Four Chinese populations have been studied by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for obtaining the data on genetic polymorphisms of D19S400 locus in four populations in China and for evaluating its use in forensic practice. EDTA-blood samples were collected from 356 unrelated individuals in Nanning (Zhuang), Dali (Bai), Lasa (Tibetan); Hailaer (Mongolian), DNA samples were extracted by Phenol/Chloroform method. The PCR products were analyzed by PAG vertical electrophoresis. Nine alleles and 42 genotypes were found at D19S400 locus in these four populations. The heterozygosity was between 0.75 and 0.89 and the discriminating power between 0.9274 and 0.9625. Significant difference was observed in the distribution of allele frequencies among the four Chinese populations. According to the results obtained in this study, D19S400 locus is a useful marker for individual indentification, paternity testing and for genetics study.

[Analysis of clinicopathologic changes of infection in dead patients after renal transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To prevent renal transplantation patients from infection.

METHOD

Autopsies of 24 patients who had died after renal transplantation were studied.

RESULT

The incidence of infection was 66.7% and the lethal infective complications amounted for 50%. The most infectious agents were bacteria, fungi, tuberculosis, virus and actinomyces.

CONCLUSION

Pathological features and clinical manifestations of lesions were caused by aforementioned agents. Some management can prevent renal transplantation recipients from infection.

[Expression of oncogene ras product p21 protein in the tissues of penis cancer and its surrounding tissues]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical significance of expression of oncogene ras product p21 protein in the tissues of penis cancer and its surrounding tissues.

METHOD

Oncogene ras product p21 protein in 32 cases of penis cancer, 32 cases of para-carcinoma tissues and in 16 cases of normal penis tissues were detected by immunohistochemical ABC method.

RESULT

p21 protein expressed in 28 cases of penis cancer and 8 cases of para-carcinoma tissues, but it did not express in 16 cases of normal penis. Expression of p21 protein was related to pathological grading and clinical stage i. e, expression of p21 protein enhanced with the increasing of grading and stage. The positive cases of p21 protein expression in para-carcinoma tissue had worse impact on the prognosis of early recurrence and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

p21 protein could be used as predictor of malignant potential and prognosis of penis cancer.

[Will chronic nonproductive cough with bronchial hyperresponsiveness be cough variant asthma?]

OBJECTIVE

The clinical characteristics of the patients suffered from chronic nonproductive cough with bronchial hyperresponsiveness were analyzed, so as to evaluate the value of measurement of bronchial responsiveness in diagnosis of cough variant asthma (CVA).

METHOD

124 patients with chronic nonproductive cough were divided into two groups after the measurement of bronchial responsiveness: cough bronchial hyperresponsiveness positive group (CBH-P, n = 35) and cough bronchial hyperresponsiveness negative group (CBH-N, n = 33). Routine pulmonary function, positive rate of antigen-skin pitting lest, count of blood eosinophil cells, level of blood IgE, positive rate of prednisone test and the number of development of classical asthma in two-year following up were studied.

RESULT

The percentage of FEV1.0 in group CBH-P was significantly lower than in group CBH-N, but antigen-skin pitting test, count of blood eosinophil cells, prednisone test and the number of development of classic asthma in two-year following up were all higher than in the latter group. In group CBH-P, there was no significant difference in positive rate of antigen-skin pitting test, routine pulmonary function, reacting threshold(Dmin) and wheezing threshold (DCW/Dmin) between the patients who developed classic asthma and those who did not.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of bronchial responsiveness is important for the diagnosis of CVA, but it is not the only diagnostic criteria and should be combined with other clinical data.