UPLC-MS/MS Method for Detection of Etomidate and Its Metabolite Etomidate Acid Quantity in Blood

OBJECTIVES

To establish a method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of etomidate and its metabolite etomidate acid in blood, and to discuss its application value in actual cases.

METHODS

Acetonitrile precipitate protein method was used, and C18 column was selected. Gradient elution was performed with acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate within 6 min. Electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode was used. The internal standard etomidate acid-d5 was obtained by etomidate-d5 alkaline hydrolysis reaction. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for quantitative analysis. The methodological verification was conducted.

RESULTS

Etomidate and etomidate acid in blood showed good linear relationship in the quantitative linear range (r>0.999), with the lower limit of quantification was 2.5 ng/mL and 7.5 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy, precision, recovery rate, and matrix effect of the method met the professional verification standards. The practical application results showed that etomidate and etomidate acid could be detected in the blood of the abusers, and their mass concentrations ranged from 17.24 to 379.93 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The method established in this study can simultaneously quantify etomidate and etomidate acid in blood, which is simple and convenient to operate with accuracy. It can meet the detection needs of actual cases and provide technical support for law enforcement to crack down on etomidate abuse.

Drought stress-induced the formation of heteromorphic leaves of Populus euphratica Oliv: evidence from gene transcriptome

Populus euphratica Oliv., a dominant species of arid desert community, grows heteromorphic leaves at different crown positions. Whether heteromorphic leaves are a strategy of plant adaptation to drought stress is rarely reported. This study sequenced the transcriptome of three typical heteromorphic leaves (lanceolate, ovate and broad-ovate leaves) of P. euphratica, and measured their drought stress. We wanted to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of heteromorphic leaves. Drought stress was increased significantly from lanceolate to ovate to broad-ovate leaves. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the MADs-box gene regulated the expression of peroxidase (POD) in the phenylpropane biosynthetic pathway. The up-regulated expression of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene in broad-ovate leaves significantly activated the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. In the process of leaf shape change, the different expressions of homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) among the three heteromorphic leaves had potential interactions on the AUX and ABA pathways. The expression of Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SUS) increased from lanceolate to broad-ovate leaves, resulting in a consistent change in starch and sucrose content. We concluded that these resistance-related pathways are expressed in parallel with leaf formation genes, thereby inducing the formation of heteromorphic leaves. Our work provided a new insights for desert plants to adapt to drought stress.

[Clinical observation of acupotomy combined with warm needling for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of qi and blood stagnation syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of acupotomy combined with warm needling on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) of qi and blood stagnation syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 90 CSR patients were randomly divided into an acupotomy group, a warm needling group and a combined treatment group, with 30 cases in each group. The patients in the acupotomy group were treated with acupotomy, once every 7 days, consecutively for 3 times. The patients in the warm needling group received warm needling, once daily, at the interval of 2 days after consecutive treatments for 5 days, 7 days as one session of treatment and 3 consecutive sessions were required. The patients in the combined treatment group were treated with acupotomy and warm needling, and the methods and the treatment session were same as the the previous two groups. Before and after the treatment, the pain rating index (PRI) of McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) and the 20-point scale of CSR developed by Yasuhisa Tanaka (CSR20) were adopted in the assessment. The changes of clinical symptoms and functions of patients were observed and the clinical efficacy was assessed in each group.

RESULTS

After the treatment, the PRI score was decreased (P<0.05) and the CSR20 score was increased (P<0.05) in the 3 treatment groups when compared with those before the treatment. After the treatment, compared with the acupotomy group and the warm needling group, the PRI score was decreased (P<0.05) and the CSR20 score was increased (P<0.05) in the combined treatment group. The total effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the acupotomy group, 76.7% (23/30) in the warm needling group and 93.3% (28/30) in the combined treatment group. The total effective rate in the combined treatment group was higher than those in the acupotomy group and the warm needling group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined treatment with acupotomy and warm needling may obviously improve the clinical symptoms and physical signs, e.g. pain and numbness in the patients with CSR of qi and blood stagnation syndrome. Its efficacy is remarkably higher than that of the simple application of acupotomy or warm needling.

[Effect of balance acupotomy combined with warm needling in treatment of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy of balance acupotomy combined with warm needling in treatment of cervical spondylopathy of vertebral artery type (CSA).

METHODS

Ninety patients were randomly divided into a warm needling group, a balance acupotomy group and a combined treatment group, 30 cases in each one. In the warm needling group, warm needling was given, once daily, for 5 days consecutively, with the interval of 2 days every week, and the treatment was conducted for 3 weeks. In the combined treatment group, on the base of the treatment as the warm needling group, the balance acupotomy was exerted, for consecutive 3 weeks. In the balance acupotomy group, the balance acupotomy was adopted, once a week, for 3 weeks consecutively. Clinical efficacy, the mean blood flow velocity of left vertebral artery (LVA), right vertebral artery (RVA) and basilar artery (BA), the pulse index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) were observed in 3 groups separately. The score of vertigo symptom and function was compared before and after treatment in 3 groups.

RESULTS

In comparison with before treatment, the score of evaluation scale for cervical vertigo (ESCV) and the mean blood flow velocity of LVA, RVA and BA were all increased (P<0.05). while PI and RI reduced (P<0.05) in each group after treatment. In comparison with those in the warm needling group and the balance acupotomy group, ESCV score and the mean blood flow velocity of LVA, RVA and BA were increased (P<0.05), while PI and RI decreased (P<0.05) in the combined treatment group after treatment. Compared with the balance acupotomy group, the mean blood flow velocity of LVA, RVA and BA was increased (P<0.05), and PI and RI reduced (P<0.05) in the warm needling group after treatment. The total effective rate was 73.3% (22/30) in the warm needling group, 70.0% (21/30) in the balance acupotomy group and 93.3% (28/30) in the combined treatment group respectively. The total effective rate in the combined treatment group was higher than that either in the warm needling group or in the balance acupotomy group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Balance acupotomy combined with warm needling may restore the mechanical equilibrium state of the neck, and effectively improve the change of vertebral-basilar artery blood flow and relieve vertigo symptoms in patient with of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type.

Identification of microRNAs for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

MicroRNAs are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. We previously identified 7 differentially expressed microRNAs in Parkinson's disease patients and control sera (miR-30c, miR-31, miR-141, miR-146b-5p, miR-181c, miR-214, and miR-193a-3p). To investigate the expression levels of the 7 serum microRNAs in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, 23 early Parkinson's disease patients (who did not take any anti- Parkinson's disease drugs), 23 multiple system atrophy patients, and 24 normal controls were recruited at outpatient visits in this study. The expression levels of the 7 microRNAs in serum were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate whether microRNAs can differentially diagnose Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. Clinical scales were used to analyze the correlations between serum microRNAs and clinical features. The results indicated that miR-214 could distinguish Parkinson's disease from the controls, and another 3 microRNAs could differentiate multiple system atrophy from the controls (miR-141, miR-193a-3p, and miR-30c). The expression of miR-31, miR-141, miR-181c, miR-193a-3p, and miR-214 were lower in multiple system atrophy than in Parkinson's disease (all P < 0.05). Combinations of microRNAs accurately discriminated Parkinson's disease from multiple system atrophy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.951). For the correlation analysis, negative correlations were discovered between the expression of miR-214 and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Parkinson's Disease Non-Motor Symptom scores (all P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that the distinctive characteristics of microRNAs differentiate Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy patients from healthy controls and may be used for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy.

[Clinical effect of "Jin's three-needle" therapy and motor relearning regimen on the upper limb motor function in patients with ischemic stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect of "Jin's three-needle" therapy and motor relearning regime for the recovery of upper limb motor function in the patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with ischemic stroke were randomly divided into an experiment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). In the control group, the routine rehabilitation regimen was adopted. In the experimental group, on the base of the treatment regimen as the control group, the "Jin's three-needle" therapy was supplemented. The neurological function deficit score was used to assess the neurological function. The modified Fugel-Meyer assessment for upper extremities (FMA) and motor assessment scale (MAS) were adopted to assess the upper limb motor function in patients. The modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to evaluate the activity of daily living (ADL) in patients.

RESULTS

After treatment, the neurological function deficit score, the upper limb motor function (FMA and MAS) and ADL (MBI) were all improved obviously as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). In the experimental group, the reducing range of neurological function deficit score (difference value) was larger than that in the control group (P<0.05). The increases of FMA score (upper arm function), the total score of MAS, the score for hand movement in MAS and the score for advanced hand activities of MAS, as well as MBI score in the experimental group were significantly larger than those in the control group successively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

"Jin's three-needle" therapy combined with exercise relearning regimen effectively reduces the degree of neurological deficit and improve the upper limb motor function and ADL in patients with ischemic stroke.

Thyrotroph embryonic factor polymorphism predicts faster progression of Parkinson's disease in a longitudinal study

The thyrotroph embryonic factor gene is a circadian clock-controlled gene. The rs738499 polymorphism of this gene has been suggested to be associated with depression and sleep disturbance in Parkinson's disease in previous cross-sectional studies. We aimed to investigate whether this single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with the progression rates of various motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. We recruited 186 patients with Parkinson's disease for a longitudinal study. Motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed at baseline and follow-up, and 170 Parkinson's disease patients completed the clinical evaluation twice with an average follow-up period of 3.3 ± 1.1 years. A stepwise linear regression model was used to validate factors associated with Parkinson's disease symptoms' annual progression rates. Faster annual worsening rates of sleep quality and Hoehn-Yahr stage were found in carriers with the homozygous dominant (TT). After adjustment for related clinical factors, the rs738499 polymorphism showed a contribution of 3.1% to the annual decline rate on the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale score and a contribution of 5.5% to the annual increase rate of the Hoehn-Yahr stage. Additionally, anxiety and axial symptoms predicted the progression of sleep disturbances and motor staging. The TT genotype of rs738499 might be a potential predictor of rapid deterioration in sleep quality and Hoehn-Yahr stage in patients with Parkinson's disease and may advance the understanding of the genetic contributions to Parkinson's disease.

[Clinical analysis of 8 cases with anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characterization, treatment and prognosis of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients with positive serum anti-GQ1b antibody from the Department of Neurology of Nanjing Brain Hospital between June 2016 and July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Their serums were tested by immunoblotting. Relevant literatures were reviewed to investigate possible pathogenesis. Results: Of the 8 cases, 4 cases were male, 4 cases were female; their age ranged from 16 to 76 (47±21) years old. Seven of them were with acute onset, the time course of the disease ranged from 2 to 15 (7±4) days. Six cases had a history of influenza prior to the onset of the presenting symptoms. In terms of the clinical manifestations of the eight patients, two were affected with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), two with Cavernous sinus syndrome, one with Miller Fisher syndrome, one with both GBS and spinal cord demyelination, one with Bulbar paralysis, and one with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The anti-GQ1b antibody IgG in serum was positive in 6 patients, two of whom were combined with positive IgG of anti-GD1b antibody in serum. The anti-GQ1b antibody IgM in serum was positive in 1 patient, and the anti-GQ1b antibody IgM and anti-GT1b antibody IgM in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were both positive in the other patient. In terms of the treatment, 3 patients (3/8) received vitamin B treatment only, 2 patients (2/8) received steroid plus vitamin B treatment, 2 patients (2/8) received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus vitamin B treatment, and 1 patient (1/8) received steroid plus IVIG treatment. During the 8-33 months' follow-up after discharge, 6 patients were significantly improved in their symptoms, one with mild diplopia, one with limbs weakness, numbness and difficulty in walking. The symptoms of one patient (case 3) fluctuated twice and recovered again after treatment. Conclusions: The disease spectrum of anti-GQ1b antibodies syndrome is broad, and main symptom is ophtalmoplegia. Immunotherapy with IVIG and steroid would be beneficial to prognosis.

Yield advantage and nitrogen fate in an additive maize-soybean relay intercropping system

Sustainable agricultural development is urgently required to satisfy future food demands while decreasing environmental costs. Intercropping can increase per-unit farmland productivity through a resource-efficient utilization. However, the fate of N in intercropping systems remains unclear. To study the yield advantages and the fate of N in additive maize-soybean relay intercropping (IMS) systems, we quantified crop yield, soil N transformation abilities, soil bacterial abundances, and the fate of 15N. This study was conducted using three planting patterns, namely, monoculture maize (Zea mays L.) (MM), monoculture soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) (MS), and IMS, and two N application rates, specifically, no N and applied N (N1, 45 and 135 kg N ha-1 for MS and MM, correspondingly; and N for the IMS, which was the sum of the monocultures). Results showed that a higher per-unit farmland productivity and a lower land use intensity are attained in the intercropping system than in the corresponding monocultures. In addition, land equivalent ratio (LER) ranges from 1.85 to 2.20. Moreover, the fate of 15N showed that the N uptake and residual are the highest, whereas N loss in the IMS is the lowest among all planting patterns. Intercropping had an increased N use efficiency by increasing N utilization efficiency, rather than N uptake efficiency. The abundance of ammonia oxidizer and denitrifier indicated that IMS improves the structure of soil microorganisms. Furthermore, the transformation abilities of soil N denoted that intercropping strengthens ammonifying and nitrifying capacities to increase soil N residual while decreasing ammonia volatilization and N2O emission. Finally, the greenhouse warming potential and gas intensity of N2O were significantly lower in the IMS than in the corresponding monocultures. In summary, the IMS system provides an environmentally friendly approach to increasing farmland productivity.

Genetic map construction and QTL analysis of leaf-related traits in soybean under monoculture and relay intercropping

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important food and oil crop widely planted by intercropping in southwest China. The shade caused by intercropping changes plant growth traits, such as soybean leaf and dry mass, thereby reducing yields. To improve the yield and elucidate the genetic mechanism of the leaf-related traits in intercropped soybeans, we measured the F6:7-8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross of 'Nandou 12' and 'Jiuyuehuang' for six leaf-related traits under monoculture and relay intercropping in 2015 and 2016. We found 6366 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers that covered the whole genome of soybean distributed in 20 linkage groups, which spanned 2818.67 cM with an average interval of 0.44 cM between adjacent markers. Nineteen quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected in two environments in 2 years. Three candidate genes associated to leaf-related traits were found according to gene expression and GO enrichment analyses. These results revealed the susceptibility of leaf phenotype to shading and helped elucidate the mechanisms that control leaf-related traits.

[Quantitative EEG and event-related potential P300 analysis oxiracetam injection curative effect in the treatment of delayed encephalopathy after acutecarbon monoxide poisoning]

Objective: oevaluateclinical curative effect of oxiracetam injection in the treatment of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) . Methods: Methods 52 patients with DEACMP were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, 27 cases in the observation group and 25 cases in the control group. The 2 groups were adopted the treatment to improve the cerebral microcirculation and other symptomatic, the observation group on the basis of treatment for the treatment of oxiracetam Injection. Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) and event-related potential P300 were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the 2 groups before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, QEEG value and event related potential P300 in observation group were decreased with statistically significant, respectively (P<0.05) , compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group excepted the occipital lobe, left parietal lobe, left around central and other indicators, QEEG and P300 oflatent period was shortened while the bank widens with statistical significance (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Olathe injection of DEACMP patients recovery have certain curative effect.

Increased Expressions of Plasma Galectin-3 in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

High expressions of galectin-3 were identified recently in the end stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, which suggested that immune reactivity and inflammatory mechanisms might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS. The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma galectin-3 levels in different groups and stages of ALS patients and the association with related clinical characteristics.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients with ALS and 60 normal controls (NCs) were recruited in this study. Plasma galectin-3 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with ALS were divided into several groups according to their clinical characteristics: gender, type of disease onset, duration of disease, and clinical conditions of disease. Statistical analyses of the differences of galectin-3 levels between groups and the association with the clinical characteristics of disease were performed.

RESULTS

As compared with the NCs (201.64 [22.35-401.63] ng/ml), plasma galectin-3 levels were significantly elevated in the patients with duration >12 months (341.17 [69.12-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05), and the patients with limb onset of disease (254.14 [69.12-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05); however, no difference was found in the patients with duration ≤12 months (250.62 [109.77-334.92] ng/ml, P > 0.05), and the patients with bulbar onset of disease (251.79 [109.20-404.76] ng/ml, P > 0.05). In addition, galectin-3 levels were significantly increased in the female patients (263.27 [123.32-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05) while no difference was found in the male patients (220.39 [69.12-748.73] ng/ml, P > 0.05). The further statistical analyses showed that plasma galectin-3 levels were positively correlated with the duration of disease (r = 0.293, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma galectin-3 levels were significantly increased in ALS patients with limb onset of disease, especially in ALS female patients, and positively correlated with the duration of disease, which suggested that plasma galectin-3 might be an interesting and useful factor associated with ALS.

Metabolism variation and better storability of dark- versus light-coloured soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) seeds

The effects of storage duration on the seed germination and metabolite profiling of soybean seeds with five different coloured coats were studied. Their germination, constituents and transcript expressions of isoflavones and free fatty acids (FFAs) were compared using chromatographic metabolomic profiling and transcriptome sequencing. The seed water content was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. Results showed that dark-coloured seeds were less inactivated than light-coloured seeds. The aglycone and β-glucoside concentrations of upstream constituents increased significantly, whereas the acetylglucosides and malonylglucosides of downstream constituents decreased with an increase in the storage period. FFAs increased considerably in the soybean seeds as a result of storage. These results indicate that dark-coloured soybean seeds have better storability than light-coloured seeds, and seed water content plays a role in seed inactivation. It was concluded that there are certain metabolic regularities that are associated with different coloured seed coats of soybeans under storage conditions.

Fungal Diversity in Field Mold-Damaged Soybean Fruits and Pathogenicity Identification Based on High-Throughput rDNA Sequencing

Continuous rain and an abnormally wet climate during harvest can easily lead to soybean plants being damaged by field mold (FM), which can reduce seed yield and quality. However, to date, the underlying pathogen and its resistance mechanism have remained unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the fungal diversity of various soybean varieties and to identify and confirm the FM pathogenic fungi. A total of 62,382 fungal ITS1 sequences clustered into 164 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with 97% sequence similarity; 69 taxa were recovered from the samples by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing. The fungal community compositions differed among the tested soybeans, with 42 OTUs being amplified from all varieties. The quadratic relationships between fungal diversity and organ-specific mildew indexes were analyzed, confirming that mildew on soybean pods can mitigate FM damage to the seeds. In addition, four potentially pathogenic fungi were isolated from FM-damaged soybean fruits; morphological and molecular identification confirmed these fungi as Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Fusarium moniliforme, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Further re-inoculation experiments demonstrated that F. moniliforme is dominant among these FM pathogenic fungi. These results lay the foundation for future studies on mitigating or preventing FM damage to soybean.

Label-free identification of the microstructure of rat spinal cords based on nonlinear optical microscopy

The spinal cord is a vital link between the brain and the body and mainly comprises neurons, glial cells and nerve fibres. In this work, nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy based on intrinsic tissue properties was employed to label-freely analyze the cells and matrix in spinal cords at a molecular level. The high-resolution and high-contrast NLO images of unstained spinal cords demonstrate that NLO microscopy has the ability to show the microstructure of white and grey matter including ventral horn, intermediate area, dorsal horns, ventral column, lateral column and dorsal column. Neurons with various sizes were identified in grey matter by dark spots of nonfluorescent nuclei encircled by cytoplasm-emitting two-photon excited fluorescence signals. Nerve fibres and neuroglias were observed in white matter. Besides, the spinal arteries were clearly presented by NLO microscopy. Using spectral and morphological information, this technique was proved to be an effective tool for label-freely imaging spinal cord tissues, based on endogenous signals in biological tissue. With future development, we foresee promising applications of the NLO technique for in vivo, real-time assessment of spinal cord diseases or injures.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus among Hakka women in China

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV genotypes are associated with varying degrees of pathogenicity. To better formulate strategies for cervical cancer prevention, we investigated the population-specific distribution of HPV genotypes, including those with high carcinogenicity.

METHODS

From January to December 2012, a cervical cancer-screening program for HPV infection in Hakka women of Heyuan City Guangdong province was conducted. Of 736,000 women residents, 8,284 volunteers were recruited. The cytology specimens of 107 women were not adequate and excluded. Thus, 8,177 women submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing of 16 HPV genotypes via MassARRAY spectrometry.

RESULTS

Risk stratification based on genotypes indicated that the prevalence of overall, high-risk, and low-risk HPV infections was 12.27%, 14.20%, and 0.79%, respectively. Of the 1,003 women positively infected, 82.75% were infected with a single HPV type; 17.25% were infected with ≥2 types. Analysis revealed a U-shaped curve in HPV prevalence that correlated with age group, with peaks at ages 18-24 y (22.03%) and 60-65 y (25%). The most frequently detected HPV genotype was HPV-52 (26.81%), and then HPV-16 (17.54%), HPV-58 (14.25%), HPV-18 (10.16%), HPV-68 (8.27%), HPV-39 (5.68%), and HPV-51 (5.38%).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-52 is the most prevalent genotype infecting Hakka women. Therefore, vaccination against HPV-52 is imperative. The prevalence of HPV infection is highest in the younger (18-24 y) and older (60-65 y) age groups, indicating that screening for HPV in Hakka women should be performed early and maintained in the elderly.

Correlation between genetic susceptibility of tuberculosis and macrophage migration inhibitory factor

This paper aims to study the relationship between genetic susceptibility of tuberculosis and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and provide theoretical basis and foundation for further studies on pathogenesis and treatment of tuberculosis. Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the difference of MIF protein expression level in peripheral serum of the test subjects, and analyze the difference of MIF protein expression levels of different genotypes and alleles at -794CATT locus and -173G/C locus. The results showed that MIF protein expression level in serum of patients in the tuberculosis group was higher than that of the healthy control group (p < 0.05). The MIF protein expression level of genotype (5/5+5/6+6/6) and (7/X+8/X) at -794CATT locus of the tuberculosis group was higher than that of the healthy control group (p < 0.05), and MIF protein expression level of genotype GG and (GC+CC) at -173G/C locus of the tuberculosis group was higher than that of the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Therefore, macrophage migration inhibitory factor is an important cell factor which plays a regulating role in the immune system, as it can inhibit macrophage migration and promote the gathering, infiltration and proliferation of macrophages at inflammatory sites. Furthermore, it can secrete some cell factors which play a central role in immunological regulation.

Dormancy and germination: How does the crop seed decide?

Whether seeds germinate or maintain dormancy is decided upon through very intricate physiological processes. Correct timing of these processes is most important for the plants life cycle. If moist conditions are encountered, a low dormancy level causes pre-harvest sprouting in various crop species, such as wheat, corn and rice, this decreases crop yield and negatively impacts downstream industrial processing. In contrast, a deep level of seed dormancy prevents normal germination even under favourable conditions, resulting in a low emergence rate during agricultural production. Therefore, an optimal seed dormancy level is valuable for modern mechanised agricultural systems. Over the past several years, numerous studies have demonstrated that diverse endogenous and environmental factors regulate the balance between dormancy and germination, such as light, temperature, water status and bacteria in soil, and phytohormones such as ABA (abscisic acid) and GA (gibberellic acid). In this updated review, we highlight recent advances regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of seed dormancy and germination processes, including the external environmental and internal hormonal cues, and primarily focusing on the staple crop species. Furthermore, future challenges and research directions for developing a full understanding of crop seed dormancy and germination are also discussed.

Differentiating the extent of cartilage repair in rabbit ears using nonlinear optical microscopy

Nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) was used as a noninvasive and label-free tool to detect and quantify the extent of the cartilage recovery. Two cartilage injury models were established in the outer ears of rabbits that created a different extent of cartilage recovery based on the presence or absence of the perichondrium. High-resolution NLOM images were used to measure cartilage repair, specifically through spectral analysis and image texture. In contrast to a wound lacking a perichondrium, wounds with intact perichondria demonstrated significantly larger TPEF signals from cells and matrix, coarser texture indicating the more deposition of type I collagen. Spectral analysis of cells and matrix can reveal the matrix properties and cell growth. In addition, texture analysis of NLOM images showed significant differences in the distribution of cells and matrix of repaired tissues with or without perichondrium. Specifically, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on TPEF images is 11.2 ± 1.1 in Wound 2 (with perichondrium) and 7.5 ± 2.0 in Wound 1 (without perichondrium), indicating coarser image texture and faster growth of cells in repaired tissues with perichondrium (p < 0.05). Moreover, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on collagen SHG images also showed significant difference between Wound 2 and 1 (16.2 ± 1.2 vs. 12.2 ± 2.1, p < 0.05), indicating coarser image texture and faster deposition of collagen in repaired tissues with perichondrium (Wound 2). These findings suggest that NLOM is an ideal tool for studying cartilage repair, with potential applications in clinical medicine. NLOM can capture macromolecular details and distinguish between different extents of cartilage repair without the need for labelling agents.

Benefits of a circular approach to mobilize the thyroid during an endoscopic thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Mobilization of the thyroid during an endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) via a breast approach was originally carried out from the lower pole to the upper pole (upward approach). Here, we applied a modified circular approach to achieve better exposure of the surgical field, in which the path of thyroid mobilization started from the isthmus and resembled a circle. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the circular approach compared with the upward approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2008 to June 2013, 144 patients who underwent attempted ET via a breast approach were enrolled in this study, and their clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 141 of 144 procedures were successfully performed under endoscopy, including 60 (42.6%) via the upward approach and 81 (57.4%) via the circular approach. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in the circular approach group than in the upward approach group (90.6 minutes versus 112.5 minutes for hemithyroidectomy; 109.5 minutes versus 133.2 minutes for subtotal thyroidectomy; P<.05). Furthermore, the incidence of the transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy decreased in the circular approach group compared with the upward approach group (2.5% versus 13.3%; P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results seem to indicate that the circular approach is a better method of mobilizing the thyroid, especially for large nodules located in the lower pole of the thyroid. This approach may provide a better view of the surgical field, reduced operating times, and fewer postoperative complications.

Prevalence of wearing-off and dyskinesia among the patients with Parkinson's disease on levodopa therapy: a multi-center registry survey in mainland China

Objective

Chronic levodopa (L-dopa) treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often associated with the development of motor complications, but the corresponding epidemiological data is rare in Chinese PD patients. The present survey was to investigate the prevalence rate of wearing-off (WO) and dyskinesia among the patients with PD in China.

Methods

From May 2012 to October 2012, a 3-step registry survey for wearing off (WO) and dyskinesia patients with PD receiving levodopa therapy was performed simultaneously at 28 movement disorders clinics in China.

Results

There were 1,558 PD patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Among them, 1,051 had at least one positive response of 9-item wearing off questionnaire (WOQ-9), 724 and 160 patients were finally diagnosed with WO and dyskinesia by movement disorders specialists, respectively. The overall prevalence rates of WO and dyskinesia were 46.5% (95% CI 44.0% - 48.9%) and 10.3% (95% CI 8.8% - 11.8%), respectively. The mean score of WOQ-9 for those with WO was 3.8 (SD = 1.8), with movement slowness being the most common motor symptoms and pain/aching being the most common non-motor symptoms. Better improvement of motor symptoms (n = 354, 87.8%) and long-term disease control and drug selection (n = 288, 71.5%) were the two most frequently considered factors when movement disorders specialists adjusted therapeutic strategies for patients with WO.

Conclusions

This survey provided the first multi-center epidemiological data of motor complications among PD patients on L-dopa therapy from mainland China. WO prevalence rate among Chinese PD patients was in line with, while dyskinesia prevalence rate was lower than previous reports from other Countries.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2047-9158-3-26) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Effects of nitrogen management on maize nitrogen utilization and residual nitrate nitrogen in soil under maize/soybean and maize/sweet potato relay strip intercropping systems]

A large amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizers poured into the fields severely pollute the environment. Reasonable application of N fertilizer has always been the research hotpot. The effects of N management on maize N utilization and residual nitrate N in soil under maize/soybean and maize/ sweet potato relay strip intercropping systems were reported in a field experiment in southwest China. It was found that maize N accumulation, N harvest index, N absorption efficiency, N contribution proportion after the anthesis stage in maize/soybean relay strip intercropping were increased by 6.1%, 5.4%, 4.3%, and 15.1% than under maize/sweet potato with an increase of 22.6% for maize yield after sustainable growing of maize/soybean intercropping system. Nitrate N accumulation in the 0-60 cm soil layer was 12.9% higher under maize/soybean intercropping than under maize/sweet potato intercropping. However, nitrate N concentration in the 60-120 cm soil layer when intercropped with soybean decreased by 10.3% than when intercropped with sweet potato, indicating a decrease of N leaching loss. Increasing of N application rate enhanced N accumulation of maize and decreased N use efficiency and significantly increased nitrate concentration in the soil profile except in the 60-100 cm soil layer, where no significant difference was observed with nitrogen application rate at 0 to 270 kg · hm(-2). Further application of N fertilizer significantly enhanced nitrate leaching loss. Postponing N application increased nitrate accumulation in the 60-100 cm soil layer. The results suggested that N application rates and ratio of base to top dressing had different influences on maize N concentration and nitrate N between maize/soybean and maize/sweet potato intercropping. Maize N concentration in the late growing stage, N harvest index and N use efficiency under maize/soybean intercropping increased (with N application rate at 180-270 kg · hm(-2) and ratio of base to top dressing = 3:2:5) and decreased nitrate leaching loss with yield reaching 7757 kg · hm(-2) on average. However, for maize/sweet potato, N concentration and use efficiency and maize yield increased significantly with N application rate at 180 kg · hm(-2) and ratio of base to top dressing = 5:5 than that under other treatments with yield reaching 6572 kg · hm(-2). Under these circumstances, it would be possible to realize maize high yield, high efficiency and safety of N man- agement under maize/soybean and maize/sweet potato relay strip intercropping systems.

Influence of acute ethanol intoxication on neuronal apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression after severe traumatic brain injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence and mechanism of acute ethanol intoxication (AEI) on rat neuronal apoptosis after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, AEI-only, TBI-only and TBI+AEI (n equal to 24 for each). Severe TBI model was developed according to Feeney's method. Rats in TBI+AEI group were firstly subjected to AEI, and then suffered head trauma. In each group, animals were sacrificed at 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 168 h after TBI. The level of neuronal apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 protein were determined by TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical method, respectively.

RESULTS

Apoptotic cells mainly distributed in the cortex and white matter around the damaged area. Neuronal apoptosis significantly increased at 6 h after trauma and peaked at 72 h. Both the level of neuronal apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 protein in TBI-only group and TBI+AEI group were higher than those in control group (P less than 0.05). Compared with TBI-only group, the two indexes were much higher in TBI+AEI group at all time points (P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that AEI can increase neuronal apoptosis after severe TBI.

[Male sexual dysfunction and Parkinson's disease: a preliminary investigation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction in males with Parkinson's disease and the pathogenesis and related factors of the problem.

METHODS

We evaluated the sexual function of 140 men with Parkinson's disease using Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (Part III) (UPDRS III), Hoenhn-Yahr Staging (HYS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Sexual Dysfunction Standard of ICD-10. We calculated the Levodopa equivalent doses (LED) for all the patients.

RESULTS

Sexual dysfunction was found in 58 (41.43%) of the patients with Parkinson's disease. There were no significant differences in age, education, age of onset, course of disease and scores on UPDRS III, HYS and LED between the sexual dysfunction and normal sexual function groups. The HAMD score was 14.95 +/- 9.12 in the sexual dysfunction group, significantly higher than 10.96 +/- 9.82 in the normal sexual function group (P < 0.05), and it was positively correlated with the inci- dence of male sexual dysfunction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sexual dysfunction is a common symptom in males with Parkinson's disease, and is correlated with the high HAMD score of Parkinson's disease patients.

[Study on the content and carbon isotopic composition of water dissolved inorganic carbon from rivers around Xi'an City]

In this study, the content and isotopic compositions of water dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from four typical rivers (Chanhe, Bahe, Laohe and Heihe) around Xi'an City were studied to trace the possible sources of DIC. The results of this study showed that the content of DIC in the four rivers varied from 0.34 to 5.66 mmol x L(-1) with an average value of 1.23 mmol x L(-1). In general, the content of DIC increased from the headstream to the river mouth. The delta13C(DIC) of four rivers ranged from -13.3 per thousand to -7.2 per thousand, with an average value of -10.1 per thousand. The delta13C(DIC) values of river water were all negative (average value of -12.6 per thousand) at the headstream of four rivers, but the delta13C(DIC) values of downstream water were more positive (with an average value of -9.4 per thousand). In addition, delta13C(DIC) of river water showed relatively negative values (the average value of delta13C(DIC) was -10.5 per thousand) near the estuary of the rivers. The variation of the DIC content and its carbon isotope suggested that the DIC sources of the rivers varied from the headstream to the river mouth. The negative delta13C(DIC) value indicated that the DIC may originate from the soil CO2 at the headstream of the rivers. On the other hand, the delta13C(DIC) values of river water at the middle and lower reaches of rivers were more positive, and it showed that soil CO2 produced by respiration of the C4 plants (like corn) and soil carbonates with positive delta13C values may be imported into river water. Meanwhile, the input of pollutants with low delta13C(DIC) values may result in a decrease of delta13C(DIC) values in the rivers. The study indicated that the DIC content and carbon isotope may be used to trace the sources of DIC in rivers around Xi'an City. Our study may provide some basic information for tracing the sources of DIC of rivers in the small watershed area in the Loess Plateau of China.

[Investigation of bacterial diversity in the biological desulfurization reactor for treating high salinity wastewater by the 16S rDNA cloning method]

The bacterial diversity in the biological desulfurization reactor operated continuously for 1 year was studied by the 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing method. Forty clones were randomly selected and their partial 16S rDNA genes (ca. 1,400 bp) were sequenced and blasted. The results indicated that there were dominant bacterias in the biological desulfurization reactor, where 33 clones belonged to 3 different published phyla, while 1 clone belonged to unknown phylum. The dominant bacterial community in the system was Proteobacteria, which accounted for 85.3%. The bacterial community succession was as follows: the gamma-Proteobacteria(55.9%), beta-Proteobacteria(17.6%), Actinobacteridae (8.8%), delta-Proteobacteria (5.9%) , alpha-Proteobacteria(5.9%), and Sphingobacteria (2.9%). Halothiobacillus sp. ST15 and Thiobacillus sp. UAM-I were the major desulfurization strains.

[Parkinson's disease combined with depression treated with electroacupuncture and medication and its effect on serum BDNF]

OBJECTIVE

To verify the efficacy on Parkinson's disease combined with depression treated with electroacupuncture and medication and to explore the therapeutic mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty cases of Parkinson's disease combined with depression were randomized into an acupuncture + medication group and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. The conventional therapeutic program of oral administration of madopar and fluoxetine was applied in both groups. In the acupuncture + medication group, on the basic treatment as the above, electroacupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Taichong (LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. The level of the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the score of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) were observed and compared before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. The efficacy was assessed in two groups.

RESULTS

The level of BDFN was improved significantly after treatment as compared with that before treatment in two groups (both P < 0.05) and the result in the acupuncture + medication group was superior to the medication group (P < 0.05). HAMD scores were reduced significantly after treatment as compared with those before treatment in two groups (both P < 0.05) and the result in the acupuncture + medication group was superior to the medication group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the acupuncture + medication group, which was better than 83.3% (25/30) in the medication group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined therapy of electroacupuncture and medication achieves the significant efficacy on Parkinson's disease combined with depression. This therapy regulates effectively serum BDNF level, relieves depression symptoms of the patients. The efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with medication is superior to the simple medication.

Photosynthesis, water use efficiency and stable carbon isotope composition are associated with anatomical properties of leaf and xylem in six poplar species

Although fast-growing Populus species consume a large amount of water for biomass production, there are considerable variations in water use efficiency (WUE) across different poplar species. To compare differences in growth, WUE and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem and to examine the relationship between photosynthesis/WUE and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem, cuttings of six poplar species were grown in a botanical garden. The growth performance, photosynthesis, intrinsic WUE (WUE(i) ), stable carbon isotope composition (δ(13) C) and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem were analysed in these poplar plants. Significant differences were found in growth, photosynthesis, WUE(i) and anatomical properties among the examined species. Populus cathayana was the clone with the fastest growth and the lowest WUE(i) /δ(13) C, whereas P. × euramericana had a considerable growth increment and the highest WUE(i) /δ(13) C. Among the analysed poplar species, the highest total stomatal density in P. cathayana was correlated with its highest stomatal conductance (g(s) ) and lowest WUE(i) /δ(13) C. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between WUE(i) and abaxial stomatal density and stem vessel lumen area. These data suggest that photosynthesis, WUE(i) and δ(13) C are associated with leaf and xylem anatomy and there are tradeoffs between growth and WUE(i) . It is anticipated that some poplar species, e.g. P. × euramericana, are better candidates for water-limited regions and others, e.g. P. cathayana, may be better for water-abundant areas.

Change in plasma gelsolin level after traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Plasma gelsolin depletion has been associated with poor outcome of critically ill patients. However, there is a paucity of data available on circulating plasma gelsolin concentration in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, we sought to investigate change in plasma gelsolin level after TBI and to evaluate its relation with disease outcome.

METHODS

Fifty healthy controls and 94 patients with acute severe TBI were included. Plasma samples were obtained on admission and at days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Its concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (27.7%) died from TBI in a month. After TBI, plasma gelsolin level in patients decreased during the 6-hour period immediately, was at the nadir in 24 hours, increased gradually thereafter, and was substantially lower than that in healthy controls during the 7-day period. A multivariate analysis showed plasma gelsolin level was an independent predictor for 1-month mortality (odds ratio, 0.941; 95% confidence interval, 0.895– 0.989; p = 0.017) and positively associated with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (t = 6.538, p 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve identified that a baseline plasma gelsolin level 52.7 mg/L predicted 1-month mortality with 88.5% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity (area under the curve, 0.869; 95%confidence interval, 0.783– 0.930). The predictive value of the gelsolin concentration was thus similar to that of GCS scores (p =0.185). However, gelsolin did not statistically significantly improve the area under the curve of GCS scores (p = 0.517).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased plasma gelsolin level is associated with GCS scores and an independent prognostic marker of mortality after TBI. Reversing plasma gelsolin deficiency may be an effective treatment for TBI.

Maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood is associated with mortality in patients with traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage

This study was designed to evaluate whether the maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood is an independent prognostic marker of mortality after traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage. Multivariate analysis showed the maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood was an independent predictor of death versus survival 1 month after injury and was inversely associated with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood > 6.7 mm immediately after non-surgical resuscitation predicted 1-month mortality with 83.9% sensitivity and 67.1% specificity; its predictive value was similar to that of the GCS score. Addition of maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood to the GCS score did not significantly improve predictive performance. Hence, the maximum thickness of subarachnoid blood is a new independent prognostic marker of mortality and might become an additional, valuable tool for risk stratification and decision making in the acute phase of traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Identification of nitrate sources in Taihu Lake and its major inflow rivers in China, using δ(15)N-NO(3)(-) and δ(18)O-NO(3)(-) values

In the present study, δ(15)N and δ(18)O-NO(3)(-) values, as well as concentrations of some major ion tracers were determined in seasonal water samples from Taihu Lake and major watersheds to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of nitrate sources and assess the underlying nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry process. The results lead to the conclusion that the nitrate concentrations in Taihu Lake are lower in summer than that in winter due to the dilution effect of wet deposition. In winter, sewage and manure were the primary nitrate sources in major inflow rivers and North Taihu Lake (NTL), while nitrate sources in East Taihu Lake (ETL) probably derived from soil organic N. In summer, atmospheric deposition and sewage/manure inputs appear to play an important role in controlling the distribution of nitrates in the whole lake. The δ(18)O-NO(3)(-) values suggest that the nitrate produced from microbial nitrification is another major nitrate source during both winter and summer months. The variations in isotopic values in nitrate suggest denitrification enriched the heavier isotopes of nitrate in NTL in winter and in ETL in summer.

Association of Interleukin-11 with Mortality in Patients with Spontaneous Basal Ganglia Haemorrhage

This study evaluated interleukin (IL)-11 as an independent prognostic marker of mortality following intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Plasma IL-11 levels in patients with ICH were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Multivariate analysis indicated that plasma IL-11 level was an independent predictor for mortality within 1 week of ICH onset and was positively associated with haematoma volume. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified that a baseline plasma IL-11 level > 20.9 pg/ml predicted mortality within 1 week of ICH onset with 81.2% sensitivity and 74.1% specificity. The area under the curve for IL-11 level was significantly smaller than that for the Glasgow Coma Scale score, but similar to that for haematoma volume. IL-11 did not, however, significantly improve the predictive value of the Glasgow Coma Scale or haematoma volume. Thus, IL-11 may be considered as a new independent prognostic marker of mortality and an additional valuable tool for risk stratification and decision-making in the acute phase of ICH.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide attenuates portal hypertension in rats with experimental hepatic cirrhosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on portal vein pressure in rats with experimental hepatic cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension and to explore mechanisms involved.

METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into control group, cirrhosis group, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) group, L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) plus zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) group, and NaHS plus L-NAME plus ZnPP group. After treatment, portal vein pressure and the levels of H₂S, NO, and CO in portal vein blood were measured, and the expression of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and heme oxygenase (HO-l) in liver tissue was determined by Western blot.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, portal pressure was significantly elevated (all P < 0.05) and the levels of plasma H2S, NO, CO and hepatic CSE, iNOS, and HO-1 showed statistically significant differences in the other groups (H₂S: 134.49 µmol/L ± 12.25 µmol/L, 151.19 µmol/L ± 8.75 µmol/L, 160.82 µmol/L ± 6.79 µmol/L, 170.58 µmol/L ± 4.38 µmol/L vs 180.33 µmol/L ± 11.71 µmol/L; NO: 160.12 µmol/L ± 4.18 µmol/L, 129.25 µmol/L ± 3.09 µmol/L, 100.24 µmol/L ± 3.80 µmol/L, 90.23 µmol/L ± 2.87 µmol/L vs 81.11 µmol/L ± 2.91 µmol/L; CO: 111.12 µmol/L ± 2.25 µmol/L, 100.43 µmol/L ± 1.42 µmol/L, 83.72 µmol/L ± 1.78 µmol/L, 77.58 µmol/L ± 8.17 µmol/L vs 70.51 µmol/L ± 3.09 µmol/L; CSE: 121.72 ± 1.61, 150.26 ± 1.04, 142.79 ± 1.13, 157.28 ± 0.90 vs 159.30 ± 1.37; HO-1: 155.79 ± 1.29, 149.89 ± 1.63, 139.88 ± 1.73, 135.49 ± 1.21 vs 125.44 ± 0.93; iNOS: 165.69 ± 1.17, 160.68 ± 1.28, 150.66 ± 1.42, 145.55 ± 1.04 vs 135.22 ± 0.54, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Endogenous H₂S/CSE can regulate portal hypertension in rats with experimental hepatic cirrhosis perhaps via mechanisms associated with the changes in the NO/NOS and CO/HO-1 pathways.

[Using nitrate isotope to trace the nitrogen pollution in Chanhe and Laohe river]

Nitrogen isotope tracing method was used to identify the dominate contamination source of Chanhe River and Laohe River. The results showed that the delta15N-NO3- values of Chanhe and Laohe River from upper to lower stream were 1.34 per thousand to 9.0 per thousand and 3.3 per thousand to 7.4 per thousand, respectively. And the delta15 N values of the sewage samples were 11.5 per thousand and 11.1 per thousand. Through comparing the upper and lower stream delta15N value with the sewage sample, this research found that nitrate isotope indicated the contamination sources, and the nitrate isotope value could provide more valuable messages relative to the nitrate concentration. Meanwhile, this research approximately divided the main nitrogen source in different river drainage areas. These results can offer important information for investigating the nitrate pollution and nutrient runoff in this area.

Mmp-9, a potential target for cerebral ischemic treatment

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) which is a member of matrix metalloproteinases family that normally remodel the extracellular matrix, has been shown to play an important role in both animal models of cerebral ischemia and human stroke. The expression of MMP-9 is elevated after cerebral ischemia which is involved in accelerating matrix degradation, disrupting the blood-brain barrier, increasing the infarct size and relating to hemorrhagic transformation. Recently, many drugs, such as tetracycline derivatives, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, ACEI inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockers, etc., have been found to attenuate the elevated expression levels of MMP-9 after ischemia and to reduce the damage of cerebral ischemic. This article reviews the physiological features of MMP-9 and its important role in the genesis, propagation, and therapeutics of cerebral ischemic diseases.

Classification and prediction of outcome in traumatic brain injury based on computed tomographic imaging

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common and potentially devastating problem. The classification of TBI is necessary for accurate diagnosis and the prediction of outcomes. The increased use of early sedation, intubation and ventilation in more severely injured patients has decreased the value of the Glasgow Coma Scale for the purposes of classification. An alternative is the classification of TBI according to morphological criteria based on computed tomography (CT) investigations. This article reviews the current classification and prediction of outcomes in TBI based on CT imaging. Classifications based on the presence or absence of intracranial local lesions, diffuse injury, signs of subarachnoid or intra-ventricular haemorrhage and fractures or foreign bodies are considered, and their predictive value is discussed. Future studies should address the complicated issue of how optimally to combine CT characteristics for prognostic purposes and how to improve on currently used CT classifications to predict outcomes more accurately.

Shunt implantation in a special sub-group of post-traumatic hydrocephalus--patients have normal intracranial pressure without clinical representations of hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a frequent complication secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and controversy remains over whether to perform a shunt placement for patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus when the patient is too injured to display symptoms or has atypical symptoms.

METHOD

A hospital-based retrospective study was performed in patients who developed normal pressure hydrocephalus, without atypical symptoms, from January 2004 to June 2007. Information regarding patients' demographics, TBI, hydrocephalus and outcome was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were involved in this study. At the 12-month follow-up, 20 patients (64.5%) showed clear improvement. Among the 10 patients who developed PTH after decompressive craniectomy, cranioplasty was performed after shunt implantation and clinical improvement was observed in nine patients. Additionally, in this series, the patients' age and the severity of hydrocephalus, assessed by CT imaging before shunt placement, significantly correlated with improvement.

CONCLUSION

Although the effect was not definitively established, many patients in the sub-group of PTH patients described here would benefit from shunt placement, especially when they simultaneously have large cranial defects after surgical decompression and underwent cranioplasties after shunt placement. Additionally, younger patients and those with less severe hydrocephalus before shunt placement may expect a better outcome after shunt placement.

Contralateral subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy performed in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: incidence, clinical presentations, treatment and outcome

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to better understand postoperative contralateral subdural effusion, an uncommon but serious complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy in patients with head trauma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data from medical records of 169 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy after head trauma between 2003 and 2006 were collected. The data included demographics, clinical presentations, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 169 patients, 11 (6.5%) had contralateral subdural effusion. On the average, this complication was found 14 days after decompressive craniectomy. Of the 11 patients, conservative treatment was effective in 7 with a gradual resolution which lasted 52.7 days on average. The effusion in the remaining 4 patients led to progressive deterioration of clinical presentation, and surgical intervention was necessary: subduroperitoneal shunting in 3 cases and burr hole drainage in the remaining 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirmed that postoperative contralateral subdural effusion was not an uncommon complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy. Most contralateral subdural effusions resolved spontaneously after conservative management, but surgical management may be necessary if the patients develop deteriorating clinical manifestations or the subdural effusion has an apparent mass effect.

[Effects of period of cuttage on growth of seedling for Lonicera japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of cuttage time on growth of Lonicera japonica.

METHOD

Randomized block of single variable and determination of the selected samples.

RESULT

The growth of seeding influenced significantly by the cottage time. The experimental results in two years showed that the survival rate, the number of root, the root weight and root cap ratio that cuttaged on March 2 were better than those cuttaged at other time point.

CONCLUSION

The first ten days of March is the best period for cuttaging L. japonica.