[Clinical effects of flaps or myocutaneous flaps transplantation after titanium mesh-retaining debridement in repairing the wounds with exposed titanium mesh after cranioplasty]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of flaps or myocutaneous flaps transplantation after debridement to repair the wounds with exposed titanium mesh after cranioplasty on the premise of retaining the titanium mesh. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From February 2017 to October 2022, 22 patients with titanium mesh exposure after cranioplasty who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic & Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, including 15 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 68 years. After admission, treatments such as bacterial culture of wound exudate sample, anti-infection, and dressing change were carried out. Thorough surgical debridement was performed when the wound improved, and the wound area was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 11.0 cm×8.0 cm after debridement. The wound was repaired with local flaps, expanded flaps, or free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps according to the size, location, severity of infection, and surrounding tissue condition of the wounds, and the areas of flaps or myocutaneous flaps were 5.5 cm×4.0 cm to 18.0 cm×15.0 cm. The donor areas of flaps were sutured directly or repaired by split-thickness skin grafts from head. The wound repair method was recorded. The survivals of flaps or myocutaneous flaps after surgery and wound healing in 2 weeks after surgery were recorded. During postoperative follow-up, recurrence of infection or titanium mesh exposure in the implanted area of titanium mesh was observed; the head shapes of patients, scar formation of the operative incision, and baldness were observed. At the last follow-up, the satisfaction of patients with the treatment effect (dividing into three levels: satisfied, basically satisfied, and dissatisfied) was evaluated. The total treatment costs of patients during their hospitalization were calculated. Results: The wounds in 11 cases were repaired with local flaps, the wounds in 5 cases were repaired with expanded flaps, and the wounds in 6 cases were repaired with free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. All flaps or myocutaneous flaps survived completely after surgery, and all wounds healed well in 2 weeks after surgery. Follow up for 6 to 48 months after operation, only one patient with local flap grafting experienced a recurrence of infection in the titanium mesh implanted area at more than one month after surgery, and the titanium mesh was removed because of ineffective treatment. Except for one patient who had a local depression in the head after removing the titanium mesh, the rest of the patients had a full head shape. Except for myocutaneous flap grafting areas in 6 cases and skin grafting area in 1 case with local flaps grafting had no hair growth, the other patients had no baldness. All the scars in surgical incision were concealed. At the last follow-up, 19 cases were satisfied with the treatment effects, 2 cases were basically satisfied, and 1 case was dissatisfied. The total treatment cost for patients in this group during hospitalization was 11 764-36 452 (22 304±6 955) yuan. Conclusions: For patients with titanium mesh exposure after cranioplasty, on the premise of adequate preoperative preparation and thorough debridement, the wound can be repaired with appropriate flaps or myocutaneous flaps according to the wound condition. The surgery can preserve all or part of the titanium mesh. The postoperative wound healing is good and the recurrence of infection or titanium mesh exposure in the titanium mesh implanted area is reduced, leading to good head shape, reduced surgical frequency, and decreased treatment costs.

Recent advances in optical aptasensors for biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of all primary liver cancers and is one of the main malignant tumor types globally. It is essential to develop rapid, ultrasensitive, and accurate strategies for the diagnosis and surveillance of HCC. In recent years, aptasensors have attracted particular attention owing to their high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and low production costs. Optical analysis, as a potential analytical tool, offers the advantages of a wide range of targets, rapid response, and simple instrumentation. In this review, recent progress in several types of optical aptasensors for biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of HCC is summarized. Furthermore, we evaluate the strengths and limitations of these sensors and discuss the challenges and future perspectives for their use in HCC diagnosis and surveillance.

[Research advances on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with autologous platelet-rich fibrin]

Diabetic foot is one of the serious complications of diabetic patients, which makes the society and public health bear a huge economic burden. In recent years, more and more studies at home and abroad have been conducted on the treatment of chronic wounds with autologous platelet-rich fibrin, and the therapeutic concepts and methods have been updated constantly. In this paper, we reviewed the general situation of autologous platelet-rich fibrin, the mechanism of autologous platelet-rich fibrin in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and the new progress in its application, so as to provide a new strategy for the repair of diabetic foot ulcers.

Investigating the impact of oral health on pregnancy and offspring outcomes: protocol for the Lifetime Impact of ORal heAlth (LIORA) cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Oral health is a fundamental component of well-being, and is closely associated with overall health and quality of life. Oral health may also affect the next generation. The children of mothers with poor oral health are likely to also have poor oral health as they go through life. We aim to investigate associations between maternal oral health and general health, pregnancy outcomes, offspring oral health and offspring general health.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Lifetime Impact of Oral Health study is a prospective, observational cohort study being done at a single centre in Chongqing, China. A total of 1000 pregnant women will be recruited in their first trimester (11-14 weeks gestation). After obtaining informed consent, general and oral health assessments will be undertaken. Maternal lifestyle, demographic data and biospecimens (blood, hair, urine, nail clippings, saliva, dental plaque, buccal, vaginal and anal swabs) will be collected. Pregnancy outcomes will be recorded at the time of delivery. Cord blood and placenta samples will be collected. The offspring will be followed up for general and oral health examinations, neurodevelopmental assessments and biospecimen (dental plaque, saliva, buccal swabs, exfoliated primary dentition, urine, hair, nail clippings) collection until they are 15 years old. Biological samples will undergo comprehensive metabolomic, microbiome and epigenome analyses. Associations between maternal oral health and general health, pregnancy outcomes, offspring oral health and offspring general health will be investigated and the underlying mechanisms explored.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This project has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Chongqing Medical University (CQHS-REC-2021 LSNo.23). Participants will be required to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Dissemination of findings will take the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2100046898.

How likely is septic shock to develop in a patient with Fournier's gangrene? A risk prediction model based on a 7-year retrospective study

Background

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare life-threatening form of necrotizing fasciitis. The risk factors for septic shock in patients with FG are unclear. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors and develop a prediction model for septic shock in patients with FG.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who were treated for FG between May 2013 and May 2020 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China). The patients were divided into a septic shock group and a non-septic shock group. An L1-penalized logistic regression model was used to detect the main effect of important factors and a penalized Quadratic Discriminant Analysis method was used to identify possible interaction effects between different factors. The selected main factors and interactions were used to obtain a logistic regression model based on the Bayesian information criterion.

Results

A total of 113 patients with FG were enrolled and allocated to the septic shock group (n = 24) or non-septic shock group (n = 89). The best model selected identified by backward logistic regression based on Bayesian information criterion selected temperature, platelets, total bilirubin (TBIL) level, and pneumatosis on pelvic computed tomography/magnetic resonance images as the main linear effect and Na⁺ × TBIL as the interaction effect. The area under the ROC curve of the probability of FG with septic shock by our model was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.95). The Harrell's concordance index for the nomogram was 0.864 (95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.95).

Conclusion

We have developed a prediction model for evaluation of the risk of septic shock in patients with FG that could assist clinicians in identifying critically ill patients with FG and prevent them from reaching a crisis state.

A novel role of FoxO3a in the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells: from metabolic remodeling to transcriptional reprogramming

Background

The forkhead box O3a protein (FoxO3a) has been reported to be involved in the migration and invasion of trophoblast, but its underlying mechanisms unknown. In this study, we aim to explore the transcriptional and metabolic regulations of FoxO3a on the migration and invasion of early placental development.

Methods

Lentiviral vectors were used to knock down the expression of FoxO3a of the HTR8/SVneo cells. Western blot, matrigel invasion assay, wound healing assay, seahorse, gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) based metabolomics, fluxomics, and RNA-seq transcriptomics were performed.

Results

We found that FoxO3a depletion restrained the migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells. Metabolomics, fluxomics, and seahorse demonstrated that FoxO3a knockdown resulted in a switch from aerobic to anaerobic respiration and increased utilization of aromatic amino acids and long-chain fatty acids from extracellular nutrients. Furthermore, our RNA-seq also demonstrated that the expression of COX-2 and MMP9 decreased after FoxO3a knockdown, and these two genes were closely associated with the migration/invasion progress of trophoblast cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggested novel biological roles of FoxO3a in early placental development. FoxO3a exerts an essential effect on trophoblast migration and invasion owing to the regulations of COX2, MMP9, aromatic amino acids, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress.

[Analysis of low-dose computed tomography compliance and related factors among high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer screening program in urban China]

Objective: To analyze the compliance and related factors of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among the high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer early diagnosis and early treatment program in urban areas of China. Methods: From October 2017 to October 2018, 17 983 people aged between 40 and 74 years old at high risk of lung cancer were recruited from Zhejiang, Anhui and Liaoning provinces. The basic demographic characteristics, living habits, history of the disease and family history of cancer were collected by using a cancer risk assessment questionnaire, and the data of participants examined by LDCT were obtained from the hospitals participating in the program. The screening compliance was quantified by the screening participation rate, and it was calculated as the proportion of participants completing LDCT scan among high-risk population. The related factors of LDCT screening compliance were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The age of 17 983 participants was (56.52±8.22) years old. Males accounted for 51.9% (N=9 332), and 69.5% (N=12 495) had ever smoked, including former smokers and current smokers. A total of 6 269 participants were screened by LDCT, and the screening participation rate was 34.86%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 50 to 69 years old, female, passive smokers, alcohol consumption, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory diseases were more likely to be screened by LDCT, while the compliance of LDCT screening in current smokers was low. Conclusions: The LDCT screening compliance of the high-risk population of lung cancer in urban areas of China still needs to be improved. Age, sex, smoking, drinking, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory disease are associated with screening compliance.

[Research advances in the relationship of dietary factors and prostate cancer risk]

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. An increasing trend for prostate cancer incidence was observed in China. Enormous studies have been conducted to investigate the association between dietary factors and prostate cancer, however conflicted results were obtained. Red meat, processed meat, and dairy products consumption were reported to be associated with the increased prostate cancer risk, while tomatoes, soybeans and green tea might reduce the risk of prostate cancer occurance. However, no consensus could be reached without strong evidence. Furthermore, further studies are needed to investigate the association between vitamin and mineral supplements and prostate cancer risk. Some studies reported that men with higher dietary inflammatory index scores increased prostate cancer risk. There may be a long susceptible period when dietary factors affect prostate cancer risk, which poses challenges for collecting exposure and the follow-up. Measure bias and detection bias are the main reasons which impair the authenticity of studies on the relationship of dietary factors and prostate cancer risk. Researchers should apply various methods to measure participants' dietary consumption levels and ascertain essential outcomes, such as prostate cancer death. This article reviews updated epidemiological evidences on the association of dietary factors and prostate cancer, aims to benefit future nutritional epidemiology studies focus on the prostate cancer prevention.

Neuroprotective Role of GLP-1 Analog for Retinal Ganglion Cells via PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy in Diabetic Retinopathy

GLP-1 analogs have been widely used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes in recent years and studies have found that GLP-1 analogs have multiple organ benefits. However, the role of GLP-1 analogs in diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), remains controversial. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only afferent neurons responsible for transmitting visual information to the visual center and are vulnerable in the early stage of DR. Protection of RGC is vital for visual function. The incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted by L-cells after food ingestion, could lower blood glucose level through stimulating the release of insulin. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of GLP-1 analog on RGCs both in vitro and in vivo. We established diabetic rat models in vivo and applied an RGC-5 cell line in vitro. The results showed that in high glucose conditions, GLP-1 analog alleviated the damage of RGCs. In addition, GLP-1 analog prevented mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Here we demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of GLP-1 analog, which may be beneficial for retinal function, and we further elucidated a novel mechanism in GLP-1 analog-regulated protection of the retina. These findings may expand the multi-organ benefits of GLP-1 analogs and provide new insights for the prevention of DR.

[Application of the Virtual Reality-Pattern Visual Evoked Potential in Forensic Visual Acuity Evaluation]

Abstract

Objective To explore a kind of visual evoked potential test equipment and method that is more suitable for the application of forensic clinical visual acuity evaluation. Methods Thirty-four volunteers （68 eyes） were selected, including 15 males and 19 females, aged between 20 and 40 years. Test lenses were placed before the tested eyes of volunteers to induce refractive myopia with insert method, and the diopter lenses were adjusted so that the visual acuity level of one eye of volunteers was above 0.8, and the visual acuity of the other eye was at moderate damage level （<0.3 and ≥0.1）. The tests were carried out under the binocular simultaneous asynchronous stimulation mode （hereinafter referred to as "binocular mode"） and monocular separate stimulation mode （hereinafter referred to as "monocular mode"） of virtual reality-pattern visual evoked potential （VR-PVEP）, and the amplitude of PVEP of volunteers under the two modes was compared at four spatial frequencies of 8×8, 16×16, 24×24 and 32×32. Results The differences in the amplitude of P100 wave between monocular and binocular modes at 8×8 spatial frequency had no statistical significance and the differences in amplitude of P100 wave between monocular and binocular modes at 16×16, 24×24, and 32×32 spatial frequencies had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The amplitude of the same eye in monocular mode was higher than that in binocular mode. Through correlation analysis, it was found that the amplitude of P100 wave in monocular mode was moderately correlated with amplitude of P100 wave in binocular mode. Conclusion In forensic identification practice, VR-PVEP is helpful for overcoming the disturbance of poor fixation, and to increase the reliability of PVEP evaluation results. It can greatly shorten the detection time of PVEP and improve work efficiency.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Body Image Concern Inventory

The Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI) was developed to assess dysmorphic appearance concern and has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument in Western societies. To examine the psychometric properties of a new Chinese BICI, the BICI was administered to 1,231 Chinese young adults (Study 1) and 47 female patients with eating disorders and 56 matched controls (ED; Study 2). In study 1, Cronbach's alpha of .92 and test-retest reliability of .73 over a 6-month interval was observed for the total scale. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 3-factor model for the BICI: avoidant behaviors (AB), safety behaviors against perceived flaws (SB), and negative appearance evaluation (NE). In study 2, ED patients scored significantly higher on the BICI total and three subscale scores than controls. In addition, AB best differentiated ED patients and matched controls (Cohen's d = 1.52); SB best differentiated between the non-clinical female and male groups (Cohen's d = 0.75); NE was most closely associated with level of negative affect and subjective well-being (inverse relationship) in both clinical and non-clinical groups. In conclusion, the Chinese BICI is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating dysmorphic appearance concern among Chinese speakers.

Resting frontal EEG asymmetry and schizotypal traits: a test-retest study

Introduction: Increase in right relative to left frontal electroencephalography (EEG) activity has been observed in patients with schizophrenia, both in cognitive tasks and during rest; and this lateralisation may be related to the severity of schizotypal traits. Methods: We used the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to assess schizotypal traits, and examined the correlation between these traits and resting EEG frontal asymmetry (left-right) in 52 college students, as well as the reliability of this correlation over a three-month interval. Results: A higher total score on the SPQ was correlated with reduced asymmetry in different frequency bands: gamma and beta2 frequency bands at baseline, and delta and alpha frequency bands three months later. Additionally, the reduced left relative to right frontal gamma and beta2 asymmetry was correlated with the participants' verbal fluency ability. However, this correlation was no longer statistically significant after the total SPQ score was controlled. Conclusions: These findings suggest that resting frontal EEG asymmetry is correlated with powers in different frequency bands, and may be an endophenotype for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

[The prognostic significance of dynamic monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) status in patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of kinetic changes in minimal residual disease (MRD) status, as well as its relationship with risk stratification, therapeutic response and treatment in patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: A total of 135 patients with newly-diagnosed MM were screened, and 105 patients who achieved VGPR or more as the best responses were included into this study. The MRD status was determined by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) at multiple intervals after two cycles of treatment until clinical relapse, death, or last follow-up. The statistical methods included Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression, etc. Results: ①In all 135 patients, 57.8% (78/135) patients achieved MRD negativity (MRD(-)) after treatment. In 105 patients who achieved VGPR and thus included in this study, the MRD(-) rate was 72.4% (76/105) , with a median interval of 3 months from starting treatment to achievement of MRD(-) status. ②The 2-year PFS rate of patients with MRD(-) status was significantly higher than that of MRD(+) status (62.2% vs 41.3%, P=0.001) , while MRD persistence (MRD(+)) was an independent factor for poor prognosis (multivariate analysis for PFS: P=0.044, HR=3.039, 95%CI 1.029-8.974) . ③Loss of MRD(-) status (i.e., MRD reappearance) showed inferior outcomes compared with MRD sustained negative ones, the PFS was 18 months versus not reach (P<0.001) and the OS was not reach for both (P=0.002) . ④The 2-year PFS and OS rates of patients with duration of MRD(-)status≥12 months were significantly higher than those of the control group (PFS: 77.7% vs 36.7%, P<0.001; OS: 96.4% vs 57.9%, P<0.001 respectively) . Duration of MRD(-) status was associated with a marked reduction in risk of relapse or death (univariate analysis for PFS: P<0.001, HR=0.865, 95%CI 0.815-0.918; for OS: P=0.001, HR=0.850, 95%CI 0.741-0.915 respectively) . ⑤Moreover, even in patients carrying high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) or ineligible for ASCT, MRD negativity remained its prognostic value to predict PFS (high-risk CA medianPFS: not reach vs 19 months, P=0.006; ineligible for ASCT medianPFS: not reach vs 25 months, P=0.052 respectively) . ⑥Last, treatment with the bortezomib-based regimens contributed to prolonged MRD(-) duration (median MRD(-) duratio: 25 months vs 10 months, P=0.034) . Conclusion: Our findings supported MRD(+) status as an independent poor prognostic factor in MM patients, which implicated that duration of MRD(-) status also played a significant role in evaluation of prognosis, while loss of MRD(-)status might serve as an early biomarker for relapse. Therefore, monitoring of MRD kinetics might more precisely predict prognosis, as well as guide treatment decision, especially for when to start retreatment in relapsed patients.

Development and Validation of a BMI-Based Figure Rating Scale for Chinese Adolescents

Figure rating scales (FRS) have been widely used to measure body dissatisfaction. In the current study, an FRS based on body mass index (BMI) and body shape of Chinese adolescents (C-BMI-FRS) was developed and validated. The perceived actual figure chosen from C-BMI-FRS by 2,237 Chinese adolescents aged 15-18 years old correlated strongly with BMI (r = .83 in girls and r = .80 in boys). Additionally, there was a strong relation between actual and ideal figure discrepancy (AID) scores and measures of body satisfaction (r = -.54 in girls, r = -.28 in boys) and eating disorder symptoms (r = .54 in girls, and r = .52 in boys). There also were moderate associations of AID scores with self-esteem (r = -.16) and negative affect (r = .18) in girls. Test-retest reliability over an 8- to 10 -week interval exceeded .57 for actual figure, ideal figure, and AID scores. Overall, findings support the utility of C-BMI-FRS as a measure of body dissatisfaction among Chinese adolescents.

[A multicenter cross-sectional study on chronic critical illness and surgery-related chronic critical illness in China]

Objective: To understand the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of chronic critical illness (CCI) in China. Methods: The clinical data of 472 adult patients admitted to ICU in 53 hospitals, including basic information, disease-related data, nutrition program, etc., were collected on May 10, 2019, by means of multi-center cross-sectional study. If surgical intervention was needed or the occurrence of the disease was directly related to the surgery, ICU patients were regarded as surgical ICU cases (n=211). In this study, the diagnostic criteria for CCI were: (1) admission to ICU >14 days;(2) combined with persistent organ dysfunction. The prevalence,distribution and treatment of CCI and surgery-related CCI were recorded and analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used for comparative analysis. Results: Among the 472 ICU patients from 53 hospitals, 326 were male (69.1%) and 146 were female (30.9%). The prevalence of CCI was 30.7% (145/472). Among 211 surgery-related ICU patients, 57 developed CCI with a prevalence of 27.0%. As compared to non-CCI patients, higher APACHE II score [median (IQR) 13.5 (10.0, 18.3) vs. 11.0 (7.0, 16.0), U=2970.000, P=0.007], higher Charlson comorbidity index [median (IQR) 4.0 (2.0, 7.0) vs. 3.0 (1.0, 5.0), U= 3570.000, P=0.036] and higher ratio of breath dysfunction [68.4% (39/57) vs. 48.1% (74/154), χ(2)=6.939, P=0.008] and renal dysfunction [42.1% (24/57) vs. 18.2% (28/154), χ(2)=12.821, P<0.001] were found in surgery-related CCI patients. While SOFA score, Glasgow coma score and other visceral function were not significantly different between surgery-related CCI and non-CCI patients (all P>0.05). NUTRIC score showed that surgery-related CCI patients had higher nutritional risk [43.9% (25/57) vs. 26.6%(41/154), U=5.750, P=0.016] and higher ratio of mechanical ventilation [66.7% (38/57) vs. 52.3% (79/154), χ(2)=3.977, P=0.046] than non-CCI patients. On the survey day, the daily caloric requirements of 50.2% (106/211) of surgery-related ICU patients were calculated according to the standard adult caloric intake index (104.6 to 125.5 kJ·kg(-1)·d(-1), 1 kJ=0.239 kcal), and the daily caloric requirements of 46.4% (98/211) of patients were calculated by physicians according to the severity of the patient's condition. 60.2% (127/211) of nutritional support therapy was enteral nutrition (including a combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition), while the remaining patients received parenteral nutrition (24.6%, 52/211), simple glucose infusion (9.0%, 19/211), or oral diet (6.2%, 13/211). The target calorie of CCI group was 104.6 (87.9, 125.5) kJ·kg(-1)·d(-1), and the actual calorie intake accounted for 0.98 (0.80, 1.00) of the target calory. In the non-CCI group, the target calorie was 104.6 (87.9, 125.5) kJ·kg(-1)·d(-1), and the actual calorie consumed accounted for 0.91 (0.66, 1.00) of the target calorie. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P=0.248, P=0.150). Conclusion: The prevalence of CCI and surgery-related CCI in ICU is high, along with severe complications, respiratory and renal dysfunction and mechanical ventilation. Surgical patients admitted to ICU are at high nutritional risk, and active and correct nutritional support is essential for such patients.

Application of PRVEP Waveform Amplitude Ratio to Evaluate Visual Acuity and Its Forensic Significance

Abstract

Objective To research the correlation between the visual acuity ratio and pattern reversal visual evoked potential （PRVEP） P100 waveform amplitude ratio of both eyes. Methods Forty-seven volunteers were selected, and the visual chart visual acuity of both eyes was measured. The visual acuity ratio of the eye with poor vision to the eye with better vision was calculated by five grade notation method. The amplitudes of P100 waveforms of both eyes were recorded respectively by using black-and-white checkerboard PRVEP and chosing 1°, 15' stimulating visual angle, and the ratio of amplitudes between the two eyes was also calculated. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between the visual acuity ratio and the ratio of P100 waveform amplitudes between the two eyes. Return test and linear regression analysis with the binocular ratio of P100 waveform amplitudes as the independent variable （x） and the binocular visual acuity ratio as the dependent variable （y） were made. Results There was a positive correlation between the binocular visual acuity ratio and the ratio of P100 waveform amplitudes under 15' stimulating visual angle （Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.62, P=0.000）. The fitting linear regression equation was y=0.090 x+0.846 （F=20.954, P=0.000）. There was no significant correlation between the binocular ratio of visual acuity and the binocular ratio of P100 waveform amplitudes under 1° stimulating visual angle （P>0.05）. Results of return test showed that there was no statistical significance in the difference between visual acuity estimated by equation and actual detected visual acuity. Conclusion In forensic appraisal of monocular injury, fitting linear regression equation of binocular visual acuity ratio and the binocular ratio of P100 waveform amplitudes under 15' stimulating visual angle, is helpful for visual acuity level estimation of the injured eye to some extent.

Effects of thyroid hormone and depression on common components of central obesity

Objective

We investigated the prevalence of abnormal thyroid function and depression in centrally obese participants, and to analyze the relationship of thyroid hormones and depression with components of central obesity.

Methods

We randomly selected 858 centrally obese participants and 500 non-obese controls in this study. For all participants, we measured serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid concentrations, and blood pressure. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.

Results

Centrally obese participants had a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism and depression than non-obese controls. Serum FT4 levels negatively correlated with BMI and serum TSH levels and positively correlated with BMI, WHR, total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). After excluding participants with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, serum FT4 levels showed negative correlation and serum TSH levels showed positive correlation with BMI in the remaining centrally obese participants. CES-D scores positively correlated with BMI.

Conclusion

We found high prevalences of hypothyroidism and depression among centrally obese participants. FT4 and TSH are important in weight regulation. Depression positively correlated with obesity.

Assessment of the Original Height of L1~2 after Vertebral Compression Fracture

OBJECTIVES

To explore the assessment method of original height of L_1-2 after vertebral compression fracture and its application value in forensic clinical practice.

METHODS

A total of 154 normal thoracic and lumbar X-ray films were collected, and 140 cases were used as experimental group while 14 cases as validation group. The heights of anterior （Ha） and posterior （Hp） vertebral body of T₁₂-L₃ vertebrae in each X-ray image were measured. In the experimental group, the correlation analysis between Ha_L₁ and Ha_T₁₂, Hp_T₁₂, Hp_L₁, Ha_L₂ and Hp_L₂ was carried out, and regression equation was established via fitting. The correlation analysis between Ha_L₂ and Ha_L₁, Hp_L₁, Hp_L₂, Ha_L₃, Hp_L₃ was performed, and the regression equation was also established via fitting. The difference between the predicted and measured values of Ha_L₁ and Ha_L₂ in validation group was compared.

RESULTS

In the 140 normal subjects, Ha_L₁ （y₁） was well correlated with Ha_T₁₂ （x₁） and Ha_L₂（x₂）, and the multiple linear regression equation was y₁=2.545+0.423 x₁+0.486 x₂ （determining coefficient R²=0.712, P<0.05; F=169.206, P<0.05）. There was no significant difference between the predicted and actual measured values of Ha_L₁ in the validation group （ P>0.05）. HaL₂ （y₂） was well correlated with Ha_L₁ （x₃） and Ha_L₃ （x₄）, and the multiple linear regression equation was y₂=4.354+0.530 x₃+0.349 x₄ （determining coefficient R²=0.689, P<0.05; F=151.575, P<0.05）. There was no significant difference between the predicted and actual measured values of Ha_L₂ in the validation group （ P>0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

It is more appropriate to evaluate the original height of L₁ or L₂ single vertebrae by comparing with the height of the anterior edge of the upper and lower adjacent vertebral bodies.

Enabling liquid vapor analysis using synchrotron VUV single photon ionization mass spectrometry with a microfluidic interface

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) single photon ionization mass spectrometry (SPI-MS) is a vacuum-based technique typically used for the analysis of gas phase and solid samples, but not for liquids due to the challenge in introducing volatile liquids in a vacuum. Here we present the first demonstration of in situ liquid analysis by integrating the System for Analysis at the Liquid Vacuum Interface (SALVI) microfluidic reactor into VUV SPI-MS. Four representative volatile organic compound (VOC) solutions were used to illustrate the feasibility of liquid analysis. Our results show the accurate mass identification of the VOC molecules and the reliable determination of appearance energy that is consistent with ionization energy for gaseous species in the literature as reported. This work validates that the vacuum-compatible SALVI microfluidic interface can be utilized at the synchrotron beamline and enable the in situ study of gas-phase molecules evaporating off the surface of a liquid, which holds importance in the study of condensed matter chemistry.

Liraglutide attenuates the migration of retinal pericytes induced by advanced glycation end products

Retinal pericyte migration represents a novel mechanism of pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy (DR), which plays a crucial role in the early impairment of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been shown to protect the diabetic retina in the early stage of DR; however, the relationship between GLP-1 and retinal pericytes has not been discussed. In this study, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) significantly increased the migration of primary bovine retinal pericytes without influencing cell viability. AGEs also significantly enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation, and changed the expressions of migration-related proteins, including phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and vinculin. PI3K inhibition significantly attenuated the AGEs-induced migration of retinal pericytes and reversed the overexpression of MMP-2. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (Glp1r) was expressed in retinal pericytes, and liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, significantly attenuated the migration of pericytes by Glp1r and reversed the changes in p-Akt/Akt, p-FAK/FAK, vinculin and MMP-2 levels induced by AGEs, indicating that the protective effect of liraglutide was associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway. These results provided new insights into the mechanism underlying retinal pericyte migration. The early use of liraglutide exerts a potential bebefical effect on regulating pericyte migration, which might contribute to mechanisms that maintain the integrity of vascular barrier and delay the development of DR.

[Characteristics of Key Size Spectrum of PM2.5 Affecting Winter Haze Pollution in Taiyuan]

PM_2.5 is generally considered as a main pollutant causing the formation of haze. Based on meteorological parameters, aerosol distribution, and PM monitoring data in Taiyuan during November and December 2016, the characteristics of the key size spectrum of PM_2.5 affecting haze were discussed. During the observation period, haze was frequent and serious. Heavy haze time accounts for 25.35% of the total haze time. Haze events occurred frequently when the relative humidity was greater than 80% and wind speed was less than 1.5 m·s^-1, especially for severe haze. Mild and moderate level haze occurred frequently when the relative humidity was less than 80% and greater than 40% and when wind speed was less than 1.5 m·s^-1. Slight haze mainly occurred when the relative humidity was 20%-40% and the wind speed was 1.25-2.55 m·s^-1. The average mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 209.45 μg·m^-3, which was three times the level during non-haze events. With an increase in the haze level, the mass concentration of PM_2.5 and the ratio of PM_2.5/PM₁₀ increased. PM₁ was the key particle size affecting haze in the low humidity environment. PM_0.5 was the key particle size that affects slight haze, mild haze, and moderate haze in the high humidity environment, while PM₁ was the key particle size that affects heavy haze. The contribution of surface concentration to visibility decreased with high humidity, but the particle size increased by moisture absorption leading to an increase in the extinction efficiency factor, which compensated for the lack of surface concentration. The increase in the particle size parameter was an important factor for PM_2.5 affecting the haze pollution with high humidity.

[Contrast Visual Evoked Potentials under Pattern Stimulus in Ocular Trauma]

OBJECTIVES

To study the characteristic of contrast visual evoked potentials （CVEP） in patients with ocular trauma.

METHODS

Sixty patients defined as ocular trauma by forensic clinical examination in our center were selected, and split into 0.2-0.3 （Group A）, 0.3-0.5 （Group B） and ≥0.5 （Group C） according to the best corrected visual acuity. The variation characteristics of wave amplitude and latency of CVEP under 100%, 25% and 10% contrast were observed and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

（1） Under the same contrast, the wave amplitude of P₁₀₀ decreased with the decrease of stimulus perspective. （2） Under the same stimulus perspective, the wave amplitude of P₁₀₀ decreased with the decrease of contrast （P<0.05）. （3） Under the contrast of 100% and 25% with the same stimulus perspective （except 100% 7' perspective stimulus）, the difference between group A and group B had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. Between group A and group C, group B and group C, the wave amplitude of P₁₀₀ gradually increased with the increase of vision （P<0.05）. Under the contrast of 10% with 15' stimulus perspective, the wave amplitude of P₁₀₀ increased with the increase of vision （P<0.05）. （4） Under the same contrast with the same stimulation perspective, the latency of P₁₀₀ wave shortened with the increase of vision, while the difference had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. Under the same stimulus perspective, the latency of P₁₀₀ wave was prolonged with the decrease of contrast （P>0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

CVEP may become one of the possible methods for the evaluation of contrast visual acuity.

[Comparison of Measurement Methods of Exophthalmos and Its Forensic Significance]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the differences between Hertel exophthalmometry and CT on exophthalmos measurement, and explore its practical application value in forensic medicine.

METHODS

Fifty-six normal individuals without eye injuries or diseases were selected as the control group. The absolute values of exophthalmos were measured in the standardized CT image workstation. The difference of binocular exophthalmos was compared in normal group. Forty-seven cases with unilateral orbital fracture were divided into injured eye group and normal eye group according to the presence of binocular orbital fractures. The differences of the absolute values of eophthalmos from the same eye and the relative values of eophthalmos between two eyes for same person measured by Hertel exophthalmometry and CT were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference of exophthalmos between the normal eyes measured by CT method. In the normal eye group, the absolute value of exophthalmos measured by CT method was （16.66±5.41） mm, which was （16.16±4.45） mm when measured by the Hertel exophthalmometry method. There was no statistical difference between two groups （P>0.05）. In the injured eye group, there was statistical difference between the absolute values of exophthalmos measured by two measurement methods （ P<0.05）. There was no statistical difference of the relative values of exophthalmos between the injured eyes and the normal eyes by two measurement methods （P>0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

CT method has a good consistency with Hertel exophthalmometry, which can be applied into the practice of medicolegal expertise.

Association of whole blood viscosity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular disease. Altered hemorheological parameters have also been shown to play a crucial role in atherogenesis. Moreover, increased viscosity is observed in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. A recent study confirmed that whole blood viscosity (WBV) is a predictor of cardiovascular events.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the association of WBV with NAFLD.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationship between WBV and NAFLD in 1329 subjects (962 men and 367 women) in a general health examination.

RESULTS

WBV at low shear stress was elevated in patients with NAFLD. In addition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD increased as WBV quartiles increased both in men and in women. Multiple regression analysis further identified WBV as an independent and significant determinant for NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that WBV at low shear stress is increased in NAFLD. Moreover, WBV at low shear stress is independently associated with NAFLD even after adjusting other cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of tobacco smoke on hydrogen sulfide-induced rat thoracic aorta relaxation

Levels of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous signaling molecule, are reduced in the serum of individuals who smoke. We hypothesized that tobacco smoke influenced smooth muscle relaxation by decreasing H₂S levels and this effect could also influence expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and sulfonylurea receptor-2 (SUR-2). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of tobacco smoke on H₂S-mediated rat thoracic aorta relaxation and its possible mechanism. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (C) group, short-term smoker (SS) group, mid-term smoker (MS) group, and long-term smoker (LS) group. H₂S concentrations in serum, action of H₂S on rat aortic vascular relaxation, and expression of CSE and SUR-2 in thoracic aortic smooth muscle were measured. Although there was no significant difference in H₂S between the C and the SS groups, concentration of H₂S was significantly reduced in both the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.01). Furthermore, H₂S was significantly lower in the LS than in the MS group (P<0.05). Rat aortic vascular relaxation was lower in all three treatment groups compared to the control, with the most significant decrease observed in the LS group (P<0.05 compared to the MS group). Expression of CSE and SUR-2 was reduced in the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.05), with the lowest levels observed in the LS group (P<0.05). Therefore, tobacco smoke reduced expression of CSE and SUR-2 in rat thoracic aorta, which may inhibit H₂S production and vascular dilation.

Cardiac progenitor cell-derived exosomes prevent cardiomyocytes apoptosis through exosomal miR-21 by targeting PDCD4

Cardiac progenitor cells derived from adult heart have emerged as one of the most promising stem cell types for cardiac protection and repair. Exosomes are known to mediate cell–cell communication by transporting cell-derived proteins and nucleic acids, including various microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we investigated the cardiac progenitor cell (CPC)-derived exosomal miRNAs on protecting myocardium under oxidative stress. Sca1⁺CPCs-derived exosomes were purified from conditional medium, and identified by nanoparticle trafficking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy and western blotting using CD63, CD9 and Alix as markers. Exosomes production was measured by NTA, the result showed that oxidative stress-induced CPCs secrete more exosomes compared with normal condition. Although six apoptosis-related miRNAs could be detected in two different treatment-derived exosomes, only miR-21 was significantly upregulated in oxidative stress-induced exosomes compared with normal exosomes. The same oxidative stress could cause low miR-21 and high cleaved caspase-3 expression in H9C2 cardiac cells. But the cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased when miR-21 was overexpressed by transfecting miR-21 mimic. Furthermore, miR-21 mimic or inhibitor transfection and luciferase activity assay confirmed that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of miR-21, and miR-21/PDCD4 axis has an important role in anti-apoptotic effect of H9C2 cell. Western blotting and Annexin V/PI results demonstrated that exosomes pre-treated H9C2 exhibited increased miR-21 whereas decreased PDCD4, and had more resistant potential to the apoptosis induced by the oxidative stress, compared with non-treated cells. These findings revealed that CPC-derived exosomal miR-21 had an inhibiting role in the apoptosis pathway through downregulating PDCD4. Restored miR-21/PDCD4 pathway using CPC-derived exosomes could protect myocardial cells against oxidative stress-related apoptosis. Therefore, exosomes could be used as a new therapeutic vehicle for ischemic cardiac disease.

[The effect of phospholipid transfer protein on cigarette smoke extract induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of rat alveolar type Ⅱ cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of phospholipid transfer protein(PLTP) on cigarette smoke extract(CSE) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in rat alveolar Type Ⅱ cells (RLE-6TN).

METHODS

CSE of different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) was co-cultured for 2 or 3 days with RLE-6TN, either pre-treated or not pre-treated with siRNA-PLTP for 6 h. Expression levels of E-cadherin mRNA and Vimentin mRNA were examined by RT-PCR, while expression levels of PLTP, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin were examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the expression of E-cadherin mRNA decreased in CSE-treated groups: 1.01±0.05, 0.74±0.05, 0.65±0.03, 0.30±0.08 respectively at different concentrations of CSE (0 %, 0.25%, 0.5 %, and 1.0%); while the level of Vimentin mRNA increased significantly in 1% CSE treated cells(1.88±0.49), compared with control cells (1.01±0.20). Treatment with CSE at different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) showed that the protein levels of PLTP were 0.42±0.02, 0.89±0.25, 1.08±0.18, 1.61±0.06 respectively; those of E-cadherin were 1.61±0.04, 1.08±0.10, 0.62±0.08, 0.68±0.17, respectively; those of N-cadherin were 0.60±0.14, 0.57±0.26, 0.88±0.30, 1.94±0.54, respectively; and those of Vimentin were 0.61±0.05, 0.98±0.16, 1.07±0.14, 1.34±0.19, respectively; all P<0.05 when the 1% CSE group was compared with the control group. EMT induced by CSE was significantly inhibited by siRNA-PLTP.

CONCLUSION

PLTP may be involved in CSE induced EMT of rat alveolar cells.

Evaluation of Cellular Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Five Main Phyllanthus Emblica L. Cultivars in China

The cell-based antioxidant activity assay as more biological relevant assay was considered to be more accurate to predict antioxidant activity in vivo than chemical activity assays. In the present study, the five main Phyllanthus emblica L. cultivars in China were subjected for cellular antioxidant activity based on HepG2 cells as well as antiproliferative activity. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were also measured. The results showed that Qingyougan, Binggan and Boligan (832±100, 774±52 and 704±28 μmol of quercetin equivalents/100 g) had higher cellular antioxidant activity than Tianyougan and Yougan (553±50 and 457±24 μmol of quercetin equivalents/100 g) in phosphate buffered saline wash protocol whereas, Boligan (3735±217 μmol of quercetin equivalents/100 g) had the highest cellular antioxidant activity and Tianyougan (2025±171 μmol of quercetin equivalents/100 g) had the lowest cellular antioxidant activity in no phosphate buffered saline wash protocol. The highest and lowest antiproliferative activities were observed in Binggan and Tianyougan (median effective dose: 6.95±0.11 and 14.03±0.10 mg/ml), respectively. The significant correlation was only observed between total flavonoids and cellular antioxidant activity from no phosphate buffered saline wash protocol (R(2) =0.908, P<0.05), and total flavonoids and antiproliferative activity (R(2) =0.887, P<0.05), suggesting the major contribution of flavonoids to the bioactivities of emblica. Overall, the data obtained revealed that different Phyllanthus emblica L. cultivars had strong cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, thus should be recommended to increase consumption for health.

Variants -250G/A and -514C/T in the LIPC gene are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Chinese women

We examined the influence of the promoter polymorphisms -250G/A (rs2070895) and -514C/T (rs1800588) in the human hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene on dyslipidemia and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in a Chinese population. Clinically defined HDCP patients (N = 321) and healthy pregnant women (N = 331) were recruited and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the two LIPC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results showed significant relationships between HDCP and triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), which confirmed that HDCP was accompanied by dyslipidemia. The results also demonstrated that in gestational hypertension (GH) patients, both total cholesterol (TC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were related to the two SNPs (P ≤ 0.004), although no significant association was found between HDCP and LIPC genotypes or alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium of the two SNPs was found in both HDCP patients (R(2) = 0.867) and controls (R(2) = 0.91). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with -250G/A in women with mild preeclampsia (MPE) (P = 0.01). Carriers of the mutant homozygote -250AA genotype presented higher BMI in the MPE group. In conclusion, the LIPC -250G/A and -514C/T variants influenced TC and SBP levels in GH patients and the BMI level in the MPE group, although there was no evidence to validate an association between HDCP and LIPC allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies.

[Current status and prospects of portable NIR spectrometer]

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a reliable, rapid, and non-destructive analytical method widely applied in as a number of fields such as agriculture, food, chemical and oil industry. In order to suit different applications, near-infrared spectrometers are now varied. Portable near-infrared spectrometers are needed for rapid on-site identification and analysis. Instruments of this kind are rugged, compact and easy to be transported. In this paper, the current states of portable near-infrared spectrometers are reviewed. Portable near-infrared spectrometers are built of different monochromator systems: filter, grating, Fourier-transform methods, acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) and a large number of new methods based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The first part focuses on working principles of different monochromator systems. Advantages and disadvantages of different systems are also briefly mentioned. Descriptions of each method are given in turn. Typical spectrometers of each kind are introduced, and some parameters of these instruments are listed. In the next part we discuss sampling adapters, display, power supply and some other parts, which are designed to make the spectrometer more portable and easier to use. In the end, the current states of portable near-infrared spectrometers are summarized. Future trends of development of portable near-infrared spectrometers in China and abroad are discussed.

Involvement of Src tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C in the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor induced by H2O2 in HL-1 mouse cardiac muscle cells

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation; however, the upstream regulation of MIF in atrial myocytes remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether and how MIF is regulated in response to the renin-angiotensin system and oxidative stress in atrium myocytes (HL-1 cells). MIF protein and mRNA levels in HL-1 cells were assayed using immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and Western blot. The result indicated that MIF was expressed in the cytoplasm of HL-1 cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), but not angiotensin II, stimulated MIF expression in HL-1 cells. H₂O₂-induced MIF protein and gene levels increased in a dose-dependent manner and were completely abolished in the presence of catalase. H₂O₂-induced MIF production was completely inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and PP1, as well as by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X, suggesting that redox-sensitive MIF production is mediated through tyrosine kinase and PKC-dependent mechanisms in HL-1 cells. These results suggest that MIF is upregulated by HL-1 cells in response to redox stress, probably by the activation of Src and PKC.

A refinement to the liquidus-tracking method for vitreous preservation of articular cartilage

The recent liquidus-tracking method developed by Pegg et al. (2006a), as an alternative pathway to vitrification, achieved reasonable survival of post-thawing chondrocytes in situ. One of the main drawbacks of this method is the long duration of the cryoprotectant addition/removal process. This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of reducing the time by rationalizing the final dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) concentration loaded in tissue before being plunged into liquid nitrogen. Using the differential scanning calorimetric technique, the critical cooling and warming rates for solutions of Me2SO in CPTes2 (a potassium-rich medium, modified slightly from Taylor's original formulation by Pegg et al.) were obtained. The critical cooling and warming rates for 47.5 percent (w/w) solution are < 2.5 degree C per min and < 10 degree C per min, respectively, which could be readily realized for 4 ml solution samples held in polypropylene cryovials as demonstrated by experiments. For articular cartilage, 47.5 percent (w/w) may be recommended as the final concentration of Me2SO loaded in the tissue, which will lead to a time cut of about one-third compared with the original protocol of Pegg et al. (2006a).

Assessing genetic divergence in interspecific hybrids of Aechmea gomosepala and A. recurvata var. recurvata using inflorescence characteristics and sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers

Conventional hybridization and selection techniques have aided the development of new ornamental crop cultivars. However, little information is available on the genetic divergence of bromeliad hybrids. In the present study, we investigated the genetic variability in interspecific hybrids of Aechmea gomosepala and A. recurvata var. recurvata using inflorescence characteristics and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. The morphological analysis showed that the putative hybrids were intermediate between both parental species with respect to inflorescence characteristics. The 16 SRAP primer combinations yield 265 bands, among which 154 (57.72%) were polymorphic. The genetic similarity was an average of 0.59 and ranged from 0.21 to 0.87, indicating moderate genetic divergence among the hybrids. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA)-based cluster analysis distinguished the hybrids from their parents with a genetic distance coefficient of 0.54. The cophenetic correlation was 0.93, indicating a good fit between the dendrogram and the original distance matrix. The two-dimensional plot from the principal coordinate analysis showed that the hybrids were intermediately dispersed between both parents, corresponding to the results of the UPGMA cluster and the morphological analysis. These results suggest that SRAP markers could help to identify breeders, characterize F(1) hybrids of bromeliads at an early stage, and expedite genetic improvement of bromeliad cultivars.

Loss of macrophage migration inhibitory factor impairs the growth properties of human HeLa cervical cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

  This study aims to determine the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine associated with cell proliferation and tumour growth in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  Our team used RNA interference technology to knock down MIF expression in human HeLa cervical cancer cells and to establish a stable cell line lacking MIF function.

RESULTS

  Our results showed that long-term loss of MIF had little effect on cell morphology, but significantly inhibited their population growth and proliferation. The HeLa MIF-knockdown cells retained normal apoptotic signalling pathways in response to TNF-alpha treatment; however, they exhibited unique DNA profiles following doxorubicin treatment, suggesting that MIF may regulate a cell cycle checkpoint upon DNA damage. Our data also showed that knockdown of MIF expression in HeLa cells led to increased cell adhesion and therefore impaired their migratory capacity. More importantly, cells lacking MIF failed to either proliferate in soft agar or form tumours in vivo, when administered to nude mice.

CONCLUSION

  MIF plays a pivotal role in proliferation and tumourigenesis of human HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, and may represent a promising therapeutic target for cancer intervention.

Comparison of approaches for efficient gene silencing induced by microRNA-based short hairpin RNA and indicator gene expression

MicroRNA-based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are natural inducers of RNA interference and have been increasingly used in shRNA expression strategies. In the present study, we compared the efficiencies of exogenous green fluorescence protein (GFP) and endogenous glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) knockdown and red fluorescent protein (RFP) indicator expression mediated by three differently designed plasmids. RFP was introduced either at the 5' end, at the 3' end of the human mir155-based target gene (TG) (e.g., GFP or GAPDH) shRNA expression cassette (EC), or at the 3' end of the chimeric intron-containing TG shRNA EC. Comparisons with the control vector showed an obvious reduction of GFP or GAPDH expression with the various shRNA expression plasmids (P < 0.05). When RFP was located at the 5' end or at the 3' end of the TG shRNA EC, RFP expression was low; whereas when RFP was connected with the chimeric intron-containing TG shRNA EC, RFP expression was high. Taken together, this study demonstrated an efficient plasmid design for both TG silencing induced by microRNA-based shRNA and indicator gene expression in vitro.

High-efficiency direct-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser operating at 1.34 microm

We report a high-efficiency Nd:YVO(4) laser operating at 1342 nm pumped by an all-solid-state Q-switched Ti:Sapphire laser at 879 nm. A plano-concave cavity was optimized to obtain high efficiency and good beam quality. Output power for two Nd:YVO(4) crystals with 1.0- and 3.0- at.% Nd(3+) doping under 879-nm pumping was measured respectively. Comparative results obtained by traditional pumping at 808 nm into the highly absorbing (4)F(5/2) level were presented, showing that the slope efficiency of the 1.0-at.% Nd:YVO(4) laser under 879-nm pumping was 10.5% higher than that of 808-nm pumping. In a 4-mm-thick, 1.0-at.% Nd:YVO(4)4 crystal, a high slope efficiency of 64% was achieved under 879-nm pumping, with an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 41.3%.

Generation of 3.5W high efficiency blue-violet laser by intracavity frequency-doubling of an all-solid-state tunable Ti:sapphire laser

In this paper, we report a high power, high efficiency blue-violet laser obtained by intracavity frequency-doubling of an all-solid-state Q-switched tunable Ti:sapphire laser, which was pumped by a 532 nm intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. A beta-BaB2O4 (BBO) crystal was used for frequency-doubling of the Ti:sapphire laser and a V-shape folded three-mirror cavity was optimized to obtain high power high efficiency second harmonic generation (SHG). At an incident pump power of 22 W, the tunable output from 355 nm to 475 nm was achieved, involving the maximum average output of 3.5 W at 400 nm with an optical conversion efficiency of 16% from the 532 nm pump laser to the blue-violet output. The beam quality factor M(2) was measured to be Mx(2)=2.15, My(2)=2.38 for characterizing the tunable blue laser.

Esmolol inhibits Na+ current in rat ventricular myocytes

Esmolol is a unique cardioselective, intravenous, ultra-short acting, beta1-adrenergic blocking agent. It has been widely applied in treating ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, especially in emergency situations. In this study the effects of esmolol on sodium current (I(Na)) were investigated by the whole cell patch-clamp recording technique in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes. The results indicated that esmolol reversibly inhibited I(Na) in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 74.2 +/- 0.60 micromol l(-1) with a Hill coefficient of 1.02 +/- 0.04. This inhibition was voltage- and frequency-dependent. Esmolol decreased the peak of the I-V relationship curve at -35 mV from 16.97 +/- 1.68 pA/pF to 6.96 +/- 0.51 pA/pF. The steady-state inactivation curve of I(Na) was shifted to more negative potentials, the voltage at half-inactivation changing from -78.75 +/- 2.3 mV in control to -85.94 +/- 3.2 mV in the presence of esmolol. The development of resting inactivation from closed states was accelerated by esmolol, the time constant was shortened from 62.75 +/- 3.21 ms to 24.93 +/- 2.43 ms, whereas the activation curve was not altered. I(Na) from inactivation could not be recovered completely in the presence of esmolol. These results suggest that esmolol inhibits I(Na) through sodium channel in rat ventricular myocytes by mechanisms involving preferential interaction with the inactivated state and acceleration of the development of inactivation directly from resting state. Therefore, the effect of inhibitory sodium of esmolol may play a vital role in its antiarrhythmic efficacy.

A series of quinoline analogues as potent inhibitors of C. albicans prolyl tRNA synthetase

A series of quinoline inhibitors of C. albicans prolyl tRNA synthetase was identified. The most potent analogue, 2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-chloro-8-methyl-4-quinolinecarboxylic acid, showed IC50 = 5 nM (Ca. ProRS) with high selectivity over the human enzyme.

[Preparation of novel magnetic dextran affinity adsorbents and their application to purify urokinase]

The reverse phase suspension and embedment technique were adopted to prepare magnetic dextran microsphere (MDMS). The dispersion medium was mixture of some organic solvents. Span-80 was used as stabilizer. The aqueous dextran with magnetic fluid was suspended in dispersion medium with epichlorohydrin as cross-linking reagent. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature and then heated at 70 degrees C for 4 hours, MDMS was thus obtained. MDMS was activated by epichlorohydrin on which 6-aminohexanoic acid, glycine or ethylene diamine was bonded as spacers. Then it was coupled with p-aminobenzamide, L-arginine methyl ester or guanidohexanoic acid and five magnetic affinity adsorbents were prepared. The MDMS was polydisperse particles with the size of 50-300 meshes and the content of Fe3O4 was about 6.2 per cent in the MDMS. Influence of some parameters such as viscosity and density of organic phase, the volume ratio of organic and aqueous phase, the quantity of surfactant and stirring speed on preparing MDMS was studied. Magnetic affinity adsorbents were used to purify crude urokinase in a bath mode and the effect of coupling reagents and ligands on results of purification was discussed. The bioactivity recovery was 40.0 to 60.7 per cent, the purification-fold was between 14.9 and 32.8, and the adsorptive capacity varies from 89 mg to 121 mg per milliliter of adsorbent.

De novo expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in atherogenesis in rabbits

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been shown to play an important role in macrophage-mediated diseases. We investigate the potential role of MIF in atherogenesis using a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model. New Zealand White rabbits fed with a 2% cholesterol diet developed hypercholesterolemia and early fatty streaks at 1 month. The lesions became advanced at 3 months and were associated with de novo MIF expression by vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization. By contrast, there was no increase in MIF levels in rabbits fed a normal diet. In early atherogenesis, marked upregulation of MIF mRNA and protein by VECs and some intimal cells were closely associated with CD68(+) monocyte adhesion onto and subsequent migration into subendothelial space. Of significance, the accumulation of macrophages was exclusively localized to areas of strong MIF expression, which may be associated with the macrophage-rich fatty streak lesion formation. Upregulation of MIF by SMCs is transient during atherogenesis. Importantly, strong MIF expression by activated macrophages may be responsible for the development of foam cell-rich lesions. Finally, the ability of MIF to induce intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression by VECs implicates its pathogenic role in atherogenesis. In conclusion, the present study provides the first demonstration that MIF is markedly upregulated during atherogenesis. Upregulation of MIF by VECs and SMCs may play a role in macrophage adhesion, transendothelial migration, accumulation, and, importantly, transformation into foam cells. Furthermore, strong MIF expression by macrophages may both initiate and amplify the atherogenesis process.

[Detection of GLO I phenotypes in blood and blood stains using agarose starch gel electrophoretic analysis]

The distribution of GLO I phenotypes was studied using mixed agarose starch gel electrophoresis in 234 Chinese Han population in Changsha area. Three GLO I phenotypes were detected. The gene frequencies were as follows: GLO I1 = 0.1303 and GLO I2 = 0.8697. The phenotype frequencies of GLO I were compared not only among the different nationalities but with those reported by other countries. Both the 20 bloodstain samples kept at room temperature for 40 days and the other 20 bloodstain samples kept at 4 degrees C for at least 100 days could be correctly phenotyped. Two out of 8 watered bloodstains, their GLO I2-1 phenotype was changed to GLO I2-2. In blind trial, 15 bloodstain samples kept at room temperature for 40 days could be phenotyped correctly.