[Research progress and prospects of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer]

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity in patient outcomes and treatment responses to standard therapy regimens, personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have remained a focus of sustained interest in research. In recent years, with the rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the medical field, an abundance of phased research results has emerged in the decision-making for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative diagnostic and therapeutic plans for colorectal cancer, demonstrating great potential for application. This new and efficient solution provides for the personalized evaluations and auxiliary diagnoses and treatments of patients with colorectal cancer. In the future, AI systems may continue to advance towards multimodal, multi-omics, and real-time directions. This paper aims to explore the current state of research on the multi-faceted auxiliary applications of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, as well as to present a prospective view of the innovations that AI technology could bring to personalized colorectal cancer treatment in the future and the challenges it may face.

[Association of sleep duration and physical exercise with dyslipidemia in older adults aged 80 years and over in China]

Objective: To explore the impact of sleep duration, physical exercise, and their interactions on the risk of dyslipidemia in older adults aged ≥80 (the oldest old) in China. Methods: The study subjects were the oldest old from four rounds of Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2008-2009, 2011-2012, 2014 and 2017-2018). The information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, physical examination results and others were collected, and fasting venous blood samples were collected from them for blood lipid testing. Competing risk model was used to analyze the causal associations of sleep duration and physical exercise with the risk for dyslipidemia. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was used to explore the dose-response relationship between sleep duration and the risk for dyslipidemia. Additive and multiplicative interaction model were used to explore the interaction of sleep duration and physical exercise on the risk for dyslipidemia. Results: The average age of 1 809 subjects was (93.1±7.7) years, 65.1% of them were women. The average sleep duration of the subjects was (8.0±2.5) hours/day, 28.1% of them had sleep duration for less than 7 hours/day, and 27.2% had sleep for duration more than 9 hours/day at baseline survey. During the 9-year cumulative follow-up of 6 150.6 person years (follow-up of average 3.4 years for one person), there were 304 new cases of dyslipidemia, with an incidence density of 4 942.6/100 000 person years. The results of competitive risk model analysis showed that compared with those who slept for 7-9 hours/day, the risk for dyslipidemia in oldest old with sleep duration >9 hours/day increased by 22% (HR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.07-1.39). Compared with the oldest old having no physical exercise, the risk for dyslipidemia in the oldest old having physical exercise decreased by 33% (HR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.57-0.78). The RCS function showed a linear positive dose-response relationship between sleep duration and the risk for hyperlipidemia. The interaction analysis showed that physical exercise and sleep duration had an antagonistic effect on the risk for hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Physical exercise could reduce the adverse effects of prolonged sleep on blood lipids in the oldest old.

[Two cases of acute methyl acetate poisoning]

This article analyzed the clinical data and on-site occupational health survey results of a patient with occupational acute methyl acetate poisoning in Zhejiang. Based on the pathways of methyl acetate poisoning and the characteristics of target organ damage, diagnosis and treatment experience were summarized, providing reference for the diagnosis and treatment of occupational acute methyl acetate poisoning and occupational health monitoring of methyl acetate.

A randomized trial of eribulin monotherapy versus eribulin plus anlotinib in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Eribulin mesylate is a novel, nontaxane, microtubule dynamics inhibitor. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of eribulin versus eribulin plus the oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this single-center, open-label, phase II clinical study (NCT05206656) conducted in a Chinese hospital, patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracycline- or taxane-based chemotherapy were randomized (1 : 1) to receive eribulin alone or in combination with anlotinib. The primary efficacy endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

From June 2020 to April 2022, a total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to either eribulin monotherapy or eribulin plus anlotinib combination therapy, with 40 patients in each group. The data cut-off was 10 August 2022. The median PFS was 3.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8-5.5 months] for eribulin and 5.1 months (95% CI 4.5-6.9 months) for eribulin plus anlotinib (hazard ratio = 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.98; P = 0.04). The objective response rates were 32.5% versus 52.5% (P = 0.07), respectively, and disease control rates were 67.5% versus 92.5% (P = 0.01), respectively. Patients <50 years of age, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0, visceral metastasis, number of treatment lines of four or more, hormone receptor negative (triple-negative), and HER2 low expression appeared to benefit more from combined treatment. The most common adverse events in both groups were leukopenia (n = 28, 70.0%, patients in the eribulin monotherapy group versus n = 35, 87.5%, patients in the combination therapy group), aspartate aminotransferase elevations (n = 28, 70.0%, versus n = 35, 87.5%), neutropenia (n = 25, 62.5%, versus n = 31, 77.5%), and alanine aminotransferase elevations (n = 25, 62.5%, versus n = 30, 75.0%).

CONCLUSION

Eribulin plus anlotinib can be considered an alternative treatment option for HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

[Comparative study of medical common data models for FAIR data sharing]

The common data model (CDM) is an important tool to facilitate the standardized integration of multi-source heterogeneous healthcare big data, enhance the consistency of data semantic understanding, and promote multi-party collaborative analysis. The data collections standardized by CDM can provide powerful support for observational studies, such as large-scale population cohort study. This paper provides an in-depth comparative analysis of the data storage structure, term mapping pattern, and auxiliary tools development of the three international typical CDMs, then analyzes the advantages and limitations of each CDM and summarizes the challenges and opportunities faced in the CDM application in China. It is expected that exploring the advanced technical concepts and practical patterns of foreign countries in data management and sharing will provide references for promoting FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) construction of healthcare big data in China and solving the current practical problems, such as the poor quality of data resources, the low degree of semantization, and the inabilities of data sharing and reuse.

Top-cited works about exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2021

OBJECTIVE

Previous trials demonstrated the effectiveness of exercise in improving pain and functional impairment in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, a bibliometric analysis of top-cited papers on exercise treatment for KOA has not yet been conducted. The aim of the present study was to critically analyze the bibliometric characteristics of the most frequently cited articles on exercise treatment for KOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Publications about exercise treatment for KOA from 2000 to 2021 were searched from the Web of Science database. Two authors independently collected 100 top-cited articles, and a consensus was reached to form the final list. The title, journal, author, year of publication, country and institution of origin, total citations, citations in 2021, main topics, research nature, and level of evidence were extracted, and the publication trends in exercise treatment for KOA were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1,258 papers were retrieved from the database. According to the final list, clinical research accounted for 81% of the studies, but no statistical difference in the number of citations was found among the four types of articles (p=0.194). Seventy articles had a level of evidence of Ib, and no statistical differences in citations were found per level of evidence (p=0.767). Most of the top-cited articles were published between 2005-2014, and Dr Messier was the prominent writer in this field.

CONCLUSIONS

This bibliometric study is the first to identify the most cited papers in exercise treatment for KOA research. Traditional Chinese exercise, comorbidity, and exercise adherence may be the next popular research trends that will receive more attention in the future.

Improving the leak detection efficiency in water distribution networks using noise loggers

Leak detection techniques are effective ways of controlling water leakage in real water distribution networks (WDNs). Nevertheless, developing detection techniques for real WDNs has received little attention compared to the detection models developed based on laboratory simulated leaks. On the other hand, ambient noises and irregular water usage are difficult to simulate in a laboratory environment so detection models based on the laboratory simulated leaks are usually of low efficiency in practical applications. To achieve a better understanding of the detection models of real WDNs, machine learning (ML)-based leak detection models were developed in this work. This study employs wireless sensors to record acoustic signals emitted by real WDNs for the development of the leak detection models. The acquired acoustic signals are de-noised using the discrete wavelet transform. Thereafter, seventeen features are extracted from both the raw and de-noised signals using the principle of linear prediction, and the features are subsequently used for the development of the ML-based leak detection models. A thorough comparison is made for the performances of the detection models in terms of metal and non-metal WDNs, different features, and different ML algorithms, namely decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and k-nearest neighbor (K-NN). Generally, the performance of the ML-based detection models developed by using the features extracted from de-noised signals has a better classification accuracy as compared to the performance of the models developed based on the features extracted from raw signals. For the de-noised signals, the accuracy, precision, and recall for the models developed based on the DT, SVM, and ANN algorithms are 100% for metal and non-metal WDNs.

Remifentanil improves myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through inhibiting IL-18 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the protective effect of remifentanil against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in rats and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat models of IRI were established and randomly divided into 1) sham-operation group (S group), 2) IRI rat model group (M group), 3) low-dose remifentanil group (R-L group), 4) moderate-dose remifentanil group (R-M group), and 5) high-dose remifentanil group (R-H group). The rats in R-L group, R-M group, and R-H group were administrated with remifentanil at 0.4 μg/kg/min, 2 μg/kg/min, and 10 μg/kg/min, respectively. The activity of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in myocardial cells was detected using the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Moreover, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of related cytokines in myocardial cells were determined through quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting, and the content of interleukin-1β (IL-1Symbol ) and IL-18 in peripheral blood was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Remifentanil at different concentrations could protect myocardium from IRI, and remifentanil at 2 μg/kg/min and 10 μg/kg/min could significantly down-regulate the myocardial enzyme indexes in IRI myocardial cells (p<0.01). Besides, remifentanil reduced the mRNA expressions of IL-18, INF-γ, TNF-β, and IL-1β (p<0.01), significantly decreased the protein expression of IL-18, and raised the protein expression of IL-18BP, thereby improving myocardial pathological damage.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective mechanism of remifentanil on the myocardium of MIRI rats may be related to the inhibition on the IL-18 signaling pathway.

[Systematic review of the qualitative researches on care experience of caregivers of burn children]

Objective: To systematically review the care experience of caregivers of burn children, so as to provide references for guiding the continuing care in hospitals, communities, and homes. Methods: Databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, and CINAHL were retrieved with the search terms of " burn" , " care/caregivers/nursing/father/mother/relatives" , " needs/perceptions/exceptions/attitudes/feelings/demands/experiences" , " qualitative research" , and the Chinese Journals Full-text Database, China Biology Medicine disc, VIP Database, and Wanfang Data were retrieved with the search terms in Chinese version of "//" , "//////" , "/////" , "" to search the qualitative researches on care experience of caregivers of burn children published from the establishment of the databases to November 2019. After screening and extracting the data, the quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center and its integrative/aggregative synthesis method were used to assess the quality of the included literature and meta-integrate the research results respectively. Results: A total of 16 studies and 269 caregivers were enrolled. The quality of one included literature was grade A, and the quality of 15 included literature was grade B. A total of 65 research results were extracted with totally 6 categories formed after summarization, and 2 integrated results obtained as follows: (1) The caregivers experienced heavy psychological pressure and burden in the care process, which had a significant impact on family, social relations, and daily life. (2) With the care time lapsing, through the support of all sectors of society and self-adjustment, the caregivers gradually accepted the reality and actively took various countermeasures, but they still faced many challenges in disease care. Conclusions: The caregivers of burn children have many physical and mental health problems and face many care challenges. The government, medical and health institutions, and society should give a great attention to these issues, improve the social support system and security system, reduce the family-related pressure of burn children's families, and improve the quality of family life.

Recombinant Lactococcus lactis NZ3900 expressing bioactive human FGF21 reduced body weight of Db/Db mice through the activity of brown adipose tissue

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolism regulator, has an important effect on metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. It is also expressed in mice, and the murine source has high homology with human FGF21. Recently, it has been extensively studied and has become a potential drug target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. As it is a protein-based hormone, FGF21 cannot be easily and quickly absorbed into the blood through oral administration. Moreover, it has a 0-2 h half-life in vivo, as shown in a previous study, thus its efficacy lasts for a short period of time when used to treat metabolic diseases, limiting its clinical applications. To avoid these limitations, we used Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade bacterium, as the host to express FGF21. It could be used successfully for the expression and long-term effect of FGF21 in vivo. Instead of antibiotic resistance genes, the LacF gene was used as a selection marker in the NZ3900/PNZ8149 expression system, which is safe and could reduce the antibiotic resistance crisis. In this study, we a constructed human FGF21 expressing L. lactis strain and administered it to Db/Db mice by gavage. Compared with the control group, the body weight of mice in the experimental group was significantly reduced, and the overall homeostasis was improved in mice treated with human FGF21. Moreover, the activity of brown adipose tissue was enhanced. These results revealed that oral administration of FGF21 through heterologous expression in L. lactis appears to be an effective approach for its clinical application.

[Investigation and analysis of quality of life of some pneumoconiosis patients in Hangzhou]

Objective: To understand the quality of life and influencing factors of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to provide a basis for formulating targeted improvement strategies to improve the quality of life. Methods: From April to December 2018, Questionnaire survey was conducted on patients with pneumoconiosis that diagnosed in Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, using self-made questionnaire and SF-36.237 valid questionnaires were used to investigate the basic conditions, health services, social assistance and quality of life of patients, and analyze the influencing factors of quality of life. Results: Hangzhou city's some pneumoconiosis patients were mostly with monthly income <3000 yuan (72.6%, 172/237) ; more patients with medical expenses of 8000 to 25000 yuan per year (60.3%, 143/237) ; The proportion of patients receiving medical assistance and work-related injury insurance was low, at 2.1% (5/237) and 23.8% (54/227) respectively. The scores of Pneumoconiosis patients in PhysicalFunction (PF) , Role-Physical (RP) , Bodily Pain (BP) , General Health (GH) , Vitality (VT) , Social Function (SF) , Role-Emotional (RE) and Mental Health (MH) were lower than the national norm (P<0.05) . The scores from high to low were BP, SF, MH, PF, VT, RE, RP and GH. There were significant differences in the quality of life scores of pneumoconiosis patients with different ages, work types, education levels and monthly income (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The quality of life of some patients with pneumoconiosis in Hangzhou is lower than that of the general population. Age, work types, and monthly income are factors influencing quality of life.

[Analysis of lens of 1720 medical application radiology workers in Hangzhou]

Objective: To analyze the lens opacity of some hospitals in Hangzhou to provide evidence for further improvement of radiation protection. Methods: Physical examination data of 1720 radiological workers who underwent occupational disease physical examination in our hospital on January1, 2016and December 31, 2017 were collected. Lens turbidity, gender, age, type of work, radiological working age and other influencing factors were statistically analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used for multipactor analysis. Results: A total of 112 cases of lens turbidity (turbidity rate 6.51%) , after lens turbidity, subcapsular majority (64 cases (57.14%) ) ; lens turbidity increased with age, and showed an increasing trend of radiation working age; the lens turbidity rate was different in different types of work, including nuclear medicine (23.33%) 、radiology (6.76%) 、interventional radiology (6.06%) 、dental radiology (4.26%) and radiotherapy (4.21%) . Type of work、age and length of service are risk factors for lens opacity; Age and type of work were independent risk factors for lens opacity. Conclusion: The turbidity of lens of radiologcial workers is related to age and workering age. Radiological workers engaged in nuclear medicine should strictly strengthen radiation protection.

Effects of jugular infusions of isoleucine, leucine, methionine, threonine, and other amino acids on insulin and glucagon concentrations, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and lactational performance in goats

The supply and profile of absorbed AA may affect milk protein synthesis through hormonal changes and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways; and Ile, Leu, Met, and Thr (ILMT) are the 4 AA that have been reported to have the greatest effect on mammary mTOR signaling. The extent to which ILMT and the other remaining AA (RAA) differ in their effects on milk protein synthesis needs to be systematically investigated. In this study, 5 lactating goats, averaging 120 ± 10 d in milk, fitted with jugular vein and carotid artery catheters, were fasted for 24 h, followed by intravenous infusions of a mixture containing AA and glucose for 8 h in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The AA mixtures were formulated according to the profile of casein. The amounts of AA infused were calculated based on supplies of AA when metabolizable protein (MP) was at requirement (MR). Treatments were an infusate containing glucose without AA (NTAA); an infusate containing 3 × the MR of Ile, Leu, Met and Thr (3F0R); and infusates containing 3F0R plus 1, 2, or 3 × MR of RAA (3F1R, 3F2R, and 3F3R, respectively) according to amounts provided when fed to meet MP requirements for maintenance and lactation for each goat. Milk, arterial blood, and mammary tissue samples were collected immediately after halting the infusion. Relative to NTAA, supplementation of ILMT tended to increase milk protein production and plasma glucose concentrations, and increased milk and lactose production, but had no effects on production or content of milk fat. Graded supplementation of RAA tended to quadratically affect production of milk and lactose. Arterial glucose and glucagon concentrations decreased linearly, and plasma insulin concentrations decreased quadratically with increased RAA. Mammary p70-S6K1 phosphorylation was decreased by addition of ILMT compared with NTAA but increased linearly with increased RAA infusion. Furthermore, EIF4EBP1 gene expression was much lower for 3F-treated goats than for the NTAA treatment. Both MTOR and RPS6KB1 gene expressions were decreased quadratically with increased RAA supply. These results suggested that short-term milk protein yield tended to be increased by elevated ILMT availability, and this trend was not explained by variations in mammary mTOR signaling or pancreatic hormone secretions, whereas graded increase of RAA in combination with ILMT appeared to regulate the efficiency of conversion of glucose to lactose in a manner not involving milk protein production.

Effects of rumen-protected methionine and other essential amino acid supplementation on milk and milk component yields in lactating Holstein cows

Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of supplementing rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met), threonine (RP-Thr), isoleucine (RP-Ile), and leucine (RP-Leu) individually or jointly to a low-protein diet, on the performance of lactating dairy cows, as well as to determine the effects of these amino acids (AA) on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vivo. Ten lactating Holstein cows were randomly allocated to a repeated 5 × 5 Latin square experiment with five 19-d periods. Treatments were high-protein diet (16% crude protein, positive control; HP), low-protein diet (12% crude protein, negative control; LP), LP plus RP-Met (LPM), LP plus RP-Met and RP-Thr (LPMT), and LP plus RP-Met, RP-Thr, RP-Ile, and RP-Leu (LPMTIL). The dry matter intakes (DMI) of the LP, LPM, and LPMT diets were lower than that of the HP diet, whereas the DMI of the LPMTIL diet was intermediate between the HP diet and the other LP diets. Supplementing RP-Met to the LP diet increased the yields of milk and milk protein, increased the content of milk urea N, and tended to increase milk N efficiency. Co-supplementation of RP-Thr with RP-Met resulted in no further milk production increase. Co-supplementation of all 4 rumen-protected amino acids (RP-AA) increased milk and lactose yields to the level of the HP diet and tended to increase milk protein yield compared with the LPMT diet. We found no significant differences in the contents and yields of milk components between the LPMTIL and HP diets except for a lower milk urea N content in the LPMTIL diet. Venous concentrations of the measured AA were similar across the LP and LP diets supplemented with RP-AA. Relative to levels of the HP diet, LP diets had higher venous concentrations of Met and Gly and tended to have higher Phe concentration and lower concentrations of Val and BCAA. The LPMTIL diet had higher venous concentrations of Arg, Lys, Met, Phe, and Glu, and a lower Val concentration. Phosphorylation status of the measured mTOR components in LPM and LPMT treatments were similar to those in the LP treatment but phosphorylation status of mTOR and eIF4E-binding protein 1 (4eBP1) in LPMTIL treatment were higher. The phosphorylation rates of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in the 4 LP and LP plus RP-AA diets were higher than that of the HP diet. Overall, results of the present study supported the concept that under the relatively short time of this experiment, supplementing RP-AA, which are believed to stimulate the mTOR signal pathway, can lead to increased milk protein yield. This increase appears to be due to increased DMI, greater mTOR signaling, and greater eEF2 activity.

Short-term lactation and mammary metabolism responses in lactating goats to graded removal of methionine from an intravenously infused complete amino acid mixture

To investigate the possible pathways of Met deficiency to depress milk protein synthesis, 4 lactating goats fitted with jugular vein, mammary vein, and carotid artery catheters and transonic blood flow detectors on the external pudic artery were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Goats were fasted for 24 h followed by a 9-h intravenous infusion of an AA mixture plus glucose. Milk yield was recorded and samples were taken in h 2 to 8 of the infusion period, and mammary biopsy was performed in the last hour. Treatments were graded removal of Met from the infused AA mixture to achieve Met content in the infusate of 100 (complete), 60, 30, or 0% of that in casein. Graded Met removal decreased yield of milk, milk protein, and lactose linearly and tended to decrease yield of milk fat linearly. Milk protein yield decreased to 82, 78, and 69% that of complete mixture infusion, respectively, when the 60, 30, and 0% Met infusate was infused. Circulating Met decreased linearly with graded Met removal. Arterial and venous Met decreased to 36 and 23% that of complete mixture infusion, respectively, when all Met was removed out of the mixture. Concomitant with the decreased circulating concentration was a similar increase in mammary Met affinity as reflected by the linearly increased mammary Met clearance rate. The increased affinity plus the linearly increased mammary blood flow totally offset the negative effect of decreased circulating Met concentration on mammary Met uptake. The overall result was similar mammary Met uptakes across treatments ranging from 285.9 to 339.5 μmol/h. Mammary uptakes of the other AA measured were generally not affected by treatments except for a linearly decreased Thr uptake and a trend of linearly increased Glu uptake. Consistent with the behavior of an AA mainly catabolized in the liver and mainly used for protein synthesis in peripheral tissues, mammary uptake to milk output ratios of Met measured in the present study ranged from 1.25 to 1.49 and was not affected by treatments. For the other AA measured, the ratio of Thr was linearly decreased and that of Glu was linearly increased by graded Met removal. Graded Met removal linearly elevated circulating urea N and glucose concentrations, indicating enhanced whole-body catabolism of AA and hepatic gluconeogenesis. Treatments had no significant effects on circulating insulin, growth hormone, and the other hormones and metabolites measured. Phosphorylation status of eIF4E binding protein 1 tended to decrease linearly and that of p70S6k was linearly decreased by graded Met removal, indicating depressed signal in the intracellular mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. In conclusion, results of the present study indicated that the mTORC1 pathway and whole-body AA catabolism rather than mammary uptake appeared the drivers for changes in milk protein synthesis in response to varying Met supply.

[Comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA-B(27) genotype in ankylosing spondylitis patients: real-world evidence from smart management system for spondyloarthritis]

Objective: The aim of this study was to set up a large, longitudinal and prospective database to compare the clinical manifestations in human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B(27) positive and negative patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS) based on real-world evidence in Chinese population. Methods: A total of 897 outpatients with confirmed AS were recruited consecutively by smart management system for spondyloarthritis (SMSP) from April 13, 2016 to June 6, 2017 in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 30 provinces and autonomous regions. 801 patients with HLA-B(27) data were included in the analysis. Demographic and clinical parameters including Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), arthritis, enthesitis, Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between HLA-B(27) positive and negative groups. Results: A total of 801 patients were included in the analysis with an average age of (30.7±8.8) years. There were 659 males and 142 females and HLA-B(27) was present in 88.0%(705/801). Males were significantly more in HLA-B(27) positive patients [83.3%(587/705) vs. 75.0%(72/96); P=0.047].The average age at disease onset was (22.3±7.6)years in HLA-B(27) positive patients and (24.4±8.7) years in HLA-B(2)7 negative ones (P=0.028).There was significant difference in diagnose delay between two groups [14.3(2.5,43.6)months in HLA-B(27) positive patients vs. 20.3(5.0,67.4) months in HLA-B(27) negative ones, P=0.041]. Anterior uveitis was found to be significantly more common in HLA-B(27) positive patients [18.9% (133/705)vs.7.3%(7/96),P=0.005], and knee involvement less common in HLA-B(27) positive patients [4.0%(27/682) vs.10.0%(9/90), P=0.010], conversely. CRP[6.5(3.0, 16.4)mg/L vs. 3.5(1.6, 12.3)mg/L] and ESR[11.0(4.0, 24.0)mm/1h vs. 7.0(3.0, 16.0)mm/1h] were significantly higher in HLA-B(27) positive patients(P=0.005,0.013, respectively).But no differences in BASDAI,ASDAS,BASFI and BASMI were obtained between two groups. Conclusions: HLA-B(27) positive patients had a higher proportion of males, a younger age of onset and a greater risk for occurrence of anterior uveitis, suggesting a poorer prognosis.

[The study of the eosinophil CD34+ progenitor cells differentiation mechanism of model rats with occupational asthma and the intervention of warm and tonifying kidney yang decoction]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of CD34⁺ progenitor cell differentiation in rat by observing the change relations between the eosinophils (EOS) and the content of Eotaxin and IL-5 in blood and the CD34⁺/CCR3⁺, CD34⁺/IL-5Rα+ in bone marrow after occupational asthma (OA) model rats are simulated, and to observe the effect of WTKYD Trraitional Chinese Medicine intervention. Methods: A total of 40 healthy male SD model rats (200~250 g weight) were randomly divided into model contrast Group, prednisone acetate intervention Group, WTKYD+1/2 prednisone acetate intervention Group and WTKYD intervention Group, 10 in each group, and set a Group for blank contrast. Give them saline (20 ml/kg) , prednisone acetate (8.22 mg/kg) , WTKYD (20g/kg) +1/2 prednisone acetate (4.11 mg/kg) and WTKYD (20 g/kg) intervention respectively. By means of cell count, immunohistochemical, ELISA, flow cytometry technique, situ hybridization and so on, to observe EOS and the expression of Eotaxin in lung tissue, the EOS in peripheral blood, the content of Eotaxin and IL-5 in blood as well as the expression of CD34⁺/CCR3⁺ and CD34⁺/IL-5Ra⁺ in bone marrow respectively. Results: The number of EOS, the content of Eotaxin and IL-5, the expression of CD34⁺/CCR3⁺ and CD34⁺/IL-5Ra+ in Model Contrast Group were higher in Blank Contrast Group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01) , while they were lower in medical intervention Groups when comparing to Model Contrast Group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05) , and the above items in WTKYD+1/2 Prednisone Acetate Intervention Group were even lower than in Prednisone Acetate Intervention Group and WTKYD Intervention Group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). EOS in lung tissue is highly positive related to the content of Eotaxin and IL-5 in peripheral blood as well as the expression of CD34⁺/CCR3 and CD34⁺/IL-5Rα in bone marrow (0.9666、0.9829、0.9142, 0.8874). Conclusion: The increase of internal EOS in lung tissue is related to the up-regulated expression of CD34⁺/CCR3⁺ and CD34⁺/IL-5Ra⁺ in bone marrow after antigens in Occupational Asthma model rats are stimulated. Through down-regulating it's expression to restrain the differentiation of CD34⁺ progenitor cells towards EOS, meanwhile, the collaboration of WTKYD and prednisone acetate possess a certain synergistic action.

[The relationship between fragmented QRS complex and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total occlusion lesion without prior myocardial infarction]

Objective: To explore the relationship between fragmented QRS complex(fQRS) and coronary collateral circulation(CCC) in patients with chronic total occlusion(CTO)lesion without prior myocardial infarction. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 238 consecutive patients with CTO lesion in one of the major coronary arteries from May 2014 to October 2015 in our department. Patients were divided into poor CCC group (grade 0 and 1, 58 cases) and good CCC group(grade 2 and 3, 180 cases) based on Rentrop's classification of CCC. The fQRS was defined as the presence of an additional R wave or notching of R or S wave or the presence of fragmentation in two contiguous electrocardiogram leads corresponding to a major coronary artery territory. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between CCC and fQRS on electrocardiogram. Results: Compared with good CCC group, patients in poor CCC group had older age((65.2±8.9)years old vs. (60.3±10.1) years old, P=0.03), higher plasma glucose ((7.22±3.00) mmol/L vs.(6.31±1.83)mmol/L, P=0.04), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction ((45.2±11.4)% vs. (51.2±13.5)%, P=0.02). None of patients had Rentrop grade 0, the presence of fQRS on ECG in patients with Rentrop grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 CCC was 69.0% (40/58), 48.6% (35/72) , and 19.4% (21/108), respectively (P<0.01). The presence of fQRS were higher in poor CCC group than in good CCC group (69.0%(40/58)vs. 31.1%(56/180), P<0.01), and number of leads with fQRS were higher in poor CCC group than in good CCC group (3(0, 4)vs.0(0, 3), P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that poor CCC growth in patients with CTO lesion without prior myocardial infarction was independently related to the presence of fQRS (OR=3.659, 95%CI 1.619-8.217, P<0.01). Conclusion: Poor CCC in patients with CTO lesion without prior myocardial infarction is independently related to the presence of fQRS on electrocardiogram.

Cellular Delivery of Human Cntf Prevents Motor and Cognitive Dysfunction in a Rodent Model of Huntington's Disease

The delivery of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to the central nervous system has recently been proposed as a potential means of halting or slowing the neural degeneration associated with Huntington's disease (HD). The following set of experiments examined, in detail, the ability of human CNTF (hCNTF) to prevent the onset of behavioral dysfunction in a rodent model of HD. A DHFR-based expression vector containing the hCNTF gene was transfected into a baby hamster kidney fibroblast cell line (BHK). Using a polymeric device, encapsulated BHK-control cells and those secreting hCNTF were transplanted bilaterally into rat lateral ventricles. Eight days later, the same animals received bilateral injections of quinolinic acid (QA, 225 nmol) into the previously implanted striata. A third group received sham surgery (incision only) and served as a normal control group. Bilateral infusions of QA produced a significant loss of body weight and mortality that was prevented by prior implantation with hCNTF-secreting cells. Moreover, QA produced a marked hyperactivity, an inability to use the forelimbs to retrieve food pellets in a staircase test, increased the latency of the rats to remove adhesive stimuli from their paws, and decreased the number of steps taken in a bracing test that assessed motor rigidity. Finally, the QA-infused animals were impaired in tests of cognitive function — the Morris water maze spatial learning task, and the delayed nonmatching-to-position operant test of working memory. Prior implantation with hCNTF-secreting cells prevented the onset of all the above deficits such that implanted animals were nondistinguishable from sham-lesioned controls. At the conclusion of behavioral testing, 19 days following QA, the animals were sacrificed for neurochemical determination of striatal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) levels. This analysis revealed that QA decreased striatal ChAT levels by 35% and striatal GAD levels by 45%. In contrast, hCNTF-treated animals did not exhibit any decrease in ChAT levels and only a 10% decrease in GAD levels. These results support the concepts that implants of polymer-encapsulated hCNTF-releasing cells can be used to protect striatal neurons from excitotoxic damage, produce extensive behavioral protection as a result of that neuronal sparing, and that this strategy may ultimately prove relevant for the treatment of HD.

Effects of graded removal of lysine from an intravenously infused amino acid mixture on lactation performance and mammary amino acid metabolism in lactating goats

To investigate responses of milk protein synthesis and mammary AA metabolism to a graded decrease of postruminal Lys supply, 4 lactating goats fitted with jugular vein, mammary vein, and carotid artery catheters and transonic blood flow detectors on the external pudic artery were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Goats were fasted for 24 h and then received a 9-h intravenous infusion of an AA mixture plus glucose. Milk yield was recorded and samples were taken in h 2 to 8 of the infusion period; a mammary biopsy was performed in the last hour. Treatments were graded decrease of lysine content in the infusate to 100 (complete), 60, 30, or 0% as in casein. Lysine-removed infusions linearly decreased milk yield, tended to decrease lactose yield, and tended to increase milk fat to protein ratio. Milk protein content and yield were linearly decreased by graded Lys deficiency. Mammary Lys uptake was concomitantly decreased, but linear regression analysis found no significant relationship between mammary Lys uptake and milk protein yield. Treatments had no effects on phosphorylation levels of the downstream proteins measured in the mammalian target or rapamycin pathway except for a tended quadratic effect on that of eukaryotic initiation factor 2, which was increased and then decreased by graded Lys deficiency. Removal of Lys from the infusate linearly increased circulating glucagon and glucose. Removal of Lys from the infusate linearly decreased arterial and venous concentrations of Lys. Treatments also had a significant quadratic effect on venous Lys, suggesting mechanisms to stabilize circulating Lys at a certain range. The 2 infusions partially removing Lys resulted in a similar 20% decrease, whereas the 0% Lys infusion resulted in an abrupt 70% decrease in mammary Lys uptake compared with that of the full-AA mixture infusion. Consistent with the abrupt decrease, mammary Lys uptake-to-output ratio decreased from 2.2 to 0.92, suggesting catabolism of Lys in the mammary gland could be completely prevented when the animal faced severe Lys deficiency. Mammary blood flow was linearly increased, consistent with the linearly increased circulating nitric oxide by graded Lys deficiency, indicating mechanisms to ensure the priority of the mammary gland in acquiring AA for milk protein synthesis. Infusions with Lys removed increased mammary clearance rate of Lys numerically by 2 to 3 fold. In conclusion, the decreased milk protein yield by graded Lys deficiency was mainly a result of the varied physiological status, as indicated by the elevated circulating glucagon and glucose, rather than a result of the decreased mammary Lys uptake or depressed signals in the mTOR pathway. Mechanisms of Lys deficiency to promote glucagon secretion and mammary blood flow and glucagon to depress milk protein synthesis need to be clarified by future studies.

Cobalt chromium-based biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent: rationale, evidence and clinical experience

Metallic drug-eluting stents (DES) are the first choice for percutaneous coronary interventional treatment of coronary artery disease at present. Although they have overcome some disadvantages and limitations of plain balloon angioplasty and bare-metal stents, chronic local inflammatory reactions related to permanent polymer existence and poor vascular healing after first generation DES implantation may translate into the increased risk of late and very late stent thrombosis. There have been technological developments in stent design, materials and coatings, including more conformable platform designs, biocompatible or biodegradable polymers and improved kinetics of drug release. The newer generation DES have proven superior to previous DES technology in terms of both safety and efficacy. Accumulating evidence has suggested that DES with cobalt chromium stent platform, modified biodegradable polymer coatings, and rapamycin derivative drugs are associated with improved clinical outcomes. Currently, several new cobalt chromium biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents have been introduced to clinical practice. This review will describe basic concept and rationale behind the newer cobalt chromium biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents, systematically present the new clinical experiences with several representative devices.

Effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow

Multiparous early lactation Holstein cows (n = 16) were used in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow. Treatments were as follows: (i) feeding low-quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet A), (ii) feeding low-quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium (Diet B), (iii) feeding high-quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet C) and (iv) feeding high-quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium. This experiment consisted 30 days. The milk and blood samples were collected in the last day of the trail. Intakes were recorded in the last 2 days of the trail. Supplementation of fatty acid calcium decreased significantly dry matter intake (DMI) (p < 0.01). Addition fatty acid calcium decreased milk protein percentage (p < 0.01) and milk SNF percentage (p < 0.01), but increased MUN (p < 0.05). Supplemented fatty acid decreased concentration of blood BHBA (p < 0.05), but increased TG, NEFA, glucagon, GLP-1, CCK, leptin, ApoA-IV, serotonin and MSH concentration in blood, the CCK concentration and feed intake showed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05).

Massive pulmonary air embolism during the implantation of pacemaker, case reports and literature analysis

OBJECTIVES

Pacemaker implantation has developed into a mature technology, meanwhile, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as extended pace making technology, are both carried out in rising frequency. Massive pulmonary air embolism is a rare but fatal complication accompanying with such pace making process. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanism, occurrence and treatment for this kind of complication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two cases of complicated massive pulmonary gas embolism were presented: one in CRT and the other in pacemaker implantation, both of which were captured rapidly and treated successfully by inhalation of high flow oxygen, closure of gas inflow tract, position change, and vasoactive drugs. Moreover, published literatures about air embolism in the process of pacemaker implantation or CRT/ICD were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

Complicated massive pulmonary air embolisms could be successfully resolved with satisfied short-term prognosis. Literature analysis showed that massive pulmonary air embolism is very rare in the course of pacemaker implantation, and coughing or deep breathing, advanced age, preoperative sedation, sheath with large cavity, improperly operating the hemostasis valve and diminished compliance of pulmonary circulation might be risk factors for air embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Massive pulmonary air embolism during pace making which is very rare in the course of pacemaker implantation is one kind of life-threatening complication. Rapid judgment and timely treatment can avoid a catastrophic event, which could prevent adverse impact on the short-term prognosis, while further observation is required to explore the long-term prognosis.

Short communication: Glutamine increases autophagy of liver cells in weaned calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of an increased jugular supply of l-Gln on the autophagy of weaned calves. At 35 d of age, 24 Holstein calves (initial body weight of 50±0.5 kg; 35±2 d of age) were randomly allocated to 4 treatments, with each treatment including 5 male calves and 1 female calf. Holstein calves were assigned to treatments of (1) intravenous infusion of 2d of 0.85% NaCl (control group) (2) intravenous infusion of 8 g/d of L-Gln mixed with 2d of 0.85% NaCl solution, (3) intravenous infusion of 16 g/d of L-Gln mixed with 2d of 0.85% NaCl solution, and (4) intravenous infusion of 32 g/d of L-Gln mixed with 2d of 0.85% NaCl. The infusion was administered 2h/d for 7 consecutive days starting on d 1 after weaning. Feed and water were freely available to all calves. All calves were killed on d 7 postweaning to measure the autophagy of liver cells. The level of autophagy in liver cells was improved when the Gln infusion dose increased.

Effect of parenteral administration of glutamine on autophagy of liver cell and immune responses in weaned calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of an increased jugular supply of L-Gln on post-weaning growth, immune responses, intestinal morphology and autophagy of weaned calves. At 35 days of age, 24 Holstein calves (initial 50 ± 1.5 kg; 35 ± 2 day of age) were randomly allocated to four treatments, and each treatment included five male and one female calves. Holstein calves were assigned to treatments of (i) i.v. infusion of 2 l of 0.85% NaCl, Control group [C]; (ii) i.v. infusion of 8 g/day of L-Gln mixed with 2 l of 0.85% NaCl solution [L]; (iii) i.v. infusion of 16 g/day of L-Gln mixed with 2 l of 0.85% NaCl solution [M]; and (iv) i.v. infusion of 32 g/day of L-Gln mixed with 2 l of 0.85% NaCl [H]; The infusion was 2 h/day for each of 14 consecutive days starting on day 1 after weaning. Feed and water were freely available to all calves. All calves were killed on the 14th day post-weaning for measurements of autophagy of liver cell and intestinal morphology. Gln has no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG). Gln infusion increased quadratically the abundance of CD4+, monocyte and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+. The urea N, Gln and Glucose in plasma increased linearly with increasing Gln loads. Gln infusion increased quadratically villus height and crypt depth of intestine. The autophagy level of liver cell was improved with the Gln infusion dose increased.

Effects of reed straw, zeolite, and superphosphate amendments on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from stored duck manure

Stored poultry manure can be a significant source of ammonia (NH) and greenhouse gases (GHGs), including nitrous oxide (NO), methane (CH), and carbon dioxide (CO) emissions. Amendments can be used to modify physiochemical properties of manure, thus having the potential to reduce gas emissions. Here, we lab-tested the single and combined effects of addition of reed straw, zeolite, and superphosphate on gas emissions from stored duck manure. We showed that, over a period of 46 d, cumulative NH emissions were reduced by 61 to 70% with superphosphate additions, whereas cumulative NO emissions were increased by up to 23% compared with the control treatment. Reed straw addition reduced cumulative NH, NO, and CH emissions relative to the control by 12, 27, and 47%, respectively, and zeolite addition reduced cumulative NH and NO emissions by 36 and 20%, respectively. Total GHG emissions (as CO-equivalents) were reduced by up to 27% with the additions of reed straw and/or zeolite. Our results indicate that reed straw or zeolite can be recommended as amendments to reduce GHG emissions from duck manure; however, superphosphate is more effective in reducing NH emissions.

Scrotal heat stress causes a transient alteration in tight junctions and induction of TGF-β expression

Specialized junctions, which occur at sites of Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell contact of seminiferous epithelium, play pivotal roles in spermatogenesis. Slight increase in scrotal temperature can induce oligospermia or azoospermia via increasing germ cell apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of tight junction (TJ) components, such as occludin, claudin-3 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), was reduced 24-48h after a single mild scrotal heat exposure (43°C for 30min), whereas mRNA levels of claudin-11 were increased. Moreover, the protein localization of occludin and ZO-1 was lost from the blood-testis barrier (BTB) site, whereas claudin-11 immunostaining became diffuse and cytoplasmic 2days following heat exposure. Electron microscopic analysis showed that 2days after the heat treatment, the intercellular space between the two adjacent Sertoli cells was expanded, coupled with defragmentation of actin bundles and the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the TJ permeability increased significantly 2days after the heat exposure and recovered approximately 10days later. Heat-induced reversible BTB disruption was associated with a transient induction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2, -3 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. However, the TGF-β antagonist only partially prevented the heat-induced BTB disruption. In conclusion, the expression of TJ-associated molecules and BTB were reversibly perturbed after mild testicular hyperthermia, and the induction of TGF-β expression may be partially involved in heat-induced BTB damage.

Mechanism of cardiac preconditioning with volatile anaesthetics

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced cardioprotection. It is not thoroughly understood how volatile anaesthetics protect the myocardium from ischaemia or reperfusion injury, but the overall mechanism is likely to be multifactorial. This review examines the recent experimental and clinical research underlying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced preconditioning. A variety of intracellular signalling pathways have been implicated in the protective phenomenon. Ischaemic preconditioning and anaesthetic-induced preconditioning share similar molecular mechanisms, including activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, triggering of second messenger pathways, activation of multiple kinases, mediation of nitric oxide formation and reactive oxygen species release, maintenance of intracellular and/or mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and moderation of the opening of adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels. A more thorough understanding of the multiple signalling steps and the ultimate cytoprotective mechanisms underlying anaesthetic-induced preconditioning may lead to improvements in the management of ischaemia and/or reperfusion injury.

EXPRESSION OF BCL-2 AND BAX IN RHESUS MONKEY TESTIS DURING GERM CELL APOPTOSIS INDUCED BY TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE

Apoptosis occurs spontaneously during spermatogenesis and can be induced by androgen withdrawal. However, the molecular events governing apoptosis have not been characterized. To study the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by a high dose of testosterone undecanoate (TU), the authors examined the temporal changes in proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in TU-treated monkey testes. Apoptotic cells were identified in tissue sections by in situ end labeling of fragmented DNA. The results showed that a great deal of the apoptotic cells occurred in the testes on day 30 after TU injection and that the dominant apoptotic germ cells are spermatocytes and spermatids. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was assessed by immunohistochemical method and Western blot. As compared with that of normal testes, the levels of Bcl-2 protein increased significantly from 7 to day 14 while that of Bax protein was almost unchanged in the testes from day 7 up to day 60 after TU treatment. Bcl-2 was localized to the spermatids in the normal testes and temporarily distributed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of those cell types susceptible to TU-induced apoptosis on day 14 after TU injection. Therefore, it is suggested that Bax may not play a role in initiating germ cell apoptosis induced by TU injection and that the evaluation in Bcl-2 expression may represent a survival mechanism for the remaining germ cell.

Ancient paddy soils from the Neolithic age in China’s Yangtze River Delta

Identifying prehistoric irrigated rice fields and characterizing the beginning of paddy soil development are important for a better understanding of human development and agricultural history. In 2003, paddy soils and irrigated rice fields buried at a depth of 100-130 cm were excavated at Chuo-dun-shan in the Yangtze River Delta, close to Suzhou, China. The fields of sizes between 1.4 and 16 m(2) were surrounded with ridges that were connected to ditches/ponds via outlets to control the water level within the fields. Many carbonized and partly carbonized rice grains with an age of 3,903 B.C. (measured (14)C age 5,129+/-45 a BP) were recovered. The surface layers of these buried paddy fields showed a high content of soil organic matter and a considerable high density of rice opals. The latter were identified to derive from Oryza spp. Solid-state (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed aromatic carbon (C) as the predominant organic C form in the fossil surface layer. This is expected, if the major source represents burnt rice and straw. In summary, our data are in agreement with new evidences indicating that in China, paddy soils and irrigated rice cultivation were initiated and developed more than 6,000 years ago.

Germ cell apoptosis induced by experimental cryptorchidism is mediated by multiple molecular pathways in Cynomolgus Macaque

Experimental cryptorchidism is a common model for examining the expression and function of heat-sensitive spermatogenesis-related genes in testis. Previous studies have shown that germ cells in cryptorchid testis die mainly in an apoptotic way. The molecular mechanism, however, is still unclear. We have established unilateral cryptorchid monkey model (Cynomolgus Macaque) to identify possible molecules involved in the germ cell apoptosis. The degree of germ cell apoptosis, the morphology of the cryptorchid testis, and the changes in the serum concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone after cryptorchid surgery were analyzed. Sertoli cell marker molecule vimentin, the orphan receptor LRH-1, as well as the mitochondria-related protein HSP60 and Bcl-2 were examined. Our results showed that the weight of the cryptorchid testis decreased in a time-dependent manner started from day 7 after the surgery, while the weight of the scrotal testis had no obvious change. HE staining showed that from day 5, some germ cells were detached from the epithelium. A massive degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium characteristic of epithelial structural disorganization and the formation of multinucleated giant cells as well as vacuoles was observed on day 10 and 15. The cryptorchidism induced a marked germ cell apoptosis on day 3 after the operation, reaching a peak level on day 7.

Atmospheric sulfur deposition onto different ecosystems over China

The regional acid deposition model system (RegADMS) was applied to simulate the air sulfur deposition onto different landuse types over China, in which the dry deposition velocities of SO2 and sulfate aerosol (SO4(2-) were estimated by use of a big leaf resistance analogy model and the wet scavenging coefficients were parameterized in terms of precipitation rate. Investigations show that the annual total sulfur deposition over mainland China is 7.24mt (1 mt = 10(6) ton) , in which dry deposition and wet deposition accounts for 56 and 44%, respectively. The sulfur deposition onto agriculture land, grass land, and forest land is 1.09, 3.6 and 1.41 mt, respectively, which sums 6.1 mt and accounts for 84% of the total sulfur deposition. The modeled sulfur deposition was in agreement with the measurement conducted at farmland in Yingtan, a typical read soil region in Jiangxi province of China, during the period of November 1998--October 1999. The total sulfur deposition at the Yingtan site is about 10.3 gm(-2) year(-1) of which 83% is dry deposition. The modeling sulfur deposition at the same site is 8.4 g m(-2) year(-1) Furthermore, the comparison between RegADMS and RAINS-ASIA on modeling regional sulfur deposition shows the consistence of the two models. The correlation coefficient between the simulated sulfur deposition at the medium-large cities reaches 0.72.

Stable sulfur isotope ratio indicates long-term changes in sulfur deposition in the Broadbalk experiment since 1845

Archived wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain and straw, and soil samples from the control plot of the Rothamsted Broadbalk Experiment, located in southeastern England and established in 1843, were used to investigate the effects of dramatically changing SO2 pollution inputs on the concentrations and stable isotope ratios (delta34S) of S in the samples. Representative coal samples from UK major coal fields were also determined for delta34S. Concentrations of S showed no clear trends in either grain or straw over the 155 years from 1845 to 1999. However, grain and straw delta34S decreased rapidly from 6 to 7/1000 in 1845 to -2 to -5/1000 in the early 1970s, and since then have increased to 0.5 to 2/1000 in the late 1990s. This pattern mirrored the trend of UK SO2 emissions over the 155 years. Both grain and straw delta34S correlated strongly and negatively with UK SO2 emissions (R2 > 0.89), but the relationships were different for the pre- and post-1970 data sets. Soil delta34S also decreased considerably, from 8.2/1000 in 1865 to 3.7 to 4.5/1000 during 1965-1999. A negative delta34S value was inferred for the anthropogenic S deposited at the experimental site before 1970, and further confirmed by negative delta34S values (-6 to -10/1000) found in the coal samples from southeastern England and southern Wales. Based on the S isotope ratios, we estimated that anthropogenic S contributed 62 to 78% of the S uptake by wheat at the peak of SO2 emissions, and accounted for 28 to 37% of the topsoil S in 1965.

Cloning and characterization of temperature-related gene TRS1

To investigate the mechanism of spermatogenesis arrest derived from heat treatment and to screen temperature-related genes involved in spermatogenesis, the authors analyzed the differences in gene expression between cryptorchid and scrotal testes in rats, and cloned a full-length cDNA named TRS1. In situ hybridization showed that TRS1 mRNA was mainly expressed in spermatocyte and round spermatids in testis. The expression level decreased in cryptorchid testis, suggesting that the lower scrotal temperature is a key factor in keeping the normal expression of TRS1. At the N-terminal of TRS1, there was a plecstrin homology (PH) domain signature. This PH domain has high similarity to that in PEPP2, a homosapien protein, which has a characteristic of binding phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate via its PH domain in vitro. These findings suggest that TRS1 may be important in spermatogenesis and give clues for further research on the function of TRS1.

Expression of Hsp70-2 in unilateral cryptorchid testis of rhesus monkey during germ cell apoptosis

We investigated the possible role of Hsp70-2 in germ cell apoptosis induced by heat stress in monkey unilateral cryptorchid testis. The study focused on in situ analysis of the testicular cell DNA fragmentation and on the possible relationship between Hsp70-2 expression and germ cell apoptosis. The TUNEL result showed that most of the germ cells were labeled in the cryptorchid testis on d 5 after induction of cryptorchidism; that with most of the apoptotic germ cells depleted, only a few germ cells were labeled on d 10; and that almost no apoptotic signal was observed in the cryptorchid testis on d 15 and thereafter. This indicates that the increasing germ cell degeneration in cryptorchid testis may take the form of apoptosis. Using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Northern blot, we examined the changes of Hsp70-2 expression in the monkey cryptorchid testis. The level of Hsp70-2 mRNA decreased slightly, while the expression of HSP70-2 protein was almost unchanged at the early stage of germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchid testis on d 5 and dropped dramatically along with the loss of apoptotic germ cells in the cryptorchid testis on d 10 after operation. It is therefore suggested that Hsp70-2 might not take part in inhibiting the apoptosis of germ cells at the early stage during operation-induced cryptorchid testis, and that Hsp70-2 gene does not belong to the immediate early related gene responsible for germ cell apoptosis induced by heat stress.

[The development of SPA bone densitometry for heel bone]

The design principles of a bone densitometer for heel bone based on SPA are introduced here, which include the principles of mechanical system and control system. The main technical index and advantages of the device have also been discussed in the paper.

Role of Fas/FasL genes in azoospermia or oligozoospermia induced by testosterone undecanoate in rhesus monkey

AIM

To investigate role of apoptosis related genes Fas/FasL in azoospermia or oligozoospermia induced by testosterone undecanoate.

METHODS

TUNEL was used to detect the apoptotic signal of testicular cells. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to quantitatively or qualitatively analyze the expression of these apoptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

After injection of testosterone undecanoate, both the apoptotic signal in germ cells and the expression of Fas/FasL in testis increased correlatively in a time-dependent manner, reaching a maximum level on day 30.

CONCLUSION

Fas system may initiate and regulate the germ cell apoptosis induced by testosterone undecanoate.

[The development of a function-rehabilitation trainer for lower limb joints]

We'd like to introduce to you an exercising trainer for the recovery of functions of lower limb joints. It is beneficial to early-stage rehabilitation of lower limb joints after the operation. The light-weighted, portabl trainer is easy to operate duc to its innovative structure and design. In addition, the speed, angle and time of exercise of this trainer is automatically adjusted to best fit your needs, making it an advanced trainer for recovery purpose.

Copper contamination in paddy soils irrigated with wastewater

Copper (Cu) contamination was investigated in paddy soils where Cu-rich wastewater (12 mg Cu/l) was used for irrigation. The results showed that Cu contamination increased the soil Cu content from 17.0 mg Cu/kg in the non-wastewater irrigated soils (NWIS) to 101.2 mg Cu/kg in the wastewater irrigated soils (WIS), and Cu accumulated mostly in the surface layer (0-10 cm) of the paddy soil. The average Cu contents in brown rice, rice hull and rice straw from NWIS were 1.4, 7.3 and 14.5 mg Cu/kg, while those from WIS were 15.5, 133.2, and 101.4 mg Cu/kg, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the relationship between the Cu content in the rice straw and the rice hull with the total Cu content of the soil could be described by an exponential function (R2 = 0.921 and 0.831, respectively; P <0.01). Rice plants grown in the WIS showed symptoms of black roots, less effective tiller, etc. Subsequently, the rice yield decreased by 18-25%, compared with that grown in NWIS.

[Cloning of human TRAIL cDNA and its expression in COS-7 cells]

The human TRAIL cDNA was amplified with the total RNA from the human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 by means of RT-PCR, and was cloned into the pGEM-T vector. The DNA sequence analysis showed that it was consistent with the published sequence. Then, the insert of human TRAIL cDNA was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3. The hybrid plasmid pcDNA3-hTRAIL was transformed into COS-7 cells, and transiently expressed in the COS-7 cells. The activity of the expressed product could induce apoptosis in U937 cell line.

In vitro expansion of a multipotent population of human neural progenitor cells

The isolation and expansion of human neural progenitor cells have important potential clinical applications, because these cells may be used as graft material in cell therapies to regenerate tissue and/or function in patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This paper describes a continuously dividing multipotent population of progenitor cells in the human embryonic forebrain that can be propagated in vitro. These cells can be maintained and expanded using a serum-free defined medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Using these three factors, the cell cultures expand and remain multipotent for at least 1 year in vitro. This period of expansion results in a 10(7)-fold increase of this heterogeneous population of cells. Upon differentiation, they form neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, the three main phenotypes in the CNS. Moreover, GABA-immunoreactive and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons can be identified. These results demonstrate the feasibility of long-term in vitro expansion of human neural progenitor cells. The advantages of such a population of neural precursors for allogeneic transplantation include the ability to provide an expandable, well-characterized, defined cell source which can form specific neuronal or glial subtypes.

Expression of tissue type and urokinase type plasminogen activators as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 and type-2 in human and rhesus monkey placenta

The distribution of mRNAs and antigens of tissue type (t) and urokinase type (u) plasminogen activators (PA) plus their corresponding inhibitors, type-1 (PAI-1) and type-2 (PAI-2) were studied in human and rhesus monkey placentae by in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry. Specific monkey cRNA and antibodies against human tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 were used as probes. The following results were obtained. (1) All the molecules tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 and their mRNAs were identified in the majority of the extravillous cytotrophoblast cells of the decidual layer between Rohr's and Nitabuch's striae and in cytotrophoblast cells of the chorionic plate, basal plate, intercotyledonary septae and cytotrophoblast cells of the chorionic villous tree. (2) Expression of uPA and PAI-2 was noted in villous trophoblast whereas tPA and PAI-1 were mainly concentrated where detachment from maternal tissue occurs. (3) No expression of tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 was observed in the basal plate endometrial stromal cells, chorionic plate connective tissue cells, septal endometrial stromal cells or villous core mesenchyme. (4) The distribution of probes observed following in situ hybridisation is generally consistent with the immunofluorescence pattern of the corresponding antigens and no significant interspecies differences were noted. It is possible that both decidual and extravillous trophoblast cells of placentae of human and rhesus monkey are capable of producing tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 to differing extents. Coordinated expression of these genes in the tissue may play an essential role in the maintenance of normal placentation and parturition. The differences in distribution we observed are consistent with the suggestion that coordinated expression of tPA and its inhibitor PAI-1 may play a key role in fibrinolytic activity in the early stages of placentation and separation of placenta from maternal tissue at term. On the other hand, uPA with its inhibitor PAI-2 appears mainly to play a role in degradation of trophoblast cell-associated extracellular matrix, and thus may be of greatest importance during early stages of placentation.

cAMP inhibits linoleic acid-induced growth by antagonizing p27(kip1) depletion, but not interfering with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase or AP-1 activities

To understand the underlying signaling events of polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced growth, we studied the effect of cAMP on early and delayed growth response events induced by linoleic acid in smooth muscle cells (SMC). cAMP significantly inhibited both basal and linoleic acid-induced DNA synthesis. Linoleic acid-induced early growth response events, such as activation of ERKs, induction of expression of c-fos and jun-B and stimulation of AP-1 activity, however, were not affected by cAMP. In contrast, linoleic acid-induced c-jun expression was blocked by cAMP. cAMP alone stimulated ERKs activation, c-fos and jun-B expression and increased AP-1 activity. Linoleic acid induced depletion of p27kip1 and increased CDK2 activity, events required for G1/S transition. In contrast to early growth response events, linoleic acid-induced G1/S transition signals were significantly inhibited by cAMP. These findings suggest that in addition to inducing immediate early growth response events, linoleic acid mimics growth factors in activating cell cycle events that are associated with G1/S transition in SMC and the negative regulation of linoleic acid-induced growth by cAMP is apparently due to its antagonism with linoleic acid-induced p27kip1 depletion and CDK2 activation.

Localization and distribution of tissue type and urokinase type plasminogen activators and their inhibitors Type 1 and 2 in human and rhesus monkey fetal membranes

Fetal membranes consist of 10 distinct layers including components of amnion, chorion and decidua, the latter being of maternal origin. They form mechanically integrated sheets capable of retaining amniotic fluid and play an essential role in protecting fetal growth and development in the pregnant uterus. The extracellular matrix, substrate for plasminogen activators (PAs), is an important supportive framework of the fetal membranes. Fetal membranes from women with preterm premature rupture of membranes may differ in their protease activity compared with normal membranes. To identify the presence of PAs and their inhibitors (PAI) and their possible role in the process of fetal membrane rupture, this study investigated the distribution and localization of both protein and mRNA for tissue (t) and urokinase (u) PA and their inhibitors type 1 (PAI-1) and type 2 (PAI-2) in amniochorion of human and rhesus monkey using conventional and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. In situ hybridization analysis showed that the distribution and localization of mRNAs for tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 were similar in the fetal membranes of human and rhesus monkey; no obvious species difference was observed. Evidence of tPA mRNA was detected in amniotic epithelium, trophoblast cells and nearly all cells of the decidual layer. Strong expression of uPA mRNA was noted in the decidual cells which increased in intensity as the abscission point was approached. Weak staining in chorion laeve trophoblast was also detected. In situ hybridization experiments showed PAI-1 mRNA to be concentrated mainly in the decidual cells, some of which were interposed into the maternal-facing edge of the chorion laeve. Maximal labelling of the decidua occurred towards the zone of abscission. Weak expression of PAI-1 mRNA was also noted in some cells of the chorion laeve. The distribution of PAI-2 mRNA in amniochorion was also concentrated in the cells of the decidual layer, maximum expression of the mRNA was in the level of abscission. No detectable amount of mRNAs for tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 was found in the fibroblast, reticular and spongy layers. Distribution of the proteins of tPA, uPA and PAI-1 in the fetal membranes of these two species was consistent with the distribution of their mRNA. Anti-PAI-2 immunofluorescence was found to be strongly concentrated in the amniotic epithelium, but PAI-2 mRNA was negative in this layer, suggesting that the epithelium-associated PAI-2 is not of epithelial origin. These findings suggest that a local fibrinolysis in fetal membranes generated by precisely balanced expression of PAs and their inhibitors via paracrine or autocrine mechanisms may play an essential role in fetal membrane development, maturation and in membrane rupture. Following an analysis of the distribution and synthesis of activators and inhibitors it was found that they may play a role in abscission during the third stage of labour.