Effect of PCI on ophthalmic artery hemodynamics in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Purpose

We aimed to explore the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the ophthalmic artery (OA) hemodynamics in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A total of 73 participants (Group0: healthy controls, Group1: Patients with ACS underwent PCI < 3 months, Group2: Patients with ACS underwent PCI ≥ 3 months) were enrolled. Computed tomographic angiography images were used to construct three-dimensional models of participants' OAs. Numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics were used to acquire hemodynamic parameters.

Results

The angle between the OA and internal carotid artery in Group2 was significantly larger compared with Group0 and Group1 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.044). Hemodynamic simulation showed a significantly slower OA blood velocity in Group1 than in the control (P < 0.001) and Group2 (P = 0.033). Lower wall shear stress was found in Group1 than that in control (P = 0.040). Patients after PCI had a higher wall pressure than healthy controls (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004). Mass flow ratios were decreased in Group1 and Group2 (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002). The hemodynamic parameters of OA were correlated with several clinical indicators.

Conclusions

The OA blood flow velocity of patients with ACS after PCI initially slowed down, which increased the risk of plaque formation, and then showed an increasing trend. There was a correlation between OA hemodynamic parameters and clinical indexes related to cardiac stress. Ischemia-reperfusion injury and changes in blood flow status after PCI may affect OA morphology and hemodynamics, leading to ocular lesions.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100050428.

An anoikis-related lncRNA signature is a useful tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Anoikis-related long non-coding RNAs (ARLs) play a critical role in tumor metastasis and progression, suggesting that they may serve as risk markers for cancer. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ARLs in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Clinical data, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, and mutation data from the LUAD project were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and the GeneCard database were used to collect an anoikis-related gene (ARG) set. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify ARLs. LASSO and Cox regression were then used to establish a prognostic risk signature for ARLs. The median risk score served as the basis for categorizing patients into high and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis was utilized to compare the prognosis between these two groups. The study also examined the associations between risk scores and prognosis, clinicopathological characteristics, immune status, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and chemotherapeutic agents. LncRNA expression was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

A total of 480 RNA expression profiles, 501 ARGs, and 2698 ARLs were obtained from the database. A prognostic ARL signature for LUAD was established, consisting of 9 lncRNAs. Patients in the low-risk group exhibited significantly better prognosis compared to those in the high-risk group (P < 0.001). The 9 lncRNAs from the ARL signature were identified as independent prognostic factors (P < 0.001). The signature demonstrated high accuracy in predicting LUAD prognosis, with area under the curve values exceeding 0.7. The risk scores for ARLs showed strong negative correlations with stroma score (P = 5.9E-07, R = -0.23), immune score (P = 9.7E-09, R = -0.26), and microenvironment score (P = 8E-11, R = -0.29). Additionally, the low-risk group exhibited significantly higher TMB compared to the high-risk group (P = 4.6E-05). High-risk status was significantly associated with lower half-maximal inhibitory concentrations for most chemotherapeutic drugs.

Conclusion

This newly constructed signature based on nine ARLs is a useful instrument for the risk stratification of LUAD patients. The signature has potential clinical significance for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients and guiding personalized immunotherapy.

The application of unmanned aerial vehicle oblique photography technology in online tourism design

Tilt photography of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is widely used in urban management, cadastral mapping, disaster monitoring and other fields, but there are few innovative applications in online tourism. In this study, empirical design and usability testing methods were adopted, advanced positioning technology and Cesium engine were used to build a 3D real online travel application based on tilt photography, and the interactive function was realized through JavaScript language dynamic interactive function script. Meanwhile, combined with the questionnaire survey, the mobile application Rating Scale (MARS) was used to evaluate the function and quality of the application. The results show that engagement, functionality and aesthetics have no significant influence on user perception. Information quality and subjective quality of application have significant positive influence on user perception, and the influence of information quality is more significant. This study extends the application of oblique photography in tourism and provides experience for the development of tourism digitization.

Discovery of MK-8768, a Potent and Selective mGluR2 Negative Allosteric Modulator

Glutamate plays a key role in cognition and mood, and it has been shown that inhibiting ionotropic glutamate receptors disrupts cognition, while enhancing ionotropic receptor activity is pro-cognitive. One approach to elevating glutamatergic tone has been to antagonize presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2). A desire for selectivity over the largely homologous mGluR3 motivated a strategy to achieve selectivity through the identification of mGluR2 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). Extensive screening and optimization efforts led to the identification of a novel series of 4-arylquinoline-2-carboxamides. This series was optimized for mGluR2 NAM potency, clean off-target activity, and desirable physical properties, which resulted in the identification of improved C4 and C7 substituents. The initial lead compound from this series was Ames-positive in a single strain with metabolic activation, indicating that a reactive metabolite was likely responsible for the genetic toxicity. Metabolic profiling and Ames assessment across multiple analogs identified key structure-activity relationships associated with Ames positivity. Further optimization led to the Ames-negative mGluR2 negative allosteric modulator MK-8768.

Discovery of [11C]MK-8056: A Selective PET Imaging Agent for the Study of mGluR2 Negative Allosteric Modulators

Modification of potent, selective metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 negative allosteric modulator (mGluR₂ NAM) led to a series of analogues with excellent binding affinity, lipophilicity, and suitable physicochemical properties for a PET tracer with convenient chemical handles for incorporation of a ¹¹C or ¹⁸F radiolabel. [¹¹C]MK-8056 was synthesized and evaluated in vivo and demonstrated appropriate affinity, selectivity, and physicochemical properties to be used as a positron emission tomography tracer for mGluR₂.

Application of Proteomics Analysis and Animal Models in Optic Nerve Injury Diseases

Optic nerve damage is a common cause of blindness. Optic nerve injury is often accompanied by fundus vascular disease, retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, and changes in retinal thickness. These changes can cause alterations in protein expression within neurons in the retina. Proteomics analysis offers conclusive evidence to decode a biological system. Furthermore, animal models of optic nerve injury made it possible to gain insight into pathological mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and effective treatment of such injuries. Proteomics takes the proteome as the research object and studies protein changes in cells and tissues. At present, a variety of proteomic analysis methods have been widely used in the research of optic nerve injury diseases. This review summarizes the application of proteomic research in optic nerve injury diseases and animal models of optic nerve injury. Additionally, differentially expressed proteins are summarized and analyzed. Various optic nerve injuries, including those associated with different etiologies, are discussed along with their potential therapeutic targets and future directions.

Impact of total cerebral small vessel disease score on ophthalmic artery morphologies and hemodynamics

BACKGROUND

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a systemic disease, affecting not only the brain, but also eyes and other organs. The total CSVD score is a tool for comprehensive evaluation of brain lesions in patients with CSVD. The ophthalmic artery (OA) is a direct response to ocular blood flow. However, little is known about the correlation between CSVD and characteristics of OA. We investigated the OA morphologies and hemodynamics in patients with CSVD and the correlation between these changes and the total CSVD score.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study included 34 eyes from 22 patients with CSVD and 10 eyes from 5 healthy controls. The total CSVD score was rated according to the CSVD signs on magnetic resonance imaging. OA morphological characteristics were measured on the basis of 3D OA model reconstruction. OA hemodynamic information was calculated using computational fluid dynamics simulations.

RESULTS

The total CSVD score negatively correlated with the OA diameter, blood flow velocity, and mass flow ratio (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the total CSVD score was still independently correlated with the OA blood velocity (β = - 0.202, P = 0.005). The total CSVD score was not correlated with OA angle (P > 0.05). The presence of cerebral microbleeds and enlarged perivascular spaces was correlated with the OA diameter (both P < 0.01), while the lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensities were correlated with the OA blood velocity (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease of the blood velocity in the OA was associated with the increase in the total CSVD score. The changes of the OA diameter and velocity were associated with the presence of various CSVD signs. The findings suggest that more studies are needed in the future to evaluate CSVD by observing the morphologies and hemodynamics of OA.

Research on the Structural Relationship of Online Persistent Purchase of Museum Cultural and Creative Products in the Context of Digitalization

With the development and support of modern technologies such as digital media and online live stream, it has become an effective way to promote the online transaction of museum cultural and creative products. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model combined with the Post-Acceptance Model of Information System Continuance and the theories on customer satisfaction index, this research introduces perceived interest (PI) and media richness (MR) as variables and constructs a model of the influencing factors of online consumers' persistent purchase (PP) of museum products. The research model and related hypotheses were verified through structural equation modeling (SEM). The research found that perceived value (PV) and satisfaction (SAT) are the key variables that have impact on the PP of consumers. Perceived quality, brand trust, MR, PI, and perceived usefulness have significant effects on PV and SAT. Involvement in purchasing decisions positively moderates the impact on SAT of PV. The conclusion can be referred to for operators and product developers.

Intensified wintertime secondary inorganic aerosol formation during heavy haze pollution episodes (HPEs) in Beijing, China

Air pollution in China is complex, and the formation mechanism of chemical components in particulate matter is still unclear. This study selected three consecutive heavy haze pollution episodes (HPEs) during winter in Beijing for continuous field observation, including an episode with heavy air pollution under red alert. Clean days during the observation period were selected for comparison. The HPE characteristics of Beijing in winter were: under the influence of adverse meteorological conditions such as high relative humidity, temperature inversion and low wind speed; and strengthening of secondary transformation reactions, which further intensified the accumulation of secondary aerosols and other pollutants, promoting the explosive growth of PM_2.5. PM_2.5/CO values, as indicators of the contribution of secondary transformation in PM_2.5, were approximately 2 times higher in the HPEs than the average PM_2.5/CO during the clean period. The secondary inorganic aerosols (sulfate nitrate and ammonium salt) were significantly enhanced during the HPEs, and the conversion coefficients were remarkably improved. In addition, it is interesting to observe that the production of sulfate tended to exceed that of nitrate in the late stage of all three HPEs. The existence of aqueous phase reactions led to the explosive growth sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and rapid generation of sulfate under high relative humidity (RH>70%).

Changes in ammonia and its effects on PM2.5 chemical property in three winter seasons in Beijing, China

NH₃, SO₂, NO_x and the inorganic ions of PM_2.5 in winter 2009, 2014 and 2016 were examined to investigate the change in NH₃ and aerosol chemistry in Beijing, China. NH₃ concentrations showed an increase by 59% on average, in contrast to the decrease of SO₂ by 63% from winter 2009 to 2016. The mean mass ratio of NH₃/NH_x was 0.83 ± 0.12 in 2016, which is higher than those obtained in 2009 and 2014, implying more NH_x remaining as free NH₃ in 2016 winter. Our findings suggest that vehicles exhaust emissions are an important NH₃ source in urban central atmosphere of Beijing in winter. Despite the observed NO_x presenting declining trends from 2014 to 2016, nitrate concentrations even exhibited a significant increasing trend, which may be largely attributable to high NH₃ levels. An in-depth analysis of measured NH₃ and aerosol species in a heavy pollution episode in December 2016, combined with the acidity predicted by ISORROPIA II model demonstrated abundant NH₃ most of the time in air, where NH₃ is not only a precursor for NH₄⁺ but also effect the neutralization of SO₄^2- and NO₃^- in PM_2.5. With high RH and low photochemical activity, elevated NO₃^- concentration was attributed to an enhanced heterogeneous conversion of NO_x to HNO₃ to form NH₄NO₃ in pollution transport stage. The decrease in NO_x from high level and the increase in NH₃, with peaks of SO₄^2- occurring were observed in pollution cumulative stage. The aqueous-phase oxidation of SO₂ by NO₂ to sulfate might play an important role with high pH values. Our results suggested that the simultaneous control of NH₃ emissions in conjunction with SO₂ and NO_x emissions would be more effective in reducing particulate matter PM_2.5 formation.

[Biography of Moody Meng]

Moody Meng(1897-1983) was a pioneer of pharmacy in China. He was the main editor of the first Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the first president of the National College of Pharmacy (now China Pharmaceutical University), the first director of Chongqing Union Pharmaceutical Factory during the Anti-Japanese War and the first director of the China National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products. He made important contributions in many fields of pharmacy in China.

Discovery of [11C]MK-6884: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Agent for the Study of M4Muscarinic Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The measurement of receptor occupancy (RO) using positron emission tomography (PET) has been instrumental in guiding discovery and development of CNS directed therapeutics. We and others have investigated muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (M4) positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for the treatment of symptoms associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this article, we describe the synthesis, in vitro, and in vivo characterization of a series of central pyridine-related M4 PAMs that can be conveniently radiolabeled with carbon-11 as PET tracers for the in vivo imaging of an allosteric binding site of the M4 receptor. We first demonstrated its feasibility by mapping the receptor distribution in mouse brain and confirming that a lead molecule 1 binds selectively to the receptor only in the presence of the orthosteric agonist carbachol. Through a competitive binding affinity assay and a number of physiochemical properties filters, several related compounds were identified as candidates for in vivo evaluation. These candidates were then radiolabeled with ¹¹C and studied in vivo in rhesus monkeys. This research eventually led to the discovery of the clinical radiotracer candidate [¹¹C]MK-6884.

Explosive morning growth phenomena of NH3 on the North China Plain: Causes and potential impacts on aerosol formation

Atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) as the most important alkaline gas in the atmosphere has attracted much attention in recent years due to its critical role in haze formation, especially on the North China Plain (NCP). Comprehensive studies are needed for investigating diurnal variations of NH₃ and underlying mechanisms in different seasons and their potential impacts on atmospheric chemistry. In this study, continuous long-term observation (Mar. 2016 to May 2017) of NH₃ at a rural site in the NCP was used to characterize the diurnal variation of NH₃ in different seasons and to unveil its causes and potential impacts on atmospheric chemistry. NH₃ concentrations displayed rapid increases during the morning, reaching very prominent peaks mostly between 8:00 to 11:00 LT. Such frequent (55%) morning peaks were mainly caused by the evaporation of dew and guttation water droplets. Average dew and guttation water volume concentrations of 750 mL m^-2 was estimated for spring, which resulted in approximate NH₃ emissions of 800 ng m^-2 s^{- 1}. Such high emission fluxes from dew and guttation water evaporation have never been reported before, suggesting dew and guttation droplets to be significant night-time reservoirs and strong morning sources for NH₃. In light of recent studies putting forward that NH₃ can promote the heterogeneous formation of HONO and nitrate under high humidity conditions, we investigated the differences in HONO and aerosol chemical composition diurnal variations between days with and without NH₃ morning spikes during November. HONO, nitrate and sulfate concentrations were significantly higher for days with NH₃ morning spikes, with HONO displaying a morning peak near that of NH₃. These results demonstrate that the prevailing NH₃ morning spikes on the NCP have significant influences on aerosol formation and atmospheric chemistry. NH₃ emission mitigation strategies and regulations are urgently needed.

The lncRNA TUG1/miR-145-5p/FGF10 regulates proliferation and migration in VSMCs of hypertension

Vascular remodeling is a characteristic pathological feature of hypertension, it can cause of increasing vascular resistance and decrease of compliance. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) dysfunction is the important foundation of vascular remodeling. Increasing evidences have revealed that lncRNA is an important regulatory factor of VSMC function. In this paper, we explored the function of lncRNA TUG1 in vascular remodeling of hypertension. Here, we found that lncRNA TUG1 was highly expressed in aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) rats and promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs (SHR-VSMCs). Bioinformatics analyze showed that lncRNA TUG1 sequence had miR-145-5p binding sites. Luciferase reporter test, RNA pulldown and qRT-PCR showed that lncRNA TUG1 could bind miR-145-5p. Similarly, bioinformatics analyze found that FGF10 3 'UTR contained miR-145-5p binding sites. Luciferase reporter test, qRT-PCR and Western blot were shown that miR-145-5p inhibited FGF10 expression by binding to its 3 'UTR. MTT showed that miR-145-5p inhibited and FGF10 promoted SHR-VMSCs proliferation and migration. Overexpression of miR-145-5p or knocking down of FGF10 after overexpresion of lncRNA TUG1 could rescue the proliferation and migration promoted by lncRNA TUG1. LncRNA TUG1 and FGF10 promoted and miR-145-5p suppressed the expression of β-catenin, TCF and LEF in SHR-VSMCs. Therefore, lncRNA TUG1/miR-145-5p/FGF10 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in hypertensive state by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[Immunogenicity of inacitivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine in adults aged 18-64 years: A systematic review and Meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in adults aged 18-64 years, through a Meta-analysis. Methods: Literature was retrieved by searching the Medline, Cochrane Library, Science Direct in the past decade. All the studies were under random control trial (RCT) and including data related to immunogenicity which involving sero-protection rate (SPR) and sero-conversion rate (SCR) of the QIV, versus inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in the population aged 18 to 64. Revman 5.3 software was employed to manipulate the pooled date of the included literature. Result: A total of 8 studies for the SPR and SCR of the shared strains (two A lineage and one B lineage) were included. There appeared no significant differences in the response rates between the two vaccines. As for QIV versus TIV (B/Yamagata), the pooled RR of the SPR for B/Victoria was 1.28 (95%CI: 1.08-1.51, P<0.05), with the pooled RR of the SCR for B/Victoria as 1.94 (95%CI: 1.50-2.50, P<0.05). For QIV versus TIV (B/Victoria), the pooled RR of the SPR for B/Yamagata as 1.10 (95%CI: 1.02-1.18, P<0.05), and the pooled RR of SCR for B/Yamagata as 1.99 (95%CI: 1.34-2.97, P<0.05). Conclusion: In the population aged 18-64 years, inactivated QIV was equivalently immunogenic against the shared three strains included in the activated TIV while a superior immunogenic effect was noticed in the vaccine strain which did not include the inactivated QIV.

[Analysis of Similarities and Differences between Guidance of Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Devices Clinical Evaluation and Guidance of Medical Device Clinical Evaluation]

Clinical evaluation of medical devices plays an important role in the life cycle of medical devices. This paper introduces guidance of magnetic resonance diagnostic devices clinical evaluation and guidance of medical device clinical evaluation issued by CFDA. Their similarities and differences of the framework and content are analyzed, especially the definition, clinical evaluation methods and support data. By comparison, the clinical evaluation work of registration applicants can be more scientific and reasonable. At the same time, it can also be used for reference by the food and drug administration departments in evaluating the clinical evaluation of other products.

Summertime ambient ammonia and its effects on ammonium aerosol in urban Beijing, China

To improve the understanding of NH₃ variation in urban Beijing, high temporal resolution (1-min averaged) NH₃ data derived during the summer of 2009 were analyzed. The results indicated that after rain there was generally an increase in NH₃ concentration. The analysis of the 1-min data revealed that a weak but significant linear correlation existed between NH₃ and NO_x in August, indicating a connection between NH₃ concentrations and traffic levels during summer. This was further supported by peak NH₃ levels approximately coinciding with morning rush hours. The daily NH₃ concentrations were weakly correlated with NH₄⁺ concentrations, suggesting that NH₃ played an important precursor role in NH₄⁺ in PM_2.5 formation. The mean mass ratio of NH₃/NH_x was 0.76±0.13. This revealed that NH_x (NH₃+NH₄⁺) was influenced by local sources during the summer period and that NH₃ dry deposition could contribute substantially to NH_x deposition. A high temperature, relative humidity, and degree of oxidization could increase photochemical reactions and aqueous processing, having the important effect of SO₂ to SO₄^2- and NH₃ to NH₄⁺ conversion in summer. The back trajectory analysis indicates that the transport of air masses from the North China Plain region contributed to the atmospheric NH₃ and NH₄⁺ aerosol variations in Beijing.

α-Aminoadipic acid protects against retinal disruption through attenuating Müller cell gliosis in a rat model of acute ocular hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Ocular hypertension is an important risk factor for glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the gliotoxic effects of α-aminoadipic acid (AAA) in a rat model of AOH and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the rat model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH), intraocular pressure was increased to 110 mmHg for 60 minutes. Animals were divided into four groups: sham operation (Ctrl), AOH, AOH + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and AOH + AAA. Cell apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer was detected with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) immunostained with Thy-1 were counted. Müller cell activation was detected using immunostaining with glutamine synthetase and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was examined using Western blot.

RESULTS

In the rat model of AOH, cell apoptosis was induced in the ganglion cell layer and the number of RGCs was decreased. Müller cell gliosis in the retinas of rats was induced, and retinal protein levels of TNF-α were increased. Intravitreal treatment of AAA versus PBS control attenuated these retinal abnormalities to show protective effects in the rat model of AOH.

CONCLUSION

In the retinas of the rat model of AOH, AAA treatment attenuated retinal apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer and preserved the number of RGCs, likely through the attenuation of Müller cell gliosis and suppression of TNF-α induction. Our observations suggest that AAA might be a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma.

[Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax on retinal with a rat model for ocular ischemic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To tell the difference of Bcl-2 and Bax expression on the retina between the ocular ischemic syndrome group and the sham group.

METHODS

Experimental study. To establish the ocular ischemic syndrome model by bilateral common carotid arteries obliteration (BCCAO) in BN rats. Twenty BN rats were divided into two groups randomly: 12 in the model group and 8 in the sham group. In model group, midline incised in the neck and bilateral common carotid artery obliterated. While in the sham group, midline incised in the neck with no obliteration. Pupillary reflex were detected in both groups. After 1 month, rats underwent fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) examination. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure and tell the retina thickness difference in both groups. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax on rat retina and change of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Chisquare test was used for classification variable, two independent samples T test was used for quantitative data.

RESULTS

Compared to the sham group, only 1 eye of BCCAO group maintained its direct pupillary reflex, other eyes of the group appeared either lost or weakened their direct pupillary reflex. However, all rats in the sham group maintained their pupillary reflex. FFA showed that in the BCCAO group, retinal circulation time was significantly longer than it was in the sham group (aterial phase:t=6.19,P<0.01; arteriovenous phase:t=8.24,P<0.01; venous phase:t=2.73,P<0.05). And in the model group, the background choroidal patchy hypofluorescence and typical arterial forward phenomenon in the early phase of arterial time were observed. OCT showed that in the model group, an obvious decrease of the thickness of neuroepithelial layer of retina was observed, which was (195.67±8.84) µm in the model group and (219.31± 6.92) µm in the sham group. It had statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining results showed imbalance of Bcl-2, Bax expression on rat retina. Compared with the sham group, expression level of bax which was (5.67±0.84) µm in the model group was significantly increased (P<0.05) , while it was (2.34 ± 0.57) µm in the sham group. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Bcl-2 expression in both groups, which was (5.61±0.98) µm in the model group and which was (5.63±0.88) µm in the sham group. And Bcl-2/Bax ratio was observed statistically significant decreased (P<0.05) in the BCCAO group compared with that in the sham group, which was (1.01 ± 0.23) in the model group, and which was (2.47±0.47) in the sham group.

CONCLUSIONS

BCCAO of rats lead to the injury of retina function, diminish of retinal thickness, imbalance of Bax and Bcl-2 expression.

Mean-field embedding of the dual-fermion approach for correlated electron systems

To reduce the rapidly growing computational cost of the dual-fermion lattice calculation with increasing system size, we introduce two embedding schemes. One is the real fermion embedding, and the other is the dual-fermion embedding. Our numerical tests show that the real fermion and dual-fermion embedding approaches converge to essentially the same result. The application on the Anderson disorder and Hubbard models shows that these embedding algorithms converge more quickly with system size as compared to the conventional dual-fermion method, for the calculation of both single- and two-particle quantities.

Potency switch between CHK1 and MK2: discovery of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine- and imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors

Chemistry has been developed to access both imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines and imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidines. Small structural modifications in both series led to a switch of potency between two kinases involved in mediating cell cycle checkpoint control, CHK1 and MK2.

Vertical distributions of SO(2) and NO(2) in the lower atmosphere in Beijing urban areas, China

Measurements of SO(2) and NO(2) were conducted from January to March 2001 and August 2003 at a 325 m meteorological tower in Beijing. The concentrations of SO(2) and NO(2) observed by passive samplers at ten heights showed complex vertical distributions in winter and summer. The vertical profiles of pollutants were influenced by source emissions, meteorological conditions, urban canopy and other factors. The comparison analysis of winter and summer pollutant concentrations suggests that the decrease in SO(2) concentration was significant in summer, and the reduction of NO(2) was relatively not distinctive. Domestic heating and industrial sources were major sources of SO(2) in urban areas of Beijing. Differing from SO(2,) urban NO(2) was closely related to traffic emission. Meteorological evidence suggests that strong temperature inversions influence vertical distribution of air pollutants over urban Beijing. The high levels of SO(2) and NO(2) concentrations were due to the accumulation of pollutants resulting from the stable atmosphere prevalent during the measurement period. The vertical distributions of air pollutants were controlled and affected by atmospheric dynamical characteristics.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in rats following a single intravenous administration

1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,5-DCQA) is a potentially important HIV-1 integrase inhibitor widely distributed in many plants. To characterize the pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties of 1,5-DCQA in rats following single intravenous administration (160 mg/kg), the plasma concentrations of 1,5-DCQA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the metabolites formed in urine were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in parallel to diode-array detection (DAD). The results showed that the concentrations of 1,5-DCQA in plasma declined rapidly in a biphasic manner with a mean terminal half-life (t(1/2)) of 1.40 h. The mean clearance (CL) and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd(B)) of 1,5-DCQA were 0.44l/h/kg and 0.89l/kg, respectively. A total of 15 metabolites in rat urine were identified, including four isomeric O-mono-methylated (M1-M4), six isomeric O-di-methylated (M5-M10), one isomeric O-mono-methyl-glucuronidated (M11) and four isomeric O-di-methyl-glucuronidated (M12-M15) metabolites. The O-methylation positions of three important metabolites (M1, M2 and M5) were determined (3''-, 3'-, and 3',3''-) by comparing with synthesized standards. These results suggested that the disappearance of 1,5-DCQA from plasma was rapid, and that its quick urinary excretion and extensive metabolism, including methylation and glucuronidation, were two factors causing its rapid elimination from the circulation.

A novel class of endotoxin receptor agonists with simplified structure, toll-like receptor 4-dependent immunostimulatory action, and adjuvant activity

A series of novel, synthetic compounds containing lipids linked to a phosphate-containing acyclic backbone are shown to have similar biological properties to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These compounds showed intrinsic agonistic properties when tested for their ability to stimulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human whole blood and interleukin-6 in U373 human glioblastoma cells without added LPS coreceptor CD14. The presence of the LPS antagonist E5564 completely blocked responses, suggesting that the novel compounds and LPS share a common mechanism of cell activation. Stereoselectivity of the molecules was observed in vitro; compounds with an R,R,R,R-configuration were strongly agonistic, whereas compounds with an R,S,S,R-configuration were much weaker in their activity on human whole blood and U373 cells. We also tested the effect of the compounds in cells transfected with the LPS receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), with similar results, further supporting a shared mechanism with LPS. This was confirmed in vivo where the agonists failed to elicit cytokine responses in C3H/HeJ mice lacking TLR4 signaling. Because LPS-like molecules enhance immune responses, the compounds were mixed with tetanus toxoid and administered to mice in an immunization protocol to test for adjuvant activity. They enhanced the generation of specific antibodies against tetanus toxoid. Our results indicate that these unique compounds behave as agonists of TLR4, resulting in responses similar to those elicited by LPS. They display adjuvant activity in vivo and may be useful for the development of vaccine therapies.

[Experimental studies on rabbit facial nerve regeneration in chitin tubes containing nerve growth factor]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the nerve regeneration after implantation of chitin tubes containing nerve growth factor(NGF) in the rabbit facial nerve.

METHODS

Bilateral 8 mm defect of superior buccal divisions of the facial nerves were made in 16 New Zealand rabbits. Chitin tubes containing NGF were implanted into the gaps, and autologous nerves were implanted into the right gaps as control. The nerve regeneration was evaluated with electrophysiological and ultrastructural examination after 8 and 16 weeks of operation.

RESULTS

Chitin tubes containing NGF successfully induced the nerve regeneration, regularly arranged myelinated and unmyelinated axons could be observed across the 8 mm gaps, and the myelin sheath was thick with clear lamellar structure at 8 weeks after operation, The regenerated nerve fibers increased and were more mature at 16 weeks after operation. There were no significant difference in electrical impulse conduction velocity through the neural regeneration between the experimental and control sides (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chitin tubes containing NGF can provide optimal conditions for regeneration of rabbit facial nerve.

Steroidal saponins from Anemarrhena asphodeloides and their effects on superoxide generation

A new steroidal saponin, timosaponin F, along with six known compounds was isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the structure of timosaponin F was elucidated as (5beta, 25 S):-spirostan-3beta,15alpha,23alpha-triol-3-O-beta- glucopyranosyl-(1--->2)-beta-galactopyranoside. The six known compounds were anemarrhenasaponin I, anemarrhenasaponin Ia, timosaponin BI, timosaponin BII, timosaponin B, timosaponin AIII; their effects on superoxide generation are also reported.

[Experimental study on osteoinduction of coral composited artificial bone]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the osteoinduction of coral and provide a perfect bone graft substitute for clinical bone defects.

METHODS

By combining coral with collagen and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2), coral/collagen/rhBMP-2 composite was obtained. The composite was implanted into the back muscle pouches of mice, and coral/collagen or coral/rhBMP-2 were implanted as control. The osteoinduction of the composite was assessed by histology and image analysis system.

RESULTS

The chondrocyte differentiation and matrix formation were observed in local sites after one week, lamellar bone with bone marrow were formed after 4 weeks, and coral were absorbed partially. The quantity of osteoinduction was time-related and rhBMP-2 dose-related(P < 0.01). Coral/collagen and coral/rhBMP-2 implants did not show any bone or cartilage formation.

CONCLUSION

The coral/collagen/rhBMP-2 composite possesses a superior osteoinduction and will be a new type of bone substitute to be used in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery.

[Clinical summary of relatively large dose of sodium morrhuate injection for the treatment of maxillofacial cavernous hemangionma:A report of 764 cases]

The result of relatively large dose of 5% sodium morrhuate injection(SIM) for the treatment of 764 cases in the cavernous hemangioma in orofacial region is presented.The curative rate was improved,Its cure and elementary cure rate were 89.27%.The dosage,course and practical approach were discussed,The relationship of factors listed above with the curative effect were mentioned.The reaction and complications might be influencing the recurrence rate.Hemangioma after SMI should be observed in order to consolidate its curative effect.