[Strolling through the glorious years of Alveolar Surgery, bravely stepping onto the path of practice and innovation]

This article summarizes and organizes relevant publications in journals, along with a review of medical history, systematically summarizing the development process of dental alveolar surgery in China. The initial establishment phase (1935-1952) marked the starting point of Chinese Alveolar Surgery. Despite the impact of wars, it laid the foundation for subsequent research and practice. During the early development phase (1953-1966), the "Chinese Journal of Stomatology" was founded, which promoted the development of Alveolar Surgery. Research focused on tooth extraction methods and complications. Tooth Transplantation and Preprosthetic Surgery gradually began to take off. The stagnant phase (1967-1977) occurred due to the interruption of international exchanges, leading to an almost complete halt in the development of Alveolar Surgery. Entering the rapid catch-up phase (1978-1985), Alveolar Surgery scholars in China began striving to overcome the stagnation of the previous decade. While some progress was made, no significant innovative achievements emerged. In the scientific development phase (1986-2010), clinical research, basic experiments, and paper writing in modern Chinese Alveolar Surgery began to adhere to scientific standards with the rise of experimental medicine. The exploration and innovation stage (2011-2023) is the current development phase, during which Chinese Aveolar Surgery has reached its peak, making substantial progress in technology, clinical practices, and basic research, gradually reaching or even surpassing international advanced levels. Looking back at the development history in China, we can find the wisdom and hard work of the older generation of Alveolar Surgery scholars. However, contemporary challenges and issues, such as standardizing technology, promoting clinical practices, and talent cultivation, need to be addressed by present-day Alveolar Surgery professionals as they forge ahead.

[Precise minimally invasive treatment of mandibular fracture in children assisted by digital surgery technology]

Objective: To explore the role of digital three-dimensional printing technology and multifunctional board in the treatment of mandibular fracture in children. Methods: From January 2006 to January 2022, 42 children with mandibular fracture were treated by Department of Stomatology, in The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, including 25 males and 17 females. The patients, aged from 4 to 12 years, with the median age was 10 years old, were divided into observation group (22 cases) and routine group (20 cases) according to the treatment methods. In the observation group, the multifunctional board was made before operation, and the CT data of the children were imported into Mimics software in".dicom"format, and the displaced mandible was virtually reset. The jaw reduction model was made by three-dimensional printing, and the surgical operation was simulated on the reduction model to determine the model and position of the internal fixation device and shape it. During the operation, the fracture was reduced and fixed according to the preoperative design; The conventional group was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fracture by traditional methods, and the clinical application value was compared and analyzed through the intraoperative situation, occlusal relationship, and follow-up of the two groups. Results: The total intraoperative bleeding volume [(30.25±4.02) ml] and surgical time [(64.3±9.2) min] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the conventional group [(35.13±5.69) ml and (84.6±13.9) min, respectively] (F=6.18, P=0.003; F=1.32, P=0.001). The excellent and good rate of occlusal relationship in the observation group [96% (21/22)] was significantly higher than that in the conventional group [85% (17/20)] (F=4.27, P=0.039). The incidence of complications, the observation group, 1 case of poor occlusion, 1 case of postoperative infection; In the routine group, there were 3 cases with poor occlusion, 1 case with nerve injury, 1 case with root injury and 1 case with tooth germ injury. Conclusions: The application of digitization three-dimensional printing technology combined with multifunctional occlusal plate in children's mandibular fracture is minimally invasive, safe, efficient and accurate, and the clinical effect is good.

Toward a Unified Description of Isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonances in a Self-Consistent Quasiparticle-Vibration Coupling Approach

The nuclear incompressibility is a key parameter of the nuclear equation of state that can be extracted from the measurements of the so-called "breathing mode" of finite nuclei. The most serious discrepancy so far is between values extracted from Pb and Sn, that has provoked the longstanding question "Why is tin so soft?". To solve this puzzle, a fully self-consistent quasiparticle random-phase approximation plus quasiparticle-vibration coupling approach based on Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov is developed. We show that the many-body correlations introduced by quasiparticle-vibration coupling, which shift the isoscalar giant monopole resonance energy in Sn isotopes by about 0.4 MeV more than the energy in ^{208}Pb, play a crucial role in providing a unified description of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance in Sn and Pb isotopes. The best description of the experimental strength functions is given by SV-K226 and KDE0, which are characterized by incompressibility values K_{∞}=226  MeV and 229 MeV, respectively, at mean field level.

[Core techniques and values of full-endoscopic spine surgery via transforaminal approach]

Full-endoscopic spinal surgery via transforaminal approach (TF-FESS) originated from the minimally invasive techniques of percutaneous interventional treatment of intervertebral disc diseases through posterolateral approach.Thanks to the continuous development and improvement of full-endoscopic equipment alongside surgical instruments and techniques, a developed technical system has been established in discectomy, spinal canal decompression, interbody fusion, etc. The combination of these basic techniques can treat relatively complex degenerative spinal diseases. The core techniques of TF-FESS include percutaneous puncture, foraminoplasty, spinal canal decompression, discectomy, annulus fibrosus suture, interbody fusion. This paper elaborates on the key points of the core techniques, indications, advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of the TF-FESS.

[Expert consensus on late stage of critical care management]

We wished to establish an expert consensus on late stage of critical care (CC) management. The panel comprised 13 experts in CC medicine. Each statement was assessed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principle. Then, the Delphi method was adopted by 17 experts to reassess the following 28 statements. (1) ESCAPE has evolved from a strategy of delirium management to a strategy of late stage of CC management. (2) The new version of ESCAPE is a strategy for optimizing treatment and comprehensive care of critically ill patients (CIPs) after the rescue period, including early mobilization, early rehabilitation, nutritional support, sleep management, mental assessment, cognitive-function training, emotional support, and optimizing sedation and analgesia. (3) Disease assessment to determine the starting point of early mobilization, early rehabilitation, and early enteral nutrition. (4) Early mobilization has synergistic effects upon the recovery of organ function. (5) Early functional exercise and rehabilitation are important means to promote CIP recovery, and gives them a sense of future prospects. (6) Timely start of enteral nutrition is conducive to early mobilization and early rehabilitation. (7) The spontaneous breathing test should be started as soon as possible, and a weaning plan should be selected step-by-step. (8) The waking process of CIPs should be realized in a planned and purposeful way. (9) Establishment of a sleep-wake rhythm is the key to sleep management in post-CC management. (10) The spontaneous awakening trial, spontaneous breathing trial, and sleep management should be carried out together. (11) The depth of sedation should be adjusted dynamically in the late stage of CC period. (12) Standardized sedation assessment is the premise of rational sedation. (13) Appropriate sedative drugs should be selected according to the objectives of sedation and drug characteristics. (14) A goal-directed minimization strategy for sedation should be implemented. (15) The principle of analgesia must be mastered first. (16) Subjective assessment is preferred for analgesia assessment. (17) Opioid-based analgesic strategies should be selected step-by-step according to the characteristics of different drugs. (18) There must be rational use of non-opioid analgesics and non-drug-based analgesic measures. (19) Pay attention to evaluation of the psychological status of CIPs. (20) Cognitive function in CIPs cannot be ignored. (21) Delirium management should be based on non-drug-based measures and rational use of drugs. (22) Reset treatment can be considered for severe delirium. (23) Psychological assessment should be conducted as early as possible to screen-out high-risk groups with post-traumatic stress disorder. (24) Emotional support, flexible visiting, and environment management are important components of humanistic management in the intensive care unit (ICU). (25) Emotional support from medical teams and families should be promoted through"ICU diaries"and other forms. (26) Environmental management should be carried out by enriching environmental content, limiting environmental interference, and optimizing the environmental atmosphere. (27) Reasonable promotion of flexible visitation should be done on the basis of prevention of nosocomial infection. (28) ESCAPE is an excellent project for late stage of CC management.

[Study on construction of c-Met specific CAR-T cells and its killing effect on non-small cell lung carcinoma]

Objective: To produce chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) targeting human hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met (HGF/c-Met) protein and detect its cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells H1975 in vitro. Methods: The whole gene sequence of c-Met CAR containing c-Met single-chain fragment variable was synthesized and linked to lentiviral vector plasmid, plasmid electrophoresis was used to detect the correctness of target gene. HEK293 cells were transfected with plasmid and the concentrated solution of the virus particles was collected. c-Met CAR lentivirus was transfected into T cells to obtain second-generation c-Met CAR-T and the expression of CAR sequences was verified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot, and the positive rate and cell subtypes of c-Met CAR-T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The positive expression of c-Met protein in NSCLC cell line H1975 was verified by flow cytometry, and the negative expression of c-Met protein in ovarian cancer cell line A2780 was selected as the control. The cytotoxicity of c-Met CAR-T to H1975 was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay at 1∶1, 5∶1, 10∶1 and 20∶1 of effector: target cell ratio (E∶T). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the release of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ from c-Met CAR-T co-cultured with H1975. Results: The size of band was consistent with that of designed c-Met CAR, suggesting that the c-Met CAR plasmid was successfully constructed. The results of gene sequencing were consistent with the original design sequence and lentivirus was successfully constructed. CAR molecules expression in T cells infected with lentivirus was detected by western blot and RT-qPCR, which showed c-Met CAR-T were successfully constructed. Flow cytometry results showed that the infection efficiency of c-Met CAR in T cells was over 38.4%, and the proportion of CD8(+) T cells was increased after lentivirus infection. The NSCLC cell line H1975 highly expressed c-Met while ovarian cancer cell line A2780 negatively expressed c-Met. LDH cytotoxicity assay indicated that the killing efficiency was positively correlated with the E∶T, and higher than that of control group, and the killing rate reached 51.12% when the E∶T was 20∶1. ELISA results showed that c-Met CAR-T cells released more IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in target cell stimulation, but there was no statistical difference between c-Met CAR-T and T cells in the non-target group. Conclusions: Human NSCLC cell H1975 expresses high level of c-Met which can be used as a target for immunotherapy. CAR-T cells targeting c-Met have been successfully produced and have high killing effect on c-Met positive NSCLC cells in vitro.

[Advances on the toxicology and molecular mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matter]

Ambient fine particulate matters (PM_2.5) refer to particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm. PM_2.5 enter the body through the target organ-lung, and can induce a variety of adverse health effects (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and adverse birth outcomes). PM_2.5 are known to have complex compositions (including water-soluble/-insoluble components and biological components), diverse sources and capacity of secondary transformation. Numerous epidemiological and toxicological studies indicated that different components of PM_2.5 may induce adverse health effects through different biological mechanisms. In adddition, co-exposure of different components and their interaction should also be considered. Thus here we have systematically reviewed studies in recent years about the toxicological effects and underlying mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matters, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and so on. The information may give some insights into the prevention and treatment of adverse health effects caused by exposure to different components of PM_2.5.

[Clinical efficacy of 585 nm Q-switched laser treatment on inflammatory lesion and postinflammatory erythema of acne vulgaris]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 585 nm Q-switched laser in the treatment of acne inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema.

METHODS

A total of 25 patients with moderate facial acne, symmetrical distribution of inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema on both sides of the face, were enrolled. Among the 25 patients, 22 patients completed all the treatment and evaluation, and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. 585 nm Q-switched laser was used on a randomly selected side of the face for three times of treatment at a 2 week interval. The evaluations were made before each treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after the last treatment, therefore the evaluation time points were before the treatment, weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, respectively, for a total of 5 times. Acne severity was assessed using the investigator' s global assessment (IGA) score, and erythema severity was assessed using the investigator' s subjective erythema score and narrow-spectrum reflectance spectrophotometer at each follow-up.

RESULTS

After 3 times of treatment, there was statistically significant difference between the IGA score in week 8 and before treatment on both sides(Z=2.64, P < 0.01; Z=2.67, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in IGA score between the treatment side and the control side before treatment and in week 8 (P=0.59, P=0.26). There was statistically significant difference between the investiga-tor' s subjective erythema score in week 8 and before treatment on the treatment side(Z=4.24, P < 0.01), while no significant difference was showed on the control side(Z=1.73, P=0.08). In week 8, the investigator's subjective erythema score of the treatment side was lower than that of the control side (Z=3.61, P < 0.01). The erythema index of the treatment side was significantly decreased at 5 time points (P < 0.01), and the index decreased significantly in week 8 compared with the index before treatment (P < 0.01), while the erythema index of the control side was not significantly different at 5 time points. The treatment related adverse events included erythema and edema after treatment and pain during treatment, the severity was mild to moderate, which resolved spontaneously within 1 to 3 days. Nine patients were very satisfied with the treatment, 7 patients were satisfied, and 6 patients considered average.

CONCLUSION

585 nm Q-switched laser has some effect in the treatment of postinflammatory erythema, and it ensures good tolerance and safety. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment side and the control side on the improvement of acne inflammatory lesions.

[Clinical characteristics of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus]

The purpose of this study was to improve the ability to visualize and diagnose congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI). The clinical manifestations, laboratory examination findings, imaging features and treatment outcomes of 22 patients with CNDI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2013 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 22 patients with CNDI, 86.4% (19 cases) were male. The age of the 22 patients ranged from 2 months to 47 years old, in which 20 cases were younger than 30 years old and 2 cases were older than 30 years old. The clinical manifestations were polydipsia and polyuria, accompanied with various degrees of fever, defects in growth and development, and increased serum creatinine in some patients. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had different degrees of bilateral kidney and ureteral hydronephrosis, and increased residual urine volume in the bladder. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhanced scan showed that the high signal intensity in the posterior pituitary lobe was not detectable in 5 cases (22.7%), and blurred in 6 cases (27.3%). Seven tested patients were all found AVPR2 gene mutation. For patients with suspected CNDI, water-inhibiting vasopressin test and genetic testing should be performed in time so as to confirm diagnosis and treat as early as possible.

Research Progress on MicroRNA in Forensic Medicine as Molecular Markers

Abstract

MicroRNA （miRNA） belongs to a class of endogenous non-coding small RNA molecules with a length of 18-24 nucleotides. The expression of miRNA is highly conservative, has time sequence and is highly tissue-specific. MiRNA could not be easily degraded by ribonuclease, and is resistant to changes in environmental factors such as temperature and pH value. Moreover, miRNA can even be detected in corrupt tissue. As a result, miRNA has broad application prospects in many fields of forensic medicine such as source identification of body fluid and estimation of cause of death. This article briefly summarizes the application of miRNA in forensic practice, such as body fluid identification, determination of postmortem interval and cause of death analysis.

Regulation of HBV replication and gene expression by miR-501-3p via targeting ZEB2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

WITHDRAWN: LncRNA-LINC00261 suppresses the progression of NSCLC cells through upregulating miR-19a-mediated Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2)

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

[Technical notes and clinical efficacy analysis of full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach]

Objective: To study the technical notes and clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic thoracic intervertebral discectomy via transforaminal approach. Methods: We included 16 patients with thoracic disc herniation treated by full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach between January 2017 and September 2018 in ours department of orthopedics. The average age is 53.7 years. The compressionare classified by nature: 5 cases of soft thoracic disc herniation, 7 cases of calcified or ossified thoracic disc herniation, and 4 cases of osteophyte protrusion of the posterior edge of the adjacent vertebral body of the diseased disc. All patients had symptoms of thoracic myelopathy before operation, and 7 of them had radiculopathy. Via transforaminal approach under local anesthesia, enlarged foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy were used for treatment. Observe the changes of postoperative imaging, pain symptoms and recovery of spinal cord function at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Back pain and radicular pain were scored with VAS, neurological function was assessed with Nurick score and mJOA score, and thoracic spine function was assessed with Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: All operations were successfully completed, and no intraoperative conversion of surgical methods occurred. Postoperative thoracic MRI and CT examinations of all patients showed that the spinal cord was fully decompressed without any residual compression. Back pain and radicular pain were all relieved obviously in all patients, and spinal cord function was obviously restored. Transient intercostal neuralgia occurred in 2 cases after operation, and no other surgical complications occurred. Conclusions: Full-endoscopic or fluoroscopic foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomyvia transforaminal approach under local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for soft and hard thoracic disc herniation located on the ventral side of the spinal cord.

[Establishment of a dual-fluorescence-traced lung cancer subcutaneous transplantation model in nude mice]

Objective: To establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous lung cancer using dual fluorescence reporting genes of luciferase (Luc) and near-infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP). Methods: The Luc and iRFP expressed lentiviral vector was constructed by Gateway method. After verified by sequencing, the lentivirus particle was prepared and infected into lung cancer A549 cells. Successfully infected A549 (mA549) cells were selected by puromycin and amplified. The expression of Luc and iRFP were observed under fluorescence microscope, and the expression of c-Met protein on the cell surface was detected by immunofluorescence. Twelve female nude mice were randomly divided into 2 groups, 6 in each group. A549 and mA549 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right forelimb of nude mice. The growth and fluorescence expression of the tumor were observed by in vivo imaging. The tumor formation was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: The Luc and iRFP stably expressed mA549 cell line was successfully constructed. The expressions of iRFP and Luc in mA549 cells were observed under fluorescence microscope. The results of immunofluorescence showed that c-Met protein expressed in both A549 cells and mA549 cells. The growth period of mA549 xenograft in nude mice was moderate and the tumorigenesis rate was 100%. The growth trend of mA549 cells in vivo was not significantly different from that of A549 cells (P>0.05). HE staining and immunohistochemistry results showed that the tumor issues displayed typical histopathological features of tumor. Immunohistochemistry results showed that both A549 and mA549 tumors expressed c-Met protein. Conclusion: A stable, real-time monitoring model of iRFP-Luc-A549 lung cancer cell xenograft in nude mice was successfully constructed.

[Effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress and negative emotional states in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress, anxiety and depression in patients with OSA. Method:Ninety patients with moderate and severe OSA patients with negative emotions diagnosed by PSG, self-rating depression scale （SDS） and self-rating anxiety scale （SAS） were selected from the respiratory department of our hospital from February 2015 to February 2018. According to the random number table method, the patients were randomly divided into non-invasive ventilator group, rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group and rhodiola rosea group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the non-invasive ventilator group were treated with continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） for 3 months, and those in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group were treated with oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months on the basis of CPAP, and those in the rhodiola rosea treatment group were treated with pure oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months. The changes of SDS and SAS before and after the three groups were compared, and the changes of serum SOD and MDA were detected by immunoenzyme-linked adsorption for comparative analysis. Result:There were no significant differences in SDS and SAS scores between the three groups （P>0.05）. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group decreased after treatment （P<0.05） compared with those in the non-invasive ventilator group. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola treatment group increased after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the rhodiola treatment group, SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola+non-invasive breathing group decreased after treatment （P<0.05）. Three group patients were no significant difference in serum SOD and malondialdehyde （MDA） before treatment （P>0.05）. Compared with before treatment, serum SOD level were all increased and MDA level were all decreased in the three groups after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with noninvasive breathing unit after treatment, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）, and for the treatment group after treatment in patients with serum SOD levels drop, the MDA levels （P<0.05）, and the after rhodiola rosea treatment group compared, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Rhodiola may improve the negative emotions such as anxiety and depression by inhibiting oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in patients with OSA.

[Application prospect of artificial intelligence technology in vestibular disorders]

Summary Vestibular disorders are a group of disorders that may result from damage to peripheral or central vestibular system, which seriously affect the patients' lives and work and even life-threatened. The causes of most vestibular disorders are still unclear, the auxiliary examination is not effective enough and the treatment is not individualized. It needs to improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency of patients with vestibular disorders. Recent advance in artificial intelligence technology could provide novel promising strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and assist clinical trials. Here we summarized the application of artificial intelligence technique in the field of vertigo, and look to the possible application in the future.

Evaluation and comparison of the diagnostic performance of routine blood tests in predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B infection

Background & aims: Biopsy is the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis, but it may be accompanied by complications. As an alternative, non-invasive markers such as transient elastography (for liver fibrosis) and certain combinations of routine blood markers (liver function tests, full blood count) have been developed although their clinical significance remains controversial. Here, we compare the diagnostic values of non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Methods: Transient elastography and routine laboratory tests were performed in 196 patients. Diagnostic performances were compared and were assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Elevated GGT to platelet ratio (GPR), the fibrosis index FIB-4 [based on age, AST, platelets and ALT], platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total bilirubin were independent predictors of liver stiffness defined by transient elastography (all P < 0.001). The AUCs of GPR in predicting both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly larger than that of FIB-4 (P = 0.037 and P = 0.008, respectively) and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005). FIB-4, APRI and red cell volume distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) had similar diagnostic values in discriminating different levels of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: GPR showed the best diagnostic value and RPR and PLR are easily available and inexpensive markers in evaluating fibrosis and cirrhosis. The diagnostic values of these laboratory markers are useful in diagnosing advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, and in confirming the different levels of liver fibrosis.

[Vertigo in children：composition and clinical characteristics]

Objective: To explore composition and characteristics of vertigo in children. Method:The diagnosis, medical history and examinations of 46 patients (≤17 years old) with vertigo were studied retrospectively. Result:Of the 46 children patients with vertigo enrolled in this study, 19 patients were with BPVC(41.3%), 11 patients with VM(23.9%),4 patients with BPPV(8.7%), 3 patients with unclassifiable vestibular syndrome(6.5%), 2 patients with Meniere's disease (4.3%), 1 patient with sudden deafness with vertigo, 1 patient with labyrinthitis, 1 patient with vestibular paroxysmal, 1 patient with vestibular neuritis, 1 patient with head trauma, 1 patient with light cupula, 1 patient with benign paroxysmal torticollis (2.2%, respectively). The statistical analysis was conducted among 4 kinds of the most common causes of vertigo in children. There was no significant differences in sex composition among different groups(P>0.05). The mean age and mean age of onset in patients with BPVC were the youngest(P<0.05). Headache was complained more often in patients with VM(P<0.05) and there was no difference in other accompanying symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting and tinnitus) among each groups(P>0.05).Most patients with VM had family history of vertigo or migraine, but not in patients with VM and patients with BPVC(P>0.05). Conclusion:The most common vertigo in children were BPVC, VM and BPPV. The medical history, physical examinations and vestibular function tests can help doctors to diagnose more correctly.

[Preparation and evaluation of blank and doxorubicin loaded poly (acrylic acid) microspheres for embolization]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare ion exchange doxorubicin-loaded poly (acrylic acid) microspheres (DPMs) and evaluate the properties of these chemoembolic agents.

METHODS

Poly (acrylic acid) microspheres (PMs) without drug were prepared by inverse suspension polymerization method and then doxorubicin was loaded by ion exchange mechanism to prepare DPMs. Optical microscope was used to investigate the morphology and particle size distribution of PMs and DPMs; fluorescence microscope and confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of doxorubicin after drug loading. Elasticities of both the microspheres were evaluated by texture analyzer. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was established to determine the drug loading behavior of PMs and releasing behavior of DPMs. The in vivo embolic property was evaluated by embolizing the hepatic artery of a rabbit with 0.1 mL of DPMs.

RESULTS

PMs and DPMs were both spherical in shape, smooth in surface and dispersed well. Doxorubicin was mainly in the outer area inside of DPMs and distributed evenly. The average particle size of PMs and DPMs were (283±136) μm and (248±149) μm, respectively. PMs and DPMs both had good compression ability with the Young's modulus of (62.63±1.65) kPa and (93.94±1.10) kPa separately. PMs reached the drug loading balance at 12 h, and the entrapment efficiency was greater than 99%. Drug loading of PMs in doxorubicin solution at the concentration of 5.0 g/L and 12.5 g/L was (19.78±0.27) g/L and (49.45±0.37) g/L, respectively. Doxorubicin released slowly from DPMs in PBS and the accumulative release percentages of DPMs with corresponding drug loading were 6.82%±0.02% and 2.83%±0.10% after 24 h, respectively. Arterial angiograms showed that the hepatic artery of the rabbit was successfully embolized with DPMs.

CONCLUSION

DPMs with good performance of loading doxorubicin could be a potential embolic agent for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor polymorphisms are associated with dry skin phenotypes in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Epidermal barrier dysfunction is the initial event in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recent studies have identified a crucial role for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in controlling the gene expression of filaggrin and other skin barrier proteins, suggesting an underlying association between AHR and AD pathogenesis.

AIM

To investigate the role of AHR gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to AD and in AD-associated phenotypes.

METHODS

We enrolled 487 patients with AD, 210 patients with psoriasis and 226 healthy controls (HCs) from the Han Chinese population, and genotyped two AHR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10249788 and rs2066853) by PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The AHR rs10249788 and rs2066853 polymorphisms were found in both sets of patients (AD and psoriasis) and in HCs, but no significant differences were detected in genotype or allele frequencies between the three groups. However, patients with AD with the rs10249788 (CT/TT) or rs2066853 (AG + AA) genotype were more likely to have severe dry skin scores. In the stratification analysis, the AHR rs2066853 (AG + AA) and rs10249788 (CT + TT) genotypes could predict a higher risk of severe dry skin phenotypes in the male, early-onset and allergic rhinitis subgroups. Furthermore, the combined rs10249788 (CT + TT) and rs2066853 (AG + AA) genotypes led to a higher risk for severe dry skin in patients with AD.

CONCLUSION

AHR polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of AD; however, they may predict a dry skin phenotype in patients with AD.

[Investigation of doctors' and nurses' perceptions and implementation of delirium management in intensive care unit]

Objective: To investigate doctors' and nurses' perceptions and implementation of delirium management in intensive care unit. Methods: A total of 197 doctors and nurses in 2 general ICUs and 3 special ICUs at Peking Union Medical College Hospital finished a self-designed questionnaire of delirium management. Results: There were 47 males and 150 females, 43 doctors and 154 nurses who participated in the survey.One hundred and twenty five participators were from general ICU and the others from special ICU. The ICU staff had a significant difference on the perceptions and implementation of delirium management(P< 0.001) including. Doctors and nurses scored lowest in "family engagement and empowerment" and "sleep management" with (4.620±2.393) and (5.430±2.153) respectively. There was a significant difference between nurses and doctors in the management of analgesia and sedation (P< 0.05).Doctors and nurses from different ICUs had significant discrepancy in the implementation of "delirium assessment" (P< 0.05). Conclusions: The ICU staff should improve the perceptions and the implementation of delirium management,especially in special ICUs. Delirium management should be included as a routine care in ICU to improve patients' outcome.

Effect of temozolomide on survival in elderly patients with glioblastoma and impaired performance status: a propensity score-matching analysis

OBJECTIVE

At present, there is no consensus regarding the standard treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) in elderly patients with impaired Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores. This study aimed to determine the effects of temozolomide (TMZ) versus best supportive care (BSC) in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥65 years with histologically confirmed GBM and KPS scores ≤70 who were treated at our institution between January 2006 and July 2014. Demographic data, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The impact of TMZ on survival was analyzed by the application of propensity score matching of clinicopathological factors among patients who received TMZ vs BSC.

RESULTS

There were 153 patients (86 men, 56.2%) in this study. The median patient age was 70 years (range: 65-83 years). The median KPS score was 60 (range: 30-70). Seventy-eight patients (51.0%) received TMZ, whereas 75 (49.0%) received BSC. Median OS and PFS were 6.0 and 4.5 months, respectively. Compared with BSC, TMZ was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.70; P=0.002) and PFS (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.76; P=0.003) after propensity score matching. Factors independently associated with OS were KPS score (HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.48-7.67; P=0.016), extent of resection (HR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.45-5.14; P=0.026), and treatment group (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.23-0.87; P=0.019). The most frequent toxicity in the TMZ group was myelosuppression.

CONCLUSION

Compared with BSC, TMZ increased survival with acceptable toxicity in elderly GBM patients with KPS scores ≤70.

[Expression of nucleolar protein 14 and CD31 in pancreatic cancer mouse model and its correlation with tumor progression]

Objective: To investigate expression of nucleolar protein 14(NOP14) and CD31 in pancreatic cancer mouse model and its correlation with tumor progression. Methods: Clinicopathological data of 5 patients with pathologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) and hepatic metastasis between January 2013 and December 2015 was collected in Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Immunohistochemistry staining was employed to detect the expression of NOP14 in matched primary PDAC and relevant metastasis.Pancreatic cancer cells with NOP14 stably knocked down were established by transfecting lentivirus with NOP14 targeted silencing RNA.The inhibition efficacy was detected by quantitative real time PCR and western blot.Microvascular density(MVD) in pancreatic cancer transplantation mouse model was determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry staining analysis and correlated with NOP14 expression and tumor progression. Results: NOP14 had a significant higher expression in liver metastasis than primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma (2.09±0.45 vs. 1.31±0.27, P=0.028). NOP14 was knocked down 86 percent on mRNA level determined by qPCR and 78 percents on protein level detected by western blot. MVD was significantly decreased in NOP14-inhibited tumor from both pancreatic cancer cells subcutaneously and orthotopically grafted tumor mouse model with the value of 61.40±13.85 vs. 85.53±14.59 (P=0.041) and 38.33±10.91 vs. 59.33±15.37(P =0.037), respectively. Besides, MVD was positively associated with tumor volume(r=0.842, P<0.01) and metastasis (r=0.726, P=0.008). Conclusion: NOP14 presents higher expression in hepatic metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and might promote tumor progression by increasing microvascular density.

[Effect of magnesium and selenium on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-20 and kallikrein 4 in fluorosis mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of magnesium/selenium on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-20(MMP-20) and kallikrein 4(KLK4) during fluorosis in mice and to explore the formation mechanism of dental fluorosis.

METHODS

Eighty SPF male ICR mice were randomly divided into 8 groups according to body weight: control group, magnesium group, selenium group, magnesium-selenium group, fluoride group, magnesium-fluorine group, selenium-fluorine group and magnesium-selenium-fluorine group. Mice in control, magnesium, selenium and magnesium-selenium groups were fed double steamed water, and mice in the other four groups were feddouble steamed water with 50 mg/L F(-). Mice in control and fluoride groups were fed conventionally. Mice in magnesium and magnesium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding MgSO4·7H2O 162.5 mg/kg. Mice in selenium and selenium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding Na2SeO3·5H2O 2 mg/kg. Mice in magnesium-selenium and magnesium-selenium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding MgSO4·7 H2O 162.5 mg/kg + Na2SeO3·5H2O 2 mg/kg. Incisor specimens were obtained after the mice were put into death when they were 42 days. The expressions of MMP-20 and KLK4 were observed by using immunohisto-chemicalstain.

RESULTS

The meangray value of MMP-20 of fluoride group(133.1±10.3) was significantly higher than that of control group(116.8±10.0), magnesium group (113.6 ± 9.6), magnesium-selenium group(108.2 ± 15.2), magnesium-fluorine group(111.1 ± 8.1) and magnesium-selenium-fluorine group(108.2 ± 11.0), respectively(F=3.864, P<0.05). The mean gray value of MMP-20 of magnesium-selenium-fluorine group(108.2±11.0) was significantly lower than that of selenium group(125.4 ± 7.9), fluoride group (133.1 ± 10.3) and selenium-fluorine group(126.2 ± 2.8), respectively(F= 3.864, P<0.05). The mean gray value of KLK4 of magnesium-selenium group(117.2±11.7) was significantly lower than others(137.3±7.9 of control group, 144.2±7.7 of magnesium group, 138.9±13.3 of selenium group, 149.7 ± 12.4 of fluoride group, 148.9 ± 7.5 of magnesium-fluorine group, 140.6 ± 17.0 of selenium-fluorine group and 140.7 ± 7.3 of magnesium-selenium-fluorine group, F=3.668, P<0.05). In factorial analysis of fluorosis mice, magnesium had effect on the expression of MMP-20(F=42.613, P<0.05), selenium had effect on the expression of KLK4(F=6.649, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The excessive fluoride could inhibit the expressions of MMP-20. The excessive fluoride hadno significant influence on the expression of KLK4. Magnesium and selenium had antagonistic effect on the dental fluorosis.

[Epidemiological studies of disability in the elderly]

China has entered an aging society, the disabled elder population has been≥ 10 000 000. The overall health status of the elderly is not optimistic, they have higher morbidity and disability rates. Several studies have showed that elderly disability rate varied with age, gender and living area. And it might be affected by the health factors, sociological factors, and other life behavior factors. It is very important to conduct further study of the epidemiology of disability in the elderly for the development of long-term health care policy in this population.

Molecular tracing of white muscardine in Asian corn borer using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis

Beauveria bassiana is a soil fungus that parasitizes arthropod species, and is used to control the Asian corn borer in Northeast China. In this study, B. bassiana was investigated in Xiaoxian County and Baicheng City, and the results were compared with those of Gongzhuling City, where the fungus was not applied. Using the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular marker technique, 198 isolates were extracted from Asian corn borer and other insect cadavers, and soil and air, and two released strains were analyzed to trace the infection source. In Xiaoxian and Baicheng populations, artificially released B. bassiana subpopulations were more abundant than indigenous fungi, and the released strains were the main cause of disease in those areas. Artificial B. bassiana displayed positive effect on overwintering of Asian corn borers in corn straw stacks in Xiaoxian County. Indigenous populations in Gongzhuling City showed higher genetic variation. In summary, we identified a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (P < 0.01).

Accuracy of enzyme-linked immunospot assay for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis: a meta-analysis

Current methods for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy are poor. Some studies have explored the diagnostic value of a pleural effusion enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, but its accuracy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the ability of the ELISPOT assay to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy. We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases for studies measuring the sensitivity, specificity, and other measures of accuracy of the pleural effusion ELISPOT assay for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. A total of nine studies were identified and subjected to meta-analysis, giving the following pooled values for diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity, 0.93 [95% confidence intervals (95%CI) = 0.90 to 0.95]; specificity, 0.90 (95%CI = 0.86 to 0.93); positive likelihood ratio, 8.21 (95%CI = 4.00 to 16.84); negative likelihood ratio, 0.11 (95%CI = 0.06 to 0.19); diagnostic odds ratio, 88.26 (95%CI = 33.81 to 230.43); and the area under the curve, 0.9599 (standard error of the mean, 0.0134). The available evidence suggests that pleural effusion ELISPOT assay is sufficiently accurate to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy as a stand-alone technique. In fact, it appears to be superior to assays based on adenosine deaminase and gamma interferon for screening patients and confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

Optimal culture conditions for keratinase production by a novel thermophilic Myceliophthora thermophila strain GZUIFR-H49-1

AIMS

  To investigate the effect of medium compositions and culture conditions on keratinase production by a novel thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila (Apinis) Oorschot strain GZUIFR-H49-1.

METHODS AND RESULTS

  The thermophilic strain GZUIFR-H49-1 with keratinolytic ability was characterized and identified as a strain of M. thermophila on the basis of its morphological characters and molecular analysis of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequence. Among the medium compositions tested, the soluble starch (SS), urea, sodium thiosulfate and CaCl2 were the most effective C-source, N-source, S-source and mineral ion, respectively, by employing the single-factor experiment. The urea and pH value were the significant factors (P < 0·05) for the keratinase production in this experiment condition using Plackett–Burman factorial design. The conditions of keratinase production were further optimized by Box–Behnken design. Consequently, there was a 6·4-fold increase (5100 U l−1) in the keratinase activity than the initial value (800 U l−1) by this optimal process.

CONCLUSIONS

  This study indicated that the optimization design proved a useful and powerful tool for the development of optimal medium compositions and culture conditions. Myceliophthora thermophila strain GZUIFR-H49-1 was a promising fungus strain for keratinase production.

Removal of single point diamond-turning marks by abrasive jet polishing

Single point diamond turning (SPDT) is highly controllable and versatile in producing axially symmetric forms, non-axially-symmetric forms, microstructured surfaces, and free forms. However, the fine SPDT marks left in the surface limit its performance, and they are difficult to reduce or eliminate. It is unpractical for traditional methods to remove the fine marks without destroying their forms, especially for the aspheres and free forms. This paper introduces abrasive jet polishing (AJP) for the posttreatment of diamond-turned surfaces to remove the periodic microstructures. Samples of diamond-turned electroless nickel plated plano mirror were used in the experiments. One sample with an original surface roughness of more than 400 nm decreased to 4 nm after two iterations abrasive jet polishing; the surface roughness of another sample went from 3.7 nm to 1.4 nm after polishing. The periodic signatures on both of the samples were removed entirely after polishing. Contrastive experimental research was carried out on electroless nickel mirror with magnetorheological finishing, computer controlled optical surfacing, and AJP. The experimental results indicate that AJP is more appropriate in removing the periodic SPDT marks. Also, a figure maintaining experiment was carried out with the AJP process; the uniform polishing process shows that the AJP process can remove the periodic turning marks without destroying the original form.

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of Xenorhabdus bovienii YL002 against Phytophthora capsici and Botrytis cinerea

AIMS

Developing new bio-agents to control plant disease is desirable. Entomopathogenic bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. have potential antimicrobial activity in agriculture. This work was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Xenorhabdus bovienii YL002 on plant pathogenic fungi and oomycete in vitro and the efficiency of this strain to reduce the in vivo incidence of grey mould rot on tomato plants caused by Botrytis cinerea and leaf scorch on pepper plants caused by Phytophthora capsici.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antimicrobial activity of X. bovienii YL002 was firstly determined on in vitro plant pathogenic fungi and oomycete and then on tomato fruits and plants infected with B. cinerea and pepper plants infected with P. capsici. The cell-free filtrate of X. bovienii YL002 exhibited highest inhibition effects (>98%) on mycelia growth of P. capsici and B. cinerea. The 50% inhibition concentration (EC₅₀) of the methanol-extracted bioactive compounds (methanol extract) of the cell-free filtrate against P. capsici and B. cinerea were 164·83 and 42·16 μg ml⁻¹. The methanol extract also had a strong effect on the spore germination of P. capsici and B. cinerea, with a EC₅₀ of 70·38 and 69·33 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. At 1000 μg ml⁻¹, the methanol extract showed a therapeutic effect of 70·82% and a protective effect of 77·4% against B. cinerea on tomato plants compared with the control. The methanol extract also showed potent effect against P. capsici, with a therapeutic effect of 68·14% and a protective effect of 65·46% on pepper plants compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Xenorhabdus bovienii YL002 produces antimicrobial compounds with strong activity on plant pathogenic fungi and oomycete and has the potential for controlling grey mould rot of tomato plants and leaf scorch of pepper and could be useful in integrated control against diverse plant pathogenic fungi and oomycete.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study showed the potential that X. bovienii YL002 can be used to control the grey mould rot caused by B. cinerea on tomato plants and leaf scorch caused by P. capsici on pepper plants with the objective to reduce treatments with chemical fungicides.

Microfluidics and complex fluids

In this paper, we describe four experimental studies we carried out over the last four years in the MMN lab, regarding the dynamical behaviour of complex fluids in microfluidic systems. The topics are: (1) Polymer breakup in microfluidic systems. (2) Flows of polymer solutions in microchannels close to a smooth wall. (3) Shear banding flows in microchannels (rheology, instabilities). (4) Flows of concentrated solutions of microgel particles through microchannels. Depending on the situation, we exploit the duality low Reynolds numbers/high Weissenberg numbers (for instance, by working at high shear rates without generating turbulence), use visualization windows naturally offered by the microfluidic environment or take advantage of the integration of various functionalities on the chip. In all cases, new information, hardly accessible to non-miniaturized approaches, could be obtained by using microfluidic technology.

Systemic vanadate ingestion improves early medial collateral ligament repair

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is frequently injured in sport. Repair is slow and often complicated by scar formation which may result in impairment of function. Vanadate is a promising efficacious treatment for tissue injuries and this study aimed to examine its effect in rats on the histological and biomechanical features of MCL healing. Rats received either 0.025 g/kg per day vanadate or equivalent amounts of drinking water (control) by intragastric gavage for 1 week before and 2 weeks after wounding. Repaired sites were dissected out for histological and biomechanical tests 28 days after wounding. Fibre bundles in the vanadate-treated group were uniform and evenly spaced. Furthermore, vanadate significantly increased the diameter of collagen fibrils in the healing tissue. Stiffness and ultimate force of the femur-medial collateral ligament-tibia complex for the vanadate-treated group were significantly higher than for the controls. The results suggest that vanadate significantly improves the histological and biomechanical properties of healing MCL.

Protected nodes and the collapse of Fermi arcs in high-T{c} cuprate superconductors

Angle resolved photoemission on underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 reveals that the magnitude and d-wave anisotropy of the superconducting state energy gap are independent of temperature all the way up to T{c}. This lack of T variation of the entire k-dependent gap is in marked contrast to mean field theory. At T{c} the point nodes of the d-wave gap abruptly expand into finite length "Fermi arcs." This change occurs within the width of the resistive transition, and thus the Fermi arcs are not simply thermally broadened nodes but rather a unique signature of the pseudogap phase.

Nondispersive fermi arcs and the absence of charge ordering in the pseudogap phase of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta

The autocorrelation of angle resolved photoemission data from the high temperature superconductor Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta) shows distinct peaks in momentum space which disperse with binding energy in the superconducting state, but not in the pseudogap phase. Although it is tempting to attribute a nondispersive behavior in momentum space to charge ordering, a deconstruction of the autocorrelation reveals that the nondispersive peaks arise from the tips of the Fermi arcs, which themselves do not change with binding energy.

Robust dx2-y2 pairing symmetry in hole-doped cuprate superconductors

Although initially quite controversial, it is now widely accepted that the Cooper pairs in optimally doped cuprate superconductors have predominantly dx2-y2 wave function symmetry, and the controversy has now shifted to whether the pairing symmetry changes away from optimal doping. Here we present phase-sensitive tricrystal experiments on three cuprate systems: Y(0.7)Ca(0.3)Ba(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (Ca-doped Y-123), La2-xSrxCuO4 (La-214), and Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta) (Bi-2212), with doping levels covering the underdoped, optimal, and overdoped regions. Our work implies that predominantly d x2-y2 pairing symmetry is robust over a large variation in doping.

Crossover from coherent to incoherent electronic excitations in the normal state of Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta)

Angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and resistivity measurements are used to explore the overdoped region of the high temperature superconductor Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta). We find evidence for a new crossover line in the phase diagram between a coherent metal phase, for lower temperatures and higher doping, and an incoherent metal phase, for higher temperatures and lower doping. The former is characterized by two well-defined spectral peaks in ARPES due to coherent bilayer splitting and superlinear behavior in the resistivity, whereas the latter is characterized by a single broad spectral feature in ARPES and a linear temperature dependence of the resistivity.

[Clinical and experimental study on anti-liver fibrosis effect of xuelong granule]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical effect and mechanism of Xuelong Granule (XLG) in antiliver fibrosis.

METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into 2 groups randomly. The 58 Patients in the treated group were treated by XLG and the 40 patients in the control group were treated by Shenchai Granule for 3 months. Levels of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN), and pathological changes of liver tissues were observed before and after treatment. In experimental study on model rats, the liver tissue content of hydroxyproline and pathological changes under light and electron microscope were observed.

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the treated group was 72.4%, that in the control group was 40.0%, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). The level of serum HA and LN in the treated group declined markedly after treatment, and pathological examination of 8 cases showed the fibrous tissues reduced obviously. Experimental study showed marked reduction of hydroxyproline content and significant lowering of fibrous tissue proliferation, both under light and electron microscope, in liver of model rats after XLG treatment.

CONCLUSION

XLG has a definite effect in anti-liver fibrosis.

Polarized light scattering as a rapid and sensitive assay for metal toxicity to bacteria

A new method that utilizes the scattering of polarized light from a suspension of bacteria to assay the effect of toxins is evaluated. The method compares the time dependence of changes in an angular scattering pattern obtained from a suspension of Escherichia coli bacteria with no toxin exposure to the corresponding, but reduced, changes that occur when there is exposure to a small concentration of certain toxicants. The changes are due to growth of a specially prepared population of these bacteria. The changes in the pattern normally reflect a change in average bacterial size due to growth, whereas the reduction of the change in pattern occurs when there is rapid cessation of bacterial growth. The method was tested with varying concentrations of the ions of five different heavy metals. The results using this method during the first few minutes after exposure to the toxicant were compared to the relative survival of colony-forming units of the bacteria. The graphs for the two methods were found to be approximately parallel for each of the five metals examined. This result indicates that the toxic effect of these metals takes place relatively quickly for these bacteria. These results were compared with results available from the literature for the same metals but using other methods for measuring the toxicity to bacteria. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Interplay of self-doping and disorder in epitaxial Bi2Sr2Ca(n-1)Cu(n)O(2n+4+x) (n = 1,2) thin films under heavy-Ion irradiation

We propose a novel mechanism for the modification of T(c) in Bi(2)Sr(2)Ca(n-1)Cu(n)O(2n+4+x) epitaxial thin films (2212 and 2201) under energetic heavy-ion irradiation. By irradiating films with various oxygen content, we show from the temperature dependence of the resistance that irradiation always produces a doping effect superimposed on the damage caused to the sample. The effect is larger in 2201 than in 2212 thin films. The T(c) decrease observed by irradiating optimally doped films is partially due to this doping effect. Irradiation of semiconducting samples restores metallic superconducting behavior.

Polarized light scattering for rapid observation of bacterial size changes

The effect of changing growth conditions on the diameter of rod-shaped bacteria was studied in vivo with the use of polarized light scattering. The value of a ratio of scattering matrix elements was measured as a function of scattering angle at various times after nutritional "upshift" for two strains of Escherichia coli cells. The peak locations of the scattering function were calibrated against the diameter for rod-shaped bacteria. The peaks moved toward smaller angles as a function of time after upshift, indicating that the diameter was increasing. Under special conditions, substantial peak shifts occurred within a few minutes of growth condition change, indicating a rapid onset of growth in diameter. The rate of increase of the diameters after upshift was obtained from the angular shift of peak location. This rate was approximately 14 nm/min for E. coli K12 and approximately 9 nm/min for E. coli B/r at 37 degrees C. The rate of diameter increase is smaller at lower temperatures. Experiments with Bacillus megaterium showed that any diameter change after nutritional upshift at 37 degrees C is limited to at most a very small increase, at least for the strain and medium tested.

Progression of Aleutian disease in natural and experimentally induced infections of mink

OBJECTIVE

To study temporal changes in amounts of viral DNA in blood leukocytes over long periods, and to determine whether severity of the disease is greater in experimentally induced, compared with natural, infection.

ANIMALS

18 naturally and 6 experimentally infected black mink; 26 naturally infected brown mink.

PROCEDURE

Polymerase chain reaction amplification to detect viral DNA in blood and counter-immune electrophoresis to detect serum antibody were performed at regular intervals.

RESULTS

In naturally infected black mink, amounts of viral DNA were initially high, but after the appearance of antibody, viral DNA fluctuated and, in some instances, was undetectable. In other mink, small amounts of viral DNA were infrequently detected during the course of the infection. Amounts of viral DNA in leukocytes in late stages of the disease correlated with renal lesions in brown mink, but black mink had more severe lesions associated with smaller amounts of viral DNA. Severity of the disease was not enhanced in experimentally inoculated black mink.

CONCLUSIONS

After infection, leukocyte viral DNA is initially present in large amounts, but, in most mink, decreases markedly in association with the appearance of antibody. There is no difference in the progression and severity of the disease between black mink infected experimentally or naturally. Transmission of the disease may be enhanced by use of contaminated toenail clippers for blood collection.

Laboratory evaluation on the toxic effects of bednets impregnated with permethrin against malaria mosquitos

In the laboratory, bednets impregnated with 250mg ai/m2 and 500mg ai/m2 permethrin caused respectively the mean mortalities of 86.6% within 13 months and 87.2% within 17 months on laboratory-bred An. sinensis, while they caused average mortalities of 58.3% within 4 months and 73.8% within 10 months on An. dirus respectively. The bioassay results of KT50 and LT50 on the two species showed that KT50 is shorter than LT50 after exposure to the treated bednets. The ratio is 1:2.16 - 1:3.05. It was observed Anopheles had obviously secondary knocked down after exposure to the treated bednets and there is obvious resurgent after Anopheles have been knocked down. When the temperature goes up the resurgence gets shorter, the resurgence rate gets higher and the mortality gets lower. It showed that permethrin has stronger knocking down effect than killing effect.

[Clinical and experimental study of danfukang granule in treating cholecystitis and cholelithiasis]

In order to evaluate the clinical effect of Danfukang Granule (DFKG) in treating cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, 200 patients were treated with DFKG and observed with ultrasonography before and after treatment. Results showed 48 cases (24%) among the 200 patients were cured, 76 (38%) were marked effective, 70(35%) were improved and 6 (3%) ineffective, the effective rate being 97%. The lithagogue rate of cholelithiasis patients with diameter of gallstone < 0.5 cm, or those with sandy stone was 62%. In 50 post-operative patients received DFKG treatment, 28 (56%) were cured, 18 (36%) marked effective, 2 (4%) improved and 2 (4%) were ineffective, the total effective rate being 96%, while in the other 50 cases did not receive DFKG, the numbers were 8 (16%), 12(24%), 15 (30%), 15 (30%) and 70% respectively. The difference of total effective rate between the two groups were significant (analyzed by chi 2 test, P < 0.05). Experimental study-showed that the flow of hepatic bile in experimental group of guinea-pig was 3.7 +/- 0.4 ml/h, which was significantly higher than that of control group (2.7 +/- 0.1 ml/h), P < 0.05. The bile stone formation rate in experimental group was 32.4%, which was markedly lower than that of control group (93.8%), P < 0.01, suggesting the bile stone formed in experimental guinea-pigs could be evacuated by the rinsing effect of DFKG.

[Epidemiology of stroke in urban and rural areas, Tianjin, China: a six-year prospective research]

This paper researched the morbidity and mortality rates of stroke in Tianjin by a six-year prospective study. The result showed that there were no significant differences of the stroke morbidity and mortality rates between urban and rural areas in Tianjin. The morbidity and mortality rates of stroke significantly increased parallel with age in two areas, which were 443.86 and 248.20 per 10(5) in urban, 402.05 and 190.22 per 10(5) in rural areas respectively. The difference in type was not found. Mortality rate of cerebral hemorrhage was significant higher than that of cerebral infarction among age group 45 and above in urban and 55-years above in rural areas. October peak was noticed in morbidity and mortality rates of stroke both in urban and rural areas.

[The study of repairing ability of freeze-dried bone allograft]

There were many methods to preserve allogeneic bone allograft, however, a lot of studies have shown that the freeze-dried bone allograft banking is the best one. But it is not clear what temperature to lyophilize the allograft is better. In this experiment, we used method, in which the temperature of lyophilization was raising naturally and regularly, to lyophilize the allograft. The repairing ability of the freeze-dried allograft was studied in rabbits and comparison was made with that of autograft and fresh allograft. The results indicated that the repairing ability of bone defects was not significantly different between autograft and freeze-dried allograft. There was no significant difference between autograft and fresh allograft 3 weeks after transplantation, but significant difference was noted 8 weeks after grafting. It is suggested that this might be associated with the latent period before immunological rejection and the method itself, in which the temperature of lyophilization raising naturally is beneficial.