Characteristics of bone metabolism in the male patients with diabetic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of bone metabolism and fracture risk in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN).

METHODS

A total of 198 T2DM individuals were recruited from January 2017 to December 2020. Patients with DSPN were evaluated by strict clinical and sensory thresholds. Biochemical parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. The BMD, bone turnover markers, and probability of fracture were compared between two groups, and the factors related to BMD and probability of hip fracture in 10 years were further explored.

RESULTS

Compared with type 2 diabetes mellitus without distal symmetric polyneuropathy (T2DN-) patients, type 2 diabetes mellitus with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (T2DN+) patients had lower level of cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) (0.32 ± 0.19 vs 0.38 ± 0.21 ng/mL, p = 0.038) and higher level of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (15.28 ± 5.56 vs 12.58 ± 4.41 μg/mL, p = 0.003). T2DN+ patients had higher BMD of lumbar L1-L4 (1.05 ± 0.19 vs 0.95 ± 0.37, p = 0.027) and higher probability of hip fracture (0.98 ± 0.88 vs 0.68 ± 0.63, p = 0.009) as compared to T2DN- individuals. Univariate correlation analysis showed that BALP level (coefficient (coef) = -0.054, p = 0.038), CTX level (coef = -2.28, p = 0.001), and hip fracture risk (coef = -1.02, p < 0.001) were negatively related to the BMD of L1-L4. As for the risk of hip fracture evaluated by WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), age (coef = 0.035, p < 0.001), use of insulin (coef = 0.31, p =0.015), and levels of BALP (coef = 0.031, p = 0.017) and CTX (coef = 0.7, p = 0.047) were positively related to the risk of hip fracture. Multivariate regression analysis showed that CTX level (coef = -1.41, p = 0.043) was still negatively related to BMD at the lumbar spine.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that T2DM patients with DSPN have special bone metabolism represented by higher BALP level and lower CTX level which may increase BMD at the lumbar spine.

[Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus: imaging characteristics]

Objective: To explore and analyze the imaging features of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, so as to provide reference for identifying sphenoid lesions. Methods: From May 2018 to September 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 350 patients (183 males and 167 females, aged between 18 and 73 years) who had been completed the sinus CT examination in the outpatient department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University. Their imaging data were collected and the CT/MRI characteristics of the sphenoid body were observed. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The rate of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus was 2.0% (7/350), which occurred in the pteroid process, the slope region, and the sphenoid sinus body, respectively. CT showed a nondilated mixed-density lesion (7/7) in the pneumatizable sphenoid body. Within these regions, both fat and soft tissue density (7/7) were present. Internal curve calcification was observed in part of the region (3/7). The skull base canal structure was not affected (7/7). MRI showed a clear non-dilated lesion with an adipose signal, and none of the lesions showed medulla dilation or cortical destruction. Conclusions: Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is a normal anatomic variation. When non-dilated lesions with clear bony boundaries and internal fatty components are encountered in the vaporizable region of the sphenoid sinus, the possibility of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus should be considered.

[Design of wearable auxiliary device based on upper limb lifting workers and ergonomics simulation analysis]

In order to solve the problem of high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in upper limb lifting workers, a wearable auxiliary device which could be used in upper limb lifting operation was designed. The auxiliary device could be used in upper limb lifting through torsion spring device to reduce the tension of the arm muscles. The back bracket could be adjusted to adapt to the wearers of different height. The 3D model of the auxiliary device was constructed by using SoildWorks software. And the relative position and constraint between the auxiliary device and the digital simulation human were adjusted by using Jack as the main simulation tool. And then the virtual model of upper limb lifting were simulated and analyzed. Through the comparison of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scale, Krist comfort score and simulation results of two-handed reachable domain before and after wearing the auxiliary device, which proved that the wearable auxiliary device could reduce the risk of WMSDs in upper limb lifting workers.

[Core position of occlusion, gnathology and related diagnosis and treatment principles that mustbe followed in stomatology]

This article discussed, in the following three aspeccts, the standing of occlusion, gnathology and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in stomatology. And meanwhile highlighted the important meanings for every stomatologists. Firstly, from the history of dentistry or stomatology, the establishment of occlusion and gnathology drived the transformation of dentistry from a craft practice into an independent profession and discipline. Secondly, from the evolution of occlusion, jaw, and TMJ, this article clarified the distinctiveness and uniqueness of occlusion, jaw and TMJ that made modern human beings the most highly endowed. Thirdly, teeth and other oral organs not only have masticatory and digestive functions but also possess more complex social functions. Stomatognathic system is a more accurate conception than oral organs which is usually called. The conception of stomatognathic system gives a clearer sense of wholeness and more beneficial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of occlusion-related diseases as well as temporomandibular disorders. Finally, the author introduced five common examples regarding medical care and patient-doctor relationships in order to further emphasize the significance of the study of occlusion, gnathology and TMJ. It is necessary for not only general stomatoloaists but also other dental specialists in stomatology to clearly understand the principal theories and proficiently master the management capability on occlusion, gnathology and temporomandibular disorders.

Ultra-long high quality catalyst-free WO3 nanowires for fabricating high-performance visible photodetectors

This work presents a study on the controlled growth of WO₃ nanowires via chemical vapor deposition without catalyst, and their potential applications in visible photodetectors. The influence of growth conditions on the morphology of WO₃ nanowires is studied in order to understand the growth mechanism of WO₃ nanowires, and ultra-long (60 [Formula: see text], the longest one ever reported) WO₃ nanowires with a spindle shape are achieved by optimizing the growth conditions. It was found that the length of WO₃ nanowires increases from 15 [Formula: see text] to 60 [Formula: see text] with increasing the argon carrier gas flow rate from 30 sccm to 90 sccm, and then saturates with further increasing the argon carrier gas flow rate. However, the length of WO₃ nanowires reduces from 60 [Formula: see text] to 19 [Formula: see text] with increasing the tube inner pressure from 2.5 Torr to 3.5 Torr. The photoconductor detectors based on WO₃ single nanowires present excellent device performance with a responsivity as high as 19 A W^-1 at a bias of 0.1 V, a detectivity as high as 1.06 × 10¹¹ Jones, and a response (rising and decay) time as short as 8 ms under the illumination of a 404 nm laser. These results indicate the great potential of WO₃ nanowires for applications in fabricating high performance visible photodetectors.

[Current research status and progress in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer in the era of targeted therapy]

The incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC) has continuously shown an upward trend all over the world. It remains one of the most challenging malignant tumors in clinical practice and is characterized by difficult diagnosis in early stages, low surgical resection rate and poor prognosis. Due to its significant genetic heterogeneity, there are notable individual differences in disease progression, clinical efficacy, sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy, and prognosis among PC patients. In-depth study is needed to reveal the molecular biological characteristics of different PC subtypes and their correlation with clinical manifestations and chemoradiotherapy sensitivity, which could contribute to develop corresponding targeted therapeutic strategies.It is not only the fundamental basis for the innovation of PC morphological classification to molecular subtyping, but also a prerequisite for achieving a shift in treatment mode from "standard therapeutic strategy for different diseases" to "treat the same disease with different strategies" .This article reviews several hot issues on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of PC in the era of targeted therapy and prospects its future development.

[Potential value of FDG PET-CT in predicting occult lymph node metastasis in clinical stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET-CT scan for occult lymph node metastasis in patients with stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: The image and pathological data of 272 patients with stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma from October 2006 to September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative (18)F-FDG PET-CT scan followed by lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection. The correlation between occult lymph node metastasis and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) of primary tumor as well as other clinicopathological factors was analyzed to screen the risk factors of occult lymph node metastasis in stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma. Results: Occult lymph node metastasis was detected in 50 patients (18.4%), with 24 (8.8%) patients of pN1 involvement and 26 (9.6%) of pN2 involvement. Among the 272 patients enrolled, 39 had pure ground glass nodule, 59 had part-solid nodule and 174 had solid nodule. All patients with pure ground glass nodule or nodule≤1 cm were pN0. For the 233 patients with part-solid and solid nodule, no lymph node metastasis was found in T1a stage (tumor length ≤1 cm). Primary tumor SUV(max) (Z=-5.663, P<0.001), nodule type (χ(2)=21.586, P<0.001), tumor location (χ(2)= 12.790, P< 0.001), histological grade (χ(2)= 22.784, P< 0.001) and visceral pleural invasion (χ(2)=5.357, P=0.021) showed significant differences between occult lymph node metastasis group (pN+ ) and non-lymph node metastasis group (pN0). With SUV(max)=2.405 as cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting occult lymph node metastasis were 90.0% and 61.7%, the area under curve was 0.761(95%CI=0.700~0.823), and the negative predictive value was 95.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that SUV(max) >2.405 (P<0.001), central location (P=0.030) and higher histological grade (P=0.024) were independent predictors of occult lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: For clinical stage ⅠA adenocarcinoma, primary tumor SUV(max) > 2.405, central location and higher histological grade were independent risk factors for occult lymph node metastasis. Systematic lymph node dissection may be avoided in lung adenocarcinoma with pure ground glass density, tumor length ≤1 cm or SUV(max) ≤ 2.405, due to the very low probability of nodal involvement.

[The clinical application of gene diagnosis and genetic counseling on hereditary hearing loss]

Objective:To summarize the clinic procedure and experience about gene diagnosis and genetic counseling on hereditary hearing loss, and explore the strategy and principle about gene diagnosis and genetic counseling on hereditary hearing loss.Method:A retrospective analysis was used on the clinical data of 151 cases who aim at genetic counseling. The all cases were divided into 5 groups according to the purpose of genetic counseling, such as the occurrence risk of hearing loss, the etiological analysis, the choice of the intervention way, the examination guidance, the prevention of hearing loss and the usage requirement of Aminogly cosides drugs. The counseling procedure includes the investigation of the etiology and family history, drawing the family pedigree, general physical examination, auditory examination and genetic analysis. Sanger sequencing analysis and/or Targeted nextgeneration sequencing was utilized to detect the deaf-gene mutations. At last, the genetic counseling, fertility guidance and prenatal diagnosis will be made on the basis of the results of gene detection. Result:There are 33 newborns who did not pass the deafgene screening, 9 of them could be diagnosed definitely as hereditary hearing loss, and the other 24 were the carriers of deafgene mutation. Eighty of 104 deaf patients were diagnosed definitely as hereditary hearing loss and the related gene mutation was found. Six objects in the 10 patients with auditory neuropathy are diagnosed as OTOF or SLC17A8 gene mutations before cochlear implantation. Three of 7 reproductive age objects who had family history were recessive deaf-gene carriers, 2 of them carried the same target gene with the mate who receive our fertility guidance and prenatal diagnose. The other 1 object carried the dominant genetic mutation(incomplete dominant heredity). There were 4 pregnant women who did not pass the deaf-gene screening, 1 of them carry the same target gene with the mate. The populations who want to use Aminoglycosides drugs were not diagnosed as carrying any related mitochondrial gene mutation. We carried out the genetic counseling according to the results of gens detection and clinical phenotype.Conclusion:Genetic counseling is based on the different purpose. The analysis of gene diagnosis should be considered to combine with the clinical phenotype. The principle of choosing the objects to make a gene diagnosis includes: ①the all deaf-genes sequencing was applied for the deaf patients. ② the screening target gene sequencing was used for the newborns who did not pass the deaf-gene screening and the mate whose pregnant wife did not pass the deafgene screening. ③the specific target gene sequencing could be used for the patients who has a clear family history or specific phenotype.

Identification of an (AC)n microsatellite in the Six1 gene promoter and its effect on production traits in Pietrain × Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs

The Sine oculis homeobox 1 (Six1) gene is important for skeletal muscle growth and fiber specification; therefore, it is considered as a promising candidate gene that may influence porcine growth and meat quality traits. Nevertheless, the association of Six1 with these processes and the mechanisms regulating its expression remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to identify variant sites of Six1 in different pig breeds, conduct association analysis to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms of these variants and porcine production traits in Pietrain × Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire commercial pigs, and explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of Six1 affecting production traits. A total of 12 variants were identified, including 10 single- nucleotide variations (SNVs), 1 insertion- deletion (Indel), and 1 (AC)n microsatellite. Association analysis demonstrated that the SNV, g.1595A>G, was significantly associated with meat color (redness, a*); individuals with the G allele had greater a* values (P < 0.05). Moreover, our results demonstrated that the (AC)n polymorphism in the Six1 promoter was significantly associated with weaning weight (P < 0.05), carcass weight (P < 0.05), and thoracic and lumbar back fat (P < 0.01).In addition, we found that the (AC)n variant was closely related with Six1 expression levels and demonstrated this polymorphism on promoter activity by in vitro experiments. Overall, this study provides novel evidence for elucidating the effects of Six1 on porcine production traits as promising candidate and describes two variants with these traits, which are potential reference markers for pig molecular breeding. In addition, our data on the relationship between porcine Six1 expression and the polymorphic (AC)n microsatellite in its promoter may facilitate similar studies in other species.

[Epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among diarrhea outpatients in China, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia (E.) coli (DEC) among diarrhea outpatients in China. Methods: Diarrhea surveillance program was conducted in outpatient and emergency departments from 170 hospitals that under the sentinel programs in 27 provinces, from 2012-2015. Clinical and epidemiological data regarding diarrhea patients were collected, with fecal specimens sampled and tested for DEC in 92 network-connected laboratories. Results: Among all the 46 721 diarrhea cases, 7.7% of them appeared DEC positive in those with geographic heterogeneity. In 2 982 cases (6.4%) with available data on PCR subtypes of DEC, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC, 1 205 cases, 40.4%) appeared the most commonly seen pathogens, followed by enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, 815 cases, 27.3%), and enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC, 653 cases, 21.9%). The highest positive rate of DEC was observed in outpatients of 25-34 years old (10.1%), living in the warm temperate zones (11.1%), and with mucous-like stool (9.4%). The positive rate of DEC showed a strong seasonal pattern, with peaks in summer, for all the subtypes. Conclusions: DEC seemed easy to be detected among diarrhea outpatients in China, with EAEC, EPEC and ETEC the most commonly identified subtypes. Epidemiological characteristics regarding the heterogeneities of DEC appeared different, in regions, age groups and seasons. Long-term surveillance programs should be strengthened to better understand the epidemiology of DEC, in China.

[Study of susceptibility weighted imaging on MR and pathologic findings to distinguish benign or malignant soft tissue tumor]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic performance of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI)in distinguishing benign or malignant soft tissue tumor, and to study pathological observation. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with soft tissue tumor, who received no previous treatment or invasive examination, received routine preoperative MRI examination and SWI scanning. The graduation and distribution of intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity(ITSS) and proportion of tumor volume were observed.The pathological results were also included for comparative analysis. Results: Fourty of 68 patients were benign and 28 were malignant. 72.5% (29/40) patients with benign soft tissue tumors were ITSS grade 1 and ITSS grade 3 (hemangioma). 89.3%(25/28) patients with malignant soft tissue tumors were ITSS grade 2 and ITSS grade 3. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The distribution of ITSS in patients with benign soft tissue tumors was dominated by peripheral distribution and diffuse distribution (hemangioma), accounting for 90.0% (36/40). The distribution of ITSS in patients with malignant soft tissue tumors mainly distributed in the central region, accounting for 78.6% (22 /28). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The proportion of tumor volume occupied by ITSS in benign soft tissue tumors was <1/3 and> 2/3 (hemangioma), accounting for 90.0% (36/40). The volume of malignant soft tissue tumors were predominantly <1/3 , accounting for 82.1% (23/28). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: SWI is sensitive in displaying the vein and blood metabolites in soft tissue lesions, which is helpful for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors in soft tissue.

[Epidemiological analysis of the deaths of malaria in China, 2005-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the epidemiological features of deaths of malaria from 2005 to 2014, so as to provide the evidence for subsequently more effective strategic planning of malaria elimination in China.

METHODS

The data of individual malaria cases (including probable and confirmed cases, population data, geographic distribution, diagnosis and reporting information) were obtained from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System from 2005 to 2014 and the epidemiological investigation information (including the clinical systems and the imported and indigenous cases) was extracted from Parasite Disease Prevention and Control Information System from 2011 to 2014. All of the data didn't include Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign cases. The population characteristics, clinical systems, geographic distribution, diagnosis and reporting and sources of infections of deaths were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2014, a total of 228 deaths of malaria were reported, with 203 (89.0%) of P. falciparum malaria, 13 (5.7%) of P. vivax malaria, 1 (0.5%) of P. malariae malaria and 11(4.8%) other cases. The fatality rate of malaria increased since 2010. Among the deaths, 48 (81.4% ) had serious complications, which included cerebral lesion, coma, severe renal and hepatic injuries and hemolysis and so on. In 2005-2010, the geographical distribution of malaria deaths was mainly in Yunnan (78 deaths, 56.1%), Sichuan (13 deaths, 9.4%), Henan (7 deaths, 5.0%), Shandong (6 deaths, 4.3%) and Zhejiang (5 deaths, 3.6%) province. However, since the initiation of malaria elimination program in 2010, the areas with malaria deaths have changed, which mainly distributed in Henan (10 deaths, 11.2%), Sichuan (9 deaths, 10.1%), Shandong (8 deaths, 9.0%), Jiangsu (7 deaths, 7.9%) and Hunan province (7 deaths, 7.9%). Besides there were nine deaths (10.0%) reported in non-endemic areas of malaria (Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Ningxia) in 2011-2014. The median time from illness onset to diagnosis for deaths was 5.5 (P25-P75: 3.0-8.5) d, which was longer than 3.0 (2.0-6.0)d for survivors. Moreover, for deaths, the median P50 (P25-P75)(6.0, 4.0-9.0 d) from illness onset to diagnosis in 2011-2014 was longer than that in 2005-2010 (5.0, 3.0-9.0 d). Among imported deaths, 77 deaths (90.6%) originated from Africa and 8 deaths (9.4%) from Southeast Asia.

CONCLUSION

Although the reported deaths of malaria were stable in 2005-2014, the geographical distribution of malaria deaths changed significantly and the time from illness onset to the diagnosis was longer since 2010. Special attention should be paid to the diagnosis and treatment of imported cases to reduce the fatality at the malaria elimination stage.

Efficient organic photovoltaic cells on a single layer graphene transparent conductive electrode using MoOx as an interfacial layer

The large surface roughness, low work function and high cost of transparent electrodes using multilayer graphene films can limit their application in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. Here, we develop single layer graphene (SLG) films as transparent anodes for OPV cells that contain light-absorbing layers comprised of the evaporable molecular organic semiconductor materials, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc)/fullerene (C60), as well as a molybdenum oxide (MoO_x) interfacial layer. In addition to an increase in the optical transmittance, the SLG anodes had a significant decrease in surface roughness compared to two and four layer graphene (TLG and FLG) anodes fabricated by multiple transfer and stacking of SLGs. Importantly, the introduction of a MoO_x interfacial layer not only reduced the energy barrier between the graphene anode and the active layer, but also decreased the resistance of the SLG by nearly ten times. The OPV cells with the structure of polyethylene terephthalate/SLG/MoO_x/CuI/ZnPc/C60/bathocuproine/Al were flexible, and had a power conversion efficiency of up to 0.84%, which was only 17.6% lower than the devices with an equivalent structure but prepared on commercial indium tin oxide anodes. Furthermore, the devices with the SLG anode were 50% and 86.7% higher in efficiency than the cells with the TLG and FLG anodes. These results show the potential of SLG electrodes for flexible and wearable OPV cells as well as other organic optoelectronic devices.

[Clinical, pathological and imaging features of primary pelvic Ewing's sarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical, pathological and imaging features of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis and to improve knowledge and diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical, pathological and imaging data of pathologically confirmed 13 cases of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis was carried out between May 2008 and March 2016 in the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University.

RESULTS

The median age 13 cases of pelvic primary Ewing's sarcoma was 17 years old.The X-ray and CT imagings showed osteolytic and mixed bone destruction, CT showed mixed type in 10 cases, 8 cases of bone tumors as a flocculent, 10 cases of bone expansion failure, 10 cases of periosteal reaction, the layered 5 cases, radial in 5 cases.Thirteen cases showed soft tissue mass, soft tissue mass was equal or slightly lower density.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement.The lesions showed low signal in T1WI and mixed high signal in T2WI of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The boundary of the lesions were obscure, and 5 cases had patchy necrosis area, and 9 cases had incomplete false capsule, surrounding soft tissue was violated.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement after MRI enhancement scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The age of onset of Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis is more concentrated in about 15 years.The imaging feaures are mixed bone destruction and more bone is swelling and permeability damage, soft tissue mass is larger, bone tumor is cloudy or acicular, periosteal reaction in a layered and radial, most cases show that the false envelope is not complete.Combined with clinical and imaging examination, the diagnosis of the disease can be made.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose stress in vitro via the MAPK/ERK-VEGF pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequent microvascular complication of diabetes, and one of the most common causes of legal blindness in the world. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) produces an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect against various human diseases. In this study, we determined the effect of EGCG on a human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) line. The cell viability was determined by a standard MTT assay, while the cell cycle and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory marker expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment of HRECs with EGCG (20 and 40 mM) led to a significant decrease in the apoptosis rate (2.35 ± 0.56 and 1.24 ± 0.32%). The culture supernatant of cells treated with high glucose concentrations showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α (598.7 ± 89.7 vs 193.2 ± 38.5 pg/mL; P < 0.001), IL-6 (6.16 ± 0.51 vs 1.61 ± 0.21 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and ICAM-1 (31.6 ± 4.4 vs 14.8 ± 2.9 ng/mL; P < 0.001) compared to the cells in the control group. EGCG decreased the expression level of phosphorylated p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Moreover, EGCG was shown to significantly inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, EGCG treatment ameliorated the negative effect of high glucose concentrations on the cell viability and apoptotic rate. The protective effects of EGCG under high glucose conditions may be attributed to the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK-VEGF pathway.

Graphene oxide/graphene vertical heterostructure electrodes for highly efficient and flexible organic light emitting diodes

The relatively high sheet resistance, low work function and poor compatibility with hole injection layers (HILs) seriously limit the applications of graphene as transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, a graphene oxide/graphene (GO/G) vertical heterostructure is developed as TCEs for high-performance OLEDs, by directly oxidizing the top layer of three-layer graphene films with ozone treatment. Such GO/G heterostructure electrodes show greatly improved optical transmittance, a large work function, high stability, and good compatibility with HIL materials (MoO3 in this work). Moreover, the conductivity of the heterostructure is not sacrificed compared to the pristine three-layer graphene electrodes, but is significantly higher than that of pristine two-layer graphene films. In addition to high flexibility, OLEDs with different emission colors based on the GO/G heterostructure TCEs show much better performance than those based on indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes. Green OLEDs with GO/G heterostructure electrodes have the maximum current efficiency and power efficiency, as high as 82.0 cd A(-1) and 98.2 lm W(-1), respectively, which are 36.7% (14.8%) and 59.2% (15.0%) higher than those with pristine graphene (ITO) anodes. These findings open up the possibility of using graphene for next generation high-performance flexible and wearable optoelectronics with high stability.

[Epidemic features and impact factors on hospitalization of Plasmodium vivax in China 2011-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and impact factors on hospitalization of Plasmodium vivax (P.vivax) since initiation of national malaria elimination program, so as to facilitate the adjustment of technical guideline in response to the epidemic changing of malaria in China.

METHODS

The data of individual P. vivax case (probable and confirmed) and population during 2011-2014 were collated from China National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System, and the data of epidemiological investigation for individual P. vivax case (imported and indigenous) during 2011-2014 were collected from China Parasite Disease Prevention and Control Information System. All of the data didn't include China's Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign cases. The risk factors on hospitalization were explored by multiple factors variable binary classification unconditioned logistic regression model.

RESULTS

During study period of four years, a total of 5 656 Plasmodium vivax cases were detected. Among them, 69.9% (3 951 cases) were imported cases and 30.1% (1 705 cases) were autochthonous cases. The male cases accounted for 82.7% of all cases. Among the autochthonous cases, 535 cases (31.4%) occurred in the cross-bordering areas, and 577 cases (33.8%) were reported in the junction of difference provinces. The amount of autochthonous cases decreased from 1 363 cases in 2011 to 53 cases in 2014, and the county affected by autochthonous cases was shrunk from 185 counties to 10 counties. The proportion of autochthonous cases introduced by domestic migrants increased constantly, which reached 41.5% in 2014. The imported cases were detected from 614 counties of 30 provinces, who were originated from 57 overseas countries of 4 continents, with Southeast Asia being the leading origins (2 772 cases, 70.2%). There were 1 494 cases hospitalized for treatment, with the male (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.16-1.71), 14 years old and younger (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.44-3.56), and oversea imported cases (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 2.30-3.25) were the high risk group for hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The scale and scope of P. vivax occurrence decreased dramatically since initiation of malaria elimination grogram in 2010. However, the risk of P. vivax introduction by the overseas imported cases and domestic migrants should be highlighted.

[Comparison of demographical characteristics of malaria cases from malaria control to elimination in China]

OBJECTIVE

To further identify the high-risk population at malaria elimination phase, and to provide the scientific evident for targeted prevention and control measures, we compared the demographical feature and its change trend for malaria cases between malaria control stage and elimination stage in China.

METHODS

The data of individual case (probable and confirmed) and population during 2007-2014 were collected from China National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System, and the data of epidemiological investigation for malaria case (imported and indigenous) during 2011-2014 were collected from China Parasite Disease Prevention and Control Information System. All of the data didn't include China's Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign cases. We described the demographic features of malaria cases, e.g. sex, age, occupation and mobility, to compare the differences of cases between malaria control stage (2007-2010) and the elimination phase (2011-2014).

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2014, a total of 108 076 malaria cases were reported nationwide, which 13 355 cases were reported at the elimination stage. The proportion of male cases considerably increased from 65.1% (6 1625 cases) at the control stage to 91.4% (12 209 cases) at the elimination phase, with the cases aged 15-64 years among male cases dramatically rose from 74.3% (45 793 cases) to 97.2% (11 870 cases). In terms of occupation, the proportion of children and students decreased from 17.8% (16 891 cases) to 2.7% (356 cases), while the percentage of migrant workers, workers and other professional cases increased from 8.5% (8 031 cases), 3.5% (3 319 cases) and 3.6% (3 435 cases) to 13.1% (1 757 cases), 11.5% (1 534 cases) and 11.4% (1 517 cases), respectively. During the elimination stage,P. faliparium cases have higher proportion of male (96.4%, 7 179 cases) and adult aged 15-64 year (99.4%, 7 399 cases) than that of P. vivax cases , 83.9% (4 344 cases) and 90.3% (4 679 cases), respectively. Moreover, the proportion of imported cases rose from 63.6% (2 599 cases) in 2011 to 97.7% (2 854 cases) in 2014, and the proportion of the migrants in indigenous cases also showed an increasing trend from 13.5% (201 cases) in 2011 to 28.4% (19 cases) in 2014.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the control stage, great changes of demographical characteristics of malaria cases occurred at the elimination stage. Male adults aged 15-64 year-old, imported cases and domestic migrants were the high-risk population for targeted control and prevention at the malaria elimination stage.

Imaging appearance of giant cell tumour of the spine above the sacrum

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the spine is rarely encountered in daily clinical practice. Most of the tumours occur at the sacrum instead of at the spine above the sacrum, which has been reported to account for 1.3-9.3% of all spine GCTs. This article is a review of our radiological experience of the diagnosis of spine GCT above the sacrum based on 34 patients at a single institution. The purpose of this pictorial review is to highlight the imaging findings of GCT and to provide clues that may distinguish it from other, more common neoplasms.

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg mimicking lower limb cellulitis

Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) of the leg is an unusual form of amicrobial pustulosis, which typically affects elderly patients with chronic venous insufficiency. We report a patient who presented with painful erythema, crusted erosions and pustules on her right lower leg. Histology showed a dermal infiltration made up predominantly of neutrophils. Bacteria were isolated from the lesions. The condition was initially diagnosed as cellulitis, but antibiotic treatment was unsuccessful. After the correct diagnosis was made, complete resolution was obtained with betamethasone 0.05%.

A new tospovirus causing chlorotic ringspot on Hippeastrum sp. in China

A new tospovirus, HCRV 2007-ZDH, was isolated from a Hippeastrum sp. plant displaying necrotic and chlorotic ringspot symptoms in Yunnan province. This virus isolate was characterized based on particle morphology and RNA sequences analyses. Quasi-spherical, enveloped particles measuring about 70-100 nm, typical of tospoviruses, were observed in sap and cells of the infected plants. Transmission studies by inoculating this isolate mechanically to Hippeastrum sp. confirmed that 2007-ZDH is the causal agent of the chlorotic ringspot disease of Hippeastrum sp. The complete sequence of S RNA of 2007-ZDH was 2,744 nucleotides in length, sharing 74.4 % nucleotide identity with Tomato yellow ring virus (TYRV) isolate tomato (AY686718). The S RNA encoded a non-structural protein (NSs) (444 aa, 50.4 kDa) and the nucleocapsid (N) protein (273 aa, 30.1 kDa).The deduced NSs protein shared amino acid identities of 78.6, 76.3, and 74.9 % with that of TYRV, IYSV, and PolRSV, respectively. The deduced N protein shared amino acid identities of 86.1, 84.7, and 70.0 % with that of PolRSV, TYRV, and IYSV, respectively. These results suggest that the chlorotic ringspot virus belongs to a new tospovirus species, for which the name Hippeastrum chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRV) is proposed.

First Report of Kidney Bean Little Leaf Disease Associated with 16SrII Group Phytoplasma in China

Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an important cash crop in China. It is widely grown in the Yunnan Province in the southwest region. In November of 2008, a new disease was observed on kidney bean plants grown in Yuanmou County. Affected plants displayed symptoms that included numerous twisted lateral shoots with abundant, tiny trifoliate leaves that were approximately one-tenth the size of healthy leaves. Some affected leaves, which were slightly distorted and oblong to oval, were evident on diseased plants and appeared pale green. On plants with little leaf symptoms, flowers were poorly formed, withered or aborted, and no pods were present. Surveys conducted in areas affected by disease revealed the presence of the disease in approximately 10% of the plants. DNA was extracted from 0.1 g of petioles and midveins harvested from both diseased and symptomless plants with the Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Plants were evaluated for phytoplasma infection by a nested PCR assay with phytoplasma specific ribosomal operon primer pair P1/Tint followed by R16F2/R16R2 (2,3). An rDNA product of approximately 1,250 bp was amplified from seven of seven diseased plants, whereas no products were amplified from symptomless plants or a negative control devoid of DNA. Digests of nested PCR products (approximately 200 ng) with endonucleases AluI, ScaI, or EcoRI revealed no differences in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) among diseased plants. The amplicon was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. GQ336993). Comparison of in silico RFLP profiles with published profiles showed that kidney bean little leaf phytoplasma is a member of peanut witches' broom group 16SrII. Blast analysis of the kidney bean little leaf phytoplasma 16S rDNA sequence revealed that this strain is most similar (99.0%) to Syringa oblata yellows phytoplasma (Accession No. FJ263629) and to other phytoplasmas classified as group 16SrII members. Previously, phytoplasmas identified as 16SrII strains have been reported as probable cause of cactus witches' broom (1) and crotalaria witches' broom (4) in China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a 16SrII phytoplasma infecting the kidney bean in China. References: (1) H. Cai et al. Plant Pathol. 51:394, 2002. (2) I.-M Lee et al. Phytopathology 83:834, 1993. (3) C. D. Smart et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:2988, 1996 (4) Z. H. Wang et al. Plant Pathol. 57:364, 2008.

Molecular characterization of a distinct begomovirus infecting tobacco in Yunnan, China

Virus isolate Y3V, obtained from tobacco showing leaf curl symptoms in Yunnan, China, had particles with the size and morphology typical of geminiviruses. In reactions with a set of monoclonal antibodies raised against begomoviruses, Y3V was readily differentiated from two previously studied Chinese Begomovirus isolates. The complete nucleotide sequence of a DNA-A-like molecule of Y3V was determined; it comprises 2744 nucleotides and has a typical Begomovirus genome organization. When compared with the DNA-A sequences of other begomoviruses, the total DNA-A of Y3V was most closely related to that of Ageratum yellow vein virus (AYVV) (85% sequence identity), but the Y3V intergenic region differed greatly from those of the other sequences (maximum 70% identity). In contrast, the deduced coat protein of Y3V is most like that of Tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand virus-[1] (TYLCTHV-[1]) (92% amino acid sequence identity). The molecular data show that the Yunnan isolate of Tobacco leaf curl virus is a distinct Begomovirus species, for which the name Tobacco leaf curl Yunnan virus (TLCYnV) is proposed.

Molecular characterization of a novel defective DNA isolated from tobacco tissues infected with tobacco leaf curl virus

Defective DNA of tobacco leaf curl virus (TLCV) was identified in TLCV-infected tobacco plants. The defective DNA was cloned and sequenced. The sequence showed it was about half the size of the TLCV DNA-A, and was derived from TLCV DNA-A by a large deletion. The defective DNA contained the intergenic region and part of the AC1 (Rep) gene of TLCV, and also novel open reading frames (ORFs). The immunotrapping tests showed the defective DNA was associated with geminate particles, suggesting it could be encapsidated in virus particles. It was transmitted, along with full-length DNA-A, to tobacco plants by grafting and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).

Computer-assisted quantitative measurements by three-dimensional images on zygomatic fracture deformities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate an available method for quantitative diagnosis of zygomatic fractures that allow quantitative classification and diagnosis.

METHODS

The radiographs and 2- and 3-dimensional CT images of 57 patients with zygomatic fractures were measured and analyzed by a computer-assisted measuring system before and after treatment. This was used to diagnose the displacement and deformity of the fractures.

RESULTS

(1) Using anthropology points and a computer-assisted measuring system, a new method was established to assess the displacement of the zygomatic fractures. (2) Displacement of the zygomatic fractures was approximately diagnosed by measuring different angles of the CT images. (3) A new classification was proposed based on the deformities of the zygomatic fractures: Type A, zygomatic body was intact and not displaced; Type B, zygomatic body was intact but displaced (including comminuted zygomatic arch fractures); Type C, zygomatic body was comminuted and displaced. (4) There were 4 subtypes with characteristics in the most common Type B fractures. (5) Different images had different advantages for diagnosing zygomatic fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Displacement of the zygomatic fractures can be quantitatively diagnosed by measuring 3-D CT images. (2) The computer-assisted 3-D CT measuring system is accurate, reliable, and clinically feasible for diagnosing zygomatic fractures. (3) The best image to diagnose the displacement of the fractures should be used.

Telomerase activity is not related to apoptosis in leukemic cell lines

Any deregulation of apoptosis or an escape from cellular senescence will drive the cells to neoplasia. It remains unclear whether there is a direct linkage between apoptosis and telomerase activity particularly in transformed cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the telomerase activities in three leukemic cell lines (HL-60, U937 and K562) after treating these cells with various doses of antitumor drugs, puromycin or actinomycin D (ActD). Our results showed that HL-60 cells underwent apoptosis rapidly when treated with either 20 microg/ml of puromycin or 5 microg/ml of Act D with more than 60% of the cells becoming apoptotic at 6 hrs and almost 100% at 12 hrs. But telomerase activity analyzed by TRAP assay in these apoptotic cells remained unchanged as compared with the untreated control cells suggesting that whether the cells were apoptotic or not, it had no effect on telomerase activity. However, if lower dosages of the drugs were used, that is, 0.5-1.5 microg/ml of puromycin or 0.01-0.5 microg/ml of Act D, a decrease in telomerase activity was observed at 24-48 hrs, and was completely undetectable at 72 hrs. This decrease in telomerase activity was dose- and time-dependent. The suppression of telomerase activity by low doses of these two drugs is probably due to the inhibitory effect of the drugs on protein translation or RNA transcription rather than direct inhibition of the telomerase activity. Flow cytometry analysis of the cell cycle of the drug-treated cells showed that these drugs unselectively induced apoptosis at all phases of the cell cycle and was unrelated to the changes in telomerase activity. Similar results were observed in U937 and K562 cells except that K562 cells underwent apoptosis more slowly than the former two cell lines.

[RAPD analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of the Taihu pigs]

The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of the Taihu pigs were studied using RAPD technique. A total of 57 individuals were used, and the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using UPGMA method based on 198 RAPD markers which were amplified with 13 decamer primers. The results indicate as the following: (1) The similarity indexes within each strain and between the strains of the Taihu pigs are all high. The average genetic distance between the strains is 0.052. These results indicate that the Taihu pigs exhibit relatively low level of genetic variation and poor genetic diversity; (2) The Hongdenglong pig is also a strain of the Taihu pigs; (3) The Taihu pigs have close phylogenetic relationship with the Chinese wild boar occurred in the Taihu Lake area; (4) Two lineages diverged in the early stage during the course of the formation of the Taihu pigs. One of the lineage gave rise to the strains of Mizhu, Erhualian, Jiaxinhei and Hongdenglong, another lineage gave rise to the strains of Shawutou, Meishan, Fengjing and Hengjing. The strategy for genetic diversity conservation of the Taihu pigs was discussed.

Studies on contributing factors in temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the pathogenesis of TMD by studying microtrauma of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), immune responses within TMJ, and psychosocial factors of the past ten years.

METHODS

Condyle and disc movements from 38 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were observed with the use of videotape recording and soundtape recording techniques after TMJ arthrography. Pathological changes following occlusal trauma were examined using an animal model. Immune complexes in condyle cartilage; antibody to collagen II; and cytokines such as interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6 were detected in synovial fluid of TMD. Psychosocial characteristics were analyzed with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) of 80 TMD patients and the Life Events Experience Survey (LEES) of 42 TMD patients.

RESULTS

Persistent and recurrent microtrauma did exist within joints of TMD patients, caused by occlusal trauma and occlusal interference. Occlusal trauma in animals could induce condyle and disc degenerative changes that are similar to the findings in TMJ osteoarthrosis patients. Sequestered antigens within cartilage could be exposed to the immune system after joint degeneration. Humoral and cellular immune responses did exist within TMJ and played an important role in the pathogenesis of TMD. Forty percent of TMD patients suffered from psychosomatic disorders, significantly more than in the healthy control.

CONCLUSION

Microtrauma of TMJ, immune responses within TMJ, psychosocial factors, and anatomical structures of the TMJ itself are the four main contributing factors of TMD. Possible mechanisms of the interactions of the four factors are presented, and principles of preventing and treating TMD are also suggested.

Orthognathic surgery correction of mandibular hypoplasia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To examine the surgical correction methods for treating cases of severe mandibular hypoplasia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

Sixteen cases of severe mandibular hypoplasia were studied in which OSAS was documented by polysomnography (PSG) and cephalometric study. The obstructive site was at the base of the tongue. Surgical procedures such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction and bimaxillary, chin, and hyoid bone advancement were performed to improve each patient's profile, function, and occlusion, and to treat the OSAS.

RESULTS

There were great improvements in patient's sleep and daytime quality of life. The pre- and postoperative changes of most PSG values and some cephalometric values (SNB, PAS) were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe mandibular hypoplasia can cause not only abnormalities in profile and occlusion but also OSAS. The evaluation of OSAS and its treatment effects depend on PSG. It is also very important to confirm the obstructive site in the upper airway by cephalometric study and fiberoptic endoscopy. Orthognathic surgery procedures can advance the maxillary, chin, and hyoid bone, and expand the upper airway simultaneously. These procedures can treat OSAS. Cases of TMJ ankylosis with OSAS should be treated step by step.

[Increased release of orphanin FQ (OFQ) in brain of chronic morphine tolerant rats]

The changes in OFQ-immunoreactivity (OFQ-ir) content and release of cerebroventricular perfusate, periaqueductal gray (PAG) and amygadala of chronic morphine tolerant rats were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results indicate: (1) chronic morphine tolerance was achieved in rats by injecting increasing doses of morphine (10, 20, 40, 50, 60 mg/kg, s.c., tid). The content of OFQ-ir in cerebroventricular perfusate in the rats of normal saline (NS) group remained at a steady level during the injections from d 1 to d 5, while in the morphine-treated group of rats the content of OFQ-ir showed 25% increase (P < 0.05 vs NS) and 52% increase (P < 0.01 vs NS) after 3 and 5 days' morphine injection respectively. (2) The content of OFQ-ir in PAG of rats receiving morphine injection for 1, 3 and 5 days showed respectively increases of 17% (P < 0.05), 48% (P < 0.05) and 80% (P < 0.01) against the NS group. (3) The content of OFQ-ir in rat amygdala receiving 1 day injection of morphine showed a 8% decrease, which was not significantly different from NS group. However, there was a 36% and 55% (P < 0.05) increase respectively after injection for 3 and 5 days. It is suggested that in the later stage of chronic morphine treatment, large amount of OFQ was released from rat brain to antagonize the effect of opioids, which may play an important role in the development of morphine tolerance.

[A study on hypotensive mechanism of adrenomedullin (13-52)]

In the present study the hypotensive mechanism of AdM (13-52) was investigated in rats, both in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the hypotensive effect of AdM (13-52) could be partially inhibited by L-NG-nitro-arginine (LNNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) was dependent on vascular endothelium and inhibited by LNNA in a dose-dependent manner. This LNNA induced inhibitory effect could be reversed with L-Arginine. In addition, the vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) disappeared with methylene blue (MB), which blocked cGMP formation. Using radioimmunoassay it was shown that LNNA lowered, but AdM (13-52) elevated the vascular cGMP content, while vascular cGMP content was not altered by co-application of AdM (13-52) and LNNA. The above results suggest that the vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) might be mediated by nitric oxide.

[An epidemiological study on malaria infection in plasmapheresis donors]

Epidemiological studies showed incidence of malaria in 8391 plasmapheresis donors of five villages was 4.14%, higher than in those donating whole blood and non--donors. Case--control studies revealed plasmapheresis was a risk factor for malaria infection. Incubation period of plasmapheresis--associated malaria was 16.5 days. Investigation on the blood bank showed there existed cross infection in plasmapheresis. After the close of the blood bank, epidemic of malaria caused by cross infection in plasmapheresis was under control.

[Tumor necrosis factor in synovial fluids of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome]

With the MTT tetrazolium WEHI 164 clone 13 cell cytotoxicity assay, we measured TNF alpha (tumor necrosis factor) activity in synovial fluids of TMJDS (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome). We found no detected TNF alpha level from 5 patients with muscle dysfunction, raised TNF alpha levels from 5 of 11 patients with internal derangement and from 9 of 11 patients with organic destruction (osteoarthritis). The findings of biologically active TNF alpha in synovial fluids of TMJDS suggest that TNF alpha may play a role in the pathogenesis of TMJDS.

[Operative and pathological observations on secondary synovitis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome]

14 cases (16 joints) with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMJDS) were included in the present study. All the patients had severe pain of the joint for a long time and the conventional therapy was not effective. The operative and pathological findings of the 14 cases showed that synovitis secondary to microtrauma of the joint really existed and might be one of the reasons causing the severe pain of the joint in some patients with TMJDS.

Immunohistochemical and histological studies on internal derangement and organic disturbance of temporomandibular joint

The study examined the articular cartilages of 14 patients who suffered from temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome (TMJDS) and 3 healthy fresh cadavers by light microscopy and immunofluorescence, and assayed 14 patients' synovial fluids and sera with indirect hemoagglutination. The results showed that there were antibodies to type II collagen in synovial fluids in 5 of 14 patients and there were some immune complexes in cartilage. So, the authors think that there are autoimmune reactions in the articular tissues in TMJDS because of the exposure of some sequestered antigens.

Role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive and 2 kidneys 1 clip rats

The plasma endothelin (ET) level in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 2K1C hypertension animal models and its vasoconstrictive effect on renal and tail arteries were studied. The results demonstrated that there was no difference in plasma ET level between the hypertensive groups SHR, 2K1C, normotensive control groups Wistar Kyot (WKY) and Sprague Dawley (SD), while the vasoconstrictive effect of ET in SHR was more dominant than in WKY. The EC50 of the renal and tail arteries in SHR (0.8912 +/- 0.1662 x 10(-8) M, 0.6103 +/- 0.0878 x 10(-8) M) was apparently lower than that in WKY (1.77 +/- 0.2991 x 10(-8) M, 1.2267 +/- 0.2502 x 10(-8) M, P less than 0.05), but no difference was found in 2K1C and SD rats. The four groups of animals exhibited no difference of such effects as response to norepine-phrine (NA). The findings suggested that the increased arteriole sensitivity to ET be an important factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHR.

[Changes in the TMJ after moving of total maxilla upward and mandibular autorotation procedures]

Upward moving of total maxilla and mandibular autorotation procedures are new operations for correction of Long Face Syndrome and other maxillary deformities. What distance could maxilla be move upward and it's effect on TMJ had rarely been reported. This paper reports our study results using cephalometric analysis, measurement of TMJ position in preoperatively and postoperatively and clinical evaluation of TMJ. 1. The moving of maxilla upward should not go beyond the limit of 5 mm. If moving maxilla upward is more than 5 mm, the mandibular autorotation procedure should be avoided. 2. In this limit of 5 mm TMJ could adapt new position and doesn't produce pathological changes.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in the pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension

The present study demonstrated that the plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentration was lower but the CGRP content of abdominal aorta was higher in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than in normotensive rats (WKY), using specific CGRP radioimmunoassay (P less than 0.01). In eighteen patients with essential hypertension, the concentration of plasma CGRP was also much lower than that of normal subjects, suggesting that a decreased release of arterial CGRP might be a part of the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. In SHR, a significant decrease in blood pressure was found following intravenous injection of 2.5 micrograms/kg of CGRP; similarly, in seven patients with essential hypertension intravenous injection of CGRP (50 micrograms) could induce a significant hypotensive effect. These data suggest that CGRP is a new potential drug for the treatment of essential hypertension.

[Development and application of hybridoma secreting monoclonal antibody against poly-human serum albumin]

Two hybridomas which secrete monoclonal antibody (McAb) against polymerized human serum albumin (PHSA) were obtained by the fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cell with immune murine spleen cells. One of the McAb was identified as mouse IgG1, the other was IgM. The titers of these purified McAb was 1:16 364 with passive hemagglutination assay (PHA). After labelling with 125I by chloramine-T method, a solid phase radioimmune assay for detecting the PHSA has yielded in 21 positive results, out of 126 HBsAg positive sera, but 53 HBsAg negative sera were all negative. At present we have not seen any report of PHSA present in circulation. PHSA may be as a bridge bind receptor between HBV and hepatocytes and then initiate infection. The appearance of PHSA in HBsAg positive sera could be the result of the damage of the liver during virus infection. More work should be done for this explanation.

[The distribution, characteristics and effects of ir-BNP in central and peripheral tissues in rat]

The present study first investigated the distribution, biochemical characteristics, receptor binding and biological effects of immunoreactive brain natriuretic peptide (ir-BNP), in the central nervous system and some peripheral tissues in rats, using highly specific radioimmunoassay, radioreceptor assay and immunohistochemical method. The results suggest that BNP may be a novel neurotransmitter or circulatory hormone, which is widely distributed in various tissues and involved in the regulation of water electrolyte balance and cardiovascular activity.