Expression of Autophagy-Associated Protein in Rat Muscle Tissues after Antemortem and Postmortem Injury

Abstract

Objective To study the expression of the three autophagy-associated proteins, BECN1, LC3 and p62, after the injury of the skeletal muscle of rats and to explore its application in differentiation between antemortem and postmortem injury. Methods The 72 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the undamaged control group, the antemortem injury group （0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 16 h and 24 h） and postmortem injury group （0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h）. A model of the injured right hind limb of rats was constructed. The expressions of the autophagy-associated proteins, BECN1, LC3-2/LC3-1 and p62, in the control group, the antemortem injury group and postmortem injury group were detected by Western blotting method. The data were respectively centralized and standardized and the orthogonal partial least square-discrimination analysis （OPLS-DA） identification model of antemortem and postmortem injury groups was constructed. Results The expression of BECN1, p62 protein and LC3-2/LC3-1 after the injury of the skeletal muscle of the rats showed different degrees of changes, but the differences among the 3 groups had no statistical significance. Antemortem and postmortem injury groups can be distinguished by centralizing and standardizing the expression levels of autophagy protein BECN1 and the ratio of LC3-2/LC3-1. The principal components extracted from OPLS-DA model of antemortem injury and postmortem injury had a relatively good interpretation of the model （R_x²=0.563, R_y²=0.439）, but it were less predictive （Q²=0.366）. Conclusion The expression of BECN1 and the ratio of LC3-2/LC3-1 in injured local tissue of the rat skeletal muscle can be used for the differentiation of antemortem injury group and postmortem injury group.

The genome sequence of the grape phylloxera provides insights into the evolution, adaptation, and invasion routes of an iconic pest

BACKGROUND

Although native to North America, the invasion of the aphid-like grape phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae across the globe altered the course of grape cultivation. For the past 150 years, viticulture relied on grafting-resistant North American Vitis species as rootstocks, thereby limiting genetic stocks tolerant to other stressors such as pathogens and climate change. Limited understanding of the insect genetics resulted in successive outbreaks across the globe when rootstocks failed. Here we report the 294-Mb genome of D. vitifoliae as a basic tool to understand host plant manipulation, nutritional endosymbiosis, and enhance global viticulture.

RESULTS

Using a combination of genome, RNA, and population resequencing, we found grape phylloxera showed high duplication rates since its common ancestor with aphids, but similarity in most metabolic genes, despite lacking obligate nutritional symbioses and feeding from parenchyma. Similarly, no enrichment occurred in development genes in relation to viviparity. However, phylloxera evolved > 2700 unique genes that resemble putative effectors and are active during feeding. Population sequencing revealed the global invasion began from the upper Mississippi River in North America, spread to Europe and from there to the rest of the world.

CONCLUSIONS

The grape phylloxera genome reveals genetic architecture relative to the evolution of nutritional endosymbiosis, viviparity, and herbivory. The extraordinary expansion in effector genes also suggests novel adaptations to plant feeding and how insects induce complex plant phenotypes, for instance galls. Finally, our understanding of the origin of this invasive species and its genome provide genetics resources to alleviate rootstock bottlenecks restricting the advancement of viticulture.

Calculation of Likelihood Ratio for Identifying Half Sibling Relationship When Both Biological Mothers Participate

Objective To derive the formulae for likelihood ratio （LR） calculation of half sibling relationships when both mothers participate. Methods Based on the fact that both biological mothers participate in the identification of half sibling relationship between the two individuals, test hypothesis for the identification of half sibling relationship was established. Conditional probability ratios of genetic evidence under null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis conditions were simplified, and then applied to a real case of half sibling relationship identification. At the same time, the LR of half sibling relationships under the assumption that only a single biological mother or none of the biological mothers participate were respectively calculated. Results In the cases of identification of half sibling relationship from same fathers, with no biological father involved, after the same genetic indicator test analysis, when both biological mothers participate in the identification, the accumulated LR value was higher than that of accumulated LR with only a single biological mother or no parents participating. Conclusion When the autosome STR test is used for the identification and analysis of half sibling relationship between two individuals, the calculation of LR is more simple, intuitive and operable with both mothers participating. The biological mothers should participate in the test as much as possible, otherwise the number of STR loci would need to be increased for a more specific conclusion.

Wound Age Estimation by Neutrophil Migration Distance

Abstract

Objective To explore the application of neutrophil migration distance for wound age estimation of skeletal muscles in rats, and to provide methodological basis for follow-up study in future. Methods The skeletal muscle contusion model was established in rats, and the control group and the 2, 4, 6 h post-traumatic groups were set. The law of response of neutrophils that participated in the inflammation after injury was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship between neutrophil migration distance and injury time was detected by TissueFAXS PLUS software. Results The skeletal muscle was obviously infiltrated with neutrophils 2-6 h after injury. The positive rate of neutrophil was （28.75±0.94）% at 2 h post-traumatic, and reached the peak （45.50±3.63）% at 4 h post-traumatic, then decreased to （31.92±1.56）% at 6 h post-traumatic. The neutrophil migration distances increased with the progress of inflammation, and reached （124.80±12.32） μm, （229.03±21.45） μm and （335.04±16.75） μm at 2 h, 4 h and 6 h, respectively. Conclusion There is a relationship of neutrophil infiltrated number and migration distance and wound age within the 2-6 h after skeletal muscle injury, which could be used for the inference of skeletal muscle wound age.

[The clinical significance of PRL-3,VEGF expression in sinonasalsquamous cell carcinoma]

Objective:To analyze the clinical significance of phosphatase of regenerating liver-3(PRL-3) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.Method:We use immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR to detecte the expression of PRL-3 and VEGF protein in 62 cases of sinonasal squamous carcinoma tissues(SNSCC),30 cases of nasal polyps(NP),and 25 cases of normal nasal mucosa(NM).Result:①The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma tissues were statistically higher than in nasal polyps and normal nasal mucosa tissues (P<0.05).②The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF were not correlated with patient's age or gender(P>0.05).But the High expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in SNSCC was significantly related with advanced,lower tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).③The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF was positively correlated in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.Conclusion:The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in SNSCC may involve in the regulation of tumor growth and differentiation.The expressing intensity may reflect the proliferation activity of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma cell.PRL-3 and VEGF may promote the tumor metastasis in a synergistic manner.

[Effect of different course of omeprazole in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of omeprazole in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Method:One hundred and sixty patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux in our hospital from March 2015 to January 2017 (diagnosis treatment for 8 weeks) were selected and randomly divided into group A, B, C, D, with 40 cases in each group. Each group of patients were treated with omeprazole enteric-coated capsules (20mg, Bid) for 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively. The reflux symptom index(RSI), reflux finding score(RFS) score, and 24h intraesophageal pH-metry , pepsin detection were compared between the four groups before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 1 month and 2 months after treatment. The efficacy and side effects were evaluated.Result:With the increase of treatment course, patient's RSI and RFS score, 24h pH-metry <4.0 percentage, pepsin positive rate decreased gradually, and there was a significant difference between before and after treatment. After treatment, there was a statistical significance in group B and group A, group C and group B. There was no significant difference between group D and group C. After the end of treatment and up to 2 months of follow-up, the RSI and RFS scores gradually increased and 24h Ph-metry <4.0 percentage, pepsin positive rate increased in group A and B,and those were not significantly different in group C and group D. With the increase of treatment duration, the effective rate of treatment increased, which was 67.5%, 80.0%, 90.0% and 95.0%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant, but the adverse effects did not increase (P>0.05).Conclusion:Omeprazole is safe and effective in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. The symptoms and signs of the patients are obviously improved during the 5 months of the course, and the condition is relatively stable and the recurrence rate is low.

[Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of polytheretherketone (PEEK) cages assisted anterior cervical discetomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was undertaken for 39 patients who were diagnosed as cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms and underwent ACDF with PEEK cages. Radiographs obtained before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up were assessed for quality of fusion. The following criteria were used for assessing radiographic success of fusion: (1) endplate obliterated with no lucent lines; (2) obliteration of disc space by bony trabeculae; (3) less than 2°of intervertebral motion or 2 mm of motion between the spinous processes at the operated segment on flexion-extension lateral radiographs. The sympathetic symptoms including vertigo, headache, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, heart throb, hypomnesia and gastroenterological discomfort were scored by 20-point system preoperatively, 2 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The recovery rate and clinical satisfaction rate were also evaluated. Surgical complications were also assessed.

RESULTS

They were followed up for at least one year. The mean follow-up was 15.6 months. Radiographs of the cervical spine at the last follow-up revealed a solid fusion with no signs of a pseudoarthrosis in 36 cases. In two patients delayed union and bony fusion were achieved at the end of 9 and 11 months. Pseudoarthosis was found in 1 case but the patient had no symptoms. The score of sympathetic symptoms before surgery, 2 months after surgery and at the final follow-up were 8.4±1.0,2.2±0.3,and 2.4±0.3, respectively. There were 22 excellent cases, 15 good cases, 1 fair case and 1 bad case in terms of RR. Good to excellent results were attained in 95% of theses patients. The sympathetic symptoms improved in all the patients and the score was significantly improved after surgery. There was one patient who had cerebral spinal fluid leakage but he recovered one week after surgery. Two patients felt a mild swallowing discomfort, but it disappeared within one month after surgery. Subcutaneous hematoma occurred in one patient due to obstructed drainage. It was cleared two days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Cervical spondylosis patients with sympathetic symptoms may be managed successfully with ACDF using PEEK cages. Successful clinical results regarding symptom improvement and general satisfaction with the surgical procedure depend not only on obtaining successful decompression and radiographic fusion but also on patient selection.

Direct Growth of Al2O3 on Black Phosphorus by Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition

Growing high-quality and uniform dielectric on black phosphorus is challenging since it is easy to react with O₂ or H₂O in ambient. In this work, we have directly grown Al₂O₃ on BP using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). The surface roughness of BP with covered Al₂O₃ film can reduce significantly, which is due to the removal of oxidized bubble in BP surface by oxygen plasma. It was also found there is an interfacial layer of PO _x in between amorphous Al₂O₃ film and crystallized BP, which is verified by both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. By increasing temperature, the PO _x can be converted into fully oxidized P₂O₅.

[Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement injectable cannulated pedicle screws was used to treat degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the application of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation of cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study was used to compare cement injectable cannulated pedicle screws (CICPs) group with PMMA augmentation and control group with traditional method in the correction surgery for Lenke-silva level III and level IV degenerative scoliosis cases with osteoporosis. Both groups were followed up for 1 year. The clinical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on lumbar and lower limbers, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score. The coronal major curve Cobb angel in coronal plane and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis Cobb angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in sagittal plane were tested in whole long spine X ray. The fusion rates were evaluated by lumbar X ray and dynamic X ray.

RESULTS

In this study 34 cases were enrolled, 15 cases in CICPs group and 19 cases in control group. The general characteristics including age, gender, weight, height, BMI and BMD were without statistical difference between the two groups. There were (5.7±2.2)PMMA augmentation screws in CICPs group. The operation time, blood loss and blood transfusion were higher in CICPs group than in control group, but without statistical difference. Lumbar VAS, lower limbers VAS, ODI score and EQ-5D were all better in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups. lumbar VAS scores of CICPs group in 6 months postoperation (CICPs group 3.1±1.3 vs. control group 4.4±1.4, P<0.01) together with lumbar VAS scores (CICPs group 3.3±1.0 vs. control group 5.2±1.4, P<0.01), ODI scores (CICPs group 22.7±17.2 vs. control group 31.4±18.5, P<0.01) and EQ-5D in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 2.9±2.0 vs. control group 3.5±2.5, P<0.01)were lower than those of control group. The coronal major curve Cobb angels were all lower in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups; thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were all higher in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups. The coronal major curve Cobb angel was lower in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 17.6°±6.9° vs. control group 21.2°±7.2°, P<0.01)and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle was higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 6 months postoperation (CICPs group -33.5°±8.8 ° vs. control group -28.9°±8.3°, P<0.01) and 1 year postoperation (CICPs group -33.0°±8.1° vs. control group -26.3°±7.4°, P<0.01) together with lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 26.4°±8.1° vs. control group 22.1°±7.3°, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis was effective and safe, the short-term clinical result was good.

[Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the application of polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Observation group included 14 cases of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis received polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws from November 2014 to July 2015, control group included 12 cases of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis received polymethylmethacrylate augmentation with traditional pedicle screws.The operation time, blood loss, number of pedicle screws and number of augmented pedicle screws in the two groups were compared. The bone cement leakage and pulmonary bone cement embolism in the two groups were also compared. The fusion rate and pedicle screws loosening by lumbar X ray and dynamic X ray were evaluated. The clinical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on lumbar and lower limbers, lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA), Prolo functional scores and Oswestry disability (ODI) scores.

RESULTS

Differences of operation time and blood loss in the two groups were not statistically significant. The average number of pedicle screws was 9.9±4.7 and the average number of augmented pedicle screws was 5.9±2.6 in observation group while the average number of pedicle screws was 7.1±2.8 and the average number of augmented pedicle screws was 3.0±1.9 in control group. The ratio of augmented pedicle screws was higher in observation group than in control group (0.69±0.30 vs.0.47±0.30,P<0.05). The bone cement leakage rate was lower in observation group than in control group (5/83 vs. 12/42, P<0.01). All the cases in observation group were without leakage to the interspinal canal while one case in control group suffered from bone cement leakage to the interspinal canal with augmentation of 3 pedicle screws. The follow up period was (10.6±2.3) months in observation group and (36.5±7.2) months in control group. In final follow up, no case with non-fusion or pedicle screws loosening was found in both groups. Lumbar VAS, lower limbers VAS, lumbar JOA scores, Prolo functional scores and ODI scores were all better than pre-operation (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis was effective, with simple working processes and lower risk of bone cement leakage. The short-term clinical result was good.

[Analysis of the clinical outcomes of the over 5-year follow-up study of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the over 5-year follow-up clinical outcomes of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with operation of decompression and fusion, and the effectiveness and risks factors about revision surgery cases.

METHODS

A total of 47 cases of diagnosis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrument fusion recorded from Jun. 2003 to Jun. 2008 were analyzed. Lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue score (VAS) were applied to evaluate the improvement of the clinical effect after surgery treatment, and the clinical effect and reasons of revising operation were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

All the 47 patients had finished the over 5-year followed-up time with an average time of (8.2±3.6) years (range from 5.2 years to 12.5 years). The patient's mean age was (67.0±9.6) years and the age of patient range from 56 years to 81 years. There were 10 patients who underwent revision surgery since primary operation, in whom 8 cases because of proximal failure of internal fixation and the other 2 cases because of distal failure of fusion segment. The average clinical improvement excellent rate was 83.3% after 5 years since primary operation of 37 cases while the average fine rate of revision operation was 67.6%.

CONCLUSION

In the over 5-year follow-up, there was a better clinical outcome of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion, which had a certain rate of revision operation and had a worse effect of clinical results compared with primary operation. The risks of revision surgery included the poor bone quality of patients, with fusion to L1 at proximal terminal and the fusion end to S1 at distal terminal.

Up-regulation of the Ang II/AT1 receptor may compensate for the loss of gastric antrum ICC via the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway in STZ-induced diabetic mice

The classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a complex system in which angiotensin II (Ang II) has been identified as an important endogenous regulator that influences both smooth muscle contraction and cell growth. Although a local RAS is known to exist in the gastrointestinal tract, it is unclear whether Ang II is involved in the loss of gastric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in diabetic mice. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Ang II on ICC survival in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Western blot, immunofluorescence, isometric muscle recording, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a cell counting kit-8 were used in this research. Our results demonstrate that the c-Kit and membrane-bound stem cell factor (mSCF) protein expression levels in gastric smooth muscle were decreased in STZ-induced diabetic mice. However, the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R) expression levels in gastric smooth muscle and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression levels in gastric mucosa were increased. The effect of Ang II on the tonic contraction of gastric smooth muscle was potentiated in diabetic mice, and the plasma Ang II level was enhanced. Ang II increased mSCF expression, cell proliferation, and Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation in cultured gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs). These effects were reduced by specific inhibitors ZD7155 (an AT1R antagonist) and LY294002 (a PI3-kinase inhibitor). Our results suggest that Ang II increases mSCF expression and cell proliferation in cultured GSMCs in a PI3K/Akt signaling-dependent manner. ACE and AT1R up-regulation in the stomach may help compensate for ICC loss in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

[Clinical research of percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures induced by glucocorticosteroid]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of vertebral compression fracture (VCF) in glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and risk of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP).

METHODS

In the study, 570 cases who received PVP or PKP as treatments of VCF from January 2010 to December 2013 were retrospective reviewed, of which 42 were GIOP and 21 were followed up as GIOP group, and the other 528 were primary osteoporosis and 391 were followed up, of which 84 were selected as Control group based on age and gender. The fracture location, ratio of single segment fracture and multiple segments fracture in the two groups were compared. In the final follow up, the reoperation rates for vertebral refractures by the Kaplan-Meier method in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The follow up periods were (24.0± 13.1) months in GIOP group and (25.8±14.4) months in control group(P>0.05). In GIOP group, there were 11 cases with one-segment fracture, 2 with two-segments fracture, 3 with three-segments fracture, 2 with four-segments fracture, 2 with five-segments fracture and 1 with eight-segments fracture. In Control group, there were 67 cases with one-segment fracture, 12 with two-segments fracture, 3 with three-segment fracture, and 2 with four-segments fracture. The ratio of single segment fracture in GIOP group was significantly lower than that in Control group(52.4% vs. 79.8%,P=0.01). There were 50 fracture segments in GIOP group and 109 fracture segments in Control group. The ratios of fracture segments located in thoracic segments(T1-T10), thoracolumbar segments(T11-L1)and lumbar segments(L2-L5)were 18%, 46% and 36% in GIOP group and 11.9%, 58.7% and 29.4% in Control group (P>0.05). The refracture rate in GIOP group was higher than that in control group (23.8% vs. 6.0%). The survival rate was lower in GIOP group than that in control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The predilection site of VCF was similar in GIOP and primary osteoporosis (thoracolumbar segments> thoracic segments> lumbar segments). The risk of multiple segments VCF was higher in GIOP than in primary osteoporosis. The risk of vertebral refractures after PVP or PKP was higher in GIOP than in primary osteoporosis.

Involvement of actin microfilament in regulation of pacemaking activity increased by hypotonic stress in cultured ICCs of murine intestine

Distension is a regular mechanical stimulus in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study was designed to investigate the effect of hypotonic stress on pacemaking activity and determine whether actin microfilament is involved in its mechanism in cultured murine intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) by using whole-cell patch-clamp and calcium imaging techniques. Hypotonic stress induced sustained inward holding current from the baseline to -650+/-110 pA and significantly decreased amplitudes of pacemaker current. Hypotonic stress increased the intensity of basal fluorescence ratio (F/F0) from baseline to 1.09+/-0.03 and significantly increased Ca(2+) oscillation amplitude. Cytochalasin-B (20 microM), a disruptor of actin microfilaments, significantly suppressed the amplitudes of pacemaker currents and calcium oscillations, respectively. Cytochalasin-B also blocked hypotonic stress-induced sustained inward holding current and hypotonic stress-induced increase of calcium oscillations. Phalloidin (20 microM), a stabilizer of actin microfilaments, significantly enhanced the amplitudes of pacemaker currents and calcium oscillations, respectively. Despite the presence of phalloidin, hypotonic stress was still able to induce an inward holding current and increased the basal fluorescence intensity. These results suggest that hypotonic stress induces sustained inward holding current via actin microfilaments and the process is mediated by alteration of intracellular basal calcium concentration and calcium oscillation in cultured intestinal ICCs.

Observation of η'→π+ π π+ π- and η'→π+π- π0 π0

Using a sample of 1.3 × 10(9)  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we report the first observation of η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-) and η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0)π(0). The measured branching fractions are B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-)) = [8.53 ± 0.69(stat.) ± 0.64(syst.)]×10(-5) and B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0) π(0)) = [1.82 ± 0.35(stat.) ± 0.18(syst.)] × 10(-4), which are consistent with theoretical predictions based on a combination of chiral perturbation theory and vector-meson dominance.

Step terrace tuned anisotropic transport properties of highly epitaxial LaBaCo2O5.5+δ thin films on vicinal SrTiO3 substrates

Highly epitaxial LaBaCo2O5.5+δ (LBCO) thin films were grown on different miscut (001) SrTiO3 substrates (miscut angle of 0.5°, 3.0°, and 5.0°) to study the substrate surface step terrace effect on the in-plane electrical transport properties. The microstructure studies by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the as-grown films are A-site disordered cubic perovskite structures with the c-axis highly oriented along the film growth direction. The four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies show that the LBCO thin films grown on the vicinal SrTiO3 substrates have a typical semiconductor behavior with the substrate surface terrace step inducing anisotropic electronic transport properties. These results indicate that in highly epitaxial thin films the surface terrace step induced local strains can play an important role in controlling the electronic transport properties and the anisotropic nature.

Observation of e+e- → γX(3872) at BESIII

With data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies from 4.009 to 4.420 GeV, the process e+e-→ γX(3872) is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.3σ. The measured mass of the X(3872) is (3871.9 ± 0.7s tat ± 0.2 syst)  MeV/c(2), in agreement with previous measurements. Measurements of the product of the cross section σ[e+e- → γX(3872)] and the branching fraction B[X(3872)→π+π-J/ψ] at center-of-mass energies 4.009, 4.229, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV are reported. Our measurements are consistent with expectations for the radiative transition process Y(4260) → γX(3872).

Expansion of genes encoding piRNA-associated argonaute proteins in the pea aphid: diversification of expression profiles in different plastic morphs

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are known to regulate transposon activity in germ cells of several animal models that propagate sexually. However, the role of piRNAs during asexual reproduction remains almost unknown. Aphids that can alternate sexual and asexual reproduction cycles in response to seasonal changes of photoperiod provide a unique opportunity to study piRNAs and the piRNA pathway in both reproductive modes. Taking advantage of the recently sequenced genome of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, we found an unusually large lineage-specific expansion of genes encoding the Piwi sub-clade of Argonaute proteins. In situ hybridisation showed differential expressions between the duplicated piwi copies: while Api-piwi2 and Api-piwi6 are "specialised" in germ cells their most closely related copy, respectively Api-piwi5 and Api-piwi3, are expressed in the somatic cells. The differential expression was also identified in duplicated ago3: Api-ago3a in germ cells and Api-ago3b in somatic cells. Moreover, analyses of expression profiles of the expanded piwi and ago3 genes by semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that expressions varied according to the reproductive types. These specific expression patterns suggest that expanded aphid piwi and ago3 genes have distinct roles in asexual and sexual reproduction.

Recombinant human midkine stimulates proliferation of articular chondrocytes

OBJECTIVES

Midkine, a heparin-binding growth factor, promotes population growth, survival and migration of several cell types, but its effect on articular chondrocytes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate its role on proliferation of articular chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and MTT assays were performed to examine the proliferative effect of recombinant human midkine (rhMK) on primary articular chondrocytes. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) was analysed using western blot analysis. Systemic and local delivery of rhMK into mice and rats was preformed to investigate the proliferative effect of rhMK in vivo, respectively. Histological evaluation, including measurement of articular cartilage thickness, cell density, matrix staining and immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was carried out.

RESULTS

rhMK promoted proliferation of articular chondrocytes cultured in a monolayer, which was mediated by activation of ERK and PI3K. The proliferative role of rhMK was not coupled to dedifferentiation of culture-expanded cells. Consistent with its action in vitro, rhMK stimulated proliferation of articular chondrocytes in vivo when it was administered subcutaneously and intra-articularly in mice and rats, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that rhMK stimulates proliferation of primary articular chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study warrant further examination of rhMK for treatment of animal models of articular cartilage defects.

Relationships among acylation stimulating protein, adiponectin and complement C3 in lean vs obese type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between adipocyte hormones acylation stimulating protein (ASP), adiponectin, complement C3 (C3) (ASP precursor) and insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profiles and insulin resistance in lean vs obese type 2 diabetes subjects.

SUBJECTS

Lean type 2 diabetes subjects (DL n = 27) vs obese type 2 diabetes subjects (DO n = 55) were compared to age-matched nondiabetic groups (Obese, OB n = 55 and control, CTL n = 50).

RESULTS

The DO group demonstrated significant increases in plasma ASP and C3 with decreases in plasma adiponectin as compared to CTL. Interestingly, these increases in ASP and C3 were as high, or greater, in the DL group in spite of normal weight. By contrast adiponectin in the DL group was comparable to CTL, in spite of marked insulin resistance. C3 correlated with insulin, glucose and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); ASP correlated with body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin and plasma lipid parameters (non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglyceride, cholesterol and apolipoprotein B). Adiponectin correlated with BMI, glucose, NEFA, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 but not HOMA-IR, ASP or C3. CRP correlated only with HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

Increased ASP and C3 are both associated with diabetes and related lipid factors but are not regulated coordinately. Adiponectin appears to be more closely related to body size (decreased in obese subjects) than insulin resistance in these subjects.

[The research progress of the association of mitochondrial DNA mutation with cardiomyopathy]

There are some human diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA genome defect. Now many studies think that: oxygen radical resulting from oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS) disorder caused by myocardium ischemia and the increased OXPHOS induction damage mitochondrial DNA. Chronic damage accumulations lead to mitochondrial DNA deletion or point mutation in the end which show mitochondrial DNA 5.0 kb or 7.4 kb deletion and point mutation at position C15452A in the cytochrome b gene; the conservative sequence mutation of tRNA gene such as A4300G, C4320T point mutation in the tRNA Ilegene, A3243G point mutation in the tRNA leu gene etc result in defective contractile proteins whose persistent and inefficient contraction may increase the myocardium's metabolic demands for ATP and leads to cardiac hypertrophy. In this article, we review the study on the association of mitochondrial DNA mutation with ischemic cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

[Effects of Cs on automaticity and pacemaker current If and Ik in rabbit sinus node cells]

Conventional microelectrode and perforated patch clamp techniques were employed to study the pacemaker mechanisms in enzyme-isolated rabbit sinus node cells. 2 mmol/L Cs had little effect on automatic discharge of the SA node and the slope of diastolic depolarization. Cs blocked both If and slope conductance increase but left Ik largely unaffected. The results suggest that If is not essential for the first stage of automatic activity of the rabbit SA node.

On confidence limits associated with Chow and Shao's joint confidence region approach for assessment of bioequivalence

Confidence limits associated with Chow and Shao's 90% joint confidence region method (C&S CR limits) were derived to assess the bioequivalence (BE) of drug products. The C&S CR method provides three conditions that must be simultaneously satisfied to conclude BE, which is applicable only for raw scale data. The C&S CR limits method extends its applicability to both raw scale and log-transformed data. In addition, it is easy to interpret. The quantitative limits provide information, such as how much the test product deviates from the reference product in bioavailability. The data sets of peak plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under plasma concentration curve (AUC) of 13 BE studies involving 10 drugs were used to compare the performances of classic confidence interval (classic CI), C&S CR, and C&S CR limits methods. The results indicate that the same BE conclusion can be reached for C&S CR and C&S CR limits methods. The C&S CR and its limits method offered a distinctive advantage in terms of percentage passing the BE criteria by taking account of the correlation and variability of sample means. Similar BE conclusion was observed for C&S CR limits method by using raw and log-transformed data in this study.

A novel multivariate approach for estimating the degree of similarity in bioavailability between two pharmaceutical products

Statistical assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence of drug products is generally carried out with a univariate analysis by independently comparing each relevant parameter [such as, area under the drug concentration curve (AUC) and peak drug concentration (Cmax)] of the test and reference products. The assumption is made that AUC and Cmax are independent of each other. In reality, AUC, Cmax, and other pharmacokinetic parameters are dependent on each other. Therefore, a multivariate approach is theoretically superior. In this report, a novel multivariate approach to determine the bioavailability and bioequivalence of pharmaceutical products is described. The method determines the bivariate confidence ellipse (CE) between Cmax and AUC and the trivariate confidence ellipsoid (CED) among Cmax, AUC, and either Tmax or MRT for test and reference products. The similarity between the test and reference products can be assessed by the fraction of overlapping areas of CE and volumes of CED. The method and its comparison with conventional univariate analysis are demonstrated with data obtained from a bioequivalence study of ketoconazole tablets.

Paternity identification in twins with different fathers

If a female has sexual intercourse with two males at short intervals within the same ovulatory period, superfecundation may occur. This article reports two cases of paternity identification in twins. The results showed that each twin had come from a different father. Thus, great attention should be paid to such a situation when the twin paternity identification is asked for.